#I love how the castle looks during the different seasons

[silverfox66]

Spring has arrived 🌸

[puckinghischier]

Taking Nico to Disney: Headcannons

i know this is a little…specific, but as someone who has both grown up going to and has worked at disney world…HEAR ME OUT!!!

- you’ve always wanted to go to disney with nico, but the timing has never been right with off-season training, play offs, his trips back home to visit his family, and whatever else comes up. but this time? this time you’re making it happen.

- the trip has been booked, flights arranged, and your glorious week of magic and quality time with nico was finally upon you.

- he’d be just as giddy as you are. the minute he found out about your love for the theme parks, he told you how he always wanted to go as a kid, but obviously a trip to orlando is hard for a swiss kid.

- he insisted on buying themed luggage, themed shirts, themed hats, and he even bought themed socks.

- when you mentioned matching shirts as a joke, his eyes lit up, excited at the idea. he’d search for hours for the funniest pairs, buying a couple of sets, but not telling you what they were until you were there.

- your first day, of course you’d go to the magic kingdom. you were so excited to see nico’s reactions to all of the fairytales come to life throughout the park.

- you made him walk in front of you as you walked backwards around the corner on main street, wanting to see his reaction to the castle for the first time. you were lucky he was so distracted by the large structure to notice your crying, his amazed eyes and small “wow,” as he stopped walking to take it all in really got your emotions stirred.

- he’d follow your lead all day, trailing behind you with a map while you yapped and explained all about your favorite things to do as a kid. eventually you’d take the map from him, telling him you know exactly how to get around the park. “schatz, i’m trying to see what rides i want to do, give it back,” he’d argue with a huff. “neeks, we’re doing everything, don’t worry about it.”

- you loved watching his excitement and wonder with every ride the two of you went on. your heart melted at his giggles at the scenes on pirates of the caribbean, him singing along to the german (and french) section of small world, his bewilderment at the special effects of haunted mansion, his foot taps to the beat and amusement during enchanted tiki room, his screams on space mountain, his competitiveness on the buzz light year ride, his need to lift dumbo to the top for the whole ride, and his genuine cackles at every joke during jungle cruise.

- he’d also make you stop every time he saw a photographer, wanting every picture he could get from this trip. you’d happily oblige, loving all of the different fun and cute poses the photopass photographers would have you do. and the pictures where they added little effects and characters? nico has every one saved to his phone.

- and the food? good lord nico was in calorie heaven. “what do you mean i can get a foot long hot dog?” “i read about this big ice cream sundae in a mickey sink, can we get one please?” “i can’t eat this pretzel…mickey’s looking at me!”

- speaking of mickey, when it comes time for the two of you to meet the famous mouse? nico is as excited as a kid (more than child in line in front of you, honestly). he’s nearly bouncing up and down by the time it’s your turn, speed walking to the small mouse and engulfing him in a crushing hug. mickey would point out your matching shirts, ‘laughing’ silently at his “we finish each other’s” shirt and your “sandwiches.” shirt. you’d watch nico’s chest puff out, proud he got a laugh out of mickey. your lock screen from that moment on is a candid picture of you laughing and nico’s own dimpled expression while both of you look at the mouse, amused with his implied words.

- when it comes to the fireworks at the end of the night, you’re camping out to make sure nico has the absolute best possible view. guarding your spot with your life as he goes and gets something for to two of you to snack on while you wait. “god, i’m glad you’re back, this women tried to sit her four kids down right in your spot!” you’d sigh in relief while he handed you a fried corn dog. “y/n…you should’ve just let the kids sit here, it’s fine,” he’d laugh out. “no! your first fireworks experience is going to be perfect,” you’d huff, crossing your arms in a pout.

- when the fireworks started, nico would do the cliche of standing behind you while wrapping his arms around you from behind, resting his chin on your shoulder while your own hands rested atop of his wrapped around your waist. you’d hum along to the various songs incorporated into the show while nico watched intently, eyes sparkling with the images in the sky. he’d give little kisses to your cheek and neck during the section that showcases all of the different disney couples, whispering a small “thank you so much for bringing me here, i love you,” into your ear.

- the other parks? nico loved just as much. he spent hours in the star wars section of hollywood studios (and rode tower of terror as many times as you wanted). he enjoyed drinking, and more importantly eating, around the world in epcot, not caring about the amount of time he’d have to spend in the gym once the two of you got home. at animal kingdom, he’d keep dragging you from animal exhibit to animal exhibit, obsessively play carnival games in the dinoland section to win a stuffed dinosaur, and talk about how amazingly intense the avatar ride was for the rest of the day.

- and the second you two got back to jersey? immediately on the phone with his family, already planning a trip next off season to fly them out and take them with the two of you, wanting to experience the whole thing with his family like he wanted to when he was a little boy.

- and the next summer, when that trip came around, you got to watch him play tour guide to his parents and siblings. explaining to them everything you explained to him during his first trip. of course, like you always do, you started and ended your trip at magic kingdom. the last day of the trip with his family, though, he dropped to one knee during the fireworks and proposed to you right then and there. you always told him how even though people say it’s cliche, you always loved watching people get engaged in front of the castle, and now you were the one people were cheering and clapping for.

- and a year later, when the two of you were able to have the wedding of your dreams, the first place he flew you to was disney. you had booked an all inclusive, tropical island getaway for your honeymoon, but nico wanted to surprise you with a couple days in your his favorite place first.

- in true fashion, you started off your honeymoon in none other than magic kingdom. this time, however, any time the two of you would pass the spot where he proposed to you, he’d stop and tell anyone and everyone that walked by “this is where i proposed to her! and now she’s my wife!” while taking your wrist in his hand, holding your own up to show off the shiny ring on your finger. he’d even make you two get the matching bride and groom ear hats, customizing them with your wedding date. and the second he found out about the ‘happily ever after buttons?’ he was rushing to guest services to get a set for the two of you to wear (and he did, proudly, right on his chest).

- don’t even get me started on when the two of you decide to start a family, and your pregnancy is timed up perfectly with your (now annual) trip. you’d not only announce your pregnancy with a recreation of some themed announcement picture you found online, but also do your gender reveal the same trip. you’d take the sealed envelope to mickey, giving him the honor of revealing the gender of your unborn child.

- and the first trip the two of you take as a family of three?? oh god. nico is just…over the moon. he’s showing them everything, as if they’ll actually remember the trip. “and this is where your daddy proposed to your mommy, and this is where we told the world about you, and this is where your daddy ate a foot long hot dog for the first time, which is a really bad idea and he doesn’t recommend it,” he’d speak to your infant in a carrier strapped to his chest, bouncing and bobbing them along.

- and the year he lead the devils to a stanley cup win? you had the BIGGEST surprise waiting on him during the trip he still insisted your family go on. you arranged with the team to fly the stanley cup down to orlando for a day, and managed to get into contact with disney management, ensuring nico and your kids get their own, private meet and greet with mickey and the stanley cup. you worked with tom and the equipment managers and disney wardrobe experts themselves to special order a customized devils jersey for the mouse. so when nico rounded the corner into the large room, thinking it was your normal mickey greet, only to see mickey standing there, in a devils jersey beside of the cup sitting on a large table, the look on his face made all the planning and hassle worth it. the league had even sent representatives out to get their own promo pics, having nico pose with a stick in his own jersey beside the character. to this day, you still laugh at how it’s the league’s most liked picture on instagram.

- and as your family grew, the trips became better and better each year, but you always appreciated the times you and nico got to go without your kids, thinking back to that first trip you were able to show him your love for the place and watching his childlike wonder. he still tells everyone he proposed to you there every time you walk across your spot. he still points it out to your children every trip. he still makes sure your entire family is wearing matching shirts each trip. and he still has that first-trip wonder on his face each trip, still in awe of all the disney magic. but most of all, he’s in awe of you, the life you’ve built together, and your love of this place you poured into him resulting in the memories it holds for the two of you and your family.

[teapartyprincess4two]

II. Powerful

classification: angst, fluff

warnings: use of y/n

PREV, NEXT

—

Every year the social season manages to drain you beyond belief. When your mother was still alive, she’d flaunt you in front of every eligible bachelor in Solara in hopes that you’d find your one true love and produce an heir.

Courting was an easy enough process, a process that perhaps you would’ve enjoyed if you weren’t royalty. Your mother always managed to exhaust you with the same words, “A Queen is only as powerful as her King.”

To this day, even after her passing, those words cause your eyes to roll so far back into your head it’s a wonder how they don’t fall out. So much hypocrisy was laced within those words, especially coming from a woman who ruled without a king for decades.

You were powerful with or without a king, that you were certain of. If your mother was able to do it while raising two daughters, you’d surely manage now that your sister was entering the cusp of adulthood.

This year Selma has made her debut into society, a milestone she’s had her sights on for quite some time now.

Selma, unlike you, believes in romance and love. She’s extremely determined to find a husband who’ll bring her butterflies, write her love letters, and take her for who she is.

Every eligible bachelor has come knocking at the castle door in hopes of impressing Selma enough to make it out with her hand in marriage.

Yesterday, she was kept busy entertaining possible suitors in the tea room, and today wasn’t any different. Of course, you could’ve sent Martina to chaperone her, but you’d be damned if your sister gave herself away to anyone less than worthy.

The sound of Martina’s heels clicking against marble flooring becomes louder as she nears the tea room. Her small figure comes into view, bringing your attention from the letters and feather quills on your desk to the door frame. You’re fully expecting her to announce the arrival of another one of Selma’s callers, but her next words surprise you.

“You have a visitor, Your Highness. It is a…” she says, pausing to read from a small piece of paper, “…a Lord Sturniolo.”

Apprehensively, you gather your papers and send Selma, who sits on a nearby couch reading a book, an inquisitive look.

“Have you been courting a Lord Sturniolo, Selma?” You ask, filtering through a mental list of eligible bachelors in hopes of putting a face to the name.

“With you as a sister it’s hard to believe I’ve been courted at all,” Selma replies sarcastically.

Just as you’re about to quip back with a smart remark, Martina interrupts. “He claims to be a visitor, Your Highness.” She places special emphasis on ‘visitor,’ but you’re still not sure what to make of it.

“Martina, you know how I feel about visitors during the social season. If they haven’t been invited, please turn them away,” you say as you stand from your seat and walk closer to your sister.

“Oh, please! Don’t be so hardened, sister. Surely this…” Selma pauses and looks towards Martina for a moment.

“Lord Sturniolo.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you Martina,” Selma turns back to face you, “Surely this Lord Sturniolo is here to deliver some important news. Perhaps it is exciting news. Maybe even life changing!”

You roll your eyes, Selma always tried to make you see the light in a world full of darkness. She was too naive for her own good.

“Either way, I do not enjoy receiving unannounced and uninvited visitors,” you reply.

Martina speaks again, “I’m sorry, ma’am. He said the visit would be quick, but it did seem important. I can turn him away if you’d prefer it?”

A sigh falls past your lips. How rude would you be if you turned away a visitor, a lord at that? Sure, you had the respect that came with wearing a bejeweled crown on your head, but humility was still your strong suit.

“No, that won’t be necessary. You can send him in.”

As soon as you give her the confirmation, Martina turns on her heels and flutters out of the room quickly like a busy honeybee.

You’re anxious, mostly because you know this visitor will be looking at you as some sort of authority, but also because you’re not sure what would warrant such an unexpected visit. Selma stands next to you, looping an arm around yours in solidarity, and working towards soothing your nerves with kind words.

“Be calm, sister. I’m here with you.” You exhale deeply, immediately feeling a wave of relief wash over you.

“Thank you, Selma. I’d be lost without you.”

The sound of metal clanging becomes louder as the unknown man approaches the tea room, accompanied by the all too familiar sound of Martina’s clacking heels.

A man with long black hair enters the room, his silver armor shining brightly against the sunlight that illuminates the room. His sword is tucked away in its respective sheath and his helmet is tucked under his arm.

He’s quick to show his respect with a bow. He faces you first, “Your majesty.”

You return the sentiment with a curtsy, “Lord Sturniolo.”

“Princess Selma.” He bows in front of your sister as well, and you swear she almost swoons and faints as she begins to curtsy.

“Quite a beautiful estate you two share. Quite a beautiful country, actually,” he comments, eyes dancing over Selma’s figure a little too long. Selma must like the attention because her cheeks turn a rosy red and her eyelashes bat until she’s almost fluttering away.

“Thank you, My Lord. Kind words go a long way in Solara,” Selma says.

You clear your throat. “To what do we the owe the pleasure of this visit, Lord Sturniolo?”

“Yes, My Lord. Are you not aware that it is calling hour?” Selma asks, taking a flirtatious tone.

Selma’s playing all of her cards. You see it in the way she bats her eyes.

Maybe it’s because you’re her older sister, and the Queen at that, but you cringe. You can’t suppress the awkward, interrupting cough no matter how hard you try. And you definitely can’t escape the cold glare she sends your way.

Chris sends Selma a smirk, before returning his attention to you. “I was not aware that it is calling hour. Had I known, I would’ve made this trip on pleasure instead of business.”

Chris pulls a letter out, “I’ve come to deliver an invitation. My older brother is to be crowned in a week time.”

Your take the letter, delicate fingers peeling it open. “Thank you for your kind gesture, Lord Sturniolo. I will hand this over to the councilmen and have them arrange everything immediately.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. Thank you for receiving me,” an awkward pause interrupts him mid sentence as he debates whether or not to ask to stay. Chris debates against it when he notices the impatient expression that paints your face. “I think I should be on my way now if I’d like to make it home before morning.”

He bows, looking Selma up and down one last time before turning on his heels. One of his hands tussles through his long hair, slicking it back before throwing on his helmet.

Selma points at him with her eyes, silently begging for you to ask him to stay. ‘No,’ you mouth, sending her a stern look.

But even the Queen has a weakness.

“Please, sister,” she begs almost inaudibly. Her big doe eyes glisten as her bottom lip juts out. *1

You sigh heavily and roll your eyes.

Just as Chris is about to exit the room, you stop him. “Wait, Lord Sturniolo. Stay and join us tonight for dinner. I’ll have the cooks prepare something special for tonight, you must be hungry after your journey.”

Chris smiles, he was hungry actually.

“Thank you, Your Highness. A warm meal would do me good.” His voice is muffled behind the helmet, but his gratitude is evident regardless.

—

Silver cutlery dances along your plate as you engage in light conversation with your sister and Chris. It’s not like Selma’s flirting will let you ask Chris any meaningful questions.

You hate to play the ‘older sister/ Queen’ card, but Selma’s flirting is getting out of hand and you have a multitude of doubts swirling in your mind.

“If I may ask My Lord, do they make a habit of sending you to deliver messages in Eclipsum?” Selma asks as she digs her knife into a particularly tough piece of meat.

Chris is mid bite. Throughout the entire meal, he’s struggled to balance his hunger with his desire to chat your sister up. So far, he’s remained hungry.

He swallows dryly, a calloused hand begging for patience.

“Eclipsum’s undergoing a necessary change at the moment, Princess. I’m not usually in charge of delivering messages, but when they’re as important as this one, the future King trusts no one other than me,” he replies, immediately returning to the food in front of him.

Selma is ready with a reply, but if you want to take any part of in this conversation then you need to cut in as soon as possible. So you do, “Why is this message so important, My Lord? I take it your brother’s coronation was announced long before the social season began.”

“Yes, well that was my eldest brother Nick,” he replies mindlessly through mouthfuls of food.

Curious about what he means, you press further. “Is it not the eldest brother who inherits the crown?”

Chris coughs, trying to stop himself from choking on his food as he realizes what he just let slip. You can tell he’s becoming nervous, but the truth will come out eventually.

“Yes, well… you see,” Chris takes a deep breath, looking up at you through the hair that falls over his eyes. He places his utensils on the table, racking his brain for the correct response.

“You see, Your Highness, complications have risen in Eclipsum. I cannot go into too much detail, but I can say that the crown has since been inherited by my second eldest brother.”

Selma looks just as shocked as you.

“May I ask why the invitation was extended to us, My Lord? Solara and Eclipsum have never been necessarily involved when it comes to these matters,” Selma chimes in.

“Powerful countries must form alliances should they want to remain powerful,” Chris replies, offering you and Selma a quick smile before digging back into his meal.

—

Crashing waves are heard from the Eclipsum shore, a fog forming as the water slaps against the muddy sand. The sun is setting, slowly disappearing past the horizon and painting the sky a beautiful shade of purple. Matt sits alone, the old wooden dock beneath him groaning as he sways one leg back and forth in the water. His other leg is propped up, a lazy arm resting there to serve as a pillow for his head. His long hair settles just under his eyes, shielding his vision enough so that he only sees the black ocean that pushes and pulls around him. Matt’s mind is plagued with stress and worry, the only reason he’s even here is to escape the reality that awaits him back at the castle. This is meant to be his happy place, it is his happy place, yet he’s anything but.

The sudden sound of trotting hooves rings in his ears, alerting him of someone’s unexpected arrival and breaking him from his thoughts. “Matt?” a tentative voice asks, pulling on the horses’ reign hard enough for it to stop. There are only two people in this entire kingdom who refer to him by his this, everyone else opting for far more formal titles.

Reluctantly, Matt averts his eyes from the ocean, looking up to see none other than his youngest brother, Chris. The moon has replaced the sun’s place in the sky, the soft luminescence reflecting on the suit of armor that adorns Chris’s body. The white stallion Chris sits on adds to his strong, knightly demeanor, and if Matt didn’t know any better, he might’ve let himself get intimidated by the long sword that hangs on the armor’s sheath.

Matt doesn’t have to reply, or ask what Chris is here for, he already knows. Using one hand, he pushes himself off the wooden dock, a low grunt following as he dusts off dirt and debris. His attire completely juxtaposes Chris’s, a flowy, long sleeve white top flapping in the wind as he walks over to his brother. Matt places a gentle hand on the stark white stallion that stands before him, caressing its face before finally providing Chris with his full attention.

“Get on. I’ll take you back,” Chris instructs, a strong chin pointing to the rear end of the horse. Matt mulls it over, deciding whether or not to accept the invitation, before deciding that he’d rather prolong the process, “No it’s okay, thank you. I think I’ll walk.”

Chris shrugs his shoulders, steering the mare back into the forest before whipping the leather rope so that the horse picks up a steady pace. Matt watches as Chris disappears behind the treeline the further the horse trudges into the forest.

Slowly, Matt begins the long walk back to the castle, each footstep being met with the bioluminescence of the ground beneath his feet. A soft sigh escapes his lips as he takes one last look behind him, a faint, faraway kingdom coming into view.

For a second he wonders what it would be like to live there instead, but shrugs the thought off as the fog that rises from the ocean completely engulfs the view. *2

—

Soft waves slap against the boat as it comes to a stop on a foggy, moonlit shore. You pace back and forth downstairs under the deck, attempting to regulate your breathing with deep breaths that become ragged quickly.

Martina flutters behind you, trying to match your pace so she can adjust details on your gown. You’re an anxious mess.

Your corset is too tight, your dress is too big, your hair is beginning to weigh on your head, and to top it off this is the first official appearance you’ll be making as Queen outside of Solara.

As Martina fusses over you, you find yourself becoming increasingly irritated.

“Martina, could you please—” You shout, “Please just leave me be! For one second!”

Her hands shoot up in the air, a tight lipped smile forming on her face as she holds back tears before she quietly exits the room. As soon as the door clicks closed, and you hear her footsteps shuffle up to the ship’s deck, you let out a sigh of relief and slump onto the bed.

The wooden bed frame creaks as you sink into the mattress. You’re trying to keep your composure and you never meant yell, but this is all so overwhelming for you.

Your eyes squeeze shut as you try to think of anything other than the nerves that surge through your body. Your mind immediately wanders to memories of your childhood and of your mother, putting you in an even more emotional and vulnerable state.

Just as your heart beat has been regulated, Selma bursts through the door without warning.

“Why have you yelled at Martina?!” She asks, her voice booming through the small room. The look on her face makes you feel worse.

“Selma, it was a misunderstanding. All I needed was a minute alone,” you reply, sitting up to get a better view of your sister.

“That does not seem like a well enough excuse to me. All Martina ever does is help and you’ve gone and upset her! Queen or not, you owe her an apology.”

“I shall apologize when everyone is calm.”

“You’re right, you shall. And you shall also make haste because everyone is waiting and we don’t have all day.” With that Selma stomps out of the room and slams the door shut, almost breaking the aged wood from the sheer force.

You throw yourself back on the bed, anxiety once again at an all time high. How were you meant to portray a powerful Queen when you felt so helpless?

—

“Queen Y/n! Princess Selma!” Chris exclaims, waving a hand in the air briefly as he calls you two over.

The coronation was quick and easy, and now that it’s over you don’t know why you were so anxious to begin with. Nobody has paid you any particular attention, most eyes were too busy trying to catch a glimpse of the new King.

You even found yourself narrowing your eyes and crooking your neck to see his face, but for the most part he had his back to the crowd and kept his head hung low.

“Lord Sturniolo!” Selma matches Chris’s energy, her heart skipping a beat as she pulls you in his general direction.

“You cleaned up quite beautifully,” Selma jokes, gawking at Chris’s elegant attire. A slight blush forms on his cheeks.

“Thank you both for making the trip, I hope it wasn’t too much trouble,” he says, a smile so bright it could blind you adorning his face.

“Oh it was nothing really,” you reply, but in reality you would’ve preferred to stay home. Eclipsum was dreary and the sun rarely had a chance to shine through the foggy, cloudy sky. Not to mention the fact that you have yet to meet the King; the sole purpose for your travel.

“Although I did hope to meet that famous brother of yours,” you continue, eyes scanning the room in hopes of finally seeing the King.

Chris’s eyes follow yours, he’s been hoping for the same all night, but Matt always managed to keep hidden even when he was meant to be the center of attention. Who could blame him, though? He was just crowned not only in jewels, but also in responsibility.

“Matt— I mean, the King has always been good at hiding.”

‘Matt.’ The name helps you understand and humanize him. He must be struggling like you were when you first became Queen.

“I’m sure he’s being kept extremely busy with all this company. We shall meet him soon, Sister.” Selma’s arm remains looped around yours, the other gesturing to the ballroom full of people as she creates a steady flow of conversation with Chris.

Chris chuckles, he found your sister’s positivity endearing, but he knew Matt was sequestered away from society by choice.

“Will you both be staying in Eclipsum?” Chris asks, attempting to change the topic.

You and Selma answer simultaneously. She says yes and you say no.

“I suppose we shall be staying then. A few days shouldn’t hurt,” you laugh. Selma’s gaze remains on Chris, they were clearly falling in love and here you were stuck babysitting your sister in a foreign country.

You huff in annoyance, “I shall need some time alone.” Selma waves you off, so engaged in conversation with Chris that nothing else matters.

So much for power.

—

MASTERLIST, SERIES MASTERLIST

A/n: I know you all want them to meet already, but trust ITS COMING. For everyone who’s been asking for part two, hope I enjoy! 😏 more coming soon

muah muah muah 💋 luv u all

- L.A.M.B💗👼🏻

—

1* not the bottom lip JUTTING out

2* yes this is the same part from the teaser. Why? Because I was teasing it ���

—

taglist: @nickgetsmewetter @sturniololovers @raysmayhem-72 @worldlxvlys @gnxosblog @meg-sturniolo @creamoncreamoncream2 @mattnchrisworld @sanyi5 @lustfulslxt @whicked-hazlatwhore @tworosesblackthorn @mxqdii @fawned01 @junnniiieee07 @sturniolololover @missriddle03 @k-l-a-w-s @maryx2xx @biggesthat3r @herxyzblog @getosuckers @sturnioloarchive @tillies33ssss @fratbrochrisgf @aurizp @riasturns @sturnikitty @sturnrc @sturtriple16 @sillyfreakfanparty @imwetforyourmom @mattslovelygf @certifiednatelover @cartiiwannagotoplutoo @luvr4miya @somegirlfromasgard @l0vergrlll @pepsicolapussy333 @unbruisable @sugrhigh @khxna @wh0resstuff @jnkvivi @callsignwidow

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[thefishermansharbor]

The M6 proposing to you!

The arcana x GN!Reader 

Julian Devorak:

Julian is an excellent actor. In all different ways, if something is bothering him - only those who know him very best can understand that something is wrong. And right now especially, he was thanking the arcana that he was such an excellent actor. Because that way he could conceal his plan from you. 

You walk into the study. “ You needed me, honey? Is something wrong?” you ask.

“ I was just curious about something, dear.” He says, extra sweetly. He has his tie on, and his eyepatch off. Whatever he’s thinking about is something serious. “ .. Have you ever thought about officiating a certain thing?” 

“ .. what ‘thing’ are you talking about, Jules?”

He sighs, and smiles.  He sweeps all of his desk’s contents to the floor, they make a loud clatter sound against the hardwood floor.  He knew that this was not the time to put on a false face and act, this was the time to speak straight from the heart.

Julian can feel his worries about this fall away. The endless and long nights of staying up to rehearse and plan for this now felt.. silly. So incredibly silly, what good is pretending to be someone else in the moment he should most definitely just be himself? He was going to do this his own way. To say the things he truly feels, and not some silly pre - written words. 

There’s only one thing left on his desk, a pearl ring. It’s not even in a box, it’s just sitting there, only accompanied by a second ring. He stares into your eyes, a cheeky smirk on his face. 

“ Officiating our relationship, of course. Would you do the honor of marrying me, dear?” 

Asra Alnazar:

Asra sighed, thinking of you. The truth was ever since he’d known that you loved him just as much as he loved you, he had been thinking of you. You were so unbelievably perfect in so many ways to him. Everything about you, your looks, your thoughts, your feelings.. He cherished it. It had been taken away from him - and he never fully recovered. 

Asra worried that something else would split the two of you apart again. He really did, but then an idea crossed his mind. Marriage. You two had been talking about it before you caught the plague, and he started to think that it was a way to truly solidify your connection. 

He waited for you at the fountain garden. A place that was special to the two of you. It was the early summer, a june evening. His favorite time of day during his favorite season. What better place? 

As the noise of the castle slowly drifted off behind you, you came into Asra’s view. He had said to you that he wanted to tell you something important. He stood up from the edge of the fountain, his soft smile widening. 

“ Hello, my love.” 

“ Hi, Asra.” You say. He takes you hand and squeezes it gently. His eyes stared into yours. A breeze passed through the garden, the purple sky in the background made your lover look simply stunning.

“ .. I told you this morning that I wanted to tell you something. I’ve been waiting, ___. I’ve been waiting a long time.” 

You listen, you could never know how carefully he’s considered every word and rehearsed it before now. He wants nothing more than for this to be as special as possible for you.

“ … but now the wait is finally over, my love.” He kneeled, taking out a small pouch, and taking one silver ring with both of your initials inscribed into the inside of it. 

“ Will you marry me, ____ ?”

Lucio Morgasson:

Lucio sat up in bed, covered in cold sweat. He had a dream about you, and it could only mean one thing - he was being stupid. He was stupid not to marry you, you’re the most perfect person to him. You’re beautiful, perfect, and kind. He couldn’t think why he hadn’t yet put a ring on you. 

He ran over to his own jewelry box, ransacking it for rings. Anything would do. All he knew is that he wanted you, and he wanted you now. He found one that looked like it might be your size - and before he knew it, he was running down the hall. 

You’d said to him earlier that you’d be working on a project with Portia in the library tonight. He ran as fast as he could down the hall. Once he got there, he banged on the library door until Portia opened it. 

“ .. Sir Lucio? What are you doing here?” She said, surprised. He was out of breath, and looked over Portia’s shoulder and saw you reading. 

“ out of my way, Portia–” He said, shoving and squeezing past her. She let him get by, standing there confused. 

He ran up behind you, tapping your shoulder. He was a man on a mission, nothing could’ve stopped him from getting what he wanted at that moment. You turned and looked at him,

“ Lucio? What is it?”

“ .. “ He stared at you for another second before acknowledging himself. Still a bit out of breath, and grabbed your shoulders before waving the ring near your face like a mad man.

“ .. marry me, here. Now.” 

Nadia Satrinava:

She wanted to extravagant, she really wanted it to be a story you talked about for the rest of your life together. She had several servants, wedding planners, event planners, and even some family members invited to the palace to help her come up with the best plan she could. She only allows the best for you. 

She thought long and hard about what to do, but eventually she decided on something she thought you’d like. She made a reservation for a small pizza restaurant. It was old fashioned brick-oven pizza, something she thought you’d like. 

Nadia sat at the restaurant, waiting patiently for you. She had sent a carriage to the magic shop a little over 20 minutes ago. She shifted in her seat, she’d really dressed up for the event. She had painted her nails a deep red, the perfect manicure to show your rings off with. 

“ .. Oh, Nadia, sweetie, I’m so sorry I’m late!” You say apologetically, rushing over to the table from the front. “ A customer knocked over the buckwheat frogskin and then I had to spent an extra half hour helping her clean herself up, and then cleaning the group.” 

She pulled out your chair for you and give you a kiss on the cheek. “ It’s quite alright, darling.” 

She sat back down and across from people, smiling at you. She’d planned to do it towards the end of the meal, but as soon as the bread came - she just looked at how beautiful you were. You were so beautiful and kind all the time.. Something came over her, and she stood up out of her chair. 

She nearly knocked into a waiter, but she got down on a knee, and put her hand on your knee. 

Nadia stares, she’d never been so confident in a decision. Ever. 

“ Darling, Would you marry me?”

Muriel the outsider:

He was nervous about asking you. It was a large step in life, but you had helped grow into a better and more confident person, and he couldn’t imagine asking this of anyone else. 

You’re sat near the fire with Inanna, journaling while Inanna’s asleep on your lap. The only thing that can be heard is your occasional laughter and Inanna’s soft snoring. Muriel smiled at you. He knew you were the one. The person, HIS person. 

He walked up behind you, and sat down next to the two of you. He loved the way you looked at him, so full of love - and never full of fear. He tries to speak, but the words die in his throat. How is he supposed to do this? 

Muriel takes a deep breath and stares at you. From your perspective, it looks a bit like he’s glaring as hard as he can. It makes you a bit nervous.

“ Hey, Muri. Is something wrong?” You ask, concerned about him. 

“ I.. you.. Please, maybe– if you think you want.. W-we could.. I think that..”

He stumbles on his words, blushing. He puts a ahand over his face, you’ve been together so long and yet you still fluster him so very much. 

He decides it’s best to just get it over and done with, the words come out bluntly but they’re still endearing and sweet. 

“ I want to marry you!” He says loudly, but then he realizes how awkward he looks and his gaze softens. “ .. Please say yes.” he whispers.

Portia Devorak:

Portia knew she wanted to take advantage of her charm when it came to you. If there’s two things she loved, it was life at sea - and you, OF COURSE. One time while you were re-stocking the ship at one of the towns, she brought you off away from the crowd and onto a much smaller sailing boat.

It was perfect. The late afternoon sun on the harbor and coastline, it was just the two of you. With the exception of a sailor who was manning the boat while Portia romanced you. She was incredibly patient and listened a lot more than talked - you could sense something was different about this date, she almost always did most of the talking. 

She had been very patient that day. She knew what she wanted, and she was ready to make that happen. She waited until the very best moment to ask, when the sun was setting and you were least expecting it. 

She scooted a little closer to you, putting her hand on top of yours. She smiled, taking something out of her pocket. 

It’s a pearl ring, perfectly your size. It’s beautiful, and you gape at it.. Too happy to realize that Portia’s started talking, finally you look over and she smiles at you. She loves you so very much. 

“ Could you make me the happiest woman ever and marry me?”

[nobodysuspectsthebutterfly]

Thoughts about the supposed direction Rhaena's storyline is going in Hotd and the apparent Nettles erasure? Disappointing but... I can sort of see where they could take it? Idk... looking at grrm's posts in hindsight kinda makes me even more disappointed if he is as well (he just can't get his adaptations right atp but idk)

Well. Pre-ep7, we're still pending any Rhaena-Sheepstealer bonding, but I'm basically 😑🫠 about the rumors. (I dislike borrowing trouble, I'm not even sure how many of the rumors are true -- actually I'm pretty sure many of these supposed "leaks" are straight up lies -- and yet. Still *disgruntled meh* and *"we're all fine-everyone's fine here" dread*.) Rhaena is one of my more beloved F&B characters (it's the Sansa parallels, I can't help myself), and Nettles has been a super fave since TPATQ and TWOIAF. (Particularly TWOIAF, since the Burned Men fire-witch reveal; heck, I think my little dollmaker is still one of the few fanarts of Nettles in the mountains.)

I mean, sure, I understand that Rhaena's book storyline during the Dance, where she's offpage from basically the start of the war until nearly the end of it, socializing in the Vale and waiting for her egg to hatch, would be difficult to adapt in an action-oriented visuals-oriented television show. (Like Rhaenyra this season sure isn't just catatonically crying from Luke's death until Jace's.) And I'm glad Rhaena's getting more to do, and I'm glad it's directly addressing her feeling slighted and ignored by her family since she doesn't have a dragon. However...

I do not want Rhaena merged into one character with Nettles! I do not want Rhaena to have Sheepstealer and not her hope-for-the-future (doomed hope, and yet) baby dragon Morning, that hatched for her. Also note how pink Morning, worn as a fashion accessory, so suited Rhaena's coquette personality vs her sporty, adventurous twin sister... I mean, I've said before, I understand adaptations can be different, this still wouldn't make HOTD even close to a "loose adaptation".* But I do not want this adaptation to lose Rhaena's personality that I loved.

Or for that matter, to lose Nettles's character, and her importance to the themes and worldbuilding of ASOIAF. (See also.) And her importance to the plot -- but god knows, they're doing all sorts of things with Daemon and Rhaenyra on this show, toxic romance or what have you, who knows if once Daemon reaches his emotional breakthrough or whatever at Harrenhal this season, if they want to backslide him into a cheating plot in S3 while Daemon is again stuck in a castle for months.** Nevertheless, I'd be deeply disappointed to lose scenes like "as well as her dragon, the girl had taken to riding Daemon", or the last morning in Maidenpool scene... and um, you can't really fit Rhaena in there, or if you did, it would certainly put the lie to the ship denialists' "he just treated her like a father, platonically bathing naked together!" (Also the pretty blatant fake S3 leaks including one where Rhaenyra decides Rhaena has betrayed her... are pretty blatantly fake, sorry.)

And then there would be the frankly racist erasure of the one book black character. "Oh but the show made the Velaryons black, so it's not erasing, it's adding more!" No, sorry. (1) I was and am all for adding more racial diversity to the show and especially to Valyrians, but face it, when you take the book's secondary character Velaryons, two who get killed off early and are portrayed as lesser to the "true" Daemon/Rhaenyra marriage, and make them black, you've already done a lot of hinky damage there. (2) What, it's that hard to write three distinct black girls with very different personalities and one from an incredibly different background? I don't see Addam and Alyn getting merged. I don't see Aemond and Daeron getting merged. I don't see Hugh and Ulf getting merged. But I'm not really one to speak here, for this particular discussion I'd point you to @ride-thedragon and @venusintheblindspots-blog and @chrkrose, among others, they have many many posts on this subject in far greater detail and better argued than mine.

OK, so. I still have hope that Nettles -- even if not cast for this season (sorry y'all, that extra is an extra) -- may appear next season, and all this worry will turn out to be a tempest in a teapot. Per last report from the HOTD panel at SDCC, the rumor of Rhaena and Sheepstealer definitely doesn't happen in ep 7, though, yes, there's one episode after. And if it does happen... I'll be strongly disappointed. Deeply, deeply disappointed, and probably far more suspicious of future adaptational changes. But, for me at least, it's not a dealbreaker like GOT S5 was.*** I won't be happy at all about the storyline, but I would like to think the show will remain high quality re themes and character and all. Time will tell, though. Time will definitely tell.

As for GRRM, when his complaints seem to be "wild dragons shouldn't be in the Vale" and "the heraldry with four legs is wrong", well, I struggle to see that he's that disappointed in the adaptational changes. Believe me, I am well used to reading between the lines re GRRM and adaptations, something like the fact that he's not visiting the HOTD writers' room when he's in the UK is nothing. Catch me if at Worldcon or his Oxford lecture in August, GRRM again says that he could write a whole novel about Nettles, or if actually says something about non-Valyrian dragonriders, ok?

*I was just reading up on The Beast (2023) vs Henry James's “The Beast in the Jungle”. lol HOTD doesn't compare. Don't even think it, man.

**You know, this reminds me of how the Dance in F&B is not paced very well for individual characters, they keep going offscreen for months at a time. From shortly after Rhaenyra's crowning to the Fall of KL, Daemon just sits at Harrenhal and occasionally ventures out into the riverlands. From shortly after the Fall of KL until the Battle Above the Gods Eye, Daemon just... sits at Maidenpool and occasionally ventures out into the riverlands (with Nettles). Yeah, obviously a show would need to write more for him to do, he's a main character.

***Thank god HOTD isn't the sort of exploitative shitshow that GOT was. All y'all thinking it was a better adaptation because of your nostalgia goggles (and/or shitty memory) need to actually reread the books (especially AFFC/ADWD) and then submit yourself to the real-world misogynist and homophobic nonsense of S5-6 again, ugh.

[thatsmzbitchtoyou]

Norsemen & Anglo-Saxons Chapter 1

Here's the new story! I hope y'all like it.

Summary: Princess Y/N has a secret that her parents are ashamed of.  A conquering Viking chief recognizes the gift she has.  Will they be able to bring peace between warring people, and maybe find love along the way? Viking!Bucky Warnings: eventual smut, abuse, violence, animal attack, blood

Next chapter

The New Year was upon them.  The castle was bustling with maids and squires decorating and scrambling to get everything ready in time. The halls were filled up with garlands, pinecones, dried oranges, berries, and candles lit every ten feet.  A large tree had been hauled into the great hall during Christmas Time and decorated with the same oranges, berries and pinecones, as well as ornamental pieces that shone through the branches in the candlelight.  The last seasonal ball was to be held in a few days time, and the noble families from all over the Isles had traveled in to be part of the festivities.

Princess Y/N watched the chaos in boredom as her little brother Prince Alfred, or Alfie,  ran around the room with a stream of ribbon in hand, singing holiday songs at the top of his lungs.  As much as she loved and adored him their age difference was definitely apparent during these moments.  “I watched three ships come sailing in on Christmas day on Christmas day…”

“Alfie if you sing that wretched song one more time I will–”

“You will do nothing,” her mother, Queen Eugenia interrupted as she walked into the great hall to inspect the decorations.  “After all these years of training, you still resort to violence, you ridiculous child.”

“And you still call me a child when I near my thirtieth year, Mother,” Y/N spat back.  “Perhaps my penchant for violence comes from my frustration with said training and the constant degradation of my age and ability.”

“Your petulance and independence has made you unmarriable and therefore a thorn in my side,” Eugenia sighed.  

“There have been no, as you and Father called them, “suitable” suitors to marry me off to, Mother.  And this,” she held out her hand, opening her palm, wherein a green orb of light appeared, “scares you both to death.”

“Put your hand away!” Eugenia ran over and slapped Y/N’s hand down before anyone could see.  “Stop being so careless!”

Y/N rolled her eyes.  “Yes, Mother.”

Eugenia sat next to her.  “You will attend tonight’s ball, dressed appropriately, with a smile on your ungrateful face and nothing but patient, polite mannerisms escaping that mouth of yours.  And you will not play tricks,” she looked pointedly at Y/N’s hands.

Y/N glared at her.  “Yes, Mother.”

Eugenia sighed again.  “Go get ready.”

Y/N left the great hall as Alfie continued singing away.  Her lady’s maid followed her as she roamed the halls towards her room.  The only ones who knew about her ability were her family, the royal advisory court and her lady’s maid.  No one had been able to figure out what to do with it.  She didn’t have a handle on it, either.  She could manipulate objects and people’s bodies to move how she wanted, heal minor injuries, and when touching someone she was able to see their thoughts and feel their feelings.  She could feel that there was something more to it, that her power had the potential to grow, and yet she and her ability had been tamped down so heavily from the moment she first started exhibiting it that she was unable to truly hone it and see what she was capable of.  The advisors had researched their history and fairy tale books extensively and could not find a rhyme or reason as to why she had this power.  The only reason she had not been burned at the stake as a witch was because her father thought it could be useful to him and his never ending battle against the Norsemen.

Y/N had only seen one Norseman in her entire life.  Her father had captured one after a horrible battle and brought him back from the battlefield.  He was what they called a Berserker, a Norseman warrior that would lose all sense of self-preservation and run into battle like a feral animal, like they were out of their minds and drunk with bloodlust.  Her father had put them in a room together, separated by a line of thin prison bars.  The Norseman didn’t try to attack her, just watched her intently.  Her father told her to try her powers on him, see what she could make him do.  Y/N had refused, so her father flogged her to try and make her submit.  The Norseman had become so incensed by her father’s mistreatment that he had broken through the bars, bending them like they were butter, and just as he was about to lay his hands on her father she threw her hands up.  The Norseman was encircled in the green light, stopping him midair.  Her father gave the first genuine smile towards her she had seen in years.  

The guards had shackled him and took him away shortly after that.  The look in his eyes as they dragged him away was one of shock and betrayal.  Y/N couldn’t stand it, and that night snuck through the castle to the dungeon.  She had found secret passages as a child that she used regularly, and slipped through undetected.  She stole the keys and found his cell.  He was awake, and when he heard the jingle of the keys he looked up at her.  His eyes widened and he scurried towards the farthest wall from her.

“I’m not here to hurt you,” Y/N had whispered, holding her hands up.  He watched her carefully as she unlocked the door and swung it open.  She had stepped away, giving him room to leave.  He had slowly walked out of the cell, watching her constantly.  He stepped away towards the nearest exiting door.  “Run,” she whispered as she backed away from him, keeping her hands up.

He stopped for a moment.  He cleared his throat and asked in perfect English, “Are you a witch?”

Y/N had blinked at him in surprise.  “I…I don’t know,” she answered honestly.  This man could kill her in a second without making a sound, and yet he merely nodded.  “Thank you, Drottning,” he bowed his head to her then ran off towards the door.

Y/N had never seen or heard from him again.  The castle had been abuzz with confusion and fear upon finding him missing the next morning, but they ultimately decided that the barbarian had his ways and wasn’t worth pursuing. 

Y/N had never trusted her father again after that day, and had steered clear of him whenever and however she could.  He only wanted her for her power and what it could do for him.  He didn’t love her, he didn’t love Alfie.  He was a true English King, hoarding power and wealth wherever he could.

Y/N dressed in her holiday best for the ball and begrudgingly entered the great hall later that night.  The party was in full swing, nobles dancing together as the music played, the King and Queen laughing madly at the jester performing in front of them.  The wine was flowing, making the crowd more rowdy by the second.  As Y/N ascended the stage where the King and Queen sat she saw two short legs poking out and found Alfie hiding behind the Queen’s wide throne chair.  She quickly walked over and pulled him into her arms.  “What are you doing here, Alfie?  It’s late, and this is no place for a young boy,” she scolded him.

“Papa said I had to be here, because I’m to be king, and this is what kings do,” he mumbled.  Y/N glared over at her father, who was drinking himself into a stupor.  Alfie was a mere 11 years old, and already her father was trying to sink his dirty claws into the little boy’s mind and heart.

“No, Alfie, this is not how kings should act,” Y/N reassured him as she ran her fingers through his hair.  “Let’s get you to bed.”

Suddenly there was a loud bang and a whistling as wind whipped through the hall from where the front doors burst open.  A thunderous roar from what seemed like hundreds of men swarming the hall filled the room, echoing through the high ceilings and making Alfie cover his ears.  Y/N held him close as she huddled behind the throne, concealing him and herself as best as possible.  There were shouts and screams from the nobles as the men started to cut many of them down, pushing and beating others as they made their way to the stage.

The King and Queen sat in shocked silence as they watched their guards and nobles die or be captured around them.  Y/N glanced around looking for an escape and saw men standing in the higher windows, pointing arrows at the royals.  She knew they were seen and so any attempt to run would be met with death.  

Heavy footsteps walked up the stage steps, and before she could even move large hands were hefting her and Alfie from behind the chair.  They ripped Alfie from her arms and she screamed, trying to get ahold of him again as he cried and tried to grab for her.  Y/N’s body was wrenched around and she came face to face with a familiar looking man.

“Hello, Drottning, remember me?” the Norseman from years earlier smiled at her.

“You!” Y/N breathed as her eyes widened.

The Norseman chuckled as he led her to the front of the stage to stand next to her Mother and Father who sat dumbfounded on their thrones, Alfie on the other side of them being held back by another man.  Y/N looked around and even through her fear was struck by the attractive nature of these men.  Most of them were spattered in blood and sweat from fighting, and yet she had never seen so many handsome men.  The yelling started to die down as one Norseman walked forward, assumedly the leader, the rest of them parting to let him through.  The one approaching her and her family was easily one of the most beautiful men she had ever seen in her life.  His long, dark brown hair was half tied back with braids that had ornaments of beads and metal cuffs attached to them.  His full beard was cut neatly and framed his pink lips, which were stretched into a menacing smirk.  His blue eyes shone bright like the ocean just after a storm, and she could see the mischievous glint in them as he scanned the family.  He was covered in Norse battle gear from just under his jaw to his feet, a large sheathed sword on his right side and a war hammer at his left.  His left arm was bare, and upon further inspection Y/N realized it wasn’t flesh, but some kind of metal, yet it looked and functioned like a normal arm.  He was huge, like all the other men, tall and broad.  His eyes settled on her and he appraised her, giving her a long look up and down.  Y/N straightened herself under his stare, refusing to bow or show weakness to him.  His smirk deepened at her as he looked back at her parents.

“King Henry, Queen Eugenia,” he greeted them in a deep, booming voice.  “I am James Barnes, Jarl of the Danes, or Norsemen as you like to call us.”  He nonchalantly took a half eaten pastry off the table closest to him and popped it in his mouth, chewing it slowly.  “What a lovely party.  We missed our invitation,” he said with a sly smile, making his men laugh heartily around him.

Henry just couldn’t help himself as he stood up.  “You aren’t wanted, heathens!  Leave immediately!”

“Now now, Henry, is that any way to speak to the ones who have conquered you?” James admonished him.  “I’ve come to make peace, and you want to scream insults?”

Y/N silently gasped.  Peace?  With the Norsemen?  

“Make peace?  While you murder my nobles and threaten my family?  That’s preposterous,” Henry scoffed.  Y/N glared at her father, silently wishing for him to shut up.

“Well you could either choose peace, or watch the rest of your nobles and your family die, starting with your heir,” James threatened, glancing at Alfie.  Y/N squirmed against the Norseman behind her at the threat.  “And we’ll make some stops along the way to some of your most prosperous cities and take what we need.  The choice is yours.”

“That’s no choice!” Henry yelled and then started to move towards James.  “You wretched, barbaric–”

A whistle sounded through the hall as an arrow was loosed.  It flew straight towards Alfie’s chest.  Y/N’s hand yanked out of the Norseman’s hand that was holding her and stretched toward her brother as she screamed, “NO!”

The arrow stopped, hovering right in front of Alfie’s heart, surrounded by the green light.  The men gasped, James staring at Y/N with an awestruck smile on his face.  “So it’s true,” he whispered.  Y/N flicked her wrist and the arrow went flying towards the wall and shattered.  Before she could even drop her hand James was in front of her.  He looked at the Norseman holding her back and nodded to him.  “Thor, is this the English witch of royal blood who freed you?”

The man behind her nodded and lightly shoved her into his arms.  James held her by her arms and looked down at her.  “What’s your name, Princess?”

Y/N could only stare at his bright blue eyes, her heart hammering in her chest at exposing herself and her ability.  “Y/N,” she whispered.  

“Y/N,” he repeated it like it was a prayer.  “I’ve been talking to the wrong person.”  He pulled her forward to face her family.  “Henry, you’ve been hiding something,” he chuckled as he plopped his chin on her shoulder so they were cheek to cheek and ran his fingers up and down her arms, the metal ones sending chills up her spine.  “She’s the one with power, not you.”  Henry glared at her, a hateful look on his face.  “Oh, I see,” James’ voice became sharper.  “You feel threatened by her, so you’ve hid her away, stomped on her potential to grow,” Y/N was nearly shaking as she felt the adrenaline rush through her.  “She’s a goddess among you pathetic royals,” he kissed the side of her head, “and you wanted to reduce her to a torture device.  You let the magic go to waste.”  He turned her towards him again and dipped his face to be at eye level with her.  “We have magic at home.  We can help you learn and grow,” Y/N’s eyes widened at him.  “So I ask you, Princess Y/N.  What do you choose, death or peace?”

Y/N exhaled a shaky breath as she stared at him.  As he touched her she let her ability slip into his mind.  She could find no lie in his words.  He and his people were tired, the constant war depleting their resources and wiping out families.  They won the battles more often than lost, but it had put a strain on their lives.  His mention of magic seemed real, too, with glimpses and flashes of things that were unexplainable popping up in his mind.  Y/N thought about her people and how the English had been begging for peace for years as well, all of it falling on her father’s greedy, prideful ears.  She could tell James was good, and only wanted good for his men and his people.

“I propose an allyship,” she said.  James blinked and his eyebrows furrowed at her.  “A peace treaty with a tradition as old as time,” she clarified, gulping quickly.  “We join our families in marriage.”  His eyes flicked between hers, like he was studying her.  His men around him mumbled as they considered the idea.  “If you are unmarried,” she amended, since she wasn’t sure, “or if someone in your nobility is unmarried, I will come with you as a peace offering, a marriage tribute.  You will have me, and my power, and leave my family and my people be,” she said, trying to look and sound every bit the princess her mother had always wanted her to be.  “And we will end this war and finally bring peace to our people.”

James stood straight, towering over her.  He watched her for another moment, then stepped back and looked to his men behind him.  Two of them walked up and spoke to him quietly.  Y/N waited on baited breath as they consulted with each other.  They stood back and he turned toward her again.  “Done,” he said simply, the smirk returning to his lips.  Y/N nodded and quietly sighed.  “My Drottning,” he spoke lowly, holding out his metal hand.  She put her right hand into his metal hand, admiring it.  

“What does that mean?” she asked him.

“My Queen,” he winked at her.  Y/N blushed deeply.  He turned to his men and held her hand up high in his.  “We have peace!” he yelled triumphantly.  The thunderous roar returned as they cheered, their hands and swords and axes held high as they hugged each other and drank some of the wine left on the tables around them.  James dropped their joined hands and kissed the hand he held, making her blush again.  “Say goodbye to your family, Drottning, we leave immediately.”

He let her go and she ran up the stairs towards her family.  She ignored her parents altogether, grabbing Alfie and holding him tight against her.  

“Don’t go,” Alfie cried as his fingers clutched her dress.

“I have to,” Y/N cried as she carded her fingers through his hair.  “You listen to me,” she knelt in front of him and held his face in her hands, “you remember what I’ve taught you.”  He nodded frantically.  “Do not listen to Father,” he nodded again, making her father sneer at them next to her.  “I’ve seen it in you,” she whispered, laying a hand against his heart then tapping her finger to her head.  “You will become one of the greatest kings England has ever known, as long as you don’t do as Father has done.  You will bring continued peace and prosperity, you hear me?”  She wiped his tears away.  “Because you are a good boy, and will become a great man.  My little king,” she kissed his forehead firmly before pulling away.

Alfie cried harder as she stepped away from him.  She turned to her father.  “Stay away from him,” she warned him, glancing at Alfie.  “I have procured a peace that you, and your father, and your father’s father could never have dreamed of,” she sneered back at him.  “Do good by our people, for once in your miserable life.”  She glared at him before turning back towards James who stood patiently waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs.  

His men were slowly retreating out of the great hall as he held his hand out for her again.  She took it as he flashed one last glance and triumphant smile at her father before leading her out the front doors.  As they walked through the courtyard and towards the horses waiting for them he glanced at her attire.

“Hm, this won’t do while riding,” he said as he twirled her around.  Y/N furrowed her eyebrows at him.  “Where’s your lady’s maid?”

Y/N looked around and saw the telltale eyes peeking from behind the stables.  “May,” she pointed.

James summoned her forward out of hiding.  She quickly ran across the courtyard and into Y/N’s arms, sobbing as Y/N pet her hair.  “Miss May, go fetch your princess’ riding clothes and some simple dresses for travel,” James instructed her.  May stared at him with wide eyes, looking at Y/N who nodded to her.  She was escorted back inside with Thor to get Y/N’s things packed.

As they stood there waiting, the snow started to fall.  Y/N looked up and sighed as the cold kissed her face, a welcome reprieve to her inflamed cheeks from the night’s tension.  She looked towards James who was already looking at her.

“What do I call you?” she asked him.  

“You can call me Bucky,” he said.

“Bucky?” she asked, a small smirk pulling her lips.

“A nickname,” he laughed at her perplexed look.  “Saved for those closest to me.  And since you’ll be my queen–”

“So it is you I’ll be marrying then?”  Y/N asked.

“Yes,” Bucky laughed harder.  “I guess I didn’t make that very clear.”

“Hm,” Y/N hummed.  “You have a very English name...James.”

“Yes,” he agreed, sighing as he looked at the falling snowflakes.  “We Norsemen and you Anglo-Saxons are not that different from each other,” he said with a twinkle in his eye as he winked at her again.  

Y/N pondered that as May came out holding Y/N’s riding clothes and boots with Thor holding a small trunk that he loaded onto one of the wagons they had waiting.  May ran back to Y/N.

“Go change, and then we’ll be off,” Bucky excused Y/N, who led May over to the stables.  They went into an empty bay and May quickly stripped Y/N out of her gown and into her riding clothes.

“My lady,” May said as she held Y/N’s crown in her hands.  Y/N looked at it and gingerly took it from her.  She stared at it for a moment before giving it back to her.  She gave May another hug.  

“Take it, my love,” she said as May sobbed in her arms again.  “Run away and marry that stable boy, Ben, and use it to live long happy lives together,” she said as she pulled away.

May nodded as she cried, gathering up the gown as she said goodbye.

Y/N came back out in her riding clothes.  She approached Bucky who was preparing his horse.  He mounted it and held his hand out to her.  She took it and he helped hoist her behind him on the saddle.  He wrapped her hands around his waist then she felt him tying her wrists together.

“What–” she started, trying to look over his shoulder.

“So you don’t run off,” Bucky cocked an eyebrow at her in warning as he looked back at her.

“I won’t,” Y/N promised.

“That’s what they all say,” Bucky chuckled before he turned to his men who were all waiting.  “To Danmark!!”

“To Danmark!” they all yelled, and the pounding of hooves rang through the night as they all rode out of the courtyard and into the English countryside.

Y/N’s arms tightened around Bucky, her head tucking in between his shoulder blades as the winter wind stung her face.  She was not going to run and wanted to prove it to him.  She wanted peace, even if it meant giving up herself to get it. After about an hour they all started to slow as they reached the water’s edge where multiple ships were docked, secured by other Norsemen who waited anxiously for them.

Bucky untied the rope around her wrists then dismounted.  He held his hands up to her hips and helped her down as well.  He inspected her wrists, giving them a short rub.  “I’m sorry,” he whispered as he pressed a kiss to each wrist.  Y/N was surprised at his affection, but welcomed it in the moment.  He pulled her towards one of the boats.  He helped her step onto it and settled her into a corner of the stern that was covered in furs and quilts.  He pulled one of the furs up and covered her with it, securing it around her shoulders.  There was plenty of room around her as she got herself comfortable.

“It’s going to be a four day journey, Drottning,” Bucky kneeled in front of her.  “This area is for all of us to sleep, so you’ll have at least a few men next to you, but don’t fear,” he reassured her at the look on her face, “they’re harmless.  Just tired.”

Y/N looked around at the men loading themselves into the boat, many of them taking seats at the benches where the oars were sitting.  She felt worried but nodded at him.  He gave her a smile and stepped away to help load more things into the boats.  They all worked methodically together until in just a few minutes they were ready to pull off.  Bucky was stationed at one of the oars as well, giving the signal and they shoved off the shore.

Y/N watched the men in her boat and the others row in perfect unison.  She admired their strength and the way they all seemed to be of one mind as they worked together to get into a good rhythm, making the boat fly through the water.  The rhythmic rowing lulled her to sleep as she snuggled down into the furs below her.

She woke a few hours later.  It was still dark out, the rowing still going strong.  As she shifted to get more comfortable she felt a heavy weight around her waist.  She panicked until she turned and saw Bucky’s peaceful face sleeping next to her, his metal arm resting on her side.  Y/N looked down at the arm.  She admired its craftsmanship, unsure of how he was able to find or create such a thing.  Her fingers traced along the metal, the plates and divots carved like the muscles of a real arm would be.  When she reached his hand she lightly traced each finger with the tip of her pointer finger.  His hand suddenly moved to grasp her wrist.  She gasped as he gently maneuvered her to face him.  His eyes were still closed as he let go of her wrist then wound his metal arm around her back this time, holding her to his chest.  “Sleep, wife,” he mumbled, his voice coming out hoarsely as he kissed her forehead and rested his chin on top of her head.  

Y/N was stiff for a moment until the warmth enveloped her and she melted into his embrace.  She pressed her nose into his sternum and breathed deeply as her hands gripped the fur coat he was wearing.  He hummed as his breathing evened out and a soft snore rumbled in his chest.  It lulled her to sleep again, a small smile on her face.

**picture is A.I. from Pinterest, unknown original "artist" or "creator"**

[tumbling-through-deepspace]

Caretaker Foreseer

In a castle surrounded by ice and endless white, a Demi-god meets one who's existence will tilt his world on its axis.

The sweet caress of frosty winds passed through lilac feathers, and laughter rang through the air. Most of her people had already migrated to warmer climates but she was always the kind to not follow the flock.

Lyssa loved this kind of weather, the nippy cold air and light snowflakes that felt soft to the touch and she loved most of all, visiting the tower's occupant and his Jasmin flowers.

The Foreseer. Zayne Li. The two met by chance when she hurt one of her wings and took refuge in his castle of ice and glass.

She had not anticipated the snowstorm that descended upon her during her flight, so the howling winds and blinding snow caused her to fly into a mountain side, fracturing her wing. Luckily, she was taught how to survive if her wings ever became incapacitated.

So, tucking them in, she used her evol to regulate body heat and ventured to find cover. Luckily it did not take long to find a cave which she used for cover.

"Why do I always seem to find myself in some sort of predicament. Can't the gods send some luck my way?"

Said luck was stumbling through a clearing and seeing a grand castle standing tall and majestic.

Believe it or not, she had her moments and felt too lazy to walk, so Lyssa thought it was a bright idea to use her wings to fly to the castle.

It went as well as you think it would go... she did make it up (painstakingly) but crash landed into what looked like a throne room.

"Not your best landing Lys. Do better."

"Who are you?"

Zayne spent his time alone, taking care of the castle and attending to the duty bestowed upon him by the god Astra.

His life mundane but he was content... he thought that until she appeared. Wings of lilac, curly hair that were disheveled by the winds and a voice that echoed with melodies.

At first, he thought she was there to steal from him but after she proved that she was not even knowledgeable about his existence until that very moment, he offered sanctuary.

This left him confused. Others who trespassed never made it this far yet something about her made him act differently.

She explained that her wing was fractured, which she demonstrated as proof. That it would take a few weeks to heal since this was not the first time this happened to her.

How can she say such a thing with such optimism?

The following weeks started off a bit awkward due to their different personalities but as the saying goes: No man is an island.

She followed him like a duckling but was respectful and never imposed when he needed to be left alone.

At some point he started seeking her out. She told him about her flock and that she never felt at home with them, so she would travel on her own.

She would tend to his Jasmine flowers that only bloom when she sang to them.

He never released how lonely he was until she became an important part of his life.

Now, here they were two months later.

"Please Zayne! I promise I won't drop you. It's a perfect day for flying and you can help me test the strength of my wings."

The Demi-god gave her a deadpanned look "I will not be your guineapig, Lyssa. If you wish to have a test of strength, I can make very frigid weather."

They were having a midday walk around his courtyard. Lyssa giggled which sounded like chirps; she then burst into a sprint before taking flight.

Zayne looked up as she ascended higher, admiring the way she did flips and turns. In all his years, he has never met someone so carefree and there was a pang in his heart because she would have to leave. The seasons were changing again.

Birds and ice don't mix. He was surprised that she stayed as long as she did. Zayne blinked in surprise when her face suddenly appeared in front of him.

She was hovering off the ground, wings flapping lightly. A small smile on her face as her luminous violet eyes were filled with mirth.

"You were so deep in thought, Mr. Zayne. It seems that I can handle long flights and high altitudes now without my wing hurting."

His brow crinkled together, "I guess you'll be on your way now."

She took his face in her hands. "Don't make that face. I'll visit. Thank you for taking care of me. Hey! I know, can I give you a gift?"

"Depends on what it is."

"Gosh Zayne, for a Demi-god, you are such a pessimist. I give you my word that my gift will not bring you harm in any way, now or in any future. Would it be presumptuous to say that I feel a connection between us, and I wish to leave a piece of me with you?"

"Do you do this often?" not answering her question. His heart skipped a beat that she wanted to stay connected to him.

"I've only done this with one other person, but I'll tell you about him another day."

"Who is -"

"Another time. I think you'll like him. I have a connection with him, too... the big grouch. So can I give you, my gift?"

Zayne looked into her eyes, a new feeling flared up at the thought that someone else got this offer but her giddy expression and anticipated gaze made him sigh "very well. You have my permission."

Squealing, he was taken off guard when she flung herself at him, her lips fell on his in an electrifying kiss, ribbons of light danced along his skin, and before he could recuperate, she pulled away.

"Now a piece of me will always be with you. I put some of my special evol in your system, so you'll be able to talk to me whenever you want."

"Huh?" What exactly just happened? Why does his skin feel like it's vibrating, and his ears had a faint ringing to it that sounded like singing.

Lyssa snorted, "Not so eloquent... there is now a connection between us. We will always find our way back to each other, plus I'm told by the elders of my flock that it brings the ones who have been gifted, a huge blessing. Don't ask me what it is, it depends on the person."

Zayne's expression softened at her exuberant explanation. She was so full of life. He ran a finger down her cheek.

"Don't go."

She smiled sadly, "I'll return to you, Zayne. This I promise. Unless you come with me, and I fly you to my next destination."

The snowball to her face had her laughing until her eyes watered.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in each other's company, thoughts on one another as they chose not to dwell on her upcoming departure.

The gift bestowed would bring a huge change to each of their lives, one that they could never be able to fathom.

[dark-and-kawaii]

we know a lot about Lofn and zevlor but what about Haarlep and Lofn? What is their life like

⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡ Eeee!!! Yes yes yes!!! I will happily answer this for you!!! Haarlep and Lofn are my original pair and their story is my absolute favorite xoxo They were tied together by an invisible stringer the moment they met.

₊˚⊹♡ Haarlep fits into the Thay family as though he were always meant to be there, a puzzle piece that completes the picture.

₊˚⊹♡ Once bound in chains of servitude by Mephistopheles, gifted to Raphael as a mere plaything- a cocksleve for the brat and any other who wished to use him… Haarlep now finds himself residing in Thay, the very city that so many devils in the hells feared, a place where he is now adored… and feared by enemies~

₊˚⊹♡ Lofn, had been the one to pluck him from his old life, freed him and taking him for herself, offering him a new existence filled with luxury and indulgence. And though the chains were gone, Haarlep found himself bound by a different kind of tether- one woven from affection and desire. She was now his sole obsession. Her curves and intoxicating scent was branded into his very soul. And each night he feasted upon her, he binds himself tighter to her,

₊˚⊹♡ The castle is his playground, and Haarlep plays his part with the finesse of a seasoned actor. War isn’t new to Haarlep, and his shapeshifting abilities become tools of deception and strategy, turning the tides of conflict in favor of the Thay family. At times he’ll even slip out without his princess knowing- in the guise of her he weaves through enemy lines, a siren song of seduction and menace just to keep her alive and safe. (She’s not happy when she finds out)

₊˚⊹♡ Though he usually enjoys lounging around the castle awaiting his little doves return, there are many times where he hides in the shadows, slipping through the corridors, through alleys, and streets with his eyes ever watchful over Lofn. She is his anchor, his sweet little princess, and he guards her with a possessiveness that borders on obsession. No hand dares to linger too long upon her, no gaze too bold, for Haarlep is always near, ready to remind those who forget that she is his.

₊˚⊹♡ They have one daughter that is Lofn’s absolute pride and joy. Despite originally wanting to consume the things soul while still growing within Lofn (fearful of the Lofn dying during birth), Haarlep now finds endless amusement in watching his little imp grab at his tail as he dangles it teasingly in front of her. Since her birth she has brought a new dimension to his existence.

₊˚⊹♡ Haarlep stretched languidly on the luxurious furs that adorned the bed he shared with his little dove~ his precious princess. His once vibrant red skin, now a soft color mimicking a human’s, was smooth and unmarked except for the scar that adorned his face- a reminder of his past with Mephistopheles… The shadow of Raphael that had clung to Haarlep's form, every feature that was his, once forgotten, now returned… Haarlep smiled softly and traced his finger down the length of his scar. He still remembered how his little dove looked at him with such love and concern after learning the story behind the scar. She had even kissed his scarred eye and asked if it hurt. So precious~

[takecareluv]

꒰ how to feel like a princess this summer ꒱ؘ ࿔*:･ﾟ

`✦ ˑ ִֶ 𓂃⊹ you don't need a castle, a fairy godmother or a team of helpful little mice to make you feel like a princess in your day to day life. all you need is your sweetest, most confident self and you are good to go .ᐟ here are a few tips & fun activities to do by yourself ( because a princess always enjoys their own company ! ) or with a friend, whether it's the furry kind or a fellow princess.

✧ ˖ ° ₊ ⊹ : ˚ ೀ ⋆

⨾ first things first, while a princess loves to spend their days frolicking in nature and soaking up the sun, they always protect their skin using spf. so whatever adventures you decide to take on this summer ( and all year round ) , be tedious about applying sunscreen. i promise, your future self will thank you for it.ᐟ

⨾ princesses have a natural glow about them. whether it be from the graceful manner in which they carry themselves, their beautiful smile that lights up a room, or the radiance of their skin - a princess takes care of themself, inside and out. so, to feel like one, be sure to prioritize self care & self love. create a skincare routine that works for you. keep a rose water spray with you for a quick refresh throughout the day. wear light, glowy makeup like cream blush, a lip tint, and a good mascara to emphasize those doe eyes. and find a signature scent people will remember you by.

⨾ wearing soft and light fabrics - like lace and linen - will keep you as cool as possible, while also feeling cute during these hot summer months. whether it's flowing dresses or light linen pants ; sandals or sneakers ; florals & pastels to more natural, earthy tones - wear whatever makes your inner princess shine .ᐟ

⤷ plus, adding little accessories such as frilly socks, ribbons, pearls and other dainty jewelry can be a fun, but simple way to add an extra bit of delicacy to your day to day look.

⨾ try putting your hair up in loose styles - such as a braid - or keep it down and flowing with beautiful, bouncy curls. and again, the simplest style can be elevated to 'princess level' with little details like decorating your hair with flowers, butterfly clips or a headband; tying ribbons and bows into your up-do, or even adding a satin scarf.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ જ⁀➴

✿. summer can be the perfect time to find a new passion, or perhaps reignite an old one .ᐟ for example : taking up a language , learning about greek mythology , writing & reading poetry , learning to sew or crochet , or learning to play an instrument ( piano, flute, violin, etc. ) - there are so many different hobbies to try this season.

⤷ and even better, with the warm weather, you can do them all outside surrounded by the beauty of nature - birds chirping in the distance, a gentle breeze dancing through the trees, and the sun shining down on you.

✿. like i mentioned earlier, a princess's best friend is mother nature. they love to spend time engaging with any and all of nature's elements. here are some ways you can do the same . . .

✿. start your very own garden .ᐟ

whether it be filled with an assortment of vibrant flowers, or even a mix of fruits, veggies and herbs, a garden is a perfect way to create a serene and magical place to spend your summer days. you can even add a chair or maybe lay out a blanket for a quiet little reading spot. plus. . . with a garden in your midst, you can pick as many flowers as you'd like to create your own bouquets or make flower crowns for yourself and friends .ᐟ ⤷ filling your space with flowers will definitely make you feel like you are living in a fairytale 𓍢ִ��🌷͙֒

✿. visit a farmer's market or go berry picking .ᐟ

🍓 picking your own strawberries, blueberries, or any other fresh fruit & veggies can be a cute way to stock your fridge and find the ingredients for your next recipe. 🫐 baking is another great hobby to pick up - especially for during those stormy summer days you have to stay inside. breads, muffins, cakes, and jams - there's so many things you can make using the fruit you hand picked; and an added bonus, it will keep your kitchen smelling super yummy .ᐟ

✿. have a picnic .ᐟ

take yourself on a date or round up a group of friends for a picnic at the park or on the beach. you can pack a basket of macarons, sparkling cider, and any of your other favorite treats ; find the perfect spot to lay your blanket, and maybe even bring some reading material or a journal to write in .ᐟ

✿. feed the ducks .ᐟ

if you have a pond nearby, you can take a walk & bring something to feed the duckies, turtles, or any of the other sweet creatures swimming around in there. if not, you can also make homemade bird food and treat those hungry little birdies singing outside your house every day. it could also be fun to take a trip to a local farm or petting zoo and feed some animals that way .ᐟ ⤷ if you do any of these things, please remember to do your research on what foods are good for our little friends, be respectful, and clean up after yourself. princesses don’t litter .ᐟ

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ જ⁀➴

if the sun is not shining or you are looking for other ways to spend time like a princess, here are a few more ideas to add to your summer bucket list. . .

ᥫ᭡. take a trip to a museum and wander its halls, admiring the magnificent artwork in all its beauty.

ᥫ᭡. visit your local library or bookstore and spend the day picking out your next read.

ᥫ᭡. play dress up with your closest friends and have a tea party.

ᥫ᭡. try painting pottery. you could even paint & personalize your very own tea cup or jewelry box .ᐟ

ᥫ᭡. send a handwritten letter to a loved one or a pen pal. and while you’re add it, you can get some practice writing in cursive .ᐟ

ᥫ᭡. pamper yourself a little extra with a bubble bath - adding in rose petals, filling the bathroom with candles, and treating yourself to a plentiful amount of ladurée macarons - in good ole blair waldorf fashion.

࿐a princess always walks with their head held high. they know what makes them feel like their most confident self, and they don't shy away from it by trying to be anyone else. with that being said, always be your true, and authentic self - don't change just to fit a certain 'aesthetic' - take what you like from it, and leave the rest. it is important to do & wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, because in turn you will also feel your most beautiful - as a princess always should .ᐟ

xoxo, meg ♡

[riverwriter]

Hermione loved lists.

There used to be a time when she made lists that reached far into the future: days, months, years. She was intelligent and studious but the real secret to her success had been her organization.

Now she depended on a list to get through the day. If she could check off a few boxes she could sleep at night, and move onto the next day.

The items on these lists were much more basic than they used to be: eat, attend classes, bathe. But still she felt proud of herself for taking care of her basic needs, for continuing on. She owed it to herself as well as to those who couldn’t.

She also had some far more subjective items on her daily lists, different depending on the day: have a good conversation, eat something I actually enjoy, make somebody happy. Which was how she found herself trudging out to Hagrid’s cabin for an early morning patrol of the Forbidden Forest and a visit to Grawp.

The Forest didn’t scare her as it once had. Maybe because she’d now seen much scarier things, or maybe because she’d learned to appreciate beauty where she could find it. Either way, she had been looking forward to this little outing.

As she approached the cabin there was a ruckus, barking, and then Fang came bounding out running full tilt towards Hermione. Luckily for her, over the years they’d developed a system and instead of leaping on her, he would come to a skidding halt in front of her and she would bend to hug him. In return for his restraint he was allowed to drool as much as he desired.

She grinned at his clear joy in seeing her. He had his good days and his bad days just like the rest of them, and they had a tendency to coincide with Hagrid’s so she hoped that this meant that her friend was also in a good mood.

She was so pleased to see that Hagrid finally seemed to be making steady progress, because while Harry was alive and well, carrying his body to the castle during the Final Battle had taken a real toll on Hagrid, and it was incredibly heartbreaking even in an ocean of heartbreak to see such a jovial man drowning in depression.

“Mornin’ Hermione!” Hagrid called.

“Hi Hagrid!” She smiled at him over Fang’s head as she scratched his ears.

“You ready to go? Grawp’s really looking forward to seeing yeh.”

“Definitely, oh and look!” She opened her beaded bag and pulled out an enormous thermos, “the elves sent you some hot chocolate!”

She had no idea where they’d found the vessel, or if it was transfigured, she’d been too busy marveling at how it was almost as big as one of them to think to ask.

Hagrid beamed. “Well that was kind of them!”

“They send their regards.”

He nodded, gave her a hug, and tilted his head towards the tree line. She nodded in return and they set off, Fang trotting at their sides.

Hagrid had always liked to talk. He liked to share his knowledge and what he was thinking, sometimes at the expense of secrets he was supposed to be keeping. But mostly it was just that he enjoyed interacting, and he almost always saw the best in people. Hermione was pleased to see that light returning to him.

But this dark period also seemed to have taught him the beauty of quiet companionship. So, as they trekked through the forest there were periods of silence interspersed with conversation. Hagrid was always happy to answer any questions Hermione had, and he was excited to point out the trees he had earmarked to use for decorating the castle during the upcoming Yule season.

Hermione marveled at his care and dedication. She had never given Hagrid enough credit for how dedicated he was to his job and just how good he was at it. They had a good visit with Grawp who proudly sang his ABCs for Hermione, and then they made their way back in time for Hermione to make the tail end of breakfast.

She bid Hagrid and Fang farewell- both with hearty hugs, and started back towards the castle. As she approached the Black Lake she saw a familiar blond head huddled on top of a boulder on its shore.

Malfoy.

He was different this year. They were all different, it would be strange if he wasn’t, but for some reason it bothered her that he had retreated so far into himself. The brash, arrogant boy of their first years had all but disappeared. The odd thing was, though, that she hadn’t been able to stand that boy, so she didn’t know why it bothered her so much- except that she knew why he had changed, and nobody should have to go through what he had been through.

It wasn’t pity. It was empathy. She was no longer the loud, know-it-all she’d once been, after all. Her steps faltered and she considered her options. She could just keep walking. She probably should just keep walking.

Or she could try. She couldn’t deny that Malfoy piqued her curiosity in a way that nobody had in a long time. Maybe she owed it to herself to try and figure out why. Maybe she could make his day a little better. And maybe he would rebuff her, but then she could at least say that she’d made an effort.

Either way she could check off a box.

She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and turned to walk in his direction.

Day 20&21: Hagrid and Fang. I was out of town this weekend so we didn’t get to open the calendar. When I got home and saw the days I missed I knew- just like Fred and George- I couldn’t separate Hagrid and Fang. But you get and extra long one, enjoy!

[koolkat9]

Dewy and Cozy

Spoilers for the last two seasons of MLP gen 4

Now it seems that Cozy getting redeemed is debated on, but whether you think she deserves it or not, or you think she wouldn't bother, I am just having fun and I love me a good redemption arc. Also, this is going on the headcanon that she actually is just a filly.

So Dewy, despite having moved out of the Castle with Luna and eventually marrying her, can't help but think back to Cozy. Despite having been imprisoned by her, Tirek and Chrysalis and doing battle with Cozy specifically, Dewy can't help but feel sympathy. I'm thinking that during their battle, Dewy brings up something about parents and it strikes a nerve with Cozy leading Dewy to suspect that maybe Cozy has got some parent baggage, and Dewy also having parent baggage (she was left at an orphanage when very young with no information about her family and no one came looking for her), the encounter is always at the back of her mind. She begins to wonder that perhaps if she didn't get a positive influence in her life from that local librarian she would have gone down a similar path, and she loved the Nightmare Moon story it seemed all the more possible.

A year or two later, Once everything calms down in her life after moving, settling in a new place and being away from her friends, the wedding, the honeymoon then settling into married life, Cozy and the potential parallels to Dewy's own life becomes more of a constant thought. She can't bear to tell Luna but perhaps going to visit the statue and talking to her friends, maybe even Twilight will help. So she tells Luna she's going to Canterlot for a girls' weekend.

Bramble admits that she also has started feeling bad whenever she passes by the statue, but still, what Cozy did was terrible. Dewy can't help but bring up all their current allies who threatened the world, how Starlight tried to reach out to Chrysalis, Cozy didn't seem to get that. Bramble not sure what to say suggests they just leave it. It's not their place. But Dewy won't take that and arranges to meet with Twilight to hear exactly how everything went down.

She questions Twilight about Cozy's punishment, both the first time and the time now. How she sent her right to Tirek. Did she even attempt to extend a hoof, fight for Cozy to be better like she did for Starlight? Twi says she let Cozy explain herself. Dewy shoots back that's not the same. How Twilight was patient, showing her the mistakes she was making despite how stubborn and cruel she continued to be, getting to the bottom of her motivation that way she could help show her a better way. Twilight argues Cozy was a student, if she was going to change she would have. Dewy says Cozy was different, the mindset Cozy was in, she needed different lessons. Deconstruct that idea that friendship would give her power through manipulation. Twilight falls silent and Dewy can't tell if she just made her angry or if she is actually considering what she said. Dewy, frustrated excuses herself.

She ends up bringing her concerns to Celestia and Luna who also share concerns. Even Luna who got her own redemption. They get into an argument and Dewy decides that maybe she needs some space to calm down. Originally she was going to go back to Canterlot to spend more time with her friends, but then she thinks back to argument with Twilight and thinks maybe Starlight could give her some advice, she'd understand this better than anyone.

Starlight is also hesitant, trusting Twilight and also personally victimized by Cozy, but Dewy pleads with her, reminding her of what Twilight did for her, and what Starlight herself did for the Pony of Shadows. Doesn't Cozy deserve to have some pony do the same? Especially since she's so young. Starlight agrees but bring up the concern of Cozy's manipulation. Dewy assures her that she plans on finding a truth spell or something of the like. Starlight agrees to help search.

Bramble comes around to Dewy's plan and starts helping her research that truth spell. Blaze, though still hesitant can see how much this means to Dewy and agrees to help looking into said truth spell. Starlight ropes in Trixie, tries to rope in Discord but still feeling guilty for his mess up pretending to be Grogar plus he doesn't really have anything to gain anyway.

With everything coming together, Dewy approaches Luna once more. Much calmer now, she admits that she's doing this not just out of the goodness of her heart. Part of it comes from seeing herself in Cozy and a lingering fear that she herself could have turned out like Cozy. Luna can sympathize also having wanted to help many ponies she saw herself in. She listens to Dewy's plan and seeing all the bases covered, agrees to bring it up with Celestia and Twilight.

Eventually they convince Twilight and some of the still hesitant members of the mane six and Cozy is freed. Cozy though scared tries to put on her innocent act, but Dewy and Luna shut that down. "I'm being merciful but not stupid," Dewy says. She explains she wants Cozy to do better, but also knows she's very clever and manipulative. So for the time being, she'll be under a truth spell as they determine if Dewy is right that Cozy can be better. Cozy is not happy about it, but at least she's out.

So Dewy tries her best to get through to her, trying to get her to help around the castle/city, but Cozy is not at all interested and is trying to worm her way out of it all. If anything she tries to cause trouble only to be shut down by Dewy and her friends. Dewy starts to doubt that bringing Cozy back was a good idea. Perhaps Twilight was right that she couldn't be redeemed, at least not now. Cozy ends up overhearing this and she's surprised to find it kind of hurts. As much as she wanted to return to her own plan, it was nice having someone vouch for the real her. But now...

Cozy ends up running away. Even with the truth spell still on her, she knows she's clever and she'll figure something out to regain power. But distracted by what has transpired she ends up running into trouble (still not sure what this trouble it. A monster of some kind probably, but I can't think of one where Cozy wouldn't easily out smart it but anyway...). Dewy comes to her rescue, putting her life on the line to save her. The two end up working together to get out of it.

From then one, Cozy is still a bit of a trouble maker with an ego, but she settles into this more calm life. She slowly opens up to Dewy about her difficult childhood. I read the idea once that Cozy was born to powerful unicorn parents and being a pegasus, they look down on her. I think this really makes sense with the line she says about power types relying on their magic instead of their brain which always gave me a sense of that as much as she craved power, she had a bitterness towards magic. Perhaps that was instilled in her by her parents disappointment in her despite being so clever. Dewy sympathizes with her over her own poor childhood providing further basis for a bond.

Anyway, Cozy makes a real friend for the first time, she ends up healing, gets a found family with Dewy and Cozy. And that's all I got so far other than Cozy ends up becoming a strategist for the royal guard when she is older, but I don't have much details on how she gets there.

[twilightmalachite]

VS★PRINCESS - Battle Royale 10

Characters: Mao, Leo, Subaru, Tsukasa, Esu, Fuyume

Translator: Mika Enstars

JP Proofreader: 310mc

"You think? Maybe we’re long lost brothers or something? You can call me “onii-chan” then, Orange-hair!"

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Spring

Location: Prince Castle (Hall)

Several minutes later, after a general explanation about 4piece…

Leo: Hey-yo~! ♪

Wahaha! It’s not often that Suo~ gets along with other kids, so I was considerate and didn’t call out to him! But…

I couldn’t do it in the end! I got lonely! Include me in too!

Tsukasa: Leo-san?!

I-I heard you were placed here at the first venue as well, where were you and what have you been doing all this time?! I’ve been looking for you!

Leo: For me? Why? 4piece is a competition between individuals, isn’t it?

Tsukasa: I-I know, but we are typically comrades, so I figured it’d be reassuring for us to be together—

Leo: But we’ll be killing each other soon, wouldn’t that familiarity just make things worse?

Hey, don’tcha agree, Trickstar?

Mao: Uh, umm, you must’ve been working hard today, Tsukinaga-senpai…?

Leo: We haven’t even done anything that’d count as hard work yet, though? Kinda a weird thing to say, isn’t it?

Well, it was hard work for me just listenin’ to somethin’ so long and incomprehensible! Wahaha! ☆

Subaru: Right~? I’ve finally graduated high school, and here I am feeling like I’m made to study again!

Leo: Ooh, Orange-hair! So you’re here too! Is “Yuu-kun” here? I don’t really do good with him, so I’d hate to be in the same venue!

Subaru: Ukki~ and Hokke~ aren’t participating~! And what do you mean “Orange-hair”, don’t we have the same hair color?

Tsukasa: Indeed you do. That’s how I mistook you to be Leo-san in the first place and ended up approaching Trickstar of all people.

Mao: Actually, they both sorta have a similar vibe, don’t they? Kinda like the genius-type?

Leo: You think? Maybe we’re long lost brothers or something? You can call me “onii-chan” then, Orange-hair!

Subaru: Maybe I will! If you’d be so kind as to call me by my name, that is~!

Mao: It sure is weird seeing Subaru talk so politely… I think it was the same case for Sakuma-senpai and the others, so maybe this means that he recognizes Tsukinaga-senpai’s ability?

Subaru: Nah, I just tend to be like this when it comes to people I don’t know all too well, y’know?

Tsukasa: Now that you mention it, ever since Leo-san returned to Knights, we haven’t had too many skirmishes with Trickstar, have we?

Leo: Personally, I’ve had plenty of them happen with me, like “Yuu-kun” and “Yuu-kun”.

Movin’ on from that though. Guys, you gotta drop playin’ make-believe with that “good friends club” of yours.

4piece will be starting now. The more friendly you guys get with each other, the harder it’ll be for you guys to crush each other later on.

As someone who had to do that sort of thing a lot during the time of conflict, I’m used to it. But just because I’m used to it doesn’t mean I don’t hate it.

You guys have always generally got along well though, so you’re not all too used to it, are you?

Tsukasa: Are Knights and Trickstar not sworn Rivals of each other?

Leo: We were only rivals when it came to DreamFes competitions, we never truly tried to kill each other. It’s like the difference felt between usin’ a bamboo sword and a sharpened one.

Well, 4piece does also appear to be a surprisingly peaceful event. So I guess there’s no need to take what I’m sayin’ too seriously.

Mao: I suppose so, huh. Well, that NiceP guy, who looks to be the head of the judges’ seats, was talking about love and peace and all, but…

Doesn’t ES also do the same, always laying on the lip service like that?

Leo: Though, I do think that strangely-dressed old man was actually serious about what he said. With the stuff about love and peace…

I dunno, though. It was all through a screen after all, he might’ve just been reading off a script that was prepared in advance for him.

But it doesn’t matter which one it actually is, y’know. It won’t change what we do.

We will fight and we will win; in typical Knights fashion!

Ain’t that right, Suo~?

Tsukasa: Indeed. Even though it is hard that I have to fight against such a beloved compatriot, as well as fellow members of Knights.

Leo: Hm? But the only other Knights member at this venue is me. You’ll be fine with that, won’t you?

Aren’t you always flaring up at me? What makes this time all that different?

It’s no different than Knight’s specialty, Judgement.

Knights can win even when it comes to competitions as individuals. That’s what we’re provin’ by entering 4piece. Isn’t that what you had in mind, Suo~?

Tsukasa: That is true, but… I do feel a bit hesitant crushing newbies who don’t know anything.

Leo: Hm? Like who?

Tsukasa: Here, Sagiri-san, how about you come over and say hello? While you are from a different group, you are still within the same context as Knights—

If you wish to learn how to act like a king, perhaps you could learn a thing or two from our first king, Leo-san?

No, I told you, I’ve nothing do with being king—

Huh?

Whoa, it’s Tsukinaga Leo! The real one!

Leo: Hm? Is there a fake of me out there?

Esu: Oh no, sorry… It’s just, I used to fly all around the world, prior to my time shut away…

I’d often hear of your name, Tsukinaga-senpai!

I really like it, the music you make.

Leo: Really? I’m glad! But that doesn’t mean I’ll be goin’ easy on you, you know!

It’d be disrespectful to the person you’re fighting against. If you’re gonna crush them, you gotta give it all you got!

Esu: Don't go too hard on me… Come on, Fuyume, don’t be intimidating.

Fuyume: Grrrrr.

Leo: Wahaha! You guys are all weird! They say birds of a feather flock together!

Tsukasa: What are you implying with that?

However, I see now that Sagiri-san truly has no interest in being king. He didn’t even seem to know that you were a member of Knights, Leo-san.

Leo: Sagiri? Your name’s Sagiri?

Esu: Huh… Ah, yes, my name’s Sagiri Esu.

Leo: The famous adventurer? I remember seeing somethin’ about you on TV overseas!

Tsukasa: What do you mean by adventurer…?

Esu: Ah, adventuring is my pursuit, my purpose in life. I don’t really like to call it my career or anything like that, since I don’t get paid for it.

Tsukasa: W-Why is someone like you in an Audition for Idols?

Esu: I don’t know why, either. How did this happen…

Fuyume: Fate—That’s what it must be. ♪ Ufufu! ♪

[ ☆ ]

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[localfanbaselurker]

First time watching Voltron: Legendary Defender and documenting my thoughts

This is Season 4

S1-2 | S3 | S5 | S6 | S7 | S8 |

———————————————————————

<this one is going to be shorter, as I have only recently finished this season, and the grief is still fresh (lol), so the thoughts are only just starting to simmer. strap your asses in>

Pre-Season 4 Thoughts

-> Keith joining the blades is going to be a huge plot device, I feel

-> PLEASE for the love of CHRIST let that poor little girl find her brother and father. If they are dead dreamworks better be ready to catch these hands

->I’ve heard people claim this is the “last good season”, but i stay strong 💪 and will watch till the end

->wouldn’t the paladin switch not make sense now? Cus shiro is back as the black paladin and it makes no sense for Lance to be red like it originally had? If anything, he should’ve gone back to blue, and Allura to red, because Allura is very accepting/encouraging of shiro’s role as leader. I guess they didn’t wanna do it all over again. But I digress 🤷‍♀️

->im gonna miss my Pookie (🤍❤️🤍)

Post-S4

->do they do this every two seasons?? Have an epic battle where they have a big preparation and say it’ll 100% end the war but it doesn’t and something crazy happens after they win and it sets up the next season??

->FUCK YEAH PIDGE GOT HER BROTHER BACK IM SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP 💪💪🔥🔥‼️‼️‼️🙏🙏🙏🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️

->^genuinely cried so hard during this scene. would’ve cried more if I wasn’t recovering from the initial shock.

->^cried during this one too, but it was happy tears. I could actually just do a whole reaction post to this episode alone. (if you want me to js say so in the rbs/replies)

->the callback to s1! “color-coded of course, because what are we? animals?” AHHH! I’m going insane I love these siblings sooooo much

->okay I’ll stop gushing over them now

->^only valid reaction to meeting Allura. Homegirl is beauty incarnate

->I LIED. im not sorry im never shutting up about them. SHE SHOWS HIM AROUND THE CASTLE AND TELLS HIM EVERYTHING AND EVERY DETAIL AND SHES SO EXCITED CUS SHE JUST GOT HER BRO BACK AND IS JUST RAMBLING ABOUT HER NEW HOME AND ALL THE COOL STUFF SHES BEEN DOING AND HES JUST LISTENING AND IS SUPER EXCITED WITH HER AND ITS SOOOO AMAZING AND ADORABLE AND I COULD DIE

->AND THEN HE TELLS HER HOW THEIR DAD WOULD BE SO PROUD IM DYING IM LITERALLY DEAD STOP.

->AND AND AND THEY WERE ALL WORKING TOGETHER W HUNK TO MAKE THE GALRA TRACKER THING AND THEY WERE BEING SO COOL WITH EACH OTHER AND BEING NERDS TOGETHER AND AND AND AJEUWNDUWJEBEURBDGWUDKAODHD

->okay. ive calmed down. i am normal and can be trusted to simply watch a show.

->^Get his ass, Zarkon. I needed his smug ass to be humbled so bad. Only time I will agree w Zarkon fr.

->i do NOT like Lotor. Can you guys tell already??

->THE SCENE WHERE THEY TRIED TO GET MILKSHAKES AND WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT YOU NEED TO MILK A COW STOP.✋ 😭. My high-score on the giggle-meter went up by 300%

->bro I SWEAR shiro looks different. there’s just something about him. the hair gets a pass cus how good of a haircut can you give yourself in space, yk? but that nose scar is definitely a different shade #notmyrodrickshiro

->THE VOLTRON SHOW.

->^Just. That entire episode. It’s getting a whole post actually I need to yap about it.

->^her armor is colored in a way which makes it look both pink and red while making it look like a trick of the light in a way to symbolize that she is acting as keith yet while being a paladin herself and that being unknown in the public eye and showing how they have to cover that up, any suspicion being thrown as a trick of the light. Oh vld animators ily 🫶

->on another note tho why do they always draw lance and shiro to have 30 pounds of ass. what.

->loved when those lesbians decided to take down lotor. Queen shit 💋 we stan 🙇‍♀️🙏

->Lotor is so stupid and pathetic and annoyingly smug and sus and admiral-zhao-y and I hate him but he’s SOOO FREAKING HOT and I can’t hate him completely because he’s so attractive but that just makes me wanna hate him more. He’s a walking red flag but the flag is heart-shaped and honestly idk what to do w that.

->^WHAT. stop. honestly that’s the real reason he was banned from the empire my ass would not want that fucking FREAK within a 30 light year radius of me either

-> while s3 was the klance season, s4 is apparently the allurance season, they have a lot of sweet moments. (granted all started by lance but still, you can almost see allura swooning)

->^pookie. what are you doing… pookie.. no. stop. i don’t like where this is going…

->^POOKIE NO. STOP. ✋ STOP. SAY SIKE RN.

->^oh thank fuck for Lotor.

->^^wait what. why Lotor.

->^^^heartbreaking: worst person you know doesn’t something good for once.

->he definitely wants something out of this. I don’t trust him.

These are thoughts I’ve had compiled for some time now. I will continue to post my thoughts on the tag “laura’s first vld”

I finished this season on 06/30/24. I am on S5E3 as of today (07/06/24)

[onebadpunspoilsabunch]

On the topic on season 8 of mlp, I had a problem with the inconsistent way dragons were portrayed in season 8. It really confused me, since there were a lot of conflicting stuff being said by Smolder about how dragons treat their kids.

Oh, yeah! Right on! You're so right.

In the Molt Down Smolder told Spike that during the molt, dragon parents abandon their kids to fend for themselves against giant predators:

Spike: No-no-no-no-no. The last time I grew up, I turned into a giant greedy monster.

Smolder: Greed-induced bigness. That's totally different. The molt is completely normal. Every dragon goes through it. Pretty soon, you'll leave and strike out on your own.

Spike: Why would I do that?

Smolder: Have you been living with ponies your whole life?

Spike: Uh-huh.

Smolder: Oh. Well, in the Dragon Lands, a molter's loved ones kicks them out at the first stone scale.

Spike: What? Why?

Smolder: I think it's biological. We call it the "molt effect". I haven't even told you about the smell.

Spike: So no creature's gonna wanna be around me?

Smolder: Oh, I didn't say that. That molt stench is a magnet for predators. Tatzlwurms, hydras, rocs...

Spike: Dragons are scared of rocks?

Smolder: R-O-C-S. Rocs? Humongous birds of prey that can snack on a molting dragon like candy!

Spike: So Twilight's kicking me out, and the only creatures who don't find me disgusting want to eat me?

But in Father Knows Beast, Smolder tells Spike that dragon parents take time to teach their kids how to fly after they sprout wings:

Spike: Wow! Thank you so much! How did you know I just needed to bend my wings?

Smolder: Honestly, this is Dragon 101. Usually dragon parents teach this stuff.

So Dragon parents kick their kids out and don't care if their children are killed during puberty, but if they somehow survive through puberty then they take their kids back in just to teach them how to fly? Or was Smolder just lying to Spike?

In Father Knows Beast after Spike tells Smolder about Sludge:

Smolder: So, Sludge just lays around while you wait on him claw and tail? Uh, dragons are rude and rebellious, but they aren't lazy lumps who take advantage of their kids.

Spike: Huh. Now I'm really confused.

Then when Sludge reveals he lied about being Spike's dad in order to live in the Castle, Smolder berates him for it:

Sludge: Stop! I'm not your father!

Spike: What?

Sludge: I just said that to get in on this sweet castle life.

Spike: So... you... pretended to be my dad?

Sludge: Now-now-now-now-now, don't look at me like that, kid. I did what any dragon would do.

Smolder: No. You didn't.

Sludge: Hey. I saw an opportunity, and I took it. That's what dragons do.

Smolder: No. It isn't.

But in a previous episode, Smolder tells the Feast of Fire story that won the dragon contest, the story about Scales overthrowing the nice Dragon Lord:

Smolder: [narrating] Scales sat with the Dragon Lord's family and friends and had the biggest, best dinner of gemstones she'd ever eaten! Then, while the dragons were telling stories, Scales thought it would be so easy to seize power from this feeble and sensitive Dragon Lord. She saw her chance... and took it! [flames bursting]

Smolder: [narrating] She claimed the Bloodstone Scepter and took over the Dragon Lands! [as Scales, evil laughter] And forced the Dragon Lord to live out in the cold, just as she used to!

Ocellus: That's a horrible story!

Smolder: Maybe to you. But dragons like hearing about weak, kind creatures getting defeated.

Dragons are known to be opportunists and they enjoy stories of kind creatures getting betrayed and used, but Smolder tried to make a point to Sludge that it was definitely something dragons did not do...

Yeah, that's a bit confusing. 

It reminds me of the way Garble's character was retconned in Sweet and Smoky by Smolder's mere existence. 

This analysis is making me realize that Smolder's character only exists just to retcon/contradict everything we know about dragons. Spike is better off learning about dragons from Ember. I don't hate Smolder as a character, I just hate her role in certain stories, specifically involving Spike and dragons.

Sidenote: Torch and the ancient Dragon Lord are the nicest adult dragons we've seen in the show. Even after Ember disobeyed him, Torch congratulated her, and admitted he was wrong in front of the other dragons.

[zonerobotnik]

"Cassandra, please, this is your home."

Okay, so someone on anon wanted me to analyze why it feels so wrong for Varian to be the one to say this line. I assume they were making a point about how Varian, in season 1, expressed not caring about Corona anymore, but that's actually incorrect. In season 1, Varian was bitter, frustrated and hurt, and that's why he said "I'm not really concerned about Corona".

However, when he made his big speech,

he let people know about the danger that was coming for them, albeit in a vague way, and in season 3,

he helped Rapunzel save Corona from being destroyed, when, if he didn't care, he wouldn't have bothered. Furthermore, by the point that he said this line, he's healed from his pain and Corona is, once again, his home. This is after his father was freed, after he helped save the people from the Fear Rocks and people genuinely thanked him for it and even Feldspar, who was so cold to him before,

greeted him with a smile at the end.

He had been accepted, all was forgiven and, sure, the people did mistreat him before but they had been falsely told that he attacked Rapunzel during a state of emergency, so he can't really blame them for being so cold to him.

As a side-note, the one person he DOES have genuine beef with, he stays at least half a room away from even when they're all cramped into one room.

But, even if he DID still have resentment towards the Kingdom and not consider it his home, let's look at his wording. He didn't say "my", he didn't say "our", he said "This is YOUR home". As in, he was appealing to her based on the fact that the Kingdom, aside from her getting on a Wanted poster for, you know, attacking the castle and Rapunzel and kidnapping him and attacking the Spire and stealing the Mindtrap and, oh, how about the time she left Rapunzel to die in a toxic cave, did NOTHING wrong to her. The Kingdom still loved her, would have accepted her back with open arms if she would have come in as herself and not in a sneaky way

and if she removed her armor. Even if she kept the Moonstone, she didn't have to come in with the armor on, looking ready for a fight, especially now that she can control the rocks. Granted, she still might've had to make amends for all her crimes, but Rapunzel was willing to give her a chance to come back, anyway, judging by how she told the guards to not attack.

If Cassandra had left it to Rapunzel and not attacked the guards,

then Eugene and Varian wouldn't have been called to help stop her with their non-lethal weaponry, which was kept as a last-resort.

(Varian's eagerness to fire it earlier aside. That's his personal beef with her.)

(Not the time, kid, omg) While Varian didn't intend to fire it on her, Cassandra didn't know any different and so having Varian be the one to try to appeal to her after encasing her in amber,

She, understandably, wasn't really in the mood to hear any form of persuasion from him.

Now, if it had been her father to come up and try to appeal to her, beg her to listen to him, told her that he didn't tell her about her mother because it hurt her so badly as a child when her mother abandoned her and that he loved her and would always be there for her, that he quit the Royal Guard because he couldn't bear to fight her,

then she might have listened. But, from Varian, it just seems like his signature manipulation tactic. The amber didn't work, so he was trying to weaken her with sentimentality, as if he didn't just shoot her.

And look how quickly he gave up on trying to reason with her.

He dropped his hand, he straightened up, he didn't even try to appeal to her after that and his only interaction with her for the rest of the battle is silently glaring or shooting her.

Varian was NOT the right one to try to appeal to her at that moment, and that's why it feels so wrong.

[cosmos-night]

Ok. Recently I have found something strange. There is this official Stranger Things Tarot deck. I love finding some hidden meaning in those cards. And I love how many cards represent Will. That said. Recently while watching the deck on youtube I found out that some decks have one card replaced. The Hanged Man card. The original card looked like this:

But now in some decks it looks like this:

Why would they change it? I have heard complains that original deck did not include Eddie, but nowhere did they announced that they added it to deck. Was it intentional? Or are they hinting at something?

Will Byers Castle Byers Classics playlist include many songs that allude to the Rockstar lifestyle, teenage rebellion, addictions, nonconformity, rejection of school education, or even mention Lucifer = Satanism. The story of Will Byers in season 1 is somehow similar to that of Christopher Byers, Eddie Munson was based on Damien Echols. Both inspired by West Memphis Three.

Will Byers is called "Zombie Boy". In one comic he is asked by Owens if the character he draws craves for human brains. Will replies no - just their flesh. Not only is that metal as fuck but it somehow resembles vampiric cravings for blood. Eddie was compared to Vampire Kas.

Both during the death of Will and Eddie plays the same song by Moby. We have this tearful goodbye with Dustin. And just some scenes later we have this touching reunion with Will where they hug. It's like the timelines are fucked up or something...

Will being this anti drug advocate just to some time later in life becoming drug dealer himself would be so hilarious.

Lets not forget about Mike crush on Eddie... Are we to believe that Mike is not fully interested in Will now but would be in few years or on different timeline?

The new hairstyle for Will in season 5 suddenly becomes more curled? Another resemblance to Eddie...

And finally this post by Noah Schnapp hinting at certain death:

Was he hinting at Eddies death?

I know this theory is crazy but at the same time it's crazy fun. Does anyone here has the Tarot deck I've mentioned? What card do you have? The one with Will Byers or the one with Eddie?