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dearweirdme · 1 year ago

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Hi. Could you share a beautiful tought you have of TaeKook. Maybe how they make you feel, why do you support them. Thank you 🫰

Hi anon!

This is actually a bit of a difficult question for me. Because the answer is layered. First of all, I love them as artists. I love BTS as a whole (seriously, I have a personalized BTS playlist I play everyday on the drive to and from work), and I love Tae and Jk’s voices and performances as solo artists as well. I love Layover, I loved his performances, and I loved the promo footage we got. I’m so glad we got to see this side of Tae. We haven’t heard Jk’s album yet, but I’m super excited about it, because I love to see him perform as well. Due to this question I’m trying to choose whose voice I love most, but I’m unable to. I love Tae’s deep warm voice, but I also love Jk’s voice and the way he makes me feel emotions when he sings. I don’t actually have to choose, so I won’t 😁.

Aside from loving them as artists, I also love their individual characters. Tae might be my bias, but I have so much love for Jk as well. I really enjoy Jk’s humor, and the way he expresses his emotions. Jk isn’t afraid to feel and that’s something I really admire. He might be a private person, but he invests a lot in sharing himself with army. I think, though he might not always express it best, Jk loves hard. I love to see his pouty face, I love to see him affectionate with his members, I love to see him master stuff, I love how he’s grown into such a beautiful person. And Tae.. i kinda identify with Tae. Tae is often described as weird, and he acknowledges that himself as well. He has a different way of thinking. My handle isn’t ‘dearweirdme’ for nothing (has been that way even before I was in fandom), because I have often felt the same. Though I have gone through a journey of accepting and understanding my weirdness for a very long time, getting to know Tae has helped me in ways. His confidence (or at least the way he shows confidence) has made me lay other people’s opinions beside me more. Aside from identifying with Tae on a certain level, I also find him so sweet and caring and I love how he can be absolutely (i want to say ‘lethal’ 😂) bold and sharp at times.

Tae and Jk as a couple.. geezz it breaks my heart at times when I think of all the hardships they have had to go through. Ofcourse being a partnof BTS already meant they had to have hard times, but falling in love with each other certainly set them for issues the other members didn’t experience. What I love is how they have always kept that strong connection. I had an anon say this recently also, but I’ll repeat.. there hasn’t been a period in time where Tae and Jk didn’t show how close and comfortable they actually are and have been. People talk about possible breakups (and sure there have been visible hard times) but I wouldn’t know where to place a durable breakup anywhere. They are so sweet together, so soft.. so caring, so knowing. I think these men know each other inside out. The way Tae touches Jk, the way Jk looks at Tae with stars in his eyes. They actually visibly go soft by looking at each other.

Now my personal reasons for being an ally (yes, I’m straight). I’ve always been an ally, yet not always an active/vocal one. I have queer friends and acquaintances, I wouldn’t be opposed to dating someone who isn’t male, but I’ve only ever been attracted to males before. I started to get more vocal/active in supporting the queer community when my kid was born. All the heteronormativity just didn’t sit right with me. People were so quick to talk about ‘boys being boys’ stuff and I just want him to be happy with whatever he chooses. My kid a bit of a ‘softer’ boy, playing with mylittle ponies as much as he did with cars for instance. So that’s when I decided to actively show him that he has options. I make sure to read him inclusive books, I always tell him ‘boyfriend or girlfriend’ when we talk about being in love, I explain that there’s all sorts of families and all sorts of relationships (age appropriate) and I do this publicly.. which means I often correct statements made by others that are not inclusive (which is not always appreciated, but my kid’s feelings of safety are just more important). I just think, I want him to know that everything is fine by me. If he turns out to be queer, I’d love for him to not really have to come out, but just tell me ‘mom, i’m going out with a boy tonight.’.

All those things combined are what makes me support Tae and Jk I think. If it comes down to it, I just support love of any kind.

#taekook

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ayuuria · 4 years ago

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Yashahime Translation: Animage Magazine May 2021 Issue

Please do not repost this translation without my consent! This includes screenshots of any type and amount. If you wish to share this translation, simply link to this post.

For more information regarding the use of my translations, click here.

The Yashahimes’ Future

The three Yashahimes who carry both demon and human blood: Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha. The three of them have varying personalities, environments in which they were raised in, and goals for their actions. However, through the shared task of demon slaying, they slowly begin to accept one another. Though they are not a perfect “Close, in sync team”, trust has certainly budded between the girls who, together, have overcome any difficult situation. Even Kirinmaru’s attack that killed Setsuna in one stroke could not sever the bond that connects the three. Towa especially, who received a broken Tenseiga from Sesshōmaru, appears to have not yet given up on Setsuna’s life. Although it looks like the girls will still continue to face hardships in the future, we want them to clear the way to a happy future with their own hands.

“Hanyō no Yashahime” entered a short break, leaving behind many points of interest such as Setsuna’s shocking death, the broken Tenseiga entrusted to Towa, and the continued separation of Moroha and her parents. Let’s consolidate the existing mysteries and wait for the second chapter (season)!

Higurashi Towa

Faced with the death of her beloved little sister, Setsuna, her demonic blood awakens for the first time. Until now, she had been using the demon sword, Kikujūmonji, as her weapon but what is this blade… …? (referring to the promo picture for season 2)

Series Composition: Katsuyuki Sumisawa Q&A

The Yashahimes’ story with continuous ups and downs. In addition to reviewing everything up until now, please tell us about the backstory and hints to the second chapter (season)!

Q. Where do Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha normally spend the night?

A. Towa freeloads at Kaede’s house. Setsuna stays at the demon slayer’s headquarters. It’s just that she can’t sleep so she probably keeps watch outside at night. Moroha lives at the corpse shop.

Q. How far apart is Kaede’s village and the corpse shop?

A. Kaede’s village is in the land of Musashi so in terms of modern geography, imagine around Tokyo’s Nakano and Suginami ward. Compared to that, the corpse shop is in the harbor so around Shinagawa ward or maybe even Yokohama. It seems the three of them frequently met up but there’s actually quite a distance. Each of them had different goals behind their actions too.

Q. When Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha first met, how was Moroha able to figure out that the two of them were Sesshōmaru’s daughters?

A. Probably through “smell”. Sesshōmaru is well known among demons and Moroha knows that Sesshōmaru is her father’s older brother. However, Moroha still doesn’t know that Sesshōmaru is the one who trapped her parents within the black pearl.

Q. Does Moroha know her parents’ names?

A. She does. When Inuyasha and Kagome were approached by Kirinmaru and Sesshōmaru, Awa no Hachiemon (aka Hachi), the racoon dog, took Moroha to the wolf demon tribe where she was raised. That being said, Kōga probably told her.

Q. Doesn’t Moroha want to meet her parents?

A. She thinks her parents are dead. That’s why her thoughts are “There’s no point obsessing over someone who’s dead”. Hachiemon the racoon dog, didn’t watch the details of the incident to the end and assumed that “If Sesshōmaru and Kirinmaru were their opponents, they’re probably not alive now.” That’s what Moroha was told through Kōga.

Q. Why is the instrument that Setsuna plays the violin?

A. When creating the scenario, I wanted some sort of “gift” from the modern era as “something to connect the modern and feudal eras”. Therefore, I decided to give Moroha the giant backpack as Kagome’s daughter and Setsuna an instrument. In addition, an instrument that absolutely didn’t exist in the feudal era was better, so I chose the violin. There of course won’t be violins in Japan and even in the West, it had a different shape than it does now. Plus, before the current story was solidified, I had thought of a plot where the modern era was the setting so it’s a remnant of that.

Q. Did Mama Moe teach Setsuna the song she always plays on her violin?

A. While she learned how to play the violin from Mama Moe, the song was not something she learned (from her). Rather Setsuna is playing a song she once heard based off her memory. Where she heard it… please wait for the second chapter (season)!

Q. With Kanemitsu no Tomoe as a medium for Setsuna and the rouge being suggested for Moroha, each of them has had their demonic blood sealed. What about the seal for Towa’s demonic blood?

A. Towa’s is not sealed. Moreover, her demonic blood had not yet awakened. That’s where in episode 24, her demonic blood awakened for the first time with Setsuna’s death being the trigger. However, that was in an out-of-control state. Going forward, how “Sesshōmaru’s blood” flowing within her will manifest itself will be something worth noting.

Q. Why does everyone call Towa and the others “Yashahime”?

A. Ever since the spirit of the Tree of Ages called them as such in episode 4, everyone started calling them that, no matter who they spoke to. At first, even Towa and the others were like “We’re not Yashahime” or “Are you referring to us?” but as they got addressed that repeatedly, they gradually accepted the name.

Q. Kohaku’s* older sister, Kin’u, is a nun but what does his other older sister, Gyokuto, do?

*Translator’s Note: I think the publisher made a mistake and meant to say Hisui

A. She shoulders the responsibility of helping Sango create the weapons for demon slaying, delivering those weapons to the other slayers, accepting demon slaying requests around the area, and collecting information on demon sightings.

Q. Is Kirinmaru a demon of Japan?

A. No. I think talking like this will be easier to understand. Kirinmaru is one of the few greater demons who is aware that the earth is round. In that era, the only ones who have a sense of this are probably just Kagome, Towa, and Kirinmaru. Having circled the globe many times, Kirinmaru, who had traveled around the world, met the Dog General at the very end in the land at the farthest end (of the earth), Japan. Ever since then, he has remained in Japan so it could be said that he’s a demon of Japan, but his existence is on a bigger scale than that. Kirinmaru frequently reads Western books and he orders those from various places around the world. The one who buys them is Riku. Naturally, I’m sure that not only does Riku secretly read the Western books in the library, but Kirinmaru wouldn’t reproach him for such a small thing either. In episode 7, Riku called the apple a “Forbidden Fruit” but of course, I’m sure Kirinmaru has read the bible before. That’s most likely because he’s been alive since the era of myth so he may have seen Buddha or Jesus Christ in the flesh. There’s probably no way he saw Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit though… … (laughs).

Q. Point blank, what is the relationship between Kirinmaru and Riku? In a reflection of the past (200 years ago), it seemed Riku didn’t have any emotions. What exactly was that?

A. This will be revealed in the second chapter (season) as well but to give you a little hint, Riku started taking care of Zero after the Dog General died and as he healed her, he gradually began to have emotions. That’s why Riku’s way of thinking was influenced by Zero, such as “You have to destroy those that you love”.

Q. Zero lost her demonic powers when she created the Rainbow Pearls. Then what was the power she was using when she fought?

A. Zero was using the power of hexes. In this world, there is not only demonic power but all sorts of powers such as spiritual power and Buddhist power and each of them is separate. What she used was a power similar to charms and Inyougogyō**.

** Translator’s Note: Yin and Yang and the five Chinese elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

Q. Why did someone like Kirinmaru, who values reason, have the Four Perils, who had sleazy personalities, as subordinates?

A. Kirinmaru’s mind is preoccupied with a “certain matter” that’s important so he doesn’t really care about anything else. Hence, he doesn’t remember every single demon that has challenged or served under him and he doesn’t care what kind of person they were.

Q. In episode 21, it was surprising when Towa said “I like you (Riku)!”. To put it frankly, what do Towa and Riku think of each other?

A. Towa thinks Riku is “Riku”. She doesn’t perceive him as being part of Kirinmaru’s group. On the other hand, Riku thinks Towa is “The lady Yashahime that will slay Kirinmaru”. That’s why he addresses her as “Lady Towa”. Currently, there are no romantic feelings between the two of them. Just that, there’s probably “affection” from Riku to Towa.

Q. Why does Riku think “I only kill those I love”?

A. Because “Those who are loved vanish beautifully”. That is what Zero said in episode 23. To Zero, death is sad but to Riku, there’s no difference between dying and living and that they’re the same. Based on that, Riku came to think “You have to destroy those that you love” and he chooses to “kill” as an expression of love. That might be quite difficult to understand.

Q. Why is Sesshōmaru so cold to his daughters?

A. Just as a lion drops its cubs into a bottomless ravine, a demon’s feeling is that they only raise the child that gains strength from hardship. That is the “Rite of Courage and Cowardice”. It’s a little different from the feeling we humans have. That’s why hating his daughters or purposely tormenting them is certainly not the case.

Q. Although, isn’t separating the babies from their mother immediately after birth or having them fight the strongest beast king of the eastern land, Kirinmaru, a little too much?

A. If you watch the kabuki play “Renjishi” I think you will get it immediately. Anime is fine, but I would like to recommend the traditional arts that have ceaselessly been passed down since ancient Japanese times. Even if going to see them is difficult, researching on the internet is easy. Even the phrase “Rite of Courage and Cowardice” will show up in there. It seems that in this world, there’s no people who love their children more than Japanese people. Perhaps that’s why it can’t be helped that the way Sesshōmaru is raising his children feels very cold. However, those who watched the “Inuyasha” series I think will know but Sesshōmaru’s hearing and smell are exceedingly exceptional. He has the ability to immediately rush in, no matter how far the distance.

Q. Lastly, please tell us how production for the second chapter (season) is going?

A. Currently, we’re writing the second half of the script for the second chapter (season). The whole staff are eagerly working under this difficult Corona crisis. In the second chapter (season), we would like to create a script that is particular on the details as much as possible. In the previous series, there were many self-contained demon slaying stories but for the second chapter (season), we’ve changed the structure of the story so that it progresses with the feelings of the various characters intertwining together, just like in “Inuyasha The Final Act”. Hence, I think the impression of the story will change quite a bit. Please wait until the broadcast to see what kind of story it will be!

#Yashahime #hanyou no yashahime #yashahime: princess half demon #translation #there's actually a lot of key information in this so I recommend reading it #I had fun translating this

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theji · 4 years ago

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我的世界守则 The Rules of My World: An Analysis

I came across this video while browsing Weibo last night. It was taken during Yibo's rehearsal for his 'The Rules of My World' performance. I've listened to the song countless times and I like it, the rhythm and all, and the dance. But as with many rap music, I don't pay attention to the lyrics. I suddenly realised I don't really know what the song is talking about, save for the few phrases that stood out. That sparked my interest and inspired today's post. I had previously done some analysis of Zhan's songs, so it's Yibo's turn.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional translator or lyricist. And obviously I'm not Yibo nor do I know him personally, so I can't say for sure what the song is really about. The following analysis is purely based on my personal interpretation. It has CPN components. Please skip if you don't believe that BJYXSZD.

'The Rules of My World' is the 2nd song that Yibo penned the lyrics to himself. The fact that he wrote the lyrics is significant and makes the song worth analysing. 2019's 'Wu Gan' was more 'inward-looking'; about Yibo expressing his own thoughts on navigating the entertainment industry. To me, 'The Rules of My World' is him making a statement, a stand, at the same time, he's sending a message to those he cares about - GG and his (real) fans. Yibo released this song on 30 Dec 2020. The timing is interesting cos it like he's summing up his sentiments based on the events that took place during the year. To outsiders, 2020 was a good year for Yibo. He had many endorsements, projects, high exposure, his commercial value rose. But in CPN reality, 2020 was terrible for so many reasons. GG's incident, him being overworked, crazy fan wars and antis etc etc..anyone who cares about Yibo would be delusional to think he had it good last year.

欢迎你们来加入我的世界 (You're welcome to join my world)

入场券上面有正义的光源 (There's a light of justice on the admission ticket)

DD is giving fans an open invitation to enter his world, to understand him as a person and not just an idol. And he also hopes that his world can bring some light to the fans' world, to bring some positivity, encouragement and guidance to them.

此生面对严厉又仁慈的一切 (In this life we'll face harshness but also kindness)

轻松一点，我们一起度过黑夜 (Just relax, together we'll overcome darkness)

In the entertainment world (or life in general), there will be ups and downs, criticisms and compliments. Regardless of what may come, we can overcome any challenges together. Darkness here could also refer to the antis who seem determined to bring GGDD down. This could be a message to fans - to tell them that they don't always have to rush to defend him, and they don't need to retaliate (aka fan wars). It could also be a message to GG, to make a stand of solidarity and to reassure GG that DD will face any challenges alongside him.

新的征途 (A new journey)

愚蠢的，不好相处 (These fools, they aren't easy to get along with)

愚蠢的，不会打住 (These fools, they won't stop)

但衬托明天更耀眼的路 (But they will set off a brighter path for tomorrow)

It was said that DD matured considerably after the 2*7 incident. Took up more responsibility, became more focused on his career and mindful of future advancements etc. Started to take on more serious acting projects and to shift his career trajectory towards something more sustainable and less 'idol'. The new journey could be a reference to this new path. The fools - the antis, those against GGDD - may have caused damage but their actions have also sparked off DD's desire to do better and to find his footing in the entertainment industry. He now has a clearer view of what he wants, the path he wants to take.

我是我的样子 (This is how I am)

我生来就固执 (I was born stubborn)

讲自己的故事 (I'll tell my own story)

活独特的气质 (Living my unique self)

Follow me, 找到自己的价值 (Follow me, find your own value)

不去迎合别人活才会觉得有意思 (Life is interesting if you don't cater to others)

我的世界不退让 (It's my world I won't give in)

Here, DD is being assertive. This is me, I follow my own rules, I'll make my own decisions, I'll forge my own path, I won't be influenced, I won't give up on my beliefs. So antis, capitalists etc can f*ck off.

It could also be seen as an advice to his fans - to follow his lead and live their own lives. This is also something that GG has repeatedly said to fans - to focus on their own lives, personal relationships, studies, careers etc. Don't devote so much time on chasing idols, online fan wars etc.

阳光耀眼 (The sun is dazzling)

乐观地，走向前 (Just move forward with optimism)

阳光耀眼 (The sun is dazzling)

无所谓，多危险 (Doesn't matter how dangerous it is)

阳光耀眼 (The sun is dazzling)

这是我的世界 (This is my world)

我世界的守则，不许你诡辩 (These are the rules of my world, I won't allow any sophistry)

I see this as DD's words of encouragement, to himself and to GG. Despite all the challenges and hardship, darkness will pass and the sun will come out eventually. And it's shining brightly, there is hope left in this world, there's is much to look forward to. So don't fear, be brave and forge ahead.

Sophistry: the use of clever but false arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving

Poor DD is always hit with industry rumours, about him dating his co-stars etc. Last year, someone even made a false police report against him. Just look at the number of statements his company had to put out. There have also always been ongoing rumours about rivalry between GGDD, tales of backstabbing etc, especially in 2020 at the height of the incident. DD is saying that this is his life, his world. No one knows better than the both of them. So to those who don't know better but continue to spew nonsense about his life and relationships and spread hate, know that I don't care about your antics, they don't hurt me but I won't tolerate them as well.

在我世界行走 (Walking in my world)

什么人生主题你透露 (What kind of life theme do you envisage)

是胆大勇猛所向披靡 (Is it to be bold, courageous and invincible)

或胆小逃避钻进壳里 (Or to be timid and escape into your shell)

喧闹倾诉众人party (Is it to pour out your troubles at a rowdy party)

寂寞相思不停地哭泣 (Or to cry silently non-stop out of loneliness and love-sickness)

都欢迎你来我这里 (All are welcome)

只要跟从自己的内心 (So long as you follow your heart)

跟限制和噪音说一声 bang bang (I'll say 'Bang Bang' to restriction and noises)

怪兽都退散 (Monsters, be gone)

What kind of person am I in your eyes? The cool guy or soft sweet babie Yibo? Here, DD is acknowledging that the public has many different perceptions of him, and fans love different personas of him and he's ok with that. But if you love him, then let him be. Don't try to restrict him, don't quarrel or force him into a certain mould of your preference. He won't hesitate to shoot the haters (monsters) down.

迈出轻盈的步伐 (Take a light step forward)

一声令下 (With a single command)

来宣布告别孤勇 (To announce a farewell to having to fight alone)

On this new path, with a new-found realisation of what he wants, DD is clear of what he wants to achieve and he is no longer burdened by fear, uncertainties etc. Both GGDD now have each other by their sides, they share a common purpose as they navigate the intricacies of the entertainment industry together and work their way to the top. And I think this is something that we're seeing more in the fandom since end 2020 - GGDD seemingly becoming more bold in their actions and messages they put out (silent or otherwise).

想要做盘旋的龙 (Wanna be a hovering dragon)

还想做懒散的虫 (Or a lazy worm)

别打扰我走开没空 (Don't bother me, go away, I have no time for that)

In public, DD is that proud and confident king. He's not a pushover. But behind the cameras, he just wants to chill and relax (and play games). Please don't bother me, give me some privacy to lead my own life, don't tell me what I can or cannot do.

Cue DD's message. He meant it.

Follow me, 找到自己的价值 (Follow me, find your own value)

不去迎合别人活才会觉得有意思 (Life is interesting if you don't cater to others)

我们永远不退让 (We will never give in)

This is a repetition of the earlier verse but what has changed is the last 2 lines. From <It's my world I won't give in>, DD now says <We will never give in>. This was actually the first thing that sparked off my CPN, and hinted to me that this song concerns GG in some ways. Who's We? We all know how GGDD almost always use the word 'we' in their CQL promo interviews and bts, as though they come as a package and all views represent both of them as a entity. This also echoes the earlier sentiments - both of them, after the 2020 incident, have developed a steely resolve. They won't let the antis or challenges or societal views hold them back anymore. Their world, their rules. They will fight for their rights and what they believe in, and they are determined to reach their goals.

阳光耀眼 (The sun is dazzling)

乐观地走向前 (Just move forward with optimism)

阳光耀眼 (The sun is dazzling)

无所谓多危险 (Doesn't matter how dangerous it is)

阳光耀眼 (The sun is dazzling)

这是我的世界 (This is my world)

我们的世界不会被改变 (Our world will never be changed)

Again, similar to the above 'we' example. From this part of the song onwards, DD is referring to them both. The last line could also be viewed as an affirmation of GGDD's commitment to each other. Whatever is it, our relationship will not change. We will go through it all together.

Don‘t stop, get it, get it

Let me see you work up on it

Don’t stop, get it, get it

Let me see you all up on it

Let me see you work up on it

Don‘t stop, get it, get it

Don't stop

Hey

I interpret this as DD's words of encouragement to GG. Like don't stop fighting, continue to work hard towards your (our) goals. Go for it, you can do it!

在我的世界 (In my world)

本能很关键 (Instinct is the key)

坚持自己 (Stay true to yourself)

就是你们的世界 (It is your world)

DD's parting words to fans: to stay true to oneself, to build and enrich your own worlds, to fight for your goals, like how he is trying.

Well, I had fun working on this. Maybe I'll do Wu Gan another time. Reminded me of literature class during my schooling days, although I never did Chinese literature back then. Feel free to share your thoughts on the song with me. =D

#wang yibo #bjyx #bjyxszd #yizhan #the ji's song of the moment

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dalekofchaos · 3 years ago

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“They can’t follow through with that, they can’t…I was back at my hotel Friday night and I caught some of SmackDown live and when they did the ‘please rise and show her the proper respect’ I’m like that was my gimmick when I was in Team Canada!”

“If she is in fact going to be a heel off the telling of these stories, I think it is completely asinine…I have seen countless Twitter interactions between Lacey and a shitload of fans that talk about how much these promos have meant to them and how much of an inspiration she is and how great seeing someone on TV share stories…she’s responding to them all and it’s just this really great babyface interaction and this feel good stuff how one person’s hardships and overcoming of it can provide hope to so many people which is this great babyface quality. She’s actually pretty talented too so she can get over great as a babyface so if they are in fact turning her heel immediately off the heels off these vignettes, then I’m like Bryan(Alverez) and I just want to bang my head against the wall.”

Lance Storm on why turning Lacey Evans heel after 5 weeks of babyface promos is a stupid fucking idea

#WWE #Lacey Evans #Lance Storm

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rather-impertinent · 5 years ago

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Happy Endings Are No Myth

A/N: Good morning, friends! This fic is inspired by 2 particularly lovely promo shots from 5.08, so there are possible spoilers ahead. There is also fluff ahead. So much fluff. Remember that cosy blanket at your grandmother’s house? This fic is that. Enjoy xo

~~~~~~~~~

“Congratulations Mr and Mrs Samuel Carne!”

Cheers rang out from the wedding party as the bride and groom shared a shy kiss. Demelza, Jeremy and Clowance quickly and gleefully showered the newlyweds in flower petals.

Sam’s joyful laugh could be heard above the breeze and throughout the small village of Sawle as the rose petals showered around him. He looked down at his bride and smiled widely at her; Rosina returned his grin and kissed his cheek.

The fiddler led the way in front of the newlyweds, playing a lilting traditional Cornish tune. Sam and Rosina smiled softly at each other, betraying their solidified camaraderie and blossoming feelings of love.

“Oh, I’m that glad for Rosina,” Demelza gushed to Ross once the procession began to move towards the green where the party would be.

Ross’ lips twitched in amusement. “You’re glad for Rosina but not your brother?” he provoked, before he felt a soft nudge to his rib-cage. They slowed to a crawling pace and hung back so that eager villagers could scurry past them.

Demelza cackled and linked her arm through his. “No, Ross, ‘course I be happy for Sam, too,” she laughed. “I just think Rosina d’ deserve some happiness after all she’s been through!”

“I second that,” Dwight chimed in from behind his two dearest friends, remembering Rosina’s hardships from such a young age from her lameness to her being jilted a fortnight before her wedding. And then again on the day a few years ago. Not to mention her father’s recent trouble.

“Dr Enys has always had a soft spot for Rosina and her temperamental knee,” Caroline supplied, a teasing smile stretched across her face as she hung off her husband’s arm. “Did you know I once considered her my closest rival? She can knit a scarf much neater than I. I believe Dwight still has it in a cupboard upstairs,” Mrs Enys told Ross and Demelza, who laughed at her.

Dwight gently rolled his eyes at Caroline. “I assure you, my love, there was no contest,” he murmured.

“Indeed, there was none,” Ross insisted with a cheeky grin. “Besides scurvy at the mine, Dwight talked of nothing else but you for an entire year!” He laughed when Dwight drew him a warning look.

“Oh?” Caroline asked Ross, her interest piqued. “Pray tell.”

A scarlet blush rose on Dwight’s cheeks, which was ridiculous, he realised, seeing as he had been married for 8 years now. “Ross, please, no.”

“Alright,” Demelza chirped, evidently more than happy to step in on her husband’s behalf. “Dwight would often come to tea with I and talk my ear clean off about you and the lights of your hair and your cornflower blue eyes and your laugh and how red your lips were and how propriety be damned and he would simply have to elope with you and how he’d walk to the ends of the earth if it meant you two could be together,” Demelza concluded with a teasing romantic sigh as she brought her hand to her forehead to imitate fainting; Ross snickered against her shoulder. “Am I mistaken, Dr Enys?”

Dwight, torn between cringing and laughing at the jest, smothered a smile. “Some parts are greatly exaggerated.”

“I should hope not,” Caroline said with a mock pout, leaning closer to her husband. “So you would not walk to the ends of the earth for me, Dr Enys?”

Dwight smiled softly at her; they all knew that he would. An idea then occurred to him, a payback of sorts. “It is worth noting that Ross does not have a leg to stand on in such regards,” Dr Enys announced with a smirk.

Ross frowned in genuine confusion. “To what are you referring, Dwight?”

Dwight looked at Caroline and betrayed his meaning within that single look; Caroline laughed and winked at her husband. “Dr Enys is correct, Demelza,” she insisted, glancing at her red haired friend, “you ought to hear how Ross speaks of you while you are not with him.” Caroline shot Ross a gleaming, mischievous smile.

“Oh, please, God, no,” Ross muttered, placing his hand over his eyes unable to watch whatever spectacle was about to unfold.

“‘Oh, I wish Demelza were here, she would know what to say’,” Caroline mocked in a deep voice, imitating Ross’.

Dwight laughed and gently nudged his wife, with whom he was now in cahoots. “‘I miss Demelza, do you suppose she and the children would come now if I sent word and asked?’” Dwight cited from a conversation they had three months ago in Ross’ London lodgings.

“‘Demelza would love this meal, I must bring her here next time she is in London,’” Caroline quoted, her tone still teasing.

“‘That gown would look fine on Demelza’,” Dwight continued.

Demelza giggled behind her hand though shot her husband a genuinely touched look.

“Alright!” Ross half-laughed, half-whined. “Is it a crime for a man to miss his wife?!” he wondered, crossing his arms defensively.

Gently placing her hand on his cheek, Demelza murmured: “No, it is not.” She then placed her other hand on his other cheek and kissed him deeply. Gazing into his hazel eyes, which crinkled in contentment, Demelza could not think of a more opportune moment to tell him of her news. She was never certain how he would react to such a thing, but it was better to catch him in a good mood than a sour one. “Dwight, Caroline, could you give Ross and I a moment?”

Caroline’s slightly narrowed gaze flickered suspiciously between Ross and Demelza. “Of course,” she said, breezily linking arms with Dwight and leading him away.

Standing on the sandy cobblestones in front of Mr Hosking’s house, Demelza bounced anxiously from one foot to another and back again, wondering how best to broach the subject. Would frankness be more fitting or would a teasing, romantic hint be more appropriate? Then again, picking up on hints was certainly not one of Ross’ strengths.

“Well?” Ross asked after a few moments of silence. “What did you wish to speak to me about?”

“I- I’m tryin’ to find the right words,” Demelza stammered, trying to exhale her jitters. Logically, she thought Ross would be pleased, but if there was one thing Demelza had learned thus far it was that life was not always logical.

“Should I fetch your red dictionary?” he taunted playfully, recalling how in the early days of their marriage Demelza would pour over the dictionary so that she would sound - in her own words - ‘less common-like’, so as not ‘embarrass’ him in public.

“Ross, don’t tease me, I’m tryin’ to tell you somethin’,” Demelza complained in a despairing whine, though a smile tugged on the corner of her lips.

Ross took a step closer to her, a teasing smile etched on his face. “Then tell me,” he said, shrugging casually.

“Alright.” Demelza gently grabbed hold of the lapels of his coat and smiled softly. She took a deep breath to steady herself. “I’m with child,” she then announced, meeting his gaze and unable to contain her smile.

Ross did not offer a verbal answer but his excited laugh echoed and was carried away with the wind as he quickly but deeply kissed Demelza before enveloping her into a spinning hug.

“Wait one moment, Dwight,” Caroline softly commanded, thinking she knew exactly what Demelza wished to speak to Ross about. “Look.” She pointed to the Poldarks several feet away from them; Demelza was fidgeting nervously and Ross was teasing her somehow.

“Caroline,” Dwight said a bit anxiously, trying to gently pull her away. “Their conversation is none of our business,” he insisted, feeling as though they were intruding.

Caroline theatrically rolled her eyes. “Dim your halo for one moment, Dr Enys, and watch,” she ordered.

Dwight looked upon his friends just in time to see Ross sweep Demelza from the ground and spin her around like a crazy schoolboy; their joyful laughter filling the air. A smile slowly spread across the doctor’s features. “What- is- does that mean what I think it means?” he asked his wife, who smiled in victory next to him, smug that her observations of Demelza’s behaviour these past few weeks had culminated in her being correct in her assumption.

“Yes,” Caroline murmured, pleased there would be another Poldark child; hopefully it would be as lovely as dear Jeremy and Clowance.

“You knew?” Dwight checked, women often shared such confidences before the news was relayed to husbands.

“Not for certain, Demelza said nothing,” Caroline informed him. “We women just know things that men can never hope to, even physicians,” she stated mysteriously, arching an eyebrow at Dwight, who accepted her claim without comment.

Linking his arm through hers again, Dwight led them back down the subtle slope so that they may go congratulate their friends. “It seems it is catching,” Dwight whispered happily, thinking of their own happy news Caroline had shared with him just two days ago.

Running a hand over her still quite flat abdomen, Caroline smiled softly. “It would appear so.”

“Demelza is with child!” Ross loudly announced as his friends approached, knowing it was already obvious from his reaction but wishing to proclaim it out-loud all the same.

The Enyses smiled widely at the Poldarks. “It is the most wonderful news,” Caroline enthused, looking between her two friends, who could barely stop grinning at each other.

“Well, not the most wonderful,” Dwight teased, his mouth swishing from side to side in an attempt to contain his grin.

Ross and Demelza frowned in confusion at Dwight’s comment. “What do you mean?” Ross asked; what news could be more wonderful than this?

Caroline bit her lip; she had no wish to steal Demelza’s thunder but she could sense that Dwight was practically dancing in his boots at the providential timing of it all. Besides, she knew that Demelza would not see it as unkindness, indeed, she’d probably cry of happiness. She nodded her permission at Dwight to relay the news.

“We, too, expect a new arrival in the coming months,” he announced, narrowly escaping bursting with pride.

The Poldarks both breathed a joyful laugh and Demelza’s eyes filled with happy tears.

“How magnificent!” Ross exclaimed, pulling Demelza closer and squeezing her with his arm. “And the children shall be so close in age! I’ve no doubt they shall be inseparable.” Much like their parents, he might have added.

“The coincidence is positively cosmic, is it not?” Dr Enys enthused, pleased that he would be both a father and an uncle again and in such quick succession.

“Must you always be so intellectual, Mr Science Man?” Caroline asked Dwight in a tease.

“Oh, ‘tis fate, I d’ feel it in my bones,” Demelza gushed, offering everyone in the group a teary smile. They had all endured such loss and hardship, and they had endured them as individuals and as a unit. Having survived their ordeals with grace, it was now their turn to be happy. “Well? Someone give me a hug!” Demelza ordered with a laugh; Caroline beat Dwight to it.

“When do you expect?” Demelza cheerfully asked her friend as they broke their friendly hug.

Caroline considered the question for a moment. “I think perhaps May, but I’m not certain. Indeed, it would be quite difficult to be certain,” she inferred suggestively.

Demelza smirked. “I d’ feel your ‘pain’.” The two women shared coy glances and smiles.

“Have you any idea?” Caroline wondered, lightly linking arms with her.

“I think perhaps February,” Demelza calculated, if with a little uncertainty.

Caroline’s mouth fell open and her arm slipped from between Demelza’s. “But, my dear, that is so soon, and one cannot yet even tell that you are with child!”

“That has always been true of Demelza,” Ross supplied. “She never shows until the last few months. She starves my growing children, you see, on account of not wishing to waddle around like a goose.” Ross winked at her.

Demelza shot him a look before she was fondly enveloped by Dwight.

Demelza hugged him tightly in return; she had long considered him an extra brother that she did not need but gladly accepted. “Oh, Dwight, I cannot recall being happier for another body than I feel for you at this moment,” she murmured; remembering how keenly he had felt the loss of Sarah, as she had with Julia. A second child was not only a blessing but a balm to heal the wound, and Demelza thanked God for Jeremy every day.

“Thank you,” Dwight said thickly as he released her from their fond embrace; their eyes shining. “You must take care of yourself,” the doctor told her, motioning to her small bump, which was only noticeable if one knew to look for it.

Demelza rolled her eyes. “Oh, don’t start,” she scoffed lightly. “You d’ sound like Ross.”

“Can you ask Dwight to make up some posets for Demelza?” Ross whispered to Caroline as he hugged her. “I wish her to keep well.” He had whispered because he knew the matter was always a sensitive topic for Demelza and he did not wish to upset her with his fussing.

Caroline nodded in understanding. “I shall invite her over for tea and discreetly slip them into her cup as Dwight does mine,” she vowed, turning her attention back to Dwight and Demelza.

Ross exhaled, hardly able to believe so much joy could live in a single day. “If one is a boy and one is a girl then we shall marry them to each other,” he proclaimed.

“I’ll drink to that!” Dwight joyfully agreed with a grin.

“I shall not,” Caroline insisted with a mock frown of discontentment. “I should think our offspring could do better than a Poldark, Dr Enys.” In Caroline’s mind, there could be no one better.

Dwight schooled a smirk, immediately understanding her game. “That is true, my darling. They are exceedingly selfish and impulsive,” he said, pointedly eyeing Ross with a barely contained grin.

“And those Enyses, Demelza,” Ross said to her, feigning contempt, “are more stubborn and opinionated than any beings on earth.”

Dwight, Caroline and Demelza all laughed. “Hmm that all may be true, my dears, but ‘twould be no concern of ours seeing as the children would then be grown, and so we may sit back an’ enjoy the show!” Demelza concluded with mischievous chuckle.

“Now that I shall drink to!” Caroline exclaimed.

“In that case, shall we join the others now?” Demelza asked the group, smiling widely. It had been a long time since she felt so content. Nay, she thought, content was not strong enough, this was happiness, joy, elation.

Ross groaned softly to her left. “Must we?” he whined; his hatred of parties had softened none over his 42 years on earth.

“We must,” Demelza confirmed. “Come along Cap’n Poldark, we’ll see you get a cup o’ gin and then perhaps I might even persuade you to dance with me,” she flirted.

Ross laughed and comfortably linked his arm through hers. “Four cups and I might be tempted by the Six-Hand Wheel,” he wagered diplomatically, having honed his skills during his time as an MP.

“Nay, Ross, four cups be too much! You’d be fallin’ and staggerin’ about like a newborn lamb afraid of the slaughter!” Demelza insisted seriously; Ross barked a laugh - Demelza had the best descriptions for things. “Three cups are plenty.”

“Three cups, then,” he repeated in agreement.

The gathering was in full, jovial swing by the time they walked the five minutes it took to get there. Flowers were tucked into every crevice of the ground, attempting to liven up the dulling winter landscape. Fires were lit in droves on the borders of the area, including one massive bonfire which stood commandingly in the centre of the field; everyone danced around and next to it. Despite the slight winter chill, the flames were not needed, for warmth did not want here today.

“Are ‘ee happy?” Sam asked his wife as she sat on his knee as they watched their guests enthusiastically dance in front of them.

Rosina looked up at him, enraptured at being wed to such a fine man. “I am,” she confirmed.

Sam sighed happily. “‘Take delight in the Lord and he will-‘“

“‘-give you the desires of your heart’,” Rosina completed with a soft smile, resting her head against Sam’s shoulder.

“Shall we sit here?” Caroline asked, motioning to two free spaces to her left not too far from where Drake, Morwenna and Loveday all sat engrossed by each other’s company.

Ross’ arm went around Demelza’s waist as they walked over. “Perfect.”

An hour and five gins later, Ross and Dwight watched in amusement as a tipsy Demelza demonstrated the steps to the Mesk yn Merth to an even tipsier Caroline, who - despite considering herself half-Cornish - had never attended a proper Troyl and so did not know all the more traditional dances. Both women laughed as their arms got entangled when they bumped into each other; they hung onto each other’s waists for support as they cackled at their mistimed folly.

Ross sighed happily at the sight of Demelza’s smiling face. Though he knew nothing of how far along she was, her face already had an ethereal glow to it. “Are they not wonderful?” Ross asked his best friend in a slight slur, whose eyes were set adoringly on his own wife.

“They are,” Dwight sighed in agreement, still smiling softly as he watched the dance tutorial several feet in front of him. “We landed quite the windfall when we married them, did we not, my friend?” He looked at Ross.

Ross smiled. “We did,” he agreed. “Though I did not always realise just how lucky I was,” Ross admitted, thinking of a distant moment of spectacular idiocy and misjudgement.

“Nor I,” Dwight admitted, thinking of recent times. Ross looked quizzically at Dwight because of the admittance; Dwight smiled and shook his head. “But no matter, all has come well.”

“All has come well,” Ross repeated, the sentiment ringing truer than any he had uttered before. Ross nudged Dwight and raised his cup. “To Demelza and Caroline - and to the future.”

“To Demelza and Caroline and the future,” Dwight repeated, holding his cup aloft. “Cheers.”

“Cheers, my friend,” Ross said, clinking their cups together.

Without warning, Demelza and Caroline fell onto their husbands laps, causing them both to spill a little of the contents of their tankards. Demelza smoothly store Ross’ cup of port and drank it greedily, a powerful thirst upon her after dancing. Dwight did not wait for Caroline to steal his and simply offered it to her instead; Caroline privately lamented that it was not as fun this way.

“What mischief be goin’ on over here, Sirs?” Demelza asked, tone teasing and filling the air around them with light-hearted camaraderie.

Caroline placed a quick kiss on Dwight’s mouth and chuckled when his mouth chased her own as they parted. “I would rather not know, I think, Demelza. Dr Enys seems entirely too sentimental at present and I fear his comments may embarrass my good unfeeling name,” said Caroline, her eyes alight with mirth as Dwight’s soft eyes met hers.

He feigned consideration. “Do I embarrass you?”

“Daily,” she joked with a sigh.

Suddenly, Demelza spat out a mouthful of Ross’ port onto the grass; he looked at her, appalled at the waste of liquor. “Is- is that Sam?” Demelza stuttered, squinting her gaze from where she sat and nearly falling off Ross’ lap in shock. “Dancin’?”

The small group looked in front of them and were met by the sight of the bride and groom twirling together; Sam looked a little like a newborn deer uncertain of its steps but judging from the smile on Rosina’s face, she did not mind at all.

Ross smirked. “It seems some things after worth sinning for,” he murmured, the overindulgence of gin making him unusually sentimental. He looked at Demelza in such a way to suggest that the initial sin of their out-of-wedlock coupling and its subsequent result would be worth an eternity in hell.

“Or Rosina is a witch,” Caroline offered in a jest. She then covered Dwight’s eyes with her hand. “Avert your eyes, Dr Enys, lest you fall under her spell again.”

Dwight, Demelza and Ross’ laughter echoed and floated into the crisp air.

“We must dance soon - when they begin the Corwedhan,” Demelza insisted.

Murmurs of agreement rang out; for now, they were all content to wait their turn dancing, simply enjoying being in one another’s company with little cares and fewer worries.

A few hay bails away, Drake breathed in the smell of the damp grass and the spicy ferns, their fragrance heightened by the earlier light rain shower. The fires - dispersed like hen feed across the large field - crackled softly in a warm, enticing glow. Drake drank in the sight of everyone’s happiness; it seemed to outweigh the oxygen in the air. It was as though they all, in this moment, existed in a bubble, one which was tinted rose and gold with love and contentment. Drake prayed it would never burst.

“What are you smiling at?” Morwenna asked her husband, a small smile on her elvish features as she looked at him. In her arms was a small bundle of blankets within which two-month-old Loveday Carne could be found sleeping soundly.

Coming out of his trance, Drake turned and looked at them both with adoring eyes and his smile grew wider. “Just life, my love,” he murmured.

“What about it?”

Looking about him, Drake sighed in contentment. “You and I,” he began dreamily, “and Miss Loveday ‘ere,” he bent down and softly kissed his daughter’s hand, “Brother and Rosina,” Drake motioned over to the two dancing and laughing newlyweds, “Sister and Cap’n Ross,” he murmured as Ross placed an enthusiastic, drunken kiss on Demelza’s cheek, “Dr and Mrs Enys,” Caroline’s arms were about Dwight’s neck and her eyes were closed as her head rested on his shoulder, “And all who be ‘ere,” he concluded with a happy sigh.

“Oh, Drake, I so admire your love of life,” Morwenna told him, her tone adoring and sincere. It was Drake and his unfailing patience, kindness and optimism which had pulled her from the shadows and into the light.

Drake grinned and leaned over to kiss her, his hand tucking a rouge strand of hair behind her ear. “Life always be worth livin’ so long as we ‘ave somebody to love, Wenna. And there be a lot of love here.”

#poldark #poldark fanfic #carolight #romelza #drawenna

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joannalannister · 6 years ago

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Lauren, more of your thoughts on that first taste of Fire and Blood pleaaaaaaaase.

These are only some thoughts on the excerpt on GRRM’s website, because I don’t have the book yet, but I think this excerpt, more than anything else GRRM has published so far, underscored the most important theme of ASOIAF for me:

We were never meant to do this alone.

The fantasy genre is inundated with stories of a “chosen one” – the key player who has to stand alone against the tide. Sure, that person may have help, but they stand at the center of it all, and if they fail, the world falls with them.

But ASOIAF isn’t like that, and this excerpt … it was a lot.

A few days later, the queen convened her women’s court in Lord Manderly’s own hall, a thing hitherto unheard of in the North, and more than two hundred women and girls gathered to share their thoughts, concerns, and grievances with Her Grace.

That’s a staggering number of women for an author who sometimes forgets that medieval women can … like … exist in groups. It was like George hit me with a sledgehammer to the chest when I first read that. As people like @nobodysuspectsthebutterfly have speculated, this women’s court probably led to the banning of the practice of first night. All of these brave women stood together and spoke out, and they made a difference for other women across the North, and across the Seven Kingdoms too. The meaning stood out to me: We’re stronger together.

We were never meant to do this alone.

If you read the excerpt, you can see this theme everywhere. It’s in how much Jaehaerys relied on Alysanne: “Queen Alysanne provided the solution. She would go ahead as planned, alone”. ( @goodqueenaly reported from the GRRM Q&A tonight that Jaehaerys I is GRRM’s favorite king, and I can’t help but think that this great partnership between him and Alysanne plays a part in that.) It’s in the Free Cities, asking for help from an outside mediator as they come together as they sue for peace. It’s Alysanne, “ever desirous of binding the Seven Kingdoms closer together”.

Whether it was ruling, diplomacy, social change, we were never meant to do this alone.

But coming together is hard. It’s so hard. Look at Alaric Stark’s initially cold reception of Alysanne, look at how the peace talks between the Free Cities drag on and on. “When His Grace attempted to strike a balance, both sides accused him of favoring the other.” We’re stronger together, but coming together is hard.

Which brings us to the Wall.

(GRRM’s writing of this little excerpt is masterful, if I may say so.)

Anyone who’s read even the first book can tell you, the Wall is magic. And as GRRM tells us, “sorcery was a sword without a hilt. There is no safe way to grasp it.“ The Wall is no exception; it cuts both ways, uncontrollably. It helps us, and protects us … for a time.

But it hurts us too. It divides us, so that our first line of defense, the men of the Night’s Watch, forgot who the true enemy was. The Starks forgot too. We all forgot.

The relative security of the Wall let us forget (I told you, it cuts both ways), and the people born on the wrong side of that Wall became the enemy, and the Others became a story to frighten children. Being born on the wrong side of a wall … it’s as arbitrary a divide as being born on the wrong side of a sheet. As Jon Snow tells us, Val was not wrong when she said that “Men are men and women women, no matter which side of the Wall we were born on.”

But ooh, is that divide real to some. Jon Snow dies trying to bridge that divide.

Because coming together is hard.

But just because something is hard does not mean it is not worth doing.

Remember those 200 women. Think of the hardships they endured to cross the North (the largest and least populous of the Seven Kingdoms) and come together at White Harbor. Think of what they (almost certainly) achieved. Together.

There can be no more arbitrary divides among us when The Winds of Winter blow at last. The Wall must fall.

As @moonlitgleek said:

The Others are “the Sidhe made of ice” while the dragons are “fire made flesh” so if there are spells woven into the Wall that prevent the Others from crossing to the other side, it could be that the same magic also keeps the dragons on their side of the Wall. For exactly what purpose, I’m not sure. It certainly creates some kind of balance and raises the stakes since the three heads of the dragons wouldn’t be able to simply do a preemptive strike and hit at the Others while the rest of humanity sits safely behind the Wall. Humanity is gonna have mystical fire-breathing dragons on their side but if they can’t be used unless the Wall falls, that’s a completely different ballgame. Perhaps the Wall needs to fall to allow for ice and fire to actually clash.

When Sam said a month ago, “It certainly creates some kind of balance” I was like, YES! THAT’S IT! And I was so excited, and I regret not saying so at the time, so I am saying it now that @moonlitgleek is brilliant.

Like Jaehaerys at the bargaining table trying “to strike a balance” between Pentos and Tyrosh, Bran the Builder (or whoever built the Wall) had to strike a balance, to keep the ice demons away. But I think the Wall was only a stopgap measure.

I think there is a Wall we can see, made of 700 foot high ice. But I think there is a magical forcefield that goes much higher (and lower), something that repels ice creatures and fire creatures.

I never thought it was the case that Silverwing refused to cross the Wall. My understanding was that Silverwing couldn’t. But still it tried.

Silverwing “does not like this Wall.” Though it was summer and the Wall was weeping, the chill of the ice could still be felt whenever the wind blew, and every gust would make the dragon hiss and snap. “Thrice I flew Silverwing high above Castle Black, and thrice I tried to take her north beyond the Wall,” Alysanne wrote to Jaehaerys, “but every time she veered back south again and refused to go.”

If that dragon were me and my rider tried to crash me into a magical forcefield wall I knew was there, I would just sit the fuck down until my rider fucked right off. But that’s not what Silverwing did. Under Alysanne’s command, Silverwing flew at that Wall again. And again.

Maybe I’m the only one who thinks this, and maybe GRRM will prove me wrong, but I thought that dragon was ready. That dragon was so fucking ready it almost crashed into that wall three fucking times trying to get north.

But humanity wasn’t ready.

Like @moonlitgleek said, nobody gets to sit this one out.

The War for the Dawn is about all of us.

Not only does GRRM have multiple ~“chosen ones”~ (Azor Ahai, the prince(ss) that was promised, the last hero, “the dragon must have three heads” etc), but everyone has to take part. GRRM has his group of “top tier” heroes like Bran Stark or Daenerys Targaryen, and then he has the less magical heroes like Brienne, and everyone is so important in this fight.

“When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.“

That’s Jon in ADWD (quite literally Jon - his direwolf pup was found apart from the other babies in AGOT, he tries to become the lone wolf in adwd by sending all his friends away and he dies), it’s Arya, it’s Sansa, it’s “the dragon must have three heads”. Like, I could go on here but …

We were never meant to do this alone.

Humanity isn’t about being alone.

Humanity is about being together.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Miscellaneous thoughts:

Even before dismounting to bend the knee, Lord Alaric looked askance at Her Grace’s clothing and said, “I hope you brought something warmer than that.”

Is Jon Snow as sensitive to the cold better than other people? I honestly can’t remember. Like, I know he gets cold, but does he get as cold as other people? But anyways it sounds like Alysanne was not wearing heavy clothing and idk if it was just for the #aesthetic or if Targs aren’t as sensitive to the cold. idk this was more a question than anything else.

“Here the world ends”

^^that is a great fuckin line and idk why i haven’t seen it more in the fandom, like if i was makin a promo trailer for an ASOIAF adaptation that would be my tagline, it’s great

#asoiaf meta #fire and blood #pretenderoftheeast #replies #asoiaf themes #lannister thoughts #the meaning of asoiaf #the war for the dawn #the others #alysanne targaryen

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stubzs87 · 7 years ago

Text

Noh Mask: Chapter 4

Pairing: Shinsuka (Shinsuke Nakamura x Asuka) Author's Notes: Translations: Ohayou – Goodmorning. Sumimasen - Excuse me Hai - Yes Iie - It was nothing (a way of saying "You're welcome")

Though she woke first early the next morning, Asuka felt considerably refreshed. Briefly she marveled that she quite possibly had best night's rest she had gotten in a long, long time. Perhaps even since she came to the U.S.

She moved to stretch and greet the new day only to find herself enveloped by two arms. Her shifting stirred the larger male body behind her.

Asuka abruptly stopped moving, body becoming fully awake faster than her mind.

What was going on?

As her mind grasped bits and pieces from the previous evening, she remembered just whom she was sharing her bed with. She felt a mixture of thrill and shock.

Oh god…

Though she ceased shifting as soon as she came to that realization, Shinsuke, still mostly asleep, pressed his chest closer to her back. He sleepily nuzzled her short hair out of the way and buried his face in the nape of her neck.

Asuka tried to contain the bubble of emotion welling inside of her at his closeness. She really did. But the innocent yet intimate contact only served to fry her circuits.

She let out a shrill squeak.

Shinsuke jerked awake behind her, then realizing their predicament, muttered a quick "Sumimasen!" The usual grace he displayed in the ring and even outside of it was nowhere to be found as he tried to disentangle himself from her. Asuka for her part could only lie there as a dead weight, making the task harder for him.

When he finally got free from the entanglement of their bodies and bed sheets he cleared his throat, he gave another apology with a low bow. He then smoothed his hands down the front of his shirt distractedly, eyes looking everywhere but at her. It was plain to see his nervousness.

Asuka cursed her weakness, already mourning his warmth.

She felt the best course of action was to show him that his proximity had not frightened her.

"O-Ohayou," she greeted with a small smile.

Shinsuke's eyes tentatively met hers and a weight seemed to lift from his body. One corner of his mouth lifted in response.

"Ohayou."

They shared a quick breakfast together at a café in the hotel before they needed to head out again to make it for the airport. Their food wasn't Japanese, but the food was still good and the company even better.

"I wasn't sure what to do," Shinsuke chuckled, recalling a moment from his time in NJPW. They were currently sharing stories from their time before making it to WWE. "I could only think to cover my face to keep from laughing," he went on, "By the time I removed my hands, Ishii was running off camera to preserve himself. And Yoshi-Hashi…I could barely look at him out of embarrassment for him. That and the danger of laughing."

Asuka shook her head, smiling wryly. "I don't know who I should have felt more sorry for, him, or you and Ishii for having to endure such a embarrassing promo. You poor devils." She thought for a moment on a similar story for her to recount, "For me, it was hard to stay in character with the great Tajiri chasing myself and the Shirai sisters with a mop."

"A mop?" Shinsuke parroted incredulously, leaning in just a little bit.

"Hai," she nodded, "I think someone misplaced the haraigushi he was supposed to grab by accident."

At that he leaned back, eyes crinkling as he suppressed a bout of laughter with a hand.

"Ah maybe I should start calling you The King of Giggles," she teased.

Shinsuke's face immediately fell into a cute pout, "You wouldn't dare."

Her smile turned Cheshire.

"What do you want from me?"

"To preserve your honor and reputation?" she mused, then deadpanned, "You could carry my bags for a month."

"A month?" his pout intensified, "You really know how to go for the throat, Asuka"

She shrugged. "How do you think I managed to keep up with wrestling men in Japan?"

"Good point," he conceded, "But how do you think you would have faired against me?"

At this, Asuka had to fight a rising blush. But she was too intrigued by his challenge to melt into goo like some demure schoolgirl.

"Perhaps we should find out sometime."

Shinsuke grinned, his face taking on a fox-like quality that caused her heart rate to pick up. "Sounds like fun~"

Hours later they both caught the same plane flying out to Orlando, Florida where they both resided. They were able to be seated nearby, but not close enough where they could easily converse. She was instead seated next to Kofi. Though the other man was great company, she still couldn't help but miss spending time with Shinsuke.

She only had to endure a few hours however before they were reunited and she drove him home first before she went home herself.

He thanked her profusely for allowing him to travel with her and room with her.

"Iie," she replied giving him a radiant smile.

"May I see your phone?"

Asuka blinked in confusion, but nonetheless handed over her phone. She watched as he pulled out his own phone and tapped something into it. A few moments after he returned her phone, it pinged with a text message. She looked down at the screen, reading:

-Here is my number. Yeaoh~ -

The bird in her chest fluttered to life again.

"If you need anything at all, at any time, you can call me." he said with a seriousness that told her that he meant every word.

"H-Hai," she agreed, her voice coming out embarrassingly timid to her ears. She thanked him and they exchanged goodbyes, then she drove home.

That evening, Asuka tried to appreciate her small reprieve from life on the road. She attempted to enjoy a simple dinner, then some video games. When that didn't work, she tried her hand at finishing some artwork she had started last time she was home. None of it was working. She just felt too restless to find anything entertaining or to accomplish anything productive. Her unwanted raincloud had returned with a vengeance.

The only thing she succeeded in doing was continually picking up her phone to stare at Shinsuke's text, his words echoing through her head.

She wanted to reach out to him badly; it was almost like a need. But she was also afraid to.

It wouldn't do at all if she came off as too needy. She couldn't bother him every time she had a hardship. No she could endure this on her own.

Sleep was elusive once again.

Author's note: If you haven't seen the gem of Shinsuke and Ishii trying not to lose it over Yoshi-Hashi's promo in New Japan, then you MUST google watch! : https://twitter.com/mrlariato/status/913478041879351296?lang=en As for Asuka's moment with Tajiri, the first time I watched it, I believed it was a mop (but after watching it a second time I believe it is something more like a a sort of Japanese religious tool used to exorcise evil spirits called a "haraigushi"). But for the purpose of this fic I decided to keep it as a mop because it would match the humor of Shin's story much easier that way. The video of that is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUy1b3ULUq0&t=28s Honestly since seeing Asuka as a heel as Kana has me curious to see her as a heel along with heel Shinsuke. I think they both really rock being heels.

Also really wanted to thank those that have faved, reblogged, and left feedback on this fic. You really make my day seeing them <3

Tagged readers list: @snowed-koshka @marabellechilds0805 @pikapuff316 @shinnakafan384 @keltic-goddess If you want to be added to the readers list simply send me an ask, message me here, or reblog this post saying you wished to be added (only faving or reblogging without a message will not add you to the list). Faves and reblogs are appreciated though!

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