#/Sven Voice/ Oh! David!

[smolbeandrabbles]

Le Bien Qui Fait Mal - Dave x Reader (Lost River)

GIF Credit: X

@mandy23b​ @wltz-bby​ @happyskywhale​ #mendotagsquad

Dave + 27 -  “No. Regrets.”  Requested by @sufferthesea​

Author’s Note: Special mention to @crawlingmist​ for building on my plot. It’s with great pleasure that I get to bring you this, with a song from my favourite musical! 😏😁

I barely needed to edit this one either. Sometimes, sometimes I get it just right... The translated lyrics to the song are below, but really you need the song. No matter that it’s in French. It’s very Dave. The whole Aesthetic.

Le Bien Qui Fait Mal - Mozart L’Opera Rock Disclaimer: MoR lyrics not mine / Lost River and all associated things not mine / gif not mine / some direct quoting from ‘Lost River’ used 😅

Premise: You’re the first singer that Dave has employed at his club, you also have a ‘je ne sais quoi’ that floods his thoughts. His curiosity can only be sated one way...

Words: 2530

Warnings: Sexual Connotations/Pre-Amble / Swearing

--- Where is this strange feeling coming from? It fascinates me as much as it unsettles me I shiver, pieced by beauty It’s like a knife in my soul The wound goes through my heart And I take joy in the pain Intoxicated by this poison Until I lose my mind! It’s so good it hurts When you love, your hatred is perfectly normal Take Pleasure It’s so good to suffer Succumb to the spell Shed your tears It’s so good it hurts (hurts me) When you love, your sorrow is perfectly banal (it’s so good it hurts) True delights Come from torture Lower your weapons Shed your tears I feel violent urges It seems like I’m slipping into the depths If I ignore the source of this curse I love letting it under my skin Bewitched by mad ideas Suddenly my urges arise Desire becomes my prison Until I lose my mind!

---

The world was spinning. Like he was drunk, or maybe high. Or maybe he was something else...

Whatever he was, Dave was out of his head. He was going crazy; he was confused. Because he didn’t know why. You? The sound of your voice? What you were wearing? All of it? All of that in this setting? He wanted so badly to look away but Dave couldn’t tear his eyes from you. The pleasure was insane, but it almost hurt just as bad. Wasn’t that the point, after all. Wasn’t that why this club existed?

Dave didn’t have a singer at his club. He didn’t see himself as counting, he didn’t sing every night. It was a rarity; his treat and gift to everyone. Until you. And Dave wasn’t here every night to listen to you sing - but right now he felt that was going to change. He had heard you sing before - your voice sweet and pretty, gently melodic. One that - in his opinion - would sound good mixed with his (no matter what way that would be). But a short one song audition for him and a voice he liked wasn’t this.

This was a culmination of all of that. Yet your voice tonight? Oooh... this was deeper, richer, sultry. With the music and lyrics too? Dave thought about loosening buttons. He relaxed the way he was sitting and tried to take a calming deep breath. It helped nothing. He wondered if you’d been nervous before - a job you desperately needed? - now you were in your element; but it couldn’t have been him that had made you nervous. Because, as if feeling like this wasn’t enough, your eyes hadn’t moved from staring at him.

Usually Dave would love to have a gorgeous woman stare at him like this. He was a typical ‘love them and leave them.’ People didn’t steal his heart - the only relationship Dave was ever really after was physical. And yes, yes, you were affecting him like that. He’d make sure you knew you didn’t get to give him such a stare without being pinned up against something, somewhere. Still, his heart. His pulse was running wild - Dave didn’t blush, but if he thought he was capable… He didn’t know what was happening, but he felt sick. Dave shifted again, finally able to prize his eyes away from you. He squeezed them tightly shut, feeling lightheaded once more. Rob leant over, “You okay?” “Yeah...” Dave counted himself lucky that his voice managed to be that steady, then he nodded “Yeah.” Then waved towards the stage, “After she’s done. Send her to me.” He cleared his throat, eyes drawn back to you. “I think we need a little talk...”

 ** The club was emptying by the time you got a chance to go to him. That was mostly because Rob, with his own duties, was delayed in getting the message to you, and you had a few things you had to attend to yourself before you heeded Dave’s call. By that time it was getting late anyway, so you preferred to wait until the club was quiet to go to him. Dave found the waiting time more agony than he could possibly imagine. He was supposed to be enjoying everyone else’s performances, but he simply couldn’t. His mind stirred and always sent him back to you – the way it felt like those eyes of yours were reaching into his very soul and uncovering the darkest secrets he held, it was more than just seeing through him – you were undoing him, piece by piece. And sitting here waiting for you, Dave was forced to relive it. He closed his eyes trying to block you out, somehow, but you were already in his head. You weren’t about to let go. With realisation, Dave knew that he wouldn’t let you go either. Not until he had what you had him aching for. When you walked smoothly back out onto the stage, Dave was still sitting at his top table. One leg crossed over the other he was tipping his chair back – taking long, slow drags from his cigarette. His blue eyes flicked to you as soon as he noticed your presence. Even without the lights and the ambiance, you were still striking standing up there. He couldn’t ignore that; it clearly wasn’t the club, it was just you – and you were setting him on fire. Dave kept his eyes on you as he placed his cigarette to his lips once more and you swallowed hard, you weren’t sure that you could trust him. You weren’t sure about a lot of things, this job and the people that worked here. But you were sure that you wanted him, and nearly just as sure that he felt the same. Even from way up here, it wasn’t hard to see your effect on him considering you’d been watching him for your entire set. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realise- Would you like me to come and sit with you?” You were gentle and polite, and moved towards the steps down onto the floor. Dave stilled you as he set his chair back on all four legs and rose, taking one last drag before he stubbed out his cigarette. “Stay.” He walked across the room, not breaking your eye contact. Dangerous. Yet, you were attracted to that danger. Dave joined you on stage, wasting no time; “Pick a song.” “Sorry?” “A song. Pick one.” It was more of a demand than anything, yet it still left you confused. “May I ask why?” He wasn’t sure if he was impressed with you or annoyed. Why would you not just do as he asked? And yet he admired that you weren’t shying away from him with a timid stammer. “Sing with me.” Your face flushed, but your nerve held; “You sing?” Then before he could respond, which meant Dave was reduced to nodding, “Why ask me to perform if you can sing?” “Why wear out my talents every evening?” Dave turned his eyes to the empty room and flashed a smirk, “No. I’ll only sing on occasion, my dear – not everyone out there deserves to hear me.” You dared to look away from him to find some kind of music player – the lack of one would mean he wanted to sing with you acapella. You regarded him again, wondering what his singing voice was like. What it might feel like to hear it for the first time – if he’d be able to harmonize with you. What if it was you that couldn’t harmonize with him? He stared at you again, curiously, awaiting your answer. “What if you don’t know it?” “You’d be surprised. What’s your choice?” “There’s no music.” “You best not be trying to get out of this…” He walked forward to the microphones, beckoning you with him – and you followed. Unnervingly eager to hear this for yourself. “With a voice as intoxicating as yours, you hardly need musical accompaniment.” Dave’s eyes flashed and your lips parted – but you realised he was daring you to retaliate to such a seemingly forbidden piece of information. “Now come on.” He placed his hand to the shell of his ear, “I still haven’t heard a name…” You gave him one and for a moment you wondered if you had found something he didn’t know, as Dave stood in silence staring at the ceiling. You nearly jumped as the eerie silence was suddenly filled with a hummed melody at his recollection. The smirk returned as his gaze fell back to your face. “Am I right?” “…Yes…” You breathed, stepping to the mic. He took a step away and nodded, indicating that the floor was yours. Convinced that none of this could have been for a good reason, you took a deep breath and closed your eyes; imagining the opening notes in your head, imagining there was really a band behind you and crowd in front. All here for you, but also him. You opened your eyes again and with your confidence, incredibly, sky-high you began singing. Dave lost it almost immediately. You were still dressed as you had been when you’d performed; to be honest with the level of attraction he was still feeling towards you – whether that be purely lust, or something more, he didn’t know – it would have been enough. But when there was no music to focus on, when it was just your voice, it was almost worse. Beautiful and haunting, as you hit every note; Dave didn’t even think you’d have needed a microphone what with the way it echoed around the deserted building. You had no pressure here, no one was focusing on you, you didn’t have to be the source of entertainment – just to sing whatever you wanted. Then he joined you,  and were you not in the zone, you would have tripped on your notes – you certainly nearly lost key as he brought his up to yours. His voice was smooth and rich, a little different to that semi-raspy tone he usually talked with. And as you continued to sing together, playfully pushing him into high and low sections, between softer sequences and real power notes you couldn’t help but be shocked at the range he had. A voice that was persuasive, seductive, but, like him, not quite true and trustworthy. A voice that didn’t ask you to do something, but gently implied you should do it – until it was all you could think about. Until you wanted to do it for him. Not ‘will you?’; ‘You will.’. You weren’t sure what that thing was either, but it certainly had a hold of you – and you had a distinct feeling you were now looking at each other in exactly the same way. You were both asking for trouble. As the song and your voices faded out, and the room lapsed back into silence, your ears were ringing. The tension you felt in your body surrounded you, it was in the very air you were breathing – and Dave crossed the stage with purpose before grabbing you. You expected it, the way he pulled you into him, and your fingers dug into his arms as his kiss engulfed you. It felt better than the sound of his voice insisted that it would, and you were sure you were going insane at the feel of him this close to you. His pull back was quick and violent – and although his blue eyes were dark and telling you exactly what he wanted, his glare was also hard. But you were smirking; because you had Dave right where you wanted him. “Who are you?” “Too much for you to handle.” You stepped back into him, letting him know that you were hardly afraid of him – nor to admit what you wanted. His intake of breath was sharp and he shook his head, eyes searching yours for a sign that you were teasing. You best not be – you best mean it. “Y/N. Let me tell you something, right now. I like to fuck and when I meet a bad bitch, it drives me crazy. But you drive me crazier than any other fucking woman I’ve ever known. And I want you NOW.” He wasn’t sure what he would see in you as he gripped you a little tighter, but your smile was not it. It didn’t look like it belonged on your face, sinfully wicked, to accompany your small laugh. You very nearly took Dave’s breath away. Your eyes ran his body as you replied, drawing up slowly, the lip bite was teasing – but the kind he wanted to tolerate; “I’ve been here enough times to have seen you sitting on your little table. And you drive me crazy.” You pulled him closer to your body, wrapping your arms around his neck and locked your intense stare with his; “Coincidentally - you’re the only man in this club I’m here for, and the only one I’d let put his hands all over me.” Dave bit his lip, this hum not of notes but of satisfaction. You meant business. You craved him as much as he did you. With your arms around his neck the decision was already made, he hoisted you off the floor and walked you from the stage to the first table he saw. Though the patrons had vacated the premises, drinks glasses and bottles still adorned nearly all the tables. But with your body pressed up against his, and the feel of your heart beat – erratic in anticipation – Dave couldn’t care less about that.   Holding you strong in one arm he cleared the table with one sweep of his other, before laying you back on it. The crash of breaking glass deterred neither one of you. But he paused for just a second as his hands found either side of your waist. “Promise me something.” You tilted your head to the side, wondering what exactly Dave – of all people – would want you to promise now. Why he’d want you to promise anything. You weren’t exactly sure you cared if this was a one-time thing. “What is it you want me to promise?” “That you won’t regret this.” You raised an eyebrow, wondering if that was something he should be saying. Did women often regret sleeping with him? Instead you simply smiled, pulling him down to kiss you. “No. Regrets.” His eyes fluttered closed for a moment as he accepted your kiss, and then he straightened. Hooking your legs around himself Dave held you there, gaze locking with yours again. It was clear he wanted you to know exactly what you were doing to him with the way he pushed himself against you. You didn’t see the point in holding back your groan – Dave already knew you craved him. His fingertips grazing along your skin, taking your dress with them, was something else altogether – and as he rolled his hips over yours, your eyes fluttered closed. “Oh… Dave…” Your voice was soft, whispered just for him. His fingers brushed down your thighs as your dress climbed higher up your body. Dave paused again, with a delicious little smirk before he bent to kiss you once more – liking the feel of your fingers running through his hair to mess it up. He figured he’d quite like you to be pulling it, but Dave would save that for later. “You are so fucking beautiful.” He placed his hands on your hips, and had the audacity to wink at you. He got the feeling you’d be feisty. He liked that. Dave hooked his fingers under your lingerie, and pushing them to one side. His blue eyes flashed once more, darkening as they flicked back to your face. All he wished to know then was if your sex was as torturous as your presence. What that gorgeous voice of yours would sound like now. So good it hurts… You bit your lip, moving your hips eagerly in anticipation. You got the feeling by the look on his face, that regret wasn’t even going to remotely factor into this.

---

8/16 - We are half way there!

Thank you for reading! 😁🙏

[annaofthenorthernlights]

All you need is love... actually

Fanfiction Frozen modern AU, Disney crossover (my first go)

Pairing: Kristoff/Anna (main), Sven/Honeymaren, Mathias/Halima, Ryder/Merida

Rated M (for some nudity)

I owe nothing but my headcanon - which is loosely based on the Christmas movie "Love actually"...

Hope you have fun!

Find the fic on AO3

Chapter 13 / 28

A lovely evening

Note: Anna and Kristoff are having some fun discussion about a certain movie scene... To not spoil the chapter here, I leave the link to the mentioned scene at the end, so you can still watch it, in case you haven´t seen it before... :)

Enjoy!

-------

The school staff´s meeting had finally come to an end and Elsa had dragged herself to the bus stop, after wishing the others a pleasant evening. She did not feel like going out for a drink, fearing that she´d fall asleep right at the table. It was late and she longed for her bed and some healthy sleep. The protocol to the meeting´s conclusions could wait till next day.

Half an hour later she turned the keys and upon entering the flat, noticed the sound of clattering dishes and her sister giggling from around the kitchen corner. But there was someone else, too. A male voice laughingly asking Anna for some explanation.

Elsa put down her bag quietly and remained in the entrance, listening intrigued by Anna´s guest. Was that this Kristoff? Had her sister invited that naked guy around? Goodness, Elsa stared into the void, they were dressed, were they? She started breathing deeply, in and out, in and out…

Calm down… they are only fooling around… Anna deserves to have a good time with a nice guest around…

And then she heard her sister exclaim between giggles…

“You know that movie 9 ½ weeks with Mikey Rourke and Kim Basinger?”

“Ah, the good old 80´s movies… They were classy.”

“Yeah, yeah, of course, but…” Anna giggled and then hickuped in a fit of laughter, “remember the refrigerator scene?”

“Of course, but I always thought that was somewhat gross.” The man sounded amused.

“Sure, it was,” Anna snorted, “but it got considered very sexy none the less.”

“Yes, I know. But don´t you tell me that you want David to ask such nonsense of us.”

“No, ugh! But to be honest, that would be hilarious, no?”

The man cleared his throat and stated with a genial chuckle, “oh, absolutely, with the only difference that I would have to feed you with sandwiches and chocolate, right?”

And they both burst into a jovial laughter.

Elsa stood like frozen and wondered what absurd ideas her sister blurted out shamelessly. The elder and most likely more reasonable sister shook her head, pinching the bridge of her nose with a silent sigh. She stepped forward with a clearing of her throat to announce her entrance. When Elsa came around to stand in the kitchen door, she felt relieved that both persons were dressed decently, apparently just cleaning off dinner dishes and cooking pots.

“Elsa!”

Anna wiped away some laughing tears with the sleeve of her shirt and waved a cheery hello to her sister. Kristoff had turned abruptly, feeling sort of caught off guard by Anna´s ghost like appearing sister.

“Good evening. I can tell you´re having a good time, then?!” Elsa stated with a matter-of-fact voice.

“Oh, you bet, we have.” Anna giggled and then cleared her throat.

“Oh, Elsa, may I introduce? This is Kristoff, you know, my workmate. Kristoff, this is Elsa, you know, my sister.”

Anna waved a hand between the two and Kristoff cleared his throat, taking a step towards the impressive woman with platinum blond hair and ice blue eyes.

“Good evening, Miss Heart, it´s nice to meet you. Anna has told me a lot about you.”

“Has she?” Elsa glanced to her sister with a raised eyebrow and Anna shrugged with a grin, “well, you can call me Elsa, since I have heard so much of you, too.”

Now, Elsa stretched out her hand and Kristoff shook it with care. The woman looked like a delicate glass figurine, and he feared of breaking her in pieces in case he gripped too tight. What a difference to her feisty sister…

“Oh, you did, uh?” he shrugged with a smirk, “only good things, I hope.”

“Only.” Elsa grinned back, “otherwise I had not let Anna continue with that… obscure project.”

“I see…” Kristoff glanced briefly at Anna, and upon noticing her blushing he lowered his gaze. He did not want her to feel embarrassed in front of her sister. But Elsa seemed less rigid than on first impression. Her smile by now showing some fondness.

“Elsa, would you like some coffee? There is some left.” Anna motioned to the coffee machine on the counter, but her sister only waved off a dismissive hand.

“Oh, no. Thank you. I am exhausted and will go to bed straight away. Good night, you two.”

Elsa then hastily looked back and forth her sister and the guest, suddenly wondering where the young man intended to spend his night. She desperately tried to control the clam feeling in her chest upon the brief imagination of that big junk of muscles laying with her sister…

But to her relief, Kristoff hung up the dishcloth that he still held in his left hand and indicated his own leaving now. It was getting late, and he needed to go home.

Reassured, Elsa waved a happy good night and turned to go to her room.

Anna closed the cabinet after storing last dishes and then showed Kristoff to the door.

“Well, thank you for that lovely dinner, Anna. Italian cooking suits you.”

“Thank you! That means a lot to me, hearing that from a master cook.”

“Oh, come on, don´t make me blush.”

“No, no, that´s true. And you know… in case we might end up doing a kitchen scene…” and Anna held her hand before her mouth, suppressing another fit of cackle.

“Okay, feisty pants. No more wine for you in the evening.” Kristoff laughed good humoured.

“Okay. I am all good now.” Anna squared her shoulders and bit her lips.

“Really?” Kristoff grinned, zipped up his jacket and shoved his hands into the pockets. “Well then, good night, Anna, and thanks again. It was a lovely evening.”

“Thank you.” Anna smiled, “I find that, too.”

Kristoff wished he could peck a kiss to her lovely freckled cheek, but worried it would turn their situation awkward and working along complicated?

When they stepped into the brisk air, and shortly stopping on the top of the front porch staircase, he turned and gave Anna a brief and casual hug. This could not hurt, right? To his flattering surprise, she laced her hands around his waist and gave him a quick tight squeeze back. What a contrast to her porcelain sister…

When they parted, they blinked at each other with a comfortable smile and waved a short goodbye. Anna turned to go inside, and Kristoff looked after her furtively. When she closed the door behind her, after she had once more waved a shy good night, Kristoff turned and inhaled deeply the fresh air.

The spring night had never felt so refreshing, and he felt light-hearted, only to leap down over the stairs onto the pavement in one bound.

He walked off homeward all the way humming and in an inexplicably good mood.

________________________

When Anna got ready for bed that night, she felt so carefree and giddily exaggerated that she could not think of sleeping right away. She reached for her drawing pad and pencil case, and plopped onto her mattress with a happy sigh.

It could not hurt to firm the routine by doodling a bit into the night. 

She was pleased with the improved outcome of that hand and glancing at the well-lined body part, Anna decided it was time to work on some eyes…

She drew lines and brushed some shadows, while the pair seemed to come to life and smile at her. The warm feeling that came with that moment made her heart calm down and her core relax. It was a special sensation that was rather new to her, and she loved to prolong the moment indulgingly.

So, then, after a seemingly endless while, drowsiness overcame her and she put away her creative work with a contented sigh.

Finally, Anna nestled into her pillow with a smile on her lips.

This lovely fanart was created and kindly provided by @prettyelsanose on Instagram

Note: The famous refrigerator-scene of 9 1/2 weeks... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKe4DBfexfU

[chibi-pix]

Ah! It’s been a few weeks but now I’m back home with faster internet and able to watch Voltron: Defender of the Universe!  I’ll admit, I was tempted to bear with my grandpa’s middle-of-nowhere internet to try and watch an episode here and there, but I didn’t. Other things came up. But now I’m home and enjoying it! And I’m going to be honest, time and distance truly do make the heart grow fonder. No, not about Lotor, the only good thing about him is his hair. I’m talking about Bandor’s voice. The anthropomorphic kazoo’s voice doesn’t bother me as much. 

Anyway! I’ve been a busy creature! Episodes 39 through 45 have been watched! In the next day or two, depending on my evening art binges, I may have the first part of Voltron finished! Then it’ll be on to Vehicle Voltron and then the third season with Merla since that’s the order on the site I’m watching at.  Keep in mind, I do miss some details since I’m drawing while watching/listening to this show in the corner of my screen.  So! Without further delay, let’s get to this!

Episode 39. Ah, an episode with a comet! It may not be a trans reality comet, but it’s still a comment. I snorted at Lance’s comment of “If we wanted to play it safe, we would have stayed home.” Dude, the comet was going towards Arus. You wouldn’t have been safe. Oh well. Now it was kinda expected but clever of the baddies discussing the “attack plan” and tricking Romelle into telling Voltron. At first I thought they were being just dumb and talking in front of her, then Lotor smirked. Very clever, guys.  “With friends like you, Voltron doesn’t need enemies.” Ouch. Poor Romelle.  When paying attention to the gravity, my mind went to VLD when they dealt with planet Naxzela. It seemed interesting to me.  I enjoyed Bandor going to try and help Voltron. I felt sorry though. He seemed so pained to fire upon Voltron and the comment in the attempt to help them! Bandor! Be strong, baby! My mind went to thinking of the song “All the Mad Men” (or something like that) by David Bowie when the others were making their comments about their peace with near death. Just thought that was interesting to say.  “Come and try it, strange one.” Really, Lotor? That’s your best insult? 

Episode 40! Bandor: “There will never be another force like Voltron.”  Um... what about Vehicle Voltron? Or do you not know of them Bandor? It’s okay. You do care for the lion force team members.  And so much he wants to save them. Even risking robot mutiny. Do your best, baby! You’ve got this! And everyone having these deep realizations at the end of the universe. Personally I would have liked a restaurant at the end of the universe. Lorot: “Do you know how many princesses would love to be my bride?” Um, probably zero, honey. You’re toxis and your only good quality is that hair of yours.  And sending Romelle down a pit of skulls. Me personally? I’d hate being dropped, but those skulls? I’d have stolen a few to decorate my room. Skulls are cool.

Episode 41. Oh look, Sven, totally not his brother captured from Earth before it was destroyed since Earth is fine and dandy in this series, is alive! And found Romelle! Sorry you went a bit crazy buddy, but it’ll be fine. You just need a hug and a cookie. Or Romelle could help. That works, too.  Sven: “We have to move quickly and quietly. Like cats.” Um... didn’t a cat have to do with you getting hurt in the first place and you no longer got to be blue paladin? I feel like that was it. I mean, it was Haggar’s doing in the end, but didn’t it start with chasing a cat?  Anyway! At the end when the Pollux siblings were reunited, it made me super happy! That’s what I’ve been waiting for!

Episode 42.  Sand people! Now the tags from @breadstickcat​ left on a reblog of a palakitty art makes more sense! And those buggers are so cute! I want one! Or many! They’re so precious! And they stack! I’m gonna cry! I was so amused at how tall Pidge felt before they stacked. It just made me grin.  It also makes me wanna draw palakitty Pidge, Chip, and Shorty stacking to make themselves taller. I also feel like the Baltoans of my palakitty au would be taller than the sand people. But not by much. I wonder if I should incorperate the sand people in other AUs for my VLD stuff. That’d be amusing. I just want these precious babies to be happy. Those cute sand people. And Sandy! Allura giving him the bracelet. I was ready to cry when he was taken and converted. Thank the ancients that this series doesn’t let people die.  This may be my favourite episode thus far. 

Episode 43. I really don’t have much to say about this episode. Though Lotor’s line of “I’ve punished many kids on many planets”, my mind went to I think episode 34. Flashbacks, my dudes.

Episode 44. The title “Voltron vs. Voltron caught my interest. And it was kinda clever seeing the fake Voltron arriving before the real one to trick and catch the people off guard.  And I like how perceptive the kid was in noticing something was off. Good job kid! And doing his best to dig in the sand to warn Voltron. You’re doing good, sweetie! You’ve got this!  “All these people are lying stunned.” Um, are you trying to convince yourselves or the audience? I looked up to see Pidge’s face when things weren’t going well and they were getting shocked. It was hilarious and I did snort with laughter. 

And finally, episode 45. Sven: “I think they’re trying to decide which one is the ugliest.” You just like calling things ugly, don’cha buddy?  It was amusing to see Sven be a master of disguise to get his job done. Makes me kinda wish we had that reference with Shiro in VLD. Though we did get VLD Allura donning the soldier uniform to sneak in with Shiro in a crate, so I guess that’s good, too.  Anyway! Sven! Not only is he a master of disguise, he can also bitchslap a guy! Good job, honey! And then planting the bomb on the ship, definitely gave me Sven vibes from VLD when the others saw the other reality. I enjoy that. What I didn’t enjoy was looking up to see what looked like a spider robeast. Why? Why does there have to be a spider? I hate spiders. Eeeeee!  Anyway! Sven returning to Romelle and ticking her off. “So much for a hero’s welcome.” Well buddy, maybe if you approached her with more sincerity instead of joking, she’d have welcomed you better. You’ll learn. Maybe. Hopefully. Hmm...

Anyway! That concludes my night of watching Voltron: Defender of the Universe! I feel glad to resume this show.  And! Another doodle inspired from watching. It was only a matter of time until I ended up drawing this.

Anyway! I hope y’all enjoyed this! Until next time.

[notafraidofredyellowandblue]

Rammstein radio interview Paul Landers 1997 - English translation

Gave the english translation a shot, as good and bad as I could make it out (if someone has corrections, please let me know). Paul is really on a roll in this interview and basically keeps on talking, sometimes rambling so far he has to backtrack to finish his story. I decided to keep the rambling part in, because it's actually part of the fun of hearing him talking 😊 (at the end are some footnotes with the translation).

Edited to add a couple of additions (outfit at first concert, what music he listens to incl footnote 4) thanks to @dinchenrockt 😘

--------------------

Voiceover: Rammstein, at the latest since this year not an insidertip anymore. Stefan Rieger has portrayed the group and interviewed one of the two guitarists, Paul.

Paul: Calling ourselves Rammstein was nonsense really, it was a bit like a nickname, like when  someone is nicknamed 'Dummy' *1) and no one knows why he is called 'Dummy' but everybody calls him 'Dummy', you know *2) someone will ask "Why are you called 'Dummy'?" It just got stuck like that, 'Rammstein'. And then we considered what to call ourselves: 'Milk' or 'Weir', 'Forest' but it all didn't sound quite right. 'Rammstein' just stuck. It had to do with a. that, b. with the force of the disaster itself, then with the force of the double 'm', then it had to do with the sound and also we think it describes the music really well.

VO: The Rammstein bandmembers are no novices in the musicbusiness. Most of them have been involved in various projects for years. Paul and Flake played for 12 years with east-berlin cult-group 'Feeling B'

P: We all had a band, every man for himself, a couple of guys played with 'Feeling B' and the bassplayer played with 'The Inchtabokatables' etcetera etcetera and parallel to these bands we fooled around in the basement and called that 'Rammstein'. That was like a sideproject. And after a while..eh..the individual bands broke up and we just did this sideproject which then wasn't a sideproject anymore and that was Rammstein. That's how it started and the first concert we ever played was at the NaTo to 15 people *3), and Till wore two sunglasses, no fireworks was set off, so it was quite peaceful, we wore black turtleneck sweaters.

VO: To 'The Inchtabokatables' singer B.Breuler Rammstein's succes is no coincidence.

B. Breuler: Good music, which uses german language and an interesting way of using their stuff with elements that weren't covered in the previous bands. Who else did those sampled guitars in german music, that is relatively new..

VO: Musical influences on Rammstein

P: I like no *4) music at all, Till likes dark, Flake listens to, he only has one cassettetape which has Johnny Cash on it, Schneider listens to Techno, Oliver listens to Industrial, the bassplayer, and Sven listens to whatever is new, that's all of us. Well all of us don't really have rolemodels, we just have rolemodels like 'Pantera', well not really rolemodels, we like them. I like music, no matter from which direction, it has to be individual. Last ones that were individual were 'Metallica', 'Pantera' and 'Prodigy' and such, the individual bands I know personally, apart from that there is some more stuff that's hot but not as groundbreaking. We are not really groundbreaking either, but there is some... I like it when music is individual, no matter where it's from. All of it influences us technically, or none of it.

VO: The Rammstein boom has reached unexpected dimensions. The in september 1995 published CD 'Herzeleid' is19th in the german salescharts. The single 'Engel' is 4th in the singlecharts and concerts are usually sold out.

P: Well no one believes us, and you don't believe it yourself, that it wasn't planned, that is, we did have a concept, but we didn't expect..we didn't want fame and we didn't want to be rich and we also didn't want in 'Bravo' *5), that is, we just wanted, or I wanted just to annoy, that was our main concern, fun at annoying people and nothing more. With 'Feeling B' everything always had to be fun, we just wanted to be wellbehaved and stuff, now we didn't want to behave, wanted to cause a little trouble, basically we did the opposite of what you should do to be succesful. We have really disgusting evil guitars, distorted, and played really slow, and did really disgusting lyrics which get to you, and then suddenly everyone think it is good. It's like you spit in a corner or Joseph Beuys *6) shits in a corner and everyone thinks it is good, that is, he probably also thought "Are these people crap?" that is, not that the people are shit, well maybe they are, but not because of this...ehm... I like that something that is really totally extreme...in the beginning we wanted to be just extreme, and now we have a nice succes with it, not that we mind that now or something...what I think is funny, was something I read today in a newspaper "The most hyped german band", well basically we are the exact opposite, that is, we are the most blocked german band, unfortunately nobody hyped us, MTV cancelled us immediately after we made a little stink there, Viva one time said "You shit band won't come to us", the magazine called 'Musik Expresse' didn't want to publish us, so unfortunately nobody hyped us. Just by simply blunt, dull being there we have achieved succes, but with succes comes pressure, when I think in hindsight where that comes from..from other directions, from directions you can't plan, that you can't... eh.. decide on yourself, that is, when you say "I want a pretty woman, who is clever, has a car and a spotted dog and so on".. you can't decide on that, you just have to wait who comes along.. A tip I can give to someone who wants to be famous, just choose music that is totally 'Out' and then persevere for 7 years...so totally..like 'Easy listening' or such, when you play 'Schlager' for 15 years, it will be modern again..

VO: Impossible to imagine Rammstein without the german lyrics, with extreme-sounding content that has led to excitement in some media that have only now discovered the group. That however has hardly damaged Rammstein. Another effect of the german lyrics is that fans can sing along with the songs in concerts. The seaman-song *7), for instance, the singer leaves to the audience almost completely, to that the keyboarder sways in a dinghy over the heads of the crowd, carried by many hands.

P: 'Seeman', for instance, was a joke, we were fooling around in the rehearsalroom and the bassplayer used this grip 'die-die-die die-die' and so on, and then Till in a pitiful way 'Come in my boat..' *8) and we all kneeled in the rehearsalroom, it was a gag, and then we played it three times and all thought it was good and then we thought "my god, the effect is so shit, let's just do it", so we are funny enough to just do it. With 'Feeling B', for instance, we weren't allowed to do funny stuff like that, that is, stuff that is actually embarassing, we weren't allowed to. The embarassing thing to go through the crowd with the dinghy is actually something people like, a bit like a circusact, 'Rock circus Rammstein invites', we did it one time, all yelled, we didn't know that.

VO: In the american movie 'Lost Highway' by David Lynch two Rammstein songs are used at key points. In connection to the movie, the mystical atmosphere of the songs particularly come to fruition.

P: At the time we wanted to shoot our first songs we sent a CD to all directors we liked for the musicvideo, and not video-directors but movie-directors, at which no one replied, and then, 3/4 year later a call came "Hello, this is.." in english that is "this is the productioncompany of David Lynch, for our next movie 'Lost highway' *9) we want to use 2 of your songs". Well, we thought "Nah, we don't want that, no, nope" then we said well why not and now it's like, how can I explain, it's like when you have a painting that no one knows, you think someone just made a little doodle on it and then people say "Ah no, that's a Picasso..", "Oh, so that's a *Picasso*, that's really great", you know? The same thing happens with us, which we think is funny, that Rammstein now means something because David Lynch likes it. And the importance that is created because of that, I think..well I don't understand it...to me it's like this...whoever makes somewhat interesting music that is individual, yes...eh..then something happens because of it, you know, that is, if I were an american I would like Rammstein too, because..at last something non-american, you know? They are happy because usually when someone comes over from Europe, it's always a band of which they have a better original at home, you know? In Europe you see few bands, well few individual bands, that is, when I go to Poland I would like to have a polish refrain in my metal song, and when I go to Russia, I want a distorted Balalaika or something, you know, I want to hear individual music and almost no one does that, and when someone does it.. *10)

VO: Current Rammstein single 'Engel' is the first extract from the CD 'Sehnsucht' which is due to be published in August. The part of the angel is performed by Bobo who came to fame with her band 'Bobo in White Wooden Houses'. Bobo's voice comes to fruition in the spherical and slightly melancholical content of the song.

P: Bobo is quite simply a friend of ours and ehm.. she was actually only intended to sing along to a few refrains, softly in the background and when she was warbling around in the studio we got the idea, let's, and before Till sang that part, do "Only when the clouds go to sleep, one can see them in the sky, they are afraid and are alone, God knows I don't want to be an angel" *11) we said "Bobo, why don't you sing 'Only when the clouds go to sleep, one can see *us* in the sky'" and so on, and she did, and she thought it was shit, said "No, I can't sing as sweet as that", because normally she sings..she sings more artistic and not that 'schlager'-like, you know, "Come on, sing really 'schlager' like a little angel" and she didn't want that either, that is, she didn't and most of the band didn't want it either, nobody wanted it, you know, nobody really liked it, we thought, because it sounded really silly *12) and then we thought "crap, let's leave it out" and then we put the part on mute, and then we thought "hmm", it was a bit like a cloud in front of the sun, it isn't as nice anymore, so we put the cloud away again and then it was nice again and then we simply kept it that way.

Translation notes:

*1) Paul uses the word 'Borstel' which can have more meanings, but in this case he is making a comparison with someone having a silly fictional nickname, so I went with 'Dummy'

*2) one of his often used Berliner expressions is 'Weeste', in official german this would be 'Weist du'; I translated it with 'you know'.

*3) more info on this first gig https://rammwiki.net/wiki/24.03.1994_(concert)

*4) I couldn't figure it out, but what he says is in Berlinisch 'jar keene', in german 'gar keine', meaning he doesn't like any music (somehow I think this is a very 'Paul' reply 😊)

*5) 'Bravo' is the largest teen magazine in Germany

*6) Paul mispronounces the name at first and corrects himself

*7) 'Seeman'

*8) 'Komm in mein Boot'

*9) Paul actually uses the german name 'Verlorene Landstrasse', took me a while to realise what he meant

*10) Here his sentence is cut off in the broadcast, I feel he said something after it..

*11) "Erst wenn die Wolken schlafen gehen, kann man sie am Himmel sehen, sie haben Angst und sind allein, Gott weiß ich will kein engel sein"

*12) Paul giggles at that 😊

[aquariumdrunkard]

The Aquarium Drunkard Show: SIRIUS/XMU (7pm PDT, Channel 35)

Intro ++  Sven Wunder – Black Iris ++ Dungen – Det du tänker idag är du morgon ++ Steve Gunn – Tommy’s Congo ++ Kikagaku Moyo – Majupose ++ Doug Tuttle – These Times ++ Julee Cruise –  Kool Kat Walk ++ Chuck “Big Guitar” Ernst” – Blue Oasis ++ Elvis Presley – Blue Moon (Sun Session) ++ Lee Moses – Day Tripper ++ Stormy – The Devastator ++ Voices of Conquest – Oh Yes My Lord ++ Delroy Wilson – Dancing Mood ++  Loak Klang – Loak Klang (AD edit) ++ Mina Aoe with Masahiko Sato – Goodnight ++ The Samurai – Fresh Hot Breeze of Summer ++ Gene Boyd – Thought Of You Today (Edit) ++ United 8 – Ain’t It Good ++ Joe Henderson feat. Alice Coltrane – Earth ++ Cochemea – Song of Happiness ++ Arthur Russell – The Platform On The Ocean ++ Henri Texier – Les “là-bas” ++ Rob – Forgive Us All ++ Pops Staples – Sweet Home ++ Robert Vanderbilt – Especially To You ++ Mulatu Astatqé –  Tezeta ++ Nina Simone – Be My Husband ++ David Lee Jr. – Cosmic Vision ++ The Zion Travelers – The Blood ++ Sunwatchers – Ancestors (Aquarium Drunkard Session) ++ Alice Coltrane – Jaya Jaya Rama ++ Serge Gainsbourg – Requiem Pour Un Con ++ Vanessa Paradis – Paradis ++ Jeff Simmons – Lucy Has Messed My Mind Up ++ Big Star – Kanga Roo ++ Popularities Vuh – Morgengruß ++ Fleetwood Mac – World In Harmony ++ Sandy Bull – Memphis, Tennessee ++ Jacco Gardner – Fading Cosmos

[jgroffdaily]

With Frozen 2 now playing in theaters, I recently sat down with Jonathan Groff to talk about making the highly anticipated sequel. During the wide-ranging conversation, Groff talked about when he knew they were going to make the film, how the film pushes away from the norm by not having a “villain” and instead features the main characters grappling with their own growth and change, Kristoff’s ‘80s inspired song that has adults laughing out loud, how the filmmakers have flipped what the male love interest is going through by having him struggling with how to communicate to the woman he loves, what it will take to get the cast to perform all the Frozen music on tour, what song he was sad to see not make the finished film, and more. In addition, he talked about the status of Mindhunter season 3, if he’s had any pressure to get on social media, if he thinks Frozen 3 will happen, the difference between the West End and Broadway theater audiences, and a lot more.

Check out what Jonathan Groff had to say below.

Collider: So let’s jump into the most important question.

JONATHAN GROFF: Okay.

When do you start filming Mindhunter season three?

GROFF: (laughs) I don’t know. TBD.

I know [David] Fincher’s making a movie, so that’s going to take him out for at least eight months.

GROFF: Yeah, we couldn’t do it ‘til after he was done with that.

Yeah. It’s still not fast enough. I saw Holt [McCallany] recently and mentioned that to him as well, and I basically have said repeatedly I need 50 episode seasons.

GROFF: Oh my God. And you know that he and I would be so down. We’re ready. We’re ready. Whenever the call comes, we’re ready to jump.

Yes. I just want to start the interview off with the most important thing.

GROFF: I love you for that.

Yeah, listen. I love that show, and all of us on the site love that show.

GROFF: Oh, good.

It’s so good.

GROFF: Good.

I can keep on going, but I’m going to stop. So, jumping into why I get to talk to you, first, let me start by saying congratulations. The pressure, or the difficulty of making a great sequel to such a beloved movie is really hard, and you guys did it. Do you know where you are today and what day in the promotion process it is?

GROFF: I do.

Because you guys have been going nonstop.

GROFF: I jumped on. So the group went to Toronto, but I’m actually doing a revival of Little Shop of Horrors right now off-Broadway, and so I know that this is day three of my promotion experience, because I left the show on Sunday. I got here on Monday. Our first thing was on Wednesday… Oh no. So, it’s day four. I already messed it up. It’s day four. (laughs)

So you must’ve put it in your contract for Little Shop that you… Disney must’ve said you have to be able to promote?

GROFF: Yes. In May when the director of Little Shop, Michael Mayer, called and asked me to do it, I said, “Oh, I’m not doing anything this fall, except I have to have off for these two weeks.” And they said yes, so they knew it from the very beginning. They hired an amazing actor named Gideon Glick, who I did Spring Awakening with back in the day, to replace me for these two weeks.

Have you done anything on the West End?

GROFF: I have, actually.

My question is, and I’ve been asking this of all the actors I talked to who do theater, do you notice a difference between the audiences in the West End and Broadway?

GROFF: Yes. The biggest, I think, difference [in the West End] would be less vocal, less standing up, less standing ovations. It’s just a cultural difference in that Americans are more apt to jump up and clap and be more vocal throughout the course of any given performance, and the Brits are a little more reserved.

Do the Brits ever do the standing ovation at the end?

GROFF: Yes.

So when they do it, they mean it?

GROFF: A hundred percent, and the two times that I’ve been in the audience of a West End show where it’s felt like an American audience was The Book of Mormon and Hamilton.

Oh yeah.

GROFF: Yeah.

And you felt that energy?

GROFF: Yeah. I was like, “Well, I could it be in New York right now. This is how crazy these shows are making the audience, even in London.” I remember also Lin [Manuel Miranda] telling me that the difference between — because I did Hamilton on Broadway for almost a year. And then they took it to London, and he said that it was the same reaction except when Aaron Burr sings, “I’m keeping her bed warm while her husband is away” randomly in his song Wait For It, it gets a huge laugh in London. Never had a laugh in America. There’s the one difference between the British and the American audience.

That’s so interesting.

GROFF: So bizarre, right?

It’s also very bizarre.

GROFF: I know.

Switching gears completely — I appreciate you sharing the theater stuff — how early on did you know that the sequel was going to get made, and how long did you have to keep it a secret?

GROFF: I didn’t know early on at all. Probably a year and a half after the first one I found out that they were making a second one, and it was sort of like, they announced that they were making, they asked us to do it and they announced it sort of all at the same time, so I never felt like I was really keeping a secret.

Oh that’s not bad.

GROFF: No, not bad at all.

My favorite part of this movie is, besides the animation and everything, I love that there’s just no villain, that there’s no guy or girl trying to get her powers or come between them.

GROFF: Yeah.

It’s so refreshing.

GROFF: Yeah.

And it’s really so well done. Can you sort of talk about that aspect of the film?

GROFF: Yeah, I think that really, ultimately, the biggest challenge sort of that each of the characters have in kind of a general way is grappling with their own self growth and change. So Idina [Menzel] is scared of, but excited to follow, the voice that’s calling to her, and that sort of trickles down then into all of the characters. So Anna’s learning how to let her sister go, and let her sister do her own thing, and leave her to her own devices to survive. Olaf is asking really challenging existential questions about life as he gets older.

Of course.

GROFF: And Kristoff is ready to take his relationship to the next level with Anna, but he’s really not good at communicating and expressing himself. Then halfway through the movie is given an amazing ’80s inspired rock jam to be able to do so. (laughs)

That song — little kids are not going to get it. When I saw it last night, the adults in the audience were laughing hard.

GROFF: Right.

So talk a little bit about how that song really plays for adults.

GROFF: Yeah, totally. Bobby and Kristen Lopez told me that they were going to try and get a song in for my character in the movie. I thought, “That’s so nice of them to say that, but it just seems… How are you going to make the mountain man sing? I want to hear the girls sing. I want to hear Idina belt out a hundred numbers. Who wants to hear Kristoff sing?” I couldn’t figure out story-wise, because they’re so passionate and invested in storytelling as opposed to just writing catchy songs. And they thought of this amazing arc with Kristoff of him trying to propose and not being able to, and then ultimately getting frustrated by his inability to do so and busting out on this ’80s song, which I think that a lot of dudes, particularly parents of the kids that are coming to see the show, like you said, can relate to that genre and that time period in the ’80s as a way to really let it go and self-express. And Kristen Anderson-Lopez mentioned earlier, they wrote Let It Go for Elsa in the first movie and it inspired all these girls to feel their power. On the flip side of that, in the second movie, here is a song for a male character that perhaps will invite boys to get in touch with their feelings. Sven says, “You feel what you feel and your feelings are real. Come on Kristoff, let down your guard.” And so if little boys all over the world are hearing that, hopefully they’ll be inspired to express themselves.

It is pretty crazy to realize the first movie has been seen — I can’t even imagine the amount of people around the world that have actually seen the first movie, repeatedly.

GROFF: Yeah, right.

And to realize that this movie is going to be seen by maybe even more people.

GROFF: Yeah.

The power of the messaging in these movies is more important than I think a lot of people realize, and having that positive message… like your character is so different than what is normally written for the male love interest, if you will.

GROFF: Absolutely. I mean, that’s what I loved also about the first movie of Frozen is that the true love in the movie is between sisters as opposed to a woman looking for a man’s love, and even in the first movie, Kristoff, one of his lines in the beginning to Anna is, “You can’t marry a man you just met.” Whereas in all the old sort of Disney fairytales, it’s love at first sight, and one day my prince will come. So in the first movie, they sort of inverted those ideas, and made it more modern, and more contemporary, and more feminist. And they’ve done the same thing with this movie and with all of these characters, and particularly with Kristoff. Normally the girl is pining after the man, and the man leaves, and then she sings an emotional song, and this is the reverse, where Kristoff is struggling with how to communicate to the woman he loves. Then she goes off on an adventure without him, and he’s left alone to sing about his feelings. So very cleverly, the filmmakers have reversed that in this movie.

A hundred percent. I brought this up with a lot of other people. What will it take for you guys as a group to either do the Hollywood Bowl or go on tour where you play all the songs from the first Frozen and Frozen 2, as well as the cut songs that never made the movie?

GROFF: Yes, sign me up. Sign me up. I would do it in a second. All they would have to do is ask. I would do it in a second.

Okay, so you’re receptive to this?

GROFF: Absolutely.

Can you talk about some of the songs that you — because obviously Kristen and Bobby told me that the ratio on this one was that they only said they wrote seven songs that didn’t make the finished version, and on the first one they wrote like 2- something.

GROFF: For the first movie they wrote 20 songs?

But it makes sense though, because the first one they’re still figuring out the voices.

GROFF: The world of everything. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Of course.

Yeah. So like you’re writing, and writing, and writing to find the voices and find the movie, and in the sequel, they know the voices and the characters, so it makes sense to have written less —

GROFF: Yeah, there’s only so many places it could possibly go. It’s not like anything could happen, because the characters have already established who they are.

Did you have a song or two that didn’t make the finished film that you were sad to see go?

GROFF: I recorded a song while we were shooting Mindhunter, and I was in Pittsburgh, and I drove to New York on the weekend to record this song called “I Want to Get This Right.” And it was when in the story Kristoff was going to try and propose to Anna at the very beginning. It was not an ’80s jam. It was almost like a Jackson 5 kind of, like, uptempo R&B song. It was really cute, and I loved it, and I loved singing it, and it was Kristoff’s song, and then it became sort of a Kristoff-Anna duet song. I recorded it in New York over a weekend, and really felt like, “Oh wow. This is a huge part of the story that he’s trying to propose and he’s singing to her and it’s this proposal, so I don’t think the song is going to get cut, because it’s really like a part of the narrative of the story.” Then a couple months later, I come into a recording session, this time it was in Pittsburgh, and they were like, “So we changed the story and we cut your song. But we’re gonna write you another song, and it’s going to be an ’80s jam where Kristoff really, like, lives in his feelings.” I thought, “Oh, that’s so nice of them to say that, but surely that’s the most absurd idea I’ve ever heard and that will never happen.” And then it did.

Right, exactly. It all works out, because that song is fantastic.

GROFF: Yeah. Right, right.

Mindhunter — I can’t believe I get to bring this back. It’s a really great performance you have to do, and how much do you sort of submerge into that reality when you’re filming? Are you able to sort of shut it off and turn on Frozen, if you will, on like a weekend or on a weeknight when you have to go record something? That has to be challenging.

GROFF: The thing that’s similar about, I can’t believe there is a similarity, but the thing that is similar about Mindhunter and Frozen is that with Mindhunter, you’re working for David Fincher, which is like the ultimate safety net. You just know that you can do anything, you can try anything, you can throw it all up against the wall, and he’s going to go in and put together something great. So there’s this safety net as a performer that allows you to take risks and do things because you know he’s got this. You know?

Sure.

GROFF: Then on the flip side with Frozen, I just trust Jen and Chris and Bobby and Kristen so implicitly. They cut the song. It was a great song that I recorded, and they cut it because it didn’t work for the movie. They are very ego-less about the work that they produce, and they’re all very committed to the best possible story they can tell, and so in the same way in going to work for Frozen, it’s like I just make myself available to them. I just try and be as creative as I possibly can with the stuff that they give me, and throw it all up against the wall and see what sticks, and let them put it together and make whatever they want to make.

One of the things I want to bring up is that you are, unlike a lot of your cohorts, not on social at all. Or am I wrong about this?

GROFF: No, you’re correct.

Have you not had any pressure from a publicist or an agent? “You know, if you want to do Instagram, it wouldn’t be that bad.”

GROFF: No, I haven’t. I really haven’t. My agents and my publicists, they all, thankfully, get me, and so they totally understand that it’s just not my jam.

Sure.

GROFF: I feel like in order for it to be great, and positive, and productive, you have to really want to invest in it, and I hate how much I look at my phone already with text messaging, and so I just didn’t want to add another element to that.

Do you ghost on some of the social formats?

GROFF: No, I really don’t.

Really?

GROFF: I know, isn’t that crazy?

Because a lot of people say, “Oh, I’m not on Instagram.” But then they’ll be like, “But I ghost on it. I have a private account that nobody —

GROFF: No, I really don’t. I really don’t. Isn’t that weird?

No, I actually think it’s very healthy.

GROFF: Okay. It’s sort of ignorant. In certain ways ignorance is bliss where I’m sort of unaware of opinions and things like that, because I’m just not on social media at all.

Look, I think it’s an unhealthy obsession when you see people constantly taking selfies in every possible place just to… It makes me crazy, but that’s just me.

GROFF: It’s weird. Ironically, in the theater at Little Shop when we were in tech, I was the one with my phone out videotaping and taking pictures of everything, because I was like, “This is so much fun and I want to capture it.” And everyone is saying, “Why are you taking pictures? You’re not even on social media.” And I’m like, “Oh no, this is just for me to look at later.” So I do take a lot of pictures. I just keep them to myself or I text them to my friends or whatever.

So I have to ask you. Do you think in your gut feeling — because I know they have not talked about a Frozen 3 — but in another five years that there could be another?

GROFF: I mean, after the first one, I couldn’t even have imagined a Frozen 2, to be honest. When they said they were making a second one, I was thrilled to go back to work, but there wasn’t a piece of me that could have comprehended how you further the story. And then Jen and Chris and Bobby and Kristen came up with, I think, it’s a true masterpiece, and there’s never been a [theatrical animated] musical sequel made ever to a Disney film. So they broke ground with that. I think I would do anything that they do. I’m just following their lead.

Sure.

GROFF: I have no gut feeling about whether or not there will be a third one. I would just do whatever they asked me to do.

On that note, congratulations.

GROFF: Thank you.

[greenjacketwhitehatdocmui]

Frozen:  Little Luxuries

Okay, so, this is kind of an offshoot of an AU of Frozen 2 which, in my headcanon, never happened.  But this just came out of me so...here you go.  this gently pokes fun at the amenities that the forest provides Elsa as the Fifth Spirit.

FYI, Daniel is my OC from previous entries.

--Doc

    Anna waited at the castle gates, the picture of calm, queenly reserve.  However, that picture was somewhat undermined by the gleeful light in her eyes, as well as the occasional grin that threatened to break her serene smile.

    It was Friday, and thus, family night.  That was one of the inviolable rules that the sisters had agreed upon after the events at Northuldra.  Anna was looking forward to hearing how Elsa's week had been.

    (Yes, she could have sent another message via Gale Express.  However, there was no substitute for talking face-to-face.  Also, hugs via messages weren't nearly as satisfying.)

    Kristoff came up to her side and gently clasped her hand.  He could feel her trembling slightly and he gave her a reassuring squeeze.

    "She'll be here," he said calmly.

    "I know," she returned.  Her smile turned sly as she saw Daniel waiting a few steps away.  "Of course, I'm not the only one waiting for Elsa."

    "It's been a week," Daniel pointed out. "I think that I'm entitled to be just a bit anxious."

    Anna chuckled quietly to herself.  As her Foreign Affairs Aide, his skills were more suited to dealing multiple countries.  While he wanted to go with Elsa, it was only logical that he stayed in the castle to help Anna with negotiations and the like.  In whatever spare time he had, he assisted Kristoff with learning the various laws and diplomatic tricks that a king might need.

    Some things never change, she thought to herself.  The role that Daniel played for Kristoff was much like the role that David Antonini had played for a young Agnarr.  It was a generational story, of sorts.

    With a quiet sigh, Daniel took out a small spyglass. Peering through it, he smiled.

    "There she is," he announced.  "Nokk seems to be going a bit quicker than usual. Making up for lost time, perhaps?"

    Anna gestured and he handed the spyglass to her. Looking through it, she smiled and almost bounced childishly at the sight of Elsa riding the Nokk on top of the water.  Elsa's expression was one of glee and determination.

    A few moments later, the Nokk trotted to the castle gates and Elsa dismounted.  With a quiet goodbye, the Nokk trotted back to the fjord and dissolved into the water.

    Whatever queenly demeanor Anna had was thrown by the wayside as she practically launched herself at Elsa.  The two sisters hugged, enjoying the moment.

    Elsa's blissful expression turned quizzical as she felt Anna flinch slightly.  As they separated, Elsa frowned.

    "Anna, is there something wrong?"

    Anna chuckled nervously.  "Wrong?  Oh, no, nothing's wrong.  I mean, there's the usual stuff that goes along with being a queen, which you know about. I've had a few long days--and speaking of long days, you could probably use a nice, long soak, am I right?" Anna babbled.

    Elsa tilted her head slightly.  "Anna, I do bathe regularly.  The Northuldra do have soap.  It's not fancy, but it works."

    "Yes, I'm certain that you do," Daniel interjected.  He held out one hand with a broad smile.  "Welcome home, love."

    She took his hand and leaned into a warm embrace. After thirteen years of isolation, Elsa was lucky that she could experience more than just familial love.

    Anna and Kristoff did not fail to notice the twitching in Daniel's eye, nor the flaring in his nose.  They silently conferred about how to best break the news to Elsa.

    A quick peck on Elsa's forehead signaled the end of their hug.  It was family night, after all--and that meant everyone.

    "You know," Daniel began, "Anna does have a point.  It's been a long ride from Northuldra to here and a good, hot soak before dinner will do wonders."

    Elsa eyed him skeptically.  "Is this your way of telling me that I stink?  It's not as if the Northuldra have a lot of fancy perfumes available to them."

    "I wouldn't presume to say that you smell malodorous--"

    "No, you don't `stink,'" Anna added hastily. "It's just something that we'll have to get used to."

    Elsa frowned and crossed her arms under her breasts. "Well, I'm sorry if working in a more natural environment doesn't--"

    "Hi, Elsa!" Olaf called out as he waddled towards her.  "Are you ready for charades after dinner?"

    Elsa knelt down and hugged the little snowman.  She didn't see Olaf's carrot nose twitch slightly.

    "At least you don't think that I smell," Elsa sighed as they separated.

    "You smell a little like Sven, but you get used to it," Olaf said bluntly.

    Elsa hesitated.  "Daniel, you've got the best nose here.  What else do I smell like?"

    He gave her a quick whiff.  "At a guess, I would say that you smell of a combination of birchwood ash, reindeer, reindeer byproducts, wood smoke, beeswax and pine tree sap.  The last two items are a combination used for a hand balm, I believe."

    Kristoff sniffed.  "Hey, Elsa smells just fine to me."

    Elsa grimaced.  That was the final nail in the coffin for her.

    "Fine," she stood up and sighed.  "I'll go for a soak and wash off the forest." A sly look crossed her face. "It's not as if I could have a fancy bath in the forest.  I have to settle for a waterfall, the Nokk standing guard as the cold water flows down, bathing like an ancient Greek Naiad..." she paused, her voice taking on a decidedly seductive tone.

    Daniel's jaw clenched.  "Blast it, blast it, blast it," he muttered.  "Thank you for that wonderful image."

    "You're welcome," she said sweetly, much to Anna's amusement.  "Do you think that you can endure the smell long enough to escort me to my room?"  She held out her hand.

    He took her hand and gently kissed it. "Oh, I think I can manage."

    Anna stayed back a few steps, her arm linked with Kristoff's.  She smiled contentedly.

    "They are so cute together," Anna murmured.

    "We're not so bad ourselves," he returned, kissing her on the cheek.

    It's going to be a good Friday night, Anna decided as she gently guided Olaf with her free hand.

[britesparc]

Weekend Top Ten #417

Top Ten Disney Sidekicks

So a few weeks (months?!) ago, I did a ranking of Disney villains, and I thought that other lists could easily enough be made featuring sidekicks and henchmen. So there’s no big preamble this week, no big movie to tie into (uh, Onward? Except that’s Pixar and I’m sticking with straight Disney animations here). Here’s my list of Favourite Disney Sidekicks.

Except: what is a sidekick? There’s this idea of a Disney animation where you have a protagonist – usually a young woman out to prove herself – and she talks to some wisecracking animals or what have you. And, sure, that’s definitely a thing in a lot of Disney animations – even when the animals don’t really talk back. But so many “sidekicks” take such a prominent and important role in the narrative that they’re more secondary-leads or deuteragonists rather than a “sidekick”. I’m not sure where the dividing line is, exactly, and I went back-and-forth with a couple of these; all I know is, the raccoon from Pocahontas is definitely a sidekick, but the Genie from Aladdin is supporting character.

I guess the dividing line is: do they change, do they develop, are they affected by the machinations of the plot (other than being sad or happy or hungry, or whatever); do they learn and grow, do they have an arc? As such I have – with extreme reluctance – scratched off my beloved Olaf, who I think has far too much development and screentime to be a “mere” sidekick (likewise Tinkerbell and Jiminy Cricket, although as usual this is probably just me splitting hairs).  

Timon & Pumbaa (Nathan Lane & Ernie Sabella, The Lion King, 1994): oh look, me again, sticking a pair of things in one slot (steady). But T&P are an inseparable double-act, providing ample comic relief in an otherwise fairly straight-laced epic animation, with great performances and a belter of a signature song. With their own spin-off TV series and movie, they’re the Jim’s Dad of Lion King characters.

Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright, The Little Mermaid, 1989): nudging the “supporting character not sidekick” category, Seb gets away with being more of a foil to Ariel throughout the film, even if he mellows a bit throughout. With another great, distinctive performance (and an accent I, rather problematically, loved to imitate as a child), he’s so cool he has not one but two amazing classic songs.

Abu (Frank Welker, Aladdin, 1992): bags of character in a tiny frame (er, except when he becomes a massive elephant), Abu is a comic delight who also provides moments of pathos and is a sympathetic sounding-board for our hero Aladdin to soliloquise against. The first great Frank Welker-makes-animal-noises performance on this list too.

Mushu (Eddie Murphy, Mulan, 1998): before Shrek’s Donkey, there was Mulan’s Mushu; a sarcastic smart-arse talking animal voiced by Murphy. Here, he’s in more of his early-career streetwise mode (rather than the naïve oaf Donkey); he’s a comic delight, full of great one-liners, and a superbly angular design.

Pascal (Frank Welker, Tangled, 2010): a virtually-mute animal, Pascal still has bucketloads of character, with vast, expressive eyes and a mouth that takes up half his body. He gets plenty of gags, but those big eyes offer a lot of soul too. And scratch off another animal performance for Mr. Welker.

Jaq & Gus (Jimmy McDonald, Cinderella, 1950): really, all the mice in Cinderella deserve this spot, but it’s brave, earnest, and strong-willed Jaq and good-natured, ever-hungry Gus who I’ll single out. Funny and sweet, sticking up for Cinders, they also have a cute song and a really distinctive vocal tic. I didn’t realise till composing this list they were both voiced by the same fella.

Cogsworth & Lumière (David Ogden Stiers & Jerry Orbach, Beauty and the Beast, 1991): another great double-act from a ‘90s Disney, the odd couple relationship between a stuffy old clock and a perpetually horny candelabra helps define the movie and the concept of talking bric-a-brac. And those sexy candles sing the heck out of “Be Our Guest”.

Louis (Michael-Leon Wooley, The Princess and the Frog, 2009): an undersung character in an undersung movie, Louis is a big old ‘gater with a big old heart, who just wants to play his music, dagnabbit. Reinforcing the bluesy theme of the film, a great design that harkens back to classic Disney (there’s more than a little of Peter Pan’s croc about him), he’s a sweet and funny little big dude.  

Sven (Frank Welker/Jonathan Groff, Frozen, 2013): ah, Sven; what is there to say about the other most famous reindeer? An expressive and hilarious sidekick and best mate to Kristoff, they have a brilliant and batty double-act centred on the hilarious conceit of Kristoff voicing Sven’s “thoughts”. Their duet in Frozen II is a song for the ages, and the Academy are cowards for not giving it all the Oscars.

Timothy Q. Mouse (Edward Brophy, Dumbo, 1941): another character arguably a bit big to be “just” a sidekick, Timothy is a sort of representation of Dumbo’s consciousness, offering the audience exposition where is big flying pal cannot speak for himself. He doesn’t have much of an arc himself, though, hence he’s still on this list; but with him being a best mate and even father figure for Dumbo, and what he lacks in signature tunes he makes up for by being part of “Pink Elephants on Parade”.

So, there we are! No room, sadly, for Danny DeVito in Hercules, or Thumper, or the supporting dogs from Lady and the Tramp, or… you get the idea. Come back in a few months for “enemy henchmen!”

[swanqueeneverafter]

After The Sunset, Pt.10

Wonderland. The Red Queen's Palace. Past. (The people of Wonderland argue among themselves as the Queen reclines disinterestedly on her throne.) Tweedle Dee: "One at a time." Tweedle Dum: "Her Majesty demands order." Old Woman: "The water supply's running out." Old Man: "My crops are dying! Please, help us!" Red Queen: "Darlings, can I be honest with you? Your problems bore me." (Murmurs of outrage break out among the gathered citizens before they are suddenly frozen in place.) Cora: (Entering the room:) "I don't know how you can stand to listen to them, day in, day out." Red Queen: "I'm the Queen. It's my job." Cora: "It's your flaw. You were trying to earn their respect. All you have to do is take it." Red Queen: "I took this throne. I took Wonderland." Cora: "And yet, still it's not enough, is it?” Red Queen: “I think if either of us were satisfied with what we already had, we wouldn't be the women we are now.” Cora: “How very true. So why don't you stop wasting time with these peasants and focus on gaining more power?” Red Queen: “Whether you like it or not, Your Majesty, I am the Queen and I have responsibilities.” (Cora turns and raises her hand before clenching her fist and turning the townspeople to dust.) Cora: “There. I've cleared your day. Now you can focus your mind on more important things. (Looks around the room at the piles of ash:) Have your tweedles sweep this up, won’t you?” (With that, Cora exits the room, leaving the Red Queen to stand horror-struck amongst what used to be her subjects.)

Storybrooke. Present. David's Farm. (Kristoff stands watch over David's flock as the former sheriff returns from his search.) Kristoff: “You couldn't find the lost lamb, I see.” David: “Oh, Wilby found it, but it was too late. The night was just too cold.” Kristoff: “Well you can't build up the flock this way. The winters are too long and the flock is too small.” David: “You’d certainly know about cold winters. The weather, it will turn. And Wilby's the best tracking dog I've ever known. We'll be fine.” Kristoff: “David, I know what the farm means to you. But the way things are going, it's... (Sighs:) Don’t you think it's time to admit defeat and sell the farm?” David: (Laughs:) “Nonsense, it’s far too early to think like that. Back in the Enchanted Forest, my mother and I endured harsher winters than this. Besides, with things being so peaceful nowadays, it hardly made sense for Storybrooke to still have two sheriffs.” Kristoff: "Yeah, but things were more exciting when you were chasing bad guys, right? Face it, David, a shepherd's life is dull." David: "Says the man who used to sell ice for a living." Kristoff: "I'll have you know that the life of an ice harvester was hard and dangerous." David: "And redundant. If people want ice they'll go to their freezers. Let it go, Kristoff, let it go." Kristoff: (Sulkily:) "Well I still think that shirt looks ridiculous." David: "Hey, my wife made me this shirt. It's just like the one my mother made for me way back when. What is your problem anyway? You've been skulking around here a lot lately." Kristoff: (Defensively:) "Can't a guy visit his friend without an ulterior motive? (At David's look:) All right look, it's Anna. She's obsessed with this big secret Elsa's keeping from her and it's driving me nuts. If you ask me, those two are way too close. I mean are sisters usually that way?" David: "I couldn't say. I only had a brother and he tried to kill me. Snow's an only child so I don't have the sister-in-law issue." Kristoff: "Yeah well be grateful for that. (Sighs:) I take that back, Elsa is great, it's just... Anna shouldn't have to know every little thing about her sister's life, should she?" David: (Shrugs:) "Maybe they're making up for lost time? They were separated for 30 years." Kristoff: "We all were. Elsa may have been inside that urn but Anna and I, along with the entire population of Arendelle, were frozen. I was separated from Sven too, but you don't see me acting nuts." David: "Other than talking to him, you mean." Kristoff: "Hey, Sven understands more than you think." David: (Chuckles:) "All right, well I've gotta pick Neal up from daycare. Do you want a ride back to Arendelle?" Kristoff: (Sighs:) "Yeah, I guess I'd better." David: "Okay then, I'm gonna go wash up. Take those bales of hay back inside for me and I'll meet you out front." Kristoff: "You got it." (As David and Wilby the sheepdog head towards the house, Kristoff takes the hay bales back to the barn.) The Barn. (The large door swings open and Kristoff enters. The sounds of scurrying can be heard briefly above him from the hayloft.) Kristoff: (To himself:) "Great. They've got rats. Well, no way I'm climbing all the way up there. (He leans back and, with an almighty swing of both arms, he manages to clear the hayloft, returning the hay bales roughly to where they belong. Brushing his hands, Kristoff turns and heads for the door. Stopping in his tracks, Kristoff listens for any further sounds of scurrying:) Hm. Must've got 'em." (Kristoff walks through the barn door then closes it behind him.) Hayloft. (Letting out a breath she didn't realise she was holding, Emma sighs in relief once the barn door closes.) Emma: "Now that was a close one. (Looking up from her crouched position towards her wife, Emma sees Regina still hugging the wall of the barn, trying to make herself as still as possible. Smiling:) 'Gina, it's alright, the coast is clear." Regina: (Shaking her head:) "It's not that. There's a rat, r-right by your head." Emma: (Springing to her feet:) "What?!" (The sudden movement causes half a dozen rats to flee the cosy covering of hay and the ladder to fall with a loud clatter to the floor.) Regina: "Great. Now what?" Emma: (Reaching over and plucking a straw of hay from Regina's hair:) "Well, how about a roll in the hay?" Regina: (Looks to her for a moment, then smirks:) "I thought you'd never ask." (Emma barely has time to react and catch the older woman as Regina jumps into her arms. Caught off balance, Emma stumbles backwards into the pile of loose hay and both women disappear inside it. The sound of laughter fills the barn while the displaced hay falls to the floor below.)

Wonderland. Past. (The Red Queen sits reclined on a chaise long as the Tweedles give her a manicure and pedicure simultaneously.) Red Queen: "Harder. (Raises her voice:) Harder. (Shouts:) Harder! (She notices the White Rabbit enter:) Bunny! (She waves the Tweedles away and they leave:) How are you, darling?" White Rabbit: "Um, quite well, Your Majesty, y-yourself?" Red Queen: (Once the doors to her chamber close:) "Please, call me Anastasia. Oh, it's just awful. I think I've made a terrible mistake. I trusted the Queen of Hearts and now I'm trapped." White Rabbit: "How can I be of service, my Queen?" Red Queen: "You were once caught in her clutches but with some help you escaped. Now I need you to bring me the man who freed you. (Stands:) White Rabbit, bring me Will Scarlett." Wonderland. Dr. Facilier's Lair. (Tiana returns to find Dr. Facilier making a voodoo doll out of straw.) Dr. Facilier: (Smiling:) "Had a feeling I'd see you again.” Tiana: (Places her father’s medal on the table:) “I know you want it, so take it. Get whatever pathetic amount of gold you can.” Dr. Facilier: “And in exchange, you want me to...?” Tiana: “Hand over the woman you kidnapped.” Dr. Facilier: “Ah. (Chuckles:) You mean her? (Indicates a frog in a cage and laughs:) That's quite a sacrifice for a lowly frog.” Tiana: “Do we have a deal or not?” Dr. Facilier: (Taps the medal before picking it up:) “Such a powerful little thing, isn't it? First, it transformed your father from a cook into a prince. And now you, a sheltered princess into someone who would sacrifice for a man you don't even know. Quite the transformation.” Tiana: “Nothing's transformed me. That's who I always was. I just didn't realize it. There's no magic in there.” Dr. Facilier: (Laughing:) “Oh, but there is. You see, I've been in a kind of prison, trapped with one foot in this world and one in a less pleasant place. And this ruby is going to set me free. (The ruby shines in his hand as he stands:) So I'm going to keep this ruby and my little frog. (Laughs, picking up the cage:) I've grown quite fond of her sad, little cries. But as a gift for your part in my liberation I'll let you go, just this once.” Tiana: (Draws her sword and holds it on him:) “I'm not leaving without her.” Dr. Facilier: (Returning to his seat:) “I'm glad to hear it.”

(Suddenly, Facilier stabs the doll, causing a shooting pain to flare in Tiana’s leg. Tipping over the table, Tiana dives for the frog while Facilier searches for the ruby.) Dr. Facilier: (Stands to see Tiana once again pointing her sword at him:) "I've already got the best of this bargain. See you soon, Princess.” (Facilier closes his hand over the ruby and disappears in a cloud of black smoke. Smiling down at the frog in the cage, Tiana quickly turns and leaves the cave.) Red Queen's Palace. (Her spirits raised considerably, Anastasia takes time to stop and smell the flowers while awaiting the return of the White Rabbit. Turning, she walks right into the Queen of Hearts.) Cora: "You silly girl." Red Queen: "Dispensing of pleasantries so early on in our relationship? How tragic.” (Anastasia moves to walk past her.) Cora: (Freezing her in place with magic:) “Don’t you walk away from me. I know what you’ve done. Do you think the Knave of Hearts can actually save you? You have no idea what you need, but happily I’m here to tell you. What you need, dear girl, is to be quiet. What you need is to be still. Silent. Follow orders. Most of all, be grateful for the air I'm allowing you to breathe. We're not partners. I don't owe you anything. I have given you everything you need to be the greatest ruler Wonderland has ever known and yet you betray me. Oh well, if you refuse to see things my way willingly, then I have no choice. What comes next is your fault, Anastasia, remember that.” Wonderland. Beside The River. (Prince Marias sits waiting when Tiana approaches.) Tiana: “Prince Marias. (He stands, backing away:) Wait. It's just me.” Prince Marias: “Have you come to arrest me?” Tiana: “No. (Revealing the cage hidden beneath her cloak:) I have this.” Prince Marias: (Frog croaking:) “You got her!” Tiana: (Handing over the cage:) “I'm sorry about before. I finally figured out I don't need a hero if I can be a hero.” Prince Marias: “You sound like your father.” Tiana: “Well, then it sounds like I'm on the right path. I guess all that remains now is for you to deliver true love's kiss to your ladylove.”

Prince Marias: “Um, about my ladylove, I kind of misled you before.” Tiana: “About what?” (Prince Marias opens the cage and places the frog carefully in Tiana’s hands. Putting down the cage, Marias begins to lean towards the frog.) Prince Marias: “Oh, and thank you. We'll never forget you.” (The Prince kisses the frog and, once true love’s kiss works its magic, is transformed back into a frog himself. Surprised by this, Tiana gently lowers Marias’ love to the ground. Reunited, the pair of them look up at her and croak their thanks.) Tiana: “Huh. You're welcome.” (With that, the frogs hop into the lake and swim to safety as Tiana smiles after them.) Storybrooke. Present. Storybrooke Elementary School. (It is late evening and everyone has already gone home for the day. The lights in every classroom are turned off, all save one. Sitting behind the desk of Snow White’s classroom, is Regina. How they ended up here she's not quite sure. First her father's hayloft and now her mother's classroom, if she didn't know better, Regina would think her wife had some unresolved issues with her parents. Issues she herself had caused when she had threatened the Charmings during darker times, Regina mused. Back during her quest for vengeance, Regina had quite literally torn Emma's family apart. Had she known the true price of her Dark Curse, Regina might just have done things differently. Then again, given how things have turned out for her personally, now that she is the happiest she has ever been in her life, Regina is sure she would make the same choice. Although, while her words in Neverland about not feeling guilty for her actions were true, since deepening her relationship with Emma, there had been some sleepless nights. Back when she had first moved into the Mayor's mansion, Emma had spent many times after their lovemaking kissing away Regina's tears and murmuring words of reassurance to the older woman. Of course, the love and tenderness shown by the blonde had usually prompted fresh tears to fall. Eventually, Regina would open up to Emma and tell her how guilty she felt for her part in Emma's painful upbringing. Tossed from one foster home to another, Emma would never find her place in the world until stumbling into the very town she, Regina, had created. It was in those moments late at night or early morning that they would talk about such things. Each sharing stories about their childhoods, both the good and the bad. About their lingering resentments towards their parents and how, despite everything, each woman truly loved their families. More recently however, their nights had been spent talking about much happier and naughtier things. And so it was that Regina found herself sat smiling behind her wife's mother's desk, waiting for their next naughty tryst to take place.) Emma: (Standing with her hands on her hips, facing away from her:) "Okay, you ready?" Regina: (More than ready:) "Mmhmm." Emma: "Then let's begin." (Turning to face the seated woman, Emma finally reveals her full ensemble. Wearing a sheer white blouse borrowed from Regina, a short tartan skirt and long white stockings, Emma has managed to capture the essence of the fantasy catholic schoolgirl. The bows in her hair serving as the final, delicious touch.) Regina: "Oh, Emma, you look-" Emma: "Does Headmistress approve?" Regina: (Nods:) "I do. Very much." Emma: "Is it better than before?" (Regina frowns slightly, trying to think of what Emma means by this when she realises it's all part of the game.) Regina: "Yes, Emma. Your uniform is much more appropriate now. However, that does not excuse your transgressions from earlier. Do you understand why you are here?" Emma: (Almost shyly:) "Yes, Headmistress." Regina: "Very well. (Stands:) Please approach the desk and place your hands palms down upon it." (Wordlessly, Emma does as she's told, practically skipping towards the desk before placing herself in position.) Regina: (Removing her jacket and adopting a displeased tone:) "I had hoped last time would've dealt with your behaviour." Emma: (Smiling as she feels her skirt being flipped up over her back:) "Yes, Headmistress." Regina: "Perhaps a more thorough spanking this time should do the trick. (Emma nods, biting her lip while her underwear is tugged downwards to rest at her knees. With a tremor of arousal in her voice:) Now, arch your back and don't forget to count along, is that clear?" Emma: (Practically clawing at the desk:) "Yes, Headmistress." (Emma smiles when she can hear the raggedness in Regina's breathing even before they begin. Lowering her head, Emma closes her eyes in anticipation as Regina raises her hand before bringing it down in one swift motion.)

Wonderland. Past. Red Queen's Palace. (Having been retrieved from the Enchanted Forest by the White Rabbit, Will Scarlett scales the balcony in an attempt to enter the palace undetected.) Cora: (As Will vaults over the balcony:) "Hello, Knave." Will: "Back off, witch. I've come for Anastasia. (Walking past her and calling out:) Anastasia!" Cora: "What makes you think the Queen wants anything to do with a commoner such as yourself?" Will: "Because she sent for me, but then you already knew that." Cora: "Hm, true. You shouldn't have returned to Wonderland." Will: "Yeah, well believe me I already know that. But the thing is, Ana and I are mates. Mates who save each others lives." Cora: "I assure you that won't be necessary. She has a new life now, one that's hard enough without old boyfriends distracting her with flights of fancy." Will: "No, you see that's where you're wrong. When I saved Ana's life, she was fleeing from you. When she saved my life, she freed me from your clutches. Well now it's my turn to save her from you again. (Calling out:) Anastasia!" Cora: "She can't hear you from where she is." Will: "Oh I see. Dungeons then is it? You forget that I remember how you bent the Red King to your will. So come on then, take me to see her." Cora: (Considers him a moment, then smiles:) "Why not." (With a wave of her hand, Cora transports herself and Will into the dungeons.) Castle Dungeons. (They reappear outside Anastasia's cell who quickly rushes the bars.) Anastasia: "Will! You came back for me." Will: "Well, I never did learn how to stay out of trouble, did I?" Cora: "I'll give you two a moment alone, while I find the Knave his very own cell." (Cora leaves in a puff of smoke.) Will: "Quickly, Ana, we don't have much time." Anastasia: "It's no use, Will. The queen has enchanted the lock, there's no way out unless she frees me." Will: (Pulling out his tools and getting to work:) "Well there's no harm in trying is there?" Anastasia: (Watches him in wonder:) "Even without your heart, you chose to help me and not yourself. You're no Knave, you're a good man Will Scarlett.” Will: "No, I'm a selfish man. It's my fault you're in here, that any of this happened to you." Anastasia: "What are you talking about?" Will: "If I hadn't asked the Queen to take my heart, I wouldn't have been there at the ball the night we first met. I wouldn't have become a pawn in the Queen's pursuit of power." Anastasia: "No, if it wasn't for you, the Queen's men would have hunted me down and killed me for certain. (Will shakes his head continuing to work on the lock:) You chose to be heartless? I never knew that." Will: "After what happened with Alice, I couldn't feel like that for the rest of my life. I just wanted the pain to end." Anastasia: "If anyone's to blame for all this it's me. I let my fear of letting everyone down cloud my judgement. I let the Queen manipulate me into adopting her own view of the world. It wasn't until I saw with my own eyes what kind of monster she was that I realised the truth. And by then it was too late. Getting involved with magic - that was the start of all our trouble." Will: (Nods:) "You can say that again, Your Majesty.” (Giving Will a weak smile, Anastasia reaches through the bars to place a comforting hand on his forearm.) Storybrooke. Present. Storybrooke Elementary School. (The sound of someone fumbling with their keys is the first indication Emma and Regina have that they're no longer alone in the school. Before either of them can do anything to extricate themselves from their current position on top of the desk, a loud gasp is heard from the doorway. Instinctively rising to her knees and looking back over her shoulder, Emma is able to confirm that the worst has indeed happened.) Emma: "H-hi Mom." (After staring with her mouth agape for what feels like an eternity, Snow White finally covers her eyes and immediately slips into denial mode.) Snow White: "I didn't see anything. I didn't see anything, I didn't-" (Looking down at her wife to see that Regina is just as mortified as her mother, Emma does the only thing she can think of and magics them both from the room, leaving Snow to her hysterical chants long after they've gone.)

Wonderland. Past. Palace Dungeons. (Cora returns to the cells as Will steps away from the door.) Cora: "Time's up I'm afraid. I've alerted the guards of your presence so even if you were planning on 'escaping my clutches' once again, you'll have them to deal with." Will: "That might've been a problem, if I'd come alone. You know, I am a little disappointed. Both of you know my reasons for coming to Wonderland and yet despite everything, neither of you realise what I know to be true." Cora: (Moving closer:) "And what is that?" Will: (Leaning down:) "That there's nothing more important than family. Ana, get down!" (Will jumps out of the way as a blast of magic hits the cell door, causing it to spring open.) Anastasia: (Turning in shock towards the source of the blast:) "Mother!" Rapunzel: (Stepping out of the shadows to face the Queen of Hearts:) "There'll be time enough for apologies later. Now follow the Knave and get out of here while I deal with this witch." (Cora smiles and conjures a fireball in her hand.) Anastasia: "No, Mother, she's too powerful." Rapunzel: (Looking to Will:) "Get her out of here." Anastasia: (As Will begins dragging her away:) "No, Will, please. She'll kill her." Will: "Your mother's right, Ana. We have to go." Cora: "You can't really hope to defeat me with that stolen wand." Rapunzel: (They begin circling each other:) "There's is nothing more powerful in this world than a mother protecting her child." Cora: "Love is weakness, it makes you vulnerable." Rapunzel: "Oh, I won't be using love to defeat you, Cora." Cora: "I see. Well then, you may just have a chance. Use your aggressive feelings, Let the hate flow through you." Anastasia: (Standing her ground:) "No, I can't let her kill, Will. I can't let my mother darken her heart for me." Will: (As she wrenches herself from his grasp:) "Ana, wait!" Cora: "Strike me down with all of your hatred and your journey into the darkness will be complete!" Rapunzel: "My heart is already darkened, dear. How do you think I got this wand? What's one more kill? It'll be a small price to pay to be rid of you!" (Rapunzel raises her wand in anger and sends sparks towards Cora.) Anastasia: (Running in:) "Mother, no!" (Cora raises her hands defensively, deflecting the blow, causing it to rebound and strike Anastasia squarely in the chest. The girl stands motionless for a moment, Rapunzel dropping her wand in horror at what she's done.) Will: (Running in to catch her as she falls:) "Anastasia!" (Collapsing into Will's arms, Anastasia stares blankly up at her mother, the light draining from her eyes before they close. Cora takes in the scene as Rapunzel sinks to her knees, emitting a cry of despair that rings throughout the palace.)

[roseravenkey]

Rider Challenge #4: Make a friend

URL: @roseravenkey

@thescorpioracesfestival

Character: Tessa Westfall

Thisby is still grieving the loss of the people who have died on the beach so far. For us it was Thomas Benet, for others it could be anyone. Every day my brother gets up and goes about his daily chores as though he’s fine. He takes Dor to the beach every day, sometimes even feeds and grooms Sleipnir for me too. But he’s not fine. He’s keeping himself busy to avoid thinking about it. He tries to hide it and he can from other people, but not from me. I know him too well. He plasters on a smile every time I walk into a room, though I see him when he thinks I can’t see him. He’s quiet and still. He sits for long periods of time when there are no more chores left to do. 

I also keep myself busy. I ride into Skarmouth just about every day with Rea and her two land horses after beach training. We go to coffee shops and spend hours in the bookshop. You wouldn’t have thought it, but we’re both huge bookworms. The bookshop and library owners know us by name. Then again most people know everyone by name on Thisby.

Rea and I are at the bookshop now. We’re browsing the poetry section (I know, I know, we’re huge nerds) and I pick up an old-looking book. The cover was a deep red, silky to the touch despite the age. The title was embossed in gold: “Alfred Lord Tennyson.” As soon as I picked it up Rea looked over my shoulder and admired the book with me. They say you should never judge a book by its cover but this one was gorgeous. 

As I flick through the pages, Rea goes off to purchase the stack of books in her arms. As she’s gone I flick to one of my favourites, ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ and as I scan the words so familiar to me, I hear a voice from behind me.

“’Half a league, half a league, half a league onward, all in the valley of death, rode the six hundred.’ Kind of fitting for this time of year, huh?”

I start and spin around. I’m met with someone I don’t know. Odd for Skarmouth, not even recognizing someone’s face in passing. He is tall, standing six foot with ease. He has brown hair so dark to the point it is almost black. His eyes are a dark hazel or green, depending on the way the light shines on them. He’s handsome for sure, but they way he dresses doesn’t exactly scream Thisby. For starters, he’s perfectly clean and sand-free. Every island-dweller always has some dirt, blood, or sand on them at this time of year. He wears a loose, black, button down shirt with sleeves neatly rolled to his elbows. Under the shirt he has on a dark green t-shirt. His jeans are smart and plain black, the cuffs tucked into the boots on his feet. The boots aren’t working boots by a long shot. Over it all, he wears a simple dark brown jacket. Judging by his clothing and accent, he’s from the mainland. However, looking at him, I notice he doesn’t seem to be as stuck-up as the other tourists. For one thing, he’s in this old bookshop. Secondly, his boots may not be work boots like mine, but they’re worn and he’s obviously had them a very long time. His shirt is lightly wrinkled, jacket lightly scuffed from use. All of this and the fact that he did in fact have the guts to walk up to me and quote Tennyson out of the blue make me decide to reply to him with civility.

“Yes. I suppose it does. Especially the way riders go ‘Into the jaws of death.’”

“Oh I don’t doubt it for a second. These races seem brutal.”

“Why are you here then?” I ask.

“How do you know I don’t live here?” I make a point of scanning his attire and face with my eyes. I emphasize by gesturing with a hand.

“Okay, point made.” He agrees. “I’m here because I’ve never been before and I’m curious.”

“Curiosity killed the cat.” I say, a smile creeping onto my face.

“But satisfaction brought it back.” He counters. I nod in approval.

“Have you ever stared into the jaws of death?” I question.

“No.”

“Well I have. Dozens of times every years since I was born. If you’re unlucky enough, you might meet one of the capaill yourself this year. If you’ll excuse me Mr...?”

“Oh, Barnes. David Barnes.” He gives me a lopsided smile and sticks out his right hand. I take it and he shakes it firmly.

“Well, Mr Barnes-”

“Please call me David, that sounds weird even to me.”

“David. My friend over there is being weird so I have to go and buy this book and leave before she makes a fool of either me or herself.”

He grins and stands aside, allowing me past. I nod and start to walk over to the counter. I pull out some change for the book of Tennyson poems and pay for it before starting to leave the shop with Rea who’d just finished loading her new books into her bag before oggling at the person in front of me.

“No doubt I’ll see you around, David!” I call over my shoulder.

“Yeah, sure thing.” He waves as I stride out of the door and free Sven from the post he and Izabel had been tied to before Rea and I had gone into the shop. I lead him a couple of paces away from Izabel to give her room, put my book into the saddlebag, and mount up. Rea does the same. We ride home at a steady pace, we’re in no particular rush, when Rea speaks up.

“You know, you never told that guy your name?”

“I know.” I reply smugly.

“And he was good looking too! As in, hot.”

“I know.” I repeat, laughing.

“You fool. How come you get to meet nice cute guys in the bookshop and I don’t?” Rea mock-pouts.

“Rea, this is one time. A one off meeting doesn’t mean squat. And you met that guy at the coffee shop remember?”

“I suppose, but he had his own fishing company but no boat. He was a wacko.”

“Fair enough.” I relax and enjoy the ride back. I have a feeling that’s not the last I’ll be seeing of David Barnes.

[government-toppats]

(Kay smiles in utter delight) You sound really happy! I'm glad you're getting out more and meeting new friends. Mister Copperbottom is actually my sewing friend I was telling you about. - Kay

"Oh really well that is fun. From talking to him a little he sounds like a nice man. Also didnt you say you wanted to learn piano? Well that young lad know how." David said as he points in the direction of Sven voice

[smolbeandrabbles]

Can we just talk about Dave in glasses for a minute?