#I HAVE SO MANY FEELINGS ABOUT FAIRY TALES AND DREAMS LET ME AT THE PEOPLE WHO MADE WISH SO SHALLOW

[prosebushpatch]

Okay so I recently, finally, watched Wish and I have some thoughts. Overall, not as bad as everyone makes it out to be, but still has a lot of fundamental story problems and I've got to get them off of my chest. I'll mostly be focused on Magnifico because I think his motivations and arc largely represent the problem with the overall theme.

Okay so my biggest problem with Magnifico is his motivation. His tragic backstory. How on earth does he go from losing his whole family to thinking, the only way he can prevent that from happening again is to grant wishes? The logic doesn't track. It almost makes sense in his creating a kingdom where he protects everyone and "doesn't even charge rent," but it does not make sense with his wish granting. Having a great need to be control to make sure he doesn't lose anyone ever again can be a compelling motivation for a villain, where we see lines crossed that don't justify the intent, but in the movie, he's too self-absorbed to seem to have any actual care for the people of Rosas.

I think if the motivation was changed to something like Magnifico had once been a bright-eyed, enthusiastic wish granter who blindly believed all wishes were good but learned the hard way that that wasn't true could have been a better fit for the overall goal of the movie. Imagine that he granted a wish for a wicked person who used that wish to hurt others, or if Magnifico granted a wish but that wish ended up ruining the person's life because what they wanted wasn't what they needed (i.e. Remember The Princess and the Frog? Dig a little deeper) and that person could have went after Magnifico and blamed him for their troubles (harkening back to We Don't Talk about Bruno). This would be an understandable tragic backstory for Magnifico, and better explain why he's so careful about the wishes he grants. And, perhaps the reason he keeps the wishes he doesn't want to grant is to keep the people in his kingdom docile. No one will be angry with him for not granting their wishes if he makes them forget them and lose that drive and motivation, which makes more sense than the unexplained hording them like he does in the movie? Why does he keep them in the movie other than admiring the wishes? It doesn't make sense to me.

This would give Asha more of a reason to oppose him, if it's shown how his desire to not get hurt or to inadvertently cause hurt turned into a paranoia where he drains people of wishes to fly or play music that inspires others. And, as a side note, we need to see more of how Rosas is a kingdom of people who lack drive and motivation, where only those younger than 18 have that special part of them that inspires them to chase after a dream (something that Astor Rhymemaster touched on). Because that's the point of wishes, right? That's the point of the entire Disney canon. A dream is a wish your heart makes. That star can only get you so far, it takes hard work and determination. It's wanting something better in life, it's dreaming of leaving behind all you know to chase after a tangible light. It's finding a new dream, it's finding a new wish as you grow and learn about yourself and the world.

I don't think the movie Wish understood what makes wishes so important in Disney stories. You know what wishes do? They ignite change. It's not about getting what you want, it's about finding the courage to chase after something better. Ariel wants to be where the people are, but really she wants to be somewhere where others are willing to understand her and in the end, she finds that and makes amends with her father, who finally is willing to see her for who she is. Rapunzel wants to see the lights, and that desire pushes her to leave a tower she's been trapped in her whole life, learning that the world is not as cruel and cold as her abusive mother told her. Cinderella wants to go to the ball, to dance with people who treat her as a person and not a servant of cinders and ash. That wish is granted by a fairy godmother and gives her a hope that is worth fighting for, a hope that helps her reclaim what is rightfully hers; a glass slipper that fits only her and the love that comes with it.

Wishes inspire change. The movie should have been about that. Magnifico could have been right, that some wishes inspire negative change that can drag down multiple people. The kingdom of Rosas could have been so placid because change is scary. Maybe Magnifico could have convinced people, after taking their wish, that it wasn't worth it. Maybe the wish ceremonies could have changed so it wasn't portrayed as some sort of lottery everyone looks forward to, but Magnifico would grant wishes on the spot if he decided they were good and worthwhile, and he would lock away the wishes that would cause trouble and tribulations. 18 year olds could be enthusiastic to give him their wishes, thinking they were surely good and worth granting, only to forget their wish and be told that their wish would have only brought about their unhappiness, this would have justified a more solemn tone in the kingdom, setting up a world where people are mostly downtrodden, thinking their wishes are bad and pointless and they're better off without them. Imagine Cinderella or Rapunzel being told their wishes weren't good, reinforcing all the things their abusive families tell them, taking away that hope and courage to find something better for themselves.

Here's where the true conflict could come in. Asha could be onto this from the beginning, and her opening song could have been about this concern that the people who didn't get their wishes granted aren't willing to try at all. (Because, after all, why doesn't Sabino play music at all? Having that taken from him would take so much joy and creative expression from his life!) But why does Asha know something is amiss?

Simon.

Imagine that Magnifico has a strict rule not to ever share your wish with another person because then it wouldn't come true. It makes sense with our own superstitions, and then makes it so that no one knows anyone else's wishes. Maybe your best friend changes so drastically after giving up their wish, but you believe, like everyone else, that their wish would have only caused suffering. What can you do about it? Well what if Simon told Asha about his wish? What if Asha knew his wish wasn't dangerous and couldn't imagine a way that it could go wrong? That would give her a reason to doubt Magnifico and put more emphasis on how Simon has lost his drive like all the other adults in the kingdom. And it can also emphasize in the end that sharing your wishes and dreams with others can be a powerful thing. Just the act of sharing your dreams can inspire others to go after their own, and they can give you the encouragement to chase your wish too. Wishes inspire change, love gives you the courage to make it happen.

Imagine if the star boy used to be a human, who wished to help others and lost his humanity to do it. Imagine his wish confirms Magnifico's belief, that wishes cause suffering because star boy lost his tether to earth and is separated from the people he loves. Imagine how he foils Asha who also wants to grant everyone's wishes. Imagine him ensuring she doesn't make the same mistake he did while she gives him a reason to change again, to anchor himself to humanity again because he loves her enough not to leave for forever.

Imagine the movie confirming that, yes, change is scary. Chasing your dreams won't always make things better. You might fail more than you succeed and some wishes cannot coincide with each other, leading to grief and strife. But some wishes are worth it. Sometimes, chasing after something better and failing is worth leaving a worse situation. Sometimes taking that chance is worth it, and, like in all fairy tales, if you are kind and generous and act with love, that will make all the difference in the end.

Also, I know everyone wished for a Magnifico and Amaya evil power couple, but imagine if Magnifico was truly in love with Amaya, as he is in the movie, but that love is eventually his undoing. Like Amaya leaps in front of Asha, and Magnifico stops or redirects his attack because she's the one thing he loves more than himself and that is the weakness that Asha and co can take advantage of. Imagine Amaya keeping Magnifico in the mirror and he gets to dote on her from his imprisonment for forever. I'm just saying. At least 30 sickos like me would be into that. Imagine the depth it would give to the themes of love and change and wishing and how acts of love make all the difference.

Alright, I'll get off my soap box. I just really wish Wish could have been stronger because these fairy tales Disney is famous for matter. They really do. But the movie feels too stale and shallow and too much of a cash grab that knows the outline of a disney musical, but is unable to understand the heart of why they work.

[flowercrowngods]

✨🤍 some steddie softness for @thefreakandthehair's birthday, i hope it's the very best so far! 🤍✨(please please your day comes first, read this whenever you have time and space to breathe 🤍)

Eddie is not a religious man — far from it, actually. But there are a few things that make him believe in higher powers. In angels. In destiny and luck and a love so strong it could conquer everything. 

This very moment is one of them. 

Stevie, soft and sleepy beside him in the back of the car as Nancy is driving, the dim light of the passing street lamps painting his face in hues of gold like the light itself favours Steve Harrington, caressing his features with the softest of shadows. 

He’s beautiful. Ethereal. Perfectly angelic with his eyes closed, his whole body turned towards Eddie in the warmth of the car.

It takes Eddie’s breath away, his heart taking up space where before there were his lungs and ribcage, growing in size until he feels like he is about to burst. And even then he keeps looking, staring at that pretty face that looks so at peace with the whole world right now. Eddie has never seen Steve like this, but now he understands why people start wars. Why people defy gods and death itself to be with their one true love. Why Orpheus looked back. 

He understands. Because Steve, his Stevie, warm and safe and perfectly fine in the backseat of a car? That is everything. He doesn’t even need to kiss or touch so long as he just gets to look. And be. Oh, to be at the same time that Steve is. 

That might just be life’s greatest gift to him. 

A tiny sigh falls from Steve’s lips and Eddie really, really might be about to burst. 

“Hey, angel,” he whispers, because moments like this aren’t made for anything but hushed words, their truths too heavy, too sincere for the world to hear and keep on spinning. He doesn’t need the world to spin as long as there is Steve. 

“Hi,” Steve whispers back, his eyes still closed but the smile lighting up, luring Eddie in like he is but a moth drawn to the flame. 

Eddie leans in and rests his forehead against Steve’s, his hand coming up to cradle a light-kissed cheek. Steve leans into it, following Eddie’s hand like maybe they are twin stars pulling each other closer until there will be an explosion of light and creation. Steve nuzzles against his palm and leans further into Eddie’s body until they share the same breath — but still it’s not enough. 

Eddie wants to say so many things now that their hands are entangled, their soft exhales mixing. But after a while he notices that Steve is humming before gently singing along to the song coming quietly from the speakers. 

“Take it easy with me, please. Touch me gently like a summer evening breeze. Take your time, make it slow. Andante, Andante. Just let the feeling grow.”

Eddie knows the song, recognises it instantly, and his breath gets stuck in his throat once more. Because he has a secret. He loves it. He has imagined for the longest time that one day, someone would make it his song. Sing it for him, to him. 

He’s never told anyone because he has a reputation to uphold and more than enough metal music to listen to, but of course Steve wouldn’t care about his secrets being secret, and just oh so casually make his deepest, most private of dreams come true. 

He’s an angel, that one. A hero. Myths and fairy tales should be woven around that heart of his, folklore speaking of his name until history itself wouldn’t dare to forget. No one can convince Eddie otherwise. Not in that moment, not with Steve singing so quietly, so gently, so adoringly. 

I think I love you. I think I can’t ever stop, not when I’ve seen you like this. Not when you’ve just shown me what life can be about, what it should be about. Gods, I love you and love you and love you. 

That’s what he wants to say. 

But all that comes out is a marvelled, “Shit, Stevie.”

It has the desired effect of a huffed breath, an even wider smile, and Steve cuddling further into Eddie’s side, eyes still closed. Eddie brushes a kiss to Steve’s forehead and feels like maybe his love can make it into the fairy tale, too. 

It will. Oh, it will, when Steve finally lifts his head from Eddie’s shoulder and looks at him through hooded eyes, all soft and sleepy and safe. A moment passes like this and Eddie can’t breathe, maybe he can never breathe again — but it only lasts until Steve slowly, so very slowly begins to lean in to claim Eddie’s lips with a kiss so gentle it could bring him back from the dead. 

Eddie kisses Steve back just as slowly, because in moments like this there is no rush, no hurry. There’s only them, there’s only this. Only a kiss until there is another. 

And with Steve, there is always another. 

Nancy smiles as she is taking the long way to Steve’s house, rounding Loch Nora twice because she knows how comfy Steve gets in cars at night when he doesn’t have to drive and there is soft music playing. 

Eddie kisses her goodbye on the forehead, fully aware of what she’s done. He doesn't tell her about the sun and the myths and all the wars he would start for Steve.

Nights like this are not meant for telling anyone about them. They can hardly be believed as it is. They can only be lived, hand in loving hand.

[chernabogs]

I saw in your tags for the scenario promts that you're accepting requests👀 How about “you will always follow the trail in the wood, and it will guide you on the same path, to the same cottage, the same witch. it will always be your undoing” with Yuu? or, if you don't write for them, “names are not like currency here; they are more precious than diamonds and legacies” with Malleus?

I'll give u both xoxo

The Woodcutter and The Prince

Inc: Malleus Draconia, Reader/Yuu, Sebek Zigvolt, Silver, Lilia Vanrouge, Grim Warnings: None for once LMAO WC: 4.3k Summary: A fairy tale of a woodcutter, a beast, three knights, and a lonely prince.

It feels appropriate to begin the story with ‘once upon a time,’ the token element, as that’s what all tales of magic and monsters begin with.

So, once upon a time, there was a woodcutter. 

You, or Yuu, as many called you, were somewhat of a respectable member of your village. As one of the few people who was brave enough to go trekking into the darkened woods beyond the boundaries for the needs of the villagers, they often turned to you for aid when times grew dire, and winter began its inevitable descent. You had grown up in these woods. You had seen many of the things that the shadows and the soil had to offer, and so you had come to settle into this life alone, becoming quite content in your role as a provider. 

One day, when you are deep within the bowels of nature that never seemed sated, the sharp blade of your axe biting into an oak as you sought to fill your quota, a great beast steps onto the path before you. Fire laps in its ears, and it has a tail like a trident, which twitches and sways in irritation. It holds its head low to meet your gaze, and it’s with that stare that you find your arm stilling, the axe soon held limply by your side. When you cease your cutting, the beast gives a low rumble from within its chest before speaking. 

“Woodcutter, there is a beast in this forest that cannot stop devouring. If you can satisfy him, you will be rewarded.” 

You take a wary step back then, your gaze uncertain as you observed the power rippling beneath the great cat's skin. Its toothy smile contrasts the softer tone it uses to share with you its plea. Yet, despite all these aspects, you feel no malice in its presence. So you heft your axe onto your shoulder and fix the beast with a frown. 

“How can I be of help? I come out here to cut the woods, not satisfy the monsters they house.” 

The beast's tail flicks again as it settles on its haunches. Reptile-like claws dig into the soil of the earth as a shuddering sigh leaves its form. “The beast is a prince who, despite having all the possessions in the world, still carries an emptiness in his core. He is guarded by three knights who let him do as he pleases. Open their eyes, and your reward shall be even greater.”

“How can I even find this prince, or beast, or whatever he may be? The woods are so grand you can hardly expect me to know every corner.” You gesture to the thick trunks and towering leaves around you. “I know only what is close to my home, as that’s all I’ve ever needed. These woods have been more than giving.” 

“You know where he is already. You have walked that path before—though you may need to dig into your dreams to see it. You will always follow the trail in the woods, and it will guide you on the same path, to the same cottage, the same beast. It will always be your undoing—or, in this case, his.” The beast smiles a great grin that showed its many rows of shard-like teeth. “Do you not love your home? Do you not love your kin? If you leave him be, he will come upon your doorsteps in time like a starving wraith. He will claw his way into your homes and feed you sweet dreams until you rot to dust in your beds. Then, he will simply move on.”

“He sounds horrid,” you sputter, your grip on the axe tightening. The beast nods. 

“In a sense, he is. But even the most horrid can change with the right prompting. So tell me—are you good at carving?” 

You find your curiosity soon outweighing your fright over the beast and the tales that he spins. His warnings of what will happen to your home, should this prince be left unchecked, sends shivers up your spine and you find yourself nodding at his words. The beast almost looks satisfied as he rises again with another rumbling purr. He slips back into the brush that he emerged from, the foliage swallowing his form, until all that is left for you to see is a pair of burning blue eyes. 

“Good luck, woodcutter. The forest now rests in your hands.” 

And with that, he leaves you alone once more, with nothing more than an axe and a marred tree as your companions. 

________________________

You do not remember your dreams very well. You never have, even in your youth. They seem to dissipate out of your mind as soon as you wake, leaving you grasping at the vaguest of visions to piece together what tapestry your mind wove. Still, your feet carry you forward into the woods with sure steps, the axe still held on your shoulder as you walk. It feels as though you travelled for many hours until you came upon the first of the three the beast warned you of—a man with green hair, and armour of iron. 

“Today, we will enter the valley,” the man declares, unaware of your presence at the edges of the meadow, “and my prince shall find his companionship there.” 

You watch on as the knight looks back along the path, as though expecting someone else, before he moves to a stream close to your hiding position. You lower yourself closer to the twigs and branches below before clearing your throat to speak in a low murmur. 

“Fine knight,” you coo, throwing your voice to make it sound far different than it is, “do you truly intend to let your prince enter the valley?” 

The green knight stands sharply, his hand touching his sword hilt as his eyes flash with anger. “Who goes there?” He demands, his voice like a booming of thunder across the meadow. You remain concealed as you speak again. 

“Fine knight, do you truly think your prince will find a companion in the valley? What will he do if he does not? He will become more despondent, more enraged, and he will pull you into a dreamless sleep as he has so many others. Will you let him do that?” Your nails tap the handle of your axe as you watch the knight's expression. “Will you let him steal your dreams too?” 

The knight doesn’t seem too fond of the idea as he stands by the stream, a conflicted look upon his face. His hand clenches and unclenches on his sword hilt before he looks back to the path once more. “I do not wish… to see my prince despondent anymore,” he murmurs, his voice now less fierce than before. 

“Then find me a piece of yew and bring it to where your prince lay. I shall make it so that he may never feel alone again.” You urge. The knight seems uncertain still. 

“Who are you? How can I trust you?” He demands again. You hum quietly from your hiding place. 

“I am Yuu, and I swear that I will not lay a hand on your prince. If I do, you may guide the waters that fill this stream to fill my lungs instead.”

Well, this satisfies the knight, and with a huff and a nod he goes stomping into the forest to search for a yew tree. Once he’s gone, you creep out of your hiding place to continue down the path from your dream, pleased that the first obstacle is now done. 

________________________

You find yourself disheartened as the walk carries on and the sun creeps further across the sky. It was dawn when you began, and now it is midday. Still, your mind remains focused as the beast's warnings play over, allowing you to be alert enough to hear humming before the figure emerges. The second knight is a creature in himself—a fae, wearing the clothes of a travelling merchant instead of the armour the first knight adorned.  

He does not give you a chance to hide. His red eyes are locking with yours before you can even move, and the grin he offers shows a pair of brilliant white canines in his mouth. “Fine day, is it not?” 

You pause, your axe on your shoulder as you open your mouth to respond before falling silent again. The knight and you observe each other for a moment before he speaks once more. “What brings you so deep in these woods? You are of the valley.” 

“I am.” You answer deftly as you squeeze your axe handle again. “I am here to complete a task.”

“And what task might bring a woodcutter out here?” The knight prompts, taking a seat on a nearby stump to prop his chin in his hands. His smile does not waver as he watches you, and you know that trying to lie about your purpose to him will be a folly on your end. 

“Do you truly intend to let your prince enter the valley?” You instead ask, lowering your axe as you shift your weight on your feet. The knight raises one dark eyebrow. 

“Why should we not?” He replies easily. “He is our prince, after all. He wishes to find companionship, among others.”

“But dearest knight, do you truly think your prince will find a companion in the valley? What will he do if he does not? He will become more despondent, more enraged, and he will pull you into a dreamless sleep as he has so many others. Will you let him do that?” Your nails tap the handle of your axe as you watch the knight's expression. “Will you let him steal your dreams too?”

“I have no dreams left to steal!” The knight laughs as he leans back on the stump. “My nights are as empty as an abyss.”

“Then what of the others? When he steals away dreams and leaves everyone asleep, he will simply move on to another village. He will still be utterly alone. Do you wish to see him like that?” You pause to gesture to the silent woods around you. “Will you let him continue to hurt as well?” 

The knight seems less fond of this idea as his smile wavers. Perhaps you are misjudging it, but this knight has an almost fatherly look about him when it comes to matters regarding his prince. His black nails tap his leg before speaking. “What do you offer him in turn, then?” 

“Find me a smooth carving stone and bring it to where your prince lay. I shall make it so that he may never feel alone again.” You urge. The knight tilts his head in consideration.  

“Who are you, and how can I trust you?” He muses. “We take great offence to lies, you know.” 

“I am Yuu, and I swear that I will not lay a hand on your prince. If I do, you may urge the roots that tether these trees to tether my body instead.”

Well, this satisfies the knight, who rises from the stump with a soft laugh before stepping towards you. He touches your arm lightly and looks up at you with a mischievous grin, which does little to hide the wariness in his eyes. “Be kind to him, hm?”

Once he’s gone, you hoist your axe back upon your shoulder and continue down the path, the knights parting words now playing alongside the beasts in your mind. 

________________________

Once more, you become disheartened as the midday sun soon shifts onto afternoon. You thought you’d find the prince faster and perhaps bypass the final knight, but it doesn’t seem that the world is willing to give you this break. When you come across the third obstacle, you do not see him as much as you do trip over his form. A stuttered gasp passes your lips as you regain your footing before looking down, where a pair of aurelian eyes are blearily looking up at you. 

“Hm?” Languidly, the third knight sits up from his position beneath the tree. His silver hair nearly blinds you in the sunlight, but this still doesn’t stop you from seeing the peculiar army of animals hovering around his form. Squirrels, chipmunks, birds—it’s as though the entire forest rests by his side. “Who might you be?” 

“Yuu.” You answer immediately, blinking your confusion away as you shift to face the odd man. He seems unbothered by both your presence and your axe as he remains sitting on the forest floor. “Are you… a knight?” 

“Mhm.” The man hums back as he rubs his eyes before rising to his feet. The act sends the animals scurrying away in a tizzy as his attention drifts to you. “Are you in need of aid? You’re quite far from where the village lay in the valley.” 

“I’m on a quest of sorts.” You watch the animals hovering on the edge of the treeline in interest before looking back to the knight. Despite his sleepy gait, there’s an alertness in his eyes that warns you off from trying any form of deception. “Do you intend to let your prince enter the valley?” 

The silver knight looks surprised for a moment before he crosses his arms, a frown touching his lips. “... if he wishes to, yes.” 

“But do you wish him to, knowing all that he will do if his desires fall through?” You decide a more honest conversation is best with this knight, who seems apprehensive of the plan to begin with. The silver knight looks past you to the pathway beyond for a moment before exhaling a soft sigh.

“I do not wish to see him hurt. I care for him dearly, for he is family to me, but…” the knight trails off, leaving you to pick up his sentence. “I also do not wish to see him so alone anymore. My father, my friend, and I—we have always been here for him, but he seems unable to see that.”

His father and his friend must have been the other two knights. You brave a step closer to the silver knight. “Do you think your prince will find a companion in the valley? What will he do if he does not? He will become more despondent, more enraged, and he will pull you into a dreamless sleep as he has so many others. Will you let him do that?”

“I can travel in dreams, so it is of no worry to me. But my father and my friend cannot.” The silver knight seems torn for a moment, standing on the precipice of loyalty and love, before his brilliant gaze looks to you again. “What are you offering, Yuu?” 

“Find me clay—primed for creating—and bring it to where your prince lay. I shall make it so that he may never feel alone again.” You promise. He looks unsure for a moment. 

“How can I trust you?” He asks, his voice soft and full of genuine concern. 

“I swear that I will not lay a hand on your prince. If I do, you may take the stones that lay on this forest floor and lay them upon my body instead.”

Well, this satisfies the knight, who nods his head somberly before turning away. A wave of his hand sends the birds fluttering, the squirrels skittering, and many of the animals into a frenzy as he steps into the woods. You watch him until he vanishes before turning back to the path. 

___________________________________

When the sun dips below the horizon and the sky above the woods is a blaze of golds and reds, that is when you see the home where the prince resides.

True to the beast's words, it is not a grand palace you encounter, but a cottage nestled deep within the woods. A garden surrounds the home, which is built of stone and oak, and a fence guards the path to the front door. You push it open with some trepidation before following the stones to the entrance. A part of you seeks to take your axe within, but another part protests, leaving you to set it aside instead. 

The door gives in to your push with little protest. When you pass through the threshold, you are enveloped in a warmth that seems unnatural, making your skin prickle beneath the wool clothing that keeps you safe in the woods. You tug on your collar as you look around the room—carvings and trinkets decorate the space, each one hand-crafted by someone who resides here. 

And this is when your gaze comes to rest on him. 

He’s observing you as you observe the space. He is a tall man—of this you can tell, even from where he sits—with sharp green eyes and dark lips which are twisted into a frown. Two black horns rise from his head into sharpened points, which are where your eyes go to immediately even as he speaks. 

“Yuu.” Your name rolls off his tongue with such ease that it sends a chill down your spine. You look at him in surprise, wondering how he knows your name already, which he then goes to answer with his next few words. “Names are not like currency here; they are more precious than diamonds and legacies. You give yours far too freely to expect it not to spread.” 

“Was it your knights?” You query as you move closer, drawing a chair out to sit across from him. The act momentarily surprises him as his expression shifts. This is a victory you take. “They all asked me for my name before I passed.”

“No, not the knights. Nature is a most noisy companion. Every breeze, every leaf, and every insect are buzzing about your venture. Dearest woodcutter, what is it that you seek from me?” The words are spoken with an undercurrent of distrust as the prince’s lip curls, showing teeth similar to those of the second knight. You take note of his pointed ears as well. A fae—not a monster like the beast said. Not even close, in fact. The guardedness in his gaze is not born of hostility. “You left your axe outside.”

“I haven’t used it at all on my walk. And I seek nothing more than a conversation.” You lean back in your chair as you glance out the nearby window. This position will let you see when the three knights make their return. 

“You do not seek congenial conversation. I sense an interrogation is on the horizon.” He gives a harsh scoff as he crosses his arms. The temperature in the room seems to rise with his frustrations. “What is it you want, woodcutter?” 

“Are you going to the valley?” You bend to his demands and ask your questions as you meet his eye again. There is no cowering or simpering in your seat—you match his gaze steadfast with your own resilience. 

“What if I am?” He counters with all the haughtiness a young prince may possess. The act makes him seem more human and prompts a quirk of amusement in your lips. 

“What is it you desire?” 

“Why does what I desire concern you?” 

“Because I have been warned of what may happen if you cannot find it.” A moment of silence passes at your statement as the prince’s stubbornness remains. Then he sneers. 

“Did the beast offer you a prize? Is that what you want? A pretty reward for stopping me?” He hisses. You consider his words carefully. At first you did want a reward, in addition to aiding your fellow villagers. The three knights you’ve met have altered this perception, however. The first one with his unwavering loyalty showed you what the prince could be. The second one with his paternal concern showed you what the prince has been. The third knight with his uninhibited care to both the prince and his family showed you what the prince is. 

This is not a monster. This is a man in a cottage who has, in some way, been put in a role he isn’t sure he wants to fulfill. He has fallen into content monotony—precisely like you. 

So you shake your head because you know this is the truthful thing to do. “I did want the reward, but not anymore. I would rather talk to you for a while.”

Another flash of surprise sparks another twinge of victory in your chest as the prince leans back in his seat. “... talk to me?” 

“Mhm.” You gesture to the room. “Did you make these?” 

“I?” The prince then looks around as well, as though noticing the carvings himself for the first time, before clearing his throat. “Some, yes. Others were aided by my knights. It is somewhat of a stress reliever for us.” 

“They are quite nice.” You praise, which eases the tension in his body a little more, opening the opportunity for more. “How did you get into such a hobby?” 

________________________

When the three knights return, night has fallen, and you have managed to coax the fearsome prince into quite the drawn-out conversation. You note that he becomes far more vibrant in his speech when speaking of things he’s passionate about, to the point that he hardly notices the three knights nudging open the door until you pause the conversation yourself. 

“Hello again.” You greet them, noting the materials they carry in their arms. The green knight seems guarded still as he looks between you and the prince, while the other two knights merely offer brief, knowing smiles before setting the materials on the counter. 

A piece of yew, a stone, and an excess of clay held in a makeshift bucket. The prince’s eagerness is replaced by curiosity as he leans forward to stare at the items. 

“Did you go foraging?” He asks the second knight incredulously. A tittering laugh is his response as the knight drifts to your side. 

“Lilia.” Malleus shoots back with a narrowed gaze, which only prompts Lilia’s entertainment over this matter further. “You, Silver, and Sebek are all obliging to a woodcutters orders, hm?” 

“Well, Yuu. You’ve seemed to have made yourself quite at home here,” he muses, the amusement never leaving him as glances at the prince. “Malleus, to not have even offered our guest a drink. Have I taught you nothing?"

A wave of his hand has a steaming mug of... something, appear before you. You eye it for a moment before lightly taking the mugs handle. You don'r drink it, though.  

“Oh, our dear Yuu was persuasive. They told me I could feed them to trees, told Sebek he could feed them to the river, and told Silver he could stone them if they put a hand on you—so we were not overly concerned.” Lilia pinches your arm lightly before looking at the supplies you asked. “I wager I have an idea of what these were gathered for, but please Yuu, do enlighten us.” 

“Well, it’s far too late to do anything now—at least for me,” you quickly add as you glance at the quartet, “but I understand, Prince Malleus, that it’s companionship you’re seeking?” 

Malleus seems slightly displeased at your read of him as he glowers at you—a sharp contrast from his previous joy. It’s Silver’s light nudging to his arm that finally draws a curt nod out of the prince. 

“I know it may not be apparent to you, but companionship is already something that you have. Are you not accompanied by people who care for you in your daily life already?” You gesture to the three knights before continuing your points. “It may be hard to hear but promises of dreams and endless sleep are not ways to earn more people by your side. I began this thinking I was hunting a monster, but now I sit here across from you knowing that you and I are more alike than we think.” 

Malleus seems ready to speak, but you shake your head, which causes his mouth to close once more. You then point to the items that the knights collected. “Each of those items are capable of being crafted and changed in some manner. What tools would you use for them, Malleus?” 

“A blade for wood, a chisel for stone, and my hands for the clay.” Malleus answers immediately. 

“Those are all tools you have on hand. Tools that can allow you to craft wonderful things if used right and if taught correctly.” You then look back to the prince. “Speaking with your knights has shown me that you are someone worthy of being cared for, of being around. You don’t need to go storming into villages—you have tools to earn their care. You just need someone to show you how to use them.” 

You then sink back in your chair with a sigh. “I’m just a woodcutter, yes, but I’m also someone who knows my village well. If you let me, I can introduce you to them—without the sleep part.” 

A pause fills the room as Malleus seems to consider your offer. The three knights remain silent near the door, but you can see by the looks being exchanged and the shifting on their feet that they, too, are hoping he concurs. 

“... you give a rather valiant speech.” Malleus finally hums as his fingers go to touch his chin thoughtfully. “If you are willing, then perhaps… yes. I think I would quite like that, dearest woodcutter.” 

If the room could heave a collective sigh, you’re sure that it would as you rest your elbows on the table with a small laugh. You do not know what the beast’s reward was meant to be, and the curiosity about it fades as you offer the cautious prince a reassuring smile. 

You haven’t the heart to tell the man that you’ve never carved a single thing in your life, and that your entire speech was winged on the spot—but that’s an issue for another day.

[viennakarma]

what do u think luna would think of the whole scandal with her parents when she’s older? like when she finds out lewis cheated on her mom and that’s why everything happened (i feel like she knows that her dad is still in love w her mom and wonders why she isn’t and goes searching hahahah)

[edit: this is about my story say something]

You’re mentioning the ending where Reader moves on right? I think Luna would be a teen/preteen who’d be very aware of Lewis’ love eyes to her mom even so many years after the divorce. In this instance, I believe she’d find out at random, like from a little friend at school or she’d hear from one of her friends’ parents gossiping one time she went to visit… anyway, she’d be really upset with her father, and a little annoyed at her mom for never having told her. In the end, Lewis and Reader would have to unite in their co-parenting powers to come together and sit down with Luna. The girl would have a million questions and finally make peace with her dad buuuuut a tiny little part of her would always resent Lewis for the what-ifs of growing up with her parents still together.

As for Luna from the ending where Reader forgives Lewis… this would be a really angsty shit show. She’d find out by eavesdropping or a family member accidentally slipping up mid conversation. She’d be devastated because growing up her greatest example of happy and healthy relationship was her parents’. Finding out things weren’t that fairy tale she’d always dreamed of. She’d probably spent a few days not speaking to Lewis, her siblings (?) starting to catch up on the tension, Reader trying to get Luna to come around. She’d probably cry a lot, Lewis grovelling a lot, and finally they’d make up and Luna would start understanding that people are nuanced and flawed.

If you have any more questions or if someone wants me to expand on either of the endings (or both), let me know and I might write a little blurb for this. 😝

[islxms]

-ˏˋ⋆ 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄 ︱ 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐄 ⋆ˊˎ-

𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 ☆ 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡 ☆ 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟

──────⊹⊱✫⊰⊹──────

pairings - actor!aaronwarner x actress!femoc

summary - Kenji Kishimoto, your best friend, insisted that you audition for Dear Love, a romance series, as he didn't want to spend time there alone. After various pleas, you finally accepted the request.

warnings - none

words count - 1,948 words.

︳⋆ ⎙ 𝅄 𝖬𝖠𝖨𝖫𝖡𝖮𝖷 ﹎ hope you enjoy the first chapter, especially since it took me a while to start and finish, since I couldn't decide or think how to. I don't know how to feel about it, I hate it and love it. I promise the future ones will be better.

"Finally, ugh," I grumbled as the credits for Tangled rolled across the screen. Kenji had insisted on making me watch his favorite Disney movie again, and I was over it. This had to be the fifty-sixth time, on a fucking Friday! I could've done many things!

"Hey! Don't say that. Tangled is a masterpiece," he protested, flinging a pillow at me, which made me slip slightly on the couch.

"Yeah, sure," I said dryly, barely masking my irritation.

"I hate you," Kenji fake-pouted before storming off to the kitchen. Just like a little kid.

"So, are you going to audition for the new series or not?" Kenji changed the subject as he rummaged through the fridge. I knew he was after those damn Skittles he always devours at my place.

"I'm thinking about it," I replied, getting up from the couch and heading toward him. "But I heard it's a romance story, and I'm not keen on kissing anyone on screen." I folded my arms, narrowing my eyes as he finally pulled out the Skittles. "And if you keep raiding my stash, I might just stop buying them."

Kenji's eyes widened in mock horror as he clutched the candy to his chest. "How could you say that, Sunshine? I'm deeply hurt!" Despite his dramatics, he tore open the bag and started munching away.

"By the way, I'm in it too," he mumbled through a mouthful of Skittles.

I rolled my eyes. "Great. Just so you know, Kenji Kishimoto, I have zero plans of kissing you on set or out."

Kenji Kishimoto, my best friend and one of the few people I trusted, had a knack for making me laugh, even when I was at my lowest. He could pull me out of any funk with his jokes and relentless teasing. But despite his flirtations, I never saw him as more than a friend-something I could never admit to him since his ego was already larger than Asia, and the last thing I needed was to inflate it even further.

"Don't worry, you'll change your mind eventually," he said with a playful smirk, but his triumph was short-lived as I smacked him on the arm.

"Ow! What was that for?" he whined, rubbing his arm.

"For letting your stupid ego get the best of you again," I shot back with a grin.

Kenji pouted, rubbing his arm like it was injured. "You know, you could work on your people skills. Not everyone is as charming as me."

I rolled my eyes, leaning against the counter. "Charming? Is that what we're calling it now? Delusion suits you perfectly."

He ignored my jab and popped another Skittle into his mouth, grinning like he'd won. "So, if you're not planning to kiss anyone, what's stopping you from auditioning? You could just act."

"Acting involves more than just pretending," I said, brushing a stray hair behind my ear. "And romance isn't exactly my thing."

Kenji studied me, his playful demeanor softening. "You used to love the idea of being in love. What changed?"

I paused, taken aback by his sudden seriousness. He wasn't wrong. I used to be a hopeless romantic, dreaming of whirlwind love stories. But life had a funny way of turning those dreams into something else entirely.

"I grew up," I replied firmly. "Realized that not all stories end with a fairy tale."

Kenji frowned, searching my face. "You don't believe that, do you? That happiness isn't in the cards for you?"

I shrugged. "Let's just say I've become more realistic."

"Realism's overrated," Kenji said, leaning closer with a serious edge. "You're too young to give up on love. You should audition. Who knows? Maybe you'll have fun."

I met his gaze, a smile tugging at my lips. "Since when did you become such an optimist?"

He grinned, the mischievous spark back in his eyes. "I'm not. I just think you'd look great trying to resist falling for me on set."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You're impossible."

"Impossible and irresistible," he corrected with a wink.

I sighed. "You know," I said, reaching for a Skittle from the bag still clutched in Kenji's hand, "if I audition and get the part, I expect you to be on your best behavior."

Kenji's grin widened. "No promises, Sunshine. But for you, I'll try."

Did I just sell my soul to the devil? Probably.

Kenji managed to drag me to the set I might be working on. He was practically bouncing with excitement as he led me through the studio doors, and I had to remind myself this was my choice even if it felt like I was being dragged.

"This is going to be great, trust me," Kenji said, flashing his trademark grin. "Castle's a good friend, and he's excited to meet you."

Castle-the director. Naturally, Kenji was on a first-name basis with him. He seemed to know everyone who mattered. We walked through the bustling set, with people rushing around and the constant hum of activity.

"If I'm being honest, this isn't as bad as I thought it would be," I admitted, glancing around. The set was impressive-detailed and alive, like the story was already coming to life.

Kenji shot me a triumphant look. "See? I told you. It's not all that scary."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't deny a small thrill of excitement starting to build.

As we continued our tour, Kenji pointed out different parts of the set, explaining what each was for and how they'd be used in the scenes. He was in his element, effortlessly charming everyone we passed.

When we finally reached Castle, he greeted Kenji with a warm hug and then turned to me with a welcoming smile. "So, this is the star Kenji's been talking about," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Glad to finally meet you."

I forced a confident smile. "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Castle."

"Please, call me Castle," he replied, waving off the formality. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do. Kenji's been talking you up like you're the next big thing."

I shot Kenji a look, but he just shrugged, grinning like a cat that got the cream. "Just speaking the truth."

Castle laughed, clearly entertained. "Well, I can't wait to see you in action. I have a feeling you're going to bring something special to this project."

I wasn't sure how to respond to Castle's enthusiasm, so I just nodded, keeping my nerves in check. I loved acting, just like I loved watching romance movies, but being in one and living out those moments on screen made me jittery. The thought of kissing someone on screen, even though I'd done it before, still gave me chills. This felt different.

What are you even worrying about? It's just acting. Don't throw away your opportunities. You've done it many times before!

Perfect, now I'm talking to myself.

Audition for the movie and stop being an overdramatic baby.

I'm not!

Then why are you still thinking about whether you should audition?

...

"What are the available roles for Dear Love, again?" I asked, breaking the silence as we continued walking through the set.

Kenji turned to me with a grin, clearly pleased with my sudden interest. "Ah, so you're considering it, huh? Well, the lead role of Emma is still open, and a few supporting characters too. But I have to say, you'd make a great Emma."

I bit my lip, the character's description echoing in my mind. Strong-willed, independent, and hesitant to believe in love-qualities that matched mine. Could I step into Emma's shoes and bring her story to life?

Before I could second-guess myself, I glanced at Kenji and said, "Alright, let's do it. I'll audition for Emma."

Kenji's face lit up with excitement and pride. "That's the spirit, Sunshine! You're going to crush it."

The next morning, I sat in front of my vanity, staring at my reflection with a sense of purpose. My mind was racing with thoughts of the audition. I had agreed to try out for the role of Emma, and now that the reality of it was sinking in, I was ready to own it.

What if I'm not good enough? What if this role isn't for me? What if I completely mess it up?

I shook my head, dismissing the doubts. I had done this before-auditions, roles, the whole process. I was a pro, and I had the confidence to prove it. The thought of kissing someone on screen, while still nerve-wracking, wasn't going to stop me. I faced tougher challenges and came out on top.

Kenji's words from the previous day echoed in my mind. "You're going to crush it." He had so much faith in me, and I was ready to show him and everyone else what I was made of.

With a deep breath, I started getting ready, choosing an outfit that made me feel confident and powerful. It was just an audition, after all.

As I applied a touch of makeup, I rehearsed the lines I'd been practicing. I could feel Emma's character taking shape within me-her strength, her hesitance, her guarded heart. I related to her in many ways, and I was determined to bring her to life on screen.

When I arrived at the studio, my nerves were still buzzing, but I was focused. Kenji was waiting for me at the entrance, his usual grin plastered on his face.

"Ready to show them what you've got?" he asked, his tone teasing but supportive.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, forcing a confident smile.

We walked inside, surrounded by the buzz of activity. The studio was alive with the sounds of people preparing for their auditions, and the energy in the air was palpable.

Castle was chatting with a few other actors when he saw me. He waved me over with a warm smile. "Ms. Solans, great to see you again. Ready to give it your best shot?"

"Absolutely," I said, my voice steady and clear.

"Good. Just remember, have fun with it. Don't worry about being perfect-just be yourself," Castle advised, his words surprisingly comforting.

As I stepped into the audition room, the familiar lights and cameras in place, I felt a surge of determination. This was my world-acting, performing, and becoming someone else for a while. I had this.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment. When I opened them, I was Emma. The lines flowed naturally, and the emotions felt genuine. For those few minutes, I was fully immersed in the character's world, forgetting about everything else.

When I finished, there was a pause, followed by Castle's approving nod. "That was fantastic, Ms. Solans. You really brought Emma to life."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, the tension in my shoulders easing. "Thank you," I replied, my voice steady.

As I left the room, Kenji was waiting outside, his grin wider than ever. "I told you you'd crush it! You were amazing in there, Sunshine."

I couldn't help but laugh, the earlier nerves replaced with a sense of accomplishment. "It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be."

"See? I knew you could do it," Kenji said, slinging an arm around my shoulders. "Now, let's get out of here. I'm starving, and I'm sure you could use a break."

"I saw you munching a sandwich earlier," I said with a smirk.

"What? A star can't eat now?" He crossed his arms dramatically, giving me an exaggerated pout. I stared him down, and the facade crumbled into a playful smile.

"Fine," I said, laughing. "Let's go grab something to eat."

[devouredbyflame]

I am wanting to write something in response to what I see going on in the community right now that has been immensely and ridiculously discouraging to me.

I find that I am disturbed by the allegations that Loki is a predator and that we are not further holding the humans who took charge of this responsible for their actions instead of the alleged actions of a Divine being.

I find that most people who truly know Loki would know that He would never even dream of pushing someone to be a godspouse much less ever be willing to accept just anyone as a godspouse at all.

If you know Loki, you would also acknowledge that He does not take oaths lightly. He has never broken an oath in any story we have, and He is not known to trust just anyone to make such a thing as a vow of marriage with or any other sort of partnership. His trust is not earned easily. I would say most people never fully engage with the real Him at all and most likely a sock puppet or one of His many faces because they will never wish to think He has His own opinions and disagreements with things people do.

I have known Him to be very much one who puts people through trials and tests and see who comes out on the other end and who does not have it within them to maintain any sort of boundaries with Him much less understand the reason why He did it in the first place.

Marriage is a commitment. A choice. It is not something that He would ever decide to do if you are within a few years of working together, much less would He ever approach you to do with Him after a period of not even knowing you. I have seen more godspouses than any other group burn out and dissolve into flames after a few years of claiming such a thing.

If I had an assumption to make, it would be that Loki doesn’t actually take very many people as a Spouse at all, let alone someone who is under the age of 18, or even those who are in their lower 20s. If I were to assume based on the evidence that I have witnessed come to pass many times over, many people are afraid to admit to themselves that it’s possible that they are wrong because they are so afraid of being left in the cold should they not have such a thing as marriage keeping them safe from abandonment.

When in reality, those who push that fairy tale of marriage around for a couple years tend to dissolve even faster because they do not know the actual requirements of being married, much less acknowledge Loki as someone who is fully capable of making His own choices and having His own opinions that differ from their own.

In the Western hemisphere, people have a tendency to prize marriage over everything because that is the ultimate choice to move into marriage after an intimate relationship. We think that because intimacy with the Divine is a common practice, we must get married to Them in order to make it stick. Either because we feel unworthy of having such a relationship with a Deity in the first place - never mind that it was the Deity seeking the affection as well, not just the human - or because we cannot fathom any other framework around our relationship just because it hasn’t been discussed before.

I think, due to recent events, we need to take a long, hard look at ourselves and think about why Loki even wants all these godspouses in the first place? I think the answer really is that He doesn’t. Instead, people feel like they can assert their opinions and ways upon Him without ever really consulting the Deity Himself. These people take choices away from others because the others don’t have enough self esteem to go out and search for their own answers on their own time. They take choices away from Loki because once these people are finished with their games, even if He wanted to know Them, They are already heartbroken and torn to shreds based off of the actions of what human did and not the Deity Himself.

I don’t want to remain silent on any of this and I know it’s easy for me to say because I claim to be a Wife to Loki, as well, and you can choose to believe me or not - I don’t really care - but I am tired of seeing this come into fruition over and over again. People use words like “godspouse” or “godspousal” to mean a plethora of things that build up over time and get to be abused as a concept by others just so they can have their fun instead of creating actual, intimate relationships whether or not marriage is actually happening or not.

I am tired of seeing this come to pass over the years I have been around this community. We are selfish creatures who enforce our own habits and biases and desires on Beings we give no authority to in our daily lives. We want validation so we scrape away at it day in and day out and ignore any signs as to whether or not this was actually the case because we are so desperate for His attention and acceptance because we don’t get it anywhere else.

Instead, this just leaves us heartbroken, discouraged, and abandoned when the game is all over and the time you thought you had with Him was just inside our heads. We ask for more than we are willing to give and this happens a lot, I’ve found.

We cannot both ask for attention, desire, and respect from the Divine if we are unwilling to give back to Them what we take. We cannot risk presenting ourselves as a failure when this doesn’t happen because we cannot cope with the ways in which the Divine may or may not be manifesting in our lives. We have no way of actually seeing or understanding the Divine in the framework that is more often presented with the bigger name pagans like Diana Paxson (who was kicked out of the Troth for abuse, by the way), Galina Krasskova, Raven Kaldera or any other author who has presented themselves as a false representative to the Deities they choose to claim to serve.

If it is true that they serve those Deities, they would not be where they are now nor would they be treated with such disdain or disregard because if that is, indeed, who they claim to be, then they would have deserved the kind of respect awarded to people in such a place of power. But they have not. And I have seen it over and over in groups like CUUPs and covens and other places where pagans rise through the ranks of power in order to be outed as a narcissistic abuser in some fashion or form. It’s disgusting.

If the Gods had any sort of sway on anything that they do, they would have been shot down instantly. But we don’t let the Gods into our rituals, our homes, or our places of worship anymore. We have shut Them out just like we did with the other Deities we wished to have a relationship with that are no longer around because perceptions of Them have been so intensely distorted that people can’t even tell down from up anymore.

I am no longer going to be posting on my Tumblr in this way. I have had enough of community drama in my time that this is not worth my time. I am instead going to be working on my other projects more worthy of my time and using this as an advertising platform with the blog I was working on before all of this. If you would like to reach out, I will be available for people who are interested in my work and what I do. Otherwise, I will ignore hate mail and discourage people from engaging with me who have no interest in being respectful.

[ellsieee]

Most of my reaction thoughts for Blue Boys ep 8 are here, but I wanted to add a couple more thoughts.

Did Suk stick the landing? I think they did. I was satisfied they gave us a happy ending that was sweet, believable, and logical. Although the Taeha arc was stomach turning to watch, it helped Jaemin understand himself better and realize how much he loved Nami. The only real gripe I have with the conclusion of the Taeha arc is that we still don't entirely understand why Jaemin was shaken by Taeha. Was it only because he was physically attracted to him? Or was Taeha right when he said Jaemin was lonely?

If Jaemin is lonely with such an attentive boyfriend, then there are deeper issues here. I wish they could have addressed this and had Nami and Jaemin talk it out. That would have made everything feel more complete. One of Blue Boys' weaknesses is its episode length. In both episode 4 and 7, the audience is never completely clear about what Jaemin is thinking and why he does what he does. If only we had more time.

I liked Nami and Jaemin's reconciliation scene even though I've seen a lot of comments disappointed with Jaemin's apology.

I can understand that, Jaemin only said sorry and didn't really explain himself. However, I think Jaemin has always been like that. I feel like this is him being sincere and being truly sorry. I do wish we got to see him grovel, but it was never going to happen. Nami loves him too much to let him.

NAMIIIIII!🫠🫠🫠 Nami loves Jaemin so much. Nami played with Jaemin's ear again. 😊 I may have made giddy squealing sounds here. I've seen some comments hating on Jaemin because it's always Nami that "sacrifices" in the relationship. It's Nami who went after Jaemin after Sol, and it's Nami who is forgiving Jaemin after Taeha. I don't think we can expect relationships to be so transactional. It's not always going to be a "fair" 50/50 split. Sometimes, there is someone who loves more in a relationship, so they will be doing more of the coaxing and heavy lifting. What Nami does for Jaemin is not a sacrifice to him, and I think that's beautiful and very sweet.

It means so much to Nami that Jaemin said I love you first! I completely agree with @ddeohaming that Hoolim nailed it with his subtle facial expressions.

🫠🫠 I loved the exchange of I love yous. 🫠🫠 After all that stress Suk put us through, this is the ending we deserve. Despite all that has happened between them, Nami and Jaemin's bond is stronger than ever and I love that for them.

No Blue Boys reaction post is complete without bringing up how good Nami and Jaemin's kisses are.

I love this kiss so much. I love the light shining down from above giving the kiss an ethereal feel. I love how gentle, yet full of desire the kiss is. I love the way Nami cradles Jaemin's face. I love the way they suck on each other's lips. I love it all.

I could watch them kiss forever. So sensual. So hot.

One of the strangest takes I've seen about the finale are from the people who wanted a BE. They feel that Jaemin "mentally cheated" on Nami by being shaken by Taeha and having that horny dream about him. They feel like Jaemin is a horrible person and a cheater who doesn't deserve Nami. I try to respect all opinions, but this one is just weird to me. Having a dream about Taeha could very well represent something that's not even about Taeha at all. Cheating is a conscious act that requires acting on many decisions made together and not something that happens when you're asleep. Finding yourself attracted to someone while in a relationship is also not cheating as long as you don't act on that attraction. I admit Jaemin didn't exactly cover himself in glory with letting Taeha kiss him in the park, but he resolutely rejected Taeha after that and made sure it would never happen again, so I'll give him a pass on that one. It's not great, but not enough to make me write Jaemin off. I guess for the Jaemin haters, they wanted to see a fairy tale pure love rather than the more realistic messy love that Suk gave us.

I'm really going to miss Nami and Jaemin. I'm hoping another production (or even Suk again) will hire Hoolim and Seungjin again for another bl. Chances are slim, but their chemistry is too good to waste. Imagine what they could do in series with a budget and a decent runtime. I complain about too many acting pairs in Thai bl, but there aren't enough in kbl. Ever since we lost Jiwoong and Seobin, there hasn't been another kbl acting pair. Hoolim and Seungjin could fill that void. 🤡

[dance-bones]

Insomnia

Merman!Risotto Nero×reader

Warning: The difference in height/first kiss or something like that

All the characters have come of age

Uh, sorry, I'm lazy person. So, I'll give you my old work, but it's may be good.

If you want any character, situation, au, let me know

Meow Meow something else.

A quiet, warm night enveloped the city. Waves washed over the walls built by people. Lampposts standing along the water illuminated a small part of its surface.

You walk in light, thin clothes, straight to the pier, although at this time of day, it would be better to be at home.

Your life is quite satisfactory. You have a family, friends, a job. In general, you are an ordinary person. So why do you want to go to the pier? The answer is simple. You have insomnia. You've tried many ways to fall asleep, but only one helps you. I have to go to the pier every time before going to bed to breathe in the sea air, listen to the beating of the waves on the wooden beams of the pier. In a word, to enjoy. And it helped. After 15-20 minutes of being on the pier, you were easily thrown into a dream.

And so, you're back on the pier. Walking to the edge, sitting down and dangling your legs, you begin to relax. After a hard day's work, it helps the best. From the noise of the waves, you inadvertently withdraw into yourself, which is actually a regular action. You often get lost in different thoughts and try to find some answers for yourself. And here again, you need to thank Pierce, because usually you don't have enough time to think.

It doesn't occur to you at such moments that you might be being watched. And not just from where, but actually from the water.

Your thoughts today were the legends of this city, or rather the main one - the mermaids. Yes, the residents of the city really claimed that there is a hybrid of a human and a marine inhabitant in the sea.

But they were fairy tales for you. In your unprofessional opinion, mermaids were a kind of way to scare children away from the water. That's right. No one wants their child to drown or get hurt in any way..

Your feet were hanging off the edge of the pier, almost touching the water, while you were deep in thought.

Suddenly, you feel something wrapping around your ankle. It was something cold, wet, and damn strong. You were sure of that. Quickly raising your head, you saw something unthinkable in front of you.

A rather large hand, compared to yours, holds your ankle in an almost death grip. If you look closely, you can see the webbing between your fingers. Your eyes widen when your head appears out of the water, and then a small part of your guest's very large body.

Or rather, you were the guest. After all, this creature was a mermaid, and the sea was his home.

You managed to look at it a little, fortunately there was a lantern nearby that illuminated at least some part of the pier.

A giant mermaid appeared before your eyes. From his fin on his back, his coloring, as well as the sharp teeth that you saw from his slightly open mouth, it became clear that he was a shark. His body was coming out of the water and it seemed to be huge, maybe 5-6 meters. And oh my God, what stood out most about him were the red eyes watching you through wet, ashen hair.

The shark man was looking at you, holding your ankle and smiling.

"Hi," he said, still looking at you. Something in his gaze hinted to you that he was evaluating you and maybe planning to eat you.

"Good evening, sir," you mumbled, trying to stay calm. You were a little scared that you might become the dinner of a giant fish.

The merman tilted his head at your feet, making you tense up. He was still holding your ankle.

- "Shh, don't be nervous, little one."- He whispered and jumped back.

Did he call you a little one? It was logical according to his concepts. The shark Man was bigger than you and he had every right to call you tiny compared to him.

- "Tell me, what is such a tiny human girl doing here at night, huh?"- his gaze slides over your body while he waits for an answer.

- "Oh, I have insomnia, and the noise of the sea and the sea air help to cope with it. That's why I come here before going to bed."

You're being honest with him, hoping he'll think it's a good answer.

- "Mmm, does such a sweet treat come to me by itself? How wonderful.." He's smiling, showing you his sharp teeth.

You're getting nervous. He's probably being honest with you about his desires, too. The mermaid rests on the part of the tail where, according to your assumption, people should have knees, and pulls himself up onto the pier. He quickly pulls you to him, laying you on your back. Your pupils constrict when he hunches over to lean towards you. Despite the cold of his body, his breath is hotter. You begin to breathe shallowly and raggedly while salt water drips from his body onto you.

Does he seem to notice this and start purring? Maybe the merman is trying to calm you down, just a little bit, but the realization that he wants to eat you makes it creepy.

- "Don't be afraid. I'm not going to eat you, little one. Definitely not in that sense..." He says the latter almost silently.

It makes you calm down a bit, but it's still not enough.

- "Then what do you want?"

His pupils are narrowing like a predator's, which is exactly what he is. He smiles at you again, leaning closer.

- "Just to get to know each other." He continues to make a low purr. He looks extremely curious and interested in you.

- "What's your name, little one?"- he gently releases your ankle and puts his big hand on your head, knowing that you are ready to move. He strokes the top of your head, enjoying the softness of your hair. With his other hand, he leans on the planks of the pier so as not to crush you.

- "Y/n, sir..."- you answer him with a little hesitation. All this makes you feel embarrassed.

- "Y/n..."- the mermaid repeats your name several times, memorizing it.

"What's your name, sir?"

He's looking at you, obviously happy that you're interested in him.

"I'm Risotto Nero, little Y/n." he chuckles, pleased with your new nickname.

He looks at you, running his hand from the top of your head to your cheek, making you tremble slightly. He leans closer, inhaling the scent of your body.

"Your skin is so soft, and your scent is just wonderful.." He leans even closer. He likes your helplessness.

- "Risotto Nero..."- you gain courage, trying not to shake from his cold touches to your skin."if that's all, can I go home?" It's time for me to go to bed..

He grins at you, seeing that you're a little afraid, but finally takes his hand away.

- "Of course, but first.." He licks your lips quickly before plopping back into the water and disappearing under the pier.

You get up quickly and run home, feeling the salty taste on your lips. This cartilaginous fish stole your first kiss! If I may say so.

Returning home, you quickly take a shower, washing off all the salt water that he managed to spill on you, and go to bed.

But one thing is bothering you. Is he interested in you? Oh, it seems more than just interested. You're sure he wanted to take you right on the pier. You once studied shark behavior out of curiosity. And his action with laying you on your shoulder blades is very similar to the process of a mating ritual, when the task of the male is to lay the female on her back.

You blush when you get under the covers. What is most frightening is that the male, during sexual intercourse, holds the male by the gills with his sharp teeth. The very thought that your neck will become a replacement for gills scares him and throws him into paint. It sounds both creepy and painful at the same time...It's hot.

And oh my God, this is the only pier in town, and your insomnia isn't going anywhere.

Which means...

You will have to return to the pier the next night at your own risk. You understand this, and it seems that Risotto Nero himself, who watched you run away, understands this too.

He'll be waiting for you tomorrow. He will definitely wait for you, and he will get his little one.

[totally-not-here-for-the-smut]

would love to hear how the M6 handle an apprentice with a hypersomnia disorder 💛💛 someone who struggles with a lot of excessive sleepiness but really tries to push through it

Oooh, thanks for the prompt, I love it! As you didn't specify the spicy level, I'll assign ♤♡◇♧ randomly to the characters

Cracking my knuckles because it's something that hits home// The spicyness key is ◇neutral/random/funny,♡romantic/physical affection, ♧fluff/light smut,♤big dongs

So here it comes ~~~

~The hypersomniac apprentice~

~♡~

As soon as you open up to her about it, Nadia has you treated for your sleep disorder right away. Julian is sent for, and he has your treatment started by having you to keep a diary to track your sleeping, eating and exercising habits, dreams, mood, and of course any periodic cycles you may have. When he gave you the little red-line notebook, you saw an idea twinkling in Nadia's eyes, but forgot to investigate further. Shortly after, you started noticing that the palace staff you interact the most all had a tiny jade-green, golden ruled notebook with them. You wanted to ask her about it this afternoon while having tea on the veranda, but you had one of your hypersomnia episodes. When you wake up, Nadia brushes your hair from your sleepy face, greeting you with a smile. "I hope your sleep has been refreshing", she says, "in the meantime, I kept some notes for you". She handles you one of those little green notebooks that is filled, to you surprise, with little useful notes about what were you two talking about it, your immediate future agenda, the time you spent asleep and a little recap of everything that has happened.

You meet her loving gaze, speechless. "I recall how embarrassing was to ask people to fill me in on what happened during my long sleep", she explains. "I felt so cut out on the world, confused and distressed". She brushes your hand. "I made sure you will never feel as lost as I did".

~◇~

You really did try to push through this episode. Lucio looked so caught up in the game you were playing, so genuinely happy. You didn't want to let him down... but you see, trying to push through hypersomnia is awful it truly is folks, worst thing and hardly possible. Your eyelids are heavy and your neck isn't holding your head anymore. You try to rest your head against the sofa to avoid the telltale head-falling...

...but when you wake up you realize it wasn't a good idea. The lights are down, the room empty, and Lucio...? Nowhere to be seen. Your heart shrinks with guilt. You will have to apologize to him.

"Not many people know this, but Lucio has troubles sleeping. Eventually, the weight of his deeds fell upon him, robbing him of his sleep. At the beginning he started using narcotics to fall asleep, but Julian caught him immediately and made sure to put a hasty end on the dangerous habit.

Now Lucio slips into your bedroom with some dumb excuse ("thought you wanted some water" "hey, I had this WILD dream" "I'm horny") just to lay with you as you fall asleep. Watching your serene face as you sleep helps him to soothe his sleepless nights and find some kind of peace."

If you weren't so worried about letting him down, you would have put the pieces together and understood why he let you sleep -why he always lets you sleep.

~◇~

Portia knows about it, and find it so damn cute! Being the little mischievous fairy she is, she always puts you into situations where you will have troubles staying awake. This includes

getting the two of you seat for the opera in Nadia's box -this means you're next to her- and exchange giggling gazes with Asra. The three of you are the perfect partner in crime, but little did you know that you are their favorite victim.

Going stargazing with you and Muriel -he tells the BEST constellation tales and she knows that you love them and would give the world to stay awake - but joke's on her this time, for Muriel adores when his voices coddle you to sleep

Inviting you gardening in warm afternoons after some rich lunch, where she has an hard times refraining from laughing at your attempts to resist the sleep.

Today though, you realize she's doing it on purpose. In your hand there's a bunch of drawings she did of your cutest sleeping poses -they're on napkins, reciepts, grocery lists and god forbid Portia is this book from Nadia's library?!

~~~~~~~♧♤♧~~~~~~

I'll put the spicier ones (Julian, Muriel, Asra) in a reblog [THIS ONE] I'll flag as adult content :) you can alway find them from the Masterlist

Disclaimer: please remember that hypersomnia is a legit disorder that should be addressed by any means you have at hand. Don't get fooled by the "manageable" face it has: it may be caused by many underlying issues, from moderate avoidant anxiety to much more serious things. There's nothing wrong with choosing to live with it or thinking it's cute (i have it and i do), but if you do experience it, love yourself and investigate its causes! Remember, as an human being you're entitled to health.

[the-togepi-man]

This following post is going to be very anti-religious. If that would bother you, so be it. But this is my blog, and I need to get my feelings out. I really dislike religion. I'm sure it helps some folks find meaning, but the amount of people that use it to look to a higher power and ignore those who they are sharing world with is saddening and infuriating. I am aware that many, if not all religions preach loving their fellow man. But the fact there needs to be an entity and their following to say that breaks me. How did we come so far as a species to somehow think we are better than those who are made the same way? Having to read this trans-visibility day "controversy" for being on Easter is insane. Yes there are those clearly just using it to hate monger, but there are those that genuinely believe this is some magical day where a fairy tale character came back to life, and it should be respected over real, living fucking people. Again, people are out there pushing down real, live, breathing, struggling, dreaming, loving members of their own fucking race to celebrate fiction. Those people in their lives, that see the people they know or care about prioritizing a holiday about a billion year old lie over their actual lives will feel that, and that part will live in their brain no matter how strong they are. Growing up as a gay, privalaged white man, I still feel it. I can't imagine those who have to deal with so much more than me. I've had some reasons to come to terms with morality and the fleetingness of life recently. I just want to let those know struggling internally, externally, or both- that your life is worth something to me. Worth far more to me than a magic book or some cosmic promise.

[brighteststar707]

I was digging through my drafts last night and found this drabble from sometime last year. It's a little reset theory idea I was playing around with that ended with me writing the 'Tell Me A Story' short. I was inspired at the time by both Hadestown (the cyclical nature of the tragedy) and the Howl's moving castle film (when Sophie meets Howl in the past and asks her to wait for him).

I'm not sure if I'll ever flesh out this idea entirely so I thought I'd release this (unedited!) instead of leaving it to gather dust in my folder.

You already know how it ends. You’ve walked down this road so many times before.

A few months ago, you held Saeyoung in your arms as he drifted off to sleep. Usually you’re the one to fall asleep first. He always teases you about it. Tonight, though, you want to be awake for as long as possible.

You gently caress his head and whisper against his skin “Wait for me.”

As you feel the darkness wrap around you, heavier than sleep, you wonder if he heard you. If, somewhere in his dreams, he hears your voice echoing. Wait for me.

What a cruel request. If only you were selfless enough to let him forget you.

But you’re not. Which is why, tonight, you find yourself out late at night, staring at your phone screen waiting for it to hit midnight. When you close your eyes, you can still see the lock screen image flashing at you. The numbers, stubbornly stuck at 11:58PM.

Tonight, it’s cold.  It’s been a while since you’ve experienced a winter here. Last time, you managed to spend a full year with him, August to August. Ironically, your least favourite time of year. Your memories are full of unforgiving heat. Nights where you pulled him outside with you, filled with a giddy childlike joy.

You have to work to keep the memories of each trip separate. To not let them bleed together. They all differ from each other slightly. The time of year, the persona you wore. The only thing that remained the same was the ending.

Finally, you feel your phone buzz with a message.

Unknown: …Hello…?

And finally, it begins. There’s always something magical about your first conversation with everyone.

You step into the apartment and resist the urge to look up at the security camera you know is pointed at you. Then, you turn around and give it a big smile and wave anyway. You imagine him watching you from his dark desk. Does he feel a small spark of recognition? Does he hear your voice, as if from a dream, begging him to wait for you?

You’re antsy. Desperate, even.

The first time he calls you, the air is electric. It’s like your whole being has been waiting to hear him again. You feel a warmth spreading through your fingertips.

You have to act startled, like a stranger. You shouldn’t make him suspicious.

Shouldn’t.

To pass the time, you let yourself imagine doing all the things you shouldn’t be doing.

In your dreams, you leave the apartment and go to his house. You’ve picked up enough Arabic to get past the security system (sometimes, in your more self-indulgent fantasies, it recognizes you and lets you in without a fuss; we’ve been waiting for you). All the lights are off, you find him sitting at his desk.

He turns around (he was expecting Vanderwood). You grab him by the shoulders and make him look at your face. You look into his eyes and will him to remember.

Sometimes he remembers. His expression softens into a smile and he holds you in his arms. He kisses every part of your face and tells you that he’s missed you.

In the more realistic fantasy, the Saeyoung you find is guarded. He is hostile and scared. He doesn’t know how to hope yet. You beg him to remember, recount memories of days together. tell him stories of two people so deeply in love that they’d cross time over and over again to be together. 

He doesn’t believe you, and you already feel your heart shatter.

“You’re telling me stories. Fairy tales.”

“They’re memories. Yours and mine.”

Then it stops.  

[tolkiens-middleearth]

Topics & Themes in Tolkien’s Legendarium

The Perilous Realm

“Stories that are actually concerned primarily with ‘fairies,’ that is with creatures that might also in modern English be called ‘elves,’ are relatively rare, and as a rule not very interesting. Most good ‘fairy-stories’ are about the adventures of men in the Perilous Realm or upon its shadowy marches.” – J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories.

Tolkien called it the Perilous Realm, Faery or Faërie, and for me these words represent one of the most fascinating theme in Tolkien’s Legendarium. It is both a narrative and a world-building element that can be found in all his major Middle-earth stories and is in a way essential for understanding Tolkien’s approach to his own created world.

Yet I feel it rarely gets talked about, so I want to briefly highlight what it is, how it functions in the narrative, and give a few examples from various stories. Unfortunately can’t go into a deep analysis because doing so would require me to write a book – which I would love to, but I don’t have the time or qualification). Quote sources and further reading recommendations are given at the end.

WANDERING INTO FAERY

 “It is common in Fairy tales for the entrance to the fairy world to be presented as a journey underground, into a hill or mountain or the like. [...] My symbol is not the underground, whether necrological and Orphic or pseudo-scientific in jargon, but the Forest […].” – J. R. R. Tolkien. “Smith of Wooton Major” essay.

The core of this theme is the mortal wanderer who comes to or crosses the borders of Faërie, the land of fairies or elves. This idea has been part of legends and myths for a long time, one of the most prominent examples probably being the island of Avalon in the Arthurian legend. Depending on the story, Faërie can occupy a different time and space than our own world, or share the same space or time “in different modes”. Getting into Faërie is not always possible and many things can stop someone from entering: it may be completely inaccessible, it may be hidden and people have to find it, or it may be accessible only to those who know the secret on how to enter it. Once you are there, it may be difficult to leave, or it may take some time. Being there could turn out to be dangerous, but it also doesn’t necessarily have to be. Tolkien wrote that “in it are pitfalls for the unwary and dungeons for the overbold”.

In The Lord of the Rings, there are many examples of such a realm, some barely noticeable and some very clear and detailed.

It starts subtle when Frodo, Sam and Pippin meet Gildor and his Elves near Woodhall. It is no specific realm that they enter, but just wandering with the Elves already lets the Hobbits experience something they are not used to. They have trouble finding words for it afterwards or remembering it clearly, with Tolkien describing it that for Pippin it felt like he was in a waking dream. The next example is then already more direct: the four Hobbits enter the Old Forest. This time it really is perilous for them, they get lost and cannot find a way out. Tolkien describes it as follows:

“They began to feel that all this country was unreal, and that they were stumbling through an ominous dream that led to no awakening.”

Frodo almost falls asleep near an enchanting river, Merry and Pippin almost die. Without the help of an unexpected inhabitant of this forest, they never would have gotten out.

Reaching Rivendell is another less clear example. Rivendell itself is easier accessible than the Old Forest and less perilous for the Hobbits. But reaching it also includes a river, a river that is under Elrond’s command and that rises “in anger when [Elrond] has great need to bar the Ford”.  And within Rivendell, Frodo experiences another kind of “Faërian Drama” as Tolkien calls it: the stories and songs told in Rivendell hold him “in a spell”, and “the enchantment became more and more dreamlike” until in the end Frodo falls asleep once more. Bilbo comments that it’s difficult to stay awake “until you get used to it”.

The most prominent example is of course Lothlórien, a land of Elves that is rarely visited by mortal beings and where the flow of time is indeed different than that in the outside world. It’s also well defended against wanderers, and both in the world and the narrative the fellowship has to pass through: there are guards at the boarders that have to be convinced, there is a river that has to be crossed, a hidden path that has to be taken blindfolded. Tolkien is in no rush to get the fellowship to Galadriel – the reader, together with the wanderers, have to experience this journey.

The purest form of this theme in The Lord of the Rings is, of course, Frodo and Bilbo leaving for the island Tol Eressëa at the end of the story. It is the longest journey into Faërie, a journey that only a few are allowed to take and that you won’t come back from. Tol Eressëa is no longer in the space of the human world, and it’s very telling that Tolkien named the haven on the eastern shore on the island Avallónë.

More examples can be found in Tolkien’s other stories, and I will mention them less detailed when talking about the actual centre of the theme:

THE MORTAL VISITOR

„It seemed to [Frodo] that he had stepped through a high window that looked on a vanished world. A light was upon it for which his language had no name. All that he saw was shapely, but the shapes seemed at once clear cut, as if they had been first conceived and drawn at the uncovering of his eyes, and ancient as if they had endured forever.” – J. R. R. Tolkien. The Lord of the Rings.

All of Tolkien’s major stories have one thing in common: they have someone human at the core who is unfamiliar with Faërie and able to experience it as new and from an outside perspective.

In The Hobbit it is Bilbo who stumbles into a world he is not prepared for at all, and while it is less clearly shown in the narrative of a children’s book, the journey of Bilbo and the Dwarves clearly show signs of this theme – a dangerous forest, an enchanted river, a white deer, and Elven fires that suddenly vanish.

For The Lord of the Rings I have shown above that all four Hobbits experience this in one way or another, although Frodo is probably the one given the most focus.

“This is a history in brief drawn from many older tales; for all the matters that it contains were of old, and still are among the Eldar of the West, recounted more fully in other histories and songs. But many of these were not recalled by Eriol, or men have again lost them since his day. This Account was composed first by Pengolod of Gondolin, and Aelfwine turned it into our speech as it was in his time, adding nothing, he said, save explanations of some few names.” – J. R. R. Tolkien. Quenta Silmarillion.

The Quenta Silmarillion is a different type of story, so here the theme also takes a different form: it’s not a narrative as The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings and more a historical chronicle in style. It’s written as such, but also given the corresponding context: when Tolkien was first writing the Book of Lost Tales and later the Quenta Silmarillion, the framework he had built for it was that of a mortal men coming to Tol Eressëa and learning of these past events. The one wandering into the Perilous Realm is Eriol or Ælfwine, listening to the stories of the Elves and writing them down for other humans to read. When Tolkien eventually started writing The Lord of the Rings, he was able to change his framing story. There was no longer a need for Ælfwine to reach Tol Eressëa to learn about these tales – now it’s Bilbo who wrote it down in three volumes called “Translations from the Elvish” that he had added to his private diary when he handed it over to Frodo.

This concept applies to the Quenta Silmarillion as a whole, but the main three stories within the Quenta Silmarillion still have a similar mortal visitor as The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings. In Beren and Lúthien, it’s the mortal Beren who wanders into the Elven Kingdom Doriath and gets enchanted when he sees Lúthien dancing and singing. In the Children of Húrin, it’s Túrin who enters Doriath as well, but also the Elven Kingdom Nargothrond. Both times, Túrin is unable to find the entrance himself; he is lead there by Elven guides – first Beleg, then Gwindor. And in the Fall of Gondolin, Tuor is led by an Elven guide to through many gates under a mountain to the Elven Kingdom Gondolin – one of the rarer cases of a "journey underground, into a hill or mountain".

And even the Akallabêth incorporates this theme, although in a different way than the previous stories. The story of the Fall of Númenor is about wanting to go to Faërie, and not being allowed to. There are other aspects to this as well of course, but looking at it with this theme in mind, that is the core of the story. Ar-Pharazôn is the mortal man who desires to reach Faërie, but when he tries to get there by force it ends in his death.

The mortal visitor as the protagonist in their story is essential for this theme to work. To experience Faërie as a visitor, to enter a “dream that some other mind is weaving” in such a way, it is a uniquely mortal experience that the reader could imagine to have, but that the immortal Elves can almost never share – after all they create their realms, they are the creator of a dream that the mortal wanderer, Tolkien as the writer, and we as the reader are dreaming.

THE CREATOR OF THE DREAM

“Faërie contains many things besides elves and fays, and besides dwarfs, witches, trolls, giants, or dragons: it holds the seas, the sun, the moon, the sky; and the earth, and all things that are in it: tree and bird, water and stone, wine and bread, and ourselves, mortal men, when we are enchanted.” – J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories.

The immortal creators are not irrelevant of course, although they cannot be the centre of any story about wandering into the Perilous Realm. The outsider experience, essential for this theme, cannot come from the one living inside the Perilous Realm. The inhabitants in Tolkien’s stories are Elves most of the time – near Woodhall, in Rivendell, Lóthlorien, Mirkwood, Gondolin, Doriath and Nargothrond. But they are of course not the only creators of such realms. Dwarves come in and out of these stories, and in the case of the Old Forest the implication is that Old Man Willow is the main force behind the spell:

“His grey thirsty spirit drew power out of the earth and spread like fine root-threads in the ground, and invisible twig-fingers in the air, till it had under its dominion nearly all the trees of the Forest from the Hedge to the Downs.”

And of course the Valar and Maiar have their part in the story. Especially Tol Eressëa and Valinor are mainly built by the Valar, and in Middle-eath the magical boundaries of Doriath were set by Melian. In moments where Fëarie is not solely or not at all made by the Elves, they may enter the dream of another mind as well. It happened when the Elves first came to Valinor, and a more personal example is Thingol meeting Melian for the first time, where “an enchantment fell on him” in which he was caught for years without moving. This is only possible, however, when Elves meet someone with a creative power far greater than them – one of the Maia or above is required.  

However, this was never Tolkien’s focus. In Tolkien’s stories, the Perilous Realm is often a place inhabited by the Fair Folk – but I have also mentioned that sometimes Faërie exists in another mode. Throughout the examples given, dreams have been an important element of the experience of Faërie, and it’s one that Tolkien also thought a lot about. In our own world, we cannot reach Faërie in our space, but it may be approachable in another mode – through dreams. This becomes especially apparent in his texts The Lost Road and The Notion Club Papers, and it was also a part of how Tolkien saw his own relationship with his work: a mortal entering a dream of Faërie.  

ENDING THOUGHTS

There are many aspects of this that I haven’t touched on, and that I would love to explore or discuss. There is for example the case of Frodo, a mortal who has been in touch with something that belongs into the world of Faërie, that he cannot properly come back: when coming back to the Shire, Marry comments on how it feels like a dream is slowly fading, like he is waking up. Frodo however says: “To me it feels more like falling asleep again.” Already, it is clear he can never fully return.

Then there is the case of reversing the idea of Faërie in the case of Túrin – he is trying to bring Nargothrond closer to the outside world so that he can use its force in war. In return, he makes it accessible and the kingdom falls. In general, it’s a fascinating thing to see Túrin’s relationships with the Perilous Realms.  

Or if we talk about dreams, what about the nightmares? Is Mordor basically an anti-Faërie, inhabited by Orcs instead of Elves, where the path leads through a spider lair instead of over a river, and where any mortal being can only end up as a corrupted slave if they stay there for too long?

What about including such an essential theme in adaptations? In Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings movies, flawed as they may be at times, the experience of Faërie through the eyes of the Hobbits is notable – especially in Rivendell and Lóthlorien. Meanwhile in Amazon’s The Rings of Power, this theme is completely absent and the Elven realms in Middle-earth have no more mystery than a Harfoot camp or a random human village in the South.  

I hope I get to explore this theme more, I’ve been eager for month to write at least a tiny bit about it and it’s already way too long for tumblr again. But there are other themes that are also very interesting, so we’ll see how it’ll go…

If you have read up to here to the end I would like to thank you for your time and attention – both is much appreciated!

READ MORE ON THIS TOPIC

On Fairy Stories, an essay by J. R. R. Tolkien.

Smith of Wootton Major, by J. R. R. Tolkien.

The Lost Road, fragments by J. R. R. Tolkien.

The Notion Club Papers, fragments by J. R. R. Tolkien.

Faërie: Tolkien’s Perilous Land, an essay by Verlyn Flieger.

A Question of Time, by Verlyn Flieger.

QUOTE SOURCES

J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories.

J. R. R. Tolkien. The Lord of the Rings.

J. R. R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien. The Silmarillion.

J. R. R. Tolkien; edited by Veflyn Flieger. Smith of Wootton Major ‘Extended Edition’, Smith of Wootton Major essay.

J. R. R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien. The Lost Road and other Writings, Quenta Silmarillion.

[terapsina]

Desecrated. Observed. Revealed. - Kahlan/Cara Fic

I asked for someone to prompt me a canon scene they'd want to have seen going in a different direction. So I hope you guys enjoy.

---

ao3

---

"You were right," Cara whispered, in the grim quiet under the torchlight of their tombed prison.

"About what?" Kahlan asked, tired eyelids fluttering to stay open as she faced her partner in doom. The combination of sweat and the natural brightness of her hair made Cara nearly glow to Kahlan's eyes, despite her clear despondence.

"You once told me it's a hard world, that we don't get many chances to tell people how much they mean to us." Cara turned her face to her and Kahlan felt a flutter of something strange in her lungs.

It's odd how quickly things changed. Kahlan knew she should be used to it by now.

From her very beginning, where a seemingly idyllic childhood with a kind mother and a loving father, switched with a flip of a coin to the terrible truth of a dead mother and a father who was in reality a monster.

Or from leaving Dennee and her newborn son safely with the sisters of their order to flee to Valeria, and then learning of their brutal murders at the hands of Mord-Sith.

Or from her all-consuming hatred for Cara and her part in the deaths of nearly everyone she loved to that moment when Cara knelt at Kahlan's feet and she'd seen the remorse -- the agony of grief, and guilt, and shame -- that should have been cut from Cara's chest when she'd been but a child.

When Kahlan had realized that taking her vengeance against yet another victim of D'Hara just as Cara had begun to break her chains, would not have been justice.

"There's no one a Mord-Sith should hate more than a Confessor," Cara spoke, and Kahlan stared, feeling yet another ground-shaking change cresting over the horizon of her life. "I was trained to hate you... but I don't."

Moons ago, Kahlan had granted mercy.

And still, she had not thought she would ever grant forgiveness. Let alone to find friendship and kinship and a bond Kahlan couldn't quite put into words.

And yet here they were -- stuck underground, running out of air, and it seemed as if Cara was trying to find those words herself.

There was something shy and fragile in Cara's eyes as they connected for barely the length of a heartbeat with Kahlan's. But something brave too.

"And I don't want to die without you knowing that I consider you to be..." Cara continued, seeming to lose her voice as she opened her mouth and looked at Kahlan again. And without meaning to, without thought or purpose Kahlan slipped past the wall that should have been impenetrable to a Confessor facing a Mord-Sith and saw it as Cara's intended words switched to a half-truth "...my friend."

Kahlan gasped, the sound of her own heartbeat beating against her eardrums.

No, not simply a friend.

Love. That's what Cara had just swallowed back down, uncertain, beautiful, and painful in ways Kahlan knew Cara had not been permitted to learn, despite every other lesson in agony the woman -- the stolen little girl -- had been taught to enjoy and inflict.

Kahlan stared, frozen in place as two sides of her being struggled for the surface. The side of her unable to commit this final act of betrayal against the memory of her sister, the one who had not quite abandoned the last traces of hope for a fairy-tale ending with Richard. Against the side of Kahlan which felt a rush of something warm, and elated, and alight with heat.

Almost as if she was trapped inside a dream instead of the tomb provided to them by an insane magician, Kahlan felt her arm rising to softly caress the side of Cara's face with very little input from Kahlan herself.

"Don't hide your heart, Cara," she spoke nearly without breath.

At once it was Cara who froze -- the guarded, icy wall of smooth stone sliding back into place behind her eyes.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I think of you as a friend too," Kahlan smiled at her and then admitted something she'd only confessed to herself during the very deepest moments of the night. When it was Kahlan's turn to be on watch for the banelings, and her eyes strayed to the furthest point in the camp where Cara would sleep. When she'd see a shiver run over the Mord-Sith and wonder if it was from the cold or if Cara was sensing Kahlan's eyes even in sleep. When she'd entertain brief, dangerous fantasies of waking Cara and pulling her deeper into the surrounding forest to play with fire in ways she would never -- could never -- risk in reality, "...but sometimes, I've thought a great deal more."

"If this is because we're about to die, don't-"

"We're going to get out of here," Kahlan interrupted Cara before she could let out the string of words that would undoubtedly have been designed to cut into Kahlan's flesh in a rage of self-defense. For a moment she considered reminding Cara that Richard was looking for them, but decided better of it at once.

Her vaguely defined relationship with Richard was not a topic Kahlan was up to wading through at the moment. She knew she would need to. Both he and Cara deserved better than that. But this was neither the place nor the time for it.

"They'll find us," she said, "they just need a little more time."

"Yeah," Cara replied and Kahlan's eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the sudden purpose that overcame Cara's voice, "and I'll make sure they get it."

It took precious seconds before Kahlan figured out what Cara was about to do; as she stood and marched quickly toward the sword lying in the middle of the room and something heavy landed in the bottom of her stomach.

"Cara, NO!" she screamed, rushing to her feet to stop her.

She slammed into Cara even as the sword was mid-downward thrust, making Cara stumble and the sword clatter back to the ground with a sharp clang. Relief was short-lived however, at once Kahlan needed to cut Cara off from retrieving it.

"Get out of my way," Cara ordered. The savage light of her decision cut into the way she stood with barely leashed violence.

"No," Kahlan snapped back, teeth bared. She would let Cara touch that blade over her dead body.

For the next several minutes it seemed like that was exactly what it would take. They exchanged countless vicious blows and kicks. She was pretty she'd be lucky if her ribs would be just bruised by the time they were done. Her jaw ached from Cara's punch, but then she was pretty sure the blood running down the corner of Cara's mouth spoke a great deal about the backhand from Kahlan that had preceded it.

"Stop pretending my life means as much as yours," Cara snapped at her before putting a halt to Kahlan's attempt to place her into a choke-hold by throwing her over her shoulder to slam into the ground.

"It does," Kahlan threw back between pained gasps "to me."

And then she choked, panic overtaking her as she realized breathing no longer carried the inherent relief of oxygen. Her eyes connected with Cara's and she saw the same fear echo back, as Cara stumbled on her feet and losing balance fell beside Kahlan, both now panting to swallow the last traces of the air burned up by the torchlight and their fight.

For an extended eternity, Kahlan thought this would be how it would end -- with the two of them dying just out of each other's reach, -- when she felt the touch of Cara's leather glove grasping Kahlan's fingers between her own.

It was that contact that kept Kahlan awake, kept her fighting just for that brief little bit longer.

It was that contact that kept her alive long enough for Richard and Zedd to find them.

It was that contact that Kahlan felt bringing her back even while a different set of hands encased her in a relieved embrace.

She couldn't force herself to let go of Cara's hand until she felt the reassuring press of fingers signaling that Cara was alive too. This was worth every bruised bone already singing its displeasure across Kahlan's body.

The desperate memory of Kahlan's own voice echoed inside the depths of her chest with every new inhale of fresh air.

'It does. To me.'

[teyvathandymenclub]

Midnight Dance - Kamisato Ayato (P.2)

Story: You thought that you would not see him again. But he has different plans.

Characters: Kamisato Ayato

TW: N/A. It is just looong :P

In case you have not read it, you can find P.1 - HERE.

Soft rays of the morning sun peak through your window as you try to find a comfortable position. You do not want to go to work, even though it is going to be for the last time. All eyes will be on you, and there is nothing that you dislike more. You would love to sleep in, but it is time to get ready.

“One last time.” You sigh as you try to jump over one of the many boxes that you packed last night.

But before you could even pour yourself a cup of water, a light knock on the door interrupts your morning.

“Hello, Miss.” A young man that took you home from the Kamisato event greets you with a bright smile. Maybe too bright for such an early hour. “My master asked me to deliver you a little surprise. He hopes that it finds you well and brings you some joy for your last day at work.”

“A surprise? Oh, thank you. What is it?” You frown as you try to guess what it possibly can be as he hands you a wide box. You spot a cream-colored envelope stuck under a beautiful silk ribbon tastefully wrapped around the mystery surprise.

“I will let you find out by yourself.”

With that, he smiles at you one last time and leaves, before you can ask him how on earth Ayato knows about what is happening in your life. Many nights have passed since you met with him. Tall, well-mannered, and charismatic man that you thought existed only in fairy tales. You felt like a princess. Even though it was only for one night. And then, nothing. No letter, not even one word. Now you are holding a gift from him. You don't know if you are more excited to find out what is in the box or simply because now you know that he didn't forget about you. You were not able to stop thinking about him. Ayato brought more excitement into your life in one night than you ever felt in your whole life. You were always busy helping people live their dreams, and there was just no time left for your needs. But that night, you felt like an only woman under the stars. With Ayato´s full attention. He didn't even have to do anything, standing by his side felt… Different. Special. 

You can't resist anymore and reach for the envelope.

Dear Y/N. 

I have heard you have decided to change your current employment and move. 

So many big changes all at once. One could say that you are trying to change your life. 

I would love to help you with that if you let me.

Your hands start shaking and your heart feels like jumping out of your chest. You are flattered, but how does he know all of this? You are confused, your head is spinning, but you cannot stop reading.

It would be my pleasure if you could spare some time and spend it with me tonight.

To make it as easy as possible, all you need to do is to let my dear friend take you to me. 

I have picked a little gift that, in my humble opinion, would compliment your beauty just perfectly. 

Eight in the evening. Hope to see you.

Yours Kamisato Ayato.

You hastily open the box where you find the most dreamy dress you have ever seen. The blue fabric is so light and airy it almost looks like a cloud. No, more like an ocean. Hundreds of small silver crystals are sewn in so precisely that they almost perfectly mimic ocean waves in the summer sun. You cannot help yourself and immediately try them on. The dress fits you perfectly. Does Ayato remember your size? You don't think about it too much, because you are mesmerized by your reflection in the mirror. You feel like a princess while twirling in the long skirt as sleeves flow around you. Now you own two of the most beautiful dresses and only thanks to a man that you barely know.

You could not stop thinking about him for the whole day. No matter what was going on around you at work, your head was full of ideas for styling your hair in the best way possible to compliment the beautiful neckline of the dress. What shoes to wear, what purse to take? You wanted to impress him, show him that he did the right thing to invite you to meet him. But… What does he want? Why all of a sudden so much attention? You tried to push these questions out of your mind. At least, for now.

“Here we are!” Thoma stops in front of an elegant and very detailed iron gate.

It took you only a few minutes to walk here after he picked you up. 

“What a beautiful place. We are so close to my home and I didn't even know a place like this exists.” You say without taking your eyes off from your view. 

The small mountain behind a decorative gate is wrapped in soft golden rays of the slowly setting sun standing tall right in front of you. Tens, maybe even hundreds of lanterns line the curling path leading high up. You have to squint to see it properly, but after a moment, you realize that a spacious gazebo sits right on the top of the mountain like a crown.

“We are currently on private property and not many people have visited this place.” Says a familiar voice right behind you.

“Ayato!” You almost jump around his neck out of pure happiness, but you quickly compose yourself. There are too many guards around you and they might think that you are crazy.

Ayato´s face immediately brightens up. Without a word, he takes your hand and looks you right in the eyes as place a gentle kiss on the back of your hand.

“Would you walk with me?” Ayato asks after he thanks Thoma for his help. “I hope you have comfortable shoes, otherwise I would have to take you in my hands.”

“Of course.” You smile with a burning blush on your cheeks.

With him by your side, you take a short walk to the top of the mountain. You barely said a word. Feeling his body next to yours, his presence, and also his perfume, that you remember so well, was more than enough to make you happy. You felt content and hoped that Ayato felt the same way.

After a few minutes, you approach your destination. Gazebo sits almost on the edge of the mountain offering a breathtaking view of the ocean. Two men synchronously open flowing curtains on the gazebo and let you both in. Sun is almost gone as you sit at the wooden table with detailed carving all over it. A small group of staff starts to serve you your first meal while others light lanterns around you so you do not dine in the dark. Busy with many different dishes you do not have much time to talk. Your interaction boils to a simple, but heartfelt smile, light touches of your hands whenever you reach for food or a glass. As you finish your last course, you lean back to make yourself more comfortable. The Meals were delicious, but filling and in an ideal scenario, you would take a quick nap. Instead, you look at Ayato. He is looking right at you with a warm smile that radiates calmness and happiness. He reaches for your hand and holds it for some time while caressing the back of your hand with his thumb. Cicadas are singing their songs and waves are loudly washing the shores, but all you can hear is your blood rushing through your veins as your heart starts beating faster.

“Come with me.” Ayato finally says after a while. 

Without letting your hand go, he stands up and helps you to do the same. The sun is gone and your only source of light are the lanterns along the path. As you go down the mountain, your dress flows in the warm summer breeze that makes nearby trees dance in a monotone movement. 

“How do you feel?” Ayato asks quietly.

“Full, but very nice. Thank you.” 

Ayato can not help and laughs. You are pleased to see him like this.

“Is that a cave?” You ask when he stops at the small hidden beach under the mountain with a barely visible entrance in the rock.

“A small lagoon, but yes. It is my safe place. Whenever I am overwhelmed with my duties, I come here. To meditate and compose myself. I wanted to show it to you because your life is probably exactly like that at the moment.”

“You are right. I meant to ask you… You know that I quit my job and I am moving. How? And… Why?”

“I have been keeping an eye on you. I know it is not a common practice. But it is part of my life…Keep an eye on people, that are important to me. I am sorry if it changed how you see me.”

“It has been two months since we last saw each other,” you argue.

“Yes, my dear. You remember correctly. I was thinking about you day and night. I couldn't get you out of my mind. I have seen many beautiful women on many of my travels, but for some reason, I have grown unexpectedly so fond of you… This has never happened to me.”

“You are flattering me, but I am afraid that I still do not understand why we are here.” you sight. “We have not seen each other for so long. And suddenly you invite me to a beautiful dinner after you never talked to me. And now you confessed to spying on me.”

“I am not proud of this approach, trust me. But before I was able to take further steps I had to take care of some not-so-pleasant business before I could even think about pursuing you.”

“Why are you talking to me in riddles?” 

“Here, come with me.” Ayato offers you his hand and takes you to the entrance of the lagoon. 

You watch him as he starts to take his shoes and cape off. You do not know what to do, because if you strip your dress you would be naked. Ayato helps you without a word to take off your shoes as well and slowly takes you into the water.

“I can not. Swimming in clothes is not safe, especially in this kind of dress.” you stop to talk some sense into him.

“I will keep an eye on you like on the most precious treasure in the world. Do you trust me?”

Without a word, you lightly nod telling yourself that you are making a big mistake.

Slowly, one step at a time you go deeper and deeper into the water. Once the water gets too deep for you to reach the ground, you look at him and after his encouraging smile, you start swimming into the darkness of the cave.

After what feels like an eternity you stop. “I do not think I can go further. I am scared.”

“That is ok. Come to me. We are here.” 

Ayato´s voice fills you with calmness. As you swim closer to him, he takes you in his embrace.

“One hand here, other one here,” he says as you wrap your hands around his neck.

Same thing with your legs wrapped around his waist. 

“Perfect.” Ayato smiles, you can hear it in his voice.

“I do not mean to sound rude or ungrateful, but this would be one of the most romantic moments of my life if I could at least see in your face.”

After a moment or two of him not telling a single word, you get nervous. Did you just insult him in some way?

“I was just joking…”

“Shhhh.” Ayato gently silences you.

And then it happened. The water under you starts slowly moving.

“No! Something is moving! Please…” you scream scared to death.

“It's ok. I am here.” Ayato calms you down and rests one of his hands on the back of your neck. 

The water current gets a little faster as bubbles start to rise and tickle your bare skin. You look down and spot a soft light rising to the surface. Ayato wraps you closer to him as he feels your body tremble a little bit.

“You said you wanted to see me,” he whispers.

“Ayato? Is it you? Are you doing this?”

He lets you without an answer so you keep watching the underwater spectacle. Light gets closer and more prominent. Angelfish. The light is coming from dozens of fish swimming under you. Water keeps dancing around you and waves make your dress flow and sparkle. You are mesmerized.

“I feel like a mermaid.” you smile and laugh. You let yourself loose to see your hands and legs flowing with waves in this water dance.

“No, my dear.” Ayato pulls you back to him. “You are a goddess. And all mine.”

With that, he kisses you. One hand on your lower back and the other on the back of your head, 

“This neck of yours I have been admiring the whole night. With your hair put up like this, I feel it has been begging me to kiss it.”

Your body freezes even though it feels like it is boiling. His lips do not leave out one inch of your skin. From your collarbone to your jaw. From your jaw to your lips. Ayato takes your chin and raises it so you can reach him too. The more you feel him on your lips the more you want him.

“I can't.” he suddenly pulls away.

“What's wrong?”

“I can not get enough of you. Just imagine… I am lost in a desert and you are my water.” Ayato sights. “I thought that one kiss will be enough for me until our next time together. But…”

“What about me? I can not let you leave me for months again.”

“Trust me, I would have you by my side night and day if it would be this simple.”

Before you can object, loud noises from outside interrupts you.

“We need to go. Immediately.” Ayato starts swimming as fast as he possibly can while holding you.

When you finally get out, Ayato´s soldiers are gathered near the beach. He wraps you in his coat and heads to them to gather information about what is going on.

“What happened?” you get to Ayato after most of his soldiers left.

“I just found out that we have been accompanied the whole night by a spy of a rivaling clan.” Ayato frowns. “I can not leave you alone anymore. They would kill you.”

[aspoonofsugar]

RWBY in Wonderland

So happy about the new volume starting! Here are some thoughts on the episode, the opening and some fairy tale references that are popping up everywhere. Probably what many other people are thinking already, but still...

INSIDE

The opening lyrics confirm to me 2 things I have been thinking for a while.

Ruby's arc strongly foils Oscar's and this volume would probably tackle their similarities when it comes to struggling with growing up and finding their own identity.

Inside A new me, I'm ready But who will I find? Inside I've gotta let go but could I lose my mind?

Who will you see? There in the darkness When no one is watching Who will you be? When you're afraid And everything changes Will you see a stranger? Feel proud or betrayed?

They have an outside/inside motif, after all. Ruby starts focused on the outside and is forced now to look inside, while Oscar initially struggles with his interiority to the point he is introduced literally talking with his other self (Oz) and is slowly opening up to the outside. Oscar and Ozpin are also the ones, who bring out The Girl Who Fell Through the World's fairy tale by giving it opposite spins. So, this juxtaposition between Ruby and Oscar is not surprising. In the past volumes (vol 6 - 7 - 8) Ruby has struggled on how to be a leader and Oscar has struggled with who he is. Right now, they may start tackling the other's conflict. Curious to see how it will play out in the story as a whole.

This volume is probably going deep into the characters' interiority and I am fully expecting The Ever After to mirror this. After all, the meaning of the song is rather clear, we are diving INSIDE to discover who the characters are and who are going to become. The world, which is clearly magical and unknown, should mirror this struggle:

Inside Our worlds unwind

Now, I don't know if it is going to be because the world has some magical property to bring to life the characters' fears and dreams (which would fit with the theme of Creation) or if there is going to be some other explanation that links the Ever After to the Gods and to the hidden Lore of Remnant. In any case, I am rather open to everything, but I think looking at the wonderland characters and world through the lens of what they can tell us about RWBYJN's personality is worth doing.

This also fits the Alice's inspiration for this volume because both Alice's books end with the protagonist waking up and "decoding" a dream:

Now, Kitty, let’s consider who it was that dreamed it all. This is a serious question, my dear, and you should not go on licking your paw like that—as if Dinah hadn’t washed you this morning! You see, Kitty, it must have been either me or the Red King. He was part of my dream, of course—but then I was part of his dream, too! Was it the Red King, Kitty? You were his wife, my dear, so you ought to know—Oh, Kitty, do help to settle it! I’m sure your paw can wait!’ But the provoking kitten only began on the other paw, and pretended it hadn’t heard the question. Which do you think it was? Alice Through the Looking Glass

The long grass rustled at Alice's sister feet as the White Rabbit hurried by--the frightened Mouse splashed his way through the neighbouring pool--she could hear the rattle of the teacups as the March Hare and his friends shared their never-ending meal, and the shrill voice of the Queen ordering off her unfortunate guests to execution--once more the pig-baby was sneezing on the Duchess's knee, while plates and dishes crashed around it--once more the shriek of the Gryphon, the squeaking of the Lizard's slate-pencil, and the choking of the suppressed guinea-pigs, filled the air, mixed up with the distant sobs of the miserable Mock Turtle.

So she sat on, with closed eyes, and half believed herself in Wonderland, though she knew she had but to open them again, and all would change to dull reality--the grass would be only rustling in the wind, and the pool rippling to the waving of the reeds--the rattling teacups would change to tinkling sheep-bells, and the Queen's shrill cries to the voice of the shepherd boy--and the sneeze of the baby, the shriek of the Gryphon, and all thy other queer noises, would change (she knew) to the confused clamour of the busy farm-yard--while the lowing of the cattle in the distance would take the place of the Mock Turtle's heavy sobs. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

As you can see, wonderland and the glass world are dreams, even if it is really unclear who the dreamer really is :P. Speaking of grass rustling, this line kind of reminds me of:

The leaves of the tree rustled and on the wind she heard one more question...

The grass rustling helps her sister to enter Alices's dream and to understand it, while the tree might help the characters to better decompress everything that has been going on. So that they can grow and heal.

Speaking of the tree, there is an interesting tidbit in Alice in Wonderland:

She noticed that one of the trees had a door leading right into it. “That’s very curious!” she thought. “But everything’s curious today. I think I may as well go in at once.” And in she went.

Once more she found herself in the long hall, and close to the little glass table. “Now, I’ll manage better this time,” she said to herself, and began by taking the little golden key, and unlocking the door that led into the garden. Then she went to work nibbling at the mushroom (she had kept a piece of it in her pocket) till she was about a foot high: then she walked down the little passage: and then—she found herself at last in the beautiful garden, among the bright flower-beds and the cool fountains.

Alice's main objective in the book is to enter a beautiful garden full of red roses and eventually she manages through a door found in a tree. I think the metaphor is clear, the Tree will lead Ruby and the others home both physically and psychologically since it will help them discover who they are.

OTHER REFERENCES

There are many and everyone is being catching up to them quicker than me. Here are some I found:

The Girl Who Fell Through the World is a line from the novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland itself

The Dodo is a reference to Carroll himself, since Alice meets a Dodo, who alludes to him

At the beginning of the story Alice almost drowns in the pool of tears and then meets a mouse, but offends him by mentioning her cat. Here Ruby starts crying, which leads to rain, but then she befriends Little and scares them off by talking about Blake (a cat).

The Jabber Walker alludes to the Jabberwocky, which I love so far because it is not a character in the story of Alice, but rather a poem, with no clear meaning. So, it is beautiful they rendered them as a mysterious creature, who is difficult to understand when they speak. I also wonder if they have something to do with Yang since she is introduced fighting them and she even fights them in the trailer, as well. Moreover, the Jabberwocky's poem mentions the monster having eyes of flame, so...

The world being organized in neat sections reminds me of Through the Looking Glass, where Alice finds herself on a giant chessboard, playing a game to become Queen.

Speaking of Queens and Kings, it seems we are gonna have a red King, who plays chess, which kinds of combines the Queen of Hearts and the Red Queen. Moreover, he cracks in the trailer, so I wonder if he may reference Humpty Dumpty, as well:

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall Humpty Dumpty had a great fall all the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again.

You're heading for a fall And you're nearing the end Like a house made of straw No one's putting you together again

This would be interesting because chess + theme of falling = the Atlas Arc and Ironwood. I wonder if the play of chess would be a chance for Ruby to metaphorically face what went down in Atlas.

Then we have some obvious ones, like the caterpillar, the cat, the mushrooms (which in Alice can make you become big or small), Neo as the Mad Hatter and Jaune as a combination of the Hare from Wonderland and the White Knight from Through the Looking Glass.

SPEAKING OF ALYX HERSELF

I adore her design! It has immediately become one of my favourites in the whole series!

Secondly, I really like @greenteaandtattoos idea she might allude both to Alice herself and to the White Rabbit, since she has a rabbit motif and the characters are shown running after her shadow and looking for her:

In general, the opening seems to be setting Ruby, Neo and Jaune as foils to Alyx.

Alyx's silouette overlaps with Ruby's and especially Neo's (after all, grinning Ruby may also be Neo tbh) several times and she has a golden rabbit patch, which resembles Jaune's new Hare friend:

Jaune seems to combine the Knight Imagery (the White Knight from Alice Through the Looking Glass) with the March Hare (a mad hare from Alice in Wonderland). This is interesting because it is as if the story is asking Jaune to reconcile his different parts. His persona (the Knight) with his shadow (the Hare).

I know I failed so many times Drown my troubles hid my mind Buried everything in hundred proof A skillful coward hides the truth so well

Ren: Him (Jaune) on the other hand… There's no fear at all. I can see it, he believes we're going to get this done.

Is he brave or is he a coward? And can he be both?

The Mad Hatter (Neo) and the March Hare (Jaune) are also linked symbolically, as in Alice in Wonderland they are 2 jokes on the idea of madness. Hatters used to lose their mind because they used mercury in their job, while hares go crazy in the month of March because of hormones. Here, I think it might enforce Neo and Jaune's foiling:

They are both going mad out of grief, but they go at it in opposite ways. Jaune is probably interiorizing and blaming himself, while Neo is externalizing and blaming Ruby. I am interested to see how they will influence the story, especially since they might move independently from the group, at least for a little while. Neo is RWBY's enemy, while RWBY have no idea Jaune has fallen too.

RWBY'S JOURNEY

This might be a giant red herring, but the opening might give us some hints on the order the characters are gonna explore the different settings.

They started from the beach and are probably gonna move to this market while proceding to the Red King's area:

This market is probably where they are gonna meet the Knight, since the trailer shows there Jaune's feet while riding a Hare (obvs I am considering Jaune=Knight, but I might be wrong). It seems to be also where the Racoon and the Blacksmith woman are.

Here is where they are gonna meet the King and play chess with him. WBY are gonna be small for the chess game. Also the market town and the Red King's Kingdom seems to be in the same place:

The red buildings are the same of the market town, after all. This place also reminds me of the Forever Fall forest, which is interesting. In general, the characters moving from yellow to red makes sense considering alchemy. They are currently in the yellow phase, but are approaching the red phase, which I think will be Vacuo.

The mushroom forest is where the caterpillar is. Also, in Alice in Wonderland the mushrooms are able to help Alice control her size, so I wonder if WBY are gonna go back to normal here... or if they are gonna be miniaturized again... This area is also where this lake with the lotus building seems to be:

Finally, there is this place in the clouds, which resembles the Central Meeting Point of volume 8, in concept:

Here is where the bridge scene is probably gonna play out. Again, them being in the sky makes sense given they need to reach air through fire in alchemy.

Obviously, there might still be more locations and we don't know where Ruby is gonna find Penny's sword or where the shining globe is (maybe the Blacksmith's woman's house? No idea). In general, it is also possible they might find themselves stuck in circles at one point... After all, the opening ends back on the beach, where Alyx wakes up to start her journey once again... and where Crescent Rose is found:

OTHER THOUGHTS ON THE EPISODE

We had already seen the majority of it thanks to clips, but there are still many interesting moments!

Little is clearly meant to be Ruby's mirror and it is interesting so much focus is put on them being innocent and young. They still don't know who they are, but this means they can take their time to discover it. This is something Ruby seems to have forgotten. In general, Little is very similar to volume 1 Ruby. They see a person in pain and want to help, after all. It is also interesting, they are already considering Ruby their personal hero, since she takes out the cheese for them. The relationship between Little and the Cat is also going to be interesting.

Yang and Ruby's interaction is great. I think their relationship should be in focus. Yang should move from Ruby to Blake symbolically, which would be better also for her and Ruby, since the balance in their sisters' relationship is changing.

I am curious if Blake and Weiss are gonna be foiled this volume, since they are introduced together. I don't have many thoughts on this, though, so far.

It is interesting Blake is the one, who points out they may be in a fairy tale. As someone already noticed, it is an inversion from volume 1. There Ruby was the idealistic one, while Blake was a prisoner of her own cynism. It seems their journey has led them in opposite positions now. It would be interesting to reread their stories through this foiling.

The mysterious woman opens the volume and I wonder if we will discover who she is at the end. Just like Salem starts the series and she is revealed to be a character in volume 3. Wouldn't it be interesting if the woman is indeed Summer and she is revealed alive at the end of this volume? As a way to introduce us to the Vacuo story arc?

Finally, this is not an episode thought, but the opening also seems to set the Jabber Walker and the Knight as foils somehow... I wonder what this means for Jaune and the other characters...

This is it, for now. I have other thoughts on Neo's allusion to Trivia/Hecate, but they are pure speculation, as for now, so they will have to wait!

[yssa3002]

Roundtable Presentation: The Musical Will Be Televised - Schmigadoon!

Schmigadoon! (Cinco Paul & Ken Duario) is a rom-com musical about two New York doctors attempting to strengthen their relationship, and get swept into a magical land (Schmigadoon) where everyday is a musical. The only way out of this magical land is to find true love.

How does the series use dual-focus narrative as a strategic storytelling tool beyond heteronormative romantic pairings? 

Though the show is about a heteronormative romantic pairing (Melissa (Cecily Strong) and Josh (Keegan Micheal-Key)) who have been dating for four years, the show takes a bit of a turn that could possibly challenge this idea. In the first episode, they realize there must not be true love if they can't leave Schmigadoon, so they decide to breakup and find true love elsewhere. In this way, Melissa and Josh aren't portrayed as a romantic pairing, but as two people trying to learn about what it means to love separately.

The two embark on their journeys to find love while they're trapped in Schmigadoon, their experiences parallel to one another in many ways. This part of the show made me think of Robynn Stilwell's article, “Dual-Focus Strategy in a Serial Narrative: Smash, Nashville, and the Television Musical Series", when they wrote, "The dramatic expositions are based on an alternation of male and female, complementary actions that make the characters’ meeting and eventual pairing seem “inevitable" (Stilwell 384). As the show is a musical we can expect, as the audience, that it will be a happy ending for Josh and Melissa. Their separation creates a time where they can learn about their true feelings for one another only after enduring the necessary events that will lead to their "eventual pairing".

What are the “inevitable” couplings within the series and how are they accentuated through “cinematic” similarities and contrasts? 

In the first two episodes, there are two clear couples, Josh and Betsy (Dove Cameron), and Melissa and Danny (Aaron Tveit). These couples are "inevitable" in respect to the short term, as of course the long term inevitable is the reunion of Josh and Melissa.

In the first episode, Danny makes a comment upon Josh and Melissa's arrival in town about letting Melissa ride free in the Love Tunnel (a carnival ride), foreshadowing their eventual attraction to one another. This is furthered in the musical number, "You Can't Tame Me" sung by Danny that implies that she will in fact "tame" him. Later on in episode two, Melissa sings "Enjoy the Ride (Part I)" where she talks about having always played it safe with love, which contrasts with Danny's character being described as a bit of a "bad boy".

Josh and Betsy's coupling is first hinted at in the first episode when she laughs at something Josh says--that wasn't funny-- and strokes his arm while he and Melissa are ordering breakfast. In the second episode, after he and Melissa have broken up, Josh bids on Betsy's basket after she, quite seductively, insists that he do. Betsy's almost "temptress-like" character is heightened by the red color palette of her costume (bows, dress, lips, and nails). This is furthered in the musical number, "Enjoy the Ride (Part II)", where she sends mixed messages concerning her desires while on a picnic with Josh.

How does the series use musical numbers within and beyond the narrative world to replicate fairy tale, backstage, or folk musicals? 

This series reminded me of fairy tale musicals and folk musicals. In fairy tale musicals we see common tropes such as the passive female waiting for her prince, and similarity we see this sort of manifest in Schmigadoon as well. The town of Schmigadoon is one that abides by the laws of God, and employs more traditional views on marriage and gender roles. For example, "Where a man can dream dreams so big and wide/And a gal can be ever by his side" are lyrics in the musical number "Schmigadoon!". From this song, we can get a better idea of the town's social structure.

However, the musical number "Somewhere Love is Waiting For You" sung by Mayor Menlove (Alan Cumming) challenges the fairy tale trope of female passivity. The songs talks about finding love, and pursuing it rather than waiting for it to happen to you.

As far as the show's similarity to folk tales, I thought it was especially reminiscent of white musicals. Not only is the plot focused on love and happiness outside of the workspace, but it also utilizes utopianism/escapism. At the beginning of the show, Josh and Melissa are shown at work, which is filmed with greyed and more dull colors and tones. They then leave the workspace, and enter a magical land very detached from the real world where they must find true love. In the song "Schmigadoon" shown below describes the town and how it is "the most beautiful, wonderful, magical place of all" where their motto "We always strive for peace and happiness". This follows the expectations of the white musical, as the two leads will eventually get their happy ending where something (true love) has been accomplished.