#Inner Flame Analysis

[spiritmander13]

Warning! This contains spoilers for III18! If you have not watched it yet, go ahead! IT BROKE ME.

Wait. Waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwait.

Going back to the Inner Flame BS for a moment-

Okay. So, in The Overthinkers, it is revealed that Candle has telekinesis and uses it throughout the season (I mean, look at that fight scene in the latest episode), as well as telepathy and flight.

In A Jury Of Your Own Fears, Silver gains flight and telepathy as well, however... he doesn't have telekinesis. He has super strength instead, as seen in the previous episode, The Show Must Go On. What's even weirder is the fact that Candle has a third eye that she uses to see people's auras (*pointing hard at her EXIT Interview*) and Silver does NOT have this eye in the latest episode.

It is also true that everyone pretty much has an Inner Flame; they just haven't awakened it yet. While I have no questions about the eye, I have a few interesting questions.

Question 1: Does the power you get when you awaken your Inner Flame depend on your aura color?

And if so, Question 2: What are the other powers that you can get depending on the aura?

We know the flame color is not going to be the exact color as your aura. Candle's aura is blue, yet her flame color is purple in Inner-Flame form. Silver Spoon's aura is purple, however his flame color is green in Inner-Flame form.

So, Question 3: Is your flame color decided by anything such as personality, actions, views, or some psychological or mental thing? Silver's flame is green, and my mind immediately thought of the sin of Greed. And... yeah, I can see if this is correct. Silver's greedy for winning and taking the lead.

And following up the psychological question is Question 4, the most concerning question: How aggressive can your Inner Flame get? Because if it can literally CANCEL OUT ANOTHER INNER FLAME, then it might be more dangerous than Candle implied.

Finally, I'm still holding out on this question, Question 5: How exactly do you even find your Inner Flame? Do you meditate, do you have to befriend someone who's already awakened their Inner Flame? Do you just... have to be a better person? I'd assume that if EVERYONE has an Inner Flame that there have been evil people in the past using it for evil duties.

I am gonna point to @infinite-ticking-clock37's theory on how eyes work, and that I pretty much agree that, in order to gain a third eye you have to learn to control your Inner Flame. So I have no questions on the third eye.

WE SHOULD REALLY BE DISCUSSING THIS MORE.

[theweeklydiscourse]

What Makes Feyre’s Pregnancy Plotline in A Court of Silver Flames so Upsetting?

The answer is that the events and outcome concerning Feyre’s pregnancy speak to a fear of one’s loss of autonomy, specifically one’s reproductive autonomy. Furthermore, this plotline demonstrates Maas' consistent prioritization of her male characters at the expense of her female characters. Multiple factors make this subplot feel particularly uncomfortable and upsetting, but I can condense them into three main points that converge to create one frustrating scenario.

1. Rhysand and the Question of Choice

From ACOMAF onwards, the reader is made aware of Rhysand’s unusually progressive politics and his attention to the autonomous choices of women. This is demonstrated through his selection of counsel, appointing Mor and Amren in roles of authority, and eventually crowing Feyre as High Lady of the Night Court. In addition to this, we are shown his emphasis on choice through his interactions with Feyre. Rhysand repeatedly reminds Feyre that she can choose, that she can make an autonomous decision that he will respect. So, it is these positive features of Rhysand that make the pregnancy subplot of ACOSF so disturbing.

He, and the Inner Circle by extension, purposefully omit the information that Feyre’s pregnancy will turn deadly and never volunteer the information to her. During Cassian’s meeting with Rhysand and Amren, we are shown their thought process behind withholding information from Nesta (and Feyre by extension) According to Amren, it is not lying because they are technically not telling lies in the traditional sense, only withholding information.

While this is about Nesta, the reader can see the parallels between both cases. The choice to lie by omission reveals that both Amren and Rhysand are aware of the dishonesty of their actions, choosing to mitigate it slightly on a technicality. It feels distinctly like a loophole in Rhysand’s previous promises to Feyre, making this act feel more deceitful while demonstrating Rhysand’s willingness to undermine Feyre’s authority as High Lady. If Rhysand had a condition or illness that would eventually kill him, informing him of it would be certain, you wouldn’t even consider the possibility of not telling him. However, because Feyre is pregnant, she is not afforded the same autonomy.

Wanting to keep Feyre in blissful ignorance is not a sufficient reason, especially when Feyre is still of sound mind and can advocate for herself. Rhysand’s reasoning sounds noble, but in reality, it is just benevolent sexism. It doesn’t matter if he thinks it will cause Feyre stress, she NEEDS to be aware of what’s going on and the fact that the news will ruin her peaceful pregnancy is of little consequence when her life is on the line. Rhysand prioritizes his feelings and implicitly gives himself executive authority over Feyre’s pregnancy, demonstrating his disregard for her autonomy and choices. This action directly contradicts the progressive beliefs Rhysand stated in previous books and is a betrayal for the reader as well as Feyre.

2. The Infantilization of Feyre

The omission of this critical information, good intentions or not, is based on a belief that Feyre would not be competent enough to handle such a pressing situation in her pregnant state. Amren claims that the stress and fear could have physically harmed Feyre, but such a claim assumes that Feyre would not have the fortitude or ability to handle the situation.

Amren's explanation demonstrates a belief that Feyre's input on the matter would be irrelevant and pointless because it prevents Feyre from offering any. It is a plan that assumes Feyre will not be able to add anything meaningful to the solution and that it would be less harmful to her if she was kept out of it. This is infantilizing and paternalistic because Feyre has proven herself to be capable of coping under pressure and happens to be an unprecedented magical anomaly. Feyre’s access to pertinent medical information should not be revoked and it is insane that Madja her physician, actively misleads her with Rhysand’s consent.

This infantilization of a pregnant character echoes how pregnant women have been infantilized throughout history. It is a terrifying thought to imagine that your bodily autonomy could be stripped from you in the name of serving your supposed best interest. Rosemary’s Baby is one of the most famous horror movies of all time and it explores this exact topic, the same is true for the short story The Yellow Wallpaper, both stories capture the horror of reproductive/medical abuse that still happens to women today.

3. The Aftermath & Prioritizing Male Rage

Lastly, one of the most disturbing elements of this subplot is the way the text consistently prioritizes and coddles the violent rage of male characters at the expense of female characters. This is on full display when Rhysand flies into an intense rage after Nesta reveals the truth to Feyre. Although Nesta can be faulted for her harsh phrasing, let it be known that even Feyre felt that she did the right thing and was expressing her anger at the paternalistic and unjust practices of the Inner Circle. However, Nesta is still subjected to severe physical and emotional punishment in the form of a grueling hike where she is left to stew in her guilt and suicidal ideation despite Feyre ultimately not faulting her.

Feyre admits that Rhysand “majorly overreacted” and that she wanted Nesta back in Velaris. And yet, Nesta is still punished. But why? Will Rhysand or any of the Inner Circle be punished for betraying Feyre? Why, if Feyre agreed that Nesta was right to tell her, would she ever need to be subjected to a severe punishment when she was justified in what she did?

This is a particularly telling detail that compels me to ask: is this punishment about Feyre’s feelings or Rhysand’s? Why is it that Rhysand’s “overreaction” needs to be assuaged by punishing Nesta? What I observe from this passage is the characters prioritizing the feelings of a male character and placating him with the suffering of a female character, even when he wasn’t the one who was hurt in that situation. Feyre asks Cassian to tell Rhysand that the hike will be Nesta's punishment as though it isn't truly a punishment, but it undoubtedly is.

Throughout the hike, Nesta is in a silent spiral of guilt and self-hatred, Cassian never tells her that Feyre is alright and that Rhysand overreacted, letting her dwell in it alone. He hardly speaks to her, he pushes her to the point of exhaustion and is somehow surprised that Nesta shows signs of suicidal ideation.

This isn't constructive at all, it is not evidence that Cassian cares about Nesta's well-being, and the scenes of Nesta internally repeating that she deserves to die and that everyone hates her are nothing but gratuitous and disgustingly self-indulgent. The text basks in Nesta's suffering, even when she was in the right and this hike only happened to placate Rhysand who wronged Feyre in the first place.

Hindsight am I right? Fuck off. A more productive resolution to this matter would be for Feyre and Nesta to talk it out ALONE. Feyre could express her feelings to Nesta directly and they could find a solution together, that way Feyre’s situation could be centered on the two sisters working together. Cassian can see that Feyre is alright, she’s obviously upset, but she didn’t crumble like he expected and that makes it completely baffling that he would punish Nesta anyway. It’s a solution that prioritizes his and Rhysand’s feelings as opposed to Feyre’s, making it not about a perceived transgression against Feyre, but against Rhysand.

In Conclusion

This topic has already been discussed at length by many people in the fandom, but it is a topic that still stays on my mind with how upsetting it is. It is a stunning example of the misogynistic undertones in Sarah J Maas’s writing and makes reading a very straining experience due to her obvious bias towards certain male characters. Not even her main character matters when Rhysand is factored into the situation, his emotions are always centred by other characters and is permitted to betray his wife and get off scot free.

Feyre’s reproductive autonomy is violated, and Maas doesn’t bat an eye. But when Nesta rightfully reveals the truth to Feyre, everyone loses their mind. Both Nesta and Feyre have their autonomy stripped away from the, by way of the Inner Circle’s paternalism, and when Nesta advocates for herself and Feyre, she is punished severely. Being put in her place as the hierarchy is strengthened.

[astrojulia]

Asteroid Fay (4820) in the Natal Chart

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The asteroid Fay (4820) gets a lot of fairy stuff when you see posts about this asteroid, but I don't see it that way. I may be tripping on this analysis, yes, but let's go. It was named after a pilot, Fay Gillis Wells,a woman. If it is hard to come by in those areas these days, imagine back then. So I see it more as the feminine authenticity, the part that was repressed from you when you were a child because it wasn't adequate, that part of you that only many years later you realize was killed because they didn't believe in it. Much like Tinkerbell when they didn't believe in her. It's a part of you that was repressed not by your fault, but by others. The fairytail that was killed when you were a girl. I di this analysis focusing more on why it was named that way and it trajectory than just thinking about what Fay means. So, in the end, I just tried to have some fun doing this post, sorry.

Fay in the Signs

The sign where Fay is reveals the flavor and tone of your feminine authenticity—the unique, often misunderstood part of yourself that might have been repressed by external expectations or societal norms. Over time, rediscovering this part of you brings empowerment, healing, and the ability to honor your authentic self in ways that were once denied.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Aries: Your boldness, confidence, and pioneering spirit may have been stifled, perhaps through discouragement of your natural leadership or independence. Others might have seen your fiery self-expression as "too much." Rediscovery reawakens your fierce courage, rekindling a sense of personal initiative and the ability to unapologetically pursue your desires. You become a trailblazer in reclaiming what was once suppressed.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Taurus:Your connection to sensuality, material values, and the comfort of stability might have been dismissed, especially if practicality or frugality was overly emphasized in your upbringing. This repression may have made you doubt your worth or feel disconnected from physical pleasure and abundance. Rediscovery brings a deep, grounded connection to nature, beauty, and your self-esteem, allowing you to fully embrace a life of richness and contentment.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Gemini:Your curiosity, communication, and intellectual playfulness may have been silenced or undervalued. Perhaps others deemed your ideas frivolous or dismissed your need for learning and sharing. Rediscovery empowers your voice, sharpens your wit, and brings the confidence to express your thoughts freely. You reclaim your role as a dynamic storyteller and bridge-builder.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Cancer:Emotional vulnerability, nurturing instincts, and your deep sensitivity might have been undervalued, leading you to suppress your innate ability to care and connect. Rediscovery allows you to embrace your emotional intelligence and honor the power of your nurturing side. You reclaim the strength that comes from authentic emotional expression and your ability to create a safe, loving space for yourself and others.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Leo:Your creativity, self-expression, and natural magnetism may have been stifled, perhaps by others downplaying your talents or shaming your need for recognition. Rediscovery reignites your inner flame, allowing you to shine without apology. You step into the spotlight with confidence, celebrating your unique gifts and inspiring others to do the same.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Virgo:Your practicality and perfectionism may have been emphasized at the expense of your softer, more creative side. Perhaps you were pushed to focus on being useful and efficient, leaving little room for personal exploration or emotional ease. Rediscovery brings balance, allowing you to serve others while honoring your own needs. You reclaim the grace of self-care and the joy of embracing imperfections.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Libra:Your authenticity in relationships, harmony, and aesthetic appreciation may have been repressed, perhaps due to societal or familial pressures to conform. You might have been discouraged from asserting your individuality or desires for fear of upsetting the balance. Rediscovery empowers you to create beauty and equality in all areas of life, fostering relationships that honor both your needs and those of others.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Scorpio:Your intensity, transformative power, and deep emotional truth may have been buried, perhaps because others found them intimidating or "too much." This repression may have left you feeling disconnected from your own depths. Rediscovery brings fearless authenticity, allowing you to dive into the shadows, heal, and emerge as a beacon of resilience and empowerment.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Sagittarius:Your adventurous spirit, love of freedom, and thirst for knowledge may have been dismissed or restricted, leaving you feeling trapped or misunderstood. Rediscovery reignites your passion for exploration—whether through travel, philosophy, or learning. You reclaim your right to seek the truth and expand your horizons, living a life of bold authenticity.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Capricorn:Your ambition, discipline, and authority may have been repressed, especially if others placed limitations on your aspirations or doubted your ability to succeed. Rediscovery empowers you to take ownership of your goals, aligning your sense of responsibility with your authentic purpose. You emerge as a figure of self-determined success and leadership.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Aquarius:Your eccentricity, innovation, and visionary ideas may have been shunned, particularly if they challenged conventional norms. This repression might have left you questioning your uniqueness or feeling isolated. Rediscovery allows you to embrace your role as a trailblazer, bringing originality and progressive thought into your life and the world around you.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 Pisces:Your sensitivity, spirituality, and imaginative nature may have been dismissed as impractical or unrealistic, leaving you feeling unseen or undervalued. Rediscovery reconnects you to your intuitive gifts and the dreamlike essence of your soul. You reclaim your ability to inspire and create from a place of deep emotional and spiritual authenticity.

Fay in the Houses

The house in which Fay resides in your natal chart indicates the specific life area where your feminine authenticity may have been stifled, often due to external pressures or unmet validation during formative years. Over time, this placement illuminates the process of reclaiming your suppressed self, allowing you to thrive authentically in this domain of life.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 1st House: Repression here may have stifled your sense of self, physical presence, or how you express your individuality to the world. Perhaps you were made to feel you didn’t measure up in appearance, personality, or confidence, leaving you hesitant to assert your true identity. Rediscovery empowers you to embrace who you are unapologetically, cultivating self-confidence and owning your presence with bold authenticity.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 2nd House: Your self-worth, personal values, or relationship with material security may have been suppressed, possibly by others imposing their priorities on you or undermining your sense of value. Rediscovery helps you rebuild a strong relationship with abundance, teaching you to honor your unique talents and to trust in your inherent worth. You learn to create a stable, fulfilling life on your terms.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 3rd House: Your voice, ideas, or intellectual curiosity may have been dismissed or stifled, leaving you hesitant to speak up or explore freely. Perhaps you felt your thoughts weren’t valued or that learning was too rigidly structured. Rediscovery brings liberation, allowing you to express yourself confidently, connect meaningfully, and embrace your inner storyteller or thinker.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 4th House: Family dynamics or early home life may have restricted your emotional truth or sense of safety. You may have been discouraged from exploring your vulnerability or made to conform to familial expectations. Rediscovery allows you to nurture yourself deeply, reconnect with your roots on your own terms, and even break generational patterns to create a home and foundation that truly supports your authenticity.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 5th House: Creativity, playfulness, and romantic self-expression may have been overshadowed by pressure to be serious or productive. Perhaps your innate talents or joys were dismissed as frivolous. Rediscovery rekindles your passion for life, helping you reconnect with your inner child, celebrate your unique creativity, and find joy in authentic self-expression and love.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 6th House: Service, routines, or health-related responsibilities may have overshadowed your authentic self. Perhaps you were expected to sacrifice your individuality for the sake of duty or perfectionism. Rediscovery teaches you to balance responsibility with self-care, crafting a meaningful and sustainable lifestyle that honors your uniqueness and supports your well-being.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 7th House: In close relationships, you may have suppressed your individuality, feeling overshadowed or compelled to conform to others’ needs. Rediscovery empowers you to create partnerships that are equal and fulfilling, where your voice is valued. This placement helps you strike a balance between connection and autonomy, fostering relationships that reflect your true self.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 8th House: Deep emotional or transformative power may have been buried due to fear, shame, or external repression of your intense nature. Perhaps you were taught to hide your vulnerability, sexuality, or capacity for profound change. Rediscovery brings courage to explore your depths, embrace your shadows, and emerge with a greater sense of empowerment and authenticity.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 9th House: Your thirst for knowledge, spiritual exploration, or adventurous spirit may have been dismissed or discouraged. Others may have sought to limit your vision or impose rigid beliefs. Rediscovery reignites your passion for freedom and learning, encouraging you to embrace your personal truth and explore the world with openness and wisdom.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 10th House: Your public role, career ambitions, or sense of purpose may have been restricted, perhaps by societal expectations or self-doubt. Rediscovery aligns you with a career or legacy that reflects your true nature and aspirations. You find the courage to step into your authority and pursue a path that feels authentically meaningful and impactful.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 11th House: Your individuality within groups or your visionary ideas may have been suppressed, possibly because they challenged norms or went against the grain. Rediscovery helps you find your true community—those who support and celebrate your unique contributions—and reconnects you to your ideals and dreams for the future.

∞ ₒ ˚ °𐐒 12th House: Subconscious fears, societal expectations, or hidden pressures may have stifled your spiritual and intuitive gifts, leaving you disconnected from your inner world. Rediscovery invites you to embrace your sensitivity, delve into your dreams, and unlock the hidden wisdom within. You learn to trust your intuition and honor the depth of your soul’s journey.

Fay Aspecting Planets

Sun: Your core identity is tied to reclaiming authenticity. Challenges help you grow into self-expression.

Moon: Emotional vulnerability and healing are central. Rediscovery nurtures your emotional truth.

Mercury: Your voice and ideas reclaim confidence and clarity after past suppression.

Venus: Self-worth and relationships evolve as you rediscover your value and beauty.

Mars: Assertiveness and passion emerge as you embrace your authentic drive.

Jupiter: Personal growth and wisdom come through rediscovering your true nature.

Saturn: Early restrictions transform into strength and discipline in reclaiming authenticity.

Uranus: Rediscovery liberates you to express your unique, rebellious side.

Neptune: Creativity and spirituality guide you to reclaim your authentic essence.

Pluto: Deep transformation and empowerment are key to rediscovering your true self.

Rising: Your journey of authenticity is visible to others, shaping your public image and first impression. Challenges push you to embody your true self confidently.

Midheaven: Your career and public role reflect your journey of reclaiming authenticity. Rediscovery aligns your purpose with your truest self, inspiring others through your professional and personal legacy.

(CC) AstroJulia Some Rights Reserved

[izanna]

BC chapter analysis/ shadow behavior analysis

1. The "This Was a Mistake" Trope as a Narrative Device

In Azriel’s bonus chapter from A Court of Silver Flames, when he tells Elain, “This was a mistake,” it’s a classic forbidden romance moment. Especially seeing as he forced himself to say the words. That line is more about the internal conflict. He’s torn between what he wants and what he feels he’s supposed to do, especially with all the pressure from mating bonds and court politics, but the tipping point was his own highlords mental order.. His immediate pullback says a lot about the push-and-pull between duty and desire, which is such a staple in forbidden love stories. Azriel saying this doesn’t mean he doesn’t want Elain.(I think we’ve established this pretty good, though.) It means he thinks he shouldn’t want her, and there is shame for even considering it.

This line appears all the time in forbidden romances, not as the end, but as the moment of denial that ramps up the tension:

It reinforces the external obstacle (Lucien’s bond)

It shows the internal conflict (Azriel’s Shame for even considering betraying his court, his brother, his own duty.)

It tells the reader: this is about to get deeper, not over

2. Azriel's Ability to Scent the Mating Bond “Azriel had needed to stay by the door the whole time because he couldn't stand the sight of it, the scent of their mating bond, and needed to have the option  of leaving if it became too much.  “

This is very suspicious and possibly meaningful: Rhysand can’t smell it. Neither can Cassian. Azriel can. It torments him, keeps him away from Elain. That’s narrative punishment — classic forbidden romance style. It also gives us subtle hints to why he is staying away when it's revealed and puts more meaning behind his actions in the books.

3. Emotional Intimacy and The headache powder

The headache powder: “Az tried not to look at his scarred fingers as they took the gift. She hadn't bought her mate a present. But she'd gotten Azriel one last year -- a headache powder he kept on his nightstand at the House of Wind. Not to use, but just to look at. Which he'd done every night he’d slept there. Or attempted to sleep there.” He looks at it every night he sleeps at the HoW. Stares at it. Keeps it right next to where he sleeps and doesn’t use it at all like it’s sacred. He doesn’t even let his shadows see him thinking about her.

That’s not just lust. That’s longing, and secrecy even from parts of himself. Azriel thinking about Elain in secret, is incredibly telling.

It’s forbidden: he doesn’t even want to admit it to himself.

His shadows “fall asleep” — symbolizing a moment of weakness, or maybe peace, when he lets go just long enough to imagine her.

This scene isn’t about physical satisfaction — it’s about emotional repression. It’s showing us how far the forbidden aspect goes. It’s even taboo inside his own mind.

Also if Elain and Azriel were going to end, why would SJM write this AT ALL? She wouldn’t. It’s a bad move as an author to write this if you’re having the MMC move onto another love interest. It makes no sense because it creates longing 4. Questioning the Validity of the Mating Bond

The series presents instances where mating bonds are not synonymous with love or compatibility. Rhysand's parents, for example, were mates but lacked a loving relationship. This distinction between Cauldron-blessed bonds and genuine emotional connections suggests that Elain's bond with Lucien might be a narrative obstacle rather than a destined pairing. We see this in his inner monologue and throughout the series. Questions if the cauldron is wrong. Azriel, a character deeply loyal to the system of the Night Court, is questioning fate itself because of how he feels for Elain. It makes sense for feyre: a person who was once a human to question things. It’s natural. But for Azriel to question it after he’s grown up living and believing in the cauldron and mother? That’s an intense moment. He’s questioning his gods and why they would do something like this because he’s so deeply affected by it.

He doesn’t say Elain is wrong for Lucien out of jealousy.

He says the bond is wrong because it feels/smells absolutely wrong to him.

That’s an emotional tipping point. It’s planting seeds for the rejection of the mating bond as the ultimate authority, which aligns with the series-wide theme of CHOICE over fate.

5. Narrative and Thematic Consistency

Elriel’s relationship has been building slowly over several books, and it really feels intentional. Their moments together are quiet but charged, full of tension and meaning, especially when you compare them to the more obvious dynamics of other couples. That kind of slow burn highlights themes of emotional growth and choice, which fits perfectly with the idea that real love in this series isn’t about fate, it’s about agency. Which is especially telling because the sisters' stories ALL revolve around agency in some way or another. Elain especially has fought against any decision being made for her regarding a mate. This story will reflect that. Regardless if there is mating bonds for both of the characters The set up was to show agency. It’s foreshadowed throughout everything we see. They will choose their own love story. 🌓 Azriel’s Shadows as Emotional & Psychological Mirrors

Azriel’s shadows are not just magic; they’re almost a living extension of his inner world. They react not to threat alone, but to emotion, intimacy, shame, control, and restraint.

Shadows Draw Close When:

He’s uncomfortable or withdrawing (e.g., conversations about the past, confrontations).

He’s slipping into his role as the spymaster or preparing for violence.

He’s feeling emotionally isolated, even among his friends.

Shadows Disappear or Lighten When:

He’s around Elain or deeply focused on protecting/helping someone.

He’s physically intimate (carrying Feyre or Elain).

He’s in direct sunlight or lake scenes—often symbolic of vulnerability and being emotionally “seen.” (also to to tie in this we see in the BC chapter with azriel he suppresses his emotions regularly “ But elain after being described like this is—->:“The faelights gilded Elain's unbound hair, making her glow like the sun at dawn. She halted, her breath catching in her throat”

is when he’s unable to suppress his emotions.---->: He chuckled, unable to suppress the impulse. "No wonder you didn't want me to open it in front of everyone."   She lays him bare. She strips his social shields away which is why his shadows disappear around her.

"In the blinding sun off the turquoise water, his shadows were gone, his face stark and clear. More … human than I had ever seen him."

This passage especially drives home that light exposes his humanity and rejects his suppression of emotions, and his shadows are a defense mechanism connected to his trauma where he first developed them.

🌫️ The Shadows as Sentient Extensions

There’s a semi-sentient quality to his shadows:

They whisper to him.

They flinch or vanish in certain social settings (Mor, Elain).

They skitter, recoil, veil, and sometimes disappear entirely, almost like animals or familiars.

They seem tied to:

His mental state (calm = they retreat),

His identity (in shadow = spymaster; in light = man),

And possibly his power source (they block or evade binding magic at one point).

Subtext with Mor & Elain

With Mor:

Shadows recede in her presence—not in fear, but as if she pulls a layer of him away

He stays at a physical distance, doesn’t meet her gaze often, and tries to blend in, becoming smaller.

Says he “doesn’t need to resort to poetry.” gloating in the presence of Mor and Cassian while teasing his brother. Especially interesting when he is “wreathed in shadows in this scene, like a social armor.: Azriel, wreathed in shadows by the front door, chuckled quietly. Cassian shot him a glare. “I don’t see you spouting poetry, brother.” Azriel crossed his arms, still smiling faintly. “I don’t need to resort to it.”  

With Elain:

“Elain sucked in a soft breath that whispered over his skin. His shadows skittered back at the sound. They'd always been prone to vanish when she was around.”

Shadows vanish frequently.

He physically carries her, and his powers soften in her presence.

Feyre even has one of her prophetic little painting moments for them during the TruthTeller scene (Death and the lovely fawn: um?? Hello endgame.)

Nesta notices it and even thinks “his secret, never her to tell.”

Everyone else notices too.

He resorts to poetry easily when first meeting elain, that cockiness and finesse has disappeared around her. He is laid bare and does in fact resort to poetry for her and her alone. Feyre points out the shadows are nowhere to be seen—>   “Cassian” I said, inclining my head to the left. Then I shifted to the right, grateful those shadows were nowhere to be found as I said “azriel” I half turned. “And Rhysand high lord of the night court.” ^This is Feyre introducing the bat boys to her own sisters. A faint smile bloomed upon Azriel’s mouth as he noticed Elain’s fingers white-knuckled on that fork, but he kept silent. 

Elain said to Azriel, perhaps the only two civilized ones here, “Can you truly fly?”. “Yes. Cassian and I hail from a race of faeries called Illyrians. We’re born hearing the song of the wind.” (Hello POETRY) “That’s very beautiful,” she said. “Is it not frightening, though? To fly so high?” “It is sometimes,” Azriel said.  “If you are caught in a storm, if the current drops away. But we are trained so thoroughly that the fear is gone before we’re out of swaddling.”

Power & Rage Moments

In combat or threats:

Shadows are a force multiplier, sometimes described as ripping, shielding, or shrouding.

They seem to cloak him from magic, like in the Eris interrogation scene.

He rarely speaks during these moments, it’s all body language, control, and the whispering threat.

"Azriel, his face a mask of beautiful death..."

Azriel is scarier when he’s quiet, and the shadows become the voice of his wrath.

 Conclusion: The Shadows Are More Than Magic

They are:

A barometer of trust and vulnerability

A reflection of trauma, isolation, and control

A character in their own right, woven into Azriel’s narrative as deeply as his scars. Almost akin to a representation of his trauma he can never get rid of.

[elysiansparadise]

Analysis of Aries Rising in the composite chart

🖤Having an Aries Rising makes the attraction between both of you quick, almost immediate. You are both very determined about the relationship and making things work between you. This duo stands out for being people with a strong temperament, decisive, passionate and driven to achieve everything they set out to do. Upon meeting the other, they caused a spark in the other, awakened an intense flame in the other's core and awakened that desire to have each other close. Passion and desire flow through you with intensity, you are burned by the need to have the other, to touch them and to be together. They love to tease each other, joke together and take risks to try or experience new things together. Here it doesn't matter if you are afraid or have a lot of doubt when it comes to opening up to having a relationship, you will jump in together and take that leap of faith. They are decisive about the other being what they desire and want, so much so that the other's opinion will be just another thing to which they do not pay attention.

🖤With Taurus in the 2nd house, the desire to feel close becomes a strong need. They greatly value spending time together and showing affection to each other in tangible ways. You are a couple that shows love more through meaningful actions than promises or cheesy words. They value constancy and perseverance in this relationship, that demonstrations and affection are not something typical only of the beginning of the relationship, but that both demonstrate their commitment throughout it, maintaining the rhythm and affection over time. They may be somewhat jealous or possessive of their time as a couple, or even of each other. In this relationship, both focus on contributing things that help build solid foundations so that the relationship lasts. They enjoy filling themselves with gifts and details that make their partner happy.

🖤Gemini in the 3rd house makes communication between you not only fluid and easy, but also very entertaining. Both feel that they never stop learning from the other and may feel fascinated by the other's way of thinking. They highly value maintaining constant communication, regardless of distance or whether the topics range from sensitive and profound to trivial and mundane. Even if they are very different, it is easy for them to do their part to understand their differences and debate or share ideas without being aggressive or taking what the other person says to heart. There will be many moments of laughter and entertainment between you, long hours that will feel like minutes. It is very likely that you plan trips together or frequent outings. They like to spend time together, even if it is for a short time.

🖤When they are alone, they both lower those high barriers and their tough exterior to enjoy the tenderness, affection and love that they have to give to each other in their entirety, that happens due to Cancer in the 4th house. They love spending time alone and are comfortable doing the most domestic activities together. Emotionally they feel protected and understood by the other, there is also a strong feeling of belonging with the other, being together just feels good. In their own way, they take care of each other and fill them with affection, opening themselves up to be vulnerable and talk about things that usually remain hidden from them, such as their feelings. They feel that the other understands their emotional needs and that without realizing it, they do things that make them feel good. Although they are both people always on the go, they feel that they can take a break with each other.

🖤When they are with each other, they feel that they are loved, cherished and accepted just as they are, and we attribute that to Leo in the 5th house. Fun is common in their relationship, they love to surprise each other, put a smile on their faces and fill themselves with positive emotions and affection. Their inner child feels happy next to each other, they feel that they can bring out this playful and childish side and that their partner, in return, will bring out this side too. They love going on dates and planning dates, choosing to alternate and do things that one enjoys, then others that the other enjoys, and finally finding a plan that they both want to do. There is a strong sexual attraction between you, the desire seems only to increase. They are seductive and playful with each other and many times this playful teasing leads to fun experiences in the bedroom.

🖤Virgo in the 6th house tells us about a strong sense of duty in the relationship, a conscious decision to want to do things right with the other, to always respect them and give them their place as your partner. Despite the light yet passionate quality, there is a strong devotion in both of them, and while they can be affectionate, they show this passion and dedication to the relationship through more practical ways. They are always willing to help, advise and be by each other's side at all times. Do they have fun? Of course, but they know what things to take seriously and when to tone down the jokes. You both respect each other's individual time and are likely to have a schedule to see or spend time together, dedicating that time fully to each other. They like to do things for each other and support each other during stressful days or moods.

🖤The presence of Libra in the 7th house makes both of them feel delighted with the relationship, they know that the other does their part to make it work, they love how easy it is to coexist with the other and they feel a deep adoration for the other as well. as an individual as a couple. Mixed in this connection is the fascination that your heart has for the other, like reason, that no matter how much you analyze the other, you only see someone with whom you want to spend time, the one you admire and whose presence you long for when you are far away. In this relationship it is not a you and me, it is an ‘us’, there is a strong sense of union, they give what they receive and both have the same importance. They both make decisions together and always take the other into consideration. 

🖤With Scorpio in the 8th house, both will have the strength and resilience to face moments of crisis together. You two feel a strong emotional and spiritual connection with the other. This couple also feel that the other is the one who accepts them as they are, who has seen them break and rebuild and has not loved them any less for it. The magnetism between you is strong and the moments of intimacy are passionate, you seek to merge with the other, belong to the other and be one with the other. They overflow with passion and desire, they become addicted to each other and want to give themselves pleasure in as many ways as possible. There is a strong complicity between you, the trust you put in each other is total and you know that your secrets are safe with the other. Intimacy is easy with each other. You are reserved with many areas of your relationship.

🖤Sagittarius in the 9th house makes them have a desire to experience, explore and know many different things alongside each other. They are both equally inquisitive and curious and love the idea of ​​being able to live adventures with their favorite person. Side by side they feel lucky, positive and optimistic, they have a positive way of seeing life and always encourage each other to move forward no matter how difficult the path they want to follow seems. They respect the autonomy of their partner and do not seek to control themselves, on the contrary they want their partner to develop and flourish, in the same way, they seek to grow by their side. They want to experience things together as a couple that they have always longed to experience in the past. They feel a boost of energy when they are together and feel lucky to be in love with the other.

🖤Having the 10th house in Capricorn makes you give the impression of being a couple that takes each other seriously, people may think and think that you will last a long time together or that you are the other's first truly formal relationship. You take your future plans seriously and genuinely see yourself standing next to each other, you have many goals together as couples and you put all your effort and time into getting closer and closer to that reality. You are both seen as very independent, capable and rational people, and as a couple you give the impression that nothing is capable of shaking the stability that you have. You keep many aspects of your relationship and your partner away from the rest, because you don't want to deal with people who are invasive about your relationships. They are very protective people of both the relationship and their partner.

🖤With Aquarius in the 11th house, you both feel the freedom to share your individual plans and dreams and not only that, but you show your support for your partner's. They love that, although their partner gives them realistic perspectives, they do not judge their deepest dreams and ideas. They really like to think about their future together and all the plans in which they want to include each other. In this relationship, individuality is valuable and necessary, so there is respect for the interests of the other. It is very likely that you both have common interests and you may discover new passions or tastes after entering this relationship.

🖤While Pisces in the 12th house makes them prone to idealizing the other and putting each other on a pedestal, they are both capable of giving a lot for the other and being open to being vulnerable and connecting authentically and completely with the other. The relationship becomes a space of comfort and mutual understanding where both feel they are healing old wounds and developing a genuine connection. They can dream a lot about each other and have moments of subconscious attraction where, out of nowhere, they think of the other and receive a call from them or run into them on the street. The relationship may feel predestined, and may awaken very intense feelings in each other more quickly than they are used to. They both like to drown in each other's love and affection, which is like a kind of balm for their soul.

[vedicpriestess]

things that remind me of the zodiac (fixed signs) ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

leo

espresso martinis

gold jewellery

power

live every day as if it’s your last

aura

dates

manifestation talent

inner confidence even if a facade

laughing so hard it hurts

shining in the sunlight

sparkles and glitter

hotel chocolat

authenticity

not giving a single fuck

opulent decoration

ancient memorabilia and trinkets

connection to ancestors deities and esoteric realms

burning flames

crème brûlée

scorpio

alchemy

smoke

graveyards

leather

diet coke

gaze so intense it burns through your soul

soul crushing devotion

infatuation and obsession

iced americano coffee

mystique

intense people watching

healed version= revenge is the levelling up of your self

tarot

psychological analysis

deja vu

black cat energy

intensity

secrets

shadow work- Carl jung integrating the ‘darker’ aspects of the psyche into acceptance of the main self to allow deeper insight into ourselves

taurus

twilight

the smell of a forest after it rains - petrichor

consuming literature to heal yourself

comfort after intense crying session

hot chocolate

nostalgia

al dente cooking

angelic guidance

spraying intoxicating levels of perfume before leaving the house

routines

order

discipline as self care

looking in every mirror

tenacity

dark chocolate lava cake

[forestwitchontheroad]

Billford Analysis!

Chapter one: Ford and his blind adoration before the portal incident, or abusive slowburn.

warning! this is a very open and incoherent form of my thoughts, where I do not mention many canonical details but only consider the attitude of the characters towards them.

so, I want to analyze as clearly as possible the interactions of Stanford Pines and Bill Cipher at different stages of their, I'm not afraid to say, very complex relationship, which bordered on both blind near-religious chthonic adoration and abusive violence as from a typical psychological manual.

to begin with, I want to look specifically at Stanford's notes from his Third Journal in order to create a general portrait of how his idea of Bill has changed over the years (later a retelling of the same events will be presented, but from Bill's point of view). most often, the long periods of their interactions before betrayal and finding out the truth about the portal are ignored, but they are especially important in the context of forming a long-term and strong attachment.

Stanford immediately begins to cherish his new acquaintance with Bill - he calls their meeting a secret that no one can find out. his low self-esteem also flashes here, depending not only on what people he knows say about him but also on society as a whole in the form of a scientific community. he keeps his acquaintance with bill secret out of inner shame and anxiety that he will not be trusted, he will expose the external environment as crazy, and all acquaintance with the supreme being, in the eyes of Stanford, will turn out to be a fiction of a lonely mind.

after all, isolation in a small town led Stanford to label their first meeting as a miracle on the decrepit pages of his diary. it was really a godsend for Bill, such a combination of mental genius and naive emotional trauma, but this will be discussed, again, in the next chapter.

calling Bill his muse, he sees his silhouette in the firmament, drawing the outlines of the constellation “William” in his diary on a par with the constellations we are familiar with. for me, this also means treating Bill not as a separate independent being on the level of Ford himself, no. at this moment, he perceives him more as an idea, as something inspiring, as a path to knowledge that can be read in the web of snow-white stars. he addresses his muse as a higher consciousness, which rarely visits him in dreams, and he listens to his every word. It seems to me that Ford's former religious upbringing also plays a role here, as well as the most persistent belief in the paranormal, which was based only on science fiction stories before moving to gravity falls. Ford's egocentricity, his belief in his own exclusivity, perfectionism combined with arrogance, also play here, which led to the fact that he really, without a doubt, believed that he was chosen as the greatest genius of our time. but really, why not believe if he was so successful in finding and justifying the existence of the supernatural in the first place?

and then - even more. all Ford's pages that relate to Bill at this point in time look fabulous, magical, and unreal. as if torn from a dream, depicting cosmic, unattainable expanses of consciousness and flying chess are symbols of knowledge and business cooperation for him. in such a hazy haze of consciousness, Ford very naively and dangerously agrees to give Bill permission to control his body as he pleases. and for Ford, it makes sense - how can a near-divine being, who does not have his own selfish desires and emotions, do something bad to him? even in the cold flame, when shaking hands, he finds an exquisite and mesmerizing moment.

torn pages from Bill's book complement this period in Ford's life - he depicts himself turning to heaven, which also shows his vision of Cipher as an extraterrestrial being that is incomprehensible to his human mind. he treats their relationship as the creation of an important chapter in the whole story, so all his words show excitement - he does not know how to address Bill correctly, is not sure what he should do. after all, it was the first time he found someone who did not turn away from him but found him even in dreams - he could not then lose such a truly fateful chance.

hence, religious servility, and this is it, in its purest form, begins to intertwine with Ford's own emotions, as well as fill a huge hole in his life in the form of the appearance of a friend. reverence begins to mix with respect and the desire to just be friends.

after all, Cipher's flattery is aimed not only at Ford's ambitions - it concerns all his insecurities and questionable life choices. where he speaks almost directly about how Ford is always right, and everyone else is either stupid or envious of Pines and his boundless special mind. Also, these empty compliments are aimed at Ford's main fear - being rejected by society or anyone at all. Bill promises him not power, not money, but his faces on all scientific journals - that is, fame.

the exchange of mutual jokes and thoughts leads to the emergence of friendship from Ford's point of view. he gets used to Bill's extraordinary statements and finds them native in his own way, some unusual feature of his communication style. Stanford is unusual himself, so he is happy to meet not only manifestations of paranormal activity but also sometimes creepy statements by Cipher, finding them exciting, making Bill's recruitment work even easier.

Bill helps Ford with anxiety, constantly advises something, even improved his eyesight - all these countless gifts began to change Bill's title in Ford's head from a friend to a best friend who was with him not only for the sake of transferring some kind of supreme knowledge - but also just like that, in seemingly mortal matters and problems. he was even ready to get a tattoo on himself at the request of his muse, but at the last moment, nevertheless, refused.

it should be understood that Stanford, due to limited experience of communication and socialization, had no idea what was normal and what was abnormal. Now and beyond, Cipher's demands will begin to grow in their seriousness, and Ford will really stop asking questions about them. maybe he justified it by saying that this is what friendship between beings of different kinds looks like, maybe a slight infatuation mixed with adoration with pink glasses closed any logical conclusions.

Ford's birthday is an indicator of a complete departure from Bill's perception of a divine being. Ford received a rather dubious gift in the form of dead rats laid out in his name, but it didn't matter at all to him - the main thing was that his birthday was remembered. the attention paid to the lonely Ford completely killed any rational thinking, so at the moment of drunken singing within the boundaries of reason with his muse, he was happy. He found someone who understood him, worked side by side with him, and was just there for him.

maybe there would not have been this blind infatuation of any character, Ford would have asked more questions about such strange and very disturbing signs of attention, like a tattoo or dead animals, but the emotional nature that he so desperately hid from himself won out again.

the moment Bill listened to him about Stanley, told him, and showed him the last atoms of his destroyed dimension, was the peak of their relationship. the very intimacy of such a conversation, its irreplaceability, when Ford saw not his exalted muse - he saw another being who had lost his home. he is ready to help at the same moment because he cares, and he will do everything to help with the pain, not knowing the whole truth.

later, on the pages about Krampus, Ford puts Bill on the level of Fiddleford's wife and asks in his diary when his muse will appear when his assistant left him. Ford does this unconsciously, which only confirms a young and even innocent love, which Pines himself does not notice out of inexperience.

and that's why he gets angry when Bill doesn't show up to fight the monster on his conversion. he bitterly thinks that Bill inspires another scientist, that is, he is jealous, and that maybe they are absolutely not partners at all, that is, he is afraid of losing Cipher. all these thoughts are recorded in the diary as a single whirlwind of emotions, which again confirms this indifference to Bill.

and when Bill pointed out to Ford his inattention, he immediately wilted, came to his senses, and was ashamed. he really regarded Bill's words as the truth. sometimes returning again to the near-religious servility that had gone away, but in tense moments made itself reappear.

let's end this chapter with a page from the website about the axolotl, which Ford was forced to release at the request of Cipher. Because of Bill's clever mockery of leaving Ford for another scientist, he, in a panic, agrees to everything. he just seems to point out their difference in positions in the relationship a little sadly, no matter what - because Bill always knows better than Ford, and it's better not to argue once again.

In conclusion, we can briefly summarize that Ford went from religious anxious adoration to friendly relaxation and again to loving blind anxiety.

stay tuned for the next chapter about Bill's perspective on this period of time!

[talonabraxas]

Archangel Raphael Talon Abraxas

Green Ray - Green Flame and Archangel Raphael

The green Ray of light represents concretization, crystallization of substance, knowledge and science. The green Flame is the Flame of balance and Truth. It leads to analysis and development of ideas, especially Divine ideas and impulses that have been conceived in the First Ray of the Blue Flame. Those ideas ultimately and inevitably produce wisdom and light. The fifth Ray of light brings the energy of exploration which might eventually produce separation and crystallization. The discernment and thoroughness with which the green Ray operates produce in the mind of man an act of final understanding and revelation of the Truth. This is the Ray of concentration, as a manifestation of the undisturbed sustained attention, which is attained by consecration. In the green Flame we recognize the seat of the physical healing and perfection.

The Green Flame Invocation is performed on Thursday when the fifth green Ray especially strongly manifests its energies.

Archangel Raphael is an Angel of healing and consecration. A physician, minister, student and every devotee, who out of his/her free will consecrates his/her strength to serve life, stand under the special blessing and protection. Archangel Raphael forms the heart of every single individual who is supposed to take a new incarnation. Marry, the Mother of God, a being full of mercy, grace, compassion and motherly love is the Divine complement of Archangel Raphael. Mother Marry is the Hierarch of the “Temple of Resurrection”, together with Jesus. The Temple is filled with the Green Flame of healing. It combines many different healing places that possess healing streams of energy, like for instance, Lourdes, the water of Saint Petka, and many others. Those are the places where a constant prayer ascends to heaven, towards God.

Archangel Raphael represents the power of sight and vision - vision of the Truth. He can help you develop your third eye - the inner vision, or Divine vision - and the resort to the power of creation by visualization. Archangel Raphael can improve your concentration and extrasensory perception. Archangel Raphael is a guardian of the blind; He brings healing in every respect, supports the healers, helps the physician and all spiritual therapists. Archangel Raphael supports all people on their Divine path.

Archangel Raphael will bring you healing, health and wealth, if you just ask Him for help. He will help you develop intuition and improve your vision, he will bestow upon you the Divine energy of self-healing. Surround yourself with the green light of the fifth Ray and pray for whatever is necessary. You know that honest and pure prayer will always be heard and fulfilled. You can rely on Archangel Raphael while traveling, as He is the guardian of those on the road.

Archangel Raphael will teach you to consecrate yourself every day when your eyes look at something which is less than perfect. In that case you can utter the following prayer: “Beloved Father, forgive me for disrespecting Your law of love. Beloved Archangel Raphael, once again consecrate my eyes, so that I can see only perfection! ”

When you hear something negative, when your hands are impatient in some move, when you demonstrate indignation, when your tongue and lips utter only one wrong word, then, say to yourself: “Beloved Father, forgive me for the misuse of Your energy.” You should repeat this sentence often, until you have understood and corrected everything.

Your individual life stream is found in grave danger only if you do not rise up again, clean up the dust from your knees, and make another step once again. Archangel Raphael will alway enlighten your four lower bodies once again, whenever you need this and whenever you ask Him to. Do not hesitate, ask Him again and again. Ask Archangel Raphael to become aware of nothing less than the perfection, so that you can see perfection, hear perfection, and speak perfection, for now, and for always.

The representatives from the world of crystals for the Green Ray (Green Golden Flame) are blue sapphire, indigolite, sugilite and sodalite. These crystals are connected to the sixth chakra - the ajna chakra.

[carmasi]

I'm honestly looking to just drop the whole ACOTAR fandom all together.

And is just the little things.

mainly i was just feed up with the E/riel being disrespectful. and not listening to reason and just trying to feed their own self insert delusion.

Then it was the constant Hate that Elain get because she is "useless" when there is so much to unpack on her character.

Then there is the constant paised of SA and Manipulation all because he's hot and he was end game.

most recently, which didn't used to bother be as much until I did my second read of acotar and started to understand this character and started to do more critical analysis

and that is the AMOUNT OF HATE TAMLIN GET. like is not just the hate because he did bad things (as so did Rhysand and the inner circle). Is the blatant lies, the things that they attached to him as being responsible that I just read and I'm like. Did we read the same book?

becaused yes Feyre talk to him about her worried, after Rhysand took her, and she was doing better enough to try and speak up for herself. and he didn't listen and that was wrong, and while I truly believed he was trying his best, in the best way he knew how to, deal with his situation and the amount of card that were deal to him, a still doesn't excuse being unable to communicate with your partner. but is how you learn from this.

and the whole argumen after silver flame where everyone Hated nesta, and suddenly we realize that she did what she dis for a reason and now we love her? you really don't need a tamlin book to realize that he like nesta and everyone else on the book had lot is trauma, and somehow he's the person who gets the most hate. We just need to read the book considering everyone else POV to realize, Tamlin had a lot on his plate and pressure got to him

This may just be me ranting becaused I have grown to love Tamlin's character so much, because of his flaws and his growth and is like everyone forgets how e all fel for him on book one, his stoic and annoying face, and the way feyre finally saw him be free and himself during calanmai, where he was joyful and dance with is people. Like that Tamlin still there. he's just been burn and sadly continues to be. and when i see all the hate he get it really makes me sad. That's it.. i just, i suddenly got bombarded with so much tamlin hate post that it enraged me becaused some of those post highlight things that are untrue

[ladyveravincent]

Hiiii, I saw that one post of LoA and Helion that you made and I AM SOOO IMPRESSED!!! Can I ask you what you think Eris meant when he spoke of how Mor knows the truth but it scares her? I have a couple of theories and yes one of them is that he knows of her preference for women but I don’t think that would be enough to garner such a hateful disposition from him for her—is it possible there is something else there? Like, you said in your post, SJM gives time to certain characters to communicate things to us that she deems important for the future of the story and I can’t help but think that there is something here that only you could figure out. Btw, I don’t think it’s the “Mor is evil” thing, he doesn’t treat her as untrustworthy, he just has spite towards her—calling her a slut and remarking her fucking Cassian multiple times…I think Eris might have loved Mor. Maybe she even loved him, too…idk why but I think that she did. And I think that something could have happened that ended it in a way which was very painful for Eris and it made him hate her (at least superficially). Anyway, I would absolutely love to know what you think on the matter and pleaseee feel free to write research papers anytime because they’re so entertaining!

Hi anon! ❤️

I'm BLUSHING! So happy to hear you liked the Helion + Lady of the Autumn Court analysis! Well... let's dive in!

Eris nodded to where Mor watched them from beside Feyre and Rhys, [Nesta's] face neutral and aloof. “She knows the truth but has never revealed it.” (page 491, ACOSF)

When taken out of context, this quote accuses Mor of being deceptive, shrouding her in suspicion.

But, in context, this quote actually nothing to do with Mor, and everything to do with Eris and Nesta!

Silver Flames, is told in a dual, third person narrative, switching between Nesta and Cassian's voices. In this scene, we see Eris through Nesta's eyes while she dances with him in the Court of Nightmares.

She has been ordered by Rhys to seduce Eris and secure a political alliance. Eris, the suspected heir of Autumn Court, has been working as an ally for Night Court, unbeknownst to his tyrannical father, Beron. Even though Nesta has a lot at stake in this moment, Eris has more to lose.

Before she and Eris take to the dance floor, Feyre and Rhys give him a dagger Nesta Made. The dagger is described as having a silver flame, the same sort of power Nesta possesses.

“There’s flame in it,” Eris said, not touching the dagger. As if his own magic warned him. He shut the lid, face slightly pale. “Why give this to me?” “You’re our ally,” Feyre said, a hand resting on her belly. “You face enemies that exist outside of the usual rules of magic. It seemed only fair to give you a weapon that operates outside those rules, too.... “You possessed a Made item and kept it hidden all these years? During the war?” [Eris} “Don’t take our generosity for granted,” Feyre warned Eris quietly. Eris stilled, but nodded. He extended the box back to Rhys. “I’ll leave it in your keeping while I dance, then.” He added with what Cassian could have sworn was sincerity, “Thank you.” (ACOSF, 486)

Eris needs Night Court, plus the Inner Circle's approval and acceptance. But, even being honored with such a gift, he is reminded immediately of his place. He may be accepted, but not with open arms. There's still distrust.

So they take to the dance floor. At first, its completely silent. But then, as the music swells and the dance plays on, Eris cannot help but become interested. This is the first time the two have a (somewhat) private moment in the entire time of their acquaintance.

Up until this point, the Inner Circle has painted Eris to be, as Cassian puts it so plainly "a snake!" While he has shown his desire to aide the Inner Circle, he is not received like his brother, Lucien. Why?

Probably inheriting their opinions of each other from centuries-long Court rivalries. But, the most obvious one, is what happened five centuries ago with Mor.

So, here comes Nesta, a Cauldron-Made High Fae, sister to Prythian's only High Lady.

And completely new to their world.

The Inner Circle arrived to the CoN like a united front for the annual Solstice Ball. Even Elain showed up! (And Cassian made sure we KNEW how he felt about that 👀) Eris would have no way to know about the strained dynamics between the sisters, or Nesta's curt relationship with Mor.

And who is telling the story in this moment? Nesta. Let's not forget her strained relationship with Mor has been an important arc to her story, representing her resistance to accepting Feyre and Cassian's world.

Even as she dances with Eris, Mor's friendship is on Nesta's mind!

She had never worn such a color on her mouth. It looked like sin personified. But Mor had done it, along with the swoop of liquid kohl over her upper eyelids. And when Nesta had looked in the mirror at last, she hadn’t seen herself staring back. (ACOSF, 488)

*An unrelated side note, this is an exact mirror of the moment Mor helps Feyre dress for the CoN in MAF. Mor helps the Archeron sisters prepare for their a seductress roles. Elain/ Mor scene pending? Fic idea? Steal pls bc my WIP list is too long!!*

This conversation is as much about Nesta's relationship with Mor, too. And it's done so positively! Mor is painted in a helping, kind light.

So, finally, after several dances, and Eris digging the vibe, they finally speak. And the conversation has LAYERS (like an onion! 🧅) Eris’s amber eyes studied hers. “Trust Rhysand to keep you hidden away.” Right. She was to flatter him, keep him on their side. “I just saw you the other week.” Eris chuckled. “And as riveting as it was to see you send Tamlin scrambling off with his tail between his legs, I didn’t see this side of you. The time since the war has changed you.” She didn’t smile, but she met his stare directly as she said, “For the better, I hope.” “Certainly for the more interesting. It seems you came to play the game tonight after all.” (ACOSF, 490)

While I have no doubt Eris wanted to tap that Archeron ass, he is still operating under a political lens. He likens Nesta to a weapon Rhysand wields. Three Made sisters sitting in the most powerful Court in Prythian garners gossip, fear, and suspicion. And, Eris knows Nesta is brilliant. Only in Prythian for less than two years and she holds her own in political meetings. She's a straight up baddie. Administering the final blow to Hybern and her political prowess? She would be unstoppable in any Court, as an ally or a wife.

Eris spun her, and when she returned to him, he murmured in her ear, “Don’t believe the lies they tell you about me.” She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. “Oh?” Eris nodded to where Mor watched them from beside Feyre and Rhys, her face neutral and aloof. “She knows the truth but has never revealed it.” “Why?” “Because she is afraid of it.” “You don’t win yourself any favors with your behavior.” “Don’t I? Do I not ally myself with this court under constant threat of being discovered and killed by my father? Do I not offer aid whenever Rhysand wishes?” He spun her again. “They believe a version of events that is easier to swallow. I always thought Rhysand wiser than that, but he tends to be blind where those he loves are concerned.” Nesta’s mouth twitched to one side. “And you? Who do you love?” His smile sharpened. “Are you inquiring after my eligibility?” “I’m merely saying it’s hard to find a good dance partner these days.” Eris laughed, the sound like silk over her skin. She shivered. “Indeed it is. Especially one who can both dance and tear the King of Hybern’s head from his shoulders.” She let him see a bit of that person—see the savage rage and silver fire he’d witnessed before Tamlin. Then she blinked and it was gone. Eris’s face tightened, and not from fear. (ACOSF, 490)

This is a long passage, but I wanted to include the quote within the context of a larger conversation.

Maybe Mor omitted details about what went down in the woods. Maybe those details are clues to what her powers truly are. Maybe Eris did love Mor or knew about her sexuality. Maybe they were mates, or sensed (just a theory) she and Azriel were mates, or just wanted to save her from a lifetime of being sentenced to the Autumn Court.

But, what I see, is that Eris is desperately trying to win Nesta's trust, and banish all her suspicions. Because as soon as Nesta challenges him on his behavior, he reminds her of what he has at stake by aligning himself with Night Court.

What's at stake:

His life. If Eris dies, does his beloved mother, the Lady of the Autumn Court have protection? Where does the future of Autumn stand? What is Beron doing that would force Eris to finally take action against his own father?

Where Nesta is in her story:

Her relationship is strained with Feyre and Elain. She can't open her heart to Cassian. She struggles with self worth. Eris is offering her a life she knows very well, rather than the one she feels she does not deserve.

And what does Eris say is the reason Mor does not tell the truth?

Because she is scared of it.

Who is also scared of the truth?

Nesta.

She's scared of her feelings for Cassian (who is literally storming across the ballroom floor as this conversation is happening.)

Before I dive back into this scene, I want to skip to the end of this Part (II- Blade), to the confession between Nesta and Cassian.

Cassian’s eyes blazed. “Say it.” She refused. “Say it, Nesta.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Ask me why I vanished for nearly a week after Solstice. Why I suddenly had to do an inspection right after a holiday.” Nesta kept her mouth shut. “It was because I woke up the next morning and all I wanted to do was fuck you for a week straight. And I knew what that meant, what had happened, even though you didn’t, and I didn’t want to scare you. You weren’t ready for the truth—not yet.”

sweet mother of pearl.... ok, continuing-

Her mouth went dry. “Say it,” Cassian snarled. People gave them a wide berth. Some outright turned back toward the direction they’d come from. “No.” His face shuttered with rage even as his voice became calm. “Say it.” She couldn’t. Not before he’d ordered her to, and certainly not now. She wouldn’t let him win like that. “Say what I’ve guessed from the moment we met,” he breathed. “What I knew the first time I kissed you. What became unbreakable between us on Solstice night.” She wouldn’t. “I am your mate, for fuck’s sake!” Cassian shouted, loud enough for people across the river to hear. “You are my mate! Why are you still fighting it?” She let the truth, voiced at last, wash over her. (ACOSF, 535)

Notice she wasn't ready for the truth. Notice how she rejected Cassian's proposal.

Now let's re-read the CoN passage, as if Eris is speaking not about Mor, but Nesta. I think you'll be surprised at how applicable this is to Nesta's situation, present and future.

“Don’t believe the lies they tell you about me.” She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. “Oh?” Eris nodded to where Mor watched them from beside Feyre and Rhys, her face neutral and aloof. “She knows the truth but has never revealed it.” “Why?” “Because she is afraid of it.” [Eris} “You don’t win yourself any favors with your behavior.” [Nesta]

It's foreshadowing Nesta's emotions and relationship with Cassian, too, even her furious reaction to Cassian revealing their mating bond.

The waltz finished, and they seamlessly fell into the next dance, a little more demanding this time. She remembered this one from her lessons with Mor—it was lovely and sweeping and like being in a dream, until its final minute became so grand it always knocked the breath from her. Anticipation thrummed through her, brightening her eyes. “You’re wasted at the Night Court,” Eris murmured as she twirled, skirts enveloping the two of them. “Absolutely wasted.” “I’m not sure that’s a compliment.” (ACOSF, 490)

I included this passage because I again wanted to show how Mor's friendship with Nesta pops up. The language is positive, Mor and a lovely dream side by side in a sentence. Mor's not really the enemy here.

This is all speculation. My lovely mutual @yourstarsmyscars kindly slid into my DM's to educate me on Mor's character. I'm no expert on her powers, but I believe its intentional we know so little.

I truly don't think her to be evil, or even, that Eris is even lying in this moment.

Mor has secrets. We know this from FAS. In MAF, she tells Feyre the mountain rumbled when she came into her powers. I suspect she'll live up to her namesake. The Morrigan in mythology is an incredible figure, sometimes represented as a raven, or three sisters (woah! not a coincidence).

Guess we'll have to wait and see! 🤭

[spiritmander13]

CAN Y'ALL HELP ME WITH SOMETHING

I remember a post having a chart of every contestant featured in III7 and their auras and what it means.

I have been scrolling through the tags for a long time (and even went past my own post about super saiyen divorce) and I NEED to find this post.

Can you help me find this post? If you do, I will thank you.

[starredforlife]

ok top five scenes from the kung fu panda universe (any of the movies, shorts, shows, etc). could be fight scenes, character moments, etc etc so on and so forth

FERN THIS IS SO HARD. FOR ME. UHM !!!!

ESCAPE FROM GONGMEN TOWER please watch it right now please please it's such an underrated scene musically and visually. this is the scene where tigress catches a flaming arrow and that's the exact moment i became a homosexual. vic history. it's also the scene where we see her chops as a leader of the five and the way she's fit into this role to balance out Po so well. and also all her potential as who she could've been, if she'd been chosen to be the dragon warrior herself. but she's not.

MUSICIAN'S VILLAGE I LOVE this scene the way it introduces, to the audience, that the score is going to play a part in the fight scenes of this movie is absolutely magnificent. and the way we get reintroduced to the furious five's + po's fighting style, and it reminds us immediately that they are formidable--and then sets up the inciting incident of the plot with so much mystery (and we see the 2d animation style again too, which has always represented po's inner subconscious. WHY DIDN'T THEY DO THAT FOR THE FOURTH MOVIE. whatever)

i would say the bridge fight (kfp1) and i adore that scene but i have to say, i really love the performances, the ambience, the color boards, the sound effects, and the emotional impact of shifu and tai lung's fight in the 3rd act more. i love when kfp actually invested time in its non-main protag characters. tai lung was an absolutely fascinating villain and this scene just rounds out his character so well

The entirety of the secrets of the scroll short film oh my god i love that one so much. teenage tigress. my baby girl.

FUCK okay and then the fireworks factory (2nd movie) where Po confronts Shen about his past. And he gets shot with a cannon and Tigress doesn't get to him in time. breaks my heart every time. i'm going to include the scene where Tigress and Po fight right before that in the jail too bc the musical score called "Fireworks Factory" starts with THEIR HUG. AND IT ENDS WITH HER RUNNING TO CATCH HIM. AND FAILING. MY BAKA LIFE !!!!! i don't even ship them anymore like i did when i was 14 i mostly just love tigress but their platonic relationship is v important to me. i have to include their hug bc that did irreparable damage to me as a tween. sorry the quality of the first vid is so ass. their relationship in the entire 2nd movie is so good i could write a whole analysis on it probably. it's paining me physically to not include their earlier boat scene talk.

this is also the scene where tigress snarls at the gorilla and that changed my brain chemistry forever.

i love the entire second movie this is so hard for me AUGHHHGHGH okay quick honorary mention: i also love the scene where we see shen fight the three masters (rhino, croc, ox). that quick fight scene is SO well executed. the dialogue and the performances are incredible. i used to have every line of dialogue of this movie memorized and especially loved reciting this scene (skip to 1:10)

and then if i had to pick a moment from the third one it's the one where oogway's statue gets wrecked at the jade palace. it lands emotionally very well for a scene that could have easily been mishandled too comedically or too quickly. like it still gives me chills. and i'm not even gonna touch on the character animation/acting of tigress and shifu here bc GOD. kai's theme does rock also!!! AND i LOVE the colors in this movie SO MUCH holy fuck

and then a minor detail from the first one is i love how the characters act with each other, namely the five and shifu. they clearly have a history and/or comradery with each other. shifu undoing the nerve damage tai lung did in a way specific to each of his students stands out to me in particular.

1 and 2 are masterpieces to me and i have my Things about the 3rd one but overall, a beautiful trilogy. i wish the 4th one didn't exist im killing it with my bare hands. vic hate movie? vic murder it. 5th rule of the streets.

[justxtalking]

the shooting star

I'm sure this observation was pointed out before, but I can't find it anywhere to quote it. Original post, you take all the credit. I just needed to express my thoughts because I can't stop thinking about it.

I feel like it's been a hot minute since the last time I've made one of these, but here I go.

the scenes

In chapter 64, Gon and Killua promise to stay together under the stars and they have a heart-to-heart. When the scene ends, we see a shooting star in the sky.

English Translation: VIZ Media

In chapter 286, Killua talks about commiting "shinjū" with Gon (translated as "I'll go down with flames with him") to Meleoron, tries to make it seem like a joke and Meleoron's inner monologue makes us understand there's more to the story than what Killua is saying out loud. When the scene ends, we again see a shooting star in the sky (and move to Gon and Pitou's scene.)

English Translation: VIZ Media

side-note

Do I really think that this detail has a bigger meaning than it has? No, Togashi most probably just likes shooting stars and thought this was a good transition between scenes. However, I think it would make a nice analysis if I connect the concept of the shooting star with certain aspects that are present in both scenes and the story in general. I just couldn't help myself, I find it so interesting and beautiful.

my brief and informal analysis

To begin with, what does it mean to see a shooting star? There's three popular and mostly global beliefs I would like to point out.

1) Wishes: Shooting stars have always been associated with dreams, wishes and promises. Many believe that if you make a wish on the shooting star, it will come true.

2) Positive Change: They are typically considered to be signs or messages from the Universe. They tend to symbolize new beginnings, transformations, and spiritual development.

In relation to these two, I believe it would be also connected to the meaning of encouragement. It can serve as encouragement to take risks or make important life decisions.

3) A Sign of Love: Seeing a shooting star can represent the love and connection between two people.

Then, which of these meanings are actually related to these scenes? The three of them, but let me explain a bit more.

In the first scene, Gon and Killua promise to stay together and continue their journey. As shooting stars are often associated with wishes or promises, in this context, it could symbolize the sincerity and earnestness of their promise to each other. By including the shooting star at the end of the scene, it seals their promise and it also marks a new beginning for them. At that moment, they are making an important decision in their lives, it's a new and positive change for them.

For the next meaning, I would like to point out first what scenes with two people under the stars at night usually mean. As we probably know, those type of scenes are ideal for characters to share their feelings and even secrets. The darkness and the soft lighting of the stars allow this space of intimacy to just talk to someone, which is what Gon and Killua do. They are already friends, but it's at that moment that they talk about what they are going to do and speak about topics such as Mito. The shooting star marks a significant bond between Gon and Killua. It represents their connection and love (platonic or not) for each other, as shooting stars can also symbolize a new love. This is related to the hope we have when seeing a shooting star, which is connected to that hope (and excitement) we feel when we start a new relationship. Using the shooting star could work as a narrative device to highlight the importance of this moment and the bond between Gon and Killua.

In the second scene, Killua discusses the possibility of a double suicide if something were to happen. Again, the shooting star appears at the end before transitioning to the next scene.

As I said before, shooting stars commonly symbolize wishes and promises. In this context, it could symbolize Killua's inner turmoil and/or even his determination to protect Gon (and be with him), possibly hinting at a resolution or decision he has made internally. Because of his words, we can guess he made the decision to die with Gon if that's what is needed. What he says can even foreshadow significant events or intense emotions, such as the ones that follow in the story. For example, Killua running to reach Gon and save him. It could even be related to other characters, such as Meruem and Komugi committing double suicide.

Killua's statement about a double suicide is a serious and intense moment, and the shooting star might emphasize the gravity of the situation. In this case, I wouldn't say this is a "positive change," though we could argue that for Killua maybe it would have been because Gon would have included him.

However, it is a moment in which Killua makes a big decision, one that would take to risk practically his life just to stay with Gon or protect him.

In addition to this, it could also bring us back to the first scene, in which they promise to stay together, symbolizing their strong bond. This is emphasized by the fact that the next scene is about Gon and Pitou. However, in this case, both Gon and Killua seem to be in different head-spaces. On one hand, Killua is worried he could lose Gon to the darkness, as he feels their bond is wavering and he can't reach him no matter how much he tries. On the other hand, Gon is too focused on his goal to save Kite. He is in too much pain and despair while trying to control the situation on his own terms.

In both instances, the shooting stars seem to add a layer of emotional depth and narrative emphasis to the scenes. They highlight the sincerity of promises, the intensity of emotions, and the transient nature of crucial moments in Gon and Killua's lives.

side-note

Something that adds to my delusional mind to all of these and I think it's really interesting is the following:

The fourth ending Nagareboshi Kirari seems to mean "sparkling shooting star". The song is an exploration of longing and hope, entrusting wishes to the stars, unanswered thoughts and unspoken feelings. It delves into the theme of connection, particularly the emotional bond between the narrator and a distant loved one. There's a lot to say about this song and its lyrics, but that should be a whole new post.

I think the song speaks perfectly about Gon and Killua's situation in general (not only about what I mention here, of course) and I think it's a good way to finish this post.

Thank you so much for reading! Have a good day or night, whichever the time is when you're seeing this.

[whipedcream]

got tired of people getting the inner flame arc wrong and took the matter upon my own hands. plus analysis on silver and candle. feel free to ask me about the inner flame arc btw.... i love rambling about it...

[the-cosmic-cauldron]

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[enseea]

Character Study of OSAH!Uchiha Madara

Because I live with the need to dissect this man, here's part 1 of a deep-dive character analysis of Only Shot at Honour's Uchiha Madara. May include spoilers up til and including Chapter 11, as I've included screenshots of the text to support the analysis. Let me know if you'd like a part 2, or if you'd like any analyses on the other characters. I might do one on Hikaku and Kinza, because there's a lot to be said about them.

Non-OSAH readers might enjoy this too, given that I'm trying to make Madara as canon-accurate as possible, so if you love this particular blorbo, you might eat this up as a character study.

Let's start.

Deep dive into Uchiha Madara, the Unreliable Narrator:

Chapter 1 of Only Shot at Honor opens on Madara both experiencing and rejecting death. The Izanagi here is treated less like a jutsu and more like a symbolic resurrection. He survives, but barely - the Izanagi has cost Madara the sacrifice of one of Izuna’s eyes. He is both weak and helpless, and in this state of weakness he is helped by the traveling civilians Takahiro and Mei. Later, he is nursed back to health within the struggling community Kame is trying to build. 

Chapters 2 and 3 broach two subjects: through Kame’s eyes, Madara’s legend and myth, and through Madara’s dream sequence, the tainted grief and twisted ideology that follow him everywhere, and the dissonance between them:

With the bandit attack in Chapter 4, we see Madara’s ideology being reinforced. Chapter 5 discusses the consequences of that reinforcement and Madara’s violent approach to peace. Here, he spirals, and he nearly kills Yasha. He frames it nobly in his head:

But then, when he’s disappointed his justification for Yasha’s murder is not real and he’s forced to stop, his inner thoughts reveal his true intentions:

In Chapter 6, he settles a bit. We see more of his emotional vulnerabilities that no one is ever allowed to see - not even himself. They’re revealed in a dream sequence:

Here, we see Madara’s subconscious desire for belonging, in a world that has rejected both him and his ideals. This desire, framed by Madara as exhaustion, is what leads him to accept Kame’s proposal to remain in Mizu-sho-mura, laying the groundwork for the real start of Only Shot at Honour:

Chapter 7 begins to pull back from the early struggles and look toward the future. Here, Takahiro leaves Mizu-sho-mura in an attempt to secure a trade deal with the Uzumaki. The chapter ends with him returning, already deceased, and Madara’s reaction isn’t one of sorrow – it’s one of excitement:

This is the true “come back to life moment”, but it’s further cemented in Chapter 8: The Vigil. Mei’s grief is meant to be a mirror to Madara’s over Izuna, and Madara himself recognises that. What he doesn’t recognise, though, is another growing source of dissonance – his rejection of the Uchiha Clan, and his dependence over Uchiha rituals. He helps Mei build a pyre for Takahiro, and two significant things happen. First, Kame misjudges him, and we see that Madara is used to being misunderstood – but also that he hates it. This will be important in future chapters, specifically Chapter 16:

Second, Chapter 8 directly confronts Madara’s grief over Izuna. This touches upon the source of his feelings of betrayal towards the Clan, but also recontextualises Izuna’s death as an unfinished ritual.

He uses Takahiro’s pyre, then, to give Izuna the rite he was too weak to give when he should have. But it’s not just Izuna who shows up in the flames – Hashirama’s there, too. That wound is still too fresh. Madara doesn’t allow himself to look at it. Hashirama will continue to be an unhealed wound for the rest of the story, or at least until the time comes to face it.

Chapter 8, therefore, serves to thematically lift Madara out of his mad-death-spiral and into newness. This is a theme that will be repeated throughout the rest of OSAH.

Chapter 9 opens on Yasha, coming to warn Madara over his plans with the Uzumaki. He doesn’t listen, showcasing his arrogance and the deep-held belief of his infallibility. Later, he meets his summon for the first time since before his undeath. Kosoku the eagle says the following:

This is a direct reference to the waning of Zetsu’s influence. Madara is himself; this does not absolve him, but it does confirm his agency. 

Chapter 9 ends with Madara giving Mei a choice – get her vengeance on the Uzumaki, or stop the cycle before it is too late. Mei hesitates. This is the beginning of Mei’s arc, a mirror to Madara’s own. 

Chapter 10 introduces Uzumaki Kouki, Lord of Uzushio, and Uzumaki Kinza, Princess of Uzushio and younger sister to Mito. They are framed as different from both Madara and the rest of Mizu-sho-mura: elegant, politically astute, and quietly dangerous. Here, Yasha delivers another warning:

Madara is wrong, Yasha is right. This is made clear by the end of the chapter, once Kouki has already seen past the lies and the illusions, and has cornered Madara into a trap of his own making:

In Chapter 11, Kouki raises the stakes. Madara has been allowed to languish quietly in Mizu-sho-mura and lick his wounds, but the world demands his attention. This is how Kouki puts it:

Madara resists. He is not convinced. He doesn’t trust Kouki, or the system Kouki lives in. But then, Kouki dangles Madara’s favourite bait before him:

Madara accepts this. It is all he ever wanted – from Konoha and from the Uchiha Clan alike. From here stems another source of dissonance: Madara wants to change the system, but to do so he must participate within it. Mei understands this dissonance through the lens of a child who has lost her father to the Uzumaki, and who is now forced into an alliance, again paralleling Madara’s loss of Izuna. This is what Madara tells her:

This is Madara, not as a reformed man, but as a predator lying in wait: pretend to submit until the opportune moment to jump at their throats. 

This is where Madara is up to Chapter 11. OSAH continues of course, and is now at Chapter 16 (which is a whole can of worms in and of itself), but I'm tired rn. Will pick this up later, though.