#Intellectual courtship

[recsspecs]

The kind of romance I deserve

[slippinmickeys]

CHAPTER ONE (1/16):

Not far above the pavement of US-220, the forest dripped. The rain was gentle but steady, the highway as black and slick as a surfacing seal. Ahead, they could just make out the panning red and blue lights of a tangle of squad cars. The trees that edged the roadway pushed in and down, oppressive as low-hanging clouds. Beside her, Mulder sighed. 

They’d been awoken early by a call from a Sheriff three counties down and four over, who’d heard of Mulder by reputation. They had a body and a bit of a situation and would he and his partner come take a look? It was the first time that Scully had stayed over, and she’d felt embarrassed that she was there when the call came in though it wasn’t as though either of them had trumpeted her presence. She’d rolled out of bed and refused to meet his eye as he hung up on the Sheriff and dialed Skinner. 

Later, when he walked into his kitchen, dressed and shaven, he’d said, “Listen, Scully, if you regret what we’ve been—” 

“I don’t,” she interrupted him, handing him a steaming mug of coffee and finally bringing her eyes to his. “I don’t.” 

“Mea cuppa,” he’d said quietly, raising the brew to his lips. She’d been forced to smile at the pun.

It hadn’t been fair of her to seduce him, though it had been a glacial, intellectual courtship, inevitable, really, in every sense of the word. Mulder was tender-hearted and obsessive and after their second time together, she should have known that no amount of her stoicism or sense of workplace propriety would keep them from wanting to be together all the time. Last night, she’d had a foot out the door and was pushing him away with one hand and pulling him back with the other, his fingers tangled in her hair in rapacious bliss. 

They still weren’t sure how to be with each other, and that morning they’d walked down to Mulder’s car in a loaded, restless silence. 

Mulder eased up on the gas as they approached the cluster of khaki police cruisers and cut the windshield wipers. There were deputies leaning against hoods, wearing those ridiculous plastic rain beanies over their service caps and trying to appear important. Mulder pulled over, parking haphazardly on the berm, and looked out his window where a small inland lake spread out to the east and west, the body they’d come to investigate prostrate under a blue tarp on top of a thin strip of dark, mealy sand. 

They got out of the car and the Sheriff, holding a large black golf umbrella, pushed his way through his men, stepping up to Mulder and holding out a hand. 

“Thanks for coming,” the man said by way of greeting, and Mulder nodded toward him and introduced him to Scully.

“Call came in this morning,” the Sheriff said after trading introductions. “Dog walker found him.” He turned to one of the deputies, a younger man with blond eyebrows and a pixie-ish nose, freckles smattered over the bridge of it. “Avery, you got the file?”

Deputy Avery stepped forward. “Right here, sir,” the younger man said, handing over a beat up file folder—a brown, vintage-looking thing with a faux-wood finish. He gave the two agents a friendly smile and stepped back. 

Scully nodded at the folder now gripped in the Sheriff’s hand. “You got an ID?”

The Sheriff sort of shook his head and nodded at the same time. “That’s why we called you out,” he said, handing over the file. “No apparent cause of death,” he added as an afterthought. “Forensic unit out of Richmond are on their way.”

Mulder flipped the file open and read for a moment before looking back up. “Daly Carmichael. Missing persons?” The older man nodded, looking uncomfortable. “Must feel good to close such a cold case,” Mulder went on before looking back down at the paperwork. Scully leaned over to get a look at it. The victim was male, was in his early twenties when he’d gone missing in 1974, last seen wearing white sneakers and jeans and a yellow striped top.

“You’re confident of the identification?” she asked dubiously, ‘74 being a quarter of a century past.

The Sheriff swallowed. “There was no ID on the body, but…we’re pretty confident.”

Mulder flipped the file closed. “Let’s take a look,” he said. 

“Andy!” The Sheriff called out, and a deputy who had been standing near the tarp-covered body waved back. “Andy was first on scene,” he said to the two agents. 

Mulder noticed that when he and Scully began to pick their way down the embankment towards the small beach, none of the members of the sheriff’s department joined them.

As they approached, Mulder got a better look at Andy the deputy, who barely looked old enough to drive. It was likely he’d pulled corpse-sitting duties in an act of hazing. His arms were crossed over his chest while the walkie clipped to his shoulder gave a steady susurration of dispatch chatter. He gave off an air of indifference, but he was plowing through a stick of gum, working his tongue at it elaborately, snapping it nervously through his teeth. 

“What time did the call come in?” Scully asked, crouching down next to the body, her knees softly popping. 

“About six am,” he answered, then added, “ma’am.”

“Someone walking their dog, the sheriff said?” She lifted up a corner of the tarp to get a look at the victim’s face. Mulder watched as her eyebrows furrowed into a chevron of confusion.

The deputy nodded, continuing to gnaw on his gum, and hooked his thumbs through his shiny utility belt. 

Mulder noted pawprints and the shoe prints of the dog walker who’d found the body. The sand underneath them was damp, but firm, and showed only a few other prints, all of them looking to be standard police-issue. 

A couple of bright green leaves cartwheeled across the marks, propelled by a gust of wind, one of them briefly catching on the deputy’s shoe before going on its merry way.

“Did you examine the body?” Mulder asked him, finally looking up.

“There was no pulse, no ID on him,” the deputy replied. 

“How did you—”

“Hey Mulder?” There was a sharpness to her tone that made Mulder stop talking. “Can you take a look here?”

Scully peeled back the corner of the tarp, revealing a young-looking man with dark hair. He was dressed in jeans, white tennis shoes and a yellow striped tee shirt. He couldn’t have been more than twenty-five. Mulder glanced down at his hand, which was still holding the archaic looking missing persons file. “Huh,” he said. Scully reached up and touched his wrist, finding his pulse suddenly beating rabbit-quick. 

“If you don’t mind,” the deputy said, clearing his throat. “I’m going to…” He hooked a thumb up toward the rest of his compatriots and beat a hasty retreat.

“Those clothes don’t look twenty years old,” Mulder said. 

“Twenty-six,” Scully corrected, still hunched close to the ground. “Can I see the file?” Mulder handed it over without a word, and Scully flipped through it quickly, her eyes scanning the contents. 

“This can’t be right,” she said.  

Mulder shrugged. “Let’s ignore that particular elephant in the room, and see what else we find,” he suggested, and gave Scully a moment to collect her thoughts. “What can you tell me about the body?”

Scully turned back to the victim in front of them.

“Lividity isn’t fixed. Temperature is more difficult with the weather and exposure. I’ll have a better idea on the time of death after the autopsy.”

“Anything else?”

“Well, the victim appears to be male. Cursory examination, I’d say he’s early twenties, if that.” With this, she shot him a look. “No obvious cause of death, though I suspect drowning. He’s on the shore. His clothes are wet.”

“It has been raining,” Mulder said, snapping on a pair of latex gloves that he’d produced from his pocket. He leaned down and started unlacing the man’s shoes. 

“Mulder, we should wait until the forensics unit can come in and process the scene.” 

“I just want to check something, before the rain gets any worse,” he said, and carefully removed the victim’s shoe. He pointed to the top of the man’s foot. “Look,” he said, and Scully had to bend down to look at what he was trying to show her. The sock on top of the man’s foot was dry. He hadn’t been submerged in the lake. 

Mulder carefully put the shoe back on, and moved to reach inside the man’s pockets. 

“The deputy said there was no ID on him,” Scully reminded him. 

“I want to know what else is in here,” Mulder said, and pulled his hand back, producing several gold coins and a small dark rock.

He flipped them all over in his rubber-covered palm. “Odd markings,” he observed, looking at the coins. 

Scully leaned in to look. There were faces on the coins, but not the profiles of presidents or queens or even Caesars. They were clearly old, the etchings worn down, but she could still make out faces; some laughing, some looking angry, one wearing a crown of leaves and looking ghoulish. “I don’t see a country of origin,” she said. “They could be archaic. Maybe he was a collector.”

Mulder gave her a sideways glance but didn’t reply. The rain had turned to more of a mist and was curling the hair around her face, lending her beauty a neoclassical verve. He had to stop himself from reaching out to touch it.

“What’s the rock?” Scully asked, reaching forward to graze it lightly with her finger. 

“I think,” Mulder said, squinting at it. “I think it’s an ingot of iron.”

Mulder looked up and out around the lake and trees that surrounded it. There were no waves to speak of, but above the water was a line of algae in an undulating, unending rope, lying along the sand where the water had pushed it when the wind was stronger. The shore was dotted with round, smooth stones and the sharp carapaces of invasive zebra mussels. Twenty yards beyond the body, Mulder could see a child’s abandoned plastic bucket with no handle, and closer to the corpse, a beer bottle with a faded orange label. The hem of the forest looked impenetrable, the edge a solid mass of thick cedar and bracken with one small opening due east of where they stood, as dark and forbidding as the mouth of a cave. Mulder gave an involuntary shudder and turned back to his partner. 

“Okay,” he said, turning to her. “Let’s talk about the elephant.”

“Our victim appears not to have aged since 1974,” Scully sighed. 

“My kind of case,” Mulder smiled.

“Our kind,” she corrected, which widened his grin considerably. 

“What do you know about the fae, Scully?”

Good Christ, he had a theory already, Scully thought. 

“Probably a whole lot less than I will five minutes from now,” she sighed, crossing her arms over her chest and settling in. After a moment, she realized he was waiting for her to actually answer, but she was having none of it; she knew the precise trajectory of his thoughts. “You think this man was taken by fairies, Mulder? That’s a stretch, even for you.”

“It’s been suggested that fairies live in dimensions parallel to our own. String theory posits that there are up to ten or eleven dimensions that exist in the universe, not just the four we humans experience. We can move within those four dimensions. Who’s to say other beings can’t move among more? Or move us with them?”

“So this man hasn’t aged because he went to live with the fairies? Mulder, string theory smooths out the mathematical inconsistencies that currently exist between quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity. Yes, there may be other dimensions we can’t see, but time—one of those dimensions that we can measure—only moves one way: forward.”

“Doesn’t the theory of relativity posit that time slows when you’re moving faster than the speed of light?” Scully heaved a sigh. Only Mulder would pick a physics fight with her. “Eminent theosophist E. L. Gardner likened fairies to butterflies, whose function was to provide an essential link between the energy of the sun and the plants of Earth. They would travel between. He claimed that growth of a plant which we regard as the customary and inevitable result of associating the three factors of sun, seed, and soil would never take place if, and I quote ‘the fairy builders were absent.’”

“Please don’t tell me that you’re about to suggest that fairies are actually aliens. And that they’ve found a way to travel faster than the speed of light.”

“You said it, not me.” 

“Mulder!”

“What?” 

“Little gray men are a far cry from ethereal sprites who use protective charms and mischievously lead travelers astray. You can’t have it both ways.”

“I’m not trying to have it any way, I’m merely suggesting avenues of inquiry lining up with the facts of the case as we have them. Anyway, Gardner described fairies as having no clean-cut shape but rather ‘small, hazy, and somewhat luminous clouds of color with a brighter sparkish nucleus.’”

“You’re describing a proton.”

“So was he,” Mulder shrugged. “But taking away the strange coins and the ingot of iron—historically believed to repel fairies, I might add—how do you account for the fact that this man hasn’t aged in over twenty years?”

“Good genes?”

“The only person I know with genes that good is you. And don’t you have Celtic forebears?”

Scully blushed. It wasn’t fair, flirting. Their relationship was new, and their romance improbable.

Mulder threw a look up to the local law enforcement leaning against their vehicles and watching them work. He reached out and squeezed Scully’s hand once. She looked at him with the same kind of embarrassed moue as when a stranger's dog sticks its nose in your crotch.

“I know this is hard for you,” he said, his voice low. 

“It’s fine,” she said, an old safeword. 

He remembered her sitting in her bed in the oncology ward, small and slight, as withered as a new chick emerging from a shell. Her eyes had been sunken and her small shoulders stuck out from beneath the hospital gown like wire coat hangers. I feel fine , she’d said. 

Mulder felt her skin’s warmth before releasing her hand and he walked over to the bottle of beer, picking it up and turning it so that he could read the label. “Huh,” he said, holding it up so that Scully could see it. “Oberon.”

“What?”

“The kind of beer. Bell’s Brewery. It’s called ‘Oberon.’”

“The king of the fairies?” Scully said dubiously. 

Mulder shrugged once again, and she sighed. “Leave it where it is,” she said, casting another glance at the local boys in brown. “Let the forensics unit bag it.”

A big blue van had just pulled up behind their fleet sedan. The team from Richmond had arrived.

Mulder set the bottle carefully back down where he found it. When he straightened, he looked towards the forest and could have sworn that the hole through the bracken of the woods looked bigger than it had a few minutes before. He took a few steps toward it.

“Mulder?” called out his partner. 

“I just want to check something out,” he called over his shoulder without looking back. 

The forest was restless, the tops of the trees agitated and shivering. 

A thought occurred to him and he turned around. “You want to come with me?” 

The look she gave him communicated quite clearly that she did not, but she turned to follow him nonetheless, another sigh passing between her lips in a steamy vapor. 

“Look,” she said, pointing forward toward the trees when she reached his side. “There are footprints coming out.”

Mulder peered down. Sure enough, there was one set of human footprints leading from the dark opening, the edges of the prints crumbly and ill defined from the rain. 

They traded a glance and went in.

[tinykittendelusion]

Seventeen as characters in books I'll never write

a/n: my brain comes up with kinda good ideas on a flight

triggers:

Jun: The enigmatic detective in a noir thriller who has a soft spot for you. He’s both thrilling and deeply caring, balancing danger with affection.

S.Coups: The strong, protective warrior in a fantasy novel who has a soft spot only for you. He would fight armies just to keep you safe.

Jeonghan: The mischievous fae prince in a fantasy romance who loves to play pranks but is fiercely devoted when it comes to you. He combines magic with romance.

Joshua: The classic gentleman in a Regency-era romance who is a master of courtship. His letters and gestures are straight out of a Jane Austen novel.

Hoshi: The daring explorer in an adventure novel who takes you on wild journeys across exotic locations, making each experience thrilling and unforgettable.

Wonwoo: The quiet, intellectual librarian in a contemporary romance, who spends more time reading than talking but knows exactly how to touch your soul with his words.

Woozi: The modern-day music producer in a contemporary romance who composes love songs inspired by your relationship, capturing every moment in melody.

Dokyeom: The energetic, upbeat actor in a romantic comedy who lights up your life with his charm and humor, making every day feel like an adventure.

Mingyu: The hardworking, rugged rancher in a rural romance who finds joy in the simple things, showing you how to appreciate life’s small pleasures.

Minghao: The philosophical wanderer in a travel memoir who shares his life lessons and cultural experiences with you, creating a deep, meaningful connection.

Seungkwan: The lively, charismatic bookstore owner in a contemporary romance, who spends more time making others laugh than sitting still but knows exactly how to lift your spirits with his infectious energy and heartfelt words.

Vernon: The laid-back, cool musician in an indie romance, who makes you mixtapes and takes you to underground concerts.

Dino: The earnest, young hero in a coming-of-age story, who grows into his strength and confidence with your support and love.

[sailorgoon13]

Lorenzo Berkshire

Basics:

Full Name: Lorenzo Berkshire

Nickname: Enzo

Gender: Male

Date of Birth: 10 June, 1980

Heritage: English, Portuguese

Blood Status: Pure Blood

Wand: Mahogany, Dragon Heartstring, 11 1/2", Stiff

Appearance:

Hair Color: Chestnut brown

Eye Color: Brown

Skin Tone: Olive undertones

Height: 5'11"

Body Type: Lean and muscular, with defined muscles in his arms, legs, and abdomen.

Style: Sophistication, elegance, and a hint of edgy flair. Favors fitted pants paired with tailored button-down shirts. For formal events, he gravitates toward sleek suits in rich fabrics like velvet or silk, often in deep, bold colors that command attention. Loves his accessories like a bold watch or thin gold chain necklaces.

Features: Jawline, Intense gaze, Well Groomed appearance, Confidence, Style

Personality:

Traits: Funny, Charming, Competitive, Loyal, Complex

Likes: Fashion, Socializing, Intellectual Challenges

Dislikes: Incompetence, Losing, Close mindedness, Disrespect

Hobbies: Quidditch, Dueling, Drawing

Fears: Failure, Mediocrity, Rejection

Family and Friends:

Father: Mr. Berkshire

A shrewd businessman who oversees the family's investments and enterprises.

Values hard work, ambition, and determination

A dynamic and adventurous wizard

Mother: Mrs. Berkshire

Comes from an old English wizarding family known for their wealth and influence.

A socialite who is actively involved in wizarding society

Down-to-earth and compassionate. Values kindness, integrity, and loyalty

Friends: Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Theo Nott, Mattheo Riddle

Magic:

Special Abilities: Exceptional flyer

Boggart: His friends turning to the Darker side

Patronus: Falcon

Polyjuice: Rich golden hues. Would smell like expensive cologne and freshly-cut citrus. The taste would start with a sweetness like ripe figs or dates, followed by a warm, spicy kick of mulled wine or aged oak. The after taste would be like sipping fine brandy.

Amortentia: Cologne, Subtle notes of wet grass from the Quidditch pitch, red wine

Backstory:

Lorenzo Berkshire was born into a world of wealth, privilege, and magic. His parents were prominent figures in the wizarding community, known for their influence, intellect, and refined taste. From a young age, Lorenzo was immersed in a world of luxury and sophistication, surrounded by the finest things money could buy.

Growing up, Lorenzo was groomed for success from the moment he could walk. His parents instilled in him the values of ambition, determination, and excellence, encouraging him to pursue his dreams with unwavering confidence and tenacity.

As he entered Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Enzo quickly established himself as a formidable presence among his peers. He excelled academically, earning top marks in his classes, while also demonstrating exceptional skill and agility on the Quidditch pitch as a Seeker for the Slytherin team.

Outside of academics and Quidditch, Lorenzo's magnetic charm and charismatic personality made him a natural leader among his classmates. He effortlessly navigated the complexities of social dynamics, forging alliances and friendships with ease, while also earning the respect and admiration of those around him.

He also had a penchant for romance, enjoying the thrill of courtship and showering his romantic interests with attention and affection. He loved taking girls out on extravagant dates, wooing them with grand gestures and heartfelt compliments. However, despite his best intentions, his relationships often fizzled out quickly, leaving him feeling disillusioned and disheartened.

Academics:

Best Subject: Charms

Favorite Subject: DADA

Favorite Professor: Snape

Worst Subject: Arithmancy

Least Favorite Subject: Transfiguration

Least Favorite Professor: Trelawny

Student Life:

Always eager to learn and expand his magical knowledge.

Quidditch is not just a sport for Enzo; it's a passion and a way of life, and he pours his heart and soul into every match

A social butterfly

Well-liked and respected by his peers, known for his magnetic charm, quick wit, and kindness

The nicest asshole you'd ever meet

Grapples with his own insecurities and fears like any teenager

Template: @hazyange1s

[saintsenara]

Wait why are you not a fan of Snape and Hermione?? 2 nerds who care a socially awkward amount about the things they care about nerding out together at levels of romance people who can be chill and normal about things can’t comprehend?? It’s not one of my fav ships but I can definitely see it!

I headcanon that Snape picks on Hermione being a muggle raised know it all thirsty to prove and lacking self awareness because he was one himself when he arrived at school and James and Sirius picked on him for it! It’s like that you’re most repulsed by the things you’re self conscious of in yourself thing to me. Or maybe a him trying to live out being the “cool” one in that dynamic thing

But when she’s a grown woman and more self possessed like he became too I feel like that same energy ness has potential for love!

Hermione is famously respectful and compassionate enough towards all beings to be more understanding than say Lily Evans of his prickly tender ego if he had another m word style outburst and such a people pleaser she’d keep coming back for more snark as long as he peppered it with the odd encouraging compliment

And I feel like a Snape in reciprocated love could absolutely veer into inventing beautiful and helpful spells to impress his lover or sending “made me think of u 😘” notes with verses of elaborate obscure poetry territory that would be frankly the level of literary and academic courtship our Herms deserves 😌

Is it cause they’d both be the highly strung worrier one and they both need someone to ground them? Or maybe too pessimistic together and one of them needs to be the cheerful one?

anon, i genuinely love this for you - i'm always thrilled to get people explaining their love for ships in the ol' inbox, especially when they're ships i don't instinctively vibe with, and i have been won round to stranger premises than this by a passionate defence of why two characters should kiss.

where i still think snamione isn't clicking for me, however, is that the way you describe both snape and hermione here doesn't align in any significant way with what i personally think would be interesting to explore about either character in a relationship and have them still feel meaningfully like their canon selves.

[i will say, though - because i always think it's worth reiterating my fandom commitment towards being neither a cop nor a priest - that i literally don't give a shit about either the age gap or the student-teacher dynamic. i know that's an objection to pairings like snarry and snamione which lots of people do express. but i will never be one of them.]

the primary reason that i don't vibe with many of the more... sapiosexual hermione ships [by which i mean not only snamione but tomione] is that they hang on the idea that hermione's intellect expresses itself in a way we never actually see in canon.

or, the idea that snape and hermione are intellectually compatible [and that they would enjoy hanging out being nerdy about stuff] is just... not true.

throughout the seven-book canon, the way that hermione shows herself to be clever is that she displays an excellent memory and an enormous capacity to rote-learn. her intelligence is overwhelmingly demonstrated - both in the classroom and during the trio's year on the run - by her being able to regurgitate swathes of information, very usually verbatim from the source she got it from.

she is clearly able to use this ability to retain information to understand the theoretical component of magic in a way neither harry nor ron ever manage, and she is able to use this understanding of theory to work out how to perform spells which are ahead of her expected level on the hogwarts curriculum.

and this is intelligence - and i want to be very clear that i'm not trying to suggest that hermione shouldn't be thought of as intellectual, or that her academic achievements should be devalued. but it isn't the way snape's intelligence manifests itself.

because hermione is never shown - at any point in canon - to be a particularly creative or experimental thinker.

she places an enormous intellectual trust in disciplinary authority - teachers and textbooks - and is frequently rattled when these are revealed to be partial or incorrect, as we see in her shock at hogwarts: a history not mentioning house elves or her anger at harry getting better results by following the modified instructions in the prince's textbook [despite knowing nothing about the theory underpinning them] than she does with the "official" ones.

she also regards the gatekeeping of inquiry which disciplinary boundaries enforce to be a positive thing and she never displays any inclination to step beyond them. she dislikes the spells in the prince's textbook because they aren't ministry-approved - and i must say that i think the idea that she'd be won over by a man creating spells for her is wishful thinking...

she is immediately mistrustful of anything she can't find something she regards as an empirical source for - notice, for example, that she only comes round to the idea that prophecies might be real once she encounters them in the ministry of magic.

even when we see her using magic on her own terms - the jinx she uses on marietta edgecombe, for example; or the protean charm on the da coins - the magic she's using is sophisticated, and is being applied in a way which wouldn't be classroom-sanctioned, but it's not magic which is being used in a way which is removed from the spell's original purpose. the protean charm on the da coins is impressive because it's a flawless execution of newt-level magic by a sixteen-year-old. it's not impressive because hermione is using it in a strange, experimental, or radical way.

[in contrast, the dark mark - which harry notes the coins mimic - is clearly a spell voldemort himself invents.]

snape, on the other hand, is an experimenter. he's someone who clearly sees magic as a creative force which he has every right to shape as he sees fit by adaptation and invention. and he's someone who evidently rejects the logic of disciplinary gatekeeping - one tension in his relationship with dumbledore prior to half-blood prince is that snape evidently retains an enormous intellectual interest in the dark arts [which, as he tells us, are an area of magic which is feared precisely because they can't be neatly contained within disciplinary boxes - they are ever-changing, unfixed, mutating...]

and it's these conflicting views of what magic is and how it should be used and thought about which is the cause of the intellectual incompatibility we see between snape and hermione in canon.

he is unequivocally in the wrong for his dismissive classroom manner towards her - because he is an adult and she is a child. but he isn't wrong in principle that hermione just repeating what she's read in the textbook and refusing to synthesise her knowledge [she always goes massively over word limits! she never gives answers in class in her own words!] isn't actually a demonstration that she understands the material. [and therefore something a good teacher would guide her through conquering... snape having no interest in doing this is his own fault.]

and - from a snamione-specific perspective - it's all the evidence snape needs that, actually, they're not going to enjoy hanging out chatting about academic pursuits. hermione values knowledge like a dragon hoards treasure. snape wants to take that treasure, melt it down, and turn it into new and weird things.

once again, i don't think this a flaw in either of their characters - it's just something which is. and i don't think it's an insurmountable obstacle to writing snamione, because i believe any ship is possible if an author has enough nerve. but it's an aspect of both characters' canon personalities [and hermione's above all] which never seems to make it into snamione fics - all of which, as far as i've encountered them, are beholden to an idea of hermione's approach to academia which is considerably more flexible than we actually see in the books.

of your other points, i'm not particularly convinced by the idea that snape sees his younger self in the teenage hermione. this isn't just for the reasons outlined above - hermione isn't trying to prove herself in the same way he was, which was by creating and experimenting in a bid to be noticed and considered impressive - but also because of the massive gulf in their respective class backgrounds.

hermione is really posh - and, while she's obviously subjected to discrimination at hogwarts on account of her blood-status, she also comes from a family with both the financial resources and the cultural language to make her familiar with the vibe of the elite muggle boarding schools hogwarts is a pastiche of.

the teen snape - in contrast - stands out from his cohort in that he is visually identifiable as working-class [which does appear to be genuinely unusual at hogwarts]. his class background is something which clearly drove a lot of the marauders' bullying of him [i'm sorry to the girlies who think james and sirius targeted him out of some righteous desire to stamp out his prejudice - it was because he was poor and uncouth] and which he still has a chip on his shoulder about as an adult.

this - again - is not an insurmountable barrier to a snamione relationship [as it's not a barrier to thousands of real-world partnerships and friendships]. but it is something an author needs to grapple with if they want to make the pairing - at least, in my opinion - seem plausible. but the standard vibe seems to be that snape would be comfortable in the grangers' home fairly quickly, and that he'd be delighted to have hermione swanning around offering suggestions for how they could do up spinner's end... instead of him resenting this as the unwelcome meddling of people who've never had to worry for money.

i'm also not particularly convinced by the idea that hermione would get over being called a mudblood - especially by an adult man. while i think it's completely plausible that she'd handle this differently than lily [although lily's reaction is entirely justified - and i don't think we should throw the baby out with the bathwater of contextualising the teenage snape and the motivating factors behind his decisions by pretending that cutting off your friend because he called you a slur is a petty, ill-thought-out, or unreasonable move], i don't think that her reaction would be automatically forgiving.

hermione is compassionate towards kreacher when he calls her a mudblood because kreacher is a slave, whose prejudicial views are inextricably bound up in the magic used to oppress him [i.e. that if he received an order to use the term, or to refuse to serve a muggleborn food, from his masters, he would have to punish himself violently if he disobeyed it]. she is not - quite rightly! - compassionate towards someone like draco malfoy when he calls her one, since he is a free person with full agency to choose not to do this.

could she forgive him - or snape - for using the term? sure! absolutely! but i don't think it's a given - and i also think she'd expect a demonstration of how sorry snape was which wouldn't necessarily align with how he'd think he'd demonstrated his regret.

i do agree that - as you say - hermione is a people-pleaser, and she definitely has a far greater tolerance for being treated cruelly by people she wants to impress [especially authority figures - including snape himself] than either harry or ron. and i think this has the potential to introduce an extremely thorny dynamic into a snamione fic - in which the power dynamic inherent in the age gap [which, to reiterate, i think is completely fine for an author to enjoy] is compounded by hermione being unwilling to anger or contradict snape [which is a vibe - as i've said in answer to an ask about harmony - we also see in her relationship with harry... it's also obviously exactly how snape's relationship with dumbledore works.]

on a couple of the more minor characterisation notes, i'm afraid that the idea of snape as a great romantic has never hit for me. it seems really bound up in the way alan rickman portrayed him in the films, which i've always found a bit toothless. i also don't like the trope of "actually snape's really hot" which seems to always accompany it - ugly, odd men to get to bone too!

[what he would be - i think - is a magpie. get ready to be handed odd stones and bits of leaves on dates.]

i also think they're highly-strung in ways which differ enough to mean they'd just annoy each other. hermione is highly-strung in that she flusters easily and is very poor under pressure, but she's actually pretty emotionally stable [and i'd dispute that she's a pessimist - this is a girl who thinks that she's successfully eradicating slavery at hogwarts by knitting hats; she's pretty robust, funny, cheerful, and idealistic]. snape is highly-strung in that he has a hair-trigger temper and is very emotionally volatile, but he's obviously an extraordinarily good liar, very quick on his feet, and very good under pressure. he'd think she panicked too much [and over insignificant things he didn't care about], she'd think he tanked the vibe of a date by taking offence at someone breathing too loudly.

where are they similar? well, they have a shared self-serving streak [hermione is appalled by behaviour from harry and ron she considers perfectly moral when she does it]; capacity for cruelty; tendency towards secrecy; tendency towards pettiness and pleasure in the misfortune of others; loathing of flying a broom; cutting sense of humour; stubbornness; resilience; clear dislike of slumming it in nature; love of puzzles; and a weakness for red hair.

i think you could make it work on the grounds that they'd probably have the time of their lives being haters together - especially, i feel, about rita skeeter.

and - y'know - because love is weird.

[emmg]

Did you end up writing that smutty fic about Emmrich talking nonstop :00

Yes lol it’s on my ao3 I’ll drop the link below, sorry I think I didn’t tag it with my personal tag thingie so it doesn’t appear in my writing tab, oopsie daisy 🌼

The man is so intent on yapping about operas and “proper courtship” that he seems utterly oblivious to the fact she’s practically crawling all over him. It’s almost impressive, really—his sheer ability to intellectualize his way out of getting laid.

[y-rhywbeth2]

Illithid: Biology

Link: Disclaimer regarding D&D "canon" & Index [tldr: D&D lore is a giant conflicting mess you can almost always find something that argues against [x]. Larian's lore is also a conflicting mess. There's a lot of lore; I don't know everything. You learn to take what you want and leave the rest. Frankly these posts may get updated now and then. etc]

Biology | Elder Brains | Culture | Variants WIP

I need a break from elves.

Frankly I think most of this info is on the wiki, but whatever; a compilation of three sourcebooks and some errata.

Life cycle: From tadpole to squid to Elder Brain food; how ceremorphosis is a joy (and also a manageable condition that need not end in tentacles if you stay on top of it)

Psychology: Propaganda hours and one-sided relationships for the tentacled academics; and why the undead make them flip their shit.

Physiology: Internal organs, lifespan, senses and what do you suppose being able to feel with your stomach lining is like?

Habitat: 'On today's agenda: kill the sun.'

Diet: You don't have to live on human brains, asshole.

Reproduction: So how are half-illithid made? WotC, once again, show me the forbidden mind flayer courtship lore.

-

It all begins when a mind flayer lays eggs in the brine pool that houses the elder brain. A clutch of mind flayer eggs consists of a pile of clear eggs, one-sixth of an inch in diameter, bound together by sticky garlic-scented mucus, which float at the top of the nursery (usually around the edges).

After a month these hatch into tiny mauve tadpoles less than an inch long (the tentacles are deceiving, they're not cephalopods, they're amphibians) which live in the brine pool as room mates with the colony Elder Brain. Most will be eaten by the Brain, leaving a handful of survivors (1 in a 1000 are spared).

Without the Elder Brain these tadpoles would begin cannibalising each other, until only one survived, developing enough to leave the pool and become a giant wormy horror that's about as intelligent as a dog that I'll talk about later. Nature is beautiful.

But moving onto the average tadpole who grows up with the Brain: Tadpoles take a decade to mature, feeding on mashed organs fed to them by 'nursery attendants.' Once they're about 3 inches long they're ready to get shoved up somebody's nose. The 'sucker' on the underside of its body which served as a mouth has developed a spiny rim, and four tentacles and webbed growths have spouted from it like a tail. By the time they're mature they look like elongated tiny octopi.

Tadpoles are implanted into the orifice of a humanoid being of appropriate size. Eye, nostril, ear canal, you decide.

Hosts must be mammalian, between 5'4"-6'2" tall and weigh between 130-270 pounds. This means candidates for ceremorphosis are humans, elves, gith, gnolls and large goblinoids. Worry not, the rest of you may still be of service to our glorious mucus covered masters as slaves and food, and advancements in illithid science now allows gnomes to become tiny squid people.

A tadpole in its natural state is about as intelligent as a frog. It proceeds to consume its host's brain, growing in size and intellect and melding itself to the brain stem, replacing that brain as the body's control centre.

The length of the process varies by host, depending on both their strength of mind and physical health and can take from an hour to a tenday or more. Translating mechanics to narrative: as the brain damage develops the infected loses motor control and balance, memory, personality, intellectual capability, emotional regulation and probably emotions in general, and so on so forth begin to go as the person is slowly and utterly destroyed. A restoration spell cast upon them will reverse the damage done, delaying ceremorphosis - in theory indefinitely, but it will not destroy the tadpole. The tadpole is easy to kill, but incredibly difficult to locate as you'd have to go rooting through the brain looking for it which will almost definitely kill the host. Apparently a heal spell is required to cure the condition. Of course if you kill the host and the tadpole pre-ceremorphosis then resurrecting them will bring them back right as rain, tadpole free.

Assuming that doesn't happen: once the brain is gone, the host is dead, '[their] spirit seeks its fate in the Outer Planes' and the body is left to the parasite.

The illithid begins to rewrite the nervous system and physically edit the exterior of its new body (though not the interior organs). Interior function remains largely the same, but soft tissue is overwritten on a fundamental level to the point where it doesn't really count as humanoid tissue any longer. Within seven days you have the finished product. The skin turns mauve and begins to secrete mucus, the eyes sink into the skull and turn solid white throughout, fingers begin to meld together, webbing increases between digits, the human mouth is replaced with that of a lamprey's, and four tentacles are acquired.

Once the host is destroyed the only way to bring them back is the miracle spell: in other words you need to track down a very powerful cleric and convince them to give their god a call and ask for direct divine intervention to rewrite reality so that the ceremorphosis didn't happen. Mind flayers, being sapient beings with a patron deity, presumably have souls. Most illithid believe they don't have souls (or at least not ones beholden to a deity), and insist that Ilsensine and Maanzecorian are just 'ideals,' but the hubris ridden squids are hardly unbiased. The Illithiad talks about it like they do have souls.

The illithid may have picked up some residual memory from the host, a psionic echo of neurons now gone, though considering illithid and humanoid neurology and emotions are incompatible as hardware and programming these memories are going to mean little to them if anything, and mind flayers have no sentimental attachment to the host identity as a result.

You now have a neophyte: a newborn illithid is little more than a tentacled frog that suddenly gained a lot of processing power and a shiny new sapience. It has no innate knowledge of its needs or culture and hasn't fully developed its abilities or adjusted to its form and will need the guidance of its colony as it learns and 'grows up.'

At 21 years old they should be adult ilithid with fully mature psionic abilities and control of their bodies.

An illithid lives for about 135 years, at the end of which it has its brain removed and is thrown into the spawning pool from whence it came where its brain is eaten by the colony Elder Brain. Illithid believe that they will live on forever as part of a union of those who came before them. In truth the Brain just treats them exactly as they once treated their host and victims; by killing of their individuality and personality and stealing their memories and intelligence to empower itself. But kinda worse, because at least the tadpoles aren't intelligent enough to have morals.

Psychology:

It's often believed due to their lack of facial expressions and unfamiliar body language, as well as the flat effect of their 'voice' when communicating telepathically, that mind flayers have no emotions.

It's actually the exact opposite: mind flayers have all-consuming, overwhelming feelings at all times, carefully internalised.

A mind flayer's emotions are not directly equivalent to those of a humanoid in 'feel' (possibly due to a lack of brain and hormones?), though some can be compared for an idea of what they're like. From an outsider perspective the majority of these emotions would be viewed as 'negative.'

A mind flayer experiences fulfilment and positive emotion from a) eating brains and b) pursuing and satisfying their curiosities and taking pride in positive outcomes. Curiosity itself being a powerful drive for their kind, they're all usually studying something. Outside of those two activities nothing gives mind flayers 'happiness'/whatever their version of serotonin is. 'Fear,' 'envy,' and 'hate' are other manifestations of aggression, the same as with most sentient beings.

Another other primary mind flayer emotion is aggression, usually frustration. They are a very easily pissed off people, and the belief that they are the superior beings who should be guiding the world into a Lawful utopia of master (mind flayer) and thrall (everyone else) often leads them to be very grumpy when the world, most bizarrely, does not seem to be in step with their outlook.

Whether it's innate or conditioned (and at what stage the conditioning began, tadpole or illithid) is not clear, but it's described as an 'instinct' for illithid to believe they are inherently superior and all others are thralls and good. Oh boy, the hubris. On the plus side it can be overcome and unlearned.

Mind flayers need socialisation, in a sense. Being telepathic, hive mind-oriented beings they're known to panic when alone in their own heads (such as when being outside the range of their colony).

'Dominion is life' is a key philosophy; 'only through the domination of others can [one] actualise their inner desires, needs, and future goals.' Mind flayers on a base psychological level need a thrall as a kind of mirror and anchor of their identity, not so much for care of the person they're connected to but in order to project themselves onto a being they feel 'intimately' connected to. Being without thralls is traumatic, and mind flayers will usually drop everything to acquire more when they have none. Without thralls the mind flayer's emotional health is destroyed and they just downward spiral into depression and insanity. They will often 'die quietly' in this situation.

Creating a thrall is 'no small matter' and requires the efforts of the entire colony lending their psionic abilities to the one performing the process in order to bring them into the hive mind. The intended thrall is branded with their master's ID and conditioned with layers of psionic brainwashing in repeat sessions, completely erasing their personality and individuality and then reprograming them to suit their master's needs.

While we 'cattle' consider this horrific, mind flayers see this as an act of altruism. They genuinely believe that the 'lesser races' require their dominance for guidance to thrive. Those who are consumed are appreciated; an illithid grants the lesser races a boon by consuming them and briefly experiencing their existence, and the thrall race grants them their 'gifts.'

'Oh, most delicious morsel, perceive my appreciation of your unique gifts...' - A mind flayer, addressing its 'donor'

(Mind flayers that question any of these doctrines of how it's good for the 'lesser races' are subject to immediate execution.)

Illithid do not typically have such 'intimate' bonds with each other. While they are cooperative, mind flayers are highly individualistic and very competitive. While they're known to experience grief at the passing of their people, tentacled academics don't like to share their personal research with the other mad scientists.

They aren't incapable of being decent people.

'...there are some benevolent illithids, though these tend to be reclusive and well-hidden, or magically disguised into other shapes they “wear” almost all the time, just to avoid constant attacks or hostility from others who see their mind flayer bodies and react accordingly. At least one longterm-in-print “human” NPC of the Realms is actually one of these disguised illithids. - Ed Greenwood (I'm not sure who it is, NPCs aren't my forte)

'Rogue' illithid are those who - somehow - break free of an Elder Brain's borderline omnipotent dominion and reclaim their individuality. Some of them, often those with open minds who've lived long and experience many things, come to see mind flayer supremacy propaganda as nonsense and come to respect non-illithid as their equals on par with fellow illithid rather than thralls in the great plan of the universe.

Aside from the gith, the undead are the illithid's least favourite group of people in the universe. This has been downplayed as editions proceeded, but as walking corpses the undead have neither body temperature nor brain activity; This makes them effectively invisible to mind flayers who struggle to sense their presence, and worse, means that they cannot be controlled throwing a wrench in the 'we are the supreme beings' paradigm that informs the entire mind flayer propoganda machine. Mind flayers are absolutely fucking terrified of the undead to the point of psychological trauma, to quote the book, and when informed of undead sightings near their colonies the community will drop all activity to focus on getting rid of them. Preferably by organising a group of thralls trained to hunt them and sending them off to deal with the problem.

'To an illithid’s way of viewing things, it appears as if undead were created long, long ago just to thwart illithid dominance.'

To add insult to injury they're not edible, and if you tried to eat their brain it would be 'like eating a frozen pizza that's still frozen. Not the most uplifting experience.' Or so says Christopher Perkins. Ghouls and zombies on the other hand are probably fine eating their brains.

Physiology:

Mind flayers are warm blooded.

Tall, emaciated looking figures; While they're extremely powerful natural psionicists, in terms of physical prowess they're usually nothing to write home about.

Their tentacles range from 2-4 feet in full length, usually appearing shorter at rest. An illithid's tentacles are very responsive, almost always in motion in response to their inner thoughts and moods. They double as an extra set of arms, and possess the full strength of arms too.

Most internal anatomy, with the exception of the sex organs and any mammary glands, remains and functions much the same as it always has, save that each organ is now wired into the nervous system to a greater degree. Every single organ effectively becomes an auxillary brain - likely because a mind flayer doesn't have a true brain of its own - allowing an illithid greater information storage and processing capabilities. It also allows them an awareness of their internal anatomy rather like everybody else is aware of their external sensory anatomy.

Mind flayer skin is a vibrant mauve; The glands of the dermis are altered to secrete a lot of mucus in order to lock in moisture and keep that delicate amphibious skin covered in a film of slime - which smells of vanilla, onion and garlic. Without this protective covering, for example if lost to the drying effects of the sun or from disease, the mind flayer dehydrates and is at risk of death if not replenished. The mucus also does something unexplained that amplifies a mind flayer's psionic abilities and offers protection against harmful magic.

There's also been something about moulting that wasn't expanded on.

The index finger is lost, for some reason, leaving a mind flayer with three fingers and a thumb. These are tipped with long black 'claws' of cartilage, but despite looking threatening they're harmless. On the feet all but two toes are lost as webbing stretches between them to form flippers. Unsurprisingly for semi-aquatic beings, mind flayers are adept swimmers, though they can't breathe underwater and must surface for air.

Due to the shape of their mouth and the loss of a tongue and use of vocal chords due to ceremorphosis, illithid technically cannot verbalise and communicate exclusively via telepathy and body language (via tentacles). If forced they can shove one of their own tentacles down their throat and force it to function as a voice box and tongue (usually for spellcasting purposes). The sensation is horrible for the illithid and the sound is godawful for those listening to it, so everybody suffers together!

Senses:

The primary sense of an illithid is, naturally, their psionic abilities: primarily detect thoughts which they can use to track living beings around them and communicate.

The exterior remodelling has several effects. The nostrils are lost in favour of tentacles, meaning that an illithid must breathe through its mouth and has no olfactory sense.

Sight: Illithid eyes are covered in a pale film which screens out the light spectrum visible to human eyes, but does give allow them to see in infrared and track heat signatures. Or in 3.5e-onwards parlance due to jettisoning infravision as a concept: they can see perfectly in the dark, but struggle in lighted conditions and see not at all in full sunlight. Due to this lack of vision, illithid 'write' things using a psionic method called Qualith. While it is inscribed, the actual information it contains isn't in the writing it just beams into your brain at a touch.

Hearing: The outer ear is reduced to a barely noticeable ridge around the ear canal over the process of ceremorphosis, which reduces the illithid's auditory capabilities. They're reasonably good at telling what direction a sound is coming from, but struggle to tell sounds apart or pick apart various components within a sound.

Habitat:

As the sun blinds them and dries them out - which is greatly uncomfortable and a serious health risk - illithid absolutely despise the thing. A popular mind flayer rhetoric is that the damn thing should be blotted out. Not just the sun of Toril; the sun of every world across the planes.

They need dark, cool, damp moisture in their surroundings to survive and thrive.

For the time being mind flayers live the subterranean lifestyle, seeking out damp briny caves to make their homes in. Mind flayer collonies are often most at home in the very deepest levels of the Underdark.

Diet:

The downside of this reconstruction of the stolen host body is that the body loses its ability to produce hormones and enzymes - in order for a mind flayer's neurons and organs to function, it must take them from living beings (preferably humanoids). While they're infamous for eating brains, and the largest portion of their diet is brains - from which they can gain most of what they need - an illithid must actually consume a balanced diet of all organs found in the human body. The psionic energies within brains gives a boost to metabolism that allows illithid to effectively go without standard nutrition for the most part. A brain a month holds them over fine.

The brain doesn't need to be humanoid, it just needs to be 'nourishing' enough. Felids and canids and octopi should make a good meals.

However part of the pleasure of consuming a brain is in experiencing the memories of the victim, a sensation often shared with the rest of the colony, and animals rarely provide the same entertainment value. While illithid can get by on a brain a month, and can find more ethical options, the s majority wouldn't do that and eat far more than they need to simply for the pleasure it brings them. They also eat animal brains for snacks in between humanoid meals.

That said apparently 'many illithids over the years have forsaken eating human brains in favour of other diets, and working with human thoughts and memories in other ways.' The details of these diets have been written up somewhere but are currently behind NDAs (can't be given 'yet' was the phrasing).

While most find an illithid mouth scary, rest assured that mind flayers do not bite. Their mouths are too weak to break skin, let alone chew through flesh and bone: No, their tentacles secrete enzymes that dissolve through organic matter, allowing them to expose the organs (the illithid's own mucus protects their own flesh). The lamprey-like structure of the mouth allows them to latch onto the flesh and then they shove their tentacles into the cavity, move the dissolving organ mush into their mouth and eat it.

Reproduction:

Ceremorphosis also edits the reproductive organs. The host's mammalian sexual characteristics disappear as they are altered for illithid use.

Illithid are hermaphrodites and oviparous, every illithid will - on two or three occasions in its life - lay eggs in the colony brine pool. Lore does not go into mind flayer mating practices, so how these eggs are fertilised is not covered. Possibly they self-fertilise. It's also possible that it takes two to tadpole: it could be done in the style of fish, where one lays the eggs and another fertilises them, but considering they're amphibians with a mammalian base structure it's not out of the question that mind flayers fuck. Especially on Toril. It's also not explained why two/three times; if they have a libido at all, or if they go into heat three times in their life, or if the colony simply has a roster that decides who is on breeding duties and when...

Their reproductive system, for those found on Toril, is also apparently compatible with humanoid systems and can produce half-illithid. It's the Forgotten Realms. Everything in this setting turns out to be horny when you dig deep enough.

Underdark assures us that 'most often' mind flayers impregnate humanoids with mad science rather than by 'direct mating.' 'Most often,' not accounting for the minority who decided to go at it the 'direct' way. I have no idea what illithid society thinks of mind flayers with these inclinations (I strongly suspect it's not approved of), nor do I have any hints as to how direct mating with illithid works.

[indelicateink]

if you're having s3 thoughts, there's a hunger for your prompts over on the IWTV anonymous kink meme--kink optional! (there are also, of course, many many requests that are not post-s3!)

Thank you to @vampire-dove for maintaining our kink meme.

Armand/Daniel Molloy

"Armand absolutely does not covet a copy of Lestat's numbered special limited edition double album--gatefold with the silver foil alternate cover and colored vinyl. And he doesn't wish he had one of the exclusive Indianapolis concert tees with the set list printed on the back in glow-in-the-dark ink. Why would he want an actual Vampire Lestat guitar pick. Who cares about the already-out-of-print Long Face Japan cassette single. A signed copy of the Vampire Lestat tour concert program book would be intellectually interesting, but it's not like Armand actually *wants* such a thing--that would be silly.

"Interviewing your situationship's obsession on tour has its perks.

"A courtship in five merch items."

--

Lestat de Lioncourt/Louis de Pointe du Lac

"Crack treated seriously. Five times rockstar Lestat de Lioncourt had to issue a press release that he's fine, everything's fine, despite the latest incident causing the world to spasm in concern over his seeming continual breakdown over his estrangement from his ex, Louis de Pointe du Lac.

"There was no backstage post-performance fire at SoFi Stadium.

"His social media was hacked with deepfakes, Lestat would never post an explicit thirst trap that violated terms of service.

"His remarks at last night's concert were taken out of context, a ten minute digression worshipfully describing the "dewy plush wonderland" of Mr. du Lac's body was in fact a fictional excerpt from a volume of fictional erotica Mr Lioncourt has been attempting since he's interested in *fiction.*"

--

Daniel Molloy/Louis de Pointe du Lac Substance Abuse, Top Daniel Molloy, Bottom Louis de Pointe du Lac

"newly turned daniel convinces louis to get high on some willing donor's blood together —you could get serious about what this means for two former addicts or not, what kind of high is up to you"

--

Lestat de Lioncourt/Louis de Pointe du Lac, Armand/Daniel Molloy

"Turns out Lestat and Daniel are compatible and become fast friends. Armand and Louis are suffering as a result."

--

Lestat de Lioncourt/Louis de Pointe du Lac Long-Distance Friendship, Sexual Tension, Developing Relationship, Clothing Kink

"Louis and Lestat tentatively re-establish a connection with each other over Facetime while Lestat's on tour. Louis is used to seeing Lestat in early 20th century clothing.

"He can admit to himself he likes Lestat's new slutty rockstar look.

"Lestat can tell. And the clothing budget is starting to get out of hand."

--

Daniel Molloy/Louis de Pointe du Lac Fake/Pretend Relationship

"After the events of the season finale, Louis and Daniel accidentally convince both Lestat and Armand that they're in a "companionship" and then decide to just go with it, for fun (and yeah, maybe a bit of revenge too), except they definitely both have real feelings for each other. (Loustat, Armaniel and/or all of them together in a poly situation is fine to include in addition to the Danlou. Or not. Whatever you prefer) No preference for the rating."

--

Lestat de Lioncourt/Louis de Pointe du Lac Casual Sex, Ex Sex, Pining

"Louis is firm: he doesn't want to get back together with Lestat. Not in this century, at least.

"Doesn't mean the sex isn't great.

"Four times Louis dropped in on Lestat's tour to hit it and quit it.

"Four managers who got fired for pointing out Lestat's mood swings post-visit were going to ruin the tour."

--

Lestat de Lioncourt/Louis de Pointe du Lac Switching, Top Louis de Pointe du Lac, Bottom Louis de Pointe du Lac, Top Lestat de Lioncourt, Bottom Lestat de Lioncourt, Sex Toys, Established Relationship, Fluff and Smut

"5 times Louis shows Lestat wonders of modern sex toy industry + 1 time Lestat surprises Louis with finding of his own"

--

HBomberGuy vs. IWTV by Daniel Molloy

"Entirely inspired by this excellent tumblr post: https://www.tumblr.com/penny-anna/757372478406459392/

"Interview With The Vampire by Daniel Molloy is the book of the summer. 5 million copies sold, massive interest, and the author still insisting it isn't his first novel but instead a non-fiction memoir like his previous work; he now also only does interviews on late-night shows and wears sunglasses in all of them.

"When Hbomberguy begins researching for a video to fact-check the book, he does so from the understandable position that the whole thing is a marketing gimmick. Unfortunately for his existing worldview, every single claim made is somehow... checking out?

"My life for a fic that is just a transcript of Hbomberguy slowly losing his shit over a several hour long video as the rabbit hole goes deeper and deeper, and ends with him saying 'welp I guess vampires are real and now Molloy is probably one of them. On an unrelated note, I'm going into hiding in another country.'"

--

Lestat de Lioncourt/Louis de Pointe du Lac Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Grief/Mourning

"Louis doesn't tell Lestat about stones. He spent 80 years deliberately keeping them there, inside his body, ever present warning to himself to not forget, never forget who he lost. Louis got used to them like you get used to scars, out of necessity for they will always be part of you.

"So, no, Louis doesn't tell Lestat about stones. Except Lestat, Lestat who seems to remember every inch and Idiocracy of Louis' body, notices that he walks differently.

"(Lestat finds out about Louis having stones in his feet and about his deliberate decision to keep them. Hating to see his beloved hurting, Lestat makes effort to help Louis properly grieve and let go of their lost heart, Claudia. Slowly, one by one, they remove all stones. And maybe, Lestat starts healing along the way too.

"Would greatly appreciate, including loustat making a grave for Claudia in New Orleans)"

--

Lestat de Lioncourt/Louis de Pointe du Lac

"He's full of contempt for the process, but Lestat doesn't hold back on telling his story. To Louis's annoyance, Daniel sends him uncut parts of the more incendiary interview sessions as the weeks go by.

"Four times Louis almost picked up the phone, and one time he did call Lestat."

Awesome kink meme prompt fills are listed here

[cherryrainn]

Hello! If you still write for RDR, could I request some general relationship headcanons for Hosea and Dutch with an S/O (separately)?

━━ ✧ 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

─ ✩ 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 ; hosea matthews + reader, dutch van der linde + reader

─ ✩ 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 ; i love these old farts

─ ✩ 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ; none

𝙃𝙊𝙎𝙀𝘼 ★

hosea is a gentleman with a touch of old-world charm.

he believes in courtship and traditional values, making the relationship feel like a slow-burning, timeless romance.

hosea appreciates intellectual conversations and enjoys spending time discussing literature, history, and philosophy.

if you share these interests, you'll often find yourselves engrossed in deep conversations late into the night.

hosea is a complex man with a troubled past, and you understand and accept him for who he is.

you provide emotional support and comfort when hosea reflects on his actions and past mistakes.

despite hosea's calm and composed exterior, he appreciates and reciprocates affection.

you find comfort in his gentle touch, whether it's a hand on the small of your back or a reassuring squeeze during tense moments.

hosea's calm demeanor is a source of stability for you.

in the gang's turbulent lifestyle, you find comfort in hosea's presence, knowing he'll be there to guide you through the storms.

hosea respects your independence and personal space.

he understands the importance of allowing you room to breathe, especially in a life as tumultuous as yours.

despite his sometimes serious demeanor, he enjoys surprising you with small gestures of affection.

this could be a wildflower picked during a ride or a stolen moment to dance under the moonlight.

𝘿𝙐𝙏𝘾𝙃★

dutch sees you as his equal in strategic thinking.

he values your input in planning and respects your ability to provide valuable insights.

your partnership is not just emotional; it extends to the tactical decisions that shape the fate of the gang.

despite dutch's strong exterior, he appreciates the emotional support you provide.

in moments of doubt or internal conflict, you stand by him, offering a listening ear and reassurance.

your unwavering support is his anchor in the storm.

he takes pride in your refined taste and elegance, often complimenting you on your attire.

the two of you make a striking pair, and dutch enjoys showcasing your style during social events, making a statement wherever you go.

behind closed doors, dutch reveals a more vulnerable side to you.

the weight of leadership and the challenges they face weigh heavily on him, and in these private moments, he seeks comfort and warmth in your presence.

dutch can't help but feel a protective instinct towards you.

he takes it upon himself to ensure your safety in dangerous situations, showcasing a softer, more caring side that few get to witness.

dutch, despite his stoic demeanor, expresses affection in subtle ways.

it could be a gentle touch, a lingering gaze, or a soft smile reserved only for you. these gestures speak volumes about the depth of your connection.

you understand the heavy burden of leadership that dutch carries.

while he may be the charismatic leader of the gang, you see the toll it takes on him.

your empathy and understanding become a source of strength for him, creating a unique bond.

[lady-corrine]

What are your thoughts on Rhaewin and Laemon? Do you think Rhaenyra really loved Harwin and that he is her soulmate? Same with Laemon?

I couldn't care any less about Rhaewin & Laemon. Never will, never did. They are two boring, completely uninteresting ships that have no relevance whatsoever.

But for the sake of your questions *sighs*:

"Do you think Rhaenyra really loved Harwin and that he is her soulmate?"

Rhaenyra got with Harwin in Daemon's absence, after Daemon asked to marry her and was exiled. She was also married against her will with her husband, who was a gay man. She found a lover that was in love with her, that desired her, that loved her. And good for her for not living like a nun as her antis want! I have no doubt that she cared for Harwin, but calling him her soulmate is nothing short of ridiculous, considering this man has absolutely no character traits, and Rhaenyra marries Daemon, the man who more than probably killed Harwin, almost instantly.

(If you also do a little math, you also can realize that baby Aegon was conceived while Harwin was still alive, btw)

As for Daemon and Laena: Daemon asked to marry Rhaenyra after months of courtship and was exiled under penalty of death. Years later, he had no money and no allies. Bear in mind that the moment Rhea dies he tries to lay claim on her incomes. That failes, of course, and what does Daemon do the very second that happens? Marries the daughter of the richest man in Westeros, who just so happens to be Rhaenyra's sister in law.

I said it before and I will say it again: Harwin and Laena were both canonically written as second choices that never would have happened if Rhaenyra and Daemon would have been allowed to marry from the beginning.

Harwin arrived at court with his sisters as the Hand's son and Rhaenyra took absolutely no interest in him while Daemon courted her. Daemon knew Corlys for years, ever since they fought together in the war, yet he took absolutely no interest in Laena and asked for Rhaenyra's hand to marry her.

The whole "Harwin and Laena were Rhaenyra's and Daemon's true loves/soulmates" is nothing else but headcanons that their stans made up because they hate daemyra as a ship. Mind you, Laena stans lead this campaign of "she is Daemon's true love" for literal years because they hate Rhaenyra and hate to see her being loved. So they take an irrelevant female character and self-insert as much as they can.

These couples' stans are people that try to seem intellectuals by taking a couple of sentences and inventing headcanons that are absolutely laughable. Then they threw a fit when Daemon and Rhaenyra were written as the main romance in the show with their own love theme, while the two plot devices received five seconds of screentime.

Rhaenyra and Daemon cared about them, certainly, but they were always each other's one true love and each other's first choice.

[gallifreyinstituteforlearning]

Hello, let's say one would like to court a Gallifreyan: what would be the (general) best course of action and what is best to avoid.

How should you court a Gallifreyan?

Of course! Courting a Gallifreyan can be a bit of a minefield, so here's a general overview of pointers you may find helpful:

🧠 Be intellectually stimulating: Gallifreyans have brains bigger than their egos, and they adore a good intellectual debate. Your comprehensive knowledge of 21st-century reality TV shows won't score points, but a deep dive into the existential implications of time travel might just do the trick.

🍽️ Pick the right meal: Go for refined dishes or dishes that have historical or cultural importance. Gallifreyan taste buds are finely tuned instruments: a diverse range of flavours is welcome, while a chilli pepper apocalypse is probably not.

❌ Avoid mind games: Attempting strange human customs like "hard to get" with a five-dimensional being is idiotic. Not only could most Gallifreyans find these concepts primitive and pointless, but also confusing.

🫨 Don't be overly emotional or impulsive: A lot of Gallifreyans value control and stoicism over emotions. Engaging them on an emotional level is extremely rewarding, but it can take a while to get there. Trying to do this too early can scare them off.

🙏 Be forgiving: Gallifreyans, and Time Lords especially, can be insensitive and pompous. Their sense of superiority might slip out ('Oh, you still use linear time? Quaint!'). Don't take any of this personally, or else you're in for a very short courtship.

🌍 Choose good date locations: Your date's idea of a wild night likely involves a lecture on quantum entanglement rather than a rave. Keep your date locations less Ministry of Sound and more BBC4/PBS.

🤫 Keep it quiet: Don't pick overly crowded or chaotic places to go - a bustling environment might distract their telepathic senses, turning your date into a telepathic traffic jam where they're too busy listening to what all the drivers are saying to bother listening to you.

👏 Laud their achievements: Nothing warms Gallifreyan hearts like recognition of their brilliance, so remember to nod and say, 'ooo, you're so clever!' every so often.

🤲 Show respect for Gallifreyan traditions and customs: Even if you don't fully understand them, acknowledging and appreciating their cultural heritage can go a long way.

😍 Take it slow: Many Gallifreyans don't place the same level of importance on physical intimacy that some humans do. Make sure to build a foundation of mutual consent and respect before exploring that aspect of the relationship if you require it.

🔮 Embrace Telepathy: Just as some humans might require physical intimacy, for some Gallifreyans, intimacy might involve a telepathic connection. Don't shy away from this even if it's mainly one-way traffic.

Despite all of this, remember that every Gallifreyan is unique, with their personality traits, interests, and views. Tailor your approach based on the individual you're courting.

Related:

How should you court a member of Faction Paradox/a Celesti?: Advice on dating someone from Faction Paradox/a Celesti.

How do Gallifreyans flirt?: How Gallifreyans approach flirting

Factoid: What gift would suit my Gallifreyan and their biology?

Hope that helped! 😃

More content ... →📫Got a question? | 📚Complete list of Q+A and factoids →😆Jokes |🩻Biology |🗨️Language |🕰️Throwbacks |🤓Facts →🫀Gallifreyan Anatomy and Physiology Guide (pending) →⚕️Gallifreyan Emergency Medicine Guides →📝Source list (WIP) →📜Masterpost If you're finding your happy place in this part of the internet, feel free to buy a coffee to help keep our exhausted human conscious. She works full-time in medicine and is so very tired 😴

[bigsoftmarshmallow]

How would Ganondorfs (Wind Waker, Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, Hyrule Warriors, and Tears of the Kingdom) & Demise court their LI (love interest)? How would they show interest in them?

The way each Ganondorf and Demise would court their love interest (LI) would differ greatly due to their personalities, backgrounds, and views on power and relationships. From brooding intensity to a more calculated approach, each of them would express interest in ways that align with their character, using a mix of charm, dominance, and subtle gestures to convey their intentions.

Let’s explore how they might go about wooing their LI:

Wind Waker Ganondorf

Courtship Style: Reflective and Cautious

Wind Waker Ganondorf is older and more reflective, having learned from his past. His approach to courting his LI would be subtle, careful, and even sorrowful at times. He has experienced loss and failure, and this makes him more reserved about openly showing interest.

Subtle Gestures: He would show his interest through thoughtful actions, such as protecting the LI from danger or offering wisdom in quiet moments. He would observe them from a distance, appreciating their strength and uniqueness, but might not immediately act on his feelings. When he does, it would be understated—perhaps leaving behind a symbolic token of his appreciation, such as a rare artifact or something of personal value.

Intellectual Connection: Conversation would play a big role in his courtship. He might engage his LI in deep discussions about their dreams, goals, or the nature of power and the world. Through these conversations, he would demonstrate his respect and admiration for their mind.

Moments of Vulnerability: Despite his power and authority, Wind Waker Ganondorf would allow rare moments of vulnerability to show his LI that he values them. He might share personal stories or reflect on his past mistakes, giving them a glimpse into the man behind the legend.

Ocarina of Time Ganondorf

Courtship Style: Arrogant but Protective

Ocarina of Time Ganondorf is younger, more arrogant, and driven by his desire for power. His approach to courtship would be more direct and forceful, as he sees himself as a ruler and conqueror. However, beneath his domineering nature, there would be a protective instinct toward his LI.

Grand Gestures: He would display his interest by showcasing his power and dominance. Expect grand, almost boastful displays—such as him using his magic to accomplish impressive feats in front of them, or flaunting his wealth by gifting them lavish treasures. He wants to make sure they know that he is a force to be reckoned with, and by choosing him, they would be gaining the most powerful ally.

Possessiveness: His courtship would have a possessive edge to it. He would become protective of his LI, perhaps seeing them as part of his kingdom or his future plans. His intensity might even lead him to subtly (or not so subtly) warn others away from his LI, showing that he considers them his.

Direct Interest: Unlike some of the other versions, this Ganondorf wouldn’t shy away from openly stating his intentions. He would likely tell his LI that they have caught his eye and that they should consider themselves lucky for it. This directness might come off as intimidating or overwhelming, but for him, it’s simply confidence.

Twilight Princess Ganondorf

Courtship Style: Dark, Calculated, and Magnetic

Twilight Princess Ganondorf is dark and calculating, with a strong sense of purpose. His approach to courtship would be less about flashy gestures and more about establishing an intense, magnetic connection with his LI. He would slowly draw them into his world, making them feel the allure of his power and ambition.

Silent Observation: He would first watch his LI closely, learning about their strengths, weaknesses, and desires. He would be patient, not rushing into anything until he was certain of their worthiness. His approach would be predatory in a sense—he would subtly manipulate situations to his advantage, ensuring that his LI came to him rather than him pursuing them openly.

Power Play: Twilight Princess Ganondorf would show his interest through a subtle display of power. He might orchestrate events so that his LI ends up relying on him for protection or guidance, establishing a sense of authority over them. His courtship would involve a careful balance of dominance and allure, making his LI feel both drawn to him and wary of his intensity.

Unspoken Attraction: His feelings would be conveyed more through actions than words—he might position himself as their protector, save them from a threat, or give them gifts that hold deep, symbolic meaning. His attraction would be palpable, felt more in the tension between them than in direct declarations of affection.

Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf

Courtship Style: Bold, Assertive, and Physical

Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf is the most battle-hardened and aggressive of the versions. His approach to courtship would be straightforward, confident, and undeniably bold. He is not someone who wastes time with subtleties; when he wants something—or someone—he makes it known.

Physical Displays of Strength: He would show his interest by physically proving his worth. Whether it's engaging in combat, showcasing his fighting skills, or protecting his LI from harm, he would demonstrate that he is a powerful warrior who could offer both strength and security. His courtship might even involve playful challenges or sparring sessions, meant to both impress and engage his LI.

Loyalty Through Protection: He would be fiercely protective of his LI, seeing them as someone to defend at all costs. This protectiveness might manifest as him standing guard over them in battle or making sure that they are always safe in his presence. His loyalty would be unwavering, though it might also come with a sense of possessiveness.

Flirtatious Boldness: Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf would not be shy about expressing his interest. He would likely tease or flirt with his LI in a way that is both charming and intimidating. He would also not hesitate to take action if he felt that his LI was being threatened or approached by someone else—he would assert his dominance and claim them as his without hesitation.

Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf

Courtship Style: Calculated and Relentless

Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf is strategic, patient, and deeply ambitious. His approach to courtship would be more calculated, focusing on slowly winning over his LI through persistent and relentless pursuit. He is determined and meticulous in everything he does, including love.

Persistent Pursuit: Once he decides that someone is worthy of his attention, he would pursue them relentlessly. His courtship would involve frequent, almost obsessive attention, always finding ways to stay in his LI’s life. Whether through sending gifts, offering help, or appearing in moments when they least expect it, he would make his presence felt until they could no longer ignore his interest.

Power and Seduction: He would use both power and charm to win over his LI. This version of Ganondorf is deeply aware of his influence and would use it to seduce his LI, creating a sense of mystery and allure. His words would be calculated, meant to draw them in slowly but surely, convincing them that choosing him would bring them great power and security.

Subtle Possession: While not overtly possessive, Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf would gradually try to assert control over his LI’s life, intertwining his own fate with theirs. His courtship would be slow-burning but inevitable, like a tide that cannot be resisted. He would make his LI feel that being with him is not only desirable but inevitable.

Demise

Courtship Style: Overwhelming and Dominant

Demise, as the embodiment of hatred and destruction, would court his LI with raw, primal intensity. His approach would be overwhelming, rooted in dominance and power. Subtlety would not be in his nature; instead, he would seek to overwhelm his LI with his presence and strength.

Dominance and Control: Demise would show his interest by asserting dominance. He would make it clear that he is the most powerful being in the room and that his LI should be honored to have caught his attention. His courtship would be more about conquering than wooing, though not without a sense of protection.

Force of Nature: He would demonstrate his affection through displays of raw power—perhaps summoning storms or causing destruction, only to shield his LI from it. His way of showing interest would be tied to making his LI feel both fear and awe in his presence. He is not concerned with tenderness, but he would make it known that he values them by ensuring their safety amid chaos.

Claiming His LI: When Demise is interested, he claims what he desires. He would be direct and overwhelming, making it clear that he intends to have them by his side as his partner, whether through words or actions. His love would feel like an inevitable force, one that consumes everything in its path.

Conclusion:

Each Ganondorf and Demise would approach courting their love interest in a manner reflective of their unique personalities. Whether through grand gestures, subtle manipulation, or intense displays of dominance, they would make their interest known, blending power, protection, and a desire to claim what they see as rightfully theirs. While their methods may differ, all share an undeniable intensity and focus in pursuit of their chosen partner.

[nonokoko-draws]

Starting the year with Riddle hcs 🌹

I feel so proud that the semi realistic headshots still look good if you flip the canvas... 😤✨ More hcs ↓

Similarly to Epel he has insecurities regarding his body. Unlike him he doesn't go nuts when the spotlight goes to his feminine features, only when his age or mental maturity is questioned due his looks Floyd is an exception because anything he says makes Riddle explode.

He used to take great pride in his idea that he is mentally more prepared for adulthood than most boys his age, that he knew better than his childish classmates, before he was humbled in book 1. Post OB he still thinks he is book smart and mature but does he know how much he has yet to learn, though he still finds rather insulting to underestimate him for age or looks. Summary: call him a child and the effect would be the same as calling him short

Whilst Epel is focused on the conservative sense of masculinity, Riddle aspires to be a gentleman. To be exact, he has taken a liking to victorian etiquette on how to be proper during courtship rituals.

I think he would find tips such as "don't flirt with every lady you meet and don't assume every (young) woman is eager to fall in love with you; maintain a dignified reserve"; "be ready to act the knight if a lady in your company is attacked"; "don't get a innocent woman her hopes up" or "neither party should make the other jealous" quite tasteful. Of course, he's sensible enough to know which habits of 200 years ago he should cross out

Mr Roseheart is probably the one Riddle got his Japanese inheritance from, as it is weird to believe Mrs Rosehearts would chance her last name if she is a big name in the magical medicine industry. Unless his husband was the most prominent figure and she got more prestige with this marriage, unlikely in my opinion as controlling people like her usually take a dominant role in the relationship. So I suppose it's either a case in which each pattner keeps its surname or Mr Roseheart was who changed his

Riddle is autistic but his mother didn't make him go to any tests because she wants to believe his son is "normal". I'm under the impression she could be the type to be ableist just because (sadly many doctors are this insensitive and out of touch despite the irony of their fields) OR she doesn't discriminate neurodivergent people but doesn't want hers to be because she firmly believed if little Riddle knew he was autistic he would use his diagnosis to avoid facing the things he could struggle with or excuse "lazy" behaviour with it or she knows how ableist others can be and wanted to disguise him by making him a functional, well-adjusted neurodivergent individual.

Her reasoning? If he is capable of adjusting and is unaware of his autism he won't try to use "the easy way out of" when confronted about his struggles and he won't be bullied by his peers; don't mistake this as a kind gesture from a mother with good intentions but terrible execution. She believes if he was bullied during his studies he could drop out off medicine and she hasn't been preparing him to be a doctor like her for all his childhood to get her plans frustrated by an external factor such as how his classmates perceive him.

Therefore making him believe he is like the rest + homeschooling would "prevent" this outcome because neither he would interact with possible bullies nor he would know what's "normal" for kids his age so he wouldn't feel different because he didn't have a chance to interact with other children.

Plus interacting with adults and certain kids deemed intellectual enough would enhance his possibilities of "growing out of any annoying habits inherently from young kids" (emotional outburst and "childish stuff" she doesn't like). Which I think is way worse than if she was simply an ignorant ableist doctor, but also makes her a more manipulative and calculating character than what we know of her so far.

It could also make sense as for why she was so mad his son made friends she didn't approve of beforehand, because the only way he could have had external interactions would be handpicked by her.

Anyway that's all for today rambles, follow me if you wish to know more about my downfall in the spiral that is being a twst fan to not lose track of my delusions 🫡

[smallblueandloud]

i've been thinking a lot about cyrano de bergerac adaptations recently

because, okay, a lot of times your weak point is gonna be the central conceit -- the letter writing. what kind of situation do you need for your cristian to agree (to ASK) a guy he barely knows to spearhead his courtship?

i'm not nearly enough of a scholar for this, but i've read that the original play existed in an intellectual era that meant it was actually plausible that roxane would reject cristian if he wasn't well-spoken enough. but that's really hard to transfer to the modern era! especially because you want your audience to be FOND of roxane, instead of kind of. side-eyeing her as a snob.

roxane (1987) gets past this by... well, first off, being the kind of nerdy movie that snobs enjoy, but secondly by making christian awkward around women -- SO awkward that he freezes up around them, which also very neatly explains the letters thing.

because that's the other problem! why have letters when you can have text messages or even dates?

the letters have to come from the inability to woo in-person -- the issue is that modern AUs don't have the built-in reason that a courtly-love story does. i haven't seen the half of it, but i know it's set in a high school, and damn what a good way to work in the letters thing. Talk About A Context Where You Don't Control Who You Spend Time With !

back to cristian and cyrano. the main choice to make, with regards to the letter-writing conceit, is who brings up the idea. in the play, it's cyrano -- hearing cristian's dilemma, he recognizes it as an inverse to his own. it's a very crafty (and self-serving tbh) choice, and it leaves room for cristian to doubt the arrangement and even try to take control pre: balcony scene.

iirc roxane (1987) has christian suggest the scheme -- implying that he doesn't care HOW roxanne falls in love with him, just that she does. (this is either naive or purely an attempt to have sex with her, depending on how you read the movie.) i've never been a fan of this choice. i think a big part of the appeal of cyrano are his flaws, including him butting his nose (ha) into something that he really shouldn't be involving himself in. on the other hand, roxane DID ask for his help... he's a layered guy in terms of morality, okay.

anyway, i guess it depends on how you want to characterize both your cristian and cyrano. how does your cyrano's arrogance manifest? how much agency do you want to give your cristian -- and, again, what kind of guy lets a rando take command of his own budding relationship?

[pigeonwit]

rbr questions!!

What’re your favourite parts :0? Anything you’re excited for?

literally any fun facts about florence i love her :0

ough excellent questions davey ty!!

1. i am EXCEPTIONALLY proud of the 'stillborn' passage. the whole 'aging backwards' idea is one thats always lived in my head since i was a kid and it felt so good to finally put it to paper. the passage about how davey stores words for people is also a favourite, though heavily inspired by alys conrans 'pigeon'. im also quite fond of the group scene at jacobis before jack shows up - i wasnt previously, but the response to it has made me appreciate it a lot more. and i really love all of florences scenes, she is SO fun to write. as for what im looking forward to, there is obviously going to be a conversation between florence and davey about what happened, and im very excited for yall to see it - pairing florences absolute no-nonsense, say-it-like-it-is mentality with daveys avoidant tendencies makes for a very fun dynamic that doesnt let davey run away from the problem anymore. im also very excited for the inevitable conversation between jack and davey, and - no spoilers - a few domestic scenes that come after in the epilogue. its comforting to write davey as a person again.

2. fun facts about florence! her parents are middle-class progressives who are readying her to take a position in her fathers publishing business, hence why florence doesnt see any problems in a potential courtship with davey; neither she nor her parents think it necessary for her to marry a wealthy, providing man, just one with good intentions. she has a cat named Chief Mouser Percival (or just sir percy for short, but you must remember the sir or he gets quite upset); when she was a little girl though, she had a worm-heap in the garden who she considered her pets. her favourite book is jane eyre, and while she finds mr rochester far too byronic for her tastes, she is eager to find the benedick to her beatrice, someone who is able to challenge her with intellectual argument. while she is in the privileged position of not being pressured to marry, and while she does know that a relationship is not the be-all-end-all for her, she does have a lot of insecurity around being just a bit too off for anyone to really like her - she knows shes right, she knows shes allowed to demand a good life for herself and advocate for her wants and wishes, she knows being a girl doesnt make her property, but it gets quite lonely when everyone around you acts like thats ridiculous. given that davey was more on her wavelength than anyone she'd met before, she's taking the whole situation quite hard. they will discuss things and bury the hatchet and florence will get her appreciation! just. not quite yet. everyone's suffering at this point.

[minervacasterly]

Similarities between Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I: Torn Apart but Not Forgotten:

“It has been argued that, as queen, Elizabeth’s power was to some extent maintained by what has become known as the “cult of Elizabeth,” a practice of adoring and venerating the queen which blended the language of courtly love with that of religion, to present her as a semi-divine figure. “Courtly love” long predated the Renaissance but was very much a part of elite culture in the sixteenth century, revitalized by the influence and inclusion of the new humanist learning. In England, the tradition of courtly love is particularly associated with one earlier queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, but by the sixteenth century, the form promoted by Eleanor’s father, Guillaume IX of Aquitaine, had become a culture universal among the European ruling classes. Courtly love and its correlative, chivalry, provided a code of conduct which pertained from the battlefield to the “pastime” of the royal chamber. It was a highly complex, witty, stylized, exclusive, and sometimes subversive intellectual game in which both courtiers and kings aspired to produce the most subtle and ingenious forms of homage to their (often fictitious) lady loves.

(...)

Anne’s court, like Elizabeth’s, was one of poetry, while the “cult of Elizabeth,” if such there was one, was based on a manipulation of the tropes of courtly love, of that culture of romantic literary chivalry which had played such a significant part in her parents’ courtship. And Anne Boleyn, until Cromwell decided to be literal rather than literally minded, was a mistress of the art. In one reading of Cromwell’s actions in 1536, it was courtly love which he used to bring Anne down, and it was Elizabeth’s appropriation of her mother’s practices, if not her errors, which enabled her so triumphantly to manipulate the mechanics of her mother’s disgrace into her own unique form of political glory.”

Source quoted: Elizabeth: Renaissance Prince by Lisa Hilton

There are additional sources you should also look out for that also point this out and briefly discuss the connection Elizabeth I maintained with her mother through the people she surrounded herself with before and after she became queen. For example:

1. Boleyn Women by Elizabeth Norton

2. Private Lives of the Tudors by Tracy Borman