#I can picture a Kingdom Hearts game called Fight the Good Fight of Faith

[blackcatanna]

Whenever I see people referring to "X", I either pronounce it in my head as "Tweeter" OR "KEY" like they inexplicably do in Kingdom Hearts (but only sometimes).

[wearetakingthehobbitstogallifrey]

Kdrama recs Part 2

Hello @camsthisky and anyone else who cares! I do apologize for the delay on this post--it has only been 84 years since Part I of my kdrama recs, I know, and I thought about going for a full century but this is me finding a way to de-stress after watching the first episode of I-Land alkdjfadlksj I’m gonna die of heartbreak but whatever

Speaking of heartbreak, there is a lot to be found in Korea’s wonderful historical dramas, so like, be warned—or, if you are an angst-loving monster like me, settle down for hot guys and good cries

Let us begin! (or, if you want romantic modern dramas see Part 1)

1. Scarlet Heart Ryeo/Moonlovers: 

aha ahahahahahaha *weeps* You may have heard people talk about this show. You may have heard ME talk about this show. This thing was my first kdrama ever and it RUINED ME 

Disclaimer: I have seen this show once and rewatched it twice and on the rewatches I can never quite make myself watch the last 4 or 5 episodes because things get tragic and messy and I get mad. HOWEVER there is a lot of good in the first part of the show and because this thing was all the rage in everywhere but Korea itself, there’s like over 300 fanfic for it and several good fix-its, including one by my good friend @thelonelybrilliance

Ok so anyway this show which could also be called An Abundance of Princes starts with a young woman from modern times getting thrown back into ancient Goryeo during an eclipse and finds herself in the body of Hae Soo, the cousin of the wife of one of the princes, and thus she gets embroiled in royal affairs which are, quite frankly, a mess. See, the evil eyeliner prince (whom I love even when he’s the worst) is plotting with his mom to get the Crown Prince out of the way aka dead BUT who should return to the Palace but the 4th Prince, Wang So, who has spent at least half his life living as hostage to a powerful family. 

So has a scar that cuts across his eye and which in this society makes him a horror to look at or smthing idk he just looks extra hot to me but anyway he wears a mask and is known as the wolf dog (or as the MURDER ANGST CUPCAKE thanks @abadpoetwithdreams). He might seem a little rough around the edges at first because his life has been hell but he really just wants to love and be loved okay people need to be nice to him wtf

Other princes include: 

    1.  the Crown Prince, Wang Mu, a good egg, not particularly charismatic but he tried to protect his lil bro when no one else would

    2.  the 8th prince, Wang Wook, who reminds me of a fellow named Shane and I don’t mean the cowboy

    3.  the 10th prince, Wang Eun, a dumb adorable spoiled bby (played by Baekhyun from EXO)

    4.  the 13th prince, Baek Ah, a tol soft boi, an artist, a BAE, a BRO, a SHIPPER ON DECK

    5.  the 14th prince, Wang Jung this son will fight everyone he’ll fight himself he just loves to fight! Not always wise but he’s a good boy and I like him a lot 

    6.  just realized I skipped the 9th prince but nobody cares 

One quick note is that IU plays Hae Soo, and I enjoy her a lot in the first half of the show where she is still spunky and rebellious...sadly her character kind of falls apart/gets too weak for my liking as the episodes progress

The MAIN reason why I feel it my duty to recommend this show to everyone despite the fact I have never met anyone who wasn’t traumatized by it is LEE JOON GI

Yes, this man:

 I mentioned him in the previous rec post—he played Bong Sang Pil in Lawless Lawyer (AND IS NOW CURRENTLY STARRING IN FLOWER OF EVIL WHICH WILL BE ON ANOTHER POST AHDFOIASDHGALDSKJF FRIQ I AM IN LOVE WITH THAT MAN) 

BUT SERIOUSLY LOOK AT HIS PHOENIX EYES!!! HIS RAZOR SHARP FEATURES! HIS BIG ADORABLE EARS! HIS BEAUTIFUL EXCESSIVE BANGS! 4TH PRINCE WANG SO LOVE OF MY LIFE

SOMEONE PROTECT THIS BBY

2. Hwarang: Ok so right off the bat I am going to smack down a disclaimer that I can’t stand the female lead. TRULY CANNOT. Thus, I don’t like the romance, and only care about the love triangle as far as it just shows how sad and lonely one of the guys is. (Also there are scenes of dumb old men plotting and I don’t like them either). At the end of the show, I am happy that the one guy is NOT stuck with the female lead as his wife. Good for you sir

Sounds like a show to steer clear of then, right? WRONG. This is a show that you skip through because the scenes that are good? Are GREAT

Picture this: It is the Silla era of Korea, and the queen is ruling as regent in place of her son, who has been hiding all his life because everyone wants to kill him. Well, son is now grown and must soon come into the light and take the throne. Queen who both wants her son as king but also really likes being queen decides to do everyone a favor and form an elite fighting squad out of all the prettiest and most talented sons of nobles in the land, with the idea that they will be loyal only to the throne, and thereby keep their dads from plotting to destroy everything. 

Let me tell you something, these ARE the prettiest boys in the land. Good hair, good jawlines, beautiful smiles—the cast lineup includes Park Hyung Sik and his cute lil elf ear, Park Seo Joon, Taehyung (yes from BTS!), and Choi Minho from Shinee, plus two other actors who are lesser known but who are drop-dead gorgeous. Anyway. Sorry, but they really are all beautiful. 

The fun thing is they don’t all get along right away, a few of them are VERY much opposed to the other for various reasons, but they all have to bond and become brothers in arms. And what they don’t know is that the real king snuck in and is one of them. 10/10 I would die for the boys! (also Tae has an older half-brother who is a lower rank than him but whom he looks up to and that makes for cuteness and pain) Once you skip the boring or annoying parts of the show, the rest has so much delight, laughter, and oops pain, lots of pain. I want to go re-watch. 

Two other things I should mention about the show: a super soft side romance between secondary characters and a game of, as they call it in the show, HOT SOCCER 

^pretty boy 1 (with the cute elf ear sadly on the other side of his head)

^pretty boy 2 (sad cheekbone bby) and pretty boy 3 (happy cheekbone bby)

^pretty boy 4 (the prettiest of them all, and he knows it!)

^pretty boy 5 (aka Taehyung danced around the set of a historical drama and made everyone adopt him as their bby) 

3. Faith/The Great Doctor: This is a longer kdrama at 24 episodes and they didn’t have much of a budget so special effects aren’t the best or anything but I just got really attached to all the characters? This is another modern girl goes back in time but UNLIKE SHR it actually has a happy ending, so if you need a historical drama cleanse after that tearjerker/enrager, this could be it for you

Eun Soo has to navigate the ancient kingdom, keep people believing she is a heavenly doctor with special powers, and keep Choi Young alive so he can fulfill his promise of returning her to her own time. The problem with that is Choi Young does have kind of a death wish because of reasons—

Eun Soo is a plastic surgeon who would really like a rich handsome husband one day but them’s the breaks for you, aka she has had no luck in that department. Back in ancient Korea, Choi Young (played by Lee Minho in sadly the only role I really love him in) is a high-ranking beloved captain who can fall asleep anywhere. Oh he can also make electricity with his hands! :D

The story begins when the sleepy sad captain tries to escort the new king and queen to their palace. This was during the time period when ancient Korea was basically a puppet kingdom/tributary of ancient China (Yuan). The king (who is very smol and lacks confidence, but still has a good heart for his country) lived as a hostage in Yuan for many years, and his wise tol queen is a princess of that land, and someone needs to sit them down and make them talk because they actually love each other a lot. Anyway, when the queen gets injured by assassins, Choi Young goes searching for a legendary doctor, winds up in modern Korea, and steals both Eun Soo and a SWAT shield, because hey, it looked cool I guess

Lots of fun things in the show: Choi Young has a crew of soldiers who are BEYOND loyal to him, and while he doesn’t think much of the king at first because he’s been burned by kings before, they slowly become bros and shippers on deck for each other. Eun Soo does not lose her spunk or loyalty unlike other people I could mention *cough*HaeSoofromScarletHeartRyeo*, and it cracks me up when she curses people out. There are also a bunch of people (mostly bad guys) running around with special powers or gifts, including a flame lady and a flute boy, and the latter wears delightful anime wigs, keeps his sword in his flute, and plays his flute to kill—literally! I love flute boy very much 

sorry it’s black and white but DO YOU SEE THE SWAT SHIELD

4. My Country: A New Age:

ANGST ANGST ANGST PAAAAAIN BUT ALSO BEST INTRO BEST FAVES BEST ACTORS

Picture this: two young men, who both hail from childhoods of trauma, who grew up together and are best friends, and who are tragically forced apart and end up on opposite sides of a conflict that threatens to upend the current rule of the kingdom. This IS the star-crossed brotp you’ve been waiting for!

Seo Hwi is the son of a general who died a criminal, and all he wants is to live simply and earn enough rice take care of his younger sister, who has seizures and a sweet crush on Hwi’s bestie. Hwi is the best softest most loyal boy with a good and true heart, a great deal of courage, and a talent for wielding a sword, and just wait till you see the best one-shot fight scene ever of him in battle, it is INCREDIBLE! (He is played by Yang Se Jong, who I now want to see more of) Hwi has an abundance of charisma points in that he picks up a small band of loyal soldier friends and they become the best little found family, lots of brotp-ness in this crew—do not mess with any of them because they will all FIGHT you

Seon Ho meanwhile is the illegitimate despised son of a powerful nobleman, only tolerated because the legitimate son died. Seon Ho loves his friend and is very protective of his friend’s little sister who crushes on him but his dad is a high class grade A power-hungry jerk and that causes complications of course. Seon Ho also has a good heart, he’s a gentle soul really, but he always gets stuck in bad positions and unfortunately makes a couple of difficult/bad choices so he hardens himself as much as he can but the consequences always kill him and he just wants to save his friends and destroy his dad and the stupid hierarchy that treats bastards as lesser. WHY IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK? 

Seon Ho he is played by Woo Do Hwan who has so much talent I die so many times over in this show just because of the way he portrays Seon Ho like that sad sad boy is one of my favorite characters evER! Is he problematic? At times maybe but I am HERE for him he just needs LOVE AND AFFECTION AND AN ABUNDANCE OF GOOD FRIENDS BUT INSTEAD (SOMETIMES THRU HIS OWN FAULT BUT HE ADMITS THAT) HE JUST SUFFERS AND SO I SUFFERRRR

*grabs a towel and dries up my tears*

Hwi also falls in love with a woman named Hui Jae (or was it Hee Jae i can’t remember) and they are very cute together, she’s pretty cool but the show’s one failing is arguably that they kind of underuse her in the plot as the story goes on? But I still like her and she still has a good role, and she is both brave and kind and not afraid to step in or tell people off, also keep a weather eye open for patching up scenes! 

Oh yeah, eVERYONE in this gets hurt/stabbed/shot/bloody, such a shame they have to take their shirts off to clean and bandage the wounds ;)

Last character I must mention is Bang Won, played by Jang Hyuk in his second interpretation of the historical figure. Bang Won is the fifth? son of the guy who becomes emperor/king, and he has his own plans for the country, so when Hwi catches his eye, he recruits him to his cause.  What you need to know about him is that he has issues with his dad, is slightly unhinged, and cannot and should not be parted from the fan that he constantly carries around with him. Gotta say, Jang Hyuk is FANTASTIC (heheheheheheh) in the role, able to convey all kinds of emotion in the rise and fall of his voice, in the tilt of his head, the tears of his eyes, the flick of his fan. Give this actor all the awards! 

To sum up: if you like to cry for days after watching a drama, if you like excellent heart-wrenching brotps, if you like conflicted characters, if you like amazing music and setting and plot, if you like guys with good hair and arm muscles (and 

abs, thank you shirtless scenes what) this show is a Must Watch 

DID I SAY STAR-CROSSED BROTP I MEANT SWORD-CROSSED BROTP ADKJFADLSKJFLKJDFALKDGKLJL </3

~

Ok I was going to leave the historical drama post at this for now but...I’m going to cheat a little and include the one historical C!drama I just finished.Yes folks I am talking about:

5. Nirvana in Fire:

Ok so maybe the switch from kdrama to cdrama makes you uncertain. Maybe the fact that this show has FIFTY-FOUR EPISODES makes you go hell no I don’t have enough time for that. Well if you overlook this show for those reasons, you are making, and I do not exaggerate, the greatest mistake of your show-watching life!

Look, first, this drama has one of the best, most intricate, most satisfying plots in history, with like 20 characters you would die for, and second, the episodes are only about 42 minutes each, which is shorter than most kdrama episodes, so you can deal.

Once upon a time there was a general/family who were just too good to exist in corrupt old China, so naturally they were framed for treason and there was a giant massacre and everybody died, including the eldest prince who was like um dad maybe this is all a horrible mistake and the king was like no u are the mistake. Sad times.

One of the many younger princes named Jing (A NOBLE HEART, if not always the cleverest) returns home from wherever he was, finds out that not only did his prince brother die, but so did his best friend/brother in the whole wide world, Lin Shu, son of the general. Because he insists on the innocence of said bros/family, Jing becomes an outcast prince and is shuffled off to fight in wars where he can’t cause any trouble. Meanwhile, Princess Nihuang, Lin Shu’s brave, awesome, amazing, wise, incredible girlfriend, refuses to marry anyone else, and because she is too cool to be messed with, nobody tries to banish her

Cut to I think eleven years later, when the two most powerful princes are vying to be the crown prince and heir to the throne. They both try to recruit the aid of a renowned clever and sassy strategist named Mei Changsu, to help them with plotting and PR and such.

Well little do they know that Mei Changsu is actually the not-dead Lin Shu, with a completely new face (for reasons), and that Mei Changsu is a chess master setting up a long con for the dual purpose of obtaining revenge/justice for the dead and of raising Prince Jing to the throne, since Prince Jing is the only man with a good enough heart and strong enough will to make China a better place for all the people. But just to make it hard on everybody, Mei Changsu is dead set on not telling anyone who he really is—again, for reasons. He is not always successful in keeping his secret.

I literally don’t know what else to say because there is so MUCH to say, so many characters to love, and I mean LOVE. How do you get a cast this good? How is everyone so different yet so important? How do you feel bad for the emperor even when he’s slimy? How do you have to stop yourself from rooting for the prince who would destroy some of your faves? I can’t praise the charisma and acting talent in this show enough! And the music! IS GORGEOUS!

1 strategist too sassy for his own good and too clever for everyone else’s good + 1 prince who loves his mom and his dead best friend and his dead older brother more than anything else in the world + 1 gentle wise mom + 1 eternally loyal princess who would defend her loved ones with the sword if necessary + 1 sassy Elrond healer man + 1 grumpy sulky baby who loves being a better fighter than almost everyone + 1 loyal to the death, brave badass general who is going to have a stress breakdown if the strategist doesn’t take better care of himself + not 1 but 2 good boys who deserve to be protected but who are willing to throw themselves into battle if necessary + 1 antagonist tiger prince who I love and am not ashamed to say it = THE BEST OF TIMES

^he hardly ever wears his hair down but when he does <33333333

*checks calendar* how soon is too soon rewatch something, asking for a friend

[dailyaudiobible]

10/28/2020 DAB Transcript

Jeremiah 51:54-52:34, Titus 3:1-15, Psalms 100:1-5, Proverbs 26:18-19

Today is the 28th day of October welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian as I have been every day since we started this. So, if this is your first day then…good to meet you, welcome aboard. We are on this journey and we’re well on this journey as we continue our journey through the Bible this year. So, let's get to that. We’re reading from the English Standard Version this week. Jeremiah chapter 51 verse 54 through 52 verse 34 today.

Commentary:

Okay. So, in the letter to Titus today we find these words, they’re characteristics, they’re like descriptors of the life of faith. “Be submissive to rulers and authorities. Be obedient. Be ready for every good work. Speak evil of no one. Avoid quarreling. Be gentle. Show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Okay are you seeing that all around you right now? Like if you turn on the news are you seeing that? If you just look around, are you seeing that? If you go online onto social media are you seeing that? The answer would be no, that you're probably not. And I'm not. I’m kind of…kind of witnessing the opposite of that most of the time. Maybe the better question though is, “am I being this way I? Am I speaking evil of no one? Am I avoiding quarreling? Am I being gentle? Am I showing perfect courtesy toward everyone? Am I ready to do every good work? Or am I just participating in adding to the chaos and the noise that is deafening?” These characteristics, this little list in the letter to Titus, these things are supposed to be an outgrowth of the fact that Christ has come and redeemed us. I just continue to quote from the letter. “We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another”, which is pretty much what we see all around us a lot of the time. But the letter goes on. “When the goodness and the loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of things we did, but because He was merciful”, right? And that is the basic hope of the gospel. And once again we see these contrasts, where it’s like, “that's supposed to do something.” Lile when you believe, when you enter into the journey of faith, when the intimacy of God draws near, that's supposed to irreversibly change us. And when we are irreversibly changed, then the things that we once did are…well…they’re changed and we reflect this gratitude that goes so deep that it permeates everything about us so that we walk around in a state of grace, a state of gratitude that spills out from us and affects the way that we interact and behave toward other people because we realize how lucky we are, like how fortunate that the intimacy of God has drawn near, that God has come near and rescued us transforming us the by day step-by-step. We are not who we once were. And, so, our lives should reflect that. These are such good words for the times that we are in right now when divisiveness seems to be like the game we’re playing.

And then we’ve got the Proverb. I mean yesterday the proverb gives us this one sentence about meddling and about dog ears and today like we get this other visual, this one sentence, “like a madman.” So, let’s just picture that, a crazy person “who throws firebrands, arrows and death.” Okay, so a crazy person with lethal intent. Are we on the same page? The kind of person we don't exactly want to encounter unaware. That kind of person is the man who deceives his neighbor and then says, “I was joking.” In other words, “I said it, but I didn't mean. It was a joke. What's the big deal? What's wrong with you? Can't you take a joke? In other words, the person who actually who really wanted to hurt you with the words like firebrands and arrows, and then when confronted is just like, “oh that was just a joke. I didn’t mean that.” You may know people like that. You may be a person like that. If you know, people like that or if you're on the receiving end of that it really can…it can make you question whether your all their, like are you going crazy? Because it's like you have thin skin and you just keep getting wounded and hurt and you keep thinking, “you're…but you’re trying to hurt me. Like I know that you’re trying…you’re using these words to hurt me but then you’re saying like it's just a joke and it's not just a joke.” But there's no way to like, confront that. It’s like he said she said. And, so, you're in your head going crazy like, “I know that was meant…I know that was meant to hurt me.” And we’re seeing all kinds of name-calling and all kinds of sidestep little joking things…like all kinds of stuff going on in the world around us. We’re seeing this kind of stuff. It's like a crazy person with lethal intent. Those are…that’s a good ancient description that feels very, very accurate. So, you know, if you’ve been on the receiving end of that, then it's being called out in the Bible. It's being named for what it is in the Bible and you should take heart that you’re not actually going crazy here. You…you have the behavior of an arrow toting firebrand wielding vicious crazy person and that's what's going on. But this could also be a mirror and you could realize, “I do that. Why do I do that? Like, why am I like that? What is going on here?” Well then you…you've got a visual that might make it stark, what's actually happening. It's like a crazy person with lethal intent who just wants to sidestep, like wants to do the damage then step away and go like, “I don’t know what…I don’t know what happened. I don't know why you’re all bloody. I was just…I was…it was just a joke. I don’t know why you’re crying here. It was just…I was just kidding.” Yeah, we've examined some things today. These are kind of deep things from Titus and Proverbs because these are connected to deep motivations and deep brokenness and wounding. Like, this is bringing up a lot if we’ll take the time to examine it and explains a lot when we look around us and kind of see the same thing going on in the world. And, so, let's heed the Scriptures and come into alignment with what things are supposed to look like because we are so grateful to even be here at all. The fact that we’re gonna draw the next breath is the evidence of God's life-giving force within us. We’re gonna exhale and it’s gonna be a step of faith, believing that the next breath is coming. We should be grateful to be breathing. If we could just start there and realize “I’m alive!” And maybe life is looking like I want it to look but if I stop comparing my life, if I stop listening to the noise and chaos and fighting and divisiveness, of I just got to the baseline, “grateful to be here” place well then some things could change. We could start spreading the evidence of our transformation into the world, which is the point. We're the body. We're the city on a hill. We're the salt of the earth. We have a role to play in preserving the whole thing, which is what salt does. So, I guess fundamentally from our reading today we can examine ourselves and look at the repercussions of our lives, the implications of us being here. Are we filled with gratitude and want to bring good channeling the kingdom of heaven into this world on earth as it is in heaven or are we just adding to the annoyance?

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, well up from within us. These are deep things. And the answer is that we…we try…we don't do it on purpose, but we…we try to live in both of those spaces sometimes being so deeply grateful that Your love just pours out of us, but the next day it could be the opposite of that and we’re walking in the darkness and we’re perpetuating the darkness. And that shouldn't be. That’s a divided heart, that’s a double mind. And the Scriptures tell us that's basically not going to end well or go anywhere. And, so, we need an undivided heart and we need the renewal of our minds. In fact, we need more than that. We need the mind of Christ to navigate this world. And it's available. It’s not hidden It's everywhere. We’re just not paying attention. We’re not slowing down and observing ourselves to any degree and seeing the implications of our lives. But we’re here at this moment kind of examining, “what am I bringing? What am I birthing? What am I giving? What is happening in this world because I'm here? Is it good or is it evil? Holy Spirit, we want it to be good…good. We want to be mature representatives and ambassadors for Your kingdom upon this earth and we’re gonna need Your help. And we’re gonna need Your help a lot right now. So, come. We become aware of You. We surrender to You. We humble ourselves and ask for Your guidance and we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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And, of course, if…if you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, thank you humbly, truly, deeply. Thank you for your partnership. If what’s happening here in community as we make our way through the Scriptures is a meaningful thing in your life, then thank you for your partnership. So, there is a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you are using the Daily Audio Bible app you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or the mailing address, if you prefer, is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

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And that's it for today. I’m Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

[atopearth]

The Legend of Dragoon Part 1 - The Serdian War

Omggg this is so nostalgic already! Seeing Rose save Dart from the Dragon was a pretty iconic scene haha. I honestly don't remember this game having voice dubs lol, that was a nice surprise. I can't remember why exactly Shana could affect the future of this world or whatever, but I do remember she's the Moon Child or something and Dart needs to go around the world saving her haha. It's sad to see Dart's hometown Seles get burnt to the ground just because Imperial Sandora needed to capture Shana. And omggg I love how unique the battle system is btw, it's honestly the highlight of the game for me hahaha. I used to be pretty bad at it but I usually get the hang of it after a while haha. It's so weird btw. It's probably been more than 10 years since I played this game, but somehow subconsciously I knew that there must be something at the graves in Seles, and there really was stardust there! I can't remember what it's for, but I guess it's good to know that inside me I still remember a lot of things about this game haha. Anyway, Dart and Shana have a pretty common childhood friend relationship where he's always protected her since they were kids, so there's no way he won't go to save her from Hellena Prison. Seriously though, it's a pretty cliche relationship but I don't know why, when I was a kid, I was just really fond of them haha.

Meeting Lavitz here for Dart is a blessing since he'll be able to help him get through all the soldiers, but I guess that's likewise for Lavitz. Still better for Dart though since he'll be constantly trying to protect Shana haha. Anyway, I always found it saddening that Lavitz wanted to protect his fellow Knights of Basil that were captured as well, and about to be fed to Fruegel's pet but in the end, they still ended up dying🥺 I didn't realise that Dart actually hadn't been back to Seles for 5 years! No wonder why the others in town took a while to realise it was him, I just thought they were all groggy after their injuries. I guess that's why they believed that if he was there, Seles might have been okay, but still though, one more Dart can't really go against an army lol. Anyway, playing with Lavitz is so nostalgic! Hearing Dart say Double Slash and Lavitz say Harpoon is just so crazy hahaha. I can't wait to get Rose etc~ I still suck at the Additions though lmao, every time I'm like, I'm to good at this, I fail hahahaha, and I'm still just doing Double Slash, I literally only need to press one button when it goes close to the square lol! Fruegel wasn't that hard of a boss at all! I actually really enjoyed being able to use my Addition skills more because the soldiers kept dying in one hit lol. Ohh yeah, Dart's first hometown (where he and his parents lived) was called Neet and was attacked by the Black Monster! I think it was pretty saddening that his family escaped, but his father decided to return to help others, and his mother followed after him, like, what about your child?! It must have hurt for Dart to see something similar happen to Seles though... I can't believe Dart went on a journey to find the Black Monster when he was 13 though, like dang! But I guess a kid like him who had to learn to survive by himself would be resilient enough by that age... Hmmmm, as I gathered, the Kingdom of Basil is at war with Imperial Sandora and the war is widespread over Serdio itself. Can Emperor Doel of Imperial Sandora control the Dragon enough that he thinks he can take over Albert's kingdom instead of keeping the truce?? Gotta love how conveniently that log we chopped allowed us to cross the river hahahaha. Lavitz is such a kind soul though. He doesn't even know these random people on the road, and they're even from Sandora but he just invites them to Bale and even his house because they have nowhere else to go. I guess his kindness is a reflection of the type of country Albert runs.

Lmao, I love how Dart and Lavitz are such bros that even Shana can't butt in🤣 It was pretty scary when Lavitz slipped on the rock and nearly fell off the waterfall though, I felt so nervous for him lol. So cute how the guys are so fond of each other already though lol. Not sure what exactly Shana's powers do, but it instantly decimated that snake when her life was in danger so....hmm. It's so sweet how respected Lavitz is that the artist girl in Bale painted a portrait of him, and Dart said it was too handsome hahaha. Omg! I feel so sorry for the NPC in the inn! His child and his grandchild died due to the war so he thinks there's no meaning to his life anymore... That's so saddening... The lady that has been waiting for her boyfriend to come back even after 10 years is so faithful, it's heartbreaking. It's so cool to see how much the people love Lavitz in Bale, I guess it's understandable though, not only is he a good boy and knight, his dad is also a revered knight, so he's probably doing well succeeding him. Not surprised Dart wanted to leave Shana here to protect her lol. I loved how she practically immediately told him her feelings about it and him, like wow, she's so bold to say she wants to stay beside him forever in front of the king and everyone lol. Albert is right though, with a dragon on their side, no place is really safe in Serdio anymore... Hmmmm Winglies used to rule at the top until the Dragon campaign where they fought against Emperor Diaz and the seven dragons, and it was then that humans acquired their freedom after their slavery by the Winglies? And it was then that the Black Monster appeared.. I think it's really cool of Dart to see that him chasing after the Black Monster all this time has been selfish of him, and it caused him to nearly lose his hometown again, so now he wants to join alongside Lavitz to end this war before it creates more people like him who have lost their homes. No wonder why Hoax sounds familiar huh, that's where the current line of defence has been pushed to, and it's most likely where they'll use the dragon! HAHAHA, why does Albert have a slide that goes back to the entrance of the castle in his bed chambers?! Not complaining though because that was pretty fun and cool lmao. LOL at Shana saying she's Dart's girlfriend and not Lavitz's when the mum misunderstood, even Dart didn't know she was hahahaha. Lmao at Dart saying he can cook aka he can cook a large piece of meat hahaha, is that how he survived by himself for 5 years?! Even Lavitz was like forget it, leave the cooking to his mum and Shana loll. The answers are all so hilarious, imagining Dart trying to practise with his sword in Lavitz's house is so cute loll, he'll destroy the place. It was even more funny when you choose the option to take a nap because Dart says every young lady knows that lack of sleep is bad for your skin, and Lavitz is just speechless at it hahahaha. Looking around the house, it honestly feels kinda lonely that Lavitz's mum lives in this big house by herself considering Lavitz is away most of the time. I've always enjoyed the rooftop scene, you get to see a nice view of Indels Castle and you can see that Lavitz's passion towards protecting his country stems from watching his father, but it's become his dream now too. This is similar to Dart, where his passion lies in protecting Shana because he's the only one that can do that right now, he might still consider her a baby sister for now, but we'll see how it all goes! I think it's really cute how in the end, Lavitz ended up spending the night and even took his mum's handmade jerky haha, he's a soft boy at heart. I mean, the country and the war is important, but who knows how many times he can bond with his mother, so I'm glad he decided to spend some proper time with her instead of just lunch. I find it funny how you can jump from Lavitz's house's rooftop to the stables hahaha, imagine doing that in real life!

Lmaoo at Dart, Lavitz and even Kaiser (the Eighth Knighthood leader taking care of Hoax) saying that as long as Shana's food is edible, it's good enough🤣 To be fair, when you're a knight or a wanderer like Dart, I doubt you'll have much complaints about food haha. Omgg so King Doel is actually Albert's uncle?! Since Doel is apparently Carlo/Albert's father's brother! I wonder why their relationship soured, was it because Doel wanted to be king instead? Lmao at the midwife asking if they came to talk to her because Dart and Shana wanted babies hahahaha. War is always a saddening thing though. When I think about the soldiers such as the one holding the amulet from his daughter believing that he can go back home to her, the people fortifying their houses to protect against the raid and everything, it's just so saddening to see these soldiers fall by enemy arrows and everything... Man, the fight against Kongol is so unforgiving lol! If you fail your addition, he counterattacks you! I missed it once and was like whoa! Otherwise, I always love Rose swooping down in her dragoon form and saving Dart from Kongol~ hmm, so the Dragoon Spirit (the stone Dart's father left behind) means that you "deserve" to rule Dragons and for him, it's the Red-Eye Dragon? Nice that it's clarified that Dragoons were the ones who led humans to victory in the Dragon campaign, the pictures just kinda showed humans riding on dragons so I wasn't sure haha. It was so cute how Dart piggy backed Shana and told her that even if she may not be as strong as Rose, she's good for other stuff and doesn't need to compare herself. Oooh so Winglies used Virages in the Dragon Campaign, this one was pretty weak though! Greham's story is a pretty common one, but I always find it terrible, mainly because people like him driven by jealousy and power in order to get stronger than their best friend that they essentially admire, but then kill them in that quest is just..sad. People like Lavitz's father Servi trusted him, but in the end because of their desire to be stronger, they sacrifice their friend and end up pretty much regretting it in their death. I'm not sure if Emperor Diaz from the Dragon Campaign is alive or whatever as he says, but it's nice that Greham ended up leading Lavitz to inherit the Jade Dragoon Spirit.

I remember Lohan! It's such a crazy city because of how huge it is, yet all the houses and stores are so tiny and in like a maze lol! No idea how Dabas (the antique seller that tells us we can get Dragoni plant to save Shana from dragon poison north of the nest or something) affords his gigantic store lol. Lmaoo at the man staring across the street at a lady thinking she's interested in him, but she's actually just staring at him because he reminds her of her dog hahahah. I love the rollercoaster kinda ride you do at Shirley's Shrine to get the numbers to go to the boss lol, it's pretty fun hahaha. I thought Drake the bandit was aiming for treasure here, but it seems that he was protecting Shirley all along! I feel bad that Shirley's gone now, but I guess this is how it should be, and at least the White Silver Dragoon Spirit is in good hands and will only be used to heal people. It's kinda cute how apparently Haschel and Dart journeyed together before! Now they've reunited in the Hero Competition! Anyway, I've always loved this tournament part because it's really cool to see how Dart himself fares against others without the party. On another note, I'm not sure why I love Lloyd since I've kinda forgotten his character, but to this day, I love the name Lloyd enough that if it wasn't weird, I would totally call my future kid Lloyd, and it's probably the only reason I would prefer a boy than a girl LOL. I think I always found it really cool how overwhelmingly strong he was compared to Dart probably. Lmao at Lavitz trying to drag Rose away so Dart could play games around the arena with Shana alone, but she punches him instead hahahha. Okay lmao, totally cannot do that obstacle course lolll. I'd rather do what's wrong with the room one, it's so easy after you do it a few times hahah, also helps if you cheat by taking a photo with your phone LOL. But otherwise, it's the same scene every time so it's pretty easy. The pink bird in the hat moving around is too hard with the pixels merging together imo lol! And the monkeys throwing balls at Dart is pretty hilarious hahahah.

Although I can understand why Dart is so adamant on continuing his journey looking for the Black Monster after the war, Lavitz is kinda right that maybe he should focus on the present instead of chasing after the past, otherwise he's going to lose his chance at happiness with Shana. Omgg, Albert offering up himself at Hellena Prison to protect the people of Bale from Imperial Sandora?? This is when Lavitz dies...isn't it?😭 Well, I obviously didn't farm enough to get Flower Storm for Lavitz and I honestly cbb, but I did Google to see it, and apparently when Lavitz does it, he says Rose Storm (because he likes roses the most apparently) and Albert says Blossom Storm because his favourite is cherry blossoms! The even cooler thing is that this is changed in their Dragoon forms! Lavitz's second magic skill is called Blossom Storm with cherry blossoms all around, and Albert's is Rose Storm so they kinda swap around in Dragoon form to show their love and camaraderie with each other, it's so cool! Honestly though, I nearly cried when Lavitz died. I feel like when I was a kid, I never really saw how cool, loyal and kind Lavitz was because the Additions were too fascinating lol, so now seeing how friendly he was, how considerate he was towards Shana's feelings for Dart, how he gave advice to Dart on what he should cherish most, and how we was always willing to give his life to his king and his country, it really broke my heart to see him die like that. Especially in Lloyd's hands, someone who we thought was an admirable swordsman turned out to be the guy who would kill Lavitz when they actually fought against each other. I'm not sure what kinda sword he has but it seemed really beam-y lol. And what is the Moon Gem that he needed from Albert's body? I think the pain really hit me when Lavitz entrusted everything to Dart, and then the Jade Dragoon Spirit flew out of him����😭 Ohh, the reason why Lloyd could so easily pierce through Lavitz's Dragoon armour was because his sword was the Dragon Buster, a weapon from the old world made to kill Dragons! It's really nice of Haschel to have come along with them btw, especially since he's on a journey to find his daughter. Although I guess it's not much of a deterrence considering he's been looking for 20 years, but still. I guess he'll find her along the way... Hopefully. So, the Moon Gem was one of the magical artifacts scattered across the world made from the Winglies after their defeat, but only they can use them? It's been hidden in each crown heir every generation in fear of the powers of destruction it could bring when put in the wrong hands hmm, I'm kinda amazed they found a way to put it in the body like that though. I guess now that Albert's kingdom is "gone", he's got a reason to go along with us to end this war with the few people and Dragoons he has. I mean, if the Dragoons ended the Dragon Campaign, I'm sure they're better than an army anyway lol. It's kinda nice that the one who taught Albert his lance skills was Lavitz himself, so it's understandable that he would use the same moves. Anyway, onwards to the Black Castle where Emperor Doel resides! Straight to the end of the war hopefully!

Lmao at the guy registering to be a mercenary with Imperial Sandora trying to revoke it after his friend told him about the Dragon being defeated and Hellena Prison having fallen. Wow, I restarted because I accidentally sold something but omg when you say you want to register, the guy taking registrations advises you to not and even gives you money if you have money problems because he doesn't want you to risk your life! He's so nice... Aww the people at the inn! When the lady begged for us to stay and treat it like charity, I felt like I couldn't be stingy lol, it's only 20G anyway. LOL at the guy trying to con people for their money by claiming he killed Feyrbrand (Jade Dragon) and then he gets arrested hahahah. The variety of researchers in the Black Castle are hilarious, especially Mr Magi who turned himself into "Cerberus" but really turned into a dog lol. But the research of Dragons and magic? This sounds suspicious and bad... The battle against Kongol was so annoying! His skills take so long lol! Defeating Doel felt like...bringing someone back to their sanity? I wonder why he had to kill Albert's father back then, was it really just to be king? Anyway, it's not nice to be happy about someone's death, but honestly, with Emperor Doel's death, the 20 year war finally ends... But our journey has not, because as Dart said, this journey began because people captured Shana, and after that too many things have happened to just go home and live peacefully, we need to see what Lloyd wants and whether Emperor Diaz really is alive.

Anyway, that's the end of chapter 1! Kinda crazy that it was only one chapter tbh, I felt like I finished a story but really, it's just the beginning. So many things happened... Especially Lavitz's death. Anyway, I'm hyped to continue the journey! Btw the battle against Emperor Doel was pretty hard, he deals so much damage lol! But then again, I'm always cheap with my healing potions hahaha. Didn't think he'd be a Dragoon though, but I guess it was to be expected lol. Yay for everyone having a Dragoon Spirit now though lol. Honestly though, I really enjoy the variety of battles and how engaging the story and characters are. I really like how there are battles that are more as a symbolism than an actual battle such as Shirley’s where you’re supposed to give her the correct answers rather than defeating her, I think it really makes you think about everyone’s motivations and how they deal with it all in order to continue on their path. I just love it. The towns are also so different and fun! Like, Lohan is just a bumble of shops and everything, gotta love the guy that shouts at you for running around the rooftop lol, and Bale is just so Albert and Lavitz centred that it has such a warm feeling when you’re there. Tournaments are always my thing, so I’m glad this game has it too haha~ I can’t wait to see the rest!

[ekkline88]

@taylorswift is my artist of the decade, woman of the decade, writer of the decade, inspiration of the decade because of the following:

‘All that I know is I don’t know how to be something you miss.’

‘You and I walk a fragile line.

I have known it all this time.

Never thought I'd see it break.

Never thought I'd see it...’

‘And there's a dazzling haze, a mysterious way about you, dear.’

‘No rules in breakable heaven.’

‘All the king’s horses, all the king’s men couldn’t put me together again. ‘Cause all of my enemies started out friends.’

‘Lyrical smile, indigo eyes, hand on my thigh. We could follow the sparks, I’ll drive.’

‘He says "What you've heard is true, but I can't stop thinking about you." and I said "I've been there too a few times." ‘

‘I reach for you, but you were gone. I knew I had to go back home.’

‘The tricky thing is yesterday we were just children. Playing soldiers just pretending. Dreaming dreams with happy endings.

In backyards, winning battles with our wooden swords. But now we've stepped into a cruel world, where everybody stands and keeps score.’

‘Long were the nights when my days once revolved around you.’

‘And you open your eyes into mine, and everything feels better.’

‘Two headlights shine through the sleepless night. And I will get you, and get you alone. Your name has echoed through my mind. And I just think you should, think you should know that nothing safe is worth the drive and I would follow you, follow you home. I'll follow you, follow you home.’

‘But I believe in whatever you do. And I’ll do anything to see it through.’

‘My mistake I didn't know to be in love you had to fight to have the upper hand.’

‘You cry; but you don't tell anyone that you might not be the golden one. And you're tied together with a smile, but you're coming undone.’

‘One night he wakes, strange look on his face, pauses, then says, you're my best friend. And you knew what it was, he is in love.’

‘And you come away with a great little story of a mess of a dreamer with the nerve to adore you.’

‘So, baby, can we dance through an avalanche?’

‘I was ridin' in a getaway car. I was cryin' in a getaway car. I was dyin' in a getaway car. Said goodbye in a getaway car.’

‘Headlights pass the window pane, I think of you.’

‘ ‘Cause we break down a little. And when you get me alone, it's so simple. ‘Cause baby, I know what you know. We can feel it.’

‘Distance, timing, breakdown, fighting.

Silence, this train runs off its tracks. Kiss me, try to fix it, could you just try to listen?

Hang up, give up, for the life of us we can't get back.’

‘If you live like that, you live with ghosts. If you love like that blood runs cold.’

‘When the sun came up you were looking at me. You were looking at me.’

‘And you were wild and crazy. Just so frustrating. Intoxicating, complicated.

Got away by some mistake.’

‘I can't resist before you go tell me this:

Was it worth it? Was she worth this?’

‘And now I know why all the trees change in the fall. I know you were on my side, even when I was wrong. And I love you for giving me your eyes, for staying back and watching me shine.’

‘I know heaven’s a thing. I go there when you touch me, honey. Hell is when I fight with you. But we can patch it up good. Make confessions and we’re begging for forgiveness. Got the wine for you.’

‘And I can see you years from now in a bar, talking over a football game. With that same big loud opinion, but nobody's listening. Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things.’

‘The way you move is like a full on rainstorm.’

‘Your string of lights is still bright to me. Oh, who you are is not where you've been.’

‘You were all I wanted, but not like this.’

‘These are the hands of fate. You’re my Achilles heel. This is the golden age of something good and right and real.’

‘It was good, never looking down. And right there where we stood was holy ground.’

‘The water filled my lungs, I screamed so loud. But no one heard a thing.’

‘Ooh, ooh, he’s talking crazy. Ooh, ooh, dancing with me. Ooh, ooh, we could get married. Ooh, ooh, have ten kids and teach ‘me how to dream.’

‘I see the high-fives between the bad guys. Leave with my head hung, you are the only one who seems to care.’

‘The stakes are high, the water’s rough, but this love is ours.’

‘Cause darling I’m a nightmare, dressed like a daydream.’

‘Just grab my hand and don't ever drop it, my love. They are the hunters, we are the foxes and we run.’

‘Kiss me once ‘cause you know I had a long night. Kiss me twice ‘cause it’s gonna be alright. Three times ‘cause I waited my whole life.’

‘Your eyes whisper “Have we met?” ‘

‘I hold onto the night you looked me in the eye and told me you loved me.’

‘My heart, my hips, my body, my love. Tryna find a part of me that you didn't touch. Gave up on me like I was a bad drug. Now I'm searching for signs in a haunted club. Our songs, our films, united, we stand. Our country, guess it was a lawless land. Quiet my fears with the touch of your hand. Paper cut stings from our paper-thin plans. My time, my wine, my spirit, my trust. Tryna find a part of me you didn't take up. Gave you so much, but it wasn't enough. But I'll be all right, it's just a thousand cuts.’

‘Braced myself for the goodbye, ‘cause that’s all I’ve ever known. Then you took me by surprise, when you said “I’ll never leave you alone.” ‘

‘And we know it's never simple, never easy. Never a clean break, no one here to save me. You're the only thing I know like the back of my hand.’

‘Remind her how it used to be, be, yeah-yeah. With pictures in frames of kisses on cheeks, cheeks.’

‘Fighting with a true love is boxing with no gloves. Chemistry 'til it blows up, 'til there’s no us.’

‘And there in the bathroom, I try not to fall apart and the sinking feeling starts, as I say hopelessly “He said he’d be here.” ‘

‘We can’t make any promises now, can we, babe? But you can make me a drink.’

‘Is this the end of all the endings? My broken bones are mending with all these nights we’re spending- up on the roof with a school girl crush. Drinking beer out of plastic cups. Say you fancy me, not fancy stuff. Baby, all at once, this is enough.’

‘You hold my hand on the street

Walk me back to that apartment

Years ago, we were just inside

Barefoot in the kitchen

Sacred new beginnings

That became my religion, listen’

‘ When you think happiness, I hope you think "that little black dress" ‘

‘And maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much. But maybe this thing was a masterpiece 'til you tore it all up. Running scared, I was there, I remember it all too well. And you call me up again just to break me like a promise. So casually cruel in the name of being honest. I'm a crumpled up piece of paper lying here, ‘cause I remember it all, all, all too well.’

‘I don't wanna look at anything else now that I saw you. I don't wanna think of anything else now that I thought of you.’

‘Memorizing him was as easy as knowing all the words to your old favorite song.’

‘I was riding shot gun with my hair undone in the front seat of his car. I grabbed a pen and an old napkin and I wrote down our song.’

‘Holy orange bottles, each night I pray to you. Desperate people find faith, so now I pray to Jesus too.’

‘You took the time to memorize me. My fears, my hopes and dreams.’

‘Lantern, burning

Flickered in my mind, only you

But you were still gone, gone, gone.’

‘I bet it never, ever occurred to you that I can’t say hello to you and risk another goodbye.’

‘Long, long live the walls we crashed through. All the kingdom lights shined just for me and you. I was screaming, long live all the magic we made. And bring on all the pretenders, I'm not afraid.’

‘I take a step back, let you go. I told you I'm not bulletproof. Now you know.’

‘But something happened, I heard him laughing. I saw the dimples first and then I heard the accent.’

‘I’m waiting alone now. So come on and come out. And pull me near and shine, shine, shine.’

‘I can see the end as it begins. My one condition is..’

‘And the saddest fear comes creeping in that you never loved me, or her, or anyone, or anything!’

‘Please don’t ever become a stranger whose laugh I could recognize anywhere.’

‘And when you find everything you looked for, I hope your life will lead you back to my front door. Oh but if it don’t? Will you stay beautiful, beautiful, beautiful?’

‘Why? ‘Cause she’s dead.’

[starryskylullaby]

slip.

The war is reaching a climax. Lord Tyrik of House Lannister sees a far more personal side of his position.

[ with special thanks to @apothecaryremedies for bouncing ideas with me and helping me write her boy Tyrik 💙 ]

                          ______________________________________

He had never seen the king look so vulnerable, so entirely removed from the symbolism carried by the crest that adorned the Targaryen family--so seemingly human. Only the bright rubies and black enamel crest on the golden armor that rested nearby served as a reminder to Tyrik that he was standing before a dragon, no matter the look of defeat drawn over Lucerys’ features. He figured that, as Hand of the King, it would have been his duty to offer consolation, to be as sturdy and unmoving as Casterly Rock itself for the king he’d sworn his service to.

But...he had to wonder if Lord Rambton had ever dealt with such personal matters as the conversation he was engaged in then. Lucerys Targaryen and Valerius Rambton had been friends, but even friendship had its limits when it came to secrecy--rumors spread far and wide, and Tyrik was very well aware of them himself.

At length, the king spoke up; the only indication that Lucerys wasn’t simply thinking out loud that Tyrik had was the use of his name, as the other man didn’t even bother to look up at him. “Tell me...have you fathered any bastards, Tyrik?”

"Bastards?” the Hand arched a brow, pouring himself some wine from the as yet untouched carafe nearby. Lucerys still didn’t move, just sat staring into the fireplace--something that made Tyrik purse his lips slightly in disapproval as he listened. “Yes. My father, you well know, sired at least two.” He took a deep, slow inhale through his nose. “And I one.” He sounded much more troubled about this than Tyrik assumed he might, after the previous statement. “Well, you wouldn't be the first king, obviously." It made little sense, he thought to himself, unsure where the other man was headed with all this--but he paid close attention. The title ‘Hand of the King’ brought him further riches and praise, but Tyrik was no fool. Arrogant, perhaps, and ambitious, but no fool. “A bastard,” the king mused quietly, “Had it lived, I wonder if this war might have happened sooner.” “Quite the suspicion, that.” “I can’t imagine she would have stayed,” the king continued dully, his expression far more sad than Tyrik was comfortable with looking at for long. “Astaeria. She’d have flown north long before she did.” There was a beat of silence, and Tyrik took a drink of his wine, wondering what he’d walked into, where this line of thought was taking them both--the mention of the queen was one that made the Lannister lord stop mid-drink, however. “I might never have had my trueborn son.” Out of the corner of his eye, Tyrik could see the king’s throat constrict slightly, and barely heard the next words, though he suspected they may not have been intended for him to hear at all. “My boy, my Aerion.”

"Your grace--" he paused, and when he spoke his tone was unusually soft for the proud lion. “Take it as a lesson, your grace, so that you do not lose sight of what you already hold so dear." He took another breath, letting the words sink in for a moment before his lips pursed into a thin line, and he found himself trying hard to stay somewhere between the line of utmost respect and crude truth. "I admit that I've had my fair share of whoring. Times of...weakness, I suppose--the thrill of having the world in your palm, feeling invincible with the spoils of battle." He paused, eyes clouded in memories for a moment, but it passed just as quietly as it had come. "And they are things I would rather keep from my wife, but I've not once repeated the same mistake, and never will I so taint her honor, long as I breathe." Tyrik reached for his drink again, taking a much larger gulp than before.

Lucerys was silent, mulling this over. “Valerius had no understanding of those things,” he replied finally. “Isn’t much for a fight. The man can wield a sword but there is no joy in it for him. A shame, really.” He sounded hollow, somehow, and Tyrik only listened. “Whoring…can’t speak for him, so far as that’s concerned,” he admitted, “But it held no appeal to me. Not even when I was a younger man, still unwed.” He swallowed thickly, Tyrik could see, and cast his gaze down. “There was only one woman I wanted. Only one woman I ever wanted--” his voice seemed to choke itself into silence and Tyrik watched him purse his lips and knit his brow in frustrated confusion, “And when I had her at last...somehow my eyes wandered.” Tyrik found he’d finished his wine, and helping himself to another cup, he set his jaw for a moment before speaking up once he’d set the pitcher down again. "I’ve found that whether or not they wear a crown, all men do foolish things--and I have reason to believe Lord Rambton already gave you his own thoughts over the Myrish bitch. Know that my sentiments align with his for once in that regard."

Lucerys’ head snapped up at this and his expression was irate, but the tone of his voice did not match it. “She is not the only of my faults, Tyrik,” he ran his tongue over his teeth behind his lips, turning back to the fire, “But she is without doubt the greatest of them.” Tyrik watched him, watched the firelight on his face. “Then am I correct in my assumption about your previous Hand?” The king’s brow furrowed. “You are.” “And you didn’t heed his words. You seem vexed by mine now, however.” Lucerys shot him an irritated look. “You have been a clever man, Tyrik, and I know you are not fool enough to misunderstand my reaction. Valerius has been my friend near twenty years now; his words were sincere, not some silver tongued ploy for more power and land.” "More land? Your grace, the overly ambitious picture you have of me is all too flattering," He smirked, though the king wasn't entirely wrong in his doubt. Lucerys sighed, turning back to the fire. “I am tiring of you this night, Tyrik. I have no patience for games or honeyed words at present.”

Tyrik steeled himself some, and held his wine cup a bit tighter.

"Then if I may be plain, the presence of that red cunt unnerves some of the men." Grey eyes narrowed, and he did not back down even when the king turned to glare at him again, instead doggedly continued his statement. "She does more harm to you than support. While I don't consider myself a virtuous or at all pious man, gossip does travel quickly. To the common folk, a king without visible faith in the Seven leads to certain...mistrust." “My ancestors have not been friends of the Faith. The Seven hold no sway over my judgement.” “And the red god does?” The king’s mouth opened and shut, and his silver eyes glinted in the firelight. “Tread carefully here, lion.” “Your ram friend did not, and you have told me you do not desire honeyed words—and so mine will be plain.” He set his cup aside. “The red woman’s presence here is an ill thing. Already she has cost us time and a potential treatise with your sister, who is arguably the most reasonable of the three of you dragons. Her ‘offerings’ to this ‘Lord of Light’ have cost us valuable allies and have turned them enemies, who now fight for your brother--” He cut himself off, wetting his lips, “--No, not your brother, I fear I’ve misspoken.” He fixed his gaze on Lucerys, “House Baratheon has denounced you.The Baratheons, the Estermonts, the Tarths--all have declared for your sister now.” Lucerys had no retort for this. Tyrik shook his head, “Not Asra, but Astaeria. The raven from Evenfall Hall came today, ‘House Tarth recognizes Queen Astaeria of House Targaryen as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, and her son Prince Aerion as rightful heir to the Iron Throne’,” he recited from memory, “This comes in the wake of your red witch burning a cousin of Lady Jocelyn’s--and with Lord Rogar dead, she and her sons lead House Baratheon, and their banners.”

In the silence that fell, Tyrik took his wine up again, and took a good long drink. “Somehow I get the sense none of this is what’s keeping you up this evening, all the same,” he sighed at last. Lucerys just stared stonily at the flames. “I have not been sleeping well,” he admitted. Tyrik eyed him cautiously over the rim of his cup, taking a drink. “I have been told you haven’t taken your red woman to your bed in...days, yes?” “...I called her Astaeria,” came the near hoarse reply, and Tyrik couldn’t take another sip, watching the king with surprise. This, he hadn’t expected. “I called her Astaeria, when she was in my bed last.” He looked suddenly much more disheveled than Tyrik had noticed before, “I held her in my arms but I…I could only think of my wife.” He could see the king’s eyes had glossed over, and something felt...strange about this, seeing him this vulnerable. All of the sly remarks he might have made died on Tyrik’s tongue. “I imagine that did not please her much.” This earned him an angry sidelong glance, and he took a quiet breath. “I have received nothing but word that your sister is safe.” “I would rather she were here,” Lucerys said honestly, “She, and our son. She would not even see me at High Heart, she will not meet with me. She has been disgraced by these malicious rumors, and it is my own fault they were allowed to be loosed through the realm.” “You did not know of their existence, your grace.” “And I should have. I know very well who started them,” the king hissed, and Tyrik only sipped his wine. All the realm knew who had started these rumors, by now, but that mattered little anymore. “She’s the only woman I’ve wanted all my life--I had her, and now I’ve lost her.” His voice was startlingly raw, “And I can never atone for what’s happened to her.” Lucerys shook his head, eyes red-rimmed in the light now and glossed with unshed tears. “I want her here,” he said helplessly, “Back with me, that I might at least try to make things right again.” Tyrik took a deep breath, and had to look away.

"You love her, that much is obvious.” He swallowed, considering his words. “Atoning for what you did, however…that might take more assistance than I can offer you, your grace.” He sighed quietly, “And it could only happen if she were to agree to see you again at all.”

King Lucerys’ voice was so tight that Tyrik feared it might break. “I have made far too many mistakes during a war, Tyrik,” he whispered, “I cannot let this be my last.”

[nutellaninja0001]

Jon Snow had no choice but to be Political Jon.

When arguing or attempting to debunk the Political Jon theory I see fans use the classic explanation that Jon is simply too honorable to ever deceit a person. He could never lie, and thus would stain or be ooc for his character that he could do something so terrible. But did he really have a choice at all?

No. Jon’s journey through season 7 reminded me of what George said is the best thing to write, the human heart conflicting with itself. He’s stuck between what’s morally right and what’s necessary for the bigger picture. And we see this throughout the course of the episodes.

After taking some time to sit down and rewatch some old season 7 scenes, specifically Jon’s arc there is a clear shift in his character as soon as episode 3 aired. Jon is pushed into a situation he had faith in, only to blow back in his face and be caught in a petty war between Daenerys and Cersei with the threat of the NK still very much looming.

At the beginning of Jon’s arc we see him planning to accept the summons of Daenerys and ride south to obtain her as an ally. Immediately when deciding to go Sansa as well as the Northern people advise against it. Jon knows they need this help and is willing to put his trust into Tyrion and go himself.

In this moment Jon truly has good faith of the situation and remains in his plan to sail. He believes he is going to seek an alliance. Not submission of his people. And here’s what happens.

Jon is greeted by Tyrion and with complete surprise to him he and his men are stripped of their weapons and their ship is confiscated. Unfortunately it doesn’t get better from here.

It’s been pointed out that Tyrion DID NOT mention this condition of Daenerys. He conveniently left that part out. Had he otherwise, Jon would have known better and it’s clear in this moment Jon realized his trust had been taken advantage of just as Sansa/Lords told him. But Jon still tries as the scene continues. Jon shows true emotions here and is by far the most open he is to Daenerys. He’s trying desperately to convince them of what’s to come and what they need to be focusing on.

The first meeting is a complete failure and Jon goes off to do what he does best, brood.

Note something very interesting about the whole scene. When Jon realizes Daenerys wants him to kneel, he immediately wants to leave. He doesn’t give two shits about Daenerys or her quest for the throne and he has no desire to hand over the North either. Even if Daenerys won’t help the cause then he wants to go back to prepare them.

He asks if he could have his ship back but Tyrion steers the conversation back to kneeling for D. And Jon is hit with a moment of self reflection.

Jon’s good faith and his trust in others got him as a prisoner of Dragonstone in the south. He ignored Sansa’s advise of needing to be smarter than Ned and Robb and as he stares off looking to the North he knows he’s made the poor choices as they had.

Do I think this is the beginning of Political Jon? No. Not yet. But his initial plan is not going well so far.

So, we fast forward to Jon being given access to the DragonGlass mine to keep him busy as a prisoner. When the ancient paintings of White Walkers are found. It isn’t much, but it’s some first real evidence and he feels as if it might be enough for D. It isn’t.

For me I believe this is the first step for the Political Jon theory to blossom. He’s tried twice already to convince D but she is firm on her demand and Jon is paralleling the hell out of Mance here.

He knows the North wants freedom. He knows they won’t accept a southern ruler. Especially a Targaryen and they’d rather die or face it themselves before bending. Jon knows all of this. But he also knows they need this. They need to survive. Rock and hard place again.

As the scene continues Jon not only learns Daenerys won’t help them without submission but she also has a short temper and an impulse to burn cities as she speaks of her plans to fly her dragons to the Red Keep. The camera keeps Jon in the frame as she says this and we see Jon isn’t impressed with the situation.

More time goes by and Jon is still stuck. But this is where it gets very interesting because Jon then begins learning more about Daenerys to get a feel of her. He questions Missandei, he gets close to Drogon for seemingly no other reason, and he watches carefully how Jorah and Daenerys interact.

But the situation only becomes more complicated in the next scene when Jon is informed Arya and Bran are alive and back at Winterfell. Two more people he loves and wants to be with are still in danger while he sits on a rock waiting for Daenerys. He’s unable to do anything as the NK gets closer.

From here Jon has just been observing and keeping closed off from everyone. He reveals nothing about himself all while staying focused on getting Daenerys stare North in the hopes she finally sees the real threat. He goes on to say he either needs to go home or she can help.

She will not and Tyrion then comes up with the Wight Hunt plan. Jon without hesitation offers himself to go and in no point in this matter does Jon show any care at all for Daenerys. Most certainly not in the way she wants as he refers to himself as a stranger and his lack of an emotional goodbye to her on the beach.

As to showcase even more hints of Jon’s lack of faith for Daenerys he goes on to tell Tormund they need to convince BOTH queens. But Daenerys won’t fight unless he bends and Jon’s back in the conflict at hand.

Ultimately Jon serves the North above any Queen and that’s where his true loyalties lie. He doesn’t care about Cersei but Daenerys is the only one he needs and so he’s willing to die to give it a fighting chance. As crazy as the plan was, it goes to show the lengths Jon is willing to go just to get Daenerys North. Even if it’s a small chance or dangerous.

The Wight Hunt comes and goes. They lose people, a dragon dies, Benjen dies, and Jon nearly dies himself for the sake of a truce south. But even then, after all that, it’s meaningless when D herself sees the army of the dead and still, they end up back on a ship headed for Dragonstone. This is where Jon takes the Political game to a new level.

He uses what he’s learned about Daenerys and flatters her with all the things he knows she wants to hear without officially doing anything or giving away his kingdom’s freedom. He makes attempts to get personal to her very quickly with comforting her as she tears up to calling her Dany out of nowhere. Think of how much Jon spends the scene flattering D? Making it all about her?

“How about my Queen.”

“They’ll all come to see you for what you are.”

And it works! Daenerys tears up at the idea of being handed the North over and grabs Jon’s hand just as she had pulled away a moment ok.

Jon’s not happy about this at all. He doesn’t want to do this. But Daenerys remains focused South and the threat only grows bigger. This needs action.

He’s left between a woman he knows won’t give up on the Throne and Cersei! Even with proof Jon needs more investment from Daenerys.

So he denies Cersei’s request to stay out of the war and publicly sided with Daenerys. He needs her 100% trust in him and he’s playing up the Northern Fool facade quite nicely. He “bent” the knee privately without any of her advisors knowing. And Tyrion has a nice piece of foreshadowing with this line.

But again, we see this all works for Daenerys because although she agrees with Tyrion, she is taken back by Jon and we see this deeply touches her as he says he has pledged only to her.

What happens during this scene AGAIN! Daenerys reaffirming to Jon what matters most to her and that humanity alone isn’t enough. G, and he really thought it was going to be the paintings that sold her.

Cersei seemingly agrees to fight but at the end this isn’t about her help and she alone is as trustworthy as trusting Littlefinger. Her words mean nothing just as Daenerys meant nothing when promising to fight the NK the episode before. There’s the theme of a rock and a hard place again.

But Jon’s flattery and catering of Daenerys need for a constant ego stroke pays off come the next scene to plan for the North. Jorah wants to put Daenerys in a situation that is much safer for her and advises to fly rather than sail. But Jon, mr in love over here suggest something that is far more dangerous for her.

And again, it works and Jon has successfully steered Daenerys attention from listening to him above her own advisors and men she has known for far longer all because of her feelings for Jon.

But what really solidifies the Political Jon theory for me is the scene that comes after this. The talk with Theon in the throne room.

Theon: “You’ve always known what was right. Even when we were all young and stupid you always knew. Every step you take, it’s always the right step.”

Jon: It’s not. It may seem that way on the outside but I promise you it’s not true.”

God, that scene was so ominous and Jon is aware what he is doing isn’t morally right. He’s playing a part as the Northern honorable fool everybody thinks he is. But remember his words, “I serve the North.”

And the very last scene we have is Jon showing up at Daenerys door in the middle of the night with a hesitation and a blank stare as he closes the door and switches rolls figuratively and physically with Daenerys. Even Tyrion realizing he has lost his influence over D and that someone else has taken control right under his nose. Jon started the season being tricked into thinking Tyrion was the same man back in season 1. Tyrion ends the season being tricked into thinking Jon was still the same boy back in season 1.

[sapphicscholar]

Pride Month Prompts Day 12: Fairytale (Gen, background Sanvers and Supercat)

From this Pride Month Prompts post! I’m taking the opportunity to write some short fics for a variety of pairings that I haven’t written for as much, maybe at all. They won’t be going on AO3, so I’ll be sure to tag them all with #pride month prompts so you can find them later if you want.

Day 12: Fairytale

Pairing: Not relationship focused, but Alex of Sanvers babysitting for Supercat

“Alright, it’s almost bedtime. You know what that means, right?” Alex asked, her voice taking on the soft, higher-pitched quality that had made Winn trip in surprise in the little DEO hospital room when Kara had welcomed baby Amelia Astra Grant-Danvers—“You’ll always be a Zor-El too, even if we can’t put it on your official records”—into the world. Later, when she’d caught him trying to get a recording of her cooing to the baby in her arms, she’d turned to him and, voice still soft and sweet, whispered, “If you don’t put down that camera in the next two seconds, I’ll show you all the ways I can kill a man with my free hand and a rattle.” He’d run at that.

“Story time!” Amelia cried out, clapping her hands excitedly as she planted herself in Aunt Alex’s lap.

With the room bathed in a soft red glow, just enough to keep the little charge from accidentally killing her babysitter or hurting herself, Alex pulled out one of the many books from the shelves Kara had assembled but let Carter paint, which explained why they were covered in bright colors and cartoon-style action graphics and the House of El crest.

“Read that one last time.”

Alex let out a little huff of laughter, wondering how long the game would last this time.

After pulling out over a dozen books deemed “already read,” Alex gave up on her quest. “What if I tell you a story instead, huh? A nice fairytale.”

“My moms said I don’t need a prince to come rescue me.”

Alex bit her lower lip to keep from laughing when the girl was so serious, blinking up at Alex with those big blue eyes that no one could say no to. “They’re right. But I’m gonna tell you a different sort of fairytale.”

“Oh.” Amelia paused to consider it, forehead scrunching up in thought. “Okay.”

“Once upon a time, there was a beautiful lady—”

“This sounds like all the other ones.”

Alex pursed her lips in mock annoyance. “Maybe if you’d let me get to the end you’d find out it’s different!” She booped Amelia’s nose with her fingertip, grinning at the small laugh it pulled from her.

“Okay, okay.”

“So where were we? Right, once upon a time there was a beautiful lady with long, dark hair and dark brown eyes that lit up whenever she smiled. She lived in a sunny kingdom ruled over by…by a very powerful queen with green eyes and wavy blonde hair.” She peeked down, watching as Amelia’s brow furrowed the smallest bit.

“Like me!”

Alex smiled at her. “Just like you. But the kingdom was a good place to live. People were happy. Kids got to run around and play in the summer and learn all sorts of important things during the year. And dogs always got to sleep in real beds.”

“Did you know,” Amelia whispered, a giggle forcing its way through, “that Gertie slept in bed with my moms when you and Aunt Maggie went away?”

Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “Did she now?” Because as far as she’d heard, Cat most definitely did not allow dogs in her bed—certainly not 90-pound mutts like Gertrude that had a bad habit of finding their way up to the pillows in the middle of the night.

“Mhmm. Mommy took pictures when she came home.”

And oh now that was even better news if Kara hadn’t been the one to secretly airlift the dog into the bed. “Do you know where we could find these pictures?” Cat had a birthday coming up, and Alex would be damned if she didn’t get her a nice cake with a photo of her and Gertrude curled up together printed on the icing.

“Her phone. More story now!”

Maybe next sisters night… “Okay. So the kingdom was a good place generally. But there was a fair maiden who was beloved throughout the whole kingdom. Only she had been dating a total jerk—”

Amelia gasped. “You said a bad word!”

“Sorry, she was dating a mean prince from another kingdom who wasn’t good enough for her. And too many people were distracted and didn’t notice until it was too late.” Amelia’s eyes widened in fear. “He came from an evil family, and in their kingdom only a few people were happy. Everyone else had to work to keep them happy, but they didn’t get to enjoy anything for themselves.”

“Even the kids?”

“Even the kids.”

“And the puppies?”

“Um… I don’t know if they had puppies. But probably them too.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah. And so that king and queen showed up to the good kingdom to take back their son, the prince. Only the prince decided he didn’t want to go, so the king and queen came back with their whole army to take over the good kingdom and make it another evil kingdom!”

“What did the good queen do?”

Alex had to fight back a laugh at the memory. “Well, she called out to the evil queen and told her she wasn’t a real queen at all—not if she would let her people be so unhappy and try to take over another kingdom for no reason.”

“Did she win?”

“Well, not at first. The evil queen was so angry, so she sent people to go get the good queen.”

“Oh no!”

“It’s okay, though! Because the fair maiden, who was secretly kind of like a knight…or something, went to save her life.” And that’s how two weeks later Alex stumbled into a scene in Kara’s apartment she’d never wanted to see. But Amelia didn’t need to know about how her two moms reconnected. “But while they were busy, the evil queen had sent all of her soldiers into the kingdom to take over. Luckily, that beautiful lady from the beginning with the perfect smile? Well, she was kind of like a knight too, and so she got her sword and kept dozens of the evil soldiers away so that the innocent people could escape.”

“Did she get hurt?”

“Nope. Want to know why?”

“Why?”

Leaning forward, Alex lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Because she knew that the lady she loved was waiting for her on the other side of the kingdom.”

“Who’s that lady?”

“She was one of the soldiers who was working with the queen and the fair maiden.”

“Oh! Are all the soldiers girls in the good kingdom?”

“Not all of them, but the best ones,” Alex answered with a wink. “But things seemed really bad for a while. The queen had lost her castle, and she was forced to wait in a dark little tavern with some of her best soldiers and the knight and the fair maiden while they came up with a plan to reclaim the kingdom from the bad guys.” Alex’s brow furrowed for a moment as she tried to find the right analogy for a positron cannon. “They found out about a big… sword. A sword that could make all the bad guys run away.”

“Where was the sword?”

“It was hidden away in a fortress that had been taken over by the bad guys. But luckily the beautiful knight and her soldier found a way to sneak in to get it. Only then the fair maiden cried out for everyone to stop.”

“Why?”

“Because she found out that the evil queen had the prince and one of the good kingdom’s, uh, magicians with her. And if they used the sword, they would disappear forever too.”

“Hold on.” One of Amelia’s hands landed on top of Alex’s, stopping her gesticulating. “Isn’t the prince evil too?”

Considering her words carefully, Alex explained: “Well, the fair maiden has a really, really big heart. That’s why everyone loves her. And she told everyone that there was good in the prince too, even if it was buried deep, deep down. Plus, the magician was one of her best friends in the whole wide world.”

“Ohh. I wouldn’t want to hurt my best friend either.” She nodded her head with a level of self-certainty that was so reminiscent of Cat that Alex had to stifle a laugh.

“Probably a good idea. So instead the fair maiden put herself in grave danger to go rescue the prince and the magician. She almost didn’t make it, but at the last minute, with some help from those people who loved her so much, she managed.”

“And then she used the big sword?”

Rubbing at the back of her neck, Alex ducked her head. “The big sword sort of disappeared. It was a little like magic, so it only worked for a certain period of time.”

Amelia clambered further into Alex’s lap. “Oh no! What happened to the good kingdom?”

“The queen urged all of her people to keep hoping, to fight back and make sure the evil soldiers knew that the people weren’t going to back down so easily. Everyone was still very scared, though, because they didn’t know how they were going to win when the evil soldiers were so much stronger than almost everyone but the fair maiden. So for a long while there was a lot of fighting, and many people were hurt, but the queen kept faith alive while the fair maiden worked with the magician to come up with a potion that was fine for everyone in the good kingdom but made everyone from the evil kingdom very sick.”

“What about the prince?”

“Him too. So he thanked the fair maiden for her help, but then he left to go try to make the evil kingdom better.”

“Did it work?”

Figuring a partial lie was better here Alex shrugged her shoulders. “The good kingdom never heard from them ever again, but don’t you believe that people can work to change things for the better?”

After a moment, Amelia nodded enthusiastically. “Mom says that we need to make sure everyone knows the truth.”

“That’s probably a good idea.”

“What happened to the kingdom? Was everyone okay?”

“Well, it took a lot of time and teamwork to rebuild the kingdom. Lots of buildings had fallen down, and the paths between cities had been cut off. But everyone came together to help make the kingdom the wonderful place it was, and the queen even returned to her castle for good after a long trip away.”

“Where did she go?”

“All sorts of places. She visited so many of the other kingdoms and made friends with the rulers of a lot of places. But when the evil kingdom attacked, she realized that she needed to be back at her home with the people who loved her. In fact, lots of people realized how important love was after the battle. Soon enough, the beautiful, brave knight married the soldier, and the queen married the fair maiden, and everyone lived happily ever after.”

Amelia paused to consider it. “That was better than lotsa fairytales. Not as good as Frog and Toad, but maybe if you made it a book it would be.”

“Oh yeah?”

Amelia nodded. “Carter can draw the pictures for you. He ill’strates all my stories. Did you know he did that?” She pointed at her colorful bookcases.

“I did. And did you know your Mommy is also a very good artist?”

“Duh.”

Alex fixed her with a stern look; she’d been put on strict orders not to let Amelia keep up the sassiness that had started to rear its head. Alex had arched an eyebrow at the instructions, insisting that she had no idea where Amelia could possibly have learned sass from, earning herself a patented eye roll from Cat.

“Sorry.” The word was stretched out into many, long syllables. “Yes, I already knew that.”

“Maybe one day we could all work together on drawing the story.”

“Tonight?” Amelia asked, eyes shining with excitement.

“It’s almost bedtime, and your moms are gonna be out late for Carter’s celebration dinner”—he’d managed to earn acceptance letters from 6 of the 8 colleges he’d applied to, plus a scholarship or two to boot—“but maybe you and I could try to draw one scene before bed. How’s that sound?”

“Can we draw the good queen against the evil queen?”

“Sure thing, kiddo.”

[whflibrary]

playlist + downers and wastrels!!

     this playlist is a 15-song compilation of music that reminded me of the downers/wastrels of we happy few, and are organized below the read-more by relevant lyrics and character types they pertain to!!

OVERDOSE / GRANDSON (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ i’ve been way too numb now, i’m living on the run now. oh, i gotta get out of this town somehow. ❞ + ❝ ‘cause the bad’s been slowly getting worse, and this fast lane - living, it’s a curse. better tell me - what’s your life worth? i think it’s time for a change. ❞ + ❝ ‘cause the drugs don’t work anymore. all fun and games until i hit the floor - overdose. ❞ + ❝ i couldn’t find the thrill again, i couldn’t seem to kill the pain. i was living in the moment, searching for a little serotonin, but this shit ain’t fun now. ❞

MEDS / PLACEBO (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ i was alone, falling free, trying my best not to forget what happened to us - what happened to me - what happened as i let it slip. i was confused by the powers that be, forgetting names and faces. passersby were looking at me, as if they could erase it. ❞ + ❝ baby, did you forget to take your meds? ❞ + ❝ i was alone, staring over the ledge, trying my best not to forget all manner of joy, all manner of glee, and our one heroic pledge. how it mattered to us, how it mattered to me, and the consequences. i was confused by the birds and the bees, forgetting if i meant it. ❞

MY RADIO / STARS (WASTRELS + DOWNERS + UNCLE JACK). ❝ it’s hard to remember days, mornings lost in a chronic haze. breath is fast and the trains are slow, i barely feel it though. all day long, i fantasize in the dark behind peoples’ eyes. and then they disappear, words get lost in the atmosphere. ❞ + ❝ the truth i’ll tell, i’ll tell the truth. you ask for facts, well, i’ll give you proof. ❞ + ❝ all i want is my radio, all i want is my radio. he speaks in a voice i know, sounds like sand when the tide is low. ❞ + ❝ all i want is a room somewhere, far away from all the chemo air. and when i go, my radio will play a song that lingers. ❞

CRY FORUM / MOTHER MOTHER (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ i stare at the populous in prayer - i look at them, talking to the air. i sing for them, they don’t seem to hear. i cry for them. ❞ + ❝ are they in outer space, on a populous parade? are they in some kind of race that i do not have the legs for? i’m not one to kill joy, but i’m just digging pro-choice. ❞ + ❝ are they all out of touch? are they touching it too much? are they on some kind of drug that i haven’t done enough of? ❞ + ❝ are they all out of turn? are they ever gonna learn? about the fires that might burn, about the feelings that might hurt me? ❞

ALONE / EYESHINE (WASTRELS + THE GARDEN DISTRICT). ❝ tonight looks like a cold one, if the moon decides to show and dance along the ocean. but none of us will know. none of us will know. ❞ + ❝ so, this is the end of it. it’s time for us to go back to where we started, back to what we know. do you know what it feels like to be alone? well, i do. ❞ + ❝ tomorrow’s never promised to you, this road we all share. ❞

EVERYBODY KNOWS / SIGRID (DOWNERS + ESCAPING WELLINGTON WELLS). ❝ everybody knows that the dice are loaded, everybody rolls with their fingers crossed. everybody knows that the war is over, everybody knows the good guys lost. everybody knows the fight is fixed, the poor stay poor, the rich get rich. that’s how it goes - everybody knows. ❞ + ❝ everybody knows the boat is leaking, everybody knows the captain lied. everybody’s talking to their pockets, everybody wants a box of chocolates and a long-stem rose. everybody knows. ❞ + ❝ everybody knows that the plague is coming, everybody knows that it’s moving fast. everybody knows that the naked man and woman are just a shining artifact of the past. ❞ + ❝ everybody knows it’s coming apart. take one last look at this sacred heart before it blows. everybody knows. ❞

PARIS IS BURNING / ST. VINCENT (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ i write to give word that the war is over, send my cinders home to mother.they gave me a medal for my valor, leaden trumpets spit the soot of power. ❞ + ❝ they say “i’m on your side when nobody is, ‘cause nobody is. come sit right here and sleep, while i slip poison in your ear”. ❞ + ❝ we are waiting on a telegram to bring us news of the fall. i am sorry to report, dear paris is burning after all. we have taken to the streets in open rejoice, revolting. we are dancing a black waltz - fair paris is burning after all. ❞ + ❝ enclosed in this letter, there’s a picture - black and white for your refrigerator. sticks and stones have made me smarter, it’s words that cut me under my armour. ❞

CROSSFIRE / STEPHEN (WASTRELS + THE GARDEN DISTRICT). ❝ he keeps waking up, but it’s not to the sound of birds. the tyranny, the violent streets, deprived of all that we’re blessed with. and we can’t get enough. ❞ + ❝ heaven, if you could send us down so we could build a playground for the sinners to play as saints, you’d be so proud of what we’ve made. ❞ + ❝ i hope you’ve got some beds around, ‘cause you’re the only refuge now for every mother, every child, every brother, that’s caught in the crossfire. ❞

CLINT EASTWOOD / GORILLAZ (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ i ain’t happy, i’m feeling glad. i’ve got sunshine in a bag. i’m useless, but not for long - my future is coming on. ❞ + ❝ intangible - bet you didn’t think, so i command you to. ❞ + ❝ you see with your eyes, i see destruction and demise. corruption in disguise from this fuckin’ enterprise, now i’m sucked into your lies. ❞ + ❝ i brought all this so you can survive when law is lawless. feelings, sensations that you thought were dead - no squealing, remember that it’s all in your head. ❞

THE STUPID, THE PROUD / IAMX (WASTRELS + THE GARDEN DISTRICT). ❝ god is dead - we get to sleep tonight. walk with me into the truth, out of your lies. ❞ + ❝ the armies of faithful, the killers of reason, the grief of the crown. the stupid, the proud - they blow our houses down. ❞ + ❝ exalt yourself, do it to stay alive. you must demand, they must abide. queer is the universe - habit the liberty, destructive in time. hunt down your future. and everything you know is not enough to survive. ❞

BLOOD // WATER / GRANDSON (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ we’ll never get free, lamb to the slaughter. what you gonna do when there’s blood in the water? the price of your greed is your son and your daughter. ❞ + ❝ look me in my eyes, tell me everything’s not fine. oh, the people ain’t happy, and the river has run dry. you thought you could go free, but the system is done for. ❞

OLD YELLOW BRICKS / ARCTIC MONKEYS (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ quite the little escapologist - you looked so miffed when you wished for a thousand places better than this. you are the fugitive, but you don’t know what you’re running from. ❞ + ❝ who wants to sleep in the city that never wakes up, blinded by nostalgia? ❞ + ❝ she was enraged by the way that the emperor put traps in the cage, and the days she seemed dull led to nights reading beer bottles. ❞ + ❝ she said “i want to sleep in the city that never wakes up, and revel in nostalgia”. ❞

KINGDOM OF ZOD / BILLY TALENT (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ we’ll never drink your medicine, and we’ll never think your way. masters of broken promises are born to manipulate. your mind is a vault of prejudice, but we see through the door - your dirty little secrets aren’t so secret anymore. ❞ + ❝ no room for your daft intolerance left in this day and age - we’re not gonna go down quietly, we’re not gonna be afraid. ‘cause under the cloak of sanities are madmen in disguise - are we blind? ❞ + ❝ i believe it, but i don’t understand. i feel it coming at the back of the head. if you think, you’ll be the one in command. it’ll tear us apart in the end. we’re gonna make it like a thief in the night. we’ll uncover up the evidence of their crimes. ❞

RACE TO THE BOTTOM / DAN MANGAN (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ and so the artist screams into an empty cup - he says that you’re a soulless bunch, but you could still wake up. ❞ + ❝ here’s what we know: we don’t know what we’ve got, or if we’ve got it. and what we had, we already forgot it. the race is evidently to the bottom - we don’t know what to say. ❞ + ❝ don’t know what it was, but we want it back, like every generation will repeat the last. put a halo on a figurehead or photograph - resist a little bit and you become “the man”. dreaming of a simpler time, it occurs to me that the past is hypothetical fantasy, and nostalgia just ain’t what it used to be. ❞

PLANET HEALTH / CHAIRLIFT (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ when i arrived on planet health, in the state of being well, i altered my self-conscious messes and body images. ❞ + ❝ i am feeling great tonight - we are feeling great tonight. ❞ + ❝ then i found out where you’re sent when you’re sick and sad and old - they kick you off of planet health, into a universe of cold. ❞

LIES / BILLY TALENT (DOWNERS + THE VILLAGE). ❝ forced conversation, hidden agenda - you think we’re stupid, how dare you? the rug has not been pulled over our eyes, you fool - we can see right through. ❞ + ❝ tiptoeing villains, eyes in the ceiling - your false intentions have worn thin. but we’ve been in your room and in your closet too, we’ve got one on you. ❞ + ❝ lies make it better, lies are forever. lies to go home to, lies to wake up to. lies from the altar, lies make you falter. lies keep your mouth fed, lies ‘til your deathbed. ❞ + ❝ inside an office, a fallen angel - a smiling buddha with snake eyes creates the latest trends. and i just can’t pretend - don’t call me your friend. ❞

[writingsofawanderingwonderer]

Game Postmortem: The Heart of Tales

Hello, and welcome to the Behind the Scenes article for my game, The Heart of Tales.

Quick intro here. This will contain spoilers for the game.

I've sorted this article into different parts: WRITING, ART, MUSIC, and the POST MORTEM. Each of those parts has different sections, and so on. You can skip ahead to the sections you want to read about.

Also, I'll refer to the player character by her default name, Hiro.

I tried to keep everything short, but it ended up being this long.

Now with that out of the way, let's begin.

=====WRITING=====

Inspiration: From Baldur's Gate to Tolkien

The Heart of Tales is inspired by various RPG games with medieval fantasy settings. Worlds where swords can talk, and you can take mysterious items to a shopkeeper to identify them. I decided to make The Heart of Tales follow similar "rules" to RPGs than to, say, medieval Fantasy television series. Because of that, The Heart of Tales is more eclectic in its nature (pulling from Greek Mythology, Arabic folklore, etc.--like many Dungeons & Dragon games) than historic or purely medieval European.

Some notable inspirations include the games Icewind Dale, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and Undertale. I was also inspired by Tolkien's novels and the German folklore surrounding the jester/trickster character, Till Eulenspiegel.

Icewind Dale

In Icewind Dale, there's a scene near the climax of the game where the main villain gives a big speech of how powerful they are. Like in The Heart of Tales, the player character in Icewind Dale has the option to reply to the whole speech with, "Woah."

Undertale

Undertale inspired the idea to let the player choose whether or not Hiro goes back to adventuring or stays retired by the end of the story. To me, it was important that the player was happy with Hiro's choice, so I didn't want to make the choice for the player.

Princess Maker 2

The line in the game where Hiro is rumoured to have been "born from the sky" is a reference to Princess Maker 2,

12 Kingdoms

The idea of a world or continent being divided by 12 kingdoms is a common trope in fantasy stories. In The Heart of Tales, I pictured that the continent is made up of 12 kingdoms, and the closer you are to the 1st kingdom, the more rich and upper-class the inhabitants are. The 12th kingdom would be the poorest.

Jester Till

I like bards. Bards are one of, if not my favourite, class in Dungeons & Dragons games. Neverwinter Nights used them to a good effect (meaning they have a balanced character build), but many other games overlook and/or don't include the bard class.

Till Eulenspiegel is a character who brings bards and jesters into the forefront of storytelling, by making the main character a jester.

Route Designs

I learned from Three Guys That Paint that having three love interests complicates things compared to two love interests. If you give the player three "A or B" choices, then the possible results can be three points to A or B, or two points to A or B. But adding a third love interest creates a programming problem: What if the player gives one point to each possible love interest? Then the game doesn't know what to do! And adding a fourth choice would add further problems.

That's the problem I had when I added Sareth's route.

I fixed this by making Sareth's route unlockable. The player had to pick New Game+ and that transports them to the "gift" choice, skipping the first choice. So instead of three choices, the player gets two. To add difficulty for the player, if they give one point to Sareth's route and one to Mithamoore or Cole, they fall into Mithamoore of Cole's route instead of Sareth's.

Making Sareth's route unlockable also implies that Aemza gets stronger and stronger with each playthrough, which is why he gains the ability to possess Hiro in Sareth's route.

Writing Process

The writing process was very similar to how I wrote Three Guys That Paint and Must Love Jaws. I started with a plot summary of the whole story. I separated the plot summary into scenes, and then I expanded each scene's summary into dialogue and narration. There were about 20 scenes total, and I wrote each scene in chronological order.

Then I took it all into Ren'Py and added coding like sprite movements and sound effects.

Theme: The Art of Violence?

Even though I've never been able to play any of his games (due to platform issues), I admire that Yoko Taro as a creator who makes video games that use the medium to help tell the story, such as giving plot explanations for the player character's ability to save and reload. The game mechanics have an in-universe explanation and the characters have an awareness of it.

In a video interview, he says the following (though note that this is an English translation), "[While working on the original Drakengard,] I thought about the meaning of "killing." I was looking at a lot of games back then, and I saw messages like "You've defeated 100 enemies!" or "Eradicated 100 enemy soldiers!" in an almost gloating manner. But when I thought about it in an extremely calm state of mind, it hit me that gloating about killing a hundred people is strange. I mean, you're a serial killer if you killed a hundred people. It just struck me as insane. [...] You don't have to be insane to kill someone, you just have to think you're right."

Anemza: Writing "True Villains"

I've also been noticing this change in storytelling, particularly in Western animation: More and more stories are having villains who are either:

a) Misunderstood and not really villains underneath, requiring the hero to "defeat" them through non-violent means. The hero instead has to show empathy and defuse tension when they face the antagonist (examples: Moana, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and Steven Universe),

Or b) The villain turns out to be a character who was originally displayed as "nice" or "meek" and was thus overlooked by the hero (recent examples include Zootopia, Frozen, Wonder Woman).

At first, I was really frustrated with this; I missed "true villains" from the Renaissance Era of Disney and I didn't know what to make of this new trend with antagonists. I missed villains who had a lot of build-up and screen time. I missed villains like Megabyte (Reboot) that had a grand sense of presence. But then I realized why this change was occurring: It's important to teach people, especially young children, the importance of not just being brave and standing up for yourself. It's also important to teach them the importance of knowing that you can defuse confrontations in pacifist manner.

So even though I gave the game a "true villain" I also gave the message that for every act of violence, there's a consequence.

He's defeated because he couldn't have been changed: A person has to want to change in order to change.

Body Count: Is Hiro a One-Woman Army?

Hiro tells Cole that she's killed at least 447 beings before she "lost count."

To put this into perspective: The average kill count for the RPG D&D game Baldur's Gate is said to be around 1,500 for its full campaign. In that game, you are usually playing as a party of six characters.

Theme: Faith

I was very concerned about getting the romance routes in this game right because I think the romantic elements in my earlier game Three Guys That Paint were one of its weakest points.

So I realized that I had to focus on a specific aspect of relationships. For this game, I focused on the idea of faith in your partner.

Relationships are about sacrifice. It's about changing the idea of "me" into "we." It isn't just about liking what your lover is like. It's also about liking what you're like when you're with that person. Some partners bring out a certain strength in their partner.

The Meaning of 0451

0451 is a "Easter Egg" number used in a variety of games. Originally created as a reference to Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, the number is generally used to state that the developers of the game in question (usually an immersive sim like Bioshock, System Shock, and Thief) has themes of an ideology going wrong. For more information on this number's history and significance, I recommend checking out Errant's Signal's video essay on the topic.

One of the themes in The Heart of Tales is the idea that the main character is suffering from being put on a pedestal--and an ideology--that she no longer believes in. She is 0451. That's why during the climax of the game in Sareth's route, she says, "I am nothing. I am the fourth. The fifth. And lastly, I'm the first..." (Which translates to: "Nothing/Fourth/Fifth/First" = 0451). I mean, a lot of games in general are about a fantasy world going wrong, but I still thought it was an intriguing reference. An ideology crumbling.

Rejecting "Kindness Coins"

"Kindness coins" is a term used in visual novel development that refers to the "points system" often used in romance VNs. The player makes choices to unlock a romanceable character. The more choices they make to please the love interest they're pursuing, the more likely they'll unlock that route.

The term is not thought of highly and is generally used in a negative context: The implication is that, so long as the player acts nicely to the love interest and says what the love interest wants to hear (rather than being honest or properly roleplaying as the player character), the player will "earn" a romance with the love interest.

Which is a rather odd design mechanic, since in real life, being nice to someone to get something from them is not true kindness. And romantic partners in real life are often opposites who don't agree on some things.

In The Heart of Tales, Anemza tries to call out Hiro on her choices, saying that a few simple choices lead to the various routes she walked down. And if Hiro fights a possessed Cole or Mithamoore, they also accuse her of manipulating them. The game raises the idea of "kindness coins are bad"... only to reject it. Because Hiro ultimately defeats Anemza and wins the heart of her love interest, with little to no consequences.

This is because I find the idea that "using kindness coins makes the player a manipulator" is untrue, and that punishing a player for playing a romance game is rather... a bit much.*

It's because I find it similar to the idea that violent video games leads to violent people (which I think is utter tommyrot). People who kill in video games are not killers. They are actors reenacting a play. They are roleplaying. You may as well punish an actor for playing a villain.

The player in The Heart of Tales may be making choices to get a certain outcome (or they may not), but at the end of the day, they are still playing Hiro. And Hiro is the one who falls in love.

* (Footnote: There's only a few games I've seen that have managed to pull off this idea of punishing the player for their well-intentioned choices. And it's usually for playing the game a certain way, rather than playing the game at all.)

Hiro: The Difference Between a Grump and a Jerk

I tried to make sure that players liked Hiro, despite her wanting to turn away Mithamoore and Cole, as well as deceiving to them to try and get rid of them.

To me, there's a huge difference between being a grump and being a jerk. Hiro is written as the former, which I think makes her empathetic to players.

I don't like writing jerk-type characters, so that helped.

Mithamoore: Making a Likeable "Bad Boy"

A great irony with The Heart of Tales is that my last completed game, [redacted] Life, pokes fun at character archetypes found in otome games, including the "bad boy" archetype. Yet in The Heart of Tales, the tropes are played straight, rather than deconstructed.

I wanted to make Mithamoore intense yet likeable. It was a challenging balance to make (after all, he does begin the game wanting to kill Hiro). I think what helped was showing his vulnerability. He's unused to being human, and unused to reacting to feelings of romantic love.

I also had each love interest introduced one by one. I wanted Mithamoore to be introduced before Cole because Mithamoore is more aggressive and therefore would probably be harder to like. That was my theory at the time, but I've discovered that Mithamoore ended up being one of the more-popular routes.

Cole: Putting Heroes on a Pedestal and Hero Worship

Cole's character was influenced by the character Leo from Scrapped Princess, one of the first anime series I ever watched. Leo is a knight errant who struggles with the meaning of chivalry, as he gets torn between his duty as a knight and wanting to protect the main character, who is a princess wanted dead by the kingdom to prevent a dark prophesy from fulfilling.

When I was writing Cole, I wanted his character arc to be about overcoming his hero worship of Hiro. He's placed her on this pedestal that she can't possibly measure up to, and he has to learn to accept that and love her for who she really is.

Cole as a Fighter

Cole constantly quoting from the Knight Errant's Mantra was inspired by the character Double H from Beyond Good & Evil, who often quoted a fictional manual called Carlson and Peters.

His maneuver and defence names, Durer's Defence and Wallerstein's Codex, are references to famed engraver Albrecht Dürer (of the German Renaissance, who made many illustrations on sword fighting techniques) and the Codex Wallerstein (a compilation of three 15th-century combat manual manuscripts). Some illustrations from both can be seen here.

Cole as a Cook

I liked how I made Cole a good cook and made Hiro bad at cooking. In terms of gender roles, the stereotype is usually the opposite. Clinging to stereotypes just doesn't feel as believable to me.

"He Didn't Actually Blush"

I made sure that the characters never blush at any point in the story. Falling back to blushing as a way of showing romance is a big pet peeve among writers. I'm okay with others using it in moderation, but I decided to not use it myself.

Sareth: The Final Piece

Originally, Sareth wasn't a love interest. But after I started posting work in progress information on Twitter and Lemmasoft, several people lamented that they wouldn't be able to date the talking sword.

And the more I wrote the story, the more I thought about Sareth becoming a love interest. And the more it made sense. I slowly went from, "I'd be crazy to write this," to, "I'd be crazy not to write this."

So basically, I blame all of you for Sareth's route. ;)

Inspiration Behind Sareth

The biggest inspiration behind Sareth is Enseric the Longsword from Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark. Neverwinter Nights was the first RPG I ever played, and it's one of the reasons why I love RPG games.

Enserric was a weapon you obtained during an early section of the game (a dungeon created by a mad wizard). Enserric is a talking sword, is one of the most powerful weapons in the game, and had an entire, elaborate backstory (he was originally a mage who got his soul trapped within the sword and left for dead by his fleeing companions). I've also heard rumors that a side-quest was cut from the final game, which involved finding a body for Enserric before his consciousness completely disappeared within the sword.

Like Sareth, Enseric could taste the blood of the enemies he fought, and had a very inflated opinion of himself.

Anemza's Plans

Anemza explaining his plans on what he was going to do to Hiro (before he decided on his final plan) were actually some of the ideas I had before deciding on the idea I went with.

The Shopkeeper is Based on a Real Person

The ambiguously-gendered, mysterious shopkeeper is loosely based off of Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan scholar who widely travelled the medieval world, including Africa, the Middle East, India, Central and Southeast Asia, and China. He has been described by author John Green as "probably the most well-travelled person before the invention of the steam engine." During the twilight of his life, he wrote an account of his journey, referred to as The Travels, which provides a picture of medieval civilization that is still widely consulted today.

[images: Ibn Battuta and the shopkeeper sprite]

What's in a Name?

I actually came up with Cole and Mithamoore's names pretty late. While I was writing the game, I labelled them as Knight and Dragon.

Hiro's Name

Hiro as in hero, get it? Ha... heh... (sheepishly grins)

The following events happen if you try to name the player character these names:

Choosing nothing, or choosing Hiro/Hero:

"Her name was Hiro. And that should have been the very first clue. [name]."

Naming her Mithamoore: "Her name was Mithril. Named after the beautiful metal used for the armour of heroes."

Mason: "Her name was Morgan. Named after the beautiful gemstone from the darkest caves."

Cole/Caldwell: "Her name was Nicole. The name that stood for 'victorious people.'"

Sareth/Sword/Claymore: "Her name was Sara. It meant 'princess.'"

Anemza: (The music suddenly stops.) Anemza's dialogue goes: "I AM THE DEMON THAT COMES WHEN YOU CALL MY NAME." (The game proceeds to automatically quit.)        

Shopkeeper: "Her name was Shoppy. A name that evoked merchants and traders."

Jester/Till/Bard: "Her name was Tilli. Named after the famous jester, Till."

Adventurer: "Her name was Farryn. It meant 'adventurous child.'"

Villager: "Her name was Mariko. It meant 'true village child.'"

Poop/Sh*t: "Her name was Showell. It meant 'to shovel.'"

Anti-swearing feature. If you type in some swear words: "Her name was Liliha. It meant 'to angrily disregard.'"

Dave/Davette/Ogu Pigu/OguPigu: "Her name was Davette."

Mithamoore's Name

I looked at Skyrim dragon names to help come up with a dragon name. I wanted something long yet easy for me to remember. ^^;

The idea of giving him the title of Mithamoore the Earthburner was inspired by The Hobbit's Smaug and his various titles.

Cole's Name

Cole's name was probably from Cole Phelps from the game LA Noire, where Phelps is a very straight-laced, follow the rules-type young detective. I wanted to invoke that feeling.

Anemza's Name

Anemza's name I basically came up with by doing the following:

Start with the name Jasmine.

Remove the first letter: Asmine.

Reverse the remaining letters: Enimsa.

Change some of the letters to other letters that sound phonically similar: E into A, I to E, S to Z: Anemza.

What really settled it was when I realized that Anemza sounds like the word "anemic," which can mean "lacking blood or warmth."

So yeah, Anemza is basically the name Jasmine put through a blender.

=====ART======

Inspiration

The Heart of Tales' overall art style was inspired by games like Princess Maker 2 (detailed illustrations with a pixelated texture), Undertale (giving each background a limited colour palette, and associating home with the colour yellow), and older games like Psychic Detective and Phantasmagoria (using smaller CGs in framed boxes).

Art Process

Preproduction

Before I start production work on any game, I create a folder and fill it with images I've found that give me ideas on what the game should look like. I've only learned recently that this called a "swipe folder."

Then I start drawing sketches on paper, and use those as concept art for the final sprites, backgrounds, CGs, and user interface.

 [Image: My paper notes]

Index Painting

I used Dan Fessler's wonderful tutorial on creating pixel art through HD index painting.

Basically, the steps are like so:

1) Paint the artwork in Photoshop like you normally do, but using no colour. Only use shades of grey.

2) Apply a Dither layer on top using the Paint Bucket Tool.

3) Add a Black and white Adjustment layer on top of that.

4) Add a Posterize adjustment layer on top of that.

5) Add a Gradient Map adjustment layer on top of that. Edit it to get the colours you want.

I basically reverse-engineered Dan Fessler's Photoshop file that he provides in the tutorial.

Hiro's Design

I wanted her outfit to imply a bunch of different possible backstories, so I gave her puffy sleeves (bard), a tunic with light-coloured trimming (noblewoman), a tunic (adventurer), and a symbol that resembles the game's mouse (implying that she has her own personal symbol).

Mithamoore's Design

I'm not sure where I got the idea for his outfit. I wanted the outfit Hiro gives him to make him look like he values art, culture, and good craftsmanship.

I think I based his hair on Benedict Cumberbatch playing Sherlock Holmes. Which is ironic, because Cumberbatch also played a dragon in The Hobbit.

Cole's Design

Cole's armour design is loosely based off of Leopold Scorpus from Scrapped Princess.

I made Cole the tallest character and gave him armour that looks a lot bigger than himself. I like the "Popeye-arms" effect it gives him.

Anemza's Design

I wanted Anemza's design to look like a creature from another dimension. I looked up animal and monster designs medieval tapestries and manuscript. There are some really bizarre, amusing, and creative designs, so I gave Anemza the body parts of various animals. I made a conscious decision to make Anemza the only animated character, to make him feel more otherworldly.

I was influenced by Terry Gilliam's Monty Python cut-out animation, as well as the designs of the witches in Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and "Omega Flowey" from Undertale. 

[images from Monty Python's Flying Circus, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and Undertale]

I specifically avoided using rigging and tweening when I animated Anemza, to give him a more stop-motion quality. I animated the body parts frame by frame in Photoshop CS6.

I also programmed Anemza's sprite to "glitch" at randomized intervals, and in different ways.

 [Image: Just a few of Anemza’s “glitching” animation frames]

=====MUSIC=====

The OST music was created by the wonderful Noyemi K.

I asked Noyemi to create seven leitmotifs:

1) A romantic theme.

2) A sad theme.

3) A scary theme.

4) Mithamoore's theme.

5) Cole's theme.

6) Anemza's theme.

7) Anemza's hopeful theme.

I gave a description of each of the characters, and I specifically asked for Anemza's "hopeful" theme to be a remix of Anemza's "scary" theme. Noyemi creating a "glitching," stuttering sound effect for Anemza's theme to give the idea the Anemz's mere presence is breaking the game.

=====POST MORTEM=====

What Went Right

The Characters

I'm glad that players were okay with the idea of dating a dragon and a sword. I'm glad people embraced that.

Portraying love

Ever since Three Guys That Paint, I've been skeptic and unsure about whether or not I could write love stories. The romances were the weakest part of Three Guys That Paint in my opinion, so I wondered if I needed to try again, or if writing romance just wasn't going to be one of my strengths. I'm glad that people liked the romances in The Heart of Tales. I think a lot of it comes from the love interests feeling more fleshed out to me here than Arthur and Terri from Three Guys That Paint.

Original Music

Working with Noyemi K was an absolute pleasure. Players commented on how much they liked the original sound track. I plan on working with Noyemi on a future project.

Persistent Data

"Persistent data" is a term I discovered while making [redacted] Life. Persistent data allows a Ren'Py game to remember previous choices a player has made, and keeps that information, even if the player reloads or deletes their previous progress.

Although I didn't use persistent data nearly as much as I did with [redacted] Life, I did use it for some of Anemza's dialogue (he notes that he knows about players' previous playthroughs). Many players commented on how they were impressed by that detail.

What Could Have Been Better

Getting Ideas Last-Minute

The pro to it was that there was less research notes I wrote that I needed to read through.

The con was that I usually like to come up with an idea and mull over it for about a year or more. After that amount of time, I have a better idea of where I want the project to go.

Here, I had to make quick decisions like adding Sareth's romance route and realising the theme of the central game was faith in others. Feeling my way through the story as I was writing was slower.

Coincidence

The Heart of Tales relies on a lot of coincidence (Mithamoore and Cole meeting Hiro on the same night, Hiro's companions finding the goblins, etc.). Avoiding coincidence is something that I'll have to try to avoid in my future games.

What I Learned

Ren'Py's New GUI

This is the first game I've made using Ren'Py's updated user interface design (I've tinkered with it on Eight Sweets, but at the time of publishing this, I haven't finished making that visual novel). It took a while getting used to it (and a lot of question-asking on the Lemmasoft forums!), but I've ended up really liking it. I feel much more confident using it.

The Three Act Structure is Good for Revisions -- Not First Drafts

An age-old question among writers is, "Is using the three act structure useful?" I think I learned during this project that you can't shoehorn the three act structure into your story. You just plot out the thing, and then you look at it and see if it feels complete. Our subconscious is so used to the three acts that your story will have them anyway.

But if you write the first draft of the plot outline and find that the story feel incomplete, you can go back and use the three act structure to find out what the problem is.

Basically, I had to do that for The Heart of Tales because of how fast I came up with the story for the game jam.

Le Morte d'Author/The Death of the Author

I think it's this game that taught me that there's a point at which I have to stop explaining things to the audience through social media. Either a player "got" what I was trying to say, or they did not, and I failed to explain or show things in a clear enough way. Or the player interpreted something in a way I didn't even think of, and I shouldn't take that away from them because they're using their own experience and viewpoints to interpret the game.

I see this as a fun challenge, because I know that the audience is smart. As Pixar's Andrew Stanton said, "Don't give [the audience] four; give them two plus two." I'll still answer questions if they're directed at me, but I also feel more comfortable to say, "It's up to your interpretation."

I also feel more comfortable letting the viewer "do the work" when it comes to interpreting a thing that can be interpreted many different ways. For example, I never give a clear answer to the hero's origin story. Was she a princess? A farm girl? A bard? Did she come from the sky? Every player will have a different answer to that question.

I think Davey Warden's 2015 game, The Beginner's Guide, made me think about this more. The idea that the player's interpretation often says more about themselves then it does about the creator or even the work itself.

Audience interpretation is a form of interaction.

We Don't Create Our Work in a Bubble

I've been thinking a lot about how my work affects people, and how work I see affects me. I learned that what I create is not made in a bubble. My own experiences and viewpoints affect the work. To paraphrase an old saying, every painting is a self-portrait. I feel like I have a kind of responsibility to make sure that my art helps people rather than hurts.

The Heart of Tales involves themes of the consequences of violence, yet the climax involves fighting a demon to save the day. I guess trying to defuse situations through talking only works if the other is willing to listen too? Like Cole and Mithamoore? Anemza is the personification of evil, after all.

It's also made me think about how time-sensitive my current and future work's becoming. If I made The Heart of Tales a year earlier, it would have been written a lot differently than how it's ended up now. And not just because I learn and gain developer's experience over time.

I know a lot of artists who have said that they are struggling with finding value in their art, or have completely come to the conclusion that creating art to change people for the better is a futile effort, but I don't buy that. I don't buy that because artwork that I've seen, made by other people, has changed me. And improved me. Stories have made me think about judging others by their appearance. About what it means to be Good, with a capital G. About what it means to try and follow your dreams. And stories have been doing that ever since I was a child.

Surely I'm not the only one who's been affected by art in that way...

[johnchiarello]

Day Kennedy died [Bocce ball]

WEDNESDAY 2-22-17

Matthew 27:51

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

https://youtu.be/sk7f2aHYjS8  Day Kennedy died [2nd Sam. 22]

https://ccoutreach87.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/2-22-17-day-kennedy-died-2nd-sam-22.zip

https://youtu.be/mhhg5c3D6LY  Bocce ball challenge

ON VIDEO [Day Kennedy died -2nd Samuel 22]

.Nick Sacco called my mom!

.The car story came up again

.Boulevard east- NYC view

.See the kid

.Others raised at time of Christ

.Historical narrative or symbol?

.Don’t discount the supernatural elements of the kingdom

.Moses- David’s tabernacle

.Veil done away in Christ

.Where were you when Kennedy died?

.See where I was

.My promise to senator Nick Sacco

NEW- On the first video I did some teaching- Talked about David [king] and how he is a symbol of Christ- he functioned as a prophet- Priest and King. He established the ‘Tabernacle of David’ which was a beautiful picture of the New Covenant. All stuff I taught before- I’ll add some past teaching below.

On the 2nd video I challenged the Guatemalans to a game of Bocce ball.

I never played the game in my life- guess who won?

Yes- you’ll have to watch.

Ok- that’s it for today- hope you enjoy.

PAST LINKS [my past teaching that relates to today’s talk]

https://ccoutreach87.com/samuel-links/

https://ccoutreach87.com/1st-2nd-corinthians/

I wrote these little books years ago and mentioned the ark and tabernacle- they might give some insight into what I mentioned today.

https://ccoutreach87.com/further-talks-on-church-and-ministry/

https://ccoutreach87.com/the-great-building-of-god/

Here’s the section about the ark in the book of Samuel- I wrote this many years ago-

(887)SAMUEL 4 CONTINUED- Okay, let’s finish it up. In this chapter we see an important historical event, the capture of the Ark of the Covenant [the box that held the 10 commandments, not Noah’s Ark!] The children of Israel fight with the Philistines and take a loss of 4 thousand men. They go back to camp and regroup. They decide to take the Ark of God and involve it with human warfare. A big mistake! This speaks of the sad history of the crusades and other mistaken ideas of ‘holy war’. God does not involve himself in mans efforts of domination thru power. So the Philistines hear that the Ark is in the battle and they fear. ‘Oh my God, this is the God of Israel who defeated the Egyptians’. They knew the history of Israel and how the God of Israel was great. The battle rages and Israel takes a greater loss of 30 thousand men. Plus the Ark is captured and the two sons of Eli are killed. The runner runs back to Shiloh [the headquarters of the Ark, where the tabernacle of Moses still stood] and brings the terrible news to Eli [the high priest]. Eli hears about the Arks capture and falls back and breaks his neck and dies. One of the daughters in law to Eli goes into labor and delivers a boy. She names him Ichabod, which means God's glory has departed. She did this because the Ark was taken. The Ark represented Gods glory and presence among the people. It seems as if Israel began to treat it in an idolatrous way. Sort of like what happened with the brass serpent that Moses made in the wilderness. God has to step in and rebuke his people when they mistake the true worship of God with religious objects. The history of the Christian church has been divided over this for centuries. You can have religious art, it should not become a thing of worship. The iconoclast controversy of the Catholic and Orthodox churches have gone to extremes on both sides. At times believers would go into the ‘churches’ and destroy all the religious art they found. Others would hold to a view of icons [religious paintings] and statues that would seem to cross the line in areas of worship. I remember hearing a story about a prophet who stood up in a church meeting and said ‘thus saith the Lord, I have judged this church and people. My glory is no longer here. I have written ‘Michelob’ on your door posts’. Well, after he sat down he realized he mistook the word ‘Michelob [beer]’ for 'Ichabod’. He then stood up again and said ‘Thus saith the Lord, I meant to say Ichabod’.

 (888)SAMUEL 5- The Philistines take the Ark back to their cities and every city the Ark is taken to experiences judgment. They get ‘tumors’ [hemorrhoids!] and rats. At one point they put the Ark in the ‘house of Dagon’ [a false idol. A fish head type thing with a human body] and the next morning their idol is found lying at the feet of the Ark. They set him up again and low and behold, the next morning the fish god is found at the foot of the Ark with his head and hands chopped off! Hey, if your god started as a fish and turned into a stump, then it’s time for a new god! Eventually they decide to send the Ark back to Israel. Let’s do a little history at this point. The Ark of God is the box that contained the 10 commandments. God had Moses make a box to put the tablets in [the 2 tablets that the commandments were written on]. The reason destruction will happen to those who ‘peak in the Ark’ is because the cover of the Ark was called ‘the Mercy seat’. This was the place where the high priest would make a yearly atonement [the Day of Atonement] for the sins of the people. The sacrificial blood was placed on the cover to be for a covering of sin. The Ten Commandments represented Gods Holy character, and the only way he could dwell with the people was on the basis of this atoning blood [a type of Christ]. When you remove the cover [the mercy seat] in essence you are causing the absolute righteousness of God to come into contact with the absolute sinfulness of man. That’s why those who peak in it are destroyed. Now the Ark was originally carried around with the tabernacle system in the wilderness. A sort of movable tent that was set up and taken down as God willed. A mobile piece of furniture. When the children of Israel came into the Promised Land it was placed in Shiloh. After it’s capture and return [which we will read about in the coming chapters] it will eventually be placed in the city of Jerusalem under King David’s rule. This tent that David puts it in is referred to as ‘David’s tabernacle/tent’. It will be a type of the new covenant ministry of Jesus. The tent of David will have no tabernacle structure like Moses tabernacle in Shiloh. There will be no veil or holy of holies or any other impediment to God’s presence. All you have is the Ark and the mercy seat. This showing us that in Jesus priesthood [typified by David’s kingly/priestly ministry] all you need is Jesus atonement and Gods glory. All have equal access to God, not just the priestly class [or another way to put it is all are priests!]. So as we progress thru these books keep your eyes open to the prophetic pictures that are being painted by the Spirit. All scripture testifies of Christ. He is the underlying figure that the Spirit is continually pointing to.

 (889)SAMUEL 6- The Philistines are reeling under the judgment of God. They call a meeting of their priests and diviners, and they ask what they should do. Their ‘religious’ leaders advise them to send the Ark back to Israel and make an offering. They were to make gold images of their judgments, rats and tumors, and place them in a box with the Ark and send it on a cart being pulled by two cows. They would take the cows calves and bring them home, but place the cows and cart on a road to Beth Shemesh. If the cows go down the road, they took it as a sign from God. Sure enough the cows take the Ark to Beth Shemesh and dump the cart in a field belonging to Joshua. Israel rejoices that the Ark is back and sacrifices the cattle with the wood from the cart. Their joy is short lived. They peek in the Ark and are destroyed. They removed the ‘Mercy seat’ [see last chapter-#888]. Over fifty thousand men from Beth Shemesh are killed. They decide to send it to the men of Kirjath Jearim. Over the years I have seen this story used in various ways to justify different ‘ways of doing church’. Some taught how God judged Israel because they didn’t follow the prescribed methods of Ark handling. We will see this happen with David and his men later on. Then the teacher would relate how important it is for us to follow Gods prescribed method, but then teach ‘Gods method’ is their various slant on how ‘we should do church’. I see some good stuff from this story, but I don’t see it in that light. The Philistines were advised by their own pagan priests ‘don’t harden your hearts like Pharaoh’. The story of Gods miraculous intervention in Egypt became lore of the day. All the surrounding nations knew that you don’t mess with the God of Israel. God didn’t destroy the men of Beth Shemesh because they didn’t fully follow prescribed law [though later on this will be part of the problem with David’s men] but they died because they took themselves out from under the covering of Gods mercy as represented in the Mercy seat [the lid on the Ark]. A few years back a famous believer, Reggie White [former football pro.] was known for his Christian faith. He was later influenced by Muslim teaching and made the statement ‘I am going directly to God, without a ‘go between’ [meaning Christ]’. He obviously was influenced by Muslim teaching and was coming out from the ‘covering of Christ’ [mercy seat]. Sadly, Reggie tragically died not too long after this from a sickness. He died in the prime of his life. I do not want to judge Reggie. I simply want to show you the danger of sinful men [all of us!] trying to approach a Holy God without the ‘mercy seat’ [Cross]. The men of Beth Shemesh removed the covering, and they suffered for it.

 (890)SAMUEL 7- The Ark arrives at Abinadab's house in Kirjath Jearim, it will remain there until David retrieves it [it was there for around 100 years in total-1100 BC- 1004 BC]. Samuel calls the people to repentance and makes intercession for them at the same time. This leads to great victory over the enemy. Jesus ‘lives forever to make continual intercession for us’. We need to combine repentance and dependence upon Christ’s mediation in order to gain victory. This chapter also has the famous name ‘Ebenezer’ that makes it into the history of the church. Both songs and churches will use it in their names. Martin Luther King preached at Ebenezer Baptist church. This stone was simply a rock of remembrance for the victory of God. It spoke of Gods help for man. Jesus is the ultimate ‘stone/rock of defense’ for man. Scripture says ‘there is no rock like the Lord’ ‘Jesus is the precious stone, all who believe will be delivered’. The imagery of Jesus/God as a rock of defense is all throughout scripture. We see Samuel as the key leader of Israel and scripture says he judged them at this time. He lived in Ramah and ‘rode a circuit’ between the various cities on a rotating basis. He was the first ‘circuit rider’! The circuit riders were the famous American evangelists during the 19th century. As the Puritan east coast churches were becoming well established in the original colonies, there was a need to reach out to the West [and south] with the gospel. The circuit riders were the evangelists who traveled to various areas preaching the gospel and establishing churches [The great Methodist Frances Asbury became famous for his circuit riding and church planting]. During this time you had the famous ‘camp meetings’ where many believers from all over would gather at these outdoor ‘brush arbors’ and hear the gospel preached and commit their lives to the Lord. Over time the more staid Reformed churches of the east coast would view the ‘camp meeting’ brothers as a little ‘un hinged’. You would also have some of the ‘Spirit led’ groups condemn the old time reformed brothers as ‘unconverted’. There was a tendency to lean towards one side or the other. The various Quaker [shaker] type groups would emphasize the Spirit being premiere in all Christian understanding. While this is of course true, this in no way means believers do not learn thru the normal means of study and reading. Some of the more ‘Spirit minded’ believers would come to view the more ‘head knowledge’ brothers as ‘unconverted’. One of the worst cases was the Ann Hutchison controversy. She was a believer who began teaching under the ‘Spirits guidance’ and would give the impression that the more refined ministers were not of God. She would ultimately pay with her life for her beliefs.  NOTE- The terminology of ‘New lights’ versus ‘Old lights’ was often used to describe the different emphasis between these 2 camps. There was a brother by the name of Davenport who would travel around and accuse all of the old time preachers as being unconverted. While it is possible for a minister to have never truly made a strong commitment to Christ, to paint them all with this broad brush was very unbalanced.

   VERSES-

Matthew 27:50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Matthew 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

Matthew 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

2Samuel 22:1 And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

2Samuel 22:2 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

2Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

2Samuel 22:4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

2Samuel 22:5 When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;

2Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;

2Samuel 22:7 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.

2Samuel 22:8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.

2Samuel 22:9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.

2Samuel 22:10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet.

2Samuel 22:11 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.

2Samuel 22:12 And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.

2Samuel 22:13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.

2Samuel 22:14 The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.

2Samuel 22:15 And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.

2Samuel 22:16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

2Samuel 22:17 He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;

2Samuel 22:18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.

2Samuel 22:19 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.

2Samuel 22:20 He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

2Samuel 22:21 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

2Samuel 22:22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

2Samuel 22:23 For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.

2Samuel 22:24 I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.

2Samuel 22:25 Therefore the LORD hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.

2Samuel 22:26 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.

2Samuel 22:27 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.

2Samuel 22:28 And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.

2Samuel 22:29 For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.

2Samuel 22:30 For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.

2Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

2Samuel 22:32 For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?

2Samuel 22:33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

2Samuel 22:34 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places.

2Samuel 22:35 He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

2Samuel 22:36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.

2Samuel 22:37 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.

2Samuel 22:38 I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.

2Samuel 22:39 And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.

2Samuel 22:40 For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me.

2Samuel 22:41 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.

2Samuel 22:42 They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.

2Samuel 22:43 Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.

2Samuel 22:44 Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me.

2Samuel 22:45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.

2Samuel 22:46 Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.

2Samuel 22:47 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

2Samuel 22:48 It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me.

2Samuel 22:49 And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

2Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.

2Samuel 22:51 He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalm 1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Psalm 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Psalm 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Exodus 15King James Version (KJV)

 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

2 The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Rev. 15

Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Hebrews 13:2

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

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Note- Please do me a favor, those who read/like the posts- re-post them on other sites as well as the site you read them on- Thanks- John.#

   .

[nutellaninja0001]

Jon Snow had no choice but to be Political Jon.

When arguing or attempting to debunk the Political Jon theory I see fans use the classic explanation that Jon is simply too honorable to ever deceit a person. He could never lie, and thus would stain or be ooc for his character that he could do something so terrible. But did he really have a choice at all?

No. Jon’s journey through season 7 reminded me of what George said is the best thing to write, the human heart conflicting with itself. He’s stuck between what’s morally right and what’s necessary for the bigger picture. And we see this throughout the course of the episodes.

After taking some time to sit down and rewatch some old season 7 scenes, specifically Jon’s arc there is a clear shift in his character as soon as episode 3 aired. Jon is pushed into a situation he had faith in, only to blow back in his face and be caught in a petty war between Daenerys and Cersei with the threat of the NK still very much looming.

At the beginning of Jon’s arc we see him planning to accept the summons of Daenerys and ride south to obtain her as an ally. Immediately when deciding to go Sansa as well as the Northern people advise against it. Jon knows they need this help and is willing to put his trust into Tyrion and go himself.

In this moment Jon truly has good faith of the situation and remains in his plan to sail. He believes he is going to seek an alliance. Not submission of his people. And here’s what happens.

Jon is greeted by Tyrion and with complete surprise to him he and his men are stripped of their weapons and their ship is confiscated. Unfortunately it doesn’t get better from here.

It’s been pointed out that Tyrion DID NOT mention this condition of Daenerys. He conveniently left that part out. Had he otherwise, Jon would have known better and it’s clear in this moment Jon realized his trust had been taken advantage of just as Sansa/Lords told him. But Jon still tries as the scene continues. Jon shows true emotions here and is by far the most open he is to Daenerys. He’s trying desperately to convince them of what’s to come and what they need to be focusing on.

The first meeting is a complete failure and Jon goes off to do what he does best, brood.

Note something very interesting about the whole scene. When Jon realizes Daenerys wants him to kneel, he immediately wants to leave. He doesn’t give two shits about Daenerys or her quest for the throne and he has no desire to hand over the North either. Even if Daenerys won’t help the cause then he wants to go back to prepare them.

He asks if he could have his ship back but Tyrion steers the conversation back to kneeling for D. And Jon is hit with a moment of self reflection.

Jon’s good faith and his trust in others got him as a prisoner of Dragonstone in the south. He ignored Sansa’s advise of needing to be smarter than Ned and Robb and as he stares off looking to the North he knows he’s made the poor choices as they had.

Do I think this is the beginning of Political Jon? No. Not yet. But his initial plan is not going well so far.

So, we fast forward to Jon being given access to the DragonGlass mine to keep him busy as a prisoner. When the ancient paintings of White Walkers are found. It isn’t much, but it’s some first real evidence and he feels as if it might be enough for D. It isn’t.

For me I believe this is the first step for the Political Jon theory to blossom. He’s tried twice already to convince D but she is firm on her demand and Jon is paralleling the hell out of Mance here.

He knows the North wants freedom. He knows they won’t accept a southern ruler. Especially a Targaryen and they’d rather die or face it themselves before bending. Jon knows all of this. But he also knows they need this. They need to survive. Rock and hard place again.

As the scene continues Jon not only learns Daenerys won’t help them without submission but she also has a short temper and an impulse to burn cities as she speaks of her plans to fly her dragons to the Red Keep. The camera keeps Jon in the frame as she says this and we see Jon isn’t impressed with the situation.

More time goes by and Jon is still stuck. But this is where it gets very interesting because Jon then begins learning more about Daenerys to get a feel of her. He questions Missandei, he gets close to Drogon for seemingly no other reason, and he watches carefully how Jorah and Daenerys interact.

But the situation only becomes more complicated in the next scene when Jon is informed Arya and Bran are alive and back at Winterfell. Two more people he loves and wants to be with are still in danger while he sits on a rock waiting for Daenerys. He’s unable to do anything as the NK gets closer.

From here Jon has just been observing and keeping closed off from everyone. He reveals nothing about himself all while staying focused on getting Daenerys stare North in the hopes she finally sees the real threat. He goes on to say he either needs to go home or she can help.

She will not and Tyrion then comes up with the Wight Hunt plan. Jon without hesitation offers himself to go and in no point in this matter does Jon show any care at all for Daenerys. Most certainly not in the way she wants as he refers to himself as a stranger and his lack of an emotional goodbye to her on the beach.

As to showcase even more hints of Jon’s lack of faith for Daenerys he goes on to tell Tormund they need to convince BOTH queens. But Daenerys won’t fight unless he bends and Jon’s back in the conflict at hand.

Ultimately Jon serves the North above any Queen and that’s where his true loyalties lie. He doesn’t care about Cersei but Daenerys is the only one he needs and so he’s willing to die to give it a fighting chance. As crazy as the plan was, it goes to show the lengths Jon is willing to go just to get Daenerys North. Even if it’s a small chance or dangerous.

The Wight Hunt comes and goes. They lose people, a dragon dies, Benjen dies, and Jon nearly dies himself for the sake of a truce south. But even then, after all that, it’s meaningless when D herself sees the army of the dead and still, they end up back on a ship headed for Dragonstone. This is where Jon takes the Political game to a new level.

He uses what he’s learned about Daenerys and flatters her with all the things he knows she wants to hear without officially doing anything or giving away his kingdom’s freedom. He makes attempts to get personal to her very quickly with comforting her as she tears up to calling her Dany out of nowhere. Think of how much Jon spends the scene flattering D? Making it all about her?

“How about my Queen.”

“They’ll all come to see you for what you are.”

And it works! Daenerys tears up at the idea of being handed the North over and grabs Jon’s hand just as she had pulled away a moment ok.

Jon’s not happy about this at all. He doesn’t want to do this. But Daenerys remains focused South and the threat only grows bigger. This needs action.

He’s left between a woman he knows won’t give up on the Throne and Cersei! Even with proof Jon needs more investment from Daenerys.

So he denies Cersei’s request to stay out of the war and publicly sided with Daenerys. He needs her 100% trust in him and he’s playing up the Northern Fool facade quite nicely. He “bent” the knee privately without any of her advisors knowing. And Tyrion has a nice piece of foreshadowing with this line.

But again, we see this all works for Daenerys because although she agrees with Tyrion, she is taken back by Jon and we see this deeply touches her as he says he has pledged only to her.

What happens during this scene AGAIN! Daenerys reaffirming to Jon what matters most to her and that humanity alone isn’t enough. G, and he really thought it was going to be the paintings that sold her.

Cersei seemingly agrees to fight but at the end this isn’t about her help and she alone is as trustworthy as trusting Littlefinger. Her words mean nothing just as Daenerys meant nothing when promising to fight the NK the episode before. There’s the theme of a rock and a hard place again.

But Jon’s flattery and catering of Daenerys need for a constant ego stroke pays off come the next scene to plan for the North. Jorah wants to put Daenerys in a situation that is much safer for her and advises to fly rather than sail. But Jon, mr in love over here suggest something that is far more dangerous for her.

And again, it works and Jon has successfully steered Daenerys attention from listening to him above her own advisors and men she has known for far longer all because of her feelings for Jon.

But what really solidifies the Political Jon theory for me is the scene that comes after this. The talk with Theon in the throne room.

Theon: “You’ve always known what was right. Even when we were all young and stupid you always knew. Every step you take, it’s always the right step.”

Jon: It’s not. It may seem that way on the outside but I promise you it’s not true.”

God, that scene was so ominous and Jon is aware what he is doing isn’t morally right. He’s playing a part as the Northern honorable fool everybody thinks he is. But remember his words, “I serve the North.”

And the very last scene we have is Jon showing up at Daenerys door in the middle of the night with a hesitation and a blank stare as he closes the door and switches rolls figuratively and physically with Daenerys. Even Tyrion realizing he has lost his influence over D and that someone else has taken control right under his nose. Jon started the season being tricked into thinking Tyrion was the same man back in season 1. Tyrion ends the season being tricked into thinking Jon was still the same boy back in season 1.