#Also made this to conquer my fear of the song by having to look at the death scene whenever I boot my tablet

[era4o4]

Themed my home screen after Tomcat Disposables. Made my own custom icons n stuff as seen in the taskbar

the wallpaper moves btw. It's the ending scene to the music video after he falls.

Defo my favourite song out of icimi. Absolute masterpiece.

Also, if there's anyone else who wants to theme their home screen off ww or wwatt songs and want a small few custom icons to match. Litterally just send me an ask or reblog with images of what aesthetic to base them off of and I'll make em. It was strangely fun to do

[enhastolemyheart]

enha + boyfriend moments ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

pairing non idol!enha x fem!reader warnings none genre fluff est. relationship nets @k-films @kflixnet

a/n I wanted to try something different this time. sorry i went mia for so long :(( i decided to do something for all of enha boys and i hope u enjoy!! also i totally forgot abt jungwon's allergies while writing his part so less jus pretend he is not allergic to cats :((

banners by @cafekitsune

LEE HEESEUNG ツ

i feel like heeseung would always and i mean ALWAYS trap you between himself and whatever other object is there near you. I honestly feel he loves to see you flustered and ears all burning red just from a mere touch as he very smoothly traps you between his arms, nowhere to escape. like, the look on your face is such a ego booster and this little "moment" has to happen at least once a day. It is just a heeseung coded move and it gets you worked up every single time.

"hee, I just had to go get groceries real quick, can you let me go?" You try to excuse yourself from his hold as you were trapped between the counter and his arms. "no baby," he bends to meet your eye level, "you left without giving me a kiss." he moves in so close you think you'll combust. "cmon baby, make it up to me."

more under the cut!

PARK JONGSEONG ツ

we all know Jay's love language is acts of service and maybe even gift giving. cmon, its obvious that jay is the kind of person to always buckle your seatbelt for you, open any kind of door for you, cook meals that remind you of your culture and hometown, likee he is literally the sweetest boyfriend ever. he's perfect. he is also the type to always have a belonging of your in his bag whenever you both are outside. like that is so jay coded.

your day started with a quick breakfast at a cafe, and then your extravaganza at the amusement park. You and jay went through it all, the amazing food, the thrilling rides. he even held your hand the whole through the roller coaster to help you conquer your fear. he was there every step of the way and you both had so much fun. the sun had started setting and so you both get seated at a highly reviewed restaurant in the park for dinner. Just as the food came, you wanted to tie your hair up, feeling scorching due the humid air and all that walking you did. noticing you were having trouble finding your tie, Jay casually puts his wrist closer to you where a hair tie was sitting. "here, i kept an extra."

SIM JAEYUN ツ

jake is definitely the type of boyfriend to take you out on night drives. windows rolled down, music blasting in the air, one hand on the wheel and the other intertwined with yours. you couldn't have spent your night with jake in any other way. he loves you with all his heart and i feel like one way of showing it is through songs, so what's better than listening to playlist he made for when he thought of you, while riding around the city at its most quiet hour?

"baby, i just added some new songs to the playlist." he confesses, giving your knuckles a sweet kiss before bringing it back onto your lap. "yeah? lemme hear it jakey." he giggles as he presses play "i love you, my girl." he looks at you the whole time you were listening, together on a blanket as you indulge the beautiful night sky.

PARK SUNGHOON ツ

one thing that sunghoon loves but doesn't want to admit is waking up in your arms. quite literally, he loves falling asleep on your chest with your hand massaging his back and hair. ugh, he'd just melt to sleep then and there itself. don't get him wrong, he absolutely loves seeing you under his arms first thing in the morning. but, something about being in your embrace where he can be vulnerable and himself is just far much better. he absolutely love your sweet and hoarse voice as you greet him a good morning and then proceed to pepper his precious face with kisses to start of the day right. he feel so much better with you and your presence.

the little kisses being left on the top of sunghoon's hair wakes him up. he looks up at you from his place, hair all strewn, arms wrapped around your midriff while head tucked inside the crook of your neck. you giggle softly at his sleepy smile before running a hand through his hair, "good morning, sleeping beauty." he huff as you see the evident pink on his cheeks. "good morning" comes out muffles due to how close his mouth is to your skin, placing gentle kisses and squeezing your waist. he looks up at you through his eyelashes, giving you a full, sweet good morning kiss and murmuring that he wants to stay five more minutes in bed.

KIM SUNOO ツ

this is such a sunoo coded thing. but, he absolutely LOVES doing masks and manicures with you. like, imagine just sitting on your bed, face masks on and gossiping about anything and everything while painting each others' nails. sunoo is the type of boyfriend in whom you'll find a best friend. like, he is always the first you would go to share news and stuff and vice versa.

"and so because of niki, we got the rest of the day off!" sunoo exclaimed finishing the mini story of a recently occurred event. you couldn't help but laugh at the irony of the story. minutes pass, and now he is painting your nails this time, both of you rocking a baby pink color. you both end up binging 2000s rom-coms before dozing off sleeping soundly in each others' arms.

YANG JUNGWON ツ

ugh. jungwon is such a soft boyfie. he is always by your side helping/accompanying you to anything and everything. jungwon is very kind and caring and takes care with so much love, he loves you more than himself. he is the type to always greet you with warm hugs and cheek kisses. hand holding when going on a stroll outside no matter the time of day. he is also very BIG on words of affirmation. he is always telling he loves you and he makes sure you know.

"omg! won, look!" you point at the stray cat that was situated under a tree near the trail of the pretty park you both are at. he looks at it with wide eyes before slowly moving towards the cat, wanting to greet it. once the ginger cat understands that you both mean no harm, it starts to get close with jungwon rubbing up against his leg. "it is so cute won, it looks just like you!" you exclaim resulting in a chuckle from your boyfriend. he slowly picks up the cat, bringing its face close to his before turning to you. "see baby, you can't tell the difference between me and the cat, can you?" you chuckle softly kissing his cheek. you both decide to take the cat to a vet and then give it some food and shelter for the night.

NISHIMURA RIKI ツ

this kid. as much as playful he is, he is as equal in being sincere and true to himself and your relationship. he loves to tease you. i think quality time is one of his ways of loving you, so i can def see you both out on adventurous dates together. whether it be basketball dates, going to an amusement park together, spending time with each other at 4 am having ice cream, anything and everything you do, it's always filled with love and laughter that make up wonderful memories.

"come on baby, try and take it from me." niki exclaimes as yet again steals the basketball from your hold dribbling slowly towards the basket. "ugh, you and your damn long legs." you mumur. he laugh at your comment before stopping in front of you. he is so close that you know you are going to turn red soon if he doesn't back up. "here." he puts the ball in front of you, and you have to declare yourself stupid because inches before you can get the ball, he raises his arms, putting the ball way out of your hold. "riki! not fair." you out as you try and jump to get the ball. Niki simply laughs at your silly attempts. "you are so cute, you know that?" he bends to meet your eye level, placing a chaste kiss on your lips. "i love you" knowing the effect you had on him, you managed to snatch the ball before running away and yelling, "i love you too dork!" niki smirks at your escape before chasing after you.

a/n. tysm for reading!! i hope u liked it! this was not proofread!!

perm taglist: @jak-ey ; @snoowhore ; @hsgwrld ; @seungiesluv ; @1-800shutthefuckup ; @heeseungshim (send an ask to be added)

[spoiled-fawn]

CoD Wedding Headcannons

Some sweet love for our boys, hoping to cheer anyone up after MW3. While the photos do have fem/wedding dresses in them, I tried to make it as gender neutral as possible!

I hope everyone can enjoy!

Price

Getting married to Price warrants an old Hollywood glamour, something more intimate and small for the people you both hold close, so you can make memories of the long-awaited night while being able to relax in good nature of the celebration.

You both decided to find a nice speakeasy for both the ceremony and reception, as Price had surprised you and rented out the entire venue. The soft and warm glow of candles and old lights casted a romantic light on you, showing the etheral glow to you.

Price is a traditional man, and decided to save his first look to seeing you walk down the aisle. As your eyes lock onto his, he sniffles and the distinct tell of his moustance twitching is what keys you in on him being able to feel comfortable showing his emotions as he hones his ice blue eyes on you.

He did in fact, make quite the show for your first kiss, taking you in his arms and giving you a gentle but deep dip, showing off the romantic (almost steamy) touch of your lips as you lock in your unity.

Your first dance is a slow sway in circles, focused on whispering sweet nothings to each other in between the kisses you reach up to give him. Saving the absolute last dance for both of you, as the clock strikes into midnight and the day is now Sunday, Etta James' Sunday Kind of Love plays out softly as you sway together before heading up to your honeymoon suite.

Vows:

"My angel, you have been everything I believed I never deserved. You have shown me what I have always been missing, the love that I never knew of. I know I will never be able to amount to the thankfulness of you sticking by me through and through, I will never stop thanking the heavens of the gold and glory that you are, as you run through my veins to find your home in my heart.

Just as I fought by your side on the field, I promise to fight for our love, to shield it from any harm that may come its way. Through the scars and wounds we bear, both seen and unseen, I vow to cherish every part of you. Your strength, your vulnerability, your laughter, and your tears - they are all precious to me. Our love is a force that any creature made by god would fear, as I know we are forever to be unstoppable together, through every small and great task.

Together, we will conquer any obstacle that stands in our way. I promise to never forget the sacrifices made; honoring our fallen, for they have paved and protected the way for our love. They watch over us, guiding us, and reminding us to cherish every moment we have. I love you, with every last being of myself, and even past my last breath. Forever and always, angel."

Gaz

Gaz has a flair for the dramatics and also loves a fairytale and nature aesthetic. He requested a fairytale wedding, and it was an extravagant night for the two of you. Gaz values some traditions but was ready to blow those to the wind for his excitement to celebrate your love. You did a first look, and he was rendered speechless as he took in your form, tears already pooling and beginning to stream down his face.

Gaz took the time with you to learn a ballroom dance for your first song, impressing your guests and even yourselves with how beautiful and magical the two of you are. Cutting the cake was a very sweet moment for the two of you, as you both happened to have the same thought and booped each other on the nose with icing at the same moment.

Your wedding was held in a mountaintop venue, the night sky showing all the stars that shined brightly and reflected on a lake, approving of your love as if the faries make an appearance for your royal court of a wedding. As you danced the night away, Kyle was sure to keep a mix of whispering the most heart warming sweet nothings, and making sure to catch your reaction by the photographers when he murmured sinfully sweet thoughts in your ear.

Vows:

"Through the chaos and uncertainty, you became my anchor, guiding me with your strength and infectious spirit. Together, we have faced the darkest of days, and it is in those moments that our love has grown stronger. When I look into your eyes, I see a reflection of my hopes, dreams, and desires.

Your love has breathed life into my soul, and I vow to nourish that love with tenderness and compassion. I promise to be your confidant, your partner, and your best friend, as your happiness is everything that can and will continue to let my heartbeat to our special song. I promise to be the keeper of your dreams, the one who will protect and nourish you from any challenges we face, always together.

You are my life; I will walk beside you, hand in hand, supporting you in every step. You are the greatest reward life has ever, granted me. With every beat of my heart, I will love you fiercely, unconditionally, and without reservation, for you are the missing piece that completes me."

Soap

Johnny was all for having a fun and colorful wedding, and a maximalist and retro decor was decided on. Because for a MacTavish? Go big or go home baby.

He never stopped smiling the day of your wedding, his astonishment at the environment and scene of your unity never leaving his face. You decided to read your vows privately to each other, holding hands and having your backs to each other while waiting to have your first look down the aisle. Under disco balls, your first dance felt like something out of a movie.

Johnny was one to always show off, and he was sure to spin and dip you around, his strength holding you as he even lifted you and twirled you around. Now as a real MacTavish, you both knew how to throw a party and made sure that your open bar helped your guests get as wild as you two are.

If you did decide to wear a garter, or simply put one on for the tradition, Johnny made a damn great show of taking it off; crawling underneath your dress/between your legs and made you squeak in embarrassment as his stuble tickled your thigh.

Vows:

"Today, I stand before you, to pledge my undying love. You, my little sparrow, have held my attention, obsession, and heart from the moment our eyes met. I promise to always have your back, whether we're dodging bullets or just trying to figure out what to have for dinner. With you, life is an adventure, and I can't wait to tackle it together.

I promise to be your partner in crime for life, always up for exploring new horizons and creating memories we’ll never live down, But as long as we're together, every moment will be an adventure worth cherishing.

You bring laughter and lightness to my life, even in the darkest of times. Your smile is like a ray of sunshine breaking through the storm clouds. Life is too short to not enjoy the simple pleasures, and with you by my side, every moment is a treasure.

I vow to keep the flames of passion alive, As Our love is a fire that burns bright, even amidst the chaos. I promise to keep the spark alive, to always pursue you with the same determination and intensity that challenges the forces of this earth."

Ghost

Simon was enthusiastic to have a wedding that featured a dark and mystical aesthetic. He wanted something small and private, requesting that it be some of your closest friends and family to spend the special night together.

With a romantic and dark church, it was a powerful and mystical wedding that incorporates both of your energies. You both decided not to have groomsmen/bridesmaids and instead placed altars of your fallen teammates and loved ones under the arch with you two, feeling their love in your unity.

Simon waited for his first look down the aisle but began crying with a wavering voice during your vows. During the first dance, he lifted you to stand atop of his feet, holding you as he moved the both of you in a surprising fashion of a waltz, elegantly for the seasoned stealth veteran.

His eyes seemed to swim with tears, iris' almost as black as his pupils in the dark lit church and ballroom. His eyes were rarely straying from you, far to enamored with keeping every memory to be held in his soul- even in the next life.

Vows:

"From the darkness where death once consumed us, to the light that now shines through our love, I stand here today, my heart laid bare, to vow my eternal devotion to you. In the face of danger, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, our love has blossomed like a fragile flower, defying all odds. Today, I stand here, a silent guardian, to pledge my undying love and devotion to you. In our promise, my heart will always yearn for your touch, laughter, and the warmth of your presence.

Through the pain and loss we have endured, I promise to cherish every memory we share. Your laughter, your touch, your soul - they are etched into the very fabric of my existence. I will hold you as tenderly as the spirits did when creating you, as you are a gift that I will forever cherish. In this broken world, I vow to mend any pieces of your heart, to hold you close when the weight of the past becomes too heavy to bear.

I will be your strength when you feel weak, your rock when you need stability. With you, I have found a love that mends the scars of the past."

Graves

Phillip desired a venue within the wilderness and countryside, deciding that a farm with a Barn reception was perfect. His vows were as strong as his commands, his voice was deep and rich with honey, and maybe a few tears, as he spoke his heart out to you and let the crowd hear just how much you have changed him into a loving man.

You partook in “burying the bourbon,” planting a favorite bottle in the ground of your wedding venue, one month prior. Once dug out, you intertwined arms and took shots all night, the heat of the drink and your love enveloping you both. two-stepping through the night on the dance floor, he twirled you expertly and dipped you low to the ground before always leaving a kiss on your lips.

It was during the ceremony that he surprised you, having ordered a mechanical bull for you and the guests to ride. Taking you and himself on the first ride, you laughed so hard you cried at how silly, but fun it was.

Taking you to the airport after the wedding, he had a classic American car with a "Just Married" sign on the back. And of course, the Shadows were your escort to the airport.

Vows:

"My sweetheart, from the moment our stubborn hearts crossed paths, I sensed a connection deeper than what ties us to this life. I will be a guardian of our love, ensuring that it shines brightly in every step I take, and every breath I draw, as you are the whisper that breathes into my greatest devotion.

In the depths of my soul, and the depths of you, I promise to carry our love of shared laughter, whispered promises, and the unspoken bond that will forever be the piece that grounds me in this realm. I vow to live a life worthy of the love you bless me with, to carry forward the lessons you teach me, and to honor the sacrifices we have made to make it this far, together.

Your courage, compassion, and unwavering loyalty will forever inspire me, my angel, whom I vow to cherish and love and you beat your wings to the pulse of my heart.

As I walk this Earth with you by my side, I know that we will be forever united no matter the realm we are in. As our love knows no boundaries, and as we exchange these vows, we will be together, holding each other in a timeless embrace. To the moon and farther, you are my saving grace. ”

Alejandro

Alejandro was excited to celebrate your commitment and love to each other, already planning a massive celebration between each other's families, friends, and Los Vaqueros, who helped set up your beautiful wedding. In true Vaquero fashion, the Wedding Lasso Ceremony was incorporated.

By a thick cord of white rope, the priest tied it around you two in an infinity shape and blessed your unity to eternity. As he read his vows to you, Alejandro tried very hard to not cry but in the last paragraph (and from hearing his own mother’s soft sniffles in the crowd) he had a quiet sob while his eyes found yours, reciting the lines from his heart.

As the ceremony concluded, you and Alejandro rode your horses down the streets of the town, waving and smiling at all who had come out to shout and cheer for your parade of love in La Callejoneada, many throwing rice and flower petals towards you two in a token of celebration. Your wedding was held in an orchard of Mango trees, the meaning of affection and adoration not.

Vows:

"Mi Amor, as we stand together, I vow to be the person you deserve, to love you unconditionally, and to be a witness to your growth and transformation. Our love is a flame that burns brightly, illuminating the path before us, and I am grateful to walk it by your side.

In your eyes, I find the force that drives me to be what you deserve, as you are the most sacred thing to ever cross the path of my heart. Eres mi existencia, la luz que hace que mi sangre lata en mi corazón como siempre ha sido el tuyo. (You are my existence, the light that makes my blood beat into my heart as it has always been yours.)

Mi Vida, in you, I have found a sanctuary where I can be myself, unburdened by the weight of the world. I vow to be your shelter and support, and together, we will create a haven of love and understanding, where we can always find solace and rejuvenation.

Desde este día en adelante, caminaremos juntos por el sendero de la vida, enfrentando los desafíos con valentía y compartiendo las risas y los sueños. Mi amor por ti trasciende las palabras y se manifiesta en cada gesto, en cada mirada, y en cada latido de mi corazón."

(From this day forward, we will walk the path of life together, facing challenges with courage and sharing laughter and dreams. My love for you transcends words and is manifested in every gesture, in every look, and in every beat of my heart.)

Rudy

Rodolfo was ready for a celebration but wanted to keep it intimate to your closest family and friends, and of course, Los Vaqueros as well. You both chose a beautiful wedding venue next to the beach, having the white decorations tied into the beautiful white sand and blue ocean water.

Exchanging Las Arras matrimoniales proved to be heartwarming as the priest and los padrinos y madrinas made sure you felt the love as you became a Parra, a member of their family. You were surprised as Rudy managed to only have his eyes water during his vows but his voice wavered, and he had to clear his throat multiple times while reading them aloud.

That didn’t stop his voice from showing his conviction and devotion; entering the reception, Rudy placed you on a lone chair in the middle of the dance floor and lined up with his men and a mariachi band. Under the sunset, he serenaded you. His voice rang out richly and perfectly, causing tears to stream down your face as your hand laid over your heart to try and keep it still.

Vows:

“Mi Cielo, your presence in my life has been like a symphony, each note perfectly harmonizing with the next. Together, we have created a melody that resonates deep within me. You have become my muse, my inspiration, and the beat of my soul.

Mi Corazón, prometo nutrir nuestro amor como una flor delicada, cuidándolo con cuidado y devoción. Así como un compositor cultiva su obra maestra, yo me haré cargo de nuestro amor, colmándolo de cariño, comprensión y respeto. Nuestro amor florecerá, irradiando su belleza al mundo. (My Heart, I promise to nourish our love like a delicate flower, tending to it with care and devotion. Just as a composer cultivates his masterpiece, I will take charge of our love, showering it with affection, understanding and respect. Our love will blossom, radiating its beauty to the world.)

Our love is a masterpiece, and I promise to protect it with all my being. As we embark on this journey together, I vow to always walk beside you, hand in hand, navigating the twists and turns that life may bring. Our love will be the melody that carries us through, and with you by my side, I am confident that we can conquer anything. En este día y todos los días venideros, me comprometo a amarte con cada fibra de mi ser. (On this day and every day to come, I commit to loving you with every fiber of my being.)

Our love is a melody that sings of devotion and commitment, and I am honored to be the one who shares this beautiful symphony with you.”

König

While planning your wedding, König asked for a deal between you two for the ceremony. If you granted him a private elopement, he would deliver the wedding of your dreams. Deliver he did, as he picked a literal castle for your venue. An enchanting and historic architecture with plants adding to the mystical feel, he made you feel as decadent as two rulers who are together forever more and uniting two kingdoms.

He chose to speak his vows privately to you, with a camera pointed towards you to watch as you both had tears running down your faces at the words spoken softer than any feeling your heart has ever felt before. However, he knew that a party was needed to celebrate your love, so the reception was held in a ballroom that overlooked the forest.

As a man who values his heritage, you and König had a private ‘Brautraub’ where you hid within the castle, waiting for him to figuratively seek and kidnap you as a symbol of starting a new portion of your life with him as he (literally) swept you off your feet and into his arms.

Vows:

"Mein Schätz, our love is vital as the bond between two rulers has created a kingdom of love and unity that reigns within our souls. You are the crown of my life, the sun that illuminates my kingdom. With you, I have experienced the true meaning of love and devotion as you have captured my heart, forever I will honor and protect you, as you are my guiding star that will lead me to my heaven.

Mein Liebling, ich gelobe, unsere Liebe wie ein kostbares Juwel zu hegen und sie mit Hingabe und Aufmerksamkeit zu pflegen. Ich gelobe, unsere Liebe immer zu nähren und sie stärker zu machen als einen funkelnden Diamanten, denn niemand wird jemals meine Hingabe an Dich schmälern. (My darling, I vow to cherish our love like a precious jewel and to nurture it with devotion and attention. I vow to always nourish our love and make it stronger than a sparkling diamond, for no one will ever diminish my devotion to you.)

Meine Sonne und Sterne, I vow to cherish and nurture our bond with tenderness and care. Like a king protects his kingdom, I will guard our love fiercely, shielding it from harm. Our love will stand as a beacon of hope, one that is a testament of royalty, radiating its warmth and beauty to all who witness its majestic journey. Ich liebe dich für immer.”

(Meine Sonne und Sterne = My Sun and my Stars. Ich liebe dich für immer = I love you, forever.)

[rachmob]

NEW PHOENIX HEADCANON

By number 1 fan of Phoenix (includes theory about Leda and her path to become Night Swan)

Followed by my headcanon that Phoenix from JD23 is not the same as JD21 and that Night Swan (or I should say now Leda) murdered her.

During the prophecy part of "In your Eyes" we can see that one of the first things that Leda has to do after leaving Traveler is go to a volcano which also seems to be the way out of the flow to get to Eternyx. There are 3 yellow figures that turn black( Leda is corrupting them) which are where I wanna focus on. 

The real meaning of the figures could be that they are just a figurative representation of the flow (the energy created when the coaches dance) to make things more clear to us spectators. But I want to make things more interesting (to me ) by saying that they are the guardians of that volcano, or I should say… The Montain’s of Chaos, home of Phoenix.  

Yep, Phoenix is one of the guardians of that volcano, or at least it was until Leda tried to take full control of the place.

“But why kill her? Why didn’t she just turn her into a minion?” Well, for that we will need to go back to Night Swan story.

Leda was transported to the Danceverses thanks to the Traveler, they fell in love but Leda left him (because of power as it seems) after she saw what she was going to become in the prophecy she saw. She is supposed to corrupt the flow that exits the volcano and the 3 guardians protecting the place. Then with her army of minions go and conquer the rest of the Danceverses. 

For this we have: Murder on the Dancefloor > In Your Eyes > Darkest Hour/ Sweet Dreams > Witch 

Now here's the thing, in IYE even if she changes her clothes she still isn't 100% Night Swan, and in the prophecy we see she looks 100% like in the Darkest Hour. So this implies that we have something missing between the two dances, and the beginning of DH only reinforces it by showing us how Leda acts during the song, even the lyrics of Sweet Dreams and Darkest Hour shows that she may had made an error at some point, maybe she trusted the prophecy too much and actually failed to take full control of the volcano or maybe she didn’t even could find it as is implied in sweet dreams (remember this was the song that we were supposed to get): 

Sweet dreams are made of this

Who am I to disagree?

I travel the world and the seven seas

Everybody's looking for something

Maybe Darkest Hour is Leda realizing that she threw away everything for nothing, her home on earth, her relationship with Traveler and her dream to become the ultimate ballerina because she chose power. That’s when she becomes Night Swan, because instead of admitting she was wrong she becomes so obsessed with the idea that if she had been perfect from the beginning she would have fulfilled the prophecy. 

Ok, too much of Leda let’s get back to Phoenix. 

I believe there are guardians assigned to protect important points from all the Danceverses, Phoenix would be the assigned one to Eternyx. 

She was devoted to protecting the volcano because there’s not many places where you can have a direct entrance to Flow World (remember, flow exits from the volcano) and also because it would hurt the people of Eternyx. However Leda couldn’t care less and fighted her, this is when everything goes wrong for both parts.

Leda, believing she was powerful enough, tried to defeat Phoenix, a probably millennial creature or a semi good, using flow. Phoenix clearly didn’t take her seriously but that didn’t mean she would let someone get close to the volcano so she fought back. 

Because of Phoenix's low guard and Leda's fear of not fulfilling her prophecy, the battle ended with the use of something that only those on Earth used frequently: weapons. 

And on the other hand, as a last act to protect her home, Phoenix used her powers to make the place impassable for anyone but her.

“Wait, didn’t she just die, why not make it impenetrable to anyone ?”  SHE IS A PHOENIX, SHE REBORNS FROM THE ASHES, THAT’S WHY SHE IS SO COOL

IMAGINE THE SURPRISE OF LEDA WHEN SHE HEARD A BABY CRYING AFTER THAT BATTLE.

Phoenix knew she would be reborn, it’s impossible to “kill her” the only thing she was sad about is that she knew Leda was going to benefit from it, but she trusted her new self would be able to find her way out and return to the volcano. 

Thanks for reading this! If you are now interested in my version of Phoenix then I suggest you go to my account and search jd phoenix! I got all about her there :]

[moremaybank]

HOW YOU GET THE GIRL — k.m

pairing klaus mikaelson x fem!reader

summary klaus pleads with you as he tries to win you back (based on the song “how you get the girl” by taylor swift)

warnings a little angst, fluff, klaus's fear of reader dying (no actual character death, though)

author's note i'm genuinely so happy with how this turned out. i put the chorus last because it worked better, i hope that’s okay. and i know this was supposed to be mainly fluff, but inspiration struck, all right? don't hate me. also, changed my layout a little.

klaus masterlist ;; valentine's day ‘23 𓆩 ♡ 𓆪

stand there like a ghost

shaking from the rain, rain

she’ll open up the door and say, “are you insane?”

say it’s been a long six months

and you were too afraid to tell her what you want, want

and that’s how it works

that’s how you get the girl

and then, you say

klaus stood at your doorstep, a bouquet in hand, as he debated back and forth between making his presence known and ringing the doorbell or running like hell in the opposite direction. to say he was torn would be the most incredible understatement of all time.

one the one hand, he wanted to see you. god, did he want to see you. he wished for nothing more than to drink in the glimmer of your bright eyes, the curve of your lips when you smiled, the glow that overtook your complexion. 

but on the other hand, he was scared. each person who had chosen to love him became collateral damage in the hands of his lifelong line of enemies, and he couldn’t bear for that to be your fate. he couldn’t be selfish with you because you made his life feel worth it just by existing. 

so he walked away. 

those same enemies he’d feared would take you away from him permanently and forever had now been conquered, but he still struggled to sleep at night. he’d toss and turn, and if he were lucky enough to drift off into slumber, you’d overtake his dreams too.

he’d hear the harmonious crinkle of your laugh, feel the ghost of your lips on his, and his mind would subconsciously replay the memories of the nights you’d spent dancing together, with him twirling you around the room as you giggled. you would tell him that you loved him beyond what you ever thought was possible, and he would say the same to you in return. 

everything was perfect. until it wasn’t. 

one night he’d sat you down, barely being able to look you in the eye while he told you that your relationship couldn’t go on, that it wouldn’t last. you’d fought like hell to make him believe in how strong your bond was, that nothing could tear you apart, but he wouldn’t hear any of it. and so, he ended it. he’d never seen anyone run off so fast, supernaturally or not. as you did, he could feel your heart shatter in his hands, which hurt him the most. he’d always promised to protect your heart and cherish it, and now it seemed as if it was a mere lie he’d told you to get you to trust him.

but that was then, and this is now. the same concerns did not carry the same weight on his shoulders as they did before. klaus needed you. as the original hybrid, he was almost fearless. but with you, it was different. he was different. your love made him brave. it pushed him to see the light he carried deep within himself, and he desperately needed that. he needed you. someone that believed in him more than anyone else had ever even tried to. and that was enough to push him to ring the bell.

the door creaked open, and your eyes went wide when they landed on him. “klaus, w—what are you doing here?”

“i love you, y/n. and i’m not leaving until you’re mine again.”

remind her how it used to be, be, yeah-yeah

with pictures in frames of kisses on cheeks, cheeks

tell her how you must have lost your mind, ooh-ooh

when you left her all alone

and never told her why, why

and that’s how it works

that’s how you lost the girl

and now, you say

“go home, klaus. i’m not doing this with you,” you spoke, moving to close the door.

klaus stopped you, however, sticking his foot between the doorframe and keeping it nudged open. “please. please hear me out.”

you looked into his eyes, the familiar hues of cerulean bringing warmth into your chest — an unwelcome warmth if you were truthful. at that moment, he’d never looked so honest. even now, after all these months, you could still read him so well and decipher where he was telling the truth. 

“you can’t come inside.”

“that’s fine. i don’t need to. i’m going to fix this, even if i have to stand out here in the cold all night and talk your ears off,” he chuckled, trying to make you smile.

you didn’t, though, and his grin quickly began to fade. he cleared his throat in the awkward silence, “y/n, i’ve lived longer than anyone on this earth — barring elijah — and i know this to be true; i was an idiot to walk away from what we had. i did it out of fear, fear that i wouldn’t be able to protect you. fear that you’d die in my arms and i would have no way of helping you. if you had left me, i wouldn’t have been able to survive it. so i forced myself to walk away. but that only made things worse.”

klaus watched as the anger and hurt on your face began to waver, and he hoped you believed in everything he was saying.

“i want you back. i want our life back. i want to dance with you in the living room to that willie nelson song you love. i want you to toss flour at me while you’re baking the most magnificent beignets i have ever tasted. i want to feel your beat next to mine every night and feel the ache in my chest when we’re forced to spend the night apart,” he spoke, carefully inching closer to you. “i want to marry you, give you a family, hell, give you the world. i just want you.”

and you know

oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

that i don’t want you to go, oh, oh

remind me how it used to be

pictures in frames of kisses on cheeks

and say you want me, yeah-yeah

and then you say

you ran a hand through your hair, closing your eyes shut as you tried to process everything klaus had just said to you. 

“y/n?”

“just— give me a second to take this all in, klaus. you can’t just come back here after six months and expect me to waltz back into your arms. i loved you, klaus. i still do, and that means something to me. but you hurt me. how am i supposed to trust that you aren’t going to run off and leave me in the dust every time you’re afraid?”

klaus reached out, trying to place his hand on your arm in comfort, but you moved out of his reach before he could. 

“y/n, please. i’m not afraid anymore. no one on this earth will fight to protect you the way i will. i’m smart enough to see that now. these past few months without you have been absolute hell, and for me, that’s saying something.”

he reached forward once more, this time successfully gracing your arm with the familiar heat of his palm. “if you’ve shut the door on us forever, i understand, and i’ll respect your decision. but you should know that i’m not going anywhere this time. i promise you.”

you huffed a sigh, breaking your locked gaze as you thought about it. you’d be lying if you said you hadn’t dreamed of this moment on repeat during the handful of months you’d been without him. all you wished for, in and out every single day, was for klaus to show up and tell you that he was wrong. to say to you that he was sorry and that he’d never let you go again. he’d take your face in his palms, thumb swiping over your cheekbone as he always did, pull you close and kiss you. a kiss so magical that it would take all of the pain and agony away. and when you’d pull away, he’d mumble how much he loved you against your lips, and you’d grin wider than ever before. 

all of your shared memories sprang into your mind, of kisses on cheeks, nights spent in each other’s arms, days of exploring the city hand in hand. you remembered how great the love you shared was and thought of how great it could be again. 

and that’s all you hoped for. 

i want you for worse or for better

i would wait forever and ever

broke your heart, i’ll put it back together

i would wait forever and ever

and that’s how it works

that’s how you get the girl, girl, (oh-oh, oh)

and that’s how it works

that’s how you get the girl, girl

“i know i hurt you. i broke us, and i’m willing to put us back together if you’d let me. i am going to be on this earth until it disintegrates into ash, and even then, i will never stop fighting for the chance to win you back. nothing could ever make me walk away from you again.”

your eyes met once more as his statement pulled you out of your thoughts. you looked at him, your heart cracking wide open at his sincerity. 

“stop fighting, klaus.”

“didn’t you hear what i said? i’m not going to, not even if you beg me.”

“no. i’m saying…you don’t have to fight for a chance anymore,” you spoke, moving to stand right in front of him. “you’ve got me.”

his lips curled up, his dimple showing as he surged forward, cradling your face as he always had, stroking your cheeks with his calloused thumbs as he always had, and let the magic bleed through his healing kiss. 

your hands circled his wrists, and you smiled against his lips, finally feeling as if your heart and mind were at peace again. everything had fallen back into place, and the world finally made sense to you. 

he pulled away reluctantly, leaning his forehead against yours. “i’m going to marry the bloody hell out of you,” he breathed.

“slow your roll there, mister. we only just got back together,” you laughed softly. hearing your laugh was music to klaus’s ears because he’d been waiting for it for so long.

“we’ve spent enough time without each other. i’m done waiting. let’s get married.”

you pecked his lips once more, watching a crimson dance along his cheeks. “let’s get married,” you repeated, agreeing with him.

he grinned, swooping you up into his arms bridal style as he spun you around. you squealed with a giggle, your arms wrapping around the back of his neck as you held on tight.

and that’s how it happened. that’s how klaus got the girl.

klaus tag list (join here!): @princess-charming-01 @maybankslover @kittyqrt @darkmoonbloodshake @techlipse @the-kaya-aa @catmikaelson20 @hopesdadswife @amournoir @iluvniklaus @diyabhanushali1 @your_best_hoe @ijustlovetoread @lyn07 @elenavampire21 @theesexystallion @dudenhaaa27 @alexxavicry @kenzi-woycehoski @elijahssuit @shawnspoems @skydisneylover @adoreyouusugar @luzberg @thelastgreatamericandynasty1989 @conniesanchor @milly-louise @angel037

[puckpocketed]

new babygirl unlocked!! and he has HAIR!!!!!!

[ID: Photo of Los Angeles Kings prospect Aatu Jämsen in his Pelicans uniform. His hair is backlit to almost seem white, and streams out from under his helmet. /. End ID]

oh my GOD!!! new babygirl indeed... its giving barbie its giving goldilocks its giving hair on a my little pony toy... !

Quick notes on Aatu Jämsen. i am quite endeared. he is exactly my type of hockey guy <3

Plays RW! Drafted 2020, round 7, 190th overall. Before signing with the Kings, was playing for the Lahti Pelicans. Bit of a late bloomer, but he's tearing it up lately!! Probably why he got the nod from LA.

Per EP Rinkside, "Players with Jämsen's creativity are a rarity in Liiga. In a league where systems and team-wide strategy are at the forefront, Jämsen stands out with his puck skills and a flair for the dramatic. He's a legitimate dual-threat weapon in the offensive zone, and has also made some slight improvements to his physical game; a necessity if he wants to try to conquer North America next season."

So he's known for being very flashy. Quick, soft hands. Creative. Highlight reel stuff. GOATED on the shootout, apparently always trying crazy dangles in game... I'm SURE this type of prospect will be fine in the LA Kings system (<- lying but hopeful!! aslkdaskjl)

Here he is bullying the shit out of NHL24 champ/youtuber/ex-goalie Eki in the shootout. he yells "KUCHEROV" in triumph at one point after scoring on this guy who (checks notes) laced up skates to play goalie 2 times in the last 4 years - and i think that's so fucking lame and deeply charming.

and I am not surprised at all; he is VERY popular in the Finnish league.

Last month he got into a fight with Tampereen Tappara's Otto Rauhala. VERY unexpected, he's not a fighter at all. Rough google translate from this article, cleaned up a little by me:

Interviewer: What happened there? Jämsen: I don't know. Interviewer: So would you say Rauhala started it? Jämsen: You could say. I didn't appreciate his check in the first period of the game. Nothing more than that."

This is whole exchange is SO funny to me. what happened? he doesn't know. but if he had to say? then that guy fucking started it!!! but that's all <3 LMAO

HE MOONLIGHTS AS A RAP MUSICIAN. HELLO. His stage name is KIDJAM$EN kjlasdkljadlak HELP..,, here is one of his songs set to a short looping montage of Pelicans hockey players.. i think its a playoffs hype song??? I cannot understand a word of it. it DOES bang though!!! He plans to pursue music as a career if hockey doesn't work out. jumping from one risky career to another with no fear honestly go off!!! faith trust and pixie dust <3

everything about him i can dig up is like He's SOO flashy. eccentric. strange creachture. He bleaches his hair to get it that light. he did it to imitate Otto Salin, per this article. The picture is worth a thousand words tbh:

the fucking. LV sweater. the sunglasses. the coy look up at the camera. okay!!! cunt !!! <3

In the same article: he got very serious about nutrition and exercise last season after coming back from a break and getting BLASTED by his coaches for being out of shape. from the sounds of it, this dressing-down triggered his current meteoric rise? He was nawwwt taking his conditioning seriously before this. Since then, he's gained weight and become stronger, and has dedicated himself fully to going pro!

same article again: he's the scion of a hockey family - and god isnt that always the story?? His dad played for the Pelicans. his brothers Juuso and Vili also play hockey. The three have distinct play styles like a cute little set <3 Juuso the goal scorer, Aatu the playmaker, and Vili the GOON!!!

ough MIDDLE CHILD ALERT!!! it all makes SO much sense now....

Due to his flashiness on-ice AND off-ice, he naturally is a lightning rod for criticism. ice hockey is notoriously conservative as a culture and everything about him goes against this. Jams... Jammie... Jammer... idk what to call you BUT. your swag too different your slay too cunty, they're trying to kill you but you wont let them!!!!!

it seems instead of pivoting and making himself more palatable, he's only doubled down. i love and support him for this. if anyone has been on my blog they know i enjoy my guys with big personalities just as much as i love the quiet/underrated ones.

in conclusion, WELCOME TO LA. YOU ARE PERFECT FOR THIS TOWN, GORGEOUS <3

[penroseparticle]

Penrose Song Of The Day Day 40: Hell of a Year by William Bolton

Happy Birthday, Me.

Whew. We are all kind of going through it aren't we? I don't think anyone has had an idyllic, easy year this year. Or any year. More and more I'm realizing that all we can be is kind, because, good or ill, better or worse, we keep being in situations and they keep going to shit. So like. Shouldn't I do what I can to make things a little less bad? Even if that kindness isn't deserved?

One story that really stuck with me posted on here was the story about volunteering at a soup kitchen. I'll see if I can track the post down. But they had to keep cleaning the bathroom because it kept getting trashed. An important lesson was learned by the OP of the post- The homeless people who went to that soup kitchen had precious little they could control. The bathroom was being trashed because it was one of the few places in their life where they could exert their will- even if it made things worse for everyone, even themselves. In distress, you will cause damage. But the thing I learned is that. I don't know. Would being mean to them help? Would I not clean the bathroom after a certain point? They made the mess, they "deserve it" right?

And obviously not. It wouldn't make volunteering for them more pleasant, it wouldn't make their situation different, and it likely wouldn't even feel good. The only thing that helps is the slow, arduous, unlikeable truth that the way to make things better is to help, and do right, and work with someone going through it, even if they are not fun to be around. It might not be "just", but it might just be the thing that works.

Flipwise and reversed though, I have issues with foresight- I do not think things through and I don't always get my just desserts for that. I think I am afforded a lot of latitude and grace for meaning well, which is great if a bit guilt inducing. But that's kind of what I believe everyone deserves, right? Aren't I part of everyone? Shouldn't people be kind to me too? If I think everyone deserves kindness, even when they're not "deserving", I'm part of everyone. I'm a person. I get that same grace.

And isn't grace always unearned? "Deserving is fake" and well, kind of in some of the most important ways it is. Maybe someone "deserves" the bad things coming to them, but in the ways I care about, the ways I'm trying to be, I can't let that be the end. That's not how the story is going to go, not when I'm writing it. And I am writing the story of my own life. Joint authorship with the world, but I'm first author. Pick up the pen!

I often have to remind myself that feeling guilty is a start, not a state, and that I am thankful and grateful I get to fuck it up all over again. It sucks. I have an overdeveloped sense of guilt, in that I think. And I need to pay it forward and walk the walk. Be kind if nothing else.

So instead let's look back at all the shit that's gone down and say WOW! That was wack, huh. And maybe steer next year a little differently this time. Every day is a new day, a new iteration of what I am. Who I am. So I'm gonna try and be a little kinder. Be the change. Gandhi that shit. idk.

This is me telling you to let it go, by the way. Guilt is cancerous, it only grows, and it weighs you down. Let's give ourselves that little bit of grace too, if we can.

Anyways, it's been a hell of a year, hasn't it? Back on track, I found this song years ago. A little bit of a chill, easy pop song. Some cutesy ornamentation, a simple drum loop, and a smooth delivery. I have my good friend Al to thank for this (The Algorithm), he gifted me this song on my Recommended for You playlist on spotify. I like it. It was a nice gift.

It's a little melancholy but it's not all doom and gloom. It's sort of quietly hopeful? Some bad things happened, yeah, it's also a bit of a triumph- he conquered his fears! He traveled the world! The time is now, make some memories! Live your life. Incremental progress.

There's been some bad things, and some good things, but it's your life baby. You gotta live it. I still haven't made it but I'm not that far. What a year.

See you next one.

And hey, as always. You could be dead right now. Go listen to something you love.

[blissfulalchemist]

📻 + catlina, stasia, conner!

Thank you Cam! I do love talking about music for these guys. And these are some of my favorite playlists ngl. Let's get into it though!

"I Fall in Love Too Easily" by Chet Baker My heart should be well-schooled / 'Cause I've been fooled in the past / But still, I fall in love so easily / I fall in love too fast

Not only is this song something he would have on his own personal playlists and an overall vibe for the man, it also shows a bit of his inner self. See in the Bloodlines universe he's been made to keep much of his identity secret due to fear and debts to the mob and one of those things is keeping distance as if he doesn't get attached to people fairly easily. There was also an incident growing up once in America where he fell in love with his best friend Luke and the two dated but once in college Luke finally figured out that he loved Conner just not in the same way Conner loved him, he essentially figured out his sexuality and it was straight. This was an absolutely devastating blow to Conner because it was years together and he was so open and honest and close to Luke and he lost him (not fully. the two did stay best friends and there is no one Conner trusts more than Luke. the relationship he has with Luke's wife, who was the catalyst in him figuring out what his sexuality was, is very good and friendly with most of the hurt having gone away over the years). So fast forward to when Conner meets Tia and she's easy to befriend and eventually she's no longer just this person he has to keep an eye on to fulfill his debt but his friend. Only to then lead to him falling for her but he can't and he shouldn't and it takes so much for him to keep her at arms length despite his natural instinct to tell her how he feels. Like the song is a bit more of a chastisement and warning he has to tell himself every single day.

He doesn't have the same issues in ffxiv but there is still this acknowledgment of how easy it is for him to fall in love, and he really wanted to keep everything physical only to keep the person that he loves safe. Its a fear of potential consequences that has him holding his tongue and kicking himself for how easy it is for him to love. In this case at least it was reciprocated and both were on the same page as to what their love had to look like so there was a happier ending (well until the bigger ending).

"Arsonist's Lullabye" by Hozier When I was a man, I thought it ended / When I knew love's perfect ache / But my peace has always depended / On all the ashes in my wake

This song is a bit of an embodiment of Stasia with it's lyrics and overall vibes. Stasia growing up is always this misunderstood child that people pretty much placed the label of "evil" and "wrong" on her when if you got to know her wasn't the case, or there were at least other words one could use to describe her, but with these labels she was treated a certain way leading to this loneliness that she masks with her cold independent nature. She learned how to sustain herself, conquered her fear by gaining power that she ended up using to metaphorically burn bridges, and how to use every "bad" thing about her to her advantage to get ahead in life.

Fire is also this motif of hers that ended up working out when I put her into ffxiv and decided her father (by process of elimination) was Lahabrea who also happened to have fire motifs in the end. But fire while not very outwardly shown in her aesthetic is something that when it starts can be both good and bad, depending on how its used and who is viewing the fire. As a child in her og universe she came from a family of "good" healing witches but was seen as a more "evil" witch because she was wanting to use her power to protect as witch hunts were starting and some of their family had already died to such hunts, they weren't going to win over the masses with good deeds. Fast forward to her adult life and she's seen as needlessly destructive and temperamental like a fire by her twin and others around her, but to her daughter she's warmth, comfort, safety, and a stable. Contradictions but with the emphasis and leaning into the destruction aspect of fire, it was her favorite tool to use to harm, it was one of three ways that could kill her as a vampire, in ffxiv its tied to the one event her soul never knew, it connects her to a father that was just like her once upon a time. Like just all these things with fire and her just fits.

"Dance with the Devil (Aurora Version)" by Breaking Benjamin ft. Adam Gontier I believe in you / I can show you that / I can see right through / All your empty lies / I won't last long / In this world so wrong / Say goodbye / As we dance with the Devil tonight / Don't you dare look at him in the eye / As we dance with the Devil tonight

This one is more the embodiment of part of Cat's story with its religious imagery and this draw of trying to do the right thing while knowing its most likely for naught. But its also this pull to John that is dangerous with his honeyed words and a faux sense of safety he created with her in the beginning in hopes that she'd be more malleable if he seemed genuine since it was obvious that she looked for the best in people. But on the flip side she thought she could use him and befriend him to eventually leave but with the sudden lack of her medication and taking of Bliss to take its place it really became this dance of not falling into temptation. Cat tries so hard to try and play a game of changing hearts while keeping to her values and morals but it is just not something that can happen, even when she changes the mind of at least John its too late and she is avoiding looking at the devil that she became. Like it just really do be a nice overall theme for Catlina (though not necessarily Mary Seed).

Cat just has a little special place in my heart because it is a tragedy what happens to her and her fall from grace. She loses everything and never can be what others want her to be and it haunts her. It leads to her trying to take back control and betraying everything that she is. Even musically in this version it plays on the chaotic heartbreak of her mind that underlines everything she does. Its just something you can listen to and feel her, feel the fear, the loss, the suicidal ideation, the heartbreak, the isolation, the pointless fight she wages against manipulators, the anger, the everything as she goes through these trials and becomes Mary Seed.

[librosamarillos]

passed down like folk songs

chapter 18: hand of the king

Maegor Targaryen x OC

Also on Ao3

chapter index

Tags: hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, angst, mature themes, targaryen incest, violence, Maegor is a red flag himself, characters are ooc probably, MINORS DNI

He came to love and value the time he spent on Balerion’s back. It was otherworldly, a place where he felt free to think and feel with no one around to see or hear him, and plot and scheme against him. He’d make more time to fly, once all the work was done. He landed on an empty spot, big enough to fit the dread comfortably, and patted the great beast on the side in gratitude. His giant red eye gleamed, as if to show appreciation for the affectionate moment. Rowan would spoil him in affection. Once she got over any fear of the beast, she would love him, Maegor was sure of it. It pained him to think about the potential what ifs, but they plagued him. Had they been wed, had he been able to show her the world from atop the clouds, he would be doing little else. But he could not distract himself with that now, he’d keep the thoughts for the nights in his chambers. 

He could not help but let a smug smirk grace his face as he walked through the castle, seeing the looks on the people’s faces. Their eyes held awe, admiration even, but the ones that satisfied him the most were the petty lords who looked up at him with fear. Little scheming men, who thought they could perhaps weasel their way into the King’s council and inner circle, now that Aegon the Dragon was dead and rebellions broke. He always found Aenys weak, he made no secret of it, but the fact that everyone saw it was what was making their family and house such a target of these lords. They were looking for a weak spot to break in, to destroy them from the inside. But he would allow no such thing, not when his mother had spent her life to conquer this land and unite the kingdoms. He’d make a point to everyone that while Aegon the conqueror was dead, Maegor was a far bigger threat and a force to be reckoned with. He would show them he was better. 

He found his half-brother in his solar, dressed in his overly decorated tunic and robes, the ornate golden crown resting on his head. The stress seemed to have aged him a tiny bit, but that was perhaps blamed on little sleep. He was always quite fragile. Upon seeing him, Aenys lit up from his pensive slouch, face suddenly beaming. He quickly closed the distance between them, his lilac robes flowing behind him, as he closed him into an embrace. 

“Brother! I am so happy to see you back safely! You’ve done so well, I am impressed at how quickly you’ve restored things!” Aenys smiled, arms still around him. 

Maegor felt stiff and awkward, hating the physical contact, seeing it almost as beneath him. He hesitated for a few moments, but then patted him on the back, signalling that the embrace was to now cease. When he pulled away, he saw a certain sadness in the King’s eyes, despite his smile. He was only gone a week, but something had occurred.

“What is it? What has happened?” he asked, straight to the point, making the man in front of him flinch slightly.

“Alyn Stokeworth is dead. He was murdered when I sent him to Harrenhall.” Aenys admitted.

“Why in the world would you send him to Harrenhall? You were present when we were making the plans with my mother, and none involved him going on his own. I was meant to lead the charge there.” Maegor protested, annoyed at Aenys for doing anything against his mother’s wishes. She knew best, why the hell did he not listen?

“I was not intending to go against my aunt’s wisdom, brother, but Lord Alyn had insisted that he could prevent any spilled blood if he went and negotiated with the Red Harren, so I let him.” he explained, regret in his voice.

“You allowed your hand to go and negotiate with traitors? Why in the seven hells would you do that? Bloodshed is inevitable when you rule, traitors must be shown no mercy and put on display, should anyone get any more ideas. Do you think our father conquered this land by asking nicely?” he began to let the anger show in his voice.

“Father made it very clear to me the importance of diplomacy and fairness. Ever since he began preparing me to take over. What kind of King doesn’t at least hear his people out?” Aenys protested, defending his decision.

“Those people are traitors to the crown. They call us abominations because they fear our power and our dragons, they are not on our side, do you not understand? Treason such like this must be dealt with as soon as possible. You are the second King after father, you cannot allow the realm to fall apart a few moons after his death, that’s a pathetic display.” he sneered. “What did diplomacy get you? Humiliation and the death of your hand.”

Aenys nervously played with one of the many rings on his fingers. Gods, just how many rings did a person need? Everything about the man in front of him was too much and yet not enough at the same time. From the stupid ornate gold and bejewelled crown he had made, to the overly decorated tunics he chose and then the long impractical flowy robes he’d wear, he found his half-brother a caricature of a wealthy man.

“You speak no lies, brother.” Aenys finally spoke, after taking a moment to gather himself. “I’ve lost a valuable person in my council because of a bad decision.” he sighed.

Maegor wanted to laugh and ask how valuable this Lord truly was, if the first advice he had for the King had failed so miserably that it cost him his life, but he bit his tongue. This was not the time for any jests. His mother would scold him if he made the King cry.

“You’ll find another. Hopefully someone more competent.” he said, an attempt at sympathy.

“I have found someone, actually. Maegor, I’d like for you to be my hand.” he stated, the smile returning on his face. He grabbed one of Maegor’s hands with both of his. “What do you say?”

To say that Maegor was stunned would be an understatement. He had spent all his years resenting his half-brother, bitterly picking apart all his shortcomings that were being rewarded with a crown, the crown he so desperately saw as his own and now here he was, smiling despite feeling as pathetic as he was, offering him the second most powerful position in Westeros. He felt… happy, in a way. Perhaps his brother saw in him all he had lacked and understood that he was needed to keep the realm going. But any happiness he might have felt was immediately replaced by suspicion. 

Why? Surely his council had advised him against it. They took advantage of his indecisive and weak demeanour for their own best interests, surely they would not want Maegor getting in the way of that. Aenys was eager to please his council most of all, as they had all served their father, therefore he felt like he had to, in a way, prove himself to them. He did not go against them for fear of being disliked. Then there was also Alyssa, his Queen, who was also indecisive and fickle, desperate to be loved by all. She never liked Maegor, surely she would be feverishly against this decision. Would Aenys truly do such a thing that would displease them all? No, surely, there must be something else.

“Why?” he asked plainly, not bothering with any formality. “Surely both your advisors and your Queen have urged you against such a move, so why are you making it?” he asked, looking at the shorter man sternly, as if to look for any clues in his demeanour that would give him any answer he was too afraid to speak. Aenys seemed to hesitate.

“Because you’re my brother. You’ve not only proven to me, to everyone, that you are most capable of handling the situations that arose. I’ve never been a fighter, the whole realm knows, I’ll need someone who is by my side.” Aenys explained. He sighed, the words almost leaving him for a second. “When I told you I wanted us to rule together, I meant it wholeheartedly. It was not an empty promise. We are brothers, you and I, I meant it when I said I wish to mend the bond between us.” 

An olive branch. This is what it was. Perhaps out of guilt, or desperation to not fail their father’s ghost. Father. He was the one link that connected the two men. Despite both being his sons, Maegor was the only one who looked like him, and if he were to believe all he had heard, he was also the only one who took after him in strength and skill. Aenys took entirely after his mother, feeble, easily distracted, vain. That was all he could remember from his late aunt. Perhaps that’s why their father adored his firstborn so much. He saw his Rhaenys in their useless son, so much so that he convinced himself he’d make a good King. Oh, father, if only you could see your precious boy now. Shaking in his boots beneath the weight of the crown you had made just for him. 

But it wasn’t the crown that was on Aenys’ head that Maegor craved, no. It was the ruby encrusted Valyrian steel crown his father wore that he wanted. He would be stupid not to accept what he was offered. All in due time.

“Very well. I swear to you that I shall serve you loyally, your grace.” he nodded. 

It still felt strange to address him as anything above himself. Aenys was not someone who inspired any respect in his eyes- but then again who did? Other than his own mother, whom he held to the highest pedestal, there was no other he held respect for when it came to royalty. Not even his own father, not entirely, only when he completely removed the idea that he was ever his father could Maegor see him as a respectable strategist, ruler and warrior. And then of course, Rowan, who had his heart entire. He couldn’t compare her to anyone, for no one could ever compare. Had he respected her any less, he would’ve made sure they were caught in a very compromising position quite publicly, then they could marry. But then she’d face retributions for being an easy woman or someone with loose morals, of which she was neither. He’d never put her in such a position, no, she deserved to be the pinnacle of virtue. In his eyes, that’s what she was.

Aenys gave him an easy smile, relief on his face. He clapped his hands and shuffled with a tiny box in the drawer. He opened it up, revealing a golden pin representative of the position he was about to appoint him. Maegor eyed it carefully, noting all the carved details, before turning his eyes back to the King. Aenys, in turn, took the pin out of the box and approached him, pinning it onto his chest.

“So it’s official.” he grinned. For a moment Aenys turned his eyes toward the pin, his smile falling in confusion, before turning to look at him again. “What’s that?” he asked, pointing at the other pin on his chest.

Shit. He had completely forgotten that without his armour, Rowan’s pin would be visible. He kept his face as neutral as he could, his lips in a straight tight line, while he pretended to look down, as if he forgot what it even was. 

“It’s for the Warrior’s protection in battle.” he said as plainly as he could. Aenys nodded, the curiosity still not leaving his eyes.

“Oh! Did Ceryse make it for you? How sweet!” he grinned again, eyeing the pin. “And here I was, worried about you two.” he laughed lightly. 

“No, it was my mother who had it made for me.” Maegor was quick to correct him, not being able to think of anyone else that it could be from. Aenys was trying to be close to him, perhaps he’d let him, but this was simply too close. He thought back to their youth, did Aenys remember much of him? Did he ever catch the love struck looks he’d give Rowan? Perhaps he did and thought nothing of it, a mere crush. Did he remember when she gave him her favour in the first tourney he had participated in? If he did, he never mentioned it and Maegor was not going to risk anything by revealing that she was the one who made it for him and placed it onto his heart. He quickly took the pin off, safely tucking it into his pocket, saving it for his drawer later.  

“I thought aunt Visenya wasn’t at all fond of the faith.” Aenys raised a brow, ready to push him more, but hesitated, perhaps because the topic was Visenya.

“She said she enjoyed the sentiment of it all. You can have a deep conversation about her religious beliefs if you so wish.” he answered, raising a brow as well, challenging him to question his statement. 

“Ah- perhaps another day.” he waved his hand, placing it on his shoulder. “I should let you go, I’m sure you must be tired. I’ll let you return to your wife, I shall make the announcement tomorrow. Rest well, brother.” he patted him on the shoulder and sent him on his way.

He sure seemed to be on friendly terms with Ceryse, friendly enough to be worried about them. He saw no reason to protest this, he didn’t hate her but they weren’t friends either. What he felt was resentment. The one thing that would’ve brought him any joy from the marriage his father forced onto him, a child, had yet to appear, despite how much he tried. He knew it was unfair to place it all on her- she also didn’t like him, and for all he knew, a child would bring her joy as well. He couldn’t help how he felt at all, the least he could do was let her do as she pleased, and if that was bringing her family over and keeping company with his half-brother, so be it.

He made his way to his chambers, sending his servants to prepare a bath for him. Aenys was right, he was quite tired. He liked his baths with water that was scalding hot. He felt it was the most relaxing. He sighed in pure relief when he lowered his body into the steaming tub, leaning back and resting his head on the edge. 

Aenys would love to have a goodsister like Rowan. They’d get along, something in him telling him that they’d be close. He thought of this a lot, that idealised fairytale where things went as planned where they lived on Dragonstone, happily married, with their little army of children, before he finally ascended the throne. He didn’t imagine anyone else, just her and their children, sometimes his mother as well, finally calm and relaxed, enjoying her grandchildren. Perhaps Aenys could be there too. Perhaps he’d be much happier as a Prince, with no further obligations or troubles. He’d be free to sing and dance as he wished, maybe he’d enjoy being an uncle far more than Maegor was. 

Aenys always called him brother, unlike Maegor, who always felt the need to add the half before the word, a constant reminder that they were only half connected. The shadow of their father loomed large and Aenys seemed to crumble easily beneath it once he realised how big the boots he had to fill were. He wondered, did he know the side of their father that Maegor got? The one that was barely ever there, the one that gave him scarce crumbles of attention, words of praise he could count on one hand, the one that denied him the one thing he’d ever asked him for. No, why would he? Aenys got everything, just as Rhaenys got everything. Alas, Maegor was his mother’s child when it came to the conqueror, no one of importance. But Aenys, unlike his father and aunt, was making an effort, extending him a huge olive branch. Would it hurt to accept it? Would it feel better to talk to him about everything that brothers talked about, to have a bond?

How would he react if he knew even a snippet of Maegor’s mind? He already cowered before him, Maegor could only imagine how much it would frighten him to know the darkness that lied beneath. But perhaps he wouldn’t. Perhaps he’d try. Perhaps Maegor could try as well. Perhaps it would be nice to have a brother. Yes, Aenys was his brother.

No matter how busy, her father always made time to have breakfast with Rowan. It was her favourite time of day, as she knew he’d eventually leave for six moons and this time she would not be joining him. He was acting a bit strange the past two weeks, but he denied it when she asked, today was no different. 

“So, what are your plans for today?” he asked, taking a bite of the slice of bread in his hand.

“Well, I have to deliver some letters to the maester, but other than that, I’ll just be around the dowager Queen.” she said, taking a sip of her water. “How about you?”

“I’ll be meeting with the builders, we’ll be supplying them with more wood for the construction of the keep.” he hummed. Duncan seemed hesitant for a moment, meeting her eyes, before deciding to at last say what he truly wanted to. “So… the Prince has returned.” he eyed her carefully, to see her reaction to his words.

“He has…” Rowan trailed, confused as to why he was bringing it up. He knew how she felt, better than anyone perhaps, so what was he trying to find out?

“And how do you feel, now that he has returned?” he urged, making her straighten her back in her chair.

“I’m happy that he’s safe. And I’m happy that he’s been chosen as hand of the King.” she said, but her father was unconvinced of her formal response. She sighed. “I still feel the same way, father. I’m sorry, I’m trying, I promise. It’s not like I want to be hurt.”

“No- no, Rowan, I did not mean it like that.” he reached for her hand, food now forgotten. “I wasn’t trying to push you, things like that cannot be pushed. I just know it must be hard to be around him.” he said, his eyes full of sympathy.

“It’s not so terrible.” she shrugged. She hadn’t told him about their meetings in the Queen’s solar, for she felt ashamed to even say it out loud. She knew it was improper, that a huge scandal could break out should anyone suspect anything. She was his mother’s lady in waiting, she had the excuse of being there in the solar, and he could just be looking for his mother and they just happened to bump into each other. But Rowan knew better than that. She knew he had planned those meetings to happen, but she could not bring herself to leave, not when he was the air that kept her from drowning in a sea of worry.

“I’ve noticed a certain Lord has eyes for you.” he finally spoke again. Rowan looked at him with confusion, before realising who he was talking about. 

“Tybolt Lannister?” he nodded. “Father, we’ve exchanged a few words a few times, I highly doubt it’s anything of importance to him.” she protested the statement, finding it now much less humorous than when Lana and Ceryse were teasing her about it.

“Again, I’m not trying to push you to do anything, I’m just trying to say that it’s good for you to think about your possible matches. You never know with these things. How do you feel about him?” he asked with a kind smile on his lips. If she was honest, Rowan wasn’t so sure. Tybolt was kind and very charming, she could not deny that, but beyond that, she wasn’t sure about him. She didn’t know him that well, for all she knew he could be a terrible person, or someone absolutely lovely.

“I don’t know. He seems nice, but other than that, I do not know.” she replied.

“Lannisport is lovely, do you remember when we went? You were quite little the first time, eight? Nine?” her father smiled, causing her to do so as well.

“Yes, it’s a very charming place. I remember it well.” she returned her attention to the plate in front of her, smiling fondly at the memories of her youth and the travels she had joined her father on. Lannisport was one of her favourite places they had been to together. She enjoyed exploring the city, seeing all the goods the merchants had brought from all over the world, and having her father explain to her what each thing was. She missed how carefree she used to feel. Once things had calmed with the rebels, she’d ask for leave from Visenya, for a few moons perhaps, and ask her father to let her join him again. He was her favourite travel companion, from Oldtown, to Highgarden, to even the frosty North.

“He could be a potential match, my love. He’s near your age, quite decent and he could provide you with a very comfortable life. Take your time, get to know him a little more and if he’s to your liking, I’ll make sure he’s a good man who’ll treat you well.” he said softly, studying her face. He frowned when he saw the saddened look on her face. “Take your time, my love, there’s no hurry. I just want you to be happy.”

“I know, father. I’ll talk to him…” she nodded, giving her father a sad smile. He was right, of course, she couldn’t drown in her own sorrow forever. Maegor was married, there was nothing to wait for. She had to think about her future without him, no matter how much it tore her heart to shreds to do so. All she wanted was to fall into Maegor’s arms and hold him and kiss him over and over again, never letting him go. But that was only a fantasy, a childish one she’d better forget if she wanted to ever be happy.

After breakfast, Rowan began her usual routine with Visenya, accompanying her in her meetings, being a scribe for her and it was quite an easy day. They hadn’t talked about Maegor, not anything over the most formal and quick updates. It had been a few days since his return, but she did not see much of him. Perhaps it was for the better. Visenya was in a great mood, her plans for Harrenhal coming to fruition soon. It was a bit eerie how excited she was for violence and punishment, but Rowan chalked it down to distraction from the loss she had faced. 

She was enjoying the fresh air of the gardens as she returned from the ravenry, having delivered the Queen’s letters and messages. All she had left to do was tidy everything up and she was done for the day. Visenya had retired to take a bath, so Rowan was a bit slower to return to the solar, choosing instead to walk the long way there, through the gardens. Before she could get too deep into her thoughts, a newly familiar voice called for her.

“Lady Rowan!”

“Ser Tybolt! You’re back so soon!” Rowan exclaimed. Maegor had returned before his knights, flying on dragonback was a much faster way to travel. She had expected the knights he had chosen to remain in the Vale to ensure that things go back to normal, but she supposed Maegor had other plans. Perhaps he’d need them for Harrenhall too.

“Does it please you, my lady?” he asked, offering her his most charming smile, before placing a kiss on her knuckles. Rowan almost blushed at how forward he was, perhaps she had been quite foolish to not notice it as soon as he first spoke to her.

“Oh, I’m happy to see you back safe and sound my Lord. I’m happy the matter was taken care of so swiftly.” she returned his smile. It was true, she was happy to see that no one was injured upon their return.

“Yes, the Prince was… quite eager to deliver the punishments. We saw no battle, yet I think that disappointed him, for what he had us do was… dire.” Tybolt’s expression was an uneasy one, a little shaken perhaps. He shook his head and returned to his charming, easy smile. “But I should not mention such vile things in the presence of such a lovely lady.”

“You flatter me, my lord…”

“I only speak the truth, my lady.”

“But what good would it do me if I were to ignore what was happening around the land? In such times, wouldn’t it be best to always know the happenings of the realm?” she gently asked, almost bothered that he’d begin his sentence and then change the subject. “You needn’t hold your tongue around me, lord Tybolt.”

“I agree with you wholeheartedly, lady Rowan. I’m not insinuating that because you’re a woman you cannot hear it, it’s just that I don’t think any civilised person should. It’s just, the Prince's appetites were…” he trailed.

“They're what?” she asked, feeling her breath get caught in her throat. 

“Terribly cruel. The subject would cause upset should we talk about them plainly.” Tybolt said, troubled. It felt wrong to speak about Maegor with someone else, someone who could be a potential match for her, but the curiosity was eating at her. It was strange to see him from the eyes of others, specifically Tybolt. His knights sang him praises, but the Lannister in front of her was hesitant to do so. What had Maegor done to earn such a reaction?

“I… I see. Still, I’m glad everyone is back safely. There are more battles to go and I can only pray they end just as safely as this one did.” she offered him another smile. 

Tybolt returned it, opening his mouth to speak, but closing it quickly once he realised someone was coming closer, someone who’s heavy boots she had memorised for years, someone whose pacing she knew by heart. The colour drained from his face when the young lion realised who was behind him. Maegor was frowning, his eyes finding hers, making her heart flutter.

“That is true, my lady, but we cannot shy away from battle, can we?” he asked, his deep voice sending shivers up her spine. Rowan was startled for a moment, afraid she had somehow offended him by saying that, as if to say she didn’t think he could handle battle.

“My Prince, of course not! I did not mean to insinuate any lack-”

“I understand your sentiments, they are fair and kind. There was no offence to be taken.” his eyes softened when he gazed into hers, telling her he knew, he always knew what she meant. But his gaze hardened when he turned to Tybolt, who Rowan forgot was there. “Though I hear some complaints about my methods, Ser Tybald?” he questioned.

“M-my Prince! I- I did not mean any offence!” Tybolt tried his best to not stutter, not even bothering to correct his name for fear that he would upset the Prince even more.

“Do not stutter like a fool, boy, speak clearly. Since you feel so comfortable criticising my methods to a lady, why did you not do so back in the Vale? Was it because you nearly fainted when it was your turn to obey a simple order? Are you only good for jousting at tourneys?” his voice dripped of venom, his frown deepening when the young Lannister could not find any words to respond. He was too stunned to speak. Maegor turned his attention back to Rowan, who was looking at him with wide eyes. “My mother has called for you. Do not allow this poor excuse of a knight to distract you from your duties. Come, I need to speak to her as well.” 

Before Rowan could even open her mouth, Maegor began walking away and she followed him without even thinking. She gave Tybolt an apologetic expression, before turning to catch up with his wide strides. The two did not speak at all, walking in complete, uncomfortable silence instead. She knew he was lying, Visenya wished to retire for the rest of the day to relax, there was nothing else she could want from her. But she felt nervous seeing how Maegor was acting. She had so much to ask of him.

“Has he really displeased you so?” she asked as soon as they were alone in the solar, away from prying eyes. Rowan finally got to take a good look at him. He was dressed so impeccably, standing tall like he always did, looking every inch of royalty. 

“Most certainly, he has. What good is a knight that cannot complete a simple order? He’s good for nothing, if all I’ve seen of him doesn’t change in Harrenhal.” Maegor responded, looking quite annoyed that she’d mention him at all.

“What he said before… what exactly was their punishment that made him almost faint?” she asked, nervously playing with a ring she was wearing.

“I denied the traitors a quick death. They did not deserve the mercy of the sword, nor their armour, so I had them stripped down and hanged. The realm needs to see that betrayal to the crown will leave them both killed and humiliated.” he removed his gloves, and poured two glasses of water, giving one to Rowan first before taking a sip. “I did not wish for you to hear, I must confess. Your heart has always been kind and delicate, I do not wish to burden it, if I can help it.” he sat down, his voice softer and his eyes on her face. Her brows were furrowed, while she thought, before taking a seat next to him.

“I do not wish to be sheltered from reality. I thought you already knew that.” Rowan frowned, looking down at her glass. Was what he did cruel? He was certainly right, it did send a strong message, one she wasn’t sure Aenys would carry out without Maegor. But was it necessary? She couldn’t pretend to completely understand matters of battle and war, all she knew came from books and stories Visenya would sometimes share. She trusted Maegor, she trusted him with all her heart, she could trust him in this as well.

“I know. But I’ve missed you, and all I’ve been occupied with lately has been battle, I did not wish to speak about it any more.” he reached out and gently took her hand in his, making her gasp ever so softly. Rowan found she couldn’t look at him directly, focusing instead on his warm hands. She gave a small smile when she saw he still wore the ring she had gifted him when they were young, she lightly traced it with her free hand, earning a soft sigh from him. “Has he been bothering you? Do you want me to send him away? Just say the word and he’s gone.” he asked, his voice now serious. She shook her head.

“Tybolt isn’t bothering me. He’s kind and good company.” she said, making Maegor frown at the mention of his name.

“Good company.” he scoffed, sarcastically repeating her words to her. “Do his exaggerations entertain you? I could find you a court fool to make you laugh, if you so wish.” he almost pouted.

“A court fool? Maegor, what is with you and him?” she asked, worried that the Prince before her had it out for Tybolt, who in her eyes was innocent.

“It’s not- I’m not… I bet your father wouldn’t want that coward near his daughter.” he stumbled, but still held onto her hands tenderly, despite his tone.

“My father? He was actually quite fond of the idea that I’d find a match in Casterly Rock. He told me to spend some time with him, see if I like him.” she said, feeling guilty for bringing it up, knowing that the subject of her marriage was a tense one between them. Maegor froze, his hands now clinging on her own while he processed.

“Duncan said that?” he asked slowly. When Rowan nodded, he bit the inside of his cheek, his frown deepening even more. “He’s eager to marry you off to the highest bidder?” he asked, his voice now angry, but still hushed. Rowan felt anger rise inside her at his question- her father would never be so crass. She pulled her hands away from his, placing them on her lap.

“You know my father better than that! Of course he’d never do such a thing. We cannot pretend that I won’t eventually marry, Maegor. He simply wants me to find a husband that will keep me happy. He sensed that Tybolt could be interested and simply asked me to get to know him and see if he could be that person. He’d never push for me to do it, you know this.” she frowned, looking into his eyes. He was still angry, however.

“So you’re more than fine with that pathetic excuse of a man parading himself in front of you? You’d even reward him with your time and potentially your hand?” he protested, reaching back for her hands. “He’s worth nothing, he can offer you nothing. How is that boy going to protect you? He’s useless, all show. He’ll do nothing for you, don’t-” he breathed. “Don’t marry him. Please don’t marry him.” he begged, his voice quiet like a whisper. 

Rowan felt her heart break again and again, returning the grip that Maegor had on her hands. She hated this, she hated that they were in this situation to begin with, hated that she’d eventually part with him forever, that she’d have someone else by her side, someone who would never live up to Maegor’s shadow. Just the thought made tears well up in her eyes.

“I don’t wish to marry anyone else, but I cannot- I cannot stay here forever…” she whispered, getting the courage to meet his intense, pleading eyes. Maegor seemed to panic in that moment, reaching out to cup her face softly.

“Forgive me- Please don’t cry. I don’t blame you, I never would.” he pleaded softly, wiping away the few tears that managed to escape her. She revelled in his warmth, at their closeness, she gently placed her hand on his. They stayed like that in a comfortable silence, where Rowan could only hear their breaths and her own heart beating. 

“I didn’t even congratulate you…” she broke the silence after a while, gently leaning into his hands that were still holding her. Maegor smiled, glancing at his new pin. “How do you feel?” she asked, leading his hands back to the table. 

“Strange.” he admitted. “Good, but strange. I’m pretty sure it’s a kind of olive branch he’s extending me. Maybe he feels guilty and wants to have a brother.” he mused, playing with the rings on her hands. 

“And you? Do you want to have a brother?” she asked, studying his face. She noticed how pensive he looked, letting himself be vulnerable away from everyone else. “I think you two could be close. It’ll be nice to make up for lost time, don’t you think?” she asked again.

“I wouldn’t change anything about how I grew up. I got to have you, I wouldn’t trade that for any potential brother. But perhaps… it would be nice.” he admitted, looking down. A small laugh escaped his lips. “I know his council and Alyssa will give him hell for naming me his hand.” he smirked. 

Gods, he looked so handsome when he smirked. At that moment Rowan felt ashamed. Ashamed at the unholy thoughts that were in her mind. All she could focus on were his hands- they were huge. And warm, and strong. In his arms, she felt so safe and protected, having him be so protective of her made her feel fuzzy. She wondered how they’d feel roaming all over her- Gods be good, what was she thinking? He raised a brow after he noticed her blushing cheeks, shooting her a smile. Did he not know what he did to her?

“He knew that, and still made his choice.” she smiled. Maegor nodded and traced over the light scarring on her fingertips.

“You’ve been nervous.” he stated, his smile faltering.

“...I was worried about you.” she confessed. “I always do.” Maegor went to speak, but Rowan interrupted him by getting up. “The hour grows late, it’s almost time for supper. I still have to tidy up the solar.” 

“Are you kicking me out?” he laughed. “Very well then. I shall see you soon.” he said, getting up as well, making sure to push his chair back in, so that he wouldn’t make a mess for her. He didn’t leave right away, lingering next to her. He took her hand once more, placing a kiss on the back of it, making her heart stop. “I didn’t thank you for your pin. It helped prevent a battle, you know?” he teased gently. Rowan couldn’t stop her grin.

“Oh, come on.” she groaned.

“I’ll be leaving for Harrenhal next week, would you make me another one?” he asked, smiling. He truly liked it so much? How could she deny him then?

“Of course.”

taglist:@heartstalked@stupidocupido@discowizard88@slytherisstuff

[cosmicluzer]

hi asking about ur Gross wip in the hopes that the song fic title is from the song i know that is titled “Gross” also 👀

if you are thinking penelope scott’s gross then you are thinking correct lol. kind of hoping you are - that song is one of my personal favorites hehe. kinda sad if it is - the original idea got warped into something WAY more fluffy than gross is, but never fear bc that song will return with its intended angst wether i have to force myself to write it or not.

anyways, you probably won’t have toooo much interest in it, seeing as it isn’t for sp. it’s a one piece (live action bc i love them) fanfic, because i am a liar and a fandom hopping fraud. I was scrolling through my yt shorts one day and stumbled upon that one “you dated brutal dictator of Nicaragua?!” meme and my brain went: “oh. i can do something with this. Small snippet under the cut ;P

REMINDER THAT THIS IS A WIP AND A ROUGH DRAFT AND THAT I KINDA SUCK AT WRITING OK OK GOOD NOW PROCEED WITH CAUTION

Sanji is washing the dishes, the rest of the crew sitting at the dining table conversing. He flits in and out of the conversation, adding bits here and there as he continues his task. The day is peaceful, and Sanji feels at rest.

Nami sits, legs crossed over the top of the chair next to her - Zoro’s - with the newspaper propped into her lap. Zoro sits in his chair, slouching against it and looking mildly annoyed at Nami’s legs at the back of his chair but not saying a word about it. Across the table is Usopp, tinkering on seas knows what, and Luffy, content in gnawing through a bundle of fish jerky Sanji made earlier that morning.

The breeze is light, floating through the open windows and door. The sunshine shines brightly through into the galley, and with the crew this docile together it’s, well… peaceful, like he’s said before.

Of course, that’s when they decide to throw the conversat into a depth Sanji is thoroughly avoiding, and has been since six months after… that.

“Usopp, how long were you and Kaya together?” Luffy asks, interrupting Usopp’s story - one about Kaya, and those were the closest you can get to the truth from him.

Usopp pauses at the words, face going slightly red as he sputters out a reply.

“W-Well, Luffy, the great captain Usopp speaks not of the mountains of women he’s conquered! It is not befitting to-“

“They weren’t together,” Nami says, looking at Usopp with an unsurprised look. “He’s too chicken for that.” With that, she turns her attention back to her newspaper, flipping the page and reading it off.

“Hey-!”

“Did you ever have someone like Usopp didn’t have Kaya?” Luffy asks, because the kid can’t read a room. Usopp lets out an offended noise, and Nami doesn’t even look up from the paper as she speaks next.

“Nope, no time for that.”

Luffy hums, looking over the table. He goes to speak, most likely to ask the question to Zoro, but the green-headed swordsman interrupts him.

“No, Luffy. That’s not my style. Why not ask cook?” Zoro’s tone turns from unamused to smug, and he smirks. He turns in his seat to face Sanji, who has gone back to vigorously scrubbing the plate in his hand as he hopes to be kept out of the conversation. “He’s seen the most people, he must have great stories.”

Sanji turns, sneering at Zoro, before he grabs the next plate and gets to scrubbing.

“Sanji! Tell me a story!” Luffy shouts from his spot, getting excited. Nami turns her attention from her newspaper, looking mildly intrigued. Sanji sighs.

“No. I gave you food, occupy yourself.” Sanji shouts over his shoulder, and Luffy pouts.

“C’mon, Sanji. You must have a good story for us.” Nami says, trying to bait him into it. Everyone turned to face him, Usopp and Luffy putting on their best puppy dog eyes in hopes for some entertainment. Sanji pauses his fish washing, considering before shaking his head and turning around.

“I’m sorry, Nami dearest, but there truly is nothing for me to discuss on this topic. There has been nobody of notice in that area of my life, and besides, a gentleman does not kiss and tell.” He says, using a tone of remorse. Nami quirks an eyebrow at him, face going from casual to interested.

“Was that a lie, Sanji-san?” Nami asks, face breaking out into an amused smirk.

Of fucking course the brilliant redhead would see through his lie. He sighs, admitting defeat.

“You truly are too clever for your own good, my swan.” He says, moving to the table and sitting in an empty seat. The other three males look at him with varying degrees of surprise - it is very out of character for Sanji to lie to the crew let alone Nami, a woman.

“Sanji, share!” Luffy whines, wanting to hear what could possibly be such a grandiose secret to Sanji that he’d hide it.

“Be quiet, Luffy, I’m thinking of where to start.”

“How about the beginning, curly.” Zoro says, and Sanji so wants to ring the other man’s throat for being so smug. Instead, he takes a deep breath.

“Alright,” Sanji exhales, grabbing at the pack of cigs in his pocket and the lighter sitting near them. He knows he’ll need a cigarette to get through this. “So this story starts about five years ago…”

[renrendevoir]

Dear Love,

I can’t imagine a new year without you. I can’t think of a new beginning that the end is not you. You always sum up my every year. I am very hopeful and excited to greet you with a “Happy New Year”.

The year 2023 was the worst yet the best year of our life.

Worst, since this was the most painful year for both of us, this year I disappointed you in many ways, I lied to you many times, invalidated your feelings most of the days we fought, and made you feel unlove in such a hardest way. I cause you pain that only time can heal. Love, I am very sorry! Sorry for being naïve and insensitive. While I am writing this letter, those days that I made you cry were flashback to me. Sorry for leaving you alone, I am such an idiot to not care about you. I realize that you spent this year with so much sadness and repentance. Sorry for being so unfair that I want to bring back the time that we were so happy in short span of time even if you are experiencing the most painful kind of thing in your life these days. But this is my way to show how I wanted badly to make you the happiest girl again.

Best, on those end days of this year since we have learned to communicate our feelings with each other. Slowly, we are beginning to open and accept what the other one wants and needs to do for us. We have talked about all those problems that were left unsold in previous years and cleared it in a no complaints way. We also started to plan again and get excited on the upcoming years that we will face together. And lastly, I felt that we conquered the meaning of sacrifices and unconditional love. These were very good things to begin and start a new life. I am confident that we are now ready to transition to the next part of our love story.

I promise you to make the year 2024 to be the happiest year of your existence. Please give me the chance to give all my heart again to you. I will help you conquer those fears of experiencing the same pain again. Every day, I will make you feel that you are always in love (this will be an everyday reminder to me). I will not let you ride this journey alone anymore. Give me your right hand once again and I will show you the deepest and the most colorful world that I am seeing in our future. Your voices and feelings will always be heard. Let us help each other to let our love grow further. Everyday will be an effort to show and feel that love should be healthy, joyful, exciting, full of surprises, hopeful and a race of heartbeat cause by being loved and not by pain. Just hold on tight, once again this ride will be a wild one. I miss you so much and I love you, forever and always.

Ending this letter quoting the lyrics of one of our most favorite songs @k8chronicles :

“From now on, there’s no looking back, full-steam ahead on this one way track from this day forth, I will make a promise to be true to myself and always be honest.

For the rest of my life, I will do what’s right.”

Love,

Renz

[gust-jar-simulator]

Hmmm. I want to play with my Hot Girl Shit AU a bit.

Thing is, the Hero of Time is beset by visions.

Shadow gets clones, both because he can literally do that in game and as a Ganon reference, plus his hero. Nightmare gets transformations and immense magic reserves. But Dark? Dark is the Hero of Time’s fears and insecurities, and my god does he have a lot.

I think Time would be having a sustained identity crisis because his whole worldview got shattered when he was told he was Hylian, not Kokiri. The Kokiri don’t look kindly on adults, or the ability to age. It’s a death sentence, and also just a silly mortal thing. A reason to pity Hylians, if anything. Time’s already ostracized because he doesn’t have a fairy, and now he’s old too? He’s not Kokiri all the way down to his bones, not just through ostracization. It’s confirmation of everything every bully has ever told him, and this time it came from his dad.

The notable thing about Dark’s fight is that he becomes more real over the course of it. The flipping-off-your-sword thing is the closest we get to a hint of personality from him, especially because Time can’t do the same move. So what’s it mean? Why?

It feels mocking, obviously, but if Dark is meant to be Time conquering himself then I feel like it’s the equivalent of grabbing him by the collar and Making Him Look. Look at my age, look at my face, look at my abilities, look at what I am. Crucially this isn’t because he wants to be seen as a person, like Shadow. Shadow wants to be acknowledged as an individual. Dark doesn’t, or at least it’s not a priority. Dark wants Time to see himself and come to terms with it. He’s a reflection, the cruelty of the mirror.

Dark’s fight, in a way, is “get therapy or die”. Which is really tragic, actually, and could explain the whole Majora’s Mask adventure. Time literally has to go to a parallel world and go on a whole adventure to process his own regrets, dreams, and attachments. Dark wasn’t enough.

I’m going to have a lot of fun with the idea that Dark wasn’t enough. It would make sense for a kid to completely miss the abstract nuances and go straight for “ohmygod a monster stab it until it dies”. There’s a very real chance that Time may have won the duel and learned absolutely nothing.

Time has to confront the idea of his own mortality. He’s not Kokiri. He’ll age and die. Time itself will kill him, if the monsters don’t. He’s adopted. He’s part of a race he’s probably only met in the form of Stalfos. He thought he was alone before, until his quest punted him all across the country. He wants his dad. His dad’s dead. He wants to play and draw and be a kid, and the only person doing any of that with him is a mysterious Sheikah who’s teaching him songs to kill monsters with. People want things from him that he doesn’t understand, like engagement or pictures of women, and they never explain. He doesn’t understand So Much.

Dark, meanwhile, is Link as nothing but a Hero. The right age. The combat skills. The self-confidence, or at least apparently so (he’s just stoic). A weapon of the goddesses, silent and efficient and deadly. Like Sheik. Time is afraid of everything that he isn’t and should be, how he doesn’t match up, that he isn’t enough. But I think part of him is also afraid of what he’s becoming. The sword, the goddesses, forcibly made him the right age to kill Ganondorf. What else are they going to turn him into? He’s not Kokiri, and he’s not a kid, but he is culturally, he is mentally. Even when he switches ages though, it fits poorly. This is a kid absolutely riddled with multiple kinds of dysphoria.

There’s something about the idea that once you finally leave home, you can never go back. Not really. Sure you can go to the location, the people, but it’s never the same again. You’re not the person you were, and home isn’t what you remember anymore.

And Dark doesn’t have a home. He’s a weapon, a trial, a judgement. A tool. The sword and scales of the goddess of wisdom. He’s got a little island with a dead tree, and a couple of doorways, and endless water and sky. He’s not a person. Is he even really alive?

And then to wrap it all up, Time suffered the call to adventure via nightmares. Really encouraging formative experience, there. Other people have compared Dark’s arena to the Bodhi Tree before, and I like that imagery a lot, a tree that you have to meditate under to master yourself. Time is traumatized, and needs a chance to reflect on that, on his mind and his emotions and his sense of self. Of course the demon that comes for him is all of those things at once, something mimicking the identity that scares him the most: being the Hero.

Dark doesn’t have any fancy spells or blessings because he didn’t receive them, and he doesn’t need them. I don’t think Time at that age could comprehend the weight of the favor of the goddesses, what it means to have Nayru’s Love or Din’s Fury. It’s not the pressure of being a symbol that scares him. It’s being changed into something unrecognizable. He needs to become the perfect tool of destiny, he might even envy Sheik’s ease with the idea, but he’s just a scared little kid. But will he even be himself, if he isn’t scared anymore? What is he?

Dark’s answer is you’re me, and it’s hard to say if that’s a comfort or not.

But that’s why I want to keep him simple, in this AU. Dark is just… the hero. Because that’s the most terrifying thing he could be.

[discordapples]

PT. 17 Stolen

Word count: 1.7k (6 mins read)

Characters: Livia Novik, Ominis Gaunt.

Summary

Ominis isolates himself from his friends in the wake of the Collector's first leeching. Livia doesn't hesitate to skip class to visit him, and they share a moment in a secret peaceful place.

Read the next chapter below.

Song list: Empty, by PVRIS.

Ominis | Hogwarts, Early October, 1893.

A boy is given a memory to cherish. It isn't the kind you trap in a frame, but the kind you water with moments spent reliving it; the kind you prune with care so the weeds won't strangle it.

Yet one day, the boy wakes to an overgrown garden, and amidst the brier and the conquering ivy, the memory is curled onto itself, browned and wilted and dead.

Everything dissipates.

The water in a pond. The pain from a wound. A slab of dark clouds eclipsing the sun.

A memory.

For two days, Ominis only leaves his room to attend his classes, and even then, his body sits on a chair, but his attention meanders to the things he abandoned in the Room of Requirement.

At first, he is angry with Livia for manipulating him into joining the first leeching—for her display at the lake can be nothing else than that. This is now apparent to him. But then, even this dissipates, and ire sublimates into fear.

Fear to forget what it is like to belong. Fear to forget what it is like to see. Fear to forget what Livia looks like.

It is only on the third day Ominis realizes the green in her eyes has desaturated, the darkness of her hair has dimmed, her smile has etiolated.

Now she lives, a mangled vision, in a corner of his brain where she will rot beyond recognition, and one day, the dance with her will be a timeworn tapestry, riddled with holes and torn seams, and she will become an impoverished sensation; a watery afterthought.

Everything fades, and everyone dies twice. First, when life leaves their body, then when memory fails those they left behind.

Ominis told Sebastian about his ordeal. There was no way he'd weather the stubborn Slytherin's inquisition without caving. He would do anything, however, to evade Sebastian's pity, and crawl back into the shell of solitude to lick his wounds, but his friend hauls him along until one day Ominis pretends he is coming down with a terrible headache and cannot make it to Potions class.

And that day is the day Livia Novik also chooses to skip class to visit him.

As soon as he opens the door, he can smell this exhalation of vanilla and blackcurrant, noses the faint scent of dust from the books she read, the heady funk of ink from the quill she held.

"Can I come in?"

Wordlessly, he pivots to let her inside his bedroom, then shuts the door behind them. There is the faint groan of the mattress; the squeak of the hinges on his bed.

He leans against his desk, endeavoring to smooth the crinkles in his trousers as if he is suddenly made aware Livia can—and will—note all of his imperfections now that he isn't trussed in a tailored suit and a silken cravat. "How did you make it inside the Slytherin common room?"

"I used to Mimic. Pointed it at Sebastian and had it tell me the password."

"You're too clever for this world, you know that?"

She sheds a chuckle. "It's my curse, Ominis Gaunt."

His tone darkens. "Yeah, we all have one."

"I'm sorry about it all, Ominis," Livia says, her voice bleak. "I saw what you experienced in the manor. If I knew, I wouldn't have—"

"Manipulated me into doing it?"

An agitated silence cotters between them. It is laced with unease.

How much did she see?

Could she pick apart his desires from the display? Did she eye all of his fears as they hung on the walls of his illusion alongside his family portraits?

Ominis wonders how Livia managed to strip him of both his shirt and his secrets; how deft she is at skinning others while donning a thicker armor.

"We all manipulate," Livia replies, and there is no contempt in her words, just the cold steel of candor. "By nipping my actions in ill-intent, you hope to use guilt to get the truth from me. This is a way to manipulate, isn't it?" He hears the bed creak again, and he cannot help his heart cantering into his throat, knowing that she is getting closer. "The afternoon we spent at the lake was not a performance, Ominis. I wasn't feigning laughs; I could never enact a moment so peaceful with all the storms that have been raging in my head. I might have told you to stay out of it in the hopes of having you insist on partaking, but everything else I said was true."

She leans next to him, and in this permanent darkness of his, he can see her materialize again; pictures her fingers trapped in his, the curve of her neck laced in midnight blue velvet, the coy smile she graces him with when he spins her around, the fragility he would've never imagine her to display if he hadn't seen her with his own eyes.

Aside from her family and the Collector's legion of faceless dancers, Livia is the first person Ominis ever laid his eyes on.

And now she is the first smile he ever starved for. The first eyes he ever looked through for a figment of soul that her scent, her touch, her taste could never relent.

How could he hold bitterness into his chest when she gave him the opportunity to sample a part of her?

"Your face is fading away," he whispers, as if an octave higher could cut right through the moment. "I tried to keep it inside of me like a breath until the sight would burn itself inside of my brain, but it doesn't hold. It isn't losing my eyesight again that eats me from the inside, Livia. It's being robbed of the glimpses of bliss I was awarded in there."

She coils her fingers around his forearm, the smile in her words like a living, breathing thing. "Come, the day is warm. Let's go out."

He raises a brow. "We'll get caught for missing class."

"Some things are worth a little trouble," she replies. "Besides, these little crimes we avow ourselves make for the best memories, wouldn't you say?"

Returning her smile, Ominis lets her lead him through the castle's loneliest corridors until they cross through a door under a warmish sun.

The sound of the grass underfoot is foreign, so is the blend of smells eddying around them. Pine, stagnant water, decaying flowers, dry leaves, the nitrous scent of a storm rolling in the distance.

"Where are we?"

Livia guides his hand to a slope chiseled in stone. He follows the curve upwards, across a neck, then a hand holding a feminine chin, a nose, eyes, and eyebrows.

A statue.

"I don't know what this place is," she tells him. "It looks like a garden left in disarray behind a door which knob is just as spotless as the day it was hammered into the wood. Right now, it looks very much like a place in-between."

"In-between what?"

He imagines her shrugging at that, picturing her green eyes looking around to the dead flower beds, the ruined statues, the gnarled branches. "In-between seasons, most certainly. In-between owners, perhaps. In-between lovers or mischief-makers or peace-seekers."

His heart caroms in its sheath of muscles at the question he allows out of his lips: "Which one are we?"

She graces him with a shy giggle. He has never felt her so pensive, so reconciled. "Given we are missing class, I suppose we are first and foremost mischief-makers, but there is no reason why we should don only one cloak."

He angles his face to where her voice comes from. "Why did you bring me here, Livia?"

"The Collector couldn't feed on my bliss."

A gossamer line runs across his forehead. "Why not?"

There is sorrow lacing her words. "He told me I was too scant a meal in my current emotional state; that I owe him bliss when I will be able to experience it."

"Why did he feed on you, regardless?"

"I wanted to be with you and Sebastian when he did it. If there was a way, I could make it less... painful, I would've been there to do it. That is the first reason..."

An open sky breathes around them, but the second Livia steps in his vicinity, Ominis feels as if she has trapped him in a glass jar. His skin tingles as she draws closer, the air rolling in his throat thickening with the words he surrenders. "What is the second?"

She takes his hand and presses his fingers to her cheek. "So you could associate smells and textures to the fading image you have of me, and strengthen the memory."

Guiding his hand on her face, she helps him chart her traits. The sharp edge of her jaw, her peaked chin, her small nose, proud cheekbones, the silk of her eyelashes, the soft outline of her full lips...

And there it dawns on Ominis, the need to have something to himself. Something that isn't shared, imagined or stolen. "Do you want to come with me to All Hallows' Eve ball?"

He feels her cheek move up under his fingers. "Was I such a good dancer?"

"You were."

"How much do you remember of our dance?"

"Everything," he says without hesitation. "I meant everything I said to you, Livia. All the glimpses I stole of you—I intended those too."

He recognizes the signs of disquiet in the change in her breath pattern, yet she doesn't recoil from his touch. "I don't know if I can know bliss, Ominis. With anyone."

"Why don't you steal it?" He suggests, her skin blistering under the pad of his thumb. "These little crimes we avow ourselves make for the best memories, right?"

"You're not a bad partner in crime," she concedes, her bitterness gone in the blink of an eye. "Yes. I'll go to the ball with you, Ominis Gaunt."

"Good," he replies with a smile. "At least we'll have a secret place to retire to if the festivities get tiresome."

She gives a silvery chuckle. "Do they ever?"

"Let's hope this year they do."

[anotherghoul666]

7:A song to drive to

19:A song that makes you think about life

7:A song to drive to As I mentionned before, I don't drive so I have no clue what makes a good driving song hahaha XD The first time I answered this question I provided the type of song I listened to when my dad drove me places. Now I shall provide a public transport song, a very clear memory in my brain from 2010-2015 when I was in university, which I rode the metro to for over an hour each way, every day. I had to keep myself hype and ready to tackle the Horrors of Socializing XD And this album was a regular spin to wake myself up at 6 in the morning while glued to people's backs in the metro.

Of Mice & Men - Second & Sebring Some good ol' easy metalcore to whip you into shape at ungodly hours in the morning!

19:A song that makes you think about life Previously when I answered this question, I talked about how the death of an artist I never met or saw live but that meant ther world to me put life in perspective and made me ponder its meaning. Some fun lighthearted answer! XD So let's say equally lighthearted and talk about depression and anxiety weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Life, when you're a neurodivergent person like me, when you have mental health issues and trasuma like me, is often about those differences or those disorders taking over. And if you get through that period of it taking over, then life becomes a reflection of what you've traversed and sucessfully conquered. In that same university period, you got me reminiscing today uh? xD, I dealt with some of the most intense bouts of anxiety I remember having. (Now that I know I'm autistic it was probably also autistic meltdown because of how overstimulated and strung tight I was in uni, but I digress). By 2015-2016 it got to the point where I could not leave my apartment to go grocery shopping, and I lived across the street from a grocery store. I could not feed myself I was so fucking terrified of having to interact with neighbours in the hallways and elevators; the thought of crossing the stress and maybe doing it wrong or not going at the right time or dropping something in front of cars of tripping in front of cars and getting ran over paralyzed me so I couldn't walk the few meters to the store; and don't even get me started on the store itself, the other patrons, the cashiers, people looking at the food I bought, etc. I was stuck in a cocoon where I was miserable and in profound pain and anguish 24/7. Music of course was one of the few things that kept me going. And I clung furiously to bands and artists that put the pain I felt in lyrics and songs. I just wanted to be seen and told what I experienced was normal. Artists who shared my pain were my buoys in the seemingly endless sea of anxiety paralysis. One of those core artists that kept me alive was Lunatic Soul with their Walking on a Flashlight Beam album.

Lunatic Soul - Gutter Specifically this song, Gutter, felt like it held space for me and how I felt. Those lyrics. That felt like the description of a panic attack to me. That's how I felt all the time. "The fear is what I need, what I need to believe. The feer is what I need, what I need to feel." I lived on fear, and it killed me just as much as it kept me alive.

Nowadays I look back on this artist and this record and I still love them dearly, but they don't feel like words are taken out of my mouth anymore, thankfully. My live's done a full 180 since and I'm better than I have ever been. But Gutter is still a track that I made my life partner listen to when we met. Within a few weeks of getting together we were in her room and we traded meaningful songs of our lives back and forth, to get to know each other better. I played this one and another Lunatic Soul track about being terrified to be loved. We cried so fucking much. We knew, we saw each other, and things were alright. So yeah, Gutter I've used to summarize my life before. I feel it qualifies for the question haha.

[danpuff-ao3]

73, 85 🧡

Hello there! 🌼

73.) how do you visualize scenes? do you see it like a movie in your head, or do the words just flow?

Hmm! Some combination of both, I think. I do a lot of planning ahead of time, and often daydream about what I plan to write. Music is a big help; so while I can't listen to music while writing, I often "pregame" by jamming out to music. And while I'm bopping around, I often daydream then. Flashes of images from the story, accompanying the song.

Then, in a way, it all flows once I get it started. I always feel like I know more than I'm showing/telling the reader. The image might be clear as day in my head, but not every little detail makes the cut. I have such a narrow focus on the characters, the emotions, and the story's aims that what I feel like are extraneous details will get the boot, lest I'm feeling self-indulgent about them.

So when I'm writing it sort of becomes more dreamlike; where the details blur a bit or shift. The primary mood and focus remain, but some things become a bit more amorphous and shift as the words flow free. Now and again the tone of an action shifts subtly. What I originally envisioned as "an action" takes a more tender or vicious edge in the process. I'm very particular about word choice at times. Now and then they seem like odd choices, but I feel too attached to them to change them.

And not to get too NSFW but in a current project, the idea of "stuffing it in" felt supremely unsexy, but when I tried to use a more neutral word, or even a sexier word, it just felt off, so back to "stuff" I went. 🤷‍♀️

85.) what would be on a moodboard for your current wip(s)?

Interesting! I've never made a moodboard before. I'd like to, I think. I'm so envious of other people's! It was the same with playlists, actually. Other people created such good ones, and I'd had playlist choices come under scrutiny before. And while I'm accustomed to my writing being a bit specific and niche at times, I've not made playlists or moodboards enough to feel confident in them despite by strange, specific tastes.

But I conquered that fear regarding playlists! Here is a compilation of playlists I've made. The Snarry one is admittedly a mess right now; I've been throwing random stuff in there the past few days to keep in consideration for other WIP playlists, and I plan to edit/rearrange it a bit over the weekend.

Anyway, back on track: MOODBOARD. I tried to throw something together for funsies, but it's really the first time I've dared even try ot make one 🙈

My thoughts were really: skin/hands, candles/flames, books, absinthe, flowers (specifically: forget me nots, but other floral imagery okay), absinthe, vials/bottles/apothecary. I also had thoughts of: lonely grave, rundown house, sunlight and moonlight. Anything that would give a sense of life and death, dreariness and hope, focusing more on natural colors, nothing too bright or sterile looking.

Of course, that's just for one of many WIPs haha. Just the first that came to mind! Mayb I'll play around with moodboards more, we shall see!

ask game for fanfic writers

answered: 73, 85

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

19th November >> Mass Readings (USA)

Saturday, Thirty Third Week in Ordinary Time

    or 

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Saturday, Thirty Third Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Green)

First Reading

Revelation 11:4-12

These two prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth.

I, John, heard a voice from heaven speak to me: Here are my two witnesses: These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. If anyone wants to harm them, fire comes out of their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone wanting to harm them is sure to be slain. They have the power to close up the sky so that no rain can fall during the time of their prophesying. They also have power to turn water into blood and to afflict the earth with any plague as often as they wish.

   When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the abyss will wage war against them and conquer them and kill them. Their corpses will lie in the main street of the great city, which has the symbolic names “Sodom” and “Egypt,” where indeed their Lord was crucified. Those from every people, tribe, tongue, and nation will gaze on their corpses for three and a half days, and they will not allow their corpses to be buried. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and be glad and exchange gifts because these two prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth. But after the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them. When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, “Come up here.” So they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 144:1, 2, 9-10

R/ Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Blessed be the LORD, my rock,    who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.

R/ Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

My mercy and my fortress,    my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust,    who subdues my people under me.

R/ Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

O God, I will sing a new song to you;    with a ten-stringed lyre I will chant your praise, You who give victory to kings,    and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.

R/ Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Gospel Acclamation

cf. 2 Timothy 1:10

Alleluia, alleluia. Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 20:27-40

He is not God of the dead, but of the living.

Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called  ‘Lord’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Some of the scribes said in reply, “Teacher, you have answered well.” And they no longer dared to ask him anything.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Liturgical Colour: White)

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Saturday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

Either:

First Reading

Genesis 3:9-15, 20

I will put enmity between your offspring and the offspring of the woman.

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me– she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The LORD God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.”    Then the LORD God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this, you shall be banned    from all the animals    and from all the wild creatures; On your belly shall you crawl,    and dirt shall you eat    all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman,    and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head,    while you strike at his heel.”

The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

OR: --------

First reading Genesis 12:1-7 The Lord spoke to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever (Luke 1:55).

The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.

”I will make of you a great nation,    and I will bless you; I will make your name great,    so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you    and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth    shall find blessing in you.”

Abram went as the LORD directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai, his brother’s son Lot, all the possessions that they had accumulated, and the persons they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land as far as the sacred place at Shechem, by the terebinth of Moreh. (The Canaanites were then in the land.)    The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him.

OR: --------

First reading 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-11, 16 The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father (Luke 1:32).

When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you.” But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: “Go tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in?’    “‘It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

OR: --------

First reading 1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2 They brought in the ark of God and set it within the tent which David had pitched for it.

David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring the ark of the LORD to the place which he had prepared for it. David also called together the sons of Aaron and the Levites. The Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with poles, as Moses had ordained according to the word of the LORD.    David commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brethren as chanters, to play on musical instruments, harps, lyres, and cymbals to make a loud sound of rejoicing.    They brought in the ark of God and set it within the tent which David had pitched for it. Then they offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. When David had finished offering up the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

OR: --------

First reading Proverbs 8:22-31 Mary, seat of Wisdom.

The Wisdom of God says:

“The LORD begot me, the first-born of his ways,    the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; From of old I was poured forth,    at the first, before the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth,    when there were no fountains or springs of water; Before the mountains were settled into place,    before the hills, I was brought forth; While as yet the earth and fields were not made,    nor the first clods of the world.

“When he established the heavens I was there,    when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; When he made firm the skies above,    when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; When he set for the sea its limit,    so that the waters should not transgress his command; Then was I beside him as his craftsman,    and I was his delight day by day, Playing before him all the while,    playing on the surface of his earth;    and I found delight in the sons of men.”

OR: --------

First reading Sirach 24:1-2, 3-4, 8-12, 18-21 Mary, seat of Wisdom.

Wisdom sings her own praises and is honored in God,    before her own people she proclaims her glory; In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth,    in the presence of his power she declares her worth.

“From the mouth of the Most High I came forth    the first-born before all creatures. I made that in the heavens there should arise    light that never fades    and mistlike covered the earth. In the highest heavens did I dwell,    my throne on a pillar of cloud.

“Then the Creator of all gave me his command,    and he who formed me chose the spot for my tent, Saying, ‘In Jacob make your dwelling,    in Israel your inheritance    and among my chosen put down your roots.’ Before all ages, in the beginning, he created me,    and through all ages I shall not cease to be. In the holy tent I ministered before him,    and in Zion I fixed my abode. Thus in the chosen city he has given me rest,    in Jerusalem is my domain. I have struck root among the glorious people,    in the portion of the LORD, his heritage    and in the company of the holy ones do I linger.

“Come to me, all you that yearn for me,    and be filled with my fruits; You will remember me as sweeter than honey,    better to have than the honeycomb    my memory is unto everlasting generations. Whoever eats of me will hunger still,    whoever drinks of me will thirst for more; Whoever obeys me will not be put to shame,    whoever serves me will never fail.”

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 The virgin shall conceive and bear a son.

The LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel which means “God is with us.”

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 9:1-6 A son is given us.

The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom    a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy    and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest,    as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them,    the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster    you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle,    every cloak rolled in blood,    will be burned as fuel for flames.

For a child is born to us, a son is given us;    upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,    Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast    and forever peaceful, From David’s throne, and over his kingdom,    which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice,    both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 61:9-11 I rejoice heartily in the Lord.

Thus says the LORD:

Their descendants shall be renowned among the nations,    and their offspring among the peoples; All who see them shall acknowledge them    as a race the LORD has blessed.

I rejoice heartily in the LORD,    in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation,    and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,    like a bride bedecked with her jewels. As the earth brings forth its plants,    and a garden makes its growth spring up, So will the Lord GOD make justice and praise    spring up before all the nations.

OR: --------

First reading Micah 5:1-4a Until the time when she who is to give birth has borne.

The LORD says:

You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah,    too small to be among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me    one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old,    from ancient times. (Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time    when she who is to give birth has borne, And the rest of his brethren shall return    to the children of Israel.) He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock    by the strength of the LORD,    in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; And they shall remain, for now his greatness    shall reach to the ends of the earth;    he shall be peace.

OR: --------

First reading Zechariah 2:14-17 Rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming.

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day,    and they shall be his people,    and he will dwell among you,    and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. The LORD will possess Judah as his portion in the holy land,    and he will again choose Jerusalem. Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD!    for he stirs forth from his holy dwelling.

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EITHER: --------

Responsorial Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“My heart exults in the LORD,    my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies;    I rejoice in my victory.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The bows of the mighty are broken,    while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,    while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons,    while the mother of many languishes.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The LORD puts to death and gives life;    he casts down to the nether world;    he raises up again. The LORD makes poor and makes rich,    he humbles, he also exalts.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“He raises the needy from the dust;    from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles    and make a glorious throne their heritage.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Judith 13:18bcde, 19

You are the highest honor of our race.

“Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God,    above all the women on earth;    and blessed be the LORD God,    the creator of heaven and earth.”

You are the highest honor of our race.

“Your deed of hope will never be forgotten    by those who tell of the might of God.”

You are the highest honor of our race.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear,    forget your people and your father’s house. So shall the king desire your beauty;    for he is your lord, and you must worship him.

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters;    her raiment is threaded with spun gold. In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king;    behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you.

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

They are borne in with gladness and joy;    they enter the palace of the king. The place of your fathers your sons shall have;    you shall make them princes through all the land.

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

Praise, you servants of the LORD,    praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD    both now and forever.

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

From the rising to the setting of the sun    is the name of the LORD to be praised. High above all nations is the LORD;    above the heavens is his glory.

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high    and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

He raises up the lowly from the dust;    from the dunghill he lifts up the poor To seat them with princes,    with the princes of his own people.

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,    my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

“For he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed:    the Almighty has done great things for me    and holy is his Name.”

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

“He has mercy on those who fear him    in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm,    he has scattered the proud in their conceit.”

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

“He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,    and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things,    and the rich he has sent away empty.”

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

“He has come to the help of his servant Israel    for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers,    to Abraham and his children for ever.”

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

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Gospel Acclamation see Luke 1:28

Alleluia, alleluia. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: see Luke 1:45

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: see Luke 2:19

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed is the Virgin Mary who kept the word of God and pondered it in her heart. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: Luke 11:28

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary; without dying you won the martyr’s crown beneath the Cross of the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.

________

EITHER: --------

Gospel Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.    Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.    David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.    After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.    Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,    and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 1:18-23 For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,    and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt.

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.    When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 12:46-50 Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, here are my mother and my brothers.

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 1:26-38 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son.

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 1:39-47 Blessed is she who believed.

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”    And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;    my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:1-14 She gave birth to her firstborn son.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.    Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:15b-19 Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

The shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:27-35 You yourself a sword will pierce.

Simeon came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;    your word has been fulfilled; my own eyes have seen the salvation    which you prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations    and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:41-52 Your father and I have been looking for you.

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 11:27-28 Blessed is the womb that carried you.

While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

OR: --------

Gospel John 2:1-11 The mother of Jesus was there.

There was a wedding in Cana at Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from although the servers who had drawn the water knew, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

Or:

Gospel

John 19:25-27

Behold, your son. Behold, your mother.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.