#she loves lying and scheming and telling enemies to kill themselves | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

claudiarya · 3 years

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Hey guys, I’ve written a post RoW fanfiction. I warn you that it has a death trope in it, so beware.

You can also read it on Ao3 as well.

Count words: 5990

Hope Suite

They didn’t know the moment when it all went wrong. Had it been when Kaz had accepted the job? Had it been when Inej had left Pekka Rollins alive, or when they had kept going despite all the adversities, they had encountered? The events of the last days were starting to become a blurring reel, that had done nothing but confuse them. What had started as a fairly easy job for the queen of Ravka, it then had turned out to be a major standoff with their enemies, which was putting not just one country, but the whole world as they knew it in peril. Maybe it had all gone downhill when Jarl Brum had managed to escape his prison cell at Hellgate, aided by one of his most trusted Drüskelle, his mind already too corrupted by the former General’s manipulations.

By the time he had been set free again, and had sought revenge against his detested neighbors, specifically against the witch queen and her monstrous husband, Inej, Kaz and his crew had already been too involved with their task to worry about it. How could they have known that once out, Brum was going to use everything in his power to bend Ravka? The Fjerdan man was aware that he couldn’t compete with its ruler, so he had worked out a different strategy entirely: if he couldn’t hope to win in a direct confrontation, he was going to annihilate her and her subjects from within, even if it would cost the destruction of his own country and more…

They didn’t know how Brum had gotten the information, but he had travelled to the mountains and had somehow liberated a certain shadow summoner from his sacrifice of eternal of pain, well before Zoya could do as she had planned. The shadow summoner in question had disappeared without a trace, only the Saints knew where he could have gone to hide away.

Needless to say, the darkness and its vampiric actions had started to spread again, at twice the speed. It looked like a ravenous beast had been set lose. It had extended in other countries as well, a silent and unannounced menace ravishing everything in its wake, that terrified even sailors at sea. If that wasn’t enough, Brum had also found out about Dirtyhand’s ‘involvement’ with the queen, and had made an ally with an ex Barrel boss, who had lost all his fortunes and power to a teenage crippled kid. Two powerful and dangerous men driven by their thirst for revenge had revealed themselves to be even more unstoppable than any of them had originally believed.

***

Inej remembered when Kaz had asked her to take a short leave from her sea voyages, to run one last time with him and the other crows in this task in which her skills at gathering information were going to be fundamental. Jesper had, of course, already accepted his friend’s proposition, and if at first Wylan had been skeptical, he had ended up joining the crew for the job. Perhaps for his natural instinct to follow wherever the gangly sharpshooter went, or maybe for the fact that he had made friends with the King consort, their shared love for science and ‘infernal gadgets’, as Kaz would call them, a fertile ground for common understanding.

“I won’t force you to do anything,” he had rasped to her while sitting on the roof ledge at the Slat to watch the tepid Ketterdam sun slowly blinking into existence in front of them; their intertwined fingers a testimony of how far they had already conquered together. The only thing that hadn’t won yet was their insomnia.

“Your particular set of skills is needed for this job, but I understand if you don’t want to be dragged into this,” Kaz had continued, and she had known he had slightly turned his head in her direction, as she had kept her eyes on the dawn.

After a while and still no answer from her he had sighed.

“Inej, what I’m trying to say is that we need you. I need you. I don’t think I can do this without you, so please tell me now, so I can send back a definite answer to Her Royal Pain.”

The Suli girl had marveled at his words: she didn’t think she had ever heard Kaz admit out loud that he couldn’t do something without the help of someone else.

“I’ll do it,” she had exclaimed, now turning her gaze on his stone-carved features. “But on one condition: I want Queen Zoya to help me fight against the slave trade in Ravka, and I want her to promise me that human traffickers are going to find the justice they deserve in her country.”

Kaz had squeezed her hand, the look in his eyes an oath to himself as well as to her.

***

Inej clutched her hand on her injured arm. She could feel the blood on her palm, as she watched Kaz keeping at cane point the last of the men who had tried to kill them. Their lead for the relic of Santk Feliks’s heart had taken them here, in an obscure abandoned, or so they thought, monastery on the Ravkan coast, right on the border with Fjerda. They had found out that centuries before, the order of religious men inhabiting the place had been the resting place of the only remaining part of the Saint. An easy reconnaissance job, an easy trail to follow. But ever since the spreading of the blight, of the Kilyklava, nothing had been easy. It was as if for every movement they made, their enemies were ten steps ahead of them. Inej had never seen anyone outsmart Kaz like that. Usually, he was the one who had everything under control, who could predict every outturn, every maneuver his opponents were going to make. But instead, everywhere they had attempted to gather information, they had encountered a setup of sorts: mainly the place they had intended to scout, burnt to the ground. Had they a spying traitor in their mix? Inej had never seen him more on edge than she had in the last month, but now they had passed the pretense of this being another job. It had stopped being that when the world hab been threatened by an unstoppable force and Pekka Rollins had entered the picture. It was personal. And she suspected that he was also trying to keep true to the promise he had made her.

Inej had thought they had planned this out so carefully, she was sure they would not encounter any unpleasant surprise this time. After the too many (not) coincidences, they had started scheming their way for the hunt of the heart with only the four of them and Nikolai and Zoya, who had had to, although begrudgingly, leave out the Triumvirate and their closest friends from this particular matter of international importance. How was it possible then, that their traces had been tracked even here? Kaz and Inej had offered for the job, a quick break in into the abandoned archives of the monastery, while Nikolai, Jesper and Wylan would wait for them on the Volkvolny to pick them up and leave after they had completed their task. Perhaps a smaller party was going to attract less attentions, their rouse of a devoted young group of people had served them well in the little town around the old holy building, and they had played their parts too well that Inej had forgotten for an instant that they had a bigger goal in mind. She was never going to forget the easy talk, the laughs they had shared around the table of the little tavern they had resided in, her hand clasped together with Kaz as a sort of lifeline for the both of them; her head resting delicately on his chest as they were lying down on the little bed they shared.

The four men that have been sent to kill them had caught them by surprise. Again.

Kaz had just uttered “We’ve got what we need, let’s go,” when the first thug that had tried to sneak up on him. Inej had made a quick work of the assassins, if her knives embedded in two of the men’s throats were of any indication. Despite that, one of the others had managed to graze her arm with a bullet, when she had momentarily lost her focus because the remaining one had kicked Kaz’s bad leg, eliciting a sound of pain from him. If only Jesper and Wylan had been there with them.

As she hobbled to where he was standing, Inej realized that Kaz was shaking from the effort of not to keel over in pain, his hand gripping the crow’s head of his cane so tightly, she feared he was going to snap it in half.

“Kaz...” she started

“You’re bleeding,” he rasped, diverting his gaze from the man to her, for the briefest of moments.

“It’s nothing,” she said. But she could see that he wasn’t really convinced, and with a soft grunt, he fished from his pocket a handkerchief and handed it to her, before asking to the person on the ground.

“How did you know we would be here?” his eyes two unforgiving coals.

The hired assassin didn’t answer at first but gave away in a little chuckle instead. Suddenly Kaz, still balancing his weight mostly on his good leg, brought down his cane on one of the man’s own legs. His scream of pain echoed around them in the old room.

“It doesn’t feel good, does it?” he said. This was Dirtyhands himself, any trace of the young man he had been with her at the tavern, vaporized.

“Now, tell me how you knew we were here, or I’m going to break every bone you have, and we both know how pleasant that is.”

The man chuckled again, but then he started talking.

“At times one shouldn’t look for spiders,” he said with a sickening grin. “At times, it’s the little insects nobody sees or cares to check because they’re believed to be harmless that tip the scales.”

Inej could see Kaz’s mind trying to figure out the man’s words, his gaze distant.

In that moment she realized that she was never going to tire to see that look on his face. Nor any other looks for that matter. Wobbly, the boy in question turned to her, he took the kerchief she had been pressing on her wound from her hand, and before she could realize what he was doing he tore it a bit and tied it around her bloody arm.

“Let’s get out of here,” he stated, wincing visibly as he made to move towards the door.

The man started laughing again as if Kaz had said something so funny he couldn’t control himself. Inej was on him before she could think. A knee on the thug’s sternum and her blade pressed to his throat.

“What’s so funny?” she inquired, looking down at him with disdain. She was tired, and she wanted to bring Kaz back to the Volkvolny, to get his leg looked properly after.

“In the end, you really are nothing but two delusional kids,” the man said, and Inej could feel his voice reverberate from under her knee.

“Stop speaking in riddles, or I swear to all the Saints known I’ll cut your throat right this second.”

He raised one hand in a gesture of mocking surrender. “Let’s just say that nobody is leaving this place alive,” he conceded.

“What do you mean?” asked Kaz from somewhere behind her, his tone menacing yet on guard. The tip of Inej’s knife scraped the man’s throat when he didn’t immediately answer back, two droplets of blood slid down the blade.

“This place and the whole town are about to be razed down by bombs and cannons. General Brum’s ships are approaching. They wanted to make sure our precious king consort and his flying machine didn’t leave this place unscathed. There’s no escaping your tragic fate now.” He snarled. His voice couldn’t conceal the hate he had for Nikolai, so he must have been one of those Ravkans from the West, unhappy with who was ruling over them now.

“No,” Inej said softly, and shaking her head in disbelief. “You’re lying!”

The man’s eyes lit with a manic light. “The world shall end in flames and darkness before being ruled by Gri –” He never finished his sentence, as Kaz brought down his cane once again, this time on his head.

The silence that followed could have lasted a minute or an eternity, Inej couldn’t be sure.

“Kaz,” she started again while standing.

“You need to leave. Now. I can’t walk, I think my leg is broken, but you need to leave me here and run from this place.” Kaz said, turning to look at her, the desperation palpable in his voice

“I’m not leaving,” she approached him. “We need to warn Nikolai. Tell them all to leave.”

“Inej – ”

“Either pick up the comm and call them, or give it to me, Kaz. We’re only losing time like this.” Her tone was unmovable.

Without any more protests on his part, he took out the little ingenious device Wylan and Nikolai had come up with. It permitted them to communicate even from quite long distances.

“Crow 1 and 2 to Too Clever Fox, do you copy?”

For the briefest of instants only there was only the sound of static, but then.

“Too Clever Fox here, I copy you. Kaz? What’s going on?” came the king’s voice.

“Nikolai, listen to me: you have to leave. Now. Get the Volkvolny and depart. This monastery, this town is about to be razed down by bombs. They knew we would be here; Brum’s ships are approaching. You – ”

“We’re coming to get you,” Nikolai interrupted him.

“No, there’s no time for that. You have to leave here now, or it will all be for nothing.” He looked at Inej then, his eyes searching hers in the dim light of the room with evident resignation.

“No! Kaz, Inej, no, we’re coming and we’re all surviving this.” Another protest from a different voice, Jesper’s.

“No! You have to listen and be quiet. I know where the thing we’ve looked for is. It’s hidden somewhere under the little place you train your soldiers. I also know how they’ve been able to predict our every move. Bugs. Check the war room for devices of the sort we’re using right now.”

“I will,” was Nikolai’s response.

There was another brief pause of static, Kaz spoke again, before he could be interrupted

“Jesper, Wylan,” he said. “The Crow Club and everything else is yours and Nina’s. You’ll find all the documents in my office back at the Slat. Do with them whatever you think it’s right.”

“Kaz, please we still have time, we can come and get you.” It was Wylan’s voice now that came from the other side.

Inej got closer and circled the hand in which Kaz was gripping the device with her own. “Wylan, you have to leave. Right now, ring the alarm bell of the town and go.” She started and then said:

“Guys… find my parents, tell them – tell them what happened, and that it was all for something better. We love you.”

Another anguished call for their names echoed around the room they were standing.

Inej took a breath a finished what she meant to say. “Nikolai the Wraith… take good care of her, and don’t forget our promise. When you see Nina and Zoya tell them – ”

She couldn’t finish the sentence the threat of tears pricking her eyes. Luckily the privateer answered back.

“I’ll tell them, and I promise everything we did by far will not be in vain. Thank you, my friends. We will never forget what you did for Ravka and for all of us.”

Kaz and Inej could also hear the subtle sounds of distress of their friends, their family. She realized in that moment how much all of them meant to her. Funny how life had a tendency to remind you how deeply you loved someone when you’re about to lose everything.

Kaz brought the device back on his lips and in a clear voice said: “No mourners…” and before they could hear an answer coming from the other side, he had already thrown on the ground the device and smashed it with the tip of his cane.

The movement made so that he lost his balance. He would have crashed on the ground if Inej hadn’t been there to prevent the fall. She brought his arm over and shoulder and steadied him.

Kaz looked at her intently, his face turned in her direction, his eyes scanning her features and she knew what he was about to tell her even before he spoke the words.

“Inej, you can still make it, you’re fast, you have to run and save yourself.”

“I knew you were going to say this, but if you think that I could ever leave you behind you’re sorely mistaken.”

He did not relent, and as stubbornly as ever he removed his arm from around her shoulder, he gripped his cane with all his might so as not to fall again and faced her.

“Inej, please. Run now. Live. You have so much you still have to give to this wretched world.” Kaz Brekker never said please, never. Yet here he was, a broken boy standing in front of the girl he had grown to love.

“I can’t do that,” Inej simply replied while shaking her head in denial.

“It was all my fault, and you can’t pay my foolishness with your life, I won’t allow it. It’s not worth it. I’m not worth it.”

She took the short distance separating them and put her hand atop his on his cane.

“None of this was your fault, you have to get that straight. We’ve done something good, we helped our friends, our countries. And you’ll always be worth it to me.”

At her words she felt his breath hitch, but still his eyes held behind them a strange resolution.

“I can’t be the reason why you die here today, why can’t you understand that?” Kaz’s voice cracked, perhaps with the effort of holding back his desperation. Inej brought her free hand up and gently cupped his face with her palm. Her thumb grazed his cheek in a loving gesture.

“I’m not afraid to die, Kaz. But I’m terrified at the idea of a life without you in it. So, no. I’m not leaving, not now, not ever.”

***

As they stumbled outside the musty room of the monastery, Kaz with an arm draped around Inej’s shoulder for support, the Autumnal sun had started its descent. The soft orange and purple hues of the rays reflected on the sea surface, and the waves created a gentle melody. Inej couldn’t help but think that this was the Saints’ way to lead them onto their next job, their next adventure…

They dragged their feet until they were near the shore and lowered themselves down. For a moment that felt like an eternity, they gazed to the horizon, the sheer but peaceful resignation palpable in the air.

When Kaz clasped her hand and looked at her, she remembered a conversation she had overhead between the boy and Zoya.

They had adjourned their meeting after having gone over their plan again, everyone had stepped out of the room except for Kaz and Zoya, who had prevented him from exiting with a question. Curious as to why he hadn’t joined her outside, she had stayed behind the closed door, waiting in the long corridor. She had known that Kaz, and probably the queen too, were aware that she was there, but she hadn’t cared much.

“Just out of curiosity, why are you doing this Mr. Kerch rat?” she had asked, her voice reverberating even outside.

“I thought it was pretty obvious, Your Highness. It’s for the reward.” He had replied in that wry tone of his that she knew drove Zoya crazy.

“Oh, but I don’t think it’s just that.” Even without having been inside, Inej could picture the other woman taking one of the positions she had learned the queen preferred. Arms crossed and a frowned expression to better look down on him. In the crows’ time at the palace, the two Suli women had formed an easy and quiet friendship. The captain of the Wraith had helped her queen to reacquaint herself with her Suli heritage and Inej had even told Zoya that once the situation was over, she was going to bring her to her family caravans, to spend some time amongst their people. They had become sisters at heart and by blood.

“Enlighten me with your glorious knowledge then.”

Kaz had always liked playing with fire, but he was always walking a fine line with the sovereign of Ravka. Perhaps he wanted to see how much she could take before she decided to strike him out of existence on the spot.

“When you saw that this was getting dangerous, that it wasn’t going to be an easy job, you could have easily dropped everything and return to Ketterdam with you crew. Why didn’t you? Why stay when you knew the risks?”

Inej had heard genuine interest in Zoya’s voice that didn’t bore any resentment.

“I don’t know what you want me to answer.”

“Try with the truth, I know it’s hard for you, but indulge me. I know you’re not doing this just for yourself and your own benefit, as shockingly as it may seem. You’re still here for Inej, for the promise we had sworn to keep.” The queen had said as if she had found out the deepest secret of the man standing before her.

“Let me get this straight,” he had rasped. “I’ll always do what’s best for me, but I’m also a man of my word and I made a promise.”

There had been a few seconds of absolute silence, in which probably Zoya had studied him with those piercing blue eyes of hers.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but under certain aspects we’re not that different you and I. Your prickly behavior can only last so long, Kaz, but eventually you’ll have to let go. I’ve learned that even the thickest thorns have their purposes.” The queen had said with a wisdom that at times made Inej wondered how many lives the queen had already lived.

“Ah, but here’s where your wrong, Your Excellency. In this scenario you’re comparing me to thorn wood, while actually I’m just barren land on which nothing grows.”

His lapidary answer would have been enough to render speechless anyone, but not Zoya the Grisha queen of Ravka. In her spectacular talent at having always the last word she told him: “You’ll realize that you can’t keep up this cold demeanor forever. I just hope it won’t be too late when you do.”

***

Inej squeezed Kaz’s hand tighter and looked him straight in his brown eyes, a shade lighter in the orange sun. From a distance they heard the sound of bells. Their friends had managed to give the alarm, she only hoped they were already on their way back to the palace. The tolls were shortly followed by another sound: propellers guiding the Fjerdan ships to face the town and the monastery. With a small smile grazing her feature she told him said.

“You were wrong. You were wrong that time when you spoke with Zoya.” If at the beginning of her sentence he had seemed confused, now she could see he understood what conversation she meant.

“You’re not just barren land, Kaz. You managed to build something from nothing, you survived all those terrible things in your life and in the process, you managed to grow, to thrive, to do something good for Ravka and your friends. I’m sure your brother would be proud of you. I know I am.” He didn’t reply.

The rumbling of the aircrafts was almost cacophonic, in contrast to the peace they had basked in not a few minutes ago. Despite that, it was as if the two of them had been placed in a protective bubble of their own, in which not even those machines of war could destroy.

Perhaps it was the lightening, but Inej swore those were unshed tears glinting in Kaz’s eyes. In all the years she had known him, she had never even seen him get emotional or choked up about something, but here, now, on this shore with her, Dirtyhands was doing just that.

“I’ve never wanted for it to end like this – his shoulders shook as he held back a sob – for us, to end like this. Inej, believe me when I tell you that if I could go back, I would do so many things differently. If I could go back, I would start to show you how much I admire you, how much I love you so much earlier than I did.”

Inej’s hand found his face again. The tip of her fingers skimmed his lips in such a tender gesture that they parted under her touch.

“There’s no need for that, Kaz, I already know. And it doesn’t matter how early or late you started. You show me you love me every day.” Her limb continued on her exploration: she touched his brow, his eyes, his cheekbones. “I propose a deal: I’ll find you in the next life Kaz Rietveld, and even there I’ll be waiting for you perched on your windowsill feeding the crows.”

Still looking at her straight in the eye, he let go of her hand, removed his gloves discarding them on the sand and rubbed her disheveled braid between two trembling fingers.

“The deal is the deal. I’ll find you there then.”

The rumble of the ship cannons had reached a deafening peak as their beams struck mercilessly on the monastery in an unescapable trap of fire.

Before the very end, the two held themselves up on trembling knees and embraced the other. A small smile of resigned happiness on both of their faces.

“Stay with me,” Kaz whispered, and unlike another and far time her answer was clear.

“Always.” Inej swore.

Saints protect us both, was the last thing she thought.

And then there was nothing but searing light.

***

In Os Alta the feast on Sankt Nikolai was fast approaching, but even if she was the queen Zoya didn’t feel much festive. The white, still landscape of her country at this time of the year was an accurate representation of what she had been feeling ever since they had managed to find the heart of Sankt Feliks, save Ravka from the plague and its enemies with another peace treaty and bring the Darkling – or Aleksander as he insisted to be called – back to the little palace where they could control him. She knew they were taking a risk, but it was safer to have him closer than not knowing where he was. It had been a hard decision, but she wasn’t going to murder him in cold blood, she was not going to turn into a monster, as he had in his lust for power. In his loneliness.

When everything had come back to a pseudo- normality, when she had had time to think and just be, it was then that everything she had been holding back for the sake of her country hit her with tenfold the force.

Zoya had understood that keeping emotions bottled inside you, was going to eat you alive in the longer run. It was something she was learning every day, and that she was willing to change, if only a bit. She had started letting go in the small gestures of affection she shared with Genya, in the loving words she had with Nikolai, in the playful banters she occasionally allowed herself to have with the rest of her friends. Her family.

And so, as the Grisha queen strode towards her garden, the winter sun barely a strip on the horizon of a new morning, she couldn’t help the tears that fell down in two cold streaks down her face. Zoya brought an arm up to dry them, the sensation of the thick wool of her winter kefta both prickly and a reassurance.

She opened the door of the little corner of her world. Nobody entered this sanctuary except for Nikolai, since she hadn’t allowed anybody else to see her soul from that close. The structure her king had built for her always managed to leave her speechless. The glass and iron were combined in perfect harmony, and when Zoya worked in it by day, the sun would cast and create a series of little mesmerizing rainbows. However, what would always speak to her were the walls, painted by Alina. The roaring dragon flying, the little fox, the ship resembling the Volkvolny mastering the sea, the colors and symbols of the Grisha orders were her most trusted companions during the solitary hours of her gardening.

It was there where Nikolai found her, tending to her plants and flowers. She heard him enter her safe haven, and she supposed he had come out to her when he had awoken and hadn’t seen her resting beside him. He approached her and kneeled beside where she was on the ground, a rather small pot between her hands. Nikolai knew that when she was working here like this, he would have had to let go of his privateer side, and just be the man she had fallen in love with and married. In short, he needed to be her anchor.

“Those are nice flowers,” he said, pointing to the little thing with red petals. A genuine interest coloring his voice.

“They’re wild geraniums.” Was Zoya’s noncommittal answer. Her eyes hadn’t looked up at him.

“And what is that other sprout beside the flowers?” Nikolai prompted her again, indicating the smaller, yet visible plant growing alongside the geraniums. It looked like it was enveloping the geraniums in an embrace, its green leaves a stark, yet so right, contrast with the red of the petals.

This time she raised her gaze, and her blue orbs found a pair of comforting hazel ones staring back at him.

“It’s ivy.” Again, she didn’t let herself go into any sort of explanation.

“I remember you with a vase like this when you left for the Suli caravans.”

So, he had noticed, of course he had. Zoya was always taken aback by the fact that when it came to her, Nikolai was even a closer observant than he already was.

As soon as everything had settled after the whole ordeal, she had decided that she was going to be the one to bring the news to the Ghafas. Her and only her with no escort and no Nikolai in tow. She had told him that she had to do this particular thing alone, and he had just hugged her and encouraged her to go. It had been a spiritual journey of sorts; one she had promised her other Suli sister they would take together…

“Yes,” she said in a whisper. “They were Inej’s favorite flowers. I brought a pot to her parents when I visited the camps. It was the least I could.” With her hand she showed him other three little vases with the same brightly colored flowers and green little sprout of ivy on the side. “Those are for Nina, Jesper and Wylan. It’s their present for Sankt Nikolai.”

“Zoya,” he started. She knew they’ve been over this before, and yet she couldn’t seem to let her sense of guilt leave her.

“They knew what they were doing, it was their choice.”

“Yes, but it doesn’t make it any easier, Nikolai. When I met her parents – she shook her head – they treated me like their own. Like I was family. I’ve never felt so accepted, so… seen in my life, except for when I’m with you. And yet I’m part of the reason why their daughter has been taken away from them. They both have been taken away from them.” A small moment of silence, and once again she couldn’t stop the little tear escaping the corner of her eye.

“I just don’t understand how there can be such kindness after so much loss.” Zoya wondered out loud.

“It’s the nature of human beings, and also our strength.” Nikolai said. “Even after losing everything, we find it in ourselves to get back on our feet and fight for something new, something worth all the suffering.” He dragged himself closer to Zoya with his arms and then raised a hand to cup her cheek, gently steering her face in his direction. His thumb brushing away the stray tear marking her face.

“As long as there is life, there is happiness, Zoya. There is hope for a brighter future. And that’s exactly what Kaz and Inej had brought us: hope to build something better from the ashes.” He paused and behind his eyes she could see the same emotions that had been haunting her, testimony of the fact that he too had been grieving his friends.

“Don’t let your sorrow squander the hope they enabled with their sacrifice, because you wouldn’t be honoring their memories in that ways.”

“Oh, Nikolai,” she exhaled before throwing her arms around him with such a force he momentarily lost his balance. “Thank you!”

“Any time, my queen. I’ll always be here.” He promised.

“And besides, you know how much I love when I’m being all smart and wise. I couldn’t let this occasion to show it to you slip by.” He finished with a much brighter tone. Zoya softly chuckled, something she hadn’t thought being capable of mere months ago and told him with fake exasperation.

“Of course, you couldn’t. It’s your modesty I fell for after all.”

They remained in each other’s arms for an indefinite amount of time. The only indication of the time passing was the sun which har finally risen, and now was beating on the glass panels of the garden. Zoya continued tending to her plants, all a part of her in some capacity, as Nikolai watched her in a comforting silence, seated on the ground and with his back against a small tree.

“Why the ivy?” he asked her all of a sudden. His eyes returning once again on the pots near him.

“It can grow even in poor soils and although it requires more time for it to bloom than other plants, when it does its resilience it’s unmatched.” Zoya saw Nikolai nodding in understanding.

“I also found the meaning behind it fitting,” She added.

“What’s the meaning?”

“It symbolizes the constancy of love.”

There was a brief silence in which she saw him taking in the information.

“It is as fitting as it is beautiful,” he said, while he rose to his feet and brought her closer once again, placing a soft kiss on her dark mane.

As they left to go back to the palace, hand in hand, Zoya thought to herself that in life there were people whose souls were connected and strung in ways that couldn’t be explained by logic. She looked at Nikolai walking alongside her and smiled softly to herself, sure she had found the missing piece of her complicated puzzle in the golden boy beside her.

Her gait hadn’t felt this light in months.

In a glass garden, in a country ruled by a powerful Grisha queen with the heart of a dragon, a plant of geraniums and ivy grew stronger by the day, forever entwined in their embrace of constant love for the other.

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cienie-isengardu · 4 years

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The development of Law’s relationship with Zoro - Part 4: Dressrosa, The Breaking Point (Aftermath)

<<Part I: Before Meeting>> <<Part II: Sabaody Archipelago, The First Meeting>> <<Part III: Punk Hazard, The Alliance (A)>> <<Part III: Punk Hazard, The Alliance (B)>> <<Part IV: Dressrosa, The Breaking Point (The Plan Failed)__ (Saving Law)__(Protecting Law)__ (Birdcage, Pica and Doflamingo)__ (Aftermath)>>

Even though admiral Issho alongside with his men officially apologized to King Riku and the citizens, the king made sure the “outlaws” were hidden from marines. Straw Hats, Law, Bellamy and Kyros ended sheltered in Kyros’s home where he once lived with Scarlet and little Rebecca. First time in a long time, the allied pirates were together again. In the night, Sabo visited the house, but beside Zoro, Franky and Robin, everyone was sleeping. The four had a talk about Sabo’s past and the best time to leave Dressrosa before marines will attack them.

Law’s sleep position was much more relaxed and open than the one from the beginning of Dressrosa arc (chapter 794). Maybe it was just the result of total exhaustion and injuries or maybe Law, after so long of stressing and worrying, finally could relax knowing that A) Doflamingo was in marine custody thus no longer a threat and B) he was safe around Straw Hats.

The available room was small but Law could choose any spot to sleep. Instead, he was shown lying close to drinking Zoro (by frame layout alone, again in between Roronoa and sleeping on bed Luffy, this time without any danger around). Zoro most likely planned to stay awake through the whole night for security measures (he has this habit of sleeping just 3 hours per night after all) and taught by experience, Law didn’t have any reason to doubt that if attacked, the swordsman would protect him, the same as he did during battle.

Law didn’t even bother to pretend he was cautious or wary, he simply slept, trusting allies to take care of their safety.

With Zoro, Franky and Robin being the only one awake, there is a high probability they talked about the latest events. How their fights went, what they learned, what to focus on, what to watch out for in the future with angered Kaido as the next goal on alliance’s list. It’s hard to tell for sure if Robin told others about Law’s choice to stay behind and whether in victory or death, share Luffy’s fate. On one hand, it was a choice made under strong emotions, trauma and even the feel of responsibility for Straw Hat’s wellbeing. A choice made because of very personal matters. On second hand, exactly because it happened under such pressure it was the most sincere side of Law Robin had a chance to see for herself. She and Zoro are the least trusting members of the crew and that night was the best moment to discuss in detail what happened and in the process dispel any remaining doubts about Law as their ally. Both saw his determination and fighting spirit, knew he saved their crew members and kept Luffy out of harm's way despite his own injuries and finally, both had some understanding of Law’s hidden goal in Doffy’s destruction. They may not know the whole truth, just the nature of it, but that was enough because Trafalgar did not betray them. And well, he had the suicide feel about himself what could raise some concerns about him too.

I personally think such talk could happen that night, when memories of battle were still fresh in their mind and everyone out cold beside the three of them. The exchange of information could be another reason for the change in Zoro’s behaviour.

For the three days, the Straw Hat-Heart alliance was left in peace by marines. Once again Law was exposed to Luffy’s antics but this time Zoro acted in a more open way, even showing his more usual irritation at other people’s odd behaviour, including his own captain:

Interestingly, there is a visible shift in the arrangement of characters positions - during battle it was usually Zoro-Luffy-Law and the dynamic changed mainly in face of danger. Now with upcoming frames somehow Law was put more often in the middle between the other Supernovas. Even though Trafalgar still kept some tangible distance from others, judging by their (not so strictly stoic anymore) behaviour, it seems like he and Zoro were now more comfortable around each other.

Then the navy finally made its move against pirates. Unlike Usopp, Zoro and Law didn’t show any distress. Bartolomeo and other fighters prepared themselves for such an occasion by securing for Luffy’s group a safe escape route. Instead of running away with his friends, Luffy decided to visit Rebecca - now a princess - and confront her about her family matters.

Zoro reminded Luffy they don’t have time, so he better get it done quick while the rest will wait in eastern port...

and then again, run in the wrong direction.

At this point, Law may have a good suspicion about Zoro’s no sense of orientation (chapter 797). And who knows, maybe he ran alongside Zoro (on picture below, behind Kinemon and Robin), to make sure the infamous Pirate Hunter did not wander unexpectedly somewhere else… that, or both planned to linger behind and secure the group retreat.

The fellow fighters came to their aid, keeping marines far away from Straw Hats. At the same time, Law disappeared without a word, to find and confront recently arrived on the island Sengoku (unless he did mention his intention to Zoro, while they ran side by side??). Frankly, the manga did not provide the reaction of Zoro nor any other member of Straw Hat crew to Law’s disappearance, so it’s impossible to say if they were worried about him or simply trusted in his strength to return on his own on time.

Meeting with Sengoku was one of the most important breaking points for Law. As it turned out, the former fleet admiral treated Donquixote Rosinante - Law’s savior - as a son. And for thirteen years did not understand why his beloved son didn’t follow the order to stay away from Minion Island.

“One day… a soldier I knew died. He was someone I cared about, someone who meant something to me. I took him in as a boy… and treated him like a son… He was as honest and upright a person as I ever knew… and a valuable, trustworthy subordinate. But there was one time, just once in his life, that he lied to me. I had been betrayed… but there must have been a reason for it. Four things disappeared in the chaos of that fateful day. The Barrels Pirates, the life of my subordinate, the Ope-Ope fruit… and a boy with White Lead disease who was with the Donquixote Family at the time.”

Law admitted he was the boy and confirmed that Rosinante left his post and died because of him. Admitted also he didn’t know if the way he lived was what Cora wanted.

First time in 13 years, Law was assured that there wasn’t any hidden goal in Cora’s decision to save him. The man saw a dying, hurt child with the spark of his brother’s madness and decided Law was worth loving and dying for. It was unconditional love, without any “if” or “but”. The “D.” name and the usefulness of Ope Ope no Mi did not matter. Even stopping Doflamingo meant then little. The only thing Rosinante wanted was to save Law and make him finally free. Sengoku literally told Law to not “attach a reason to the love you’ve received”.

Apparently, english “I love you” does not carry the whole meaning of the original phrase “Aishiteruze (愛してるぜ)”. Rosinante’s declaration was along the “I can’t live without you” level of loving someone (x). Now, after so many years of hiding from Donquixote Pirates, planning and scheming and living just to kill Cora’s murderer, Law finally understood the depths of Rosinante’s love. The breaking point is that: Law at last knows (accepts) he was unconditionally loved and now, is free from Doflamingo for good. He can allow himself to finally live without doubts and regrets the way he wants, without a sense of failing some unknown to him expectations. And I think, to some degree, it is the reason why Law’s secretive / introverted behavior changed into a more open, relaxed act around Zoro and Straw Hats. Because he finally could relax, be comfortable with himself.

Due to danger from admiral Issho, Law couldn’t spend more time with Sengoku and had to run to the rendezvous point. Surprising, no Straw Hats waited for him (in the sense, weren’t shown in the frame). Even more surprising is the lack of Zoro between former colosseum fighters in the frontline of the fight. Anyway, Luffy showed up soon after Law but instead of dodging the blind admiral, attacked him. Because to be Pirate King he must face everyone: Warlords, Admirals and Emperors and beat them down.

Zoro in general agreed with Luffy’s reasoning (chapter 799) but did not exactly understand the way Luffy fought against Issho, telling his blind opponent what kind of attack he was going to use. The admiral himself was very surprised by that too, but ultimately accepted and even respected Luffy’s weirdness. In the end, Issho managed to send Luffy flying - what happened to be a favorable circumstance for allied fighters. They catched Luffy and despite Straw Hat’s protest, dragged him to safety. Zoro was happy about that too, but for a different reason - he wanted to take Luffy’s place to fight with a powerful enemy. Bartolomeo thankfully managed to stop the battle-lusting warrior.

Law’s reaction to that event wasn’t shown but once again he had a chance to see Zoro’s insanity when it came to fighting a strong enemy. Zoro and Luffy in that regard were very similar to each other.

Straw Hats-Heart alliance finally got on ship, the Yanta Maria and with the help of people of Dressrosa (who under the pretext of chasing the pirates away, were actually protecting them from the admiral's deadly attack), the alliance sailed away safely.

Zoro and Law's reaction to Yanta Maria was visibly distinctive from pleasant shock of others (open jaws). Zoro smiled, Law, judging by the frown, looked unimpressive. Both their reactions were more quiet and toned down.

On the ship, Bartolomeo and fellow fighters asked Luffy to drink with them “cups of Father and Sons”, to officially accept them as his underlings.

Luffy of course refused, because he A) didn’t like alcohol and B) didn’t want to be captain of such a big fleet. Zoro warned his allies they wasted time trying to change Straw Hat’s mind (and to just give the sake to him). Yet the fighters were ready to force Luffy into accepting the drink. Further Luffy’s explanation only confused everyone (beside Straw Hats) even more. Including Law.

And then Law’s attention immediately turned to Zoro, who, taking advantage of the opportunity, started drinking sake from Luffy’s cup to Usopp’s displeasure.

Finally, Luffy managed to explain his reasoning:

“If I ever think we’re in trouble… I’ll shout for your help. Then you can come save us! I don’t have to be a boss or a great pirate, right?! If you’re in trouble, call for us!! We’ll come and help you!!! I won’t forget about how we fought Mingo together!!

And the Seven Leaders admired and accepted Straw Hat’s decision. But since Luffy was all about freedom, they simply followed his example. Whether Luffy liked it or not, they decided on their own to make him their boss.

Law thus witnessed the founding of the Great Fleet of Straw Hats. And yet, somehow it looked like he was more interested in Zoro’s drinking sake behind Luffy’s back.

When party started, everyone celebrated their great victory (chapter 800):

Luffy, like always, was in the centre of everything. Law, though smiling, kept his distance from Zoro and other partying people. But soon after that Law’s personal space was invaded by Zoro.

The anime expanded this little moment, first showing Zoro approaching Law sitting alone, asking to join the rest. And then, ignoring any protests, just threw his arm around the other man’s neck. Law’s face spoke how much he minded such treatment and had no dignity about that:

During parties, Zoro always spent his time sharing alcohol with people who fought side by side with him (Paulie, Water 7/Enies Lobby) or actually were his opponents (Braham, Skypiea). Zoro didn’t have a habit of forcing people to drink with him or asking (introverted) person who clearly wanted to be alone to join the bigger group. He himself rarely joined larger groups and usually just sat somewhere far from the noise with a few people around. So, Zoro most likely understood Law's isolation since he used to do so himself. Here though he was the one invading Law’s personal space and not giving a damn if the man was happy about it or not. On second thought, if Law didn’t want to join the others, it made sense for Zoro to join him. In a sense, it could be Zoro’s way to break the ice between them. What is even more interesting, considering the palpate distance he kept from Law at the beginning of the story. The second important detail - Law could easily get out of that situation by using Ope Ope no Mi powers. A simple switch of the places and he would be free for good. Yet Law remained, despite how awkward and/or outside of his comfort zone it was.

We may only wonder what made Zoro act in such an uncommon way. Was that respect for Law forged in the heat of battle? Did it bother him that Law after everything was done, still isolated himself? Did it look like Law felt discomfort to be around people he barely knew or interacted with and who all pledged loyalty only to Straw Hats, thus Zoro decided to keep him company?

Zoro initiating physical contact in itself is an uncommon occurrence. Because as much as Straw Hats pirates can - and will - invade Zoro’s personal space, Roronoa is not exactly the type of person open to such contact. Once again, the shift between the beginning (visible distancing) and ending (invading Law’s personal space) of the Dressrosa arc is tangible. Somehow between one and the other, breaking point in Law and Zoro’s relationship happened and changed for good their dynamic. What was seen day(?) after the party (chapter 801):

Law and Zoro sat close to each other, the previous distance gone. Zoro was reading newspapers, indifferent to his surroundings - instead of facing and observing the Heart captain, like he used to do at the beginning. Both men looked like they were comfortable around each other, even despite - or maybe, because of - the shared (forced?) drink. The change in Zoro’s behaviour is diametrical.

Like was said at the beginning, Dressrosa Arc is one big breaking point. It changed the status quo of pirate alliance and Luffy’s position, from rookie pirate to leader of a powerful fleet. It will lead to the complete dissolution of the Shichibukai system and for good push the main hero into collision with Emperors. For Law alone, Dressrosa was like opening old, still not healed wounds but also so needed a moment of catharsis. He was ready to die there, but was saved time after time by allies. In a sense, it was the final test of how strong the alliance was before facing angry Kaido.

Law changed a lot through the course of action. Or maybe not really changed, but like allowed himself to show hidden emotions and trauma. The cold-blooded, scheming pirate who planned to use Straw Hats crew (and spare his own) turned out to be a man willing to sacrifice himself to finish what his savior started but couldn’t do himself. Who came to believe in Straw Hats, as the ones who made miracles happen. Not only Luffy, but the crew as a whole.

The same as Zoro finally saw Law in hopeless, awkward, sometimes outright humiliating situations (anime extension), Law’s impression of Roronoa cracked too. No sense of direction, insanity to laugh at the dangerous enemy and enjoying the thrill of fight, the fondness of alcohol -- all of this created anew image. This time more flawed but at the same time, more real, human. Despite the flaws and awkwardness of previous situations, both proved to be strong-willed, cool-headed warriors one may rely on in difficult times. Zoro stretched out his hand to him, broke the ice, abandoned the distrust that distanced them for a long time. It seems like Law was finally fully accepted by Roronoa and all unsaid things between them settled down for good.

At the same time, the arc showed their similarities. Both were the quiet ones, the type of people who kept distance from others. The ones with pragmatic thinking in contrast to Luffy’s chaotic madness. Zoro for sure was a helpful presence during running from enemies and meeting a weird fighter after another, especially since he did try to keep his captain in check. That it didn’t work for a long time is a different matter.

Anyway, looking at the beginning and end of Dressrosa arc, there is a visible change in how Zoro and Law acted around each other. How the neutrality changed into something more comfortable.

Here comes things worth examining a bit more.

↪ The Seven Leaders pledged loyalty only to Straw Hat Pirates. As long as alliance between Luffy and Law will work, this is not a big issue and to take down all Emperors, every additional help was good. But if ever those two pirate crews will fall apart, Luffy literally just gained a powerful fleet, thus has advantage over rival captain.

↪ Straw Hats & Heart captain worked together to take down Doflamingo. Luffy of course was the one that finished the enemy, but overall, Luffy’s victory was a result of teamwork between pirates, colosseum fighters, marines and common people. As much as Trafalgar Law was well known as the Shichibukai, Luffy and Zoro were in fact the ones that made the biggest impression on people (colosseum fight, defeating Doffy & destroying Pica) and actually interacted during battle with other fighters. Frankly, both showed their charismatic nature that made people believe in and follow them. Luffy became the hope of the whole country. Zoro was the spark that united people to stop the birdcage and brought Luffy the needed time to recover. Law is powerful and has a reputation and knows how to deal with different people to get what he wants, but he is not really good at interhuman relationships in general. Luffy gains friends on the left and right. Zoro, despite being asocial, rude and introverted person, has the impressive air about himself that often makes him look like the coolest person who is not afraid to challenge everything and everyone; for whom impossible does not exist (destruction of Pica, stopping birdcage). Law… kinda lacks in that department.

↪ Because of the made impression on other fighters, there is a big chance Law may have heard some retelling of the events during the party. Luffy and Zoro aren’t men who brag about their exploits, but Bartolomeo and his companions had a lot to share about battle. With so much alcohol and so many strong individuals that were very impressed by Straw Hats deeds, it seems logical that tales of battle would sooner than later be told. Especially by devoted fans like Bartolomeo. Zoro’s daring plan to defeat Pica and stop Birdcage could be recalled by those fighters who saw it themselves, filling Law with missing fragments of the battle.

↪ Frankly, shonen mangas have this one upside down that the final boss must be defeated by the main hero. Which means that characters who actually could do something useful (damaging) to the enemy are pushed to the sideline. Like Robin, who can snap a person's neck from far away thanks to Hana Hana no Mi. Or Zoro, who could join the other Supernovas in their fight against Doffy (either before Law’s threatening injury or after, instead of stopping the birdcage). Or dwarf princess could heal Luffy for a few minutes to finish Mingo once and for good. It’s not exactly a complaint, because it's the standard formula of One Piece story, but because of such, Law and Zoro were pushed into the background, for Luffy to shine. For most of the arc, Luffy was the main figure in the dynamic of Supernova Trio. They did not interact much in words, but the layout of frames - the character position and background activities - created the feeling of the slowly forming bond between Zoro and Law. Now, after Doffy’s defeat, there is a shift next to whom Trafalgar sticks (Zoro) and Luffy is unnecessary for them to interact on their own.

↪ Law didn’t care how high was the newest reward for his head. In contrast, Zoro was pleased to learn his own increased a lot. Even asked for alcohol to celebrate. What could turn into another moment of Zoro dragging Law into drinking.

↪ The last detail (though I’m afraid it may vary from one translation to another) is the way Law addressed his allies. Luffy usually was the Straw Hat-ya. The girls were titled as Nami-ya and Nico-ya. Usopp as Nose-ya, Sanji as Black Leg-ya, Chopper as Tony-ya. Unless I missed it, I don’t think Law addressed Zoro directly to use either his name or made up nickname. They really didn’t talk much throughout the course of the story. There is a chance it happened after freeing Dressrosa - either during the three days when everyone waited for Luffy to wake up or during the party, once alcohol was shared. Zoro, depending on translation, called him either Law or Traffy (or similar form of the nickname).

With the chapter 802, the Dressrosa arc can be considered closed. Now, the Straw Hats-Heart pirate alliance sail to meet their missing crewmembers and to prepare for the fight with angry Kaido. How truly comfortable Law and Zoro became around each other will show the next place: Zou.

#one piece #roronoa zoro #trafalgar law #The development of Law’s relationship with Zoro #zoro & law #monkey d. luffy #straw hat grand fleet #my analyze #finally the dressrosa is done #dressrosa arc #man this arc was painful to write down #so many things happenings #on one hand so little zoro & law moments #on another the effects and differences between zoro & law and luffy gave a lot to think about

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cinaed · 4 years

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Red vs Blue Season 3 Rewatch

Slowly making my way through my DVD collection of Red vs Blue!

"You can't die! I'm bored!" Donut is so ruthless in the earlier seasons and I love it.

We really needed more Tex and Sheila girltime, talking about gender inequality and workplace harassment.

Simmons actually calling himself Simmons 2.0 manages to be both hilarious and sad.

Yes, Sarge and Caboose team up! Season 3 has some of my favorite odd couples, and Sarge and Caboose is one of my favorites. Sarge being furious that Doc has a higher body count than he does, Caboose's dedication to nap time.

I love Caboose's moral boost! He's great at compliments even if Sarge doesn't appreciate them.

I know these zealots were like a mostly one-off joke, but also like...they could be a creepy potential experiment in making soldiers that can't die, which I wouldn't put past anyone in the Halo universe.

I love the blame game of who came up with the plan that ended up with everyone scattered across the galaxy. Sarge: "My only choice is to blame Grif, for coming up with such a flawed plan. Stupid, stupid Grif." Grif: "I should have never listened to Donut's stupid fucking plan."

Church and Grif in jail is one of my all-time favorite things.

Simmons is such a tech savvy guy, reworking the teleporters to make them communication devices as well! He just wants some love and support.

Caboose getting angry. I mean, who wouldn't get angry at kittens with spikes that you couldn't cuddle?

"Simmons, you get an F in efficiency. But I have to give you an A+ in dramatic timing."

I do love O'Malley and Doc's dynamic. The Do Not Call list!

I love Tex's half-truths about the Freelancers.

Also love Sarge calling Caboose a little rascal and Simmons just seething with jealousy. And he's also jealous about Donut!

Church: There's no "I" in team, Grif. Grif: Yeah, there's no "U" either. So I guess if I'm not on the team, and you're not on the team, nobody's on the God damn team. The team sucks!

I may or may not quote that to myself on a weekly basis.

Again, just Church and Grif together in that prison cell is sheer perfection. As is Church going "Wait, the people outside sound like they're winning, that can't be our teams."

Tucker likes Sheila so much! And she packed them food! Well, the AI equivalent of food, but it's the thought that counts! Just the sheer affection in Tucker's voice as he promises her they'll be back gave me emotions.

And another good moment of Simmons being the one to suggest they track down Grif, because no one else was going to.

In retrospect, Grif has clearly watched some prison pornos. Like... Buddy.

Wyoming calling Tex Allison has so many interesting implications.

Simmons re-engineers stuff, Sarge makes a weather control device. Where's the AU where Sarge is a mad scientist.

Simmons asking Grif if he's okay after prison. Just loving the slow build of friendship between them.

Also big parallels of Church's "Misery loves company" and his willingness to let the bomb blow them all up together to later seasons stuff.

I still love that everyone's go-to explanation for stuff is "time travel."

Donut is too thin-skinned about criticism for his play. He'd never survive on Broadway, lol. But I love everything about the time travel show.

How is Tucker the smartest person in this group? But also Tucker being so worried about Church. I am having a lot of Tucker feelings this season.

I love Grif's devotion to cheesy disaster movies.

Caboose: Look what I found. Donut: I found it! Caboose: Look at what I took credit for finding.

Poor Donut! A grenade to the head and now his hand got chopped up.

Grif: Hey, what're you doing? Simmons: What does it look like I'm doing, I'm getting in the jeep. Grif: What're we, on a date? Get in the back. Simmons: Oh you're so insecure.

I would've watched an entire season of Doc and O'Malley and Lopez's Lair Improvements. And when Doc mentions a real estate agent all I can think of is an AU where Doc meets Kai because she's running her business on the side while in the military. But also Doc's motivational powers in the living room, O'Malley's belief that the cat won't hang on until Friday, it's great.

The iconic jeep conversation is still good now as it was back then. Re-enacting Dukes of Hazzard! "I can tell you what we weren't doing."

Grif's mind immediately going to gay stuff as a favor from Tex. Between this and his prison conversation with Church, someone is protesting way too much.

Sarge's plans are so amazingly terrible. I love them.

Grif getting choked up over hating Blue Team and Tucker and missing the days where they all just stood around and talked a lot.

Tex sounding genuinely concerned when Tucker falls into the hall. Luckily he gets a cool sword out of it!

Tex's conversation with Simmons about shooting Lopez's head is a great example of an eloquent helmet look. Tex doesn't even say a word and you can feel the disbelief and rage when Simmons implies she may have missed.

Church: Caboose, I know you're there. I'm leaving this message from two thousand years in the past. Whatever you do, don't, touch, anything. Apparently you're this culture's version of the apocalypse. You're going to destroy this building, and somehow bring about doom for their entire race. Caboose: Mmmmmmnooo... that doesn't sound like me. I like people. And buildings also.

Time for some actual time travel or at least a simulation. But I do love Butch Flowers, haha. Whose greatest enemy is apathy! Love watching Church just make his own life worse. Also love the bit about Sheila having been made in Mexico.

"Man... First I kill myself, then I realise I'm a honkin' dork. Not a very good day to be me."

Church: I learned a very valuable lesson in my travels, Tucker. No matter how bad things might seem- Caboose: They could be worse. Church: Nope, no matter how bad they seem, they can't be any better, and they can't be any worse, because that's the way things fucking are, and you better get used to it Nancy. Quit yer bitching.

Grif and Simmons and Sarge talking about the Blues, and Simmons saying he's not looking for friends and doesn't like his current crop AKA he just accidentally admitted Grif is his friend. Grif just didn't realize it.

Between the warthog and monkeying about discussions, Church and Grif really are on the same wavelength.

I love the scheming versus plotting conversation.

Ugh, the arrival of Andy. I hate him so much.

Haha, Simmons lying about his math skills is great.

Uuuugh, Andy. :/ Freckles is SUCH a step up as Caboose's AI murder buddy.

"Do we really have to seize destiny? Can't we just invite it to join our online circle of friends?"

I love Lopez's little rebellion-- he might be under O'Malley's control, but he's also going to sabotage O'Malley as much as possible. And tricking O'Malley into insulting himself in Spanish.

I really forgot that Tex straight up tried to steal Tucker's sword.

Military law is very clear in regard to the "not it" methodology for making decisions. Sorry, Donut.

I forgot that Donut can speak Spanish. In fairness, so did the show.

Hello, Crunchbite!

Next up, the PSAs!

Some of these have aged poorly... Like, uh, jokes about 2004 politics do not land well in 2020. And uh jokes about colds and flus. ...Okay, the Christmas PSA where Church destroys the Reds' Christmas tree, tells Caboose the truth about Santa Claus, gives everyone knock-off coal, convinces Church that Santa is now wearing blue and working only for the Blues, and scams Tucker out of a $350 gift is pretty funny though.

I enjoyed Burnie playing himself in the outtakes by putting words he can't pronounce in his own script. And Grif singing Happy Birthday to Church in prison. Also poor Geoff being told to adlib and immediately having Grif start to tell Church "You're looking buff, man, have you been working--" and being immediately booed by everyone, and someone says they'll use it for an outtake and Geoff is like "It's funny! And I didn't even get to finish!" And everyone trying to figure out Tucker's sword and him accidentally killing everyone in various outtakes. And in the deleted scenes Tex keeps making fun of O'Malley's plans to rule the universe, haha. Also the deleted scene that's just another Simmons' self-insert fanfiction, just as a video instead of a fake game in the Fan Guide.

It also gave us character profiles! I'm sure a lot of this has since been contradicted in canon, but interesting that we got specific hometowns for a few people: Donut in Leggatt Plains, Iowa, which doesn't seem to be a real place; Moscow, Iowa for Sarge, which actually does; Tucker's from Detroit, and Delta Commune for Doc. Oh, is this where we get Caboose grew up on the moon, with his hometown being labeled as Low G Colony, Moon? And hey, I always had him be a middle child, I like that this one did too. Tex likes money and scars and dislikes Donut. Okay I know that's definitely not real, but the idea of Allison growing up in an orphanage hurts me a little. Okay, and I know for sure that Simmons would die of happiness at the fact that Sarge's likes are battles, fringe science, and Simmons. Lopez likes oil and unions, and hates capitalism. My kind of guy. Last but not least, I actually really like Simmons as the son of a bunch of right-hand stooges (who probably wanted power for themselves).

#Red vs Blue #rvb rewatch #long post

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masterofmagnetism · 4 years

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Impotent || Self Para

“It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.” ― Aung San Suu Kyi, Freedom from Fear WHO: Erik Lehnsherr, mentions of @firstxman, @mistressxfmagnetism, @disarraycd, @burdenedxtelepath, @maidenxfmight, @mysteriousmutant WHERE: His rooms at the Brotherhood HQ. WHEN: After his confrontation with Alex and Scott. WHAT: Unable to access his powers for the first time he can remember, Erik finds himself alone with the hallucinations and memories dragged up by the Enchantress’ spell. Except, maybe not alone--the Phoenix, unrestrained by the collar or Erik’s natural resistance to telepathic interference, takes advantage. WORDS: 2.3k

TWs: Holocaust mention, child abuse, torture, experimentation, child death, paranoia, anxiety, guilt. Uhhh. Lots of TWs. Par for the course.

He asked for this.

He asked for this, and yet he still can’t catch his breath because there is a collar around his neck and the world seems to have lost a dimension without the gentle humming of the metal he can see around the room brushing against his senses. He’s always filled his rooms with metal--from furniture to trinkets. He liked to have access to it, needed to have access to it. But it sat there dead to his senses, now, and Erik would have preferred the loss of an arm, the loss of nigh on anything else.

Except.

If he had them, he could hurt his family. Would hurt his family (again), because he couldn’t tell what was real and what was fake and what was once real but couldn’t be now and they were all too close. Stupid, stupid. There had been a time that he’d worked largely alone, a very long time, and that had been safe. Safer than settling down in a cabin in Ukraine as if he’d ever be allowed to have a family, safer than making friends with another Mossad agent and seeing the hole in their head and knowing he hadn’t gotten there fast enough, safer than staying at a school full of children who looked at him like he was anything like a hero until he put a bullet in their headmaster’s spine. All that had happened when his perception could be trusted, and even that wasn’t the case, now. He couldn’t trust his own eyes, his own ears, his own mind (that wasn’t even his own, anymore, some part of him reminded him distantly).

Freezing Alex’s blood had been easy, too easy. Had Scott come a few moments later, he could have killed him: the man’s brother, Lorna’s boyfriend, one of the many children he considered to be like his own. Another child to pay the price for his powers, like Anya had.

No, no. That wasn’t your fault. You tried to save them, to save her. They did it. You know how humans are: violent, dangerous. Traitorous--your own coworkers, your own wife, neighbors whose houses you would visit, whose kids you would babysit; they all would have seen you dead.

( It sounds like his mental voice, sounds like Erik himself, and he doesn’t know when the Phoenix learned that. He can’t even say with any certainty that it isn’t him, the words fitting so neatly into his stream of thoughts that it may well be. Two layers of thought--Charles had said that was possible, and while he’d never known himself to be aware of it happening in his own mind, usually so carefully linear, it was possible.

So, he noted absently in a thought that disappeared in the next moment, was the chance that he was losing his mind. )

“Please, Max. Don’t act like this is news to you,” says the man that haunts his nightmares, where he sits in Erik’s chair like it’s his own, regarding the metallokinetic in his spot in the corner. He’d hoped the two walls against his back would help. They aren’t, much--any consolation they would provide is negated by the fact that he’s not certain they’re real at all. The room keeps shifting around him--lab, gravesite, cabin, field, Raft, park. He remembers a scene from nigh on a century ago when his mother had wrapped him up with a coat to take him to the fair in town and crouched down to cup his cheeks and warned him if you get lost, stay where you are and someone will come find you, and so he refuses to move. He thinks Scott knows where he is--that memory is clear enough, but then again, so is the man sitting in front of him who should be dead dead dead but yet continues to speak. “I told you long before Vinnitsa that humans were the enemy. They’re vermin, compared to us, and you know it. Scheming. Deceitful--and so are their sympathizers.”

Charles, the most vocal of all of them in favor of the humans, who decided to recruit children to the cause for the sake of optics, who worked with the CIA, who got into his head, into Lorna’s head--

“I did warn you, Max. But you always did need a heavy hand to pick things up, I suppose.” Shaw, the one from Cuba, wavers, slips into the man Erik had first known him as in the camps, and Erik clenches his hands around his knees as the room shudders back into the lab he’d hated so much. “Let me give you a hand,” he says, and Erik’s stomach rolls as the prod he’d hated so much comes into sight and the collar around his neck seems to soften into the strap they used to hold him down and then he feels--

Fire.

Licking at his legs, at his arms, singing his clothes but still too far away to catch, as he tears his way through the collapsing house. He’d seen her fall, from her place in the window, as the floor collapsed underneath, but she was still here, maybe she was more alive than the men laid across their front yard like a battlefield. “Anya!” No response, but there was a shoe, and he feels what’s left of his heart plummet straight through the floor like she had because there’s a heap of wood still smoldering but ready to catch ablaze at any moment just a few meters away. She’s there, but he knows she’s gone before he manages to dig her out.

The house collapses just a few moments after he’s out, but he doesn’t care about anything but the girl lying limp in his arms like the ragdoll her mother had made for her. Her mother who was gone, now, in a way that hurt almost worst than the way that his child was gone because she’d chosen it. He’d only glanced at her for a moment before plunging into the house, after killing the humans who’d held him at bay, but the image was seared into his mind like a brand.

He’d never seen her look so afraid, so disgusted, and it was directed at him.

She claimed to love you for years, and look how easily she left. One glimpse at what you are, and they go running. Who you are doesn’t matter, only what. It’ll never matter to them.

Humans always saw things in black and white, as much as they’d profess to the contrary. And that black and white was always selfish: is this for me or against me? They liked boxes, categories. The Nazis had exploited it: here, here’s a list of the people you can blame for your problems. It doesn’t matter how young, how good--the Jews, the Roma, the Sinti, the Slavs, the gays, the ‘asocial’. Every war in history was based on that tendency to categorization--race, politics, religion, gender. Us versus Them. Them versus Us. And the humans couldn’t, wouldn’t, stop.

Mutants were a team, together--their shared evolution, shared gifts, was a stronger tie than any artificial separations amongst themselves. They were different, better, more evolved, more capable of working together. The ‘split’ between the Brotherhood and the Institute had been overhyped to begin with, and never had it been clearer than now, with Xavier’s first and most devoted students now joining with the very group they’d once fought. It was Charles who had become the sole standout, still too interested in the humans to see the truth.

No, more than that--he split you to begin with. He told you to leave, told Raven to do the same, and then let the others paint you as traitors. He let the X-Men fight you for the sake of human credibility. You told him you wanted us all to be brothers fighting for the same cause and he didn’t just say no--he made sure it wouldn’t happen.

( He doesn’t remember reading the situation in Cuba exactly like that, before, but it sounded right. The memories lined up. The Phoenix shows you the truth. )

There was a reason Charles had been left out of the preparations he was making. He couldn’t be trusted--had been far too sympathetic to the humans for too long, had taken on their habit of categorizing. Us and Them. Institute and Brotherhood.

The only Them, the only Us, that mattered were the humans and everyone else, and that wasn’t prejudice but scientific fact. Humans were less evolved. Humans were dangerous. The others tried to live in peace while humans hadn’t had peace for their entire existence.

Waging war for peace. A human concept, innately hypocritical, and yet: “Tactics based solely on morality can only succeed when you are dealing with people who are moral or a system that is moral.” He remembers reading those words in a cafe in Dallas in 1964 like it was yesterday, hearing them ring as true as anything he’d ever heard. King walked his followers into water cannons and dogs and bullets and asked them to lay down nicely for the cameras while it happened. X spoke of an eye for an eye, matching guns with guns, dogs with dogs, and Erik remembered all too well that the only reason he’d gotten out of that hell of a camp with Magda was because the people of the camp had fought back and stopped being docile.

( He couldn’t remember the rest of that saying, though, the phrase slipping from his mind and a moment later he couldn’t tell you there was another half at all. )

His mind shot to the Park, to the images they’d played on TV and that he’d gleaned from Jean’s mind the last time they’d shared headspace. To the way that his people had been simply enjoying a warm day, harming no one, threatening no one, only to be met with armed enforcers and one of their own dying choking on his own blood in Logan’s arms. Raven had--

Raven told the Enforcers they were there, but she didn’t make them pull the trigger. They chose violence, like they always do. This is what happens if we don’t fight like they do.

More dead children, one of his greatest fears, the reason he has this blasted collar on in the first place--because Erik will do anything to keep the family he has now safe.

Anything.

Anything at all.

Another shift, back to his own room--but not this one, the one in Brooklyn, the one where he and Jean had nearly taken the building apart in one confrontation that had almost gone as wrong as the one with Alex ( was that just an hour ago? How long had he had the collar on? How much time had passed? ). There’s the haul from L-Corp sitting dismantled on his dining table, and Erik is reading the papers he’d stolen along with everything else, and his stomach feels odd the more he reads.

Excitement? Fear? Guilt? He didn’t know, he still didn’t know. The idea had crossed his mind back then but made him feel faintly queasy, doubts and concerns that he could no longer put his finger on making him reluctant to use the data he had the way the bird was whispering to him that he could. But the feeling he had now looking back on it is something colder than that had been. Matter-of-fact. He knew what he needed to do.

Supergirl agreed with him. Agreed with the need for safety, agreed with his anger, agreed with everything except wasn’t willing to take the steps he was.

Help her. Help her, help us.

They needed a win against the humans. They needed it now, because Enforcement wasn’t getting any looser. Erik’s plan was good, he felt it--he’d gone over much of it with Scott, tweaked the things that needed to be tweaked, and it felt like as good a plan as any. But nothing was infallible.

Why deprive yourself of an advantage against an opponent who won’t do the same? We can help all of them--mutants, inhumans, aliens, metahumans. We’re doing this to help them. Any help from any of them is another point to balance the scales in our favor.

War was coming. Even Scott and Jean believed it to be necessary. He couldn’t afford to lose. They couldn’t afford to lose.

Shaw was back, and Erik tried not to shudder as the sensation of the wall morphed into a knee as the man’s voice drifted down from above. “You’re creative, Max, I’ll give you that. It’s not the way I’d do it. Bit more hands-on than a nuke would have been, but that’s the price you pay for trying to spare any of them. I still say you kill them all--but who knows, you may well end up doing that anyway.” No. The threat would work. It had to work. The country’s principle of non-negotiation could hardly extend to millions of lives in the balance of their willingness to play ball. “They’re stupid, we both know that.”

Can he live with the possibility of having that much blood on his hands?

Can he live with what’ll happen if negotiations fail and he doesn’t?

“You’ve lived through so much, Henryk,” and that was Magda now, and Erik shook his head as if that alone could drive her out. He didn’t need this.

“Is there anything that you can’t live with?”

The lines he drew in the sand have been moving for decades. Things he swore he’d never do, he’d done, time and time again, promising himself that he still wouldn’t do this thing or that thing until the time came that his hand was forced and it was started all over again. Even now, he’s doing something he’d promised he wouldn’t, locking his power away for the sake of his family.

He can’t have it all be for nothing. Can’t live with the thought of being powerless to save his people yet again. He’s an Omega-class mutant backed by Omega-class mutants. He’s sharing the Phoenix Force. He has to win. He has to. He has to.

No matter the cost.

#( i am not good at being alone || self para )#tw: holocaust mention #tw: murder mention #tw: death mention #tw: child death mention #tw: child death #tw: torture #tw: experimentation #tw: paranoia #tw: anxiety #tw: guilt #e: fear itself

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theworkofxanderking · 4 years

Text

The Originals: Bad Blood (Alternative Season 5)

Episode 3: Mother Knows Best

Warnings: I do not own the original content to “The Originals”, “The Vampire Diaries” or “Legacies” or any of the characters from the television shows.

15 plus, displays of Violence, Gore, Torture, M/M, F/M, F/F.

Rebekah stood in the woods of Helton as her three brothers’ bodies appeared in a puff of smoke lying on the ground as Nathaniel stood beside her eager for Nathaniel to begin the spell that would reunite her with her brothers once and for all.

“I hope you remember the price of this spell because I intend on collecting that price no excuses.” Nathaniel told her.

“You have my word.” She replied as she noticed Nathaniel’s followers appearing from a distance in different directions chanting as they walked over towards them. “Did they really have to be unconscious for this I mean you did keep me awake.”

“I’d rather only one have one reunion today.” He explained.

“And the reason you have your deeply disturbed followers chanting away.” Rebekah quizzed as she began to feel uneasy about the situation.

“Claiming more power requires more power it’s a simple strength in numbers.” Nathaniel told her before walking over to his worshipers and beginning to chant with them as they all formed a circle around the Mikaelson brothers.

“This better bloody work.” She shouted over to them. “Or I’ll personally kill every last one of use!”

Nathaniel and his worshipers had made themselves scarce still within the town limits of Helton but making themselves out of sight while Rebekah stood in those woods for what felt like forever as she awaited for her three brothers who were lying on the cold ground to awake from their sleep without even noticing that day had turned into night before either of them had awakened.

After what felt like several hours Rebekah started to notice her brothers Klaus, Elijah and Kol beginning to wake up and slowly rising to their feet completely confused to where they were while completely oblivious to what had just happened.

“Rebekah what the bloody hell have you done?” Klaus snapped at her.

“Fixed everything while you were off doing god knows what.” Rebekah snapped back. “But don’t bother to say thank you or anything.”

“What do you mean exactly when you say you fixed everything Rebekah?” Elijah asked her to make it clear to his siblings he remembered them.

“Looks like somebody got their memories back too.” Kol butted in before looking over at Rebekah suspiciously. “Just what kind of witch did you get to do the spell?”

“What bloody Spell?” Klaus asked clearly growing impatient. “What the bloody hell is going on?”

“The Hollow has been removed by all of us and Elijah’s compulsion has been reversed. See what happens when a girl is left to her own devices without her brothers playing dictators.” Rebekah answered rather proud of herself.

Klaus vamp sped over to Rebekah until he was standing right in front of her the two looked at each other for a moment before Klaus smiled at his little sister and pulled her in for a tight hug.

“I’ve missed you!” He admitted as he continued to hug her tighter and tighter.

“Okay Niklaus,” Rebekah laughed as she pushed him off her before looking at Elijah who looked deeply troubled. “What’s wrong Elijah?”

“Everything.” He replied.

“Oh well I guess a happy family reunion was never going to be on the cards.” Kol said as he rolled his eyes.

“I say it’s about time the Mikaelson’s returned home.” Klaus replied with his signature smirk as he wrapped his arm around Rebekah. “After we make a little visit to Mystic Falls that is.”

“Yeah I’m going to pass on that one I’m heading back to my home with Davina.” Kol responded. “No doubt I’ll be called upon with the next family emergency.”

Before Klaus or Rebekah could talk to him Kol vamp sped away much to their own annoyance as they looked over to Elijah who still look deeply disturbed.

“What about you Elijah are you up for a return to New Orleans?” Rebekah asked her eldest semi-living brother.

Several Days Later

Josh stood behind the counter of an empty Rousseau's in New Orleans drying glasses with a dish cloth enjoying the rare peacefulness of the empty bar until that peace was interrupted by Klaus as he vamp sped into the bar without warning and placed himself sitting on a stool at the counter much to Josh’s horror as he dropped a glass he was drying causing the glass to smash into broken pieces on the ground.

“Klaus,” He said as he struggled for words. “You’re not meant to be here.”

“You’re not the first nor the last I imagine telling me this, but you all seem to forget I don’t follow any rules I make them.” Klaus replied clearly not liking Josh’s reaction to his return.

“Hey, you want to stay in New Orleans, or you want to leave New Orleans it’s all good to me I’m just trying not to get killed.” Josh admitted honestly. “If you’re here for a killing spree or some revenge scheme then please just give me a pass.”

“Well if you get me a drink and make it a good one, I’ll think about keeping you alive.” Klaus said with a sinister smirk clearly amused by Josh.

“Sure thing,” Josh replied as he grabbed a bottle of whisky and began pouring into a glass before placing it on the counter in front of Klaus. “so, don’t kill the cat for it’s curiosity but are you here visiting or back for good?”

“I thought you wanted a pass.” Klaus responded as he picked up his glass and took a drink.

“Good point I’ll shut up and keep refilling your glass when needed.” Josh answered making it clear that Klaus made him very nervous.

Rebekah walked up to the gates of Lafayette Cemetery only to find herself shocked to see Bonnie stood outside them clearly waiting for her.

“You know when I agreed to come to New Orleans, I was promised exactly this would never happen, but I gathered sooner or later you and your siblings would be back.” Bonnie said to her clearly not amused to see the original once again.

“I’m glad to not disappoint but what the bloody here are you doing here I’m meant to be meeting someone else.” Rebekah wondered. “You’re not working for him, are you?”

“Please some of us have morals Rebekah, I’m not working for him however the New Orleans are working with him.” Bonnie revealed. “I’ve only recently learned what the hell this Malus magic is and to be honest I’m still learning we’re not particularly thrilled to be working with someone of his kind, but it just so happens what he wants is what we now want.”

“His kind? He’s a witch, isn’t he?” Rebekah asked as she realised Bonnie knew more than her.

“Nathaniel and his kind of witch practice a long-forbidden death magic which basically grows stronger by deaths particularly the supernatural kind his kind are consider leeches amongst the witch community.” Bonnie went on to say. “Think heretics practising expression who like to kill everything in sight but have a particular interest in killing each other the most.”

“So, tell me then what is it you both want and why am I here?” Rebekah questioned Bonnie as she walked closer to her.

“He wants to destroy the ancestral plane and considering I’m not a particular fan of it or the witches that still draw power from it I was more than keen to help.” Bonnie admitted. “However, I am cautious about having to work with you and your mother once again and even more cautious about what the hell we’re going to find in this well of magic to which the ancestral plane draws its power.”

“What the bloody hell has my bitch of a mother got to do with all this?” Rebekah asked furious at the mere mention of her mother.

“I’m considered a New Orleans witch by the city but not by the ancestral plane due to my unwillingness to be their go to girl so to get to be where we need to go we need a New Orleans witch which your mother somehow became.” Bonnie revealed with a sly smirk amused by Rebekah’s fury.

“Okay I’m going to need to talk to Nathaniel right bloody now.” Rebekah snapped.

“Yeah he’s not here so are we going to do this or not?” Bonnie snapped back making it clear she wasn’t taking any demands from her.

Elijah walked into the compound truly terrified about coming face to face with Hayley once again after half a decade of being apart especially considering they didn’t end things particularly well but he didn’t have too much time to think about it as Hayley stood in front of the fountain waiting for him clearly looking just as nervous as him.

“I heard you got your memories back.” Hayley said to him. “I’m glad you and your siblings are back together again.”

“I can’t begin to tell you how amazing it is to see your face again.” Elijah admitted to her as he continued walking towards her. “I found myself missing something all these years and to have my memories back I now realize that something was you.”

“Hope was really glad to see all of you I’m glad she has you all back in her life now.” Hayley replied.

“What about you?” Elijah asked as he stood in front of her hoping for a good response.

“Elijah it’s been a real long time when I loved you, I was lost within myself. I was pregnant to a man I loathed, and enemies were at the gates.” Hayley told him. “I found myself I’ve fully embraced my duties as a werewolf queen and this city has finally found some peace.”

“I’ll take that as you’re not happy to see me.” Elijah sighed clearly wounded by Hayley’s words.

“Of course, I’m happy to see you Elijah,” Hayley revealed as she placed her hand lovingly on his cheek. “I’ve missed you too but I’m building something here something good for Hope to one day takeover and I can’t jeopardize that for anyone not even you.”

“I’m not asking you to jeopardize anything,” Elijah told her while grabbing a hold of Hayley’s hand. “I would never ask you to jeopardize anything.”

“No but I have a feeling Klaus will.” Hayley said as she pushed away from Elijah. “And I know where your loyalties lie.”

“You’d be surprised where my loyalties have been lately.” Elijah admitted before asking. “Is there any chance for us?”

“I really do hope so.” Hayley replied with a soft and genuine smile. “But I’m really afraid that it’s never going to work out for us.”

Rebekah and Bonnie stood in one of the run-down crypts within Lafayette Cemetery clearly having barely said much to each other since they had met earlier the silence eventually being broken when Bonnie pulled out a knife from her jacket pocket.

“Unless that knife is dripped in vervain or scattered with the ashes of some white oak tree you and I both know that’s not going to do anything to me.” Rebekah told her.

“Well it could have been dipped in the kind of poison that comes from a bite from your ex-boyfriend Marcel.” Bonnie replied with a sinister smirk making Rebekah question her sincerity. “Don’t worry it’s just a knife for the spell to work I’m going to need your blood.”

“I wasn’t worried well maybe a little but when you reject a guy’s proposal you can expect them to consider revenge from time to time.” Rebekah revealed to her before holding out her hand.

“I don’t get what he ever saw in you,” Bonnie told her as she slashed Rebekah’s hand with the knife before the wound instantly healed. “Or why you would squander your chance for somebody loving you when you’re not the easiest to love.”

“I have really missed these girl talks.” Rebekah replied sarcastically as Bonnie began chanting in Croatian while holding the knife with Rebekah’s blood on it.

After a few moments Bonnie’s chanting came to a sudden silence as both her and Rebekah fell to the ground becoming unconscious before their bodies even hit the floor as the two of them suddenly found themselves transported to the middle of Lafayette Cemetery only for day to have become night and a dark fog seeming to surround them both.

“I’m going to go out on a limb and say we’re in the ancestral plane now.” Rebekah said to Bonnie as the two looked around the seemingly empty cemetery before seeing Esther appear from behind of one of the tombs.

“Rebekah, what are you doing here?” Esther asked clearly confused by her daughter’s arrival.

“You know why we’re here Esther and apparently you’re the only ancestor willing to help us with our mission.” Bonnie said as Rebekah gave her mother a cold death stare.

“Well willing would be putting it rather strongly.” Esther replied to Bonnie. “I’m willing for this plane to exist no longer and to finally find some peace for myself and Finn, but I’m not especially pleased about the part I’m playing in order to make it happen.”

“Finn’s here too?” Rebekah asked her voice clearly softening at the prospect of seeing her oldest brother.

“Is it really necessary for her to be here too?” Esther asked Bonnie dismissing Rebekah’s questions about her brother.

“Yes,” Bonnie answered her looking guilty about something. “I think it’s time for you to tell her the truth better now than when we get to the well.”

Rebekah looked at her mother instantly with fury in her eyes knowing whatever she had to say wasn’t going to be good but little did she know the true extent to which her mother’s exposed lies were about to change everything for her and her siblings.

Marcel was sitting on his couch within his loft drinking a large glass of whisky when Josh vamp sped into his living room looking completely and utterly terrified as Marcel took another sip of his drink knowing exactly why Josh was so scared.

“He’s back apparently their all back minus Kol of course who’s living it up in San Francisco but their back and I’m completely and utterly terrified about winding up dead.” Josh admitted to him.

“I know.” Marcel replied as he finished his drink and stood up.

“You know, cheers for telling me I had come to think of us as friends over all this time but clearly not if you’re not even willing to notify me about possibly winding up dead at the hands of the Mikaelson’s.” Josh responded clearly working himself up.

“You have nothing to worry about my feud with them is over.” Marcel laughed before putting his hand on Josh’s shoulder to calm him. “You’re not going to be caught up in any feuds and even if you did you’ve survived this far.”

“Yeah your right.” Josh said with a sigh of relief. “However, when the Mikaelson’s are here something always follows whether it’s you or one of their endless enemies.”

“You know your kind of adorable when you get all scared.” Marcel admitted to him.

“Great so everyone keeps terrifying me because I’m super cute when scared wish I could take that to the clubs.” Josh replied while rolling his eyes.

“You’ve got no reason to be scared I’ve got your back,” Marcel said as he grabbed a hold of Josh’s hand and placed it on his tight butt. “And you’ve got mine.”

“That’s certainly some back.” Josh gushed while he kept his hand on Marcel’s butt. “What the hell is going on?”

Marcel pulled Josh in towards him before passionately kissing him much to Josh’s surprise as Josh enjoyed the kiss for a moment before pulling himself away from his friend.

“Okay if you are playing some kind of game, I don’t like it,” Josh said before Marcel looked at him with a seductive smile. “Okay I kind of like it.”

“Don’t question it.” Marcel told him as he ripped Josh’s shirt open with one pull of his hand exposing Josh’s bare chest before grabbing him and vamp speeding the both of them onto the couch as Marcel pulled his own top off climbing on top of Josh in the process and beginning to kiss him passionately as their bodies began grinding against each other.

Rebekah, Bonnie and Esther found themselves walking through the bayou in the ancestral plane followed by the fog as Rebekah tried to process what her secret keeping mother had just revealed to her struggling to adjust to the news that would forever change her family and undecided if it was good or bad.

“I’m struggling to believe anything of what you’ve told me is real let’s face it mother you certainly have a history of lying to your children.” Rebekah said to her mother as the three of them continue to walk through the bayou.

“Trust me it wasn’t my choice that he went down this path nor could I have stopped it even if I saw it coming.” Esther replied. “Despite my actions I never wanted any suffering for any of my children.”

“How is any of this even possible?” Rebekah asked Bonnie clearly dismissing her mother.

“Malus is a magic which specializes in death I’m not too sure of every detail but it’s the opposite of nature so the rules in which it follows is different to what we witches follow.” Bonnie explained. “It sure doesn’t help that nobody living has come across a Malus witch in centuries and a lot of what it is and isn’t is folklore.”

“I knew a Malus witch once,” Esther revealed. “Nathaniel’s father before the darkness of the power he held possessed him to the very core. He grew up in the same village as me and my sister in fact he was the love of Dahlia’s life, but she wasn’t his that privilege was reserved for Nathaniel’s mother.”

“But Nathaniel came to Mystic Falls because his father murdered his mother.” Rebekah butted in.

“Once the darkness of which Malus entails takes over the witch there is nothing left but the Malus itself.” Esther explained. “Their magic very much like this ancestral plane comes from spirits and often the lives they take. Each death they claim darkens their soul until there’s nothing left but the need for power even if it means fathers killing sons or sons killing fathers.”

“So, Nathaniel has lost himself to this ancient magic but that still doesn’t explain how that has to do with him.” Rebekah said even more confused than before.

“Long after you and your siblings fled Mystic Falls a newly empowered Nathaniel returned eager to put his Malus to use in order to bring back those that were lost however no magic is ever that powerful and it took a serious toll on those that returned. Their spirits were returned but not their bodies soul or mind leaving them as nothing more than a power source for Nathaniel and I guess some mindless comfort from familiar faces.” Esther revealed to them both as they found the well placed in the middle of the woods.

“Oh, so it’s an actual well how literal.” Bonnie said clearly unimpressed by the well itself.

“Get to the bloody point and tell me what the hell my brother Henrik has to do with all this madness?” Rebekah snapped as she grabbed her mother by the neck lifting her up in the air before tightening her choke hold.

“Rebekah,” Bonnie shouted. “Henrik is the thing that’s in the well.”

Raven Devereaux sat on the bonnet of her suave black car outside of the city limits of New Orleans both eagerly and anxiously awaiting Elijah’s arrival after not hearing for him for days she began to fear the worst especially considering the two of them were plotting the downfall of his own family.

She feared he had been daggered by Klaus or worse for his betrayal and that it was another Mikaelson who send her the text to meet them here only for her to meet a grizzly end but either way she sat there waiting hoping for Elijah willing to take the risk in order to see the man she loved return to her.

Raven didn’t wait long before Elijah vamp sped his way to be standing in front of her much to her joy and relief not knowing that her relief would be short lived.

“Elijah I was so worried about you.” Raven said to him before walking closer to him only to notice Elijah backing himself away. “Elijah what’s wrong?”

“A lot of things have changed over the last few days Raven my memories have been restored and with it my alliances have been realigned.” Elijah revealed to her. “Which obviously means any plans we had together have well and truly come to an end.”

“What about us?” Raven asked him. “I don’t care about revenge or even hunting I only ever cared about you. What about us Elijah?”

“I’m afraid there can’t be an us any longer.” Elijah told her noticing the look of heartbreak on Raven’s face. “It’s also probably best for you if you leave New Orleans.”

“Are you threatening me Elijah?” Raven questioned as tears began forming in her eyes.

“No, I would never threaten you,” Elijah replied moving closer towards Raven only for her to be the one to back off this time.

“You said you loved me that you were lost before you found me.” Raven cried as tears started falling down her cheeks and her voice began to break. “I loved you despite everything and now your memories are back you’re just done with me.”

“My family needs me, and the truth is I need them too.” Elijah admitted to her clearly struggling to see the woman he had loved for the last few years heartbroken by his own words.

“Don’t lie to me it’s because of her,” Raven snapped back “the minute you got your memories back you were always going to love her how can I ever compete with the werewolf queen who gave birth to the infamous Tribrid.”

“I’m so sorry.” Elijah said sincerely before vamp speeding out of sight.

Raven began to sob as she struggled to contain her heartbreak until she started to see a black smoke forming until Nathaniel appeared in front of her.

“Who the hell are you?” She asked while drying her tears.

“The Mikaelson’s are always sorry aren’t they but yet they keep creating chaos wherever they go.” Nathaniel replied. “I’m an old friend of theirs which means I’m an enemy of yours.”

“I’m done having anything to do with the Mikaelson’s.” Raven made herself clear.

“Yeah you see I want to believe you I really do,” Nathaniel said as he began walking closer towards her. “But I know most of all what a broken heart can lead a witch to do and I can’t have you getting in my way when you inevitably seek revenge.”

Nathaniel grabbed a hold of Raven and started to chant in the dead language he frequently chanting causing Raven to scream in pain as her eyes went black before Raven body began to desiccate and turn to dust until there was nothing left of Raven but a pile of dust as Nathaniel’s eyes went jet black.

“I’m sorry but I can’t afford to take any chances.” He coldly replied to the remains of Raven Devereaux.

#the originals fanfiction #theoriginals #klaus mikaelson #rebekah mikaelson #elijah mikaelson #hayley marshall #josh rosza #bonnie bennett #marcel gerard #chapterthree #haylijah #esther mikaelson #henrik mikaelson #vampire diaries fanfiction #vampire diaries #legacies fanfiction #legacies #alternativeseason

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dailyofficereadings · 4 years

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Daily Office Readings March 30, 2020

Psalm 31

Prayer and Praise for Deliverance from Enemies

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

1 In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. 2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.

3 You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, 4 take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

6 You hate[a] those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord. 7 I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have taken heed of my adversities, 8 and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.

9 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery,[b] and my bones waste away.

11 I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror[c] to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. 13 For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. 16 Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love. 17 Do not let me be put to shame, O Lord, for I call on you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go dumbfounded to Sheol. 18 Let the lying lips be stilled that speak insolently against the righteous with pride and contempt.

19 O how abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you, and accomplished for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of everyone! 20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots; you hold them safe under your shelter from contentious tongues.

21 Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as a city under siege. 22 I had said in my alarm, “I am driven far[d] from your sight.” But you heard my supplications when I cried out to you for help.

23 Love the Lord, all you his saints. The Lord preserves the faithful, but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily. 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.

Footnotes:

Psalm 31:6 One Heb Ms Gk Syr Jerome: MT I hate

Psalm 31:10 Gk Syr: Heb my iniquity

Psalm 31:11 Cn: Heb exceedingly

Psalm 31:22 Another reading is cut off

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Psalm 35

Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

Of David.

1 Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! 2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and rise up to help me! 3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”

4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life. Let them be turned back and confounded who devise evil against me. 5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them on. 6 Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

7 For without cause they hid their net[a] for me; without cause they dug a pit[b] for my life. 8 Let ruin come on them unawares. And let the net that they hid ensnare them; let them fall in it—to their ruin.

9 Then my soul shall rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his deliverance. 10 All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you? You deliver the weak from those too strong for them, the weak and needy from those who despoil them.”

11 Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me about things I do not know. 12 They repay me evil for good; my soul is forlorn. 13 But as for me, when they were sick, I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting. I prayed with head bowed[c] on my bosom, 14 as though I grieved for a friend or a brother; I went about as one who laments for a mother, bowed down and in mourning.

15 But at my stumbling they gathered in glee, they gathered together against me; ruffians whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; 16 they impiously mocked more and more,[d] gnashing at me with their teeth.

17 How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my life from the lions! 18 Then I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.

19 Do not let my treacherous enemies rejoice over me, or those who hate me without cause wink the eye. 20 For they do not speak peace, but they conceive deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land. 21 They open wide their mouths against me; they say, “Aha, Aha, our eyes have seen it.”

22 You have seen, O Lord; do not be silent! O Lord, do not be far from me! 23 Wake up! Bestir yourself for my defense, for my cause, my God and my Lord! 24 Vindicate me, O Lord, my God, according to your righteousness, and do not let them rejoice over me. 25 Do not let them say to themselves, “Aha, we have our heart’s desire.” Do not let them say, “We have swallowed you[e] up.”

26 Let all those who rejoice at my calamity be put to shame and confusion; let those who exalt themselves against me be clothed with shame and dishonor.

27 Let those who desire my vindication shout for joy and be glad, and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant.” 28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all day long.

Footnotes:

Psalm 35:7 Heb a pit, their net

Psalm 35:7 The word pit is transposed from the preceding line

Psalm 35:13 Or My prayer turned back

Psalm 35:16 Cn Compare Gk: Heb like the profanest of mockers of a cake

Psalm 35:25 Heb him

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Exodus 4:10-31

10 But Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who gives speech to mortals? Who makes them mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak.” 13 But he said, “O my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “What of your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he can speak fluently; even now he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you his heart will be glad. 15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. 16 He indeed shall speak for you to the people; he shall serve as a mouth for you, and you shall serve as God for him. 17 Take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs.”

Moses Returns to Egypt

18 Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me go back to my kindred in Egypt and see whether they are still living.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” 19 The Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt; for all those who were seeking your life are dead.” 20 So Moses took his wife and his sons, put them on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt; and Moses carried the staff of God in his hand.

21 And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. 22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: Israel is my firstborn son. 23 I said to you, “Let my son go that he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; now I will kill your firstborn son.’”

24 On the way, at a place where they spent the night, the Lord met him and tried to kill him. 25 But Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched Moses’[a] feet with it, and said, “Truly you are a bridegroom of blood to me!” 26 So he let him alone. It was then she said, “A bridegroom of blood by circumcision.”

27 The Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went; and he met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. 28 Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord with which he had sent him, and all the signs with which he had charged him. 29 Then Moses and Aaron went and assembled all the elders of the Israelites. 30 Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses, and performed the signs in the sight of the people. 31 The people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had given heed to the Israelites and that he had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

Footnotes:

Exodus 4:25 Heb his

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

1 Corinthians 14:1-19

Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues

14 Pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. 2 For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but to God; for nobody understands them, since they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, those who prophesy speak to other people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves, but those who prophesy build up the church. 5 Now I would like all of you to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. One who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

6 Now, brothers and sisters,[a] if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you in some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 It is the same way with lifeless instruments that produce sound, such as the flute or the harp. If they do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is being played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? 9 So with yourselves; if in a tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many different kinds of sounds in the world, and nothing is without sound. 11 If then I do not know the meaning of a sound, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. 12 So with yourselves; since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church.

13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unproductive. 15 What should I do then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the mind also; I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will sing praise with the mind also. 16 Otherwise, if you say a blessing with the spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since the outsider does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may give thanks well enough, but the other person is not built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you; 19 nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Footnotes:

1 Corinthians 14:6 Gk brothers

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Mark 9:30-41

Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection

30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” 32 But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

Who Is the Greatest?

33 Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. 35 He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

Another Exorcist

38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone[a] casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 41 For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

Footnotes:

Mark 9:38 Other ancient authorities add who does not follow us

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

#March 30 #2020

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ihaveastorminme · 5 years

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anatomy of a second language

iv. alive and together

"I’m not used to being loved. I wouldn’t know what to do."

- F. Scott Fitzgerald,More Than Just A House

“How do we know that he really has Rickon?” She hers herself ask after a moment of tense silence. She breathed deep and folded the letter and passed it to Petyr who sat at her left, instead of giving into the impulse to tear it in half.

“We don’t.” Willa Manderly said before anyone else could. “It’s more likely that the Boltons are lying, your grace.”

Willa’s grandfather had not been able to contribute any men, seeing that they would be meeting the Manderly forces in battle soon. Whether they would be fighting with Sansa’s forces or the Bolton’s she still did not know, despite Lord Manderly’s promise that his men had orders to yield when the wolves came. Perhaps it had been to prove this point that Wylla had insisted to come with her, along with some of her cousins and loyal men. They had offered themselves for what amounted to voluntary hostages… or perhaps spies, Sansa thought, looking to Littlefinger. He’d kept a close eye on the Manderlies, she knew.

“And if he’s not lying? What if we attack, and Roose Bolton kills my brother?”

“Our people inside Winterfell say no new prisoners have been brought in for weeks, your grace.” Robett Glover said, his deeply lined face serious. “Our people inside Winterfell say no new prisoners have been brought in for weeks, your grace.” Robett Glover said, his deeply lined face serious. "Before that, no one had heard so much as a whisper of your youngest brother. If he had managed to capture the prince, Bolton would have announced it for all the North to hear."

“Still no word from Sir Davos, however.” Wylla said, sounding even more despondent than usual.

Sansa sighed.

The rest of the meeting was spent discussing troupes and supply lines. She was told of the position of their forces, of the men and women joining them as they marched and Sansa listened closely, though she did not understand all of it. It was hard not to be overcome: she had expected to retake her home by force, but it seemed that the whole of the north wanted a Stark back in Winterfell almost as desperately as she wanted to go home.

Over the table she met Petyr Baelish’s eye. Maybe she would not owe to him as much as she thought she would.

More often than not she looked to Jon. He spoke little but when he did, everyone listened. The northerners treated him with respect, where she could feel that their address to her was more out of courtesy. She could understand why: they did not expect a girl to be able to understand their talk of military strategies, and perhaps they were right. She knew nothing of how one should go about winning a battle on the ground. About how to choose where to make a stand, how to engage one’s enemies in an open field or anything like that. But she did know about tactics; she knew how to go about winning engagements with beyond winning battles.

She knew for instance, that they had to watch themselves as they marched north, and make sure that Moat Cailing remained well manned, because once the Ironborn were done with their Kingsmoot, they would start to raid. When she pointed this out and got a fierce smile from Alysanne Mormont.

“There is another matter to discuss, your grace.” Robett Glover said just as the council came to a close. Sansa looked away from the map of the north where their troops and their position has been laid out.

No one had called her by a royal title, until the northerners did so. It had been Petyr’s idea, and Sansa understood why. It had been famously known that it had been Robb’s own bannermen that had crowned him, declaring independence. No one but the north could crown her queen - or should - if she wanted her rule to be as legitimate, certainly not the Lords of the Vale. They could declare for her, if they so wished, but they could not name her.

Sansa straightened and linked her fingeres together on top of the table. “Yes, lord Glover.”

“I must first beg pardon for the offence I am about to give.” Lord Glover said then, dark eyes meeting hers.

Sansa felt Jon stifen by her side and resisted the urge to look at him.

“Speak freely, my Lord.” Better to have it out, Sansa thought.

“Before I left White Harbour, I received a raven from my brother Galbart, who sailed into the Neck with Mage Mormont. They had orders from King Robb to take back Moat Cailin.”

“I am already aware of this.” Sansa said when Glover paused. They had just spoken of this, she thought as she glanced at Alysanne Mormont. She too had acted under the same orders, from her mother.

“My brother also told me that the late king made a will before he left for the Twins.”

Sansa stiffened. She had been expecting it to come up, she had been prepared; but not like this.

“In his will, the King in the North legitimised Jon Snow, who was also named heir after him.”

“And he wrote me out of the line of succession, because I was forced to marry Tyrion Lannister.” Sansa said stiffly. “Is that right?”

Glover clenched his jaw. “Yes, your grace.”

“My mother wrote me the same.” Alysanne Mormont said then, her tone apologetic. “Your uncle Edmure and the Blackfish were witnesses, as well as the Greatjon and Jason Mallister.”

Sansa turned to Jon, whose face was as if set in stone. She could not tell if it was because of anger or any other emotion. She could not read him, but then he looked at her and when he spoke, his words left no room for interpretation.

“I’ve already told them I don’t want it. Any of it.”

She would be lying if she said that did not surprise her. Perhaps she should not have let her confusion show, but she could not help it.

“Truborn children come before legitimized bastards.” His grey eyes blazed and his mouth was set in a harsh line. Yes, he was angry. “You are here and Rickon may yet be found. Until he is, you are my queen. I will swear my fealty in front of a the first heart tree we come across, if you like.”

Sansa shook her head. That’s not what she’d meant at all, but she could not say that in front of all these people. She could not take his hand, and ask him what was the matter.

… She dearly wished this utter refusal did not make her so suspicious of him, but that was not how she had been trained to think.

“You heard the man. Besides, Queen Sansa was never truly married to the Imp. She did not consent and apparently neither did he, and the union was never a true one.” Mychel Horton says, a little more loudly than he should have. Harry, who was sitting next to him and who was Mychel’s friend, Sansa knew this, nodded but had the sense not to speak.

“Surely the north does not mean to be beholden to Lannister scheming!”

“As an independent kingdom, should the North even recognize the authority of the seven over their Queen? Most of the country does not keep to the seven at all.” John Royce said then and there were more noises of assent from the men around her. Beneath the calmness of Royce’s voice however, Sansa could feel his irritation. She’d known of course that the Vale men would support her claim over… over Jon’s. She was promised to the heir of the Eyrie; speaking of her as married was an insult to their faces.

Sansa looked at the Lords around her, and into Petyr Baelish’s eyes as well. He was watching her without blinking. He knew better than to intervene for her here.

“Lord Glover, what is your opinion?” She finally asked, interrupting the discussion around her.

“I am here to fight and die, if need be, to see a Stark back in Winterfell.” Glover said, pale eyes fixed on her. “To avenge the Red Wedding.”

Mailed fists hit the table hard.

Sansa tilted her head a bit to the side. “But?”

“But, I also believe King Robb’s will is his last command. I cannot pretend i don’t know it, and I cannot brush it aside.”

Sansa nodded faintly. “No, you cannot. And neither can I.”

From the corner of her eye she saw Jon turn to look at her. She’d startled him - and not just him.

“Sansa-”

Sansa put her hand over his arm. “I heard you, Jon, but this is not just about what you or I want. Robb was king, his will has legal repercussions. It has to mean something.”

“Robb made that will under circumstances that forced his hand.” Jon turned to look at the men and women around him. “The queen was a prisoner, when she was forced to marry. Her family did not consent. She did not consent. The ceremony was not executed in the eyes of our gods and now there are two armies, the Neck, a direwolf and myself between her and anyone mad enough to try to pursue the validity of this union. Circumstances have changed.”

“My queen.” Wylla Manderly said, speaking over the buzz that Jon’s words had created.

“My lady.”

“Did I understand the lord correctly, before?” She asked, looking at Mychel Horton. “Did the Imp also not consent to the marriage.”

Sansa held back a smile. Wylla Manderly was smarter than Sansa had thought. “He did not.”

“Is that why the marriage remained unconsummated?”

Under her hand, Sansa felt Jon’s arm flex with the strain of keeping still and silent to such a a question. It was only then that she realized that she had not moved her hand away, and once she did, she slowly withdrew both hands on her lap.

“Wylla! If your grandfather were here, he would remind you one should not speak to one’s queen in such a way.” Alysanne scolded, but Wylla Manderly kept looking at Sansa, undeterred. The question was crass enough, but asked with wide eyes and a note of honest curiosity that would make one dismiss it for mere naivete. Sansa knew better.

“If my grandfather were here, he would want to be precise.”

“Would he want you to be impudent?” Lord Norrey asked then.

“Others will ask too. It is in the mind of half the men in this room, though they dare not say it. We might as well just have it out.”

“Others may ask, Lady,” Jon said slowly. There was something exceptionally cold about his face and the way it was set in anger. Sansa almost did not know him. Almost. “But since the queen has already answered, I would be bound to demand to fight any man who would doubt my Queen’s honor by asking again, and then let the gods decide the truth of it.”

Wylla Manderly grinned in the face of Jon’s threat. “And do you plan to fight all the northern Lords that don’t want a woman to lead them, Lord Snow, even if she is Ned Starks truborn daughter?”

The table erupted in shouts, and Sansa was sure she was the only one who heard Jon’s quietly spoken ‘If I have to.’

Yohn Royce rose to his feet. “I would rather fight and die for Ned Starks daughter, than any lord or King alive.”

“I will not have my honor question by an insolent child!”

Sansa did not really hear them. She was looking at Jon and he was looking back at her with an expression on his face she could not read. She doubted he could understand from her own silence how her heart ached to hold him, in that moment. She told herself to doubt all this devotion that came from nowhere, but he was her father’s so. He was her brother. He too probably wanted to go home as much as she did. Who should he not be as devoted to their family as she was?

Sansa rose from her seat slowly. It took some moments for everyone to notice but they did, and she waited for them to quiet down so that she could speak.

“Thank you, my Lords.” She said once they did. “The answer to lady Manderly’s question, is that i cannot be certain of Tyrion Lannister’s reasons for defying his father. I only know what happened, not why.”

“I doubt he did it out of decency.” Wylla grumbled. Some of the lords snorted at that, and Sansa allowed them a smile.

“I don’t know if i could say so, lady Manderly, but out of all the Lannisters I knew, Tyrion Lannister was the only one who was not cruel.”

“Well, then that really does mean the marriage is void, does it not?”

It was interesting how she had brought the discussion to this point. Interesting and terribly clever. No one could disagree without calling Sansa a liar, or asking for proof she was indeed a maid. Sansa doubted anyone would dare with Jon looking for all intents and purposes like he might murder the first man to speak of her that way.

Those green eyes on Wylla Manderly’s face shone with more than just mischief.

“By all legal criteria, it does, my Lady.” Littlefiger said, speaking for the first time.

“There is one last thing that I want to discuss before I leave you to your duties.” Sansa said as she sat down again. She let a moment pass, so that everyone’s attention was back on her. “Roose Bolton and Ramsay Snow. I want them both captured alive.”

No one objected to that, at least.

“Ramsay is likely the one heading the bolton forces coming towards us, your grace.” Norrey said, as he glanced back at the map laid out in front of them.

“Nevertheless, I want him captured alive, if at all possible. I do not want the likes of him or his father dying in battle.” She explained. “All those they have hurt deserve to see them punished for their crimes, not just killed. The dead demand justice, my lords. And so do I.”

“As the queen commands.” Alysanne said.

As all the Lords were leaving, Sansa caught Wylla Manderly’s eye. “A word, my lady.”

She was not refused, of course. Jon did not leave either, even as the others filed out of her tent and into the cold outside. Sansa waited for all of them to leave, before she let herself smile.

“That was very clever.” She finally said, and Wylla grinned. Her teeth were white and though the front two were crooked, they did not take away from the loveliness of that smile.

“I am a clever girl.”

Jon huffed. “If you’d been a man-”

“Yes, yes, you would have dueled me in front of the whole army and my head would have flown from my shoulders.” Wylla said as she rolled her eyes at him, and Sansa bit her lip so she wouldn’t laugh. “I understood you the first time, Jon Snow. But i think the queen would much rather I asked those questions, than any of those miserable lords out there, don’t you think?”

She was looking at Jon, but it was Sansa who replied. “Yes, I do.”

“See? Things were cleared out, there was no dueling and nobody died. I would call it a win.”

Sansa looked at Jon and was surprised to find him looking unimpressed. “How very neat.”

Wylla shrugged. “Not usually, but I can think on my feet. When I don’t lose my temper, that is.”

But then her face changed, becoming serious. Those round green eyes took on a light of their own.

“I know you doubt my grandfather, your grace.” she said, voice low. “And you have reason, with Manderly men in Winterfell with the Boltons, and others about to come upon your army. I know you think you don’t know who to trust, but I promise you, we are your men. Stark men.”

Sansa nodded. “Yes, I’m starting to see that.” She stepped forward and took one of Willa’s hands. “Will you ask your cousins if they’d like to share my tent tonight? I would love to spend the night among you.”

Willa Manderly’s smile was almost wolfish. “They’ll say yes.”

“They will if you have anything to do with it.” Jon grumbled.

“Oh stop being so dowr Jon Snow.” She laughed. “If anything, today will finally put to rest all the questions about where you stand, since anyone will be too scared of you to bring it up again.” Wylla curtsied. “My queen.”

“My lady.”

“Lord Snow.” She added then, unexpectedly, with a smile that Sansa thought was almost flirtatious.

“Get on.” Jon said, but it was not severe. If anything he sounded amused.

When the flap of the tent closed behind Wylla Manderly’s dark grey cloak, Sansa turned to Jon with a raised eyebrow.

“That was rude.”

“No more than she deserves.”

She could have told him he needed to remember better manners among ladies, but instead she smiled at him. “I think she likes you, Jon.”

He just blinked at her, like he did not understand. Sansa decided to take pity on him and not to tease him about the green-haired girl that might or might not want a kiss from him yet.

“Lady Brienne, you may leave us.” She said instead.

“Shall I send for some food, your grace?”

“Yes please, and for Jon also. And make sure you rest for the rest of the day.”

Brienne startled. “Your grace-”

“I’m with Jon, and I’ll have Ghost. There’s no reason to worry. You can’t watch over me all the time, Brienne.” Sansa added a bit more softly. “Even you need to rest sometimes!”

“Very well, your grace.” Brinenne bowed and left them.

Sansa reached for the pitcher on the table and poured some more ale before handing it to Jon.

“She seems devoted to you.” He said as he took it. Once she sat, he took the chair closest to her, and for that she was grateful.

“She is. She saved my life back in the Vale.”

Jon’s eyes were steady on her, in a way she remembered from childhood. He’d always been so watchul, so quiet.

“Thank you, for what you did before.” She said, voice so low it was almost a whisper. “You didn’t have to.”

“I did.” He set the cup down and when he looked at her again, he was almost smiling. “If i don’t protect you, Ned Stark’s ghost might actually come back to murder me.”

Sansa tried to smile, but couldn’t hold it for long. Neither could Jon - the memory of their father must be as painful for him as it was for her. It had been years, but that pinch inside her heart had not gone away.

She leaned on the table, a bit closer to him. “Why don't you want to be legitimized?”

“I’d rather keep my name, if it’s all the same to you.”

It wasn’t the words exactly, It was the way he spoke them. Like there was something beneath them that he was not telling her, some meaning she would be able to grasp if she could just lift the edge of the curtain and peak behind it.But she did not know how to - she did not know him.

“Jon…” She looked down, to where her fingers were interlaced in front of her. She had the courage to look at him in the eye when she spoke again. “You must know that I would never resent you for Robb legitimizing you. You’re my brother.”

He winced and leaned back, almost as if he wanted to distance himself from this conversation, so Sansa rushed on, afraid he’d interrupt, needing to make amends, somehow. She had just found him - she didn’t want to lose him.

“I know I wasn’t the best sister when we were children-” she pressed on.

Jon seemed startled. “That’s not-”

“But I promise to love you better, if you let me. If you can forgive me.”

He moved as if he meant to reach for her hand, but then changed his mind halfway, hand closing into a fist on the table and then opening again. But his face was open when he spoke. “Sansa, there’s nothing to forgive.”

“Forgive me!”

He huffed a laugh. “As the queen demands.”

Sansa pushed at his arm, smiling. “Shut up. I’m being serious.”

This time he did really smile. The change it brought to his face was stunning.

“I will forgive you if that’s what you want. But you said it yourself; we were children. I promise you, there’s nothing to forgive.”

Sansa snorted. “Oh yes. I was delightful, wasn’t I?”

He did reach out then, catching the end of ehr braid between his thumb and forefinger. “Doesn't matter. You were a child, same as I. Younger than I.”

He let go of her braid and wrapped his hands around his cup.

“I know it musn’t have been easy for you, being called the bastard of Winterfell.” The looked he gave her was startled. “I didn’t know before, but I do now. I was a bastard for a while, too.”

Jon’s eyes went wide. “What?”

“I thought of you often, during that time. It gave me courage.” She laughed at his surprise. “Dine with me tonight, and I’ll tell you about it. And you also must tell me everything.”

She reached for the cup he was drinking from and he didn’t hesitate to hand it to her.

“Everything? Are you sure you want to know?”

She took a sip and then made a face at the sour taste. She didn’t regret it though because it made Jon chuckle to see it.

“That’s wine you brought from the Vale.”

“It is, but I never liked wine anyway.” Sansa said as she cleared her throat and handed him back his cup.

“I think the point is to get drunk from it, not like it.”

“Whatever the point is, i always seem to miss it. And yes, I do want to know everything. Starting perhaps with how you left the Night’s Watch.”

His face fell a little.

“I was dismissed. I have a letter from the Lord Commander to prove it, with the signatures of five witnesses.”

Sansa took his arm. “I believe you. But I know that at some point someone is going to bring it up and dare to demand your head. I want to be precise in my wording, when I offer to take their head instead.” she explained calmly.

He looked at her like he did not know what to make of her words, but Sansa only smiled in return.

“You’ve changed.” He said then.

“Haven’t you?”

Jon’s nod was minute, but his eyes were so sad she wished she could take the words back.

“Tell me.” she said instead, gently. There was something about him that told her she should be gentle. Beneath the hardness he presented to the world, there was a brittleness she felt. Something that was one brush away from crumbling. Perhaps if he shared it, they would carry that weight together - secrets hurt less once you shared them, Sansa knew that all too well.

#jon x sansa #jonsa #jonsa fic #jon snow #sansa stark #anatomy of a second language #i write things sometimes

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castaliareed · 6 years

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Traitor’s Seed: Revelations in Sansa IV and Jon VII of A Game of Thrones

I’ve never seen this particular foreshadowing/paralleling discussed before. Of course, that doesn't mean it hasn’t been written about. If you know of other posts that talk about these two chapters link me! Would love to read other thoughts.

Here it goes...

Over the past few months, I’ve been re-reading very slowly A Game of Thrones. My first thought is that yes the book does hold up on re-read. There are beautiful moments that the book reveals on the second read. There are secrets and foreshadowing as well. And then there are the surprises. One of those surprises was Sansa IV and Jon VII. One of the strongest instances of Jonsa foreshadowing, I’ve seen so early in the books. The similarities are mindblowing.

These chapters follow each other. They are bookended by Arya IV and Bran VI. All four of these chapters follow Ned XIV, the chapter where Ned is betrayed in the throne room. To review the order of chapters when reading them is Ned XIV, Arya IV, Sansa IV, Jon VII, and Bran VI.

There is a story being told in how the story is told. The order of the POV chapters, the structure of them and how they relate to the ones before can tell us much about the author’s intentions. The order of events as we read them is Ned is betrayed, Arya escapes and Syrio dies, Sansa meets with Cersei and writes the letters, Jon brings back the dead men, hears of Ned’s imprisonment, and kills a wright, Bran watches as Robb prepares to leave Winterfell and talks with Osha in the Godswood.

The story moves along chronologically for the most part until the last two books. However, it is not exact. For reference, this Reddit user made a great Timeline. This really helps when trying to understand how the last two books relate.

The Reddit timeline tells us that Sansa IV and Jon VII happen about a week and half between each other. In between Sansa IV and Jon VII the earlier events of Jon V and Jon VI happen. Plus, an event that is mentioned in Bran VI happens before Jon VII. Both, Jon V and VI are placed before we read about Ned’s betrayal. This tells us that the order Ned, Arya, Sansa, Jon, Bran is much more important than exact chronology.

Essentially, these chapters show us Ned’s children dealing with the repercussions of his imprisonment for treason. Each chapter foreshadows the future path of the children. Arya is on the run and also will find herself in Braavos where Syrio was from. Sansa will be tied to Littlefinger who is in this chapter. She will also learn to play the political game that Cersei plays with her. Jon will be both on the political side and part of the fight against the dead. Bran finds himself at a weirwood with Osha and Hodor.

What stood out and pushed me to investigate further were the similarities between Sansa IV and Jon VII. I really recommend going back and reading these two chapters together at the minimum. On the surface, they seem very different. Sansa is locked in her room in King’s Landing. Then taken to see Cersei and forced to write letters begging her family to bend the knee. Jon helps bring back the dead brothers Ghost found on the other side of the Wall. When he returns, a letter from King’s Landing arrived with news of Ned’s imprisonment, later he destroys the wight that tries to attack Lord Mormont. Nothing similar on the surface. No, the similarities are in the details. Once you see them….well you won’t really be the same...

All quotes come from either Sansa IV or Jon VII in the first book of ASOIAF, A Game of Thrones. Sansa’s quotes are listed first, Jon’s come second. The order of the quotes as they appear in each chapter is not exact from beginning to end. The order and flow of the two chapters are very similar. However, a few themes appear repeatedly and I tried to pull the best quotes for each theme.

Dead Bodies

First, they both are seeing or dealing with dead bodies at the beginning of the chapter.

“When Sansa peered down, she saw a body impaled on the huge iron spikes below. She averted her eyes quickly, afraid to ask, afraid to look too long, afraid he might be someone she knew.”

“‘Othor," announced Ser Jaremy Rykker, "beyond a doubt. And this one was Jafer Flowers." He turned the corpse over with his foot, and the dead white face stared up at the overcast sky with blue, blue eyes. "They were Ben Stark's men, both of them."

My uncle's men, Jon thought numbly. He remembered how he'd pleaded to ride with them. Gods, I was such a green boy. If he had taken me, it might be me lying here …”

Take a Seat

They are both told to sit down by the people telling them what has happened. Cersei tells Sansa and Lord Mormont tells Jon. Their reactions to hearing that their father is a traitor

"No," Sansa blurted. "He wouldn't do that. He wouldn't!"

"No," Jon said at once. "That couldn't be. My father would never betray the king!"

Of course ,they would say the same thing. They are Ned’s children through and through. We could assume this was the reaction Arya and Bran would have as well. They both go on to insist that the King was Ned’s friend, to say their must be a mistake or a lie.

Traitor’s Seed

They are both referred to as the child of a traitor by other’s. This is told to their faces.

‘"A child born of traitor's seed will find that betrayal comes naturally to her," said Grand Maester Pycelle. "She is a sweet thing now, but in ten years, who can say what treasons she may hatch?"’ -

“And then he heard the laughter, sharp and cruel as a whip, and the voice of Ser Alliser Thorne. "Not only a bastard, but a traitor's bastard," he was telling the men around him.”

**Bonus foreshadowing in the above Sansa quote. In ten years, she will be hatching all kinds of political schemes. Had GRRM included the orginially planned 5 year time hop between book 3 and 4, we would get Sansa hatching plans in perhaps 8-10 years time of this quote. While, we don’t know in the books what kind of political schemes she’ll get up to, we can assume that they aren’t so different from the show.**

Doubts and Confusion

Sansa displays confusion. She wants to speak to her father and she is still a young girl dreaming of marrying a Prince.

“"Please, Your Grace, there's been a mistake." Sudden panic made her dizzy and faint. "Please, send for my father, he'll tell you, he would never write such a letter, the king was his friend."”

A two paragraphs later.

“"But I love him," Sansa wailed, confused and frightened. What did they mean to do to her? What had they done to her father? It was not supposed to happen this way. She had to wed Joffrey, they were betrothed, he was promised to her, she had even dreamed about it. It wasn't fair to take him away from her on account of whatever her father might have done.”

Jon has less confusion and more doubt.

"But it's a lie," Jon insisted. How could they think his father was a traitor, had they all gone mad? Lord Eddard Stark would never dishonor himself … would he?

He fathered a bastard, a small voice whispered inside him. Where was the honor in that? And your mother, what of her? He will not even speak her name.”

Letters

Everyone, thanks to season 7, remembers that Sansa had to write letters asking her mother and Robb to bend the knee to Joffrey. How many remember that Jon too was asked to help write a letter following Ned’s imprisonment?

“"I'll … I'll write the letters," Sansa told them.”

Often what is missed in the Sansa chapter, is how she believes that she can help her father. She thinks he might even be exiled and later she could persuade Joffrey to bring him back. Oh, innocent Sansa.

Jon too is concerned about what will happen to Ned. He knows there is a precedent for men accused of treason redeeming themselves at the Wall.

While it would save Ned’s life. Lord Mormont sees an opportunity to have a High Lord at the Wall.

“"As to that, I cannot say, lad. I mean to send a letter. I knew some of the king's councillors in my youth. Old Pycelle, Lord Stannis, Ser Barristan … Whatever your father has done, or hasn't done, he is a great lord. He must be allowed to take the black and join us here. Gods knows, we need men of Lord Eddard's ability."?

Then a few paragraphs later….

"Your duty is here now," the Lord Commander reminded him. "Your old life ended when you took the black." His bird made a raucous echo. "Black." Mormont took no notice. "Whatever they do in King's Landing is none of our concern." When Jon did not answer, the old man finished his wine and said, "You're free to go. I'll have no further need of you today. On the morrow you can help me write that letter."

Writing these letters are both framed to Jon and Sansa as ways to save Ned’s life. Which they both want to do. Except what they are really doing is being used to suite others agendas.

Conflicting Loyalties and new families

Cersei tells Sansa she loves her like a daughter. She tells her that Joffrey loves her.

The queen smiled. "I think of you almost as my own daughter. And I know the love you bear for Joffrey." She gave a weary shake of her head.

Jon is comforted by Sam and thinks that his Night’s Watches brothers are as much his brothers as Robb, Bran and Rickon.

“The weirwoods were beyond the Wall, yet he knew Sam meant what he said. They are my brothers, he thought. As much as Robb and Bran and Rickon …”

Sansa’s conflicted loyalty is much clearer to the average fan. And seen by fans as much more problematic. The Lannister’s are the direct enemies of the Starks. Jon’s view that the Night’s Watch is his family will eventually be just as problematic for Jon. Because the Night’s Watch is not in conflict with the Starks there is not the same tension. Though, Jon is just as prevented from joining Robb as Sansa is.

Confinement

Sansa was confined first with Jeyne Poole then by herself. She is kept in a room at the high tower of Maegar’s Holdfast.

“So she went to the queen instead, and poured out her heart, and Cersei had listened and thanked her sweetly … only then Ser Arys had escorted her to the high room in Maegor's Holdfast and posted guards, and a few hours later, the fighting had begun outside.“

Jon acts out after Alister Thorne calls him a traitor’s bastard and tries to pull a dagger on Thorne. This gets him punished and confined to his cell in the Lord Commander’s Tower

“They took his knife and his sword and told him he was not to leave his cell until the high officers met to decide what was to be done with him. And then they placed a guard outside his door to make certain he obeyed. His friends were not allowed to see him, but the Old Bear did relent and permit him Ghost, so he was not utterly alone.”

Stories and Heroes, Fires and the Dead

Sansa’s chapter ends with her back in the room in the high tower of Maegor’s Holdfast. Jeyne Poole is no longer in the room. Sansa is both relieved to be alone and feels colder. She builds a fire pulls down her story books and reads about Florian and Jonquil, Lady Shella and the Rainbow Knight, and of course of Prince Aemon.

“Yet somehow it seemed colder with Jeyne gone, even after she'd built a fire.She pulled a chair close to the hearth, took down one of her favorite books, and lost herself in the stories of Florian and Jonquil, of Lady Shella and the Rainbow Knight, of valiant Prince Aemon and his doomed love for his brother's queen.”

Now that could be the last line of the chapter. However, not to be too obvious we get a bit of information that relates to the previous Arya chapter. Sansa remembers that she did not ask about Arya.

As we are left to feel conflicted about Sansa retreating into her stories and forgetting about her sister. We get Jon’s POV. By the end of his POV, the politics are over. One of the dead men they brought back at the beginning of the chapter comes back to live or is undead and tries to attack Lord Mormont. He kills the guard at Jon’s door leaving Jon free to go and save Lord Mormont. He destroys the wight by tossing burning drapes on them.

First Jon wakes and is cold.

“Yet he was trembling, violently. When had it gotten so cold?”

Then when he goes to investigate and finds the wight he uses the fire.

Spinning, Jon saw the drapes he'd ripped from the window. He flung the lamp into the puddled cloth with both hands. Metal crunched, glass shattered, oil spewed, and the hangings went up in a great whoosh of flame. The heat of it on his face was sweeter than any kiss Jon had ever known. "Ghost!" he shouted.”

Sansa sits by a fire to read her stories one of them being Prince Aemon who loved his sister Queen Nerys. In the next chapter, Jon literally becomes one of those heroes and uses fire to kill a monster.

Bonus thought: ‘sweeter than any kiss Jon had ever known.’ who’s been kissing Jon? That’s a very romantic way to view a near-death experience, Jon Snow.

Much has been talked about Sansa in later books wishing for a hero and believing they are no heroes. Then unbeknownst to her, Jon does something that would make him her hero (e.g. Kill Janos Slynt). Most of their mirroring and parallels are believed to come to the forefront in later books. This is the first time, I realized that it happened so early. Sansa reads her stories and in the next chapter, Jon is killing a monster as if it were right out of Sansa’s stories!!!! It’s an amazing touch.

These two chapters together could be viewed as highlighting their familial connection. They are bookended by Arya’s and Bran’s chapters which are... well... different. The same things just don’t happen to them. While, I think all four chapters relate and flow beautifully together from Sansa remembering she did not ask about Arya, to Jon thinking about both girls and his brothers, Jon’s first run-in with a wight to Bran watching Robb march out and Osha telling him they are marching the wrong way. That they need to be going North to fight the dead.

The Jon and Sansa chapters stick out beyond the familial. They are just so so very similar with the exception of Jon fighting the wright. Even that difference relates back to Sansa’s chapter and her stories. Not only that, these chapters are placed in the middle of the four, grounding the family. Suggesting they will be central to the future of this family. What does this mean? Is it one of the earliest examples of Jonsa foreshadowing? Sure we have “Sansa was radiant” and Sansa’s comment about Jon being jealous. While those are hints and when paired with later foreshadowing make the case for Jonsa. Those small comments looked at individually could be explained away. You can’t explain away two whole chapters structured like this. There is a belief amongst some fans that JonSa did not start to really develop until the end of the second or beginning of the third book. That GRRM planted most of the foreshadowing seeds later. That in the first book perhaps he was still unsure of whether or not Jon and Sansa would be anything more than distant siblings. These two chapters suggest that is not the case. That the seeds were being planted from the beginning. That no matter the many leagues between, no matter the lack of interaction on the page, strip away all that, these two Starklings are sharing the same story.

#jonsa meta #jonxsansa meta #jonxsansa #this meta took longer than i thought #jon snow #sansa stark #a game of thrones #a game of thrones meta #asoiaf meta #jon vii agot #sansa iv agot

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saintgale · 6 years

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Forgive me. I’m having feelings and I think have talked about this a lot on a side blog before, but wanted to try to condense some of my thoughts on this here because I’m still bitter and upset after all this time, whoops.

This is about Starscream’s treatment in TFP.

There’s a lot of text below the cut and also tw for abuse mention. Also spoilers for TFP, some Aligned stuff, and TAAO.

Also warning that I’m going to get sort of heated here and I’m not making the best case for him (bc I’m emotional right now), and these points are not, as they are now, grounds for a really sound argument because there are holes and patches and references missing. Also let me say up front I don’t condone Starscream’s behavior, I am not trying to make excuses for anything that he’s done--but that’s not what this is about. This is more about his treatment in the series by other characters, through the fourth wall in the writing, etc. This is more about how victimized he is and how he’s painted so often as the end-all-be-all villain of the century when there’s so much more to it than that. I feel like so many times his suffering was meant for comic relief or to make a moment for another character. Also how everyone was bent on him being Evil when he was trying to be something else.

This isn’t about painting Starscream as a “good guy” or trying to make him look good. This isn’t about trying to pardon him from all the wrong he’s done. It is about what I see as pretty gross injustice and how damn relate-able he was as an abuse survivor.

-- Recall, he wanted to swap sides. We don’t know for certain how this would turn out bc the Autobots wouldn’t give him the chance but you know what, they have the same target, being Megatron. Starscream could have been invaluable: he could have helped them tremendously even if it was in the end just for his own gain. But damn would I like to think what could have happened if for once in the goddamn show someone treated him with an ounce of kindness.

You know what he does when confronted with Cluffjumper’s murder--he admits his mistake. He admits he made many. He repeatedly voices that he wants to CHANGE and he DOESN’T WANT TO FIGHT HER. (Fair, we don’t know if this was genuine or just excuses made to try to cover his ass, but seeing as he explicitly asked to join the Autobots at the beginning of the episode and made no attempts to resist, gave them the info they wanted, and didn’t once threaten them even when they treated him poorly--ex: battering and dragging him around, I’d say he was well on the path to trying to be honest with them).

It’s only when it’s clear that Arcee is going to murder him (ie: force him into combat when he’s being held prisoner and is very much going to fight to the death) that he turns on her. And then gets really nasty, because tbfh if she’s going to just treat him like a criminal and force him into a battle while he’s the Autobots’ prisoner, and no one’s going to give him a chance, etc., why should he hold back?

-- Here’s the thing about Starscream: he literally cannot afford to trust anyone and it’s painful to watch. He has been conditioned to look out only for himself, because he’s HAD TO to survive. Megatron has quite literally beaten it into him that he can’t rely on anyone else, he’s alone, no one wants him, and that if he doesn’t continuously prove his worth, he could be killed at any minute. Pair this with constantly being ostracized, threatened, yelled at, punched, blamed, etc., and here you have Starscream’s already existing paranoia all bundled up in the most on-edge ball of nerves you ever did see.

-- He has to trade information for medical care. (Ie: He can’t “prove his worth?” Then he’s labeled as useless and left to die or punished for it--but Star’s damn used to that by this point, right?) Given I understand the Autobots had limited resources themselves and then again this is Starscream but he was defenseless and asking them for help in a time of need. As if saving Arcee’s life from Arachnid or helping them locate the Harbinger and begging to join their side beforehand wasn’t enough proof that the potential for him to change was there--he wanted to change--but no one would give him a chance.

-- He was gravely injured and literally begging for his life on his the goddamn floor and Ratchet and Bulkhead were content to let him die. Alone, vulnerable, out in the middle of nowhere with no affiliation, when no one else knew where the hell he was, when he had renounced his allegiance to the Decepticons. He was a neutral at that point. He was literally disabled (ie: forcibly had one of his internal organs removed from his body so he couldn’t transform into his alt mode or even transform his arm into his gun to defend himself) and starving and left to fend for himself with whatever little resources his brilliant mind could scrounge up from the NOTHING he had to work with.

Sure, Star is notorious for being a trickster/backstabber, but for fuck’s sake at points he was lying there BLEEDING OUT on the ground, and he had already shown before that a) he was MORE THAN WILLING to join the Autobots and help them out instead and BEGGED THEM TO LET HIM JOIN and that b) he had ABSOLUTELY NO INTENTION to do any harm to them. As if he were even in the state to hurt them if he wanted to. Damn.

Again. It would be well within the Autobots’ rights to be cautious/take precautions around him. But the level of disregard for even his life was concerning. Yeah, there was a war going on, yeah he was their enemy, but he had no affiliation at that point--he was literally all alone and begging for medical attention, would it be that much to show some empathy?

Like I keep thinking of that line Optimus has at one point (I think there are several iterations of it throughout the series) something like “every sentient being deserves the chance for redemption,” how 1) not only was Optimus content to let Megatron into the Autobot base when they were fighting Unicron, but 2) lets him fuck off into space in Predacons Rising because apparently Megatron now understands “the true meaning of oppression.”

No shit, man? Isn’t that what sparked the Decepticon uprising in the first place? I’m pretty sure Megatron put Starscream through a hell of a lot more than what Unicron did to him in that brief period of time, but Starscream just doesn’t seem to be able to catch a break. When he does show some signs of potential change, it gets brushed off or denied.

-- I’m pretty sure the Autobots KNOW how awfully Starscream is treated by Megatron (and this is a joke, it’s supposed to be something funny and it’s sickening--G1 even had a Heroes laugh about Starscream’s mistreatment as they ride off into the sunset moment, if I recall). Starscream has literally been beaten within inches of death, to the point of hospitalization, and for SHOW in front of the Decepticon troops, and left with his entire body, head to fucking toe, littered with scars, scrapes, dents, etc. We’ve seen him scream and beg and get down on his hands and knees and pray to Megatron not to hurt him. And yet he seizes up and is completely powerless to stop it--watching it physically hurts me. He’s so fucking terrified of Megatron that he flinches and shrinks back and winces wen approached by him, when Megatron raises his voice, or fuck forbid his fist.

-- I love Bulkhead and all for but his gentle-giant act his literal response to Starscream not wanting to tell him where the exit of the Nemesis ship was was to beat the life out of him. (Turns out this was a clone, but Bulkhead killed it. He would have killed Starscream over Star not wanting to give him information because low and behold! Bulkhead didn’t have anything to offer him back. Which is really fucking funny considering when it was the other way around, with Starscream being desperate for help, Bulkhead and Ratchet wouldn’t even consider giving him the medical attention he needed unless Star coughed up intel they could use.) He’s not only Megatron’s punching bag, it’s like he’s everyone’s punching bag. Just because he’s fucking there. And hearing him scream and cry is funny apparently.

-- Get this, Starscream was SO DESPERATE that he went BACK HIS ABUSER instead of trying again to ask the Autobots to join them. He pulled off the impossible because he’s fucking brilliant--something that Megatron was never able to do: infiltrate the Autobot base (let us also recall that Starscream had been collecting intel since early season 1 on the base’s location, but he literally sets up a trap to get in through their ground bridge despite the world spitting into his face) and steal the Omega Keys. Which he uses, of all things, as bargaining chips to try to negotiate his way back into the Decepticon ranks--he even is willing to forsake his position as Second In Command, he just wants some goddamn patch of dirt to stand on at this point.

-- I stand by my statement that Starscream absolutely proved more than once through the series that he not only had the potential to change, but he really wanted to change. But no one else seemed to want to accept that change, and no one was willing to give him the room to grow on it or prove that he really was trying to better himself. He spends every second of his life in Megatron’s presence cowering in absolute fear (bar when Megatron was in a goddamn coma on life support and thus could not hurt him), and trying to find ways to make sure that no one can hurt him. I’m convinced that his actions and his goddamn levels of treachery/me-against-everyone-else is because it’s been proven to him over and over and over again that no one will help him, no one cares about him, and no one is willing to give him a chance to be anything but evil scheming Starscream. So at the end of it all what goddamn choice does he even have?

-- He doesn’t even know how to accept compliments. I don’t mean flattery/you scratch my back I scratch yours types of things, I mean like. Out of the blue really sincere stuff. Like when they think they’re gonna die and Knockout says something nice to him, and he just like. Shuts the fuck up and looks away and gets all flustered? I seriously have a hard time recalling any points where another character is legitimately nice to Starscream (let’s be fair, is he particularly nice to anyone else?, it doesn’t seem so, but then again who the hell has given him a reason to be anything else but hyper-aware and suspicious?) and that kind of just hurts.

-- THANK FUCK in TAAO he got the redemption arc he so rightfully deserved and it was handled pretty well imo, and at the end of it all, he was described, by the author, as exactly what he is: an abuse-victim. I’m still salty as fuck that Megatron got ANOTHER get out of jail free card in MTMTE/LL and gets to fuck off and around the galaxy on a space journey (again) while Starscream winds up punished via life in prison but that’s out of my hands.

I don’t know if it’s a coincidence that Ms. Scott worked as an assistant writer on TFP (and was probably well-aware of what TFP Star went through and the details of his character) and that TAAO Star gets such a goddamn well-written redemption arc and blatant address to the horrors that he’s had to suffer through in his life, particularly the physical and emotional abuse he had to endure at Megatron’s hands, but there’s some similarities here.

-- I’m not saying what Starscream (in any verse) does was right or anything like that, but what I am saying is that particularly in the case of TFP (and TAAO) his actions are understandable. We know why he’s doing what he’s doing and we know the extreme level of trauma that he still suffers and the lengths he will go to to ensure that it never happens again.

Also shoutout to the Aligned novels where we see him before the abuse really starts (though Megatron and Shockwave basically traumatize and power play him on purpose) where he is an absolute fucking badass and takes Megatron on head-on at a disadvantage and puts up a DAMN good fight. And looks him straight in the eye when threatened, like he does not give a Fuck.

We see how goddamn obvious the before and after is. We see how utterly afraid and miserable Star is and how he will do anything to kill Megatron, will do anything to try to make himself feel safe. (Or safer.) We see not only the sheer difference in size between Starscream and Megatron, but the difference in the power versus the powerlessness. Here’s the thing about Starscream, his whole personality and physical appearance in TFP is crafted around him not being very strong (physically)--it’s all about his mind being his sharpest weapon. (I have to note that this doesn’t mean he’s not a good fighter--he most certainly is, he’s proved that, and that for a bot his size he’s actually pretty strong. Also we gonna talk about the melee capability he has and how agile he is because this guy’s got spikey-pointy bits all over his body including what look like pile-bunkers on his elbows and claws like knives). Starscream can kill Megatron, and he’s come really close to it more than once. But he often feels like he doesn’t have the power to do it. He doesn’t fight back when Megatron beats the hell of out him, he either tries to get away and/or begs him to stop. It’s so damn relate-able and it makes me hurt inside.

Also for the record I don’t see the problem here as Starscream very clearly being a queer-coded character. (Though we can talk about in general queer-coding villains in media.) I DO see a problem with Starscream being a queer-coded character who used as a punching bad and constantly beat up by a hyper-masculine character (Megatron), and Starscream as being constantly kicked around, made fun of, and having to suffer because of his femininity, lack of strength, lack of control, etc.

For the trash-mess that was the RID sequel (there are still loveable bits though) one thing they DID get right was the expression of absolute hatred, fear, and bitterness that Starscream feels regarding his suffering at Megatron’s hands, and his entire reason for reappearing is to kill Megatron. Good on Starscream for calling out all the awful and horrible shit that Megatron did to him. AND calling out Bumblebee for the exact same ridiculing/belittling bullshit he tried to pull on him (which, as we saw, completely worked as a distraction because of how much it upset Star).

(Also can we talk about how the Dark Star Sabre “rejected” him and how Bee’s making fun of him because hahaa!! Look at you Starscream!! You’re such a failure that an EVIL SWORD rejected you!! But in actuality let’s think about the implications of this and wouldn’t this be a neat piece to reference for an Aligned redemption arc?? But I know that’s never gonna happen.)

And don’t get me started on the whole design change (the RID design itself was badass as fuck, the 180 from the TFP design and the reason for it was absolute utter fucking rotten dogshit) because I’m still pissed as fuck about that too.

-- You know. I think there’s a lot of differences between Starscream and Megatron but I think the one that sticks out to me the most is that Starscream never became his abuser the way Megatron did. Sure, we don’t know for sure, and maybe never will, but let’s also take note that for the short time that he was in charge of the Deceptions when Megatron fucked off to go get the Dark Energon and then was on life support or whatever, Starscream was aiming for big things (yes, devilishly evil in many cases but for fuck’s sake he’s at least competent, and he knows what he’s doing). Also yeah, we’ve seen him lash out at/smack people, but this really isn’t anywhere near on the same dimension plane as what Megatron does to him on a regular basis.

-- To me, Starscream’s the goddamn strongest character in the whole show (I don’t mean in brute strength, I mean strength of will and perseverance). He’s a survivor and he’s trying his damn hardest to keep surviving. We know damn well no one else is going to lift a finger to help or look out for him so he’s done that for himself. He’s absolutely ruthless and a menace but he’s been through some Shit and I just hope to hell and back he gets a happy ending somehow.

#dratz vents #dratz rants #shut up dratz #abuse and abuse mention tw #text post //#long post //#filler tag one //#filler tag two //#i think that's good //#starscream #tfp

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thequeensofmemes · 6 years

Conversation

Reign Quotes

I never saw any ghosts.

But what if they saw you?

She had skinny legs, a missing front tooth, and opinions.

My dear, this was not an act of passion. It was treason.

Love is irrelevant to people like us.

I wonder whose face you're imagining in that target.

I would rather have hope with you than certainty with anyone else.

Win or lose, you will answer for it. That's what kings do.

You do have a way of leaving chaos in your wake.

She's not just an alliance. She's a girl.

I'm not sure words mean anything here.

We'll prove to them that our union is strong.

Treat them as friends until they prove themselves foes.

Contrary to public opinion, I do not relish destroying people's homes.

I don't care what you learn, as long as you don't forget.

We have positioned ourselves for the worst kind of pain.

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that.

I take things sometimes. It makes me feel better.

To see you smile is to feel the sun, your grace.

Do you flirt with everyone?

I'd probably say yes.

Killing isn't supposed to be easy. If your hands weren't shaking, you'd be him.

Close to death, apparently.

I'm glad that my unhappiness gives you so much pleasure.

Don't let fear keep you from greatness.

It could cost you your head.

If servants are gossiping about your unmade bed, it is too late to rectify the situation.

Men must find something to kill from time to time.

Accept that I have lost. I have.

I'm in a nunnery of one.

That's the kind of talk that gets bastards--and mistresses--beheaded.

History is written by the survivors. And I am surely that.

Tell me when you want me to stop.

Happiness is the one thing we queens can never have.

Arming yourself against me? Am I really that frightening?

Am I really stupid enough to find out?

My mother, she was behind this as well?

All her crimes against me were because she loved you.

I grow weary of your threats.

I grew weary of you a decade ago.

That half-blind portrait artist didn't realize I was sitting in a chair while my sister was standing, and now half the kingdom thinks I’m a dwarf.

Love is irrelevant to people like us, a privilege that we do not share.

There are two things I can't abide, betrayal and stupidity.

Next time you see a threat large or small, you cut it down like a weed.

I don't want to do this to you.

Too bad you didn't see this one coming.

When the ax falls on your neck, I will be there.

Off with you child. You've killed me enough for one day.

I don't 'attempt' to do anything--I do it.

Nature is not malignant.

Must I do everything? Shall I catch my head in my own hands, too?

So I sent you here to wed a king and find you engaged to a bastard.

Despite what you may think, I never intended to harm your family.

Sooner or later, blood will be spilled. It's just a matter of whose.

So he is mad...and a mad king incites chaos and rebellion.

I don't make love to you because I want a baby. I want a baby because I love you.

Those who look upon it are taken. And those who are taken die.

We are royals. We have the power to do terrible things. Without trust, we're nothing.

You? What do you have to complain about? You're now married to a beautiful woman of noble birth.

I won't pretend I love you, but we should probably start liking each other, at least.

My first duty is not to my mother.

Don't you think a royal crown suits me?

I'm too rich to care what people say.

Look where our hearts have led us. We've brought you shame.

I suppose innocence is all relative.

I always want to be there for you.

Don't beg. It invites pity and disdain.

Do all married couples have these struggles?

I think you've redefined marital discord.

Nothing bothers me more than problems I've already solved coming back to be problems again.

Am I the only one in this bed with something to forget?

I never dreamt that I'd be wed to a bastard with an imaginary title.

Losing bothers me.

Trust is a luxury I can no longer afford.

You shouldn't have to live like this.

What happens when being a good king means being a bad husband?

I don't need to be part of your schemes.

You no longer have the privilege of obeying your heart!

It isn't fair, the privileges we are given...or the prices we must pay for them.

When you are alone and miserable, remember this was the moment you threw your happiness away.

This marriage is no longer something that happened to me...you are what I want.

Don't get sentimental about a father who was never sentimental about you.

His life was there for the taking. So I took it.

Royals are always at war.

An interesting choice. Assuming you let her know she has one.

All I have to offer you...is me.

I've come to offer you something. The destruction of our mutual enemy.

Common lore is that your teeth are filed into points and your eyes are black with rage.

Ruling requires that your hands be drenched in blood.

What else could I be but a witch?

You are my husband and my king.

You crushed the rebellion by yourself.

If we die, it is at her hands. And if we live I will never forgive her for this.

I'm saying that should anything happen to either of us I hope that you'll remember me not as the man who lied or betrayed you, I hope you'll remember me as the man who would have cherished you if he'd had the chance.

And real love never fades, not truly.

Just know whatever happens, this is not the end I dreamed for us.

I refuse to surrender. My reign will not end without a fight.

Whose blood concerns you more, your husband or your lover's?

All that stands between him and the crown is my head.

Is this how it's going to be from now on? Both of us constantly wondering what the other is up to?

Long live his majesty.

Contempt alone is not enough to condemn a man. Even the contempt of a king.

We're all basically fallen women.

Our love will die here.

It was rather a miracle.

Just don't expect a fond farewell from me. Or my trust. Ever again.

Do not test my power and do not tempt my fury.

If I'm as responsible as you say, I will never forgive myself.

I never imagined you'd kill him by breaking his heart.

The truth of your betrayal was the last thing that he heard before he collapsed.

I will spill blood to defend what's mine.

So you're my new keeper.

You are a necessary evil whose orbit I can't seem to escape.

But you have to know, that no matter your choices, you still have a husband who would do anything to make you happy.

I opened my heart to a liar.

And now I am lying for you, lying even to my brother, protecting you as you take comfort in the arms of another.

Build a future controlled by you, not the changeable heart of a woman.

When you were a child, there were dozens of little girls whose families begged me for that position, but I chose you because you played well together, because you didn't hurt or throw mud at her. But now you have done both.

You are on the cusp of losing your country.

You poisoned a king and a queen and I helped you get away with it. We each hold a noose for the other.

What I meant is your official mourning period is over.

You say that as if I just won a prize. You can't be serious.

Thank you for pointing out the obvious and will you please stop doting on my mother!

Because I love you. And one of us should be happy.

There are those who merely believe they have power, and there are those who actually have it.

Oh, is that caring? It sounds to me like a man trying to tighten his grip on a woman.

Such haste! I haven't properly mocked you for saving the life of your mother's worst enemy.

Congratulations, you've used your knowledge of the heart's noblest emotion to manipulate and destroy someone.

I don't feel strong. I feel like I'm sleepwalking and I don't know how to wake up.

I will be your wife in name only.

Look where that love has brought us.

At least my family will cry at my funeral.

She sent you to woo me, didn't she?

The only alliance I'm interested is temporary, delicious and bad.

Do not seek to take before I can give.

here are some lines I will not cross even to save myself.

I wanted to give you the chance to do the right thing and I still believe you will.

It's a very romantic story, actually. Father threatened to kill them both if they didn't marry.

I need to handle this on my own and to do it my way. What I need from you is to be patient and to believe in me.

My dear, never give up a crown to anybody.

Are you seriously, seriously suggesting that you want to watch me bathe in return for getting my dowry back?

You know that as a Queen, you put on an act. You can't always show what's in your heart. The same is true for being a wife.

We're women. We're not allowed to have things of our own.

Do you worry that I can't bear you a child?

Does it bring us closer for you to know that your failure disappoints me beyond words?

In the name of justice and tolerance you will drive your people to civil war.

My ladies brought this to me months ago. I read it in an hour.

Have you ever been in love?

Don't you turn your back on me. I am more than your friend. I am your Queen!

I can't be ruled by desire. It's nothing to build a life on.

Your figure's gonna go to hell anyway so you might as well eat up. You are feeding the future King.

It's been some weeks now but I wanted to be sure and I am sure. I am with child, our child, at last!

You lie to your guests and then you threaten them with weapons? We will not be treated this way!

Asking you to know your place is like asking the sun not to shine.

It's must be hard. Once a Queen, now the Queen Mother. Decorative, like an expensive vase.

There's a new day coming, and you are on the wrong side.

Are all powerful men so insecure?

Innocent men shouldn't die alone.

You think you're untouchable, that your sins will stay buried, but they don't.

Of all the people you could have slept with, did it have to be one of my ladies? One of my closest friends?

I am your Queen. I command you.

One bedroom for husband and wife. Good luck with that!

Am I really planning a life, a future, without you?

I will not live in fear of her.

Are you trying to blame a woman for a man’s choices?

It was your spies who got that information to me wasn’t it.

I hope your wings are strong you vulture! You will be circling for quite some times.

What’s the cost of a king’s life?

I always knew we would be wed. Even when I first returned.

I see such beauty. Such beauty you have brought me.

You must wed again. You must love again.

I will never love anyone, the way I love you.

I can’t let him go.

Let him go, and hold on to me.

We were suppose to dance under the stars.

I may still a Queen.

Is that it? Our courtship is over. Was I wrong in thinking it was going well?

No matter what you might think, I can’t just force men to fall in love with me.

That is not a strategy.

I am a queen, about to marry a broken Prince for power...

I need proof before the wedding happens.

You two have become thick as thieves.

Do you still hold it agents me that I defended her agents a false accusation of murder?!

It's time to accept my fate

I will not be chased out of my country before I’ve even retuned.

I will fight fire, with fire.

The day may come where we may find ourselves on the battle field. What would you do then?

Impressive. Where did you learn to shoot like that?

Those memories are a part of me.

You love power!

You despise me, yet you expect a free ride!

I think I shall never see you again.

We have to stop them.

Give me your sword.

You took my heart! And now I’ve come to repay you.

I have come for my throne.

Queens do not bow to their subjects. It is in-fact, quite the other way around.

And may God, and your Queen. Have mercy of your soul.

Men don’t like taking orders from woman, they can barely stand speaking to them.

He knows I speak the truth.

Who cares about right or wrong, if you're dead!

I don’t have much to live for these days, but I would still die for my children.

She does have her moments doesn't she.

I’m sorry I wasn’t the mother you wanted me to be. I did my best.

Why would my presence startle you? Oh because you married my lover.

You requested a five course meals, I offer you seven!

Your love, it gave him so much joy, and that's what you must remember.

How can I pray to God, when I am certain he doesn’t not hear me.

My election could mean the end of your nation.

If I cannot disprove these charges I will swing from a rope.

What if he dies?!

We were here! We were playing a game of chess- which I won.

From the moment you were born, our relationship has been complicated.

We live in a word that undervalues woman.

I may be guilty of favouring my sons over my daughters.

And when you are wed, and you leave this home, it will break my heart.

You are offering me a kindness, a consideration I have rarely shown to you over the years.

Is it so unthinkable, a crime might take place in this castle that I had nothing to do with.

The butcher still insists on his innocents.

Just remember. Enjoy him, but never trust him.

I won’t be frightened into your arms by a dead rat, or a dead Cardinal!

If you think you are not going to talk, you are mistaken.

I don’t understand why we have to take time to visit the Generals.

A king should always deliver good news in person. Bad news should be sent by a messenger. Or let them find out on their own.

Go take back your country.

Our union is damaged beyond repair.

That’s the most flattering thing you’ve ever said to me.

Please tell me that wasn't you.

I need you here, too see you, even if I can’t touch you.

I am paying the price. I feel like a prisoner.

I am their Queen. Their whispers are treason.

Your highness, you are a vision.

This thing between us. It must end.

I’m ready to accept his proposal.

If is a fact of our time. A man rules his wife. Even if his wife is a Queen.

And it will be the challenge of my life, not to kill her.

Perhaps I forgot what it means to be a queen.

I shall never name an heir unless it is my own child.

To name a successor is to place a target on one's self.

Perhaps it better to outright refuse him. Be brutal and direct.

Don’t misjudge me. I am my father’s son.

All that’s left now, is for me to enjoy my final hours.

Well, I suppose you’ll have to settle with being the Queen of two nations, not three.

You cannot keep me in a cage. Even one built with love.

We were meant to be happy, and we were. But I have another fate.

Show people you are worthy of the post you hold, and no one will remember how you rose to it.

Love is never simple. Not that I'm any expert.

I was willing to give up so much for you. But now I want you out of my life. Forever.

Why must the fate of nations be decided in a shared bed?

I receive a letter from him nearly everyday. And I haven’t read one.

I can’t image what the night must be without the man you truly love.

Please go. While I still have the courage to say goodbye.

Sons of cobblers, doesn’t get to be with princesses.

I need to believe, that who we are, matters more than our station.

You are who you're born into, and nothing more than people say you are. You can pretend otherwise, but the world won’t pretend with you.

If you go on this mission. I’ll stop loving you!

From now on, you're only allowed to dream about me.

I have many children of my own you know. Some of them turn out quite well.

She is actually dead in’t she?

What is power, without love.

Be grateful for the fun you had, you must have know your time would come.

I expect you’ll be wearing that when we play cards tonight.

She handles tragedy with ruthless clarity.

I will not help you with this

Ask anyone. I’m as fickle as they come.

It's hard for all of us. Being part of this family.

I may be young, and inexperienced, but I promise I’ll give you an heir.

What’s this play about?

It’s a comedy about royals.

I hear the princess is worth looking at.

It's funny isn't in. Both of us here, we already know we've had our one true love.

You must rule your own heart, as firmly as you rule your subjects.

We may be the enemy, but I am not without my manners.

Your light as a feather, I swear!

Would you be interested in anything else? My chambers for example…

There’s the smile I was hoping for.

Allow me to charm you so more, and we’ll work on that next part.

Men forget, that woman have ears.

My child will be heir to her throne, to both Nations.

This is a course you cannot step back from. And if you take it, I fear I am looking at a dead woman.

We all die. The question is what we stood for while we lived.

Have you already named our children? Or did you leave that part for me?

I did not expect to like you. But I do.

Earn my respect then, as I earn the respect of my men. In combat!

Duels only lead to dead men, not respect.

Fists then. A boxing match. If you win, I bend the knee. But if I win, you will withdraw your marriage offer to the Queen.

I let you win that race.

How dare you, didn't you notice that I defied the queen of England for you!?

I’m going to be your husband.

I had a husband! and I loved him and he was murdered in cold blood before my eyes.

Before I met you, I loved someone. In that way that should've lasted a lifetime, but it didn't.

Let the danger come.

You will be my husband in name only. And we will never be happy.

It is my duty, my God-given birthright and my crown. And I will defend it from anyone who attempts to take it.

I had hoped that our marriage would be a partnership in every way. but with your drinking, your cheating, your blind ambition...

I know we hardly know each other, and yet here I am, asking you to risk everything for me.

With or without your crown. I would do anything for you.

I made you King. But we will never be equals.

You can’t expect everyone to be glad you are back at Court, some of us know you.

He will hang. And I will enjoy watching him die.

I didn't kill him, but justice needed to be done.

This vile act will not ease your pain!

Revenge is not meant to ease pain. It is meant to balance the scales.

He was an innocent man!

Men will never willingly bow to the weaker sex.

I put my trust in you, my Lord.

Well surely you don’t blame me.

How nice of you to take time out of your grievance to mock me.

What about the shame you've brought to this family? Not to mention this country and to God himself?!

I've learned never trust the beginning of a book.

I know this isn't what you wanted, but for now, this marriage will protect you.

When the time is right, I can make you a widow.

We need to show them you are not a monster, by showing them what you really are. A King.

Perhaps I shall have your throat slit in your sleep. Or have the villagers do it for me when they come for us to root out the beast we have protected.

I should have your entire family burned at the stake.

He was born first! That's all he has to do.

I have always put my children first. I have done terrible things! I have always done it for their good. But are they worth it?

Tell your son to come to court. Or I will have him dragged here. On his knees.

I will not be remembered as the Queen that drew first blood.

And I can't bear to lose you.

Our affair puts you in danger.

I won't ever tire of you.

He is a long-term confidante. A skilled advisor and diplomat, whose journeys, for the Crown, have met with spectacular success.

I represent something glorious, for everyone. And if you want to banish every person who is dazzled by me, we'll be a nation of mainly women.

You are more precious to me than my nation.

Speak! While there is still mercy in my heart!

I will bow to no man

I will face ever threat to my reign with sword in hand. And any who shall stand in my way shall fall.

I cannot have her blood on my hands. And I cannot let her go.

Look how far you’ve come. Trading your heart to rise in station.

Now that I know how things really work around here. I'm interested in getting to know you better.

Why should I be interested in you?

I was starting to think you didn't have it in you.

But let me offer some advice: next time you threaten someone, make sure you have proof. A theory is nothing more than a feather.

I am on no one's side, but my own.

Get out of my Court!

It’s fine. A daughter joining her mother for an evening stroll is hardly a crime.

The tears might be a bit much.

In a year, everything will be different. I'll have an heir.

I won’t fall in love with him. I promise!! Please have faith in me.

I was almost sent to a nunnery for following my heart!

I lost both the man I love and the man I could have loved.

I'm asking you to marry me. but I’m begging you to save your own life.

Tell me this. Do you think we can be happy together?

Your food is regularity tested for poison.

You're so clever.

Your lies come so easily.

You invited me here because you think of me, as often as I think of you.

He does have his father’s history to overcome.

I am an ambitious man. And if this is my one chance at King, I will take it.

If I am King for only as long as you live, then I say long live the Queen.

I don’t want to find love. I want to be loved.

It wasn’t easy, I paid a fortune.

The inevitable War of Two Queen.

May matrimony set you on a more honorable path.

I am married to the most powerful man in the world.

Stop starting at me witch!

You're a beautiful, ambitious, young woman who's learned to pull the strings of men, and yed can't see when her own strings are being pulled.

Being married to a woman who is in love with another, isn’t exactly the ideal union I dreamed of either.

Bastards and cheaters are not welcome on the Throne.

You will have love or an heir, but not both.

Lie to me again, and I will open you up right here, in your own house.

If you have a baby that isn’t yours, you’ll hang, unless you cooperate.

#meme #ask meme #sentence meme

26 notes · View notes

dfroza · 4 years

Text

Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms

for Thursday, november 5 of 2020 with Proverbs 5 and Psalm 5, accompanied by Psalm 45 for the 45th day of Autumn and Psalm 10 for day 310 of the year (now with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 3rd revolution this year)

[Proverbs 5]

Listen to me, my son,

for I know what I’m talking about.

Listen carefully to my advice

so that wisdom and discernment will enter your heart,

and then the words you speak will express what you’ve learned.

Remember this:

The lips of a seductress seem sweet like honey,

and her smooth words are like music in your ears.

But I promise you this:

In the end all you’ll be left with is a bitter conscience.

For the sting of your sin will pierce your soul like a sword.

She will ruin your life, drag you down to death,

and lead you straight to hell.

She has prevented many from considering the paths of life.

Yes, she will take you with her where you don’t want to go,

sliding down a slippery road

and not even realizing where the two of you will end up!

Listen to me, young men,

and don’t forget this one thing I’m telling you—

run away from her as fast as you can!

Don’t even go near the door of her house

unless you want to fall into her seduction.

In disgrace you will relinquish your honor to another,

and all your remaining years will be squandered—

given over to the cruel one.

Why would you let strangers take away your strength

while the labors of your house go to someone else?

For when you grow old you will groan in anguish and shame

as sexually transmitted diseases consume your body.

And then finally you’ll admit that you were wrong and say,

“If only I had listened to wisdom’s voice

and not stubbornly demanded my own way,

because my heart hated to be told what to do!

Why didn’t I take seriously the warning of my wise counselors?

Why was I so stupid to think that I could get away with it?

Now I’m totally disgraced and my life is ruined!

I’m paying the price—

for the people of the congregation are now my judges.”

[Sex Reserved for Marriage]

My son, share your love with your wife alone.

Drink from her well of pleasure and from no other.

Why would you have sex with a stranger

or with anyone other than her?

Reserve this pleasure for you and her alone and not with another.

Your sex life will be blessed

as you take joy and pleasure in the wife of your youth.

Let her breasts be your satisfaction,

and let her embrace intoxicate you at all times.

Be continually delighted and ravished with her love!

My son, why would you be exhilarated by an adulteress—

by embracing a woman who is not yours?

For God sees everything you do and his eyes are wide open

as he observes every single habit you have.

Beware that your sins don’t overtake you

and the scars of your own conscience

become the ropes that tie you up.

Those who choose wickedness die for lack of self-control,

for their foolish ways lead them astray,

carrying them away as hostages—

kidnapped captives robbed of destiny.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 5 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 5]

For the worship leader. A song of David accompanied by flutes.

Bend Your ear to me and listen to my words, O Eternal One;

hear the deep cry of my heart.

Listen to my call for help,

my King, my True God;

to You alone I pray.

In the morning, O Eternal One, listen for my voice;

in the day’s first light, I will offer my prayer to You and watch expectantly for Your answer.

You’re not a God who smiles at sin;

You cannot abide with evil.

The proud wither in Your presence;

You hate all who pervert and destroy what is good.

You destroy those with lying lips;

the Eternal detests those who murder and deceive.

Yet I, by Your loving grace,

am welcomed into Your house;

I will turn my face toward Your holy place

and fall on my knees in reverence before You.

O Eternal One, lead me in the path of Your righteousness

amidst those who wish me harm;

make Your way clear to me.

Their words cannot be trusted;

they are destructive to their cores.

What comes out of their mouths is as foul as a rotting corpse;

their words stink of flattery.

Find them guilty, O True God;

let their own devices bring them ruin.

Throw them out, and let them drown in the deluge of their sin,

for in revolt they brazenly spit in Your face.

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did;

let them break out in joyful song.

May You keep them safe—

their love for You resounding in their hearts.

You, O Eternal, are the One who lays all good things in the laps of the right-hearted.

Your blessings surround them like a shield.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 5 (The Voice)

[Psalm 45]

The Wedding Song

For the Pure and Shining One, by the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan

A contemplative song of instruction for the Loved One

To the melody of “Lilies”

My heart is on fire, boiling over with passion.

Bubbling up within me are these beautiful lyrics

as a lovely poem to be sung for the King.

Like a river bursting its banks, I’m overflowing with words,

spilling out into this sacred story.

[His Royal Majesty]

Beautiful! Beautiful! Beyond the sons of men!

Elegant grace pours out through every word you speak.

Truly God has anointed you, his favored one, for eternity!

Now strap your lightning-sword of judgment upon your side,

O mighty warrior, so majestic!

You are full of beauty and splendor as you go out to war!

In your glory and grandeur go forth in victory!

Through your faithfulness and meekness

the cause of truth and justice will stand.

Awe-inspiring miracles are accomplished by your power,

leaving everyone dazed and astonished!

Your wounding leaves men’s hearts defeated

as they fall before you broken.

Your glory-kingdom, O God, endures forever,

for you are enthroned to rule with a justice-scepter in your hand!

You are passionate for righteousness and you hate lawlessness.

This is why God, your God,

crowns you with bliss above your fellow kings.

He has anointed you, more than any other,

with his oil of fervent joy,

the very fragrance of heaven’s gladness.

Your royal robes release the scent of suffering love for your bride;

the odor of aromatic incense is upon you.

From the pure and shining place, lovely music

that makes you glad is played for your pleasure.

[Her Royal Majesty]

The daughters of kings, women of honor,

are maidens in your courts.

And standing beside you,

glistening in your pure and golden glory,

is the beautiful bride-to-be!

Now listen, daughter, pay attention, and forget about your past.

Put behind you every attachment to the familiar,

even those who once were close to you!

For your royal Bridegroom is ravished by your beautiful brightness.

Bow in reverence before him, for he is your Lord!

Wedding presents pour in from those of great wealth.

The royal friends of the Bridegroom shower you with gifts.

As the princess bride enters the palace,

how glorious she appears within the holy chamber,

robed with a wedding dress embroidered with pure gold!

Lovely and stunning she leads the procession with all her bridesmaids

as they come before you, her Bridegroom King.

What a grand, majestic entrance!

A joyful, glad procession as they enter the palace gates!

Your many sons will one day be kings, just like their Father.

They will sit on royal thrones all around the world.

I will make sure the fame of your name

is honored in every generation as all the people praise you,

giving you thanks forever and ever!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 45 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 10]

Why, O Eternal One, are You so far away?

Why can’t You be found during troubling times?

Mean and haughty people hunt down the poor.

May they get caught up in their own wicked schemes.

For the wicked celebrates the evil cravings of his heart

as the greedy curses and rejects the Eternal.

The arrogance of the wicked one keeps him from seeking the True God.

He truly thinks, “There is no God.”

His ways seem always to be successful;

Your judgments, too, seem far beyond him, out of his reach.

He looks down on all his enemies.

In his heart he has decided, “Nothing will faze me.

From generation to generation I will not face trouble.”

His mouth is full of curses, lies, and oppression.

Beneath his tongue lie trouble and wickedness.

He hides in the shadows of the villages,

waiting to ambush and kill the innocent in dark corners.

He eyes the weak and the poor.

Ominously, like a lion in its lair,

he lurks in secret to waylay those who are downtrodden.

When he catches them, he draws them in and drags them off with his net.

Quietly crouching, lying low,

ready to overwhelm the next by his strength,

The wicked thinks in his heart, “God has forgotten us!

He has covered His face and will never notice!”

Arise, O Eternal, my True God. Lift up Your hand.

Do not forget the downtrodden.

Why does the wicked revile the True God?

He has decided, “He will not hold me responsible.”

But wait! You have seen,

and You will consider the trouble and grief he caused.

You will impose consequences for his actions.

The helpless, the orphans, commit themselves to You,

and You have been their Helper.

Break the arm of the one guilty of doing evil;

investigate all his wicked acts;

hold him responsible for every last one of them.

The Eternal will reign as King forever.

The other nations will be swept off His land.

O Eternal One, You have heard the longings of the poor and lowly.

You will strengthen them; You who are of heaven will hear them,

Vindicating the orphan and the oppressed

so that men who are of the earth will terrify them no more.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 10 (The Voice)

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kreeshaha6 · 4 years

Text

Kreeshaha 6

by Hui Kj

With the weight of the napkin, yoo-hoo! It is a father with an orange juice disorder wish. Sins count, greet the dogs kindly or you will ask fellow locals if they are bilingual because you just have not been anywhere for awhile. Peace will get you killed - I have been pushed away via repulsion both ways; yeti stance. Somebody interrupt, drown with me - heaven is cheering when you stare around. Nobody will tame house; Julia triangle. If you are stuck on a boat fishing, scream at the tally of meaning lost but shiver on. I have hunted for etiquette in evolution and the wind is a smart devil. Not call it anything but muddy carpet to scrub out while you know exactly how to update yourself in your habit modes - a lot of social tests behind your back: a prince does not know how to talk, and queens will catch you lying you idiot. Whatever you think: it is still going to be countered or briefly deconstructed - counter, go ahead: I know the actual perverts when they sniff or clear their throat. Hints mark distance.

The compliments are not lies, cough. The dedications are not sin: show yourself crazy-cat. Your best friends can go home and find love in a different world. You can do heroin. God is real when you dream; it is just about natural disasters and some year soon the math will not be funny anymore and galaxies can go fuck themselves. The napkin edges are pink in yet out just of black holes after the swallow - saying one thing soon that will ruin your life, let’s go.

Loud wind, cartoon questions - boink. I hate cleaning the lawn before cleaning the lawn. Consume teal mold for the beauty of heroes and it will keep your life an achievement; maybe wicked to you and I mostly agree. Some 420s let you knock on neighbors doors to tell them all you know about 9/11 - the same neighbors that you steal cigarettes from from their porch every week, and on Halloween you put a christian book in their mailbox; also a mixtape of songs hinting about what you are reading right now. It has been five years now since the discovery moment where God opened the burning star door and nobody has to believe me.

I heard Julia likes live music. If you look away do not miss anything. Take a bus to a stranger’s bed, and if one sings for another then you can avoid talking about abortion. People say I lie to them but it is a reverse to laziness and accumulation of everything I want to say to people but say it now; feels good but that does not mean there is a scheme thing but rather being a romantic and free, so. You can think it jab to you but reword back to me only making people in homes bitter: like context and history with a dazzling motive to not go back to the moment if that is how it feels.

In my childhood bedroom, every time I slept facing the wall Ursula would be looking under tables for me at daycare in my dreams. None of this violence - look down to your menu and order whatever you like. I can get a discount for you because I work here. Talk vaguely a bunch so the circle is crooked so they do not plot against your base. My father started a private school and is doing his Phd although while his bewildering perversions make you so sick that you deny it of that setting: ha ha, a lasting impact but reveals so much that makes him think that every message is from God so it is all fine. The future sucks; metaphysical targets for what is basically standard psychology that the man never knew it was an ill catastrophe leaving me and some others perverted in the sense that you can never forget it.

Ignore it; manipulation is impressive but you should rather get a benzo from a doctor. It is paranoia but not the last splash - I am healing you. To tell you my stomach hurts under blue sky and you are just getting lucky today - ugh. Will I ruin your time? It is more than being lonely or personal whorish fallbacks - every man I know has never asked me questions and I could cry about it sincerely, like it is stealing and you will hate me for asking you questions. Maybe if you thought I read enough books and write essays that I would know how to have an opinion - that is not how I would like to use my time when in the relevance of a beautiful creature explaining this now or then or whenever.

Their loved ones will ask you stranger how they can help them outside of your new friends house like who the fuck are you? - fuck you actually and fuck the police. Putting stuff in other’s mailboxes is illegal and I just do not want trouble which is why I make it so difficult to trust me. No material desire for shoplifting, rather pretty luck will keep you better informed of the news; a whole new bias begins where that if you do not smell bad or can buy the rum only to be the new’s steadier in the end to popularize romantic metaphors that just have nice colors in them eventually.

My father drinks decaf. My suicide prevention sticker looked like the grim reaper warping towards me at the certain angle staring - shadows move of other shadows. Maybe when you got reckless heaven’s angel work in curious ways, but you thank God even tho he said only a dove - your best friend is a bird and he or she will mention later on about when the angel got used to it all and literally kept you alive out of pure loyalty.

You can toot if you want. Romance is luck - if free money is going around it should all be for anything but devices or decor; rather buy a map and rent a small house for yourself and take notes on how they never cared like you do. Make coffee and never answer a door. Water is the only great thing - water and good. The earth will put up a fight

- throwing up is good and the decomposing factor dresses us light and fried by the sun.

Were angels once human? Lucifer chose to leave, and I did not know an angel could bend - even though God is still building a kingdom which I believe changes in the war seasons. I can ruin your life; just a minute. Soft tone means peace and if you can find peace in hell the soft tone is the most heartbreaking edge in religious history where you can take a break to visit earth for good or bad - but maybe these are all just a different race: armadillos are just gross and that is my observation to know how sick I am which the angels and demons are in magnificent pose and telling enemies ‘He is mine.’ But enemies will hear about it and it is your party, there are just a bunch of lustful, sick, obsessive figures trying to use your voice against young people so they have their own obsession of lust - incorrect and dumb. Go into a basement and do not leave until you have scratched out a million things: follow a series for a theme and counter it without anger. Boy, girl, boy, girl…. Which game is this? Finnegan’s Wake - the master key, only happening with a person you will quit on : so have fun with your boring masturbation until you are ready to drink it up to become your own entity, mission quite repulsive but holy if God said so. You can bullshit, that I got yoga at 5’clock. Buddy will talk; every little little fever come along, and he is drinking now and I say! the wrong first dates this month, powder donuts, and a dork fag. No worries, people know wrong is wrong.

Earth attack with a pickup line for when it will zap least because of desperation. If you say what you mean thru tunnels of empathy checkpoints direct it to enemies. It is asexual and you remove yourself - you take drugs and risk your family’s curtesy. One aches when relieving some sort of statement that is past relevancy - at least there is conversation in the wild west. You wonder if I love you - might as well kill me.

I know the sin - that is my profession: kreeshaha 6. If you draw a blank that means you have admitted - at least that is how you make new friends opposite of disappear. What will catch on? Peppermint? Cinnamon rolls? Think of as many people as you can - betray your best friends if you are the devil. Old people will think you are cool if you show what they forgot about.

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evolutionsvoid · 7 years

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In life, Haceil was con man, using trickery and deception to fill his pockets. He would travel from town to town, using his words to fool the masses and take advantage of them in their times of need. Most of the time, his deceit was just to get some free food and drink as he traveled around. When opportunities presented themselves, though, he would take full advantage of the situation. A man of words and speeches, he could easily convince a crowd of his authority and wisdom, while whipping them into a frenzy against some unknown enemy. His favorite tactic was to find a town who was suffering from some form of bad luck. It ranged from crop failure to village wide diseases, horrible events that would leave the townsfolk searching for answers. Haceil would ride in as a humble, clueless professional of whatever degree that would seem legit. He would inquire about the strange happenings and then pretend to be surprised about the news. Subtly flaunting his fake credentials, the townsfolk would clamor for his help, which he would reluctantly agree to. Once that happened, he would milk the town for everything they had. He would get free room and board as he "worked" on the solution, and slowly leech away money to buy the "supplies" necessary to finish his work. Once "done," he would go before the people and announce his findings. These usually wound up blaming a nearby village or some shady individual that lived nearby. He would go on about how it was all sabotage or revenge, filling the crowd with anger. With a rousing speech, the people would go into a frenzy and go after the supposedly guilty party. As the riots and witch hunts went on, Haceil would help himself to the town's valuables and then vanish into the night. Town after town fell to his speeches and charms, giving Haceil plenty of food, drink and money to blow on his desires. All was going great for him, until it caught up to him one day.

After Haceil fooled a starving town into believing their neighbors were poisoning their fields, Haceil busied himself with gathering up every scrap of gold he could find. During his plundering of the town, a band of hunters rode in and attacked him. They turned out to be victims of one of his previous con jobs, and they had been tracking him down ever since. Looking to kill the con man, they chased Haceil from the town and into the wilds. The long horse chase ended up with Haceil riding into a territory that he knew no one would follow him into. His plan worked, until one of the hunter sunk a poisoned arrow into his back. Confident that the con man would die, they retreated from the dead land and left him to perish slowly. Poisoned and panicked, Haceil searched for any help he could get. Unfortunately, he had ran into a territory of death and waste, where no healers or doctors could be found. Desperate, Haceil turned to the only inhabitant he knew of in this desolate land. Having heard the legends of a twisted necromancer, Haceil rode to the rotting fortress and sought to bargain with the necrotic being. The necromancer, Ver'Rahl, saw the dying man at his gates and took him in. With the poison running in his veins, Haceil did not have long, and he scrambled to strike a deal with the necromancer. He knew that if he could get the mutated mage to heal him, then he could devise a way to trick him and escape. Ver'Rahl agreed to heal Haceil, but on one condition: that Haceil help him with a single favor. Finding the deal filled with plenty of roomy loopholes, Haceil shook on the deal. Ver'Rahl than took the conman to his operating slabs and proceeded to "heal" his body. The process was so torturous and painful, that Haceil blacked out. When he awoke, he found his original body destroyed and his soul trapped in some stitched together monstrosity. He was now some type of tongue creature thing that squirmed between massive jaws. His limbs were hardly put together properly, and his body was extremely feeble. The necromancer and his rotting general arrived at Haceil's cell and congratulated him on being healed of the pesky disease known as "life." Ver'Rahl than demanded that Haceil fulfill his one favor, which was to open a jar of pickled eyeballs. The whole deal had been an absolute joke to Ver'Rahl, as he casually tossed away the jar once the task was completed. With the deal now completed, the horrified Haceil looked to flee the fortress and return to the human world. Unfortunately, his new form would not allow him to fit back into society, and he would be seen as a horrible monstrosity. Though Ver'Rahl was cruel and mocking, his words held truth. Haceil had nowhere else to go, except to work under Ver'Rahl's hand. To this day, Haceil serves the necromancer, still acting as a con man, but secretly waiting the chance to flee from his twisted master. Attitude - As a conman, Haceil is an extremely slimy and conniving person. He always seeks to take advantage of a situation and loves to manipulate others into thinking he is on their side. Regardless of age, gender, rank or species, Grubtongue will always try to use them and make them believe he can help them. He knows how to flip conversations and arguments to his side, and is not above trying to use emotional manipulation. Trying to figure out Haceil's true nature is difficult, as he is always putting on an act. The one thing to know is that he is very manipulative and cares only about himself. Even when Ver'Rahl's plans can benefit Haceil, he will try to alter them so that he comes out on top. Treason and betrayal are words for gullible fools in his eyes, as he will gladly back stab anyone for an advantage. Though one of big talk and promises, he is a coward and will flee the moment turns their cross hairs at him. When it comes to dealing with his coworkers, Haceil is always making snarky remarks or complaining about his lot in life. He figures that if he is annoying enough, one of them will slip up and kill him. He is extremely grating to be around, and always has something to say about anything. He is good at guilt trips and appearing pathetic, but that ruse of his is no longer used on the likes of Ver'Rahl and Nekrosis. Relations - Haceil has zero good relations with anyone, due to his lying, cheating ways. His slimy behavior and schemes make him miserable to work with, and even Ver'Rahl has a hard time dealing with his own minion. Both heroes and villains despise him, with the likes of Olaf and Englorious making sure Haceil stays far away from them when he is around. With Ver'Rahl, the necromancer is always torturing him and making him suffer, with half of his punishment due to Haceil's snarky comments. Ver'Rahl dislikes the warped man, but sees him as a valuable resource for overthrowing villages. So even in his worst tantrums, he makes sure to keep Haceil alive, but not necessarily intact. He also makes sure to keep Haceil from offing himself, and steps in whenever he tries to release himself from the misery. Ver'Rahl also has to watch for when Haceil is plotting to betray him, or trying to find a way to escape his clutches. Many plans have been ruined when Haceil tries to work in his own agenda. Haceil is absolutely disgusted with the necromancer, and does not hide his hatred. He remains angered by what Ver'Rahl did to his body and constantly fantasizes about revenge. Haceil is frequently partnered up with General Nekrosis, and the Undead warrior hates him just as much. Nekrosis is always pushing him around and giving him grief. And when Haceil steps out of line, he is quick to give him a beating. Nekrosis sees him as just a tool to deceive and fool, and when his use is over he should be thrown to the side, lest he ruin another mission. Darkest Knight does not even acknowledge Grubtongue's existence, to the point where he will literally step on him if he gets in his way. Vilicity has the same opinion on Haceil as Nekrosis, seeing him as a useful tool for one specific job, and then useless for everything else. Like the others, she loves to dismantle him and knock him around, and it is especially fun when he flies into multiple pieces when struck. Though Haceil does not pose a physical threat to the Knights of the Wrong Table, he is one of their worst enemies due to his damaging words. With the public and kingdoms already against the order, it doesn't take much for Haceil to spin a tale to make them appear even worse. Subordinates - None, and he should never be given any. Abilities - Grubtongue is a mastery of words and deceit, a trait he had before and after he was mutated. His mind is adept at picking out loopholes or finding arguments he can use to trick others. If a person or group is scared, angry, irritated or frustrated, he knows how to hit the right nerves to turn them against his enemies. With his words and a proper form, he can usually convince anyone that he is someone else, usually some kind of professional or wise mentor. He knows every trick in the book to make people trust him or believe him, and he is not hesitant to use them. This ability of his has been amplified due to a side effect of Haceil's mutation. For some reason, Haceil is able to emit a field of influence onto anyone nearby. This strange, unseen energy makes those standing within its range more gullible and trusting of his words. It seems to fog their minds and eat away at their ability to think rationally. People will begin to believe that he knows what he is talking about, and if exposed for long enough, will see him as a preacher of pure truth. The longer a person is exposed to his field of influence, the worse the effect has on the mind. Those within it for a span of minutes will find that his words start to make some kind of sense, despite the logic, and that he might be right. As time wears on, it will seem that Haceil is telling them the truth, and that he is the only one who can see through the lies and deceit. If this goes on for hours, victims will believe that Haceil is their only ally, and that everyone else is lying to them or trying to take advantage of them. Those trapped in his field for days can have their minds completely broken, brainwashing them into being obedient servants to his will. At this point, his victims would happily cut down their friends and family without a second thought, only looking to obey their one true leader. Thankfully, this aura has a short range and its early effects are reversible once the victim leaves the field. When one escapes his field, their mind will become unclouded, and his slimy words will slowly fade away.The longer one is exposed, the longer it is for the mind to completely recover. Nagging doubts and suspicions will still hang around, which can still cause victims to distrust friends and allies. If a victim is completely broken by Grubtongue's power, there is little to no recovery to be made. Even when free from their field, they will still hear his voice and be compelled to listen to him. This aura has zero effect on the Undead, which makes Ver'Rahl, Nekrosis and the other minions immune to his words. Those with exceptionally strong minds can battle its effects, but prolonged exposure can begin to wear down their defenses. Those of weaker minds or constitution should steer away from him, as they are more vulnerable to his effects. As an Undead, Haceil is capable of taking any kind of damage to his body, as long as it does not destroy his tongue. His entire consciousness is within the tongue, and it is actually his true body. If one were to listen closely enough, they would hear his voice coming from the slimy appendage, rather than the over-sized mouth. His false body can by mutilated and torn apart, but he will still be alive and well, most likely complaining about the whole ordeal. Tools - Haceil does not carry weapons or armor on him. His only tools are his words and occasionally an infused trinket given to him by Ver'Rahl. Usually in the form of a necklace or pendent, this magical object will warp his body into that of a normal looking adult male. When worn, he will appear as a handsome man, one that looks reliable and trustworthy. This form of his allows to spread even more lies, with the good looks wooing the crowd. Removal of the trinket, however, will force him to painfully revert back to his twisted self. This trinket is not often given to him, and Ver'Rahl makes sure to assign Nekrosis on monitoring duty. Both of them know that Haceil seeks to escape their clutches with the item in tow, as its power can allow him to blend back into human society. Nekrosis always keeps an eye on him when he is in this transformed state, waiting for the inevitable escape attempt. When his role is fulfilled, be it a success or failure, Nekrosis makes sure to steal the pendent from Haceil and destroy it, usually in his face just to make it more insulting. Weaknesses -As a conman in his past live, and walking around in a makeshift body in the present, Haceil is a terrible fighter. He cannot defend himself when violence is directed at him. His warped body is not one of speed or agility and he has zero fighting skills. He prefers to turn people against each other, or bog down his enemies with rioters and people who are convinced that his opponents are their true enemies. But when revealed and placed amidst the fighting, Haceil stands no chance and can quickly be defeated. Fortunately for Haceil, his true body lies in the large, swollen, armored tongue of his. The destruction of his body is nothing, as long as his tongue survives. The tongue will be forced to slither away like a slug, and is an easy target for attackers. His aura of influence has a short range, with it only able to cover a single room without magical amplification. If opponents stay a good distance away and attack from afar, then his insidious words will have no effect. The best strategy is to keep his mouth shut and blast his body into chunks.

#monster #creature #tongue #art #drawing #undead #zombie

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oumakokichi · 7 years

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Could you explain Shiroganes character and her role in the plot? And the meta aspects of her being a fan in regards to Danganronpa?

Of course! I’ve talked a little bit on Tsumugi here, andwhat I think personally it means that so much emphasis was given to the factthat was plain and unassuming and generally flew under everyone’s radar for thefirst few parts of the game.

I still personally am just relieved that we finally, finallyhad a mastermind who wasn’t Junko. Or Tengan, for that matter. People’sopinions on Tsumugi as a mastermind have been very polarized, but I’m of theopinion that nothing could ever be worse than the Tengan twist, and the fact thatthere was actual foreshadowing and that Tsumugi was very clearly a lovingreference to Junko but also a subversion all the way through made me like herinfinitely more than I could ever like Tengan.

Junko has worked well as an antagonist for years now, she’smemorable and she’s incredibly smart and she’s terrifying to boot, but I thinkit’s been time for a while now to at least set her on the back burner for awhile and let someone else take the stage for a change. And that’s exactly whatthey did with Tsumugi and not only did she take the stage, but she also did soin such a way that she was clearly a subversion of everything that being Junkoentailed.

Tsumugi is certainly smart and ambitious, but that’s aboutwhere the similarities end. Where Junko was essentially infallible and no onein the entire world except Naegi and his SHSL Hope could ever throw any sort ofwrench into her plans or cause things to happen that she couldn’t foresee,Tsumugi messes up, a lot. Her plainand unassuming nature allows her to fly under most people’s radars, and hercosplaying talents and attention to detail mean she can carry on a fairly goodact, but the fact that she gets ignored so often and barely registers as anyoneworth talking to for most people is precisely what leaves her so hungry for atwist and a variation from the daily grind and routine of “normal, everydaylife.”

And where Junko could or might lie depending on thesituation and the rules of her game, she was very usually trusted implicitly tobe word of god, because the universe was essentially hers, and as it was all her despair movement, her plans, and herforesight that led to everything, she pretty much had to be taken at her wordabout everything. By contrast, Tsumugi is a knowing figurehead set up to be themastermind from before—she’s hardly aneffective puppetmaster, and she knows it, but she’s so emphatic about wantingto see a progression of events that she sort of takes the reins and getscarried away in the grand scheme of things regardless.

I’m pretty pleased with her ability to carry on an act, too.Junko was always implied to be this fantastic actress who could fool anyone andanything and managed to get the whole school to overlook the fact that she wasSHSL Despair before unleashing chaos on everything and killing everyone, but it’slike…we’ve never actually seen much of Junko’s super incredible acting skills.She switches moods and behaviors erratically, to be sure, but pretty mucheverything she ever does is so undeniably tinged with this aura of pure evil that I’m still just mindboggled at how those like Munakata or Jin Kirigiri looked at her, were like, “Yes,she’s pretty much literally the onlyguess we have at who could be behind everything, and we totally absolutelythink she’s SHSL Despair,” and then just…shrugged and let her do as she pleasedanyway.

At least with Munakata there’s the somewhat moreunderstandable aspect of both Chisa and Juzo having told him directly that Junkohad nothing to do with it (although if you have literally only one lead and youstop pursuing it just because other people tell you it doesn’t seem right andthey don’t even have any evidence, I don’t think it’s wise to, you know, just give up). With Jin Kirigiri, there’sliterally no reason for him to have allowed two girls whom he openly suspectedof being SHSL Despair inside the shelter program, and yet he did it anyway, andI still rub my temples over that fact to this day.

Junko was supposed to be an incredible actress, but as amastermind she mostly operates from the shadows. Mukuro was the actress in herstead, and not a very good one at that (she so frequently gets out of characterin her FTEs and in moments of surprise or agitation). So ultimately, we’llnever really know exactly what kind of charade she put on around the dr1characters while fooling them all into believing that she was their friend,because we’ve never actually been shown how she acted whenever she was activelytoning down the whole “incredibly evil, destroyer of the universe” vibes.

Tsumugi is, I think, the kind of mastermind many DR fanshave been asking for when saying they wanted a mastermind who isn’t Junko, orwhen trying to conceive of mastermind AUs for other characters in otherscenarios. It’s just that the fact that her being a DR fan is so intrinsicallylinked to her SHSL talent and her motivations that people are having aninstinctive negative reaction to it.

But I personally really, honestly appreciate that Tsumugi asa mastermind was there from start to finish, and that she was foreshadowedwithout completely coming out of left field, and that she pretended almostuntil the very end to care about the other characters around her and did aconvincing enough job to where she nearly wasn’t found out at all.

Her being a fan of the series has many meta implications, ofcourse, but I don’t think it’s meant to be quite the attack on fans that peopleare taking it as. I’ve been part of many fandoms for many, many series now forsome time, and I’ve seen a variety of responses to fan criticism and faninvolvement, both positive and negative. And having seen extremely negativeresponses with completely unjustifiable, irredeemable plots (Harry Potter andthe Cursed Child, to list what I think is a perfect example), ndrv3’s endingstrikes me as considerably tamer. Iwould even say that it felt more to me like Kodaka was trying to make a pointof poking fun at both himself and the fanbase, as well as make a few validcriticisms from a more meta perspective.

Tsumugi is not supposed to be what I would call a stand-in orrepresentative for the collective DR fandom. After all, the fandom is huge.There are many, many different people within the fanbase, both from Japan andfrom the west, and there are many people with differing opinions, takes on theseries, favorite characters, etc.

Rather than representing all of the fanbase and condemningeveryone for liking the series or “thinking deaths and murders are fun,” I feelTsumugi is meant as a cautionary warning about the dangers of throwing oneselfinto fiction so far that the lines between it and reality become blurry—as is aconstant theme with much of ndrv3. Tsumugi and the presumed audience of ndrv3 aren’t“normal” fans or the typical portrayal of a fanbase. They’re a fanbase who hasbecome so immersed in the desire for “excitement” or “variation from the norm”that they have completely thrown themselves into anything that promises todistract from their daily lives, and begun to like something passionatelywithout thinking critically about it.

I don’t think the implication of this was that anyone wholikes a series or franchise ever for the sake of just liking it casually is “bad”or “evil.” Rather, I feel the overall theme is more about how critical thinkingis still necessary even within the interests and the hobbies we take, becauseotherwise these things spiral out of control and snowball in such a way thatpeople no longer keep in mind the ways in which fiction can, in fact, alterreality itself, because fiction doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

The fans aren’t even the true enemy in ndrv3. Tsumugi is afan of the series, yes, but so were the other characters of the cast accordingto her own testimony. And despite Tsumugi’s claims, it’s clear that by Saiharaand the rest of the survivors’ own accounts, none of them truly “wanted” or “askedfor” the suffering that happened to them. If anything, the true antagonist ofndrv3 is “Team Danganronpa” themselves—and if that’s not Kodaka trying to pokeimmense fun at himself and tease at the way that authors do, in fact, makethese decisions to do horrible things to the characters or write a story fullof suffering, I don’t know what is. And the characters set out at the end toput a stop to Team Danganronpa andthe ways in which they keep trying to rehash the same old story with the sameold twists and the same inherent need to make the characters within thosestories suffer.

In the end, I can see why people don’t like the endingthemselves or are conflicted on how to feel about it! It’s a story that took alot of risks and, for better or worse, it took a stance on the ways in whichfiction can impact the world around us. Personally, I think if dr1 or sdr2 werecoming out for the first time right now, people might find just as much faultwith the sort of undertones of “but maybe girls who wear fashion and make-upare just lying to us all” or “maybe technology is inherently evil and can beused for brainwashing and maybe will replace our entire personalities and makeus into mindless drones” that could be read into those games.

Again though, if people don’t like the ending that’sentirely fine! Liking or not liking something is always a personal choice.These are just my personal thoughts and opinions and a little bit on how I readTsumugi in the ending, and it’s perfectly okay with me if people don’t agree!

#ndrv3 #drv3 #new danganronpa v3 #tsumugi shirogane #shirogane tsumugi #ndrv3 spoilers //#my meta #okay to reblog #anonymous

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fireinclined-archive · 7 years

Text

SERIOUS CASSANDRA HEADCANONS

cassandra’s enemies

so the first should be obvious: any capellan that finds out cassandra was one of the people who unleashed atlas. not everyone’s gonna be as understanding as vivi, and there are a lot of capellans that would do anything to have someone to pin all the blame on.

second of all: leftover members of a cult that kills augurs. winfrid was killed by them, and cassandra was nearly killed by a member of that cult too. it took all of her allies (keandra, paola, jayjay, owl, and brooklyn) to protect her while she was. you know recovering.

third: okay so while cassandra was on pyrrah there was an attempted coup?? and of course because cassandra was bffs with the queen and keandra was the queen’s little brother they helped stop it. so idk if people are still mad about that they might come after her.

and finally- here’s the big one, because this. is actually going to happen when i rewrite season one: we’re gonna call the scientist who created jayjay and owl dr. h. cassandra left dr. h’s fate in the hands of jayjay and owl, and they decided to have her be put on trial and thrown in jail, for reasons that i will discuss when i talk about jayjay and owl. one of dr. h’s allies comes after cassandra for revenge or as part of some scheme she has with dr. h. i won’t say what exactly happens, but. it’s not good for cassandra.

but yeah, those are the people/enemies that might come after cassandra

earth’s gravity

okay so, because earth’s gravity is so much weaker than capella’s, cassandra will wake up some nights, usually disoriented by her visions, and feel almost completely weightless- like she’s just going to fly off the surface of the earth. this is a terrifying experience for cassandra- despite the fact that she loves floating in her ship’s gravity chamber, the feeling like she’s going to fly right off the earth is so scary because she has no control over it.

if she’s sleeping alone, she’ll grab the edges of the mattress, as if trying to keep herself from flying away. if she’s with splinter, she’ll usually accidentally wake him up when she wakes up, and ask him to either hold her or lay on her. the feeling of his arms holding her tightly or the weight of his body on top of her makes her feel grounded. he’ll usually whisper affirmations to her (”you’re safe, you’re alright, this is real, i’m here, nothing’s going to harm you”) until she relaxes enough to fall back asleep.

does cassandra get jealous?

it depends, really. cassandra tends to get sad jealous rather than angry jealous (’oh, of course they don’t love me, who could love someone like me, they’ll be happier with them, etc etc). and it does take quite a bit to get her to despair like that: if her s/o is just hanging out with someone else or someone’s flirting with them, and she feels secure in their relationship, she’s fine with it. they can take care of themselves (usually).

however she DOES get angry jealous in amnesiac!splinter verse, because they AREN’T together, and she’s terrified that he’ll fall in love when he has amnesia, and when he gets his memories back, he’ll love that other person more than her.

cassandra & sarcasm

all versions of cassandra can get pretty hurt by sarcasm. there’s a fine line between what cassandra interprets as joking around, and what she is actually hurt by. i’d say cassalyn and snowball are the most sensitive about it, because cassandra’s pretty used to because of paola’s very sarcastic nature.

how does cassandra grieve?

she’ll isolate herself, mostly, and usually go from surrounding herself with things that remind her of/belonged to the person she’s grieving to getting as far away from anything that reminds her of them as possible.

(in verses where splinter dies, this would mean that cassandra goes from staying locked in splinter’s room for days, only to alternate to staying in her apartment for days on end)

cassandra will rarely speak and rarely eat, and honestly the only who can get her to take care of herself is paola.

i keep saying that in these situation it’s only paola who can get cassandra to take care of herself, and that’s mostly because paola knows how cassandra grieves and how to deal with it. cassandra was practically lifeless after dulcie’s death, and while paola helped take care of cassandra during this time, it was only the revelation of what the yellow flowers in cassandra’s dreams were and actually going to earth that put some life back into cassandra’s eyes.

i would argue that dulcie’s death was the lowest point of cassandra’s life, and that remains constant- even in most aus. cassandra felt closed off from the rest of the galaxy, despite keandra and brooklyn staying around her. but it…it was this distant thing. not the comfort cassandra needed, you know?

in verses where splinter dies, cassandra does have her family and she does get out of bed and takes care of herself better than she does after dulcie. she has her family to live for.

in the wheels au, cassandra stays by donnie’s side as long as she can. that whole avoidance bit goes away if the person is still alive. paola forces her to go to work, but cassandra is still grateful that donnie’s alive.

cassandra adjusting to life on earth

the thing about adjusting to earth’s climate and gravity is that everything that’s different from capella (hotter temp, lower gravity) was a million times worse on pyrrah.

it was so much hotter on pyrrah than it is on earth, and definitely than it was on capella. so cassandra eventually got used to that. and pyrrah’s gravity was like..8 or so meters per second squared, so cassandra had lived in a place with even lower gravity than earth’s. it’s still not easy, and i’ve mentioned that cassandra sometimes wakes up feeling weightless and panics, but…it’s not as bad.

as for culture…cassandra lived in france for the first…two years? i think it was? maybe three- on earth, and cassandra had done a lot of research on earth in general, but especially on france, in the two months it took her to get there. i haven’t really thought much about her time in france- that’s something i need to work on tbh

cassandra doesn’t understand american politics at all. on capella there was lot more involvement in politics and everyone was critical of it- especially because of the ‘capellan cycle’, where a government would exist on capella for a few centuries before being overthrown and replaced for a few more centuries. so especially for cassandra, who was the daughter of a political thinker and revolutionary, and a capellan who grew up at the end of the current government’s cycle, she grew up very critical of authority and very aware of what was going on in the government. so the way americans know they’re unhappy with their government, but always know exactly what’s wrong with it or how to fix it, and are at times unwilling to put in the effort to change it…doesn’t make sense to cassandra

another thing cassandra doesn’t understand is like…consumerism. like this culture of constantly buying more, or espECIALLY things being made to be broken and replaced. for most of capella’s history resources were scarce, so shit had to be built to last for a LONG time. and this mindset never went away, even when capella began trading with other planets. so cassandra’s just ???? at how everything on earth is made to be replaced.

cassandra & drowning

cassandra is terrified of drowning. like…shoot her, stab her, let her pass away from sickness or old age…just don’t drown her or suffocate her.

i’d imagine her fear comes from actually having visions in her sleep of her drowning, and then there was the time she actually almost drowned. it happened when brooklyn was with her, and her leg got caught in sinking wreckage of a ship they were on. it was easily one of the top five most terrifying experiences of cassandra’s life

cassandra & lying

cassandra’s a decent liar when she wants to be but she sometimes acts nervous when telling the truth, which means she ends up looking like a liar when she’s actually being truthful

the day capella fell

cassandra always gets very solemn and quiet on the day capella fell, lost in her own thoughts and guilt, and she usually reaches out to keandra (and to a lesser extent, brooklyn) on that day because they’re all in bad places on that day.

also consider- everyone knowing this is a bad day for cassandra and doing their best to make her smile in their own ways. everyone gives her 100x more hugs and makes sure she knows that they love her

#🌻 bad decisions make for the best memories「HEADCANONS.」#long post //#hc rush

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