#;; after Frederick's essence

[oletus-manors-log]

welcome back! i hope u have been doing alright. im glad to see ur enjoying idv haha, don't force urself too much if ur not comfortable or liking it !! >.< i would love to play with u but even i lag a lot in the game T_T

Hi anon, and ty for the wb message! I've been doing well now haha (I've been through ups and downs in the past with this game but it's been easier now to deal with), and dw, I'm p much getting back to it.

(ngl I am coming back for a friend and holy shit is there so much?? I missed??? AND THE LORE OTL OTL I MUST RANT ABOUT THE ASHES OF MEMORY WHAT IS THAT CLIFFHANGER ORPHEUS)

Also damn 😔 I've noticed it on my end as well but oh well o7 it is what it is WWWWW, can't do anything about it when the game nukes on like. Certain modes. I thought they'd have it fixed by now tbh

But yeah no anyways like AYO??? NEW LORE????? WHAT IS THIS IDV AND HOW ARE Y'ALL GONNA CONTINUE THIS WHAT IN THE GODS—

Also I am going to rattle myself silly with these survivors HELP I BUTCHERED A BIT OF FREDERICK IN MY FIC OF HIM SOBBING

[litchi-tea]

I'm free from hotspot internet hell, so now I can gush about my boys finally coming home 😭💖💖💖

[alienpossession]

You have to do more Mike and definitely explore some shenanigan with Steven back home. And maybe explore the trainee system more like what apushforfolly did in the original version. Love everything you do!

In regards to Mike, well, he did pretty solid for the cause despite Master's departure to the States. The nerd that stayed behind witnessed at first how Mike wasted his potential and charms with endless parties and lonely workout, so one particular night, the nerd intervened during dinner

"You have to go back to your root. Look inside that meat puppet's mind to find his essence as a human and exploit it for the cause, don't just waste your time with aimless parties as if you're still not the Master's subject. He will be disappointed seeing you wasted such a good puppet, you know?"

"Oh, you wanna see me working? You wanna see me utilizing all the charm this puppet has? Just so you know, we travelled from light years away, I deserved some break. But if you challenged me, well, even the entire city can be under my control,"

"Well, I'll let your action and achievement speaks for itself," the nerd said as he left the dinner table, not interested to see Mike any longer unless he brought some tangible proof of his success

----

The following morning

"So it seems like someone is back to his good old routine once again, no more travelling for a while, I'm staying put, so it means I have some more time available for me to kickstart my online coaching program once again. I'm looking for 8 people who are willing to bust their ass and ready to give 100% effort in order to take that physique to the very next level. You will be working with myself, my team, we will guide you along the way and coach you for over 16 weeks period so this will take you up to the end of this year. If you find this interesting, click the link below--"

And as the story ended, the nerd blew his load all over his sweatpants as his thoughts already went ahead with the idea of Mike subduing all the 8 clueless men thinking they'll get better physique with the help of a renowned fitness coach only to be turned into mindless, docile puppets. And that's exactly what happened as the updates started to appear in his chat between Mike for the next couple days. It surely didn't help that the Mike's puppet really managed to drive the points home with his detailed description on the takeover or what kind of conversation he is having with the prey, either on the way to the takeover, mid-way the process or after the whole thing. For example, this video Mike sent to the nerd right at the same night of Mike's morning call for participants drove the nerd to breaking point as Mike said

"Finally, you look better with mini-mes swimming inside your brain, you were so dumbfounded at first when I spat on you huh?"

"Yeah fuck that, you know Joshua is a bit gay for ya, that spat turned him on LOL!"

"Well, you clearly looked quite eager, Josh. Maybe you do like my spit *proceed to spit to Josh gaping mouth, which Josh reciprocated with swallowing it and then licking his lips*"

Right when Josh lunged to Mike for a sloppy kiss and what probably happened right after, the video ended as Mike grabbed his phone right in time to end the videos.....

Several times, rarely though, Mike even boldly have a video call in public with the puppet in tow to describe what went down to the nerd

"Hey there dweeb, I know you know this daddy. Exactly, Frederick is now part of our little collectives! Are you around? We are in his usual cafe where you eyed him a couple weeks ago editing his Youtube content, do swing by if you wanna get stuffed by his dad's cock, yeah you pervert, you watched a good and harmonious family vlogger to lust over the dad and thinking how you can corrupt him, well here he is ready to pummel your mouth with his musty cock fresh from his workout regimen with the reliable Mikey,"

Of course the nerd ran for his life to the cafe 3 blocks from his office upon receiving the video, but again, that's not really a normal occurence as Mike mostly just sent a picture with accompanying short caption after his conversion, like when he described the first puppet he converted after the "call for clients" video released

"Happy to inform that there's a brand new controller inside Leon Walker,"

You gulped as your face turned beet red as you found yourself unable to swallow your lunch due to the shock you got from the text message that just casually popped up in your phone.....is he for real?

"Yeah, I know you subscribed to his OnlyFans, well, look at how helpful I am for you by turning your favorite content creator to give you free, even better and outlandish performance for private! Come join us later tonight in my penthouse for the exhibit! I know you've been commenting how insanely hot it will be for Leon to suck his own cock while getting his butt plugged, well~~~"

Other times, the message that accompanied the possession tend to be even shorter

"Explaining the hierarchy of the puppet to the recent convert, he was such a tool that only knows how to workout, he should be thankful that an alien takeover his body,"

Or "greedy muscle beast of a fucker got what he deserved, turned into 270 lbs bottom bitch with no more free will for a boutique gym boy like me," which caused the nerd to burst out in his day job's office bathroom upon receiving the update

Yet, as explained before, Mike loved details so, when the client is extra special, he went on to great details explaining the whole sequence. For starter, when he explained how he took down Mike's hometown best friend

"You should have seen his face when I slapped the cold slimy alien right to his ear mid-workout. He is Mike's best friend from his previous lives and my memory is so vivid, I can really tell that they both loved each other but simply not informed, some kind of unreciprocated love. And the thing is, the love is reciprocated, they just didn't mention it to each other when they still could. Or maybe it's all just my made up story LOL, both of them are straight as an arrow and he even married last year to this beautiful woman which he will abandon as he is only going to serve Mike now. I mean, you really have to feel that tight hole of his, it's surreal, and that made him a great asset to have around with me. Truly a tale of two best friend finally connected once more and become inseparable ever since"

But there's nothing that prepared the nerd for Mike's latest conquest, as the nerd wakes up this morning to the news that the startup he worked for just got bought by a VC and the deal was finalized last night. The company's messaging app turned chaotic as "CEO Office" released a rather cold statement that there will be a townhall later today to explain on what really went down and what's the direction forward for the startup while all the staffers, even some of the upper management, frantically communicated with quite colorful words among each others.

The nerd tried to contact Mike to explain to him about this dire situation and whether Mike has solution to get the nerd's out from the predicament, but much to his surprise (and sick arousal), Mike sent a video around 30 minutes ago with the simple caption of

"See you in the office"

His softening morning wood went hard once again as if there's a button being pressed and he instantly started to leak as he realized what Mike did. Is Mike for real? His own CEO? The nerd knows that his boss is hot but this is something they discussed before, that he wanted to have an environment where there's no alien whatsoever and just people doing regular jobs to keep some semblance of normalcy in an otherwise crazy world of the extraterrestrial debauchery. Seems like Mike didn't keep that part of the agreement with this breach, but deep down, he's very much aroused that Mike finally didn't listen to him and even went against his wish. As another picture appeared from Mike followed with the sign of him typing another message, the nerd looked at his screen anxiously

"This was yesterday, moments before disaster, for him obviously. In the next 24 hours after this picture is taken, he's braindead, divorced his wife with a simple text message and sell and exit his beloved startups to pursue a lifelong passion for converting people to Master's way outside of this cramped desert country and having a nerd licking his body dry and practically become his live-in servant as they travel across the world. The question is, will the nerd resign from his boring human job and join his braindead former boss he fantasized every night?"

Then, the phone rings, it's his CEO, and he clearly knows what's his answer gonna be

------

Will make Steven's later, wow so happy that some of yall are still excited for this series! Keep the suggestion coming!

[talonabraxas]

The Cosmic Serpent Talon Abraxas

The Cosmic Serpent symbolizes ancient wisdom, paradox, wholeness, and creation. The Cosmic Serpent carries with it the story of creation, universal wisdom, and truth.

No time, space, or dimension can hold the Cosmic Serpent. It’s a master observer, as it’s everywhere at all times, reminding us of the illusions we keep ourselves in.

This Serpent is a strong symbol of paradox with its ability to equally hold opposites as truth. Everything has a light and shadow side to it or Yin & Yang or Serpent Twins. You can’t separate one from the other. They both offer medicine and teachings that bring clarity to the whole.

The Cosmic Serpent is a beautiful creative artist, using its body as a paintbrush to illustrate wisdom through imagination. When the Serpent Twins twist together they show the forming of a double helix (DNA) – the essence of creation. When the Serpent forms an open or twisted circle eating its tail it becomes an Ouroboros, signifying infinity and the cycle of birth and death.

The Cosmic Serpent, Astrology, DNA, and Miraculous Powers:

[sirenjose]

Thoughts about Mattias' Design Notes

"Ventriloquism" explains the "consonants" in Matthias' deducs 3 and 9.

The manor game designers being inspired by their "device design", but came to include Matthias himself after seeing him pursue "perfection" by playing the role expected of him...

Movable devices that have some way to talk (even if by pretending via ventriloquism) makes me think of Bonbon. Though he was made before the manor games...

There is also how the manor is seemingly responsible for making Louis and sending him back to Matthias...

Maybe a bit of a strange thought, but the Muse sculptures came to my mind too. They were also said to be "mechanisms" designed by Burke. From what we've seen so far, they don't move much or talk, but maybe they'll do more later in the main story...?

But besides that I wonder why else the manor games would need "movable devices"

As for the "perfection" bit, that makes me think of Hollow and his desire to "rebuild paradise", as "paradise" is essentially meant to be a "perfect" place.

With the role Hollow and Orpheus are trying make themselves out to be, they'd also be interested in "perfection". And with Hollow/Orpheus' desire for "vengeance", I'd imagine the idea of "getting stronger" was his first idea to achieve that perfection.

But for Matthias, "Louis" is the imagined "perfect" version of Matthias. Matthias just acts the way people expect him to. Orpheus also pretends in a way, considering what we know about him vs. how we see him act in the final game and in general.

I wonder if you could say Orpheus got the idea of the hallucinations from Matthias?

Matthias pretends to be Louis. Maybe this can be sort of like Frederick acting as Mary? Or Norton who we see holding a pickaxe pretending to be Fool's Gold and pretend to chase Alice?

Puppets are normally controlled via strings, though the Czernin's created "movable devices", so like the design notes say about the chess pieces in Matthias' essence, the Czernin's performance (+ ventriloquism) makes Louis seem alive and like it has a will of its own.

Orpheus in this case is like the puppetmaster, with the game participants being the puppets (especially with how in game they're shown with doll eyes). The participants are alive and thus capable of moving and talking and acting on their own, but Orpheus is the 1 manipulating and moving them into the places and roles he desires them to be in. He can also make them act differently from how they normally are (with the help of the drugs), or basically make them more extreme than they normally are.

But back to Orpheus himself being like Matthias in the way of acting out a different role than what he actually is. Orpheus in a way does act a different role based on people's perceptions. Specifically how he's viewed by the public due to him being a novelist.

In contrast, we know Orpheus' inner feelings are closer to what we see and hear from Hollow as well as how he acts as the manor owner/Nightmare.

In the final game he acts as if he's the son of the DeRoss couple. He acts as if the forest ranger wasn't his real father, as if Orpheus didn't have any part in the tragedy despite how we know from Bonbon's deductions he had been involved to a degree (at least by apparently stealing things from the manor for his real parents). He acts like he doesn't know Alice.

We don't know if he's truly forgotten or if he's only pretending, but this is still likely what he wants to believe in. Even in the present, after Time of Reunion, Orpheus believes in memories we know aren't the complete truth.

As we see in Matthias' Design Notes, the final line is appropriate. It's a "meticulously crafted illusion performance" that "became a lifelong, irrevocable delusion". Except now Alice wants to stop Orpheus, fix everything, and make everyone, including Orpheus, confront the truth.

[mintytealfox]

my dear minty

I might be an au for you to nimble on.

Are you familiar with either HP Lovecraft's "Colour from Out of Space" and/or Jeff Vandermeer's "Annihilation"(which was also made into a movie starring Natalie Portman).

If not, then in most essence these stories are as followed: A strange meteor falls to earth, and not only turn the surrounding area into an eldritch location but also transforming both the minds and bodies of the people in that area.

So what about this

Norton five years after the mining accident and becoming a prospector is given a letter requesting him to be a part of an expedition team to look into the strange happenings of an area that no one can explain for the last few years, and he would be rewarded a large amount of money if he agrees......

the only problem is.... the area that's affected is an abandoned mining town and it's surrounding wilderness...... the Golden Cave being uncomfortably close by.

And having to choose between his mental health and money, he chose the money hoping that he will just be surveying the land and he won't have to go underground, right?? Part of the expedition team is Alice, Melly, Frederick, and Orpheus.

And him and Alice would form this closeness on the expedition while they are dealing with eldritch abominations, horrible transformations, and✨️trauma✨️.

What do you think

Anything you want to add?

-SLAMS DESK- THIS GOES SO HAAARRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD I LOOOVVEE ALL OF THIS SO MUUCCCHHHHHHHHHHH

LOL you're right, he absolutely would choose the money! -WHEEZE- this guuuyyyyy, his mental health is in shambles and doesn't exist right now PFF

GOSH LOOOOOOL the image of Norton seeing the group he needs to work with and is like ".......we are all going to die, what even is this group" Melly: "well aren't you pleasant..." -folds arms- Norton: "yea, thanks for noticing" Melly: 😡

THEN

Them all running from these shadow monsters made of rocks Alice: "WHAT ARE THESE THINGS??" -trying to grab photographs of them as she runs- (it almost looks like she is having fun lol) Orpheus: "People Norton killed a few years back" Norton: "HOW DO YOU EVEN KNOW THAT" Melly: "so YOU'RE the reason we are going to die" Norton: "OKAY HOLD ON THERE IS A LOT OF CONTEXT MISSING HERE" Frederick: "what possible context could make this any better"

-------

BUT GOSH THEIR OUTFITS OH MY GOSH I GOTTA GIVE THEM COOL OUTFITS I GOTTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

scifi with a dash of edwardian! COLOR ME OBSESSED

-------

OH and the idea that Norton and Alice get separated from the others and the find a place for shelter to rest and are just chatting: Norton: "I can't help but notice that you're the only one that looks like they are having fun here" Alice: "you can't deny that there is beauty here, sure there is mortal peril, but the rest of the world has mortal peril as well" Norton: "well, outside of this place at least we don't have to worry about giant mutant canary bird worms bustin' out of the ground screaming at us" Alice: "true~ but I have never seen a more beautiful place~" Norton: "....alright, I will try your way of thinkin'. I wonder if my sweet canary is around here somewhere, and maybe she will recognize me" Alice chuckles: "now isn't that a fun thought~"

So the group survivalist and the data collector are together

-------

WHILE Melly and Frederick being stuck together and she is there to protect the wildlife while Frederick is the sniper and there to shoot and protect the team. So they clash BIG time

-Frederick aiming- Melly: "PUT THAT GUN AWAY" Frederick: "YOU'RE INSANE, YOU BETTER CALM IT DOWN IN 3 SECONDS BEFORE I SHOOT IT OR IT KILLS US"

-------

Then Orpheus is the NERD of the group who knows the most about this place and what is going on, and is all on his own having a wild ride of 'awakening' going on this 'spiritual journey' becoming a little too AT ONE with this twisted nature here, oh my GOSH

Orpheus being the obvious first one to begin transforming. Then Norton after. 😭😭

[idvconfessions]

I'm really excited about everything tbh! Buuuut mostly Hullaballoo bc that's the lore I've been most invested in aside from Luca, Frederick and Naib's (Ofc I'm not biased can't you tell? XD) Long ramble incoming ;u;

I'm OBSESSED with the Violetta face reveal I love her sm she's so cute and precious and deserves all the hugs in the world. If they're actually giving her a surv form I will be a pure violetta main till the day I die. I already main SW XD

and H U N T E R M I K E

oh my GOSH HE LOOKS GOOD. While I think the tall skinny hunter trend is kinda meh overall, this works for him. I love the twisted rusty springs and his torn bombs and wild hair and pasty face it all looks so unhinged and I'm here for it!! And his S-tier for the essence is GORGEOUS! I can't wait to see his gameplay!!

Also his name is Hullaballoo which is Perfect as someone else mentioned somewhere that after Bernard's death Mike was the one who would have taken over the circus. I also like it bc it seems out of all the involved characters, Mike's really the one who saw the circus as his family and his everything. It would make sense he would take that as his name in his hunter identity, which he gained while trying to find the one who destroyed Hullaballoo circus, since the name is all that's really left of it anymore.

The temporary roguelike mode and Scribbled ideas are interesting! I see all kinds of good chaos coming from that XDDD While I don't think I'll use scribbled ideas much myself, I'd love to see what other people come up with. I think it's great the devs are pushing the boundaries of what they can do with the game now.

I already predict the Hullaballoo map is going to make me laugh and cry bc it's what used to be and should have been but for the Massacre. I hope to see Jeffery in his prime taking care of his animals ;u;

back to the Hullaballoo event I'm PSYCHED for the new music coming out!!! I always love new songs to learn and the vibe of hullaballoo in particular has always been a weakness of mine.

I'm really happy to see some characters, like explorer, finally getting some love as well! I know some explorer mains and it's so so nice to see them finally have content for their favorite characters after being ignored for years ;u;

And also...ALL OF THIS RIGHT BEFORE COA

There's just sooo much going on!!

-💀

I’m so glad you’re happy with everything! And you’re right there’s so much going on it’s very exciting. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!

[mynewscafes-blog]

Eddie Redmayne Faces the Chase in ‘The Day of the Jackal’ Trailer

The latest buzz in the cinematic world revolves around Eddie Redmayne and his thrilling role in the upcoming film adaptation of The Day of the Jackal. As the first trailer for The Day of the Jackal hits the internet, fans of the classic 1973 film and Frederick Forsyth’s novel are eagerly anticipating a gripping retelling of this iconic story.

In this blog, we will dive deep into what makes The Day of the Jackal such an enduring piece of thriller fiction, explore Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of the mysterious hitman, and examine why this upcoming film is generating so much excitement. We’ll also focus on the nuances of The Day of the Jackal, the film’s historical context, and why this latest adaptation is particularly relevant to today’s audience. Let’s get started.

What Is ‘The Day of the Jackal’?

First things first: The Day of the Jackal is a suspenseful political thriller that revolves around an assassination plot targeting French President Charles de Gaulle. The story, written by Frederick Forsyth and published in 1971, is set in the 1960s and follows the meticulous planning of an anonymous contract killer known only as "The Jackal."

The original 1973 movie, directed by Fred Zinnemann, became an instant classic due to its high-stakes tension, brilliant direction, and exceptional performances. Now, more than 50 years later, we are being treated to a new rendition that promises to be just as compelling.

Eddie Redmayne Takes Center Stage

Eddie Redmayne, known for his versatility and talent in films like The Theory of Everything and Fantastic Beasts, steps into the shoes of one of the most iconic anti-heroes in literary history: The Jackal. Eddie Redmayne’s ability to portray complex, multi-layered characters makes him an excellent fit for the role, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation after the release of the first trailer.

The Jackal: A Man of Mystery

The Jackal is not your typical villain. He’s calculated, meticulous, and operates with cold precision. What makes this character so terrifying is his complete detachment and professionalism. He is a chameleon, capable of disappearing into any crowd, and this ability to blend into his surroundings makes him one of the most dangerous assassins ever portrayed on screen.

In the trailer, Eddie Redmayne captures the essence of this elusive character, showcasing a chilling performance that promises to do justice to Forsyth’s original vision. Redmayne’s intense focus and quiet menace are already being lauded, and it’s clear that he has immersed himself in the role.

What Sets ‘The Day of the Jackal’ Apart from Other Thrillers?

The Day of the Jackal stands out as one of the best political thrillers for several reasons. First and foremost, the narrative structure is unique: rather than a traditional cat-and-mouse chase, it follows both the assassin and the law enforcement officers attempting to thwart him. This dual perspective creates a gripping tension throughout the story.

Moreover, The Day of the Jackal is not just about action. It delves into the inner workings of political intrigue, strategy, and personal motivation. The novel’s intricate plot has been praised for its attention to detail and Forsyth’s real-world research, which gives it a sense of authenticity that many thrillers lack.

The Political Context

Set against the backdrop of a volatile political landscape in France during the 1960s, The Day of the Jackal taps into the fears of an era marred by civil unrest and political violence. The plot centers on the OAS (Organisation de l'armée secrète), a far-right paramilitary group determined to kill President Charles de Gaulle due to his decision to grant independence to Algeria. Forsyth’s novel was ahead of its time in presenting a nuanced portrayal of political extremism, the consequences of colonialism, and the fragile nature of democratic institutions.

This historical context is one of the key reasons the novel and its adaptations resonate so strongly, even today. The political tensions of the 1960s, with their echoes in contemporary society, make this story feel as relevant as ever. Themes of political conspiracy, extremism, and the threat of assassination have not lost their potency in the modern era.

What to Expect from the New Adaptation

Updated for Modern Audiences

While the core narrative of The Day of the Jackal remains intact, this new adaptation is likely to feature some updates to reflect modern sensibilities and concerns. Director Brian Kirk, known for his work on Game of Thrones and Luther, brings a unique vision to the film, promising a fresh take on the classic material.

The trailer hints at a sleek, fast-paced thriller, with cutting-edge cinematography and tension-filled action sequences. The film is expected to blend the meticulous procedural elements of the original with the visceral excitement that modern audiences crave.

Eddie Redmayne’s Transformation into The Jackal

One of the most intriguing aspects of this adaptation is Eddie Redmayne’s transformation into The Jackal. Redmayne is known for his meticulous approach to acting, often immersing himself deeply into his characters. For this role, he has reportedly studied real-life assassins, the psychology of hitmen, and the intricacies of stealth operations to embody the character fully.

His portrayal in the trailer shows a level of calm detachment that is both eerie and fascinating. The Jackal is a man with no allegiances, no clear backstory, and no emotional connections, and Redmayne’s interpretation of this enigmatic character promises to be one of the film’s highlights.

What Makes ‘The Day of the Jackal’ Relevant Today?

While The Day of the Jackal is firmly rooted in the political climate of the 1960s, its themes of political instability, assassination, and covert operations remain highly relevant. In today’s world, where political leaders face threats from extremist groups and tensions between nations are escalating, the story’s underlying message feels more urgent than ever.

Additionally, the rise of political thrillers and espionage dramas in recent years, such as Bodyguard, Homeland, and Jack Ryan, has created a strong appetite for films that delve into the dark world of political conspiracies. This latest adaptation of The Day of the Jackal is perfectly timed to tap into that demand, offering a modern take on a timeless story.

The Cinematic Legacy of ‘The Day of the Jackal’

The original 1973 film adaptation of The Day of the Jackal is widely regarded as a classic of the thriller genre. Directed by Fred Zinnemann, the film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its meticulous pacing, strong performances, and intense atmosphere.

One of the reasons the film has endured is its attention to detail. The original movie stayed true to Forsyth’s novel, replicating the novel’s sense of authenticity and real-world stakes. It also avoided the common Hollywood trap of over-the-top action scenes, instead opting for a more measured, suspense-driven approach. This commitment to realism helped establish The Day of the Jackal as a seminal work in the political thriller genre.

Why You Should Watch Eddie Redmayne’s ‘The Day of the Jackal’

If you’re a fan of political thrillers or suspenseful dramas, The Day of the Jackal is a must-watch. Eddie Redmayne’s performance alone is reason enough to check out the film, but the story’s rich historical context and gripping narrative make it even more compelling.

Moreover, this latest adaptation offers an opportunity for new audiences to discover the brilliance of Forsyth’s novel. The combination of a top-tier cast, a talented director, and a story that remains as relevant today as it was 50 years ago ensures that this film will be a standout in 2024.

Final Thoughts

As The Day of the Jackal returns to the big screen, Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of The Jackal is set to bring a fresh and thrilling dimension to an already iconic character. With its gripping storyline, political intrigue, and modernized retelling, the film promises to be a cinematic event that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the novel or discovering The Day of the Jackal for the first time, this new adaptation is shaping up to be a must-see film. Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare for a suspense-filled journey into the world of political intrigue and assassination.

[margotfonteyns]

Pearl Argyle as Madame Récamier and Frederick Ashton as Her Suitor in Ashton's ballet "An 1805 Impression", created for the C. B. Cochran revue, Magic Nights, 1932

Although inspired by the portrait of Récamier by Jacques-Louis David, that painting was abandoned by the artist in 1800, while the portrait from 1805 was by François Gérard, so Ashton may have got his art history muddled. Also, although Récamier's suitor is unnamed, he is clearly identifiable as Prince Augustus of Prussia, arguably Récamier's most devoted admirer and the one who came closest to inspiring a reciprocated passion: his proposal of marriage was rejected, but only after initially being accepted, and among the lovers' fervent vows to each other was a promise by Juliette to avoid flirting with other men.

Despite her reputation as an indolent lounger, Récamier in fact had a lively taste for dancing, which Ashton may have been aware of when creating the ballet. In any case, one account from its opening performance—in the unlikely setting of the Grill Room of the Trocadero Restaurant—gave testimony to the ballet's success in animating a previously static subject:

"In an entertainment which admirably fills the bill there is an '1805 Impression' featuring Madame Récamier, a lady who, remembering the famous picture, I have always associated with the embodiment of rest. But now having seen her, as played by Pearl Argyle, leave the sofa with which she has so long been connected, I shall henceforth recall her as the essence of energy." — The Bystander, April 13, 1932

[windermeresimblr]

List 5 facts about a favorite sim of yours, and send this to simblrs whose sims you adore 💜

I'm sorry this is so late! I got terribly distracted.

I'm going to talk about Lady Venetia Beaumaris Gracefield, as she will be taking quite a prominent role in the Bachelor Challenge! (She's the lady in black, of course.)

Lady Venetia's actual name--as written in the baptismal records--is Mary Anne Venetia Beaumaris, as the parish priest disapproved of the name "Venetia" due to associations with Venetia Stanley, the scandalous society woman. When Mr. Beaumaris insisted upon the name, he added an extra saint's name for good measure. Of course, the family ignored the correction, and she was only known by "Venetia" except for official documents, religious purposes, and letters from the more prim and proper great-aunts. Venetia, upon her marriage, quietly dropped the "Mary Anne" out of her signature, and never looked back.

She has five living children, ranging in age from fifteen to seven. Their names are Frederick, Beatrix, Humphrey, Noel, and Sophia. Frederick and Humphrey attend a posh boarding school in London. Noel is already serving in the Navy, and the girls are educated at home. She is not a terribly affectionate mother, but cares for them anyways, like she cares for her rose-garden; she will be happy when they are all grown up, married, and out of the house so she can have adult conversations with them. (Noel will be perfectly fine, for anyone who's seen "Master and Commander" and gotten anxious reading that; he will die at the age of seventy-four, in his sleep, on land, surrounded by friends and family, though of course Venetia doesn't know this, and neither should any of us...)

Venetia is not a merry widow, despite her fondness for fun and games and salacious gossip; she was deeply hurt by her husband's death some years ago. It was very sudden, and the precarity she and her children experienced until the (highly contested) will was settled and her 'regency' for her eldest son was in place was not something she enjoyed. Not to mention, you know, her husband died, and she quite liked her husband! She won't marry again, mostly because she is done with having children and wants to be absolutely certain she won't get a late-in-life surprise!

She is a prolific letter-writer, and keeps everyone she knows well up-to-date on every piece of gossip and every event she knows of. This ranges from "who spilled tea on their new silk sacque" to details of the militia training that would make the commander blow a gasket if it were to fall into enemy hands to a fevered account of the illness of Mrs. Y's prize pig. (All in the same paragraph, if not in the same sentence.) Venetia also keeps a secret log of every letter she's sent, plus a description of the contents, because she frequently gets replies stating, in essence, "Venetia, WHAT are you talking about, I don't remember anything about Mrs. W's ugly child..."

Venetia secretly--and guiltily--hopes that either Humphrey or Noel will inherit Ferncombe Hall when Gregory dies. After all, there's no guarantee that one will have children, let alone have children who meet the requirements for the entail. (Not that she has such a problem, with three healthy boys.) She knows she's not supposed to think such things, and it would be awful if she borrowed trouble for her brother and his family. But it would make her boys' prospects a bit sunnier, with Humphrey not having a parish living to give him a house and Noel having to be very careful with his prize-money if he remains in the Navy, if there was a house and income for one of them. Her idea of making up for this is to get Gregory settled, and then hope that he produces a litter of children as quickly as possible, so that her boys' chance of inheritance keeps being bumped down the ladder.

[liana-butterscotch]

Justice in Strive Story/Arcade Mode Concept

CW: Implied suicide for bad ending

I had this idea of a copy of Justice similar to Roboky exist in strive, as a copy made by the PWAB awakening after a long slumber she was put in before the surgery that would transform her into a gear.

Her first Arcade mode fight would be against Asuka, who would be her rival and companion for it's duration. He Introduce the confused android to the world and giving her different information based on how well she fares.

Lose a round, and Asuka is overwhelmed with guilt, apologising again and again leading Justice to cut him off, demanding to know where Frederick is, demanding to know what became of the place she had in the world. Along the way, everyone she meets fights her. Everyone is scared of her for reasons she doesn't understand, reasons she doesn't remember. This comes to a head when she meets the boss of her mode, Sol Badguy, who proceeds to try and destroy her. After she manages to hold Sol off with the help of Asuka, she realises fully now how the world changed, and what the orignal her became. She falls into despair, hearing Sol- her Frederick mention Jack-O. Someone she once used to look like, used to be, just a little. Leaving the ending ambiguous, but implying that this Justice... might not want to continue on anymore, having lost everything, her place in the world, her relationships, her body, her very story to someone else in what feels like a fortnight. Erasure, or continued suspension, feels like the only option.

In a more hopeful version of events, Asuka manages to explain what happened. Justice's inner strength that has nothing to do with the control the universal will had over her shines through, stabalising him enough for him to prepare and support her for the Journey ahead, and meet her again once she has seen the world she lives in now. Once there, he tests her conviction to face Frederick and the heavy, heavy gravity of the situation she finds herself in. Fail, and the climax starts with Sol finding Justice regardless on whether she's ready or not. Leading to a messy, but still somewhat hopeful ending once they beat him. Justice's existance is validated by her desire to keep living inspite of it all, inspite of the body she is trapped in, inspite of the world hating her, having no place for the very symbol of their suffering. Inspite of her objectification, she is determined to keep living, regardless of how Sol feels about it or treats her due to his own ptsd, guilt, self-loathing and grief. The flame of corruption didn't make those feelings, and getting it removed sure as hell didn't take them away.

In the most self-realising endings, Justice passes Asuka's test. He informs her of how Aria's quintessential essence was taken from Justice's orignal body via Jack-O, and now lives inside her. Justice asks, whether or not this could be done with her as well. Having her drained of all that made her once human and reborn in someone else. Asuka answers with a decisive "No." The copying method the PWAB originally used didn't copy a soul. It copied nothing more than what was needed for a potential weapon. The parts of what makes this Justice a person were nothing more than a mistake of a faulty, irresponsible method not even Asuka would have used. He wanted Aria and Justice to be laid to rest, with them finding a happy ending with Frederick. That's what he had planned, not the conclave. Explaining this, explaining that he can neither destroy her nor bestow upon her absolution, Asuka looks exhausted, defeated and miserable. Deciding that this person who was once one of her best friends and closest colleagues had done enough, Justice goes ahead on her own to see whether or not the man she loves still has a place for the abominable existence that is her.

Sol: "… are you the nightmare I remember?" He asks, breathlessly. Justice: "We'll see, my love." She answers with an open heart.

Lose one round:

Sol: "… none of this is right. What the hell… what the hell is this?!" Justice: "…" Sol: "Answer me, damnit! What the hell do you want?!" Justice: "…I'm sorry." Sol: "!" Justice: "I… don't know how hard this must be for you. I really can't imagine, Frederick." Sol: "…" Justice: "I don't know what you've gone through. I don't know everything that… I did, these last houndred years. Not even close. To you. To everyone!" Sol: "… Aria-?" Justice: "But I know you have a life now. You… must have gone through hell to get closure after I died. I won't take it away from you. I just needed to see you again. Even if it meant... to die by your hands." Justice turns her back on Sol, and begins to walk away. Sol: "Wait!" Sol runs after her, almost catching up to her before a ring of teleportation appears around Justice and she disappears. Sol: "…" angrily, he slams his executioner's sword into the earth, leaving it stuck as he stands with his head down, expression unreadable.

Win with both hearts:

Sol: "The lengths people will go to make senseless copies…" Justice: "Face me some more, and I'll show you how real I am." Sol: "Tsk. You asked for this…"

Next fight:

Sol now fights Justice in full Dragon Install for the whole match. Justice barely manages to win against the raging hellfire striker by winning against him in ways only Aria could think of. Using trickery, showing some of the same qualities that once made Sol ask if a certain Valentine could take off her mask.

Sol: "…" Laying on the ground, defeated, he stares up at the ceiling, still clutching his weapon. Justice: "… why aren't you fighting anymore?" Sol: "… why aren't you?" Justice: "Because I don't want to fight you… Frederick." Sol: "… and maybe that's what I realised too. I'm… sorry." Sol gets up from the ground, slowly. Justice: "Do you need any help?" Sol: "Hah! I've gotten my ass handed to me harder before. Don't you worry." They both laugh just a short moment Sol: "Fighting with you… never sat well with me…" Justice pauses Sol says, quietly: "…Aria." Aria can't contain herself anymore and lunges at Frederick, wrapping her mechanical arms around him. Sol stiffens, imaging her flying into the skies with him… but nothing happens, and after a moment, he wraps his arms around her as well. Sol: "… welcome home."

Author's note: and then Jack-O and Justice learn to share the man of their dreams with eachother as separate and equaly valid and real poly individuals :)

[kiss-my-freckle]

Full Episode Commentary

1x16: There Goes the Neighborhood

One of few episodes I'm disappointed with. Some people call them filler episodes, but I term this one preparation. They're moving their pieces for the next episode. They place most of their focus on the vampires at Pearl's house for that reason. Building up for what's to come. If not for Damon and Frederick, I'd be snoring.

There are in-show dialogues that speak to the difference between Damon and Frederick. "We hunt. We stalk. It's often as exciting as the kill." Vampires enjoy being vampires. "She taught me how to kill, how to enjoy it." While their humanity makes them feel guilty, they still enjoy the kill because they're predators. "We enjoy the hunt, the feed, and the kill." While vampires do enjoy the kill, they don't necessarily enjoy inflicting pain. The difference between Damon and Frederick is the difference between a vampire and a sadist. Frederick is a sadist. When Stefan talks to Elena about Damon in 1x13, it's not Damon he's describing. It's Frederick. He's the man she should fear.

Anna's character shows the difference between Stelena and Delena. From the moment they introduce her to the moment she pulls her mother out of the tomb, it's about need. That need is the essence of Stelena. From the moment Pearl is rescued to the moment Anna dies, it's about want. That want is the essence of Delena.

Because Matt's mother took the party home, I'm assuming she slept with the plumber bachelor. He tells her there's a job opening at the Grill. She has Caroline walking on eggshells, and I don't like it.

Damon is in pretty much every conversation Stelena has. "Damon hasn't said a word to me. Every time I try to talk to him, he shuts me down." I don't know what he's been trying to talk to Damon about, but if it's about what happened in 1x15, Damon would shut him down. Stefan orchestrated their three-car collision. "He waited a hundred and forty five years only to find out that Katherine could not care less. I mean it's gotta hurt, right?" Stefan doesn't feel the weight of 145 years until the series finale. Elena is understandably still upset that Damon turned her mother. "And here's a thought: fun." Yeah, right. Stefan doesn't know fun.

I love Harper, Pearl, and Anna. It's heartbreaking to see them die so fast. I consider Paarl badass, but very classy. I love Harper and his loyalty to her. It's a shame we didn't get to see Pearl fight Katherine. What she has going on at this house won't work for the same reason Lily and her heretics don't. Harper offers to watch over things while Pearl and Anna take care of business.

Stelena has a planned double date with Matt and Caroline. I think it's too soon for Matt and Caroline to be like that with Elena. "A nice evening out with friends. Sounds fun, as in fun." A double date isn't what I consider fun, but okay. Jeremy researches vampires because I don't think Anna compelled him after he saw her face. I don't know why the number changed to 25 vampires unless Pearl is excluding herself. Damon lies about being part of their secret founders council, but Anna had been stalking him just as Stefan had been stalking Elena. She said she's been in town since the second episode. I don't agree with Pearl's intentions. She plans to start a war much like Damon was planning to.

His facial expressions are hilarious because he's now taking his role on the council pretty seriously. He very much plans to protect his home from Pearl and her vampires, but I also understand Pearl's side of it. "They took that from us. Our land, our home. It's time we rebuild." Katherine talks about this a little more in season 2. When the founders took them to the church to kill them, they took their homes and their land. She said it built the Lockwoods a fortune. We're talking about the homes and the land belonging to 26 vampires. They not only decided Pearl and her friends didn't have the right to live. The founders decided they didn't have the right to make Mystic Falls their home. Eiljah clears the air in season 2 when he discusses the history of Mystic Falls. The founding families didn't actually found anything. The Salem witch Bennett family did. That's why Bonnie is the one that decides for Mystic Falls in the end. "Well, I bet it was the men who made a big deal about being founders back in 1860. Men are very territorial." Mystic Falls belonged to the Bennett witches and the men took over. They wanted a patriarch rather than a matriarch. You see this same gender shift in season 3 when they switch from Mikael to Esther, the patriarch to the matriarch. They have five founding families altogether: Fell, Forbes, Gilbert, Lockwood, and Salvatore. Donovan is a secondary family, not an original founding family. So every time you watch a founding family event, expect those five founding families to be present. The founding families are to Mystic Falls what Elena is to her group of friends. Through this, you can see Damon's character. Pearl is smart enough to leverage him with information on Katherine. "I no longer have any desire to see Katherine ever again." This is Damon lying to Pearl. She's not asking for his help, she's demanding it, and Katherine was simply an incentive... motivation for him to help her. She digs her thumbs into his eyes and drops him to his knees.

Kelly: What's with the glasses inside? Damon: My eyes were a little sensitive today.

The Vampire Diaries has some powerful women. Qetsiyah is over 2000, Rebekah is over 1000, Sage is 900, Rose is 560, Pearl is 545, and Katherine is 500. The Salvatores are only 145. It's my opinion that Damon is attracted to powerful women, and that's why he slept with four from this list. He has scenes with vampires like Anna, Caroline, and Elena that suggest this even more. I also believe it's the reason he loves witches, to the extent that he'd have a sexual relationship with Bree.

Age, diet, and emotion affect the strength of a vampire. Pearl can overpower Damon because she's older. Caroline can overpower Damon because she's angrier. Damon can overpower Stefan because he's on human blood. Being hours older than Damon wouldn't make Stefan stronger. Stefan can overpower Damon for the same reason Elena can. Damon doesn't do any training or working out, but relies solely on his natural abilities. The only thing he does to make himself stronger is building his tolerance to vervain. Damon is more defense while Stefan is more offense. Damon's offense is written in love. He can't beat Stefan in a fight of strength, but he can get the girl in a fight of love.

Stefan has some pretty moments, like this one. I just don't like Stelena as a romance. I feel Elena is too good for him. It's my opinion that while she brings out the best in Damon, she brings out the worst in Stefan. But I do love the Stelena friendship. Because this is a pretty moment for him, I imagine Stefan at someone else's door.

Stefan talks about his double date with Hef and the twins. Playmates. Is it a coincidence that he got Miss June while Caroline plans their June wedding?

Pearl and Anna meet up with Jenna in front of her brother-in-law's office. They show this in Pearl's 1x13 flashbacks. Some towns have historical structures they refuse to give up. For Mystic Falls and their founding families, the apothecary where they sold vervain makes sense. They're a vampire hating/killing town.

Damon drinks human blood, yet his eyes are taking time to heal. He walks into the Grill wearing shades. Kelly Donovan is already at the bar. lol… I love Damon's honesty. "On the contrary, I'm very old." He's pretty much begging for a drink after his run-in with Pearl. I don't get Kelly, why she thinks it's sexy for a man to drown his sorrows. "It's more like nursing my wounds." Kelly admits to sleeping with the manager's boyfriend last time she was in town. tt's her way of telling Damon she doesn't care if he has a girlfriend, so he can feel free to do whatever he wants without feeling obligated lol. Jenna joins them at the bar.

The tomb vampires are already fighting at Pearl's. While I understand they've been trapped for 145 years, it's more than that for Frederick. He slams Harper against the wall. Pearl walks in and forces him to back off. She and Harper seem close, and likely were before they went into the tomb. Frederick believes they were caught because of the Salvatore brothers, but they weren't. Katherine had them all sent to the church, and did it to fake her death. That's why she waits until John gets rid of them with the vampire device before she returns to Mystic Falls. To prevent rumors of her survival and avoid their plans of revenge.

Stefan and Elena smile at each other in response to Matt's comment. "And they can't keep a bartender to save their lives." Stefan killed Ben, and Matt has no idea. The best way to not feel left out is to not let yourself be left out. Just open your mouth and spit out some words. Caroline is vocalizing her discontent with huffy breaths, as if she's not partially to blame. Damon and the women start getting loud at the bar, so the four look over. I honestly don't like the way Matt is with his mother. Granted, she's a shit mother, but she's allowed to do what she wants at a bar. She's a grown woman. I think he's way too parental with her and needs to drop it a few notches.

Harper warns they're not supposed to leave, which is according to Pearl's rules. Frederick and his girlfriend leave anyway.

Anna shows up at Jeremy's house. Because he's been investigating vampires, he's sure to see if she is one by testing her. It's no different than Elena watching Logan's video and confronting Stefan about his vampirism. Finding Vicki's body is a writing choice I don't agree with. They should've kept her buried and continued pulling Jeremy into the fold through Anna.

This scene between Damon and Jenna plays into 2x1. I'll post it once I get there. "My primary reason for existence has abandoned me…" Just know that this comment matters for Damon's character as Elena becomes the primary reason for his existence. When I get to 1x20, I'll show you the Elena parallel in 6x21.

"At least they're having fun." Caroline saying exactly what I feel. Their double date doesn't get fun until they go to the boarding house. A reason people do dinner and a movie or dinner and dancing. When planning for a dinner date, plan for something after. I could write an entire post on the subject. Let's just say Damon and Kelly aren't doing dinner, they've skipped to the fun of getting drunk for a reason lol. Matt and Elena reminisce getting drunk after the homecoming. Stefan is busy smiling because he's not jealous of Matt. He's happy in hearing stories about Elena, about who she was before her parents died. Every time Caroline gets into a relationship with someone, she's jealous of their history. More of a problem for her than it is for them. People come with history, best to accept that fact. She's not just like this with Matt and Elena, she's like this with Stefan and Elena, and again with Stefan and Valerie. She requires a virgin, a man with no history to be void of jealousy.

"I'd like to be a normal teen for once." Stelena vs Delena can be seen through their dead mothers, that's why Anna and Elena are currently in parallel. "We're normal tonight, remember?" It's through Anna that you see the truth of 3x19, Heart of Darkness. The point of Anna's necklace.

You can see certain human-vampire truths through their vervain-daylight jewelry. "Well, maybe they're normal and good. Just outsiders, you know? Um, misunderstood." This is why Jeremy reaches out to Damon after he snaps his neck. It's their 1x22 - 2x1 combo. "Is there anything you're not good at?" Matt has no idea that Stefan is a vampire. There are a lot of things Stefan isn't good at that Damon is. Honesty is one of them. "This is all kind of new to me. I usually keep to myself. I don't always fit in." This is true for Damon, not for Stefan. Stefan has it backwards because he's hiding his vampirism. If this were true for Stefan, he wouldn't claim to have attended high school 100 times. "Try less." This is where I disagree with Caroline and view it in the opposite. Elena doesn't need to try less, Caroline needs to try more. Her jealousy is ridiculous, but I feel she wasn't emotionally ready for this date.

Like Elena did with Stefan in the pilot episode, she bumps into Frederick on her way out of the bathroom. He's who she should be afraid of, not Damon lol...

This is their Katherine element. As you know, she was supposed to be in the tomb. She tells Stefan about Frederick via text because she knows vampires have super hearing. "That man over there just called me Katherine." Elena wants to push aside the vampire crap because she's desperate to make things good between Matt and Caroline. She wants her friends to be happy. "This is much better than watching Damon visit cougar town." This is hilarious. So Caroline would rather see Damon with someone her age than someone Kelly's age... who also happens to be her mother's age. "Feel like I've been here before. It's weird." lmao... yeah. She rescued Damon from the cellar.

These scenes are specific and intentional because it's the Matt - Kelly combo. You have to see the sum of it all to see the truth of it all. Damon is on the rebound from Katherine, Kelly is on the rebound from Pete. Matt is on the rebound from Elena, Caroline is on the rebound from Damon. So while Damon does a kissy thing with the cherry stems, Matt and Caroline kiss in Stefan's cherry red car. That's why they introduce the red car. "Don't worry about it. You and Elena, you guys have a history, and ignoring it doesn't do anybody any good." This is where I agree with Stefan. Caroline can't ignore that they have a history. If she wanted a man with no history, she should've found herself a virgin.

Jenna is drunk and trying to make it home. She runs into Frederick, and he tries to compel her. It's because of Stelena's vervain lesson in 1x12 that Jenna has her own vervain jewelry. If it weren't for that, Frederick would've had Jenna and killed her. "Was that Damon Salvatore you were with?" As I said of Elena, Frederick is the one she should fear, not Damon. While I do agree with Caroline's comment to Elena, her insecurity is part of the problem. That's one of the ways in which vampirism changes her as I feel it changed Damon. It made them more confident. Referring to Matt's mother as a "cougar" is proof that she always says the wrong thing. She's like Damon that way. He acts without thinking, she speaks without thinking.

Jeremy is in the kitchen with Anna. This is their parallel to Stelena in 1x5. He purposefully cuts himself to see her vampire face, and he's most certainly bolder than Elena in this regard. "Go for it." Their feeding scene is sexy af. "Maybe it's a sign you shouldn't be wearing it. What, I'm just saying. If you're going to be cooking without Stefan." Jeremy understands Delena as he understands himself.

Jenna interrupts their fun time, but trust me, he got off on it lol

This scene is their sex and blood combo. The difference between Stefan's bloodlust and Damon's. He's choosing sex instead of blood because he can. "I have to go and exploit some women in the name of grief, which I'm sure you understand."

Damon and Kelly are the only two in this scene that I don't have a problem with. The difference between scenes is my first issue. Matt's response to catching his mother should've been Kelly's response to catching Matt. Kelly's response to catching Matt should've been Matt's response to catching his mother. They've completely switched their parent-child roles.

Their response to Damon and Kelly is my second issue. These are two grown, consenting adults. It's not a big deal for them to be making out. Certainly not the big deal they're making it out to be. tbh, this is one of TVD's most natural, human moments. Their response to Damon and Kelly, not so much. It's not normal for a teenager to treat his mother like he's her father.

My third issue is Stefan's response to it. "Are you crazy?" I'm flabbergasted. I have no idea why someone would think it crazy for two consenting adults to make out or have sex.

Tell you what's crazy, though. This scene is intentional. Stefan knew that Damon has been mourning Katherine, and he invited everyone into their house anyway. They're showing what Matt could've seen of Damon and his mother. THIS...

Anyway... this is something Stefan has no control over. He can't make out with Elena without his bloodlust becoming an issue. Damon can. Here, have a parallel lol…

"Oh my god, Matt. Oh my god."

"Oh my God, Jeremy. I…"

I love Anna's relationship with Pearl. It's every bit what Matt and Kelly should be. Even though Anna has been taking care of herself since 1864, she treats her mother like her mother. Matt has been taking care of himself for mere months, and he's already acting like Kelly's father. Some of their characters are more mature than others. Anna is more mature than Matt, and I feel she's one of few that matured in her vampirism. Her being the parent gave her an understanding that Matt doesn't yet have.

"Stefan, I can't live every minute afraid that someone is gonna come after me. I won't, it's not living." This is every bit why Elena becomes a vampire. She can't live every minute afraid that she'll lose Stefan in choosing Damon. It's not living. As Rebekah tells Matt, "The first rule of truly living: Do the thing you're most afraid of." They cover this more with Rose in season 2. Fear is the reason she didn't live, she simply existed. That's what Elena is doing in season 3... existing.

"Don't look at me like that. Save the lecture. Look…" I love Damon's respone here because it's real. There's no need to lecture him for doing something so human. He gets more hate for trying to have sex with Kelly than he does for feeding on four sorority girls. That's altogether insane to me. That's why I'm glad Frederick and his girl interrupt the stupidity of it all. This is the first time they've had the chance to talk, so Damon hasn't warned Stefan about the vampires in the tomb. Had they known Sheila failed to restore the seal, they would've burned them before their escape. Stefan kills Frederick's girlfriend.

While I agree that Kelly is supposed to be the parent, I don't fully agree with Matt's comment. I'm a mother, and it's my experience that it's okay to act like a kid sometimes, to take time out and act stupid. It's not good to be serious all the time. That's why Damon pushes Elena to step away from her responsibilities, to hit Atlanta and get drunk. Matt is angry and resentful. I don't blame him, but I also see both sides of it. She's basically living the life he should be living because she shirked her responsibilities as a parent. That's where her fault lies. It's okay to spend the day acting kid, but don't leave your kid to raise himself for months. He's missing out on a lot because of her, so he has every right to be angry and resentful.

Jeremy and Elena in a bathroom scene, both completely lying to each other. Pearl stabbing Frederick with a wooden spoon is so boss. I wish she would've survived because I love her. Elena calls Stefan to let him know she made it home safe. "Because if it was true, maybe it's true about Vicki. And also because I want you to turn me." This is about Jeremy wanting a continued relationship with Vicki. "Maybe I'm a sucker for guys like you. Lost." This is the reason Jeremy reaches out to Damon after he snaps his neck. At that point, Vicki and Anna are dead, so he's basically left to choose between Caroline and the two Salvatores. He chooses Damon because he connects with him just as he connects with Anna.

[fishandships]

Another day, Another question (might do these daily).

I know how Rosario meets Luchino and I believe Bane too?

How do they meet their other lovers? Like is it all in the same continuity? Or is it alternate realities of what could have gone down? also! Does this mean Rosario has meet Orpheus? Since Norton’s match was with him—

I love asking questions and I’m glad how much you’ve thought about your characters. I honestly am so invested—

!!!!!!! if you decided to do that, i would look forward to them greatly 🥺🥺🥺 (but no pressure of course!! i'm so so happy you're so interested in my very self-indulgent work!!! 💚💚💚)

i kind of think of it as three separate "canons":

the "main canon" where Rosario participates in Game 6 along with Luchino, to which i added Deus Ex Bane

the "Ashes of Memory canon" where Rosario instead participates in that game

the "pre-Game 3 canon", where Rosario meets Andrew by chance shortly before the events of Game 3 and they accompany him to the Manor

and then i also have an ever-growing list of AUs to go with the various Season Essence and Event storylines where various polycules happen because i'm a multishipper and i ship all my canon faves with each other as well :3c

Rosario joins the AoM group after Frederick leaves. their first meeting with Norton does not go well, with Norton perceiving Rosario's clumsy attempt at friendliness as a rich person treating him like a charity case, and Rosario finding Norton aggressive and intimidating. at first, Rosario is more inclined towards Orpheus' company. being easily manipulated, Rosario is rather taken by his apparent charm and a shared interest in birds. this, as you can probably imagine, does not last long, with Orpheus being Orpheus and revealing a secret Rosario was not willing to share to the entire group. (i actually have about 80% of the meeting scene written, and this ask has got me motivated to actually finish it haha)

in the pre-Game 3 canon, Rosario receives a commission from a wealthy bird enthusiast (guess who) which requires them to travel to Europe. while gathering reference for the commissioned art pieces, they get caught in a rainstorm and take shelter in a graveyard. That's when they meet Andrew, whom at first they take to be a ghost, and after they realize he's still very much alive he's surprised when they don't seem to be bothered by him either way. (i ALSO have this as a wip that i want to finish ;w;)

......i really should curate a masterlist of Verses and fics that i've written in each verse so this is all easier to keep track of alsdkfj

[wisheswagered]

HUNTER MIKE AND FREDERICK DEDUCTION SKIN AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA the stream was so good!! and seeing violetta's "survivor" form even if we don't get her as an actual survivor was so exciting too! ;w;

plus night tides costume returning which i've wanted forever......... i'm not super into the next season essence but that's actually really nice cause it means i can hold back and save money after inevitably going wild on hullabaloo KSJKDSGJKF

[moonlight26posts-blog]

In Calvert Co., MD: Urgent Rescue Plea: Help Velma Find Her Forever Home - Calvert County Animal Shelter - Maryland.

Beautiful Velma Needs You!



We urgently seek your assistance in finding a loving and understanding home for Velma, a 5-year-old, 47lb dog, who has found herself in dire circumstances. Velma's journey began when she was rescued by Animal Control after enduring less-than-ideal living conditions, chained outside without the care she so deserves.

Her sweet and affectionate nature has won the hearts of staff members. Velma thrives on belly rubs and cherishes every moment spent with people, displaying a deep longing for the comfort and security of a home.

Velma is a quick learner, knowing the command "sit," but could benefit from obedience training to refine her leash skills. The chaotic shelter environment has taken a toll on her, as she is accustomed to a much quieter pace of life.

Having been at the shelter for almost a month, she is experiencing severe kennel stress and anxiety, and we are deeply concerned about her quality of life in such a heightened state of stress. Velma's reactions within her kennel indicate the distress she is enduring. We are uncertain about how Velma would behave around other dogs and cats outside of the shelter. Proper introductions are always recommended.

The prolonged stress during her shelter stay has heightened her anxiety, emphasizing the urgent need to find a calm and understanding home where Velma can truly thrive. We believe that a calm and quiet home environment is the key to unlocking Velma's true potential. With the right care and understanding, her stress is sure to melt away, revealing the loving, loyal companion she is meant to be.

Time is of the essence for Velma, and we implore you to share her story, advocate for her, or consider opening your heart and rescue to this deserving soul. Please reach out if you can provide Velma with the second chance she so desperately needs!

Velma is spayed, up to date of vaccines, heartworm negative and microchipped.

Let us come together as a community and ensure Velma's tale transforms from one of hardship to a heartwarming story of resilience, love, and a forever home.

🐾❤️

Jamie Hash

Volunteer and Rescue Coordinator

jamie.hash@calvertcountymd.gov

410-535-7387

Rescue Pick-Up Hours:

Monday – Saturday from 10am – 4pm

Adoption Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 4pm

5055 Hallowing Point Rd. Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter

Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter | 5055 Hallowing Point Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

[rockislandadultreads]

Happy Thanksgiving!

Learn more about the complicated history of this holiday with these nonfiction recommendations.

Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick

How did America begin?

This simple question launches acclaimed author Nathaniel Philbrick on an extraordinary journey to understand the truth behind our most sacred national myth: the voyage of the Mayflower and the settlement of Plymouth Colony. As Philbrick reveals in this electrifying new book, the story of the Pilgrims does not end with the First Thanksgiving; instead, it is a fifty-five-year epic that is at once tragic and heroic, and still carries meaning for us today.

This Land is Their Land by David J. Silverman

In March 1621, when Plymouth's survival was hanging in the balance, the Wampanoag sachem (or chief), Ousamequin (Massasoit), and Plymouth's governor, John Carver, declared their people's friendship for each other and a commitment to mutual defense. Later that autumn, the English gathered their first successful harvest and lifted the specter of starvation. Ousamequin and 90 of his men then visited Plymouth for the “First Thanksgiving.” The treaty remained operative until King Philip's War in 1675, when 50 years of uneasy peace between the two parties would come to an end.

400 years after that famous meal, historian David J. Silverman sheds profound new light on the events that led to the creation, and bloody dissolution, of this alliance. Focusing on the Wampanoag Indians, Silverman deepens the narrative to consider tensions that developed well before 1620 and lasted long after the devastating war-tracing the Wampanoags' ongoing struggle for self-determination up to this very day.

This unsettling history reveals why some modern Native people hold a Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving, a holiday which celebrates a myth of colonialism and white proprietorship of the United States. This Land is Their Land shows that it is time to rethink how we, as a pluralistic nation, tell the history of Thanksgiving.

We Gather Together by Denise Kiernan

From Ancient Rome through 21st-century America, bestselling author Denise Kiernan brings us a biography of an idea: gratitude, as a compelling human instinct and a global concept, more than just a mere holiday. Spanning centuries,  We Gather Together is anchored amid the strife of the Civil War, and driven by the fascinating story of Sarah Josepha Hale, a widowed mother with no formal schooling who became one of the 19th century’s most influential tastemakers and who campaigned for decades to make real an annual day of thanks.

Populated by an enthralling supporting cast of characters including Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Sojourner Truth, Walt Whitman, Norman Rockwell, and others,  We Gather Together is ultimately a story of tenacity and dedication, an inspiring tale of how imperfect people in challenging times can create powerful legacies. 

Thanksgiving by Melanie Kirkpatrick

We all know the story of Thanksgiving. Or do we? This uniquely American holiday has a rich and little-known history beyond the famous Pilgrim feast of 1621.

Melanie Kirkpatrick journeys through four centuries to craft a vivid portrait of our nation's best-loved tradition in Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience. Drawing on newspaper accounts, official documents, private correspondence, and cookbooks, she illuminates what the holiday has meant to generations of Americans.

Presidents play key parts: Washington proclaimed our first national day of Thanksgiving amid controversy over his constitutional power to do so. Lincoln aimed to heal a fractured nation when he called for all Americans to mark a Thanksgiving Day. FDR sparked a debate on states’ rights by changing the traditional date of the holiday. The story also includes the evolution of Thanksgiving dinner, how football became part of the celebration, and how Native Americans view the holiday.

While the rites and rituals have evolved, the essence of Thanksgiving remains the same: family and friends feasting together in a spirit of hospitality and gratitude. Kirkpatrick's exploration of America’s oldest tradition offers a fascinating look into the meaning of the holiday we celebrate on the fourth Thursday of November.