#(No Literally I Am Going To CrY IF THEY KEEP DOING THIS)

[heartfullofleeches]

How do you think D.Angelo would react to D.kay?

(I know it literally couldn’t happen but due to some timely wimey stuff they get to meet)

D.Angelo was kept relatively in the dark about the secondary purpose of the androids created by his family's company. There would be an entire new level to his thoughts towards D.Kay if he knew they were an android with the directive to kill those who could not be saved from their emotions. If he had more time, D.Kay's father would've chosen a different vessel for his son's personality.

D.Angelo has very mixed feelings towards D.Kay - When he had first gotten sick, D.Angelo made it his goal to live on in the memories and hearts of those he loved. In a way, D.Kay is a method for him to carry on. He both wants D.Kay to exist because it'll soften the blow of his inevitable demise for a time, but he knows the android's existence will only hurt those he loves more in the long run.

D.Kay is not an exact one to one copy with D.Angelo. His personality was meshed with the fractions of the android's original code. Because of this, D.Angelo would settle his uneasiness towards them by viewing him as a younger brother.

D.Angelo was the type of person who could befriend nearly anyone- even himself.

-

"You'll keep the old man in check without me? Dad starting eat less than the scraps he already ate when I got sick... There shouldn't have to be two funerals this year...."

"Eh... Not exactly in my department.... Just kiddin' I'll watch him for you. He's kinda like my dad too, ain't he? By that logical our dad has a lot of kids. Guy gets around."

"Guess so.... And them? You'll make sure Y/n is.. okay? They're the last person I need crying over me. Say you'll hug them for me at the first drop of a tear?"

"Oh, I'll definitely look after them. Losing someone close to you is one of the toughest things a person could go through. They'll need all the support they can get."

"I don't like the way you said that. You try to chat up my best friend I will come back from the grave and unplug you everytime someone puts you up to charge-"

"Dude, I literally am you- You know a threat like that won't stop me. Just got upgraded with solar panels too."

[beddybites]

I'm absolutely obsessed with your "God Games" animation, I watch it everyday because it's just so beautiful and literally takes my breath away. You are so talented and I'm literally in awe of all your work!! Don't let anyone tell you that your art is not good because oh my goodness it is like my absolute favorite and I am quite literally your biggest fan!! Trust i will be posting a new fanfic or either the 21 trio or the pint sized pillars to go with the first one I posted because I think about them so much!! But yea I just wanted to say keep up the amazing work, I'm so proud of you and your talent and I love everything you do!! Keep an eye out for the next fic!! 🩷🩷

crying real tears this is so sweet. thank u so muhc tumblr user lucky_charmz1... Sobbing and crying

[florallylly]

i've seen model steve harrington aus. i've seen child steve harrington aus. i present: child model steve harrington

note: this came from my own desperate need to see this conceptualized and i SWEAR i've searched, i just can't find any content with child model steve so. :(

bc little steve harrington was remarkably cherub-like. his large brown eyes and soft pout ensured endless cooing and fussing from his mom's friends. and when he blushed and ducked his head in shyness, they only complimented him more. when he got home that day, his mom smiled at him.

so steve decided that he would put up with the cheek pinching and the squealing. he sat upright in his chair, sitting on his hands so he wouldn't fidget and ruin the image. because he'd do anything to keep his mom smiling at him. if he was being particularly good that day, she'd let him lay his head on her lap on the drive back home.

but everything changed at his father's birthday gala. a nearly eight year old steve harrington sat prim and proper in his seat, but a smile lit up his face--his cheeks round and his dimples showing up. he raised his hand up to cover his giggle, but he couldn't help but laugh at some silly old man with a loose toupee. then he sees his mom approaching, and his face quickly smooths over, going back to the more polite smile he usually adopted when it came to these events.

he'd ruined it. he hadn't continued being the sweet boy his mom wanted. but then, she smiles at him. and introduces him to the man behind her, who says he's a designer. the man holds out his hand, but when steve puts his hand into his palm, he doesn't shake it. the man simply holds his hand, his eyes scanning steve's face. steve tries not to squirm under the attention. but the man nods and smiles at his mom, and he gives two brief cheek kisses to steve, whispering in his ear "you're going to be a star, darling." steve looks at his mom, confused, but she waves him off to continue talking to the man.

a few months later, steve's mom whisks him off on a trip to france. and steve is so excited to go, nearly vibrating in his seat as the airplane prepares to take off. but instead of the eiffel tower and the seine, steve is taken to a studio. he's posed and changed. once again, he's being fussed over, but instead of wealthy socialites, gossiping make-up artists squeal over him. he's "perfect for the shoot" and "the most darling little boy." steve doesn't understand, but his mom is still smiling, so he lets the nice ladies brush powder over his face.

and he looks in the mirror. his hair is a little more tousled and his lips have a slight tint to them and his eyes seem to take up much of his face. he's put into new clothes, and he feels like a doll in their hands. and when he's put in front of the camera, he simply follows the photographer's directions. afterwards, he's bundled into the car and his mom can't stop gushing about how good he was.

apparently, he's a natural. and then she goes back to fussing over him, focusing more on appearance than his behavior now. but she takes him out shopping and they eat at an upscale restaurant along the champs-elysses. and steve is happy.

and then they go back home, and his mom is so much stricter than before. she has him try out all kinds of different hair products, determined to find the best combination to keep it looking shiny and soft. she controls his food intake and what he wears and makes him use weird creams and serums on his face. but this is what makes his mom happy, so he's happy to let her.

his mom is also on the phone a lot more lately, whispering harshly about the quality of brands and steve just assumes she's being picky about the clothes she buys. later, his mom picks him up and holds him, and asks if he'd like to move to italy. she looks at him intently and it's obvious what answer she wants, so steve nods. she smiles and holds him close, and it's the most loved steve has felt in a while.

so they move to italy, and suddenly steve is a lot more busy. he's put in front of more cameras for more people he doesn't know. but he's smiling and pouting and doing whatever they want him to do. his compliant attitude and polite nature have photographers and designers alike singing his praises, and steve always looks to his mom for approval. but she's been arguing with his dad a lot lately, so she's upset more often than not. but that's okay, the make-up artists are always kind to him.

but then one day, his mom takes a phone call in the middle of the shoot. and when it finishes, she's gone. steve goes back in, close to tears, but the make-up artists still hanging around look after him until a car is sent to pick him up. this becomes a trend. and eventually, steve goes alone to his shoots. he's always taken care of by the crew and someone is always there to pick him up, but it's not fun without his mom there.

but he knows that she's always enjoyed him taking pictures, so he continues to do so, hoping that she'll come watch him again sometime soon. and he busies himself with befriending the chatty make-up artists and the bossy photographers and the eccentric designers. and he's such a cute little thing that they can't help but dote on him.

steve is never catapulted into child stardom, as his mom is picky with his jobs, only choosing luxury brands and well known designers for him. but within the industry, they call him the "little prince."

and then steve is catapulted into puberty, but his intense skin regimen prevents him from getting acne, save for the occasional zit. and his diet and religious exercise schedule help maintain his look. and he's still doing remarkably well, especially now that he's fully aware that he is a Model.

and steve has truly grown into his looks. with time, he's grown more comfortable in front of the camera and made numerous friends. nearly all of them are older than him, but they're fun and loud and it fills up the space that normally surrounds him. and they're the ones who get him hooked on american movies. steve remembers living in america, but he's been in milan so long that everything he recalls is vague.

but he watches them and falls in love with the american high school experience. so when he finally catches his mom off the phone and actually in the house, steve asks if he can go to school in america. and his mom laughs. but steve keeps asking, which devolves into begging. and his mother snaps, slapping him across the face and calling him ungrateful. she cries and begs for forgiveness, cowed into shame by steve's desperate attempt to hold back tears.

and so she lets him go to school in hawkins, indiana. an odd choice, but his parents just so happened to own a property there. (in truth, both of his parents expected him to change his mind within the year). but steve finds his place at hawkins high, because even though nobody in hawkins has ever heard of versace, steve is pretty. he's pretty and charming and he knows the right thing to say. after all, he's spent his whole life perfecting his mask.

and even if his mom ended up moving back home with his dad, leaving steve all alone in that big empty house, steve is happy. he's finally hanging out with people his age and high school is so far removed from the glitz and glam of the fashion industry. and he's settled and content with tommy and carol by his side. while he misses his friends back in milan, steve finds himself longing for the clothes more often. hawkins was certainly the opposite of milan, what with the nearest mall being two hours away and only equipped with a macy's and jcpenny.

through it all, steve is determined to be normal. he laughs along with jokes he doesn't quite get and rolls his eyes at carol's cue, and he joins the swim team. and he joins the basketball team. and he goes to parties and kisses girls and wears dumb little polos with his letterman jacket and does everything that he saw in the movies.

but nancy wheeler is different. steve can't forget his time in italy and who he is and was, and he's reminded of his old life in everyone and everything in hawkins. but not nancy wheeler. she's all hawkins and all his. and then the upside down happens.

and then nancy wheeler breaks his heart.

even after three years, his parents continue to ask when he'll go back to modeling, but he's different now. the upside down and billy hargrove beat that starry eyed little kid who thrived in the spotlight. and nancy wheeler proved that adoration and love is fleeting, so what would even be the point of trying anymore? his dad was a little more approving of steve's retirement/hiatus, saying that steve must want to go to college so he can take over the family business.

but when steve doesn't get into college, he's once again badgered by his mom to go back. but he's grown and changed and he's not sure that he can pretend anymore, so he says no. and they cut him off. enter: scoops era.

the measly scoops salary is not nearly enough to cover all of the new bills and expenses steve has, but he's not willing to leave hawkins. so he reaches out to his friends back in italy, and they refer him to their american connections. steve doesn't model at the same level as before, but he poses for a couple of zines and one artist who got a little too handsy at his exhibition. but he's able to make it through until the mall blows up.

this routine continues and he starts working at family video with robin at his side, but he keeps his side job a secret from the kids, using the excuse of visiting his parents to leave town for his shoots. he's not ashamed, but he knows he wouldn't "be normal" anymore if they found out.

but how does he explain his near mental breakdown at the sight of his healing demobat scars. they're raised and ugly, ruining what should have been a perfect body. and even though he uses scar cream everyday, they refuse to fade away completely. and how could anyone stand to be near such an ugly thing when all his life, steve was meant to be pretty? after all, love and adoration is fleeting.

[immymothersproblem]

Of course I’m going to oblige. The angel represents all things good and guides my blade towards what’s right.

And the devil should be afraid. The might of god strikes fear into the hearts of everyone at some point, it’s about time he grew accustomed to what we are capable of.

Of course the party is going to be afraid as well. They have yet to see this much human blood moved from the insides of living beings to the outsides of dead ones. They just need to stay out of my way. I can handle it.

They took my sword. It’s fine. I suppose I can wait. We’ll get a room at the tavern. The gold won’t matter, the keepers will be dead soon anyway.

The angel grows more insistent. It must be tonight. I sneak out into the dead of night and begin my slaughter, starting with the inn staff. They don’t put up much of a fight.

Neither does the rest of the town. The blacksmith tries, but he doesn’t stand much chance against any powerful spells.

Maybe fireball was a bad idea. A column of smoke fills the sky as buildings burn. I try to keep the flames off the inn where the rest of the party still sleeps. At least, I assume they’re still asleep.

The screams of women and children and the anguished cries of their mourning relatives seem to wash over me. The angel on my shoulder seems pleased, and that’s enough for me.

Some try to run. They don’t get far.

I can feel the blood drying over my skin and clothes. Odd, how the metaphor feels when turned literal. I don’t feel like a bad person. The angel wanted this, and the angel is good. That means this is good, and I am good for carrying it out.

I don’t remember when the devil stopped his protests. I didn’t even realize he had protested. He is quiet now, unable to speak, I think, or having given up on trying. It’s about time. I’ll be better off without his voice of evil.

My party stops me from finishing off the last of them. They’re crying. I try to reassure them that the end of this people was good. How? Because the angels demanded it, and angels are good. What do you mean, ‘what angels?’ I’m a cleric, the holy hand of god. I know an angel when I see it. No, the angels are good. I promise. Stop fighting this. They needed to die for a greater purpose. No, I can’t tell you what it is. I’m just following orders.

Fine then. Leave. Good luck healing without me.

The voice from my shoulder says I shouldn’t leave them alive. So I don’t. An eldrich blast is enough to end them.

The demon on my shoulder cackles with glee at the bloodshed, pleased that I had followed his orders, while the angel sat in horrified silence.

…When did they switch?

You have found a peaceful village. The angel on your shoulder is enraged, however, and is demanding you slaughter everyone there. The devil on your shoulder looks genuinely afraid of the angel but also has no clue why they're so mad.

[melatien]

tiny yoichi (unwillingly) lures out soldiers by being his helplessness little self so his brother can strike

[romantic-ageru-yo]

GT thoughts part 3 - first-time watching the Super 17 saga

I really liked the tournament filler episode, poor Satan omg, he misses his buddy so much! I love Pan keeping up the tradition of throwing these tournaments because 'fame and fortune ew' xD Also Uub not being able to fight Satan because of his Buu-influence almost made me cry, Satan and Uub need to hang out together and be friends, that should be a thing! ;-;

Earth Gero gets to meet Space Gero! This saga made it even more obvious that they are literally just the same person (both visually and personality-wise) If you pulled a line of dialogue out of this saga and asked me to tell you which one of them said it, I honestly wouldn't be able to tell you xD

Poor Trunks getting completely beaten up by a corrupted 17, his future-self warned him about this shit!! -_-

All the past villains returning from Hell to cause chaos reminded me of Fusion Reborn, so nothing really to say here other than I wish they spent a bit longer on some of those fights. Vegeta VS Nappa could've been a whole THING, they have so much history together, and yet I can't even remember Nappa getting a single line of dialogue here

I loved Chi-Chi and Videl getting sick of being on the sidelines and running off to go join the battle, that is so much truer to both their characters than Super ever was; Chi-Chi was always trying to run off to battles strapped with automatic weapons, Videl used to run out of classes to go fight crime! These are not 'sit back and do nothing' girls! I only wish that Bulla was also interested in getting in on some of the action here too... one day, one series will finally let her do something

But speaking of the girls, that leads me to my absolute favourite part about this saga...

18 is my favourite character, and letting her have both the hardest emotional gut-punch and be a vital part of defeating the villain? I am very very happy =u= <3

Krillin's death scene DESTROYED me, there was so much emotion; from 17 still caring enough about 18 that he took the time to come looking for her, Krillin begging 18 not to join 17 on his rampage, 17 one-shotting Krillin because Krillin was starting to get through to him, 18's screams of grief (god I hope that voice actress didn't hurt her throat), 18 beating the shit out of her own brother (something we've never seen before!) 17 then deciding to one-shot Marron because he still can't bring himself to fire at 18, and 18 stepping in front of the blast because 'no you fucking don't that's my daughter' There was so so much to that scene 100/10 perfection, thank you GT <3 <3 <3

And then! Later when Goku looks like he's about to be done in, 18 steps back in, and 17 still can't bring himself to harm her, they love each other so so much omg, having the key to defeating the villain being to appeal to his love for his sibling was so touching and something that barely ANY franchises ever do, everything's always about romantic love, but sibling love is just as important and valid <3

And then!! Goku comforting 18 afterwards because she's just lost both her husband and her twin brother, two of the most important people in her life, Goku is such a sweetheart, thank you Goku ;-; <3

One final arc to go, and the Dragon Balls are cracked but I'm sure they're fine I'm sure all of this is fiiiiiine what could go wrong... >_>;

I've made it one of my goals this year to fill in some of the gaps in my Dragon Ball knowledge and watch the movies/series/etc that I've never watched properly before; we're starting with Dragon Ball GT which I only saw a few random episodes of back in the 90s and I remember not really liking what I saw of it at the time

I've just finished the Black Star Dragon Ball saga, so here are a few first impressions from a proper watch-through

It's definitely just giving me OG Dragon Ball vibes with little shit Goku and wacky adventures with shooting Kamehamehas at volcanoes (why is that a recurring thing, and why does it work xD) and dressing Trunks up as a woman to trick the guy who's kidnapping girls is just the whole Oolong thing all over again, it's very nostalgic

Trunks is like 'we can't get involved in other planets' politics!!' and then they uh... get involved in every planets' politics that they land on xD Also Trunks being as terrible at flying/landing the spaceship as Bulma was in the Namek arc? Perfection, 10/10, no notes <3

Pan is fine in this, I don't know why I've seen people complain that she's horrible in GT? (unless I just haven't reached the parts with her being terrible yet, or she's terrible in the dub which isn't the version I'm watching) She's just acting like a bratty preteen because, y'know, she IS a preteen?? Also she's giving me strong Videl vibes which I love, back when Videl was allowed to have a personality, I actually like Pan a lot more as a character after what I've seen so far

I've seen people bring up the Para Para Brothers before when showing examples of why they think GT is bad, but why have I never seen anyone complain about the absolutely disgusting creep that sexually assaults Pan while she's in doll form?? The Para Para Brothers were fine by comparison, annoying and odd perhaps, but the other guy was literally making me feel physically ill

They really just abuse the crap out of this poor little robot omg where are the robot protection services?? Please protect this little guy!!

Myuu is just Space Gero, that's all I've been calling him, that's his name now

You know I can kind of see why some people ship Trunks & Pan; this show gives them a lot of chemistry together and never bothers to explain the weird age gap. If this was the only Dragon Ball series you'd ever seen for whatever reason, and you didn't have the context, you probably would pair them together... which then raises the question of why do GT and Super both kind of set Trunks up with these girls he has weird age gaps with?? Give this poor man an actual non-problematic love interest, he has already suffered enough!

Anyway, I'm onto the Baby saga now, which I know means we're going back to Earth to spend more time with the characters I'm actually interested in, so yay!!

[mylove-thresher]

I am going to shoot myself in the head

[writingbylee]

is this atrociously late? yes. am i still hyped as fuck? also yes.

for real though i’m so sorry that i’ve been so radio silent/inactive lately. i’d say that i’m going to be better from now on, but truly i have no idea because… well the state of the world, ya know?

NEVERTHELESS I PERSIST and i am HERE TO SCREAM ABOUT ELAYNA

The space between them stretches for miles. Cerelle stands only yards away yet Elayna imagines an ocean's worth of distance in the empty space.

OW. Cerelle might piss me off but also the space between her and Elayna after what Johanna said makes my heart ache. just let the sapphics be happy!!!! (not @ you Perse, i know you also want the sapphics to be happy)

Two thoughts cross Elayna’s mind: either the smile on Alia's face is fake, or the other girl just finished making babies cry for fun.

GODDAMN ELAYNA!!! fuck Alia Oakheart amiright? (jk but actually i’m obsessed with this introduction of her and i would LOVE to know more about her!!)

“Marriages cannot be even exchanges. Tyshara won't marry a Reyne.”

well that’s a cold fucking sentence, Cerelle damn. thanks for the reminder that you view Elayna’s house as lesser than yours both in standing and in respectability.

She doesn't deserve to touch Cerelle. Elayna's hands flex and curl into fists, but she closes her eyes and breathes in slowly. It keeps her from swinging on Alia. She forces a smile.

i LOVE this as both a reminder of how much Elayna is able to control her emotions when it serves her, while also being a reminder of just how deeply and fiercely Elayna loves. like she breaks just a smidge because she curls her hands into fists but she manages to calm herself and force a smile because she knows that her love isn’t welcome in the space. it’s so sad but SO powerful.

“I must speak with him alone.” Cerelle pauses. “I really shan't be but a moment.”

hmmmmmmmmm what is she up to?? what does she need to tell Tymon in secret?? I WANNA KNOW

However, given Alia is in the wrong, she has nothing to be sorry for. Alia never knows what she is talking about.

ELAYNA. lowkey i love this representation of Elayna’s hubris, as well earned as it may be. like yes obviously Elayna is a strategic mastermind, but she’s also still young and can still be driven to rash behavior by an annoying peer. you build characters with such nuance and it’s SO GOOD PERSE.

this whole exchange with Alia is SO GOOD. like the way Elayna can tell that she should view Alia’s grin as a warning but pushes past that thought in her head to continue acting in a brash way because that’s what she wants to do in that moment, consequences be damned. their dynamic is so interesting, and i almost hope we see more of it even though from a non-analytical perspective i think Alia is a bitch.

Elayna sits across from her father, an embroidery hoop in her hand.

incredibly off topic from what i was just talking about but this is such a good lowkey way to show how good Elayna is at embroidery?? like to do it in a moving vehicle??? that shit is impressive as fuck— i tried to embroider in a car once and i stabbed the fuck out of myself with the needle like every other stitch and then i just gave up.

She clings to the explanation.

ow OW OW OW. this hurts. i’m literally about to tear up and Alon has literally only said one sentence.

He has never once fractured her trust; it stands as steady as the rocks beneath their feet. He has never once let her down. He will never do so.

i’m fine i’m fine i’m so totally normal and fine😭😭😭

“You may. You won't get them, but you may ask.”

this is such a dad sentence oh my GOD

“Really? I hadn't noticed. You should tell me these things.”

SO IS THIS ONE OH MY GOD

… she can see sorrow in his eyes. He sighs.

ELAYNA. ALON. OW. THEM. THIS RELATIONSHIP. I SIMPLY CANNOT.

Elayna and Alon talking shit is my new favorite thing. get them a gossip podcast right now— i would be SAT

PERSEPHONE!!!!!!!!!!! this chapter is so good. the introduction of Alia and Alon. the tension between Elayna and Cerelle. The ease of Elayna and Alon’s relationship and banter. it’s all so masterfully woven together. i’m so excited to jump into this story again and think about these characters— you’ve threaded them into this world so skillfully that they just belong. it’s such a difficult thing to do with OCs, and you’ve done it again and again in this story and this chapter. it’s just… really really good. thank you for sharing this story with us💕💕💕

Wheel of Fortune: Magician (Reversed)

Story summary: Elayna Reyne often imagines herself being someone and making a name for herself but only in the way young girls do. Unfortunately, when Elayna makes her way to King's Landing as one of Cerelle Lannister's ladies-in-waiting, Elayna finds dreams come with a price.

Chapter summary: Almost at King's Landing, Elayna finds her circumstances changing. Anxiety and pride mix, causing her to make deals she may regret.

Masterlist

Prologue

Elayna pauses when she steps out of her tent.

The air here tastes different; she isn't sure if she likes it or not. At first, the smell of fresh river water delights her sense. It makes her think of home. Now, as they approach King's Landing and the coast, the water seems less like home.

They still have several more days to King's Landing. Their camp sits on the edge of Blackwater Rush. Gold Road crosses it twice on their way towards the Red Keep, and although it strays from the water, it never strays too far. Elayna wishes it would. She doesn't like the smell or feel of this river. No. She much prefers mountain water to this.

Elayna lifts her upper lip in disgust when the wind blows her way. Out of the corner of her eye, she watches Cerelle emerge from her own tent. Cerelle makes a face not too dissimilar from her own.

Their eyes meet.

The space between them stretches for miles. Cerelle stands only yards away yet Elayna imagines an ocean's worth of distance in the empty space. Elayna swallows. Cerelle purses her lips. She looks away first towards the campfires. Even though Elayna can't truly see how she looks, melancholy rolls off Cerelle in waves.

Elayna's feet move without her permission. She makes her way towards Cerelle, consequences be damned. She may speak to Cerelle if she wishes.

Besides, she has been meaning to ask Cerelle if she might ride with her father today. Alon specifically asked last night for her to check.

“Lady Cerelle. May I ask something?”

Cerelle turns to face Elayna fully. Dark circles highlight her lack of restful sleep. While her hair is intricately braided and done, wisps of blonde hair appear everywhere. Her pale skin almost seems to emphasize her condition, making her look almost sickly. She stares at Elayna for a second before slowly nodding.

“Of course.”

“Would it... would it be alright if I rode with my father today? I would like to spend some time with him.”

“I don't see a problem with this.” Cerelle nods her acquiescence. Elayna smiles at her.

“Thank you.” Elayna doesn't move yet. She wants to say something, to address the awkwardness between them. She takes a single step forward. “I- I have something else I want to speak with you about.”

“Don't.” The sudden sternness in Cerelle's tone makes Elayna flinch. Cerelle clears her throat before looking away from her. One of her hands finds the hem of her sleeve. She toys with it for a second before speaking. “I have spoken with mother. She's informed me of the decisions that have been made.”

Cerelle lifts her head and looks at Elayna over her shoulder. One perfectly curled strand of blonde hair falls over it and down her back. Cerelle's rueful expression snaps Elayna immediately back to the present.

“I was told to pursue other, more fruitful, ventures.”

Ah.

Despite the sadness in Cerelle's tone, a quiet weight lifts off Elayna’s chest. It helps, oddly enough. The thought of no longer being miserable alone but Cerelle sharing in her misery helps her. Elayna hates Cerelle feels that way, but at least she knows now she didn't sit in misery and silence by herself.

Elayna shifts from foot to foot. She tries to think of what to say, to tell Cerelle. She wants to tell the truth, but she would risk incriminate herself in the process.

“Would it help if I-”

“Cerelle! Elayna!”

Both Elayna and Cerelle turn to face the newcomer. Elayna bites down on the inside of her cheek to keep from scowling. Alia Oakheart makes her way over to the two of them, a pleasant smile on her face. Two thoughts cross Elayna’s mind: either the smile on Alia's face is fake, or the other girl just finished making babies cry for fun. The third thought that makes its way into the forefront of Elayna’s mind, and the one most likely the truth, is Alia has been charged with making sure she and Cerelle don't spend anytime alone.

Elayna hates her all the more for it.

Elayna never quite understood why Cerelle never did anything to have Alia sent back home. Sure, it would most likely cause issues, but those would be worth it to not have Alia hovering around them. She can't put a finger on the point she started to dislike Alia; all she knows is everything Alia does grates her nerves. Even Alia sneezing sets Elayna’s teeth on edge.

Maybe it's because Alia thinks she's as smart, if not smarter, than Elayna. Maybe it's because she always feels an air of judgment from Alia, as if Alia knows about her and Cerelle and is waiting to expose them. Maybe it's because Alia is just a bitch. Whatever quality Alia possesses that Elayna hates, Alia has in a massive quantity.

Alia stops when she reaches the two of them. She smiles at them.

“What are the two of you doing down here? We're about to break camp.”

“Elayna was asking if she might ride with her father today.” Cerelle stands up slowly. She shifts into her usual self, but her heart clearly isn't in it. Elayna nods.

“I was. Cerelle has been gracious enough to allow me to do so.” Elayna knows her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes.

Despite the surface level pleasantness of the interaction, the undercurrent of awkward tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. Alia doesn't prod or push, but she clearly seems to think something more is going on, based on the slightly suspicious look on her face. Cerelle, for her part, isn't helping. She looks anywhere but Elayna, her gaze eventually settling on a tent in the distance.

A squeal of absolutely delighted laughter makes both Cerelle and Elayna turn. The sound comes from down closer to the river.

“Ryman! Stooop, ‘tis not funny.” Despite Tyshara's words, she grins. She blushes, her cheeks a light shade of pink. Ryman sits beside her. The situation doesn't look indecent; Tyshara's two closest confidants and Ryman's two friends all sit clustered together so the pair aren't alone. Still, Ryman leans in a little closer than socially appropriate. He whispers to Tyshara. His words cause her entire face to go pink.

Elayna looks to Cerelle out of instinct. Much to her surprise, Cerelle glances back at her. One of her eyebrows raises. Elayna snorts.

“Elayna, I think your brother might have designs on Tyshara.” Alia Oakheart's voice comes out almost sing-song. Her eyes glitter with genuine delight. Elayna shakes her head with a small smile.

“I doubt that. He plays too much.”

“This looks like some very serious playing.” Alia nudges Elayna with her shoulder. Elayna instinctively pushes back against her.

“It shan't happen.” Both Elayna and Alia turn to look at Cerelle. Cerelle stares forward. She watches the meandering river. “Marriages cannot be even exchanges. Tyshara won't marry a Reyne.”

An awkwardness pervades the air for a second. Alia breaks it.

“No one said anything of marriage. Designs don't guarantee outcomes.” She almost titters. Cerelle tears her gaze away from the river to look at the pair. She catches Elayna’s eye. Elayna cocks her head ever so slightly to the side and shrugs, lifting her eyebrows as she does so. Elayna keeps her gaze trained on Cerelle to make sure she catches her quick eye roll.

For a second, Alia's expression falls. Her eyes flick between Elayna and Cerelle of them. She truly looks crestfallen. A twinge of guilt makes itself known. Elayna averts her gaze. She clears her throat.

“Shall we go break our fast?” Elayna offers. Normally, Cerelle smoothes over any minor slights when it comes to the three of them. She manages their small group. Elayna knows how, but Alia makes it difficult. She never seems to believe Elayna, no matter how earnest she actually is.

“That sounds perfect!” Alia beams. “Cerelle, don't tell us you're not hungry.”

Cerelle stares at Alia. The dark circles around her eyes makes her expression seem sunken. After a moment, she nods.

“Yes. That... that sounds good.”

“Excellent!” Alia smiles. She moves forward and grabs Cerelle's wrist. Elayna swallows down a sudden wave of rage. Alia shouldn't touch Cerelle. She doesn't deserve to touch Cerelle. Elayna's hands flex and curl into fists, but she closes her eyes and breathes in slowly. It keeps her from swinging on Alia. She forces a smile.

The three of them make their way down to where everyone else is. Elayna notes her father and Johanna sitting at the head of the group, clearly deep in discussion. Johanna’s eyes briefly leave Alon. Even from this distance, the intensity of Johanna’s gaze nearly makes Elayna stop. She regards Elayna coolly. After a moment, she turns her attention back to Alon.

Elayna purses her lips. A sense of unease creeps over her. She turns her attention back to Cerelle and Alia in an attempt to ignore her discomfort. Still, it nags at her, prickling in the back of her mind. Elayna follows the other two women to the fires. The smell of food causes Elayna's stomach to rumble. She blushes, embarrassment coursing through her. For a second, she swears she hears Alia giggle. Her suspicions are confirmed when Alia nudges Cerelle with her elbow.

Her heart soars when Cerelle gives Alia a dirty look. Elayna doesn't even bother to hide her smirk.

Their meal consists of bread and some cheese. Their journey demands they eat, especially since setting up in the middle of the day just to eat makes no sense. They can close the distance within two or three nights. Extra breaks mean a longer journey, and everyone wants to reach their destination. Even Elayna finds herself irritated with people; she has no place to hide when she tires of everyone else.

The group sits by the river. Elayna nibbles on her bread. Cerelle barely touches her. Alia seems to be the only one enjoying her food. After several long minutes of silence, Cerelle stands. She moves to her feet rather quickly. Both Alia and Elayna look at her.

“I wish to speak my brother. I shan't be but a moment.”

This time, Alia and Elayna exchange confused expressions. Cerelle and Tymon have grown closer on the trip, so her words aren't unexpected. It's more the delivery and suddenness with which she stands.

“Are you su-” Alia begins, but Cerelle quickly interrupts.

“I must speak with him alone.” Cerelle pauses. “I really shan't be but a moment.”

Elayna nods. While she is just as curious as Alia, Cerelle's tone and expression make Elayna think better of asking what is going on. Besides, if it is important, Cerelle will tell her in time. She thinks. Despite her best efforts, Elayna's faith in Cerelle isn't as strong as it once was. Elayna tries to dismiss it, but it bothers her more than she wants to admit.

“If you need us, we'll be here.” Alia practically chirps. Cerelle nods before making her way towards Tymon and his friend. Elayna watches her march determinedly across the grass towards them.

“So.” Alia clears her throat and looks at Elayna. Her eyes sparkle with barely contained mischief and a deviousness that worries Elayna. “You may be betrothed to Tymon?”

“Mayhaps.”

Alia grins. “And what is your plan to get out if it?”

It takes every ounce of Elayna’s self-control to not recoil. Her upper lip twitches.

“Pardon me?”

“You always have to have a plan. I want to know what it is.” Alia leans in close to Elayna. “So tell me. What is it?”

“You make it sound as if I'm constantly scheming.”

Alia raises an eyebrow. “Are you not?”

“I don't scheme! Planning for the future is not scheming.”

“No, that isn't. What you do is.” Alia laughs at Elayna’s expression. It's almost vicious, and Elayna nearly bares her teeth at her. “Don't tell me that you don't realize that's what you do.”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.” Elayna bites her bread a little more viciously than needed.

“Ohohoho, I finally know something the great Elayna Reyne doesn't.” Alia almost sneers.

“Considering I know what a plan is versus a scheme...”

“Planning means you have a general plan. However, since all of your plans end up with you not only surviving, but you coming out on top? You don't plan. You scheme.”

Elayna huffs. Irritation courses through her and takes over her mouth before she can stop it.

“You shouldn't speak of things you have no knowledge of. It makes you look even more ignorant.”

A brief flash of hurt crosses Alia's face. Were Elayna not so upset, she might apologize. However, given Alia is in the wrong, she has nothing to be sorry for. Alia never knows what she is talking about. Alia presses her lips together.

“I bet you can't do it.”

“Can't do what?” Elayna raises an eyebrow.

“I bet you can't get out of this betrothal.”

“Again. You shouldn't speak on things you know nothing about.”

“Do it then.” Alia tilts her head. “You won't. You can't.”

Elayna sets her piece of bread down in her lap. She stares Alia down.

“Not only will I prove you wrong, but I'll do one even better. I shall get out of this betrothal by getting into a better one.” Elayna lifts her head. Her nostrils flare. She keeps her eyes trained on Alia's, jutting out her chin. She dares Alia to challenge her.

Alia doesn't back down. Instead, she grins. It's a sly grin, one Elayna should heed as a warning. Elayna's lip twitches.

“Prove me wrong then." Alia actually smirks at her. Elayna's fingers twitch. She glares venom at Alia, visions of strangling her or bashing her head into the table dancing through her head.

“Oh, I shall.”

*********************************************

The carriage creaks as it goes down the road. Elayna sits across from her father, an embroidery hoop in her hand. Focusing on her stitchwork not only helps the time pass but also eases her anxiety. It gives her fingers and hands an alternative to picking at stray fibers or her nails.

“I spoke with Lady Johanna.”

Elayna blinks and looks at her father. Alon keeps his hands on the handle of his cane. At first, seeing her father with a cane nearly sent her into a spiral. He could not be so old and feeble as to need a cane to keep himself upright. She wouldn't allow it. Her fears ease as she sees him use it infrequently. She only really sees him use it after a particularly brutal day of travel.

It concerns her he uses it more and more often. The use of carriage instead of horseback also bothers her; she tries to attribute it to his age. Surely it must get uncomfortable riding when one reaches his age. She clings to the explanation.

“Did you?” Elayna tries to keep her tone neutral. Hope creeps in despite itself. Maybe her father talked some sense into Lady Johanna. If anyone could, it would be him. She knows this, is certain of this fact. When all else fails, Elayna can count on her father to not only have her back but find a graceful way out of the situation.

Some might call what faith she has in him blind faith, but it's not. Blind faith implies he could let her down yet she takes the risk in trusting him. No. This isn't blind faith. Elayna knows he has her. He has never once fractured her trust; it stands as steady as the rocks beneath their feet. He has never once let her down. He will never do so.

“It was a productive conversation.”

Patience has never been one of Elayna’s strong suits. Having a potential answer to her problems but not knowing the specific details drives her more than a little mad. She cannot solve her issue if a piece is being purposefully withheld from her. Elayna looks at her father expectantly.

“How so?”

Alon leans back some. He presses his lips together slightly, clearly considering his words carefully. Elayna fights to keep still.

“We may have reached a compromise.” Alon states. His tone carries an odd sense of finality to it, one that sets Elayna on edge.

“May I ask for details?”

“You may. You won't get them, but you may ask.”

Elayna's expression must betray her because Alon shakes his head. A soft hiccup of a laugh betrays the fondness in the gesture. Elayna huffs and leans back. She crosses her arms over her chest and looks out the window. This time, Alon's laughter is unmistakable. Elayna glowers at the trees lining the road. She knows how ridiculous she must look, pouting because she isn't given the information she wants, and Alon's laughter only further makes her feel silly. She gets why he's laughing; it doesn't mean she appreciates it.

“I'm not keeping information from you on purpose.” Alon breaks the silence first. His tone shifts from amused to soothing. He shifts in his seat, the sound carrying a little in the carriage. “Things are not solidified as of yet. When I know more, I shall tell you.”

Elayna nods. Despite herself, her shoulders drop away from her ears and ease down her back. She closes her eyes and inhales slowly. She needs to trust, trust her father and his plans.

“I know.” Elayna winces at how her voice comes out a petulant whine. She huffs a quick breath to try and pull herself together. “I know you will. I just... I do not do well with uncertainty.”

“Really? I hadn't noticed. You should tell me these things.”

His words earn him the nastiest glare Elayna can muster. Alon isn't bothered by it; he merely leans back in his seat and looks out the window. Both hands sit on the pommel of his cane, one resting on the other. The grin on his face is infuriating. Elayna isn't the only one who thinks so. Everyone knows Alon's sword skills were only as good as they were because they had to match his wit.

They sit in silence for a long moment. Elayna listens to the carriage roll along, turning her attention back out the window. She frowns at the passing trees. Despite her best efforts, her teeth dig into and pick at the inside of her cheek and lip. She fidgets. Elayna glances down to her hands and then out the carriage window. She shifts her weight from one hip to the other and then back. She sighs. One of her hands comes up to play with some of the stray curls not captured in her braids. She sighs again. Eventually, Elayna clears her throat and turns to face her father.

“I truly don't like knowing.” Elayna confesses. “I know you shall do right by me. I...” she sighs, “I don't want to marry Tymon. I understand the advantages and what it would do for us, but I cannot. I could never love him. And I know that isn't required for marriage but I have to be able to at least stand my husband, but I could never ever stand him.”

Tears begin to form in her eyes unbidden. She swallows hard. The outpouring of emotion startles even her. She stares at Alon, lip wobbling.

“I don't want to.” She knows she sounds like a child, but it sums up how she feels perfectly.

Alon watches her. The look on his face isn't cold or impassive, far from it. While his face is perfectly schooled, she can see sorrow in his eyes. He sighs.

“The current plan is to find you a better match.” Alon speaks carefully, each word specifically chosen. His reluctance to tell her sits heavy in the air yet Elayna's heart swells. She knows the signs of victory when she sees them. “I won't tell you who. But that is the plan.”

Elayna nods and swallows. Gratefulness and relief creep into her in equal measure. She smiles at Alon, and she watches some of the sadness in his eyes leave.

“Thank you.” She murmurs. Elayna can't find any other words. Alon leans back once more and settles himself in his seat. Curiosity burns through her. It tries to pry her mouth open, but Elayna keeps it shut. Alon clearly sees the conversation as finished; he closes his eyes. Elayna swallows hard. A million and one worries dance through her head. She breathes in slowly.

“Elayna. I would not do anything to bring you harm.” Alon keeps his eyes closed. Elayna nods and turns her head.

“I know.” She presses meaning into the simple phrase. Having been at Casterly Rock for so long, trust seems as unfamiliar as a friend who she long lost contact with due to being oceans apart. The danger present in such emotion makes her skin itch. Still, Elayna places her trust in him.

“You shall be fine. I promise you this.”

Elayna picks up her needlework once more. She moves slowly and far less viciously.

“Did I tell you.” Alon interrupts the silence. He still keeps his eyes closed, but his tone makes Elayna look up from her work. “I heard the most interesting rumor about James Crakehall the other day.”

“Oh?” Elayna tilts her head to the side. She finds Lord Crakehall repulsive for many different reasons, a fact she expresses to Alon whenever his name comes up. She distinctly remembers the old man leering at her when she was but two and ten. Neither her nor Alon will ever forgive the offense. “And what did he do now?”

“To my knowledge, there are two new Hills. Unofficially of Crakehall. Of course.”

“And? We know there to be at least 5 Hills a year born there.” Elayna scoffs. “More if rumors are to be believed.”

“None who's mother is newly six and ten.” Alon raises an eye. Elayna drops her needlework in her lap.

“Tell me you jest. Where did you even find out this information?”

“We aren't the only ones who dislike him.” Alon shrugs. “While I have never heard of him officially trying anything untoward, Dustin Plumm seems to have the same gripes as us.”

“Six and ten?”

“Aye. Six and ten.”

“And to think my opinion of the man could have been no lower.” Elayna scoffs. “If it were any lower, it would be in the Seven Hells themselves.”

Alon laughs. The laughter turns into a cough, one seemingly rattling Alon's very bones. Elayna sits up with alarm, needlework clattering to the floor of the carriage. Alon grunts. He waves her away.

“I'm fine.”

Despite him forcing each word through his breathlessness, Alon's tone is sharp, sharper than normal. Elayna hesitates, but Alon opens one eye to level her with a look. She holds up her hands in surrendered before sitting back down. After a moment, she bend forward and picks up her work.

“And how do you know Lord Plumm has the same complaints as us?”

“I have my sources.”

Elayna resists the urge to roll her eyes. Instead, she looks back out the window. The distance between her and her fate closes with each turn of the carriage wheels. She purses her lips together. Gossiping about other people's misfortune would keep her mind off of her own impending doom.

“And what of Lord Crakehall? What does he say to the accusations?”

[quins-makeshift-menagerie]

Brb gotta just yell into the void

[cranberrymoons]

.

[bunnyboy-juice]

would y'all still think I'm hot if i slammed my head into a wall repeatedly until i started bleeding?

[seaofreverie]

First day back at the university and I still suck at this exactly as much as I did 4 years ago

[swag-system]

YOU'RE A LOSER, WITH A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF FRIENDS.....

[cosmogyros]

.

[stuck-in-the-ghost-zone]

MAC OHHH MY FUCKING GOD. ONE OF THE EPISODES OF A SHOW EVER HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BE NORMAL AFTER THIS???? HOW???? how long is he going to be FUCKING DEAD FOR!!!! the ashe & mark argument that i felt deep within my soul & miserable on behalf of both parties about them!!! dakotaisms!!! the fucking like. genre conflict of their sillygoofy teen titans shenanigans with a real world where there r men with guns who will simply kill you!! THEYRE WEEKENDING AT BERNIES WILLIAM WISPS PURPLE MORPH SUIT COVERED CORPSE. kicking down your door with a loud bang & then just standing there wild eyed kind of shaking and trembling like a chihuahua

DUUUUDE DUDE DUDE DUDE HEAH. FUCK. s1e19 definitely one of my favorites of all time. i listened to that one during the back half of my shift this afternoon and got to the ashe/mark argument just as i was starting pm checks.... standing in the cramped laundry room in the basement washing my filter socks like

i think about them so much dude. AND THEYRE BOTH RIGHT. WHICH MAKES IT HURT MORE. LIKE. BOTH THEIR SIDES ARE SO REAL. i cannot wait for u to learn more about them pleaseeeee i need 2 talk winters family analysis with you when you get to . certain parts. season 2 is gonna fucking wreck u i know it.

BUT. THEY BALANCE IT OUT WITH THE SILLIES SO VERY FUCKING WELL. GOD. good fucking show dude. good fucking show !!!!!! williams ghost throwing ice cubes at mark while his fucking. rotting corpse sits in the bathtub!!! what thefuck man

[neechees]

I love my niece and nephew but my sister literally keeps dumping them with me & expecting me to babysit without paying me despite the fact she has a job, & I'm tired of being treated as free labor for her