#How To Save A Marriage After An Emotional Affair

[bunnylovesani]

You Belong To Me

Summary: You find out about your husband Spencer’s affair with another woman. It's safe to say you don’t have the reaction either of them were expecting.

Content warnings: infidelity, voyeurism, facetime sex, humiliation, p in v sex, creampie

WC: 2.3k

“Who is she?” You shudder with disgust as you stare into the sunken eyes of your husband. He looked almost unrecognisable to you now that you’d learned of his betrayal. 

“Her name’s Maeve. She’s a geneticist who’s been helping me with those headaches.” He sighs resolutely, knowing there was no point attempting to hide this from you. He didn’t mean to let things escalate but you’d been going through a rough patch and Maeve was just so understanding- she embodied all the things you lacked.

“Did you fuck her?” Your voice trembled with anger, goosebumps piercing through your thin blouse as you braced yourself for his response. 

“No. It was a purely emotional affair.” He stated a little too coldly. 

“Ah. And I suppose that makes it alright, does it?” You scoffed, getting up from the sofa you were curled up on with Spencer mere minutes earlier before he came out with his crushing confession. 

“Of course not. There are no excuses.” He looked down, not daring to meet your appalled gaze. “I-I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.” 

“Spencer Reid speechless? I never thought I’d see the day.” You chuckle darkly, fidgeting with your wedding band. You loved him with all your heart, the day you said your vows was the happiest of your life- now that he’d broken his, you weren’t sure how much any of it really meant. 

“Were you going to leave me for her?” Against your best efforts, your voice broke with a pitiful crack that left Spencer with a pained expression on his handsome face. 

“No! No, I promise. I would never leave you.” He interjected, leaving no room for doubt. “She was just a distraction. You’re it for me.”

You sunk back into the plushy couch with a defeated sigh, unwelcome tears pricking your glossy eyes. 

“I don’t know, Spence…” You sniffled, beginning to slide the ring off your finger. 

“Baby.” He took your hands into his own as he dropped to his knees before you, still in his work suit. “I messed up. I messed up in the worst way possible. I’m a fucking idiot. But if you forgive me, I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Please, my love. I’ll do anything.” 

An unfamiliar desperation tinged his voice that made your gut twist into an iron knot. He looked pathetic right now; kneeling on the floor with furrowed eyebrows as he pleaded to save his marriage. 

“I want you to call her.” You exhaled sharply after an excruciating moment of contemplation.

“You- what?” His forehead wrinkles deepened with shock. 

“You heard me. Call the bitch.” He gulped at your request and his eyes darted around frantically as he analysed every possible outcome.

“A video call. I want to see what the little homewrecker looks like.” You spat as he remained motionless, mouth agape and eyes narrowed. “Unless you’d rather get a divorce?” 

“I’ll do it.” He shook his head clumsily, rattled by the whole ordeal. 

“Wonderful. Come sit next to me and prop your phone up on the table.” You patted the spot besides you as Spencer stumbled over, still confused by your unpredictability. 

“Well? What are you waiting for? Start dialling.” You snapped snarkily as he scrolled through his phone with shaky hands. Locating her contact, his fingers hovered above the call button. 

“Dr. Donovan, huh?” You peered over. “The one you told me had been helping you with a case?” 

“Y-yeah.” He whispered ashamedly. 

“Now this I have to see.” You murmured bitterly as the line began to ring. 

“Spence, hi! Wasn’t expecting you to call at this time.” The bubbly voice of the other woman rang out through his speakers. Your eyes zeroed in on the pixelated image of a brunette woman with a choppy fringe. 

“Why, do you guys have a set time for your little calls? When I’m sleeping, perhaps?” You popped into the frame, grinning wildly. 

“Oh. H-hello. Spencer, what’s going on?” She looked to him for help but he just sat there resignedly, knowing he couldn't appease you both. 

“So you’re the one who’s been helping herself to my husband.” You chuckled disingenously. “I thought you’d be a lot prettier.” You neared the phone to get a better look. “Really, baby? Her?” 

Spencer looked away, not daring to say a word to his wife or his lover.

“And you? You don’t have anything to say?” You opened the floor to Maeve.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her cheeks reddened as she stuttered, her nauseating voice ricocheting off the walls and worming its way into your ears. 

“That’s okay. I don’t need you to talk. Just watch.” You hissed in such a searing way that it made her feel threatened and inclined to obey. 

Spencer looked up at you in confusion but his doubts were swiftly answered when you loosened his tie and ripped off his collared shirt with a murderous lust. 

“Baby, what-“

“You’re not going to say a word.” You smoothly replied, voice barely audible. 

You observed his sad eyes, entrenched with light crows feet that worsened with the weight of stress and regret. You weren’t sure how you were even going to begin to process his betrayal but right now, you had to take care of her first. What better way to drive home the point that he was yours than to show her? 

Unbuckling his heavy leather belt with an urgency you’d never felt, you glanced over to make sure Maeve was watching. Sure enough, the demure woman couldn’t peel her eyes away from the sight unfolding before her. 

As you pulled down his pleated black trousers, you unbuttoned your blouse and pulled down your skirt, throwing the articles of clothing behind you in a rushed hurl. Trailing your fingers down his boxers with your engagement ring flashing in front of the camera, you settled on his waistband. 

“Now, Spence. You’re going to fuck me in front of her.” 

His breath hitched as the unholy words left your smirking mouth. 

“And you-” You turned to face Maeve, who’s hand engulfed her mouth in panic. “You are going to watch it all.“

“No! You’re insane-“

“Or I’ll tell everyone at your work that you’re a home wrecking whore.” You dropped the threat like a hammer and it instantly silenced her.

“That’s what I thought.” 

A twisted grin consumed your face as you looked back at Spencer, who licked his lips at the sight before him- his wife eagerly spread open on the couch, waiting to be filled up. You weren’t sure whether it was an anxious tick or a sign of arousal and frankly, you didn’t care. 

“Show me how sorry you are.” You breathed heavily as you hooked your black lace panties and pulled them to the side.

Needing no further initiative, Spencer lowered his boxers and let his heavy cock spring free from its confines. Despite sex being the last thing on his mind, he couldn’t help the natural reaction his body had to you- it didn’t matter how many times he’d seen it in the last 5 years of your marriage, the sight of you split open for him was always enough to bring him crumbling to his knees. 

Shuffling closer, he let a long string of spit dribble down to your pussy before smearing it around with his painfully swollen tip. He was in a state of delirium and shock as his body moved as though it weren't his own- whatever the consequences, he knew he couldn't lose you.

“You see that, Maeve?” You cocked your head to the side. “That’s all mine.” 

You moaned shakily as he pushed himself in, coating his shaft in your wetness. 

“Isn’t that right, baby? Tell her.” You ordered your husband as he grabbed the back of your thigh, pushing against it to go even deeper. 

“That’s right.” He groaned as he plunged his cock in as deep as it could go, his skin flush against yours. 

“Who do you belong to?” You gazed up at him, running your fingers through his messy curls. 

“You, baby. I belong to you.” He whispers before turning to face the camera. “I belong to her. She owns me.” 

Maeve let out a short huff of disbelief, wanting to look away but struggling. 

“Harder.” You choked out a whisper as your body trembled under his touch, longing for more, aching to possess and to be possessed. 

His thrusts sped up in response, his hips smacking against yours fervently as you clawed at his back like a wounded animal. 

“I’m sorry, baby.” He whined as he took you by the face with both hands, forcing you to look clearly at him. “I’m so sorry.” 

“Keep going.” You whispered frantically- the feeling of being perfectly stuffed paired with your volatile emotional state left you teetering on the edge of collapse. 

“She means nothing to me.” He grunted between thrusts and you bore a wide toothy grin at the capriciously sweet words. Real or not, you knew they had to hurt her- and that brought you a sadistic amount of pleasure. 

“What were you thinking going for her?” You tutted as he pounded into you like it was the last time, creamy arousal glistening in the dimly lit lounge. “I’m so much better than her. She’s so ugly. Isn’t she, Spence?” 

“Y-yes.” He whimpered. “She’s nowhere near as beautiful as you.” 

Satisfied enough with his taunting, you pushed him back with a bitter hand against his chest and climbed onto his lap with increasing desperation. 

“Bet you wish you could ride him like this, don’t you?” You sneered as you stroked his wet cock with a couple squelchy pumps. “But you never will. This dick is all mine.” 

You lowered yourself onto him, adjusting to his size with breathy moans as he threw his head back in deluge. Bouncing on it with more force than usual, you looked back to observe Maeve’s horrified face glowing on the screen. 

“You got that, bitch?” You jeered mockingly as you reached for his phone and flipped the camera to show Spencer’s exasperated face. “My husband, my dick.” 

With your final act of aggression, you hung up the call and threw the phone behind you. You were fairly confident she wouldn’t be inserting herself into your marriage again any time soon. 

“What the hell-” Spencer’s croaky voice rang out in intervals as you continued riding him with stomach-churning speed. “was that?”

“I was reminding you who you’re married to.” You halted for a moment to catch your breath. “You seem to have forgotten.”

His firm, calloused hands snaked their way around your hips as he dug his fingernails into your flesh, bringing you closer to him. 

“I'll never make that mistake again.” He declared solemnly, brushing the pad of his thumb against your cheek. “Do you forgive me, my love?”

Your limbs went numb and you felt paralysed at the thought. How could you ever forgive such an abuse of trust? 

Spencer firmly grabbed you by the jaw before trailing his hand to the nape of your neck. You wanted to wriggle out of his grasp but he guided your head to rest over his shoulder as he settled his touch on the small of your back. 

“I don’t know…” You slumped into him, feeling immobilised as you murmured mindlessly. 

He suddenly grabbed your ass and roughly spread it apart to allow easier access to your core- he thrust up into your weeping pussy with a force that had you huffing out wordless squeaks. He set a ruthless tempo, hammering into you as your gushing arousal dripped down his thighs. 

“If I’m going to let that little stunt you just pulled slide-“ He growled with a renewed ferocity. “then you’re going to suck it up and forgive me too.” 

Whining, you smacked the side of his bicep in protest but the way he was fucking your brains out left you unable to speak. 

“I don’t wanna hear it baby.” He kissed your temple sloppily as he patted your hair, smoothing it down while he massaged your insides. “You’re meant for me and I’m meant for you. We’re perfectly fucked up for each other.”

“Mmph-“ You moaned into his shoulder, drool dribbling down his skin as you bit into it. 

“I’m never letting you go.” He sped up as his force and aggression grew, leaving bruises in the shape of fingertips littered along your hips and ass. 

With one final thrust, you came undone - squeezing his cock so tight in the process that he couldn’t help but fill you up to the brim with his cum. You panted as you tried to catch your breath, creamy wetness pouring out of you as he pulled your sweaty bodies apart. 

“Okay.” You sighed. “I forgive you.” 

Spencer abruptly sat up as the precious words spilled from your swollen lips. “You mean it?” He trembled hopefully, melting expression tugging at your heartstrings. 

“Only if you swear to me it’ll never happen again.” You wagged your finger at him as he leapt onto you unexpectedly.

“Never! Never, baby, I swear.” He planted grateful kisses up and down your body as you indulged in a reluctant smile. “It’s only you. You are the only one for me. Now and for the rest of my life.” 

You could tell by his adoring gaze that he meant every word. Wrapping your arms around him, you settled into a healing embrace. He was allowed to make one mistake, you loved him enough to let it slide. And if resentment ever crept up on you, you could always fondly recall that drunken night with Agent Morgan. Who said married couples weren’t allowed a few secrets?

[fatuismooches]

The way the little cakes in Arlecchino's masterpost look like wedding cakes 😭

As morbid as it sounds... this gives me an idea for an Arlecchino drabble/fic. Imagine Arlecchino proposes to her lover, but before they could have their wedding, their beloved dies/is killed 😭

synopsis: Arlecchino did not initially seek happiness, but now that she's had a taste of it, it hurts for it to be ripped away.

includes: arlecchino w/ gn! reader

notes: Anon...? Who hurt you? I didn't even think of the wedding cakes thing but then your angst? Enjoy this then </3.

Arlecchino, the Fourth Harbinger. The operator of the House of Hearth. The one who has a talent for making people... disappear.

However, despite all of the facts above, to say the Knave was smitten with her lover was an understatement. Yes, even someone like her had a partner, which bewildered anyone who even knew her name.

Most people were not aware of your existence, save for the people that worked at her estate, who were obviously sworn to secrecy. And then there were the Fatui agents stationed at the orphanage who saw you every now and then. Initially, they were confused, but seeing your interactions with their commander, they quickly connected the dots, especially when Arlecchino sent them that look. Working under the Knave generally meant you had to be tight-lipped anyway.

But engagement and marriage can hardly ever be a quiet affair. Word was bound to get out, and it did. After all, one of the Cryo Archon's Harbingers getting married was practically international news. Especially Arlecchino, who never seemed to have a trace of emotion on her face. But with enough control, the word of her union was contained to the Fatui and other high-ranked nobles. Even the Tsaritsa herself was said to be attending the wedding.

It had grown into a bigger event than Arlecchino had planned for, but when she saw how happy you were, she couldn't bring herself to complain. She could endure some idiots for a day if it were for you. She would do a lot of things for you, actually. Never would she have thought of getting married, much less genuinely falling in love. Always, she was out to benefit herself and didn't care for the aftermath of her actions. But after she met you, she knew couldn't ever do that to you. And now, here she was today.

Admittedly, at first, Arlecchino was unsure of how to propose to you. She had bought the ring already, one with a brilliant red stone, a gorgeous thing that would look even better on your finger. (She measured your ring size while you were sleeping.) But now she was left with the problem of how she was to go about doing this. What would you like the best? Should she take you somewhere fancy? Or prepare some words for you? She did not know. She never breached the topic of marriage with you so she had nothing to go off of. As the days passed by, she could only play with the ring with her fingers as she stared at it contemplatively.

Although Arlecchino remained stone-faced during work, Columbina had noticed her friend's dilemma, which at first had proved to be amusing for the Third Harbinger, but even she had grown to feel pity.

"Arlecchino~♫ That's quite a long face you're wearing, hmm?"

"...Oh. It is you, Columbina. Is there something you require?"

"Hehe, it seems to me that you are the one that needs help instead, isn't that so?" At Columbina's cheekiness, she knew what her friend was referring to.

"I am just... uncertain of how to proceed," she confessed, and Columbina hummed in agreement.

"I say you just be honest," Columbina said simply. "You're not a very talkative person, are you? Perhaps this one time you should use your words to describe how you truly feel. Don't rehearse or plan it. It will come to you naturally. I think [Name] would enjoy that more than anything else."

Arlecchino had thought about what she said. Would you enjoy something like that? She was slightly frustrated at how unskilled she was in matters of the heart. But the more she pondered, the more impatient she grew. She wanted you to be hers now.

And so, one morning, you woke up to your cheek being pressed against something soft. It was probably just a pillow, you thought in your sleepy haze. Until you realized this pillow was stroking your hair repeatedly. When you peeked up, you were astonished to see your lover still in bed by now. Normally, she was up early in the morning and returned late at night, so morning cuddles while you were awake were far in between. The rare occurrence had made all the sleepiness in you dissipate as you shuffled in Arlecchino's arms, drawing her attention.

"A-Arlie? Why are you still in bed? Normally you're gone way earlier!" She merely shrugged her shoulders like it was no big deal.

"Partners must make time for each other, no?" She didn't elaborate but she didn't need to, you already knew what she was trying to say and you were overjoyed by this simple gesture. Her warmth and presence had suddenly made the sleepiness seep back into your body, but now that you finally had Arlecchino to yourself again, it felt like a waste to spend that time sleeping! You should spend this time talking to her! Although it was mostly you doing all the talking while she bore her eyes into you (an act of unspoken love.)

Arlecchino quickly noticed you fighting your drooping eyelids. "Sleep," she commanded. "I will be back earlier today as well." With that, she placed a kiss on your forehead, and though you were even more surprised at her early return, you drifted back to the land of dreams.

When you awoke, she was gone, but that was okay. Because soon into the evening you were somehow having dinner with your beloved. It was probably the longest dinner you ever had, as you couldn’t help but babble and bask in the presence of Arlecchino as she nodded and hummed, sometimes putting in a few words or even sentences of her own when you asked her how her days have been lately, and if everything was okay since this was kind of unusual, but in no way were you complaining! But she graced you with a rare small smile and instead continued to feed you dinner and occasionally wipe your mouth with a napkin. When she easily carried you bridal style to your shared bedroom, all the servants kept their eyes on the ground.

After the two of you took a bath together, you knew for sure something was up. And you weren’t sure what was happening. Was she just in a good mood? Or did she have something to tell you? You didn’t realize you were pacing back and forth in your room until Arlecchino broke into your thoughts.

“Are you alright?” To others, her face would look the same but you could see the concern laced within her features.

“I am fine… but are you okay? I mean, I’m incredibly happy about today, but you seem… distracted,” you admitted. You knew from the flicker in her eyes you were right. She had become more vulnerable with her emotions around you.

“I have something to tell you, [Name].” With that, she moved closer to you until your bodies were practically touching. “It’s something very important…” she murmured, a lean and strong arm coming to rest on your back while the other cupped your cheek.

“I have thought long and hard about how to say this, but nothing I think of seems like it’ll be up to the standards you deserve. But nevertheless, I hope you can accept my words.” You were touched by her sincere vulnerability. You leaned in to press your forehead against hers and Arlecchino’s eyes widened in surprise.

“You don’t need to worry about being graceful or perfect around me, you know. I’ll take anything you have to say, love.” Your lover did not respond but you know she deeply appreciated your answer. She stepped back and instead intertwined her fingers with your own.

“I am not adept with words or feelings, or romance or emotions. I saw no need to be acquainted with those things, having believed they served no beneficial purpose. But when I look at you, I feel the urge to make sure you know the extent of my love, whether I have to whisper it into your ear or show you. Not once have I thought someone was truly beautiful until I met you. Your eyes, smile, laugh… they make my days less tiring and more bright, something that I have never experienced before. So, what I am saying… no matter what happens in the future… I want you to forever be by my side,” she finished, getting down on one knee and looking straight into your eyes. As she popped open the ring box, she asked, “[Name], will you marry me?”

After a few seconds of silence, tears sprung to your eyes as you nearly tackled her in a hug. Through your weeping, you happily accepted and cried out her real name, as she slid the ring onto your finger. Her soon-to-be spouse.

You were engaged to Arlecchino… wow.

Now, Arlecchino preferred to leave the details of the wedding planning to you. It wasn't that she was uninterested, no, of course not, but rather she was more content seeing how excited you were over it. It was the dream of many people to plan their most important day, down to the placement of each decoration and how this color matches with that and so on. Plus, although she loathed to admit it, her duties as a Harbinger left her little time. 

Though when she managed to get off early, she made sure to listen to every word you spoke about how the preparations were going, adding in little 'hmms' and 'that does sound lovely' here and there as she protectively cuddled you to her chest. The theme, flowers, colors, venue, outfits, music… you were putting thought into many things. She had to admit that though she was more focused on the act of marrying you rather than the party aspect, the way you spoke about it seemed like it may be more than enjoyable for her. Hopefully, because she did not plan on getting married ever again.

Speaking of preparations, it seemed that you had a request for her by the way your eyes shyly flickered from her face to elsewhere. Arlecchino held your chin and inquired what you needed. Her betrothed need not be shy about anything. Your face grew warm as you whispered two words embarrassingly.

“Cake testing.”

“Cake… testing?” She repeated your words slowly. You nodded your head.

“It’s basically where the couple samples a bunch of cakes together. And they decide which one they want. You know, for the wedding. So, I was thinking maybe we could go together… just for a bit! I know you’re busy and all…” Your face grew hotter the more she stared at you. Archons, that was embarrassing.

To be honest, Arlecchino wasn’t very informed about wedding rituals or customs, but by the look on your face, she could see that this was very important to you. And so she promised to find some time off. (But… cake testing, huh? Out of all things, you asked her to share sweets with her? You were so cute.)

It took a while, but eventually, you found your arm intertwined with Arlecchino’s one, situated with tables of cakes and different desserts to sample from. Of course, no expense was spared. Only the best was to be offered to the Fourth Harbinger and her soon-to-be spouse.

Arlecchino did not have much of a sweet tooth, but she was all too happy to watch you kick your feet at the delicious flavor of the cakes. To obediently open her mouth as you fed her some yourself. To listen to you ramble on about how you liked this one but that one was also too good, ah, how hard life decisions were! (The scene looked quite eerie to the staff, and they weren’t sure whether they were dreaming or having a nightmare, for this surely could not be real life. Not the Knave, the ice-cold snappy and sarcastic Harbinger who brought only fear and anxiety into the room.)

After many conversations and cake-consuming, you arrived at one final cake - pure white with a blood-red cherry on top. It looked mouth-watering, and you were all too happy to bring the fork to your mouth. Arlecchino had her fill of sweets for the day and was content to hold you to her chest as you ate. She liked seeing you happy.

A cough resonated through the room. Arlecchino stiffened and looked down at you worriedly. “That’s enough sugar for now, don’t you think? You won’t be able to sleep tonight.” Her eyebrows furrowed as she received no verbal response. Only this time it was not just a cough. It was coughs and hacks and wheezes. Immediately she was on guard and quickly flipped your body around as the plate clattered to the floor. You were clutching your throat and practically fell into her, weakness overtaking your body. Never had so much surprise shown on Arlecchino’s face.

Quickly, she yelled for the servants, something no one had ever seen her do, but she did not care. You tried to force out her real name as you gripped onto the cuff of her shirt with everything you had left. Her eyes skittered to what you were eating and instantly made a connection. Without hesitance, she reached for another cherry and put it in her mouth and that’s when she knew. 

Poison. Someone poisoned you. As a highly trained Harbinger, she was resistant to many types of poison, but you… you were just a… normal person. Who would- who could not… She could only look on helplessly as the life in your eyes dissipated and you failed to respond to her calls. Never did Arlecchino believe she could be so powerless. Not until now.

At this point, many Fatui and staff had crowded into the room as well. But it was too late. Many stared not only in horror at your stillness, but also the sheer anger and bloodlust radiating off of the Knave.

The feeling was one unfamiliar to Arlecchino. Never had she lost someone that made her feel like her heart, soul, and body had been burned and withered to ashes. Because you were the first person she loved. You were the one who gave her a taste of what happiness was like. But now you had also given her the taste of genuine loss. 

As she cradled your lifeless body, she made another promise to you and herself, one that she would keep this time:

You wouldn’t be the only person dying today.

[xjulixred45x]

If i was in charge of the character of stella i would make her the principal victim(alongside octavia) of his guilt tripping tactics, i think that stella could at least have some respect for stolas before the affair, trying to please him, learn astronomy to conect with him, and trying to be a good wife, but stolas being the narcissistic prick he is just thinks about himself and dont apreciate stella's efforts and that ends with stella enraged(with stolas, herself, maybe both?).

This lyrics of labour says it all

"Apologies from my tongue, and never yours

Busy lapping from flowing cup and stabbing with your fork

I know you're a smart man (I know you're a smart man), and weaponise

The false incompetence, it's dominance under a guise

If we had a daughter, I'd watch and could not save her

The emotional torture, from the head of your high table

She'd do what you taught her, she'd meet the same cruel fate

So now I've gotta run, so I can undo this mistake

At least I've gotta try"

The part of the weaponize incompetence is really fitting for Stolas.

Most of the cheaters/trashman use the incompetence to avoid doing tasks that are MEANT to be fullfied between BOTH MEMBERS of the relationship.

It feels as if in this case that you are telling, Stella was doing all the joint tasks of a couple, including, for example, the ones they are supposed to do like Goetia (with political themes). and I can honestly see Stolas using the excuse that his work is limited to professions (even using his depression as an excuse) to not give more to the family.

Stolas doesn't care that Stella wants to get close to him or get along with him, she is just a step up in status for him.

AND THE GUILT TRIPPING IS SO REAL.

Stella has the status she has thanks to her marriage to Stolas, he could use that as a way to control her from leaving or from feeling in DEBT to him (after all, the luxuries she has she couldn't afford. alone) and even applied something similar to Octavia but with a different approach.

if we go with Stolas not really caring about Octavia in this AU, I can see him doing a Mother Gothel on her when she does something he doesn't like or wants to leave the house. Tell her how that is "harming" her, how hell is dangerous, that she couldn't do it on her own, etc.

Overall, it's a very fucked up idea, but VERY GOOD ANON, keep it up.

____

La parte de la incompetencia armada es realmente apropiada para Stolas.

La mayoría de los infieles/hombres basura utilizan la incompetencia para evitar realizar tareas que DEBEN cumplirse entre AMBOS MIEMBROS de la relación.

se siente como si en este caso que estas relatando, Stella estuviera haciendo todas las tareas en conjunto de una pareja, incluyendo por ejemplo las que se supone deben hacer como Goetias(con temas políticos). y sinceramente puedo ver a Stolas usandonla excusa de que su trabajo se limita a las profesias(incluso usar de excusa su depresión) para no dar mas a la familia.

a Stolas no le importa que Stella quiera acercarse a el o llevarse bien con el, ella es solo un escalon en el estatus para el.

Y EL GUILT TRIPPING ES TAN REAL.

Stella tiene el estatus que tiene gracias a su matrimonio con Stolas, el podria usar eso como una forma de controlar que ella no se vaya o que se sienta en DEUDA con el(después de todo, los lujos que ella tiene no se los podria permitir ella sola) e incluso aplique algo similar a Octavia pero con un enfoque distinto.

si vamos con que Stolas realmente no le importa Octavia en este AU, puedo verlo haciendole un Madre Gothel cuando ella hace algo que no le gusta o quiere irse de la casa. decirle como eso le esta "dañando", como eo infierno es peligroso, que ella misma no podria por su cuenta, etc.

en general, es una idea muy jodida, pero MUY BUENA ANON, sigue asi.

[mirroredmemoriez]

More Denlon Thoughts

From finally posting my comparison down below about the Denlon's and John, it made me spiral even more into them.

I have said it there above and I'll say it again- Jeff's test in my eyes accounted the fact his grief would slow him down. John wouldn't have of wanted him to be able to speed through it, especially due to the fact he's getting improv brain surgery. There was a bit of a reliance on the fact that Jeff wouldn't complete his test like, halfway through Lynn's. Which, I believe sometimes the fandom doesn't think about? Yes he's, ''Slow Ass Motherfuckin Jeff.'' However, if he wasn't Saw 3 would've been way shorter- Like imagine he showed up before Amanda was having her full blown breakdown? And or mid brain surgery. Another thing I mentioned is the fact that in comparison, Lynn is handling her test much better than her husband... And in turn this actually makes him seem even MORE slow than before. What we have to think about here is though, Lynn was not dubbed the ''best'' in regards to her medical pursuits for no reason. The playing field is working way more with her, the biggest stress and issue Lynn faces whilst going through her test is Amanda. Otherwise, if you took that factor out? Yes she may be using shit like a power drill but Lynn is a fucking amazing doctor. We get to see this even before she was kidnapped because it can be said she should've been there sooner, but when she helped that patient in the hospital she literally stabilised him in almost a minute flat whilst disregarding the other doctors inputs.

Lynn's test doesn't have her constantly facing her own grief and in comparison to Jeff? We don't know whether or not she even holds a shred of need for vengeance like he does. The most we know about the impact it has had on her, is she's now addicted to anti-depressants, neglects Corbett and her marriage is so fractured she's having an affair. One thing I'll hone on in here is the child neglect... We don't get to see the way Lynn does that as much as we do Jeff. The assumption is her long work hours and being out well... Having that affair! But also how active would Lynn have been in her children's lives even prior to Dylan's death? She to me is the main ''breadwinner'' let's say and Jeff is more so the one who is regularly looking after the children, because Lynn is a literal brain surgeon where generally surgery can last from 3-5 hours to even 5-7! How much did her role as a parent change when Dylan died in regards to how active she is in Corbett's life?

Shuffling back to the games- It's also such an interesting concept to think of Lynn going through Jeff's test, I stated this before in my previous post but it's still an ever running thought for me. Jigsaw tests tend to always be specifically designed for the person within them- In the Denlon's case they're being tested for almost the exact same reason... They are husband and wife after all. So although I don't think that means oh yeah they can be inter switched! Everything is still very close to home for the both of them. Like if Lynn was face to face with Timothy Young the way Jeff was, that is the man who killed her son. Mistake or not. It's whether or not she can or wants to forgive. Lynn in theory and I guess also in practice really, is good at detaching her emotions from what is at hand. Does she like John? No- But will she ignore that in favour of living? Yes! The same way possibly in her career she has had to save the lives of people morally she doesn't agree with. However, as previously mentioned- This is so much more closer to home. So does that all go out the window for her? We just don't know.

I'll stop here for now because I'm a mad man who rambles too much- Thanks for reading if you've got this far down! -MAL OUT

[hello-nichya-here]

Hi. What do you think about Lisa and Michael's marriage? I mean... they had a complex relationship. Do you think he made mistakes in some of his actions? Do you think both were immature?

The best way to describe Michael Jackson is "Surprisingly well-adjusted for someone who was abused his entire life" and the best way to describe Lisa is "Surprisingly well-adjusted for someone who was literally being exploited in a cult."

I love Michael with all my heart, but he would disappear for weeks after fights with his wife, and told her, to her face, that if she didn't give him children, he was gonna get someone else (who was supposedly just a friend) pregnant, and then he did and went on to marry her. "Made mistakes" is quite the understatement. This is on the level of "Do you WANT to make this woman hate you?"

Not to mention the simple fact that being married to someone who has an addiction is quite the emotional turmoil - especially when they're addicted to the same thing that killed one of your parents and full on told you they feared they'd die the same way. It really isn't hard to understand why Lisa Marie asked for a divorce, and then also gave up on the "affair" they had during his second marriage (well, """"marriage"""" if we're going to be honest here).

But that's not to say Lisa was perfect. She wasn't. She full on said "He had a sad childhood, but who didn't?" to kind of dismiss the whole Peter Pan thing he had of compensating for the time of his life - which is an INSANE thing to say. There's "My childhood wasn't that fun" and there's being a survivor of abuse.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Lisa was some heartless monster (if anything, to me that sounds more like her being very much in denial about how traumatic her own childhood was and not liking that Michael was indirectly/accidentally reminding her "No, what happened to you wasn't normal, you need help too") but obviously it'd hurt to open up about something like that and have your own wife act like you're being dramatic. Dude was the definition of "Just 'cause you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get you" after all, of course he would take that to heart.

Lisa also full on admited that, looking back, she had not truly appreciated how much Michael had genuinely tried to make things work for a long time. That it truly had been a HUGE step in the right direction for someone as traumatized him to open up to her the way he did, to share his life with someone, to let everyone see him in love. She full on said that it took him dying for her to finally understand that he loved her.

I think Lisa also set herself up for disappointment to some extent.

She married the man that called himself Peter Pan and lived in Neverland, then was suprised that he was goofing off during interviews instead of trying to act more "adult" to prove their marriage was real. She didn't want her marriage to be turned into a spectacle, yet her husband was literally Michael Jackson (and he had just been accused of abusing little boys, OF COURSE he'd be reminding everyone that he was very much a straight man). She literally said in an interview that she thought she could save him - she looked at that trainwreck of a life that left this man badly damaged, emotionally stunted, paranoid and depressed, then went "I can fix him!" when she was equally messed up. Just terrible idea after terrible idea.

They both went through A LOT of tragedy from a very young age, and it messed them up. On good days, that made them a great match because they could relate to, and find comfort in, each other. But on the bad days? It was a VERY toxic relationship - and not because one or both of them were terrible people, but because, to put it bluntly, it's hard to have a normal, healthy relationship when you never experienced it, or even seen it, your whole life. Of course they didn't know how to make it work.

Add in the fact that a lot of people, including Lisa's mother, seemed to be actively rooting for them to fail, and openly questioning if their marriage was even real, and it becomes a truly unbearable situation. Lisa gets a lot of shit from some MJ fans for being the one who ended things (twice), but in all honesty, sooner or later Michael would have said "enough is enough" too.

And it really is a shame, because considering how genuinely happy they seemed through a lot of their marriage, how they showed support to each other through hard times after spliting up, how they couldn't keep their hands off each other for five freaking years after their divorce, how Michael's nephew was defending Lisa from slanders in public because he had only ever heard his uncle say good things about her, and how much Lisa was grieving after Michael's death, it's clear that they loved each other A LOT.

[pearlprincess02]

taylor swift and travis kelce composite chart houses

1st house: the composite 1st house rules the relationship itself and your outward identity together. It shows how people view your relationship, and how you come across together.

virgo 1st house : virgo is the sign of work, so having the composite 1st house in virgo can be helpful for professional pairings, but you have to resist the urge to be overly critical of each other’s work. being overly critical can be an issue in personal relationships as well with this placement, and you need to not pick each other apart. you can come across as a quiet, respectable pair, and if you can avoid the criticism, you get more done together than apart (depending on natal placements).

1st house ruler in 3rd house: this is a financially good placement. shows a strong willpower and desire to advance in society, so most of your ambitions in life will be successful and give wealth. in terms of personality, this placement shows someone who is very brave and courageous at heart, whether that be at big things or little things. this 3rd house is the house of siblings, it shows that you are likely to have sisters or brothers, who you will also gain wealth/benefits from. 

moon in 1st: with the composite moon in the 1st house, emotions can be very important in this relationship, and it’s what ties you together. you can each feel that you can express your emotions openly and freely with one another, and have an understanding of how you each emote. the downside is you can get overwhelmed by emotion, caught up in it, and you can easily be subjective about one another and the relationship instead of objective. you can also be missing logic and reason at times, so you have to work on not letting the emotions control everything.

2nd house: the composite 2nd house can show what you value in the relationship, how you approach money together, and how secure you are in the relationship together.

libra 2nd house : with the composite 2nd house in libra, this can be helpful for respecting each other’s financial positions as well as your individual values. having balance, respect, and fairness financially and with your values can help you feel more stable and secure together.  there may be struggles with financial indecision at times though. you may try to be as fair with one another as possible when it comes to what is each of yours individually.

2nd house ruler in 4th house: since the 4th house traditionally rules over home affairs, this placement means that the person will finance the housemeaning they will be the financial head of their home (whether it’s their birth home or their in-laws home after marriage). this also means the person could gain wealth by accumulating high savings, speaking, singing, education, real estate, agriculture, underground work like mining and minerals, vehicles, healthcare (nurturing work/service), and/or through maternal relations. this placement also makes a person well-educated, emotionally balanced who strives for other’s happiness, and a great story-teller. however, if ill-placed, this placement could indicate someone who faces financial losses from the above mentioned fields like speaking, singing, education, real estate, agriculture, etc. 

mars in 2nd house: with composite mars in the 2nd house, you can take your time with one another, and you may not feel the need to rush with each other. once you do something together, you can stick with it and have more staying power. this is the house of money, so this placement is good for a business relationship built around making money. you can earn more money together than apart, but you can also spend more money and use up more resources, so you need to exercise moderation.

lilith in 2nd house: you are both easily able to help each other express your creativity and individuality in material ways. you may both dress or decorate your home or shared spaces in a unique way that reflects your rebellious nature. you can also draw on your subconscious power and desires to help pamper and nurture each other in unique ways that speak to your deeper needs. you’re respectful of each other’s autonomy and would rather invest in helping each other create a stable and secure baseline rather than trying to smother each other or pressure each other to conform to your own individual comforts. you may both help inspire each other to rebel against the status quo as it relates to money, finances and priorities, setting your own standards and following your own instincts.

juno in 2nd house: you both express your desires for commitment and loyalty through your materialistic focus. you may share an interest in each other’s financial stability. you may also make a commitment to each other based on the material resources and wealth you hope to both gain from the relationship. through this relationship you can both find the support and consistency you need to set a solid foundation for financial growth. there’s wealth or abundance to be gained by making a commitment to each other through this relationship.

3rd house: the composite 3rd house can show how you are together in your immediate environment and what you focus on together day-to-day. this is a house of communication, so it can also reflect how you communicate in the relationship, and what you can think about together.

scorpio 3rd house: with the composite 3rd house in scorpio, communication can be intense between the two of you. you may clash heads routinely, and can try to dominate one another with your ideas and opinions, or the pair of you may be that way together against the outside world. you can be a dominating pair in your daily lives and exert control over your immediate environment. you may focus together on ways to transform minds.

3rd house ruler in the 3rd house: if the 3rd house ruler is placed in its own house, then it indicates a person who is very brave and courageous, and full of constant self-confidence. shows a person who earns through personal efforts and thus, works hard throughout their life. also, shows a fortunate and happy relationship with siblings and a helpful local community. 

sun in 3rd house: with the composite sun in the 3rd house, you can have open communication and feel that you connect through your minds. this position can give a good mental connection and mental understanding, but you need to work on having an emotional connection, otherwise it can struggle to go beyond a casual relationship. this can be a good placement for a friendship, where strings aren’t necessarily important, but in a romantic relationship, you have to open up about more than just your thoughts, but your feelings as well.

mercury in 3rd house: with composite mercury in the 3rd house, this is a house naturally ruled by mercury, so communication can be very easy between the two of you, and you can more comfortable express yourselves and feel you’re being understood. this can be a beneficial placement for any type of relationship. you can feel you’re understood by one another better than with other people, and it can be easier and more natural for you to talk things over and open up.

pluto in 3rd house: with composite pluto in the 3rd house, you may struggle over power and control in your communications, and one of you may constantly try to dominate the conversations you have and what you focus on. you need to make sure you’re hearing one another. you can make major mental transformations together, and have a different view of the world, but you can also be more pessimistic together.

4th house: the composite 4th house can show how we connect emotionally, what we build together from the ground up, and what the base of our connection is (since this is the bottom of the chart).

sagittarius 4th house: with the composite 4th house in sagittarius, you may want more space from one another emotionally than you would think, especially in a personal relationship. this doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t want to be around each other or don’t have strong ties; you can, you just need to not smother each other emotionally. together, you can be more emotionally positive, and the base of your connection can be to expand.

4th house ruler in 10th house: the native’s drive towards establishing a strong status and career was sparked in their early life. their family may have influenced their need for recognition and may sometimes push them very hard towards success. there is a connection here between the native’s domestic life and their career, they feed into each other - the native may have found success from their family. the native may incorporate their homeland and culture into their status and public image. their mother may have been the authoritarian in the family.

venus in 4th: with composite venus in the 4th house, you can enjoy opening up with one another emotionally, and find it easier to connect emotionally. feelings can be an important part of your relationship, and even a relationship that isn’t personal can have a lot of emotions invested in it. this can be an excellent position to build a family or for a family relationship since the 4th house rules the home and family. you may feel you have a solid foundation for the relationship.

saturn in 4th: with composite saturn in the 4th house, this can be difficult in a personal relationship where you live together, or in a family relationship since this house rules the home and family. you can find it difficult to create the kind of life together that you envision, and may have different ideas of what that means. you need to be on the same page if building a life together. if a family relationship, you need to work on not being judgmental of one another.

uranus in 4th: with composite uranus in the 4th house, this can bring some instability in the home if you live together, and you may find you move more than most people, are constantly redecorating, remodeling, or renovating, or that you prefer to live under different circumstances than most (like a in tiny house or communal living). if this is a family relationship, you may have ups and downs until you allow one another to be yourselves.

neptune in 4th: with composite neptune in the 4th house, it can be difficult for you to create a life together, if this is a romantic relationship. you may be unsure of how you want to lay the groundwork together. in a family relationship, one of you may be more distant, and it can be hard to come together. emotions can be important in this relationship, and you need to develop emotional understanding and compassion.

eros in 4th: there’s an eerie tone to this pair something lost and something caught in a subtle tidal wave something aloof to the outside but something overwhelming and at times suffocating to those involved. there a pronounced emotional nature to this bond something shrouded in feelings so deep that this person can seem to almost reach the most youngest version of you with one touch. this love is intense and sex here is almost like a loss of self and a recreation of souls in a transfer of heart and soul. sex here is taken seriously yet is a form of rejuvenation. may not occur as often due to the emotional drive behind it!

5th house: the composite 5th house can show how we express affection, what we love and take pleasure in together. this house can bring creative energy into our relationships and allow us to express creatively together. the 5th house also rules children, so they can be impacted by the composite 5th house with someone you have children with.

capricorn 5th house: with the composite 5th house in capricorn, you may have a hard time letting loose together, and have to work on being more affectionate and taking time for fun. you may focus a little too much on your responsibilities together. you can be very practical with your approach to love, and you can take commitment seriously in personal relationships. if you have children together, you may embark wisdom but need to not be too demanding.

5th house ruler in 4th house: with this placement, the family tends to be very important for the native’s ability to express themselves. they may take part in hobbies or creative activities that allow other members of the family to join in or the native’s interests may be linked to their culture. the native’s children are a strong source of their emotional security as are their romantic partners. the native’s romantic partner may be someone who grew up in the same area as the native or the same country. 

vesta in 5th: you may both find it easy to devote yourselves to sacred acts of creativity. you may help inspire each other to make art, music, or theatrical performances that are divinely inspired. you may also share a love of devoting yourselves to helping others discover their own artistic talents. this relationship can be a source of inspiration and you help each other find empowerment and confidence. you may feel as if you’ve both given up some aspects of your childhood but in doing so, you both have sensitivity to the needs of children to have exploration, play and encouragement.

6th house: in the composite chart, the 6th house can show how you approach daily life and the mundane together, how you work together (whether professionally or personally), and the general health of the relationship

aquarius 6th house: with the composite 6th house in aquarius, you may want to have a daily life that is interesting and keeps you on your toes together. you may get bored easily when you’re not trying new things together, or experimenting with little things, in little ways. you may want more independence in your daily life from one another, or take a different, unusual, unconventional approach to deal with issues that come up.

6th house ruler in 4th house: routine is often centered around the natives family and home life, the importance of routine was likely to be taught in the home. routine may provide the native with a sense of emotional security and can prove to be important in the native’s retirement years. the native may be inclined to work from a home office or studio and may even specialize in work that is relating to the home such as renovation or interior design. the native’s work may be done with their family and can often be continued into retirement. when it comes to pets, it’s likely that the native’s pets will be considered one of the family and is often vital to the native’s sense of emotional security. their pets may bring out the native’s more nurturing side and can often be important to the native in the years before death. health and fitness may be very important to the native’s sense of emotional security and illness are likely to affect this. illness is likely to make the natives find it difficult to feel grounded. it’s likely that illness is experienced by the mother which may be passed on. 

north node in 6th: through attending to details and regular routines, you can both help each other expand beyond your comfort zone. your shared destiny as a couple may be intricately related to your work. the routines that bring you both a sense of security can be central to you both finding a path to success. this relationship can help you both find confidence and empowerment as you are encouraged to be true to your higher mission. your work and shared duties and tasks all help you both solidify a foundation that can bring you closer to your higher purpose as a couple. you’re brought together with an important mission involving healing and service to others. you may encourage each other to get beyond your comfort zone and follow this spiritual path to creating healing and stability for others.

celeb's masterlist

crd:

1h + 1h ruler

2h + 2h ruler + composite lilith in houses + composite juno in houses

3h + 3h ruler

4h + 4h ruler + composite eros in houses

5h + 5h ruler + composite vesta in houses

6h + 6h ruler + composite north node in houses

[108garys]

Grievance

For some reason my Eric/Nick stuff always ends up being super kingkay adjacent pre build up to the point where I'm not sure how much it should be considered ship stuff given we don't make it to the docks but regardless here's a late ish, sort of birthday fic for Nick(does it count if it's not from his pov? lol)

At anyrate it's less than a month post game, Salim went home and Rachel was killed post infection

Eric sat on the edge of his bed feeling low.

Three days from now he'd be back home, three years past his life was altered by marriage and tragedy and three weeks ago he lost Rachel… First emotionally and then physically. Ending their relationship in favour of a new path… mere hours between reunion, the confession to her affair and the end…

He had seen what Clarice had gone through. He didn't want that for her… He could never forgive Kolchek for doing what had to be done, no matter how much of a mercy it was for both and despite it all he understood the necessity… It was a different world deep down in that hell, normal rules didn't apply, Salim was proof of that… he resents Jason but blames himself, everything came back to his failings… and Sargent Nick Kay? The other man. What can he say? He took his wife and then she died… He brought her there… He cut the rope and drove her away… They had attacked each other viciously, blaming each other… He cut the rope to save himself, he killed her in that moment of truth and he could not fault her choices… They all did what they had to do to survive but he wishes he hadn't.

…under the rage and grief and blame he had respect for the man… Despite it all he followed his lead, patched his wounds without hesitation, not mocking his broken heart and had saved him when it would be so much easier to get him out of the way… In time he may even have been able to be amicable…

He wonders if Nick had intended to survive placing the charges… He wonders if he would have, after everything he's not sure he would… It would be far more dignified to die in the line of duty, buried with his wife, remembered… Not a widower who failed and must carry the weight of wishing he was merely a divorcee… Day after day he is constantly surrounded by noise and people and questions and tests in repetition and yet the isolation was crushing, the others were friends, they would stay in touch and support each other and he'd have not a soul who truly knew what he went through-

A knock at the door pulled him from his spiral. He took a moment, breathing to compose himself, holding his ring to touch base before answering. "It's open." he calls out, getting up from the bed. "Colonel." Nick greeted, looking as bad as Eric felt. "Not for long after this." it was awkward, both were waiting for the other to scream and yell and come to blows but instead Nick clears his throat, his nose scrunched up in thought as he found the right words to say… "I know am the last person you want to see, well… ever, but I had to say it," he looks him in the eye, his eyes are red from recently shed tears. Much like Eric's own. "I owe you my life, you put yourself on the line for me even knowing what I did, even having every reason not to." Eric looks away for a moment, his own thoughts echoed back in such a surreal way as the Sargent continues. "It was brave and selfless and I… I'm sorry."

Silence filled the room, there was so much more to say, and just as easily he could scoff and curse and throw him out but he just stares at him, only now occurring to him that as much as the Sargent was close to Jason, that shot had likely felt just as cruel… He didn't know where to put this revelation… The object of his ire, THE other man, was the only person capable of understanding his grief… He could see it in his eyes, a complex storm of emotions in every response he could give, the instinct to deny it clashing with the desperate clawing need to break out of this oppressive loneliness. He nods. "You did the same for me… You're a good soldier," He couldn't call him a good man and truly mean it, still so raw and so he says something he does believe, his wording deliberate. "What you did down there showed courage."

"I was an ass," Nick shakes and head and Eric can't bring himself to disagree, sitting back on the bed, taking a deep breath as he runs his hand through his hair. He shakes his head and laments. "I shouldn't have hit you, sorry." He concedes as Nick pulls up the only chair in the room to sit across from him, a humourless chuckle escaping him. "You've got a mean right hook, can't say it was undeserved." Eric smiles weakly, he looks up at the man across from him. "You gave as good as you got." He decides to step into this uncertain territory, seeing the familiar worn look on Nick's face, taking in the small freckles and small scrapes across his dark features. In the buried depths of himself he can understand it, her and them… But he's not truly ready to go there, not even privately. So he admits to what he can. "We were both out of line, maybe if we put our differences aside we could have been better prepared… Maybe Rachel…" He stops, the sentence too painful to finish, he looks back to his ring, pain flooding his being at the touch of the cool metal, he shuts his eyes, he can't do this, he can't handle it. He doesn't look up as he hears the scrap of the chair across the floor as Nick leans forward nor when he felt the other man's hand on his shoulder, reassuring him. How long has it been since he's received such a touch? "We don't know that! You did everything you could."

"I cut the rope, I killed her." the first tear slips down his face as he confronts his guilt, his voice shaking as it had then and instead of anger he is met with a grasp on his other shoulder, he looks up and sees his own grief mirrored. "You didn't, those things did." he continues before Eric can protest. "You did exactly what you were supposed to do, Rachel said it herself, you followed protocol… You didn't… Not you, not Jason… That damn parasite is the only thing responsible…" Nick looks down, his grip tightening on Eric's shoulders. Eric takes his shaking hands and places them over Nick's, the other man putting up no resistance as he takes his hands and holds them between them in silence, letting this feeling wash over him, entwining Nick's grief with his own. Simply being in this moment, no longer facing it alone… In a way he feels like it's what Rachel would have preferred. In this moment he makes a decision. Although his grief, his resentment and jealousy towards the other man feel insurmountable… Although he feels a complex mix of anger and almost need to be reflected, to be understood… Although he hasn't forgiven Nick or himself…

He's going to try.

__

@kassiekole22 @delurkr @ctrvpani @tinynightmarewoman

@eframschweigersskincells

[backjustforberena]

do you have any headcanons about how show!rhaenys discovered corlys's infidelity? i find it hard to imagine a scenario where she wouldn't at least try to confront him. so, the fact that she never mentioned it to corlys makes me think that how she found out must have played a big role in her decision to stay silent

No. That's the short answer. I don't have any headcanons, because I can't ascertain when she might have found out, and that seems crucial to me. So I'm unable to venture much further into the territory than that.

Although, on a broader point, I do find it reconcilable with Rhaenys's character to know that they've never spoken of it or Rhaenys has never "confronted" him. I can see a scenario in which that could have happened, especially if she finds out after the end of the affair or at a time in which she is either already emotionally vulnerable or Corlys is absent.

To me, that fits, potentially, because whilst she is unafraid of conflict, she is also unwilling to incite it if the outcome is only more pain - she doesn't go around confronting every hurt or slight or betrayal over and over again in a pointless and angry cycle. She doesn't bring up topics if there is nothing to be gained by it or if enough time has passed to make it irrelevant to her current state.

So, for example, she only brings up the paternity of Rhaenyra's sons when it becomes an immediate political problem and she can do something pragmatic or get something that she wants by engaging with those facts - ten years after it first becomes a reality with Jace's birth, and, again, with all of that, it seems that Rhaenys and Corlys have never spoken of it until the night of Laena's funeral.

She doesn't bring up Laenor's murder to Rhaenyra during Season 2 because the priority is to fight the war and to actually support Rhaenyra and be trusted by her because that is what is necessary. It would do them no good to clear the air when it could undo the relationship that both need for strength because all of Rhaenys's eggs (as it were) are in Rhaenyra's basket: Rhaenyra is Rhaenys's best hope and monarch.

Rhaenys, likewise, doesn't foster any consequences or rash acts as a response to Daemon and Rhaenyra's marriage. She takes Baela to ward and she keeps out of the drama, when she could have plotted and conspired or, at the very least, engendered a hatred for them in Baela as she raised her. None of that happens.

She disassociates from her own claim to the Iron Throne during Viserys's rule because, despite her prevailing feelings on the subject, she cannot change the past, undo the hurt, or rectify the fact that she was never crowned. She cannot rewrite anything and so stays in the present.

So there is a pattern there - to me. One of consistently putting some other goal before an emotional outburst. One of burying a hurt to save face or pride. One of being noble when to be otherwise would only make her base. One of putting the present before the past.

What would a confrontation with Corlys achieve? That's the question I'd ask, in order to make any headcanons. What would she be looking to get out of it, as opposed to what can be saved and controlled by her keeping the knowledge to herself? Can anything about the past be changed? Would it alter anything about the future, and if so, what? For good or ill?

Is it to stop the behaviour? What if it already has been stopped? Is it to shame Corlys? What if Rhaenys knows Corlys feels shame already? To prevent it from happening again? What if an outburst won't ensure that but some form of attentiveness would? Is it to find out everything - to what end?

Does the information she possesses feel bearable enough if left unresolved? Would the information she gains leave her worse off? I think one of the things Eve spoke to Steve about was knowing or not knowing how special this other woman was. Better to treat it as nothing, or her as nothing, perhaps, in order to minimize the importance or impact of her? Those could be possible schools of thought.

I also think that Rhaenys is a character who conceals her hurt to maintain her own power. Mystery as mastery. Confusing the act of being vulnerable with showing weakness. Giving voice to heartbreak and therefore giving power to Corlys. She could quite easily lose control of the situation and of herself, which is something I think she absolutely flinches away from. It could tear them apart - it could break what they have, she could hear and find out things she never would want to - heck, Corlys could leave her and, if nothing else, we know she doesn't like that.

But, by not confronting him, then the power and her own reaction is hers to determine. It's completely without him and anything he might say or do. It doesn't require his permission. She can make it what she wants. She has more awareness and more information and therefore more power. Even if she doesn't use it. She's got the loaded gun.

But those are unpolicied thoughts and potentially conflicting, depending on what the truth of it all was. The sad thing is that, with Rhaenys's death, we'll never really know. Unless something new comes about, or we get something in the BTS book that is coming, as far as Rhaenys's perspective goes, that's it. We have what we have to work with.

[srkonly]

'a break-up story'

This scene carries nothing but two people leaving each other in the mid-way of their 'mohabbat'

but why?

Bcz they were married?

The way Dev Saran remembered the exact date of first time his meeting Maya is not a natural 'married guy' way to say that he was thinking himself a married man that time (i.e. the time he first saw Maya in her wedding day!)

Dev saved that date as his first time seeing Maya instead of as his and Rhea's marriage anniversary!

After 4 years of that meeting when Dev again saw Maya the old love started to show up its potential this time with much more passion to be exposed and probablity of getting caught.

That didn’t stop any of them to step out of their respective conjugal life and instead it is just two people started getting close to each other in the guise of solving their own marital life disarray.

Still they both have decided to end it there when the whole marriage thing have lost its core value. Their spending night at hotel together was the last neil in the coffin of trust and faith (which as husband and wife, two people share together with the bonding called 'marriage'.)

"then Why?!"

Such an open-ended mystery.

One thing i will never believe about Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna is that this movie not for a single moment has given any encouragement to Extra-marital affair.

Without being too bias to any side or gender it has shown some core emotional-conflict between two married people who lost their courage while fighting over those in their mind. And they lost the fight to such extent that they couldn’t master up the courage to confess their fault at a proper moment.

No matter how far they've had their feelings for each other their partners got it confessed very late when in those 6 months they too were trying to confront them in their way. For Rhea she started saying and acknowledging Dev even after heavy fighting and for Rishi both argumenting and loving and showing care.

So in the end Maya who's reputation for not being capable to open her mouth at proper time broke Rishi's trust on her. Dev just ended it the most unlikely way by telling that he wants to start afresh about their marriage. Yes, it was unlikely bcz since the beginning of the movie Dev Saran never not for once showed any respect regarding his marriage with Rhea.

So, it's a request to all audience whoever wana watch it or already watched this movie, "Don't be so quick to make conclusion"

Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna is the most chaotic movie and no matter how many time you watch it this movie will trigger you every time with new thoughts to light upon.

[kingcunny]

might be a moot question bc Alyssa living to raise her sons potentially changes a bunch of shit down the line, but: do you think Alyssa would have liked/Approved of aemma? wb (assuming she lives that long for some reason), alicent? its possible some of her fondness for daella would transfer to her kid but it's also possible she'd like. project that grief onto the kid she died giving birth to. I'm spinning her around in my mind i love my toxic bi #boymom

no this is an interesting question!… honestly i think if alyssa had lived longer to raise her sons they wouldve ended up …Weirder. alyssa going through a massive psychological shift after her marriage to baelon and having children. cough cough #boymom grooming+emotional incest cough cough helicopter parenting.

just to streamline things a bit im gonna assume alyssa and baelon dont have anymore children after aegon dies. and baelon still dies when he does canonically.

i could see alyssa orginally pushing for a rhaenys/viserys marriage. (possibly) unlike baelon or jae, she has no qualms about marrying her son to someone who will walk all over him, and unlike aemon im not sure she would be concerned with what being married to a male relative would do to rhaenys claim to the throne. rhaenys and viserys are just like her and baelon when they were kids. without a sister, viserys marrying his cousin is the next best option. but after getting overruled by her brothers/father i think she would approve of aemma/vis as a counter offer. maybe attracted to the idea of having daellas daughter, the last living peice of her, close. back home. she couldnt protect daella, and maybe even blames herself a bit for her being sent away. but maybe she can protect her daughter instead? maybe that will provide her some peace?

but that would, of course, not include protecting aemma from viserys. or the grooming, sexual abuse, duties of marriage that come with being his wife. thats what aemma (and daella) actually needs protecting from, thats also one of the few things alyssa *cant* protect them from. she couldnt even save herself from it. inversely, i think alyssa would end up contributing to the grooming of aemma. maybe even doing it thinking shes helping aemma. making it easier for her. or something.

while alyssa is attracted to the *idea* of aemma, i think actually being around her would be very hard for the exact reason you mentioned. aemma would be just a constant reminder of the sister she lost. and how/why she lost her. everytime alyssa sees daella in aemma shes torn between love and grief and anger all over again. i think alyssa would *want* to be close with aemma, but theres just too many conflicts of interests.

alyssa was only 17 when she had viserys! she wouldve been 46 when he married alicent if she lived. i *could* see an argument for alyssa meeting alicent and seeing this young girl surrounded by grown men who want to sleep with her and feel her protective instincts kick in. *but*…. we need to remember alyssa wouldve met alicent after baelon dies…

a little aside cause its relevant for this- my alyssa uses valyrian supremacy as a way to cope with the generational cycles of abuse and incest. being raised on the doctrine of exceptionalism, i think it would be very hard for alyssa to accept and cope with the idea that her big brother was killed by something so mundane as *illness* that baelon the brave was brought down by *biology*. so like viserys, i think she would start looking for other explanations. 

and like viserys, the man who suddenly shot up the ranks of lords to become the second most powerful man in the kingdom, whose whispering in her fathers ear, essentially ruling in his name, sending his daughter to his rooms. would be an attractive person to blame. so i think alyssa would actually dislike alicent, through her paranoia of otto. *especially* if she learned about alicent and viserys affair… thats just sinking their claws in deeper

im not entirely sure how things would play out after aemmas death. i mean, i know it would retraumatize alyssa, daellas daughter dying the exact same way she did. alyssa failed her, again. i imagine her lashing out at viserys, blaming him. but also not wanting to give up her control over him, especially now that hes king, by doing something like, say, leaving for dragonstone.

so i dont think alyssa wouldve approved when viserys told her he wanted to marry alicent. it probably wouldve caused a huge fight between the two of them. i could see alyssa wanting him to marry laena, for the same reasons that she wanted him to marry rhaenys. she does *not* approve of viserys marrying outside the family, *especially* to ottos daughter. he killed viserys father! and she *knows* he knows that too…

all that aside, i just dont think alyssa and alicent would get along on a personality level. alyssa is rowdy and nasty and rude. that would clash hard with alicents proper goodgirl upbringing. shed think alicent was stuck up and a prude. alicents faith i think would be another point of contention with her valyrian supremist mother in law.

but well viserys is the king now, she doesnt control him anymore, he can make his own dumb decisions. alyssa at that point i could see deciding to take a little vacation to dragonstone, skipping her sons second wedding. making her disapproval obvious.

at *best* her and alicents relationship would be extremely strained… and im not sure how much alyssa would want to interact with her grandchildren from alicent…

[karizard-ao3]

Might be just me but I feel it is likely that in a single parents cheating au their emotional affair turns physical. I can see Eren telling Mikasa it's now or never and for her to leave Eduardo for him

Idk where that would leave Adri's and Mason's relationship? Lara would be even more bitter and Eduardo would feel his male ego is in tatters. Don't you think Mason would likely confront Eren and Mikasa about this when he is older even if he loves Eren as his dad?

So, I somewhat agree that there will be a physical element. I think that it would not happen until right at the end, and it would be the catalyst for everything that happens after (having to decide whether to start a purposeful affair, whether to leave their partners and be together officially, and anything else that may happen as a result of either choice). However, I'm not sure that they would sleep together because I imagine their confession happening in a public place.

Idk, here is kind of the breakdown of how I would see it playing out.

Armin's party happens, but they are both married and bring their spouses to the party. They can't hide the fact that they both get flustered on seeing each other or that they can't stop looking at each other. They both justify it to their partners and themselves as just being excited to see an old friend.

They mostly see each other through Armin, but they do find an excuse to exchange numbers and start texting. Lara doesn't like it, so Eren hides it from her. He doesn't consider it cheating because he just wants to talk to his friend.

Mikasa does actually tell Eduardo about texting Eren to see if he'll care at all, but he just shrugs it off.

They make plans to hang out with Armin and invite each other and their spouses and kids over and stuff like that, all under the guise of friendship, but their feelings are starting to grow and become more intense and it's becoming obvious to people around them. Lara tells Eren she wants him to stop spending time with Mikasa and that's when he has to accept that he simply does not want to and he still has feelings for her. That also means he needs to contend with the fact that he is breaking his very serious promise never to betray Lara. Mikasa has probably already realized her own feelings, but she doesn't want to be a bad person, so she tries to tamp them down. I think she puts more effort into her marriage and making things good with Eduardo as a way to try to ward them off.

Ah, this is taking longer than I thought. I gotta wrap this up and head out to work because I know if I save it as a draft, I will never remember to finish answering it.

Basically, the feelings and the desire for each other keeps building. It starts to cause issues with their partners and conflict within themselves. They haven't even admitted they like each other yet. They've been dancing around their feelings, maybe testing the waters a little bit but never actually coming out and saying it. They are trying to stay faithful to their marriages.

I imagine it gets to the point that the only time they see each other is at the grocery store, because they've gotten in the habit of going at the same time (they each are the grocery shoppers for their households). Eren walks her out to her car after they pay because it's dark and, after all this time, they finally admit they love each other. They kiss, probably pretty passionately, but they have frozen groceries and their partners are expecting them both home, so they leave it at that. And that's when shit really starts happening and it gets messy. But I'm not sure if they are making arrangements to sleep together, so much as trying to figure out what they are supposed to do now.

Actually, I am pretty interested in this pining for another while married thing. Maybe I'll write an original short story inspired by the concept. I think that would be a fun challenge. How do you make people care about characters in an emotional affair when they do not already ship them? Or, how do you make them interesting? I think I will work on that once I finish my zombie apocalypse school pickup draft.

Oh, and to answer your final question, I think the kids would hate Eren and Mikasa because kids are perceptive and they would rightly identify that they are responsible for the inevitable divorces that would follow. I don't think that they would have good relationships with the kids like they do in bless this mess if it were a cheating au. I think it would actually hurt their relationships with their own kids as well, especially since I'm sure Lara would tell Adri what Daddy did.

But, I absolutely need to get going now. Sorry this wasn't longer or more detailed!

[librosamarillos]

passed down like folk songs

chapter 23: sad beautiful tragic

Maegor Targaryen x OC

Also on Ao3

chapter index

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

Aenys was in a weird mood with so many emotions happening in him. He was over the moon with the new pregnancy. Alyssa was convinced they were to have a boy and they even made a bet on it. He didn’t care if they got a daughter or a son, he already had a secure line of succession with Aegon and Viserys, so he felt completely relaxed with any babe that came their way. It was still too soon to announce it, so they kept it within the family, except the children, who had little filter in their young ages. 

But then he felt completely crushed by the revelation of his brother the other day. He said so much with such few words. His little brother was practically a stranger, a person with a deep private life that Aenys never really got to be a part of. He knew that many things bothered Maegor, their father especially. Aenys knew that Maegor’s marriage, much like his own, was arranged in such a way as to strengthen their house and the crown. Aenys met Alyssa when they were both young, as it was their grandparents’ wish to unite their houses again, as their own grandmother was also a Velaryon, so they had time to bond and grow closer. He thought that Maegor was simply having some trouble understanding his bride, since she wasn’t of Valyrian descent, he never imagined that there was someone else. Upon the mere mention of Lady Rowan’s name, his whole demeanour changed, his eyes filling with sorrow, the kind that can only come to be from love. 

Could that be it? Could there be some secret affair happening between him and his mother’s lady in waiting? No, that surely couldn’t be- from what he saw and remembered, Rowan was a pious and proper young lady, not to mention a dear friend of his goodsister. And surely Ceryse had no idea, maybe suspicions? What a mess this all was. He felt bad for everyone. When Rowan spoke to him of Maegor, her eyes held such a softness and fondness for him, in a way that Aenys was ashamed to admit that he never imagined anyone having for his brother. He tried his best to remember any glimpses he could’ve caught of them in their youth, but they were always on Dragonstone, whereas he was in King’s Landing. But the few times he remembered them, his little brother seemed to only be close to her, and in turn, she seemed to be the only one who didn’t flinch away or fear him. He sighed. There were definitely feelings involved.

His mother- oh, his dear mother, she had always warned him to be wary of Maegor, to keep him away from his council, to be suspicious of him. His father was also keen on advising him against bringing Maegor to the table, though neither specified much. He missed them so dearly, but he had to admit, they’d be disappointed in him if they saw how he ran his council, leaving the planning to his aunt Visenya, sending Maegor off to face the battle, making him his hand. His mother would be furious with him. She never was, Aenys couldn’t recall a single time where his mother was angry at him, but he knew if she were here, she’d be enraged. It was like he could hear her voice reminding him how violent his brother was, how truly dangerous he could be, but Aenys shook his head. His brother was doing what needed to be done. He was the one that was saving the crown, and Aenys was never too proud to admit that. He missed out on having a brother, but he felt that perhaps, after the slight crack he saw the other day, that they might finally be close. 

He wondered why they grew up so separated, he understood, of course, the importance of holding both the capital as well as their ancestral seat, but it felt like they were raised apart on purpose. Now, the more he thought about it, the more it felt like there was a lot that was kept from him. From his eyes, his parents were happy and in love and were dedicated to raising him. He remembered his mother struggling a lot with the fact that she couldn’t seem to fall pregnant again, which resulted in her putting all of her energy and love onto him. He felt bad that he wouldn’t get to have more siblings, so he naturally asked about his younger brother. He remembered how both of their faces changed. He recalled being dismissed, any question or suggestion being shut down when it related to Maegor. He didn’t remember much of his aunt Visenya when he was a child. He used to think it was because Maegor was still a baby then, that he’d eventually get to meet him, but thinking back as an adult, it seemed that she avoided his parents much like they avoided her.

It was a tough thing to do, to put yourself in your parents’ shoes, but that’s what he was trying to do. He tried to imagine what it was like for his mother, to have to share the man she loved. Perhaps that was why his father kept both Visenya and Maegor at bay, out of love for his mother, to protect her feelings. It made him smile, the warmth between his parents, how much his father adored his mother. But the smile soon faded when his thoughts went to his aunt. She scared him, even as a child he had no fond memories of her. She was cold, humourless, strict and scary, and Maegor grew to be much of the same. Despite his longing to be closer to them, he blamed it on his aunt mostly, which thinking back on it now, wasn’t fair. He never thought what she must’ve felt like, to be cast aside by her siblings, her own husband, raising her son alone… He felt so much guilt at that moment. He never spared a thought about all of this before. His aunt was all he had, but he never thought of her as a human before. It scared him, how easily he had dismissed her as a person, all because his parents seemed to do that with no care in the world.

His parents were perfect in his eyes, but this… this felt so wrong. After his mother’s tragic death, he remembered the moment his aunt returned to stay. They had a few nasty fights with his father, but things seemed to be alright, even warm between them. It felt so wrong and strange to see his father holding a woman that was not his mother, but that wasn’t fair for him to feel, was it? He then remembered something that made his eyes go wide. 

He overheard the servants whispering that his brother had a nasty argument with their father. If his memory served him right, not even a day later, his engagement to Ceryse was announced. Aenys stood silently in his solar for what felt like forever. It was true then. Maegor fought their father about the union- he didn’t just have feelings for Rowan, he planned to marry her. Gods, how blind had he been this whole time? It was all right there in front of him for so long. His brother was miserable because of their father, and now that Rowan was back, they both had to be around each other and pretend that it was all normal. He sat down on his chair, his hands on his face, his eyes still wide with surprise. It all made sense now, why his brother refused any offer Aenys had put out, because he couldn’t annul his marriage to Ceryse, he couldn’t give him what he truly wanted. 

He felt awful for all three of them. Ceryse was such a lovely person, he loved having her as his goodsister. Despite not spending that much time together, she truly felt like a friend to him, despite any hesitations she might’ve had at first. Alyssa also grew to like her very much. He never got any inclination that she had any feelings for his brother, which in a way now relieved him despite it being strange to him at first. He supposed it was because she was older than him, she was much closer to Aenys’ age than Maegor’s and he thought that maybe she found it hard to bond with him, but now he understood that it was his little brother that was so completely closed off. The two seemed to just be cordial with each other, if he didn’t know them, he would’ve never guessed the two knew each other, let alone be married. He wondered if Ceryse knew. 

She was so close to Rowan, she had mentioned her friendship with her many times, and it made Aenys worry. He wasn’t even in the middle of the mess, yet he was stressed for them. Was there something happening between Maegor and Rowan? If Ceryse knew, did she simply not care? Aenys shook his head silently. No, if there was something more… intimate between them, surely his brother would be in a much better mood. No, it must be a line they refuse to cross. Rowan wouldn’t do that to her friend, and Maegor… well, Maegor wouldn't do that, would he?

Aenys sighed and got up. He would somehow talk with his brother about this all. But not now. Now there was the feast in his honour, for all he had done for the crown and by extension, the realm. He didn’t want to admit it, especially not after the years and years of preparations his father gave him, but he found the most joy in planning the feast. The council, the throne, the crown, they exhausted him, they worried and stressed him and it took a toll. He supposed the transition between two Kings was difficult and soon things would become easier, but this break was so needed. He loved to pick out all the fabrics, all the details, the foods, which singers to invite, it all brought him so much joy. 

A knock on the door and a servant entering interrupted his stream of thought. The young man was here to announce that two special guests had arrived, Ceryse’s two brothers, Martyn and Morgan. She was so excited to have them here, he made it a point to greet them himself. He pushed back all his worries and smoothed his robes, straightening the golden, ornate crown on his head and made way to greet them both. 

The day of the feast came by quickly and Aenys was buzzing with excitement. He was eager to do something for people to celebrate, to take their minds off the hardships. He smiled at imagining his family happy, Alyssa was most fond of feasts and he was sure that Rhaena, Aegon and Viserys would have an absolute blast with all the musicians and singers Aenys invited. He was worried that his wife would be too ill to attend, the early days of pregnancy being difficult for her, but it was perfect luck that she was just fine. Alyssa was glowing. They hadn’t told their children yet, as they would be eager to share the news. 

It didn’t escape his eyes that Rowan was quite fast at work, helping arrange everything. She wasn’t directly in his own circle of work, but he could tell his aunt was making sure the feast in her son’s name was perfect. He knew what she was doing. She was throwing herself into her work as a distraction from everything. He couldn’t blame her. It couldn’t be an easy task to be his aunt’s lady in waiting. He still remembered the previous ones leaving in tears within a few days. But Rowan didn’t crack, if anything, she seemed to flourish in the role.

There was a lot on his mind, but Aenys chose to focus on the evening. The great hall was decorated beautifully, giant tables stretching across, filled with lords and ladies from houses great and small, all in good moods, the music pleasant and upbeat. Maegor was seated next to him, to his right, then to his left Alyssa who was lightly scolding Aegon for nearly spilling the wine everywhere. He hadn’t had much chance to speak to his brother before now, as he said he was busy talking over important matters with many of the attending lords. How diligent he was, to still be working on a day dedicated to him. He seemed to be glowing too, a slight smile on his usually scowling lips. Aenys smiled and rose from his seat, urging everyone to be silent as he spoke.

“Thank you everyone for joining me today, in celebrating my brother. Prince Maegor bravely and diligently fought to keep our realm safe from danger, fighting with honour and prestige, not resting until all danger was gone. Let us all raise our cups to my dear brother!” he spoke loudly, raising his cup, smiling as everyone followed suit. “To Prince Maegor!” they all chanted. He could see his brother smiling, a kind of smile one would have to look closely to make sure it was there, but Aenys could tell he was satisfied. Maegor too got up to speak.

“It is an honour to be celebrated in such a matter, your grace. Let it be known to all, that I shall continue to serve the dragon’s legacy restlessly, and I will not stop until each and every last one of the traitors have paid in fire and blood.” he spoke with his deep and harsh voice. Aenys thought at that moment that it was his little brother who looked and sounded like a King. The crowd of people cheered at his words and Aenys smiled.

“Let the music play on!” he clapped his hands after placing his cup on the table. He could see from the corner of his eyes that his aunt was smiling at her son so proudly. Despite how much she frightened him, she was still, at her core, a mother who loved her son and was glowing with pride at his achievements. 

Everyone chatted lightly as they ate, mostly keeping to ‘their side’ of the family. Maegor and his mother often only spoke in High Valyrian, something that he avoided doing in the presence of the people. He wanted to show them all that he was accepting and adapting to their language and customs, something his aunt and brother were clearly not interested in. He’d talk to him about it perhaps, but now was a night just for him. He didn’t let that bother him. Soon the meals finished and the music picked up and as the wines kept flowing, people naturally began to dance. Alyssa was too tired to do so, so Aenys indulged his little Rhaena to dance around.

After tiring himself quite a lot, he returned to the head table to find Ceryse laughing with her brother, Martyn, the heir to the Hightower. She only seemed to be at ease when around her two lady friends and her family. He now knew why. Maegor was back to his usual frown. Aenys noticed how hard his brother was gripping his goblet of wine. The look in Maegor’s eyes sent a shiver down his spine. His eyes discreetly went to find the source of such wroth, and of course they landed on two familiar faces. Ceryse’s youngest brother, Morgan, had asked the Lady Rowan to dance, and it seemed that the two were getting along, as they were both laughing at something- much to Maegor’s dismay.

Aenys frowned. His heart truly ached for him, and for Ceryse and for Rowan. Truly, he never pictured that his brother would ever be in love, but now, knowing what he knew, it all pointed to this being love. He caught the look of longing he was giving to Rowan, while she danced with Morgan. It was all so obvious to him now, how could it not be. He patted Maegor on the shoulder, giving him an understanding smile. Maegor seemed almost alarmed, but soon just sighed silently. 

“It’s a lovely feast, brother. Thank you.” he said, sipping his wine, trying to keep his eyes from the lady with the long auburn curls. It warmed his heart a bit, to hear that he felt so at ease with calling him his brother now. Before, he used to address him strictly as ‘your grace’ or ‘half-brother’ but now, it was like proof they were becoming closer. For once, after their father’s passing, the future seemed bright.

Ceryse finally felt relaxed, at ease. Having Martyn and Morgan back had lifted a huge weight she didn’t know she was carrying on her shoulders. She just felt so happy to be around them again. The feast was pleasant, she enjoyed it mainly because she wasn’t awkwardly sitting between Maegor and Visenya while they spoke in another language and ignoring her. This time around, she had her brothers. Eventually, she went to retire to her rooms, as there was only so much socialising she could handle in one evening.

Martyn joined her, and they sat on her couch in front of the furnace with a glass of wine each. Ceryse felt like she was both exhausted and energised, a strange, contradictory combination. 

“I know father didn’t want the entire family away from home all at once, but why couldn't Anne come with Norman? I miss my goodsister and nephew way too much! I shall complain to father with a strongly worded letter at once!” she laughed, taking a sip of her wine. Martyn laughed as well, his normal serious personality relaxing a bit after a few cups of wine. She missed Anne dearly. Norman was a toddler now, probably speaking in full sentences too, and here she was in the capital, so far from them. 

“She wanted to come more than ever, but it’s not like she can travel in her condition.” he replied with a small smile. Immediately her mind went to the worst. What sickness could prevent her goodsister from making the trip, was it contagious, was little Norman sick too, was it all serious? Ceryse straightened her back and fully faced her oldest brother, her face full of worry for them all.

“Oh no! Is she alright? I hope it’s not a fever, you know how serious a fever can get-”

“She’s with child, Ceryse!” Martyn laughed, patting her on the shoulder as if to calm her down. A wave of relief washed over her, and she let out a sigh, her hand on her chest to calm her racing heart, before she smacked her brother on the shoulder.

“Gods, Martyn! Why did you say it like that? I thought something horrible had happened!” she scolded him with a wide smile on her face, before she placed her goblet on the table and gave him a hug. “Congratulations! How does she fare? I hope it’s not as hard as the first one with Norman.” she said, feeling guilty she wasn’t there to help Anne out, both with her pregnancy as well as Norman. 

“Thank you. She fares well, much better than before. She’s only two moons along, so it’s early.” he smiled. For all his seriousness, her brother really grew to love his lady wife. Anne wrote to her often, the news of her nephew’s wellbeing being her favourite to receive, she was sure he would be delighted to have a sibling. Perhaps a bit jealous at first, but was that not normal for children?

“I hope it continues to be easier for Anne. Promise me you’ll give her all my kisses!” she grinned, wishing she could congratulate her in person. Distance was truly awful. “Are you hoping for another son, or a daughter? I’d love to have a niece too!” she said, picking up her goblet again, relaxing into the couch. 

“Another son is always a good thing, but of course I’d be delighted with a daughter.” Martyn said, smiling into his own goblet. He seemed both excited and worried at the same time, all hidden behind the face of diplomacy that was so important to their family. The earliest stage of pregnancy was the most dangerous one, that’s all she heard the midwives and maesters say, as it was not uncommon for women to miscarry early on. Anne wasn’t that early into her second pregnancy, but still, it could be nerve wracking to be away from her for a whole fortnight. She understood her brother’s worry, because it was now hers as well. She’d make it a priority to make an offering to the mother for her goodsister, to protect her and her babe.

Ceryse couldn’t help but feel a small twinge of hurt in her heart. She had hoped she would be announcing her own pregnancy at some point. She knew it was necessary to solidify the union between the two families, their ties to the crown. She was the first outsider to marry into the new royal family, and she still had no heir to show for it. She knew Maegor was getting more and more frustrated with her, but for all they knew it could be his own fault. Still, the world would not hesitate to blame her for the lack of children in their marriage. She didn’t care if Maegor was angry, not at all. Yes, he was a terrifying man when he was angry, and people rightfully feared him for it, but she genuinely did not care if she had somehow invoked his wrath. She knew that she had done nothing wrong. What did worry her was letting her family down by not having kids. She’d be putting her house in a very complicated position and the last thing she wanted was to make things harder for them.

She wondered what her uncle thought of her now. The High Septon of Oldtown had placed her into a role that was difficult, but he believed in her. It warmed her heart the more she thought about him, but she felt guilty that she had yet to fall pregnant. The horrible thought that perhaps something was wrong with her came again. Was it because of her age? But she knew many women, much older than her, that had plenty of children later in life. Perhaps the gods wanted her to be more patient. She’d pray to the mother in the morning. 

“Morgan seemed to be enjoying himself, did he not?” Martyn asked, looking at her with raised brows, as if to tell her that she knew what he was implying. Ceryse cracked a smile. Oh, their little brother. Morgan, despite being a formidable young knight, was easy going, but hated everything the Targaryens seemed to stand for. According to Martyn, he was complaining the whole time about having to visit the capital, how it was an ugly city, that they had to put up with the Targaryens for two weeks. And yet he seemed to relax quite a lot at the feast. She laughed lightly.

“I’m glad. I was worried that he’d be a grump for the entirety of your stay here.” she chuckled, sipping her wine once more. He seemed to be in a great mood the more the evening progressed. He began the feast rather frustrated, annoyed at how dismissive both Maegor and Visenya were, but after some wine, he took to socialising with the rest of the crowd, as well as someone else.

“He seemed quite taken with that friend of yours. Did you see how long they were dancing together? I’m betting you he’s still dancing with her right now.” Martyn laughed. Ceryse nodded, still smiling. She did take note about how well Morgan got along with Rowan. She had never seen her younger brother have any crush, not that she knew of, but the way he was acting tonight, she knew Martyn was right. He was quite charmed.

“Rowan? Yes, I’d say they make quite the handsome pair, do they not? But alas, I must warn our baby brother that there’s another man chasing her at the moment.” she sighed dramatically, humour in her voice. 

“Oh? Someone I know?” he asked, turning to her. It was hilarious how keen Martyn was of court gossip once he drank a few cups of wine. She wanted to tease him for it, but decided against it in the end. Normally he would argue that it was bordering a sin to indulge in gossip, but even their uncle, the High Septon, would chuckle.

“Tybolt Lannister.” replied Ceryse. The Lannisters were the former Kings of Casterly Rock, and despite bending the knee to Aegon the Conqueror, they didn’t lack any lion’s pride. Tybolt was a cheerful and kind man, albeit cocky to the point it got annoying. The lions were a smart family to marry into, for sure.

“Oh, him? He was at the feast was he not?” he asked, furrowing his brow while trying to remember for certain. Ceryse was certainly paying attention. While her goodmother and husband were chatting next to her in their own language, her eyes searched around the room. You could see so much from the high table, with the imposing iron throne behind it. She was just looking for Tybolt, as the current talks she had with Lana and Rowan revolved around teasing the latter about the man with the golden hair and his obvious flirting. 

“Yes, he was at the feast, sulking, if I may add, because I believe he couldn’t be the one dancing with her. He’s still too injured to walk for too long, he carries a golden cane with the shape of a lion’s head on the handle.” she chuckled. The Lannisters spared no expense when it came to theatrics, that was certain. Lana had a field day laughing about it and warning Rowan that she’d probably have to wear lion inspired dresses and jewels for the rest of her life if she married him. The three had a good laugh about it.

“Why so injured?” Martyn raised a brow. Ceryse remembered the moment she saw the man after the battle, in the gardens. Gods, he looked quite beaten up, but then again, he could’ve been dead. A few bruises and a limp that would heal, those were nothing in comparison.

“He was one of the knights Maegor chose to go with him. To tell you the truth, I don’t think he likes him that much.” she said, her voice thoughtful. In truth, she didn’t understand her husband’s choice in taking Tybolt with him at all. He was a very young knight, barely a year since he was knighted, certainly there was no need for him to be dragged into battle and cost the Lannisters a son. But then again, she didn’t understand Maegor at all. Who knew what his reasons were? Mayhaps the young Lannister had angered him and he thought to scare him and his family by dragging him in battle.

“I cannot imagine why not!” her brother replied with humour. Martyn was a man who did not like the careless excess of the Lannisters, he made it no secret. He enjoyed more subtle and tasteful symbols of power, rather than the loud and in your face approach they took. She didn’t disagree at all. If they were any less confident, it would all be so tacky. She often found what Aenys wore to be quite tacky, but somehow, he would make it work. Her goodbrother held no superiority complex like the lions did, but perhaps that was because of how drilled into him it had been since he was a child. He dressed just like his mother did. The late Queen Rhaenys, the few times Ceryse happened to see her, was always dressed in such a fashion that gave away lack of knowledge of the histories and fashions of the Westerosi. She always dressed as if she had just encountered money and went on a shopping spree and couldn’t decide on what to wear, so she wore it all at once. To the untrained eye, she’d look good. But those in the know, they dared say nothing, for fear of their lives.

“Oh, hush! Lord Tybolt is a fine man.” She kicked his leg lightly. It was true, he was just fine. Not great or amazing, just fine. 

“Are you implying he’d make a finer match than our very own dear brother?” her brother asked with a gasp. Ceryse couldn’t help but laugh, pinching the bridge of her nose. 

“Oh, do not put words in my mouth!” she laughed, throwing a pillow at him, but not hard enough to actually knock his goblet out of his hands. Martyn was certainly quite funny when tipsy. She’d make sure to write that to Anne to make fun of him. 

“How very cold of you, Ceryse! It would break Morgan’s heart to hear that you’re rooting for his competition!” her brother shook his head in disappointment, hardly containing the chuckles. It was rather amusing. 

“I’m not rooting for anyone! Tybolt is not officially courting her, and if Morgan wishes to, that is more than fine with me. Although I will be very mad that he’ll take one of my dearest friends away from me in the capital.” she replied. It would delight her to have Rowan join her family, but it would pain her to have her leave for Oldtown, leaving Ceryse alone once again, seeing as Lana would soon find someone to marry too. She thought about her friend. Ever since Tybolt began showing interest, she seemed very conflicted, even guilty at times. Ceryse thought nothing of it at first, Rowan was naturally quite shy, it wasn’t that crazy to think she was too nervous to respond to him. But now she saw things a bit more clearly. Rowan just didn’t like him that much. Maybe she felt like she had to accept because he was a Lannister, but that was far from the truth. She was lucky enough to have a choice in her groom, and perhaps she was trying to let him down gently. “To tell you the truth, I don’t think there is any competition at all. I don’t think Rowan will marry the Lannister.”

“Jokes aside, she’d be throwing away a stellar match.” he said, taking another sip of his wine. He was correct, of course. She would have a good life if she married him. Sure, Tybolt was the second son, but as a Lannister he enjoyed a wealth many in the realm could only dream of. But the Evergreens were also wealthy, sure, not to the same extent, but enough to never have to worry about money. So, in reality, she didn’t have to care about money. Very few women had such a luxury. And Rowan had different priorities.

“I think Casterly Rock is too far away from her home. She mentioned she wished to marry close to her family, so she could visit them often.” she recalled some of their earlier conversations, when the topic of marriage would come up. Rowan truly didn’t seem to want for much. A calm life with a kind man she could raise a family with, somewhere close to her home. It was what Ceryse had wished for too, to some extent. But she was shipped off to the capital to marry Maegor instead. She prayed her friend would get the life she dreamed of, or at least one that would make her happy.

“Oldtown is rather close to Starfall, is it not?” Martyn said, his voice suggestive as he looked at her, clearly vouching for their younger brother to ask for her hand. 

“And much prettier than Lannisport. How interesting, a few cups of wine and you’ve become a matchmaker? You’re entertaining.” she chuckled, raising her brows in surprise. 

“I’m only thinking ahead for our brother’s sake. The Evergreens have always been a close ally to us, we’ve united our houses through history. I don’t see why not.” Martyn responded, beginning to sober up. He placed his goblet on the table, reaching for water instead, to avoid a huge headache in the morning. It was another plain truth. Their great grandmother was an Evergreen, and quite a few times their houses did unite. They shared their values, they shared their views, it would be a good match.

“Let’s see how this plays out, mister matchmaker.” she laughed. The idea of them together wasn’t something she would’ve pictured before, but they’d be a fine match. Certainly finer than Tybolt. She did find him far too cocky for Rowan, she’d tire of him. Morgan could be better suited to be her husband. She’d wait and see how the two interacted through the two week stay they’d be here, to see how well they got along. Perhaps sparks could fly soon. She’d love to call Rowan her sister some day, although she wished she could remain by her side here in the capital. Maybe Morgan could find a position here, so that they’d both be close to her.

“Are you happy here, truly?” Martyn’s question caught her off guard. He sobered up too quickly, becoming quite serious as he asked. She was silent for a moment. She never disclosed their more… intimate routine, not when there was no reason to. It was a strange thing they had. A strange understanding and yet her husband felt like a complete stranger, even after a whole year. They barely spoke, sometimes fighting, but to put it into words, she just didn’t care about him much as a person.

“Happy… I suppose it’s not so bad. I’ve gotten used to things here.” she placed her cup on the table as well, abandoning the wine. She remembered her life before King’s Landing. She was the happiest then. Now… now she was just okay. She never did break the ice with the Dowager Queen, who was always cold and short with her, only bothering to address her in public. But Ceryse found her happiness in her friends. She couldn’t claim any happiness without Lana and Rowan, truly. Despite both Alyssa and Aenys welcoming her with open arms, they still felt like strangers to her, foreigners despite being born here. Perhaps the Valyrians were truly not human, as she sometimes felt like she was talking to people so strange that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. The KIng and Queen were nice, but they’d never understand and see her the way her friends did.

“And the Prince? Does he treat you well?” Martyn asked, his eyes asking her much more. He worried for her, she could tell. He wanted to discuss much more, but didn’t want to push her too much. She chose to not bring up any infertility worries that she had, as it had only been a year. For all she knew, they’d have a child by the next. A niece or nephew for little Norman.

“He’s annoying, a bit immature, but we tolerate each other well enough.” she admitted. He really was annoying to her, his constant brooding. He clearly had so much on his mind, yet refused to communicate. She never pushed him, nor tried to ask him to, assuming that he had his mother to speak with for whatever bothered him. When he was named hand, she was happy that he wasn’t around as much. Whenever he was seen around the castle, it was like he was carrying with him this huge dark cloud of rain. He was such a mystery still, but Ceryse knew better than to be curious.

“Ah, I see…” Martyn nodded, his eyes apologetic. She knew he had hoped she’d marry into a family that was more welcoming and more, well… normal, but such was the way of the gods. She never pretended to understand their reasons.

“Worry not. I have my friends here. Lana and Rowan keep me company, though you scheme to take Rowan away to Oldtown. The King and Queen are lovely company too, even though now they’re busier than ever.” she smiled, trying to lighten the mood once more. The hour was growing late and she didn’t want to go to bed on a sad note. Martyn didn’t seem that much impressed, still dwelling into his worries.

“The King seems like a good man.” he spoke up after a while. It was a loaded sentence, full of meaning. Aenys was a good man, not a good King. Martyn worried for the stability of the crown, and its legitimacy now that the Conqueror was gone. Their house was now bound to theirs, so of course as the heir to the Hightower, Martyn had to consider the fact that they had to call their bannermen to defend the Targaryens. He worried this would come soon. Ceryse was afraid of that outcome. Wars and uprisings were ugly things that would devastate the smallfolk most of all. She only hoped that the rebellions were a small hiccup in Aenys’ reign, and that things would fall into place for him soon, but something in her was telling her to run. Something in her was warning her.

“He is.” But that was not enough.

taglist:@heartstalked@stupidocupido@discowizard88@slytherisstuff

[oncexinxmyxdreams]

Encanto OC Event Week 1: Mercedes Reyes

I can't draw at all and read that picrew is okay. Does DollDivine count? 😅

Moodboard for Mercedes. 🎨

Full Name: Mercedes Yarisel Cordova Reyes.

DOB: October 20th, 1899. Died June 26th, 1935.

POB: Bogota, Colombia.

Likes/Hobbies: Painting, long walks, exploring, rock collecting, swimming, dancing, and reading romance novels.

Dislikes: Arguing, being bored, her mother’s dismissiveness and people mistreating others.

MBTI: INFP

Height: Exactly 5 feet tall though she was an inch taller than Bruno at one point.

Hair Color/Style: Dark brown. Mid-back length and no bangs. She'd like changing the hairstyle every day and wear a pretty sunhat when outdoors.

Eye color: Jade green.

Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual.

Voice: Zulay Henao.

Positive Traits: Compassionate, loyal, idealistic, easygoing, romantic and a dreamer.

Negative Traits: Self-conscious, overly private and a bit too unrealistic. Is very hard on herself when she fails.

Habits: Nibbles pencils while writing.

Talents: Skilled in watercolor and dancing.

Pets: Two donkeys named Diego and Eliana.

Favorite Food: Arroz de Lisa (rice, vegetables and salted fish, preferably mullet.)

Career: Wanted to be an artist but worked for her in-law's cantina while living in Villavicencio.

Family:  Her father, Vicente Cordova, passed away when she was 3. She has very few memories of him. Mother, Maria Reyes, who is controlling and manipulative. Armando Zaragoza became her stepfather when she was 14. She didn't like him at first but got along well with him. Half-sister Desideria was born when she was 15.

Eventually was forced into an arranged marriage with Pablo Salazar. They had twin girls, Francisca and Alejandra. Mercedes became close to her mother-in law Perla, but not with her father-in-law Arturo who's not the most sensitive person.

Backstory: After her dad died, Mercedes moved to different cities with her mom. At some point, they met a group of people who were traveling for new starts. They joined and miraculously arrived to the Encanto! Upon the first day, 10-year-old Mercedes met most of the Madrigals. She was getting used to a new home, but desired to find a library or bookstore. She wanted to find a book to a series she'd almost completed. A couple days after moving, she found one and searched for her book. The only copy she found was being read by a nervous looking boy: Bruno.

I'll save it for the Relationship week, but they were best friends. Some would say soulmates with how well they got along. Mercedes was friends with Julieta and Pepa, but she clicked with Bruno. Even when his reputation became worse and he was mistreated, she remained loyal. Bruno was grateful to her and devastated when she was forced to leave for the arranged marriage. The last time they saw each other, they were almost 20, and sadly, they won't meet again.

The marriage wasn't bad. Pablo had to leave his girlfriend due to the arrangement. He and Mercedes both understood each other's situation which led to respect and empathy. They really liked each other, but there wasn't true love. As a teen, Mercedes had always imagined different scenarios with her true love: exchanging love letters, dancing under starry skies and kiss in the rain. She had to leave the dreams behind, but her twins were the best part of her life.

When the twins were 13, Pablo and Mercedes annulled their marriage realizing they weren't content anymore. (Also Pablo was having an emotional affair.) After that, Mercedes took her daughters to Cali and secretly hoped she'd find the Encanto again. With the movie's timeline, Mercedes already passed away from a severe case of malaria. She was only 35. She left her daughters behind with no other family support. Though she's gone, her story isn't over because her children will find the Encanto and meet the Madrigals.

@encanto-extended-edition

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

Hey Jalebi, Do you think Arnav's reaction for Khushi's suicide is right? Because it doesn't make sense does it, A woman who is ready to sacrifice her life so her better half can have a better life with the one she think he loves can possibly carry THE Affair? She was so selfless and crazy and innocent dint arnav see that when she's trying to jump off the cliff? And overall when he revealed truth dint he for a second thought that would make her jump off for real time? Honestly I would have a pushed him off the cliff 😂 after uttering such disgusting things. What would arnav fo if Khushi really jumped off seeing no hope in her marriage 🤷.

Hey Anon,

One of the things I've consistently said in this blog is that I never understood how they came to write the suicide scene. In fact I don't understand why Khushi's emotions post marriage had no importance. When Anjali attempts self-harm, we see the trauma and extent of that moment. When Khushi tries to kill herself... it's comedy?

Why? (This is not to pit the two women, it's just that I never understood the motivations behind writing such a daft scene).

The only sense this could be is Arnav believing Khushi is orchestrating an act and in fact if they were leaning on it they should've showed Arnav being triggered by it and raging on to how that how dare she lie about wanting to kill herself. You just cannot insert comedy here at all.

In fact they could've leaned to dark comedy with Khushi getting so exhausted by Arnav being so kind and so cruel at once that Khushi decides it's easy to say goodbye to the world. It could've been solid dark comedy with Khushi being like she cannot wait for his pain because it increases in each flow. Cause every time he's nice, it's met with even more pain. And this time, after their horrid marriage, she won't be able to bear it so might as well do it herself.

She could've lost her wits and sense of rationale because she was in such an abusive marriage to begin with.

And even if Khushi didn't want to kill herself - the ideation that she believes her husband might kill her, her constant fear of the man she literally sleeps next to, her easily wondering about her death are all grave signs of mental health issues. Just because she doesn't jump off the terrance nor intended to doesn't reduce the gravity in this matter.

And just how does Arnav not get triggered to his past is BEYOND me. They somehow wanted him to get angry on Khushi, be justified in his anger, and be justified that he does not believe her.

Arnav needs to be presented as right, and Khushi needs to keep crying.

Like... it doesn't make sense. Their whole argument as well doesn't make sense. Nothing in this scene ever made sense to me.

The show stopped making sense post Holi when Khushi thought the best thing to do to a man who has complete control over Payal's marital life is to annoy him enough to get him to kick her out of his life when, if annoyed enough, he can ruin Payal's life?

Like literally Akash-Payal's marriage exists with Arnav's approval. Nobody shuts up Mami better than Arnav and thus Khushi annoys him?

What the-

(For me the show made sense again when Khushi sensed Arnav's panic and then when Khushi fell off the cliff and he saved her)

And if Khushi died for real, Arnav would've been devastated.

Also, to be honest, I don't blame him a lot. Because he keeps asking valid questions - WHY would Khushi be quiet about Shyam? WHY would Khushi not tell anyone about this disgusting truth? WHY would Khushi want Anjali to stay married to such a man? The show does such a good job of cementing Arnav's mistrust on Khushi that they give Khushi nothing at all to create a defense or even be logical.

So yeah, that's all I can comment about this and you can read more about this on the following links;

“Suicide” Revelation

The suicide track analysis started by @honeybellexox

Why didn’t Arnav believe Khushi post the suicide revelation?

Shouldn’t have Arnav thought again about what Khushi said on Shyam?

What Arnav would have done if the misunderstanding had not been cleared in the 6 month period. Would he have allowed Khushi to go? And would Khushi stay back?

Khushi’s Imagination of Arnav Murdering Her, & The Suicide

Khushi’s Behavior Post Truth Revelation

Best,

Jalebi

[spineless-lobster]

Egg and Soldiers: A musical analysis of Pat and the Captain

*long post warning*

Okay! So some of you may have noticed that I (along with a few others) use the alt ship name for patcap which is “Egg and Soldier” while also being a delicious breakfast, it mainly refers to the song “Egg and Soldiers” by Cosmo Sheldrake, which is what I originated it from. The song very much reminds me of their characters and I would like to share my analysis with all of you!

Before we begin, please note that this is *my* interpretation of the song. It’s not the artist’s interpretation and you are totally free to disagree with me or come to your own conclusions.

Also please bear with me if my thoughts don’t seem coherent lol

All lyrics will be italicized, and I’ve added the song just in case you wanna listen. Let’s begin! :)

I was looking over at my shoulder

Only thinking of the short term

But time was looking back at me

I interpret this first line through the Captain’s point of view. I imagine him looking over his shoulder (rather than at) as in looking back on his life. “Only thinking of the short term” may reference his connection to the war. He doesn’t acknowledge who he was before or after the war. He only focuses on what he was during that time, a soldier. “But time was looking back at me” can be a reflection of his insecurities regarding aging (see: “supple as the day I died” “I’m in my bally prime” him trying to beat his record of 2:30, and Ben calling him “the wrong side of 40” in the Inside Ghosts podcast) but I also see it as him reflecting on his regrets. (which I will get into later)

Every day I eat an egg and soldier

Then I sit a little longer

On a blanket made for three

This stanza is more about Pat. The first bit is honestly just about how much he loves eggs lol. But I connect the next two lines to Carol’s affair with Morris. The “blanket made for three” is about Morris’ involvement in the marriage. What’s supposed to be for Pat and Carol now has a third party, thus the blanket (the marriage) is made for three.

Swap cow for bean and grow a stalk

To tangle with the clouds

I like to think this refers to Pat’s ignorance to Carol’s affair. He’s up in the clouds, unaware of all that is happening right under his nose.

Plant poems in the barren ground

Honestly all I can think of when I hear this line is the Captain burying the letter. The ground being “barren” because really, no matter how hard he tries, his efforts to repress that part of himself are fruitless.

Blow doldrums round and round

Cut the brambles down

Search for heaven underground

It was lost but now it's found

“Doldrums” refers to a state of inactivity, stagnation, or depression. Kind of like the endless purgatory of being a ghost, huh? Said doldrums being blown around could connect to Alison coming into their (after)lives and spicing it up a bit.

The rest of this section I believe still refers to the Captain’s letter. “Search for heaven underground” once again represents him trying to find solace by burying his emotions and by literally burying the letter. “It was lost but now it’s found” could mean Mike accidentally uncovering and blowing up the bomb. But it could also represent his character growth. He’s slowly uncovering lost parts of himself that he has denied for his whole life. (See: “I’m…” in “Something To Share?”)

For we drank the ocean

I interpret this line as an alternative to the term “biting off more than you can chew”. The struggles in their life (repression, ignoring issues, etc.) all become too much, resulting in the inner conflicts both characters have.

We'll play while Venice drowns

Once again referring to Pat’s ignorance (willful or not) to Carol’s affair. His marriage was falling apart and he didn’t even know it.

Submarines won't save us now

The Captain using the war as a means of ignoring who he is as a person, along with burying any emotion that conveys vulnerability won’t exactly make his problems go away. (If anything, those ARE his problems)

We climbed a hill but then fell down x3

I think this refers to the tragic timing of their deaths. Pat had a wife, a child, his scouts, friends, anything an average family man had at the time. And it was all stripped away from him. The same thing goes for the Captain, he just came back from a victorious war, he was decorated with medals and most likely received a pension. He was promised a fresh start and he was just getting his normal life back before he died, unfortunately he’ll never get to live it.

(Chorus that I don’t need to go over again lol)

All hail Tom Thumb

The main theme in the story of Tom Thumb is that anyone can overcome hardships no matter who they are. I feel that this relates to all the ghosts. They all had their personal struggles in their life, yet they died before they could overcome them. Still, despite this, they all try to grow, change, develop and overcome challenges.

What's done is done

This line once again plays into the theme of regret. Pat will never be able to fix things with Carol. He can’t go back and catch the signs earlier, he can’t be more spontaneous for her, it’s over. The Captain will never see Havers again. He can’t tell him how he felt (or still feels), he can’t go back to being the man he was before the war, those things are all dead and gone and he can’t do anything about it.

You'll never find the answer 'til it's gone

This relates to regret for one final time, you don’t know what opportunities you have until they’re taken away. This could also possibly relate to the endless mystery of getting sucked off. The ghosts still don’t know what the after-afterlife is like, they don’t know what causes them to get sucked off (yes it involves character development, but the timing is still completely random), and I’m sure many of them are still questioning whether or not there’s a heaven or hell or if they just go *poof* into nothingness.

I hope this made some sense! An ask prompted this whole thing, and I have an explanation for almost every song on my Ghosts playlist, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Drink some water, take your meds, have a snack, bind safely, and have a lovely day! :)

[thunderberryz]

Star's Rune Factory 3 Special 1st Playthrough, Part 3: It's... already nearly over?

So, going into Rune Factory 3 Special, I knew that the main story was going to be a fairly quick affair. That was one of the big things I heard about RF3; it's a good game, but it's not the longest. And I thought to myself "Well, I played RF5 and I'm pretty sure I finished the main story by early autumn of year 1 in my one playthrough. Surely, it can't be as quick or quicker than THAT."

It is, in fact, early autumn of Year 1 and I am just about to rescue Micah's fiancee AKA Shara from Aquaticus.

Knowing that I am very close to the end of the plot, I feel like it is a good opportunity to talk about the story. When I think about RF3's story... it's weird. Vishnal's marriage event comes to mind because the flaws of that event, I feel, encompasses a lot of the issues I have with RF3's plot. I have an older post going over my experience watching Vishnal's marriage event via YT, but to explain its biggest issue; it's short. I don't know if it's THE shortest of all the marriage events (I've still haven't gotten around to watching Forte's, Margaret's, Clorica's, Doug's, and Dylas'), but it is the shortest of the ones I have seen so far. And because it is so short, everything in that event comes in rapid fire--the plot, the emotions, Vishnal's proposal, the resolution--and so for what is there, it never feels like there's enough time to enjoy a scene and let it set in before the next thing happens.

That is essentially what happens with Rune Factory 3. The game has an incredibly good plot in concept, but because it's so short and things happen so quickly, it's difficult to appreciate what's there when it's there. For instance, compared to the likes of Frey/Lest and Alice/Ares, there is a lot less mystery with Micah; he starts recovering his memories immediately after defeating the first boss and it's always a sort of "Oh, that happened" kind of deal whenever he discovers an orb that triggers a recollection, even though him regaining his memories should really be that much bigger of a deal (the most emotional memory recovery scene was, I feel, the third where he remembered that he was the one tasked with defeating the monsters causing problems around Sharance, since it plays into the intro to the Death Wall fight later.)

There is also the matter of the Human-Univir conflict, which is its own problem. It's bad enough that it is resolved fairly easily, but the fact that the conflict isn't rationalized very well beyond "The Univir were exiled from Sharance at some point in the past--no one knows why, but the humans of Sharance and the Univir have hated each other since" is kind of... sad. In what I've experienced so far of the series, Rune Factory plots aren't anything to write home about, but... I don't know. I can't say whether RF3's plot turns out to be forgettable, but I can't say anything from the game's main story sticks out other than getting Kuruna to stop being so prejudiced against humans by giving her a handmade bouquet from the residents of Sharance.

But you know what they say; a mediocre story can be saved by good characters! And while I was initially overwhelmed by RF3's cast as mentioned in my first post, I've grown somewhat used to the eccentricities of Sharance by now and if there's anything memorable about the writing, it's how bonkers everyone is while still managing to convey some genuinely heartfelt storytelling. (And according to people on Reddit, XSEED's new translation for Special is apparently toned down from Natsume's original. Geez, I wonder how I would have reacted if this had been the original DS version.)

My favorites are the same as last time and... goddamn, I really do love Shara. Initially I figured I'd be marrying her purely to see if she was as bad as the fanbase makes her out to be and then in my second playthrough move on to a bachelorette I actually feel has genuine chemistry with Micah, but I really do like these two together. Granted, she doesn't have the most emotionally intensive plot associated with her requests (It's more about helping her younger sister, Monica, come out of her shell than any issues that Shara herself has), but she's so sweet and kind, cares for her family, and she loves flowers! I love flowers! And not gonna lie, her manner of teasing Micah and occasional bluntness do remind me of Frey, so that might have something to do with why she hits just right for me.

Girl, plz. You're killing poor boy.

That said, even though I made the firm decision this playthrough to marry her (and we would have had the wedding by now if Aquaticus didn't * grumbles *), there are other bachelorettes that I am considering marrying in subsequent playthroughs, which is pretty shocking considering my track record with RF4S. And by track record, I mean Arthur is the entire record.

Of the other bachelorettes, I've done a fair chunk of Sakuya's requests and I still like her a lot; besides having one of the more "normal" personalities, her love of travel and commerce reminds me a lot of Arthur (even though she's not a workaholic and is genuinely concerned with profits) and I'm liking the progress of her character development through her events. She also has a cute character design, but that's only ever a nice bonus and not something that determines whether I like a character or not.

The bachelorettes I was most skeptical of were Raven and Pia, and this is because I was aware of the fandom's opinions on those characters going in. Long story short: I figured this was going to be another Leon and Dylas situation for me, and by that, you know, I don't dislike either of them, they're pretty neat and I get why they hit close to home for some people, but it got annoying to see them constantly treated as objectively The Best when hey, their writing is not perfect, there's a reason why not everyone romances them; I'm certainly among those people. And at first, I was disappointed. Pia's personality was too airheaded for my tastes, and Raven... I liked her guest appearance in RF4S, but here, she's a straight up tsundere and tsunderes are one of those hit-or-miss kind of characters for me.

In Raven's case, I think I've done at least half her requests by now and by god, I feel bad for judging her so fast. Despite being a tsundere, she actually has an incredibly valid reason for telling Micah to stay away from her; according to her, anyone who becomes close to her disappears and she's afraid of the same thing happening to him. That... that hit hard and even if she doesn't end up being my favorite ship choice for Micah, I do want her to be happy.

Pia, I think, was just an instance of finding her initial personality overwhelming like many others in Sharance. I can't give any opinions on her character arc because I have only done one or two of her requests, but she is very cute. She is often lost in her own little world and tends to blatantly ignore things Micah says, but I do really love her happy-go-lucky approach to life and I unironically find her personal vendetta against squid hilarious. (She and Margaret would be friends.)

That is definitely the benefit of the romance system in RF3S. I'm sad there isn't a true dating phase and you can just go right to marriage once you've gotten the Engagement Ring recipe from Wells and Marjorie, but knowing that I can help these girls with their personal issues without having to turn down a heartwarming proposal at the end of their last request does make me feel a bit better about "hareming" all these bachelorettes. (And I say that as someone who detests harems and prefers a single dedicated romance in any narrative.)

My next post will presumably be my last for this first playthrough given how fast this has gone. I'm still incredibly attached to Selphia and RF4S is still my favorite game of the RFs I have played, but there really is a lot to love about RF3S despite its imperfections and I am already looking forward to my next playthrough. Cheers, everyone! I'll see you next time!