#Honestly I'd probably do it as two seasons of episodes instead of two films

[invertedhexagon]

How I'd do a Zelda film-

Well, I'd actually do two.

The first film would be largely about the rise of a new Link and Zelda, and would focus on them, their relationship as a duo and their characterisation. They would be deuteragonists, because a) that's way cooler than putting Zelda in the kidnap / self imprisonment box, b) that allows us to properly develop their characters in the runtime of a film and c) it gives our protags someone to interact with at all times without having to choose any of the companion characters at the expense of the others.

For Link I'd base him mostly on BOTW link in that he's largely mute, but Zelda and other characters discuss things he's said or done off screen, informing his personality. He would also have a rare voice line here or there because I would heavily focus on his characterisation; struggling to ascend from farmer / smiths apprentice / similar to hero.

For Zelda, I'd take a couple ideas from a couple of places; Among them, I'd combine her "I see the problem, I'm going to fix it, whoops I got in over my head" attributes from OOT with her "I'm responsible for a whole kingdom of people" mojo from TP and BOTW / TOTK, and finally a whisper of the distant princess theme she had going on in TP.

For both of them I'd dedicate a little time to some people close to them, like a version of Impa, a Telma equivalent, a Malon, maybe a mentor figure for Link like Rusl.

I'd establish the cycle of reincarnation as a central concept in the narrative, with Link and Zelda having moments that clearly play into this- the duo has to cross a flooded river, link seemingly sees something in the waters, dragon roost theme surges and we cut to them rafting across. They need to infiltrate an enemy fortress, we see Zelda eying an enemy uniform as Impa's theme subtly plays in the music, and we transition via shadow to her sneaking around in an androgenous disguise. That sort of thing.

The villain would be a relatively minor player, like Malladus or Veran- Malladus would be my preference, as being a toon link villain ties into the theme of these being a 'young' Link and Zelda (though they'd probably have to actually be older iterations of the characters to account for adult actors). I would use Malladus or Veran specifically because their mind control powers lend themselves to a slow start to the plot, where there is clearly a threat for Link and Zelda to oppose but it isn't a direct threat of force, so the pacing can afford to be slower. And yes, I'm saving Ganon/dorf for the sequel, but I got a reason okay?

The deku tree pops up a few times to narrate and dispense exposition, and by the end of the film Link and Zelda know that they are reincarnations and Zelda is seemingly comfortable in that role.

Film two is about Link learning to be the same; he was happy to play the role of the hero in the first film, save the people and his new friend and all, but after a time skip and a few off screen minor adventures, he's having a bit of an identity crisis. What value does he, Link the (insert down to earth profession), actually add? Everything he did in film 1 was just an imitation of The Hero's achievements, another loop of The Hero's adventures.

And then Ganondorf shows up, King of Thieves Ganondorf in fact. A Ganondorf who's gone through a few cycles, learnt from his prior conflicts, and is extremely powerful- as strong as he was in TP, if not slightly stronger. From the moment he shows up, Link and Zelda are reunited because they're on the back foot, evacuating castle town and scrambling to defend the refugees from Ganon's monsters, let alone the man himself (this Zelda's a lot less powerful than BOTW Zelda, to put herself on a more even playing field with Link).

The deku tree shows up and tells Link about the master sword, and about a quarter of the way into the film, Link enters the sacred grove.

And doesn't pull the sword. Not because he can't, though he certainly believes as much, but because he can't take another step into being The Hero. He feels like he's being subsumed by it, like he adds nothing to this grand, looming thing and is instead being replaced by it.

We get some fun drama as the extremely panicked Zelda (who feels super responsible for all her people that are dying) is very upset that Link won't take up the sword, so she draws it herself- but, of course, it will not sparkle with the power to repel evil in her hands. Fi will not accept her as her master. She ends up carrying it with them as they continue the plot.

Over said plot, the duo fight back against Ganondorf and protect the different peoples of Hyrule ala BOTW / TOTK, in the course of which they end up forming a group of allies like The Resistance from TP (with a little influence of the TOTK sages, but more down to earth- they don't have any real super powers or destined duty like the sages).

In a certain, brutal, edge of the seat skirmish, it turns out that Link is actually really good at directing this group- helping them protect eachother and capitalise on their individual strengths.

This Link does have a new skill to bring to the table, does have a self beyond his status as a reincarnation.

The simple truth is that The Hero is so mighty because of the people he became, not the other way around- The Hero didn't know how to sail, the Wind Waker learned to save his sister. The Hero only knows how to fight because Skyloft Link learned, to become a knight, to protect his people, and later to help his friend. The Hero isn't some separate alien influence, it's a legacy, a legacy he is contributing to.

A little while after that battle, after Link and Zelda patch things up and we get to see a confident Link kick some ass, he decides to take up the master sword. Fi is delighted to meet him again.

They fight Ganondorf, who particularly demonstrates his knowledge of The Reborn Goddess and The Hero by repelling manoeuvres that reference other cycles (blocking End Strikes, using Dead Man's Volley to conceal tricky plays instead of playing it straight, using cover and his monsters to prevent the sword and arrow combo from WW and TP.) The moves that actually get him are ones that involve the Resistance, tricks the duo have taught eachother, manoeuvres that previous duos never had the time to work on together.

They defeat Ganondorf by being themselves.

[my-smial]

9 people you'd like to get to know better

tagged: @agapantoblu

Thank you, Agap, for tagging me! I like doing these things and I always need to do more things <3

tagging: @mornyavie, @rauwyn, @gender-trash, @melancholy--lion, @fandomreferencepending, @thewomanwhobloggedlikeaman, @blankerthought, @in-the-mists, @grundyscribbling, @sous-le-saule, @ainawgsd, and anyone else who wants to do it!

three non romantic duos:

Hmm, this one's tough. There's always a lot going on, so I could name sooo many characters. It would be harder to stop naming duos, so I'll choose a few media that have been particularly relevant to my life lately. Just know there are so many more. Every pairing from The Circle of Magic, for a start.

1. Percy de Rolo & Keyleth. I'm writing this while watching the Legend of Vox Machina TV show, so I decided to choose one of them. Ever since the first episode of both the show and the podcast, I enjoyed how these two bring out fun sides of each other. They're close, they love each other, and they relax around each other as they do around very few people. Even with their respective romantic pairings in the show - those are more fraught and intense. Percy and Keyleth always feel like they're having fun when they pair up.

2. Aaron & Andrew Minyard. Man!!! All for the Game has taken up my dash for months now, so I had to choose one pairing. I will choose the twins, because I can. I want them to like each other. I devour any fic I can find about them slowly blossoming their relationship over the post-grad years.

3. Wirt & Greg, from Over the Garden Wall. It's rewatch season! I love these two, and I enjoy the way they are brothers first and always. In particular, my favorite moment is when Greg, who is on the surface level scene more thoughtless and random, actively chooses Wirt over himself. He's offered to escape and chooses uncertainty instead to save Wirt and it's incredible. He is more thoughtful than a surface-level viewing would indicate.

a ship that might surprise others: mmm. Hm. This is hard. I don't really come up with non-canon ships often, and I am generally very normie when I do. I have non-canon hot takes like "Leverage OT3 is awesome" (that's a joke). So I'd say my most "surprising" ship is probably from Fullmetal Alchemist. I am firmly of the opinion that Ed and Winry should break up so she can follow her true love for Paninya, the mechanic girl with two metal legs from the baby episode. THEY ARE MEANT TO BE. Or maybe we can do fun polyamory! Winry has two hands.

last song: Come Out Ye Black and Tans by Colm McGuinness, specifically the rock version. Although I was listening to the regular and rock versions back-to-back on repeat. For Reasons.

last film: KNEECAP. I've listened to the band for a while and LOST IT when I found out they made a biopic and it was playing near me. Somehow I missed all the advertising until I randomly looked at a theater schedule??? Extremely funny being the rap fan in what felt like a room full of people there because of the Sundance win. I was honestly preparing to not like the film because Biopic Drama is not my genre, but oh boy was it not that. It was so fun. I was dancing and singing in my seat.

I loved their laissez-faire approach to whether this is a "true" story and the constant energetic thread their music pulled through the movie. It was a riot. As a bilingual film it felt very natural, clearly informed by people who actually live their lives bilingually - slipping in and out of languages happened logically, and the band walked a fun line between "suck it up and read the subtitles" and "99% of our audience doesn't speak this language or know this particular struggle, let's explain a few things in our own way."

Only thing I didn't like is that it's far more vulgar than I normally enjoy, but you know. I listen to KNEECAP on purpose. I knew what it would be like going in, it would honestly be disappointing if KNEECAP chose to clean themselves up for Hollywood. I actively chose to shut off that part of my brain during viewing, and it was a great time. Just know before choosing to view that the Trainspotting references are earned, and I can give you more detail if you want to go watch.

currently reading: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. I started it last year but didn't have the spare brainpower for such a complicated story - I got sick of keeping track of the POV swaps. But I did like the worldbuilding, so I eventually picked it back up and it's going much better this time around. For me, this is one of those books that I've been told to read so many times that I knew I would get around to it eventually.

currently watching: Actively on Season 3, Episode 11 of The Legend of Vox Machina TV show. Episode 12 is starting, time to wrap up.

currently consuming: Kimchi hash browns with eggs. Delicious.

currently craving: My fellowship application to get back to me please why does this take you so long.

This was really fun, thank you Agap!

[batnbreakfast]

AO3 Writer's Ask Game

Thank you for tagging me @slightlyintimidating ! 🥰

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

18

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

102378

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Mainly Bernie Wolfe/Serena Campbell although I branched out into the RedgraveRussellCinematicMultiverse.

And there's this one Deadloch fic, I really would like to finish. *side-eyes her brain*

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

Notting Hill

My Berena Notting Hill rewrite with Serena Campbell as the bookshop owner and Bernie Wolfe as the famous actress.

Before the Sun Sets on the River Thames

Yet another film rewrite (I just love them) - this time it's Before Sunset with Bernie & Serena reconnecting years after having spent an unforgeable night together.

fragments of a holiday season

My Berena advent fics collection

clouds in my coffee (but the sun's coming through)

My Berena coffee shop au for @fortytworedvines day

chi va piano 

My Berena smut fic, which has forever changed how I look at pianos

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Ah. It's complicated. During the last year I only had comments like "Please finish this!" and no, most of the times I don't respond to them. While I LOVE comments and use them to motivate myself to get back to writing, I find comments that don't even say why someone would like me to continue a store utterly unhelpful. Also there's my beloved ADHD brain, which makes me forget to answer sometimes. I will though, even if it's like stupidly late.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

*chuckles* Well, I wrote this fic with Bernie's thoughts while she's dying under the rubble after they killed her in an explosion off screen. Lucky for most of you preferring a happy ending to your angst, I did not publish it. Instead I rewrote it to become a chapter for my collaboration with the lovely @ktlsyrtis

everything is different, everything has changed

Five times Bernie Wolfe’s life explodes - and one time it doesn't.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I feel like all my fics have a happy ending. I love a bit of angst, but seriously life is bad enough without giving your favs a happy ending after putting them through the mangler.

My favourite might be

Before the Sun Sets on the River Thames

because Bernie stays.

8. Do you get hate on fic?

Huh. If so, it apparently was too irrelevant to remember.

9. Do you write smut?

Yes, I do. And I honestly love to connect them via smut with feelings.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

I do love a good film au. I have dozens of ideas what films to cast them for and I've only written two so far, with another three sitting in my WIP folder.

My crossover ideas aren't that crazy actually, but maybe

the slow appraisal of silent things

might fall into the category, because why not mash up Lynley and my love for Berena, replace the old Helen with Catherine's Helen, and have her leave Lynley (as one should do), to fall in love with Jemma's Grace Finegann (who did not shoot anyone).

Others might say that it was absolutely crazy to write my first Berena fic, which is also a crossover, without ever having watched a single episode of Holby.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I don't think so.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not to my knowledge.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes! I wrote

everything is different, everything has changed

with @ktlsyrtis and I loved, loved, loved doing this.

14. What’s your all-time favourite ship?

Seems a bit like anyone reading this far could answer this, but

💖 Bernie Wolfe/Serena Campbell 💖

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but probably won’t?

Nope. Not going there. All my WIPs have a chance to being finished. It took me almost three years to finish Notting Hill. I might get inspired on something that's been sitting in my drafts for longer. Who knows - certainly not me. I won't give up though!

16. What are your writing strengths?

I'd say dialogue with feelings and with smut also showing without spelling things out in detail.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Commas and formatting. *chuckles* Apologies to all the lovely people who ever beta'd for me. I appreciate you so, sooo much.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I could have them speak German and Italian and would, if I found it necessary. I prefer to have a translation in the notes at least while reading fic.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Ah. Something wlw that I'm not looking back to.

20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

Urghhhhhhh... I love all my children, I don't have a fav-

Before the Sun Sets on the River Thames

Because it marks the beginning of a new fandom journey that is still bringing me so much joy and made me make wonderful friends.

Okay, I'll stop now before getting even soppier.

I'm tagging @ktlsyrtis @lapalfruity @fortytworedvines @ariverandasong and everyone of you who wants to take part in this. Seriously, just run with it if you want to!

Questions to respond to:

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

3. What fandoms do you write for?

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

8. Do you get hate on fic?

9. Do you write smut?

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

14. What’s your all-time favourite ship?

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but probably won’t?

16. What are your writing strengths?

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

19. First fandom you wrote for?

20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

[gildatheplant]

I fell in love with the show a few weeks after it came out.

I discovered it on tumblr after some gifs came across my dash from episodes one and two...I was able to watch those two episodes in time for episode 3 to come out.

I've talked to people about it, but so far I haven't convinced anyone to watch it yet.

I'd call it an updated version of IWTV that manages to be really close to the heart of Anne Rice's original, while also exploring issues of race and sexuality that the original book only touched upon. I'd also emphasize how great the shift of time period is because the Jazz Age really isn't shown much in modern media, particularly vampire media, so it creates a really unique feel to the show.

Yes.

I read the book (the series up to and including TVA, though I can't remember if I went beyond that initially) about 20 years ago. After I watched the show I decided to try reading Prince Lestat, but quickly realized I needed to refresh my memory of the earlier books first. I've reread most of IWTV, and will be starting TVL and QotD soon.

My favourite change is the change of time period. Which is funny, because when I first saw the gifs and realized the time period was changed I was worried it would hurt the story. Instead, I found the change in time really made New Orleans stand out as something special- the music, the fashion, the people, the politics- in a way that it didn't in the books.

This one is incredibly tough. I'm going to say Jacob because he had the toughest job- in the wrong hands it's very, very easy to make Louis feel like a one-note character. The time period update and race change helped enrich the character for sure, but it's Jacob's performance that really sells it.

I've rewatched most of the episodes now, but I'm still trying to find time to rewatch the last episode.

Honestly not sure.

I can't really say until after I rewatch the last episode. Initially my fave was ep. 4 because it was the 'fluffiest' episode, but I'm less sure now.

Too many to choose from. Although I always get a kick out of Lestat's reaction to the opera tenor in ep.2 because, as a trained opera singer myself, his cringing reaction was the same as mine LOL

The entire soundtrack is amazing.

Rue Royale is so gorgeous and inviting.

Again, too many great ones to choose from. Claudia had several dresses that I would've happily worn, particularly her red dress from episode 7. I also love her purple outfit in the season 2 trailers.

I love the black and white photo/gif of the vampire family. If I could introduce Louis, Claudia and Armand to the work of an artist I would pick Canadian artist Emily Carr.

I'd be curious to reread A Doll's House. I actually performed in a comedic version of it years ago, but it's actually a very serious play and one that fits very well with season 1.

The killing of the tenor scene. Admittedly, I get why ep.2 is generally considered the weakest episode of the season, it's mostly an 'explain vampirism for the audience so we can get back to the meaty stuff' episode, but I do think the tenor scene is under-appreciated. It tends to be compared unfavourably to the equivalent scene in the film, but I think they're equally good, just different. The film goes for more straight up violent horror, while the show goes for a more subtle, existential horror. I keep thinking of how the tenor is ALIVE and listening while Lestat and Louis argue...and he's still alive long after the scene fades to black.

Impossible to choose. The dialogue was amazing.

Much like Jacob Anderson, I adore the 'dabble in fuckery' line

I'd have to rewatch the final episode before I can commit to one.

If I'm going strictly by season 1, I'd probably say Louis.

Fenwick. I get he serves a purpose, and he's supposed to be vile, but I was relieved when he died. I also find his death is the closest thing to a plot hole in season 1, as I can't imagine how Louis managed not to be a suspect for his murder, since he had a clear motive. The only thing I can think of is that Tom Anderson covered for him, but then it's never explicitly stated.

I'm assuming this isn't just about romantic relationships, so I'll say Louis and his mother. Florence is incredibly hypocritical and emotionally abusive towards Louis, it's hard to watch. Second least favourite is Grace and Levi...she just seems like such a beautiful firecracker and he's such a bland dud. In fairness, that's accurate to Grace's book husband though.

I love the complex relationship between Louis and Claudia. I love that the show went the father/daughter to brother/sister route. It's so much more tragic yet somehow more wholesome than their relationship in the book.

I'm gonna say Daniel and Armand. I can't wait to see them butting heads in season 2.

Not really.

Louis and Claudia. So I know my heart's gonna break. Runner up is Louis and Daniel, though I'm not 100% sure they're gonna stay platonic. In the book there were definite hints of Daniel having a crush on Louis, though in the show I can only see that being the case with past Daniel.

I would've liked to see a stronger bond between Lestat and Claudia. Yes, Louis is her favourite parent, but I feel her murder attempt on him would've had more impact if they'd built up the positive aspects of their relationship more.

Armand, Armand, Armand. Assad Zaman is so beautiful and so talented I can't wait to see him really sink his teeth into the character.

Theatre des Vampires. Specifically the trial.

The tower scene between Louis and Armand, where Armand tells him he wants him more than anything in the world. I also hope they use as much of the book's dialogue from that scene as possible because it's all gorgeous.

I'm trying to avoid making predictions LOL

I want to see Marius. I'm especially interested in seeing the relationship between Marius and Daniel, as I imagine it would be VERY different than in the books. There's no way bitter, cynical, old man Daniel is going to be as taken by Marius as young book Daniel was.

Can't think of one atm

I'm not sure how unpopular it is, but I think old Daniel will be turned into young Daniel somehow. I absolutely love Eric Bogosian, but I know they're planning to do at least 3 or 4 seasons of the show, and it'll get harder for him to film. I don't think it'll be a case of body switching either, I suspect it'll be his body getting younger. Yes, yes, I know vampires stay the age they are when turned, HOWEVER, there IS precedence for this. Gabrielle is described as returning to the fullness and beauty of her youth after Lestat changes her, and he was barely more than a fledgling when he made her. Armand is far older and more powerful, who's to say he can't rejuvenate Daniel?

This fandom is full of great meta.

I do read fanfiction, and I've read some great stories. While I tend to prefer stories that revolve around them being vampires, I have read some great human AUs as well.

There's a lot of great artwork out there, but I'd have to look up the creator's names. There's one artist who does some really phenomenal work where they make Armand look like a shadowy, flame eyed cryptid that I adore.

I've only completed one fanfic for this fandom. I got about halfway through a second one, but I got over-whelmed by how massive it was getting and haven't continued. I'll try to revisit it in the new year, or perhaps start a new one.

A year (and change) with our vampires: 2022/2023 in review!

When did you fall in love with the show?

How did you discover it or get interested in it?

Have you gotten anyone else to watch it?

Say you’re recommending the show right now, how would you pitch it?

Do you recommend the show to your IRLs? 

Have you read the book (before or after watching)?

If you read the book, what are your favorite changes from page to screen? 

Who’s your favorite actor? 

Have you rewatched the first season? 

What was your favorite episode of season one? 

Has your favorite episode remained the same since you first finished the season? 

What were your favorite moments of season one? 

What was your favorite piece of music from the first season’s OST?

Do you have a favorite set?

What were your favorite costumes? 

Do you have a favorite piece of art (book, movie, painting) that’s referenced or featured in the show?

Have you read or watched anything because it was referenced in the show?

What’s a scene you feel is underrated?

What was your favorite dialogue of season one? 

What was your favorite one-liner of season one?

What was your favorite monologue of season one?

Who's your favorite character? Why?

Who’s your least favorite character? 

What’s your least favorite relationship?

What’s your favorite (show) canon relationship? 

What’s your favorite relationship that isn’t show canon (yet)?

Do you have an ideal endgame?

What’s your favorite (platonic) dynamic? 

What’s a dynamic you would have liked to see more of in season one?

What’s a character you’re excited to see more of in season two?

What’s your most anticipated season two storyline?

Is there a specific moment or plot point you’re hoping to see next season?

What are some of your predictions for season two?

If you read the books beyond Interview, what’s a plot point or character you want to see in later seasons?

Share a headcanon of yours.

What’s an unpopular opinion you have?

Have you read any meta that completely blew your mind? Share with the class! 

If you read fanfiction, do you have any favorites? 

If you follow any fanartists, what are some art pieces you loved?

If you made any fanworks of your own, what are your personal favorites? Throw yourself some flowers!