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witchthewriter · 2 months

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𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐈𝐀𝐅 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞

From the lovely @agameofclothes. I thought I'd give it a crack - if anyone wants to reblog with their answers or make a separate post is all good! I would love to see your answers!

𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦?

I have no idea, honestly. Probably wouldn't be from one of the big Houses :'). Let's just say that I'm one of the main characters ... so I'd want to be from House Targaryen, a long lost cousin.

𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟓 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 (𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐛, 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲, 𝐉𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐲, 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐬) 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫?

... None. They're terrible for the role as leader. They're all ... old mean men. Except for Renly and Joffrey. Renly is young and quite hopeful but has no ambition. Joffrey is young and awful.

However, if I were asked who I was loyal to - I would just say whoever, depends on where I am.

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫?

Cannot and will not choose just one. I love Sansa Stark so much. Her character development is absolutely admirable. From being a close-minded, manipulated young girl, to an adult who knows how the world works. It's amazing.

Dany Targaryen is the main character in both the books and tv series for me. She's the most interesting. From practically being a slave herself, she turned herself into a loved Khaleesi, and worked her way up from there.

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤?

A Dance with Dragons. Characters have already been fleshed out, and now it's very plot driven.

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬?

Okay so I found this here. Looking it up, somewhere it says it's semi-canon. But I believe it's real and I fcken love it.

House Plumm - Come Try Me

𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐞𝐚?

Well, with the South being Beyond the Wall and the North being cold as fck. I choose across the Narrow Sea.

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝?

Dany deserves it and I genuinely think she should sit on the Irone Throne. Not because her ancestors created the title and united the lands, but because she has known pain, she wants people to be free -not to be slaves. She wants to liberate.

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐲𝐝𝐨𝐠, 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝, 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫, 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲, 𝐍𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭?

GHOST! He is the MOST loyal?

𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡?

Abso-fucking-lutely not. It's full of awful men???

𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫?

Like the other question; I couldn't pick one favourite character, so I definitely can't choose just one I dislike. And so this will be in bullet form:

Obviously Ramsay, what an awful dickhead.

Joffrey, the little shit.

In the book, Euron Greyjoy is a big big bad. Very scary. Cruel. Not like in the show where he's kind of funny and amusing. No, Euron in the books is a villain villain.

The Mountain? Disgusting.

Walder Grey and all those who participated in the awful act of the Red Wedding. Terrible.

𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐢 𝐨𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧?

Both... but her true name is: Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains.

If it means for me, than I would rather be a Queen than a Khaleesi. I want a pretty crown and to have influence over the whole realm ... (I'm very humble...)

𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬?

...dragons. I think that's pretty obvious... Imagine being a descendant of Old Valyria and being able to BOND with a DRAGON. A freaking DRAGON. A beast that would have your back no matter what???

𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐠𝐨𝐝(𝐬) 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨?

The Old Gods of the Forest.

To me, a witch, this religion relies on believing in the world around you.

An excerpt from the GOT wiki page: "nameless spirits of each tree, rock, and stream worshipped by the Children of the Forest and later by the First Men."

It seems the most pagan-like, and I would be very comfortable with following this religion.

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atopvisenyashill · 5 months

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can you rank the great houses? 😊

obviously this is just my opinion on them, etc etc also thank you for this ask i love lists alskjdfj

9. House Arryn

Constantly dying off but they had a lesbian and a milf as rulers once so they have that going for them. House Royce is cooler, GIVE ME MORE BRONZE YOHN I'M READY FOR HIM!!!!

8. House Lannister

I’m sorry but They Are Just Fine. When I’m reading their chapters I feel something and then I mostly forget about them after I'm done. I wish we had a real Dance era book mostly for Joanna and Tyland tho.

7. House Tyrell

I think it’s really funny that they are upjumped stewards and the whole Reach has been pissy about it for generations. Mostly exist for other characters to project onto but by god do they reflect back in fun ways. I want to meet Willas so bad but I’m positive if we meet him he’ll die soon after so rip me!!

6. House Targaryen

Interesting villain house that George gets too distracted by too often. Lots of fun historical characters, the cyclical doom is amazing to read but Dany’s chapters drag so bad to me at some points and F&B just pissed me AWF. The best ones are usually tied to her magic (prophecy chapters, fever/vision dream chapters) or her dragons in some way and the dragon bond is also what I tend to find most interesting in her ancestors as well.

5. House Greyjoy

I haven't reread Victarian in years but damn Aeron, Asha, and Theon are all as great as I remember so I'm making the decision to put them this high on memory alone. But this family is just a group of the most delusional people ever, struggling in a culture that doesn't allow room for struggle, and the way Euron acts as this black hole of terror for all of them, until finally, finally, there is Asha, not only knowing and understanding that the way she's lived is wrong but going home and dragging everyone else through the dark and into the light with her. Also, their culture is just really fun and cool.

4. House Baratheon

Started by my number two enemy, Orys Baratheon, but damn do I love basically everyone else in this stupid ass House. The House as a whole really plays with masculinity; what it is, the damage you do when you measure up to your role, the lengths they will go to in order to pretend the fault lies elsewhere, craving the pleasures but refusing to deal with the consequences, and all of that fallout landing on their innocent children, dooming them for the next generation as well. I need more Baratheon women tho jfc.

3. House Tully

I literally love that the Tully’s are in canon known as being huge bitter bitches. The most fucked up idea of what family is in the world but by god do these people try, they all try so hard to live up to those words but the price of duty and honor is always the sacrifice of their children for The Family, and not actual protection of their family, and while Hoster recognizes this far too late, his children become determined to do Every Single Thing Wrong in order to be loyal to both The Family and their family. Unpleasant people, I love them so much.

2. House Stark

Taught me what family is!!!! The whole series for them is an examination of the family unit under pressure and how their attempts to stick to their assigned roles (The Mother, The Father, The Heir, The Dutiful Daughter, etc) just makes them completely break under the stress so they discover what's under that - AND IT'S LOVE BITCH. I HATE the analysis that their stories are about rejecting love or overcoming emotion because it all comes back to that moment with Ned in the dungeons, remembering how he chose Lyanna, Jon, and love over honor, the way he chooses Sansa over honor, THAT is the point, for all of them, trying to keep these impossible oaths of honor and ignore love but in the end, the father they venerate chose love because it is not just okay to yearn for love, it is human and natural and good to love others.

1. House Nymeros Martell

LISTEN. WHO ELSE COULD IT BE.

If the Starks are a family desperately trying to find each other again, than the Martells have long been lost. A House defined in its modern day by the violating loss of one of its daughters in a society that doesn't put much worth in losing daughters. It's the themes of justice and vengeance, waiting on the system that is not meant to help you to bring you peace, on the people who are at the outskirts of society finding the line between the overthrow of power and keeping the cycle going, it's STANDING AS AN ACT OF LOVE. For Doran to his Arianne, for Oberyn to Elia in the face of Tywin, for Elia to her children in the face of the Mountain, for Meria and Nymor and Maron and Loreza and Nymeria and Mors, the point is not just to stand up and fight but to stand up and fight for something, to fight for the people who depend on you because there is no one else to do it. A responsibility, a calling, an honor, a horror.

#DORAN NYMEROS MARTELL CHARACTER OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!#asks #anons #getting on my soap box #this was fun to think about why i love them so much. very clear to see i love dysfunctional but loving family dynamics lol #does anyone think it's funny that aegon didn't make the celtigars masseys or velaryons great houses when he took over

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aegor-bamfsteel · 1 year

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How do you think ACOK/AGOT Theon Greyjoy would have gotten along politically and personally with his uncle Rodrik “the Reader”, as well as cousin Ser Harras Harlaw? For me, Theon’s relationship with his mothers family is one of the more notable missed opportunities for interesting personal dynamics (also, if the Theon Latecomer theory comes to pass, R’hllor help us all if poor Alannys never gets to hold her baby boy one more time)

I agree with you in that I’m very interested in the Harlaws, as despite their limited page time they’ve proven to be varied characters, from bookish Rodrik to stern knight Harras to ambitious Hotho to proud and stubborn Gwynesse and tragic Alannys. Usually characters in these minor houses get one trait for all, especially the ironborn; it’s the bigger houses that get this sort of variety and nuance. Plus they breed a shaggy pony that I’m guessing (due to the resemblance between the Iron Islands and Scottish isles) is analogous to the Shetland pony.

Harras and Theon probably did have a personal relationship before the latter had to leave Pyke, and I don’t think it was a positive one; “As a boy Harlaw had been fast friends with Balon's eldest son, Rodrik” (AFFC The Reaver) but Theon “remembered Rodrik's drunken cuffs” and told Patrek that he was horrible enough he doesn’t care Jason killed him (ACOK Theon I). Anyone who was fast friends with Rodrik is likely not going to be someone Theon has warm thoughts of. What little we know of Harras has him a great warrior, loyal, has an ancient Valyrian steel sword, serious, merciful enough (Euron had all the Hewetts killed while Harras just imprisoned the Grimms)…most of which would bore Theon, some of which would remind him of Ned Stark whom he feared due to their history (and he and Harras must’ve had some history too). Basically I don’t think they’d be personally friends. However, if Theon became his liege, I think Harras would support him (certainly over the Greyjoy uncles) and would reave where he was ordered.

Rodrik Harlaw, I think Theon would feel similarly to how Asha does in early AFFC, resentful of his cautioning him about fighting a war the ironborn can’t win, but unlike Asha probably thinks less of him for constantly reading books (Luwin at least admits to never liking him); and he thinks Victarion is an old man who’d just take his orders, so he’d likely think even less of Rodrik and his advice. However, Rodrik would still support him out of necessity and try to advise him, though wouldn’t personally reave.

Don’t worry, Theon is going back to those islands and meeting Alannys. It’s all part of his subverted Hero’s Journey, in which he returns to his home a greatly changed person due to the trials in the unknown world, now with the ability to grant boons to his deeply damaged community, aka Alannys (who’s the only person happy to see him for non-political reasons). I say this with hope, because even though GRRM has expressed dislike for the Hero’s Journey Monomyth, even he can’t resist the idea of his main characters going back to the place they’re born (the possible confirmation of seeing Casterly, show!Daenerys on Dragonstone, of course all Starks will be at Winterfell)

#ask #house harlaw #theon greyjoy #asoiaf headcanon #harras harlaw #rodrik harlaw #asoiaf predictions #opinion

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2maegor2cruel · 8 months

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I don't like to continue on someone else's post so just two things:

1) Victarion does at a certain point believe Hotho to be the heir to Harlaw - obviously its Victarion so there are plenty of explanations as to why he would be mistaken lol but thats why I entertained the idea of a succession uncertainity at all

2) There are NO characters known to be salt sons in asoiaf just bastards (and we know from TWOIAF that salt sons don't have bastard names I think) so a huge amount of freedom is allowed to the reader to make their own headcanons about exactly how that system works and how bad/remarkable it is for one to actually inherit. Last Serving Daughter Is a great example of making one's own headcanons! I love it

All the rest I agree fully and don't expect this to be the Canon supported option and I hadnt even gone to check where house Serrett Is so thanks for that, just wanted to point out why I made the remarks I did. I just like to always consider interpretations that are not the first that comes to mind.

Heyo! Not to be weird but I've actually read a good bit of your asoiaf fanfic it is sooo... *chef's kiss* 🤌 (and I know you from The Discord. kudos to a fellow throbb ponderer 🫡🫡🫡 too bad I'm super shy and never post on there lol.)

Per your first point, I combed Vic's chapters but I honestly couldn't find anything specific about Vic believing Hotho to be the heir to Ten Towers. If there is, feel free to send it my way. That said, there is some general ambiguity to that particular inheritance because of Euron's move of making Harras Lord of Greyshield. My read was that because Harras will already be lord of both Grey Garden and Greyshield, it's somewhat expected that he might 'step back' from Ten Towers, and let that inheritance go to another Harlaw (namely Hotho lol).

Per your second point, it is genuinely strange that there are no characters we really know to be salt sons/daughters. To be honest, I think George just included the whole salt wife/son bit without thinking through all of the wrinkles it might cause, so salt wives/sons are pretty much ignored in feastdance. Consider Balon, as according to Aeron, Balon took his first two salt wives when he was seventeen (implying that he took more in the following years). And Balon never had any salt sons by any of these women? Seems unlikely. But obviously, George knew that adding salt sons to the Greyjoy succession crisis would only complicate things further (Asha would never have been Balon's heir, nor would Euron have ever been able to inherit after Balon's death, and story events would not be able to unfold in the way GRRM wanted).

To me, that indicates that maybeeee George shouldn't have included that bit about Balon's salt wives at all. Maybe. Just maybe. And also, Quellon let Balon do that? It seems like it would really undermine Quellon's attempted reforms to let his son go around taking thralls and salt wives. George. George are you listening to me. George. Hey.

Now, if I were famous American novelist George RR Martin (and thank god I'm not), I'd have it so that salt sons start with the last name 'Salt' (distinct from the bastard name 'Pyke'), but if their father has no other sons, then they gain the house name and are raised up as heir. And I would have written salt wives/sons into my story in a way such that they're actually relevant. But alas.

In that same vein, I'm actually a big fan of a potential Iron Islands civil war, because I love cataclysm! I love it when tenuous cultural/societal trappings splinter and create devastating calamity! The Iron Islands have a strong reputation for being fiercely independent and quarrelsome, and I am SO looking forward to the complete catastrophe TWOW will be for them. Even on a small scale, it would be super interesting if salt sons could challenge rock sons for their inheritance via duel or a mini-kingsmoot (lordsmoot?), and that was a constant point of tension. There's just so much juice there!

As a final note, I hope I didn't come across as a "well ackchyually-" annoying weirdo. I just really enjoy discussing the sparse ironborn lore we're actually given. I have approximately ten thousand of my own ironborn headcanons, some of which roughly align with established canon, some of which directly contradict it lol. That's partially why the Iron Islands are my favorite region in Westeros: we're not given nearly as much world-building about them as, say, the Starks, and the world-building we do get sometimes makes absolutely no sense. So there's so much room to craft your own headcanons/lore!

Anyway, I ❤️ other people's ironborn headcanons. I will try to restrain myself from writing another 50,000 words on the topic, but it's so much fun lol.

#ask #hell-heron #catch me spending more effort answering this ask than my actual irl work. flop behavior!#and yes i AM working on chapters 27-29. chapter 27 is done!!! (won't be posting it yet tho sowwy) and yes it hits like a brick to the face #chapters 28 and 29 are both half-written but i'm working on it. they are sooo much fun!!! well. “”“fun”“”#and it's really got me frothing at the mouth about ironborn culture/lore. like i am not a well person. anyway

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rickchung · 2 years

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I (Finally) Binged All of ‘Game of Thrones’

I am currently watching the new Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon (without having seen any of the original series first) and have enjoyed it so much so far, it finally got me to binge-watch the entire eight-season run of one of the most popular and culturally relevant television shows of all time and even finished it all before the HotD season one finale.

Anyway, here are a few random thoughts I had throughout watching the series (major spoilers ahead!):

It’s interesting being basically spoiled for every major plot point in the show and not really caring. I even read ahead for certain spoilers to better understand the many different characters and where they were heading.

It’s insane how so many of the main characters who are related to each other are separated almost immediately when the show begins and in some instances either never meet again (they die) or not until near the end of the entire series.

I absolutely hated the following characters in order starting from the worst: Joffrey, Viserys, Ramsay, Cersei, and Theon. Joffrey was the absolute worst. I actually skipped through many of his scenes. A lot of the sadistic behaviour from the aforementioned characters felt very undercooked and they just had to die eventually.

There really were way too many characters in general to follow. I feel like every British or Western European actor not already in Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter showed up. I was surprised how many actors I didn’t know were on GoT ended up appearing.

I found it very frustrating how many nakedly power-hungry characters there were who were constantly making enemies and eliminating others in their path without considering the consequences. It’s almost as if being needlessly cruel and ruling through fear or violence would backfire. In contrast, everyone loved Jon Snow and wanted him to be king because he was so noble and trustworthy.

I can’t imagine watching the show week to week over the course of eight years. Since there are no time jumps and the multiple stories unfold like a soap opera, it’s very satisfying watching one episode after another in immediate succession.

It’s insane how much of the action of the series takes place while one character (often paired with another character) is travelling from one continent to another. I actually groaned every time someone ventured out on a quest. Some pairings seemed very random with allegiances switching very quickly.

Daenerys just kind of wandered the desert and somehow amassed a massive army and dragons? Also, people moved and travelled on foot or horseback a lot with not much luggage or food for sometimes years at a time.

Jamie Lannister’s redemptive character arc over the course of the whole series was pretty impressive considering we’re introduced to him just railing his twin sister doggystyle before throwing a boy out a window and crippling him in the very first episode.

Alternatively, Theon Greyjoy has probably the wildest arc. He goes from essentially a hostage to a traitor, being castrated, enslaved, and eventually redeeming himself.

Why does the Hand of the King seem to have so much unchecked power for an appointed position?

It’s almost as if propping up an ill-equipped, spoiled, and petulant child with no experience or aptitude for ruling anything much less a kingdom as a monarch to lead from behind the scenes is just a bad idea.

In season four, they just replace Ed Skrein with Michiel Huisman (who was later basically just left behind forever in season six) and found it incredibly jarring considering how different they look and act.

Most disturbing imagery: Lysa Arryn breastfeeding her grown child, Theon hitting on then groping his sister Yara before realizing who she is, and a naked Melisandre giving birth to a shadow monster.

Bran seems to disappear for large stretches and reappears randomly with strange new powers in the middle seasons. I forgot he was still on the show during various parts.

I did not care for the whole religious sect taking over King’s Landing storyline in season six. It seemed like a very stupid idea to merge church and state.

Jon’s heroic arc from bastard to king was the real deal as he basically becomes both his adopted brother Robb and father Ned, whom he worshipped, in his reluctant hero characterization by the finale. Also, I now get why everyone laughed when Richard Madden and Kit Harrington appeared on screen in Eternals.

Pedro Pascal’s Oberyn Martell really went out like a punk, didn’t he?

Tywin Lannister was kind of the big bad villain of the whole series and no one else ever felt replaced him as a big threat after he was gone.

Cersei somehow became Queen because all of her heirs died even though none of them with actually born of King Robert, everyone hated her, she was tried and punished for some heinous crimes, and clearly killed a bunch of people including her husband..? No way she should have survived the entire series. Surely, someone would have killed her far earlier. She had so many powerful enemies and frankly, she was really incompetent and kind of backed into power thanks to her father.

You can tell they had way less budget in the first couple of seasons where scenes were overlit, sets looked very generic, location shooting was clearly limited, and they relied way too much on close-up shots.

The sweet spot was around the middle seasons before they ran out of book material and they clearly had enough juice to fully executive some of the more expensive action.

That undead zombie dragon attack on the wall was pretty badass.

I never understood who the hell the “Lord of Light” was.

I felt like Jon and Daenerys’ conflict around who had the biggest claim to the Iron Throne should have lasted at least a whole season.

Daenerys’ descent into madness in the last few episodes is much less problematic when watched so quickly. But yes, it feels very rushed and forced.

Ravens seem like a crazy advanced and accurate form of mail. Everyone seems to get their messages and quickly despite no one knowing where anyone is or even if they are alive. Information seems to travel fast in the Seven Kingdoms.

Does the whole series take place over the course of like a few years... like almost in real-time without the break in between seasons in reality?

Who finally ends up on the Iron Throne and why and how is incredibly unsatisfying given the eight seasons of buildup. Seriously though, Bran?!

I normally would try to watch any big culturally popular series live on the air but after finally watching all of GoT, I’m still kinda glad I sat it out and was able to have a different perspective on the show years later.

Considering the massive production, the sheer amount of storytelling, juggling so many characters, and having outpaced the still unfinished book series it’s based on, there was little chance GoT was going to have a broadly satisfying conclusion to such an epic and unconventional saga.

Finally, I forget, do Lannisters always pay their debts or not? They never mention it. Seriously though, Joffrey sucked and I could not wait for him to die.

Also, I went back and watched a bunch of GoT-related videos, parodies, and such and now understand all the various jokes and references I kind of missed out on while they were happening. I highly recommend “Jon Snow to a Dinner Party”, “Melisandre at a Baby Shower”, and the Conan O’Brien-hosted reunion special.

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from-ib-to-asshai · 3 years

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People talk about a lot about the tragedy of the Stark family -- which mind you is absolutely fair what happens to them is horrible -- but in my eyes the most tragic family we see in asoiaf has to be the Greyjoys, just because of how inherent their tragedy is. Unlike the Starks, they did not start off happy in a secure home, well respected by the rest of Westeros. From the first moment we see them in the story they’re all struggling in one way or another due to all the trauma they’ve experienced thats either intergenerational, due to the Greyjoy Rebellion, due to the actions of other family members or due to how in general they are treated by the rest of Westeros.

All the Greyjoys we encounter seem to feel this need to prove themselves, or excel or gain power in some shape or form, like they’re all scraping at the walls of this hole they find themselves at the bottom of -- a hole that only seems to get deeper as the books go on. Their wish to prove themselves usually comes from two places; to prove themselves to other family members or to prove themselves to Westeros.

The Starks show us the horrible fate this family suffered from when they left their homes and were separated from each other. And whilst things were never perfect for them, they all yearn to return to Winterfell and their family.

House Greyjoy (it would feel weird to call them a family) are splintered apart from day one. The horrible things that happen to them don’t happen because they f.e. left home or are apart, they come from the inherent tragedy of being a Greyjoy, and how that affects and defines their actions across the series that lead them to their predicaments.

Which is why, other than the Starks, where we have the feeling that this all was avoidable and are biting our nails at every corner hoping they will make the right choice, the fall of the Greyjoys seems almost inevitable at times -- and therein lies, imo, the tragedy.

#sorry if this is stupid and doesnt make any sense skffkkslfmksskk #i usually dont like writing meta posts like this bc it makes me nervous about my knowledge but #here you go #house greyjoy is just so interesting to me because i have no idea how the story will end for them overall as a house #like certain things im sure about #like fe victarion dying or theon living yk just your usual theories #but as a house overall??? and the iron islands in general???#their also probs the most interesting region in westeros culturally to me #like they have all these customs and cultural aspects the mainland seems to be lacking in diversity #these guys actually feel like a wholly unique culture #ok anyways sorry for rambling #i hope theres at least a semblance of truth in this #asoiaf #A Song of Ice and Fire #valyrianscrolls #house greyjoy #house stark #theon greyjoy #aeron greyjoy #euron greyjoy #balon greyjoy #asha greyjoy #victarion greyjoy #ironborn #the iron islands #meta post

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warsofasoiaf · 2 years

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Is it just me or does GRRM seem to have a bit more of a positive bias toward House Blackwood in comparison to House Bracken simply in the way they’ve been written / their roles in his stories & histories

Oh very much so, to the point it's a little off-putting given that House Frey has some pretty decent members of their own family (not surprising given how massive it is) or the Boltons where Domeric seemed decent enough.

When we're introduced to the Blackwood-Bracken feud, we see that the conflict is old to the point where Tytos and Jonos knee-jerk oppose any measure the other supports. This plot beat serves it's purpose in the conclusion, where Tytos and Jonos are actually agreeing in regards to matters at the end of the first novel - including the acclamation of Robb as the King of the Trident - and it's shown as incredibly remarkable.

But when we're given the new dimensions to the conflict between Tytos and Jonos, it's clear that GRRM is favoring one over the other in every possible way. Tytos maintains a romantic last stand in dedication to his king fallen by treachery, Jonos jumps ship to the Lannister camp and is introduced with a common woman in his bed. Tytos treats with Jaime honestly and speaks with him man-to-man, Jonos is trying to wheedle and scheme for a land grab against his hatred rivals. Tytos is also just cool - he has the swanky bird-feather cloak and a Caesarian nose, and he holds Riverrun and leads a successful postern sortie, Jonos gets wounded in the retaking of Stone Hedge. Moreover, Tytos wins, insofar as much as he can. He loses some land but not very much. Jaime purposefully takes a hostage that doesn't twist the knife and brings the hammer down on Jonos. Good character work for Jaime in his part of the story, but it does the Blackwood-Bracken feud no favors.

Now, if this was a one-off, there's no real problem, not every rivalry needs to be a duality and it's okay for some characters to be just kind of shitty. But throughout the history of the Brackens, they always seem to be the jackass family. House Blackwood may have relied on the Storm Kings to restore themselves to overlordship amongst the Riverlands, but the Brackens sided with the brutal ironborn, clearly a greater degree of selling out to a worse enemy. Lyle Bracken dies like a chump against Maegor, Olyvar Bracken defects to Jaehaerys, gets exiled, and rebels against the Night's Watch, adding oathbreaking to the list of shameful Bracken deeds. Amos Bracken gets punked and outmaneuvered, losing his home castle and getting killed by Alysanne Blackwood, and they jump ship to the blacks. Otho Bracken is called "The Brute of Bracken," not a name that connotes anything positive, suggesting physical prowess but dim wits, and he denies to hear the justice of Dunk's claim. The rivalry even extends to Aegon's harem of favorites, where Missy Blackwood is kind and permitted to remain while Barba and her baby are sent away because of Lord Bracken's grasping. Each and every time the Brackens show up, a reminder of their apparent inherited shittiness is not far off.

Then of course, the final insult: half-Bracken Bittersteel dies in exile, the architect of failed rebellion after failed rebellion, while half-Blackwood Bloodraven becomes Hand - enacting his failed police state, ignoring the land to the reavings of Dagon Greyjoy when he isn't just brutalizing them outright, culminating in an outright murder under the auspices of the crown. While the Blackwoods could be capable of venality, cruelty, or just simple mistakes, they also have a few gold stars as well, but the Brackens seem to only be capable of the worst.

Here was a few ideas I had to improve House Bracken, either by making good and honorable, or failing that, more interesting and distinct.

Thanks for the question, Anon.

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

#house bracken

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hellsbellschime · 3 years

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I always love your takes on Dany because I think you explain her really well and was wondering what you think of this take by a Dany stan. It's got some uh... interesting ideas. Sorry too because it's quite long

The main difference in between Daenerys' political arc, and that of other "heroes" and their Houses is that Dany's is not currently a political arc relegated to fighting for Targaryen grievances and wins. Meanwhile, all other main House representatives in the narrative (Starks, Martells, Lannisters, Greyjoys, Tullys, Tyrells, Baratheons) are generally fighting precisely for nothing else but their own (and their Houses') grievances and wins.

That's where the double standards come in-

+ Daenerys is harshly and minutely judged for the quality of her every act, upon every single person in her narrative, bc her arc involves her aim to hold responsibility over the wellness of all these people.

+ Everyone else who are part of the Great Houses however are merely judged as per how they perform towards the wellness of their own Houses, because that's all they aim to perform for.

One girl dies in an act Dany is not directly involved in, particularly in intention, and the discussions are endless as per the repercussions and outrage of the occurrence. Because Daenerys took it upon herself to defend all these people, and this seems like a failure, particularlyin her POV: one girl with no other importance in the story and a few lines, among maybe millions. One girl. Hazea.

Robb Stark and his men, on the other hand, will kill, maim and rape thousands, or even tens of unnamed thousands, and there is no outrage; rarely discussed repercussions. Because Robb's political arc is not about protecting nameless people. Not about caring for the fate of one-liner non-noble characters. His arc is about the grievances of House Stark. About Ned. Readers judge him upon how close he gets to getting revenge on Tywin and Jofrrey, about how well/or bad he leads wars, not about what kind of leader he is to people, what kind of 'monster' he is to enemy commonfolk. The relevance of his eventual loss is not about the fate of his people, or enemy people, either. It's about his personal tragedy. It's about the tragedy of the remaining Starks.

There is outrage for Daenerys even killing her (leader) enemies. For everyone else, it's an undisputed aim.

Daenerys is even already judged for the possibility of a future where she will anything that concerns her actually being Daenerys of House Targaryen in Westeros. The possibility that any Westerosi people might die, while hundreds of thousands may have been dying so far at the hands of other Great Houses (directly and indirectly), and it's mostly irrelevant for them. But for Daenerys that judgement is everything. She is looked through the lense of "if she's a Queen she's meant to protect them, not kill them" tho she has not yet been granted that status, while those who have had the status of Kings, Queens and Lords of Westeros in the meantime have been responsible for the deaths of their own people all of this time.

No noble Northener really cares for a Jeyne Poole, least of all for a Hazea.

Daenerys alone is (harshly) judged as a leader of people, because that's her current actual arc. She is not Daenerys of House Targaryen currently, in a real sense, not really. Her family and House don't really matter where she is now, and to what she is doing.

Almost every other noble character (and I only say almost to partly exclude those not taking particular part in politics) is given the leniency of the tragic MC in a tragic family drama biopic. ALL THEY ARE IS X PERSON OF HOUSE Y. And in most cases nothing else matter. - end post

Well, obviously no hate to this person whoever they are and I don't necessarily think it's a bad take just because I disagree with it. I particularly DO agree on things like Jeyne Poole, and I think that is GRRM very intentionally trying to point out some huge hypocrisies with everyone in the story, even the "good guys", because it is incredibly unfair that no one will come to save Jeyne Poole while a fuckton of people will come to save "Arya Stark" just because they cared about Ned.

But where I don't agree is on that aspect in particular. Because it's not about winning or airing grievances for these great houses, a lot of their actions are largely driven by the fact that they simply care deeply about the other people who are involved in the war now or who have been hurt or killed in the past wars, and that is largely what is motivating many of them to do what they do. And in even more intense cases, they're going to war because they are in extremely immediate danger.

This is true for both villains and heroes, I mean Robb and Cat go to war against the Lannisters because there is an immediately mortal threat to their entire family, and even though Cersei and the rest of the Lannisters are clearly villains, their actions are also driven by an immediate mortal danger that their family is facing. And it's safe to say, a huge portion of what happened in the WOT5K would never have even occurred if a lot of these people weren't put in a position of "HOLY SHIT me or someone I love is about to die RIGHT NOW if I don't do something so I better fucking do something".

I feel like the story makes it clear that the wars that they are fighting are very pointless and brutal anyway. I mean FFS, GRRM does not accidentally traumatize the shit out of Arya by putting her in a commoner's position in a war that is supposedly being fought in her name. So I actually agree with the writer in the sense that there is a double standard when it comes to Dany vs. everyone else, but I feel like the double standard is valid because all of these characters for better or worse have a dog in this fight. Whatever they've done is incredibly personal and therefore pretty irrational for them.

And the fact that the men are rallying to save Arya Stark when they wouldn't rally to save a thousand Jeyne Pooles is very telling and demonstrates that they are extremely hypocritical, but it's also telling because they're not fighting for the "heir to House Stark". They repeatedly talk about how they're fighting for Ned's girl. It has very little to do with her nobility and power and a great deal to do with how these people feel about Ned not as a Stark, but just as a person that they knew and cared for who was horribly wronged.

So while I agree and recognize that a ton of the main characters have done the wrong things, often for the wrong reasons, it's personal, it's emotional, and it's irrational. And in a lot of cases it is driven by something as simple and pure as "I am about to die if I don't do something so I'm doing the first thing I fucking think of to get out of it". Even for the houses who initially got involved as a power play, it has become very much about the people that they care about and their own feelings rather than strategy and house advancement.

That doesn't magically make it moral, but it does make it hugely distinct from what Daenerys is doing. Because Daenerys doesn't have a dog in this fight at all. She has absolutely no personal ties to Westeros or anyone in it, and she is not in any danger from anyone in Westeros. Literally the only Westerosi person who has ever even really tried to kill her is a man she doesn't know and is already dead, and the only Targaryen she ever knew who even had a connection to Westeros was someone she hated who abused her horrifically and who is also already dead.

Ergo, Dany is a villain because she literally has no personal or political justification for the massive war that she's going to bring to Westeros. She is going to leave the place she's in that is a complete mess and desperately needs help even more than it did after her intervention, and she's going to invade a place that she doesn't care about beyond some imaginary concept she has about it in her head, has no connection to, has no need for her, and poses no threat to her.

She's not fighting for anything besides herself and her own sense of entitlement over Westeros. She's more harshly judged for her actions because they are completely driven by her own whims and desires and nothing more. She has the opportunity to think things through and plan and get advice and actually figure out the best way to do things, whereas every character in Westeros is reacting to something very immediate that they don't have a lot of time to consider and that is deeply emotional for them. But still, she doesn't even do that.

She's judged for all of the mistakes she makes because they're unnecessary and foreseeable mistakes. And, if she actually just waited and tried to figure out what to do instead of basically throwing herself into situations where she's suddenly overthrowing governments and ruling hundreds of thousands of people without a plan or any governing experience, then a lot of the bad things that have happened as a result of her campaign wouldn't have happened.

And obviously, I think this is a very intentional move on GRRM's part. I think he establishes that war is pointless and often outrageously hypocritical with the WOT5K, but there's a reason he gave Dany no one she loves and no one who needs her help and no one who poses a threat to her in Westeros. She's going to bring war to an already war-ravaged continent simply because she feels like it should belong to her.

That is drastically different than Robb going to war because his father has been falsely charged with treason or Cersei murdering Robert because he will try to murder her children if he finds out they're not his. And while all of the wars in ASOIAF are terrible and purposeless in the end, GRRM is going very far out of his way to demonstrate that Dany has literally zero justification or even explanation for why she acts the way she does beyond her belief in her own super-special entitlement.

#asoiaf #anti daenerys targaryen #anti daenerys targaryen meta #asoiaf meta

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mkstrigidae · 3 years

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Okay so I'm making my way through your masterlist and I'm in love?? Like let's start off with Winter's Child- a masterpiece. You make Sansa a loving and relatable character and interweave the powers into cannon in a way that actually makes cannon make more sense (preconceived biases and such). Jon and Sansa's relationship is SO SWEET and they way they bonded was absolutely adorable (and the backstory with the houses and the powers they have make so much sense) 1/3

(2/3) Neon Rain literally the best Cyberpunk AU! I've ever read. Like what you did with the world building?? The stark class differences (haha see what I did there?), the choices in SOUND, and I could FEEL myself there! I love the family dynamics between the Starks and I'm loving the little details you're dropping with the Greyjoy's , Jon's parentage, and all of the medical procedures. Jon is dramatic af and I love it and Sansa is a bamf AS SHE SHOULD. Nothing but love for this

(3/3) A Past Worth Having has a special place in my heart. You build up this setting like a tapestry, just seeing more richness and depth the longer you look. I'm proud of Sansa for holding her composure, just FEELING in the angst that the older Starks feel at her return, and loving the relationships with Robin and the rest of the Starks + Jon Arryn. The detail that you're putting into the investigation/Oberyn is awe inspiring and I can't wait to see what you do next with the trial + Jonsa

Haha thank you so much!!! This is such a sweet ask to get! My response is under a cut, because this might get kind of long! (lots of my own meta below, bc i accidentally had a lot to say, haha)

With ‘Winter’s Child’ I’ve really enjoyed weaving in fantasy elements to the world because I like to look at stories and pick at loose threads until they unravel and asking ‘what if?’. I thought it would be a super interesting concept to take a character like Sansa, who in ASOIAF is exactly what she is supposed to be as a noblewoman of her class and conforms very well in that role, and put her in a position where she was essentially a societal outcast in a lot of ways! In WC, Sansa has a lot of similar coping mechanisms to ASOIAF Sansa, in that she sort of romanticizes society to avoid thinking about how absolutely awful it is. In ASOIAF, Sansa holds tight to the notion of knights and chivalry and courtly love to cope with the fact that she essentially has no control over her future and, as a woman, is basically property. In WC, I have her really struggling to make herself into that perfect lady and using that as a sort of shield to the fact that, without a gift, there isn’t anything she can do to improve her lot in life. Sansa has these ideas about becoming a perfect lady and hoping that being perfect in other areas will ‘make up’ for what society perceives as deficient about her, but is more jaded than ASOIAF Sansa due to her age and her earlier exposure to the ills of society. So you get a Sansa who gets along better with Arya and Jon as a result, in part because she’s had that exposure to what it’s like to be an outcast in society. I think that the best fantasy has a really strong emotional backdrop (a really great example is ‘Fruits Basket’ which starts by hooking you with this wacky, fun premise about people in a family turning into animals when hugged by a member of the opposite sex, and slowly builds into a point where you can see that the family ‘curse’ is a representation of generational and familial abuse- of bonds that should be broken, and of bonds that may kill us even as we cling to them- it’s extremely complex and rich and if you haven’t read or watched it, I can’t recommend it highly enough), and so while I really love writing about the fantasy aspects, and writing scenes where Sansa does really cool things with her ice powers, the core of the story is really about Sansa coming into her own, and learning that she was a person who was worth something even without any sort of gift. Sort of overcoming societal stigma and realizing your worth and forcing others to see it. It’s so much fun to write, but i’m stuck at the moment, because i need to reread the books, and my roommate is borrowing them right now haha!

God, APWH is like, indulging my inner world-building suspense-narrative loving writer persona. It’s literally my all time favorite trope- which is of someone growing up to find out that they’re a long-lost somebody or have family they never knew about- combined with a lot of research on trauma (which i’ve been doing for academic and other reasons for a while) and a lot of slowly growing psychological horror courtesy of Petyr Baelish (trust me, it’s going to get WAY more intense). There are so many pieces of media that I love, but I think that GRRM has so many characters and such a well fleshed out world that it’s very fun to dive into his worlds and create something there. Inherently, I love a slowly unraveling mystery and morally gray characters, and this is allowing me to indulge in both!!! World-building is my favorite, because i tend to be fairly detail oriented, and i’ve been laying bread crumbs in so many places throughout the story to hopefully build up to a decent conclusion! I know sort of how it ends, and I think people are going to absolutely lose their minds if I execute it correctly. We have a few chapters to go until we get to anything in the semblance of a trial- there’s some more emotional aspects that I think need to get addressed first, and so I’m so grateful that people are so supportive of being willing to wait for the Jonsa, because they really start spending a lot of time with each other during the trial and prior to the trial (i’m a big believer in bonding via long car rides and so there’s a lot of that!). I’m just so humbled and awed by the response to it- I never dreamed that people would enjoy the story this much- when I started it, I was writing a light-hearted family piece that wouldn’t be too long, and, uh, it kind of evolved from there. Clearly, I am not good at keeping things concise haha.

I left Neon Rain for last, because your comments on this one really made me smile! Of all of my stories, oddly enough, Neon Rain is actually the most deeply personal for me, and I’m just so flattered at your kind words! I spend a lot of my time thinking about the flaws inherent in our society, and without getting too detailed, Sansa’s experience with a family member struggling in the medical system is not unfamiliar to me. There’s a weight that comes with the realization that a system that is supposed to care for people is based on capitalistic ideals of profit maximization, and as someone who has experience working in the healthcare system- no matter how bad you think it is in the US, I can promise you it’s actually worse.

Neon Rain actually just started out as a series of mental images from listening to music that I had to get down on paper, and evolved from there. I actually really love the ‘soulmates’ and ‘class differences’ and ‘mastermind art thief’ tropes, but am incapable of writing fun stories without thinking about the reality of those tropes (see APWH for another extreme example of this haha), and so as I was writing and trying to capture this mental image, the rest of the world began unfolding around me. Jon is different because of a different upbringing here, and so is Sansa, and to see the formerly idealistic Sansa become so jaded by the time she meets her soulmate is just catnip for me. You have this interesting dynamic between them, because Jon wants nothing more than to have Sansa in his life, and give her everything she wants and needs, but where the old Sansa (who was arguably middle-class and somewhat naive, as financially secure teenagers understandably tend to be) would have swooned over that, the Sansa who meets Jon when the story begins is seeing the world and all the unfair and unequal systems in it. She can’t just live happily ever after with him right away- there’s a sense of guilt there, of sansa not feeling like she deserves nice things, and there’s also Sansa’s deep sense of compassion and kindness that won’t allow her to just live life as the well taken-care-of girlfriend of a wealthy man, because she isn’t able to just put on blinders and pretend that all the injustice in the world around her doesn’t exist, simply because it wouldn’t affect her that way anymore.

I think that the core to writing Sansa, for me, in any universe, is that she is a kind and compassionate person who is capable of feeling sympathy towards even the people who have done horrific things to her and her family- that emotional awareness and empathy is a harsh thing to have in a world like Neon Rain, and in our own world, honestly. I’m so glad that you appreciate Sansa’s BAMF-ness in the story- I think that her chapters demonstrate that she is capable of doing extraordinary things when she’s doing them for people she cares for, to be kind (The scene where Alayne helps Robin down from the eyrie is most indicative of this I think), and so in this world, I just love having Sansa be a complete badass out of necessity. Also, it’s fanfiction, and I really wanted to give Sansa a cool motorcyle, because no one else was gonna do it!!!

Also, my characters like to run away with me, and before I knew it, Rodrik Greyjoy had a huge adorable crush on Sansa in the story that I immensely enjoy writing. The Greyjoys are fun because they’re all absolutely insane, and i’m a total sucker for ‘gruff dangerous character is completely a sucker for the kind sunshine-y character’ trope.

God, this accidentally got really long??? I’m sorry- thank you so much for such a kind ask!!! I love hearing what people think of my stories, and this was so sweet :)

#my writing #joanofarkansass #ask answers

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gascon-en-exil · 3 years

Text

A Game of Thrones 10th Anniversary Season Ranking: Part 2

Link to Part 1

Time for the bottom half of the list. The four seasons here will surprise no one, but the order might.

#5 Season 6

You can tell what I most what to talk about here...but there's an order to these things.

S6 actually has a bunch of great ideas, but they drown beneath the most slapdash plotting and character work the show has seen yet in order to set the stage for the narrower conflicts of the last two seasons. It's notorious for bringing back characters who haven't been seen in a season or longer only to kill them off (Balon Greyjoy, Osha, Hodor, the Blackfish, Rickon, Walder Frey) or awkwardly graft them back into the main plot (Sandor Clegane, Bran). There are plot threads that ought to be compelling but are too rushed in execution, like the siege of Riverrun, Littlefinger's hand in the Battle of the Bastards, or Daenerys's time back among the Dothraki and then finally getting the hell out of Meereen. Arya hits on the only interesting part of her two-season sojourn in Braavos - a stage play, of all things - only for it to stumble at the end with a disappointing offscreen death and some incomprehensible philosophy ahead of the start of her murder tour of Westeros. There's also so much cutting off the branches, enough to be conspicuous; the final shot of Daenerys leading an armada of about half the remaining cast she assembled partially offscreen says that better than anything else. Well, not anything....

Highlight: Without exaggeration, the opening of S6E10 is easily my favorite sequence in all of GoT. The staging, the music, the mounting suspense even as it becomes increasingly obvious what's about to happen, the twisted religious references particularly in Cersei's mock confession to Unella, Tommen throwing himself out a window because he can't deal with the reality of how terrible his mother is, how Cersei gives absolutely no fucks whatsoever about murdering hundreds of people at once in a calculated act of vengeance largely prompted by her own poorly thought out actions - I love it all. It's the single most masterfully-executed act of villainy in the whole show - Daenerys torching King's Landing probably has a higher body count, but the presentation there is all muddled - and if I had any doubts about Cersei being my favorite multi-season major character they were silenced in this moment. The explosion of the Sept doesn't sit perfectly with me, because I liked the Tyrells and because of what I said about deaths like theirs and Renly's in the previous post under S2, but I think that unease only cements the strength of this sequence. It's an overused phrase in fandom these days, but GoT at its best is all about moral greyness that gives its audience room for multilayered reactions. Cersei nuking the Sept and making herself the sole power in King's Landing, which in a sense is just a more overt example of the kind of character/plot consolidation elsewhere represented by Daenerys's armada, is one of those events that's impossible to approach from a single angle if you care about any of the characters involved. And hey, it's not in the books (yet, presumably), so unlike Ned's death or the Red Wedding the GoT showrunners can take the credit for realizing this one.

Favorite death: Even leaving aside the Sept and related deaths there's a lot of good ones to choose from in S6. Ramsey is cathartic but too gory for me, Osha's was a clever callback but a little delayed, it's hard to pin down specific deaths when Daenerys incinerates the khals, and Arya only gets half credit for Walder Frey and his sons when she saves the rest of the house for the opening of S7. I'm thinking Hodor, not so much because I enjoy his character or the manner of his death but because it's a clever bit of playing with language (that must have been hell to render in other languages for dubbing) wrapped up in some entertainingly murky consent issues and some closed time loop weirdness. It's all very...extra? Is that the word for it?

Least favorite death: Offscreen deaths continue to be mostly letdowns, in this case Blackfish and the Waif. Way to botch the ending of Arya's already near-pointless Braavos arc, guys. Speaking of Arya, this spot goes to Lady Crane, whom the Waif somehow kills with a stool or something. It's a dumb way to send off an entertaining minor character.

#6 Season 8

I swear that I'm not putting S8 this high solely because of Jonmund kind of sort of happening. I've never been very interested in either of them and the sex would be far too bear-on-otter to suit my pornographic preferences, but even so the choice to close out the series with them is hilarious.

I really don't need to elaborate on why S8 is down here; everyone who's ever watched the show has done as much in the nearly two years since it wrapped up. I do however need to explain why I've ranked not one but two seasons below it. My biggest argument here is that I don't believe it's fair to critique S8 for problems it inherited from earlier seasons. A non-comprehensive list:

Mad Queen Daenerys: unevenly built up beginning from S1 and continuing in some form through every following season

The questionable racial optics of Dany's army: also seeded as early as S1 and solidified by S3 with the Slaver's Bay arc

Cersei only succeeding because she makes stupid decisions and then lucks out until she doesn't: apparent from S1, directly lampshaded by Tywin in S3, fully on display with the Faith Militant arc of S5-6

Jaime not getting a redemption arc or falling in love with Brienne: evident with his repeated returns to Cersei throughout the show as one of the most consistent elements of his character, particularly in S4 and during the siege of Riverrun in S6

Tyrion grabbing the idiot ball/becoming a flat audience surrogate mouthpiece: started in S5 around the time the showrunners ran out of book material for him and wanted to make him more of a PoV character and his arc less of a downward spiral, although I've seen arguments that changes from the books involving his Tysha story and Shae set him on this trajectory even earlier

The hardening of Sansa's character: began in earnest in S4 and never let up from there

The strange ordering of antagonists: set down by S7's equally strange plot structure - the Night King had to come first with that setup

CleganeBowl and the dumber twists: from what I've heard the whole thing of writing around fans on the internet guessing plot twists started pretty much when the book content ended, so S5-6 maybe?

Yes, there's plenty to criticize about S8 on its own merits...but just as much that was merely the writers doing what they could at that point with deeply flawed material.

Highlight: This may sound cheesy, but the better parts of S8 are almost all the cinematic ones, whether that's E2 being a bottle episode with tons of poignant character send-offs before the big battle, a handful of deaths with actual satisfying weight like Jorah's and Theon's, and an epilogue that incorporates both closure for individuals and the broader uncertainty of messy socio-political systems that GoT has always been known for before working its way back to the Starks at the very end for some tidy bookending. Even imperfect moments like the Lannister twins' death and the resolution of Sansa's character felt weighty and appropriate based on what had come before.

Favorite death: Forget about the audio commentary attempting to flatten Cersei's character; Cersei and Jaime Lannister have an excellent end. Cersei especially, as the scenes of her stumbling her way down into the catacombs as the Red Keep crashes down around her really show off how her world is abruptly falling apart and how she retreats into her own self-interest at the end in spite of her demise being at least partially of her own doing. There's some stupid moments associated with these scenes, like Jaime dueling Euron to the death and CleganeBowl, but I can excuse those when the twins end up dying exactly where you'd expect them to: in each other's arms, in a ruined monument to their family's grand ambitions that, like Casterly Rock itself, was taken from another family.

Least favorite death: Quite a few dumb ones in S8 have become forever infamous. Missandei sticks out, and for me Varys too just as much because of how the writing pushes him to do the dumbest thing he could possibly do purely for the sake of killing him off ten minutes into the penultimate episode. But no one belongs here more than Daenerys Targaryen, killed at the height of a rushed and uncertain villain reveal by a man who takes advantage of their romantic history (who is also her family, because Targaryens) to stab her in a moment of vulnerability - pretty much only because another man tells him that Daenerys is the final boss. Narratively speaking that might be the case, but even so this is the end result of multiple seasons of middling-to-bad buildup. Not even Drogon burning the symbolism can salvage that. Also Fire Emblem: Three Houses did this scene and did it better.

#7 Season 5

...Yeah, we're going to have to go there.

Sansa's rape is not a plot point that personally touches me much. It's terribly framed in the moment and the followup in later seasons is inconsistent at best, but it's not a kind of trauma I can relate to. On the other hand, in the very same episode Loras is tried and imprisoned for homosexuality, and Margery faces the same punishment for lying for her brother. That hits much closer to home, not just for the homophobia but also for the culture war undertones of the not!French Tyrells persecuted by a not!Anglo fanatic who later reveals himself to be the in-universe equivalent of a Protestant. The trial is just one part of Cersei's shortsighted scheming, just as Sansa being married off to Ramsey is part of Littlefinger's, and both of them get their comeuppance in the end...but it's unsettling all the same. I especially hate what the Faith Militant arc does to King's Landing in S5, swiftly converting it from my favorite setting in GoT to a tense theocratic nightmare that only remains interesting to me because Cersei is consistently awesome. What's more, pretty much everything about S5 that isn't viscerally uncomfortable is dragged out and dull instead: the Dorne arc, Daenerys's second season in Meereen, Arya in Braavos, Stannis and co. at Castle Black. The most any of these storylines can hope for is some kind of bombastic finale, and while several of them deliver it's not enough to make up for what comes before, or how disappointing everything here builds from S4. S4 has Oberyn, S5 has the Sand Snakes - I think that sums up the contrast well.

Highlight: S5 does get stronger near the end. As much as his character annoys me I did like the High Sparrow revealing his pseudo-Protestant bent to Cersei just before he imprisons her, and there's a cathartic rawness to Cersei's walk of atonement where you can both feel her pain and humiliation and understand that she's getting exactly what she deserves (and this is what leads into the climax of S6, so it deserves points just for that). The swiftness of Stannis's fall renders his death and that of his family a bit hollow, but it's brutal and final and fittingly ignominious for a character with such grand ambitions but so little relevance to the larger story. The fighting pits of Meereen sequence is cinematic if nothing else, and even the resolution to the Dorne arc salvages the whole thing a tiny bit by playing into the retributive cycles of vengeance idea (and Myrcella knows about the twincest and doesn't care, aww - no idea why that stuck with me, but it's cute all the same). Oh, and Hardhome...it's alright. Not great, not crap, but alright.

Favorite death: I don't know why, but Theon tossing Myranda to her death is always funny to me. Maybe because it's so unexpected?

Least favorite death: Arya's execution of Meryn Trant is meant to be another one of the season's big finale moments, but the scene is graphic and goes on forever and I can't help but be grossed out. This is different from, say, Shireen's death, which is supposed to be painful to witness.

#8 Season 7

I can't tell if S7's low ranking is as self-explanatory as S8's or not. At least one recent retrospective on GoT's ruined legacy I've come across outright asserts that S7 is judged less harshly in light of how bad S8 was. If it were not immediately obvious by where I've placed each of them, I don't share that opinion.

Because S7 is just a mess, and the drop-off in quality is so much more painful here than it is anywhere else in the series except maybe from S4 to S5 (and that's more about S4 being as good as it is). The pacing ramps up to uncomfortable levels to match the shortened seasons, the structure pivots awkwardly halfway through from Daenerys vs. Cersei to Jon/Dany caring about ice zombies, said pivot relies largely on characters (mostly Tyrion) making a series of catastrophically stupid tactical decisions, and very few of the smaller set pieces land with any real impact as the show's focus narrows to its endgame conflict. As with S6 there are still some good ideas, but they're botched in execution. The conflict between Sansa and Arya matches their characters, but the leadup to that conflict ending with Littlefinger's execution is missing some key steps. Daenerys's diverse armada pitted against Cersei weaponizing the xenophobia of the people of King's Landing could have been interesting, but there's little room to explore that when Cersei keeps winning only because Tyrion has such a firm grip on the idiot ball and when Euron gets so much screentime he barely warrants. Speaking of Tyrion's idiot ball, does anyone like the heist film-esque ice zombie retrieval plotline? Its stupidity is matched only by its utter futility, because Cersei isn't trustworthy and nobody seems to ever get that.

And how could I forget Sam's shit montage? Sums up S7 perfectly, really. To think that that is part of the only extended length of time the show ever spends in the Reach....

Highlight: A handful of character moments save this season from being irredeemable garbage. As you can guess from my screencap choice, Olenna's final scene is one of them, even if Highgarden itself is given insultingly short shrift. S7 also manages what I thought was previously impossible in that it makes me care somewhat about Ellaria Sand, courtesy of the awful death Cersei plans for her and her remaining daughter. The other Sand Snakes are killed with their own weapons, which shows off Euron's demented creativity if nothing else. I like the entertainingly twisted choice to cut the Jon/Dany sex scene with the reveal that they're related. And, uh...the Jonmund ship tease kind of makes the zombie retrieval team bearable? I'm really grasping at straws here.

Favorite death: It's more about her final dialogue with Jaime than her actual death, but again I'm going to have to highlight Olenna Tyrell here for lack of better options. She drops the bombshell about Joffrey that the audience figured out almost as soon as it happened but still, makes it plain what I've been saying about how Jaime's arc has never really been about redemption, and is just about the only person to ever call Cersei out for that whole mass murder thing. There's a reason "I want her to know it was me" became a meme format.

Least favorite death: There aren't any glaringly bad deaths in S7, just mediocre or unremarkable ones. I still think the decision to have Arya finish off House Frey in the season's opening rather than along with their father at the end of S6 was a strange one that doesn't add much of dramatic value.

#Game of Thrones #GoT

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lucy-ghoul · 3 years

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Mikasa Ackermann, Levi Ackermann, Amane Misa, Aeron Greyjoy for the charactet ask :3

SOMEONE HEARD MY PRAYERS AND NOW MY TIME HAS COME, tysm!!!!! <3

okay, let's start with levi (my beloved):

hogwarts house: gryffindor (maybe....?) | slytherin | ravenclaw | hufflepuff

ugh, the hp sorting house system is way too reductive. he has qualities of gryffindor, slytherin, and hufflepuff - brave, astute, loyal to a fault, etc. so it's a hard choice. but if i really have to choose, i'd go for gryffindor. i know that his Bad Boy facade shouts slytherin, but while he has larger goals (killing all the titans, then saving the world etc.), he's got no actual ambition for himself. hufflepuff would also be a good option.

daemon (from the his dark materials series): (because i've just decided that's just way more accurate than the hp method) some kind of big feline. maybe a panther - a black panther would be the ideal - aloof, predatory, dangerous, fiercely independent.

best quality: besides his obvious strenghts as a leader and warrior, the way he cares for his comrades-in-arms. it's very hard to gain his trust and respect, but once you have it, it's forever. he's pragmatic and ruthless, yes, but he also has a huge capacity for compassion and friendship. not that he would be effusive about his affections, of course.

worst quality: none, he's absolutely perfect ❤ jklsdfhjk jokes aside, he really struggles to open up (a serious understatement), idt he ever talked about his traumatic past with anyone. i mean, maybe he mentioned it to hange and erwin (erwin knew him when he was still an undergound thug, so...), but... he's not great with feelings. despite his apathetic, intimidating mask, he feels and cares deeply, but he has a long history with losing the people he loves, so he tries to not personally care about his squadmates, which can be both a strenght and a weakness. of course, he spectacularly fails at this.

ship them with: well, it's not a secret that i'm a huge rivamika fan, this ship is almost literally consuming my waking thoughts lmao. imo they're perfectly compatible: very similar personalities (stoic, the strongest warriors, absolutely terrifying on the battlefield but with a soft underbelly), very similar pasts/experiences, so many parallels that it's actually ridiculous, etc. i love how they're both each other's equals and likeness (yes, i took it from jane eyre. no, i don't regret anything lmao). a lot of tropes i love, too: Terrible First Impression (the Pride and Prejudice vibes are so strong with these two, you have no idea), Kindred Spirits/Mirror Images, Veteran/Young Prodigy, The Last of Their Kind, even Height Difference lmao. i could write a whole rivamika manifesto, but this is already too long. (maybe for some other time 👀) i would've loved for their dynamic to be more explored in canon but alas, isayama clearly didn't give a shit about the ackerman legacy, he just used it as a plot shortcut to give them conveniently unique powers, since they never really talked about it 🙄 (and before some troll comes into my askbox shouting "you iNcEsT fReAk!!!!1!!", they're only very distantly related. we know shit about the ackermans but we know for sure that they've got at least several generations between them. biologically their shared DNA is 0%, obviously they don't see each other as family, all the eldians have a dead ass common ancestor from 2000 years ago so they're all basically ⁓related anyway. if you really wanna scream about i.ncest, go watch got/dark/the borgias and shut the fuck up please. or alternatively go outside and touch some grass) sorry for the rant, uh. anyway, i can also see levi/erwin. idk if i'd ever care enough to read a fic about them (i'm usually a huge multishipper, but for some weird reason not when it comes to rivamika? same with braime and kastle tbh), but still, i can see it.

brotp them with: hange and erwin, obv. veteran trio >>> ema trio, sorry not sorry (at least h. and e. died before yams had the chance to ruin their character arcs)

needs to stay away from: ...uh, filth, i guess? lmao

misc. thoughts: besides the stupid teenage fangirl crush i have on him, i'm genuinely fascinated by the man himself. he's a huge mess of a contradictions, and yet somehow it works: he's violent and brash and kind of an asshole, but also has a strong moral code and integrity; he's obv very skilled at all the killing/torturing stuff and yet he has a huge respect for life; he's got a potty mouth to say the least, and yet some very aristocratic manners/tastes (the way he sits, his preference for tea and usually refined clothes); he comes from what's supposed to be an illustrous bloodline, he's methodical and very precise, and yet he was born and raised in the underground, he's been used to filth and blood and poverty since he was a child, kenny of all people was his father figure, and probably has known no other life than a perennial survival mode existence. he's "humanity's strongest soldier", but while well-built he's also small, the david to the titans' goliah, and probably not what people would assume a born warrior looks like. he's also one of the few characters who stayed true to himself and his original characterization until the end, bless you smol king ❤

(okay, this is getting long!)

mikasa:

hogwarts house: gryffindor | slytherin | ravenclaw | hufflepuff

this is actually easy: mikasa belongs to hufflepuff and no, i won't take criticism (just joking lol). enough with this "hufflepuffs are fluffy puppies/Cinnamon Rolls <3" thing: mikasa values loyalty and duty more than anything else. she's also hardworking... and fierce, strong, lethal. yes, hufflepuff and lethal are not mutually exclusive concepts.

daemon: (finally the better option) a she-wolf, fiercely protective of her pack.

best quality: loyal, brave, incredibly strong (alongside her more fragile qualities). practical and level-headed on the battlefield, at least when eren is not included in the picture.

worst quality: struggles to let go of the past (understandable, considering her trauma). tunnel-vision when it comes to eren, obv. extreme levels of delusions ("if only i spoke openly about my romantic feelings for him - as if i didn't made them abundantly clear in ⁓6 years - he wouldn't kill 80% of humanity :(((" lmao okay. just. okay), but that's more on the writing. she's sadly more static than any other main character throughtout the whole series.

ship them with: see above :) but recently i've also started to be intrigued by mikasa/annie and mikasa/sasha. also, i'm sympathetic to jeankasa fans, though i don't actually care for the ship.

brotp them with: EMA trio, especially armin+mikasa. their friendship is so beautiful and special. also sasha.

needs to stay away from: ...... eren, at least romantically. again, that's more on the writing than anything else, but e.remika unfortunately encompasses many tropes i loathe with all the strength of my old shriveled heart: childhood friends-to lovers where the (male) childhood friend doesn't acknolewdge/is completely indifferent to the other (female) friend's romantic feelings, she hopelessly pines for him for years without anything more than a cold shoulder... until in the last chapter it's revealed that he loved her all along and doesn't "want other men to have her!!! :((" (then why did you have no reaction whatsoever to jean's years-long crush on her while she was jealous of any vaguely female-shaped human being you were friendly to, including hange? are you that dumb, man?); the female character's development and entire arc 100% revolves around the male protagonist - she has no goals, no dreams of her own except staying with him forever and ever; the romance is based on an idealized childhood dream, therefore reaffirming those childish illusions would make the character regress, not actually grow up (and nope, epilogue!jk doesn’t count; that also lacks build-up - i would’ve said the same about rm as well, so it’s not about shipping, guys, it really isn’t - and mikasa needed an inner change; getting married to another man but still praying to eren’s shrine is not substitute to actual development lol). post-time skip she's never really frustrated/angry with him, they never get a confrontation about him becoming a, y'know, mass-murderer of gigantic (pun intended) proportions; she puts him on a pedestal, and never stops idealizing him/never sees him for what he actually is (the narrative framing him as some kind of tragic martyr/saint eren from paradis with zero agency and basically... no clear motivation for the abovementioned mass murder, and not the actual complex tragic anti-hero/villain motivated by revenge and righteous fury he deserved to be, does not help). it lacks a good or even decent build-up - it's basically all tell and not show. now, if they'd actually been childhood friends to enemies to lovers/mutually co-dependent... it could have been interesting. sadly, it's not my cup of tea. of course this is just my personal preference, no hard feelings to the shippers.

misc. thoughts: enormous potential. she's been my fav female character since s1 - and ah, i miss s1!mikasa, when she had actually other stuff to do besides mothering eren. i love that she's the strongest warrior (second only to levi, obv), that her skills are never called into questions despite her gender, i love how she stands up for herself and the people she loves, that she may seem cold and stoic and yet has a such a huge heart, that she's not perfect but also sometimes awe-inspiring. sadly, she never really gets out of eren's shadow; what she lacks is an arc focused on herself. that's why imo getting deeper into the ackerman lore would've helped (also, you cannot make the main female character and the most popular male character descend from the same Unique Bloodline or whatever, and never really make them acknowledge it out loud; as a writer, you just can't lol). my spite is so strong that i'm currently writing a ridiculously pretentious fic that's 70% development for her character, to give her a voice, and 30% ackerthirsting. (yes, that's the fic i'm always vagueblogging about lmao, rip @ my brain). if any other rivamika fan is interested… mind you, it’s in italian tho, and idt i have the skills to translate into english.

misa:

hogwarts house: gryffindor | slytherin | ravenclaw | hufflepuff

daemon: mmh, maybe some kind of butterfly? beautiful, colorful, and short-lived.

best quality: glorious fashion sense, more inventive and ingenious than fans actually give her credit for.

worst quality: shallow, impulsive, and obv her dependence on/obsession with light (which stems from trauma btw, but still… the very opposite of a relationship between equals).

ship them with: rem, kinda (monster/human ftw!). also weirdly enough mogi, a little bit? she deserves someone who actually respects her… though she’s far from being a perfect angel. she may actually be crazier than light on some aspects. but in this house we stan evil ladies anyway, so i have no problem with that <3

brotp them with: uh, idk, maybe matsuda?

needs to stay away from: obv light. also takada.

misc. thoughts: a tragic victim of sexist writing. she may be… unhinged to say the least, but she didn’t deserve the abuse she got from light (and from the fans). the female characters’ writing in dn is so bad that idk if it’s on purpose, to kinda mirror the reality of women in a patriarchal society (dependent on men, housewives whose life entirely revolves around their husband/boyfriend etc.), or just casual misogyny lol. it’s even more baffling since we don’t know the author’s gender (they may be a man, a woman, nb, anything really). i tend for the latter option tho.

aegon greyjoy (now, i wasn’t expecting him lol):

hogwarts house: gryffindor | slytherin | ravenclaw | hufflepuff

i’m so sorry, i haven’t the slightest idea lmao. maybe gryffindor? mind you, it’s been a long time since i’ve re-read the books, so i don’t have many thoughts about him.

daemon: maybe it’s cliché, but some kind of fish/squid lmao

best quality: ugh, i really can’t remember much from his chapters :(( he’s not a coward, i guess? (lame answer, sorry!)

worst quality: definitely his religious fanaticism.

ship them with: no one.

brotp them with: uh… his family, ig? except euron.

needs to stay away from: obv euron. brr ://

misc. thoughts: i genuinely like the greyjoys chapters, though i vastly prefer the martells (with the exception of theon and asha, bcs i love them). yes, they’re deranged. yes, victarion is… well, victarion lol. but the drowned god religion is actually interesting, grrm knows how to write trauma - every time aeron mentions euron and that freaking door i’m like… :// - and the tragedy of it all… just great writing all around.

okay, that’s the end lmao. thank you so much, love!!! ❤❤

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #asks #cafeleningrad #if *anyone* dares to start stupid wank on my super niche blog they'll be blocked on sight i'm warning you #snk salt

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ladyandtheghost · 5 years

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The code word is “family”: A recap of 8x02

The Red Queen and the White Queen:

If I’m delusional at this point, then so be it, but if I still needed convincing of Political!Jon, this scene convinced me. Because Sansa figured it out. Oh my God, she figure it out! You can see the exact moment of it on Sophie’s face. After all the talk and demonstration of Sansa’s intelligence last episode, it made all the sense in the world that Sansa would work it out herself what Jon is actually doing. And it almost makes you feel a bit sorry for Dani when she opens her heart and says kind of jokingly “Tell me who manipulated whom?” and the penny drops for Sansa. You can see it in her eyes, her weird giddiness. Sansa does not like this woman, why on earth would she smile and laugh if not a new realization that is playing out in her head?

It was also interesting how Dani tried to become all sisterly, thinking she could bond with Sansa over “boy talk” - and Sansa laughs but then drops the act and talks “real politics” - which not only shows that Sansa is a strategist and future-oriented, but she also just called out Dani on her argument that they are both women in politics who want to be taken seriously.

This is your family, Theon:

I don’t know how Sophie does it, but every reunion that Sansa has with literally any character that Sansa cares about is a 100% tear-jerker. And this was no exception: it was emotional and beautiful and pure.

I can totally see people shipping them and it’s not an outlandish idea or notp for me or anything, but I felt the background of the scene was not so nuch meant to launch a romantic ship, it was actually far more powerful than that...

Because it was about family and about politics at the same time (the two things Sansa excels in).

The entire set up of the scene was perfection: The red queen and the white queen, both emerging from the library after their tense conversation and at this moment - and omg this is so fantastic - we see the exact difference in how the two women/queens are being shown as opposites:

Theon dutifully kneels in front of “his queen”, the gesture that she always demands from all her subjects, the gesture that she has burned people for refusing to perform - but Theon’s heart is not in it.

Then he ignores Dani and addresses Sansa, asks to fight “for Winterfell”, for House Stark and they embrace and he is so happy to be “home” and “safe” and “loved” and “missed” and this is his family.

It’s like a mother welcoming her lost child back home in her arms: essentially what a “beloved queen” is seen as - a mother to her people. “Mhysa” failed at that. Sansa is the queen and ruler beloved by her people.

And Dani notices. She sees “her” bannerman’s loyalty to another powerful woman and she is not pleased...

Theon wanting to fight ”for Winterfell“ - after the convo about the North two minutes earlier - this is another blow for Dani, who made a pact with the Greyjoys to fight for her, and “for the throne“

Theon and Sansa represent the ideal ruler/bannerman situation: the bannermann comes before you, pledges themself to you, asking “if you'll have me“ because they love and respect and want to serve you - which is the complete opposite of how it works for Dani.

This is a bond that lasts. Sansa will never fear betrayal from someone who asked to serve her.

Their shared trauma and Sansa being Theon’s redeption has forged this beautiful and strong bond. It has no sexual undertones imo (though people who ship it might disagree which is of course understandable)

Rather it’s a mirror opposite of the strong bond Sansa has with Jon which is charged with UST and “subtext”

Theon also represents the brother Sansa needs, with Robb gone, Bran “gone” and replaced by the 3ER and things being all “complicated” and tense with Jon...

Jon is also somewhat “gone” in this episode, though neither Sansa nor Dani understand why.

And they are not stopping at that: where do we find Sansa during the last hours before the battle? Not drinking and warming her butt in front of the roaring fire like the others - nope, Sansa is outside in the cold with her people, eating the stuff that everyone else eats, spending time with the one “brother” she has left who came back for her and it’s yet another indicator that Sansa would be a ruler “for the people”

RMS Gendrya sailing strong:

Arya “perving” on Gendry first half of the episode, effectively reversing the “male gaze” and her taking charge in their relationship was great. The only thing is - now I’m scared, like really scared one of them will die. Or both? Urgh I’m getting Tonks/Lupin flashbacks - it’s never good for people to be happily in love before a battle. But I also loved how Gendry worried about her, literally pissed off that she would put herself in danger. And in going with the theme of family for this episode, one of the iconic moments of this couple was when Arya told Gendry: “I could be your family.” and Gendry was right, he is not her family, she is his “lady” and he is her lover...

The Hound and his pup:

...however Arya did seek out someone who sees her as his family. The only thing that really comes to mind re: Sandor is that this sealed the deal on San*san happening or not. I had a feeling they would not let Sansa and him interact and rather choose the less squicky, more popular relationship of Sandor and Arya shine through. Arya *is* the Hound’s redeption arc. Just like Sansa is Theon’s.

That super *awkward* family reunion:

Dani’s reaction was SO predictable, it’s amazing. People actually fantasized that Dani would not mind so much, that she would actually be happy to have her “family” and another Targ by her side. Yeah, fat chance. The only thing on her mind now is that that Jon has the higher claim.

Also: Jon spending his last night down in the crypts with his mother is so poignant it hurts. He always wanted to know her, he always wanted to see her face, so he stands there just looking at it the night before he might be taken from this world again. Somehow this was also an interesting parallel to Sansa and Theon and about being accepted as family. He told Dani about his mother, then it was revealed that she is his aunt, his closest(!) living (female) relative.

Jaime, Braime (plus Tormund):

I knew Jaime would be accepted by Sansa - because of Brienne - and just like Theon, Jaime is another addition to Sansa’s Queen’s Watch. Dani looking pissed about it was literally channeling Cersei (if only she knew).

Poor Tormund, he is so gone on her and he just wanted to be around her. Again, I’m scared shitless for every single character in that room around that fire and if the “knighting” scene is the best we will get from Braime, I will riot.

A Bear Island family reunion:

We finally got some Mormonts reunited. Jorah worrying about his little cousin but also respecting her for fighting and Lyanna wishing him good fortune and owning him as “cousin” was also a nice touch. Jorah still has a home in the North and a family. Sam reminded him of that when he spoke of Jeor and gave him his own father’s sword. They both lost their fathers before they could make them proud or forgive them/or be forgiven.

Alys Karstark - everywhere!:

Yes, I’m back on my bullshit. But seriously, they were parading her around all episode. They placed her here, places her there, always somewhere in camera frames or shots, Why? She doesn’t speak, her presence doesn’t serve any purpose. Unless we should just get a good look of that “other” red-headed girl, aka Fake!Sansa.

Davos and Shireen's little girl (ghost):

That little girl with the scarred face killed me - just like she killed Davos. I'm tearing up just thinking of her. And Gilly was so sweet, so instinctively maternal, and Davos looked like he's slowly dying inside. Perhaps we were meant to read this as somehow Shireen's spirit could be felt through this girl and she was there to tell Davos that she will be ok. Idk but I'm crying...Shireen was Davos’ beloved child, his family after he lost his son, and nothing will ever change that!

Jon’s other family (no, not the dragon one):

There was even less “action” in this episode, but a lot of emotion. Except from one quarter: Jon, who completely isolated himself from his family - but found solace with his other family, i.e. his “brothers” - Sam, Edd, Tormund. And they recalled Grenn, their lost brother.

On the whole, the episode is a prime example of the calm before the storm...next time, shit’s going down.

#jonsa #political!jon #political!jon theory #episode recap

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nightqueendany · 5 years

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Original Final Season 7 - Episode 4: Dragonglass

It’s Tuesday again...

ON DRAGONSTONE:

Jon/Dany visit the caves - now having been cleared out of the dragonglass, Jon wants to show Dany the COTF markings, their attraction for each other becomes more clear in this scene and Dany is more sure of Jon telling the truth about the Night King and Army of the Dead

Dany asks Missandei if any of the 19 languages she speaks use a symbol-system for their written language, Missandei replies yes, a few, so Dany then tasks her with copying down some of the symbols from the dragonglass cave, perhaps she can decipher some of the ruin symbols

Sometime while alone in the cave, Missandei and Grey Worm have sex, AKA Greyssandei cavesex

Team Stark/Targaryen discuss the dragonglass, that while the amount of it is much needed, they have no weapon smith skilled enough to work it

Dany agrees to have Yara and Theon ferry all they’ve mined to White Harbor/the North (This is Theon’s idea but Jon supports it - secretly, Theon is anxious to see Sansa again so this is his excuse)

- In exchange for sending the Greyjoys North with the dragonglass, Jon agrees to send the Northern forces (Northmen, Knights of the Vale, Riverlands) south to assist with the blockade of King’s Landing - no formal alliance has been made yet, but they want to show a united front against Cersei, the sooner they take out Cersei, the sooner everyone can face the threat of the White Walkers

Davos says he knows of a weapon smith who might be able to work the dragonglass, but he’ll need to go to King’s Landing, knows how to smuggle himself in

Tyrion opts to go with Davos to King’s Landing as representative of the Queen

As Yara and Theon are about to leave, Yara basically encourages Dany to “tap that” (Jon) while Davos and Tyrion are away in King’s Landing, Dany needs to secure the North formally, and seducing Jon into marriage is the most efficient way to do it but Dany isn’t so sure (as she’s secretly falling for him anyway)

Ellaria and Olenna depart Dragonstone as well, to prepare for the siege of King’s Landing

Melisandre begins to finally push her agenda on Dany, to convert many in Westeros to the religion of R’hllor, Dany is open to the idea of erecting a center where the Sept once stood that is open to those of all religions and inviting more red priests to Westeros to practice their faith

Varys is none too pleased with this and his irritation with Dany/Mel puts him into a gossipy mood

When Baelish inquires after the fact that Dany has no children from her previous relationships, Varys confirms she’s barren, and this is music to Baelish’s ears - even married, Jon and Dany would have to name a successor because Dany can’t birth one and the most prominent name on the list of potentials would be Sansa, who is already Jon’s heir for the Northern crown

Varys quickly guesses Baelish’s scheme but for once, isn’t opposed to his former friend’s plot to get Sansa on the throne (he’s more intrigued than anything), he fears Melisandre and her magic, that her influence over Dany and Jon will lead to much trouble later on

To push Varys finally over to his side permanently, Baelish points out Dany’s house words will always be “Fire and Blood” and that if it were between her and Baelish, she would be the real “Queen of the Ashes” - a tip off to Varys that Baelish knew of his/Olenna’s S3 conversation when Varys first said Baelish would “see the country burn to be King of the Ashes”

At Varys’ slightly troubled/embarrassed look, Baelish reminds Varys he had eyes and ears all over King’s Landing, and still does...

At Jon and Dany’s urging (they both hate him and don’t entirely trust him) Baelish reluctantly leaves Dragonstone also, he’s to meet the KOTV and other northern forces when they reach the capital, Varys accompanies him

IN WINTERFELL:

Bran and Arya have formed a deep bond in their short time together, Bran sharing with Arya all he knows of his powers and he mentions his powers aren’t exclusive to his being the 3ER - that some of them are because he is a Stark, and that Arya is a Stark as well - Arya scoffs at what Bran is implying but Bran just utters something mysterious and vague that Arya can’t argue with

At Jon’s news and Bran’s urging, Arya is to go to the Riverlands to deliver the message personally to Edmure about sending troops to King’s Landing

Arya is hesitant to leave Winterfell, but Bran tells her something that makes her want to go - the things she asked Bran to look into, she’ll find in King’s Landing/her journey to, and Bran knows just where she needs to look...

Sansa doesn’t want Arya to leave, all her family is leaving Winterfell again (like Season 1), she worries none of them will come back, they’re “the last of the Starks”, but Arya insists they will all be back, there’s just a few things she’s left behind, Brienne will train Sansa in Arya’s stead and Arya quips that Sansa will be better than her by the time she gets back

Northern forces leave Winterfell

Arya leaves Winterfell

IN KING’S LANDING:

Davos and Tyrion come across Gendry and Davos gives him a sample of the dragonglass, Gendry says the material is tricky, but he should be able to work with it

The trio prepare to leave King’s Landing but Davos senses a storm coming in, they’ll have to wait in the city a few days and lay low in Gendry’s shop - Davos/Tyrion send a raven to Dragonstone saying where they are and that they’ve succeeded in finding the weapon smith

Title is simply for the substance driving the plot this entire episode - the Dragonglass. It’s what takes Theon North (toward Sansa), what urges Davos to find Gendry, and what brings Jon and Dany closer together/what makes Dany more sure of Jon’s telling the truth about the AOTD.

Episode 4 Inside the Episode: Dragonglass

1) Baelish and Varys:

Inarguably, the second-worst subplot of the entirety of Season 7 was the Winterfell plot (the first being the Wight Hunt). It was unnecessary and ridiculous. This is when the mischaracterization of the Starks began. Arya and Sansa would not be at odds with each other upon reuniting and we all know it, even with Baelish in the picture. Sansa tells Jon in 6x10, “only a fool would trust Littlefinger” and yet she does so throughout most of S7, being the fool she had already warned Jon against. Remember what I said in the preface post about things being easily “undone” or forgotten entirely? Seems Sansa forgot to be wary of Baelish in show canon.

Also, I most definitely think we were owed one more encounter between Varys and Baelish. By killing Baelish off when the show did, it significantly simplified both their potential plots for Season 7 (and 8) because neither had anyone to spar with, as they had in previous seasons. Baelish’s “sparring partners” became Sansa and Arya and Varys’ became Tyrion, both unsuccessfully.

Further proof that Baelish and Varys were supposed to “get the band back together” so to speak, is two of Varys’s lines/conversations with/about Baelish are echoed in each of the final two seasons. First, in 7x02 when Tyrion tells Dany she’s “not here to be Queen of the ashes”. As mentioned above, Varys told Olenna Tyrell that “[Littlefinger] would see this country burn if he could be King of the Ashes,” (3x04) - it’s the exact same phrase and Varys is present when Tyrion says this to Dany in 7x02.

Next, in 8x04, Varys and Tyrion talk about “the realm”. Varys reminds Tyrion he “serves the realm” and Tyrion asks “what is the realm.” Varys has a very similar conversation with Baelish in 3x06 (Baelish’s infamous “Chaos is a ladder” speech).

These two lines/conversations, I think, are absolutely not a coincidence and further point to a previous plot/script whose lines and scenes are hidden just beneath the ones we watched. Baelish’s presence is felt in these scenes with Varys, but he’s not actually there. Having Baelish around this time gives the audience fulfillment that canon did not.

And as we’ve never seen them on the same side before, it would make for interesting conflict to see them team up against Dany.

Varys is uncomfortable with Melisandre and her magic and this needs to be paid off. As I stated last episode, it was set up and then never done anything with. It makes way more sense for Varys to part ways with Dany over this and have a payoff for it, than him turning on Dany for Jon when he doesn’t even know Jon.

Baelish pushing Varys into this is also the natural progression of things as Baelish will manipulate anyone in order to get what he wants: he and Sansa on the Iron Throne, ruling Westeros. Varys knew Sansa from when she was a little girl in King’s Landing and admits he admired her father. Varys supporting Sansa over say Jon, would make more sense.

2) Missandei attempting to translate the COTF cave markings:

I know it seems weird guys. But hear me out. It gives Missandei a PURPOSE this season, gives her a job, an important one, and it uses her skillsets in regards to the endgame of the series: defeating the Army of the Dead. These ruins were heavily emphasized in 7x04 and the symbols even made it all the way into 8x01 with the Night King’s lovely art installation piece of Ned Umber on the wall with a bunch of body parts. These symbols NEED to be figured out. And I’m all for my girl Missandei getting to flex a little.

Plus, Missandei went to the cave with Jon, Dany, and Davos in show canon. Why not, uhh, idk, have her take a look and give her opinion on what they could possibly mean?? You know, just stating the obvious here, don’t mind me!

3) Gendry

Doy, another no-brainer. Aside from fucking and getting rejected by Arya, Gendry’s S8 story was about fashioning dragonglass weapons, but he was pulled into the 7x06 “Suicide Squad” for idiotic reasons.

Having Davos seek him out to work the dragonglass solves two problems: a) It explains how and why Gendry becomes the head weapon maker with the dragonglass at Winterfell in show canon, and b) gives Davos a REAL reason to seek him out, rather than, oh yeah, I liked this kid, gonna go see if he’s alive and around anywhere. Cuz that was just dumb and nonsensical.

4) Lastly Arya leaving Winterfell after arriving so soon...?

I know this may seem strange as well. But in this context, Arya isn’t leaving Winterfell permanently. Which was just dumb after she fought so hard to get back home and fought so hard for her home. It also gives her her own journey, not just sitting around Winterfell waiting for Jon to get back with Daenerys and waiting for the dead to come. As to what Arya’s going to find in King’s Landing/on her journey there, you’ve probably already guessed. And as for Bran’s hints that Arya’s got similar powers to him...you’ve also probably already guessed what these might be.

Aaaaand that’s it for Episode 4. As always, you guys can comment on these and tell me what you think, ask questions etc. It’s allowed. Don’t be shy. Especially since this is the episode that probably is the greatest divergence from canon yet, I’d love to hear your guys opinions.

Original Final Season 7: Preface Post

Season 7 Episode 1: Family, Duty, Honor

Season 7 Episode 2: Greywater Watch

Season 7 Episode 3: The Last of the Dragons

Season 7 Episode 4: Dragonglass (Current Episode)

Season 7 Episode 5: The Storm

Season 7 Episode 6: Summerhall

Season 7 Episode 7: A City Fit For A King

Season 7 Episode 8: Protectors of the Realm

Season 7 Episode 9: The Battle For The Dawn

Season 7 Episode 10: ?

#game of thrones #anti got #anti D&D #original final season 7 of game of thrones #jon snow #daenerys targaryen #melisandre #varys #petyr baelish #Arya Stark #bran stark #Sansa Stark #Gendry Waters #Theon Greyjoy #missandei #grey worm

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favefandomimagines · 5 years

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Completely Enamored (r.s.)

Summary: Your eldest brother, Robert Baratheon, has decided to marry you off to Ned Stark’s oldest son. Neither of you want it, neither of you know how to get out of it. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

AN: this is a little different!! i have recently started watching game of thrones and have fallen in love with robb stark. yes i know what happens to him and i’m not okay SO this is my coping mechanism. ENJOY xx

Warning: only Theon saying a swear word

“I simply do not understand why I must be the one to do this. Especially when Joffrey is of age, you plan to have him marry Ned’s daughter.” You complained to your brother, Robert. “Because my dear sister, we need to make our alliances stronger than ever.” He answered

“Ned Stark is beyond loyal to you. You don’t need me to marry his son to solidify that.” You rebutted. “Daenerys Targaryen is being given to Kahl Drogo. She has an army now and if I am to avenge my love then I need this.” Robert said, his voice stern.

Robert knew better than to yell at you. Because you may look beautiful and fragile on the outside, the inside is strong and fierce.

“You cannot use losing her as probable cause to marry of your younger sister.” You snapped. “It has already been decided, Y/N. You are marrying Robb Stark and we leave for Winterfell in the morning.” Robert concluded. You glared at your older brother before exiting his chambers, but not without slamming the door.

“I don’t even have a say in the matter? You are just deciding that I am to marry Y/N Baratheon?” Robb asked his father, after hearing of the news that you two were to marry. “We need to strengthen our alliance. The King says it has to be done.” Ned replied.

Robb was furious. Not only was he being ordered to do this, but he’d lose his sense of freedom. A wife would stop him from doing all of the things he loved most. “It’s been decided, Robb. The King and Queen will be leaving Kings Landing in the morning.” His father added.

Robb sent him a glare before storming out of the room.

The journey to Winterfell was long and difficult and you didn’t think you could spend another month, trapped in a carriage with your nephew.

“Now, Y/N, you are betrothed to Robb Stark. Make a good impression.” Cersei told you. “I fully intend to do so.” You replied. “I was betrothed to your brother and now I’m queen.” She added. “You despise each other. And I am almost certain he’s been with every woman in Lord Baelish’s brothel.” You said.

Cersei swallowed before she put on her signature fake smile. Call yourself a romantic, but being in a loveless marriage was something you never wanted to face. You wanted to marry someone for love, not power. But Robert had other arrangements for you.

The carriage stopped in front of what you assumed to be the Stark family.

“Are you excited?” Sansa whispered to Robb. He looked down at his sister before he returned his gaze to the gold and red carriage. “What if she hates me? What if I hate her?” He asked.

“Y/N Baratheon is said to be the most beautiful and gracious member of house Baratheon. It will not be possible for you to hate her.” Sansa told him. “That will not stop her from hating me.” Robb said.

Sansa rolled her eyes slightly as Robert greeted her father warmly. Cersei stepped out of the carriage, followed by Joffrey and then you.

Jamie got off his horse to assist you with exiting the carriage. “You look nervous.” He whispered to you. You looked up at him and nodded your head, swallowing the lump in your throat. “I am petrified. What if he hates me?” You asked him.

“It is nearly impossible to hate you, my lady.” Jamie replied.

Jamie was a bit of a “suck up” when it came to you. He knew well, as did all of the seven realms, that you were Robert’s favorite sibling. Therefore, a friend of yours is a friend of his, which is a very useful title.

“May I present my sister, Y/N Baratheon.” Robert said, grabbing your hand. “Y/N, you remember Lord Eddard Stark.” He added. You looked up at Ned and smiled before bowing courteously.

“Yes. Very good to see you, my lord.” You greeted him. “You as well, Lady Y/N.” Ned replied. “May I introduce my children. Rickon, our youngest, Bran, Arya, Sansa and Robb.” He added.

You greeted them all with kind smiles, especially the younger ones, as they seemed a bit overwhelmed. Your eyes landed on Robb and you gave him an even sweeter smile. He looked at you and it felt as if you two were the only people present. ‘Maybe this won’t be so bad after all’ He thought.

As everyone dispersed, you noticed Sansa looking longingly at your nephew.

“I see you have noticed Joffrey.” You said approaching her. She looked over at you, a look of embarrassment etched across her face. “My apologies, my lady.” She said to you. “It’s quite alright.” You told her with a smile.

All the while, Robb was watching you interact with his younger sister. As well as completely ignoring what Jon was saying.

“Can you keep a secret?” You asked her in a hush tone. Sansa smiled wildly at you as she nodded. “I overheard my brother and the queen talking and I have reason to believe that they are arranging to have you and Joffrey wed when you are both of age.” You said.

Sansa’s face lit up, giddy with excitement over the thought of marrying Joffrey. She smiled at you even bigger before hugging you and running off.

You chuckled a bit, coming to the conclusion that she was a very sweet girl.

“Should you have told her that?” You heard a deep voice ask. You turn around and see the eldest Stark walking slowly towards you. “Probably not, but, I spoke truthfully.” You answered.

Silence fell upon the two of you before Robb remembered who you were. “Uh, apologies, my lady. I am Robb Stark.” He stammered bowing to you. You laughed again, which was music to his ears.

“Please, call me Y/N.” You told him. “If we are to be married, there is no need for titles.” You added. Robb stood up straighter and smiled at you. “I suppose you’re right.” He said.

“So tell me, Robb, is it always this cold in Winterfell?” You asked, pulling your cloak tightly around you, trying to keep warm. Robb didn’t give you a verbal response, instead he took off his own furs and wrapped them around your shoulders.

“We can’t have you freezing to death now can we?” He said to, his face only a few inches from yours. “Thank you.” You said.

Robb backed away from you to make sure he didn’t overstep. “Y/N,” You beard Cersei call you. You turned your head to look at your sister-in-law, signaling her to keep speaking. “We must get you ready for the feast.” She finished.

You nodded your head to her, before she retreated back inside. “I have been summoned.” You said to Robb. “I will see you at the feast, my lady.” He said. You gave him a playful glare, him laughing slightly.

“I will see you at the feast, Y/N.” He corrected. You gave him a smile, nodding your head curtly. “Much better.” You told him before heading towards your chambers.

—-

“Is being here as bad as you thought?” Cersei asked you, as your handmaiden was doing your hair. “It’s freezing, the sun hasn’t been out once and the men here are, uh, unconventional. But, after meeting Robb Stark, all of that has disappeared.” You answered.

Cersei remained quiet as she nodded her head. She silently envied you. Though you were her sister-in-law and you never did anything to upset her, she envied how lucky you got. You were forced to marry someone and the both of you just so happened to be enamored with each other.

“We do not wish to be late.” She spoke as she stood up from her seat. You followed her out of the room and towards where the feast was being held.

You sat next to Cersei and Lady Catelyn, not being allowed to sit amongst the Stark siblings. Who were soon to become your siblings as well.

Robb was seated next to Theon Greyjoy. Almost the entire time, his eyes never left you.

“Robb, are you listening?” Theon asked his friend. “Yes, yes, I’m listening.” Robb answered, snapping back into reality. “You keep staring at Y/N Baratheon.” Theon pointed out. “You’re one of the lucky ones. There could be uglier whores to marry.” He added.

Robb slammed his cup onto the table and looked at him. “Do not call her that.” He snapped. Theon glared back at his friend before returning to his food.

The eldest Stark watched you carefully as you were conversing with his mother, you smiling and genuinely interested in the conversation you were having. He found it impossible not to stare at you. You just took his breath away.

“Tell me, Lady Y/N, how are you enjoying Winterfell?” Lady Catelyn asked you. “If I may be so bold, your son has made my arrival much better.” You answered.

Lady Catelyn smiled at you, very relieved to hear that from you.

As you continued to talk with Lady Catelyn, you noticed Robb get up and leave the feast rather early. You were a bit upset you didn’t get to talk to him as much as you would like, but your brother forbade you from being in the middle of a bunch of drunk men.

A few minutes have passed, when Sansa approached you. “Lady Y/N, Robb wishes to see you in his chambers.” She told you. You smiled at her warmly as you stood up, excusing yourself politely. You wrapped your clock around your body before making your way out of the room.

You received where to go from Sansa, since you had no idea where to go. When you arrived, you knocked on the door softly.

It opened quickly and there stood Robb. “I thought you weren’t going to come.” He said. “When my future husband requests my presence, it would be rude not to come.” You answered.

Robb smiled down at you before he moved aside to let you into the room. You removed your cloak due to the fire that was started in the fireplace. “If you do not mind me asking, why did you ask me here?” You asked facing him.

“We never got a the opportunity to talk more before the feast.” Robb answered. You sat on the edge of the bed as Robb sat next to you. It should have been an uncomfortable and awkward situation but it didn’t feel as such to the both of you.

You talked for hours, telling each other every detail of each other’s lives. It had only been a day and yet you felt like you’ve known Robb your entire life. Of course you knew of each other but never on an intimate level.

Robb had been listening to you talk about growing up with all brothers, when he noticed that the sun was rising.

“It looks like you have been here all night.” He commented. Your eyes widened as you turned around to look out the window. “Oh, I am so sorry.” You apologized standing up from the bed. “It’s okay, really. I loved being able to talk to you. To get to know you.” Robb said, following suit.

You picked up your cloak and wrapped it around your shoulders. Robb walked towards you and grabbed the strings and began to tie it closed for you.

“We’ve only known each other for a mere day and yet I have found myself completely enamored with you.” He said. You looked up and smiled at him before you pressed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

“I’m completely enamored with you as well.” You whispered to him before turning to leave.

Robb watched you walk out, a smile forming on his face. ‘This will not be as bad as I thought.’

**I’m thinking of doing a part 2 to this, maybe a part 3. So if you’d be interested in that, let me know!! If I don’t get any feedback, I’ll probably leave it at this!**

#game of thrones #robb stark #jon snow #sansa stark #arya stark #theon greyjoy #cersei lannister #jamie lannister #joffrey baratheon #robb stark imagine #imagine

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whitecrossgirl · 5 years

Text

The Love of a Hero

AN: So I was watching the original Avengers movie yesterday and I got my latest AU idea. A cheesy Superhero AU with a Braime twist. I messaged @sassbewitchedmyass, knowing she would give the best encouragement and again, I thank her for letting me bounce my dumb AU ideas off her. I hope you like it.

BLUE KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN

DRUG GANG “WHITE WALKERS” DEFEATED BY THE BLUE KNIGHT

DEFENDER OF THE INNOCENT: BLUE KNIGHT PROTECTS GIRL FROM ASSAULT

QUEENSAVER; BLUE KNIGHT SAVES QUEEN DAENERYS FROM ASSASSIN’S GUN

“Have you seen this?” Jaime asked, waving the newspapers around. Each one had a different headline, a different act of heroism that had been performed by the city’s newest protector; their own real life superhero known only as the Blue Knight. For months now, different forms of crime in the city had been taken down by the Blue Knight; from drug runners, muggers and thieves to predators lurking in the night.

Of course, the biggest one was yesterday’s story. Queen Daenerys had been attending the opening of Parliament with the rest of the Large Council when someone in the crowd fired shots at her. Before Jaime or any of the other police, soldiers or bodyguards could even move; the Blue Knight had appeared from nowhere, deflecting the bullets against her own body armour. The would-be assassin, a half-deranged man named Euron Greyjoy, had promptly been arrested and was currently awaiting trial. Meanwhile, the Blue Knight had taken off as quickly as she had appeared, before anyone could speak to her or try to learn her identity.

They knew absolutely nothing about the Blue Knight. They only knew she was female, due to the few witness reports of both the criminals who she had taken down, or from the people she had saved. Aside from that, they knew absolutely nothing. They didn’t know her name, where she was from, whether she wasn’t human or someone who had had a genetic experiment gone wrong. The Blue Knight tended to work more at night and her nickname from the media came from the deep blue body armour she wore that covered her whole body and face. And although the police had to take a stance that vigilantism was legally wrong; they had to appreciate the help the Blue Knight had given to reduce the high crime in the city.

“Yes Jaime, I have seen them, you’ve been waving them in my face for ten minutes.” Brienne replied calmly, sipping as her mug of tea.

“It’s still so surreal. This city has an actual, real life superhero. This is like those movies I watched as a kid.” Jaime explained as he set one of the newspapers on the table. Brienne reached over to take the paper detailing the story about Queen Daenerys, looking at the photo of Blue Knight jumping in front of the queen, taking the bullet right in her body armour.

“Have you got any leads on who she is?” Brienne asked casually, examining the photo on the newsprint.

“Not yet, it’s not easy. Everyone wants to know who she is but at the same time, none of the witnesses can give us anything. Plus if someone does know, they’re not telling us.” Jaime replied, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I get it, a superhero needs to have a secret identity but I hate not knowing things.”

“I suppose that is the point of a secret identity.” Brienne agreed. “Are you working tonight?”

“Unfortunately.” Jaime retorted. He could think of better things that he could rather do on a Saturday night instead of patrolling around the nightclubs and bars of the town, dealing with drunken louts.

“Sounds like fun,” Brienne teased playfully as Jaime wandered off to take a shower before work. Once Jaime walked out of the room, Brienne picked up the newspaper and rolled her eyes skyward. Jaime was her best friend and he was one of the best police officers she knew.

But Gods bless him; he could be so clueless sometimes.

Later that evening, Jaime patrolled down the street with Bronn; trying to block out his colleague’s crass comments about the different clubbers and bar patrons as he kept his eye out for any suspicious behaviour. As Bronn and a few other officers rushed to stop a sudden brawl outside a chip shop, Jaime noticed a young woman with red hair being dragged into an alley. Jaime rushed after her and spotted the young woman being forcefully held against a wall but a trio of men.

“Hey, leave her alone!” Jaime called as the men rounded on him. The ringleader, pulled out a knife and charged at Jaime, who evaded the first attempt on him and managed to disarm the ringleader. However as he grabbed the knife, the second man took a running leap onto his back, raining punches onto Jaime’s back and head. Out of the corner of his eye, Jaime spotted the young woman rushing off to her friends who had found her at the end of the alleyway. The third man jumped into the fray and Jaime did his best to fight off the three men but being outnumbered three to one with his colleagues already dealing with another incident meant that he was taking far more hits than usual.

The men’s sudden yelling and a series of swings and thumps, informed Jaime that someone had come to help him. Wiping blood from his face and managing to subdue and handcuff one of the men; Jaime turned to see the other two chained up by someone in blue. Blue Knight.

“You’re her.” Jaime said as Blue Knight turned her head and leapt up onto a fire escape ladder as Bronn, clearly alerted by the redheaded girl and her friends, came into the alleyway with a pair of other officers. Jaime wanted to call for her to come back, but reminded himself that he needed to do his job first. After quickly relaying what had happened to Bronn and the other officers; Jaime watched them lead the three muggers out before he turned back to the fire escape.

Blue Knight had gone.

“Jumpy, aren’t you?” Blue Knight said in an amused tone, sitting cross-legged in the air behind Jaime, a few metres away from the dim light caused by the streetlights on the main road. Jaime jumped backwards and quickly corrected himself.

“Who are you?” Jaime asked and Blue Knight shook her head. “Everyone wants to know.”

“They can’t know.” Blue Knight replied. “People get hurt if they know.”

“We can protect them.” Jaime said without thinking and Blue Knight tilted her head.

“We?” Blue Knight repeated and Jaime felt his cheeks flush. If he was being honest with himself; he wasn’t just interested in Blue Knight because of her superpowers. Whoever she was, she was brave, strong, clever, loyal and clearly protective towards those who she cared about. Even though he had never seen her face, the sound of her voice gave him the impression of the most beautiful woman in the world to him. He liked that she both aided and frustrated the police; how she seemed to be a paradox of someone he knew and someone he had never met before.

“I can help protect them, protect you. You saved my life, let me help you.” Jaime offered but for the second time, Blue Knight shook her head and a moment of careless recklessness took over Jaime. He wanted to know her identity. There was also something else he wanted too.

“I can’t let you do that.” Blue Knight stated simply as Jaime stepped closer to her, touching her suit; it felt like Kelvar, lightweight, bullet proof, strong, a good choice. At his touch, she stopped floating and set her feet back on the ground. Jaime reached for where the neckline of the suit and mask met but her fingers closed over his.

“Don’t remove it.” Blue Knight requested in a whisper and Jaime felt his throat dry.

“Not all of it.” Jaime confirmed as he eased the mask upwards. In the dim light, he could only make out the edge of her chin and her lips before he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Her lips were soft and firm and he could feel her hesitate for a moment before she kissed him back. Jaime wrapped his arms around her, feeling the strength of her muscles and the softness of her exposed neck. She was the one who deepened the kiss and Jaime responded to it eagerly. He could have stayed like this forever, nothing else seemed to exist except for the two of them, in this place, in this moment.

“Hey Lannister! Come the fuck on, will ya!”

Bronn’s blunt yell jerked Jaime back to reality and before he could say a word, Blue Knight had fixed her mask and flown up into the night. Jaime turned and wandered back towards Bronn, ignoring the comments his brash partner made; his mind racing with everything that had happened. Yes, he had been beaten and it did hurt but he had met Blue Knight, spoken to her, joked with her and kissed her. He still had no idea who she was but as he got patched up, for some reason Brienne came into his mind but Jaime dismissed that thought.

Brienne was his best friend in the whole world. They knew everything about each other. Plus she was the most honest person Jaime knew; there was no way she could hide anything, especially something as monumental as superpowers from him.

By the time Jaime finished his shift and arrived home, he was still in a minor daze as he walked into the house and found Brienne getting ready to leave for her morning run. She froze at the sight of the cuts and bruises on his face.

“What happened to you?” Brienne asked and Jaime shrugged.

“Just a few drunk idiots. You’ll never guess who helped me.” Jaime said as he went to the fridge and took out some juice.

“Who?” Brienne asked innocently.

“Blue Knight. She took down most of them and helped me out. She is as tough and a good a fighter as the news reports on her claim she is.” Jaime explained and Brienne looked at him curiously.

“Did you find out who she was? Now that you’ve actually seen her and spoke to her.” Brienne asked; she had prepared herself for this moment, how she would handle it when Jaime learnt the truth.

“No, she wouldn’t tell me. But I’m sure I’ll see her again and find out.” Jaime said and shrugged his shoulders. “Anyway, I’m off to bed. Have a good day.”

“You too,” Brienne said as she took her headphones and smiled to herself as she left the house. She had taken a risk last night, hanging around long enough to speak to Jaime. It was an even bigger risk letting him touch her mask; the biggest risk of all was kissing him. Still, it seemed for now, the risk had paid off. He still had no idea about the secrets she kept from him, indeed from the world. It had been the choice she made as she grew older and her powers developed, one she had affirmed when she had taken the mantle of Blue Knight. Nobody knew who she was and for now, it seemed it would seem that way.

Like she said, she loved Jaime to pieces but gods, he was an oblivious idiot.

#game of thrones #fic #Jaime Lannister #brienne of tarth #braime #jaime x brienne #superhero au

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