#And I could hear bagpipes

[unashamedly-enthusiastic]

Thrilled and Delighted to hear (quite literally) that my 8yr old downstairs neighbour has kept up with his music lessons and has progressed from stage 1 to stage 2

Stage 1 Stage 2

[fbfh]

do you still write for jj?

ooooh not only do I write for JJ but I kiss you on both cheeks for giving me an excuse to talk about one of my favorite obscure JJ thoughts. JJ x ballerina!reader (gn so technically ballet dancer reader, but you do dance pointe and in a more feminine style in pas de deux so do with that what you will)

They thought you were a kook for the first few summers since you clearly went to school off the island. It turns out you're not, you're just a scholarship kid to whatever fancy school you go to (something that Pope LOVES to pick your brain about since he's dying for a scholarship to his dream college)

at some point or another, there's a hurricane. you end up sticking it out with the other pogues. that's when they notice how... weirdly flexible you are. especially JJ. mostly JJ. it started off small, with you stretching a little while you guys are hanging out in the aftermath since the day after a hurricane is always a free day. JJ looked away from you for like two seconds and you just fuckin... dropped into a perfect split. he's surprised by this obviously, but he's more surprised when you seamlessly shift to a split on the other side, then a center split, bending and moving with impossibly flexibility. then a moment later, you're asking him "hey can you grab my leg?" as you stand up and stretch into a scorpion/needle pose. soon you're dragging him out of the room to "help you with something else." he FULLY thinks yall are about to hook up, but instead you put on this beautiful, artsy, erratic piano music, kick off your sandals or sneakers or whatever, and begin moving like a fucking vision.

you're rambling to him while you dance like it's nothing, but his jaw is on the fucking floor.

"This is the solo I learned last semester," you chuckle while spinning like a little figurine atop a music box, or something in a snow globe, or... wherever else he's seen ballerinas in passing before.

"If I'm rusty by the time I get back, Miss Raine will kill me." you chuckle playfully.

after a few moments, you finish, posed delicately on the ground. you look up at him, your cheeks flushed, your eyes glistening with mirth.

"holy fucking shit," he exclaims, making you blush. "goddamn, princess, that-"

he trails off with a disbelieving chuckle.

"That was fuckin' incredible," he says with a breathy laugh, then nudges you playfully, looking at you more closely like he must have missed something all those times he looked at you and never saw this magical ballet fairy hiding inside you. "you've been holdin' out on me." he teases.

"okay, okay, here's where I need your help." you begin, trying not to get too distracted. you reach out and grab his wrist, holding out his left arm palm up. "I'm gonna run at you like this-"

you demonstrate, taking a step forward. his attention is locked onto you even harder from the moment you grab his arm.

"And kinda... kick my leg around," you do just that, so you're twisted around and facing away from him. he lets out a little noise of surprise. you know it must seem convoluted and ridiculous, but you really need help practicing this lift.

"I need you to wrap your arm around me like this," you say, bending forward with one leg extended behind you, the other supporting you, so your stomach rests on his bicep and his hand holds the small of your back. "And then place your other hand right on my ribcage here."

"oh, my hand will be wherever you want it, cupcake." he says, making you roll your eyes at the (only half joking) innuendo.

"okay." you say, taking a step back. "you ready?"

the first few times you walk through it together are clumsy and slow, a mess of limbs and giggles, but eventually you get it. you call your friends in to show them the bluebird lift you've been working on, even having successfully taught JJ how to lower you and do a few basic steps with you to conclude. you both get through it unscathed, and your friends reactions are very similar to JJ (with only slightly less innuendo and teasing from John B and Pope), and as JJ giggles and demands you come at him so he can lift you again, you start to see a lot of potential in him.

maybe, just maybe, you can shape that potential a little more over the summer. your ballet academy always has scholarships for boys available since they're always in demand in the performing arts. you think there might just be a chance for JJ to do a lot more lifts with you.

[fruitsofbeingafraid]

hey anyone who knows how to edit audio

edit this onto the beginning of Ragnarok I?? pretty please??

[pepimeinrad]

had myself a feast of national anthems just now by watching parts of the matches in the UEFA women's EURO quali - got to hear Norway, Wales, Ireland, Finland, Scotland and Portugal (missed Czechia by a minute unfortunately)

[matt-manhattan]

I have the utmost respect for the person at the Glasgow live show that yelled from the back of the orchestra “LEAVE THEIR PIG ALONE” like a Scottish war cry at like 1:43:35.

I swear I could hear the bagpipes.

[companion-showdown]

Who is your favourite companion?

TOURNAMENT MASTERPOST

Propaganda

Jamie McCrimmon

He's the longest running companion (113 episodes!), the original companion with romantic tension with the Doctor, loyal as can be, on the same footing with the doctor despite being an 18th century highlander, he wears a kilt in space, and he was so devoted to the Doctor that he had to be forced away and have his memory erased, and the Doctor had to be grounded, for his run to end. Also really just watch a video of them they're so gay

What can I even say. It's Jamie Mccrimmon. He never would have chosen to leave the doctor, he's the doctor's most loyal companion. He's so Scottish and I love it! Always wears his kilt, gets excited when he hears bagpipe music and sees the Scottish Highlands on the Tardis screen, speaks Gàidhlig, what's not to love. (@gothicacetheatrekid )

Jamie is the longest running companion in all of Doctor Who. He is arguably the doctor’s first best friend and has been haunting the narrative ever since his departure in 1969 (even in 2024 “Boom” he is referenced!! The 10th doctor uses his name in s2e2, and the doctor-turned-master in s13 plays the skyeboat song, which only became a huge part of Doctor who because of Jamie, who was a Jacobite! Several classic doctors meet/reference Jamie in tv and extended universe media, and if you’re an I, TARDIS fan you’ll find Jamie’s entry is the only one where it’s explicitly referenced that Doctor - and the TARDIS! - loved him). He is a very complex character, who might be dismissed but is much more intelligent than he is given credit for. He’s brave and kind. He has a huge fan theory that gained enough traction to become canon through tv stories and audios - “s6b” - in which he works with the Doctor under time lord supervision. He came into the show at its most crucial watershed, the first regeneration, and impacted so much of what we consider core to doctor who today through his friendship with the second doctor. He’s a companion from the past who is quick to learn and adapt, and was the first companion who wanted to join the tardis AND never wanted to leave, until he was forcibly removed. Jamie was with the doctor for pretty much his whole second body, and Doctor who would not be what it is today without Jamie.

Bill Potts

She's kind, she's curious, she's intelligent, she's funny, she's gay. What more could you ask for in a companion?

[bejeweledblondie]

Johnny “Soap” MacTavish Headcannons

A/N: I’m very happy y’all are enjoying these!

Warnings NSFW

• Y’all met while you were on a study abroad program

• You had been returning from a night class & decided to go to the local pub for a pint & some food

• It was another soldier that pointed you out initially but he caught your eye

• “Oi, what’s a wee lass like yourself doin’ all alone in the corner?” (It definitely didn’t come out THAT clearly)

• it took you a minute to process what the hell he had said since his Scottish accent is so thick

• You spent hours chatting in that bar, about your home life, studies, etc. Johnny was limited in what he could tell you about his profession

• The two of you exchanged numbers & on your first date he took you to the Scottish countryside

• The view took your breath away, & he explained the history of his homeland to you (he’s very patriotic)

• You’d FaceTime, call, text etc. once you had to return to your home country

• He was so proud to see you graduate (he knew how hard you worked towards obtaining your college degree)

• He told you he couldn’t go to your graduation due to work (it was a lie)

• He planned out a whole secret proposal with your parents over FaceTime

• imagine your surprise when you saw him after the ceremony

• He proposed in private in your childhood house’s backyard

• You initially got married in the states to be able to live with him due to his military service & start receiving housing

• Y’all had a ceremony & reception at a castle in the Scottish countryside complete with a hand tying ceremony

• Yes, you had a bagpiper at the wedding

• He wore a kilt (are we even surprised?)

• Your garter had his last name on it & was in tartan plaid that matched his kilt (yes you had a garter toss & he was in shock when he saw the garter)

• Y’all got a gorgeous little cottage by the sea & ofc a sheep dog to go with it

• He 100% would be hosting for football matches

• And if you’re American y’all would definitely host a Super Bowl watch party

• I feel like he’d love reality tv (especially 90 Day Fiancé & the Kardashians)

• He has commentary too for every scene

• “what a fooking idiot.”

• His favorite Kardashian is Kris Jenner

• Since he can barley keep his hands off of you, he knocks you up only a month after your wedding

• Since he was deployed you mailed him ultrasound photos of the bean

• For a man who is incredibly intelligent it didn’t click that you send multiple photos of the same ultrasound

• He thought he was having quints at first & nearly had a stroke

• “You’re having five of ‘em?!” “No that’s the same fetus just different photos”

• He kept the ultra sound photos in his plate carrier

• Tactical baby gear is a must (also it’s a real company which is awesome)

• Hear me out little baby kilt, Simon gifted it to y’all

• You nearly cried when you opened the gift d

• Simon is 100% the godfather of your baby, if you trust him with Johnny’s life you can ensure if anything happened your baby would be taken care of

• Johnny was lucky that he was able to be there the entire time you were in labor

• He almost fainted when he saw the epidural (I don’t blame him)

• You guys had a little boy

• Unfortunately while you were in recovery he got called back into work for a mission

• Before he left he held your son just incase it was his last time holding him

• You sobbed when he left & one of the nurses had to console you

• Thankfully it was just a hostage rescue so he was back within a few days & ready to help out with the baby

• He carried your son around in one of those baby carriers that your strap to your chest

• Your baby boy is so giggly just like his daddy

• He will constantly be making his son laugh with silly faces, hand motions, anything

• Whenever the boys come over to watch a match your son will be passed around like a hot potato one moment he’ll be sitting with Price then next Simon has him

• As your son gets older he gets interested in what his daddy does, & he’s infatuated with being a soldier

• He’ll play pretend soldier with Soap all the time

• You’re constantly picking up Nerf darts

• When Soap is away on a mission, your son will crawl into bed with you because he misses his daddy

• He draws photos of him & the Task Force to send to overseas

• I also feel like y’all’s son would be incredibly helpful around the home especially when you’re expecting baby No. 2 & after baby No. 2 is born

• Baby No.2 is a little girl

• He’s definitely very protective over his little girl

• “She’s just as beautiful as you, Bonnie”

• Y’all’s son would also enlist or commission to the British Military but I think he’d actually be a King’s Guard for a bit

• And I feel like your daughter would be incredibly creative, she’d use those talents to be an artist

• I do believe Soap is a die hard family man & that’s one of the many reasons why you fell in love with him

✨NSFW✨

• He’s definitely a cheeky bastard & will not hesitate to smack, grab, or make comments in public about you

• He’s 100% dominant in the bedroom & loves to be called “daddy”, or even “Johnny”

• He fucked you right before y’all walked into your wedding reception, perks of wearing a kilt

• This man loves your legs & especially your thighs

• He loves to watch you squirm when his hand trails your legs all the way leading up to your pussy

• He’s not quite during sex whatsoever, he’ll full on groan, moan & tell you good you feel

• He’s a sucker for flexibility

• You take up yoga to improve your flexibility

• I definitely believe y’all wouldn’t even make it through the front door when he comes home

•He’d either fuck you on the hood of the car or the damn back seat in the parking lot

• He loves it when you wear his old PT shorts & no panties easy access

• He definitely loves you & your body & would know how to take care of you

[fanaticallyfleeky]

I finally got around to watching 8x16 and

Wow! It’s been a long time since a series made me cry.

I didn’t cry last episode when Bobby died. I don’t know why. Maybe because it was 3 am and I was watching it on a shitty livestream, maybe because it didn’t really come as a surprise after the leaks. But I cried now. Not even when I had expected it (namely during the ceremony or procession) but what absolutely broke me into full ugly crying was Bobby’s “because I believe with all my heart that one day I will see them again”, knowing he’s now with his kids again. That made me sob.

In my opinion, the decision to lay Bobby to rest with his family in Minnesota was one of the most beautiful decisions they could have made. Sure, it would have been nice if we had the possibility in the coming season(s) of seeing the others visiting Bobby, for example on important moments in their lives. But the combination of hearing past!Bobby saying one day he will be with his kids again and seeing him being loaded into the airplane broke me. Knowing Bobby came to LA broken by the loss of his family and knowing he’s with them now again, is a full circle moment. Athena deciding to lay him to rest in Minnesota was such a selfless act of love and devotion to the love of her life.

The ceremony was nice as well. Everyone portrayed their grieve so well. I had expected to cry at the last bell and seeing his team carry his casket, but I’m not gonna lie the bagpipes threw me off 😅 I’m just used to only hearing them in a Scottish setting that it just felt very weird to me, but maybe it’s an American thing?

Angela Basset deserves every single award she has ever gotten because Athena’s grief in this episode was so incredibly heart wrenching to watch. From throwing herself into that case to help that woman because that’s what Bobby would’ve done, to her breaking down in her best friends arms. The scene in the new house with ghost Bobby was so heartbreaking.

Kenny was amazing, as always! And it was nice to see Chimney having a storyline that was not centred around his wife or her trauma. The scene on the roof was very moving. Also him handing over the helmet to Buck so he could hang it on the engine gave me chills.

I was a little surprised by the big time jump of two weeks. I do hope we get to see the others deal with their grief more in the upcoming episodes, since this one was mostly focussed on Athena and Chimney. Because if this is it, it’s not nearly enough for the gigantic loss they have suffered (especially Buck who we have seen break down completely in that hallway, but who just looked almost stoic now). But we shall see what the last two episodes bring.

All in all I thought it was a beautiful episode and I sure as hell don’t understand the need to review bomb it and rate it 1/10. Were there little things I would have liked to be different? Sure, but we shouldn’t forget it’s still just a procedural network drama with very limited amount of time each week.

[muirmarie]

absolutely pair the spares, i know i know, BUT i was thinking about how much i love m'benga and how he should ALSO get shippy stuff, and then I was trying to figure out who I'd ship him with, and as much as I adore uhura/scotty, I was thinking that since I ALSO love uhura/chapel, that would clear the way for m'benga/scotty, and now I'm very hmmmm Yes I Would Like To See That about them lmao

some things (with the disclaimer that i don't snw so this is all extremely squishy headcanons for geoffrey m'benga that i will abandon or change at the drop of a hat lmao):

m'benga doesn't drink often, BUT he can drink Most ppl under the table when he does drink. scotty is THRILLED to find this out.

scotty starts insisting on m'benga treating him because he's less likely to yell at him then mccoy is, and then after like six months, m'benga, determinedly trying to stay professional, has to give him the "actually i can't be your doctor anymore because Feelings" talk.

scotty's very: aye, i like you, too, but that doesn't change the fact that i'm nae listenin' to mccoy go off about needin' tae take better care of meself. m'benga: i give you the exact same speech once a week, scotty. scotty, smirking: aye, but i like it when you say you're worried about me m'benga, trying not to smile: [fond eye roll]

m'benga is into beekeeping. scotty is endeared by this and keeps trying To Help. scotty, alas, is Very Allergic to bee stings. he keeps trying to make new cool beekeeping toys anyway because the man does Not know when to quit. m'benga, lowkey pathetically, is Very Charmed by this lmaoooo

scotty absolutely coerces m'benga into performing with him at the talent show. i don't know what instrument m'benga plays, but what i DO know is that it has NEVER BEFORE IN ALL OF HUMAN HISTORY been played in a duet with bagpipes. it sounds Terrible, but they have a blast, and that's far more important than their friends eardrums, bless <3

like half their nights in consist of m'benga reading a big stack of medical research papers for fun, and scotty also reading a big stack of engineering research papers for fun, because they're both big nerds

this by the way is how they accidentally revolutionize some medical machine, they're both muttering out loud to themselves about some cool stuff and then end up talking about it together and then are like WAIT A SECOND WE COULD -

mccoy and chapel NEVER let m'benga live that down lmao. "oh did you two come up with any new revolutionary tech during your pillow talk???"

mccoy adamantly tries to enforce a "no loud sex in scotty's room" rule after a Few Incidents (since they share a wall). scotty doesn't take it great. then kirk and scotty lowkey get in a "who can be louder" competition which mccoy and m'benga are uhhhh not thrilled about lmao. they expect spock to at least be the voice of reason. he is not. m'benga and mccoy put their foot down and insist mccoy stays in kirk or spock's room and scotty stays in m'benga's room for ~overnight activities~ after one too many Far Too Embarrassing Mornings After, Look We're Good Work Friends But I Do Not Need to Know What You Sound Like When -

because of their positions (scotty in engineering where the gossip people hear from being all around the ship always filters through him, m'benga with all the gossip flowing through Sickbay) they know So Much about what happens on the ship, and they're sooooooo overconfident that they can keep their relationship on the DL, and they think they ARE because it's not being discussed in their own gossip networks!!!

alas, literally everyone on the ship is aware of them.

the only thing is that everyone thinks the pair are still in crush limbo even after they've been hot and heavy for like. five months. so well-meaning people keep trying to arrange Situations to get them to Confess Their Feelings.

they have no idea this is going on, to be clear. but hey, if they keep getting trapped in rooms then by george they're gonna take the opportunity to enjoy getting a little handsy in the middle of the workday!!!

their dynamic doesn't change though so mostly no one realizes it lmao. honestly this goes on for like three months before kirk has to put a word in a few gossipmonger's ears that hey, the doc and the chief engineer are already very happy, please stop sabotaging the ship to try to get them together, he loves this ship, please stop, you're hurting your captain

i truly believe that scotty is always trying to Do Things to prove his love - which flusters m'benga Every Time because he's not used to being the subject of Romantic Gestures, and i think m'benga is the type to just casually kiss scotty and tell him he loves him and watch scotty go bright red, because the idea of someone loving him so openly and easily is so Foreign to him

basically they're very cute, the end.

[ghostmoon1]

This is literally the first ask I‘m sending anyone on tumblr, but you said you‘re depresso, so here it is in the hopes of making you a little happier :)

I firmly believe every single scary dude has that one guilty pleasure girly song they secretly love and sing in the shower. What do you think that would be for the CoD guys? I can just imagine Ghost going full on White Chicks and belting out A Thousand Miles when he‘s alone in the car.

Ack!! I'm honoured to be the first, and thank you. Thats really sweet and means a lot <3 And thank you, these are helping take my mind off things

Yeah Ghost's guilty pleasure is like California girls, or just the most white chick songs you can find. He will always deny it if someone hears. You heard him singing Hot n Cold? No, you didn't.

Soap well, he listens to white girl music anyway, and everyone knows. Now, people know the music he listens to, and he hums to it sometimes. But when he's alone, he's full out singing that Scottish folk music, he'll bust out bagpipes that no one knew he could use. He sings in the shower all the time. No questions asked.

Price listens to that divorced dad music. Does he sing? Pft no. (He does. He's always singing at home alone, cooking dinner, doing the washing.) And he's also surprisingly good at singing lullabies! He's the man you go to when you're upset and want someone to sing to you.

Gaz. Well, A. He has a nightcore phase. There's one thing: He loves his fair share of white girl music. He's also a die-hard Lady Gaga fan. He has all her merchandise, has been to concerts, and sings every single one of her songs when they're on.

Konig, he listens to some nice german music ofc (shits good). But he enjoys just listening to instrumentals. Not so much singing; he's terrified of someone hearing him while singing. But if he does, he has a lovely voice.

No ones allowed to argue with me here, because we all know its canon. Graves listens to country. If you argue, you gotta lick Shepherd's boot.

[thevoidstaredback]

How To Balance as Ride The Cyclone Out Of Context

Danny: It turns out that being told the time and place of your death in front of your family with a mouthful of corn dog at a fairground is the very opposite of fun

Robin: Even in competition against yourself, you can still walk away...a loser

Kid Flash: Where...are we? Robin: The Twilight Zone The Titans: *gasps*

Donna: A game with fabulous prizes! Like a stale pack of menthol cools; a succulent Hello Kitty cupcake; a limited addition Iron Maiden T-shirt, still ripe with the pong of the carnie that wore it!

Jason: Agh! Even in death I can't escape him. He's followed me to the afterlife! Well played, Satan, well played.

Phantom: When a lioness has children, she stops making love to the lion. The lion get jealous. Sometimes so jealous that he eats the children. You'd think this would upset the lioness, far from it. They make love again as though the children never existed. I find that idea terrifying.

Bruce, spoken as a sickly Victorian Era child: My gangster persona is just armor to conceal that I am naked child wandering through the wilderness, holding in my hands my wounded, fragile heart. Everyone: ... Bruce, back to normal: That was wack

Kon: Being the only gay man in a small rural high school is kinda like having a laptop in the stone age. I mean, sure, you can have one, but there's nowhere to plug it in!

Tim: There is no room at this inn, for it is Christmas! Shall we hang ourselves? Danny: I hear it gives you an erect-i-on Tim: Then we must hang ourselves, immediately! Kon: ...Or we could just go to the manger, Joseph

Red Robin: They even played Christina Aguilera's 'Beautiful'- Tutelary: *scandalized gasp* Red Robin: On the bagpipes Tutelary: *even more scandalized gasp*

Nightwing: God damn it! Can you keep it in your pants for one second, you horrible succubus!

Wally: That...was...dope, yo!

Danny: 🎶Fornication under consent of the king!🎶

Alfred, who doesn't get paid enough for this: There's a difference between affection and smut Brucie, who is having way too much fun: Not in my bibe baby. Bonsoir!

Batgirl: You go text your imaginary fiancee Robin: I told you before, there is no Wi-Fi! Little orphan a-hole

Jason: Saw 5 has powerful lesson about fundamental corruption of financially driven medical insurance providers! Saw 5 says it is morally sick to make dollar of dying man Danny: Wow. That's the lesson of Saw 5? Really? Jason: For reals. And you get to see dude forced to cut off his own arm with rusty axe. Has everything

Tim: When Konnor came to Metropolis, his new parents were surprised to find that their toddler had 5 o'clock shadow and a faint trace of alcohol on his breath

Danny: Cut down in our youth... We all died virgins Kon: Timmothy? Tim: What?

Tim: And this is why you both sucked at math!

[falderaletcetera]

I didn't pay much attention to the soundtrack the first time but my gosh. there's some witcher-esque goodness in here.

(incidentally, it has been [0] days since I last looked something up to check whether there's a hurdy-gurdy in it or not. turns out I was hearing medieval bagpipes <3)

what this film really appeals to, I'm realising, is people who saw elizabeth swann being a badass and wanted more of it.

[joannerowling]

holy shit i never realised O, Children is a the 90s song. i just would think oh, the song from DH, cool 🙃. also, it's probably the only instance in hp in general where they listen to muggle music. I don't remember anywhere else.

in your opinion, what song would be more uh authentic so to say. that of course if there's any scenes with actual irl muggle songs.

Excellent question anon, thank you very much for asking. I've actually thought about this topic a lot!

So, i definitely don't think there's any need for actual irl muggle songs to show up in Harry Potter, especially cool ones. The point of HP is that the muggle world sucks, so everything cool = wizard. Not necessarily because wizards would never listen to muggle music (they probably do at least a little since it's canon that many wizards enjoy television; televisions and cars are the two exceptions to the general "whatever muggles make, wizards either don't need or can do better with magic" rule). It's about preserving the tone and general escapist nature of the books – AND the satire. Harry Potter is a satire. This is super important. It has to be escapist first in order to let the satirical elements hit hard.

We don't want to hear David Bowie play over Hogwarts because it's immersion breaking; but if we make up a fictional musician who sounds and looks conceptually similar to Bowie, except with a wizard guitar and wizard themed songs, now we're getting somewhere.

Once we've figured that out, we can imagine all the magic bands and music we want. We don't have to think too hard about how exactly the wizards get inspired by the muggles to produce their music, that is not the point. Our focus should be to find iconic (preferably British) musicians/bands, and make the wizard version, whether hommage, parody, or both. And give them a cool name. The Weird Sisters is a genius band name because it combines a Shakespeare reference with a glam rock reference (to Twisted Sister).

But is this enough? No!

Remember that even when they modernise, wizards like to stick to their medieval aesthetic: the Weird Sisters have two guitar players, a bass, drums… and also a lute player, a bagpipes player and a violin player.

Also, it has to be funny. The average rock band has 4 or 5 members. The Weird Sisters? 8 members. Eight dudes in drag playing a bizarre mix of modern and ancient instruments is immediately more chaotic than just David Bowie as a wizard. Think about the real life musician (or sort of musician) you're trying to emulate, is she a Diva? Can't arrive on stage any other way than or a winged-horse's back. Crooner? Voice so charming it puts people under a literal spell. Rapper feuds? Curses battles.

"What about electronic instruments? do wizards play synth?" NO THEY DON'T because we won't let them. Think about it, what is funnier: a wizard playing a synth, OR, a wizard playing this on his own:

Wizard things are not practical. In real life a synth is useful because it takes less space and costs less than a piano and can emulate a full orchestra. Okay well wizards can just make their instruments magically play together and if their living space isn't big enough they can simply make it bigger on the inside. REJECT SIMPLICITY, EMBRACE UNECESSARY COMPLEXITY AND CHAOS.

"What is the opposite of what wizards would listen to?" Bardcore. Bardcore is about taking real modern songs and giving them a "medieval" cover, which can be very funny but creatively speaking is poor (= we're not inventing anything new), so this is NOT what we want. We want original songs that might sound similar to real songs and could possibly allude to specific singers / bands but ultimately are their own thing.

Thank you, goodbye, and HBO hire me <3

[p-redux]

One of the Team sent me this in DM--Sarah Holden seems to be at Midhope Castle, where they film Outlander! 😊 Turn up the volume on her IG story, and you can hear the SAME bagpipes that were playing at Midhope Castle. Go to both accounts and compare the bagpipes.

You can hear the bagpipes in Sarah's IG story playing faintly in the background. 👇

And the bagpiper here, playing the same thing at Midhope Castle hahaha 👇 Gee, what a coinky dink. 🤗

Here's the video of it. 👇

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Midhope.Castle (@midhope.castle)

Now let's see if Mr. Sam Heughan posts something from there...

PS. I added this comment afterwards since I already got a comment asking how do we know it's the same bagpipes. There aren't just random bagpipers walking around Scotland playing for no reason. Bagpipes are for special occasions. It would be a HUGE coincidence that on the same day that bagpipes are played at Midhope Castle, which is associated with Sam Heughan due to Outlander, you can also hear bagpipes playing outside rumored girlfriend, Sarah Holden's car. What special event could be happening right outside Sarah's car that would warrant bagpipes playing on a Monday? C'mon now. JS

[thedepthsoffandomminds]

Episode six - Bully in the Alley

Masterlist

Jack Dawkins x fem reader

This is a long one

"Do you think he'll like it? I should have packed more macaroons. Rainsford loves macaroons." Fanny chatted away as the three of you walked towards the stairs. You stop when you see the head nurse.

" Nurse Baggett, is Dr. Dawkins here?" You ask.

" On a Friday night? He's paying a house call on the Cat and Bagpipes." She laughs. Disappointed you turn back to your sisters who were already making their way up the stairs.

"Should I give Sneed a peek? What would you say to that?" Fanny said.

"Nothing really. Sneed isn't suited for you. His interest in us is purely political. He just wants to marry a governor's daughter and secure Head Surgeon. And he's already proposed to me." Belle rambled.

"Oh." Fanny stops walking.

"Fanny, he would've married any member of the family, including Father or the dog." Belle says.

"Belle, there is no need to be turt. Fanny, Sneed is not for you. He would not be attentive enough for you." You try to comfort her.

" So, when is your happy day?" She spits her words at Belle.

"The happy day was when I declined him." She replied.

"I should just fill my pocket with stones and walk into the sea." Fanny said.

"Sea's that way." Belle pointed.

"Belle, will you both stop this, now." You demand.

"So, just to clarify. Sneed's still available, then?" Fanny asks finally.

"For now." Belle agrees. The three of you walk into his private room. Fanny quickly delves into unpacking her basket of goodies.

"We've also got coconut macaroons, fruitcake, jam drops. Ooh, and this is pepper jelly. I made it myself to help with your recovery."

"How lovely. Lady Belle, are you well?" Sneed asks her, attempting to ignore Fanny.

"But it's quite peppery." Fanny continues.

"Better than someone who fought a pointless duel." They continued the back and fourth between the three of them. Your attention was held by the window you could hardly see through.

"Quickly. This way. Come on, quickly." You hear Hetty shouting. A Bell rings below. Running out of the room you see people clamouring all around.

"Cold compress on her. Splint that. Some doctors would be nice!" You see Hetty shouting. Jack stumbles in with a man's arm around his shoulders.

" Dr. Dawkins." You rush up to him.

" Lady y/n. Can you take him to the ward?" He hands the man over to you draping his arm over your shoulder.

"Are you even sober?" You ask.

"Three sheets to the wind. One sheet better than Prof usually is." He waves his arms. "Get your sister. I need her in the ward. Aputi, bring him in here." Jack walks away from you.

In the swirl of the chaos you do your best to help the nurses with bandaging and comforting the wounded people of Port Victory. Morning rose up without anyone really noticing. Seeing Jack standing beside the bed of one man you walked up to him.

"There's nothing more we could have done. Not with bleeding like that." He lets out a shaky breath, "Hetty, have you eaten anything at all?" He asks the nurse that looks set to fall down.

" No time." She replies.

Heavy footsteps stomp through the halls and you see your sister rushing up to Gaines.

" Captain Gaines, I will be speaking to my father!" She growls.

" Have you come to finish them off? Blinded in one eye, a fractured skull, and a ruptured femoral artery!" Jack's grits his teeth.

"All the results of resisting lawful execution of a warrant. And that's young Alfie Wilderkins if I'm not mistaken. This is a very good day indeed." Gaines grins and it churns your stomach.

" I want the men responsible court-martialled." You say.

"Well, that would be me. You'll need to tell the Governor his right hand is a criminal."

"Yes. That is a very good idea." You narrow your eyes at him.

" Arrest them. They're accomplices. All right. You, come with me." Gaines shouts and grabs one of the patients.

"They need medical care. I can't let you take these patients." You say putting your hands up across the ward door.

" They were never patients, Lady y/n. They're my prisoners. Stand aside." He moves close enough to you that you can smell the stink of his aftershave, "Your father indulges you. If you were my daughter..."

"I'd run away. Like your wife." You sneer at him. Gaines steps forward raising his hand ready to slap you but Jack catches him, wrenching him backward.

" Oi! Doc, you're needed over here." Fagin calls from the other side of the room. He drops Gaines' hand.

" Pity you didn't strike me, Dawkins." He growls at Jack before marching away.

"father can stop this!" You call to Belle.

"Where do you think I'm going?" She shouts back almost running from the hospital. You turn back to Jack.

"Are you alright?" He asks, you nod your head allowing him to take your hand.

"What do we do?" You ask.

"you've been here all night, go home and get some rest. Hetty you too. Neither of you are any good if you get sick as well." Hetty tries to protest but he shakes his head to her, "Go on, we'll be okay, come back later."

*_*_*_*

"Hold fire!" The Governor shouts as Belle wakes him by dropping. Heavy book onto the desk.

"Gaines has gone mad. People have lost their lives." Your sister tells him.

" No, surely not. I counselled moderation." He rebutes.

"Have you seen what's going on out there?" She asks.

"No, but... Oh, my word, that's lovely." He says taking a sip of congac.

" The hospital is overrun. Beaten by Gaines' men." She interrupts him.

"And I'm sorry you had to see that. The hospital really is no place for a lady. But I bear good news, Excellency." Gaines brushes past Belle. "Your operation has flushed out the notorious Kit Wilderkins."

" Oh, Gaines, that is wonderful news."your father chuckles.

" You ordered this, Father?" You ask storming into the room"

"Gaines is firm, darling, but there's a reason he kept our men alive in Africa."

"No, but he's maiming people. He's killing them." You protest.

" All regrettable incidents. Some were resisting arrest and attacking your men, Governor. I shall pray for their souls. Tell me, does your friend, Dr. Dawkins, ever cause a patient pain?" Gaines turns to you.

" Of course, in trying to help to... " You reply.

"Cure. Yes. And does Dr. Dawkins ever accidentally kill any of these patients?"

" Rarely." Belle interjects.

"And I'm sure he mourns it, as I do. You see, a colony is very much like a body..."

" Yes, I've read Hobbes." You cut him off.

"Then you will know that sometimes we must hurt in order to heal."

"A young man bled to death in the hospital overnight. What of his family?" You say.

"Ah, yes. Very sad. Alfie Wilderkins, only eighteen. Kit Wilderkins was his father. Together they held up the Murchings Bank stage coach last month, and killed three people. Corporal Hartmouth was begging for mercy when they shot him. Hartmouth had two dear little children, Rosie and William." Gaines pretended to feel remorse as he sat in a chair.

"Yes. Look, it's one thing to lose a man in battle, but to crime? It's hard to explain to the widow." The governor says.

"You see, my ladies, sometimes we need to cut a rotten part of the body politic in order to cure the whole." He speaks to you both.

"I know what part of the body politic I'd be removing." Belle bites back.

" Okay, thank you, Captain Gaines." The Governor dismisses his Captain before taking your and Belle's hands in his.

"Darlings... Darlings, I know you disapprove of Gaines and his methods. But I've been asked to turn a penal colony into a society. And I need men like him to make a prison into something better. Now, I'm not asking you to accept everything I do, but I am asking you both to support me and this family." He says.

"we will go back to the hospital and help." Belle says.

"No, we need to rest. Father, you should, perhaps put down your congac and take a good she's look at the people you surround yourself with. Come sister." You take her hand and lead her to the stairs.

"You're giving up?" She asks.

"No, Belle, Jack said we needed to sleep to rest, he sent Hetty away as well. He wants us at our best to help." You explain.

"And what will you do? Hold a few hands and get in the way?" She spat out the words.

You hold onto the emotions that threaten to spill out of your eyes.

*_*_*_*

"Belle, I may not be as smart as you are when it comes to medicine, but I am doing my best."

"You could be doing so much more, instead of wasting all your energy on a boy."

You push past her and storm up to your bedroom.

Three hours later you found yourself unable to sleep so you redressed in a simple cotton outfit, forgoing the hooped crinoline and opting for a smaller petticoat. You sneak back down stairs to the carriage that waited for you at the back of the house. Belle was already sat inside.

"took your time." She smiled. You say nothing, knocking on the carriage to signal the driver. Much to Belle's dismay you give her the cold shoulder all the way to the hospital. Choosing to keep your eyes on the trees going past.

She chased after you into the building when you arrived at the hospital.

"y/n please, I'm sorry." She calls after you. You ignore her finding Jack.

"What'd your father say? When's he going to stop this?" He asks you.

" Yes, I have spoken to my father. There are two sides to this. It's not as clear as..." you say walking through the corridors.

"He's dead. How much clearer could it be?" He almost shouts at you.

You stop and look at him for a moment, "Right, if you're to be like that, Jack..."

"I cannot believe you would give that man's story credence." He said. You turned once more marching god knows where as you spoke.

"I don't give a fig about Gaines, but I do trust my father's word on this."

"You can't agree with their methods?" He asked.

"Obviously not." You answered

" That boy bled to death in front of us."

"I know but, he was a bushranger, who killed one of Father's men."

"So they say."

" He's my father. He's many things, but he's not a liar. He's trying to bring peace to a colony you have to admit is out of control." You stomped through a closed door.

"Did you mean to walk into a cupboard?" Jack almost laughs.

" Obviously not!" You bit your lower lip to keep your emotions from bubbling over. "Gosh. You are incredibly irritating."

"So are you."

"'Cause you won't listen to anyone else's point of view. All I'm saying is it is not clear-cut."

"Look, you either want to be a help here, someone who cares for everybody, no matter how spotty their soul may be, or you are "milady," who gives six of the best to the peasants when we get uppity." He jibs you.

" Uppity? I know you had your past indiscretions, but these were bushrangers who killed three men, one a father." You reply.

" Some people need to thieve in order to eat." Jack sighs.

"And that can lead to death, too." It was getting harder to hold back your tears.

"Have you ever seen anybody dead on the streets from hunger?"

"No!" You agree.

"Have you ever paid for anything you've eaten? Or worn, or lived in?"

"That's a false syllogism." You say turning back toward the cupboard door. Jack runs up behind you.

"Whatever that is, it is not. If you can't see what is happening here, y/n, then you and I have big problems. This puts a wall between us." His arm is across You holding the door shut.

" You climbed it fine when you kissed me in the surgery." You say, a tear escaping down your face. Jack sighs, he knows he has pushed you too far. His tongue darts out to wet his lips.

"let me go, I should, I wish to leave." You whisper.

"Y/n-"

"I wish to leave."

You do not let any tears fall from your eyes until you reached your bedroom. Where you fling yourself upon your bed and cry until exhausted you fall asleep

*_*_*_*

The sound of Fagin's voice wakes you some time later and you tiptoe along behind him. With your arms crossed you wait at the door as he comes shuffling out of your father's office with a large Hessian bag.

"Stealing like a common thief again?" You say when he spots you.

"Yes, well only what was stolen from us in the first place." He raises his hands towards you in submission.

"Fine, take the lot. I no longer care."

"actually we could do with your help you know. Doc is getting your sister for an operation but you, you might be exactly what we need." His smile unnerved and intrigued you.

"Okay, take me there." You agree.

Belle and Dawkins come down the stairs discussing the procedure they are about to do. You pay them no mind as you step into the carriage.

"you're coming?" Jack asks hopeful.

"To help the people, not you." You say turning yourself away from them.

"Sorry about the pissing, Fagin, I just couldn't... Whoa! Hello, Your Majesty." Flashbang spoke when he saw you and Belle.

"Hello." You reply.

"Is this a criminal conspiracy?" Belle asks

"In a manner of speakin', yes."

"If you're going to the hospital, Belle, I'm coming to see Sneedy." Fanny pushes past Flashbang to get in beside Belle, forcing Jack to sit beside you. Fagin plonks himself on the luggage tray at the back and Flashbang hangs onto the side.

Jack glances at you occasionally, you are sure he wants to talk to you but you keep your eyes turned away only replying to Fanny.

At the hospital you follow them all inside. It's agreed that you'll go to the prof and distract him whilst the others got Red's baby out safely. When you were satisfied that he was deep enough into the second bottle you went up to Red's room. Fagin taking your place. Jack stands at the door.

"How is it going?" You ask keeping a distance from the doctor.

"Well I think, I'm not allowed in." He replies.

"Belle is operating alone?"

"she is more than capable."

"Of course she is, Belle would run rings around any trained man." You sit down beside Tim. "Red is strong, she'll be alright." You comfort him.

Jack watches you talk with the man, how he seems instantly at ease with you. All the people in Port Victory did. You held an air of kindness that spread out to those you spoke to. He had to admit to himself that having you here, speaking with the patients and holding their hands eased them. It made the wards feel lighter, as if death was not hanging over their heads. Taking in a long breath Jack turned back to his work opening the door just enough to call in.

" Nearly... I have it now." Belle says from.inside.

"How is it in there? Do you have the head yet?" He called.

"Now, pull up and out." Jack guides her.

" Just one more cut.* Hetty says as they clamp the umbilical chord, " She's out. Come on, Belle."

" Please breathe." Belle encourages the baby with a rub to its chest. The new born cries and everyone sighs with relief.

" Now stitch her, fascia first." Jack reminds her. "Is Red all right?" Tim pushing his way into the room.

"She's breathing steady, Tim." Belle reassures him, handing the now swaddled infant. With them all in the room you chose to stay out, waiting for Gaines to appear.

They managed to sneak the woman and the baby out of the room and secret her away in Jack's room.

Belle is cleaning away her equipment when Jack walks back in.

"We did it. Hetty and I, we kept them both alive." She smiles.

" In time for your father to hang her." Jack snaps back. Belle is about to argue when the door opens and Aputi and Flash bring a large basket into the room. You follow them in as they place the covered body on the bed.

"Well done."

"No! You're body snatching!" Belle rrmarks.

"Pretty standard in our line of work." Jack comments.

" You can't be serious."

"Belle,This is the only way to save her." You say.

" Clearly pregnant. Very good." Jack says before pulling the sheet back, "Clearly not pregnant. This a man." He chastises them.

" Big Kit's all we had in the deadhouse, Dr. Jack." Aputi explained as they left the room.

"This is madness! It can't work! And it's a capital offence!" Belle snapped

" So is killing a mother before she's even put her own child to her breast." You snap back.

"So, what's more important, milady?"

You are the first to hear Gaines approaching and slip out of the room. Jack follows you closing the door behind him.

"Captain," you pretend to feel sadness. "I fear the mother and baby died on the table. How does one bear this sort of loss, Captain?" You put a hand on his chest, keeping him from moving further. "I have never seen it, but perhaps you were right, darkness cannot birth light I suppose." You say. He nods.

"Yes, lady y/n, it is awful when the innocent are tard by the guilty." He pushes your hand away and attempts to step past you.

"You can't go in. Her body's undressed. For shame. And you, a Godly man. Have you no decency?" You pour every bit of heartache you had into the words.

"I need to see the body." He tells you.

" What are you going to do, Captain? Hang her corpse?" You ask.

" Have the Professor bring me the death certificate." The Captain hisses.

"Dr. Dawkins can sign it."

"No! I would find it much more reliable if the Professor signs it." He walks away. Turning yourself round to Jack you look up at him.

"Thank you." He says.

"I didn't do it for you." You drop your eyes to the ground.

"y/n, I-" you shake your head, "I'll see to the patient." He lets you walk away from him, wishing he hadn't.

Knocking on the door you step into the room, Red sat on the small bed by the window.

"How are you?" You ask.

"Better now. You know you are nothing like the rest of your family. There's a little crime in you." Red said with a chuckle, "would you like to hold her?"

You nod and come forward, sitting on the end of the bed. You take the bundle into your arms and rock her.

"She's beautiful." You say a wide smile on your face.

"it's suits you." Tim states.

"What is it, why didn't you follow society? Why ain't you married?" Red asked.

"oh, I.... I'm not well. I wouldn't make a man a widower or a child and orphan." You reply, keeping your eyes on the sleeping baby.

"Sorry." Red whispered. Not long after Fagin arrived and then Jack. At first you wanted to leave but you stayed at Tim's request. Jack poured you all a small glass of Fagin's stolen liqueur.

When at last Belle was done with her cleaning she came up to find you. Not wanting to speak to her you simply walked alongside to the carriage.

At home again you sat in your bed the blankets over knees when Belle and Fanny came giggling into her room. Belle climbed into the bed beside you and Fanny dropped her head to your lap.

"I shared my first kiss." She said looking UK at you.

"With Sneed?" You asked.

" And did you enjoy it?" Belle cuddled closer. "Mixed. At first, it was lovely. But then I think I hurt him rather badly. He was quite angry, actually." She screwed up her face.

"Someone'll sweep you off your feet when you least expect it in the most inconvenient of moments." You say brushing back her hair and stroking her face with the back of your hand.

" I had a thought." She said, flipping herself onto her stomach, "Considering your health, perhaps you and Dr. Dawkins could have a long, happily unconsummated love affair until he walks off, desolate, into the windswept moors..." she all but sings her fantasy, you feel a pang of gult.

"We don't have moors here." Belle reminded her.

"But yes, that is a nice thought." You agree. Your sisters cuddle into you and you all giggle over the day until your mother commands you all to bed.

*_*_*_*_*

Fagin and Dawkins sat at a table in the tavern, Rotty poured them both a drink I to the metal tankards.

"So, our old Cheekybones did well." Fagin grins. "Yeah. She did, didn't she?"

"And her sister, the older one, she is a boone, still, it's not really their world, is it? And you've got to remember, Dodge, theirs isn't yours." He reminded the younger man. Jack played with his cup and turned to the window. His heart leaps in his chest when he sees the nicest sight he had seen in days. Without saying a word to his companion, Jack walked outside.

"Milady. I must warn you I am a little bit drunk. In fact, I am approaching strutting pigeon."

You smile from below your cape, dropping the hood down. Reaching out you take the cup from his hand and swallow down the liquid.

" So am I, now." You smile, "The crime, it's not just for survival. You actually love it." You say.

"The worst parts of me do." Jack admits.

"well, I cannot say I did not enjoy getting one over on Gaines." You admit. Jack laughs.

" It's hopeless, isn't it?" You take a step toward him.

"Oh, yes. We are completely unsuited." He agrees matching your movement.

"We should really never see each other socially." You offer up words you don't believe.

"No, that wouldn't be right." He said moving close enough to slide his hand around your waist. Crashing his lips to yours. Your heart fluttered in your chest. You spin him round so his back hits the wall.

" Holy hell, we're in trouble." You whisper.

"So much trouble." Jack he replies placing his lips to yours and you feel all your resolve disappearing.

"I'm sorry I hurt you." Jack speaks between kisses.

Everything had changed in that few seconds. Your life would never be the same.

Episode seven

@fandomfan-102

[akelafang]

I'm curious, what instruments do you think Merlin, Arthur, Gwen, Morgana, and the knights can play (if any)

Here are some of my ideas (bear in mind I am not a musician or a musical expert in any way shape or form, and especially not in medieval instruments so if I say something that is wrong or list an instrument that has not been invented yet I'm sorry)

I reckon Arthur has some basic knowledge of a few instruments thanks to some tutors but he hated the lessons and dropped them the first chance he could so he could focus on his sword work

Morgana also got music lessons but unlike Arthur she loved them. She can play the harp, lyre, violin, flute, and any other instrument she could get her hands on long enough to practice with. I don't think pianos were invented yet but she'd be all over them if they were. She had less time to practice the older she got but as long as she had access to an instrument she tried to find time for it

I remember seeing a post that pointed out a lute style instrument in Merlin's room so I like to imagine he's pretty decent with one of those. I can see him playing a few songs from back home in Ealdor to unwind after a hard day of saving Arthur for the 100th time that month. He's a bit shy about it though and doesn't let anyone but Gaius listen to him

I don't think Gwen plays anything but she really enjoys singing. She hums to herself while she does chores and has sung Morgana to sleep many times after she has a nightmare

Gwaine plays the bagpipes and you can not change my mind on this. He's also pretty good with a lute and has used both to earn some extra money while traveling

Leon had music lessons like Arthur and Morgana and has tried out a few instruments. He took a liking to Violin and was pretty good at it too but had to stop playing when his training to be a knight took up all his time. He tries to play every now and then when he has free time but he's noticeably rusty which frustrates him

I'm undecided on whether Elyan, Percy, or Lancelot play anything but I can definitely see at least one of them surprising the rest of the group with an amazing singing voice.

Please let me know what you think, I'd love to hear others takes on this.