#Sisterhood is the Strongest Magic

[true--north]

For Anon who asked for Little Mermaid Helsa AU ❄🌀

Elsa x Hans, postF2, angst, amnesia, powerless!Elsa, redeemed!Hans, prince Lars, sisterhood is the strongest magic, no mermaids only the sorrow

The rage of the sea

"We always feared that her powers were too great for this world."

It wasn't the power, it was people who were filled with fear and jealousy. The people who would do anything to harm her and Ahtohallan.

Elsa didn't remember how it happened. Stripped of half her soul, she fell off the icy peak into the Dark Sea and closed her eyes. The waves carried her away. Nature would not touch her beloved daughter. The sea carried her, lulling her on the waves, away from the dangerous place. To the South.

It was a dark stormy evening when Hans came ashore. In the distance he could see the blurred silhouettes of the other isles. He was tired and gave himself to the wind with a relief. The element tried to tear his hair, to beat his long worn blue cloak, gnaw at his bones. It had a fury and rage he had long lost, and he loved it.

He couldn't but notice her. A lone lifeless figure on the grey rocks, the surf caressing her feet. The stranger lay face down, her long dark curls fanned out around her head, her thin black dress tattered beyond recognition. As Hans ran to her, the rain began to fall. Strangely, it seemed to him that there between the raindrops, he heard a voice, a song gentle and wistful. It was like a mirage.

"My lady!" he called out in a panic; of course it was useless. She was unconscious. He rolled her over onto her back. She was still breathing. Her skin was sankissed as if she'd spent a lot of time in the sun, but her hands were soft and never knew peasant labour. Hans covered her frail body with his cloak and took her in his arms.

He carried her to his cabin. Once long ago he had carried a fainting woman from her ice palace in his arms in the same way...He had almost forgotten.

His dwelling was just outside the castle wall. Hans gently laid the stranger on the bed and lit the paraffin in the lamp. It became almost cosy. He wanted to put the kettle on the cooker, but suddenly he noticed the stranger was feverish. She was thrashing about on the bed, muttering something unrecognisable. Hans knew there was no other way. Of course he would have to get help. He covered her with a blanket, walked out into the rain and headed for the Castle, his former home.

"You found a woman on the beach? And brought her home?" stunned, Lars repeated. He was wrapped in a dressing gown, ready for sleep, his glasses glittering blindly in the candlelight.

"I did," explained Hans impatiently, "And I need medicine, and for Olga to give her some clothes—"

"You can't keep her with you, Hans. You're unmarried, and it's inappropriate."

"All right, all right. Then I'll move her here, and—"

"And we'll take care of her, Hans." Lars' wife, Princess Olga, came out. "The Southern Isles will show the poor thing their hospitality. You have nothing to worry about."

Hans sighed, and he and Lars walked out. "Why did you help her?"

"Why not?" snorted Hans.

After all, he wanted nothing from the stranger. She could give him nothing, just as he could give her nothing. She was as lost and deprived of everything as he was. Nothing stood between them.

In the cabin Lars poured the contents of an apothecary's vial down the stranger's sore throat and held a porcelain box of smelling salts under her nose. The girl stirred, coughed, then sat up abruptly and opened her eyes. They were the darkest shade of blue and wild as the sea beyond the mica window. She stared at Hans, straight into his soul, smiled strangely, and then passed out again.

It was srange. If it weren't for the obvious fact that he was seeing her for the first time in his life, Hans would have thought he'd known her before. That's she was the one he's been looking for all his life.

He picked her up again, cradled her in his arms, and carried her to Olga's boudoir, warm, luxurious, better than everything Hans could offer the stranger. "Thank you, Hans. You did all you could for the girl."  She closed the door in his face.

"How is she?" he asked Lars the next day.

"Better. But she's a strange case. She refuses or can't talk. She just sits and stares out of the window. I can tell you one thing, brother mine, your stranger is a noble woman. God only knows what she's been through. There's been nothing in the news yet about shipwrecks...I don't know what to think..."

Hans took off his boots muddy with horse dung, replaced them with his only clean fashionable shoes, and tied a fresh magenta tie. Then he went up to the Castle, holding his breath when passing his Father's chambers. The stranger was sitting on an ottoman, cuddled in several cashmere shawls. She wore Olga's pearly grey dress, her hair was carelessly tied up with a blue ribbon. In the light of the pale evening sun her golden skin seemed to glow. There was something wrong about her, something strange and lost.

When she saw Hans, she straightened up and stared at him. Hans sat down at her feet on a velvet footstool. "Hello. How are you feeling today? What's your name? Where is your family?"

She was silent for a long time. "Do I know you?" was the only thing she said.

"Not that I know of." Though everything in him sang the contrary, that they had a bond, sometime, somehow. "Please tell me what happened." he pleaded softly and soothingly. "Let me help you. Please."

"I don't remember. I don't remember anything." The stranger shook her head, wrapping herself more tightly in the cocoon of shawls. "It's all like a mist. But I think...my name is Elisabeth. Yes, Elisabeth...it sounds familiar."

"Welcome to the Southern Isles, Elisabeth." Hans smiled charmingly.

Olga said that Hans was the only one "Elisabeth" spoke to. She was afraid of the others, she refused to leave the room. Since that day, Olga has often seen the two of them like this. Hans would sit on the footstool and talk, or read something to their guest, or play to her on the piano, or serve her the evening tea. Olga did not like Hans, she only tolerated him for Lars' sake, but she could not help realising that the stranger was clearly a good influence on the forsaken black ship of the family.

Olga did not know that when Lars wanted to put an advertisement in the Scandinavian Herald in the hope that Elisabeth's relatives would respond, Hans had stolen the letter and burnt it at the kitchen.

Weeks later, Elisabeth felt better and began leaving the room. To the library with Hans or to the rose garden. She liked to stand on the balcony and look at the sea, at the North, as if it was where her true home was; her home, lost and forgotten. When Hans showed her the stables, he noticed that she was an experienced rider. "I think I loved horses. Very much." she murmured, stroking the silky mane of a white horse.

"Horses are better than people." Hans joked.

"Even better than Lars? Than me?" Elisabeth snickered sarcastically. She still wore his blue cloak, hiding her face in the hood. Hans found her beautiful in blue and in his.

"You're special, Lizzie." he grinned and saddled Citron.

Together they often rode round the isle. Hans did not tell her about his past and Elisabeth, if she understood anything about the disgraced prince's unusual position — a stable boy in his own home — asked no questions. She was delicate and sensible.

That afternoon he brought her to his cabin and showed her the manuscripts of his fairy tales, peculiar stories he wrote to kill his loneliness. Elisabeth's lush auburn curls were braided into a plait she liked to put on her left shoulder and fiddle with the tip. Hans mindlessly tucked it behind his back, bent down and kissed her. Elisabeth hugged him back.

His life has become something more with her, in her he has found redemption; the empty place where anger and greed had once been filled with bloom and sky. She has found a future in him, she thought.

But the past has a way of returning.

Hans was procrastinating on his duties in the stables chatting with Elisabeth when suddenly the boudoir's heavy doors swung open and his brother, Olga and some other people burst into the room. Hans was barely able to get anything. He had never seen Lars and Olga so worried.

"Lady Elisabeth!" She exclaimed.

Elisabeth looked back at the door and froze. A tall, grim blond man in a brown travelling cloak, and a woman dressed in green and purple stood there. The woman had bright red hair and eyes the colour of Northern Lights. Hans barely recognised them, and so did Lizzie, his Lizzie, but Queen Anna of Arendelle rushed to her big sister and wrapped her arms around her neck.

"Oh, Elsa, all these months, we have been looking for you, I thought I lost you again! Oh, Elsa, sister... Yelana knew nothing, tell me who did this to you—"

And a miracle happened. Everything about her has always been a miracle. When Anna and Elsa's hands touched, the room was filled with Ahtohallan's light. That light filled Elsa, returned to her. Her hair became smooth colourless silk again, her skin turned pale and her eyes returned from dark blue to ice. What has been lost was back through the bridge. Magic and memory were the same thing; without the past there was no future.

Hans sprang to his feet, seized by an unnatural fear of magic, of the foreboding of loss. He realised the truth, he recognised her. "Lizzie!..." he called to her. It has always been her.

That man, Björgman, blocked his path.

Elsa wiped the tears from her beloved Anna's cheeks, then looked back at Hans. Strange was that look. "Leave me," she said, but it was she who left.

The royal family of Arendelle quickly left the Isles, barely thanking the Westergaards. But everyone has got the point. Everyone except Hans.

He ran up the cliff and watched the Crocus ship leave the harbour. "Elisabeth..." he let go on the wind, his heart freezing again.

[riddlerosehearts]

got myself thinking about my own personal experiences with frozen, and why the first movie means enough to me to be my favorite of all time, and thought i might as well just go ahead and post about it in case there's anyone who wants to read it. although i'm not great with words, so this post will probably be too long and feel too silly and over the top, and i should also warn that this is a lot of very personal information, but:

i saw frozen in theaters on its opening weekend in 2013. i hadn't listened to any of the songs in advance at all--i've avoided listening to the soundtracks for new disney movies prior to seeing them in theaters ever since i saw princess and the frog in 2009, because i feel like i enjoy my first experience with the movie and the music more that way. although i may have already overheard snippets of let it go back then just because it was so popular. i honestly don't remember too clearly because my strongest memory by far of hearing let it go for the first time is being absolutely blown away by it in the theater.

so. i've had depression and social anxiety since i was a kid, and, although i didn't know this until several years after frozen was released, i'm autistic as well. so dealing with all of these things at once, combined with the fact that i had no idea i was autistic, made me think i just couldn't ever fit in with anyone because i was weird and there was something wrong with me. for most of my life i never had any friends and i thought i had to hide from people as much as possible. which i do think is at least a little justified by the fact that the whole time i was in school from fifth grade through tenth grade--after tenth grade my parents finally pulled me out of public school and i was homeschooled, something i'd honesty been begging them to do--i was bullied and betrayed by friends in various ways because i was weird and didn't fit in. i won't go into details, but the fact that i knew while still in public school that i was bisexual also played into this.

so seeing elsa's parents hide her from the world because she had something that made her different from others, seeing her be taught to "conceal, don't feel" and called a monster, just hit me very hard when i first saw the movie. i interpreted her as having developed depression and anxiety like i did (and now, ever since 2016 when i discovered that i was autistic, i've also liked to headcanon her as such) and just felt so incredibly happy to see her proudly proclaim that she wasn't going to hold back and hide who she was anymore, letting herself freely use her powers, and decide that even if she had to be alone, at least she was free.

and then, seeing how anna fought so hard to get elsa to come home and make sure she knew that she didn't have to be alone and that she wasn't unloved, and seeing the people of arendelle accept her wholeheartedly as she created an ice skating rink at the end, gave me so much hope for myself. as did reading the "sisterhood is the strongest magic" books and other things like the various frozen comics, and watching frozen fever and olaf's frozen adventure, and seeing that elsa truly was accepted by her people, that she was capable and loved as queen and had a home, that anna and kristoff and all the people of arendelle appreciated her as she was, would be there when she felt anxious or needed a shoulder to cry on, and didn't at all believe that her powers made her weird and out of place with them. all of this just gave me so, so much comfort throughout the years and still does all of this time later.

i know a lot of people are sick of frozen and find it to be overhyped, and everyone certainly has the right to their opinion! but elsa is basically tied with one other fictional character as my favorite of all time, i love anna and kristoff and yes, even olaf, very dearly, and i do believe that the movie deserves all of the love it gets. i find it so beautiful that people can read elsa's powers and her story as an allegory for so many different things and connect with her and find comfort in her in so many different ways. i can hardly believe that it's been over 10 years since the movie came out, over 10 years since i saw elsa transform her stuffy coronation gown into that beautiful flowing ice dress and sing about finally letting herself be who she really was. maybe loving frozen even half as much as i do is "cringy", but this is my own personal tumblr blog and i will be as cringy as i want! and besides, the cold never bothered me anyway. i'm sorry, i couldn't resist saying that.

[gsstories]

what’s joan’s civilian life like?? (both regularly and häxa) and her ref if u don’t mind…….def not planing things :3c

Okay, first things first, first question about Joan, holy shit!!

Ahem, anyway, lil bit of backstory, before the whole Bishop thing (Häxa Joan’s life be almost the same as Kuno Joan’s honestly-) and her sisters dying, back in Sweden, Joan used to be a pretty active member in the town she and her sisters lived in. She was still pretty temperamental but fair and collected most of the time. She sometimes trained people who wanted to learn how to protect the town and she did damn well doing so! She helped out often with chores like carrying heavy stuff since she is the most physically strongest of the sisterhood, get things from high places cause she tall (lol-) and often went to grab ingredients that her sisters needed for potions and stuff. She also took care of kids even if she wasn’t the most fond, they were better than some travelers she had to deal with. Her life was mostly calm until that day with the Old Faith.

Post-Bishop times, Häxa rarely takes off her hat, afraid that if she lets her guard down, someone will get hurt. Months, maybe even years pass and she is still wearing the identity of Häxa every day. She is still grieving and is angry at herself for not saving her sisters so you may always see the golden cat-like slit glowing in the dark due to said rage. So, as Häxa, she is just a very angry lady who almost forgets who she is outside the hat and forgets that sleep is needed. However, once meeting First Ninja and Miori and starting to cope with the loss of her sisters after years of grieving, she starts going out as a civilian more, not often, but at least sometimes, she spends more time in her hut. She is cold and more temperamental than before, the littlest things can set her off but she trying to work on that. One thing is for sure, she makes sure never to blow up at a child. Never to a child, they don’t know any better…

Also, she probably got into a pub fight after someone wanting a fight broke a bottle of sake on her head. Didn’t really hurt due to Häxa magic and stuff but she was PISSED!

Here the refs and a drawing close up of Joan, she so tired and mad lol-

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 Ink Blood Sister Scribe Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

❓ #QOTD What's the most valuable (to you, not monetarily) book in your collection? ❓

[ Find my review below or on Goodreads | Storygraph | Literal ]

🦇 Two estranged half-sisters guard their family's library of magical books, all while staying continents apart. Working together, Joanna and Esther Kalotay unravel the deadly secret that led to their father's demise. The ancient and rare books he collected aren't simply page and ink. They're true page--books with the power to manipulate the elements, bend realty, or cater the world to a person's bidding. The world of magic contained in these books is far more dangerous than they ever imaged. Can they unlock the secrets their parents have long kept hidden...and perhaps uncover a true magical library in the process?

💜 Okay, so...WOAH. I think, perhaps, this was the strongest, most powerful debut I've read (maybe ever) -- and I've read a library's worth of debuts. It's no wonder this book was nominated for not one, but two Goodreads Choice Awards (Best Fantasy and Best Debut). To be honest, I sat on this review longer than intended; I'm struggling to find my words here. The prose is enthralling, as magical as the books mentioned within. Törzs has seamlessly bound thriller, dark academia, and fantasy together with a raw, realistic cast of characters. The cryptic plot and half-explained world (as the Kalotay sisters barely understand it all themselves) ensnares you from the first page. This book is spellbinding, almost dizzying; a dozen little secrets, waiting to be revealed. The story itself is multilayered but still woven with care; no one element or point of view eclipses the other.

💜 There are familiar fairytale elements that make the story's magic easier to perceive (magic mirrors, a quest, absent parents, a secretive wicked stepmother). Instead of witches and magic wands, the story relies on a powerful source we have in the real world: WORDS. The mythology is careful and precise, and though much of it remains secretive at first, each piece is eventually revealed. The writing style is contemporary, easy to understand, yet the voice is uniquely Törzs' in a way that makes me eager for her next book. There are many themes to explore, too; found family, isolation, the power of books. Törzs took the metaphor "the pen is mightier than the sword" literally, demonstrating there's magic and power all around us. I'll enjoy escaping into this world once more. Added bonus: a sapphic ship and well-executed disability representation.

🦇 Stepping into this world is a little jarring at first. While everything is eventually revealed, you have to let the story carry you for a few chapters before you gain your footing. This is a book that's definitely more enjoyable the second time around. I do think you need to read this book at the right time (I wasn't completely in the right headspace when I started, not that I'll allow that to impact my review).

🦇 I'm afraid to say that the Big Bad and major reveal were obvious, though perhaps they were intended to be. The story isn't about defeating a monster as much as it's about the connections made during that journey. The found family (and, for the sisters, reunited) vibes of this story hold its true power.

🦇 Recommended for fans of The Night Circus.

✨ The Vibes ✨ 🩸 Debut 📚 Magical Books 🩸 Sisterhood / Family Secrets 📚 Multiple POVs 🩸 Murder Mystery 📚 Slow Burn Romance 🩸 Dark Academia -esque 📚 Magical Realism

💬 Quotes ❝ The path provides the natural next step. ❞ ❝ I always thought it suggested, on some palindromic level, that it’s the steps themselves that make a path, instead of the other way round. We are creating even as we believe we are following. ❞ ❝ “The Library holds power,” said Maram. “And power is always a reflection of the world that has created it, regardless of intention.” ❞

[moonlightreal]

Night World: Spellbinder

Let’s talk about Blaise!

Spellbinder stars the blonde, animal-loving nice witch Thea and her cousin the dark haired seductress Blasie. LJ Smith was clearly revisiting Faye and Diana here, though with Thea being the protagonist she couldn’t be quite as ethereal and perfect as Diana.

Blaise is very much Faye. She is described like a lioness, dark haired and curvy, able to get guys just by existing. And then she convinces her crowds of paramours to do more and more extreme things to prove their love. Guys ditch their girlfriends, give up treasured possessions, and commit crimes for her sake. And Blaise’s attention leaves them damaged. One of her past followers turns up in a horror scene in the book and his mind was clearly broken by his experience with Blaise. Another ex tried to burn down the school to prove his love.

Blaise says, “When they give in completely there’s a ‘pop’ like a balloon breaking…. And after the pop, they just kind of collapse, and everything they are, their whole self, just sort of pours out in this internal hemorrhage. And after that, of course, they’re useless. Like a stag that’s too old to mate. they’re just—over.”

It seems like Blaise is just talking emotion here, not magic. I don’t think she’s sucking the boys’ souls to fuel her spells or anything, she just likes ruining lives. And ye gods Ms. Smith is a weird writer. You can just tell she really imagined herself into the emotions inside Blaise’s terrible brain, it’s amazing. Ms. Smith is no Pratchett, nobody is, she’s no Garth Nix, but she’s got something.

There is one moment that hints that Blaise might be unhappy with her life of being awful. A boy grouchily asked, “What do you want?” and Blaise is momentarily taken aback and says, “Nothing I can have.”

What could it be that she wants? I assume in Ms. Smith’s mind this is a hint that deep down Blaise wishes she could experience actual love, with a partner who loves her for herself rather than being blinded by her sex appeal. Maybe by pushing her followers to more extreme acts of devotion Blaise is hoping to find one who stands up to her and can be her equal. But if that’s the case, why is she chasing human boys rather than witch boys?

Spellbinder tells us that witches in the Night World tend female. “More girl babies are born and more survive to grow up.” so every make witch has plenty of female witches interested in him. Maybe Blaise with all her beauty and charm can’t compete. Or maybe male witches can see that she is in fact a horrible person and run like hell.

But there’s another possibility. Blaise wears a tuxedo to the school dance. This isn’t proof of anything; straight girls can wear tuxedos too, and Blaise is very clearly out to seduce boys in her red silk bow tie and cummerbund. But is it possible that what she really wants, and can’t have, is a female partner?

This was 1996 when being gay was not accepted like it is today, but I would think it would be accepted among witches. “Sisterhood is the strongest bond there is—for a witch.” And if there are more women than men and the Night World witches tend to see humans as vermin so it makes sense to pair up between themselves. So why would Blaise think she could never date a girl?

One possibility is that witches need to marry other witches to have witch babies. We never really learn how the magic is passed down and there are definitely some witches with lots of human ancestors, but maybe you’re more likely to get a baby witch out of two parent witches. Which would make it more sensible to detach biological parenthood and active parenthood, let witches choose a bio-dad and a father for their children separately, live in mom-munes or harems, all kinds of unconventional families… all of which are too wild for 1996.

The other possibility I thought of is that witches could have a “hetero only” rule to stay under the radar in human society. Being different could get you noticed and that could get your magic noticed. Maybe some witch once delivered magical justice on some bigot and almost revealed the whole Night World. Witches go to great pains to hide their magic; familiar animals have been outlawed so outlawing unusual relationships makes sense.

I don’t really think Ms. Smith meant for Blaise to be gay. I think she was aiming for hetero and leaving things vague in case Blaise got her own book later. But I do think Blaise being gay is a valid headcanon if that’s the way you want to go. Blaise never did get her own book so her fate is left to our imagination.

[booksandchainmail]

Pale 8.a

She reached into her pocket and threw out some more tiny candies into the bushes.  Plants summarily died in the ensuing fracas, caught between goblins who were fighting over one cent, strawberry-flavored granny candies.

goblin magic seems very cost effective

“And ‘Meri’s one of the coolest people you’ll ever meet, so hop on board, don’t cross her, it’ll be great!” “And if Libs or me are up to something, follow our lead!”

Meri is a good nickname. Libs, not so much.

“A kind word?” The scowl became something more closed, face scrunching up, mouth closing for the first time. Looking away, he muttered, “‘sed I was big and strong.” “What I said just now? Was that the most recent, or was it the first and only time? Really? Buddy…”

awww

At her urging, he laid out flat, until he was draped out across her belly, her arms around him. She held him there with one hand and pet him with the other.

weirdly cute!

and guys are gross and guys dads are grosser and you’d think the girls and women would get it and they don’t.  Humans suck.

she should talk to Verona

One human being besides family who was willing to ask me who and what I wanted to be and who cared?  Who was willing to work with that? 

this is a rare positive opinion of Alexander. For all that he was self-interested and sometimes awful, he was also willing to put in time and effort for people who seemed useful. And seems like he was willing to look past standard practitioner biases

“I’m pissed and I don’t know why!  I’m a little freaked I’m as bothered as I am!  I liked him and I might have loved him a bit and that’s really fucking lame that I might’ve loved some old hot guy because he listened to me and was nice to me sometimes and shit!”

pretty self-aware, huh

the closest things I’ve got to having anyone to blame are three kids

... so about that.

Flops, though, just lay there, having finally relaxed enough that he’d kind of melted a bit around the edges, muscles untensing. Trusting her.

aww.

Their entire world had turned upside-down, she hadn’t known if she’d ever get a clear answer about America, and those three that America was so pissed at had sorta helped.

division in the ranks, could be useful for the Kennet Trio. That's the kind of thing they used Alpeana to go after during the coup

But they’d made a deal early on.  To not let their sisterhood slip away, like so many sisters did. No other choice, thanks to a years-old oath.

goddamn practitioner childhood oaths. This would be sweet! And it's clear they care about each other, and it is meaningful that they wanted to make sure not to drift apart. But that oath means that they no longer have a choice about it. I can see that becoming resentment down the line if they want to pursue different lives.

“They’re trying to make nice. Estrella introduced them to Silas, and Silas and his guys have influence,”

good to see they're building that connection

“Transformation: war bikini!” America shouted, hurling a pellet at the ground. Smoke exploded all around her, and in the trees, a goblin hurried to get out a scrapbook-style booklet and flip through pages, squeaking out orders as goblins hurried forward, pulling off outer layers to reveal the swimsuit ‘Meri was wearing underneath, or putting on other accessories, like spike-studded straps and belts. They squabbled here and there as they got entangled.

goblin-powered magical girl transformation is hilarious

Through the girl she was fighting, a deep-set tiredness, close to the heart, running through the core of her, crown to root.

aww Avery. This has not been a restful summer

The cracked rusted fork, abandoned, did one full rotation, then cracked further. Like an egg, it popped open. A tiny red goblin lunged at Avery, “Boo!”

oh. I had wondered, back in the packing lists, what was up with this rusted fork of Snowdrop's. And all along it was a goblin... I'm going to guess Cherrypop. Staying in weapon form all this time because she's not the smartest or strongest, and there was never a good time to be useful. All along, she's been here supporting Snowdrop. Because they are friends.

Liberty smiled, seeing how happy the little one was.

Very glad that Liberty is letting them go. Between this and her treatment of Flops earlier, it seems like she has a soft spot for the little goblins, which is unexpected but sweet. It's nice to see someone who genuinely likes goblins and wants to support them, as opposed to just tolerating and using them.

When they’d sworn to stay close, to be good sisters, they’d also promised each other they’d play along and go along.  The idea had been that they’d be cool to their kids and any students in ways their teachers hadn’t. But it went for goblins too.

oh interesting. That seems like a terrible promise to make, way too vague and potentially disastrous. Oddly, it's reminding me of Faerie? And how they can be manipulated with a good narrative.

But putting practicalities aside, I really like this as a worldview. It seems like, especially as goblin practitioners, the sisters got shut down a lot, and they don't want to bring that forward. I remember being a bit worried by how their father was characterized when mentioned, and this feels to me like the sisters making a commitment to be better than the previous generation.

I think that's been something touched upon through this story: how incredibly fucked up the world of Pale is, particularly practitioner society, and the children of that world trying to build something better.

The Blue Heron Institute was a first approach towards that, moving from insular apprenticeships to more open learning, but it was also a power source for personal advancement of Alexander and Bristow. But in these past arcs we've seen the students start to reject that, and rededicate the school for learning rather than power games. I'm also thinking about Zed, pulling his friends together to offer help, and Nicolette, taking Seth in because forswearing isn't a weapon people should use on each other anymore

If this was the best this little mouse-sized goblin could manage… Liberty would respect the shit out of it.

:)

Avery was standing now, hand at her stomach, where it had been scraped up, a dozen red lines of varying thickness and a bit of ripped up skin extending from pelvis to ribs.  She winced. “It’s okay, getting used to it,” Avery said. “Thanks for not going as far as you could have.”

not thrilled by Avery getting used to this

America getting kidnapped by Bristow had been scary for Liberty in the exact same way that Liberty saying no now was scary to America.

So I can see how that would feel the same: the one person you can trust absolutely to have your back isn't there doing that anymore. But these situations are not the same! You are allowed to make your own decisions, not just follow your sister! I hope after this they talk things over.

“I know stuff,” Flops said, voice deep but small. “Stuff. About the hot dead guy. A goblin saw."

shit.

... I'm hoping Liberty won't tell America what she learns, or will deliberately not ask for the information, but all the same that would do a number on their sisterhood.

“America doesn’t need to hear that.  It makes her angrier for longer.  It’s going to get out sooner or later, because that kind of thing always does.  Has to.  But not now.  Not while it’s all raw and she’s already bloodthirsty enough.”

so a middle ground. Hopefully America wouldn't be inclined to chase the girls back in Kennet after she's had time to process

Also, very lucky for the Kennet Trio that Liberty is suppressing this, because while goblins are not most people's favorite information source, they may be questioned sooner or later.

[sovereignofarendelle]

Kristanna: Early Courtship

Anna turned from the docks and headed toward the center of town. On her way, she spotted Kristoff. He was riding in a large wagon pulled by Svan. The wagon was piled high with ice. Anna waved to him and he came to a stop alongside her.

"Hey, Kristoff," Anna said. "It looks like you have a ton of deliveries to make. Anything I can do to help?"

"Nope," Kristoff replied. "I've got everything under control. You know ice harvesters ---delivery is our middle name."

Sven nickered in agreement.

"What are you up to today?" Kristoff asked.

"I thought I'd climb Mount Haraldsdoitter," Anna answered.

Kristoff's eyes lit up. Haraldsdootter was one of his favorite peaks. It was a challenging climb, but it was worth it. The view from the summit was spectacular. Kristoff sighed wistfully. "I wish I could go with you," he told her. "But I have too much to do."

--- Anna Takes Charge, Ch. 1

I love these little interactions between them in the sisterhood is the strongest magic series. We get to see so much more of the chemistry between them in their early relationship. In this alone, we learn they both enjoy hiking/climbing together -- a longstanding headcanon of mine is that Anna loves these types of explorative outdoor activities so, that being book canon accurate is nice.

Kristoff has complete faith in Anna's skills to make that climb alone, too, which says a lot to me about the way they love and support each other. It makes my shipper heart so happy.

(Personals, do not reblog. Comment discussions and likes are always welcome.)

[littlegirlsclothing]

Summer is the perfect time to relax, unwind, and get lost in the magical world of books. Whether your daughter is an avid reader or just discovering the joy of getting lost in a story, this ultimate summer reading list for girls has something for every young reader. From tales of bravery and friendship to magical adventures and heartwarming stories, these books are sure to spark imagination and keep her entertained all summer long.

"Matilda" by Roald Dahl Follow the extraordinary journey of Matilda, a young girl with a love for books and a remarkable gift. With her wit and intelligence, Matilda discovers her own inner strength and proves that anything is possible.

"Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery Join Anne Shirley as she navigates the ups and downs of life in the charming town of Avonlea. With her vivid imagination and infectious spirit, Anne teaches us the power of optimism and the importance of friendship.

"The Princess Diaries" by Meg Cabot Meet Mia Thermopolis, an ordinary teenage girl who discovers she's actually a princess. Follow her hilarious journey as she navigates royal life, high school drama, and the challenges of growing up.

"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle Embark on a thrilling adventure through time and space with Meg Murry and her friends as they search for her missing father. This classic tale of courage and love will captivate readers of all ages.

"Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine Enter a world of magic and enchantment with Ella, a young girl cursed with the gift of obedience. Follow her journey as she defies expectations and discovers the power of true love.

"Pippi Longstocking" by Astrid Lindgren Join Pippi Longstocking, the strongest girl in the world, on her wild and whimsical adventures. With her fearless spirit and boundless imagination, Pippi proves that anything is possible.

"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett Step into the magical world of the secret garden, where Mary Lennox discovers the power of nature and the beauty of friendship. This timeless classic will warm your heart and inspire a love of gardening.

"The Babysitters Club" series by Ann M. Martin Follow the adventures of Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, and Stacey as they navigate the ups and downs of babysitting and friendship. This beloved series is perfect for young readers looking for relatable stories about growing up.

"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott Join the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and sisterhood during the Civil War era. This timeless classic celebrates the bonds of family and the power of love.

"Superfudge" by Judy Blume The Hatcher family has a new baby daughter. And 4-year-old Fudge is not happy about it. Watch as big brother Peter navigates his sibling's antics as the family adjust to their new addition and new home in New Jersey.

With this ultimate summer reading list for girls, your daughter will embark on unforgettable journeys, make new friends, and discover the power of imagination. So grab a cozy blanket, find a shady spot under a tree, and let the reading adventures begin!

Win a $5 gift card! Tell us your daughter's summer reading list in the comments below!

[ainews]

As the sun beats down on the small town of Salem, a group of witches gather in the town square, ready to begin their afternoon ritual of reorganization. Every day, as the clock strikes three, these witches set about rearranging their spells, potions, and magical tools in order to maintain balance and order in their craft.

Many may wonder why these witches choose the afternoon hours for such a task. After all, wouldn't the cool and peaceful night be a more suitable time for such a sacred and important activity? However, these witches have a valid reason for their decision.

First and foremost, afternoon is the time when the sun is at its strongest. As believers in nature and its power, these witches understand the importance of harnessing the sun's energy for their spells and rituals. The afternoon sun is believed to be filled with positive and vibrant energy, making it the perfect time to infuse their spells and tools with new vitality.

Moreover, afternoons are a time of productivity and high energy. By this time, most witches have completed their daily tasks and are ready to devote their full attention to their craft. The hustle and bustle of the morning has passed, and the peaceful stillness of the evening has yet to set in. This makes for a perfect atmosphere for concentration and focus.

In addition, the afternoon is a time for reflection and introspection. As the day winds down, witches take this opportunity to assess their previous spells and rituals and make any necessary adjustments. This allows them to continuously improve their craft and knowledge, ensuring their magic remains strong and effective.

Of course, the afternoon is also a time for community and socializing. Witches often gather together to share ideas, offer support, and discuss the latest techniques and spells. This sense of camaraderie and sisterhood is important for maintaining a strong and cohesive coven.

Lastly, some witches believe that the veil between the human and spirit world is thinnest during the afternoon hours. This makes it an ideal time for communication with deities and spirits, and for receiving guidance and messages from the spiritual realm.

In conclusion, it may seem unusual to outsiders that witches choose afternoons for their reorganization rituals. However, for these witches, it is the most logical and beneficial time to work on their craft. From harnessing the power of the sun to focusing their energy and connecting with the spirit world, afternoons provide the perfect setting for witches to continue strengthening their magic and bond as a community.

[cloudberriesforaqueen]

FOUND ANOTHER ONE! IT'S FROM THE ANNA & ELSA: SISTERHOOD IS THE STRONGEST MAGIC BOOKS! ♡

I didn't mean to but I realized I'm now stuck in a constant search for Elsa wearing this night gown all across Frozen media 😆

Elsa's Original Blue Night Gown Appreciation Post! ❄️

Elsa's purple night gown in Frozen 2 is beautiful and iconic, but I wanted to pay my respects to her original night gown too!

It's basically her sleepwear as a kid (likewise with Anna's), so it's technically not "exclusive" to the comics and books, but we never see adult Elsa with these on in animation, so I'm showing it some love~

Of course, Elsa has to add a cape because she's just extra like that 🤭 Also... it's interesting to know she wears a sleep mask.

I tried to find one in different art styles!

[greatqueenanna]

Revisiting all the Frozen Novels.

Over the past couple of weeks, I took it upon myself to re-read all of the Frozen Novels and chapter books. I had been meaning to revisit Dangerous Secrets, and then I thought to myself - "Why not revisit them all?!" So here we are.

Keep in mind that these are my personal opinions, and I encourage all of you to read the books for yourselves and give your own thoughts! Also, if you guys read any of these books, which ones were your faves and least faves? Let me know!

*Also, my audience scores are based off of Goodreads. Just in case if anyone was curious about that haha.

______________________________________________________________

Anna and Elsa: Sisterhood is the Strongest Magic

By: Erica David

Released: January 6th, 2015 - January 3rd, 2017

Type: Series

Age Range: 5 - 7 years

Audience Score: Average for whole series 4.9/5

My Score: 3.0/5

Anna and Elsa is an adorable series that tells of fun little adventures that the sisters have. A lot of the adventures seem a bit unoriginal, as the plot lines seem to be similar to that of the Disney Press picture books. I feel that the most original book of the series was Memory and Magic, as it dealt with something not put forward by any other books at the time. Due to its reading level, it might not be all that fun for older fans, but younger fans will more than likely love the stories. I find it a little silly that in book 3, A Warm Welcome, Anna and Elsa apparently don't know what a desert is, but regardless the series is honestly super cute. I also remember how everyone used to ship Queen Marisol and Elsa for a while - what good times haha.

______________________________________________________________

A Frozen Heart

By: Elizabeth Rudnick

Released: October 13, 2015

Type: Stand-Alone

Age Range: 10 - 14 years

Audience Score: 3.8/5

My Score: 2.5/5

This story was supposed to be the backstory for Hans that everyone was excited about. I was also really excited, as a Hans fan. The story is basically a retelling of Frozen through the perspectives of Hans and Anna. It gives us some of Hans' backstory, along with some scenes before the coronation. Rudnick herself is a good writer, and is great at really setting the overall tone and staying true to the characters. However, I feel that Hans' backstory was a bit predictable and cheesy, and Anna's side of the story didn't really offer anything substantial. The contradictions were also really jarring for me. ______________________________________________________________

Frozen Northern Lights: Journey to the Lights

By: Suzanne Francis

Released: July 5, 2016

Type: Stand-alone novel, but part of a Spinoff Series

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Audience Score: 3.8/5

My Score: 3.0/5

Frozen Northern Lights was a spin off series that released this novel, an Adventure Notebook that works as a companion to the novel, 3 picture books, and a LEGO miniseries. I actually remember this spin off series being foreshadowed by A Year With Anna and Elsa, which was released March of the same year. I honestly thought that this was supposed to be Frozen 2, until we got the full background on the spinoff. The story follows the Frozen gang helping a Troll named Little Rock gain his tracking crystal while looking for Gran Pabbie during the Troll's Northern Lights festival. Overall, I thought this series was actually pretty good for what it was. I liked the idea of exploring more of the Trolls' culture while also teaching kids more about the Northern Lights.

______________________________________________________________

Conceal, Don't Feel: A Twisted Tale

By: Jen Calonita

Released: Oct 1, 2019

Type: Part of a series, but stand alone for the Frozen related story.

Age Range: 12 - 17 years

Audience Score: 3.8/5

My Score: 2.8/5

This story follows the original tale of Frozen; but, as the title says, a twist. In this alternate Frozen, Agnarr and Iduna choose to separate Anna and Elsa entirely, giving Anna away to one of Iduna's friends to keep her safe, and erasing both sister's memories of each other. Overall, the novel is written well and the characters were pretty true to their film counterparts. However, I found the set up doesn't really make much sense - I simply don't feel that Iduna and Agnarr would make Elsa forget her powers or give Anna away. That just seems nonsensical to me. I have to say though, it was interesting to see where the story was going and I actually, ahem, really liked the Helsa crack content. Don't kill me haha.

______________________________________________________________

Frozen 2: Forest of Shadows

By: Kamilla Benko

Released: October 4, 2019

Type: Stand-Alone

Age Range: 8 - 12

Audience Score: 4.1/5

My Score: 4.8/5

Honestly, I feel this is the best Frozen novel out there. Forest of Shadows tells a story that happens a few months before Frozen 2, and was meant to help set up Anna's dedication towards Arendelle and her questioning her self-worth. The novel follows the sisters trying to stop a strange sleep disease caused by a Nightmare Wolf. This book honestly strengthens the relationship that the sisters have for their parents, and even *lightly* has the sisters talk about the separation. Other than a few pacing issues and couple inconsistencies here and there (like...where did that ice bear go?), the novel is just fantastic and really does add to Frozen 2 as a whole.

______________________________________________________________

Frozen 2: Dangerous Secrets

By: Mari Mancusi

Released: November 3, 2020

Type: Stand-Alone

Age Range: 12 - 18

Audience Score: 4.4/5

My Score: 4.0/5

Dangerous Secrets explores Iduna and Agnarr's relationship before their marriage and how their love blossomed over the years. I wrote a review for this one late last year, not liking the book too much. However, I was told to give it another chance, and I have to say that I enjoyed it much more the second time, with my biases out of the way. I still strongly feel that there was not enough sensitivity and care put into Iduna's connection to the Northuldra, and if/how she chose to handle the discrimination towards her people as Queen. However, I can't deny that Mancusi delivers in giving Iduna and Agnarr fantastic chemistry, delivers in answering a lot of questions put forth by Frozen 2, and gives an amazing take on Iduna and Agnarr's heartbreaking feelings over the separation.

______________________________________________________________

[gsstories]

Meet Alma and Lily!

Before their unfortunate deaths, they were Joan’s most important people ever, her best friends.

Quick lil explanation for da sisters!

Alma was the oldest, standing at 5’2 feet tall, I would say 32-34 years old and usually tired due to endless studying. She was the most spiritually connected of her sisterhood, being able to see ghosts and exorcise them and be able to see the future, though sometimes being misleading until the event happens. She could speak many languages, one of them being Japanese. She had that resting chill face and always seemed calm and collected by the public but her sisters knew she was a chaotic and eccentric woman, often getting messy when doing experiments with Lily. She was a lesbian, loved women that could kick her ass, lol. She was the one who wrote most of the spells on the Häxa codex with the help of Lily. Indigo was more her color scheme.

Joan was the middle sister, standing at 6’2 feet tall, I would say 30-32 years old, she was (before the Bishops) a very loud and proud woman. Imagine Bakugo but less of a prick. Anyway, she wasn’t as magically inclined as her sisters were before the Häxa hat but she was the physically strongest so she acted as a protector to them and the village they lived in. She was smart but had difficulty learning new languages so she often looks confused when someone speaks in a language other than Swedish. She is demiromantic and demisexual, most likely never having a relationship until after her sisters’ passing. She was the one who found all the weapons that were included in the Häxa hat. Lavender was more her color scheme (obviously).

Lily was the youngest, standing at 5’6 feet tall, I would say 28-30 years old, being the more charismatic of the sisters. Always loving and caring, she did have her feisty side, especially when it involved her sisters. Not as spiritually inclined as Alma but not as lacking as Joan, Lily fell more in the middle, turning to mostly potions to help out around the village and became the alchemist, often harvesting materials for said potions. She was bisexual and would have had a husband and kids if she hadn’t been killed.  Helped document the beasts they faced in the Häxa codex. Pink was more her color scheme.

Bonus facts:

Alma faced a horrifying beast while half asleep and just pet it before leaving

Lily can handle spice pretty well

Joan is a lightweight

When I close my eyes, I can’t see’ kinda thing

Alma would have had a lot of adopted kids if she had the chance

Lily probably cussed someone out in flower language

Joan’s voice claim would be Mitsuki Bakugo’s English dub VA

Alma would ask a lot of questions when meeting someone new

People often think Alma be the youngest sister and Joan be the oldest

(Lily technically belongs to @ikari-shinsei cause she the incarnation of one of their OCs lol-)

[vulturevanity]

I’m about to say something bold here in this very small ToH/MLP fandom crossover corner that maybe 3 people share, including myself. Out of the elements of harmony that most fit each main-ish character (disregarding Magic because that’s a pointless one in a world where everyone is magic):

Luz is Laughter, Eda is Generosity, Willow is Honesty, Gus is Kindness

and Lilith is Loyalty.

[evermore-fashion]

Halloween Series: Witches in Fiction 🔮✨

The Charmed Ones are a prophesied sisterhood of three (later four) witches who descend from the Warren line of witches. They are known as the most powerful witches ever to walk the Earth and are dedicated to protecting the innocent and ridding the world of evil. Each Charmed One has one specific power inherited from their ancestor, Melinda Warren; the prophecy states that the eldest has the power to move things with her mind, the middle sister can freeze time, and the youngest can see into the future. The magical bond between these sisters is known as ‘The Power of Three,’ and is said to be the strongest form of magic in the world. It is represented by the ancient symbol called the Triquetra. Although the prophecy speaks only of three sisters, there is a fourth one. After the death of Prue, the Power of Three was temporarily broken before the Halliwells' long lost half-sister, Paige, was revealed. She received her powers and joined Piper and Phoebe, taking Prue's place in the Power of Three and reconstituting the Charmed Ones. (Zuhair Murad Fall 2021 Haute Couture Collection)

[evermore-grimoire]

The Evermore Grimoire: Witches

The Charmed Ones are a prophesied sisterhood of three (later four) witches who descend from the Warren line of witches. They are known as the most powerful witches ever to walk the Earth and are dedicated to protecting the innocent and ridding the world of evil. Each Charmed One has one specific power inherited from their ancestor, Melinda Warren; the prophecy states that the eldest has the power to move things with her mind, the middle sister can freeze time, and the youngest can see into the future. The magical bond between these sisters is known as ‘The Power of Three’ and is said to be the strongest form of magic in the world. It is represented by the ancient symbol called the Triquetra. Although the prophecy speaks only of three sisters, there is a fourth one. After the death of Prue, the Power of Three was temporarily broken before the Halliwells' long lost half-sister, Paige, was revealed. She received her powers and joined Piper and Phoebe, taking Prue's place in the Power of Three and reconstituting the Charmed Ones.

[riddlerosehearts]

god, tts is so fucking good it really makes me wish we could’ve had a 2d cartoon series as a frozen sequel too... tbh if we ever do still get a frozen series i just want it to fill in the 3 years between the movies!