#I'm still not sure about that thane song

[aceghosts]

🎵 Rooney x Thane, Blue/Joseph

(And for challenge mode: each individual character!)

Thank you! I attempted the challenge mode, but Thane was definitely the most difficult.

🎵 + Commander Rooney Shepard

Meteor by Architects

I'm standing beneath the meteor Disaster's breaking down my door I should be moving mountains The arrow buckles in the bow They said it's time to go to war Yeah, I've heard it all before I should be moving mountains But I'm like fire in thе snow

🎵 + Thane Krios

Death is Not Defeat by Architects

When I leave this skin and bone Beyond my final heartbeat I'll dismantle piece by piece And I will know that death is not defeat

🎵 + Commander Rooney Shepard/Thane Krios

Find Our Way by Being as an Ocean

Wait up, I know you feel anxious No need to be nervous You're safe with me Some monsters are harder to vanquish Together we'll manage to make it through We'll find our way

🎵 + Blue Murphy

Up The Wolves by The Mountain Goats

There's bound to be a ghost at the back of your closet No matter where you live There'll always be a few things, maybe several things That you're going to find really difficult to forgive There's gonna come a day when you feel better You'll rise up free and easy on that day And float from branch to branch Lighter than the air

🎵 + Joseph Seed

Pale White Horse by the Oh Hellos

I can't even pick lyrics for this one; it's just the whole song.

🎵 + Blue Murphy/Joseph Seed

Beyond the Pines by Thrice

And I will meet you there - don't go to sleep Our souls and feet both bare - with grass beneath The oaths we needn't swear are vast and deep Our breath will be our prayer - alone - complete

And I will meet you there, beyond the pines Templed in twilight or dawn The light and easy air Tracing the lines on our palms

[pheita]

77 for the spotify wrapped drabbles 😁 @catharticallysarcastic

Hi @catharticallysarcastic , so the song is this

The warehouse still seemed much too large, although there were certainly about a hundred and fifty people inside. The improvised platform stood opposite the large gate, so that everyone who came in saw it right away and knew where to go. Aleena stood to the side with a grim expression, nervously playing with one of her daggers for reassurance. Somewhere, Nasya and Raila were scurrying after Namira like little ducklings, just as Thane was probably somewhere nearby, probably trying to convince Swea once again to let it all go. Aleena had to laugh briefly at the thought. Swea was just as stubborn as she was, that's why they got along. For the second time, her eyes wandered over the crowd. There weren't many, except for the fact that there were three safe havens in the city and each had about 700 residents, and there were certainly many times that number of mystical beings in the city living among the people. Maybe one percent had come, but some had come. Wars have been fought with fewer people. "Ready, my child?" Aleena didn't even flinch when Swea appeared beside her. "I have no choice. The Tree of Life decided that for me a long time ago."

"You always have a choice, remember that." "Not in this. It's fight back or die." Swea smirked slightly and followed in step. Of all those present, besides Thane, Swea probably understood best why Aleena was doing all this. As she climbed onto the platform, the crowd grew quieter as one by one the conversations died down. Her grandmother Becca's memories of how seventy years ago her grandfather had to do something similar to stand up to Aurelius briefly intruded her thoughts, and Aleena had to force them aside. Her nymph powers were slowly starting to go crazy, but she could still conceal it. "Thank you for coming here today and answering the call to do something," Aleena began speaking into the microphone in a firm voice. At her side, she saw Thane and Namira, who had Nasya and Raila standing with them. More calmly, she continued. "As you all know, for months now, employees of a strange organization have been patrolling the streets of every major city in the world. I'm sure many of you have heard that the energy lines have dried up or been poisoned in many places. I stand here to tell you that it is true, and that all the indications are that this strange organization and the drying up of the energy lines are connected. It is not yet clear if it is intentional or not, but as it happened decades ago in the War of Fate, the elders are again inert and do not want to see the danger. It's up to us, to those who go through the world with our eyes open and young enough to want to make a difference, to get to the bottom of this until we find something that will also force the elders to finally act."

Aleena let all this sink in and waited for reactions before continuing. If Charis was right and the Tree of Life had chosen its warriors, then it will also have ensured that the life paths of some led here today. Whether they wanted it or not, they were the warriors of destiny. "This isn't going to work." One man had spoken, loud and clear. A few people stepped aside, and a man stepped forward who looked vaguely familiar to Aleena. A few steps behind him followed a young woman, at the sight of her Aleena then remembered with a smirk. "Why won't this work?" "The idea is good, but as a nymph, you should know that the clan leaders and elders of the different tribes will take too long to make a decision once we have enough information. It will all be up to us. Apart from that, I think this organization is just part of a larger organization and the whole process is done on purpose. The choice of location is too appropriate to be accidental." Thane came to Aleena and stood next to her with a questioning look and whatever the woman wanted to say went unsaid, as it did the other day at the festival in the safe haven, because she was obviously smitten by Thane. Her companion noticed it as well and put an arm around her shoulder with a smirk. "Don't forget to breathe, Tali." "I think we should discuss the further course of action together," Thane began. "There's no need for much discussion," yawned a slender tall woman with colorful hair, "Our big mystery guy here has a point. If we're still going to stop all this from happening, we need to do this." "And you are?" "Hannah, and whatever you're up to, I'm in." Murmurs of agreement came from a few corners. Aleena looked around with a disgruntled smile. This felt more like rebellion than anything else, but if it was the only way, then so be it.

[saphirered]

Hi! Hope you’re doing well! I’ve been thinking a lot about the party in Nicodranas while the Nein were trying to get Essek’s attention while he was disguised. I was wondering if I could request perhaps a Essek x Bard!reader who’s a member of the Nein performing at the party while Marion’s getting ready? Maybe the reader plays a very pointed song? Please and thanks and have a wonderful week!

I will be completely honest here and say I have no memory of writing this so it must have been when I was still taking medication. I still hope you enjoy it though! I did write the song and just a fair warning, I'm no songwriter. I'll leave the chords for guitar at the end of this post in case anyone's interested. Anyway, sorry for the delay and hope you enjoy! 😘

The others already were doing a terrible job of trying to stay inconspicuous, questioning Essek, striking up conversation, anything to try to get him to slip up and figure out why he did what he did or admit it himself. It was only making the man more suspicious of them and wanting to remove himself from the situation at every turn. In his disguise he did well to hide it but you know him better than today and you can see that guilt whenever one of the Nein comes a little too close for his liking. Good. He should feel guilty. Essek should feel guilty for everything, for what he did to the countless people collateral to his actions, for the terrible choices he made, for his treacherous and treason, for hurting the people that had grown to love and trust him.

It may sound stupid and selfish because you know what he has been- still is responsible for and still you cannot shake the heartbreak and betrayal you felt when it was revealed what he had done. Did it come as a huge surprise out of nowhere? No. And that’s exactly what makes it all the worse. You should have known better. You were all just a pawn in the grand scheme of thing and granted by the looks of it you absolutely fucked up that grand scheme, that doesn’t make it any better. There’s so many things you want to do and say but your refrain. You won’t take the path of the others. No matter how much you may want to make Essek feel the hurt you are feeling, no matter how much you may want him to see the consequences of his actions to you and the Nein.

Why does your chest tighten at the discomfort of Essek’s disguised self? Why do you feel like you need to jump in and stop your blue tiefling friend from torturing him further? Why does your heart melt at the thought that maybe, just maybe everything can go back to normal and turn out right? Before you know it you feel yourself walking over to the ‘Nicodranian Lord’ offering him a smile as you place a hand on Jester’s shoulder.

“Jester, I believe Fjord asked for you. You might want to save him.” You whisper the last part to her nudging in the direction of Fjord talking with some other captains and looking very awkward. Jester however, is not stupid and immediately looks between you and the disguised drow. She does exceptionally well to hide it and your silent agreement is made. It’s your turn to talk to the Shadowhand now.

The tiefling skips away in her ballgown to save your friend leaving you and ‘Lord Thane’ watching her go until she’s mingled into the crowd. That’s when you turn your attention to the man. He’s holding his cup tightly, you’re sure his knuckles would have turned colour from the grip were it not a disguise. His breathing is shallower, caught in his throat and jaw clenched. You stay indifferent and put on a charade of warmth and kindness. You didn’t study the fine arts for them to be wasted the moment a difficult situation arose. Your charisma is your weapon and your shield.

“Lord Thane, right?” You ask as he takes a rather large sip from his cup, hand trembling lightly.

“I would ask for your name but it appears you are rather well known among these circles.” It’s true. You have a reputation as a performer. Perhaps not to the extend of the fame of the Ruby of the Sea but known nonetheless. The joining of a merry band of adventurers; heroes of the Dynasty and the Empire, only gave more credit to that name of yours.

“I don’t like to boast but it is true.” You offer him a flirty grin. Just to mess with him and you can visibly see Essek gulp and… is that a hint of jealousy? “I find it odd though, I’ve performed for many of the nobility on a multitude of occasions across the Menagerie Coast yet I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting you.” You simply make the statement. An innocent statement to anyone listening. To you, these are words spoken to make the man squirm. Essek’s lied through his teeth for many years. He’s hidden the truth for many more. That’s what he’s good at. But when it comes to blatant deception directed towards the people he cares about, when he feels guilty, that’s when he breaks and just his luck; he happens to care about you a lot.

“I’m afraid I’m a bit of an introvert.” He smiles awkwardly and takes another sip, the goblet surely empty now. Essek is panicking as he drains it to the last drop. Facing you is perhaps the worst of all. He just wants to disappear and is weighing the consequences if he does. The longer he spends with you, the more attractive those steep consequences are beginning to look. He doesn’t think he can handle much more of your kindness, or your person in general for that matter because you’re just reflecting all his guilt right back at him. Exposure is not what he fears here. Essek fears what you’d think of him. How you would respond. He doesn’t want to know because it’s better to live in that bliss of not knowing than it is to watch you in the eye as your heart breaks. When your eyes once filled with love show nothing but disappointment and pain because of him.

“Will you be performing tonight?” Essek is beating himself up for carrying on this conversation but he has to know. He’s heard you sing and play your instruments many times be that when slumped on a couch plucking away at the strings of a lute or lightly singing when wandering around or performing tasks of manual labor. You’ve sung for him many times be that simply because you were in the same space or because he had finally worked up the gut to ask you to. The happiness gracing your features whenever he asked would never fail to warm the cold settled within his veins. You filled a void he didn’t even realise was there until you came waltzing into his life.

“As a matter of fact, I am. Just one song though. I wouldn’t want to spoil them.” You confirm. A brief hint of panic settles in Essek. You’re already punching enough holes through his facade as is.

“Have you settled on a song yet?” Why does he keep asking. He already knows he has to get out now. Or at the very least out of earshot of your performance. Essek fears if he doesn’t, he will fall apart.

“I haven’t decided yet but but I do have a particular song in mind. I think it does this whole situation justice.” Essek freezes thinking you’ve caught onto him but you continue. “With the end of this futile war in sight. People tend to forget that war is a thing of poison, a game controlled by those in seats of power. Nothing changes there as long as they don’t change. Still there is hope for them, for us. People change people. For better, or for worse. There’s power in that.”

“So that is what you will sing about? A noble message.” Essek states.

“If you say so. Though there is some selfish motive I’ll admit. It was written about someone very dear to me. Perhaps one day I’ll get to perform it for him.” You notice saddened guilt settle within Lord Thane. Good. He deserves it but why do you hurt too? Why do you feel the urge to come clean to him about what you know and ask him why he did it? Why did you lie, Essek? Was the love you gave him not enough for him to trust you?

Essek is about to comment when one of the manor’s waiters comes by asking for your attention, telling you it’s time for your performance. You nod, thanking the waiter and offer Essek a smile.

“It seems our conversation must be be cut short. I really enjoyed your company, Lord Thane and perhaps you might bless me with it in the future. I hope you enjoy my performance.” You speak graciously before you back off mingling into the crowd towards the raised platform, musicians seated and standing providing the music for the night. The Marquis announces you himself, attention turning to the platform he stands upon, you off to the side behind the man awaiting your cue. From your place you can see your friends as well as Essek.

Once the Marquis leaves the stage you step to the front. You didn’t exactly have the time to confer with the other musicians but they are practiced. When you pick up your lute quickly playing some chords and riffs as a makeshift intro, they pick up on it carrying on your subtile given hints while those not studied in the fine arts might consider it part of the act. From there on you feel safe to sing, adjusting along with the other musicians to make a cohesive song.

As your words carry you do as usual allowing your eyes to roam across the crowd, occasionally landing on a single person as you play with their attention. When your eyes fall upon Essek all you see is pain and regret. Wether he knows you’re aware of his charade, doesn’t matter. He knows this song is meant for him and it hurts so much. It tells him exactly that despite everything he’s done, how he’s lied and cheated and how he’s played so many people with a practiced precision like the very lute you play, you still care about him. You still love him and you still have his back. You’d give up all to guide him along his own path of redemption because that’s how much he means to you. That’s where his guilt comes from.

Essek never thought anyone capable of caring enough for him to give so freely what the Mighty Nein give him, what you give him. And it’s exactly the consequences of his actions do not just affect him or those he can’t bother to care about. You should not be collateral in his selfishness and you have been, could still be. It is the greatest regret in his life and if he could change that he would. But then again, if he would, he’d never have met you in the first place. Perhaps some pain and suffering is worth the unconditional love he’s gotten through it even if he doesn’t think himself worthy of it.

"Your love is a curse I cannot escape,

Oh no, oh no,

I am haunted by every choice you make,

Oh no, oh no,

No matter where you go I follow,

Ignoring secrets and lies you sow,

Have you strayed too far? I don’t know,

Please wander back to me,

I see you dance with shadows and I lose hope

Oh no, oh no,

The spiders lie and cheat catching you in their webs,

Oh no, oh no,

You are trapped in a corner,

You are losing your control,

Have you strayed too far? I don’t know,

Please wander back to me,

Please wander back to me,

Oh honeyed words of poisoned stings,

These spiders come for both of us,

Take my hand we’ll burn them all,

Let my love turn them to dust,

You forget you’re not alone, do it all on your own,

Oh no, oh no,

You drown in the dirt, hands red with blood,

Oh no, oh no,

I can no longer ignore your secrets,

They are tearing me apart,

Have you strayed too far? I don’t know,

Please wander back to me,

Please wander back to me,

Oh honeyed words of poisoned stings,

These spiders come for both of us,

Take my hand we’ll burn them all,

Let my love turn them to dust,”

Your song certainly left an impact upon the crowd. Amusement with applause at pretty words and melodies, but a distant turning of minds among those who think twice about its meaning. You thank your audience before you step back allowing the musicians to continue their set until it’s time for Marion to claim the night as hers.

On your way out a hand wraps around your wrist gently. There you see the illusion of Lord Thane. You stop offering him a smile despite the tightness in your chest. It was a heavy song for you to sing in the presence you did and you didn’t expect it to have such an emotional impact on you. You’re lucky it only came afterwards and not while singing. You still have a reputation as a performer to upkeep and a cracking voice is not something you can afford in this company.

“I… I am so sorry.” Essek speaks, voice recognisable as his own. Damn this role he’s been playing. Damn keeping up appearances. If this is going to be the final stretch, if this is what will lead to his end at least he will have said the words and take comfort in that.

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean, Lord Thane.” You smile in confusion. You know damn well what he means but you can’t falter now. You might break yourself, cause a scene if this goes wrong. It’s not up to you to confront Essek on your own and ask him why. It’s not your place nor is it a right reserved for you only. That will be a team effort. That loose grip on your wrist drops and you move on, away from the crowd. You need a moment to empty your mind before undoubtedly helping the rest of the Nein do something incredibly stupid.

Essek watches you go. He hasn’t the heart to follow behind. He doesn’t know what he should say or do if he did follow but that feeling of leaving things unspoken is enough for him to be thrown off his game. Taking a glass from a passing waiter he’s ready to down it but is joined by a rather persistent blue tiefling once more. You’ve disappeared into the crowd and throughout the conversation with Jester he finds himself look back towards the direction you went in just to see if you’d return. You hadn’t but you would meet again soon. He promises himself he’ll see you before he goes back to Rosohna. He can’t tell you everything for he fears losing you forever if he does. Essek knows he’s selfish for it and perhaps he will tell if you ask directly but he can’t bear the disappointment. He can’t bear the look on your face you had when coming off that stage, before you put on your performing smile. You’re suffering because of him and he will do whatever he can to make right that wrong. Even if it takes a lifetime.

Chords for the song:

Standard tuning 4/4.

Verse: (Bm) Bm F# | Em | D F# Bm | F# |

Pre-Chorus: (F#) Bm | G | D | F# \ |

Bm | G | F# | % | (For second&third pre chorus: Bm | G | F# | F# | F# | F#\ |

Chorus: Bm | G | D F# | Bm F# |

Bm | G | D F# | Bm |

[spookyvalentine]

Mercy J + X!

aw hell yeah. i can talk about mercy til i die. i hope my dying words are about them

J: Joy

1. what makes them happy?

listening to music--being introduced to new stuff, or a rare find. visiting new planets and being able to have the time to explore and meet new people.

mercy's got a very developed sense of justice--so maybe not quite happy, but there is a bone-deep satisfaction to stopping cruel people from inflicting pain on others

2. who makes them happy?

kasumi for sure. she was their first ride-or-die as dreadful teenagers, and even more still as adults. grunt, jack and tali are mercy's kids, and their antics brings them a lot of delight. and thane, of course :)

in sports coach au, irikah is like the sun. the hottest mom of their soccer kids, and dead clever to boot.

3. are there any songs that bring them joy?

OOOOOh, thats a real toughie. they love music. it's like magic. when they made it to space they started devouring as much music from other planets and species as possible. has a huge soft spot for old earth music. i'm about to make you a mini playlist you did not ask for

let's get it on, marvin gaye

i'd rather go blind, etta james

gimme a little sign, brenton wood

try a little tenderness, otis redding

dont you know, della reese

aint that a shame, fats domino

4. are they happy often?

hmm. thats a toughie. maybe? i'd say more often they're pleased or amused, even smug, if we're going for positive emotions. they know how to take pleasures in the world, but they're just so... busy. and then the war. i imagine theyre the happiest after the reapers are gone

5. what brings them the most joy in the world?

seeing their people happy. and a damn good heist

X: Xylophone

1. what is their favorite genre of music?

they dont have one!!! everything is an expression of the soul, so all of it is enchanting

had they not been arrested, had they not been in the alliance, mercy absolutely would've ended up as a record producer/music label on top of being a crime lord :)

2. do they have a favorite song?

they do not! however, this is the song that inspired the title for my mercy collection on ao3

3. do they have a favorite band/artist/singer?

also, no! it all depends on their mood what they end up listening to

4. can they sing well?

maybe one of the absolutely average things about mercy. they're not a bad singer, their voice is sweet and low, but it also is not a special one. their talking voice is far more inspiring

5. can they rap?

mercy can be a fast talker, but rapper that does not make

[greendreamer]

Has Gray been mentioned after S2? Show wise? No. For all, we know he could still chilling in that cryogenic freeze, not bother anything that has happen since he was placed in there The most you'll get is when Jack has those existential guilt moments (like the final scene in 'Day 5'). In which you can think that Gray is one of the people he is thinking about.

You have more luck in the extended media. But that isn't much better.

Big Finish wise, all you have got is a name drop in track 10 of 'Expectant'. We can't even be sure Thane is even Gray's surname. As it has only been used for Jack during his Time Agent Days.

Btw, not an exact Gray nod but in 'Lives of Captain Jack Vol 2 - What Have I done?', where the main character talks about their own brother and they say something along the lines of "brothers always fight". Just the way Jack agrees, regarding the relationship Jack had towards Gray.

The most you'll find of Gray in the audio would be from the BBC audiobook 'Red Skies'. Where he gets a mention as "his brother" and later one there's a whole line about Jack's POV of when Gray stabbed him.

There is actually a flashback in 'Exodus Codes', to before Gray got taken, him and Jack trying to catch this special fish. The flashback ends with a sentence like "Gray is gone". Which I'm not really okay with.

Also, 'Into the Shadows', grey roses. Jack thinks he has escaped his own personal hell. He goes back to his office and finds on the table, a bunch of grey roses. You could definitely analyse that reference to show how important/much of an impact both Gray and Rose has on Jack's life.

Now on Boeshane, even though it has been mentioned twice in Doctor Who (one being in 'Revolution of the Daleks'), there is very little content. And I felt given Jack became a time agent, I feel there might be a risk of Jack even being able to go back to Boeshane (whether that be during his own timeline or just in general).

It is revealed in 'R&J' that the attack we saw in Adam was the first of many. Not completely sure how but Jack has ended up in an orphanage since that day. And River Song has to save him during a raid on the orphanage.

I don't think people notice but in 'Captain Jack Harkness', Jack mentions how he once went to war, as a boy, with his best friend, against "the worst possible creatures imaginable". Probably was just meant as another off-hand-mention of a past adventure can definitely be seen as Jack's first attempt to find Gray. Actually, you even say him joining the Time Agency was just so he could find Gray.

According to a Jack Harkness timeline printed in the Torchwood magazine, Jack was only 15 when he lost Gray.

You can even say the grief of losing Gray haunted Jack forever onwards. It even affected every relationship Jack had from that point.

Torchwood really did give us that whole Boeshane backstory and all that stuff about Gray and then did fuck all with it huh