#also happy birthday our dear king

[oshygoshy]

7:29 am

word count - 953 words

warnings - reader is female in this one. nothing explicit, but suggestive at the end. general intim*cy (throws up, claws at my skin, shakes cell bar handles)

a/n - ermmm guys happy birthday to my glorious king oikawa butttt this is kinda cringe im not gonna lie also i literally woke up at like 3 am and it's past 8 am rn so forgive me for typos my head hurts and my eyes are strained and uhh im formatting this on pc so idk how it looks on mobile but ykw?? that is simply not my business

“who’s blowing up your phone like that?” you mused, sipping your morning coffee as you tried to blink the sleep from your eyes. it was a failing task, though oikawa had to commend you for the valiant attempt.

“i’m not sure,” he hummed, blowing on his tea to try to cool it down. he tried unlocking his phone from his current position, huffing when it didn’t work. he tapped in his passcode and opened up his messages app. 

you peer over his shoulder, resting your chin on his bicep. you raise an eyebrow when you see the message. “japanese? tooru, dear, are you texting one of your fangirls back from home?” 

“baby,” he whispered, turning his head to kiss you on your temple, “you are my home.”

“real smooth. tell me what your side piece said though,” you say, unamused. (but you’d be lying if you said there wasn’t a happy grin on your face.)

“do you remember when i was showing you japan’s volleyball roster, and we were watching one of their exhibition matches?”

“mhmm.”

“remember their athletic trainer?”

you turned your head at that, your cheek squishing adorably against his shoulder. “the really buff guy that you totally had the hots for?”

oikawa’s jaw dropped at that. “excuse me?? i don’t know whether i should be offended or disgusted by that comment-“

“-tooru, please. as your partner, i could see the bedroom eyes you had for him from the audience seating.”

his lips thinned as you turned your attention back to his screen. your sleepy voice tugged at his heartstrings, but he really wished you would say something else. “never said that was a bad thing…he kind of looks like me, don’t you think? it’s clear you have a type.”

“now, i don’t even know what you’re-“ he tried but only got cut off by you again with a giggle.

“-great arms, smoldering gaze, and ample space in the chest!” you say with a wink. 

you hear his audible groan, and can practically feel his eyes rolling in distaste, but you miss his flushed cheeks and dopey grin.

“checks out. he’s cute, in a grumpy kinda way. anyway, tell me what he said.”

“uh,” oikawa started, faltering at that comment. (iwa-chan? cute?) he squinted at his screen; he could really use his glasses right now. “it says…happy birthday.”

you frown. “that’s it? it looks like a longer message than just ‘happy birthday.’”

“he added a ‘stupidkawa’ at the end too.”

you laugh at that, but still have an eyebrow raised, seemingly not satisfied. after a moment, you shrug, letting your curiosity drop, and instead reach a hand up. “you should let me say something back.” you didn’t ask for permission, sending a little smiley face emoji and a bazillion pink glittery hearts. “there. i’m sure these will transcend our language barrier.” 

he shuts off his phone, placing it facedown as you move his cup out of his hands, and slide yourself into his lap. the morning rays are warm, argentina’s summer already making her mark on your glowing skin. but for now, in your private kitchen, his hair blowing gently from the air conditioning vent above, and the most precious smile and both your faces, oikawa couldn’t help but kiss you softly, feeling your smile against his lips.

“happy birthday, tooru,” you whisper against his skin. “my favorite olympian.” you lean back a bit, resting an arm against the counter. “and don’t worry your pretty little head about anything. since today’s the start of the weekend, we can do whatever you want. my treat.”

his hands rested against your waist, rubbing ambiguous shapes into the warmth. “how about we start off with brunch at the cafe we like? the one with the cute cat sitting out front?”

“‘kay. lemme get ready first,” you say, and with much strength, you leave the comfort of his arms, yawning lazily as you head back to your shared room. he stared openly as you stretched your arms above your head, and could only laugh when you flicked his forehead. 

“quit ogling me, stupidkawa.”

“but it’s my job to ogle you! and don’t call me that again. you sound just like him,” he said with a fake shudder. he heard your snicker echo in the hallway as he turned his attention back to his phone.  

it made sense why you were suspicious of iwa-chan’s text at first. though you didn’t speak japanese, it really did look too long to just say “happy birthday.” but he made sure to leave out the second half of his friend’s text. 

oikawa tapped a finger against the edge of the phone as he kept rereading it.

iwa-chan “happy birthday, stupidkawa. take a break, and keep an eye on your girl. some of the guys said they’d buy a ticket just see her.”  you "😊😁💕💖💓💞💖💕💓💓💖✨💖💖" “thanks, iwa-chan i'll be sure to take care of myself." "the hearts were from her. did you know she thinks you have ‘great arms, a smoldering gaze, and a big chest?’” “i told her you called me stupidkawa, and now she calls me that too. you’re a bad influence”

he saw the little dots pop up immediately. japan was only 12 hours ahead, so it should be around 7 pm for him.

iwa-chan “did she really? cute. maybe i should meet her too.” 

his eyes kept flicking back to the last message.

“meet her too.”

“meet her”

“cute”

oikawa raised his brows, thinking. wouldn’t that be a treat, to have iwaizumi and you meet? well, doesn’t matter. they’ll be seeing each other soon in paris for the olympics. but…he thought back to what you said about him. (great arms? cute? you both found each other cute??)

well, maybe they can have another, more secret competition back in his room. winner takes all. 

[ofmdrecaps]

10/20-22/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Happy very Belated Birthday Rachel House! David Jenkins; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi; Con O'Neill; Samba Schutte; Vico Ortiz; Kristian Nairn; Nathan Foad; Boris McGiver; Tiny Boats Raffle! Articles; Fan Spotlight; amuseoffyre; Love Notes!

== Happy Birthday Rachel House! ==

Oct 20 was our dear Mary Reed's Birthday! She's been a staple in so many Aotearoa films and TV, and we hope to keep getting to see all her fantastic work for many more years!

Img Src: Screengrab from TheylorSwift Gif

== David Jenkins ==

Chaos Dad has confirmed that the "summer teeth" was Alyssa Lane and Alex Sherman's doing!

Source: David's Twitter

And some love for this OFMD pumpkin!!!

Source: David Jenkins' Twitter

== Rhys Darby ==

Okay so this is really for Rhys AND Taika, and Jemaine-- but Guess what? It's been 10 years since WWDITS 2014 came out! In celebration there's a a limited edition bluray out! I'm still waiting to hear back whether or not it's region free.. because it's got some cool stuff!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Madman (@madmanfilms)

Source: Rhys' Instagram

I didn't see him in the trailer, but it's also been announced that Rhys will be joining Ke Huy Quan and Sean Astin in the new movie Love Hurts coming to theatres on Feb 7, 2025!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Love Hurts (@lovehurtsmovie)

Source: Ke Huy Quan's Instagram

== Taika Waititi ==

Taika was out in Tokyo with Rita for her concert! We got some silly behind the scenes shots of him and Bret from Flight of the Conchords!

Source: Roara Magazine Instagram

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bret McKenzie (@bretrospective)

Source: BretRospective's Instagram

Also -- more news for Taika -- he helped to Executive Produce all 10 episodes, but also directed one of the episodes! It premieres on Nov 19 on Hulu!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Taika Waititi (@taikawaititi)

Source: Taika's Instagram And in case you haven't seen enough of Taika -- he's out taking selfies with fans!

Source: Instagram

== Con O'Neill ==

For those of you who still have access to Max-- Our Izzy Hands, Con O'Neill showed up episode 5 of The Penquin as Gotham's Chief of Police!

Source: Gotham Chief Twitter

== Samba Schutte ==

Samba's been so busy with interviews about Advanced Chemistry! First up is Beyond the Glam!

Source: Beyond the Glam

Next up is Watch or Pass with Samba and the writer Alec Moore!

Source: Youtube

Not an interview-- but Samba did a voting short that he shared on his Instagram as well!

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A post shared by Samba Schutte (@sambaschutte)

Source: Sambas Instagram

== Vico Ortiz ==

Did any of yall join Vico for Drag Your King this Saturday? I wasn't able to make it but looking forward to the video once it's available! You may already know this-- but Vico has been doing A LOT of voice work lately. They've narrated Metal From Heaven (August Clarke) which you can check out here! They are also the narrator for The Stars Too Fondly!

Are you in LA on October 25th? Hit up the LA Femme Int'l Film Festival where you can see Vico's film Lesbophilia! Get tickets here!

Source: Vico's Instagram Stories

== Kristian Nairn ==

Kristian was digging through some old stuff and found these awesome Wonder Woman Bracelets <3

Source: Kristian's Instagram

Reminder UK Crew! Kristian and Nathan will be at MCM Comic Con in London Oct 25 - 27!

Source: Nathan's Instagram

== Boris McGiver ==

Another trailer for Father Bonnet's new show Teacup! Warning-- it's creepy AND bloody! Just in time for Halloween!

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A post shared by Scott Speedman ✰FANSITE (@sscottyfan)

Source: Boris McGiver's Instagram

== Tiny Boats Raffle ==

Okay so I'm MANY days late on this one-- the Tiny Boats Charity Raffle is up! They've announced all their charities! Wanna learn more on how you can win one of Auntie's tiny boats? Visit their Linktr.ee! Or @ofmd-buys-boats on tumblr! It's super cool that all the charities were chosen by the cast! Here's the Entry Form: TinyCrewBigRaffle Entry Form and Entry Guide!

Source: TinyCrewBigRaffle

== Articles ==

== Fan Spotlight ==

= A Muse of Fyre =

Back again with a new muppet is @amuseoffyre! I can't tell you how damn impressive this Ned Low is! He's practically sinister!

Source: amuseoffyre's Twitter

== Love Notes ==

Hey there lovelies. It's been a long beginning of the week for me.. as you can see I'm several days late again.

I just wanted to send a quick reminder that I badly needed this week.. and that is that we are not defined by our low points.

Sometimes things are not gonna go our way, no matter how much we plan, or try to make them do it, and sometimes we just gotta let the tide take us in a direction until it calms the hell down. When it finally does, you're gonna still be the same kind, and wonderful person you've always been-- maybe with some new outlooks or experiences, or even some new lessons learned. We're never the same person we were the day before, but we can still hold onto the things that make us us. Your kindness, your love, your laughter, and your tears... and so much more. Hard times don't define us lovelies, we define us. I hope this week goes in an upward direction for you, and the tides calm down a bit. Please know, even when I'm not around I'm always thinking of you. Take care <3

Source: The Latest Kate's Tumblr

[dean-winchester-is-a-warrior]

Home

Summary: Dean comes home.

Warnings: None. Major fluff. Angst if you squint.

Pairings: Dean Winchester x Y/N (Robbie and Sadie - OFCs)

Word Count: 937

A/N: The lovely @deanswaywardgirl requested a fluffy fic using the moment from the gif above. I loved the idea of giving our boy a happy home, so this came into my mind. It took me way too long to come up with this simple fluffy drabble, my dear. But I hope you enjoy!

The beautiful dividers below and at the bottom were created by @talesmaniac89

Dean stepped quietly into the dark house, closing the back door as softly as possible. He slid the deadbolt home and then set down the big green duffel bag that was slung over his shoulder. He breathed deeply, drawing in the scents of lemon cleaner, crayons, and roast chicken that permeated the kitchen. 

He was home.

The only light in the room came from the soft bulb shining above the sink, spilling out of the window and falling across the grass in the backyard. Y/N left it on any time he was gone on a hunt. She told him to use it like a lighthouse, to follow its signal back to the safe harbor of their home. 

It always worked because he thought of that light every time he was away. He’d never told Y/N this because he didn’t want to scare her, but there had been a few times, when the monster had him nearly beaten, that the memory of that light had truly saved him. The thought of it shining for him, and of the people on the other side of it, waiting for him to come home, gave him the strength to push himself one more step and win the battle.

He flipped the switch, turning off the lighthouse now that he was safely docked, and stepped quietly through the kitchen. He bounded soundlessly up the stairs, shedding his jacket and thick flannel on the way, and tossing them over the banister. 

Once upstairs, he reached Robbie’s room first and opened the door; he was glad he’d fixed the squeak in the hinge before he left last time. It swung open quietly and he looked across the room to where his son slept, his thin back rising and falling in a quiet rhythm.

Dean passed his gaze over the room, his hunter’s eyes seeking anything out of place or suspicious. When he was satisfied that all was well in the room with the baseball wallpaper, he closed the door over again and continued down the hall to Sadie’s room, walking inside to peer into her crib and watch her tiny chest rise and fall. 

He was home in time for her first birthday in two days, and he was determined that no matter what catastrophes the world tried to dish up for them, he would be there at the party, wearing a stupid clown party hat, and overdosing on cake and ice cream. 

As he looked at her, he couldn’t resist smoothing one of his too rough fingers across her satin-soft, chubby cheek. She stirred slightly and grabbed hold of his finger, gripping it tightly in her sleep. Dean happily stood like that for nearly ten minutes, marveling over her, and refusing to take his hand away from where she clutched it.

Finally she let go and rolled over and Dean smoothed back her baby curls from her forehead and left the room before he was tempted to wake her up just so he could see her four-tooth smile.

He wandered across the hall to his and Y/N’s bedroom and walked as quietly as possible through the door, avoiding the floorboard that always squeaked. All he could see of Y/N was one shapely leg sticking out of the thick duvet that covered their bed. Otherwise the massive King size bed swallowed her up.

She always said the bed felt far too big and empty when he was gone, and he believed her. Every bed without her in it felt hard, cold, and empty. He shucked off his boots and pants, and tugged his t-shirt over his head, leaving him in just his dark blue boxer briefs. He tried as hard as possible not to shift the bed as he got in, but he knew it would be in vain.

Y/N also slept very lightly when he wasn’t beside her.

“Dean?” She mumbled, mostly still asleep, as he stretched out beside her. 

“Yeah, sweetheart, it’s just me.”

“Mmmmm…” Y/N moaned softly as she cuddled close to him, and curled her arm around his waist, laying her head on his chest and pressing a kiss there. “You’re home.” She said on a sigh. 

“I’m home.” He confirmed as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and held her tight against him. 

She looked up at him with a sleepy face and a crooked smile. “I missed you.”

Dean nodded. “Me too, baby, me too.” He bent his head so he could kiss her lips gently. “Go back to sleep.”

She shook her head. “How was the hunt?”

Dean shrugged softly beneath her. “Went okay. Didn’t lose anyone else, and we got the shifter. So we can’t ask for more than that.” He squeezed her again. “But man, I’m glad I'm home.”

Y/N nodded. “Me too.” She agreed, as she snuggled herself deeper into his side, and laid her head back down on his chest. Very quickly Dean heard her breathing even out into deep breaths and knew she was asleep again. 

As he felt his eyelids get heavy, he breathed in the peace that always came when he walked back through his door and felt the presence of his family envelope him. The calm that flowed through him as he watched them, knowing they were safe, knowing they were healthy and whole, was a sublime kind of gift, one he never wanted to take for granted.

As the tap dripped softly in their bathroom, his mind floated into oblivion, and he brought his contentment with him into a night of sweet dreams, and peaceful quiet.

NEW TAGS 2:

1 - Jensen RPF + Any/All characters Jensen plays. @lyarr24 @deans-spinster-witch @impalaslytherin @maggiegirl17 @akshi8278 @candy-coated-misery0731 @deanswaywardgirl @slytherinlyn314 @globetrotter28 @jensensgirl @perpetualabsurdity @tristanrosspada-ackles @djs8891 @muhahaha303 @kayyay1219 @emily-winchester @recoveringpastaaddict @maximumkillshot @mimaria420 @sacriceria @envyaurora95 @lacilou @jc-winchester @spnwoman @mimi-luvzyu @jackles010378

2 - Dean Winchester Fics Only. @carryonwaywardgirl

3 - Any/All Fics (regardless of fandom/character.) @kazsrm67 @sexyvixen7 @alexxavicry @nancymcl @spalady26

4 - Everything (includes fan vid/DOOL edits as well) @unabashed-lover-of-fictional-men @maliburenee @supernatural4life2022 @spn730015 @kickingitwithkirk @waywardbaby @foxyjwls007 @deanwanddamons @deandreamernp @deanwithscissors @myloversgone @snowlovespie @leigh70 @all-alone-he-turns-to-stone @charred-angelwings @hopefuldreamers-world @jensensgotyoudean @thoughts-and-funnies @magssteenkamp @princessmisery666 @eevvvaa @mishkatelwarriorgoddess @waynes-multiverse @mrsjenniferwinchester @bernasaurus @jensenslady79 @courtn92 @avanatural @ellie-andthemachine @this-is-me19 @roseblue373 @katbratsupernaturalwhore @fanfic-n-tabulous @k-slla

[mirroringdust]

For @hellghoulweek

"Who's that?" she asked her maid, who was sitting next to her on the wooden stand that overlooked the tournament grounds.

"Oh, that..." her maid paused for a moment, almost hesitant, and looked up at her. "That's the Black Knight."

"The black night?" Lady Galadriel turned her head towards her, as if she could hear better that way, "I can see that he wears black armour, but who is he... where is he from, where are his lands?"

"My lady," Mirdania said, stuttering, "that's all I know... I think that's all anyone knows. He's just the Black Knight."

"Is he?" Galadriel raised her eyebrows and turned her head back to the tournament. She would have to ask the king later how he could allow someone who did not reveal his true identity to take part in such a joyous occasion. It was her birthday, after all. But before she could think about it, or even anticipate it, her eyes remained on him for a while longer. The armour made it almost impossible to recognise any of his features, but his demeanour was enough to make the people around him cheer whenever he mounted his horse, and his habit of always winning did the rest to give him a lasting impression. Galadriel felt a slight smile escape her lips, for she did understand it, in a way. His stature seemed to tower over the others by just a little, but enough to make him stand out, and his dark armour made him seem even more striking.

For a moment she thought he was looking at her. She quickly looked away but immediately returned her gaze towards him as soon as he left the tournament place. She followed every step of his tall, sheltered figure flashed between the colourful tents, clinging to the sight, unable to look away from the shadows until they grew longer, for the sun slowly began to set. It was like a blemish on an otherwise unspoiled, solemn scene. A disturbance, yes, but also a pull, like a dark cave drawing her in. What was it that kept her eyes to his movements? There was a mystery that dared to be discovered, something like a secret hidden underneath the all embracing mask.

Yet after the tournament, she occupied herself with other things for a while, and when she sat next to Gil-galad in the great hall to greet the winners, she did not ask him who he was.

The great hall was the most festive room in the entire castle of Lindon, and it was now being used to celebrate her birthday, to welcome their guest, to honour the beloved daughter the King never had and who was most dear to him. Galadriel smiled all day, not necessarily because she was happy, but because she knew the occasion demanded it. She did enjoy the celebration, of course, but after a while it became repetitive and tiring.

The procedure was always the same. One of the knights who had taken part in the tournament stepped forward, bowed to the king, knelt to pay his respects and pledge his allegiance, before turning to her, still on his knees. She sat on a slightly smaller throne to the king's left, wearing a gleaming white dress and a shimmering coronet on her brow. Most of the time, the knights bowed their heads before looking up at her in awe, extolling her beauty, perhaps praising the glow of her golden hair, the fact that her grace was sung of by troubadours, and then, of course, congratulating her and giving her a gift. It was usually the same. Jewellery, dresses, those kinds of blinding things.

(continue on AO3)

[jade-green-butterfly]

Today’s a very important and special day, folks...~🌟Today is the awesome Ron Funches’ birthday, which means it’s my special darling boi, Cooper’s birthday too!!🎊🥳🎂✨😍

Preparing for the special occasion, I started thinking up of what I could draw for him and Ron this year...🤔And then I thought, ‘I know! I could draw an AU where I am a well-loved pop idol, just like BroZone and I am performing specially for Cooper on his birthday, whilst he totally yet adorably fanboys over me!’ 💡😀 I did just that and...WOW!!😲It turned out even more amazing and eye-catching as I hoped and planned~!💖🤩💖I am so pleased of how I got me and Cooper's poses spot on from what I had in mind~💗😍And yep! Before anyone asks...that IS a BroZone-inspired jacket I've got on!😆(Peach colour~✨🍑) I just had to add that for my Pop Idol AU look, along with singing the Spice Girls' 'Spice Up Your Life'~ (a late 90's hit from my childhood)🎶🎤😚 I feel my style here was a cute combination of the Trolls movies and TrollsTopia, whilst I aimed to combine the background of my performance on stage with Cooper's dreamy vision as he's truly awe(love)struck over me, bless him~💗🥰Hehe~!🤭And of course, I gave our darling birthday prince a 'Cupcake King' theme to his party hat, because he is one - my Cupcake King~🩷♛🧁😉 Hope you all like too, dears!💕✨😊👍🏻I really enjoyed making this piece, especially for Ron and my beloved sweet jellybean, Cooper~💗🫶🏻U//w//U💘

🎉🎈🌈🎊~A very Happy Birthday to you, Cooper a.k.a Ron Funches!~🎊🌈🎈🎉 =^o^=🥳🎂✨🎁 I love you with all my heart and thank-you so, so much for all the happiness and love you have brought me~💗🌈💖🥰💝🫂xoxo.

*~Reblogs are also deeply appreciated as well, so please do reblog as well as like! Thank-you kindly!~*

Cooper (c) DreamWorks Trolls/DreamWorks Animation Trollsona Jussy/Justina Butterfly (c) @jade-green-butterfly (Me~!)

[velvet4510]

Happy Birthday to the King himself, Aragorn, born on the 1st of March, Third Age 2931!

(Side note: this is also the date that he, Gimli, and Legolas found out Gandalf was alive. Considering the circumstances, it was probably one of, if not THE best birthday present our dear Strider ever had!!)

[lokisbiiiitch1993]

Loki fluff on our birthday?

Birthday Headcanons

Darling, Happy Birthday

Darling,in two weeks is your Birthday, do you have anything planned? Loki asked longing to know .

"No ,my Dear ,I will be too busy and tired with work the Week before to plan anything " you answered

"The only thing I want for my Birthday is You - spending the whole Day with You alone"

"That sounds Perfect" you added already Daydreaming about it - No Stress,No Work ,Just Relaxing with your Boyfriend

"As you wish,my Darling"Loki replied with a Smirk

"Mischief, stop smirking,I don't want to do anything crazy,I just want to relax" you stated

On the morning of your Birthday,Loki woke you up - Happy Birthday, Darling - kissing your Cheek

Grumpily you snapped " what happened to relaxing??"

"I am sorry my Love but I want to go with you somewhere,I promise you have enough time for that later " Loki explained

After putting some clothes on , Loki commands to close your Eyes and blindfolded you. He whispered " it's a Surprise,my Love "

A moment later you both got teleported to Asgard, to Loki's secret favourite Place.

"Take the Blindfold off , Darling" he ordered

You were speachless for a while "Wow , this Place is beautiful, magical" you muttered

"There's a hot Spring too ,I thought you like that ,I packed everything we need for today "Loki revealed

Overjoyed you kissed Loki passionately

" I hope the water is soo comforting hot that it feels like it burns the Skin from my Bones,mmmh that sounds relaxing " you told him excited

"Well .. Darling,I hope the Temperature is pleasant and less like Torture "Loki stated

"Loki ,come now ,let's get in " you said

"But first ....Strip for me " you demanded giggling

"I beg your Pardon " Loki answered

" Darling, I think I need to remind you that I am a God " he responded

"Well , you don't need to remind me ,I know but you are my God and a pretty Hot God - you are also the King of my Heart " you tried to hype him up .

" Only because it's your Birthday and only because I love you " he said smirking

As you watched him intently - you thought that's the best Birthday ever

My Masterlist

[lilyvalerieorchard]

Letters to Lily #1

This one from GrumpyGremlin

Dear Lily, your videos saved my life. From seeing my favourite teen heroes killed off in Avengers Academia: Arena and Avengers Undercover; Spider-Man's marriage erased in One More Day; Cass Cain turned into a kill-happy James Bond-villain in Robin: One Year Later; my mind snapped. The world was destroyed. But when I saw your videos, the light returned. The way you smeared Rebecca Sugar as a sexual predator, accused her of being two-bit fascist Nazi apologist, it was beyond beautiful. It was magnificent, divine, perfection in the highest order. What I had witnessed was akin to watching Michelangelo painting the celling of the Sistine Chapel. A masterwork to humanity's greatness. And the masterwork awoke a great truth in me: Always call people who displease you ,even the slightest, a Nazi. From my mind came back painful memories: Jason Aaron forcing me to watch him run over my school science project again, again and again; Jonathan Hickman flushing my stamp collection down the toilet then making me drink from it; Matthew Rosenburg and Ed Brisson putting ink in my underwear and forcing me to wear them; Tom Taylor and Tom King ruining my birthday by sending unfunny clowns to torment me; Donny Cates making me lick a frozen lamp-post only to be stuck to it; Brian Michael Bends forcing me to eat my own goldfish to the tune of Combine Harvester; Dan Slott gluing me to couch so he could torture me with his bagpipe playing; Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV and Joshua Williamson gluing my furniture to the celling, taking a massive Taco-Bell desecration in the middle of the room then demanding me to pay my entire livelihood for it. It was from these traumatic recollections I realized more great truths: Aaron and Hickman ghost-co-wrote Avengers Academy: Arena and Avengers Undercover; Bendis, Cates and Slott ghost-co-wrote One More Day; Snyder, Tynion and Williamson ghost-co-wrote Robin: One Year Later. Even worse, they were allowed complete freedom from editors because, as you taught me, ever since the mid-90s, animation studios and comic companies stopped interference form higher-ups, allowing creators to do whatever they want. Producers and editors be damned. Ever since then, all cartoon and comic companies operate solely under the superstar creator/Auteur theory method. After all, if the likes of Spielberg, Scorsese and Coppola no longer have higher-ups to answer to, then means the same for all creators in all creative fields. You taught me that. Thanks to you, not only do I call Aaron, Hickman, Rosenburg, Brisson, Taylor, King, Benids, Cates, Slott, Snyder, Tynion, Williamson and other creators "hacks" but I also accuse them of being "perverts", "eugencists", "fascist enablers" and "Neo-Nazis". I even send them messages threating their lives. It is the most wonderful thing ever! Thank you, Lily. As a leftist, agnostic-atheist, transgender, First-Nations lesbian woman, you can do no wrong. You truly are our generation's Joan Of Arc!

Aww! Thanks. I love me too.

[for-valour]

sorry for the following solemn question, was there any story the day bertie died? the only one i that i know is that lilibet didn't know until hours later when philip broke the news to her because they were in kenya. what about queen mary, queen mum, and margaret? this come to my mind after watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHXla__FEiY the way the queen mum actress runs while crying his name just broke my heart.

Thanks for your question - and really sorry it took me ages to get back to you 😣. I've written a little bit about how Margot, May and Elizabeth were all affected by Bertie's death, and I hope I'm answering this correctly!

Princess Margaret Princess Margaret was at Sandringham when her father died. She recalled hearing him laugh 'heartily at a joke he had just heard' and then go happily to bed at 10:30pm. When she learned of his passing in the morning, she was absolutely distraught. It is said that she was even prescribed sedatives to help her sleep at night, and Christopher Warwick wrote (in his 2017 biography, Princess Margaret: A Life of Contrasts) that she would frequently weep and cry out, 'Why did he have to die so young?'

A couple of months after Bertie’s death, Margaret wrote to a family friend, 'He was such a wonderful person, the very heart and centre of our happy family. Everything seemed to come from him and no-one could have had a more devoted and thoughtful father. He was always so very much alive so that at this lovely Easter time he doesn’t feel so very far away and one is comforted by all thoughts of happiness for him and his love for us all.' Even the fact that Margaret’s own funeral was held on the 50th anniversary of Bertie's death also shows just how close she held her father in her heart - right until the very end.

The Queen Mother When The Queen Mother was praised for her courage in getting through her husband’s funeral without crying, she replied: 'Not in private.' In fact, she was so heartbroken after his death that she travelled all the way to Caithness in Scotland to be allowed to mourn alone (I've actually been there and it is *very* remote). This was also the time when she discovered Castle Mey, which she bought to escape to ‘occasionally when life becomes hideous’ - which I imagine was linked to those dark days when she felt the loss of Bertie all over again.

She said in a letter to Queen Mary: 'I flew to his room and thought he was in a deep sleep, he looked so peaceful — and then I realised what had happened.' She also further confided in her mother-in-law, 'I know that you loved Bertie dearly, and he was my whole life, and one can only be deeply thankful for the utterly happy years we had together. He was so wonderfully thoughtful and loving, and I don’t believe he ever thought of himself at all… I cannot bear to think of Lilibet, so young to bear such a burden — I do feel for you so darling Mama — to lose two dear sons, and Bertie still so young and so precious — it is almost more than one can bear…'

Queen Mary Having already lost two sons (Prince John at the age of 13, and Prince George in an RAF plane crash just before his 40th birthday), the death of a third child, her beloved Bertie whom she was so close to and so proud of, deeply traumatised her. Queen Mary said to Princess Marie Louise: 'I have lost three sons through death, but I have never been privileged to be there to say a last farewell to them.' Mary herself also remarked that she spent a lot of time talking to her daughter-in-law (the grieving Queen Mother) 'of much that was in our poor tattered hearts.'

Queen Mary’s health was already struggling in the early 1950s, and it wouldn't be surprising that she suffered further after King George VI's death. The sombre photograph of her, Queen Elizabeth and The Queen Mother in mourning dress was taken whilst they were stood at King’s Cross Station in London, awaiting the arrival of Bertie’s coffin from Sandringham for the ‘Lying-in-State' at Westminster Hall. Contrary to popular belief it was not taken on the day of the funeral itself, which she was too unwell (and perhaps too distressed?) to attend.

Sources: Princess Margaret: A Life of Contrasts, by Christopher Warwick. The Queen Mother: The Official Biography, by William Shawcross. Photos: Getty, National Portrait Gallery.

[elsalouisa]

Letter from Fawzia, the future Empress of Iran, to Queen Farida of Egypt, wife of King Farouk I (her brother), with original envelope addressed "La Majesté la Reine / Farida / Egypte".

"My dear Farida, Would you my dear Farida excuse me not writing to you before now. You must know that my sentiments towards you, are always the same, if not more. But do you see Farida that if I had written to you before I could not have helped not speaking about the sad incident that have passed between our two countries, and I would not have liked to cause you any pain because you had naturally nothing to do with this story. I was very pained as well as my dear husband about all that has passed and that should not have passed, but I hope that now that the bad tongue will stop over there. I have to tell you that my husband thinks a lot of good about you and also Zeinab. He gardes (sic) a very good souvenir of you. Well now I think that it is time to start speaking about something more pleasant. I am giving this letter to Hassanein to take to you because it is more sure of reaching you safely. I have such lots of things to ask you that I don't know how to start, but of course the first thing that comes into my head is, how is dear little Ferial? How she must have grown since I last saw her. I saw just recently in the papers a photo of her sitting up, how fat and podgy she looks; how I would love to see her now and kiss and hug her. Zeinab told me that in one of your letters you said Ferial had started to walk a little and also speak a few words. Do please send me some photos of her. I would so love to have them and if you have any photos of yourself and Loukie - it would be so nice. What are you doing these days? Faika told me that she sees you more often now, than she used to, and every Friday she goes to the cinema with you, and in fact she is enjoying herself more than when we were together. I hear that Loukie is taking down quite a lot of buildings as usual, he has not yet lost that craze. I expect you go swimming a lot these days with Faiza. I hear that Nimi might be getting engaged very soon to the son of Dr Aly Ibrahim, is it true, does she like him? If it is true give her all my best wishes. How is Mama getting on these days in the best of moods I hope. You had better not show this letter to her as there might be ructions. I hear that Fathia has left her, or rather she got the boot. Any Way how did it happen? I never did like her much, neither did you for that matter. How is Bibi taking on the job? Is Mama really going to Europe? I don't think it can be possible now considering the situation in Europe, what with war starting it is much too dangerous. Your birthday is very neat, I expect you will get this letter after. You tell me about all the wonderful presents you will receive. I am also sending you a little present that I hope you will like, even though it is not anything much, it is not anything very much, it is just a little remembrance to show you that I have not forgotten you. I remembered you saying once that you would like to have a parure of turquoise, well it is very hard to find it all at once so I am sending you little by little, starting with the ring, which I hope that you will like. I expect you have heard rumours like everybody else that I am going to have a baby; ell I am afraid it is not true, I am not going to have a baby at least not just now, but maybe the next time I write you may hear the news. I expect you have read in my sister's letters what I do every day, well there is nothing new to write about except that I play tennis every other day, and see the cinema. In fact I have a very nice time and I am very very happy and I that is all. Give my sallams to your ladies in waiting Akiler & co. My husband and I send you our best thoughts. Lots of love from your Ever devoted Fawzia PS - Don't forget the snaps - and write as soon as possible, give my love to Loukie"

[popculturebuffet]

Disney 100th Birthday Special: Top 12 Disney Television Animation Shows

Happy Birthday all you happy people! And it's a very special birthday as it's the 100th anniversary of a company that, while I routinely mock on a regular basis for impaling themselves about a dozen time a year, has brought me a lot of joy. It was a 100 years ago that the wonderful world of disney began and 100 years later it's still bringing us some of the finest and funnest animation around and will likely continue for a hundred more as they create a whole disney planet serving up mickey shaped foods for all time around a disney owned star.

So before we can look forward to happiest dystopian future off earth, I thought hard about what I wanted to do for the 100th. I've covered disney a LOT on this blog: season 3 of ducktales AND the arcs for the two seasons before that, seasons 2 and 3 of both amphibia and owl house, classics like the Lion King and A Goofy Movie, a whole year worth of house of mouse reviews, shorts, various comics great and donald being pro illteracy.. the list could go on for an entire article itself.

So while I had PLENTY of options, from a shorts marathon to another movie, I decided the best way to honor this occasion was by focusing on a portion of disney near and dear to my heart: Disney TV Animation.

Way Way Back in the 1980s, DisneyTVA was formed by fresh faced executive overlord Michael Eisner. Eisner was looking to expand his new empire, and found a clever way to do it. See at the time while there were certainly good cartoons, most had the budget of a paper clip and a piece of string. It's why Disney took this long to get into the game: Walt thought he just coudln't get the quality needed on a tv budget and while he WANTED to at some point, he passed before that could happen.

Many laughed at this decision, citing it as a huge money sink waiting to happen.

Yeah critics not taking animation or kids watching it seriously isn't new and assuming they'll just watch anything is laughable. Yes low budget shows like Transformers got plenty of views... but transformers also put in high quality voice actors and intriguging designs. Take both of those and make the animation bouncier, and kids would notice.

And they did: The first Disney TVA show, Gummi Bears, was a massive success, leading to the planet sized one that was Ducktales and a whole legacy of classic shows.

There is a double edged sword here though: While most of these shows are high quality and well loved.. Disney tends to.. ignore they exist. They don't make merch, think adult and teenage fans aren't a think, and when it comes to merch don't usually tend to make it for these shows during or after their runs. There are exceptions and they are reviving stuff.. but disney has a bad habit to prefer cashing in on nostalgia than on what they have now unless it fits their narrow perameters

For me though.. Disney TVA is home to some of the best, most game changing shows in the medium. From shows I grew up with to shows that sadly just ended, Disney has made a ton of shows permeanntly embded in my heart. My doctor says I should get that removed but what does he know. At this studio are creators who are passionate, create unique works, and work very hard to stand out. Even when shows get slapped with the dreaded 2 season limits, they still stick in our hearts not just because of that nostlaagia pop disney wants, but because they were just that good and still hold up into adulthood. I've covered a lot of this library, owe my career to these shows and will never sotp being impressed by them.

So out of the 42 i've seen I whittled it down by 30 which was way harder than it sounded down to the very best. A few shows like Gargoyles I sadly just.. hadn't watched, so if something's missing it was either that or a very hard cut. Whlie the top 8 was shockingly easy, it was hard to narrow this list down to the very best. I'd also like to point out that this is my opinon: feel free to send me your own lists, i'd be curious to see how your own personal experinces shaped yours. But for now this is mine... and this is my top 12 best disney telvision animation shows.

12. The Weekenders Created by Doug Landale 2000-2004 4 Seasons, 76 episodes

Our #12 is a childhood faviorite of mine.. and also one of the two shows your most likely to hear me bitch about disney+ not having. IT'S BEEN ALMOST 4 YEARS.

But bitch complaning about disney being disney aside, the Weekenders is a charming classic that needs more eyes on it and it's weird I haven't covered frankly.

At any rate Weekenders is a slice of life show with a good yet simple hook: it follows 4 middle schoolers, Tino, Carver, Lor and Tish, as through their weekends from Friday after school to monday morning. It allows for the show to do pretty much whatever it wants, and what it wants is to be a fairly lowkey slice of life show. The only really zany element that I can remember, or that I saw in ToonrfiqTariq's excellent retrospective of the series, which you can find here, is main character Tino, a sarcastic but kind guy played by voice acting royalty James Marsden, talking to the audience zack morris style, which is really just a neat way to move things along so it's not that obtrusive. I highly recommend that retrospective by the way. Tariq is awesome and it helped jog my memory on the show.

The series is a fairly low stakes affair: our heroes have a fairly typical problem, they talk it out or deal with it as the weekend goes on, and at least once an episode they go for pizza at an ever changing pizza restraunt with a fun new gimmick each episode, something I loved already as a kid but love even more NOW as an adult knowing that gag was likely a LOT to do. Keep in mind they had to draw new backgrounds, exteriors, and a new costume for the guy running it every time. It's the kind of joke you think a series would've given up on for those reasons but nope, every episode has one.

Weekenders is a throughly charming slice of life show, helped by it's characters: In addition to tino we have the egotistical Carver (Phil LaMarr) thickheaded jock Lor (Grey DeLise) and immigrant nerd and vegtarian Tish. While the four coudl've easily fallen into their sterotypes there's just enough depth to the cast to make them work. Tish in paticular was my faviorite, not only being one of the first immigrant stories in a show I saw that was largely respectful and not just

It's a great show I genuinely wish I had more to say about. Find it somehow if you can, it's entirely worth it.

11. Phineas and Ferb Created By Dan Povmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh 2007-2015, 20XX- 129 Episodes, 2 Movies, Upcoming Revival

At a time when kids animation wasn't in the best place, Phineas and Ferb was the smash hit we all badly needed. Done by vetran creators and Rocko's Modern Life Alums, Phineas and Ferb was a fun, creative show about two boys who simply wanted to make the best out of summer... and happened to be child progidys only limited by their immgination, so they could do anything and the utterly catchy theme song helpfully outlined it. Having only watched the first three or four seasons, I still don't know if they ever found Frankensteins' Brain. It was over there.

While the a-plots with the boys were great most of the time and had a great supporting cast: Helpful scout Isabella, shrill voiced nerd Baljeet and bully turned buddy Buford, the real draw for most of us was the b-plot: each episode the boys Platapus Perry would sneak out, don a fedora and foil the plots of his arch enemy and best buddy Heinz Doofenschmirtz, an awkward mad scientest who rather than therapy decides to deal with the many, MANY traumas in his life by building various inators and talking to Perry. Their shenanigans inevitibly undo whatever our heroes did in time for their mom to never notice and just think their sister Candance needs help as she tries to bust them.

The show mostly used this loop for it's lengthy run, ocasionally mixing up the setting by visiting the kids grandparents or with a special, but it mostly went like this. This started as the shows strength as the repitition allowed them to REALLY play with the formula: lampshade it, subvert it, and play with it. Sometimes Perry would go to foil doof but it ended up being something benign like Doof trying to do a party for his Daughter or go on a date. Sometimes the boys would genuinely be trying to help Candance or she'd have her own concerns outside of bustin making her feel good. The show packed this with tons of lampshade hanging, catchy songs (after an early one made the network want it once an episode), and genuine heart. It's hard not to root for Phineas and his optimism and genuine cheer. Depsite "driving our sister insane" being a main lyric.. the kid has nothing but love in his heart for his sister and that simple goal of just wanting to do something fun or help someone each day makes this one of the sweeetest shows around.

So your probably wondering why it's so low. And it's really simple: it's constant status quo.. kind of wore it out for me. After a while there was no real reason for Linda NOT to know the boys were doing this. We never got any indication she'd care beyond "Maybe wear a helmet" or "Have candace watch you", neither of which would really STOP what they do every day. While Across the Universe was a great movie it having a MASSIVE snapback at the end is what eventually got me out of the show. It was hard to invest when the show wasn't willing to really change anything. In hindsight I do get some shows just function better as status quo shows and my bitterness has lessened and it's why this show ended up making the list: it's status quo could be frustrating.. but no one had more fun playing with it at the time than these two kids. And the hunchbacked old man what fights/is common lawed married to their platypus.

10. American Dragon: Jake Long Created by Jeff Goode Developed by Eddie Guzelian and Matt Negrete 2005-2007 2 Seasons, 52 Episodes AmDrag was part of the teen superhero boom on kids shows in the 2000's. Classics like Danny Phantom, My Life as a Teenage Robot, El Tigre and more came about at this time, with disney only dipping it's toes in twice with this show and another we'll get to soon enough.

That said.. American Dragon is an excellent show, mostly down to it's core: The show follows the titular Jake Long, a guy who on surface, from rapping part of his theme to his frosted tips to his skateboard comes off very much like an energy drink came to life and starred in it's own show. Which given the 2000's i'm very suprised never happened. But jake is somehow likeable.. he's a bit arrogant sure, but his arrogance is only in his skill: He genuinely does try his best as protector of new york, cares about his friends and cares heavily about his crush Rose. He's got a heart to him beneath the layers of axe body spray and Dante Basco's standout performance, what would easily have been his defining role as a VA had avatar not come along soon after, helps make this guy feel human.

What also helps boost it's show is it's myth arc. Like Danny Phantom a year before it, AM Drag breaks from the style of the time to have a dedicated arc and continuity. There's plenty of monster of the week stuff, some better (like the oracle twins, easily my faviorite side characters , who also have the fun gimmick of one being super cheery yet predicting horrible things and the other being jaded but seeing only good, with their powers being why (If you see every good thing that you'll ever get it makes it hard to enjoy them and if you see every possible horrible thing that happens to you, it makes the other stuff easier to swallow), some worse, and that can be a weaker part of the show.

But it's core arcs are what make the show it's most intresting. For the first season and a half we have the shows best: Jakes battles with the huntsclan, the foot clan.. if they were violent racists who slaughter magical creatures. Granted we don't SEE that on screen but the show does a good job showing us that no, that's what they are.

This itself would likely work.. but what makes it special and standout for the time it came out.. is the wrinkle they throw in: Huntsgirl, the Huntsclan's #1 guy and sidekick to the huntsman.. is Jake's crush Rose, a fairly well adjusted kind girl who simply dosen't know what she's been indoctrinated into, thinking Dragons are evil. This is a nice change of pace as at the time most relationships with teens and tweens in cartoons were either between some popular slab of cardboard of the characters best friend.

Instead Rose SEEMS to be the cardboard type.. but not only has depth outside of the hood, but the fact the audience can easily tell who huntsgirl is, Mae Whitman has a distinctive voice after all and as usual does a fantastic job only adds the tension: We know who rose is, but Jake doesn't and early on we don't know how much of her is real. And once the secret breaks we get the drama of both dealing with not only being on opposite sides but Rose realizing she was on the wrong one.

The arc after, focusing on a dark dragon isn't as strong in comparison, but it's also not entirely fair given they likely though they'd have another season and a half to wrap it up proper. That being said the series also has an interesting arc with Jake's overachieving younger sister, who goes from knowing about the dragon thing (his whole family does minus his dad for.. some reason) and showing some powers.. to being a dragon herself and often her brother's sidekick.

The show had it's weaknsesses, outside of the big bads there was never really much of an interesting Rogue's Gallery, Trixie felt a bit flat as a character, and again there was no good reason Jake's dad shouldn't know so we got stupid groundings and such. But we also got a compelling enemies to lovers arc with a lot of tension, a nice mythology, and profressor rotwood, Jakes teacher and magic hunter, a fun butt monkey for the show. It's a solid show that i'd love to see get a revivial.

9. Wonder Over Yonder Created by Craig McCracken 2013-2016 43 Episodes

Wonder Over Yonder is one of Disney's more infamous cancelations. Despite being DisneyXD's #1 show they not only barely promoted it, I wasn't aware the second season was going on till it was almost over and still need to get around to watching it, Disney cancelled it. Despite being well loved Disney cancelled it. It's not the worst cancellation on this list, that comes later, but it's still a pretty dang bad one. The fact they didn't put the show on Disney+ for some time dosen't exactly help.

Why Disney hated this show so much I'll never know as Wonder is one of the most heartfelt and creative show's disney put out. And keep in mind as I said i've only seen season 1. I know it gets even better with season 2's dedicated story arc and the introdcution of lord dominator. I've seen the musical number.

Wonder took inspiration from, of all things, dr. seuss, with Craig being an admitted fan of 60's and 70's astetics already, it just flowed naturally as we got the tail of a gentle tumbleweed whose kind and thoughtful to everyone he meets wether they desreve it or not and his tough as nails steed and best friend sylvia. The rolls are easily the best of Jack McBrayer and April Winchel's long careers, nicely contrasting each other in perfect ballance: Sylvia fights the battles wonder can't win with kindness or is too oblvious to realize he's in, Wonder wins fights simply by being too cheery and oblivious to beat.

Over their journey's they repeadtely run into our other main characters, Lord Hater, played by the awesome Keith Fergeuson, an over the top skeletial manchild who badly wants to be taken seriously but is too impulsive, stupid, and easily angered for him to actually achieve that depsite the help of Commander Peepers, his #2 and put upon lackey. Add in tons of great sets, fun scnearios and creative uses of animatoin and you have something unforgitable. McCracken really loves to play with storytelling here, from your standard genre breaks to simply taking a conventional tale like a kinight rescuing a princess.. and turn it into our heroes accidently assitating a stalking jerk and said princess easily clocking him one before they can all unite to save him. The show had so much fun with it's cast and heart in it it's really hard not to like and while it sadly ended too soon what we got... is something magical.

8. Clerks the Animated Series Created by Kevin Smith 2000 6 Episodes Like most of you are as you read this entry, I was suprised to find Disney TVA made this. To date this is Disney's only adult animated series, and the fox acquisition giving them a full studio for that tells me it'll likely stay this way unless they do something actiony for disney +. It's also far and away the shortest lived show on this list. only airing two of it's 6 produced episodes, neither of which was the actual first episode. ABC didn't like what they got, they buried it, standard corprate procedure, and thanks to DVD and Comedy Central airings the show went from quickly forgotten weird relic to one of the best animated adaptations out there and one of the poster children for shows too good to last.

I grew up with this show. Since I was too young for the kevin smith movies my brother was obessed with, the series was the first Kevin Smith related thing I ever watched and it's stayed with me since. The show's short.. but it's 6 episodes are absolutely STUFFED with great jokes. I could honestly spend the rest of the article quoting this series, from "Hey, it's ted danson" to "Why are we walking like this" to "The weed of crime bears bitter fruit you old hag!".... and that's just the second episode. Admitely in terms of tone, Clerks TAS.. is nothing like the movie. The original Clerks was a fairly low key film mostly driven by our leads Dante and Randall's conversation and the various people who came in. It was a character piece about being stuck in a dead end job, about ignoring rules versus blindly following them, and about two stoners who were in it for 5 minutes but became the backbone of this cinematic universe because their the best.

Clerks the Animated Series instead is a gleefully wacky romp where our heroes can't say fuck but do get into sitcommy hyjinks, from clipshows, to a rival buisness across the way, to the deadly motava virus, to a pastiche of the last starfighter turning into a pastiche of the bad news bears then a pastiche of temple of doom. As you can tell this show is kinda nuts and really just Kevin Smith getting to be all kinds of redicluous in the funniest way possible. He replaced being able to say fuck and talk about sex with hyjinks and turned randall from a charming if assholish slacker into one of the best dumbasses in animation. The show is a near constant laugh riot, beautifully animated too. It also naturally has the boys, with Jay and Silent bob still getting in lots of neat antics even if they can no longer deal on screen. Clerks the Animated series is one of the funniest shows there's ever been and I highly recommend seeking it out.

7. Milo Murphy's Law Created by Dan Povemire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh 2016-2017, 2019 46 Episodes

Meet the show disney somehow treated WORSE than the last two. I swear when I put this list together I did not realize these three would be clustered together.

But yes, when I said there was a worse cancelation I meant it: Milo Murphy's Law was the dwampy duo of Phineas and Ferb.. and got utterly buried because Disney was mad it wasn't the mega hit that show was, forgetting that was also a fairly slow burn, or that you kow THIS IS A DIFFRENT SHOW. So they not only barely promoted the second half of season 1.. but then just sat on season 2 for a full year, with many an episode airing elsewhere long before that and released it over a few weeks. They then just.. straight up ended production to make a phineas and ferb movie. In fact despite a full soundtrack apparently existed only ONE song's gotten released from the show in full thanks to said movie's soundtrack. To say Disney screwed this show over is putting it lightly.

And it's a huge shame this show got buried as it did as Milo.. is freaking awesome. I mean I gave it a shot from episode one simply because it had Weird Al attached. Even if i'd gotten burned out on the previous show, i'll give anything Al's in a shot.

And that shot was worth it as from the first episode to the last, Milo is a truly charming show with, say it again ya'll, "a truly unique premise" . Disney has a knack for those don't it?

MML follows Milo Murphy, a happy go lucky 6th grader who meets new kid in town Zack.. who soon finds out Milo has a family curse, based on, of course, Murphy's Law; if something can go wrong, it will. So the universe bends over backwords to try to murder this tween and anyone around him... hence why while everyone likes Milo well enough, only his feisty hustler best friend Melissa really hung around before Zack took a chance on his new pal.

What makes the series great though is that Milo... dosen't ever angst about having murphy's law. You'd think with his life being a constant never ending string of disaster dominos, the guy would give up or we'd have one episode of him bedguging all he's missed out on. Instead.. Milo sees his life as an adventure, enjoys in the shenanigans he gets into and simply packs his backpack to be prepeared and keep his spleen in tact. He's a sweet, kind, optimist who helps people no matter what and dosen't let his curse get him down or stop him from living his life. It's milo that makes the show this good, having to both work around his jinx as well as many an adventure coming from people's reaction to him: From his love intrest Amanda intitally avoiding him due to being a perfectionist only to let him in more once she realizes what a kind guy he is, to the local security guard played byc hristan slater being an absolute dick to him, we see how it impacts his life.. but how he also enjoys his life regardless.

The series also has it's own perry equilvent, Dakota and Cavendish, who genuinely drive the seasons story arcs, two time policeman and ambigously gay duo who try to prevent pistachos from being destroyed.. then do the opposite once i'ts clear it'll cause the end of the world. They add to the story.

What puts this show up here, and way above phineas is that it's not afraid of change: the basic status who dosen't, but the show has a story arc for each season, characters grow and change with Zack getting more used to the chaos around his bestie, the relationship with amanda I mentioned, and most importantly Dakota and Cavindish finding out about milo fairly early on and vice versa, allowing their plots to intersect. It's also really damn funny.

Honestly the show's only this low because the top 6 are REALLY that good.. and because season 2 kinda crams Dr. Doofinschrmitz in there on what feels heavily like an executive mandate. Sometims he cab be a bit overbearing.. but the show's still up this high because frankly, Doof was the best part of his previous show and still gets a LOT of great material, paticuarlly this bit.

Also his friend there is Jeff. Jeff is a man who lives underground. He's great. And this series is, badly underated. I can't wait to see these characters again as it's been directly said that while their tabling it for the first two seasons apperances by characters from the previous two shows aren't off the table for hamster and gretel, they just learned from this one to wait, but while I wait.. what we got.. is still damn magical.

6. Kim Possible Created by Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle 2002-2007 4 Seasons, 82 Episodes, 2 Movies, 1 Live Action Reboot Film

Kim Possible was one of my faviorite shows as a kid, and for good reason. Even over two decades later, the show still holds up as a smart, hilarious, and well done spy show. I also will gladly count it as part of the teen superhero boom as it hits a lot of those tropes too.

The setup however is nicely unique: Rather than work for a big spy orginzation (Though she does freelance in a few episodes for SHIELD expy Global Justice), or for money or what you'd expect from a world class adventuerer and super spy, Kim is just an above average teen whose fairly smart, popular and really damn good at both gymnastics and kicking people who does the job because it's the right thing to do and her organization is really just four people: herself, Wade, a child progidey who finds jobs for her, Ron, her best friend, eventual love interest, and overly panicky but loveable goofus, and Ron's pet Rufus who counts because he saves their lives quite a bit simply by being in ron's pocket and being smart enough. He's also a naked mole rat and the reason I know those exist.

While the show has a strong supporting cast with screen legends Gary Gole and Jean Smart as Kim's Rocket Science and Neurosurgeon parents, her annoying twin brothers, her sarcastic best girl friend monique, her annoying rival bonnie and my personal faviorite her authorative yet still resonable and utterly hilarious teacher Mr. Barkin, played by my boy Patrick Warburton, one of it's biggest strengths is Kim's Rogue's gallery.

Like I said with americna dragon a lot of the weakness for these teen hero shows is that they genuinely only have one or two major foes that are actually you know.. memorable. In contrast Kim has a LOT of intresting and fun villians of the week, not a huge pool but enough to keep it intresting with plenty of fun one offs. The main one is Dr. Drakken, played by John Dimaggio in one of his best parts and Shego, played by Nicolle Sulivan in her best role, an over the top , hammy shortsighted blue mad scientest and his snarky assitant who does most of the punching and is easily kim's physical equal. The two show up the most out of Kim's rogues, and while this on paper could get reptitive the two's banter is great, they play off our heroes fantastically, and they frankly never seemed to run out of great schemes for Dr. D to do.

There were other greats too, my personal faviorites being Senior Senior Senior and Senior Senior Junior, character actor Ricardo Montalban in his best role as a rich old man who after accidently blacking out paris, takes ron's suggestion he had all the makings of a super villian to heart and using his vast wealth to arch our heroes for fun while Junior.. badly dosen't want any part of this. Ther'es tons more I could gush about from DNAmy to the bebes, to my boy Frugal Lucre, a guy who works at a wallmart expy and barely spends money on his arching suplies.

The show's other weapon is it's writing: it's clever, hilarious, and the main duo are incredibly likeable: Kim is incredibly compitent but just as prone to teen angst as anyone her age, while Ron is incredibly panicky and goofy but far more compitent than he seems or he thinks himself to be. Our leads, Kristy Carlson Romano and va god Will Fridle in my faviorite role of his, have an effortless chemstriy between them, even before it turns romantic. You see how valuable their friendship is and how much they need each other even when they bicker.. and it turning romantic just feels.. natural. There's a risk there, and i'll likely go more into tha twhen I eventually cover so the drama (Either later this year if I can squeeze it in or early next year), but needless to say their the gold standard for friends to lovers and I love them.

The show is just.. damn good and worth checking out if you haven't. It's on Disney+ , all of it including the reboot film which is.. alright. not as good as the series but thanks to great casting and the creators involvment , still solid. Call it, beep it, reach it, it's a masterpiece and I badly hope those revivial rumors are true as i'd love to see this cast as adults.

5. Amphibia Created by Matt Braly 2019-2022 3 Seasons, 58 Episodes

Anoyone whose seem this blog before probably saw this coming. I mean I covered two whole seasons of the show and deeply love it's main cast. And Maddie. God bless my creepy frog daughter. So it being this high up isn't a huge shock.. but damn if it dosen't deserve it. Amphibia isn't perfect: some of the one off episodes, even those important later, aren't the best... but the show still plays one of the best long games in animation. The character arcs are well set up from the get go and we follow our lead Anne Boonchuy from reckless and irresponsible teen plunked into a frog world to a strong empathetic heroine who has to save both worlds from a tyrant and his abusive computer dad. Along the way there's betrayal, slice of life shenanigans, and lots of cleverly done worldbuilding. And some padding. There's just a touch padding. But the strong character arcs not just for Anne but her friends (With Sasha being my easy faviorite but Marcy not exactly far behind and complex and engaging enough to get her own spinoff journal), found family and even her earth family. It's a beautifully done three act story: what seems like a lonnnng time spent in the rural town of Wartwood ends up not only buliding up the show's supporting cast but characters who are vital to the world's salvation later. The second season shows how far anne has come while also building out the world, continuing Sasha's arc as she spirals further and giving us the glory that is marcy, cumilating in season 3, a fantastic season that reverses the premise to amazing effect and ends with a truly satisfying conclusion.. even if SOME of the getting there is messy. Hey it's #5 for a reason.

IT's a well built, hilarious, and heartfelt human into swamp water story, and one of my faviorites. I only don't say TOO much as I want anyon ewho hasn't to try this themselves. Amphibia is a masterpiece and if you haven't seen it it's WELL worth the binge with one of the best voice casts in animation (Something that's really true for everything from far out), really choice world building, and a satsifying ending. This section may of been short but damn if i don't love this show with a lot of my heart.

4. Gravity Falls Created by Alex Hirsch 2012-2016 2 Seasons, 40 Episodes

Another fairly obvious pick.. but one I weirdly HAVEN'T covered on this blog. I'll really have to fix that next year. Still just because something's obvious dosen't make it any less true. Gravity Falls is easily one of the most influental animated series of the 2010's, right up there with adventure time in kicking off the animation renaissance of that era and several of it's crew, including Matt Braly from the previous entry and a certain someone else coming up, going on to make stellar shows of their own.

It's rep and influence is well earned: Gravity Falls, like, as i've realized writing this, EVERY show on this list has a very simple elvator pitch: two kids spending the summer with their weird elderly uncle at his toursist trap get into paranormal shenanigans: Dipper as he tries to unwrap the mysteries of their temproary home and Mable as she tries to make friends, find a boy to smooch and genuinely ambles through life. She also gets a pig.

The simple setup belies not only a fairly intriguing mystery with a truly amazing twist halfway through season 2, but a fun arc villian in LIttle Gideon, the con artist next door, town hero and phony psychic, but a one of a kind, memorable and all time great vilian in Bill Cipher, a little triangle man who also happens to be a mad nightmare god trying to get into our dimension whose Chucky levels of deeply disturbing and terrifying as he is incredibly funny and charastmatic.

The rest of the cast is no slouch: Dipper and Mable are incredibly likeable, Wendy is great, played by personal faviorite of mine Linda Cardenlli and criminally underused and Soos, voiced by Hirsch along with Stan, Bill and MANY other characters, is a loveable dum dum 20 something who treats our heroes like surrogate siblings.

The real star of course, and the show stealling heart of the show is Stan Pines, the kids corrupt uncle and one of the most hilarious, and once we learn his deal heartbreaking and suprisingly complex, characters in all of animation. This show is on this list on it's own merits but woudln't nearly be so high without stan, a constant laugh machine, quote factory and powerhouse performance by Hirsch, who despite being new to voice acting steps into it like he's done this for decades. From teaching a bear to drive, to wondering if it's wrong to punch a child to "yes yes burn the child" and of course his greatest folly

Stan constantly boosts the show by existing. Add in strong character ties, a compelling mystery and, like most shows this high up a hell of a finale, and you have a true classic that understadnably changed animation forever.

Also i'm pretty sure Stan killed at least two people in that clip. No one ever talks about that. I mean I knew he had a body count but still.

3. Recess Created by Paul Germaine and Joe Ansolabehere 1997-2001 4 Seasons, 65 Episodes, 4 Movies

Recess is the oldest work on this list, ending just before KP and American Dragon started (though it'd air long into their runs as this show ran forever and rightfully so). It was also part of my childhood, airing long after it finished and being tender the whole way through.

Recess is a masterwork: while many a show stuck with me from childhood this is one that thinking back I can remember the episodes vividly, and given my memory is spotty that says something. It's a show with a lot of style, having it's characters dressed out of the 50s and 60s, with a cold war subtext I never had, but keeping it in the present to relate to kids when it's airing. It creates a vibe tha'ts both of it's time (the monstickers ep is very much of the pokemon boom), and timeless (kids STILL collect pokemon cards and despite some morons best efforts have recess and still form little clicks).

It takes two simple things kids grapple with, unfair teachers and authority figures and cliques and social circles and simply blows it up to be as big as it was in our heads: I remember having epic duels with the kids I played with , wars, whole conflicts and recess meets things on that level: the world of recess is one where the playground has a lineage of kings, the kindergartners are a feral tribe, two kids can reguarly acess shovels, and the local snitch is some sort of combination of gollumn and a weasel while keeping it just grounded enough for adults to relate to. Where rebelling against authority involves elaborate heists.

It's a perfect kind of show for kids: it meets them on their level, as it did when I was a kid.. but is smart enough that as an adult you can still enjoy it. It helps that most of the cast is three dimensional:

TJ is a loveable scamp.. but a good chunk of his schemes aren't just to stick it to the man or get some reward for him and his running crew, but to help kids. TJ's just as likely to break out of detention as he is to help a kid this week simply because they need it. He'll even help Randall, the local snitch I mentioned, despite his better judgment, simply because it's the right thing to do. He'll have to be talked into it because.. it's Randall. Randall sucks, But he'll do it. Spinelli is the tomboy of the group and will fight everyone, but has a good side to her and struggles with being a girl when she relates more to being masculine, something that's only become more relevant with time and can be read a lot of ways. Mikey is the big kid.. but a soft kind giant who deals with being sterotyped for his side. Vince is the sports kid... and okay most of his plots are around that, but we do get neat bits like him being ashamed his brother is basically urkel and having to learn his brother still slaps because unlike Urkel he dosen't harass women. Gretchen is a massive nerd, and the first role in Ashely Johnson's long and storied career, but also gladly paticipates in the schemes, has a lot of heart, and struggles.

And finally we have my boy Gus, the new kid at the start and the one I related most to being a nerdy nervous wreck myself: but he's gladly accepted into the rest of the gang, and finds a home at long last after moving around his whole life. He's got layers to him: he's a military brat, he's never really had stablility int erms of friendship, and he's often put upon, having to deal with King Bob being a jerk to him for being the new kid or bullies. Yet he's got a good heart despite being the nervous one of the group the biggest heart of them and will gladly stand up for himself when the chips are down.

Not only are these 6 fleshed out and relatable.. but they have a wholesome friendship. They'll fight sometimes, kids do, but despite being vastly diffrent people who on paper shoudln't really be hanging together.. you never doubt they like each other or would drop everything to help one another. Mostly because a good chunk of episodes are just that. Gretchen and Gus are never picked on by their friends.. teased a little, maybe , Spenelli be like that, but these six kids love and respect each other on level that's just heartwarming. You never doubt for a second these six are friends, even with Gus not having their shared history. He just fits because they like him, he's willing to do what's right, and he's a good kid. TJ is brave and noble, Spnelli is tough but dosen't punch down, Vince is cool, Mikey is insightful and kind, Gretchen is smart and clever and Gus ahs a good heart. You see the good they see in each other and it shows our diffrences.. make us better. There may be cliques at recess, but when the chips are down, TJ can get them to work together.

The series also just had a knack for creating really memorable episodes that feel entirely relatable: a trading card style boom leads to TJ becoming a rags to riches tycoon, swinger girl who always swings trying to do what all kids did and reach the other side leads to a tale about things we can't explain when she seemingly dissapears, a simple punishment leads to TJ"s teacher psychologically torturing him, a fake swear word leads to an ENTIRE COURT CASE, all stuff that's somehow realistic. The show's premise was a tool box that allowed them to tell a ton of diffrent stories, a lot of which with really adult, meaningful lessons, and the show never really got old. It only ended because Disney's attempts to continue it simply didn't work out and even with the 5th grade eps as an epilogue, it has a hell o a finale in the movie. The whole run's on disney+ and I.. really need to revisit it.. and to review it next year if possible.

2. The Owl House Created by Dana Terrace 2020-2023 3 Seasons, 43 Episodes

Let's face it even if the article image hadn't tipped my hat here.. this one being high up .. was a given. I've gushed about this show at length, covering it as season's 2 and 3 ran out, written fanfiction on this blog, and since I started doing them the show's always ranked decently on my 20 best animated episodes lists I do each year, and will likely have a spot this year for the finale. My love of this show is something I don't remotely hide and have no reason to. So it being #2 on this list is an obvious pick.. but one i'm happy to be obvious with. In fact with these last two their pretty nearly tied in my heart and it was one inching out the other.

And the weird thing is.. I didn't even watch all of season 1. I watched the first half much as I could, but while I liked it I didn't get really heavy into it. The characters were charming, the designs great and it was nice to have a show where Wendy Malick was not only voice acting, but had a MAJOR role that really let her show off her chops. I've always loved her and it was a lot of fun to get a roll this good. It was also nice to have Alex Hirsch back. The show wasn't without style, a compelling lead, a hell of a romantic arc or other attractions.. but it wasn't till later in season 1 when classicsl ike encahnting grom fright and the finale REALLY made the show into what it became.

This lead to season 2.. which is one of the best seasons of television i've ever seen, and tha'ts with the fact that halfway through they had to massively reorganize the plot to fit into 10 episodes and 3 specials, something that's only really noticable in hindsight. And i'm not hyperbolizing: the show was good before.. but season 2 enriches everything, giving the characters more depth, paticuarlly king who goes from an afterthought in season 1 to the emotoinal core of the season and Alex Hirsch's best roll... which given Stan above says a LOT. Season 2 takes the foundations of the show and really plays with them, with pretty much everyone getting a deeper character, the school stuff forced into season 1 downplayed into just showing up as needed, allowing for way more story freedom and belos increased presence and hell of a true self reveal giving us one of Disney's greatest villians. Add in hunter as a new main cast member and best good soft boy, and you have a riviting saga that kept me enthralled the whole season. Even the weaker episodes add something, and the result is something that can't be topped: a show tha'ts funny, heartfelt, unmistakably queer and unquestionably well crafted.

It also managed to pull off one hell of an ending, not only introducing my murder child who learns his lesson the collector, but doing so with only three specials to wrap up what they shoul'dve had a season to. It's a show that like Gravity Falls before it is bound to really shake up animation and influence many a show to come an dI can't wait to see the results. A true epic about finding yourself, religious indoctrination and eldrich owl and tube shaped parasites, this show is something that may never be topped and was an utter joy while it lasted. Hoot.

1. Ducktales Based on DuckTales by Jim Magon /Uncle Scrooge by Carl Barks Developed by Matt Youngberg and Francisco Angones 2017-2021 3 Seasons, 69 Episodes Like #2... #1 is a show my love of has been transparently obvious: Covering season 3 started this blog, i've covered seasons 1 and 2's story arcs, and done a ton of other duck stuff from a full three cabs retrospective, to donald shorts to the very duck adjacent goofy movie. While I haven't done as much duck content this year, a shame really, and still need to finish my life and times retrospective some day... my love of Disney's Ducks has been something i've had since college and this series not only revitalized it but sent it into the fucking stratosphere with the gold standard for reboots. DuckTales is the only show here based on an existing IP, but still manages to be super creative with it. Matt and Frank took nearly 100 years of Duck stories (not hyperbole, Donald turns the big 1-0-0 himself next year), taking from the legendary barks comics, the worthy successor rosa comics, the giant pile of European duck comics, the shorts, the movies, anything Donald , Scrooge or the Boys had been in, every bit of the disney afternoon, and everything else they could shove in to creat the defintive duck universe: Something that fully and lovingly respects what cames before but uses it all to create something fresh and wholly it's own. The cast is a nice mix of reinventions of old characters and brand new ones just as good if not even better.

This can be seen well with the core cast: Scrooge only gets changed slightly, but those slight changes were BADLY needed: Scrooge is still a guy with flaws: he can get far too focused on the goal ahead and not the human cost, is egotstical as all hell, and disconected from the common person. He can raid a tomb better than anyone, sorry Indy and Lara, but god help him if he tries doing an interview or produce a film. It's a nice ballance: he's out of touch and crotchety as usual, but far less of an abusive asshole. It's also clear that while the bin stores a lot of his treasures, and he won't take one if it's owners need it, being more than happy to give Djinn his family's lamp for instance, with it only being a whole thing because Louie sold it. It paints him more as a historian than a theif and robber baron, while still keeping the nice flaws that make him who he is: he's still cheap, he just won't underpay his staff and in fact mostly recurits people other employers give up on for being too weird.

The rest of the cast is given a more extensive but needed overhall: My boy Donald is less of the likeably selfish ass he usually is, instead a loveable dad who still destroys everything he touches, but spends the first two seasons living entirely for his kids. He's more mature while still being the idiot we love.

Everyone else.. is a huge change as I said. The biggest and best.. is the boys. Usually Huey, Dewey or Louie are a hive mind of goody goods.. or obnoxious boys. Depends on what the story needs. It always annoyed me that when you have three characters there their not at all distinct and there's no real need for them. Thankfully the creators of this show understood that and thus evolved the boys into three seperate people: Huey is more like the barks comics versions, a junior woodchuck, close to his mom and uncles, and exitable.. but with a nice fine pace of neurodivergence and anxiety that not only makes him relatable to me but a fairly likeable kid: one scared of change but with all the potetial in the world. Dewey takes ab it after the more sterotypically 80s moments of the boys in the show, being a rad dude with a penchant for acting out.. but instead of a sexist bully or jerk like the boys could be, Dewey is a pure theater kid who badly wants attention and has no impulse control. He's basically Hank Venture , age 12 and i'm here for it. Finally Louie takes the boys more scheming moments from the comics and shows and boils it down into a gen z slacker who wants to work smater not harder, and not work at all if needed, who evolves from heartless lazy schemer and evil triplet to a keep observer whose just mildly shady.

While the barks 5 are all acounted for we also get nice overhauls for the ducktales three original core characters: Webby gets the best, going from just "small baby child babY" to a hyperactive girl who is easily near scrooge's level in adventureeing.. but has no idea how to socalize and still loves sparkles. She's empathetic, brave, and a contrast to what woudl turn out to be her old man: instead of growing to shut people out , she starts out badly wanting to let everyone end. Beakley likewise gets a glow up from "old lady stertotype whose constantly flustered" to "badass british former secret agent, only sane man and gender swapped brock sampson" , with Launchpad being made a loveable doofus, but still compitent since Donald's here to be the everyman.

The cast.. only gets better as it goes: Ducktales took a huge leap and decided "Hey what ABOUT the triplet's mom" turning della from a question mark that was answered all of once across nearly a century.. to a character just as vallad as her brother and uncle who have said near century on her: Della is Donald's opposite: brave, confident.. but a mess herself and stuck on the moon for half the series. Paget Brewster does a phenominal job.

I emphasise the series characters.. because tha'ts it's heart: it has solid plots, revamps and what not.. but it's a giant, instnatly loveable cast of characters: The side cast is MASSIVE pulling from all over duck history: Fehtry makes his debut, Gladstone is taken from easily one of my most hated characters in the comics to a far more loveable schister, Rockerduck finally debuts, Glomgold is turned from "Scrooge but evil" to someone badly trying to copy scrooge and the most glorious weirdo in all of fiction. Seriously Keith Fergusons glomgold is fucking majestic, and while he's never really a major threat his overinfalted ego, lack of planning, obessions with sharks and bombs and general haminess made him one of the best parts of this. You also get Magica as a genuine threat , and a mess later, Scooge's parents having a more active roll, Fenton having more of his own personality and weird swing for the fences complete and utter makeovers like Doofus Drake going from doofy kid to a very weird child who needs therapy, Donald's neighbor nemisis being his therapist or taking the zombie from voodoo hoodo, one of th emost racist and questionable things in duck comics history.. and instead making him into an unstopable juggernaut frankenstein curse ont he rich.

And of course the original cast.. is impecable. My adopted Daugther Lena is the clear standout, having covered her whole story arc on here and loving the character a lot, A cool teen TM who ends up being a traumtized girl badly needing a home, her stoic and neurodivergent sister violet, the egon to her venkman, fuckboy Mark Beaks, great final boss Bradford, gay icon Storkules, gay icon Selene, everyone's least faviorite dick Zeus.. I really coudl go on for some time and easily could but this article has taken a while. The show just had a knack for memorable loveable characters and making this world feel truly alive and humungous and scope, with gorgeous art designs.

It also had a great throughline, with Scrooge going from a man who pushed everything a way.. to the man who truly has everything, everyone growing along the way, and a finale that while a bit messy and leaving us hungering for more, really got to the hart of the show: a family that comes together after being torn apart and adds a LOT to them. It's a show unlike any other, and was truly the dream of a life time.. and I coudln't put anything else at #1. Thanks for reading.

[shingekinohyrulewrites]

Beyond the Kingdom

Being a Princess in a peaceful kingdom has led to a quiet life.

Until you are kidnapped by a man from a magical kingdom that you had no idea existed.

Read on AO3 here

Once upon a time, in an expansive land filled with green, rolling hills and endless blue, cloudless skies, there was a kingdom that had known peace for endless centuries. The kingdom had flourished over the years, thriving on trade with adjacent realms to the North and never embroiled in any conflict. The people were content, happy to wake up every morning in its lands and happy to serve under their rulers.

The King was known for his infinite wisdom, ready to spring a solution onto any problem that may arise. He had friendly eyes on an aged face, his long, dark hair slowly fading away and losing its vibrant color. He ruled with a gentleness that was quick to change into anger, as his kingdom always came first.

The Queen, renowned for her beauty, was also known for her heart of gold. She had come from a long line of wealthy merchants who had long served the Royal Family, and she quickly caught the heart of the King. She was a ruler of the people, often going into town to visit citizens and inquire about their wellbeing and needs. The Queen and King shared an immense, deep love for each other that extended to their only child.

You were their only child.

As Princess, you had heard the way your people spoke of you. According to them, you were the perfect combination of your parents: wise like your Father, and beautiful like your Mother. You knew that, as Princess, you were going to inherit an unbearable amount of responsibility, having to quickly take over when your Father decided it was time for you to inherit the crown. Since you had turned five, your entire life had been spent preparing you to take over the throne, a concept that had been difficult to grasp as a child and a concept that was still difficult to accept. With your twentieth birthday approaching, you knew you were closer to ruling the throne and becoming the sole ruler of your kingdom.

But, as Princess, you had also heard whispers of other things.

While growing up, you had only ever heard about the kingdoms to the North, an alliance of smaller countries that had sworn fealty to your parents. You had visited the North various times to continue the diplomacy, getting to know the other rulers and your potential suitors. The castle, however, was to the South of your Kingdom, which meant that you had to travel through town to leave the border and enter the Northern kingdoms.

However, the South was never discussed.

A thick, heavy forest surrounded the castle due South, seemingly always covered in darkness. There was no fence, no border, nothing to separate the castle from the forest, minus the soldiers who constantly patrolled it. In your free time, you loved to explore the land around your castle, reading in quiet areas and painting the landscape around you, yet you were not permitted to approach the forest. Anytime you were stopped by a soldier, you always asked why you weren’t allowed to enter. Instead of garnering a response, the soldier would pale, shaking their head and simply replying it was your Father’s orders.

After constantly being told the same thing, you had marched to your Father and demanded an answer. He had just finished a Council meeting, sitting at the head of the table shuffling some papers together. Upon hearing your question he had paused in his movements, eyes slowly lifting to meet yours. You had stiffened, taking note of the way his eyes had hardened as they took you in.

“Royal Highness, have a seat.”

Whenever your proper title was used, you knew you were in trouble. Sinking into a seat close to you, you waited for your Father to speak. Sighing, he put down the papers and interlaced his fingers, placing them on the table.

“Tell me, why do we enforce rules, dear?”

“Rules are enforced in order to maintain control, to ensure that our people are safe and avoid danger,” you responded, remembering all the lessons you had received about law making.

“Correct. Without rules, people would always be out and about, making reckless choices and putting themselves at risk.”

You nodded, waiting for him to continue.

“The same applies for you. We ask the soldiers to protect the forest border to keep you safe. There should be no questions asked.”

“But, Father, what lies beyond that forest? Why must we avoid it?”

“That is enough!”

His hand slammed down on the table, eyes wild with anger as he glared at you. Flinching, you gave a stiff nod, bowing your head in apology until he addressed you again.

“There will be no further questions about the forest. You are to avoid it and that is final. Do not question me again.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” you whispered.

Satisfied, he nodded, gathering the papers again and standing from his seat. You waited until he shuffled past you, leaving the meeting room into the hall. Fear and anger coursed through you, and you forced yourself to stand and return to your living quarters.

One day, you would get your answer.

[chloe-spade]

A Rose Sword Act Three: The Sleeping Curse

Amore and Silver walked hand in hand as the faeries led them toward the royal castle, the sun casting a warm glow as it slowly set behind them. But the way Silver's grip on Amore's hand spoke volumes that words could not convey.

"Silver," Amore whispered.

"Don't," Silver mumbled, his voice strained with an unspoken burden. "I can't think too hard if I speak."

Amore felt bad. Even when he was gone, he knew Silver was distraught about everything that had happened; he was, too. He looked over back at Dew, who was fidgeting with his wand. Amore didn't know how badly he must've felt, but he knew it was pretty bad. Dew was like a father towards him and was a father to him. Amore felt like he had stabbed Dew in the back.

Which makes things worse.

"Remember, dear children," Wisp spoke softly. "We want you all to have a great time tonight, and please don't worry about us. We will still be here, and….where is Lilia?"

"Hiding among the shadows again," Mitah sighed. "He thinks the queen will not like him there; however, call him, and he'll be there."

"Classic father," Silver spoke fondly as they entered the castle.

The castle's ivory walls spoke volumes about the royal family's power, with pink cloth draped alongside them and candles lit in the hallway. Family portraits were also there, and Silver couldn't help but feel like the portraits stared down at him.

The guard ahead looked back at them.

"State your name, business and reason for being here?"

"Madam Wisp, I have the two royal princes, and we decided to bring them back from hiding and bring them back to the King and Queen," Wiap explained. Please, I assure you, please let us in."

"Ah, yes, I have been told of your arrival today." The guard coughed. "Please follow me and our royal announcer will be of service to you."

The guards led everyone towards the golden gates, and the royal announcing gasped in delight.

"Oh, happy day! The royal princes' have returned and look at both of you, as beautiful as your darling mother. Both with such purple eyes and fair skin, like how we thought you two would look like! Please, tell me your names so I can announce for the ball!"

"Uh, should we?" Amore whispered.

"I suppose so," Silver shrugged.

"Ah, well, go on, my dears," Wisp smiles. "Please."

"I'm…Amore."

"And I am Silver."

"Ah, thank you!" The announcer cleared his throat. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Lords and Ladies, King and Queens! I am happy to announce Prince Amore!"

Amore gulped as he fixed his crown and walked forward, everyone clapping happily. He only managed to wave, though very, very nervous.

"Ladies and Gentleman, Lords and Ladies, Kings and Queens! I am happy to announce Prince Silver."

Silver followed Amore and walked towards the king and queen, who looked happy to see them.

"Our dear sons," Daniel spoke happily, rushing to hug them. "Oh, I can't believe it's been this long since you two were taken away. You have your mother's beautiful eyes."

"Heh, thank you," Amore smiles and eases into the hug. "I can see that."

"I appreciate the compliment, your highness," Silver said, backing away from the hug. "And I thank you for the party you created for us."

"Please, do not be shy, Silver," Serena beams. "We are just so happy that you both have returned home to us after so long."

"I do get that, my queen," Silver gulped softly. "I am not comfortable with parental formalities yet."

"That's alright, Silver," Daniel spoke up. "You grew up with the faes for a long time, and I do not mind that you are not ready. You just got back."

"Speak for yourself," Amore heard Serena grumbled.

"Please just enjoy yourselves, it's your birthday," Daniel invited.

Amore and Silver could only look at each other before walking toward the ballroom, ready to greet the guests.

🖤

Sebek felt his heart race as his grandfather led him towards The Mistress's throne room. Baal was unsparingly silent, but he spoke with Sebek in such a dark tone that he suspected something was wrong. He only said that The Mistress had requested him, and they needed to speak about something essential.

"Ah, Sebek Zigvolt," laughed The Mistress as they entered.

Sebek looked to see Malleus, who looked unnaturally scared.

"Your Majesty," Sebek bowed down towards her.

"Glad you were able to join us," The Mistress spoke as she stood. "Your grandfather has spoke to me about something. And I do value your honestly of this matter."

Sebek couldn't hide his confusion as The Mistress's hand summoned a picture. The same picture of Sebek and Amore that day of the village, and once he saw it, Sebek's own heart sank.

"Your Majesty," Sebek gulped.

"Oh, so you do know this is yours?" The Mistress laughed. "Such an adorable picture, I was almost jealous. But I couldn't help but notice your beautiful friend with his golden locks and aurora-colored eyes, like one of the missing princes."

"He is merely a friend of mine," Sebek spoke up firmly, still shaking.

"I could tell, but do tell me," The Mistress walked forward. "Are you aware of this boy being a prince?"

"I…," Sebek felt his voice caught in his throat.

Sebek had a clue after that old woman told her tale about the twins, but they didn't suspect Amore about it until he returned home after that day in town. He knew it was wrong not to alert The Mistress, but he wanted to protect Amore, which he did see as odd considering his relationship with them was tainted, but Amore made it clear that most humans wouldn't even care about a fae's existence, which was true.

He couldn't bring himself to let Amore come to harm.

"Why hesitant, boy!?" The Mistress scowled.

"I did not know," Sebek stuttered. "He was merely a boy, and I did not know about his royal lineage."

"Sebek," The Mistress rolled her eyes. "Of course, you knew, but you refused to speak. You know I made this mission to find them before you were even born. You know that my lifetime is to make sure that the royal family suffers from their disrespect! Now that I have found them, they will die underneath my palm like I cursed years ago! But now I see that my own grandson's knights have mingled with one, and to hide him from me?! That is a betrayal that I do not forgive! And you know I punish those with a lifetime in the dungeon until they die underneath my hand!"

With a snap of her fingers, knights appeared and grabbed Sebek.

"Grandmother!" Malleus protested. "What if Sebek truly didn't know? I do not think he should be punished for this."

"Malleus! Defending a traitor? I would have half a mind to send you there myself!" The Mistress scoffed. "As far as I am concerned, Zigvolt is a traitor! A nasty little worm who deserves it for lying to me!"

Sebek could only stare at Baal's cold expression as he was taken away, meeting the cold area of the dungeon. As the metal bars surround him, he could look at the night sky, now worried about Amore's safety.

"Please be safe," Sebek prayed as he sat down.

🌹

"Allow to announce King Metis and His two sons, Prince Dustin and Derek!"

"Oh, good joy," Serena smiles.

A plump man approached, already drinking a cup of wine, his sons behind him, and he laughed.

"AH! Daniel! It's been so long!" The king laughed, patting Daniel's back. "So nice of you to invite us after so long! And look at these beauties! Beautiful princesses to marry my handsome sons."

"Excuse me?" Silver raised an eyebrow.

"Don't mind him, he looks…intoxicated," Amore whispered towards Silver.

"I noticed,"

"Then let our children dance together," Serena offered. "Might help them get along."

Dustin, the eldest, walked towards Amore and raised his hands. "You don't mind if we have this dance, your highness?"

Amore took his hand. "Lead the way."

Dustin and Amore walked toward the ballroom dance floor and bowed before going into a slow dance, the music starting again.

"Sp, tell me," Dustin began to speak. "Tell me about yourself."

"Oh, well, I like to garden with my family, sewing, and cooking. I find it quite peaceful and helps me clear my mind," Amore answered. "Perhaps I could make some berryful pancakes for you soon."

"They seem like nice hobbies, but aren't they a little too feminine for you? Don't you ever want to get dirty? Or prank people?"

"Oh heavens no! I learned that being kind can do a long way in life," Amore gasped. "And I happen to get dirty when I was a mere child playing hide and seek. And another thing, I don't think you could judge me here."

"No," Dustin shrugged. But I do think cooking would be phenomenal once we get married."

"…Oh? You are asking me? So sudden," Amore commented.

"You didn't know? We have been engaged for years now," Dustin explained. "It was an agreement with my father and your parents."

"But that's…." Amore stammered.

"Amazing? I know. I feel fortunate to have someone like you as my partner."

"Excuse me! Are you telling me this engagement happened while I was away at a cottage, not knowing who you are until now?" Amore clarified. "And now that I am back, we have to wed?"

"Right away," Dustin answered.

"No," Amore scoffed. "Absolutely not. I have no right to agree with this. I barely know you and you are no more than a stranger to me. And a single dance isn't enough time to make me fall for you, and I just don't think I could. And I already…love someone else. And I will continue to love him, even I am forced to marry you."

"Then where is he?" Dustin mocked. "If he truly loved you, he should be here celebrating your birthday."

Amore felt his face burn as he pointed at his necklace. "He gave me this! And what have you gave me exactly? Other than a dumb and worthless proposal."

Amore turned to leave but felt Dustin pull him close, his hand tight around his waist.

"Sorry to break it to you, princess, but you are marrying me, even if you hate me for all of eternity."

"Let me go of me!"

"Pardon me," a masked stranger said. "Did I hear this man ask you to let him go?"

"Back off, swine, he and I are to wed soon," Dustin snarled.

The man's cold eyes glared down at Dustin as he softly took Amore's hand. Amore couldn't help but pull away, walking towards the stranger and ignoring Dustin.

"How about we go outside together, my dear?" The masked stranger speaks softly. "You need fresh air."

Amore nodded, and the stranger led him away towards the gardens.

"Sebek," Amore whispered. "How did you get here?"

"It's a long story," Sebek said, taking off his mask. "But are you okay? That human seemed to give a hard time."

"That was supposed to be my future husband," Amore scoffed and sat on the bench. "It turns out my actual parents gave them permission to wed us when we returned. But don't see how wrong it is, being used like you were nothing. I mean, I wouldn't mind getting to know Dustin, but he acts like I'm some sort of pet. I can't help but get upset about it."

"Good thing I came along," Sebek said, sitting beside Amore.

"I'm so glad you did. I was worried that Dustin might do something drastic." Amore looked over at Sebek. "But what are you doing here? I thought you didn't want to be here?"

"That was until I found something out, and I was trying to look for Lilia, but I couldn't find him yet."

"Why?"

"…um…"

"Oh, am I interupting something?"

Sebek and Amore jumped as Lilia appeared in front of them.

"Ah! Lilia! Thank the stars I have found you," Sebek got up. "It's about The Mistress! She found out, and she may strike soon!"

"Pardon? How?" Lilia asked, now panicked. "How did she found out?"

"Well, I happen to-."

"Who's The Mistress? And what do mean she found out? About what?" Amore questioned.

"Ugh, Amore, this is private, and I cannot taint you more than that woman has," Lilia said.

"Please, I am 17 years old, and I dont need to be talked down like I am a child." Amore huffed.

"Remember that old lady and her tale?" Sebek reminisced.

"About the twins…who got cursed when they…" Amore trailed off. "It was about Silver and I? We were cursed!"

"Yes," Lilia spoke. "The Mistress was not invited to your christening, and as a result, she cursed you both on your 18th birthday that you would die. you were spared, but the curse is still ongoing. But doing it a year early was our plan to avoid it. I was there myself, and I was the one who suggested taking you far way into the woods. But thats only half of my story."

"Half?"

"Twins are considered a bad omen, and one tradition that stopped was bringing one twin as a sacrifice to us, faes. But it..it didn't sit well."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I am quite happy about my choice but I know how much Silver doesn't want to be here."

"Silver?"

⚔️

Silver couldn't even spend a few minutes with Derek. Derek is self-centered and treats Silver horribly. It didn't help that he boasted about hunting animals and claimed to be one of the best hunters in existence.

Silver managed to walk away to the food court. He managed a sigh of relief as he took a small donut to munch on.

"Ugh, such a pompous man," Silver managed. "He's almost such a carbon copy of his Father. If he wasn't so drunk, he might actually be the same. I can't believe I managed to get away without him noticing. But I definaly need to get away before he sees me again."

Silver walked away but couldn't help but notice a knight who was munching on some of the food. He couldn't see a pair of hyena ears that twitched when he took another bite of a donut.

Silver couldn't help but walk forward and carefully pet the ears, causing the knight to jolt.

"Hey-!" gasped the knight. "I might be off duty at the moment, but that doesn't mean you can pet my ears!"

"But you never minded when I did so before," Silver spoke.

"Gh-! Silver?!" Ruggie gasped and took off his helmet. "Wow…you look…you look gorgeous."

"Thank you," Silver blushed.

"But how are you here? I mean, it's not a bad thing that you are but…I uh," Ruggie blushed. "I'm sorry but you look amazing."

"Thank you, and as a prince, I should look presentable."

"P-prince?! I mean, you were one of the twins? Oh shoot, no wonder that you and Amore looked do familiar."

"You didn't hear the announcement?"

"I was by the east tower," Ruggie chuckles. "So I didn't hear it. But I guess that makes my knight shift exciting. I know the prince personally, maybe that could give me such an adventage."

Silver giggles. "Maybe. But this ball is getting boring and I frankly have nothing to. So, I must be lucky and I saw you."

"Well, I do have some ideas," Ruggie smiles and takes Silver to the dance floor. "We didn't finish our dance back in the woods."

"We didn't?"

"Nope, so may I have this dance, my prince?" Ruggie bowed and took Silver's hand.

Silver smiles and holds Ruggie's hand. "Of course."

Silver felt Ruggie start the dance, and his heart beat as Ruggie's hands held him close. Silver couldn't help but hold Ruggie's metal hand tight and refused to let go, especially after what happened. He loves Ruggie with all of his heart; maybe it should be a time to tell him. Who knows when this might be the last time they see each other?

"Ruggie," Silver started, but a door slammed open, revealing an angry Amore.

"You are absoloute lowlife of royalty!" Amore screamed towards the king and queen. "You are the lowest of the low and I have never been so disgusted to be here and to be your son right now."

"Amore, what is this about?" Serena asked. "Don't make a scene, you are a prince."

"I don't think you have a right to talk to me after your actions." Amore snapped. "Not only did you start a war with the faes, you murdered their queen, and even after all of that, you still didn't invite the actual queen to the christening?!"

"Because that women is a monster," Serena calmly spoke. "Unlike the kind fae that took care of you, she harmed you."

"Because you didn't invite her, which is disrespectful to the faes," Amore added. And you…you wanted to…"

"Wanted to what?" Serena snarled. "Speak properly if you are going to lecture me on what I thought was right for my twins, who I love dearly."

"Not enough to name one, and would instead leave them for the faes!" Amore spilled.

Serena and Daniel gasped and looked over at each other.

"Amore, what could you possibly mean?"

"…Mother wanted to get rid of him, all because he was my twin brother."

"Who could've told you such a ridiculas tale?" Serena scoffed.

"I did, your highness," Lilia grinned as he appeared behind her.

"You! How dare you spread lies to my son!" Serena screamed. You want to ruin my reputation because I didn't invite your queen? How low can you go, General Lilia?"

"I haven't lied about anything," Lilia shrugged. "I told everything from my perspective of the event, especially since I was the one who named Silver, My Queen."

Serena's face turned pale, and she glared down at Lilia.

"Father, what is this?" Silver finally spoke up and walked forward.

"Father!? You want to call this decrepted fae as a father?" Serena snapped at Silver. "He stole you as a child, and yet you call him Father?Faes like him have no heart, killing those humans without much a hesitation."

"Serena, please calm down." Daniel begged.

"Pardon you, byt my father has been a nice fae to me and everyone else," Silver defended. "As far as I am concerned, he is my Father and he's the only person I could say is my Father and will always be my Father. He is the man who raised me."

"My point, exactly," Amore added. "I love my own Father so much that I can't even call you mother and Father yet because of this. And now here you are, just badmouthing the very faes you trusted to take care of us."

"Well, they may have raised you, but I am your mother, no matter what circumstances," Serena exclaimed, then she glared at Silver. "Ugh, I should've just gave you up when I had the chance. None of this would have happened if I left you with those faes!"

"Serena!! Watch what you are saying!" Daniel gasped.

Serena gasped as she felt Silver push her away.

"Stay away from me.." Silver whispered before walking out of the room.

Amore quickly followed but was soon shown a door with muffled crying inside.

"Silver," Amore sighed sadly, knowing he couldn't intervene.

"Allow me," Lilia said softly. "You go on and calm down, Amore. You have done enough already, and I thank you for that, but focus on yourself for now."

Amore nodded and walked to the opposite tower, looking at the kingdom below.

He felt horrible for how he reacted, but Amore knew that even if he wanted to, he couldn't keep it a secret and that his life before was the life he wanted to return to. He hated being part of a corrupt royal family, and the way Serena spoke of the faes hurt, considering how much he learned about Faes.

But some time to himself may do him good.

"Amore….," a soft voice echoes behind him.

"Who's there?"

Amore looked behind him, and a green orb appeared. He didn't even know what had happened, but he felt himself moving toward the green orb, and he couldn't control his body.

"Amore?" he heard Sebek call out.

But Amore couldn't even say anything as he started to walk up the stairs, following the orb until he found himself in the same room as a spindle and a needle so enticing that Amore stepped forward and lifted his finger towards it, getting closer and closer.

"Amore!?" Sebek gasped. "Amore! No!!"

But it was too late for Sebek as Amore's finger touched the needle, and the blood stained it. Amore gasped in pain and fell into Sebek's arms.

"….Sebek…" Amore yawned. "I…I love you."

With that, Amore fell asleep, the start of the eternal sleep.

"No..," Sebek sobbed, holding Amore close. "..I love you too."

🦇

"Silver?" Lilia knocked on the door.

"…..come in."

Lilia opened the door, and his heart broke when he saw Silver's head down on the vanity, just sobbing. Lilia had never seen Silver so devasted, so upset to the point that he was sobbing. He carefully rubbed his son's

back, letting him cry.

"I am so sorry…I never wanted you to find out like that," Lilia started. "I knew that one day that you would return to them and I didn't have to heart to tell you the truth, even when I wanted to. And It's my own fault, I know."

Silver didn't say a word as another sob left his mouth.

"I just want you to know that I am so glad that you see me as your Father like I have see you as my own son. I love you so dearly that it pained me let you go," Lilia confessed. "Being your Father was the best thing that could've happened to me, and I know that it's a little too late to say that, but ever since I held you in my arms, that faithful knight, I knew that I wanted to give you a life that I knew Serena would never give you. And that was a promise I made to you then…and I will keep now."

Lilia kissed his forehead. "I'll be outside the door when you are ready to talk."

Lilia took one more look before closing the door, leaving Silver alone.

"Silver…." a quaint voice echoed, and a green light reflected onto him.

Silver slowly lifted his head in a trance-like state as he saw a shadowy figure. The fireplace slowly became a staircase, and a green orb appeared, leading Silver up the stairs. It was like his body was moving independently without much thought. Even when he heard Lilia calling his name in a panic, Silver couldn't even call out to his Father. He found himself at the top of the west tower, and the green orb turned into a spindle, with the needle shining bright and his hand lifted, a finger getting closer and closer to the needle.

"Silver!"

Silver gasped and looked back at Lilia, who looked horrified, but it was too late; Silver's finger made contact with the needle, the blood straining it as Silver felt his body fall down, and luckily, Lilia caught him.

"Father…I'm sorry," Silver yawns.

"F-for what?" Lilia spoke, tearing up.

"…for saying I love you back. I do. You're the best Father what I have had…I'm sorry that I didn't say it."

"…Silver, just hang in there, alright…"

Silver didn't respond, officially falling asleep.

"I'm so sorry, my son," Lilia sobbed. I am so sorry. I should've protected you, and I let you down."

"You are such a fool, Lilia," he heard The Mistress's mock. "You think that you could fool me?! The Mistress of all Evil?! Now, that human you call a son is now under my curse now. No one will stop me!"

Lilia glared at her and held Silver close as he watched The Mistress disappear, her laugh echoing in the tower halls.

[venti-bardbatos]

Venti Barbatos

(This is a witch au version of him ^^)

‘ ‘ Fly, fly away, Like a bird in the sky. See the world on my behalf, To the heavens may you fly~ ‘ ‘

Hello traveller! This is a Venti AU ask/rp blog for all of the travellers with questions for me to hear. Join me for a drink in the tavern as we play our songs and raise our glasses in cheer!

Below are some guidelines and DNI lists to read before interacting. Blog admin is @demont0es. Admin is going to school so they might be slow to respond to asks and roleplays ^^

With that, enjoy your time here in the city of freedom and please remember to be respectful!

Do: Send asks (both serious or fun, please say if it’s serious cause I’ll just assume it’s for fun if you don’t), roleplay with me as another character, send IMs planning rps or asking questions

Don’t: Send nsfw asks, bring in drama or politics, be discriminatory (homophobia, transphobia, racist, ableist, etc), send heavily romantic interactions/start heavily romantic roleplays, kill Venti

Also Allowed: Cussing, death mentions

DNI: Nazis, Pedos, Proshippers, NSFW blogs, other general DNI

INT: Other genshin rp blogs, genshin or hoyo fans

Character Info:

Venti / Barbatos / Windborne Witch (among the people of Mond)

Birthday: June 16th

Inventory/Current items: Lyre Der Frühling/Fake vision, feather

Extra: Venti lives in a small cottage in the forest of Mondstadt with his two familiars, a bird named Himmel, and Dvalin as a dragon pup. He is proficient in music-related spells and magic, but is often sought out only for his potions. Despite this, he’s always happy to lend a helping hand to those in need. If he ever calls anyone “windblume,” thats just what he uses as a replacement for something like “dear.”

(I plan to draw up a digital reference for his witch outfit eventually)

These are some sketches I made of his witch outfit ^^ (sorry if some of them are smudged)

Cecilia/Venti dividers

Cottagecore dividers

[charlotte-and-leopold]

The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.

LAEKEN, 21st May 1845.

MY DEAREST AND MOST BELOVED VICTORIA, - Receive my sincerest and most heartfelt good wishes on the happy reappearance of your birthday. I need not dwell on my sentiments of devotion to you; they began with your life, and will only end with mine. The only claim I make is to be remembered with some little affection. Thank heaven, I have little to wish you, than that your present happiness may not be disturbed, and that those who are dear to you may be preserved for your happiness.

My gift is Charlotte's portrait. The face is extremely like, and the likest that exists; the hair is a little too fair, it had become also darker. I take this opportunity to repeat that Charlotte was a noble-minded and highly gifted creature.

She was nervous, as all the family have been; she could be violent, but then she was full of repentance for it, and her disposition highly generous and susceptible of great devotion. I am the more bound to say this, as I understood that you had some notion that she had been very imperious, and not mistress of her temper. Before her marriage some people by dint of flattery had tried to give her masculine tastes; and in short had pushed her to become one day a sort of Queen Elizabeth. These sentiments were already a little modified before her marriage. But she was particularly determined to be a good and obedient wife; some of her friends were anxious she should not, amongst these Madame de Flahaut must be mentioned en premiere ligne. This became even a subject which severed the intimacy between them. Madame de Flahaut, much older than Charlotte, and of a sour and determined character, had gained an influence which partook on Charlotte's part a little of fear. She was afraid of her, but when once supported took courage.

People were much struck on the 2nd of May 1816 at Carlton House with the clearness and firmness with which she pronounced "and obey" etc., as there had been a general belief that it would be for the husband to give these promises. The Regent put me particularly on my guard, and said, "If you don't resist she will govern you with a high hand." Your own experience has convinced you that real affection changes many sentiments that may have been implanted into the mind of a young girl. With Charlotte it was the more meritorious, as from a very early period of her life she was considered as the heiress of the Crown; the Whigs flattered her extremely, and later, when she got by my intervention reconciled to the Tories, they also made great efforts to please her.

Her understanding was extremely good; she knew everybody, and I even afterwards found her judgment generally extremely correct. She had read a great deal and knew well what she had read. Generous she was almost too much, and her devotion was quite affecting, from a character so much pushed to be selfish and imperious.

I will here end my souvenir of poor dear Charlotte, but I thought that the subject could not but be interesting to you. Her constancy in wishing to marry me, which she maintained under difficulties of every description, has been the foundation of all that touched the family afterwards. You know, I believe, that your poor father was the chief promoter, though also the Yorks were; but our correspondence from 1814 till 1816 was entirely carried on through his kind intervention; it would otherwise have been impossible, as she was really treated as a sort of prisoner. Grant always to that good and generous Charlotte, who sleeps already with her beautiful little boy so long, where all will go to, an affectionate remembrance, and believe me she deserves it.

Forgive my long letter, and see in it, what it really is, a token of the great affection I have for you. Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R

[aubins]

Lambert had taken his time to read more into his students’ records and profiles. Of course, the documents were vague and didn’t offer that much information about them- which was expected considering their condition as abyssinians, where anything about one’s self as past are kept well under a veil, an unwritten rule to not pry. But at the very least, he wanted to know their birth dates.

Regardless of what they did or didn’t do, of who their true self is, of how their past developed- Lambert wished to at least celebrate the very fact that they chose to defy fate, persevere and now live.

“It is good to see you, Yuri.” The professor approached slowly, an easy smile on his features. “Not much going on today, I assume?” Which was a blessing. As much as the Wolves tried to function like an academy house, in the end they doubled as the Abyss’ main line of defense. Days where everything was peaceful and attempts to infiltrate the underground’s many tunnels were few to none were incredibly rare. “One must keep their eyes open at all times, but taking a moment to rest both mind and body is also a necessity.”

A wooden box was produced from under his cloak, the cover a deep brown and unassuming as he handed it to the house leader. “For you. To make an already good day even better, or so I hope.”

It was a board game- chess. Lambert had found it in one of his days walking around Garreg Mach’s marketplace, eventually coming across a small store of antiques. It was a chess game like any other, but such resources in the Abyss were difficult to come across and depended solely on the merchant's willingness to bring business underground.

“I thank you for everything you do for Abyss and its inhabitants. And for what you have done for me, as well. You are the best student a teacher could ask for.” He smiled fondly. "We may play a match later if you would like. Enjoy your day, Yuri.” Happy birthday.

It is a quiet day in Abyss, as far as days in Abyss go. Unusual, certainly, but never unwelcome. Yuri counts the minutes of their shift in silence, time ticking even when there is no clock to hear. Even still, despite the quiet, the approaching footsteps do not earn the mockingbird's startle.

No, they come from the wrong side for an intruder.

Lilacs turn toward the professor, lips twisting into a grin in greeting. Where Lambert's is slow and easy, Yuri's is sharp, its pointed edges more familiar upon their features than a warm smile might have been. “Hello, Professor Lambert,” they hum, perfectly at ease. “No, it seems our usual friends haven't been up to it today, but there's never any rest for the wicked. I don't suppose you're here to relieve me of my shift?”

They've memorized the schedules; they already know he is not. Either Constance or Hapi will come around in the next ten minutes or so, and Yuri will be free to wander off to their own business. But until then, they doubt Lambert is only here for some idle chatter. He must have some business.

And he reveals such from beneath his cloak, the box accepted with a curious quirk of their brow as steady hands work to pry it open and see what secrets lay within.

Then, Yuri laughs. Not unkindly— perhaps it is merely innocent surprise.

Ah, chess. They suppose they must have an old set somewhere, stored away in some dusty corner to be forgotten. This one is new and pristine, and they pick a piece— the white king— to twist between their fingers as they glance back at Lambert. He makes no mention of their birthday, but they doubt there's any other reason for it. How thoughtful of their dear professor.

Their smile warms, just a little. Really, if you've been on their good side for long enough, it's not such a strange expression on their face. “Now, now, professor. You flatter me, but don't let anyone else hear you say that. You might be accused of favoritism.” They let the piece drop back amongst the rest of its peers, the box snapping shut. “But thanks. I'll hold you to that game later.”