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starlightrows · 2 years ago

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13 — Reassignment

Hiding In Plain Sight

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Pairing: Commander Wolffe x reader

Word Count: 4.8k

Warnings: separation anxiety, phone sex, oral sex (described), fluffy fluffy feelings

Summary: A devastating battle makes history in the development of the Clone War resulting in all medics behind reassigned to help with with casualties

Tall columns made of jade green stone, massive arches and domes with painted murals and golden filigree. The People’s House of Leadership and Commerce they call it. Wolffe would call it a palace. That is the view through the cockpit as Slush makes the descent towards your destination.

General Plo was sent to discuss a new trade ordinance with the council of Denarian Prime in place of Senator Padiya of Dorin. General Plo and the 104th were to be welcomed to this massive structure with open arms to stay while discussing terms and providing protection for General Plo, though you could not fathom a reason he would need protecting in a place like this.

“I’ve never seen anything like it” Cinder says, as the team steps off of the ship.

“It’s architecturally similar to some of the justice buildings on Naboo and Adarondaria” General Plo comments “But the pure jade is striking and beautiful”

“I’m adding this to the list of top 5 missions we’ve been on” Slush says, grinning ear to ear.

“I hope these are some lengthy trade negotiations” you say “I think we could use a little luxury”

Just then a group of about ten people, all quite tall and visually stunning, wearing robes of ivory, silvery blue, and pastel green; arrive to greet you.

“Greetings honored friends” says the woman that appears to be leading the group “My name is Lo’o, I speak for the council and welcome you to Denarian Prime”

“Lo’o, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Jedi Master Plo Koon” General Ploo gives a respectful bow. “This is the 104th Battalion, my second in command Wolffe” General Plo gestures to the group.

“Welcome, 104th Battalion” Lo’o smiles, she makes a gesture to the people standing with her. Two of them step forward holding platters of torn bread and oil. They pass General Plo and offer it to the men standing behind him. Some of the men are slightly confused, not knowing if they’re supposed to accept the offering or what to do with it. But you know, you’ve seen similar customs.

You smile and thank the man offering the bead, taking a piece of the torn bread and dipping it in the oil. You place the bread in your mouth and let him move on to the next person in the group. They catch on quickly and follow your lead.

Lo’o leads the group onward towards the palace before you. People walk freely in and out of the space, sit on the steps and speak in a language that seems to flow from their tongues like water in a stream. Many of them steal glances at your squad as you pass, curiosity you think, their eyes are interested not judgmental.

Wolffe walks beside you as you are led into a massive foyer, just as elaborate and beautiful as the exterior of the building.

“And I thought the senate building on Coruscant was amazing… this is incredible” he’s smiling, a small impressed and enamored smile.

“I had no idea you were so fascinated by architecture Commander” you smile, knowing full well how much he enjoyed studying structures like this.

He gives you a side glance, seeing you smirking and enjoying the beautiful facades and statues as well.

“We’ve had something like that before, the oil and bread” he says lowly “but I can’t remember where”

“Yes, at that little spot Rigga recommended” you say quietly “I’m surprised you remember it”

Wolffe hums in acknowledgment. In truth, he remembers every place the two of you have visited together. Every planet, every level of Coruscant, every shop, restaurant, village, and encampment.

Lo’o and her attendants guide the battalion through the great halls, giving a tour of what is essentially the most ornate community center you’ve ever seen. Open parlors and libraries where people sit together, tables laden with food for anyone to eat, store rooms full of tools and clothing people take and give and borrow and exchange. Your cynical mind wonders what’s the catch? Who suffers for all of this to be possible? If the answer is no one, then why is this not done everywhere?

Lo’o invites everyone to join her in a more private meeting space so that council can convene and negotiations can begin. You’re just about to join them when Wolffe’s com link begins beeping. He steps away from the group to answer it, normally you’d just continue on with the group and await the information with the rest of the battalion. But you’re pulled up short when you hear your own name and rank being mentioned.

“Of course she’s here with us” Wolffe says, eyebrows furrowed in what could either be concentration or frustration.

You stand just out of sight of the hologram, if they wanted to speak to you directly, they would have com’d you.

“There’s a transport landing in the next few minutes to take her” says the voice on the other end, a clone’s voice but with no image you can’t distinguish if it’s someone you know personally.

“You couldn’t have given us any more warning? We’re on deployment, she belongs with us” Wolffe says through gritted teeth “What am I supposed to do without a medic?”

“We’re sending a replacement to relieve her,” the voice replied.

“I did not authorize a reassignment” He snaps

“No commander, you did not, this goes above your authority” the voice on the other end sounds annoyed and inpatient. Almost like this communication is not the only one they’re going to have to make with a similar message, and Wolffe is taking up too much of their precious time. “Those are our orders, sir”

“Fine” Wolffe ends the transmission. He stands there for a moment glaring at a water basin. His own reflection glares back at him. He still doesn’t like to look at his own face, he closes his eyes and turns away.

“Wolffe?” You say lightly

He turned quickly, he didn’t even know you were standing there. He tries to think of something to say, a way to talk both of you out of what is about to happen. He frowns and shakes his head.

“Wait here, I will be right back” he says

“Commander—“ you try to pry

“Wait here” he says again, walking past you to go into the meeting room.

You’re a doctor and a soldier. You’re good at shutting off worry and fear when you need to. But you can’t seem to do that right now. There’s no threat or enemy in front of you to blast at. There is no brother in arms or friend of the cause to save from an injury. Just this looming bit of news that has shaken and angered Commander Wolffe, that you have to stand there and wait to receive.

He comes back a few moments later and close the door behind him.

“What’s going on?” You ask him, trying to be as simple and direct as possible.

“You’re being reassigned.” he says.

“What? Why?” You’re stunned. You’ve been reassigned more times that you can count. Mostly because you were always on temporary assignment anyway. But this is different. This is your squad. Your family.

“The occupation on Atraken” he says.

“That’s a cold war zone. That occupation has been ongoing for over a year. Who ordered this?” Anger is rising in you. “I’m being shipped off to a stalemate? A mutually assured destruction and disaster waiting to happen?”

“The disaster has already happened,” he explains.

That makes you shut up. If the armistice has been broken, you aren’t being sent to a cold war’s front line, you’re being sent to an intensive care unit in a hot zone.

“How many?” You ask, gravely. “How many people are dead already?”

“Millions” he says “All medical officers ranking executive down to sergeant are being called in to help the wounded who managed to escape the planet”

“Gods” you shake your head “What about the squad? What about all of the squads about to have no medical personnel?”

“Apparently, newly minted medics and anyone under the rank of Sergeant are being reassigned or getting their first orders for deployment to take your places” Wolffe frowns “There’s a transport on its way here to pick you up, and we better be out there when it lands”

You follow him back down the beautiful corridor you just came from. You try to take in all of this beauty and opulence while you can, it will be the last lovely thing you see for a long time. Anxiety begins to build in your chest, as the sunlit entrance to the building quickly approaches.

“Commander I—” you don’t know what to say, not here in public for anyone to see or hear. This might be the last time you see him for a very long time. This might be the last time you see him, period.

“I will fight for you to have your place back with us” he says before you can even get the words out of your mouth “Duty comes first, we both understand that. But you’re one of us. You belong with us. When this crisis is over, I will see you returned to us”

Just then a Republic transport ship touches down on the landing pad. You turn away from the ship towards Wolffe “Tell the lads goodbye for me” you try to keep the quiver from your voice. You’re battling yourself here. You want to tell him you love him. You may never see him again. You could die on this deployment. He could die while you’re away. The war could stretch on forever and displace you from each other. What if you never get another chance to say it? “Wolffe I—“

“Ah, the fabled Captain of the Wolf pack” a voice comes from behind you. And that’s it. The opportunity is gone. Your face shifts to serious and professional, you turn to face the voice.

You don’t recognize this person. He’s a small, puggish looking man. Wearing a clean and crisp civilian soldier’s uniform and no armor.

“And who are you?” Wolffe asks gruffly.

“Doctor Roy Farangian” he says “And you must be Commander Wolffe, your reputation precedes you” he gives Wolffe a once over, and looks somewhat unimpressed.

“How do you figure?” Wolffe asks, barely keeping the snarl out of his voice.

“Well I… you see… I” clearly whatever Doctor Roy Faragian had been thinking about Wolffe, he didn’t have the courage to actually speak it out loud.

“That’s what I thought. Stand at attention Corporal, while I see the Captain off” he brushes past his newest recruit and expects you to follow. You make no effort to regard your irritating replacement, and follow a step behind him.

“Load up Captain, we’re on a schedule” the pilot calls down from the cockpit

Wolffe places a hand on your shoulder, “We see each other again” he says “I promise”

“Try not to let the lads kill him” you force a smile “Send me a com, I’ll reply when I can spare the time”

“I will” he says

“Times up Captain, we have to go” the pilot says

“Goodbye, Commander” you say as the door closes and the ship begins to take off.

“Goodbye Captain” he says to himself. He swallows the lump in his throat as he watches the ship carry you away. He doesn’t linger, he needs to make sure this shiny new doctor knows his place and the team is informed.

But when he turns he doesn’t see the Corporal standing at attention as he had instructed. Instead he’s examining one of the statues adorning the water feature in the walkway with a disapproving and distasteful look.

“Corporal” he barks, startling the young doctor “I ordered you to stand at attention”

He scrambles to stand back at attention, but makes no statement of apology. Wolffe rolls his eyes and shakes his head in frustration.

“Alright. Here’s how it’s going to be. You will collect your things and load them onto our ship. Then you will follow me back to where the squad is being quartered by our hosts. When, and only when, I say so you will be formally introduced and briefed on our mission here. Is that clear?”

“Why can’t you just brief me on it now?”

“Corporal the correct answer to my question of ‘is that clear’ is yes sir or no sir” he snaps “And you will address me as Commander or sir to show your respect and compliance to the authority of my rank. Is that clear?”

The corporals face twitches a bit, it’s clear he has never had to take orders or address anyone with higher status as him “Yes sir”

“Good. Now move”

—————

General Plo’s meeting lasted several hours, and concluded with a feast open to all. Wolffe privately pulled the squadron aside and introduced Corporal Faragian, who immediately requested to be called Doctor Faragian.

“Where’s the Captain?” Boost asked, not even acknowledging Roy.

“All medics have been called to assist with the fallout of Atraken” Wolffe explains

“So why’s he not being deployed there too?” Comet asks, arms crossed.

“Allow me to rephrase. All medics ranking higher than sergeant have been called to assist” Wolffe corrects himself

“Ah, so we just get the shinies and the unambitious” Sinker surmises

“I’ll have you know—“ Roy tries to cut in

“No one asked for your opinion on the matter” Slush interrupts him

“Alright that’s enough” Wolffe barks “We’re still guests here for the time being. Be polite, represent the republic well, and be ready to leave the second General Plo gives the others. Understood?”

The men chorus “Yes sir” except for Roy who stands there with an offended and disappointed look on his face.

“Dismissed,” Wolffe says, turning away and heading off to find General Plo. But Slush catches up with him before he can accomplish his goal.

“Commander” he falls in step with Wolffe

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Wolffe says, before Slush has a chance to say anything.

“This is hardly the time or place to talk about that, I was going to ask you about the Corporal” Slush says under his breath

“What about him?” Wolffe asks, somewhat embarrassed about assuming what Slush was going to say. Slush is no fool, he knows better than to say something about yours and Wolffe’s private relationship.

“If he's gonna stay with us, for any amount of time, he has to actually be able to keep up and follow orders. It might be a good idea to make him run a gauntlet drill when we get back to our cruiser” Slush suggests

“Even if he fails the drill, we won’t be able to get rid of him. Over a thousand medics have been pulled from their deployment to render aid… we’re getting whatever is left” Wolffe says gruffly “Regardless, keep an eye on him while we’re here. Make sure he doesn’t embarrass us, and test him when we’re back on the cruiser”

“Yes sir” Slush nods “And sir, we will get our Captain back”

Wolffe finds that he is unable to enjoy all of the delicious food being offered to him at this banquet. You should be here. Laughing and talking with the locals like you always do. Playing games with the children. Learning their stories and giving them your own stories in return. You should be making mmm’s and aahh's at the food and drinks. And adding things to your lists of things he loves.

He isn’t the only member of the squad bothered by your absence. At the feast things are quiet to start, except for Roy who chews with his mouth open and never seems to stop talking, even when no one is listening. Eventually Slush begins speaking over Roy’s blathering and things feel slightly more normal, as the men begin to laugh and talk.

General Plo ends the night early, thanking Lo’o for the hospitality of her people, their acceptance of trade terms, and promising to visit again soon with goods and delicacies from Kel Dor. After the ship has been loaded and taken off, General Plo pulls Wolffe aside.

“I feel that the team has become unbalanced and uneasy from our sudden change in roster” he points out “Remember to check in with your own feelings on the situation, listen to them, accept them, and allow them to pass. If our new medic is truly not a good fit, speak to me directly and we will get things sorted out”

“Thank you General, your wisdom and guidance is always appreciated and helpful” Wolffe says with a nod. And he means it. As much as he wants to hate this new medic, he knows that he must set a good example by not being biased towards him. But at the same time, he does command the battalion, and he will not tolerate disrespect if it continues.

——————

Slush was right. Doctor Roy Faragian may be a doctor of medicine. But he is no field medic, and almost definitely should not be holding the rank of Corporal. He failed 7 out of the 9 tests in the gauntlet drill, he regularly taps out during daily physical training with the squad, slows the group down in team training exercises either because he moves slowly and noisily or because he keeps stopping the drill to ask needless questions.

By the end of the second month following your departure Wolffe has a near permanent tension headache and a fuse shorter than his little finger. On this particular day he called a training exercise early because he just could not stand to hear him talk or fail so boisterously anymore. He assigned him a double shift of guard duty, told the lads not to disturb him unless absolutely necessary and went back to his quarters.

He takes off his armor and lays down on his bed in just his fatigues. He’s had a hard time sleeping lately. You’d become such a fixed thing in his life, even if you didn’t actually have sex or even sleep over in his bed every night, you at least would see him and talk to him everyday. He’s sent you a few com’s here and there while you’ve been gone and he’s gotten some short hand responses. All can be accessed or intercepted so it’s not like they could be honest anyway. But he misses you fiercely.

He can’t get you out of his head today. What are you thinking? What are you doing? Are you safe? Are you being treated well? Do you think about him? Do you miss him? Do you miss him the same way he misses you? He loves you. He loves you so much it hurts his chest and makes his ribcage ache. Do you love him? Do you love him as much as he loves you?

Just then his com begins to beep, he picks it up and sees it’s an anonymous chain code. Annoyed by the interruption, he considers not answering it, but duty gets the better of him and he answers anyway.

“This is Commander Wolffe. Identify yourself” he answers formally.

“Hello Commander” comes your voice. Sweet and clear as day. Not a crackling, interference riddled holo recording. This is your true voice on the other end of the com line. Before he can stop himself your name tumbles from his lips, excited and questioning to make sure it’s really you.

“Of course it’s me! I hope you’re not getting late night calls from other service members Commander” you tease him

“To be fair, it’s not late night here at the moment” he quips, putting a hand behind his head and keeping the com near his mouth so you can hear him and he can hear you.

“Fair enough” you laugh a little “So how are you?”

“You want the truth or the sugar coat?” He asks, already starting to feel more relaxed just from hearing your voice.

“The truth, obviously” you laugh.

“This rookie medic they sent us to fill in for you is driving me up the walls” he admits.

“Because he’s too green or because you don’t like him?” You ask.

“Both” he chuckles “Oh you’d hate him. He’s a weakling. Can’t run. Can’t shoot. Can’t fight. He takes forever to stitch a wound. Doesn’t believe in physical therapy. And for whatever reason he maintains an arrogant and disrespectful personality. Insisting we call him Doctor”

“Gross” you giggle “Has he never seen combat?”

“Not a day in his life” Wolffe sighs “Part of me wants to be sent to a combat zone, just to get some actual experience on this kid, but I’m not about to let anyone on our team get killed just so Greenie can get some credibility as a soldier”

“If he’s as bad as you say, I’m sure the lads are giving him a hard time as well” you chuckle, just thinking of your team and the things they might say.

“You have no idea. I’m sure it’s ever worse when I’m not there” he smiles

“Good. I would be worried if they were all being buddy buddy and not giving the shiny a hard time” you say “But aside from that, how have you been?”

“I’ve been worse” he shrugs, not an untrue statement. He doesn’t really want to talk. He’d rather hear your voice. “How are you?”

“I’m okay today” you tell him “Things…. Things were bad when I got here. It felt never ending. I understand why everyone was called in, there wasn’t enough of us as it was… but things have gotten better now”

“You sound well rested. Your last communication you were slurring words worse than a shiny on shore leave” he chuckles

“I wasn’t on shift today, so I slept all day long. The first full 8 hours I’ve gotten in weeks. So even though it’s the middle of the night now, I’m wide awake and well rested” you explain “I haven’t been this clear headed in over two months… Do you know what the first thing I thought of was?”

“Tell me”

“You” Your voice hangs in the air. You are hundreds of thousands of light years apart from each other right now, but he could swear your lips are right by his ear.

“Mmmm” he hums “Tell me more”

“There’s a supply closet that’s nearly empty here on this base” you mention “I keep thinking, it’s far away from barracks and patient rooms. You could practically fire a blaster in there, and no one would know”

“And why would I care about an empty supply closet? Hm?”

“Because I know you Commander” you purr “I know what you sound like when I stroke your cock. I know how you like to groan when you push yourself into my pussy. I know that sound you make when you cum”

Wolffe feels a wave of warm arousal travel from the crown of his head down the entire length of his body and settle in a knot in his belly. He closes his eyes, thinking about this far away secluded supply room, and you beckoning him forward into it.

“Is that what you do in that supply closet? Stroke my cock? Bend over for me so I could push myself into you?” He asks, putting a hand on his own chest and letting it drift down towards his stirring hard on.

“Maybe” you tease “Maybe I’d press you up against a wall and get down on my knees for you. Maybe I’d take off your armor piece by piece and pull down your fatigues”

His breath deepens, the warmth in his belly is starting to feel hot as he begins to stiffen in his undershorts.

“I’d drag my nose over your hip. Dig my nails into your thighs” you describe, picturing this scene you’ve painted in your mind “I’d start so gentle… it’s no fun if there’s no build up” you purr

He palms himself over his undershorts, he imagines it’s your hands and instead of his own. A low groan works its way out of his chest. An assurance to you that you’ve got his full attention and he’s following your lead.

“I know exactly how I would do it, every movement, every sound” you grin, seeing him laying on his bed and touching himself to your voice in your minds eye “My hand stroking you where my mouth just can’t reach”

He can’t stand his own teasing. He pulls down his undershorts, freeing his flushed cock to curve upwards towards his belly. With a palmful of spit he’s hastily given himself for some small degree of aid in giving himself pleasure the way you would if you were here, he begins stroking himself.

“Mmm… tell me more… tell me” he groans, making full strokes.

“I can feel where you’d have your hands in my hair Wolffe… guiding my head down on you, helping me take you deeper” you feel yourself getting a little aroused too picturing this fantasy “Stars my mouth would be so full, my lips stretched wide around you… fuck your cock’s so big”

His hand moves without direction or conscious thought from him, he’s too preoccupied picturing the sounds you’d be making gagging around his length. Drooling on yourself a little. He’s getting close, it’s been so long, and he’s been so pent up.

“Where are you gonna cum Wolffe” you ask in a voice sweeter than syrup. “On my face? On my tits? You wanna hold my mouth open and cum on my tongue?”

“nuuhhh fuck” he groans. A tremor shoots down his legs and makes his whole body tense as hot cum splatters onto his naval. His mind is as still and clear as water on a lake with no wake or breeze.

You listen through the com device as he lets out the most satisfying deep breath. The relief and relaxation it provides him, gives you peace.

After a moment or two, he opens his eyes and uses a towel to clean himself up a little. He catches himself wishing it was your tongue… what he really wishes is for you to just be here.

“Thank you” he says “Nothing in the galaxy could have helped me guess this was how my evening started” he chuckles. Your laugh in response makes his heart ache painfully.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t plan this to some degree. Any moment I’m not working, I’m thinking about you” you admit “maybe not sucking you off in a broom closet specifically… but you know what I mean”

“I’ve been thinking about you too. We were on a planet the other week. White sand beaches. Crystalline water, warm like a bath. The people there were so… you would have loved meeting them” he recalls.

“That sounds amazing. Maybe we’ll get to go back there someday” you say dreamily “I love swimming”

“I wish you had been there” he says “Not even that we needed a medic worth their salt… I just… missed you”

“You miss me?” You smile, wishing you could see his face right now

“Mhm” he swallows hard. He wishes he could be having this conversation in person… but he won’t hold out again, he won’t have his opportunity ripped away from him a second time “I miss you a lot… I wish we had gotten a proper goodbye”

“It all happened so fast… I hardly knew what was happening before the door closed in front of me” you try to explain “There was a lot I wish I had gotten to say”

His heart skips a beat and he almost feels woozy for a second “What would you have said?”

There is a breath of silence. Dead air that hangs heavy between you. You close your eyes, pinching them shut against the reality that you have to admit this from billions of miles away from each other.

“Wolffe I’ve never met anyone like you… I’ve never met anyone who makes me feel the things you make me feel…” you get a little choked up “I wish I was there with you right now… I wish the war was over so we could have a chance—”

He interrupts you, speaking your name so softly. He can picture your face. Your eyes, your nose, your smile. Every hair on your head and fleck on your skin. “I love you”

A couple tears spill from your eyes “I love you” you whisper back

“I promised you I would make sure you got to come back to us” he says “I will make good on that promise, I swear”

You sniffle and make yourself laugh a little “I know you will”

“I love you” he repeats, feeling a immense weight being lifted from his chest as he says it “I love you so much”

Tag List: @maulslittlemeowmeow @lucyysthings @justanothersadperson93 @lackofhonor @paige6768 @thefact0rygirl @ttzamara @nekotaetae @littledragonlady

#commander wolffe #commander wolffe x reader #commander wolffe x fem reader #commander wolffe x you #hiding in plain sight

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anotherramblingfangirl · 2 years ago

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#Malevolent #malevolent podcast #dresden files #the dresden files #Arthur Lester #Harry Dresden #john malevolent #Lasciel #Lash #John Doe #Denarians #order of the blackened denarians #Post by me #Imagining them meeting now

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badassbutterfly1987 · 2 years ago

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WOJ Lasciel + Lash

WOJ

#Dresden files #denarians #lasciel #lash #woj #word of jim

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thepreposterousprequel · 7 days ago

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Chapter the Third

M: Welcome back to another exclusive interview with Prufrock Prep's one (and only) reporter. Proceeding down the alphabet, we have—by random coincidence—arrived at D. D: Thanks for having me on the show, M. And I prefer to think of it as an inclusive interview myself. M: Okay, sure. But first, let’s both get this awkwardness off our chests. D: Who said anything about awkwardness? M: What I mean is you and I are the two candidates running in this election—the only two candidates. We're both trying to end up as the second-in-command at this school. D: I know. And I respect you for that, M. That should give us more to talk about, not less, don’t you think? M: I see. And I respect you for that, D. I just feel so much respect. It's like... have you ever felt something—like a sort of burning—but you're not quite sure how to express it, and— D: My favourite word's "luminary," by the way. M: Hmm? Oh, yes. Thank you kindly for the reminder. Now let’s get to the heart of it: you played a foundational role in the group we all know as Vaudeville’s Finest Denarians. D: Oh, when it comes to that, I’m only the tetartagonist, really. M: It sounds like you’re making up words again, D. D: It means “fourth actor." K and L are clearly the protagonist and the deuteragonist. And B(ea) outplays me—you can be sure about that. M: I see. So you're not even putting *me* in the picture? Or C? D: You’re new. Fifth and sixth actors. And there are the other trainees, which brings our number up to ten. M: I see. In that case, who's the... Decagonist? D: I'd say... F. Or maybe E. But probably F. J and H are definitely more in the middle. M: You may be alienating a few of your voters, D, you know. D: Okay, M. What I meant is that F and E are younger and have a chance to be the protagonist someday. They'd be the first to agree with that.

M: Of course. But L is young, too, you know. D: But he's also L. Also, if this is about inclusivity at the school, let's remember you're the one doing "exclusive" interviews here, M. Anyway, my point was that, currently, we're the perfect number for The Decameron. I hope your readers know about our first performance. M: Of course. And what's our theme? D: The power of fortune. M: I have to say: your performance in the dress rehearsal was simply dazzling. How are you so good at bringing fortune to life? D: It's just a slice of life for me, I suppose. M: Of course. Now, first question: D: *laughing* You mean the interview hasn't even started yet? M: *ahem* What will you do for the school if you win the election? First of all, what title will you assume? D: You'll remember Ish called this "an election for an indeterminate student position." So the eventual title really can only be assumed. M: *sighing* Only Ish... D: I don't know what word I would use, but it definitely would not be "king." There’s a character named King Duncan. He's in a very fascinating drama, but very early on, he gets murdered. That doesn't feel like a good omen. M: I know that play. Would you say Duncan is a good king? Would you structure your leadership style after his? D: After he’s dead, does it matter? M: For the sake of the play? Not really. So I'll let you dodge that question, but not the shipwreck one. It comes up in all sorts of Shakespeare plays. Twelfth Night, the Tempest... D: Well, if you'd asked me yesterday, I would have said B(ea) in a heartbeat. But now, I think I’d go with... H. If our lives depended on it, he could save us with a flying machine made only of coconuts and seaweed, I'm sure. M: So... not B(ea)? D: No. Unfortunately, no. *pause* M: Why not? What's changed? D: B(ea) and I are… not together anymore. M: Wow. I’m sorry to hear that, D. You know, I hadn't even met you before you two were dating. D: Yes. It's true, M. This is my first time saying it out loud, but B(ea) and I are, in fact, taking a pause. And I'm okay that we're taking a pause. *pause* D: Okay, I was sobbing all night. I mean, we’ve had our disagreements, but I thought... Anyway, it felt sudden. M: I'm here for you, D. I mean—we're *all* here for you. And for B(ea). D: Thanks, M. I need this space. You know, the worst part is, B(ea) and I had this dance performance planned for tonight. There's a message we need to convey through the music. An important message. M: So... A dance partner? That's what you need? We do already tap dance together, you know. D: It was supposed to be the foxtrot. The Victor Foxtrot Delta, to be precise. And Bea is kind of irreplaceable. But maybe... M: Whatever message this music is supposed to convey, I'm sure the two of us can convey it through tap. D: So... M: Yes! I'll tap dance with you. D: Tonight? M: That seems a bit sudden. But absolutely! D: Are you sure? We've never performed together. M: ...but we have *rehearsed* together plenty. D: Well if *you* want to, then I couldn't thank you enough! We'll have to talk about costumes. It's got to be something fiery. M: *laughing* How did we get here… You’re distracting me! Very few Ds do that to me. D: Wait—we're still recording? You *are* editing this interview down, right? And I mean a *lot*. M: I only keep the important bits.

On your very first day at Prufrock Prep, dear reader, after disembarking from whatever kayak, submarine, or paraglider you happened to be traveling by, you will likely be pressured into a session of evening entertainment put on by the Department of Wooden Performances before the sun even sets. I, for one, have spent countless hours captive to the less than captivating acts—the mangled magic tricks, the aberrant acrobatics, the violent violin sonatas—with only a handful of pearls worth polishing into a positive review article to show for it. Tonight is my chance to infiltrate.

“You spectacular students never cease to amaze me," says the department head, Professor Remora. We sit overlooking the island's amphitheatre in the sunny afternoon. "But if I'm honest, I came here for the bananas.” These bananas comprise the entirety of his salary, he explains, "and it's worth it." Some combination of the climate and volcanic soil is ideal here, apparently. He peels another from the crate next to him and eats it as I type. The arts are often underfunded.

Evening finds me in a place I'm more than familiar with by now: the antechamber underneath the stage. What I'm not familiar with is the bustle of performers, and I'm awestruck. The lighting—fireless candles—was provided by the Department of Steely Resolve, along with the entry onto the stage—a rising platform through the trapdoor. There's a faint thrumming sound coming from each of the fireless candles as they light up the scene. It fits the mood perfectly.

Jacky and Jenny are the next to take the stage. I can't imagine the stage would want to be taken, if anyone bothered to ask. As a final touch to their costumes, they're adding more and more powder to their already pale faces, continuing as the platform rises through the trapdoor. Their act on the stage above us sounds something like an invigorating rendition of "Somewhere over the Rainbow." It's either that, or perhaps the championships of the welterweight boxing tournament.

"What a lovely performance!" says the opera singer preparing to take the stage next. "I'm glad Jenny finally got her chance." If you need a definition of the word "magnanimous," then look no further than the student who programmed the performances, Beatrice Anwhistle. We have a long chat about the inspiration for the piece she's about to perform. Underneath her warm, calm demeanor, I sense a hidden depth of grief and struggle.

"Duncan's done all the work for our act, really. He's one cool alligator," says Bea, wistfully. "And Héctor cobbled together the wings." "You're being magnanimous, again, Bea," says Duncan Quagmire IV, clarinet in hand, tap shoes on feet. With minutes to go, he's finally showed up for their number. Words start pouring out, as if from a pitcher. "I'm so sorry to come at the last minute, Bea. I wasn't sure if you wanted us to say anything to each other, so I thought I'd just wait, or else stand hunched in a dark corner, and then come in, maybe jumping on the platform as it rises, but I also didn't want you to worry I wouldn't come, so I—" Bea breaks in and hugs him. "I'm the sorry one, Duncan, for our little misunderstanding. I'm glad to see Moxie step in tonight, but I'd have been happy if it was still us. All I wanted was...a slower tempo. For now. That's all."

Duncan gasps. "You mean... you want us to go on?"

"Don't be so gobsmacked," she says, smiling. "You and me both know the show must go on." Their platform slowly rises into the misty evening air. As applause dies down, the intro comes to life: a slow and sublime clarinet and piano line, strumming like a heartbeat. Then Bea's voice breaks the air with "Song to the Moon" from Rusalka. With the atmosphere now in pieces, the magnificent tones easily travel as far as the Moon—a waxing gibbous tonight. If any space traveler stood on the lunar surface that night, they must have been moved to tears by the song directed especially to them. This will be an impossible act to follow.

I take a deep breath. Short-short-short-long, I recite in my head. Then short-short-long-short, then long-short-short. That's all there is to it, Mallahan. Repeat those three over and over. Your message will be received.

After Bea is finished with her song as well as three encores demanded by the audience, her platform descends back into the antechamber. It's my turn. "Shake a leg!" she tells me as we trade places. The electric stage light stings my eyes and the blurred audience disorients my balance. But Duncan's hand reaches out to me, and our act has begun.

"You were fantastic on the stage!" Duncan tells me afterward. "A phenomenon!"

"You were the one carrying the show, really," I say, slowly regaining my breath in the antechamber. "All I was there for was to help the show go on."

"And the message to go on," he adds. "Honestly, I can't thank you enough, Moxie. Someday, I'll do something in return that will help your passion for journalism go on."

"That's a bit vague, but... I like it," I say, thoughtfully. "The world is too quiet here. We need more journalists. We need a world abuzz with the news. Then maybe all those mysteries Snicket and I solve will no longer need solving."

"I'll convince someone else to join you, then, as a journalist," he says. "I don't know who... My firstborn child?"

"I'll take that as a compliment," I reply. "And as a promise, Quagmire. On the record."

Much as I'd like to continue narrating the evening's entertainment with a glowing review of the next piece on the program—"A Dialogue between Hippolyte and Olaf"—I have a question to ask Duncan. A mystery to resolve. I interviewed him about Vaudeville's Finest Denarians this morning. But why did he join the group in the first place?

"My instructions were simple: follow the bats. It was for Bea. She's a baticeer, you know."

"So that's it," I say. "You were looking for bats down here, and you found Vaudeville's Finest Denarians. Mystery solved."

"We found much more before that, Moxie Mallahan," says Duncan, suddenly even more mischievous than usual. "There was the eye of the snake carved into the wall. And then there was this." Somehow, he pulls a skull out from behind his back, holding it up at arm's length and looking into its eyes.

“There’s a painting I studied once. It was years ago, but it's one that sticks in your mind. The scene shows nothing more than a person screaming, hands to his face under an orange sky. The result is terrifying. Colors and shapes mash and bend like hot caramel, and it feels like reality itself is melting. I’ve never seen whoever it was that modeled for the painting, and certainly not his skull, but if I did, I imagine it would look like what I hold in my hands now.”

“So,” I summarize, “The skull is… long.”

Duncan sighs. “If you’d like me to speak like a journalist instead of like a poet, then, yes: all I could have told you was, ‘The skull was long.’ "

"Holding up skulls and soliloquizing in dark antechambers seems a bit too gothic for you, Quagmire. Are you sure you don't have an evil twin?"

"No," he tells me, with another cheeky smile in the torchlight. "He's an evil triplet."

“To carry a torch” is a set of words with at least two meanings. One meaning is to hold a piece of wood designed for the purpose of being lit on fire to give light to the surrounding area. Duncan and I had already done that far underneath this stage. And then there’s another, more figurative torch that one may carry. Though beautiful, it is the most scorching torch of all.

"Good talk, Moxie," says Duncan, sticking his hand out for a shake. "The arts and the media each benefit from a professional working relationship." As the act onstage finally comes to a close and intermission begins, he puts down the skull and heads towards an exit. "I wonder if Bea has plans for the weekend..."

#snicketverse #moxie mallahan #vfd #beatrice baudelaire #antonin dvorak

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drawsdenfiles · 9 months ago

Note

did you intentionally make Lash and whatever Marcone's Denarian opposite colors or was that just a convenient/cool coincidence???

(lash being white, gold, and pink/red, Marcone"s being black, gray and purple)

They turned out so pretty, right???😱🌷 I can’t take credit for the colors and vibes: that was all Butcher. It might’ve been intentional on his part, though!!

Edit: Probably, definitely- though I do remember reading Namshiel was green at some point.

#thank you for this darling message man I love it

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narastories · 1 year ago

Text

a low-quality gif set because I had this idea for a while and today for some reason I couldn't get it out of my head

[image description: a gifset of a scene from the movie Hellraiser (2022) with a quote overlaid on it. In the scene, Goran Višnjić is playing Roland Voight, talking and smiling. The quote is from the book Small Favor by Jim Butcher from the Dresden Files series. The text reads: "It was the kind of smile you see at country clubs and in boardrooms and on crocodiles. /end id]

#I'm not a gif maker so it isn't perfect #but I wanted to see this quote with this scene #it makes me happy lol #small favor #dresden files #goran višnjić #hellraiser 2022 #I'm also terrible at IDs but i'm trying #nara's dresden phase #denarian brainrot #nicodemus archleone

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friendly-books · 11 months ago

Text

Small Favor live blog

Small favor live blog

Happy Holidays!

Content warning: mind rape

Aw snowball fight with the Carpenters

I love this training

“The memory of my first shielding lesson under Justin DuMorne wasn’t a particularly sentimental one. “Baseballs”

“Mercifully God” Charity said, shaking her head. “How old were you?”

“Thirteen” I shrugged my shoulders. “Pain’s a good motivator. I learned fast.” pg. 15 That’s straight up child abuse

“Then Charity, standing behind me, dumped a double handfuls of snow down mother neck of my coat” pg. 18 Ha

“They weren’t terribly tall, maybe five-foot-six” pg. 19 I’m 5’6 thanks Harry maybe you’re just freakishly tall

Charity with a nail gun so cool

“They contacted me through Paranet, and I showed them how to give Fido the bum’s rush out of town.” pg. 31 Oh yay this is the thing Harry and Elaine were making.

“You look like a raccoon” pg. 35 Ha

Denarians in town or the rogue denarian from Proven Guilty.

Yes Marcone in this book! It’s always a good surprise when Marcone is in a book

Aw Toot-toot grown!

Pizza guard!

“Leave the doughnut!” pg. 67 Oh no

Mab make an entrance

Oh no Marcone got kidnapped. How did someone kidnap Marcone? Where are they keeping him? Why would someone kidnap him?

“Unless you should agree to take up the mantle of Winter Knight” pg. 81 Not yet Mab

“But I do know a little about horses, having taken care of my second mentor Ebenezar McCoy’s riding horses on his little farm in Missouri” pg. 89 Harry’s a horse girl

All this talk about Harry and the Winter Knight foreshadowing is foreboding

“The driver’s side-window rolled down and revealed a young man whom father of teenage girls would shoot on sight” pg. 104 Ha

“If they’re following the beacon, they’ll be running all over town” pg. 125 Ha

“I’m not terribly well motivated to bend over backwards to save John Marcone’s Armani-clad ass” pg. 127 Well Harry might not want to save Marcone but I can’t wait

No Harry bring Mouse

“He didn’t actually thank me, but it was his voice. I pretended that I hadn’t heard it there, which was what he expected me to do.

It’s a guy thing” pg. 138 That’s stupid

“Especially with the raccoon face I’ve got going on here.” pg. 143 Ha

Hendricks!

“I want to help your boss” pg. 152 It’s not lame. I love it

Oh no Gard :(

“Second, that a standard electrical pug was attached to the other end” pg. 161 The chain is like Elaine’s chain

“Without a word he set aside his shotgun and took the woman from me. I saw his eyes as he did, touched with worry and fear-and not for himself.” pg. 165 Hendricks/Gard ship let’s go I’ve made ships with less to go on

“Forzane” pg. 170 A force spell not a fire spell? Eh?

Thomas! Put the coin down

“Because,” I said, “maybe they went to recruit him.” pg. 184 Well Nick did offer Marcone a job back in Death Mask.

“Fu-“ I started to swear, but I glanced at Michael and changed it to “Fudgesiscles” pg. 189 Ha

“One of the most dangerous men I’ve ever known is about to have involuntary access to the knowledge and power of a Fallen angel, which would give the Denarians access to major influence within the United States. Not to mention the serious consequences for me if they succeed in making it happen” pg. 187 Interesting that this is Harry’s thoughts about Marcone taking up a coin. I wonder if he still thinks that now that Marcone’s taken up a coin.

“Michael caught Sayna’s hand on the way up, and pushed it gently back down” pg. 187 Ha

“This isn’t a democracy, Harry. We serve a king” pg. 187 Eh? I’m pretty sure this is a democracy Michael

“Transition: Don’t start another war, Harry” pg. 192 Ha and it’s only one war

“So instead you have placed your own life in jeopardy in order to protect his beliefs. You risk your body to preserve his heart.”

“I suppose he considers it a particularly messianic act.”

“That’s not why I did it” I said

“Of course it isn’t. He knows that. It isn’t easy for him. Usually he’s the one protecting another, willing to pay the price if he must” pg. 196 What’s some light treason to help your friends? And Harry is a good friend.

“We will watch over your criminals for you” pg. 202 Ha

So cool that Murph stood up to Tiny.

“War council?” Molly asked, wide-eyed. “Are we going to start another war?” pg. 226 Ha

“We might find a trail that leads back to the Nickelheads” pg. 232 Ha Nickelheads

“Someone highly placed enough to know the location of the safe house, and who will profit by Marcone’s absence” pg. 232 Helen maybe

“Nothing’s ever a convenient with you” pg. 234 Ha

“Hell’s bells. Do I really look like that? Maybe I needed a makeover or something” pg. 236 Aw Harry I’m sure you look nice, black eyes aside.

“I’m betting Marcone left her a sample of his hair to use to track him down, for just such an occasion as this” pg. 237 Smart

“I missed my staff. I missed my duster” pg. 243 No blasting rod? Eh?

“This isn’t over,” he said, a harsh edge in his voice. “We’ll discuss it after” pg. 262 Aw Michael and Harry are fighting :(

“Stop,” I said “Occam time” pg. 266 Ha

“I swear, by my own power, that I will abide by those restrictions” pg. 273 Oh Harry swore an oath to help Marcone.

“Can’t-get-a-date-itis. He’s supposed to be some kind of catalyst or conversion starter. Or failing that a consolation prize” pg. 276 Ha

“Grew up hard in the war, though that didn’t give them enough brains to keep from looking up to me.” pg. 279 Aw poor Harry :(

“The station’s lights went out. All of them. At exactly the same time.” pg. 280 Oh no

“Granted, He doesn’t always answer quite this quickly” pg. 289 Ha

“When things had gone dark and scary she had somehow rounded them up and gotten them into a room. That took a lot more moxie than most people had. I also noted that she had been kneeling between the customer and the doorway. I liked her already.” pg. 289 I also like Carol. I like that this shows that ordinary people can and do help others.

“I held up my right hand and with a murmur called a tiny sphere of flame. The spell sputtered and coughed before it coalesced, and even that the light was barely brighter than a candle” pg. 295 Something is up with Harry. He doesn’t mention his blasting rod and he doesn’t use any fire spells. It could be because Jim is using The Law of Conservation of Details but I don’t think so. Mind magic maybe? So that he doesn’t remember his fire or blasting rod. Like with Lea and Susan back in Grave Peril. But by who? Not a human practitioner or else the Wardens would come. Not Molly, she hasn’t shown up yet and she wouldn’t do that to Harry. Hmm Mab maybe but why would she do that? She’s not a human practitioner and she’s powerful enough to do it. I think she’s more powerful than Lea. But again why would she do that? She had time to do it when she was talking to Harry. But I’m stuck on the motive as to why Mab would do that when Harry is helping her. Wild guessing as there really aren’t any other suspects but Mab.

“You rush a miracle worker, you get lousy miracles!” pg. 298 Ha

So cool that Harry used the sprinkler system to wash away the Myrk.

“I don’t call him Fist of God as a pet name, folks” pg. 302 Ha

“Stupid, Harry. Stupid, Stupid” pg. 309 Stop being so self critical Harry. You need some more self confidence. Go read a self help book or something.

So cool that Harry used Gard’s locker to fight.

“Mercy? From a Winterbound?” pg. 312 Yep Harry’s cool like that.

“I’m not bound” I snapped “This is purely temp work” pg. 312 More foreshadowing for Harry.

Kincaid and Ivy! This book got better!

“Maybe it was just my imagination that it took Michael a second longer to answer than in the past” pg. 320 Aw :( I don’t like that Harry and Michael are fighting.

“But was prevented from going father by Kincaid hand” pg. 332 Let Ivy pet Mouse

Just Luccio taking a bath by the fire in someone else’s house as you do.

“The last thing I noticed, before I dropped off, was that under all the blankets I was entirely undressed.

And I was clean” pg. 335 Who undressed Harry and cleaned him? Luccio?

“Thomas gave me a look of his own. Then he thwapped me gently upside the head” pg. 339 Ha

“What does a woman need to do, Harry? Rip her clothes off, throw herself on top of you, and shimmy while screaming ‘Do me Baby!’?” pg. 340 Ha and knowing Harry it could help but more likely Harry would think that the woman would be cursed.

In defense of Harry I also didn’t know that Luccio was flirting with Harry. And Luccio needs to be more direct with Harry. He’s oblivious and dense. Susan was the one to ask Harry out back in Storm Front.

“I’ve never been hit on by a woman a hundred and fifty years older than me” pg. 340 Ha and what about Lara?

“Moran. Thank God Nicodemus is a man” pg. 341 Ha and with my reading of Bi Harry I won’t be too relieved there.

“Tiny” Sanya rumbled to Michael, clenching a demonstration fist “But fierce” pg. 346 Ha

Part 2

“The wind caught my coat and the cloak both, and almost knocked me over until I gathered in close to my body again and under control. Hendricks, solid and huge in his dark, sensible London Fog winter coat, went by me with a small smile on his face.” pg. 353 Ha and glad even Hendricks is amused by Harry.

“She can’t be here” pg. 355 I thought things ended well between Kincaid and Murphy back in Hawaii?

“She was watching two otters chase each other around the habitat, and smiling.” pg. 357 Aw :)

“Kincaid stopped in his tracks when he saw that. Just to see what he’d do, I tried to step past him. He shot me a look like he’d murder me if I tried to interrupt her, and my opinion of him went up a notch.” pg. 357 Aw :)

“He had a good voice, mellow and surprisingly deep” pg. 361 Bi Harry 29 I think I mean I hope not because it’s Nicodemus and Harry would have horrible taste in men.

“Archive guarantee his neutrality” pg. 362 Wow Nicky just assumes the police officer is a man. That’s a bit sexist. First Nicky was racist now sexist get with the times man.

“He was a man of medium height and build, his features handsome, strong, his eyes dark and intelligent.” pg. 363 Bi Harry 30 Harry what did I just say? Absolutely terrible taste in men. I see he and his mother have similar tastes. Harry has a type ie older scary men with silvery hair. Silver fox if you will.

“Sans demolition, if you think you can refrain.” pg. 363 Ha and no Harry can’t refrain from causing property damage.

“Nicodemus let out another quiet, charming laugh.” pg. 365 Bi Harry 31

“And you offer such insolence regardless?”

“Habit,” I said “It doesn’t make you special or anything, believe me” pg. 367 Ha

“Nicodemus.

Blinked.” pg. 369 Oh Nicodemus didn’t know. We have a rogue Denarius on our hands

“I glared up at him and debated slamming him through one of those Corinthian columns by way of objecting to be manhandled. But I decided that I didn’t want to piss him off.” pg. 369 Ha

“At least it has some survival instincts” pg. 370 Ha and Harry has no survival instincts

“Kincaid, get the kid out of here!” I screamed. “They’re coming for Ivy” pg. 373 Oh no if they hurt Ivy I demand there blood

“I guess it came down to a single question: whether or not I was the kind of man who walks away when he knows a little kid is in danger” pg. 378 No Harry isn’t that kind of man

“The thorny Denarian” Thorned Namshied

“…and he just ate my spell.” pg. 380 Ha and I wonder if Marcone can do that now?

I’m worried about the animals they can’t run away

“While the Archive would know that the proper decision would be to allow Kincaid to die in order to protect the sanctity of the Archive, Ivy wouldn’t be making the decision with the same detached calm. Kincaid was the closest thing she had to family. She wouldn’t. She couldn’t.” pg. 396 Aw and Harry she cares about you too. You Named her and I think she considers you a friend.

“I wish I knew,” I panted. “That way I could exercise free will while telling you to go fuck yourself” pg. 401 Ha

“I hadn’t extended my line of thinking beyond Kincaid. But of all the people who had dealt with the Archive, I’d been one of the only ones to take any interest in her as anything but a font of knowledge. I’d been the one to inquire after her personality. I’d been the one to give her a name. Sad but true, I was the closest thing that little girl had to a friend.

She couldn’t have let anything happen to me, either.” pg. 403 While I love that Ivy considers Harry a friend this isn’t a great time for this.

“I could use charts to make it easier for you to understand. And color them in with crayons. I enjoy crayons.” pg. 405 Aw baby’s first attempt at sassing the enemy

“I wasn’t certain but it sounded like the kid was trying to give the bad guys some gruff on my behalf. She needed to work on her technique, but it was the thought that counted. If I could have breathe, I might have gotten a little choked up.” pg. 406 Aw :) I’m so proud of Ivy. I’m glad she has a friend in Harry.

Oh no they took Ivy :(

“Michael had some serious pecs.” pg. 423 Bi Harry 32

“Never mind Michael’s pecs. Sanya made us both look like we needed to eat more wheat germ” pg. 424 Bi Harry 33

“Jared. Huh.” pg. 424 Kincaid first name is Jared really?

“She doesn’t have anybody else. No one” pg. 424 Aw :(

“And we fought them. That war could end. It could all be over” pg. 428 No unfortunately not

“Molly once burned my egg. My boiled egg. I don’t know how.” pg. 432 Ha

“You’re a creature of habit, Harry. You don’t like change” pg. 435 Yep

“So how they gonna get that creepy little girl a coin? Or one for the boss?” pg. 436 Good idea Cujo but rude for calling Ivy a creepy little girl.

“Molly was committing dinner by that time, aided and abetted by Sanya, who was taking who seemed to take some kind of Russian delight in watching the train wrecks in progress.” pg. 439 Ha

“Ivy,

You are not alone.

Kincaid is alive. I’m all right. We’re coming after you.

Don’t listen to them. Hang on.

We’re coming.

You are not alone.

Harry” pg. 444 Aw I love this bit so much.

“You know me, Michael. I’m always careful.” pg. 447 Ha

“What” he said in a low, deadly tone, “is that?” pg. 449 Oh Nicky is scared of Mouse

“It’s been a little while since anyone was quite that insolvent to my face.” pg. 450 I’m pretty sure the last person was also Harry back in Death Mask.

“Do you always retreat into insouciance when you are frightened, Dresden?” pg. 450 Ha and yes he does

Nicky is a terrible boss. He doesn’t even remember Rasmussen.

“After all those years of baseless suspicion and hostility from your own Council, that must be a painful realization.” pg. 453 Aw :(

“The Council doesn’t need my help to be a bunch of tools.” pg. 454 Ha

Harry being incredibly melodramatic with Michael.

“Look at me when I’m talking to you!” pg. 462 Aw :(

“I don’t share everything with you,” I retorted. “I don’t share everything with anyone. That’s nothing new.” pg. 462 Harry you should talk to your friends.

“Because in thousand years, no one has rid themselves of the shadow of one of the Fallen” pg. 463 So cool that Harry was the first person to rid themselves of a shadow of the Fallen. Sad that it meant that Lash died.

“Have I suddenly gone crazy on you?”

He arched an eyebrow

“More so than usual” pg. 465 Ha

“Harry,” he said quietly, “what happened to your blasting rod?” pg. 465 Oh good someone else is worried about Harry and his blasting rod

“Someone had been in my head

Someone had been in my head

Oh God” pg. 466 Oh no this is just like when Murphy was mind raped back in Grave Peril with the Nightmare.

Harry isn’t having a good time.

So Molly looked around in Harry’s head

“You aren’t the sort of person to do things by halves, Harry. Grand gestures included.” pg. 469 Ha

“In the event that you haven’t figured it out, I’m not the kind of person to be casually involved in much of anything” pg. 473 Yep

“Dresden, it seems to me that you’d lock yourself up pretty tight if someone took a regular bullet for you with a regular body. Much less if you were under psychic attack and this imaginary friend died right inside your own brain. Something like that happens, shouldn’t you have expected to be a basket case, at least for a little while.” pg. 476 Yep Harry loves his friends and having someone die for you will leave a mark.

“You remember when Karvos struck his fingers in my brain?” pg. 475 I see Murphy is drawing parallels away from well.

Not the biggest fan of this Luccio/Harry ship aren’t they subordinate and boss?

“You might be able to empower such a circle for half an hour, Dresden.” pg. 483 I’m glad Luccio knows that Harry is powerful

“I was going to put the dinosaur back,” I said. “But I was unconscious” pg. 485 Ha

They have Ivy at Deamonreach? How’d they get there and not get booted off?

“You couldn’t spot a pop culture reference if it skittered up and implanted an embryo down your esophagus.” pg. 503 Ha and is this why Harry makes so many pop culture shout outs?

“The creepy part was that it felt familiar.” pg. 515 Creepy maybe the island knew that Harry was going to be the next warden of the island.

Poor Ivy :(

Why doesn’t Ivy have clothes? Never mind, I don't want to know.

“I’d made that mistake once already, on a stormy night much like this one” pg. 522 Yep Grave Peril parallels

“Gentleman Johnnie Marcone” pg. 525 Is this a spelling error or is Harry being Harry?

“Something had ripped off the top half of his left ear.” pg. 525 That makes a very cool picture of Marcone

“Insufferable, arrogant little monkey,” Namshiel hissed. “Playing with the fires of creation. Binding your soul to it, as if you were one of us. How dare you so presume. How dare you wield soulfire against me. I, who was there when your pathetic kind was hewn from the muck.” pg. 533 I take it Namshiel isn’t happy that Harry has soulfire.

“I glared at him. He returned the glare with a faint, knowing smile.” pg. 536 Ha

“Ride of the Valkyries” pg. 541 Yay Gard to the rescue.

“He shook his head and pointed his fingers at Ivy” pg. 542 Yay

Part 3

Oh no Michael

“A bar of blue-white fire so dense that it was nearly a solid object lashed across the distance from me and Tessa and slammed into her like an enormous spear.” pg. 547 So cool. Don’t mess with Harry’s friends

“I find myself largely clueless about why mortal women do what they do. It will take a wiser man than me to understand what’s in a fae women’s mind.” pg. 557 Ha

“They tell children stories about you guys, you know,” I said.

“Still?” He said

I nodded” pg. 558 Aw :)

“We hear tales of thee, young wizard.”

I blinked. “You, uh?”

“We too like stories about…” His eyes searched his memory for a moment before he smiled, pleased. The gesture looked pleasantly nonviolent on his face.

“Underdogs” pg. 558 So cool that the fae tell stories of Harry.

“I want you,” I said “to get me a doughnut. A real, genuine, Chicago doughnut. Not some glamorous doughnut. An actual one. Freshly made.”

“Nay, but prithee, with sprinkles ‘pon it instead,” I said solemnly “and frosting of white.” pg. 560 Ha

“Harry Dresden speechless,” Nicodemus said. “I can’t imagine this happens every day.” pg. 564 Ha

“It’s gone!” pg. 565 Oh no the coins are gone.

“Deceitful bitches” pg. 565 :0 I was not expecting that kind of language from Nicodemus.

“Please. No one so obstreperous has been corrupted by anything other than his own pure muleheadedess.” pg. 567 Ha

“Lasciel’s shadow,” I told him, “doesn’t live here anymore, The Fallen have no power over me. And neither do you” pg. 568 So cool

“In fact, I squeezed harder” pg. 570 Good

Drat Nicodemus is still alive. Better luck next time. Third time the charm.

“I was wearing fresh clothing too. Thomas. He didn’t say anything about it, and neither did I. It’s a brother thing.” pg. 582 Aw :) Yay!

“His heart. They hurt his hurt.” pg. 586 Aw :( Poor Molly

“Families stay, Harry” pg. 587 Aw :)

“Given what he’d been saved from, it would be consistent with his character for Marcone to repay the people who bailed him out with whatever aid he could render in turn. It irked me that Marcone could ever be in a position to offer significant aid to Michael, regardless of circumstances.” pg. 590 Yep Marcone is cool like that

So Harry meets Uriel. I think God likes Harry despite Harry’s thoughts.

“You will not. I do not belong to you-“ pg. 598 Not yet

What made Mab so mad?

I take it the White Council would be mad if they find out and Bob.

“I get it,” I said. “You don’t think I should get close to her. Unless you’re worried about what’s going to happen when you wake her up and she’s really scared and confused.” pg. 608 Hypocritical much

“They did things to me,” she said

“I know,” I said quietly “Been there. But I was all right after a while. You’re going to be alright. It’s over.” pg. 609 Don’t like those implications with Harry and Ivy experiencing the same thing and using the same words. Add to it that Ivy was naked upon rescue doesn’t help.

“Couldn’t find its heart if it had a copy of Gray’s Anatomy, X-ray vision, and a stethoscope,” I said “No. They can lay down the law about magic. But they aren’t telling me who I’m allowed to befriend.” pg. 609 That’s a little cult like. The White Council can’t tell people who they can or can’t befriend.

“Morgan told them you’d say that. So did McCoy and Listen-to-Wind. The Merlin wouldn’t hear it.” pg. 609 Morgan! He knows enough about Harry to know that Harry wouldn’t go for it.

I’m glad Harry hugged Ivy and that she got his letter. Ivy needs a support system.

“He has a teddy Glock.” pg. 610 Ha

I’m glad Murph is also concerned about Luccio and Harry.

“Marcone. I’ll look into it.” pg. 614 Harry knew already that Marcone took the coin?

“I don’t have it,” Marcone said.” pg. 616 Either Marcone is lying outright or using exact words. Hmmm

“The child” Marcone said “Is she well?” pg. 617 Aw :) I hope Ivy and Marcone talk to each other after this.

“Then you should get some rest,” Marcone said. “You look”-his mouth twitched up at the connors-”like a raccoon. Who has been run over by a locomotive.” pg. 617 Ha

“A lot of men talk to the women they sleep with,” I said “That’s always been true. And it would give you a really good reason to get close to him”

“He’s like a lot of men,” pg. 618 I can’t picture Marcone doing this. Also I can’t believe I was right about Helen being the leak.

“Oh that.” Anastasia said. “Your Sight’s coming in. That’s all.” pg. 622 Oh cool!

Final thoughts

As always I liked the fights and thought the book was funny. Bi Harry moments up to 33. I question Harry’s taste in men. What I’d like to see is Ivy and Harry interacting more. Maybe play dates with Ivy and Maggie. I think it’s cool that Harry got Soulfire. I’m glad Harry and Michael are friends again. I wish we got more Marcone in this book. I’m surprised I was right about mind magic and Mab. And with Helen and the safe house. Not a fan of this Harry/Luccio ship. The White Council continues to be the absolute worst. They can’t tell their members who they can and can’t befriend that ridiculous. The fact that Harry and Thomas have to pretend not to be brothers and not interact much because the White Council will use them is terrible. It’s also a little cult-like. They do similar things to them and I could probably use the Bite model to show that they’re cult-like. Nicodemus is definitely scared of Harry now that Harry’s strangled him twice now. As for Executive Priority Health, why would Marcone buy the old Velvet place? As for Harry I wouldn’t want to be within 100 yards of the place but Harry seems ok? With going in.

Mind rape

Now onto Harry and the mind rape. As with Murphy back in Grave Peril this is essentially rape. Harry’s reaction is full on breakdown. While it’s similar to his reaction in Grave Peril it’s different in that Micheal is there to help and he isn’t in a laundry room. I wonder if Harry will have similar actions to paranoia and insomnia. I continue to wish Harry gets therapy. Maybe one of the small practitioners in the Paranet is a therapist. There was some parallels to Death Mask in this book with the mind rape and sacrad hospitality. Could Jim stop hurting Harry please.

Marcone

Now I know Marcone has the coin. Whether he accepted the coin yet is another. I can’t imagine what he went through with torture and hurting Ivy. Do you think he was reminded of Amanda and that’s why he took the coin. Surly Gard told him about the Fallen. He wouldn’t pick up the coin unless he knew what he was doing. I can’t picture him saying anything about his safe house to Helen. And I don’t see Marcone killing Helen. That would make Amanda an orphan. Maybe the guilt is making him do things he wouldn’t normally do.

Onto the next book!

#dresden files #harry dresden is bi #Small favor #battle ground spoilers

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