#Jackunzel ask

[jackunzel-time]

just saw your answer to my prev ask <3

can't wait to see the prompts for jackunzel month!!

They have been posted already! Just scroll down a bit on the blog, have only posted a couple other posts since then, or look for #Jackunzel Prompts. Hope you enjoy! Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

[local-dragon-haunt]

hey! i’m an artist and i was wondering what about the httyd crossover art made it obviously AI. i’m trying to get better at recognizing AI versus real art and i totally would have just not clocked that.

Hey! This is TOTALLY okay to not have recognized it, because I DIDN'T AT FIRST, EITHER. Unfortunately there’s no real foolproof way to distinguish real art from the fake stuff. However I have noticed a general rule of thumb while browsing these last few months.

So this is the AI generated image I used as inspiration. I will not be tagging the account that posted it because I do not condone bullying of any type, but it’s important to mention that this was part of a set of images:

This is important because one of the BIGGEST things you can use to your advantage is context clues. This is the thing that clued me in: right off the bat we can see that there is NO consistency between these three images. The art style and outfits change with every generated image. They're vaguely related (I.E. characters that resemble the Big Four are on some sort of adventure?) and that's about it. Going to the account in question proved that all they posted were AI generated images. All of which have many red flags, but for clarity's sake we'll stick with the one that I used.

The first thing that caught my eye was this???? Amorphous Blob in the background. Which is obviously supposed to be knights or a dragon or something.

Again, context clues come into play here. Artists will draw everything With A Purpose. And if what they're drawing is fanart, you are going to recognize most of what you see in the image. Even if there are mistakes.

In the context of this image, it looks like the Four are supposed to be running from these people. The thing that drew my attention to it was the fact that I Didn't Recognize The Villains, and this is because there is nothing to recognize. These shapes aren't Drago, or Grimmel, or Pitch, or any other villain we usually associate with ROTBTD. They're just Amorphous Blobs that are vaguely villain shaped.

Which brings me to my second point:

Do you see the way they're standing? There is no purpose to this. It throws the entire image off. Your eye is drawn to the Amorphous Villain Blobs in the background, and these characters are not reacting to them one bit.

Now I'm not saying that all images have to have a story behind them, but if this were created by a person, it clearly would have had one. Our group here is not telling a story, they are posing.

This is because the AI does not see the image as a whole, but as two separate components: the setting, and the description of the characters that the prompter dictates. I.E. "Merida from Brave, Jack Frost from ROTG, Rapunzel from Tangled, and Hiccup from HTTYD standing next to each other"

Now obviously the most pressing part of this prompt are the characters themselves. So the AI prioritizes that and tries to spit out something that WE recognize as "Merida from Brave, Jack Frost from ROTG, Rapunzel from Tangled, and Hiccup from HTTYD standing next to each other".

This, more times than not, is going to end up with this stagnant posing. Because AI cannot create, it can only emulate. And even then, it still can't do it right. Case in point:

This is not Hiccup. The AI totally thinks this is Eugene Fitzherbert. Look at the pose. The facial structure. The goatee. The smirk. The outfits. He's always next to Raps. Why does he have a quiver? Where's Toothless? His braids? His scar??

HE HAS BOTH OF HIS LEGS.

The AI. Cannot even get the most important part of it's prompt correct.

And that's just the beginning. Here:

More amorphous shapes.

So these are obviously supposed to be utility belts, but I mean. Look at them. The perspective is all off. There are useless straps. I don't even know what that cluster behind Jack's left arm is supposed to be.

This is a prime example of AI emulating without understanding structure.

You can see this particularly in Jack, between his hands, the "tassels" of his tunic, and the odd wrinkles of his boots. There's just not any structure here whatsoever.

Lastly, AI CANNOT CREATE PATTERNS.

Here are the side-by-sides of the shit I had to deal with when redesigning their outfits. Please someone acknowledge this. This killed me inside. THIS is most recognizable to me, and usually what I look for first if I'm wary about an art piece. These clusterfuck bunches of color. I hate them. I hate them so. much.

Anyways here's some other miscellaneous things I've noticed:

Danny Phantom Eyes

???? Thumb? (and random sword sheath)

Collarbone Necklace (corset from hell)

No Staff :( No Bow :(

What is that.

So yeah. Truly the best thing to do is to just. study it. A lot of times you aren't gonna notice anything just looking at the big picture, you need to zoom in and focus on the little details. Obviously I'm not like an expert in AI or anything, but I do have a degree in animation practices and I'm. You know. A human being. So.

In conclusion:

(Y'all should totally reblog my redesign of this btw)

[hellionyura]

High school brunette Jackunzel escaping to the seaside to take a break from classes

A little continuation of my animatic 🙈

(I need to see more of them being happy)

[justinepush]

Hi there! I would like to say that I am such huge fan. Your art is so divine. I cry tears of joy every time you post. You have no idea how thrilled I am that I am your secret santa for the rotbtd exchange gift!

I would love it if I could ask you what got you unto rotbtd in the first place?

Hii OMG! THANK YOU AND OOHH I'M SO EXCITED!! I'm sure whatever you offer my fangirl heart will be much appreciated!

I got into rotbtd because of Jackunzel. My old friend was a huge fan of jackunzel and thought they were really cute and when she told me I got weirded out (AT FIRST DON'T AT ME) but I searched it online and just went yep this is it— they are now my parents.

A lot of things happened because of jackunzel; I got into drawing, shipping, and eventually rotbtd! It's really just a rabbit hole of wonder and extremely creative minds that I just kept falling into.

And if I were to describe my childhood it would be rotbtd. (i was a weird kid to be honest talking to my classmates about characters that should not even be in the same plain. but who cares because they're absolutely perfect.)

[hiccanna-tidbits]

First one was me with Old Fandom mer/iccup, second one is me with krist/anna :/

It’s not that I don’t LIKE the Fandom Popular Pairings, it’s that I find the assumption that everyone ships them and the general all-consuming nature of said pairings to be kinda exhausting,

[ghostsfanficevents]

The Big Four Reunion Month November, the return of Rise of the Brave Tangled Dragons! In collaboration with @unmask-strange-aeons

Rules, other information, and the prompts written out below the cut

Rules + Information

This is not fanfic exclusive! Fanfic, fanart, moodboard, whatever you want. If you think it fits the prompt, go for it!

Prompts can be interpreted however you want to, but if you're curious about what I had in mind for the prompts feel free to ask in the comments or send an ask

NSFW works are welcome, just tag everything correctly on ao3, and on tumblr hide anything explicit under a cut

Alt Prompts can be used in place of a main one, in combination with a main one, or done separately. They can be used however many times you like! Though maybe don't do 30 Band AU things

If posting to ao3, add your work to the collection The Big Four Reunion Month

When posting to tumblr use the tag Big4 Reunion Month

I will be rebloging everyone's entries on tumblr, as long as the above rules are followed of course. To make this easier please tag me

I will use the tag rotbtd reunion reblog

Have fun with it!

Prompts: Day 1. Origin Day 2. Modern AU Day 3. Rise of the Guardians Day 4. Childhood Friends Day 5. Pirates AU Day 6. Flying Day 7. Meripunzel Day 8. Fairy AU Day 9. Argument Day 10. Dark AU Day 11. Brave Day 12. "I think we're lost" Day 13. Mermaids AU Day 14. Jackunzel Day 15. Vampire AU Day 16. Confusion Day 17. Ghost AU Day 18. Tangled Day 19. Talent Day 20. Mythical AU Day 21. Hijack Day 22. Get to Know Each Other Day 23. Storybrooke AU Day 24. "How do you do that" Day 25. How to Train Your Dragons Day 26. Seasons AU Day 27. Secrets Day 28. Mericup Day 29. Superhero AU Day 30. High School AU

Alt 1. Hogwarts AU Alt 2. Dragons Alt 3. Band AU Alt 4. Magic Alt 5. Hanahaki AU

Tags: @nninoxasaur, @ghostofafruit, @sealinredshoes

[hiccanna-tidbits]

@jackunzel-time

Jackunzel Month Week 1 - The Artist and the Muse

***

You hide your eyes behind the shades Your stroke can make the climate change Your art should see the light of day (you and me a masterpiece)

You never let your colors show Lose your face when we get close I’ve seen you paint, nobody knows (you and me a masterpiece)

You’ve got an artist inside you Come drown in my navy blue Tonight let the artist inside me be you

Baby paint me like a canvas – don’t mind You’re dripping colors on the mattress tonight Dip your brush into the pallet, all mine Make the shades of you and me a masterpiece

Put your body where my heart is My love I’m the muse and you’re the artist Don’t stop Gotta finish what you started Oh, god Make the shades of you and me a masterpiece

You make me Scream in Starry Nights The golden kiss, mysterious smile You never let the paint run dry (you and me a masterpiece)

I’m standing pose for your design Your fingertips, they reach for mine Let’s make a mess and cross the line (you and me a masterpiece)

You've got an artist inside you Come drown in my navy blue Tonight let the artist inside me be you

Baby paint me like a canvas – don’t mind You’re dripping colors on the mattress tonight Dip your brush into the pallet, all mine Make the shades of you and me a masterpiece

Put your body where my heart is My love I’m the muse and you’re the artist Don’t stop Gotta finish what you started Oh, god Make the shades of you and me a masterpiece

Make the shades of you and me a masterpiece

Baby paint me like a canvas You’re dripping colors on the mattress Drip your brush into the pallet And make the shades of you and me a masterpiece

Baby, paint me like a canvas – don’t mind You’re dripping colors on the mattress tonight Dip your brush into the palette, all mine Make the shades of you and me a masterpiece

Put your body where my heart is My love I’m the muse and you’re the artist Don’t stop Gotta finish what you started Oh, god Make the shades of you and me a masterpiece

***

People always ask her at art shows where she gets her inspiration. Come spring, the assortment of pieces she's pumped out during the darker months never fails to amaze.

Streetlights shining through blizzard flurries. Ice on early April buds. Peach, rose, and lavender sunsets through snow-filled clouds. White-topped pine forests so mesmerizing that you can practically feel the stillness and silence of the winter.

Every time, Rapunzel smiles mysteriously and cites another artist.

"He's...underappreciated. His work hasn't ever had its day in the sun. But I've seen the best of it."

She always straightens proudly at the last part. And her customers can't help but be jealous that she gets to see this mysterious obscure talent apparently hidden from the rest of the world.

It has to be hidden, or else Rapunzel's work wouldn't be so uniquely spectacular. More people would paint even the coldest and bleakest of winter nights--even with no holiday lights to shine through the darkness.

"What's their name?" people always ask, hoping to investigate the esoteric artist themselves.

"Jack Frost."

And they laugh, because they think she's just being poetic. Taking inspiration from the fabled creator of ice patterns on morning windows and vast, quiet snowscapes.

If only they could see the white-haired boy just above them, perched on a nearby lamppost and chuckling to himself. Invisible to all the world except the artists who see beauty in his work.

***

HIHI I'M SO SORRY I'M LATE

Heh, you didn't really think I'd forgotten Jackunzel month, did you??? Had a lot on my plate these last couple months but by GOD am I gonna pull through for my children!!! I've been making them November content for 3 years straight and I ain't about to stop now!!!

Anyways this song popped up on my spotify and I was like oh huh. Yeah that's a Jackunzel song all right. And then this happened!

I feel like it could be from both of their POVs, btw! Like Rapunzel is the one we think of as the artist, but Jack kinda is, too--just look what he can do with snow and frost! Art that never sees the light of day indeed ;_____; And "your stroke can make the climate change" like??? Literally Jack??? Also love the idea of him doing little frost designs on her skin and clothes ;_____; Just little reminders of her mans she can carry around for a while before they melt! Especially in the summertime, when she could really use it!!!

But "come drown in my navy blue" is very Jack @ Rapunzel, too. And Punz definitely has a golden kiss and mysterious smile akdjsuilkh

Depending on how you interpret these two and their relationship, you can pretend some of the, er...spicier implications of this song are a metaphor for like. Deep conversations and enthusiastic cuddling if you like XD

Can you imagine Rapunzel actually painting in her bed and getting acrylic all over her blankets and insisting it gives them character??? Shit would be hilarious. Jack would also thoroughly approve of the chaotic and general unhinged nature of it all ajshdksgd

I missed them!!! God, it's been too long!!!

As always, moodboard pic credits available upon request :3

[92-guy]

Your rate of the ships and why.

Thank you very much for asking, sorry for taking so long, but I wanted to answer your question as best as possible, so here are my top 5 favorites ships (Not in a specific order)

Jackunzel

Probably the most famous ship on this list, if this is your favourite, you're picking the safest option, maybe a bit overrated, but still a very good one.

Now, I believe that this couple is what we all wanted to be when we were children, to be outgoing and find someone just as fun, kind and trustworthy, who would not leave us alone in our nonsense and on the contrary would make us see the beauty of our differences. their parallelism and differences in personality and physique seem to me to be one of the best things between Disney and Dreamworks, and I consider that Jack was the direct response towards Rapunzel, taking inspiration from her to make the "Perfect boy" for a generation of people, while Although Rapunzel is not talked about much now, she is the kindest princess Disney has ever created (and still is).

Depending on what AU you have of them, I think they would make a very good and fun Sitcom in any AU.

I once read that someone compared them to Nightwing and Starfire and I couldn't agree more with that.

Hiccunzel

They are cute

I like how they look together and they give me Spider-Man and Mary Jane vibes if only Spider-Man had good character development and could mature.

I like the fact that she is an outgoing and creative girl, with an introverted and witty boy, Hiccup would be the first to fall in love with her, trying to do whatever it takes to make her notice him, supporting her with painting, teaching her everything he could. she knows about dragons, drawing, even asking them to make a small smithy so she could use it as a kitchen and both of them will cook together while in Berk.

And I can't stop seeing them in this situation

Jarida

At first I didn't think I could like them that much, but I saw in them a kind of connection that I don't know how it worked, both wanting to enjoy the moment and without thinking about those responsible, just young being young.

I like how their relationship could not be supported while they are at peace, but at the moment of the action they know that they make the best team, synchronizing their movements and knowing what the other wants, and from that connection a tender love would arise where both did not want feel the love for the other, but it was inevitable, the jokes of both would begin to be excuses to get closer to the other, which Jack would love the smell of Merida and she would love the frozen sensation of Jack and fly with him.

The only thing that I think is bad about this relationship is that they would probably need to go to therapy, because they would not be very easy to open up their feelings, especially when something hurts them, so as not to appear weak to their partner and when they have an argument. or problem, they would rather solve it with… “action” than talk about it, they would be much like Ron and Hermione.

(But these are things that can be fixed with therapy, go to therapy, it's better than you think)

For the rest, I think they are a very nice couple and their relationship with the team would be one of those who always look for fights.

Janna

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A post shared by Billie Anderson (@billieanderson.official)

A extremely underrated ship, but I find it a very interesting couple, an outgoing and impulsive boy who lost his younger sister, while she is an outgoing and impulsive girl who lost her older sister for a long time.

Clearly they would create a bond, Jack taking the role of older brother that Anna always wanted to have with Elsa, but she couldn't, while Anna would take the role of younger sister and mother at the same time, being protective of Jack when she wants to. doing things without thinking, a bit hypocritical, because if she's involved with him, she's willing to follow him, which almost always ends with something broken.

Besides that Anna would help him with Jack's mommy issues.

Their relationship seems to me that it would be friendship first, going on to treat each other as brothers and family, Anna over protecting Jack and Jack feeling the crush first, followed by Anna, both are afraid of their feelings, after all, they were like brothers, but Anna, as the dominant in the relationship, decides to face the situation and here there can be two ways out, or they end up like Steve and Peggy from the MCU

Hiccelsa

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A post shared by ♢ 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 ♢ (@frozenavenger_magic)

I have to admit, this is my personal favorite.

I have to admit that I was one of the people who supported that Elsa was lesbian, or should be asexual, and that she shouldn't have any ship, but then I met Hiccelsa, and it totally changed my mind, this became my ship favorite, since they are not only 2 of my favorite characters, but also because they perfectly represent opposites, Elsa representing ice, immovable, cold, serene; while Hiccup represents fire, unstoppable, warm, passionate.

Their ship reminds me a lot of Superman and Wonder Woman, a fair and upright woman, with a kind and understandable man.

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A post shared by Billie Anderson (@billieanderson.official)

In addition, it seems to me that they would be a very mature relationship, where if they were fighting they would not speak to each other, but they still want to help the other, because they love each other and an argument will not separate them.

I don't think they fall in love instantly, but they would start as friends, they respect each other until they form a good friendship, Hiccup being Elsa's first "best friend" and what begins to attract them is their attitude, Elsa without fear to the unknown and willing to give everything to protect others, while Hiccup being a selfless hero, and willing to go against his superiors to do the right thing, even being just a man without a leg, attitudes that each would attract.

In addition, they are dramatic that if you stop watching them for 2 seconds they are already posing.

And their relationship with "The big 6" would be the father and mother of the team, obviously.

Believe me when I tell you that it took me longer to figure out what to remove so that this space wouldn't be so long, than to describe why I like this ship so much.

[welcometowaltacademy]

Just wanted to say THANK YOU for keeping this comic going, no matter how much life has changed since 2013 it’s so comforting to know that this magical world you’ve created will always feel coming home (3/?) Also if I haven’t said it enough jackunzel4everrrr <3 <3 Jack if you plan on asking Rapunzel out, do it asap if you can 😂

Awwww, thank you so much, anony!

This honestly is a huge reason I've continued this comic. Because it's allowed me to keep a little magical corner of the internet even as my life has changed so much. It still makes me so happy.

And, as always, appreciate the Jackunzel love. Just adorable. 💙💙

[punziris]

ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴏɴ, ᴛʜɪs sᴏᴜᴘ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴅᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴇᴠᴇɴ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʜᴀᴢᴇʟɴᴜᴛs ᴀɴᴅ ᴠᴇɢᴇᴛᴀʙʟᴇs.

~ℛ𝒶𝓅𝓊𝓃𝓏𝑒𝓁 𝗔𝗨

༻❁༺ ༻❁༺ ༻❁༺ ˎ

Waoo ...what nostalgia this drawing was one of the first I saw when I started to be a fan. Why do you think Jack is weak or sick? . I was asked to make this one for Jackunzel and Jack month was a challenge again however I hope you like it.

[svnny-ao3]

Jackunzel February: Summer

Seasons AU

This guardian thing is more annoying than anything.

Where his days used to be filled with frost and fun, they are now filled with the tedious affairs of the four seasons, who keep him close while they figure out what the hell to do with him.

There is one bright side to all this.

“Hey, Jack!”

He smiles before he even sees her, but when he turns around, his smile only doubles. Rapunzel is running ahead of the Spring Council, sprouts bursting through the snow beneath her every footstep.

She doesn’t slow down, just barrels into him and knocks him off his feet. They tumble into the thick blanket of snow that covers the whole forest, but as the Spring Council approaches, it gives way to green grass and fresh blooms.

“I missed you,” she says, rolling off of him and onto the wet earth with a laugh that pours sunshine over every inch of him.

Jack rolls onto his side to smile down at her. “Sick of your council already? I know I am.”

May Queen above them and Bunny says, “Get off of that poor thing, Frost.”

With a laugh, he grabs his crook and flies up, taking her hand to set her on her feet. The dirt on her arms and legs turns to mud in the wet snow. Her eyes on him are almost electric.

“You must get the archer,” North says suddenly, or maybe it wasn’t sudden. Maybe this had been preludes by something Jack hadn’t bothered to hear.

“I’ll just go get them,” Bunny says with a thump of his foot. The leprechaun narrowly avoids falling into his burrow.

“No. They must practice their abilities. Let them go,” the Sugar Plum Fairy insists.

Bunny mumbles something about stupid kids, but Jack can’t even hear them. Rapunzel is grinning bright enough to warm the whole earth and a laugh bubble ups inside of him.

“Ready?” he asks and her legs are wrapped around him before he’s even finished. He can feel the way she’s buzzing with excitement and he laughs again.

He knows for a fact he’s grinning like an idiot when he turns to face the two seasons, but nothing could stop it. Not even the disgusted look Bunny shoots his way.

“Summer Hemisphere?” he asks the spirits and North nods. “We’ll be back with Merida.”

“Watch your hands, Frost!” Bunny shouts after them as they jet up into the air.

Rapunzel laughs wild like a child, dirty hands gripping his shoulders as they soar towards summer. The winter woods fade away behind them like a memory. Now all that’s left is Rapunzel’s hungry eyes and giddy shrieks as they coast above the earth.

“You get to do this every day?!” she asks, shouting in his ear so loud it hurts.

Her body is warm against his, warmer than he’s ever been, and he answers, “Just ask and you can come get bugs in your teeth whenever you want.”

If possible, her smile gets even wider. “Thank you, Jack!”

Her arms tighten around him and he grunts a response and he bites back a smile. They reach the Mediterranean Sea and he flies close enough to touch it. She does and squeals a laugh when her hand comes back wet. Above Africa, he rolls onto his back and she sits up, arms outstretched. The sun hits her like a halo and, fuck, Jack is gone on her.

“This is so beautiful!” she shouts above the rushing wind. With one hand on her hip and the other on his crook, he holds her steady and they zip into the clouds. He doesn’t spend a lot of time around the equator, but she looks like she belongs here. The smile she sends down to him is more blinding than the sun. “You’re so lucky, Jack.”

Yeah, he thinks. Yeah.

[gryffindorkxdraws]

send me a Taylor Swift song and i’ll write a one shot for jackunzel

https://gryffindorkxdraws.tumblr.com/ask

[rotbtd-assorted]

Saur true @gryffindorkxdraws

Ask me how Jackunzel smooching led to me dropping everything and finding happiness :3

[hiccanna-tidbits]

If you need some RotBT(F)D reading material, I wrote a bunch of Jackunzel headcanons and neurodivergent Hiccanna headcanons a while back! Also was messing around on my ship tags and found this old vacation ask I did with the kids.

Enjoy <3

Y'all if anyone has any RofBTD fics, art, headcanons, ideas, quotes, anything, send them my way. I missed out on it 10 years ago cause of my social anxiety and goody two shoed ness and I want to be part of it. I love it. It is giving so much joy. Rapunzel is my favorite BTW. Just hit me with it. Please. I'm begging.

[justinepush]

I CANT WAIT ANYMORE WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING IN THE JACKUNZEL TEASER YOU JUST POSTED JUST TELL US BEFORE I DIE

Heh. No.

The only spoiler I'm giving is that it's for week 3 ;))

[hiccanna-tidbits]

@jackunzel-time

Jackunzel Month Week 3 - Stormy Night

***

What if the storm ends? And I don’t see you As you are now Ever again

The perfect halo Of gold hair and lightning Sets you off against The planet’s last dance

Just for a minute The silver-forked sky Lit you up like a star That I will follow

But now it’s found us Like I have found you I don’t wanna run Just overwhelm me

What if the storm ends? It leaves us nothing Except the memory A distant echo

I won’t pin down I’ve walked unsettled Rattle cage after cage Until my blood boils

I wanna see you As you are now Every single day That I am living

Painted in flames A peeling thunder Be the lightning in me That strikes relentless

What if the storm ends? And I don’t see you As you are now Ever again

The perfect halo Of gold hair and lightning Sets you off against The planet’s last dance

Just for a minute The silver-forked sky Lit you up like a star That I will follow

But now it’s found us Like I have found you I don’t wanna run Just overwhelm me

***

The weather has been so strange lately that it's the talk of the town.

It isn't that heavy winter snows are anything unusual, or even that the illusive "thundersnow" hasn't ever been seen before. But this winter, it seems, has an abundance of lightning-forked skies followed by merciless blizzards. Local weather reporters blame climate change, but an old coot at the edge of town claims he knows better.

"Why is there thunder and lightning before the snow now?" the children ask him, gathered around his porch drinking hot cocoa. "Did it do that when you were a kid?"

He offers them a toothless chuckle. "That's just old Jack Frost up to his tricks. But it looks like he's been missing his wife."

"His wife?" One little boy spits out his cocoa. "He's married?"

Several of the younger kids groan in disgust, unable to conceive of something some lame and adult being applied to a spirit who sounds so fun.

"Well, yeah." The old man grins. "Beautiful light spirit with long golden hair. Jack Frost doesn't see her in the winter as much, since it's so dark and cloudy. But he can get brief glimpses in flashes of lightning."

"And the thunder?" a little girl demands, crossing her arms.

"I reckon old Jack's fighting the clouds and the sky themselves to see her. To let the light in. And he must be battling pretty hard this winter."

The old man takes a puff of his pipe.

"He's always worried, see. That the winter cold will claim her, and she won't be there when the weather warms. Or the winter will change her, and snuff out some of her light. He wants to make sure that behind the storm, she's still the same lady he fell in love with. And she's still there waiting for him when spring comes."

"But doesn't he control the winter? And the storms?" another child pipes up. "Can't he just make the cold weather stop so he can go hang out with his wife?"

"Ah, well, you see, he has only so much power, as a relatively low-ranking member of the Winter Spirit Council. Wait 'til I tell you kids about the Council Head, the Snow Queen--"

"BOOOO!" a particularly loud little girl shouts, giving the old man a thumbs down. "Who cares? Finish telling us about Jack Frost and the light lady!"

"All right, all right!" He lifts gnarled hands up in defeat. "So you see, a spirit of light and a spirit most active during the coldest, darkest part of the year...that was a love story what was never going to go over well with the higher-ups of the spirit world. Something that could surely only lead to chaos and destruction. So the other spirits fought and fought to keep Jack Frost and the Lady of Light apart. Every winter, they hide her away partly in hopes that Jack will forget her. But Jack always remembers, and he always fights for her. Even as winter grows fiercer and fiercer, and every year, it seems more and more the world as we know it will descend into an age of ice and darkness. Even when it seems the Lady of Light is lost forever, and warm days will never be again."

"But he always finds her, right?" the loud little girl asks.

"Always." The old man offers another toothless grin. "He sees her in lightning flashes or moonbeams or rare moments of sunshine, and he follows her like a guiding star so they can be together again when the winter ends. And no matter how bad winter gets, he'll always find her. Now until the end of time. Remember that."

"And how do you know?" a boy at the back demands. "Canya tell the future or somethin'?"

"Well." He chuckles. "Spring always comes, doesn't it?"

***

EYO THERE MIGHT JUST BE SOME JACKUNZEL LEFT IN ME YET SUCKERS

...I guess this is what happens when you want to make something for the Stormy Night prompt based on What If The Storm Ends by Snow Patrol, and then...completely forget you were gonna do that and start gathering Cool Aesthetic Blizzard Pictures™️XD So...you do the only rational thing and COMBINE THEM, of course!!!

"Thundersnow" is a real thing, btw!!! I actually witnessed a thunder snowstorm one time when I was growing up and it's a very weird thing to experience. I also remember I was having a sleepover with my friend that night, and the next morning she woke me up by shoving snow down my shirt and saying she was "attacking me with cursed thundersnow" XD Tbh she saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some very unique tomfoolery and she took it, and I have to respect that. How ironic that her name was Summer ajuasdhksyfgkdusfg

Wrote the ficlet kind of on a whim, but I really like how it turned out!! I kind of love the idea of ordinary, everyday people passing down folklore-type stories about Jack and Rapunzel. Partly because they actually are folklore characters, so it's very appropriate XD But idk, it also just makes them feel...timeless??? Like you can never get too old for or tired of this love story because it's eternal and enduring. Like idk what to tell you, sun-moon/light-dark/hot-cold ships are just baked into the human psyche!!!

Was actually kind of hard to find the exact blizzard pics I wanted for the moodboard, since I was going for kind of a balance between the white, the silver, and the splashes of color. I hope I did okay!!! Kind of wanted emphasis on pink, purple, and gold, since y'know. Rapunzel theme colors XD I think I'm happy with the end product!

As always, moodboard pic credits available upon request!