#( dreams are all i have: skye winters )

[allthatglxtters]

@seccndchances || For Mor

It'd been a long day for Skye, between taking care of the shop, and then going to visit Feyre and see how she was today, as well as the myriad amount of stops she made for various friends in between, by the time she got home she was ready to be home.

The only thing that could make it better was to find Mor already at her place, the other woman easily making any day she was a part of better. "Mor! What a pleasant surprise! Looking wonderful as always!"

She did her best not to get too blushy when she was with the other, but it was near impossible. Mor was impossibly beautiful, and Skye couldn't resist beautiful people being at all nice to her. Mor had a key to her apartment, though admittedly Skye didn't really leave it locked too often, always having the door open and ready to help anyone who needed it. "How are you? It's...honestly it's amazing to see you."

[allthatglxtters]

"It could be worse, so I don't mind the side effects. Plus my abilities come in handy to help others from time to time. I think everyone's life has tough times, and all any of us can do is try to make the most of what we get." Skye smiled softly for a minute before coughing awkwardly. "I, yeah, once or twice. I was a difficult kid, so sometimes when I acted out or my mom was mad at me there just..wouldn't be a couple meals here and there. But no, I didn't get to that point I suppose. I'm sorry that's one of the tough times life gave you. Maybe we can find some more flavors that you like." Skye grinned before having to nod in agreement to his words. "It's definitely complicated things. I wonder why it's happening."

"A lot more sense then it was making before. Still sounds like a rough deal though" though he supposed different worlds had different problems. He imagined if he explained his own situation, that would sound like a rough deal, and yet it was just life. "You've never gone hungry before huh? That's a good thing. But live like that long enough, and you'll be grateful for anything, you stop caring about what it is" and it had been nineteen years like that. Not wanting to draw attention to begin with, and then being actively hunted. Food was low on the list of priorities. "Ah... yeah they do. Been a pain in the ass to be honest".

[unholyhelbig]

Around season 4: Skye/Daisy Johnson. Reader is a Winter Soldier like Bucky and has been part of the team since the beginning. Reader’s has always been there for the team especially Daisy, and has a huge crush on her, painfully watching on as she goes out with different people. Now the Reader needs help but doesn’t want it, what will Daisy and the team do?

Title: No Control (Daisy Johnson x Female!Reader)

Words: 2452

Trigger Warnings: Blood, mind control, manipulation, night terrors, talks of death, horrible grammar (Let me know if I should add more)

[A/n: Okay, I may have deviated from the prompt just a little bit, but in my defense, this is technically my first time writing Reader/Daisy Johnson so I had to feel it out a little!]

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The rope dug into your skin like a nasty row of teeth, biting at the skin, drawing a flourishing flash of bright blood. The image made you pull harder in a vicious tug of strength. Your jaw ached, tasted thick of metal. If you could just get out of this stupid chair, this horrible cell. It was much too small for your liking.

Quake, Daisy as you knew her, watched you with a lifted eyebrow. Her fingers were curled around the iPad that connected her to the controls of your containment. She grimaced, a wetness building in her stare.

When your struggle against the ropes had proved fruitless, you glanced up at her through wild, unkept hair, chest heaving. “What did you do to me? Why can’t I get out of this? Let me out of this!”

It felt like you were underwater, your chest heavy with discontent, even when you went slack in your binds. The first inkling that something was wrong had been swallowed down, the nightmares that ripped through your subconscious and pulled you from sleep.

For weeks, you’d wake up drenched in your own sweat as you tried to draw any type of air into your lungs. It often ended with you sitting, exhausted and scared, in the kitchen of the compound. First, you’d drink a cup of tea, then you’d pace and drink another, before finally succumbing to exhaustion on the common room sofa.

Agent May had found you the first night, just before dawn. She didn’t’ poke or prod, instead, she gently woke you and wordlessly gestured back towards your bunk. Other agents would be walking in and out, scourging for breakfast and their own fix of caffeine.

Those dreams- those nightmares- would soon leak into your everyday routine. As you sparred with Bobbie, you’d thrown a particularly deadly right hook. It was the color of her eyes, the seafoam dusty grey that you’d always found so endearing flashed and ripped into his gaze.

You’d drawn blood and stumbled back on the blue mat. Other recruits gaped at the two of you, floating by the edge of the training room. Bobbi pulled her fingers from the laceration on her cheek, already forming a bruise.

“I’m sorry,” came your whispered response. You grabbed your bag from the nearby bench, louder this time “really, I’m sorry.”

Bobbi called after you as you pushed open the doors of the training room and shoved through agents until you made it to the safety of your room. Except, it didn’t’ feel much like safety anymore. Your fingers were shaking, and your knuckles had a smear of dried brown blood, Bobbi’s blood, against them.

It had been years, nearly a decade, since you’d first been approached by Phil Coulson with his grandiose idea of forming a team to take down hero-level threats within SHIELD, because after all, everyone needs a backup plan. And while you’d been hesitant at first, that single decision in a Montanna bar changed the course of your life. Changed your isolation tactics, the person you had once been.

SHIELD was your family. They’d slowly ebbed away the distant memories of what had created you in the first place: the brainwashing, the torture, the misguided loyalty was all on the backburner. You’d forgotten just how cold it was.

Something was wrong. Something was wrong. Something was wrong.

Without warning, the icy hand of your captor was closing around your throat once more, but this time, you were surrounded with people who you cared for. The thought of hurting them had you hunched over the bathroom in your room, retching whatever mint-tea concoction you’d swallowed down hours before.

At one point, you blacked out, and when you came to, when you finally pulled yourself from the scent of bile and blood and regret, you were here. They’d moved you to a containment unit and restrained you with ropes that did no favor to your already aching body.

Your fingers were still coated in blood, too much to be from your outburst in the gym. And while you still panicked, while you were still choked with fear, there was a calmness about the situation. If you were in here, you weren’t out there. With them.

“Whose blood is this?” you asked.

“Hard to say,” Daisy replied. “You did quite the number. It’s hard for agents to fight off a super soldier, you know?”

Your jaw began to ache as you pressed your teeth together, peering at her through strands of sweat-caked hair. The rope wouldn’t hold you for long, but the containment unit would. There was an electric buzz from the forcefield strong enough to hold back ten-thousand super soldiers.

Daisy had a tepid stare trained on you that made you squirm. You tested your strength against your binds, pressing and pressing until the frayed edges drew blood, dripped down the tips of your fingers until the floor was puddled with it.

A laugh bubbled up in your throat. You lolled your head, trying to loosen up your shoulders. Everything was weak and fuzzy and above all else, you felt the hiss of someone’s voice in the back of your mind. Eyes seeing through your eyes, hands gripping past your own.

There was a poison to Daisy’s voice “You just leveled a room full of twenty-five agents and you’re laughing?”

She’d clicked off the iPad, set it aside. Daisy stood and crossed her well-toned arms over her chest. God, even in your disillusioned state, you were acutely aware of your feelings for her. They’d been festering under the surface for a better part of the last three years.

“No, no… I just…”

With an extra tug, the mass of rope fell to the ground in a heap of ties and caked blood. You couldn’t distinguish your own from those of the agents that you be felled. Your fingers worked at the lacerations.

“You’ve got a very motherly tone right now. I mean, you’re scolding me, actually scolding me!”

“What do you expect me to do, y/n? What I witnessed in there was one of the scariest, most startling things I have ever seen and you expect me not to scold you? What the fuck is going on?”

Her voice cracked during the last sentence and your heart tugged at the sound. You’d heard it before as she sunk to the floor years ago when Lincon had perished, and when she’d succumbed to the fear of her own powers growing out of control.

The part of you that was still you didn’t want to cause that pain, and most certainly didn’t want the fear to take over. You stood, approaching the barrier. It was the only thing between you both, and it was highly charged.

You’d been tempted to touch it, to place your hand against the electricity save for the pain. Instead, you started pacing back and forth, the length of your makeshift cell. “This is where we held Agent Ward, isn’t it?”

She didn’t’ answer, instead, she swallowed the lump in her throat as you examined the metal frame bed and the cameras that were situated around each corner of the cell. Part of you swelled with pride, being confined in the same spot the biggest threat to the team had been in. You quickly drowned the thought, shaking your head.

 “Does it bother you? Watching two people you love fall down the same path?” The words had slipped past your lips before you could quell them. Instead, you tutted “You’re well on your way to a pattern, young lady. One more good-looking sociopath and you’ll collect all three.”

“Don’t,” Daisy snarled “You need to tell me what’s wrong. This isn’t you.”

You stopped pacing, lilting your head to the side as you stared at her. She was itching to leave, and you wanted her to. It would make all of this easier. Your entire body itched too, wanted to give in to the full control. It wasn’t something you were willing to do in front of Daisy.

“Do you know how much control I have to practice on a daily basis, Zee? Just a little more strength than usual and I rip a cabinet door off. I shatter a mug. I punch a co-worker in the face. It’s a constant push between what’s right to do and what I was designed to do.”

“So what? You decided you’re done watching your strength? That doesn’t warrant an attempt at massacre.”

“You don’t get it!” You punched the barrier, reveling in the feel of electricity that moved through your fingertips, your arm and elbow until it dissipated altogether. She flinched but didn’t step back. “When Hydra… why Hydra trained me it was all I knew. I would wake up, follow orders, and be put back to sleep before I could even register what I had done. Who I had killed, what I destroyed.”

This was something you had refused to talk about. Coulson knew the gist of your containment, of your de-programming because that was all listed in your SHIELD file. But the true horrors of your ordeal were a mystery to the entire team. It was behind you. He was behind you.

“A SHEILD team raided one of Hydras bases and I was there. I was willing to go without a fight and Hydra was willing to leave me there to absolve for their sins.” You chuckled at that, shaking your head “There was months of imprisonment, of interrogation and then deprogramming. And finally, finally after years of trying to prove myself to Director Fury, and Agent Hill, they cleared me for duty. Cleared me to join Coulson’s team.”

You let yourself plop down onto the metal chair, suddenly too exhausted to remember why you were fighting so hard in the first place. Daisy clenched and unclenched her jaw. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Two years of deprogramming doesn’t make up for a lifetime of torture, of molding me into the perfect killing machine.” You swallowed hard “I played my part, I ignored the feeling of being watched, the dark thoughts that tried to break through into my new, good, life. I fought every single day to make sure all of you were safe and unharmed and… suddenly, suddenly the people who were controlling me got stronger.”

Daisy shifted, uncrossing her arms “You’re saying you’re still under Hydra’s control?”

“I’m saying I wasn’t strong enough to fight off their hold on me. A few months ago I started blacking out and the nightmares, they got worse. But everyone was finally settled, finally happy. We were happy”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Daisy’s voice waivered “Y/n, one of the perks of having a girlfriend is being able to talk to them, to tell them things. You should have come to me.”

“I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I thought I could handle it. I thought I could keep things under control.”

Daisy let out a long sigh and lowered herself back into her own chair. Her elbows resting on her knees. She bounced her leg, staring at you with those deep brown eyes that you could drown in. Somehow, her being there, was enough if only for a moment.

“I have to tell Coulson.”

“I know,” you said.

“He’ll know what to do. We’ll get through this, y/n.” Her words were whispered, eyes glassy with emotion. “I love you. We all do. This is just another challenge, okay? We’re here to help.”

“I admire your perseverance, Daisy, but the hold hydra has on me. It’s bigger than me, it’s bigger than us.”

She swallowed thickly “You don’t mean that.”

But you did, didn’t you? Your skin felt like it was on fire and you wanted nothing more than to peel it off strip by strip until there was a new layer glinting under the industrial lights. Anything to stop the uncomfortable feeling of not being in your own body. You’d gotten to complicit under the watchful eye of SHIELD. Hydra didn’t like that, and at this point, neither did you.

It had been so easy, so simple to rip through those agents as they aimed red dots at your center. You didn’t care if they fired their weapons, you hadn’t a care in the world and it was freeing.

It was hard to wager that with the sad look your girlfriend was giving you now. Her fingers were tapping against her knees, hardly a perfect interrogation technique. It was hard not to crave her touch, her mouth hot on yours. Even if you did give yourself up to Hydra entirely, there would always be Daisy.

You lilted your head, narrowing your eyes at her. She’d be just as easy to break; just a little bit of homegrown brainwashing and she’d be by your side again. Both of you dripping in blood. A power like hers, resting under her fingertips, would be invaluable.

Standing, you gently touched the barrier separating you both. There was a subtle electronic buzz that moved through your fingertips and up to your elbow. It was warming, a constant comfort, almost. “Darling, we could make all of this go away. Just the two of us.”

She lifted her hazel stare from the tablet in front of her, reading your vitals like an open book. They were steady, you were sure of it. There was curiosity in her stare.

“Do you remember the house in Vermont we talked about?” You dragged your fingers against the barrier, a blue trail following fast. “The two of us can forget all of this, forget SHIELD and Hydra. We can go there, start a family. Isn’t that what you want?”

You could read it in her expression, it was exactly what she wanted. But Daisy Johnson was no fool. Despite your terse begging and manipulative tactics, she remained calm. One knee was balanced on the edge of the chair, the other foot planted firmly on the floor.

“Rae’s Restaurant… the floorplan that we drew out on the back of a placemat. Two stories, a nursery, and office. A massive backyard. I remember it well.” Daisy stood again, facing off against you with nothing but an electrical panel holding you back. “This isn’t the you I imagined it with. Where is the kindness? The selfless woman that I fell in love with?”

You gritted your teeth. “Gone. Nothing but a fabrication, baby. I’m just offering you one last chance to join me. I have no reservations about destroying you right along with this entire organization.”

Daisy swallowed hard, trying to quell the lump in her throat. She refused to let herself cry. “I’d like to see you try.”

“I do love a challenge.”   

[allthatglxtters]

@envicd || ❛ you okay? caught you staring off into space again. ❜ ( bex to anyone )

"Oh, me?" Skye looked up at the other with surprise before blushing a little. "Yeah I'm alright! I'm just tired today for some reason. Maybe it's the weather, I don't know. But I'm alright! It's so kind of you to ask! How are you doing?" She smiled at the other brightly, genuinely curious if the other was doing well and if she wasn't, how could she help change that.

[book--brackets]

Summaries under the cut

The Wolves Chronicles by Joan Aiken

Wicked wolves and a grim governess threaten Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia when Bonnie's parents leave Willoughby Chase for a sea voyage. Left in the care of the cruel Miss Slighcarp, the girls can hardly believe what is happening to their once happy home. The servants are dismissed, the furniture is sold, and Bonnie and Sylvia are sent to a prison-like orphan school. It seems as if the endless hours of drudgery will never cease.

With the help of Simon the gooseboy and his flock, they escape. But how will they ever get Willoughby Chase free from the clutches of the evil Miss Slighcarp?

Leven Thumps by Obert Skye

Fourteen-year-old Leven Thumps (a.k.a. "Lev") lives a wretched life in Burnt Culvert, Oklahoma. But his life is about to change and his destiny be fulfilled as he learns about a secret gateway that bridges two worlds -- the real world and Foo, a place created at the beginning of time in the folds of the mind that makes it possible for mankind to dream and hope, aspire and imagine. But Foo is in chaos, and three transplants from that dreamworld have been sent to retrieve Lev, who alone has the power to save Foo.

Enter Clover, a wisecracking, foot-high sidekick; Winter, a girl with a special power of her own; and Geth, the rightful heir to Foo. Their mission: to convince Lev that he has the power to save Foo. Can this unique band of travelers help Lev overcome his doubt? Will Lev find the gateway in time? Or will Sabine and his dark shadows find the gateway first and destroy mankind?

Greenglass House by Kate Milford

It’s wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smuggler’s inn is always quiet during this season, and twelve-year-old Milo, the innkeepers’ adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing. But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then rings again. And again. Soon Milo’s home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cook’s daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass House—and themselves.

Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl

This book is filled with revolting rhymes. (Be warned: It's no ordinary Once upon a time).

There's poor Cindy whose heart was torn to shreds, because her Prince, he chops off heads!

Snow White's dwarfs although awfully nice, are guilty of one shocking vice . . .

And what becomes of Goldilocks, that nasty thieving little louse, when she goes sneaking around the three bear's house . . .

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

Just like other kids, Zinkoff rides his bike, hopes for snow days, and wants to be like his dad when he grows up. But Zinkoff also raises his hand with all the wrong answers, trips over his own feet, and falls down with laughter over a word like "Jabip."

Other kids have their own word to describe him, but Zinkoff is too busy to hear it. He doesn't know he's not like everyone else. And one winter night, Zinkoff's differences show that any name can someday become "hero."

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

And if I should die before I awake,

I pray the popular attend my wake.

Charlotte Usher feels practically invisible at school, and then one day she really is invisible. Even worse: she's dead. And all because she choked on a gummy bear. But being dead doesn't stop Charlotte from wanting to be popular; it just makes her more creative about achieving her goal.

What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge

Twelve-year-old Katy is constantly making and quickly breaking resolutions about how she will change her ways and treat others, especially her five younger brothers and sisters, with more respect and compassion. When Katy meets her Cousin Helen, an invalid, Katy is awed by her kindness, prettiness, and generosity. Katy is determined to become more like Helen, a resolution that lasts only a few hours. Soon, however, Katy gets a chance to become more like cousin Helen than she ever wished as she finds herself confined to her bedroom for four years as a result of an accident.

Merlin by T. A. Barron

A raging sea tosses a boy upon the shores of ancient Wales. Left for dead, he has no memory, no name, and no home. But it is his determination to find out who he is - to learn the truth about his mysterious powers - that leads him to a strange and enchanted land. And it is there he discovers that the fate of this land and his personal quest are strangely entwined.

He is destined to become the greatest wizard of all time--known to all as Merlin.

Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm

Meet Babymouse--the spunky mouse beloved by young readers for more than a decade! Babymouse wants an invite to the hottest slumber party in town. But will she forget all about her plans with her best friend? This groundbreaking young graphic novel, full of humor and fun, is the first in the bestselling series that’s sold more than three million copies!

It's the same thing every day for Babymouse. Where is the glamour? The excitement? The fame?!? Nothing ever changes, until…Babymouse hears about Felicia Furrypaws's exclusive slumber party. Will Babymouse get invited? Will her best friend, Wilson, forgive her if she misses their monster movie marathon? Find out in Babymouse #1: Queen of the World!

Austin Family Chronicles by Madeleine L'Engle

Vicky Austin and her siblings must adjust to the presence of a new member of the household-Maggy Hamilton, who is orphaned when her father is killed in a plane crash. Maggy is at first petulant and spoiled, but gradually opens her heart to the Austins to become one of the family.

[allthatglxtters]

Skye rubbed her back lightly, frowning a little at the words. "I'm so sorry to hear that Feyre, it's awful you're having to relive it twice." She paused before she answered the other's next question, collecting her thoughts. "My friends and I were in a war with the gods themselves, and fighting our siblings.. It was dreadful, but I...did not expect to survive myself. So, it wasn't a surprise for me when I ended up dead." Skye shrugged a little before she frowned at the other woman's words again. "They're going to worry about you anyways, and if they all have their memories then they must know you're going to go through this again as it is."

Skye blushed a little as the other described Mor, the demigod nodding. "I know Mor pretty well. We spend a lot of time together. And I mean, they don't know where I live, and I could just be, hypothetically talking about myself?"

Taking in a deep breath, she grabs her bag and grabs a little tin of mints and chews on a couple, making a note to brush her teeth again in a little bit. "This isn't even the first time that it's doing this, I remember going through this hell." She makes a face and shakes her head. "How did you see it coming?" She asks and clears her throat. "That's the thing, I don't want them to worry about me, I've already been doing that with not having all of my memories and I think one more bad thing may just make Rhys topple over and break down so, I'm not going to let that happen." Feyre says with clear determination as she pauses to look over at Skye. "You do? Her real name is Morrigan, she's about yay height, has the best fashion sense. They are here as well, although Amren isn't. Skye, hypothetical situations wouldn't work on them, the moment you even suggested that, they will start pounding on that door."

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Gen 9

Today's (10/3/2024) Episode: Last Minute Preparations

After his successful promotional event, Luigi dropped Skye off at home and checked in on his recovering spouse.

“A day of rest was just what the doctor ordered” Noemi told him, “tomorrow I think I’ll be right as rain and ready to celebrate.”

She settled down in Skye’s bedroom, smiling as he rambled on excitedly about “Mr. Winter” coming to visit.

When Luigi finally got home, he noticed that the spouse who got up to greet him was a bit stiff (and smelly) from her long convalescence.

“Why don’t you go run yourself a soothing bath” he diplomatically suggested, “I’ll get our little monster all settled down for the night.”

The sweet sounds of her boys reading their favorite bedtime stories and talking about the presents to come helped her almost float away on a cloud of steamy bubbles. Noemi stretched achy muscles in the tub and relaxed fully for what felt like the first time in days.

Fully refreshed and wrapped in a nice dry robe, Noemi found her baby fast asleep, and his father quietly straightening up the room.

“He went down surprisingly easily” he said, pulling her into a warm embrace. “Mmmm, you smell good enough to eat.”

His hot breath stirred desires that her lingering illness had suppressed. “Is that a promise, or just something you tell all the pretty girls?” she asked as she pulled him in for a hungry kiss. “Well, I have good news for you mister: I’m ready for an early Winterfest present, if you think you can deliver.”

He was ever her obedient servant in that regard, but clearly could have used a stretch or a relaxing bath himself first.

Right after he finished taking his own turn he leapt from their bed with a cry of “Cramp, cramp, cramp!!” lurching comically around as he tried to walk it off. He took Noemi’s laughter as a personal challenge and “gave her something to laugh about” with a spirited one-sided tickle war.

“Stop, stop, I surrender!” Noemi giggled. “Honestly, thank you, that was just what I needed” she continued with a happy sigh. “Sadly, we now have a lot of work to do if we want to give our baby that Happy Winterfest he’s no doubt dreaming of as we speak!”

Their Winterfest tree was sitting, unadorned, in the corner of the living room, where it had waited in vain for them to feel up to decorating it properly.

“After we get this up, we need to take a quick trip out. We don’t even have his present…” Luigi turned back towards his wife, stopping mid sentence when he saw her reeling on her feet. 

“I’m OK, just a little dizzy” she replied, holding her head as if to stop it spinning by force. “Let’s do this”.

“How about you sit down before you fall down.” Luigi replied, emphatically settling her onto the sofa. “I’ll get started on this tree, and you gather strength and ideas to go shopping with me for his present later.” Labor thus fairly divided, he gazed intently at his blank green canvas.

The house was quiet as Noemi dozed and Luigi busied himself getting their Winterfest tree into tip top shape. “I’m glad we decided to go with Gold and White decorations” he murmured to himself when he finished: “Noemi was right, green on green would have been too much, even for me!”

“So, what do you think hon?” he started to ask, turning back towards the couch “I think I did good, if I do say so myself…”

His voice died away again when he saw his wife was sound asleep “Well, I guess I’m going shopping on my own” Luigi murmured, writing her a quick note to let her know where he’d gone.

Leaning down, he planted a soft kiss on her cheek before spinning into his winter wear and heading out into the night to find something that would bring magical Winterfest joy to their boy’s face the following morning.

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[brigitttt]

8 11 20 for the book asks :)

hi lore!! <3 asks are from this list:

8. Favorite queer fiction book(s).

It's gonna have to be the series that got me into writing fanfiction actually, which is the Captive Prince series by C.S. Pacat. Yeah it's got romance and spice but it's also got a surprising amount of political intrigue and tactics. The characters are so nuanced and well-written, and it's no wonder that it has the following it does.

I will also add that I read Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell last year and realllllllly enjoyed it, just such cool worldbuilding in there. I should see what else she's put out since then. Oh wait and also One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston! And does the Six of Crows trilogy by Leigh Bardugo count? okay that's enough now

11. Favorite historical fiction.

I'm not sure I could name a favourite, but two recent reads have really stuck with me. The first is As the Women Lay Dreaming by Donald S. Murray, which is about the HMY Iolaire disaster, but told through the lens of a grandson both living with his grandfather as a boy and reading his grandfather's journal about being on the ship decades later. It's really tragic, but written so compellingly, and having been to the Isle of Skye myself and seen the landscape and the sea around it, it really hit a chord.

The second is Sistersong by Lucy Holland, which is about three siblings in a sub-roman Brythonic kingdom in what is now Devon and Cornwall, during the time when Saxons are invading. It has magical elements to it, and is also very queer, but it was its setting that was so intriguing to me, like almost Arthuriana but very much not. It's apparently a reimagining of the folk ballad "The Twa Sisters", which I didn't know about until googling it just now.

20. Where and how do you find new books to read?

I mostly live off of recommendations from friends and family, but sometimes I'll venture out to a bookstore and find something on my own. For example, As the Women Lay Dreaming was recommended to me by a friend who I'd been to Scotland with, who is Scottish herself and is making an effort to read more Scottish stories. I also have a friend who reads like a fiend and will throw book recs at me from left and right. I also have a mother with a house with over a thousand books in it (I counted, once, decades ago) who will also throw book recs at me but they often trend older (Ngaio Marsh, Dorothy L. Sayers, Frank Herbert, Tony Hillerman, etc). I suppose I sometimes also watch a tv show based on a book series and then read it, but I'm still not finished the first Wheel of Time book yet (my brother has already zoomed through them). Sometimes I'll see a piece of fanart for a book series on tumblr and then wonder what that's all about and then read 3 novels and several short stories about it (Captive Prince).

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb: A damsel in distress takes on the dragon herself in this epic twist on classic fantasy—a groundbreaking collaboration between New York Times bestselling author Evelyn Skye and the team behind the upcoming Netflix film Damsel, starring Millie Bobby Brown. Elodie never dreamed of a lavish palace or a handsome prince. Growing up in the famine-stricken realm of Inophe, her deepest wish was to help her people survive each winter. So when a representative from a rich, reclusive kingdom offers her family enough wealth to save Inophe in exchange for Elodie’s hand in marriage, she accepts without hesitation. Swept away to the glistening kingdom of Aurea, Elodie is quickly taken in by the beauty of the realm—and of her betrothed, Prince Henry. But as Elodie undertakes the rituals to become an Aurean princess, doubts prick at her mind as cracks in the kingdom’s perfect veneer begin to show: A young woman who appears and vanishes from the castle tower. A parade of torches weaving through the mountains. Markings left behind in a mysterious “V.” Too late, she discovers that Aurea’s prosperity has been purchased at a heavy cost—each harvest season, the kingdom sacrifices its princesses to a hungry dragon. And Elodie is the next sacrifice. This ancient arrangement has persisted for centuries, leading hundreds of women to their deaths. But the women who came before Elodie did not go quietly. Their blood pulses with power and memory, and their experiences hold the key to Elodie’s survival. Forced to fight for her life, this damsel must use her wits to defeat a dragon, uncover Aurea’s past, and save not only herself, but the future of her new kingdom as well.

Review:

A princess sent into an arranged marriage her kingdom doesn’t realize that in order to save her kingdom... she’ll be sacrificed to a dragon immediately after her wedding. Elodie grew up in a kingdom where people are starving and barely surviving. She tries her best to help her people but there is never enough resources. When a representative from a wealthy reclusive kingdom offers her family enough wealth to save their kingdom in exchange for Elodie’s hand in marriage, she accepts without hesitation. The moment she gets into the kingdom of Aurea, something is off... the place is gorgeous and the kingdom is wealthy... but there is something strange about the way people treat her and she feels like something is definitely off. But she is swept away by the possibility of saving her kingdom and that her handsome betroth might be a good partner... except while undertaking the rituals to become an Aurean Princess she discovers too late what is actually happening... she is going to be sacrificed to a dragon to help the kingdom prosper... her father sold her off to her death. Her husband has thrown her off the mountain into the place where the dragon lives... but Elodie isn’t going down without a fight and she’s going to do everything she can to survive. The more Elodie ventures into the cave the more she realizes that she isn’t the first princess that has been sacrificed and that the others before her have all left notes and little tips on how to navigate the mountain in hopes of trying to escape. The dragon stalks the mountains for Elodie, demanding she come out so it can eat her... but Elodie realizes that there must have bene a start to this tradition and that she will have to find a way to solve it and save herself before it’s too late because the only person who can save her, is herself. This was an interesting read and I definitely can see how it would translate well into a netflix movie ( definitely looking forward to seeing it!). It definitely gave me The Princess (2022 movie) vibes, with a princess who is willing to do anything to survive and is trapped in an isolated location and must fight her way out in order to save herself and her family. If you’re looking for a action story with a princess then this is for you!

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Random House Worlds for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[allthatglxtters]

"They sound amazing. And I'm sure you're an excellent warrior too! I envy that, fighting wasn't ever a strong suit. I'm sure I would like most of them, except for the woman who hates you. I can't imagine hating you." Skye leaned forward, draping her arms around Mor's shoulders and kissing her cheek.

"They were, they were only recently restored back in my world. I've found two of their members here, so I wonder what has come of them with their leader here." Morrigan tried not to think too much about the world they left behind. She didn't want to know if it was still moving forward without her in it. If their courts and homes had been laid bare with them all trapped here. She liked to hope it was like stasis, that the world is just as it was. Waiting for it's players to return. "I held my own outside of them, but I appreciate all they stood for-- those girls are something fierce. I think you'd like them, even if their Leader hates my guts."

[dankusner]

How Kathy Bates’ ‘Matlock’ relates to original drama

Kathy Bates knows what it’s like to feel overlooked and underestimated, especially in youth-obsessed Hollywood.

Politely warning, 'Excuse my language,' beforehand, Bates, 76, tells a favorite story attributed to two-time Oscar-winner Shelley Winters, who was instructed to bring a photograph and a resume to an audition late in her career.

'So (Winters) pulled out one of her Oscars from a bag, slammed it on the desk and said, ‘Here’s my (expletive) picture.’ 

Then she slammed the next Oscar down and said, ‘Here’s my (expletive) resume,’' Bates said. 

'As actors, we can relate to getting older, becoming invisible. It’s like our heyday has passed.'

Bates’ unfounded concerns about her career heyday being in her past emerged before she took the role of lawyer Madeline 'Matty' Matlock in CBS’ 'Matlock' reboot, which this week settles into its Thursday time slot (9 EDT/PDT) after a critically celebrated Sept. 22 'sneak peek' debut seen by more than 11 million viewers.

Right now, the only career questions around the Oscar winner ('Misery') center around how long Bates will stay with 'Matlock.'

Executive producer Jennie Snyder Urman, who created and executive produced CW’s 'Jane the Virgin,' leaned into Bates’ clout when pitching 'Matlock' to CBS executives. 

Adding Bates to the conversation made it clear the show would have the gravitas and humor enabled by one of this generation’s consistently great actors.

'When I was explaining to CBS what the show would be, I absolutely said to them, ‘Imagine Kathy Bates in the role,’' said Urman. 'And then to end up with Kathy is really extraordinary.'

Even after five seasons of FX’s 'American Horror Story' and a 2020 Academy Award nomination for playing the crusading mother in Clint Eastwood’s 'Richard Jewell,' she was not in a great place professionally. 

A canceled movie project had left the actress discussing 'semi-retirement' with her agent.

But Bates was surprised by her immediate liking while reading the script for the procedural 'Matlock,' focusing on an underestimated septuagenarian lawyer talking her way back into the legal workforce. 

As Matty says in the premiere episode, 'There’s this funny thing that happens when women age. We become damn near invisible. It’s useful because nobody sees us coming.'

What is the relationship between Matty Matlock and Ben Matlock?

But Matty Matlock has no nepo-baby relationship with the disarming TV icon, defense attorney Ben Matlock, played by Andy Griffith.

Matty proclaims her cursed luck sharing the same last name as the memorable character in NBC’s original series, which aired on NBC from 1986-’92 and ABC for three final low-rated seasons from 1992-’95.

But it’s a ruse: the first episode reveals that Matty is not the proud Costco-shopping, ketchup-packet-collecting widow she pretends to be. 

Instead, Matlock is an invented name – an elaborate disguise for wealthy vigilante lawyer Madeline Kingston. 

Kingston is secretly gathering information to find the prestigious law firm partner who hid documents that could have taken opioids off the market 10 years earlier.

That means Madeline Kingston is secretly trying to imprison one of the law partners Matty Matlock seeks to impress – including crusading partner Olympia Lawrence (Skye Marshall), Olympia’s estranged husband Julian (Jason Ritter), and, the biggest cut of all, Julian’s father, law firm chief Senior (Beau Bridges).

The Episode 1 shocker reveals that even the deadbeat and dead husband money-desperate Matty laments about is another Matlock creation. 

Kingston’s loving husband Edwin (Sam Anderson) works from the couple’s lavish home on the plot to avenge the opioid death of their daughter.

'When the twist came at the end, suddenly I thought, ‘Now, this is interesting to me,’' said Bates. 'It had depth.'

Bates came on board. The Matlock-inspired high jinks – including a stress-dream sequence in which Matty wears one of Ben Matlock’s seersucker suits – amid the high stakes has bridged the gap between 'Matlock' fans and legal-drama-loving newbies. 

'Matlock' is such an emerging TV force that Bates caused a cosmic disturbance by talking about retirement, telling The New York Times in September that the emotion-stirring drama was her 'last dance.'

Bates reacts to the outcry over retirement discussion

'I was so shocked,' Bates said, laughing, about fans’ dismay at the retirement talk that led to an official clarification.

Bates is not planning to step down anytime soon.

'At the time, I was feeling the difficulties of doing the show and living up to people’s expectations,' she said. 

'It was a truthful look into how I was feeling that night. But I wouldn’t want to retire from this. This show has been such an unexpected gift, especially at my age.'

Bates reveled in reintroducing herself to TV viewers during a villain segment at last month’s Primetime Emmy Awards. 

The segment extolled her Oscar-winning breakthrough as Annie Wilkes in 1990’s 'Misery' and showed off Bates, who has lost as much as 100 pounds over the past seven years.

'It was a return and a debut for me since I’ve lost weight. I looked really great, and I had a beautiful gown,' Bates said. 'I look at the photos of me on the red carpet, and they’re different from the years before. I just feel so much more relaxed, and I feel like I belong.'

Matlock discusses her sex life often: ‘We’re not used to hearing it’

Urman promises that the first 'Matlock' season will solve the mystery of the opioid-document-destroying villain. 

But there will be new legal adventures for Matty, who often hilariously details her sex life to knock her listeners off balance.

'An older woman talking about sex just throws people off because we’re not used to hearing it,' Urman said. 'But you know what? Older women have sex; they know what condoms are. She’s had sex for many years.'

Bates has gone from showbiz weary to riding home from the last day of filming the series’ first season earlier this month, feeling exhausted but elated.

'I was napping and dozing and suddenly it just felt like I had imagined all of this,' Bates said. 'It all just seemed like a dream.

[missamcricana]

general account things tag drop

* ⟢ MISSAMCRICANA ❮ memes ❯ ━━ ❝ it's you and me there's nothing like this ! * ⟢ MISSAMCRICANA ❮ open starters ❯ ━━ ❝ miss americana and the heartbreak prince ! * ⟢ MISSAMCRICANA ❮ ooc ❯ ━━ ❝ i only see daylight ! * ⟢ MISSAMCRICANA ❮ ships ❯ ━━ ❝ at every table i'll save you a seat lover ! * ⟢ MISSAMCRICANA ❮ wanted opps ❯ ━━ ❝ we'd still worship this love ! * ⟢ MISSAMCRICANA ❮ wanted plots ❯ ━━ ❝ meet me in the afterglow !

* ⟢ MISSAMCRICANA ❮ ch study ❯ ━━ ❝ i promise that you’ll never find another like me !

characters tag drop

* ⟢ ABIGAIL GREENE ━━ ❝ tied together with a smile but you're coming undone ! * ⟢ ALLISON VALENTINE ━━ ❝ who's afraid of little old me you should be ! * ⟢ AURORA HAMILTON ━━ ❝ little miss sunshine always thinks it's gonna rain ! * ⟢ BECKETT GOLD ━━ ❝ i don't like a gold rush ! * ⟢ BRIAR HAMILTON ━━ ❝ it must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero ! * ⟢ BRINLEY TAYLOR ━━ ❝ made your mark on me a golden tattoo ! * ⟢ CAMILLA LUCAS ━━ ❝ the rubies that i gave up ! * ⟢ CAROLINE KELLER ━━ ❝ argumentative antithetical dream girl ! * ⟢ CASSANDRA EVANS ━━ ❝ my beloved ghost and me sitting in a tree ! * ⟢ CHARLOTTE PETERSON ━━ ❝ love thorns all over this rose ! * ⟢ COURTLYN HAROLD ━━ ❝ i miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain ! * ⟢ ELEANORA WINTERS ━━ ❝ he wanted a bride i was making my own name ! * ⟢ ELISABETH BRADFORD ━━ ❝ she would've made such a lovely bride what a shame she's fucked in the head ! * ⟢ ELLIANA EVANS ━━ ❝ professor said to write what you know ! * ⟢ EMMA PETERSON ━━ ❝ never take advice from someone who's falling apart ! * ⟢ GABRIELLE PORTER━━ ❝ i'm invisible and everyone knows who you are ! * ⟢ GENEVIEVE ABBOTT ━━ ❝ pathological people pleaser ! * ⟢ GINNIFER ABBOTT ━━ ❝ you are not the exception you will never learn your lesson ! * ⟢ GRACIE MORGAN ━━ ❝ this town is fake but you're the real thing ! * ⟢ ISABELLA FISHER ━━ ❝ wondering if i'd get there quicker if i was a man ! * ⟢ JESSICA KNIGHT ━━ ❝ i'd marry you with paper rings ! * ⟢ KATHERINE HOLLIDAY ━━ ❝ my husband is cheating i want to kill him ! * ⟢ KENNEDY WALTERS ━━ ❝ now that i'm grown i'm scared of ghosts ! * ⟢ LANA MATHIS ━━ ❝ you're on your own kid you always have been ! * ⟢ LILLIANA EVANS ━━ ❝ cause that's where i was when i lost it all ! * ⟢ MACKENZIE BAXTER ━━ ❝ why are people always leaving i think you and i should stay the same ! * ⟢ MCKENNA RICHARDS ━━ ❝ i don't belong and my beloved neither do you ! * ⟢ MELISSA JOHNSON ━━ ❝ pouring out my heart to a stranger but i didn't pour the whiskey ! * ⟢ MURPHY ADAMS ━━ ❝ i hate it here so i will go to secret gardens in my mind ! * ⟢ PAIGE WALTMAN ━━ ❝ they see right through me ! * ⟢ REGINA WHITAKER ━━ ❝ i can change everything about me to fit in ! * ⟢ RICHIE MCMANN ━━ ❝ what would you do if they never found us out ! * ⟢ROBIN DANIELS ━━ ❝ you weren't mine to lose ! * ⟢ SAWYER CARRINGTON ━━ ❝ you grew up in a silver-spoon gated community ! * ⟢ SKYE MATTHEWS ━━ ❝ in the end in wonderland we both went mad ! * ⟢ STEVIE GRANT ━━ ❝ are we out of the woods yet ! * ⟢ TRINITY ROYCE ━━ ❝ i can still make this whole place shimmer ! * ⟢ VALENTINA RUSSO ━━ ❝ cause fuck it i was in love ! * ⟢ WHITNEY BYERS ━━ ❝ long story short i survived !

[tomyo]

I know I suddenly posted a lot of backlog adventure stuff back to back haha but just a little lore building here. I felt some energy to actually try games after the rush of playing KH3. At the same time, games are hard alone bleh.

Next week though, I'm briefly staying with a friend who I might try to play through with on Sonic Riders and Nights. Last year when I visited him, I brought my Dreamcast down and we went through Jet Set Radio on it so this is the next playthrough together I guess hahaha.

I would of liked to play more Dreamcast games soon, however a lot of mine don't actually work at the moment. Shenmue and Sonic adventure need to be polished which is big oof anxiety and to a much less extent, Cooking Mama cook off. Might even trade that one in to be real. I think it'd probably be the most fun for us to one day attempt a Dream Cast Binge together. Shenmue will certainly be....a heavy meal of a game and other games like Time Stalkers and Space Channel 5 would just be fun with friends. I might even bring the 360 at some point so I can force him to do Free Riders with me too hahaha.

In general since basically buying every Harvest Moon game out there (as I write this I may or may not be getting grand bazaar and hero of leaf valley 💀) my attention jumped to my Sonic collection. Basically my biggest gap is with Wii era games surprisingly. When I was in elementary to early high school I was pretty big on the games and bought a lot of them for the sub $15 the GameCube ones cost at that time. There is a distinct pain over the fact the copy of Adventure XD I had I had to return for being to scratched given the prices now and for personal reasons, there's someone who I've wanted to be the one to give me their old copy of even though it won't ever happened hahaha. My biggest desires right now are to get my hands on Black Knight but I've also wanted a 360 copy of Unleashed, Generations, Zero Gravity, and Shadow the Hedgehog. Rush adventure and Shuffle also catch my eye but my wallet hurts enough as is. I really need to stop getting into game collecting.

Part of the reason to bring Sonic up is also because I'll probably be playing a replay of Sonic 06 with the friend who leant me his PS4. He apparently never played it but wants to and I love just... Backseat gaming rather than actually playing. Hahahah. Games can be magical but art takes up too much time in my life now. The switch has been helpful for my more on the go lifestyle these days but I often still run short on free time. Even now Ive been wasting work hours to do KH3 this past weekend.

I guess my final little ramble is back to my HM collection. God it's kinda scary how many games I had suddenly bought at once. I keep meaning to play but I know they're the kinda games I have to secretly dedicate a lot of time towards. If I do end up getting the two aforementioned with my recent impulse gets, I've pretty much achieved most major versions of the game. My biggest other missing ones probs come down to the Og Story of Seasons, A version of Back to Nature, and the FoMT remake. Another wonderful life is on there but I'm starting to question my need for that one when I hate all the bachelors which I'm required to marry. Overall though I've reached what feels like a pretty doable conclusion from all of those.

Playing them however.....is a separate case hahaha. I had briefly started a AWLSE run which I might try to pick up, I want to return to Animal Parade as well over the winter, and a Save the Homeland run should??? Be quick??? I just started a my little shop attempt which is a pretty pick up and put down game so I will likely do that daily with Animal Parade when I play that. Overall I think my biggest scare is the handheld games. They should be easier but they feel harder. I want to do A New beginning the most but the game mechanics are daunting. The DS cute Skye playthrough might end up being the better choice from those right now. Which leads me to question how long will I take to go through all those games since I haven't been playing them over the years like they were meant for.

I think if I do go through end of the year as I intend to, recovering from surgery, I will try to go through a bunch of them.

[allthatglxtters]

Skye smiled softly as he kissed her head, adoring the druid and his sweet nature. "It's really nothing, just...one of those days you know? I...I know I can be annoying, and overbearing, and sometimes people find me a chore to be around...but it'd been awhile since anyone told me as such. I...I guess hearing someone tell me again was upsetting. I thought maybe I was getting better ad not..not being too much." She could feel herself getting choked up just talking about it, the demigod quickly wiping under her eys as she added. "I'm fine, really. Just getting upset for no reason I suppose. Sorry you had to bother with me being a mess Halsin. I'll try to make it up to you."

halsin leaned down to place a kiss on top of her head. "do you wish to speak about it?" he wouldn't pressure her if she didn't. but would either offer advice or simply just listen if she did. halsin knew sometimes bad days happened and the best thing to do about them was to try and forget and move on. despite what people may perceive about him, he also had bad days.

[allthatglxtters]

@hxlcycnx || In response to this

Skye hadn't meant to surprise him, but she never missed the chance to show Cy affection when she saw one. Her arms moving around him to hug him back when he responded to her leaning on him, she smiled brightly and shook her head. "Nah, just like...feeling that you're there sometimes. Thanks for putting up with me big brother."

[busdriver-55]

ROMANCE BOOKS MASTER LIST

Romantic Comedies:  - The Hating Game by Sally Thorne  - The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa - Get a Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert - Roomies by Christina Lauren - My Favourite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren - The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang - The Bride Test by Helen Hoang - The Roomate by Rosie Danan - Girl Geek by Brenna Aubrey - Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade - The Accidental Movie star by Emily Evans. - So Sweet by Rebekah Weatherspoon - A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole - To Have and To Hate by R.S Grey - The Marriage Game by Sarah Desai - The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood - The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Chick-lit: - Beach Read by Emily Henry - People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry - The Flatshare by Beth O'leary - Sleepless in Manhattan by Sarah Morgan

Contemporary: - Hate Story by Nicole Williams - Mating Theory by Skye Warren - Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas  - The Beautiful Illusions Duet by Georgia Cates - From Lukov With Love by Mariana Zapata. - Dream Maker by Kristen Ashley

College/Highschool: - Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire - Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas - Tryst Six Venom by Penelope Douglas  - Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover  - Serenading Heartbreak by Ella Fields - Rikki by Abigail Strom - Out on Good Behaviour by Dahlia Adler - Rent A Boyfriend by Gloria Chao Emotional/Angsty: - Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover - All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover  - Confess by Colleen Hoover - Ghosted by J.M Darhower - Bright Side by Kim Holden - A Thousand Boy kisses by Tillie Cole - The Full Tilt Duet by Emma Scott - The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott - Forever Right Now by Emma Scott - Someday, Someday by Emma Scott  - Hard Time by Cara McKenna - Steadfast by Sarina Bowen - Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan - Most of All You by Mia Sheridan - More Than Words by Mia Sheridan  - Stinger by Mia Sheridan - Midnight Blue by L.J Shen - Master of Solitude by Cherise Sinclair

Dark: - The Devil's Night Series by Penelope Douglas - Credence by Penelope Douglas - The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent - Medicine Man by Saffron A. Kent - Dark Notes by Pam Godwin - Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters Mafia: - The Born In Blood Mafia Series by Cora Reilly - The Camorra Chronicles by Cora Reilly - The Scarlet Scars Duet by J.M Darhower  - The Kiss Thief by L.J Shen - The Made Series by Danielle Lori - Sinners Anonymous Duet by Somme Sketcher Erotic: - Torment Me by Annabel Joseph - Beast by Measha Stone - Bared to You by Sylvia Day Paranormal: - Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux - A Demon Bound by Debra Dunbar - The Selkie by Rosanna Leo - Deacon by Kristen Ashley  Historical:  - The Duke and I by Julia Quinn - Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas