#aida's to read later

[slamdunktheories]

Sendoh Akira: A Character Analysis (Translated)

One of the best and most memorable Slam Dunk character analyses I’ve ever read was actually an answer to a question hilariously titled: “How do I marry Sendoh Akira?” (Author: 木子妞 - Link). The first half of the answer was particularly incisive and made me consider things I'd never noticed about Sendoh.

The original is in Chinese but here's an English version of the first half thanks to a nifty translating tool (I've edited for clarity and brevity; parts in bold for emphasis). Let's dive in!

~ Start of translation ~

Question: How do I marry Sendoh Akira?

Answer: 1) MENTAL SPEED

First, you have to be excellent - not in a Mary Sue protagonist way with incredible beauty and tremendous wealth etc.— these aren’t relevant in Sendoh’s eyes. Instead, your emotional intelligence needs to be genuinely outstanding.

Why? Because it’s important to understand Sendoh Akira as a person, and he’s not an easy person to understand. I’m not talking about his interests either; those are secondary; it's mainly about understanding his inner world.

The thing is, Sendoh is actually a very lonely person, and I think this loneliness is not by choice. No one in Ryonan really understands him; they are not on his level and don’t genuinely understand him. Case in point: in the match against Kainan, right at the end of regulation time Sendoh went for a dunk but deliberately went at a slower speed to allow Maki to catch up to him.

Sendoh’s idea of drawing a foul from Maki to turn the shot into a 2+1 would’ve meant that Ryonan would win the match by a point. But in that entire arena, only Maki, Fujima and Aida understood this plan. Even Coach Taoka got excited about getting into overtime without realizing that if the 2+1 plan failed, Ryonan would almost certainly lose.

Sendoh's mind works too fast for most people to keep up with, and his standards are high. He also can’t be bothered to explain more than is necessary and so as a result is forced into solitude. Which is why if you want to draw his attention, you need to be sharp enough to keep up with him mentally — imagine how high your IQ must be for that!

2) IDOLISATION

Second, don’t treat Sendoh like a genius or idealise him too much, and definitely don’t put him on a pedestal to worship. Accept the real him, including his flaws. And there are a few.

For one, Sendoh is quite stubborn. In the aforementioned match against Kainan, Maki at one point said, "Don’t think I'll let you dunk easily." To which Sendoh responded, "I'll definitely dunk to show you. Just once in this match..." And he was as good as his word, pulling off the dunk right at the end of regulation time as part of the aforementioned 2+1 plan.

Sendoh also holds grudges. In the prefecture match against Shohoku, after Miyagi managed to score against him, Miyagi mocked him, saying, "Did you think I'd always wait for you to block?" Later, when Sendoh noticed Shohoku was running into foul trouble, who did he target first? Who did he go after to draw another foul? Miyagi.

Sendoh can also be petty. When Rukawa scored quickly, everyone marveled at the speed of his shooting that even he, Sendoh, couldn't block, and Sendoh responded by scoring right away using the exact same technique as Rukawa.

In other words, the so-called basketball genius/living legend isn’t necessarily the real Sendoh Akira himself. Sendoh the basketball player gets lionised a lot but the real Sendoh actually has a temper.

The main difference that sets him apart from others is that he isn’t as easily bothered by things. Sendoh is more mature than his peers, and he’s able to keep most of his emotions in check or bury them deeper so it's harder for people to notice them.

But if you really want to draw his interest on the romantic front, you’ll need to treat him as an ordinary person. That’s how you'll earn his respect. To be clear, it’s not about playing hard to get; it’s about seeing him with a calm mind.

Because of Sendoh's relatively mild temperament and easygoing nature, when it comes to piquing his genuine romantic interest, Sendoh Akira is the most difficult man to deal with in all of Slam Dunk. Much more difficult than Rukawa.

Rukawa can be lured by some top class basketball intel, but Sendoh Akira has almost no weak points to exploit, precisely because so little gets him worked up. The only seeming weakness is his loneliness.

If you can 1) make him feel understood and 2) do so without needing to say it out loud, then you might have a chance with him. These two points are prerequisites. And if you feel you could pull off both points and truly love him to the point of marrying no one but him, then continue reading for some specific methods, though they're not guaranteed to work.

~ End of translated first half ~

We'll skip the second half since it's not that relevant in terms of character analysis. (But it is worth a read if you are a Sendoh fan. It covers a rather elaborate plan!)

On the topic of Sendoh, I would also add that him misremembering Sawakita's name isn't pure coincidence/a gag but perfectly in keeping with his character IMO. He seems the type that is competitive right in the middle of a match but once the match is over, he doesn't hold on to losses as tightly as, say, Rukawa. I mean, let's face it. If the same thing happened to Rukawa (losing big time to Sawakita) you can bet he'd remember Sawakita's name till the end of time. But Sendoh doesn't take such losses quite so personally, and that's why he'd be the type to misremember the name of someone who beat him.

[i-heart-hxh]

Do you know what Alluka's exact wording was when she promised she'd give Killua back to Gon? I've seen different translations of those lines and was wondering what was the most accurate (a lot of nuance gets lost in the English translation).

Hi! She said "しばらくの間独り占めしたらお兄ちゃん解放しますから

また遊んであげて下さいね.” (Shibaraku no aida hitorijimeshitara onii-chan kaihoushimasu kara. Mata asondeagete kudasai ne.)

This is essentially, "I'll release my big brother after I've had him all to myself for a while, so please play with him again later."

There is some very good insight into the exact wording/phrasing used in this post (that I link constantly, but it's really helpful). I was going to pull out an excerpt, but I think it's better to just read the whole post--it has a lot of pieces that all tie together, and pulling out parts of it doesn't allow for a full understanding.

But basically, she's saying that she's going to keep Killua to herself exclusively for a while, and then she'll release him back to Gon so they can play again. I think this statement bodes very well for Gon and Killua's relationship in the future, both because Alluka is saying that so directly and because Togashi chose to have her saying such a thing, as if telling the readers clearly, "Yeah, they'll get to be together again in a while, don't worry."

Though, I wonder what it will mean for Alluka when she does "release" him--what she'll do at that point, what that will mean for her. Of course, it's possible they'll just all stay together nonetheless, and I'd love to see that, but I almost wonder if Alluka knows something we don't about her situation with Nanika... It's a slightly ominous feeling I get with regards to Alluka and Nanika's future, but I could be overthinking it.

I hope that's helpful!

Also, here's the official translation just to compare with:

[yazthebookish]

Bryce, Nesta and Azriel Bonus Chapter Reaction

P.s. this is my second read 👀

Bryce cracked open an eye, surveying her two companions.

Nesta sat against the opposite wall, head down, breathing lightly.

But Azriel was staring right at Bryce. She started, whacking her head against the rock. White pain splintered across her vision. By the time it cleared, Nesta was awake.

I HOWLED at this part 😂😂😂😂

"What is it?" Nesta peered down the tunnel to one side, then the other.

Bryce rubbed the back of her aching head and sat up. "Oh, nothing. Just your usual predator-in-the-night warrior, staring at me while I sleep."

"You weren't sleeping," Azriel said, faint amusement in his voice.

Bryce was insufferable but her commentary was fucking hilarious. PREDATOR IN THE NIGHT WARRIOR 😭😭

"Were you really watching her sleep?"

Azriel glowered. "When you say it like that, it sounds... unsavory."

At least he's self-aware.

"We defeated Hybern," Azriel confirmed. A glance toward Truth-Teller at his side. Then at Nesta. "Nesta beheaded the King of Hybern herself."

Bryce blinked. "Badass," she breathed.

It was a group effort but even in ACOSF no one gives Elain the credit (except Lucien in ACOWAR).

Nesta's back stiffened. "My mother would be thrashing in her grave if she knew I was a warrior-if she knew I wore trousers every single day and that I'm mated to a Fae male. I can't tell what would have horrified her more: me marrying a poor human man or becoming what I am now."

Nesta I'm so proud of you 🥹

Bryce jerked her chin toward Azriel. "You've got the broody look of someone with an awful mother, too. Care to share?"

Nesta snorted. "Az never talks about his mother, and neither will our friends, so I'm guessing she's even worse."

The Illyrian snarled softly, "My mother is anything but awful."

Nesta tensed, like she was surprised she'd gotten such a response from him. "I was joking. Az, I didn't even know-"

"I don't want to discuss this," Azriel cut her off coldly.

I'm so excited to meet Az's mother but I know learning of her story will break my heart. I think she might still be dealing with both physical and mental scars and that's why Az is fiercely protective of her, otherwise why would Cassian in ACOSF even think about if Az tried to convince his mother to come live in the Library.

"So that ... phone of yours," Nesta said suddenly, as if eager to change the subject for all their sakes. "You said earlier it has music inside it?"

Bryce's advantage here is music because she won over Nesta so easily (at least during this moment).

"Stone Mother" began playing, its rolling, thumping drums offsetting the wild, yet mellow, guitars. And then Josie's voice filled the tunnel, sharp and yet soaring, accented by Laurel's sweet, clear backups. The sound was foreign, earthy-haunting. In the span of a few notes, Bryce was back in her childhood bedroom in Nidaros, sprawled on the carpet, letting the sound of the music run over her for the first time.

This song had carried her through it all-through the years of pain and emptiness and rebuilding. It had carried her from light into darkness and then back into the light.

I don't know if the name choice for the song is intentional but if it's inspired by the myths it feels like an indirect nod to Theia/Fionn/Aidas (which we learn about soon after this scene) or even Ember/Randall/Autumn King.

This was one of my favorite dances. It's from a ballet called The Glass Coffin." Bryce hit play again, and the violins began.

This is definitely a nod to Vesperus who they found in a clear quartz sarcophagus 👀

Again, Nesta was silent, knees now clutched to her chest, staring into the darkness. As if she was dedicating every inch of herself to listening.

"This sounds like some of our music," Azriel murmured. Nesta shushed him.

Nesta is so entranced by it.

Two hours later, they were walking again. Maybe Azriel had been interested enough in the music that he'd let them linger.

He is a singer after all 😏

Nesta had clapped her hands over her ears at the screaming, wailing death metal, but Azriel had chuckled.

He'd probably get along with Ruhn and his idiot friends.

It comes at no surprise that Az in the modern world would be a metalhead.

Nesta had loved the classical stuff the best, and both of them had been intrigued by the pulsing, thumping club music. "That is what you dance to in your world?" Nesta asked. Bryce hadn't been able to tell if she was intrigued or dismayed. Azriel, at least, had seemed on board.

My mans was ready to break a leg right then and there in the tunnels I know it.

"So you guys have swords and stuff?"

"Something like that," Azriel hedged. He clearly wasn't going to enlighten her about their defenses.

"And your magic is ...”

"Don't push it," Azriel said, a hint of that earlier chill entering his voice.

Nesta's lips thinned at the tone, like she was remembering it, Like it didn't sit right with her.

Az's attitude switches up so fast even Nesta is wary of it. He needs a long holiday.

Bryce asked Nesta, "You have a mate, right?" She nodded to Azriel. "Do you?"

"No," Azriel said quickly, flatly.

"A partner or spouse?"

"No."

Bryce sighed. "Okay, then."

Azriel's wings twitched. "You're incurably nosy."

"I think that's the nicest thing you've said about me." Bryce winked at him.

Bryce hit him where it hurts the most 🤣 it's always fun to have confrontational characters interact with him because the IC tend to walk around eggshells when it comes to Az.

Nesta asked, "Without firstlight, would your world become like ours, do you think?"

Bryce considered. "I don't see another way to power our cars or phones, so... probably."

Post-apocalyptic Midgard in CC4.

"You can do good," Azriel warned, "while still being bad."

Bryce whistled. "I know a number of males back home who could only dream of delivering that sentence with such cool."

I wonder if this is more about him than anything else...

Nesta laughed again. "If you weren't our captive," she said, shaking her head, "I think 1 might like to call you a friend, Bryce Quinlan."

I knew if there was anyone who would have bonded with Bryce from ACOTAR, it would be Nesta.

Did it matter? The Fae in Midgard weren't her problem, and she didn't want them to be, but what if they could be more? Was such a change possible?

A lot of the resentment Bryce feels towards her the Fae in Midgard reminds me of how Az feels about the Illyrians.

Nesta went on, "I'm stronger, faster. Harder to kill. I don't see a downside to that."

"And the near-immortal life span isn't so bad, huh?" Bryce leased.

"I'm still adjusting to the idea of that," Nesta said, eyes on the tunnel ahead. "That time is so ... vast. The day-to-day versus the sprawl of centuries." She slid her attention to Azriel. "How do you deal with it?"

He was quiet for a moment before saying, "Find people you love-they make the time pass quickly." He caught Nesta's eye. and said a shade apologetically, "Especially if they'll forgive your occasional snapping at them over things that aren't their fault."

Something seemed to soften in Nesta's eyes-relief, perhaps, ar the extended olive branch. She said quietly, tentatively, "Nothing to forgive, Az."

I love this part so much!! Az and Nesta have such a special bond. Him including her among the people he loves 🥹 he's at least aware about his own faults.

But his words had lightened some of the remaining tension.

And his next ones finished the job entirely as he winked at Nesta. "And I've been told having children makes the time fly, too."

Nesta rolled her eyes, but Bryce didn't miss the gleam in them.

Nesta was willing to play-to get back to their normal dynamic.

She admitted, "I wouldn't know the first thing about how to raise a child." She pointed to herself. "Raised by a terrible mother, remember?"

"Doesn't mean you'll be one." Azriel said gently.

Azriel said I want Nessian babies 🤣

I just know Nesta would be a wonderful mother and it kind of reflects the reality of how a lot of people who've had toxic parents feel about having a family.

My mother was even worse to Feyre-and my sister has turned out to be..." She searched for the word. "A perfect mother."

This makes me happy 🥹 I miss Feyre

"What do you want to hear?" Bryce asked, opening her music library.

Nesta and Azriel swapped glances, and the male answered a bit sheepishly, "The music you play at your pleasure halls."

Bryce laughed. "Are you a club rat, Azriel?"

He glowered at her, earning a smirk from Nesta, but Bryce played one of her favorite dance tunes-a zippy blend of thumping bass and saxophones, of all things.

And as the three of them walked into the endless dark, she could have sworn she caught Azriel nodding along to the beat.

Az you're proving her point about being a club rat 🤣 I love that SJM emphasized not only Nesta's but Az's fondness for music.

She hid her smile and played song after song, until the battery on her phone drained to the dregs. Until tha ast, beauiful link to Midgard went dark and died.

No more music. No more pictures of Hunt.

This part hurts.

And with each mile onward, she could hear Azriel humming softly to himself. The rolling, wild melody of "Stone Mother" flowed off his lips, and she could have sworn even the shadows danced at the sound.

His shadows dancing to HIS SOUND 😭❤️ and there is only one other person who the shadows ever danced around.

I mentioned it before but one of my headcanons was about when Az is spying or on a mission and he's waiting somewhere, he sings and his shadows dance around him 🥹

[ladysophiebeckett]

aside fm the fact freddy is indeed armando's best and only friend, we learn a lot of stuff about b x a and mila.

freddy would be sent to buy her diapers, meaning they were bringing that baby to work with them. hugo even makes a brief mention of mila as a child running around his workshop. she was heavily part time raised there. (probably explains why her only friend is that robot mannequin, aida).

we learn that armando took betty dancing for their first year wedding anniversary. mila would have been at least 3 months old. so there was a time when they could, well, make time for themselves. their relationship was not always like what we see in present day.

then we learn that mila's favorite book as a child was 'Alice in Wonderland' that she would make her parents read it to her every night. mila loved the book so much that she imagines her mother as 'Alice', so far as mila nicknaming her mother after the protagonist. no doubt, fm a child's point of view she saw ecomoda as a 'wonderland' and betty as 'Alice' navigating a huge world of mannequins and strange clothes and of course, those checkered floors.

but as mila got older, as she later confesses to betty, she grew to hate ecomoda bc it would take her mother away from her. at some point mila stopped romanticizing ecomoda and saw it only as the thing came between her and her parents. but now that she has a passion for design, she stresses that she wants to 'contribute' to what she believes is the family business. while betty wants to teach her that family, sans ecomoda, is what really matters to her.

mila saying 'you, armandaddy and the rabbit running after the clock' is what's happening in present day. it's no coincidence that armando was looking at video footage of them celebrating mila's 5th birthday. it's no coincidence that the pictures both betty and armando have in their office are of individual pictures they have with mila, again at her 5th birthday party. coincidentally this birthday party is with betty's side of the family. the mendoza's are nowhere to be seen.

both of them yearn to go back to a time when things were easier, when their marriage was not on the brink of divorce, where their individual relationships with their daughter (who they love very much) was not strained or complicated by ecomoda. it's up to them to get to mila and form a united front but neither of them know how to do that, especially now because ecomoda is again in a crisis.

tldr; ecomoda is the crux of the problem in the mendoza-pinzon family and we must kill it.

[i-used-to-wear-the-fedora]

IWTV, The Follow Up Interview

Hell. Daniel Molloy was almost 100% sure that this was his personal hell. Of course, it was his luck that he would just barely escape the two narcissistic eternal queens known as Armand and Louis just to be kidnapped by who was largely the subject of the entire interview he'd been conducting. The vampire, Lestat. It was convoluted, really. What were the odds of the Uber driver he ordered being the fucking vampire that Louis couldn't stop talking about? ...well, actually, considering everything he heard and remembered in the past few days, he supposed he shouldn't have been too surprised.

Looking down at the chair he was tied to, Daniel pulled at the ropes that bound his arms to those of the chair. Pulling did nothing to help. Not surprising. Maybe he would've been able to wriggle out of his bonds if it didn't hurt to move his wrists. The chair was sturdy. Some fancy plush dining chair stationed in the middle of what looked like some kind of study. Shelves full of books surrounded the room, each covered in a thick layer of dust. From what he'd heard of the man so far, Lestat seemed more like the type of man to show off the rare books he collected rather than actually read the things. Posters for Broadway shows were immaculately framed on the walls. Aida, Billy Elliot, The Lion King. Lestat was an Elton John fan, apparently. Daniel did his best not to roll his eyes.

Instead, he was focused on the large desk in the center of the room he'd been pushed up against. It was completely empty, save the tape recorder set in the middle of it. A blank tape was already inserted. Ready to record. Daniel had a sinking feeling he knew where this was going.

"Hey!" Daniel called out as he attempted to crane his head to look behind him. "Frenchie, I know you can probably fucking hear me and I want you to know that I'm not interested." Trying to move his legs revealed they were tied to the chair as well. "I've already had to listen to your boyfriends make asses of each other and you for long enough. The last thing I want is to deal with more of your weird love triangle bullshit."

"You make it sound like you have a choice." A hand on the chair followed the voice, and Daniel yelped from surprise.

"Jesus fucking Christ!" Daniel cried as he watched a man circle around him. He was tall. Maybe mid thirties with long blonde hair. He wore skin-tight leather pants with an even tighter see-through shirt. Combined with the air of arrogance the man carried along with his smug grin, it didn't take a genius to figure out the man was Lestat. Just as dramatic as foretold.

"So you must be Daniel." Lestat's smile reminded Daniel of the costumed actors that tried to stop you for pictures in Times Square. Fake and just slightly intimidating, ready to shank you if you didn't pay for the pictures you were forced to take together. "Wow. I've learned so much about you." The blonde hoisted himself into the desk in front of Daniel, eyes staring down at him like a predator eyeing its dinner.

"I could say the same about you." Daniel shifted, wondering how Lestat knew about him. An issue he could worry about later.

"Oh, I'm sure Louis and Armand have told you all about me." Yeah, he was practically all they talked about. "And. You see, they have their side of the story, but it just didn't seem fair that you only got to interview them." Lestat leaned forward and perched his chin in his hands. "So I've decided that you will have the honor of capturing my story in my own words."

"And what if I don't cooperate?" Daniel asked with a raised eyebrow. In response, the younger (technically older, much older) man reached into his pocket. Daniel noticed the bulge, and for a moment, he wondered if he'd be the next in what was likely a long line of men to see Lestat's cock. Instead, he pulled out a pill bottle.

"Your Sinemet. Helps with the pain, right?" Lestat asked as he noticed the discomfort in Daniel's small movements. "You know it's a real shame that I didn't get to meet you back then, too. I wonder if you were beautiful. Before the age and sickness set in."

"Louis seemed to think so." Daniel's verbal jab made Lestat pause. Just for a moment, but it was long enough to notice as the vampire set the pill bottle aside with a sigh.

"I suppose I deserved that." Lestat reached over and grabbed a letter opener that Daniel hadn't seen before. He brought it to Daniel's wrists, and the man flinched away, expecting pain. Instead, his wrists were cut free. Daniel watched as Lestat got up and grabbed a laptop (his laptop) off of a nearby end table and handed it to the reporter. Walking back to the desk, Lestat leaned over and pressed play on the waiting tape recorder. "Just, humor me."

"Well, considering I don't exactly have a choice here." Daniel rubbed his rope burned wrists. "I guess we should start from the beginning."

[heycasper22]

Long Acotar theory (Elain)

Spoilers all SJM books.

Elain is possessed.

The more I re-read I truly see Elaine being possessed by Koschei, but I do not however, think that is where he intends to stay. 

I think Koschei wants to inhabit Azriel.

We hear a little in CC about Hunt's body being 'equipped' to deal with his lightning, or as we later find out Apollion's Helfire. 

Bryce feels like overcooked meat in HOSAB at one point after being hit with Hunt's power, her body cannot handle it the way Hunt's can. 

Is Azriel 'equipped' to hold Koschei? 

Is this the only way Koschei may escape his Lake prison? To have a body able to hold him long-term?

I feel like a lot of things would make sense if Azriel were another child of Apollion, perhaps even biologically unlike Hunt. There has been a mention in the other 2 series of there being a specific day in which the veil between worlds is thinnest.

Samhuinn in TOG

Death's Day in CC

Could Starfall be something similar?

If so, would it be possible for Apollion to have physically been with Azriels mother, in order to conceive him? He did touch Bryce on Death's day in CC, but that was in a dream.

It would however make sense of the different ways in which Cassian and Azriel were treated when they were young. They are both bastards, Azriel apparently being a local Lords bastard. 

Cassian however was thrown into a camp like garbage when he could walk. Azriel on the other hand was contained. 

Azriel's mother was a servant of this local Lord, was he perhaps the only male in the area that people would have believed could have had access to her, to make her with child? Perhaps, but let's imagine he knew that wasn't the case.. 

With the Illyrians being described as 'backward' and their superstitious culture, that we see when Nesta is being questioned about her cycle and burying weapons, would it be fair to think that these two bastard boys where treated so differently because this local Lord and his wife thought not to imprison Azriel out of cruelty (which of course it is) but to 'protect' everyone else?

Rhys notes his half brothers had not been forthcoming about Azriel's time with them when they'd met. 

We do learn in Cresent City that Dragonfire is one of the only things that can harm a Prince of Hel.

Azriel being burned when he was a boy was again just portrayed as a evil mindless cruelty, but again if we look through the lens of his 'family' seeing him as sort of Demon, could they have actually thought of fire as way to kill him? 

Bryce actually thinks of Azriel as a Demon when they first meet, because she was trying to get to Hel, true, but a possible nod to parentage as I believe Apollion is the only Prince we've seen so far with leathery wings.

If Apollion where to reproduce in the more physical sense might it be necessary for him to be with someone who might safely bare a child with wings, a horrid thought definitely, but with the way that the creation of Hunt is revealed in HOFAS, I don't think it likely that Azriels mother would have been forced or 'ill used' is the phrase Aidas uses, infact Apollion looks at Aidas with compassion he speaks of Theia, perhaps Apollion knows more of being in love than we've yet to see. 

So, let's say Hunt got Apollion's Helfire and a body equipped to deal with it, perhaps Azriel got Apollion's Shadows/Darkness and a body equipped to deal with that. 

Koschei is never described to us as having a true physical form, Cassian says they 'can make out nothing of him beyond the shadows of his form.'

Perhaps if the Weaver was tricked into diminishing her power, Koschei was outsmarted out of a body that could truly hold him? 

It does remind me a lot of Harry Potter, with Voldemort probably being based off the myth of Koschei the deathless, Koschei removes his soul from himself and places it somewhere else and therefor he cannot be killed, in HP these were the horcruxes and Voldemort had 7 of them. 

He also inhabitanted the bodies of snakes, until he happened upon a wizard, Quirrel, whom posseses but is still ill equipped to hold him, he required a true body. 

Could this be what is happening to Elain? 

Elain and Nesta had been put into the cauldron and Made High Fae, when Feyre returns from the spring court in Acowar, she goes to see her sisters, there's mentions of the connecting suite they have, and all the windows in there, Elain is stood by the window.

And the words: empty, hollow, void, vacancy and shell are used all in quite a small passage.

Of course they could easily be used to describe how Feyre perceives Elain coping, or not coping with her trauma. 

But could they also be hints at what is happening at the window?

All 3 of SJMs series mention some sort of 'wind talking' usually the wind whispers things to people. Could this be literal? Vassa mentions Koschei planting words in courts through 'whispers on the wind'

Could the wind have been whispering to Elain by the window? Filling her with Koscheis sinister presence?

Maybe it has something to do with unknown bargain made by the Archeron Father for Vassa's temporary freedom. Possibly something that his bloodline could inherit after his death, unbeknownst to him. Rhys notes the spell on Vassa seems woven into her very blood. Perhaps the Acheron Father bargained to be a host of some sort, or something as open-ended just helping Koschei to get off his Lake. Magical bargains have to be quite specific, he may not have known this. 

Of the three sisters though, Feyre is a daemati with a solid mental shield.

Nesta, was resistant to magic and Tamlin's glamour when she was human, so I'd say he'd have no chance with her. 

But Elain... Feyre says, "she had no mental shields, no barriers."

Easier to inflitrate, possibly posses. 

Then take a look at Elain's power 'a seer' Azriel says. 

I don't believe she is, Elain begins to talk in these 'half riddles' as Nesta calls them weeks after coming out of the cauldron. It's actually specified that it started after Elain was found to have left her room, the morning after Nesta had left her alone for the longest time after being Made. She was found in front of the window in the HoW private library.

So far, most of Elain's visions have been Koschei related, Vassa the Firebird, his onyx box, and ones of Briallyn who was working with Koschei. Even Hyberns twin Ravens made mention of speaking to Briallyn.

They all tie back to Koschei. 

Could the heartbeat Elain is hearing 'through the stone' while she sleeps, not actually be a heart at all, but something just as vital? A soul perhaps? In a stone box?

Again to go back to Harry Potter. Harry was a horcrux, a portion of Voldemorts soul was inside him and he could see for a time, when his mind was vulnerable into Voldemorts mind. It was unintentional at first, but later used against Harry by planting things in his mind. Ginny is also possessed by a horcrux and does things she doesn't remember doing. 

This could be similar, I in no way believe that Elain is evil, perhaps being manipulated while she is vulnerable, from her trauma or while she's sleeping like HP, until Koschei is really able to sink his claws into her. We know SJM says that Elain has 'different kind of strength'

Feyre says this too in ACOWAR, "a different sort of strength, a better strength" 

Elain has fight in her. Not a blade weilding warrior strength but maybe a strength to keep fighting something internally, something trying to control her, the strength to not give up. 

There's an interview in ACOFAS in which SJM says: 

"Elain's now going to have dreams about ripping ivy out and the ivy creeping through the windows to strangle her at night, because let me tell you that ivy does not want to go"

With this theory I find the wording of the ivy creeping in through the window rather interesting. 

It's also quite like how Feyre describes her old bedroom in the Spring Court in ACOWAR. She says the bedroom has become a tomb. 

What if Elain's own mind has become like a tomb for her, and it is there that she is 'ripping at the ivy' trying to get free? Using her considerable 'different' kind of strength to keep going, keep fighting. 

Seer's powers can be useful to authors as a plot device, but they can also become a bit of a problem and authors find a way to temper their power. Sometimes using this 'talking in riddles' to make it interesting for readers, without actually revealing too much. Trelawny does this in HP, she also doesn't even realise she's making actual prophecies. Or take Alice in Twilight, it's a great power, but there comes a point in a story where it becomes a problem having a character that can see any outcome. So voilà she can't 'see' the werewolves!

I think with Elain, it's possible she just isn't a seer.

And Luicien, not Azriel, was the one who right about her, she needs sunshine. Sunshine to drive out the darkness. 

Or perhaps Sunfire?

I like to think Luicien will have Sunfire powers. We've had literally every other kind of fire there is. Normal fire, Shadow fire, Dragonfire, Helfire, Moonfire, Starfire...and as Bryce said, the sun is a star.

Briallyn does make that weird comment to Nesta in ACOSF about Eris:

"His fire wouldn’t have withstood Koschei’s lake, I don’t think."

To me that really says there's someone out with with fire that can withstand it. And That someone is surely Lucien, perhaps mixing his Autumn Court power with his Day Court power. 

He could have the type of power to stand up to Koschei, or simply just spending time with Elain would lead him to figure out something is wrong. 

Which would make Elain's reluctance to entertain him one bit, explainable. (Of course not the only explanation possible)

SJM did after all write a scene with Aelin possessed in EoS, and the only thing able to stop her was her Mate. 

Lucien's willingness to endanger himself by venturing out to help the person Elain is seeing in her 'visions' so that they were not happening to her in vain, whilst giving her space seems far more Mate like to me, than just pointing out an apparent power that she has then doing nothing about it. 

I do hope Luicen has help from the Valkyries too. 

Emyrs, resident story-keeper of TOG apparently told tales of "shield maidens and enchanted animals and cunning sorcerers"

Sounds very much like the Valkyries, and Koschei..

And we know Nesta would without a doubt come to Elain's aid if needed. 

Koschei also enables people with power of winnowing, he winnows Cassian and Briallyn in ACOSF, without leaving his lake. 

Have we been seeing Elain use this power? She may be powerful enough to winnow in her own right but she was untrained the time she stepped out of a shadow to kill the King of Hybern. She's mentioned to have become quite stealthy in the time since. People don't hear her approach, things like that. 

Could Koschei have also used HIS power to find the Suriel?

I find it very interesting that when Elain does this for Feyre in ACOWAR, the following conversation between Feyre and the Suriel makes mention of the Suriel not expecting to see Elain's doe eyes peering at him from across the world, and immediately following, there's talk of the Bone Carver, and how the Suriel CANNOT see him? Because he is not of this world. It would follow suit then that the Suriel also could not see Koschei, even if it was his power used through Elain to find him?

Perhaps Koschei needs a body that is not entirely of this world, and Azriel has been described as other, different. 

If Koschei has possessed Elain, he could be using her to get vital information on the IC, and Nesta for Briallyn, as well as using her to pursue Azriel.

She might be perhaps forced to see him, once a month when she's supposedly visiting her father's grave alone? Cassian also notes he doesn't quite believe her having to be up early to tend to an elderly faeries garden, but this was after they'd had a monthly court dinner and much wine was consumed... What was discussed? Did someone spill something important?

Something that also nagged at me but could be me reading too much into it is, the line where Briallyn tells Nesta her spies (plural) have told her who Nesta's friends are, 'The half-breed and the broken Illyrian' 

True, Bellius does refer to Gwyn and Emerie similarly later on in the text. But at this point in the story, Gwyn hasn't left the HoW Library in 2 years. No one is going to be able to spy on that house from the outside without someone finding out. I doubt Emerie would have chatted with Bellius about her friendship with Nesta and Gwyn, or Gwyn's race. So perhaps a spy in the library that knows Gwyn and knows she's become friendly with Nesta?

Elain however was present, when Cassian was telling the rest of the IC about about Nesta becoming a Valkyrie, it would make sense to mention Gwyn and Emerie, maybe a few details about them? Possible stretch but still stood out to me, bolstered a little by Briallyn "There are others in your court as delusional as you are. They’ll get it for me one way or another, with the right incentive." Could this mean Elain? She would be the only one capable of summoning the trove to her I think?

There's also the wood carving of a rose Nesta places on the mantle, half hidden in shadow next to a female holding the moon, perhaps the mother. 

Hinting at Elain spying on Nesta? Nesta does have a connection with the mother and we can make a connection between her fire and the moon fire wielded by Aelin in EoS, while possessed by Deanna. 

I think a heartbreaking theme of Elain's storyline could be quite like the line where she says to Lucien: 

"No one ever does. No one ever looked - not really." "He did. He saw me. He will not now." 

She's refering to Grayson here but I think it will become true of everyone and it will be so sad, until Lucien sees what's happening, he doesn't know her at all yet, but they are mates and perhaps if he had the opportunity to really investigate what was on the other side of that mating bond without Elain jumping up, he could see what was potentially lurking in her. 

People see what they want or expect to see with Elain, Rhys even states 'Elain is Elain.' 

On my rereads I found it interesting how when reading ToD, specifically about Duva my mind compared her a lot to Elain.

Duva is lovely, gentle, kind, feminine, unthreatening, both loved the most by their fathers. But always watching.

She also had a brand new arranged marriage with a man who did not know her well enough to realise something was amiss. 

Perhaps the real 'lightsinger' isn't a lightsinger at all, but is still a 'lovely, ethereal being who will lure you, appearing as friendly faces when you are lost. Only when you’re in their arms will you see their true faces, and they aren’t fair at all.'

Maybe Elain is luring Azriel, because he is lost now, both his brothers have their mates and he is adrift.

And when she finally gets a hold of him, it won't be Elain's grasp he is in, but Koschei's.

Interestingly, when Duva was healed by Yrene in ToD the Valg that was possessing her left her body in the form of a black shadow or mist coming out of her mouth. 

Perhaps we could have seen something similar had Rhys not interrupted Elain and Az's near kiss at solstice in his BC, we know his shadows skittered back as she sucked in a breath. Just a thought. 

Elain's solstice gifts to Az are interesting too. Especially because they include a powder that SJM makes a point of reminding us he hasn't actually taken it.

In theory it could be anything. Something incapacitating perhaps? And again SJM having actually written about a Mate pulling another out of possession it gives the earplugs an interesting slant. 

It's possible however that there might something that is aware however primal, that is aware of the presence in Elain. 

The Mask. 

Its makes sense to think that Nesta's relationship with her sisters completely healed, it probably isn't, which is why the silver flame in Nesta's eyes flared in HOFAS. But flaring immediately after Elain's name is mentioned whilst wearing a death mask... 

Maybe the mask has an awareness of such things, a deathless sorcerer might be an affront to such an powerful item. 

I think it's so much more likely that Elain will have Life powers. Nesta took Death it makes sense for Elain to be gifted Life, probably in the form of earth magic, I could see her using it to bring the bog of Oorid back to it's former glory, before it died when Fionn was Killed. 

As far as ships go I'm firmly Gwynriel and Elucien.

And if Azriel was a son of Apollion I think it would fit quite nicely in the way SJM likes to mirror mates/endgame pairings.

Az and Gwyn would fit a very interesting 

'Holy/Unholy' vibe, a part Prince of Hel and a Priestess.

And potentially Earth goddess and Sun god magic, for Elain and Lucien.  

Very Solas and Cthona. 

If this is a route that SJM takes the next book it also kind of undos the "four books of build up" that Elain and Az apparently have, as Elain would have been stripped of choice, and Azriel manipulated.

I want to state that I in no way WANT Elain to have been struggling with something nobody even notices this whole time, especially with the violation she's already been through, but I think a storyline like this could really speak to the gift we already know for a fact she does have: 

"To look at the hardness of the world and choose, over and over, to love, to be kind. She had been always so full of light."

[eslanes]

𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕥 𝕗𝕒𝕞𝕚𝕝𝕪

So I got this story stuck in my head, a little spinoff about Faelern going home to Chestnut Ridge for the first time in 20 years due to his father being sick. It would follow his homecoming and explore relationships within his family and get into why he was away for so long. I don't know if I'll ever get time to flesh this out in game but I got inspired and made his whole family.

I had fun doing the family reunion challenge a while back so I did another one. Check out under the cut if you're interested in who's who and a little more about our ever-gloomy Faelern.

Faelern Adan 'the prodigal son' - Leaving home at a young age due to strained familial relationships, Faelern spent most of his adulthood immersed in his studies, obtaining a doctorate in Anthropology and becoming the youngest tenured professor in his department at the University of Britechester. As touched a tiny bit in A Devil Between Us, Faelern spent several years happily married to Laelia, who was tragically murdered during a home invasion 12 years prior. Evidently this devastated Faelern and he hasn't been the same since. This also may be a contributing factor to his intense and chaotic relationship with walking disaster Ms. Aida Fairbairn several years later. Faelern is the third of his father's children.

Sicheii Holt 'the patriarch' - While much calmer in his old age, the eldest member of the Holt family was once a notorious womanizer, creating an extremely tense relationship with his now-deceased wife and mother of Faelern's siblings. This only increased when it was discovered that one of his affairs resulted in a child (uh oh). Exponentially so when said illegitimate child was sent to live with Sicheii and his family after the sudden death of his mother at the age of five. While Sicheii was a generally a good father, his transgressions definitely impacted the family, creating complicated relationships all around (hurrah). At the beginning of the spinoff, he would be severely ill, resulting in Faelern's homecoming.

Atsa Holt 'the golden child' - Atsa, the eldest of Sicheii's children, adored his father from the time he was born. And Sicheii adored his son, spending most of their time hunting and fishing together. Everything changed when Atsa was eight, when younger half-brother Faelern came to live with the family and ruined his idyllic childhood. Atsa blamed his brother for his parents' fighting and shattering the vision he had of his father. Instead of focusing his anger on Sicheii, Atsa turned his resentment towards his half-brother, letting him know he was an enemy and would never belong. As a result, the boys were never close and fought frequently. As an adult, Atsa continues to carry a major chip on his shoulder and does not acknowledge his brother as kin. He is furious that Faelern had the audacity to show his face in Chestnut Ridge. 

Emmaline Holt 'the gossip queen' - Emmaline is Atsa's wife. Much more outgoing and cheerful than her husband, she's often the organizer of family gatherings and parties (she's always knows all the good gossip). Having never met her newly-returned brother-in-law, Em cannot believe that Atsa would treat him so poorly after being away for so long. Between me and you, Atsa will be sleeping on the sofa for a while. 

Jacy Holt 'the wild child' - Atsa's and Emmaline's 9-yo daughter. Twin sister to Mato and the loud one of the two. You'll usually find her annoying her father or on the playground with her friends. 

Mato Holt 'the bookworm' - The quiet, bookish twin and Atsa's constant reminder of his half-brother. The kid is exactly like his uncle Faelern in his interests and demeanor, much to his father's dismay. Mato would much rather be reading in his room than socializing. 

Tallulah Holt 'the dutiful daughter' - Tallulah is the eldest sister, a no-nonsense, tough as nails matriarch with one son of her own. While not particularly close to her half-brother as children, she feels a deep sense of duty to her family and is angered that Faelern would turn his back on them for so long. She has her hands full at the moment, trying to parent the rebellious and surly teenaged Kai as a single parent all while managing her 17 mlm businesses. 

Kai Holt 'the rebellious teen' - Kai is going through a major rebellious phase. The 16 year old has discovered hair bleach, Nirvana and his mother Tallulah at her wits end with him. 

Tahoma Holt 'the jokester' - The running joke in the family is that youngest brother was named after his father's beloved pickup truck (true). Tay is loud, boisterous and the family goofball. A contractor by day, he spends his nights at open mics across the region workshopping his comedy routines, with big dreams of becoming a comedy writer. Unlike the elder siblings, Tay doesn't remember life without his half-brother, and is actually happy to see him again.

Doli Holt 'the baby sister' - Doli is the youngest Holt child by many years. Currently working as a receptionist, Doli has dreams of going to university in the city, just like her older brother, whom she hasn't seen since she was a kid. Having been born after Faelern arrived in the family, Doli only has good memories of her brother. 

Auntie Deborah and Uncle Des Holt 'the elders' - Auntie Deborah and Uncle Des are known as well-respected healers in the community and stable and a positive influence on all the kids. That said, now that they're all adults Des won't stop trying to push his homegrown weed on his nieces and nephews. Tahoma says it tastes like burning hair. 

[eclecticmuses]

Hello FitzSimmons shippers!

It’s that time of year again - it’s time for the FitzSimmons Secret Santa Exchange! The FS Secret Santa has been a wonderful part of our fandom’s history, and even though the show has ended I think it’s still a great way to celebrate the fandom and the holidays together. I'm sorry it took me so long to get this post out this year, time just flew by for me!

I will be using the tag #fitzsimmonssecretsanta for all of my posts regarding the exchange, so look out for announcements. You will also be using that tag when you post your gifts.

Important Dates:

Sign ups are open until Wednesday, November 22nd at midnight PST.

Participants will be notified of their assignments on Saturday, November 25th.

The first posting day for gifts is on Monday, December 25th. This gives you four weeks to work on your gift. A few weeks before December 25th, you will sign up to select a posting day so I can stagger the gifts throughout the week.

Read more to learn how you can participate in the Secret Santa Exchange!

In participating in the Secret Santa exchange, you will create a fanwork for your assigned giftee. This can consist of fanfiction, gifs, graphics, moodboards, aesthetics, fanmixes, fanvids, fanart, or any other creation. Fic must be at least 1000 words in length, and all gifts must be complete when posted (unless you plan to stagger out fic chapters).

Participants must follow these rules of the exchange:

Send your entry form no later than Wednesday, November 22nd at midnight PST.

Reblog this post to spread the word!

Create an original gift for your giftee following their prompt, preferences, and the guidelines of the exchange. Your gift must be at least 1000 words or an equivalent amount of effort in another medium.

Keep your ask box open with Anon turned on.

Send your giftee anonymous asks at least once a week (questions, compliments, quotes, whatever you like!).

Post your gift and reveal your identity to your giftee on your selected posting day!

To sign up for the exchange, please fill out the entry form below and email it to eclecticmused@gmail.com (mused with a d and not an s like my Tumblr username!).

Tumblr username (please specify if you plan to change your url during the holidays so we can find you!)

Your prompt: (what you want your gift to be about!)

Your fandom talents: (what can you create for your giftee?)

Preferences: (for what you would like to receive AND what you would be willing to create - ex: I would like to receive a fic with smut, but I will not write smut for my giftee.)

Smut:

Ward/Will/AIDA:

Mentions of traumatic canon events (4x15, 4x20, 5x14, 5x22, etc.):

Other preferences for what you would not like to give/receive: (type of fanwork, triggers, issues, genres, tropes, etc.)

When filling out the entry form, please be as specific as possible. This helps me to best match people up, as well as ensures that you receive a gift that you’ll love! If you receive your assignment and still have questions about creating your gift, I recommend that you send your giftee anonymous asks for clarification.

If something comes up and you can no longer participate, please let me know ASAP. In the past, participants have disappeared from Tumblr, so I really want to ensure that everyone that signs up will receive a gift.

❄️Good Luck and Happy Holidays! ❄️

[indzae-mayumi]

My thoughts on some Slam Dunk characters:

I don't care or I don't know if the fandom is dead (or are we just dormant?), but I still very much like this manga and anime, so much that I also enjoy reading fanfics about it.

There are other fanfic writers who portray Sendoh as... an airheaded guy who thinks he can get all the girls he wants just because he is the ace of Ryonan. You know, the likes of the stereotypical high school jock in the late 90s to early 2000s teen romcom HW films. I actually do not see him like that. Ikegami once tells Aida Yayoi that although Sendoh is very friendly, he does not talk about himself. Maybe Sendoh is a social introvert, as he very much enjoys playing with his teammates, but outside of basketball, he enjoys his alone time just fishing. He also indulges on Rukawa one-on-one. For me, Sendoh is just... friendly and nice. Romance? Idk. He doesn't even know about Yayoi's crush on him. He is nice to everyone, but he enjoys his own world.

Fujima Kenji reminds me of Rukawa Kaede in "Kaede Purple." Or should I say, Rukawa in "Kaede Purple" is a sassier version of Fujima. While Jin of Kainan has a very mild baby face, Fujima is pretty. However, there are two sides of him. When his fan girl asks to shake his hand, Fujima smiles like a celebrity. But when he smiles while he is playing on court, he is excited and looks pretty mean. But he still is handsome, though.

My favorite character is always Rukawa. I always thought that Rukawa is just a plain a**hole to Sakuragi and gives off mean remarks. While watching the anime again, I realize that sometimes, Rukawa's remarks are actually insightful, like he is giving advice to Sakuragi. At times, walking away is a good idea. Sakuragi is just not receptive of Rukawa's remarks because of Haruko. Ahahahaha.

I understand why Miyagi has a backstory in "The First Slam Dunk." But I don't think Rukawa needs a backstory. Let's just say he is an overly introverted kid who just happens to like nothing else but basketball, and is very passionate about it. His coming-of-age story is actually more interesting simply because of one girl. And no, not Haruko or any of his fangirls has changed him into someone who finds his actual purpose in life. It's the journalist club president Mari, who at first is a sideline character and very antagonistic of him, who gives Rukawa the thought of aiming more. All because of his reply to her, "Does that matter?" He realizes that there is more to high school basketball than just being one of the Top 5 players in Kanagawa.

I am glad that Matsui and Fujii are two sane girls in school, and they are not all over Rukawa.

In that scene where Mitsui faints during the game versus Ryonan, and he comes back to the court later? He has the gut feel for basketball. Aside from Akagi, he seems to be burdened by the fact that they temporarily do not have a coach because Coach Anzai is hospitalized. As he regrets wasting time being a thug, he is playing catch up. And I think that with all those catching up, he probably will be able to make a path for himself related to basketball. I think Mitsui will make a great coach.

Takasago might be a silent character, but I am surprised Sakuragi does not name him with any monkey-related names. Probably because Sakuragi does not find him interesting, or Takasago does not talk to him at all. But his facial feature similar that of Akagi is a crucial point in Sakuragi's growth in the story.

Why does Shoyo not have a coach? Once Fujima and the other starters graduate, Itou will be the only one left among the starters. Who will lead Shoyo, then? And by the way, was Fujima recruited in Shoyo for his height? Or did he just like to study in Shoyo and join their basketball team?

The difference between Coach Takato and Coach Taoka is that Coach Taoka underestimates players from another team. Coach Takato pretty much does that at times, especially with Sakuragi, but his main motto is to never underestimate other players. I think that is why Kainan players are good both in defense and offense.

[acourtofthought]

The Starsword aka Gwydion

I kept turning over that angry anon from yesterday.

Was my theory about Gwydion farfetched? Sure, but at this point a lot of CC theories are farfetched to some extent because only SJM knows what's actually going to happen and we're all just doing our best to interpret the clues. There are multiple possible outcomes for every scenario right now.

But I do think there are levels to how likely certain theories are and that's usually based on how much twisting of canon and the characters we're doing to achieve them.

My Gwydion theory is probably one of the more out there ones I've done and as there are many other possible theories surrounding the sword and a lot of confusion in how intertwined these two series are, it makes me hesitant to believe in my theory the way I do say, Elain ending up in Spring.

But is it really any more farfetched than other Starsword theories?

When you break it down there are one of three options.

1) Bryce keeps the Starsword and takes TT back to Midgard with her.

2) Bryce returns to Midgard with the Starsword and Az keeps TT in Prythian.

3) Gwydion is left in Prythian, the land where it was originally forged.

I could see Bryce keeping the Starsword (espcially since the IC has their own made weapons) and Az keeping TT because those weapons are part of their individual backstories.

I see it being less likely that Bryce would take TT from Az, something about that feels odd to me considering Az had TT long before SJM even started drafting CC.

Maybe the prophecy has already been fulfilled. Technically Bryce represents the people on Midgard while Rhys and the gang represent the land where her people originated from, therefore the dagger and sword have already been reunited as well as their people. I think the theories claiming all the inhabitants of Midgard will be reunited with all the people of Prythian because they'll eventually live together are not probable. Or maybe it's still hinting at them joining together in a war of the worlds situation but returning to their own planets after at a later point.

That leaves us with the third option, Gwydion stays in Prythian.

Anyone reading CC and assuming they have Theia and the Starswords history correct is forgetting that Amren was alive / in Prythian before Gwydion and Fionn rose. She did not enter the prison until the time when they were rounding up the last members of their old masters. "The last members of". That should mean that Amren was alive when Gwydion was forged and given to Fionn who then helped defeat the majority of Daglan in battle.

The rough territories were not drawn until after Fionn defeated the Daglan with Gwydion and Fionn's Queen was ruler of one of those territories (possibly Theia?). But it wasn't the Dusk Court yet, just where it would have been.

Amren was in prison during Fionn's murder by his Queen and general so if there is any confusion in ACOTAR history, it could have come from that specific time period. Maybe there's confusion as to who actually murdered him (maybe Theia was fed lies about Fionn by Pelias, maybe she was forced) or how he was murdered. Or the missing piece could simply be who his queen was, that they never had a name for her. But it is mentioned that Fionn's most powerful and prized possessions were stolen and then many disappeared around the same time the Trove disappeared (Gwydion and the horn went to Midgard).

I really don't think any gaps in Prythians history comes from how Gwydion was created or who first wielded it because out of all the characters in all series, Amren was witness to it.

And Aidas snarling that the Starsword belong to Theia's female heirs is someone speaking out as an ex-lover who hates Pelias and hates that Pelias tried to pass the Starsword down to his children. We have no evidence that Aidas knew Theia before the crossing or knew whether the Starsword was hers to begin with.

Yes, the Starsword recognizes Bryce "as kin" but "like calls to like". Gwydion was made when it was dipped into the Cauldron. We have hints that the fae (which would include the orignal Starborn), Illyrian's, etc were "created" by the Daglan. Possibly using the Cauldron?

Even Briallyn was able to search for the Trove because it recognized her "as kin".

Theoretically anyone descended from those original Starborn fae or fae hybrids as well as any recently made could possess the Starsword but we also need to remember that "Made objects tend to not wish to be found by just anyone". Cassian says, "you say that as if the objects have a sentience". And Amren replies, "They do." "They were made in a time when wild magic still roamed the earth." "Made objects tend to gain their own self-awareness and desires" which all means the sword may not choose to respond to just anyone and it could have it's own agenda in reacting to Bryce the way in did.

Did Bryce not return it to the land from which it came? Reuniting it with it's twin? Could part of the whole setup have been Gwydion returning to Prythian and Bryce having a chance to learn about her history?

The Starsword / Gwydion is a made object just like the mask / crown were made so there's not always one super special fae that these objects belong to. If Briallyn could use the crown than someone other than Bryce could use the sword. Ruhn was able to pull it from the stone though it didn't respond to him exactly the same way which Bryce realizes is due to the nuances in their lights. Which could mean any number of things, one being that the sword knew Bryce's light and her being the keeper of the horn were necessary to return it to Prythian. And in CC they haven't seen Theia's light appear since Theia but that doesn't mean there aren't descendants of Starborn fae in ACOTAR who also share a light similar to Theia or another one of their ancestors. Midgard doesn't have many descendants of the original Starborn but that doesn't mean there aren't more still existing in their original world.

There are 7 courts in Prythian though if the crossing had not happened, there would most likely have been 8 and Theia would have been the High Lady of Dusk. I absolutely do not think this means they're now going to form an 8th court with Bryce as the ruler, Bryce belongs in Midgard with her people. But.....we know Rhys is probably Starborn but with a Starborn gift that matches Ruhns. And I'm guessing Helion could also be Starborn based off his reaction to the mask (a Trove item that was made as Gwydion was made) as well as the fact that he has the light of the sun and is the owner of the Pegasus. That could mean his heir might also be Starborn.

Dawn Court glows the brightest of everyone so.....could he not be a descendent of the Starborn?

I'm wondering if all the High Lords are Starborn (and now any of the characters who were "made" by the Cauldron) because of their ancestry. It would make sense given the fact that they are blessed with powers unlike any other. The other fae bloodlines have been diluted over the years but the bloodlines among the High Lords seems to have a stronger connection to the magic.

And if Fionn was the first High King ruling over everyone than it's possible he was Starborn and he's got descendants out there, maybe in Autumn given his connection in mythology to the hounds and forests.

Yes, that means most of our main characters would be Starborn, Bryce, Rhys, Helion, Beron, Tamlin, Nesta, Lucien, Eris etc. but it still doesn't mean they can all pick and choose whatever made weapons they want. We saw in SF that Ataraxia seemed to almost fight against Rhys using it while it responded to Nesta. And we saw the made dagger given to Eris possibly infuse itself with his fire meaning that particular made weapon seems to connect with him.

Depending on who her father is Gwyn could also be descended from a Starborn fae (if she's related to Beron or Eris).

If that third option listed above is a remote possibility than who would get Gwydion?

I don't think Gwydion is more powerful than Narben or Ataraxia or any made object. I think the mask and crown can probably do more damage to their enemies so at this point I really do think Gwydion is more symbolic of the first High King who helped them defeat the Daglan, a symbol of peace. Sure, it's still going to be powerful as any made weapon is but it's no longer one of a kind and is special because of its history. And it makes sense to have it end up with the person who will once again rally everyone together to fight in the battle of all battles.

Gwydion was a savior's light that brought about peace so which character matches with that imagery?

Rhys? - They specifically mentioned Rhys as possible High King in SF and he is genuinely concerned with bringing about peace to their lands, he was already willing to die for them in ACOWAR. So maybe?

Feyre? (could she be Starborn if gifted with the powers of all the High Lords?) - Rhys once called her his salvation and she too was willing to die for their people, not to mention she glows with Helions light.

I could see arguments being made for them except for a few things. They are the High Lord and Lady of the Night Court and morally gray at times. Their goal is always to bring about peace but they've lost trust along the way in how they go about that. Not to mention their POVs are over. While I do think they'll still play major roles in the series, I feel it's time for the other characters to shine. Amren also reminds Rhys that "the Cauldron's benevolence will only be extended to him for so long before it is offered to another" which does seem to hint at the torch being passed along.

Gwyn? Gwyn and Gwydion (matching names), Az has TT and the sword and dagger are connected, not to mention she glows. But the play on names is a little too cutesy and in your face and I'm not sure she makes sense as the one to unify the courts and their lands which is what Gwydion represents to their people. Yes, SJM is about female empowerment and Gwyn is absolutely going to be a badass warrior but I don't think she's ready to be a figurehead to their world (even Rhys rallied the troops in ACOWAR though Feyre was the FMC). Not to mention Gwyn has a lot of similarities to the Little Mermaid whose voice is literally a glowing ball of light when she sings just as Gwyn glows when she sings. When used by the Little Mermaid, it's simply enchanting for anyone who hears it but when used by someone evil (like Ursula) it put Eric into an almost trance where he couldn't think clearly.

For the love of any anti's reading this, GWYN IS NOT EVIL. If Gwyn is a siren of sorts, she would NEVER use her voice to deceive or trick someone she loves. However, Gwyn could use her voice against their enemies and I think this also makes Narben the best made weapon for her. If Gwyn is Az's mate, Az who lives in the shadows and has TT which is used to torture people (a pretty bloody history for a weapon), than a sword with darker powers which is lost to the sea and who would not "obey" Amarantha is kind of perfect for a water fae who can possibly call things to her.

Helion? It's not like he'd be a bad candidate except I don't think he's getting a POV. At least not one set in the present.

Elain? I'm not even going here. Elain might be capable of playing the political game in meetings and swaying people to their cause but she's not a warrior and she shouldn't have to be.

Eris or any of the other High Lords? Eris still has a journey coming up but they aren't really the focus of this series, they're all side characters. If Gwydion is going to anyone I imagine it would be one of the main people.

Lucien? If Sarah pays attention at all to names and their meaning, Gwydion has masculine origins and means "born of trees" and in ACOWAR she describes Lucien as being crafted from the forest, that the woods were his by blood and law. Gwydion is also the name of the powerful magician in the Blodeuwedd fairytale, the uncle of Lleu who created a beautiful wife out of flowers for his nephew and we already know SJM connected Elain to that particular fairytale through her Pinterest board.

I won't bore you again with all the bullet points of why Lucien would be good at unifying the courts, the human lands and the continent but the evidence is throughout the series. He's always tried to be a peace maker, never seeks out revenge, is good at talking to people and has friends everywhere. If High King is going to be a thing (at least during the war, the position itself would be disolved after) he would be an excellent candidate. He's building up to being a High Lord but has basically been training for the role his entire life and is a trained fighter.

Also, he is the son of two different courts. Connected to both Autumn (which Fionn may have been based on what we know of the Fionn from mythology and how it connects to the Autumn Court, like the hounds) and Day which means he does have the power of sunlight running through his veins. And Feyre not only reminds us of Lucien's goodness in ACOWAR but repeats that he is a good male in FAS.

As crazy as it initially sounds to connect Lucien to Gwydion and the prophecy, is it all that crazy when you consider that Az is connected to the prophecy?

Elain is getting a book, yes. But SJM has been building up Lucien's story since ACOTAR. He's got a big journey coming too. If CC3 is setting up the future of ACOTAR and part of that future includes prophecy's about weapons and the possibility of Asteri making their way to Prythian, then why would she only connect ONE of her main characters to that future?

I know people love Az and are looking forward to his story but just because Lucien isn't part of the IC (therefore not around much), he is going to be just as important to the future of the series, he has to be. If Gwynriel and Elucien are both getting books than Lucien is just as important as Az and it would actually be a little odd if Lucien wasn't eventually tied into the events of the crossover since he's one of the remaining MMC getting a POV.

I don't think he'll feature in CC3 but he'll need to be brought into the loop at some point as will Elain and the other courts and if Gwydion is left with Rhys than it's possible it could find its way into Lucien's hands from there.

With the prophecy, TT is important to Prythian's history but why? Is it the dagger used to kill Fionn? Fionn having Gwydion and Gwydion being stolen by his Queen and best friend (also general) with the dagger left behind and separated from the sword for thousands of years only to have them reunited is a bit full circle. Again, Az is important but is he truly that much more important to the series than Lucien that SJM would completely leave Lucien out of the entire crossover storyline?

SJM has been building up animosity between Lucien and Az which is going to need to be resolved considering Az is jelaous of Lucien and barely blinks at the though of killing him. There was clearly animosity between Fionn and Pelias that ended in murder and involved the theft of an important and powerful weapon.

One MMC from ACOTAR is part of the prophecy because of his connection to one weapon. Is it really that crazy to bring in a second MMC from ACOTAR as being connected to the other weapon? Especially when you consider the current setup between Az and Lucien?

There's a lot of mystery surrounding what really happened and I could be completely off base but until we get more information, many theories are going to be be flying around. But I think those that don't work within the confines of what we know about the characters (like thinking Bryce will leave her world and her mate to be with Az or Elain ending up as ruler of the Dusk Court with Az) are why some seem more farfetched to me. We also already have a series where the FMC had to correct the mistakes of those from the past (Aelin anyone?) so Bryce correcting the mistakes of Theia and /or Fionn's general by returning Gwydion wouldn't be unheard of.

[vashtijoy]

i have a translation question ive been wondering abt (sorry if you've answered this before, I tried looking but couldn't find if you've mentioned it).

So Sae's conversation with the SIU director on 6/5 after madarame's change of heart has her asking to investigate the psychotic breakdown/mental shutdown cases, specifically saying "we need to find a correlation among the incidents these past two, three years." This struck me as odd because as of 6/5 hasn't it only barely been about 2 years? I know Akechi has only been working for shido around two years at this point which is when he first induced psychotic breakdowns to prove his worth to shido, and then Wakaba is noted to have been around when the mental shutdowns started happening on 8/21, so it seems odd to me that sae who is usually pretty precise with her knowledge on the case would suddenly give a range that doesn't seem to be accurate, implying the cases have been going on longer than they have.

I'm wondering if something got lost in translation, or if perhaps I'm looking too deep into it and this line is alluding to metaverse incidents that happened before akechi met with shido (like the stuff that happened with maruki, or maybe even akechi figuring out his own powers himself before turning to shido, idk)

thank you, you usually give really great in-depth analysis on this stuff and I've loved reading your meta so this is just one thing I thought to ask haha

Hello, anon, and thank you! I have not answered this before and I'm delighted to look at it.

Here's Sae in the SIU Bastard's office on 6/5.

Sae ここ2、3年の間に起きた事件を関連付けて、調査すべきです。 koko ni, sannen no aida ni okita jiken o kanrenzukete, chousa subeki desu We need to dig deeper and find a correlation among the incidents these past two, three years.

Literally, "the cases that took place over the last two to three years".

But what's going on here? What's the context of this scene?

on sae's case and others

6/5 is the last "real" day of the Madarame arc, the day it all wraps up. Madarame confesses; Akechi pops up in Station Square to watch (and, coincidentally of course, Kichijoji unlocks); you have a flashforward to the interrogation room where your next target is named; and Sae visits her boss, to link the psychotic breakdown cases she's been working on with the Phantom Thieves case that she has, to date, not been working on.

He is not best pleased, put it like that. Niijima is getting far too close to the truth. This will play out in later months.

One of the first things that happens in the game is that subway crash cutscene on 4/10. That's when we first see these two talk; Sae has made the connection that the "incidents" that have been going on, the scary accidents where people suddenly lose their minds, are all connected—a single case. The likelihood is that she brings Akechi in that day because he's known to have solved several of those cases.

On 5/4, at the end of the Kamoshida arc, Sae visits Leblanc, and talks about the psychotic breakdowns and the Kamoshida case: "Can a person's mental state really change so easily?" So here on 6/5, when she insists on the similarity between the psychotic breakdowns and the changes of heart, she's following a trail she's been on all along.

But of course, this is an ongoing case. Sae is likely refining and eliminating her data as she goes. It's perfectly possible she says "two or three years" because she simply hasn't narrowed her timeframe... or is it?

the news report at the start

Something else I want to quickly highlight from this scene:

When we cut to the scene, Sae and the SIU Asshole are watching a news report:

Newscaster: ...The suspect has repeatedly testified that he does not have any recollection of his actions. Newscaster: A full psychiatric evaluation will be performed to further investigate the crime's details and motives.

Note that this unfortunate suspect is not Madarame. Madarame remembers his actions. He's just confessed to them all on camera. His news report, earlier in the day, stated that "initial psych evaluations state that he is mentally sound and likely responsible for his actions".

This is a totally unrelated psychotic breakdown. This is interesting, because at the start of June, background gossip is suggesting that "those weird incidents just stopped all of a sudden". But they haven't; there's one right here.

So are they just being reported on less? Has the Madarame incident made it necessary for there to be a publicised psychotic breakdown, to remind people of the scary incidents? Don't forget, the news we see is constantly manipulated in Shido's interests.

the timing of the incidents

Anon, you summed up the timing pretty well, but to quickly go over it again—Akechi starts working for Shido some time around 2014/05/21. We don't know when he awakens, or what he initially does, though he likely has a window after the conclusion of P4AU (is that in 2012?) when it can happen—Velvet Rooms may be unconnected, but I don't think there are multiple Igors, and I can't see Igor sitting on his ass with a brand new wild card running about. So IMO Akechi must awaken after Igor is imprisoned. Don't forget he gets the app from Yaldabaoth; he—and Joker—don't spontaneously awaken. And they both awaken into the Metaverse we know—a cognitive world centred on and controlled by Yaldabaoth.

On 11/21, Akechi states that the first thing he does for Shido, the act that proves his value and that he's not insane, is to give psychotic breakdowns to a group of Shido's critics in the Diet. So Akechi must a. have Call of Chaos, and b. have used it enough to know how it works, before he approaches Shido.

Again, we don't know what this looks like. But if, say, Akechi begins causing psychotic breakdowns on his own behalf, in the spring of 2013, when he'd be fourteen-turning-fifteen-in-June, then that would give us the three years Sae mentions.

The fact that the dating is uncertain, though, IMO, suggests that Akechi's personal use was rather sporadic and not easily traced back to him. It wasn't systematic, like Shido's use of him would later be; it wasn't the wave of terror it would become.

Essentially: just as you say, Akechi exists in canon and has a life long before he arrives on Shido's doorstep. He doesn't awaken two years before canon; he awakens before that point, and contacts Shido two years before canon. He has his powers before that point.

And we just don't know what he's like then, or what he chooses to do—except that there's presumably some conflict between the sides of him represented by Robin Hood and Loki, where his worse nature wins out.

sae on 8/22

Let's take a look at that other line of Sae's you mentioned:

Sae 若葉の死は2年前⋯『あれ』が起き始めた時期とも一致する⋯ wakaba no shi wa ninenmae... "are" ga okihajimeta jikan to mo icchi suru... Wakaba's death was two years ago... That also coincides with when the incidents started occurring...

Sae does not actually say "the incidents"—a phrase that, in P5 at this point, unquestionably describes the psychotic breakdowns. She says are—"all of that". It's quoted in the textbox, to emphasise its significance. We're supposed to understand what she means from context. And what's the context?

Well, Wakaba suffers a mental shutdown. We know, and Sae suspects, that the psychotic breakdowns, the mental shutdowns, and, yes, the changes of heart, are all one big, interconnected thing. Sae could be conflating all of it here.

But the thing is, she goes on to bring the psychotic breakdowns back into the conversation:

Sae 騒がれてる『精神暴走事件』のこと⋯少し話したわよね? sawagareteru "seishin bousou jiken" no koto... sukoshi hanashita wa yo ne? Earlier, I briefly mentioned about those psychotic breakdown incidents that have alarmed the public.

So Sae wasn't talking about the psychotic breakdowns before. She's only now raising the connection. She's reminding Joker (and us) that she talked about them in an earlier scene. Her are in the line about Wakaba's death can only have been the mental shutdowns. "all of those things that are like Wakaba's death".

What does that give us? "Wakaba's death was two years before that."—note, Sae is speaking in November, in flashforward—"That coincides with the start of the mental shutdowns."

what about maruki?

Going by his journal, Maruki's activity period seems to overlap with Akechi's—no years are given, but his journal describes an almost-three-year period, culminating in January 2017—the third semester.

He doesn't use his power until August 2014, at the same time as the mental shutdowns begin. But he's making small changes to the cognition of individuals—there's no sign he causes anything like a psychotic breakdown.

conclusions??

Let's sum up:

on 8/28, Sae's "two years before" likely refers only to the mental shutdowns;

on 6/5, Sae's "two to three years" likely refers only to the psychotic breakdowns;

we don't know when Akechi awakened, or what he did, but he did less of it than he did once he was working for Shido;

... but he almost certainly did do some of it—so there will have been psychotic breakdowns before ?May 2014, that might account for the "three year" period.

[inuiiwonderland]

MEET THE IMMORTAL TWINS (my obey me MC’s!)

Ada and Aida

Oldest - Ada

Youngest - Aida

-

Background info

Ada and Aida are twins from the Victorian era. They both come from a very well known and rich family. Both of they’re parents are in a loving and healthy marriage and love their kids very much. The twins also have a little brother named Sebastian but we’ll get to him later! Anyways, the twins grew up in a very loving home and had a very normal childhood. When the twins were younger, they loved to mess with people since they looked scaredly alike. Those two would often prank the maids in their house and would also pretend to be each other when their parents would take them to any important events.

-

Appearance

Since both Ada and Aida look almost identical, they basically look the same BUT they also have something that the other twin doesn’t.

Both of the twins have long straight black hair and green eyes but ada has a small mole under her right eye while Aida has a small mole under her bottom lip! Ada has round eyes while Aida has droopy like eyes! Another thing is, Aida smiles more while Ada really doesn’t🙃

Both Ada and Aida are 5’3

-

Personality’s / what they’re like

Ada is actually really mischievous! Even though Ada is really quiet, mature and responsible twin, she very mischievous. She was the mastermind behind all her and Aida pranks when they were little. Poor little Aida always got the blame because she was always known as the trouble maker growing up but the maids never knew that it was all Ada doings! (Aida never really cared that she got blamed most of the time because she had so much fun with Ada ideas) she is also very protective of her siblings and will speak up if her and her siblings are in any threatening or dangerous situation.

She is very well kept to herself and hates being in situations where there’s a lot of people. It’s not that she shy or anything, but she just hates being around large crowds. She hates it especially when people would come up to her to talk about whatever important thing they talk about in social events and all she wants to do is just go home and read.

She finds banquets, balls, or any other social event stupid and annoying. (Because again, LOTS of people)

She loves reading and writing! When her and Aida were little, she always LOVED to read and write stories for Aida! She finds joy in reading books and dreams of either owning her very own library or even becoming a writer!

Aida

Aida is very outgoing and a troublemaker! She likes to pull pranks on people and then act completely oblivious when called out. Unlike ada, she loves going to any social event! Only because they’re food and she can also test out new pranks on the people there. She loves receiving compliments and enjoys them even more when both her and Ada are getting complimented together!

Aida is very intelligent! It shocks people sometimes because they always thought she was dumb by the way she acts which actually pisses her off. She loves proving people wrong about their assumptions of her.

She absolutely despises people that are mean to her family! She hears anyone talk bad about her siblings or parents you best believe she will put them in their place by either humiliating them or pulling a prank on them.

Aida is also a bookworm! She loves reading and doing art! Both of the twins would always let each other borrow their books growing up. Aida loves art! She finds it beautiful and calming. After a long day of socializing and pulling pranks, she likes to sit down and start painting on canvases that her father bought for her for her birthday.

-

Fun facts about them

Ada only smiles around her family and inside of their house! When out in public, she always has a poker face.

The twins both loves cats! Their father bought each of them their very own kitten and they take VERY good care of them.

Aida is very good at the piano

Ada is scared of bugs but doesn't like to admit it

They love to pull pranks on their younger brother by pretending to be each other to trick him (they did this a lot when he was little but then when he grew older and was able to tell them apart they stopped)

Ada loves baking while Aida loves cooking

The twins are very protective of each other

-

Siblings

They have one younger brother named Sebastian! He is 7 years younger than them and loves his sisters very much! Has dark hair and green eyes just like the twins! (The 3 of them look just like their mother! She a true beauty)

-

Now the story about HOW they turned immortal

Both Ada and Aida were going home one night after a long day in the city. But as the two walked back home, aida bumped into a man. He quickly apologized before leaving but Aida saw that a book fell when they bumped into each other. She wasn’t able to give it back since the man was long gone so she decided to take it home. Once the twins got home and went to their share bedrooms, aida wanted Ada to read the book to her like old times. But when Ada opened the book they soon realized that it wasn’t just any ordinary book. It was a spell book.

The twins looked at each other before looking down at the book. The twins were very much confused but continued to flip through the pages until they came across a page that said “how to gain immortality”

Which was also followed by a huge X written over it. Seems like someone didn’t like it very much. The twins read through all the steps to “gain immortality” and Aida suggested they try it out. (As a joke)

Long story short the girls managed to grab all the ingredients for this “potion” they even went to those shops where they sell “real monster tails” or “dragon scales” thinking it was just a joke and just wanting to do this for some fun.

After the potion was finished and they read through everything to see if they didn’t miss any steps, the girls did cheers before drinking the “potion”

Ofc this got them sick for a few days and Ada was upset while Aida laughed it off. They realized that they still felt the same and nothing changed so they brushed it off and joked about it. After that day the girls lived life like normally.

Unaware of what they have done.

-

When did they realize that their immortal/ their reactions

The girls lived life like normal. Unaware that everyone around them was getting older and aging. They only started realizing when their parents asked them how they still look so young during dinner. Ada was the first to look around the table and see how both her mother and father have aged and she then turns to her brother who also looks older. Aida soon then follows and drops her glass in shock.

How long has it been? How could they have not noticed?

The twins look at each other in horror as they soon realized what they did

They’re immortal

-

Sad fun facts!

When the twins told their parents and brother about what they did, they were so scared that they both started having panic attacks

Aida blames herself for even suggesting that they try out that immortal spell as a joke

Both of the twins thought their parents and brother were going to hate them and be mad about how careless they were(they don’t hate them)

The twins had to watch their parents age and later die

Because of that, the twins suggested to their little brother to also drink the immortal potion but he declined. He said he wants to grow old with his wife and die together with her.

Ada always tells aida that it’s not her fault. They both didn’t know that the spell would even work

The twins had to witness both their parents and little brother die of old age

They only have each other now

-

Ages

Ada and Aida - 20 years old

-

They both continue to live in their family home. They watched as close family friends and family members grow old and die. They watched as the maids that they grew up with quit or die of old age. They watch as the world changes and new eras start and end.

They watch as technology advances and soon, it’s like a whole different world. They made sure to keep any records of them away and secret. Not wanting anyone to find out about their immortality. And they continue to care for the house and have trusted maids and butler’s continually to work and help around.

-

That was their life before the exchange program. When the twins made it to the devildom, they stuck together like glue and made sure to not let any of them know about their immortality. But during their stay, they both saw a very familiar face who was also a exchange student.

-

Can you guys guess who this familiar face could be?👀

The twins!

Ada Aida

[thelunarfairy]

Hii again1!!1 xd Goodnight, since I'm typing this at night.. And we have the same timezones so- Uhh Good morning? You'll probably read it tomorrow... It's midnight rn so-- alrr i'll get to the point now...

I said this before in one of my posts, but I wanted to hear ur thoughts about it so- (if u want to talk about it ofc xd)

About the hand that appears misteriously in chapter 101... I've been thinking about chapter 106 and while reading your last post about it...

"A voice beckons from the darkness" (What chapter is this, by the way? I completely forgot about it- I just stole that image from your last post lol)

"But whatever you do, you mustn't respond."

Those 2 phrases parallels those 2 panels so much- I don't know if it's just a coincidence or really something to take in, but it's just something that I noticed while reading your post xd

The hand that appears to Kou reminds me of the Twins' hand to be completely honest (fingers that seems a lil' bit more larger than the others), while the hand that appears to Nene reminds me of hers (delicate fingers) xD But then again, just like u said; it might just be Aida's style of drawing the girls' and boys' hands.

Ohwell-

Have a good night, afternoon, or day! <3

Hello again :DDD how are you? hahaha you got it right I only read it this morning

"A voice beckons from the darkness, but whatever you do, you mustn't respond."

Wow you made an amazing association here, I really liked this because it makes total sense! The hand appeared out of complete nothingness and disappeared in the same way. Yashiro answered her and this voice came bringing a bad omen (even the title of chapter 101 is called an omen, this is the chapter in which the hand appears), an accident that happened and which apparently could happen again.

If this was the consequence of her responding (the accident) then it could happen again. I've been thinking about what kind of accident it would be. In the other post I talked about the big clock that broke, but I stopped to think about something today.

I thought about the possibility of this accident being directly related to the twins' deaths, but it didn't seem to make much sense.

Apparently, the twins were 12 years old at the time of the flashback festival, as they are in the first year of middle school (in Japan the first year class is made up of 12 year old students) but Yugi doesn't live long enough to the next festival as they die at the age of 13, shortly after July 22nd before the summer holidays. Amane does not kill Tsukasa anywhere near the school festival. So this could rule out the hypothesis

But what if this accident was responsible for making Amane decide to kill Tsukasa? The festival is directly linked to the twins and Tsukasa told Nene that he would show her more about Amane when he reappeared to her. So he will show it to her during the festival because it is related to Amane's past.

Have you ever thought how crazy it would be if Tsukasa was ordering Amane to fix the clock just to show Nene about Hanako's past? XD (just a joke)

Now I have this in my head, is the accident related to the motivation or the death of the twins? (there are thousands of other hypotheses, omg) hahahaha

Yes the mysterious hand resembles Amane's when she pokes Yashiro, but it later resembles a girl's in the second panel, so it remains mysterious.

Note. The chapter where Hanako's hand appears before Amane tries to make Kou faint is 50

I hope you liked it, thanks for the ask! ;)

[2n2n]

Riffing off of my last post... I want to think about something! Or, introduce a thought....

first off, a magical spell to ward off evil. In your mind spins the image of the Yugi twins kissing peacefully, happy in their futon together... ahhhh! Okay... we resume now.

Perhaps this is obvious to some, but it might not be to others, so why not voice it.

I think valuing the gender of characters is your preference individually, there are preferences I have, too! Tastes, aesthetically, and such. But, to some extent, I think being rigorous and strict about avoiding say, 'male/female' relationships, or hating 'male characters', in the pursuit of loving queerness & loving women for example, can go a little overboard... ooonly in that, narratives are not always representing only what they appear as, and you can't be so sure what other people are representing in abstractions. This post is only for people who might feel sensitive about those abstractions-- if you don't have a care in the world, don't bother reading on...!

Here is an example, from a popular series many love. The Moomin novels are precious to me, I love the expressions of the author, Tove's, relationships and human experiences. Tove largely expresses herself through Moomin, a boy. She expresses her relationships with women AND men through that conduit. Ironically, the relationship between Moomin and Snufkin-- beloved by many!-- represents a 10-year love affair with a man in her life, Atos. While the story of Moomin and Too-ticky, is a representation of her relationship to her later long-term female partner, Tuulikki. I don't see fandom much explore or care about Moomin/Too-ticky, probably because it is M/F. I think that's kind of funny? I'm not here to make a judgement-- I write Snufkin/Moomin-- but, when I think about what people value in Tove VS what narrative they like in fiction, it's interesting that the real-life experiences influencing that fiction doesn't matter.

Meanwhile, a lot of female mangaka represent their traits through male characters. Arakawa connects to Edward Elric, and Yana Toboso projects a lot of herself into Ciel Phantomhive. While it's not stated as outright as all the other examples, I do believe Iro-sensei projects a lot of their personality into Hanako, and Aida-sensei seems to playfully draw Iro-sensei as Hanako, or embellish him with Iro-sensei's IRL habits.

We can look at a story like JSHK, and we can look at it literally as a story about ghosts and humans and such. Or, we can look at it thematically, and see a story about many, many more things we might relate to. Broad concepts of eschewing society's morals, strictures, or values (suchas Tsukasa), or following them to the point of pain (suchas Teru), who gets punished or forgotten and why, how to be happy in a world that doesn't care if you are happy (Hakubo, Sumire).... etc...

Hanako's struggle with Nene-chan, is that he cannot marry her, he cannot grow up with her, and 'has no future' with her. I would describe Hanako as chronically unable to conceptualize commitment for himself. At the start of the manga, this makes him a kind of playboy to Nene-chan-- flirtatious, harassing, but also closed-off. He sees his dynamic with Nene-chan as a temporary, short-term thing... a year of frivolity with a girl, something that can't 'go anywhere'. He can be capricious, but only because of a sense of hopelessness. This relationship cannot "go anywhere".

Much to be said about queer relationships being seen as 'a phase' in many cultures... something you do when young, but grow out of, moving into normative adulthood. I'm not saying that's the INTENTION-- but that you could happily choose to read it however you want, connect to it however you want.

I mean... gay marriage is not sanctioned across Japan... this concept of "a person you can play with a little when you're young, but never truly commit to" is a cultural concept there. It's interesting that when Nene-chan dreams, "I want to get married some day in the real world!", Hanako receives it as a rejection, and no longer plans to attempt to entrap her through bizarre, indirect circumstances.

Hanako can use strange, convoluted systems like making Nene-chan his kannagi, or binding her to him with the mermaid scale, to ensnare them together .... as much as you could uh, start a business with your lover, but perhaps not legally marry them. It's an interesting compromise, or as he says in Picture Perfect, 'I'm only using what I can'.

Picture Perfect is also about creating a fake fantasy world which fictionalizes everything into a saccharine and acceptable, normative fantasy one wherein Hanako is no longer a Mononoke, but the human, Amane. As Mitsuba says, "in this world, she can even marry No. 7!". What does it mean for Nene-chan to reject this sanitized, acceptable rewritten version of their love, & desire the haunting ghost, even with all of the foibles of that? She doesn't claim to hate the fiction, but it isn't the love she remembers.

The concept that kaii simply 'cannot access' certain aspects of society is interesting. This concept that humans engaging with kaii sincerely, are naive, short-sighted, and incapable of thinking of the 'big picture' is, too. It's childish of Nene-chan to chase Hanako, and others who 'know better' or think more 'realistically' chide or laugh at her for it (Akane, Teru, Mitsuba....). Mitsuba finds it funny that Nene-chan is so smitten with a lover she can't have for life. Mitsuba longs to be 'normal'. Hanako wants a 'normal' life for Nene-chan.

Just as well, however Amane or Tsukasa may have felt about each other, they were brothers. There is a limit to the level of closeness they can have. To put it bluntly, they can't get married, either, lol.

Amane/Hanako the entity may not 'have a future' with anyone he loves, as he may not ever have a proper, societally-acceptable love, with anyone. His love might always be something impossible to achieve-- the moon, out of his reach. That's an interesting trait for a main character.

I think it shouldn't be shameful or stupid or reductive to connect to Hanako/Nene, or Akane/Aoi (lifelong 'best friends'), or Sumire/Hakubo (who were hardly seen as people by anyone, their relationship's value anywhere from invisible to repugnant) .... we literally do not know Aida or Iro's relationships, experiences, we don't even know their own identities or personal lives all that deeply....! We don't know where they are writing or drawing from. But in that way, I think it would be doing a disservice to what you can connect to in a narrative, to presume it's only ever what it looks like on the surface.

For a great many authors & artists, we didn't get to know the greater narrative of their life until long after they died, and could reread their works with new context. I don't think people need to die for you to do that, though. If you notice a consistent theme, it might be intentional... or it might not be! You should have fun. You shouldn't worry too much about it IN-TEXT being wlw or mlm lol.... that's, just not how a lot of people choose to write their stories, even if their lived reality is exactly one thing. Even if there's not a deep reason, maybe it feels more fun or more playful to imagine oneself, a lesbian, as a nasty teenage straight boy. Maybe it even feels more 'real' but in a 'lol... tfw' way. Do you feel me on that??? Sometimes... I think things get a little too literal around the web lately in media analysis!!!!! I would love to encourage anyone who needs permission, to get a little less literal. I don't think you need to, imagine Hanako as a woman to make HanaNene appropriately lesbo vibes, or to justify yourself, a lesbo, liking it. You could be a lesbo and Hanako could represent the type of girl you are exactly. There are girls like that. I mean. Tsukasa represents the type of girl I am.... *paws out*

and aouhhhrho aoaaoouou disclaimer anyone can enjoy whatever they like etc etc have fun etc, live your life etc not saying everyone who likes XYZ is insecure or XYZ or should just blah blah or it's wrong to do blah blah write blah, this all isn't relevant to you whatsoever if you're happy and confident in what you like, proud to like it or whatever, this post is only!!!! relevant if you feel ashamed, embarrassed, silly, or dumb for 'seeing something' or relating to something 'not for you' or 'not there'!!! You don't know that it isn't there! You don't have to choose from .... the few same-gender options actually in-text. Or contort the canon around. You can see your own relationships in anything. Because people write their own relationships in a thousand ways.

My husband and I can write ourselves as two girls. As two girls and a boy. As two boys. As a boy and a girl. As two boys and a girl. As a boy and a nongendered thing. We do this obsessively. I wouldn't say any of these narratives are more or less accurate or true to our lives depending upon the genders aligning with our real life human bodies. We can be a thousand things, and we're still 'us'. We recognize 'us' in that which resonates.

[lightup0nlight]

🌺 ❛…And to give glad tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they shall have a fair reward (i.e. Jannah). They shall abide therein forever.❜ 【Surah al-Kahf 18:2-3】

I remember my very first mobile phone. It was just a hand-me-down from my eldest sibling, but I was so excited to finally have one.

Now imagine you've just managed to buy a beautiful house, which is on top of a beautiful hill, overlooking the blue ocean. Isn’t that going to be your most amazing, most precious property ever?

But you know what happens after several years have passed by? It’s not that beautiful anymore. Whatever possessions or achievements we have right now, we will eventually get bored of them. And that mobile phone I got? I got disinterested in it fairly quickly as well.

In this aayah, Allah says for the believers who do righteous deeds, their compensation is that they will remain in Jannah forever.

Now when we read this aayah, and we compare it with our worldly experiences, we may think that if everything goes exactly as we want all the time in Jannah, then the excitement is going to fizzle out sooner or later, that we will eventually get bored.

But look what Allah says about the people in Jannah in another aayah:

🌺 ❛They will reside in it [forever], never desiring any transfer out of it.❜ 【Surah al-Kahf 18:108】

Imam Ibn Kathir rahimahullah wrote in his tafseer that this aayah tells us how much the people of Jannah love Jannah. Absolutely smitten. For all eternity. Even though one might imagine that a person who stays in one place forever would get tired and bored out of his wits, Allah tells us that despite this eternal stay, they will never want to change or move from where they are. They will never choose anything else other than Jannah.

And some scholars even said that there is no better praise of Jannah more than Allah's statement: ❛They will reside in it (forever), never desiring any transfer out of it.❜

There will never be a dull moment in Jannah. There will always be anticipation and excitement, and its inhabitants are constantly looking forward to the next amazing blessings and the next incredible adventure. May Allah make us one of them.

Your sister in Deen, Aida Msr ©

[sillybouquetsoul]

Cloud Castles - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Ballroom Dancing (ao3 link)

Rating: Teen

Word count: 5k

Pairing: Aisha/Sein

Story summary: They dance just out of each other’s reach, but each time brings them closer together.

OR

Aisha and Sein navigate through the dark fairy tale of their own making, one encounter at a time.

Chapter summary: Aisha attends her first ball for her birthday.

Ever since their disastrous 14th birthday party, Sylvia has given up on the twins’ birthday celebrations entirely in the following years. Whatever part of her that wanted to keep up false pretenses was gone the moment she raised her hand on Aisha, and whatever imaginary bridge between her and the twins had burned down since then. 

Aisha has no birthday expectations anymore. She and Aida won’t consume desserts that come from Sylvia directly. And Sylvia can’t be bothered to purchase gifts for them. 

The closest thing to a gift that she receives on her birthday is a handwritten note from her fairytale friend. She’s been receiving these notes in the past three years. They’re just words on paper, messily written and simple in nature, but they hold more thought and effort than anyone cared to show towards her since Sylvia entered her life. 

So on the morning of October 25th, she goes to the library as she usually does. The servants she passes on the way there don’t spare her a second glance—they probably don’t know, and don’t care that it’s her birthday today. Which is fine with Aisha; birthdays stopped feeling special to her since her father died. 

But the prospect of reading the birthday note from her fairytale friend does make this day slightly more bearable. When she wished Aida ‘happy birthday’ earlier, her older twin didn’t respond. She only turned in her bed, facing the wall. 

Aida always misses their father most on their birthday. Aisha makes a mental note to smuggle some pastries out of the kitchen before dinner time. Hopefully it will help cheer Aida up. 

How sad that she must resort to such measures just to survive. It’s all because of Sylvia. Hopefully the next few birthdays will come sooner, so that she and Aida can collect their inheritance and escape out of Sylvia’s thumb. 

She finds a new slip of paper in the fairytale book. It doesn’t take long for her to skim through its entirety: 

Happy birthday. Time flies by so quickly, and now you’ve reached adulthood.

One day, I will find the opportunity to celebrate this special day with you.

Until that day comes, I hope you have a wonderful day. 

If I’m lucky enough to see you today, I’ll be sure to wish you in person as well.

She rereads the note a few times, briefly puzzling over the writer—but never able to reach a conclusive answer—before folding it into a small square. She’ll keep this note with the others. 

A few hours later, a maid’s voice draws Aisha out of her book. 

“Lady Aisha, I beg your pardon for the interruption, but Madam Sylvia has asked me to relay a message to you.” 

At the mention of her stepmother, Aisha’s lips curl downwards in reflex. “What is it?” 

The maid bows her head. “Madam Sylvia would like to inform you that she’s hosting a ball at the manor tonight, in honor of you and Lady Aida’s 18th birthday. According to the madam, both of your attendance is required.” 

Before Aisha can speak, the maid rushes in to add, “And Madam Sylvia says that if you don’t attend, then she will cut your allowance.” 

That conniving bitch. 

Thankfully, her voice comes out neutral, betraying none of the rage and hatred swelling to astronomical heights inside her. “Thank you for letting me know. Please tell Madam Sylvia that Aida and I… shall attend.” 

The maid bows again and hurries off. 

Aisha sets the book down and rubs her temples. Aida is highly amenable and loves socializing, so she won’t have issues convincing her older sister to attend. 

But the nerve of Sylvia. How dare she plan for this ball without consulting her and Aida first? Who else is invited to attend? How much money is Sylvia throwing away for this unnecessary expense? There’s undoubtedly going to be multiple-course meals, dessert, drinks, and not to mention musicians. The list of expenses are endless whenever Sylvia is concerned. Budgeting is a foreign concept to her. 

Threatening to cut off their allowance if they don’t attend—that angers Aisha most. She may be turning 18, but she’s not of age to claim her inheritance yet. As her legal guardian, Sylvia can still intervene in her financial matters. And Aisha can do nothing about it until she’s of age. 

So she’s left with no choice but to attend this ball. As much as she detests mingling with strangers, both she and Aida need to make an appearance, especially since it’s being held for their birthday—regardless whether they consented to it. 

Aisha’s wallflower strategy for the ball is simple; if she doesn’t stand out, then she’ll be ignored. 

However, Aida is adamant on dressing her to get noticed; not the kind of dress that warranted a subtle, second glance, but the kind that invited a lingering gaze. 

“Absolutely not.” 

Aisha flings the dress that Aida threw at her onto the bed. Even though they’ve stopped sharing clothes for years, she’s well acquainted with her sister’s preference for bold and revealing dresses. Whatever Aida finds in her messy wardrobe won’t suit Aisha. 

“Come on, Aisha. It’s our birthday. Girls should wear beautiful dresses on their birthdays.” Aida says beseechingly, head still buried halfway into her wardrobe as she pulls dress after dress onto her bed. “Don’t you want to impress the guests? Show them how pretty you are?” 

“But that just proves to Sylvia that we’re willingly abiding by her plan. I’m not happy to attend a last-minute ball, and I certainly don’t want to give any indication that I’m enjoying it, because I know I won’t.” 

“Oh, sister. I’m older than you by a few minutes, and yet you sounded more bitter and jaded than our stepmother just now. Must you be so glum? Why don’t you let those feelings go for tonight, and see where the evening takes you? Perhaps you’ll find a nice gentleman to dance with. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Aida pulls another dress out and poses before the mirror. 

Aisha watches Aida fit the dress over her body. It’s a dusky pink gown with a scooping heart-shaped bodice. The hem and sleeves of the dress are excessively frilled, to the point of seeming girlish rather than womanly. Aida removes her current dress to try it on. 

Never mind. Despite the frills and pastel color, she exudes an air of maturity—the fabric hugs her curves like a second skin. If anyone had reservations about her age, the gown eliminates all doubt. 

“That looks good on you.” Aisha says, because Aida always deserves compliments—and not the kind from Carlo, who’s too boisterous and impulsive for his compliments to hold genuine weight. 

Aida hums agreeably, spinning around to see the gown from all angles. The skirt flares as she spins, the tiny jewels at the hem catching the afternoon sun. If Cinderella exists, then Aida is her real-life equivalent. 

After a few moments, the older twin beams. “Alright, I like this one too. I’ll wear this to the ball then! Oh, maybe I’ll catch Sein’s attention this time! But now,” her eyes meet Aisha’s through the mirror, smug and knowing. “We need to pick a dress for you.” 

Aisha holds up a hand. “No need. I don’t want to look good.” 

“Aisha!” Aida exclaims in disapproval. “Don’t say things like that. Do you want to end up a spinster?” 

She shrugs. The life of a spinster sounds more appealing than having men gaze upon her with lust. “We’re not attending the ball to meet people. It’s Sylvia’s way to assert power over us. Do you really think she’d invite people who will readily befriend us?”

“Well, I believe the best way to handle this is through grace, not by… refusing to dress properly and scowling for the entire time,” Aida sits beside Aisha, folding their hands together. “We’ll prove to Sylvia that we can enjoy ourselves, in spite of the circumstances. She can’t deprive us happiness unless we let her.” 

Aisha purses her lips as Aida’s words sink in. It’s rare that her vivacious sister displays such insight, even if she knows that Aida is far from stupid. And Aida does make a compelling argument, when she listens to her mind over her heart. 

Except… 

“I don’t like people, nor do I like dancing. I won’t enjoy myself at this ball anyway.” Aisha complains. 

A bright peal of laughter escapes Aida. 

“No wallowing allowed—that’s my job. Remember that it’s our birthday, and smile. Now come, let’s find a gown for you.” 

Neither of them leave their room until it’s almost time for the ball. Finding a gown for Aisha that they both agreed on ends up taking a few hours: an exhausting back-and-forth process where Aida gives Aisha a gown, only for Aisha to reject each one. Their taste in dress styles and colors are total opposites, so they never seem to reach a consensus. 

Finally, they settle on a compromise. Aisha would wear a white gown—one of the few whites that Aida owns—but cover her exposed shoulders and cleavage with her own shawl. When Aida suggests accessories, Aisha reluctantly accepts a pair of sapphire earrings since she doesn’t own jewelry herself. 

“You’re like a fairy godmother.” She comments offhandedly, putting the earrings on. 

“What’s a fairy godmother?” 

Earrings in place, Aisha moves on to choose a set of gloves. “Someone who uses magic to make girls pretty for balls. Although, you’re definitely doing this against my will.” 

“Do fairy godmothers get to dress up and attend balls?” 

“Not usually.” 

“Oh. How boring. They should enjoy themselves too.” Aida muses, patting rouge onto her cheeks. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll be the most beautiful fairy godmother at the ball.”

Ultimately, Carlo is the one who comes to their door. The door knob rattles as he tries to open it, but luckily Aisha had locked their door while they were changing. 

Soon after, they hear three loud thumps against the door, followed by an insistent, “Aida? Are you in there? The ball is about to start, let’s go!” 

Aisha catches Aida’s eye and shakes her head. Aida only smiles, unfazed by—or perhaps accustomed to—Carlo’s pushy demeanor. She checks the mirror one last time, and then she joins Aisha by the door. The scent of roses wafts into Aisha’s senses, thick and intense at this proximity. 

Aida had found a rose-scented perfume bottle which once belonged to their mother. She may have applied too much at once, but it’s not like Aisha can tell her to remove it now. 

Overpowering floral scents make Aisha dizzy, so she opted for an aromatic scent. She’d washed with regular soap and water, and applied drops of clove-scented perfume. It was pleasant and understated; but most importantly, least likely to attract attention. 

Aida slides her bare arm through Aisha’s gloved one. “Shall we?”

She resembles a lush rose, with the pink rouge staining her cheeks, the blood red rouge on her lips, and the gown. Standing beside Aida, Aisha felt plain and young. No one could possibly tell that they were identical twins tonight. 

Her sister can take the spotlight. Aisha is perfectly content to remain a wallflower. 

“Aida!” Carlo cries out gleefully the moment the door opens, lurching towards them.

Aisha gives him a scathing look as he places an arm around Aida’s exposed shoulder. But of course, with Aida around, Carlo is blind to everything else. He doesn’t acknowledge Aisha, already tugging Aida to walk with him, filling the air with enthusiastic chatter. 

George Duncan receives them at the ballroom entrance. Beyond the entryway, voices and laughter float in the air, increasing in volume and intensity as they approach the entryway.

“Good evening to you all. Lady Aisha and Lady Aida, I wish you both a happy birthday.” George says with a shallow bow. 

“Thank you kindly, George.” Aida greets back warmly. “We’re not late, are we?” 

“Not to worry. You’re right on time. Madam Sylvia is expecting you inside.” 

After giving each twin an ivory dance card, he motions them forward. 

Carlo frowns as Aida slips the dance card around her wrist. “You should only dance with me.” 

“I’m expected to mingle with other guests too, Carlo. But I’ll pencil you in for a quadrille. How does that sound? If you can keep up, I might be persuaded to dance with you for longer.” 

The halfhearted promise successfully pacifies Carlo, his face lighting up with hope and determination. “I’ll be your best dance partner of the night. Watch me.” 

“Whatever you say.” Aida has lost interest in Carlo; she cranes her neck to look into the ballroom. 

Behind them, Aisha is faintly aware that this is the last chance to change her mind. As Aida and Carlo descend the stairs together, she hears applause in their wake—probably Sylvia’s doing. But Aisha is alone, lacking a companion to hold onto. She hesitates at the top of the stairs, high enough to see people mingling together in various groups. Entering the fray herself, under the watchful eyes of strangers, suddenly seems daunting. 

Perhaps she should go back to their bedroom. This isn’t something she can handle, especially for her first ever ball. She feels like a fish out of water. Her dance card hangs heavy in her hand. 

“Lady Aisha, are you alright?” George’s voice interrupts her scattered thoughts. 

Aisha looks up, hoping that her rising distress isn’t obvious. She fumbles for an escape. “Actually, I don’t think I feel too well—” 

“Good evening.” A third voice joins them. 

Both she and George turn around, equally taken aback by Sein’s appearance. 

He always appears with uncanny timing, neatly thwarting her attempt to escape. 

George clears his throat, nodding at Sein without speaking. Later, Aisha will wonder about the butler’s uncharacteristically cold attitude towards Sein, not even sparing Sylvia’s second son a greeting like he did earlier. Sein, too, barely acknowledges George’s presence. 

The dreadful prospect of walking into a room filled with strangers is her biggest distraction. 

“Hello, Aisha.” 

Sein’s eyes rake over her from head to toe. Aida might have taken offense, but Aisha is pleased that his eyes don’t linger anywhere. Thank goodness she kept the shawl on. 

“You look wonderful. Happy birthday.” 

“Thank you. You too.” 

Sein wears an indigo tailcoat, which is parted to reveal a cream-colored vest and a pleated, white linen shirt underneath, the high collar secured by a brown cravat. A silver, star-shaped brooch is pinned on the lapel of his tailcoat, simple but elegant in design. The black trousers are perfectly tailored to his lower body, emphasizing his narrow hips and the muscle definition in his legs. 

Compared to his evening wear, Sein doesn’t seem to have spent much effort taming his hair. Those unruly curls are styled the usual way, having grown long enough to almost conceal one eye. 

He looks very good. No doubt he’ll draw eyes from all the eligible women in the ball. 

Her desire to escape evaporates when he stands next to her and extends his elbow, a wordless request. She has no choice but to accept it, because the notion of running away in front of Sein deals more damage to her pride than the alternative. 

“Is this your first ball?” Sein asks as they descend the stairs. If he’s bothered by her tightening grip on his bicep with each step, he doesn’t complain. 

“Yes.” Aisha answers stonily, focusing on a distant point in the ballroom lest she makes eye contact with someone in the room. 

“Do you know what to expect?” 

“Of course I do. I’ve read about it.” After the maid informed her about Sylvia’s plan, she’d temporarily set aside Hamlet. Instead, she pored over books on ballroom etiquette, though she retained little, based on her anxious state of mind. 

Sein laughs, soft enough for her to hear. “Right, I should have known.”

“If you have recommendations or suggestions on how to navigate through a ball without risk of ruining your reputation, I’d like to hear them.” 

“It sounds like you already know more than me, to be honest. What more can I contribute to the subject?” 

“There’s always more to learn.” Aisha insists, letting go of his arm once they reach the ground floor. Sein folds both hands behind his back, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. 

“I suppose that’s true. Let’s see… Are you good at dancing?” 

“I can dance, though I don’t necessarily enjoy it.” 

“Alright. If you’d like to avoid socializing, then dancing is the best way to occupy yourself. Fill your dance card with names—which won’t be difficult for a lady of your standing—and dance the night away.” 

Aisha bites her lip, anxiety swelling as she imagined numerous men approaching her to ask for a dance. Between exhausting herself mentally through socializing, and physically through dancing, she isn’t sure which is the lesser evil. Sein seems to believe in the latter. 

However, dancing comes with conversations too; maybe not during jaunty and fast-paced dances like the quadrilles and polkas, but waltzing? 

“This is new, seeing you so nervous.” 

Sein’s astute observation wounds her ego. But how can she refute him when he’s right? 

“I have your mother to thank for that. If her goal is to push my buttons, she’s been quite successful.” Aisha admits. If her real mother were still around, she wouldn’t face this predicament feeling woefully unprepared. Times like these remind her that Aida is the older sister, and with her gone, Aisha is stranded alone. 

“I’d apologize on my mother’s behalf, but I sense that I’ll never stop once I start,” Sein says wryly, glancing around the room. “When in doubt, you can also follow Aida’s lead. She’s talking to a few gentlemen. She looks quite happy.” 

“Aida is a special case. I’m more wary of strangers.” 

“Believe me, I’m well aware of that.” 

She fights against the urge to glare at him. In such a public setting, she has to control her expressions. “Please don’t let me keep you. I’m sure you’d like to make some new lady friends.” 

Sein doesn’t respond immediately. He stares at the dancing card clenched in her fists for a few moments. Then, as though arriving at a decision, he straightens his posture. 

“Are you tired of my company yet?” 

“If you have something else to share, just say so.” Half-expecting him to comment on her ballroom etiquette and inadvertently wear on her nerves further, Aisha’s nowhere near ready for what he says next. 

“May I put my name on your card for the first dance?” 

“What?” 

Sein repeats the request, but its meaning is still lost on her. “Family members are allowed to dance with each other,” he adds. “Aida probably has Carlo’s name on her card as well.” 

Aisha fumes at his choice of words. “We’re not family.” 

Because perceiving him as an older sibling is sickening. It would imply acceptance of him and his family, something that will never happen as long as Sylvia was alive, slowly but surely eating away at the Dimoche family’s wealth and reputation, a living parasite. 

Her anger only deepens his amusement. “Then dancing with me shouldn’t be an issue. Just the first dance, and I’ll leave you alone for the rest of the night.”

Oh, how she yearns for the chance to throttle him. Or split his head open so that she can finally study his thoughts. 

No one but Sein produces this infuriating effect of simultaneously aggravating and bewildering her. He seems so keen on dancing with her, but why? An errant glance around the room reveals that a number of young women are looking in their direction, though of course they’re interested in Sein, not her. They want his name on their dance cards. He doesn’t lack for choice, and yet he wants to dance with Aisha first. 

All these years living under the same roof, and yet she’s learned little about Sein’s true character. She only knows that he doesn’t regret cutting her palm open, and that he won’t hesitate to do it again if she crosses the line again. 

After all these years, Aisha knows better. 

“Are you going to be violent if my answer doesn’t please you?” 

Something flickers across Sein’s face, too fast to be identified. Once he catches onto the hidden question, he brandishes both hands. “What do you take me for? Do I seem so wretched to you?” There’s a bitterness to his light tone. 

She takes a few more moments to decide. It takes less time to write down Sein’s name for the first dance. 

By the time she realizes that the first dance is a waltz, it’s too late to erase Sein’s name from her dance card. The dance doesn’t start for another while, so Sein leaves her, looking far too pleased with himself. Just as Aisha predicted, he’s quickly swarmed by a group of women, their colorful finery clustering around his tall and dark figure. 

Staying near the center of the room makes her uncomfortable, so Aisha takes refuge in the corner of the ballroom. It provides the best vantage point and hiding spot, where she can bide her time until it’s time to dance. 

Finding Aida proves easy. Her silver hair is lustrous under the chandeliers, eye-catching from a distance. While Aisha has braided her hair into a high bun, Aida wears her hair loose so that it catches the light with each movement. Deliberate or not, her older sister possesses the innate talent to catch attention. 

Carlo hovers around Aida, as usual. But the gentlemen surrounding Aida seem equally intent on putting their names onto Aida’s dance card. They’re unfazed by Carlo’s intimidating size and stature, too struck by Aida’s beauty to pay him much heed. 

Aisha has to admire Carlo’s steadfast determination—his eyes don’t stray from Aida once. He may be annoying and intrusive, to the point of disrespecting Aida’s privacy, but he’s also loyal. Like a puppy. Aida’s own puppy.

It’s quite pathetic. 

“Hello Miss Aisha.” 

Nemo appears beside her. He looks ill at ease, which she surmises is due to his timid nature. 

“Good evening, Nemo.” Aisha says politely. Nemo is probably the least annoying person now, compared to his older brothers. He hasn’t done anything to aggravate her in recent years, so there’s no reason for her to be hostile towards him. 

Nemo doesn’t immediately answer as he follows Aisha’s line of sight. 

“Miss Aida looks like she’s thoroughly enjoying herself.” He says in the hesitant tone that he’s never quite outgrown since boyhood. 

Aisha watches how Aida throws her head back with laughter at something someone said. “She is, yes.”

“Can I ask why you’re not mingling?” 

“Conversation topics among women my age are strictly limited to fashion and marriage prospects, neither of which pique my interest. On the other hand, conversing with men doesn’t allow me the freedom to express myself plainly, because they always expect women to be simpler creatures than we really are.”

Moreover, most of the men she knows are downright unpleasant company, and her experience gives her little faith in men outside of her small social circle. Aisha folds her gloved hands together. 

“You may think I'm jaded, but I’d just rather not waste my time and energy on short-lived relationships.”

Nemo is silent for so long that Aisha wonders if she’s scared him off for good. To her surprise, he speaks up. 

“So if you had to choose, you’d still prefer the company of women over men?” 

“If I were forced to socialize, yes. But I’m also content to observe. I want to save my energy for dancing later.” 

“Oh. Do you have dance partners already?” 

“Just one. Sein insisted that I reserve the first dance with him.” 

Nemo shifts his weight from one leg to the other. He suddenly seems nervous; well, more nervous than usual. 

“I’d like to share a dance with you as well, if you’d have me.” 

And isn’t that a surprising offer, especially coming from Nemo of all people. “I thought you’d like to dance with Aida?”

“I believe that Miss Aida is already spoken for. Carlo would also cause a scene if I were to approach her anyway. Mother says I should dance with at least ten women tonight… I think if I could dance with you first, then I’d build up the courage to ask other women later.” 

So his ultimate goal is to please Sylvia. Her immediate response is to turn him down, but Aisha mulls over the offer. 

Dancing with one Durant son is already ridiculous. Dancing with two of them feels excessive, a direct giveaway that Aisha lacks for dance partners beyond those in her circle—which, to be fair, she is lacking. Whatever will come next, Carlo to bluster into her corner and make an offer himself? If that’s the case, Aisha won’t hesitate to say no. 

But this is Nemo, the quietest and often forgotten son. And yet, he still acts out of blind obedience towards Sylvia, as though his unkind mother will finally notice him if he can dance with ten women. Aisha doubts that Sylvia will notice, let alone be happy to see her own sons mingling with her stepdaughters. 

She can understand why Sein offered; he finds great pleasure in aggravating her. However, Nemo still retains his innocence, despite surpassing Aisha in height and stature long ago. He hasn’t done wrong to her, but he hasn’t done her any right, either. 

“Fine. I can dance with you,” Aisha allows, skimming over the dance card. “The first quadrille.” Because God forbid she waltzes with another man. 

Nemo nods eagerly, his shoulders slumping as though a massive weight has been lifted. 

“Yes, of course, that would be perfect. Thank you, Miss Aisha.” 

Aisha sighs, carefully penciling in Nemo’s name onto her card. “I should thank you as well.” 

“Actually… if you’d like, I can introduce a few of my acquaintances to you. I’m sure they would love to dance with you as well.” 

That’s another surprise. She’s always assumed that he spends the majority of his days locked in the drawing room. 

He probably senses her surprise. “I met them at art exhibits in town. They’re nice people. Passionate about art. Some of them have commissioned me for pieces before.” 

The mental image of Nemo engaging with strangers gives Aisha pause. It appears that her perception of him has been outdated for quite some time. Her cheeks grow warm, and she lowers her head so that Nemo wouldn’t see the extent of her guilt and embarrassment. 

Not for the first time since she set foot into the ballroom, the urge to escape fills her anew. But she can’t escape now. She needs to play along to Sylvia’s game until the end, and Nemo presents an undeserving chance for her to pass time quickly. 

So, her pride sufficiently battered, Aisha accepts his suggestion. 

As Nemo promised, his acquaintances are nice and sociable. With something to occupy her restless mind, Aisha relaxes. Some men are already married, or betrothed to another, so she doesn’t need to worry about putting on airs before them. Although the conversations are centered around the arts, she’s still able to contribute her opinions, based on art history books that she’s read. 

As the dance program draws near, Aisha’s dance card is filled to a respectable degree. The dread of socializing and dancing has lulled. If she pretends that Nemo isn’t there, that Sylvia’s shrill laughter doesn’t echo in her ears every so often, that the flashes of Aida’s pink gown in her periphery are illusions, then she would enjoy herself fully. 

But Nemo is there. Sylvia is making rounds to curry favor with all the attending nobles. And her sister is a constant reminder that she can’t let down her guard. 

The orchestral music transitions into a slow, mellow waltz, signifying the start of the dance program. Aisha joins the women standing on one side, heart sinking as she sees Sein take his place opposite of her. 

His eyes meet hers, and he inclines his head to her in silent acknowledgement. He seems unaffected by the crowd. Aisha loosens her grip on her gown, hoping that her expression is neutral. 

They step forward in time with the music. It’s a lighthearted waltz that she learned a while ago. 

It just involves a fair bit of physical contact. Practicing with Aida as her partner is easy, sometimes even fun. Aida always took the chance to tease, tickling her ribs, poking her waist, hugging her close instead of holding her at arm’s length as required. The instructor scolded them numerous times, but Aida couldn’t be stopped. Aisha didn’t take the dance lessons too seriously either, so Aida’s antics never bothered her. 

Sylvia loves to keep up with appearances, therefore it’s a given that she also enrolled her sons in dance lessons. Whether they know how to dance properly is a separate matter entirely. Her stepmother’s reputation would suffer if none of her sons, as aristocrats, could dance well. 

So far Sein hasn’t stepped on her foot, which is promising. Aisha stifles a flinch when he places his hand against her waist, barely remembering that she has to put her hand on his shoulder. 

She straightens her spine, fixes her gaze on his nose, her lips a neutral line. From a distance and to an untrained eye, they’ll look friendly with each other. Siblings who enjoy each other’s company. 

“Enjoying the ball?” Sein asks, displaying no discomfort at their physical contact and proximity. 

“It’s tolerable.” 

“Met any prospective husbands yet?” His tone drops slightly. 

She rolls her eyes. “I could ask you the same.” 

“The answer would be no.” 

“Your mother hasn’t matched you with other noble women yet? I find that hard to believe.” 

His grip on her hand tightens until it almost hurts. “My mother doesn’t intervene in my affairs. I choose whom I’ll marry.” 

If it were her, and if Sylvia really tried to marry either her or Aida off, Aisha doubts that she gets a choice. He’s a man, so he can be stubborn without consequences. How fortunate. How unfair. He can find work as a piano teacher, even venture out of the estate on his own, explore Smod Street without a chaperone, and goodness knows what else he’s done. 

All she has is her books, but books only describe experiences to a limited extent. For instance, the romance books don’t delve into how loud these balls can be. How hot and stifling the air is, with the amount of people breathing and talking and laughing all at once. They don’t mention how close you are to your dance partner, how you feel the heat of his hand and are torn between two urges: to push him away and run off, or to clench your jaw and pretend that you don't feel anything at all. 

It’s only the first waltz, and she’s already exhausted. 

“No woman has piqued your interest?” She asks, mostly to distract herself until the waltz is over. 

“One has, though not because of this ball.” 

“You’ve met her before?” 

“Yes, I have.” 

She waits for him to divulge more, but he merely smiles down at her. 

“So you’re acquaintances?” Aisha pushes. 

“It’s complicated.” Sein guides her into a spin. For a moment, the chandeliers and shiny faces around them blur away. Then all too soon, his hand returns to her waist, and she finds small relief that he can dance and lead well. 

“She doesn’t reciprocate?” 

Sein doesn’t immediately respond. His eyes linger, like they’re searching for answers on her face. 

“I don’t know. I hope she does. She may not be aware of my affections yet.” 

“Isn’t it more fitting to dance with her first, then?” Aisha makes a point of glancing at the other couples. “You didn’t have to dance with me. Is she here?”

“She is.” 

“Have you asked her to dance yet?” 

“Of course. She accepted.” 

“Good for you.” 

“Enough about me. What about your other dance partners? I assume your card is full.” 

Aisha shakes her head. “Unfortunately I’m not as popular as you might think. But yes, I have secured a few other dance partners. Most of them are Nemo’s friends, including Nemo.” 

“How nice of him.” Though Sein doesn’t sound complimentary in the slightest, mouth twisting into a sneer. 

“He’s been quite kind to me this evening. I do feel a bit remorseful for treating him poorly when we were younger.” 

Sein hums. “Only a bit?” 

“He is still related to Sylvia.” 

“Ah. So an outsider, even though we’re family by marriage.” 

“I’ve never considered any of you as my real brothers,” Aisha reminds him. “I’m sure you don’t see me and Aida as your real sisters, either.” 

“Fair enough. And I’m glad we’re on the same page.” Sein leans forward, closer than needed, breath tickling her face. “You’re no sister to me.” 

His admission chases a shiver up her back. It sounds like a finality, like she’d confirmed something he’s waited for. 

The waltz ends sooner than expected. Sein doesn’t let go of her hand until they’re about to leave the dance floor. Right before she can slip away, he turns her palm up to press his lips on the center. Through the glove, above the scar. 

The tremors in her hand persist, long after he pulls away.