#also i'm thinking pre-coronation

[wonder-worker]

are there any books you'd recommend for Isabelle of Angouleme?

Hi! I’m really not an expert on Isabella of Angouleme so I'm probably not the best person to ask for recommendations for her. Here are some I've heard of, though I haven't read all of them:

"Isabella of Angouleme: John's Jezebel" by Nicholas Vincent (King John: New Interpretations). I haven't read it myself but I've heard good things!

“Maternal Abandonment and Surrogate Caregivers: Isabella of Angoulême and Her Children by King John” by Louise J. Wilkinson (Virtuous or Villainess? The Image of the Royal Mother from the Early Medieval to the Early Modern Era). It focuses more-so on Isabella's tenure as queen, the period shortly after John's death, and her decision to leave England. Despite what the title may imply, it's sympathetic to Isabella and analyzes her situation in detail.

“Co-Operation, Co-Rulership and Competition: Queenship in the Angevin Domains 1135-1230” by Gabrielle Storey, her PHD thesis which collectively focuses on Isabella of Angouleme along with Empress Matilda, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Berengaria of Navarre. You can read/download it here, it's an excellent piece for all four women.

Sally Spong has written/is writing:

Isabella of Angouleme: The Vanished Queen (Norman to Early Plantagenet Consorts). You can see her conclusion here. It's nuanced and sympathetic, though not without its issues and pre-conceived notions.

Isabella of Gloucester and Isabella of Angouleme: Female Lordship, Queenship, Power, and Authority 1189-1220 (PHD thesis University of East Anglia).

“Isabelle d’Angouleme, By the Grace of God, Queen” by William Chester Jordan. You can read it online here, though I will say that it's ... very very questionable, accepting the sensational claims of lot of unreliable sources (including the idea of John abducting Isabella in a fit of uncontrollable infatuation) entirely at face-value.

“The Marriage and Coronation of Isabelle of Angouleme” by H.G. Richardson, available here on JSTOR.

Isabella has also been the subject of two complete French biographies till date:

"Isabelle d’Angoulême, reine d’Angleterre" (Aquitaine: 1998) by Sophie Fougere.

"Isabelle d’Angoulême, comtesse-reine et son temps (1186-1246)" [Actes du colloque tenu à Lusignan, 8 au 10 novembre 1996] by Gabriel Biancotto, Robert Favreau and Piotr Skubiszewski.

There are also a few blog posts about her (here and here) which may help if you want a brief overview of her life, though they can get a little sensationalistic sometimes.

Hope this helps! If anyone knows any others, please feel free to add on!

[kawareo]

what were some of your fav scenes/fights in bg3?

also completely unrelated, but what were Strike’s pre-tadpole stats?

oh boy okay stats first, then the ramble under cut ^-^

I said before that his stats as Durge would be pretty op, and I do know that they are, but I think the fact that he devolves so much before the events of the game evens him out lol - he was also multi-classing into a Fighter. I was trying to think of him more of in a 'what if he was the miniboss instead of Orin' way, rather than as if he were a playable character

After tadpoling, his stats have nearly halved, except Charisma which is still pretty high (like 17 at the start, i think)

I really like the Nere fight for some reason, especially if I made a deal with the duegar and also am trying to keep the gnomes alive!

And the entire part in the Ilithid colony, i love parts where you can clean out a place room by room, and then the big fights, once I figure out the strategies for them (for example, the Moonrise towers, creche, or protecting the grove, love when I learn how to beat them). Also in my evil Durge run every fight is fun because I have Lae'zen, Minthara, Shadowheart's spirit guardians and my sorcerer who can deal two level five spells per round if needed, so we kind of just power through every fight lol

All of the romance/sex scenes are lovely and I could stare at them forever, personal favorite is the Halsin one. The dance scene with Wyll is super cute. The entire tiefling party slaps absolute ass I love that section. Haarlep scene, too! Genuinely scary! That thing scares the shit out of me but their scene is so fun to watch.

Some of my all time favorite scenes are also Ketheric's introduction, Gortash and Orin talking (orin's va fucking killed it there with the "yes so no sir rip and cut your throat sir", i can quote that entire scene from memory), Minsc' introduction! Dame Aylin and Isobel kiss! The coronation scene! Anything where Auntie Ethel shows up! Rolan!

Lmao it might be shorter if I just tell you things that I dislike tbh, the list is shorter; i love Lae'zel but after act 2 I kind of really don't care about her storyline? I dont know why but the political coup and the githyanki drama just isn't that interesting to me. I couldn't care less about Orpheous, either. Genuinely fuck that Lorroakan fight I hate it form the bottom of my heart. Haven't found the dragon yet and I'm scared in advance because I heard some scary shit. I haven't had to fight any of the Thorm family yet because I always charisma my way through them but in my new run I'll try them, the fights look like a bitch though. It's mostly the gityanki stuff (besides Lae'zel herself) that i don't care that much for , almost everything else I can find interest for

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

What are your favorite looks from royal weddings, christenings, jubilees, coronations/enthronements, funerals?

For weddings, see this post:

For christenings - I've always generally liked what the moms wear but there just aren't a whole lot of good pictures because they're the ones holding the baby! What I love the most to see at the royal christenings is always how happy, proud, and glowing most of the moms are. I always got an odd vibe from Meghan in Archie's christening pictures - she isn't glowing and happy in those photos as the moms in other christening photos are. In fact, to me, Meghan seemed happier, more glowy, and prouder in the pictures from the Windsor hall when they presented Archie to CBS cameras.

But these two are my favorite looks from royal christenings.

I also really liked Madeleine's look from her first child's christening but couldn't find a good picture of her outfit so I didn't include it. I loved that she wore a floral headpiece and with a floral dress, made her whole look very summery.

For jubilees - I'm just going to do the BRF's 2022 Platinum Jubilee because I don't want go to down a rabbit hole right now.

Here are the ladies:

Kate in Wales (one of my all-time favorite Kate coats)

Beatrice at the Royal Windsor Horse Show Charity Night (one of my all-time favorite Yorkie looks - this is such a slay)

Zara at the Epsom Races (in Mike's hat)

Kate at the Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving

Sophie Winkleman and Lady Gabriella at the service of thanksgiving.

A couple of notes about the service of thanksgiving - Beatrice and Sophie W. actually wore the same dress in different colors; Beatrice in blue, Sophie in pink. I prefer Sophie's dress and her hat style. Beatrice's dress just looked off, like the fit was just slightly too big.

I didn't mind Eugenie's dress at the service of thanksgiving but the tangerine color with a black hat was all wrong. A more muted orange, like Gabriella's peach, or a darker-hued orange on scale with Sophie’s pink/fuchsia would've worked much better.

And now for the gents:

Mike after the service of Thanksgiving in Zara's hat. Just fab. No words.

August at the jubilee pageant. Who doesn't love a little boy in a heritage sweater? Such a cutie-pie.

For coronations/enthronements

From Charles and Camilla's coronation in 2023:

Queen Matilda, Coronation

Beatrice, Coronation

Penny Mordaunt, Coronation

Empress Crown Princess of Japan, Coronation

Queen Letizia, Pre-Coronation Reception

Queen Jetsun, Pre-Coronation Reception

Lady Louise, Coronation (an all-time favorite look)

Everyone in the procession at the coronation, (except for the Camillas)

Kate, Coronation Garden Party

Kate, Coronation Concert

Princess Anne, Coronation

Major Johnny, Coronation

Yeomen, Garden Party. These guys are just cool.

The only other coronation/enthronement whose fashion I enjoyed was King Willem-Alexander's inauguration. These looks are my favorite:

Maxima, Inauguration

Frederick and Mary, Inauguration

Felipe and Letizia, Inauguration (they became King and Queen a year later)

Mary, Reception (not sure if this was before or after the inauguration. I think it was after or later that day since Willem-Alexander and Maxima’s daughters were wearing the same dresses from the inauguration ceremony). Mary is 💃 personified in that dress.

I also adore the dresses that Leonor and Sofia wore for King Felipe's coronation. I wish we could have seen Charlotte in dresses like these when she was younger, instead of the traditional British smocked dresses.

For funerals - I don’t know about this one. I’m a little uncomfortable focusing on the fashion at such somber occasions. I get why some people do but it’s not for me so respectfully, I’m not sharing about these. People do the best they can during times of grief and we shouldn’t fault them for choices made under duress.

That said, I think Kate looked better at Philip’s funeral and The Queen’s lying-in-state than she did at The Queen’s funeral. Her outfit choice for The Queen’s funeral felt very much like a changeover to The Princess of Wales, where she looked (and probably felt) more like herself at Philip’s funeral and the lying-in-state service.

This concludes the traditional Royal-watching week of commentary. In two weeks, I’ll spend a few days posting about the Sussexes, and opening Pandora’s Box, so if you have opinions/royal-watching questions or just want to light matches with me about the Sussexes, get them in before May 18th to be included.

Back to regular programming.

[frodothefair]

An Unexected Inspiration: Frodothefair writes Éothiriel!

Welp, it's happened! My Rohan ladies, @konartiste and @from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras have finally rubbed off on me, and along with my three Frodo projects, I now want to write some Éothiriel! Now, I don't know when it'll happen, but here goes the plot bunny that I came up with last night as I was falling asleep. (Content warning for those who read on: suicide attempt).

My Lothíriel, of course, will be very different from @konartiste's, to some extent by design because I want her to be decidedly mine. The great thing about Lothíriel is that she is, in fact, such a blank slate. 

To begin with, my Lothíriel is a bit high-strung, reserved, at times irritable, and prone to melancholy -- perhaps like her aunt, Finduilas. She is also really angry deep inside, but in the quiet, conceal-don't-feel way of Elsa in Frozen. (Why is she like this? Well, nature aside, she lost her mother early, and her family, courtiers and caregivers are superficially supportive, but full of microagressions and don't really understand her). She enjoys playing the harp and walking along the beach in Dol Amroth, collecting items that wash up and making them into art -- all the while followed by a gaggle of cortiers a few feet behind, because that is the royal protocol. 

Physically, also, it's an odd thing -- she keeps insinuating herself into my mind as a sort of female Elijah Wood-in-Frodo's-wig. Now, stay with me, I think this is not incompatible with what we know about Dol Amrotheans. Gondoeans and Dol Amrotheans have dark fair more often than fair hair -- check. Her hair is long, dark and curly. The uncommonly large blue eyes can easily be made into uncommonly large sea-gray eyes, per canon. The noble, classical features? Check and check, great for royalty. The only thing that doesn't fit is the height, as people of Dunedain heritage are taller than other Men, but let's add a few inches to Elijah Wood's 5'6, and we can get 5'9. On a woman, this is not short at all. I'm that tall, and more often than not, I am the tallest woman in the room where I live. Finally, she's slightly built and has modest but noticeable curves, and her body type is overall perfect for getting picked up and riding in the front of somebody's saddle ;).

Ok, so. Let's take it away with the story. Lothíriel is betrothed to Éomer King when she is in Minas Tirith for Aragorn's coronation. Éomer sees her from afar and meets her briefly, likes her, he and Imrahil are good friends, and it's a politically advantageous match. 

It is high honor to be marrying a King, but Lothíriel understandably has difficulty with this -- she never expected to have a love match, and always expected to marry for Dol Amroth, but she always assumed this would mean marrying another Gondorean dignitary, as opposed to someone who lives as far away and is part of a culture as different as Rohan's.

Still, she tries. She starts learning the language and the culture, she spends time with Éomer before he takes his leave back to Rohan. But an unexpected thing happens. She starts having panic attacks -- which, if you don't know what they are, can make you feel like you're dying. She can barely speak a full sentence around Éomer. She goes to see the healers, who check her over and let her know that there's nothing physically wrong with her, and since they're not that up on psychiatry in that world, they prescribe her the equivalent of valerian for panic episodes (which makes her feel tired, and so is impractical to use unless it's time for bed), ascribe what's going on to "pre-wedding jitters" and send her on her way. Her family, too, chalks it up to simple nerves, is focused on the advantageous nature of the match, and reassure her that she will soon get over it, as Éomer is a man of excellent reputation who is quite attracted to her. A few particularly benighted people even ascribe what's going on to her being smitten with Éomer, but overall, nobody is particularly concerned, and they pack her off to Rohan when it's time. (Éomer, for his part, does not realize there is a problem during their brief courtship because he is 1) dazzled by the enormous sea-gray eyes, lol and 2) everyone repeatedly tells him that "she is just shy.")

On arrival to Rohan, everything is terrible. Lothíriel is appalled by what she sees as squalor and hopelessly rustic culture, and she reluctantly agrees with Saruman's alleged statement that Meduseld is little more than a "thatched barn where brigands drink in the filth and their brats roll around on the floor with the dogs." Éomer is kind and tries his best to be patient, but she cannot bear to have him touch her, so their marriage goes unconsummated. She continues to struggle with panic and can barely perform her royal duties. 

One day — and this is where the fic will start, with much of the above told in flashbacks — she is forced to leave a dinner with dignitaries early, and is in her room screaming and crying. A lady in waiting checks on her, and Lothíriel asks her to draw a bath and leave her alone. By this point, Lothíriel is desperate. She cannot envision getting used to Rohan, and she cannot think of a way to go back. She knows running away would be futile — she is a royal with no practical survival skills, and would be caught, bringing dishonor on everyone involved. There is no one she can trust — due to the customs of the age, she had to leave all her Don Amrothean retinue behind. Her family, she knows, would not be sympathetic.

Feeling trapped, Lothíriel decides to take her own life. Her plan is to drink all of her valerian and fall asleep and drown in the tub. This she does, but fortunately does not drown — the next thing she knows, the door to her chambers is being busted down and a number of people are standing over her, trying to bring her to her senses. Éomer is there as well, and he pushes through the crowd and is gutted and has a breakdown nearly as bad as when he discovered Eowyn on the battlefield.

Lothíriel, of course, at this point is still fairly insensate and tells him to leave her alone, and because she’s a bit disinhibited under the influence of the herb, she confesses that she wishes she could die and that she is sorry, but does not think she can do it — meaning be the queen of Rohan. After this, she passes out again.

The next time she comes to, she is in Rohan’s equivalent of the Houses of Healing. Éomer comes to visit her, and they have a heart to heart talk. He tells her that she does not wish to cause her pain, and if it’s really that much of a struggle, they can work on arranging a civil end to the marriage, perhaps an annulment because they have not consummated their relationship yet, and he would bear the blame for all that has happened. He tells her he wants her to be happy, even if it is not with him, and he is willing to give up not only the political alliance, but a life with the woman he is in love with, because love that is one-sided is no love at all. (Granted, my Éomer’s a bit more emotionally intelligent than @konartiste’s, but that’s ok, isn’t it? He can still have a vicious temper when it comes to certain issues, but he makes an effort to be patient with the people he loves, particularly after he invalidated Eowyn, leading to her joining the war effort anyway and nearly getting killed. Also, after he loses much of his family in the War of the Ring, he gets a reality check and realizes it’s important to cherish the relationships that you have.)

For a minute, Lothíriel considers his proposal, but then…

She takes a good look at the attractive, golden-haired man in front of her. She thinks about his kindness and willingness to sacrifice for her. No one in her life to date — which is rather sad — has seen her in quite the same way. She also thinks about how home is not actually all that appealing, and even despite Éomer’s best efforts, she would be returning to Dol Amroth in disgrace. 

She tells him that she does not want to go — she wants to stay, and get to know him, and to perhaps get better. The two of them embrace, briefly, and he promises to visit her again.

In the weeks and months that follow, Lothíriel and Éomer live semi-separate lives (they do not share their chambers, for instance), but they continues to spend time together. Lothíriel is relieved from some of her royal duties. Éomer finds ways to introduce her to Rohan in a gentle way: they visit the horses and they go riding, and she learns how to be a better horsewoman. (Horse therapy is actually pretty amazing for anxiety.) They listen to bards singing together, and she gains an appreciation for Rohan’s oral traditions. They travel farther afield and she meets the people and gets to know the flora and fauna of Rohan. She gains an appreciation for the wide open plains, and how they resemble the sea. She starts collecting things she finds in her trips out with Éomer, just like she had done on the shores of Dol Amroth. In time, Éomer opens up to her about his struggles as a new king, and she comforts him, which leads them to move forward physically with their relationship. 

The story ends with Lothíriel’s three brothers visiting her in Rohan a year later. Lothíriel is expecting a child, and her irritabile and reserved nature is nowhere to be seen. She is a warm hostess, a clearly loving wife, and has a deep love for her new land. Elphir, Erchirion and Amrothos wonder what magic Éomer has worked upon her.

So, what do you think? Would you like to see this written someday? Let me know, and have an excellent day.

[wistfulwatcher]

I agree 100% with the tags on your gifset of Misty looking to Nat for approval. I think we start really seeing it in the teen timeline earlier but Misty pledging herself to Nat when Nat was crowned the antler queen is like, just a formal pledge. She's solidifying what was already there. Nat wasn't the antler queen when she chose to save her over Javi. Nat was the one being hunted for sport, and Misty could've run over to her to finish the job. Or help Javi and then finish the job. But nope, she just went straight to pulling Nat off of him and telling her if she doesn't run the others WILL kill her. Nat was also the first person to jump in front of Misty and defend her to Shauna after Shauna punched her in 2.07 so I'm sure that helped Misty glom onto her a bit lol

Fully agree, this is my reasoning as well! I do also believe that Nat and Misty have always had a level of understanding as outcasts - I think Misty always saw her as "safer" than the other girls, and I think Nat could understand Misty in ways that allowed her to be more tolerant than others because she understood where Misty's need for acceptance comes from. (Though, the other side of that is, I think Nat also got more frustrated with Misty because she understands what it's like to be an outcast, except Nat leaned into it where Misty fought against it - in the sense of, "if it was so easy for me to be different, why can't you just do the same?") And not that it was official/canon in the show, but at least some of the actresses (I think Christina and/or Juliette, but could have been Sammi/Soapy too) have mentioned there being that sort of understanding, where Nat was always nicer to Misty than the others were.

I also, on the less romantic side, do think that Misty is just too pragmatic to not see Nat's value (even pre-wilderness). I think she has always seen Natalie as someone important to have around, and since she is such a practical person I think her emotional responses are sort of tied up in her pragmatism; in fact, I would argue that practicality is inherently romantic for her. So Misty has the - arguably, as a hunter - most useful person in the group, who understands her, and is kind to her (even if distantly), and then defends her? And on top of that, is indebted to Misty (at least as far as Misty is concerned) for saving her life? That is a romantic-pragmatic mashup feast for Misty.

So I definitely think the seeds of her attachment and obsession were there far before the coronation. (Sorry Christina. I agree with 99% of what you say, but not this.) And I agree, the pledge was really just a formal commitment, and more of a conscious decision for what she would already have done subconsciously. I think that moment of Misty looking up is very much things clicking into place for her, like that it's okay to appreciate and care for Natalie the way she does, because now she's her queen. (Not to mention that Misty is neck-deep in comphet. Her being given this tool - this religion, this coronation - that not just allows her to feel the way she does, but encourages it?) I don't see anyone bending the knee with the fervor she did without the seeds being there beforehand.

[literally-just-there]

Hi Gate! ♡ I have. A question. What's Seeker and your f/os' favorite classic paintings? Or statues etc! 👀🎨🖼

OOOOOHOOHOHOHO KUROH YOU ASKED FOR THIS *cracks knuckles*

(Putting this under a cut... Not doing just classic... No I did not do every f/o or I would still be here in a week. I just did paintings because that's what I'm more knowledgeable about)

🖌 • For Seeker :

She looks a lot at the eyes and facial expressions, and loves a good romantic scene like the pre-raphaelites do. We got "La Belle Dame Sans Merci" by Frank Dicksee, and "The Shadow" by Edmund Blair Leighton for example.

Strangely enough, she is also captivated by paintings that can be considered haunting, I'm thinking of John Martin's works that depict biblical, historical and other legendary apocalypses. She does not enjoy them per say, but she is captivated, especially since she is not religious but is herself a legendary being. I'm thinking of "The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah" and the triptych of "The Last Judgement".

She also likes "Christ in the House of His Parents" by Millais because it humanizes what is usually seen as only divine and otherworldly, and she relates to this paradox of being some kind of human god (I suggest reading the critics on the painting at the time).

🖌 • For the Informant :

Keywords are emotion and interactions. He loves when the painting displays interactions and especially love, whatever the kind. I have quite miscellaneous painting ideas for him ;

Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne", Karl Gussow's "Old Man's Treasure", but also the more tragic "Tristan and Isolde" paintings by Rogelio de Egusquiza, "Romeo and Juliet" by Millais, or "The Meeting on the Turret Stairs" by Frederic William Burton.

🖌 • For Helen :

She loves paintings with soft vibes and that depict nature. I'm thinking of Rosa Bonheur as I type this. I love the cows she paints. Also pretty paintings like those of Sophie Gengembre Anderson, "The Turtle Dove", "It's Touch and Go to Laugh or No", "Little Helper", "Her Favourite Pets" or "A Fairy Is Made Of Most Beautiful Things" which is one of my favourites too.

🖌 • For Smallcat :

He does look like someone who would like grandiose official portraits. However he is more of a landscape type of guy. He paints some himself actually !! For me Monet is the absolute best, I'm of course thinking about his Nymphéas. And Pissarro !! Pissarro's landscapes !! Can we talk about "Le Grand noyer dans le pré, Éragny" ??!! Pretty !?!?!

🖌 • For Delacroix :

That arse head on the other hand LOVES a good lavish official portrait. It does make sense because he is a noble but also : the more gold, more jewels, more expensive fabric, more symbols of power displayed, the more he is eating this up like his eye dinner. I am thinking of Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud or Napoléon Ist by François Gérard, the good old coronation portraits.

🖌 • For Anna :

Most of all she wants to have something to say about the art piece. It has to make her THINK. So she prefers paintings that have intense facial expressions, and / or that tell a story that makes you THINK. I'm thinking of paintings about societal struggles, like "Burning the Brushwood" by Eero Järnefelt, or paintings that are sticking their chin at institutions, like Frank Cadogan Cowper's "Lucretia Borgia Reigns in the Vatican in the Absence of Pope Alexander VI" including more tragic ones like "The Martyr of Solway" by Millais.

But she is also a romantic at heart and appreciates paintings that display romantic interactions. There are the ones I mentioned for Seeker but I would add "God Speed" by Edmund Blair Leighton.

🖌 • For Wei :

MARINES. Anything that has to do with the sea. One name, Monet, again, yes, BUT !! The paintings he did when he was in Belle-Ile-en-mer !! The Port Coton ones !! He did so many !! And Turner !! Depicting the immensity of the sea !!

He would also love Chinese paintings, since this is what he grew up with. I am sadly not knowledgeable about this yet so I can't really go into details.

🖌 • For Hoggarth :

History is the key word, he prefers paintings that interpret historical events, that imagine the people's emotions at the time, especially when it is grave events. I'm thinking of "The Last Day of Pompeii" by Karl Bryullov or "Faithful Unto Death" by Edward John Poynter. Also "The Execution of Lady Jane Grey" by Paul Delaroche or "A Huguenot" by Millais.

Also, paintings that represent people feeling small before the higher powers they believe in, like "The Two Crowns" by Dicksee, or being powerless before them, like "The Ballad of Lenore" by Horace Vernet.

[thatiranianphantom]

Nancy Drew Rewatch 102: The Secret of the Old Morgue

I swear to you guys I've watched this episode before and yet I had NO recollection of what happened in it

Re: George and Ryan, a hearty ew.

Jesus Marjorie Christ, Carson's extended series of lies. The prop dress lie was just....something else. TELL. HER. THE. TRUTH.

You know, if cops didn't loudly discuss sensitive details in a public place this murder would have taken a lot longer to solve.

Again, Nick, I love you but the "I'm only interested in the sex" clues are far from subtle.

The pre-Connor coroner! I love Connor. I love his distaste for Nancy.

Said this to @middleagedresidentofriverdale, but Carson defending the people of HSB to me has the same vibe as Bess defending the supernatural. I just wouldn't go that hard if I were you.

I get George's side of this argument, I really do, but I also think it's entirely reasonable to be suspicious of George in this? And pulling in the dead mom, a VERY fresh wound for Nancy, is kinda low...

Ace instantly switching gears from flirting to supportive of Bess and Lisbeth is adorable, as is his little "oh" expression.

First George and her crowbar appearance!

The Weed Guy plot and the Nick/Nancy plot are just...yeah, I'll be glad to see them go.

Nace staring again!

Also, ARMS.

Thank you for joining me for 102. On to 103!

[haljathefangirlcat]

By the way, what are your thoughts on Glaumvor and Kostbera, if you had to include them in your "ideal" version of the story? Especially Kostbera. In terms of being difficult to get along with, much less remain married to, I would rate Hagens on a scale of Rosengarten Hagen > Nibelungenlied Hagen > Wagner Hagen > Volsung Saga Hogni > Thidrekssaga Hogni > Ballad Hogni. And of course Waltharius Hagen is the prequel where he isn't quite so intense, murderous, or scheming. And especially in the Continental sources, where there's no mention of a wife, it's hard to imagine him finding the time to get married with how much he's stuck babysitting his lord or friends. So if Kostbera exists, is she just clearing out of the room so Walther or Volker can take over and deal with Hagen's bad moods?

I've actually never tried to mix the canons, so to say, when it comes to these two.

As you said, Hagen never gets a wife or even a passing love interest in Continental sources -- he really seems like the sort of guy who'd always be too busy fixing up everyone's messes (and then, sometimes, contibuting to making even bigger ones, lol) to even think about that sort of thing, but to me, there's also the way he just feels almost removed from women and their whole sphere, in a sense. In the Nibelungenlied, he remembers Helche fondly, but she's already dead by that point and doesn't even figure in that story; he seems to like Gotelinde, but when they do meet in person, he really only talks to her due to the shield of another man, her dead brother, and then, that whole interaction between them serves mainly to set up the pretext that later allows him not to fight Rudiger; he seems to agree with every other man in Bechlaren that Dietlinde is lovely, but rather than appreciating her himself, he's more concerned with setting up a marriage for Giselher (and thus, an alliance for the Burgundians), while from Dietlinde's point of view, he seems to be the only strange new man in her home to intimidate her; Kriemhild clearly trusts him and feels comfortable with him in the beginning, but the one scene where we really see that dynamic between them is already the one where he's using her to find out how to kill Siegfried without any apparent regret even while addressing her in fairly affectionate terms, and their relationship only goes downhill from there; he goes from calling Brunhild a devil to passionately swearing he'll avenge her honor, but tbh, to me both of these things seem more like they're about Brunhild's shifting relationship to Gunther, rather than about Brunhild as her own person. And even in the Waltharius, his interactions with (the woefully underutilized) Hildegund pretty much boil down to a "hey, Walther, tell your girl to pour us some wine." I'm not saying that I see him as incapable of having significant relationship with women (on the contrary, I'll cling with all my strength to the scraps we get of his affection for Helche, the possibility of a pre-mess positive-if-deteriorating relationship with Kriemhild, and that one source of the story of Walther that's eluding me rn but where Walther apparently wants to flee with Hagen but Hagen stops him and is all like "wtf, no, Hildegund is great and she deserves better than you abandoning her like this"), or even that I don't ship him women (I do!), but when it's so much easier to build on his relationships with men (as much as those are still, ofc, influenced by hierarchies and alliances), imagining a stable straight relationship of any kind, much less a marriage, for him is just something that always feels a bit too much of a hassle or even too out of left field to me.

When it comes to Gunther's wife, too, I prefer to go with the Nibelungenlied/Klage version, where Brunhild doesn't kill herself but rather stays alive at least until the coronation of Siegfried Jr., her son with Gunther. I actually like to imagine she took on a role as Siegfried Jr.'s chief advisor, with a good chunk of Worm's best knights dead in Etzel's court and Ute being presumably grief-stricken. My girl can (try to) put the entire mess behind her and be a well-respected and influential Queen Mother with a son to shape as she pleases guide and no husband to answer to, as a treat. But that leaves little room for a second marriage...

On the Norse side of things, on the other hand, I see both Hogni/Kostbera and Gunnar/Glaumvor as complex relationships. The former because what little we see of them involves Kostbera repeatedly trying to warn Hogni off the journey to Hunaland and Hogni outright dismissing her fears (to reassure her? To reassure himself? He just kinda snapped at her because he had a lot on his mind? All plausible options, imo) but, at the same time, they worked well enough together to have three or four kids; the latter, because they essentially have a repeat of the warning scene between Kostbera and Hogni, except Gunnar concludes it by admitting he actually agrees with Glaumvor but will face the danger anyway, but also because I can't imagine Glaumvor never heard anything about the whole thing with Brynhild and married Gunnar with a light-hearted, optimistic attitude. I picture both as arranged marriages, with no big "I'd leap through the flames for you" moment, and I think that, while Kostbera may have married Hogni pretty readily around the time Gunnar married Brynhild and Gudrun married Sigurd or shortly after because marrying into the Gjukungs was probably looking like a great prospect at the time, Glaumvor may have been pushed into Gunnar's arms by relatives trying to inch their own way closer to Sigurd's gold. I don't see either Hogni or Gunnar as the type to mistreat his wife (... well, beyond the occasional deception) but I imagine both relationship as relatively detached in the beginning, then warming up slowly and gradually through the years, especially in Glaumvor's case.

If I had to mesh those two visions together, I think I'd have Kostbera and Hagen as two sharp, strong-willed people who do have some things in common yet feel distant and slightly awkward around each other nonetheless, with Kostbera either slightly lonely and resentful of Hagen for being more dedicated to his duty and closer to his male friends (or "friends") than to her but also slightly grateful at the same time for the chance to mostly just do her own thing without her husband sticking his nose into her business, or having her own tightly-knit and kind of dramatic circle of female friends (or, again, "friends") as a contrast to his own dynamics, or a bit of both. As for Glaumvor and Gunther, I'd imagine the same uncertainty and shyness I usually pick for Glaumvor and Gunnar... only taken even further and a lot more difficult to grow past, what with Kriemhild still being in Worms for a while after Siegfried's death/being seemingly sent off to a land of pagans after having her husband murdered. Yup, Glaumvor would really be like "oh god, what DID I get myself into" about it.

(Btw, I sort of cackled a bit at seeing Wagner!Hagen in the middle of that ranking, tbh. Not that I don't love him a lot (<33333) but my boy is self-loathing on legs plus generalized misanthropy to go with the usual murder plus a horrible sleeping schedule probably plus terrible family dynamics no matter where you look... and just the thought of Wagner!Alberich as a father-in-law is, imo, terrifying. XDD As for Waltharius!Hagen, he literally waxes poetry about the human condition and needs to be comforted with hugs and kisses when he's upset. I want to pinch his cheeks and ruffle his hair. <333)

[thedragonagelesbian]

@tuxedo-rabbit replied to your post “head in hands...”:

Oh. I am all about the potential of Cyrus durgetash. Whether platonic or romantic. Excited to see the posts!!

​<33333

my interpretation of their pre-amnesia relationship is, i think, a lot... sweeter than the popular fandom durgetash consensus. the two don't particularly like each other at first-- they respect each other's abilities, which is why they develop a working relationship, but cyrus is so singularly devoted to his father that it makes him an ~utter drip~, which enver 'was enslaved in the hells and thus savors every indulgence of mundane life' gortash cannot fucking stand. eventually, while trying to celebrate some successful early job together, gortash says outright we can't continue on like this if you don't prove capable of enjoying yourself for one solitary moment beyond your fanaticism and drags cyrus to the nearest tavern.

and cyrus does enjoy himself. the crushing guilt comes the next day, but that night, he discovers his love for dancing and gets shitfaced for the first time and feels like he's a real person instead of solely the scion of bhaal, while gortash watches on with amusement-- and with the first stirrings of affection.

that's the core appeal of their relationship for me-- gortash as someone who anchors cyrus' sense of self beyond the urge and his worship of bhaal, and the tension between cyrus' conflicting all-encompassing devotions as evidenced by the prayer for forgiveness. gortash is initially just kind of amused, taking a lot of pleasure in being the one to ~corrupt~ bhaal's dark prince, but as their relationship deepens, his own worship of bane is compromised, giving way to that you are the only exception dynamic. the one person gortash doesn't want to rule over but alongside.

the two had a casual & constant physical intimacy but only slept together once or twice, being a bridge too far for bhaal and cyrus both (i've been playing around with the idea of tying it with bhaal 'gifting' cyrus the slayer form [ostensibly for putting the elder brain plan into motion], but whether the slayer form is punishment for the sex, or the sex is comfort after the transformation [or both...] i haven't decided)

the last (allegedly...) thought i'm rotating in my mind this morning is the idea that gortash could've been the one to save cyrus from bhaal instead of orin, but wasn't. at some point he must have done the calculus and realized that cyrus would forsake his father if gortash asked correctly. that he doesn't, and instead proceeds with the plan they hatched together as normal, is interesting. i think he believed that the plan was the escape-- play along long enough to rule as the Absolute, and then they'd have enough power together to rival the gods, to protect cyrus from bhaal, but not until then.

which adds a certain... (inter)personal desperation to the reunion at gortash's coronation. when he says bhaal isn't done with you yet it's a warning but also a plea. stay in line. stay with me.

[beecreeper]

Briar Playlist Deepdive

Woe be upon you I wrote 1500 words yelling around music that makes me feel things

Rambling under the cut and also gonna reblog with a part two because of the audio limit

Starting with this because this is THE song that made me start compiling a playlist for her. THE Briar song of all time for me. Particularly her peak cult days. The “I want a life that will give me purpose” and “Don’t crack through my facade” lines delivered in with all the arrogant greedy rock star vibes hit especially good.

This one is very very much Briar’s pre-cult backstory. Honestly if I were to ever put the effort into a full animatic, this would be high on the list because I can see it SO WELL. The chorus “All the kids cried out ‘please stop you’re scaring me’, I can’t help this awful energy, god damn right you *should* be scared of me” is just sooooooo 🥺. I also love love love the lines “I’ve grown familiar with villains that live in my head, they beg me to write them so they'll never die when I'm dead” as alluding to Bhaal sending her the urges to continue his own power and legacy.

This one I added really early in playlist building literally just because mushrooms. BUT there are some good in character moments to chew on ESPECIALLY the ending bit which is very much a vibe for Briar just after she murders her druid circle and decides AHAHA FUCK IT NO MORE FEELINGS EVER AGAIN.

This one is less about *specific* lyrics because the verses are kinda just vague ominous occult sounding stuff but OOH MAN THE VIBES ARE OFF THE CHARTS. If you want a song that captures of the vibes of a fantasy murder cult this is it.

This one is also pretty self evident I think, especially as the plot with Gortash progresses and her motivations shift just a *bit* from “I’m gonna murder everyone” to “I’m gonna take over the world and *then* murder everyone”. I like that “I'm gonna run this nothing town” makes me think of the city of Baldur’s Gate specifically. The “Bite my tongue, bide my time” line at the very beginning also reminds me of how she’s holding back her urge and *not* murdering Gortash until he’s done being useful to her. (This could also fit well into her post-tadpole vibes also. Biding her time in Act 1, actively planning to take the brain in Act 3).

I mean. Honestly explaining myself almost feels silly. It’s RIGHT THERE. This song is definitely a mutual one with Gortash, with both of them feeling this towards each other. A particular line that hits especially good is “Smells like something I’ve forgotten, curled up died and now it’s rotten” because a) yaaaaay rot imagery and b) alludes to Briar having deliberately killed that part of herself that tries to care about people.

Another one that honestly speaks for itself and a strong contender for a possible animatic because YAY CULT LEADER BUDDIES. I also particularly like this cover because I loooove the sort of wicked relish these ladies sing with and the more sultry of the two singers is one of my headcanon voices for Briar. Favorite lines include “If they say that I’m a god, that’s what I am” (so much so that I drew a piece for it) and also “If we don’t comply [...] I could see us being sacrificed or stuffed” (which I imagine Briar saying with a huge grin on her face at the idea).

This is one that I like to sort of fill in the nuance and contrast between Briar’s view and Gortash’s. “A coronation, a beheading, From the funeral to the wedding. Do you think they care where the crown goes?” is VERY much a bhaalist talking to a banite, you know?

[notmoreflippingelves]

I'm biased as heck and I'm gonna go with one of my faves - how about 18, 22 and 25 for Francisco from EoA and a freebie question - thoughts on his relationship with Esteban pre and post series?

18. How about a relationship they have in canon with another character that you admire?

It gets much less screen time/focus than his relationship with the other characters, but Francisco's relationship with Isabel is very underrated and one of my favorites to watch. It's especially poignant and striking as Francisco is the oldest of the main characters, and Isabel is the youngest--but there is still so much understanding and affection between them. And the two of them have such similar personalities.

I feel like they are probably the most alike of all the Flores family members. Both are quieter and relatively even tempered (or at least compared to the rest of the family who are much more talkative and hot-headed), sensitive, creative/artistic. I'd also say that they are the two "wisest" members of the family and the most open-minded. (Though of course, they do have their very stubborn moments as well!)

22. If you're a fic reader, what's something you like in fics when it comes to this character? Something you don't like?

Honestly, I don't think I've read a ton of Francisco fic, but not really sure that there's a ton out there. But I do enjoy the little I see of him as a background character in other fics. In terms of an aspect that I like (and would love to see more of), I really enjoy seeing focus on his relationships with Isabel and Esteban. Much of the Francisco content that we see in the show itself is understandably focused on his relationships with Luisa and Elena, so it's always nice to see fanwork delve deeper into his dynamics with the other members of his family. I've already talked a bit about his relationship with Isabel and I will talk more in another question about his relationship with Esteban. But yeah, these are really rich, underrated dynamics that have so much wonderful potential to be explored.

As for something I don't like, I read a fic once where Francisco died the day after "Coronation Day," and he sort of knew that it was going to be his last day, which gave him a bit of an extra vitality on the day itself. And just...it made me too sad. Plus, like Esteban was just finally reintegrated into the family again, Elena just ascended the throne. There's so much going on in Francisco's life at the end of the series that he should be there for. Yeah, I get that he's older and he might not be in the best of health (especially given his sweet tooth). But no, in my mind, all the characters (except Shuriki, lol) are functionally immortal for the foreseeable future.

25. What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

I liked Francisco reasonably well from the start, and I like him even better now. I find him a nice, calming presence for the Flores family. He gets a long reasonably well with everyone and is able to provide some very sweet moments as well as a little bit of humor.

26. FREEBIE QUESTION!!-- thoughts on his relationship with Esteban pre and post series?

While we really don't get to see all that much of it, I feel that Francisco's relationship with Esteban was very, very good-- pre-series, during the main timeline of the show, and post-series alike. In fact, I feel like I would go so far as to say that it's probably one of (if not THE) most positive relationship in Esteban's life. Esteban was around 8-9, when he was orphaned, so he likely remembers very little about his actual father. Instead, Francisco was the fatherly presence guiding Esteban through the struggles of adolescence.

He would've been the one who taught Esteban everything he knows about being a man. He would have been the one to teach him how to tie his cravat and how to shave. (My headcanon is that adult!Esteban decided to grow out his beard and mustache during the Dark Times specifically as a way of honoring his absent abuelo who has his own impressive facial hair). He was probably also the one to teach Esteban how to play the guitar and the one we see in "Secret of Avalor" may even have been a gift from him. (Shame that Shuriki probably had it destroyed at the end of the scene).

And the little hints that we see of their relationship in the main series suggest that the relationship continues to be strong. During Esteban's trial, Francisco is the only one to vote in his favor. His line about judging Esteban not for the mistakes of his past but the man he has become in the present--suggest that in Francisco's view, Esteban has become a man that he is proud of and one that is already worthy of forgiveness/a second chance. As a lonely, love-starved, fatherless boy, Esteban probably worshipped Francisco when he was a child, and so to hear that --even knowing Esteban's greatest mistake--Francisco is still proud of what he's become must have been so validating for Esteban as an adult. That's all he's ever wanted: to be a great man, a true son of Avalor just like his abuelo. Too bad Luisa then totally crushes Esteban's heart immediately afterwards.

I am also very struck by the throne room scene with Francisco, Luisa, and Cahu in "Coronation Day." While Luisa has the flashier role in the scene and the more powerful lines, I'd argue that Francisco is actually the one who ultimately inspires Esteban's decision to sacrifice himself for Elena.

Esteban watches Francisco call for a sword to defend Luisa from Cahu, hears Francisco ask him "why are you doing this, Esteban?" because Francisco still cares enough about him to want to understand. Esteban knows that Francisco is the kind of man that he himself has always wanted to be, the man that he should be. The man that maybe he still could be if only he had just one more chance. And then he does get that chance, and he's finally able to do exactly what Francisco would do--sacrifice himself to save his family.

I also have a lot of feelings about how the last interaction we see between the two of them on the show is at the end of Esteban's sacrifice-redemption-and-resurrection scene. We see Francisco place a hand on Esteban's shoulder as the scene fades to black.

[lonelimbless]

Legends of the Meadow

Part 1: Characters

Part 2: Settings & Locations (You're Here)

Part 3: The Meadows Origins (Pre-Story)

Part 4: The Story

Part 5: Afterthoughts & Trivia

~~~

To be fair, trying to come up with a map for the AU was difficult since I wouldn't really consider map making a speciality of mine but nonetheless, I'm still proud with how it turned out. I think I was able to get this out there with my ideas.

I tried to fit much into a can within the canvas size. Just some important stuff that I need to say is that Hollow Heart is suppose to be far away than it is depicted and the Kingdom is actually high above in the skies. The white and black bridges at Newt Wetlands and the Tundra are actually docks w/ boats.

The map mainly takes aspects from Rayman 2's archipelago w/ elements of Rayman 3 & Origins/Legends sprinkled in, mainly 2 and 3 having more of a general focus.

Ashlen & Gnarr’s Home: Built upon the foundation of a broken warship left behind by the Steelrens, it proved to be a much better improvement from their old home after alot of adjustments here and there. It was mostly thanks to Luno and his family lending a helping hand.

It is a two-story home that includes two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and basically every room that a home needs. The bedrooms are on the top floor; Ashlen's room is alot more vibrant while Gnarr's is more standard but he does has potted plants and a study corner. Ashlen literally has walls coated with posters, string lights, and a storage bed, which helps with sorting out items and valuables she collects.

Gnarr has a small outside garden at the frontyard, next to the stone slabs.

Goblin Grotto: The home of Bean and the Goblins. It is surrounded by a mossy groves that will slowly lead into the grotto section. The grotto has alot of tunnel systems and dens where the Goblins travel and rest respectfully. It has a bunch of flora from both the inside and outside with vines lying about.

Unlike most places in the Meadow, the Goblins don't have an official "leader", they work together in packs as they are often targeted by dark fairies and other hostile enemies.

The Kingdom of Embers: The home of Zorin and the Dracogriffs. They are a floating kingdom that is very bright and advanced, nearly futuristic in design. The castle remains in the center surrounded by houses and markets, with a river circling around a statue of the king with a Lum Shard hidden away within. This statue is heavily guarded for this reason and many events centered around the statue, mainly coronations.

The kingdom has a couple of floating islands that have to be flown across. The only way you can access the kingdom from the ground is through the hidden portal. This portal has narrow platforming, which is intentional.

Tundra of the Knaaren: This is the Desert of the Knaaren but it is a frozen wasteland of the sorts, and always freezing. The interior is literally made out of the combination of ice and stone. They have a boat tucked away by the edge of the area, which is coated in a sleet of ice.

Cave of Bad Dreams / No Hope Cavern: There's not much different between this version and the original, but it's mostly more nightmarish, vast, and nearly barren by the feel.

Hollow Heart: Also known as "Hoodlum HQ" or The Dark Island; As the name implies, it's where the Heart of the World is located. It is an extremely dangerous location as its crawling with armed hoodlums. It's incredibly dark and foggy with hoodlum settlements and heavy machinary scattered around. Most of the island is comprised of metallic parts, some reaped from the Metal Boneyards.

Grundtown: An underground town/city that has been closed off from the rest of the Meadow. It has a built-in light source that gives life to the town. Grundtown has a town meeting center where the mayor gives out announcements and it's noticably formed to give distance from the residents and the mayor.

They usually have specific members to act as guards/gatherers; only they know about the outside world and are strictly limited about giving out information to anyone else besides the mayor and other higher ups.

Silverline Haven: Between Ashlen's home and Newt Wetlands is Silverline Haven, where it doubles as a village and a trading center. Ashlen, Gnarr, and even Luno are frequent visitors; Ashlen would commonly make trades with items she had stolen and do other activities. Elise also makes occasional visits here whenever she is off-duty.

Silverline Haven started off small at the start until after the invasion, where they reconstructed and become more lively than ever and holds a peaceful atmosphere along with it.

Newt Wetlands: Luno and his family's home; they lived in many stilt houses to support the big family, all with connecting bridges from each house. Luno, however, resides in a shack among the edge. There is also a fishing docks among the wetlands with a boat included.

Metal Boneyard: Also known as the Junkyard and, much like Silverline Haven, was the result of the Steelren invasion aftermath. The area is littered with scrap metal and parts; before then, it took place in an average, spooky forest. This place is looked upon as just as dangerous as Hollow Heart, if not worse. This is because it is seen as a hotspot for many dark fairies AND hoodlum sightings.

[arinemone]

things I would do if I decided to go Full Ham and do a Dawntrail Rewrite fic for Aresiba (under cut bc it long. bc of me yappin):

Fuck this CS3 time bubble bullshit, The Hydaelyn saga takes 4 years, and post ew is maybe a couple of months? Haven't decided yet (But basically, Aresiba starts her journey when she's 23, and in Dawntrail she's 27ish)

Koana goes to Sharlyan for the same time Aresiba's gone, so 4 years instead of 3. He's her ride to sharlyan, and then from there she goes 2 limsa and then gridania, so like. they gotta leave at the same time

I'm sorry. i. love the twins so very much. but they add VERY LITTLE TO THE RITES RACE IMHO, SO I'm having them come in for the coronation. so that they're here for the Dome Nonsense. and I'm having Yahima/her current student (a hunter and lowkey protoge healer?? kids cracked) in their place instead

Basically I am making this a Girls Trip, moreso than the MSQ does. and yes Erenville/this new oc are also included as Girls in the Girls trip. For the Girlies and Erenvielle/new oc yk

But also I think the bonding moments/banter that Yahima/Wuk Lamat/Aresiba have would be alot. better to fill the dead air than what some of the scions companions give us tbh. There's still this level fish out of water/across the salt type beat tho, bc Outer Islanders (aka yahima and aresiba in our group) are Allies of tural, yes, but not PART of tural, so they're still seen as from beyond the salt. It irks Aresiba tho, bc she's spent a good portion of her life living/training in Tuliyollal/Tural, so she very much considers it like another home to her. Also I think krile and Yahima would make good friends so I want her to be there. also also WHY WOULD WE NOT BRING THE OTHER TRAINED VIDRAAL HUNTWRS TO /THE/ VIDRAAL FIGHT like it would even make sense. then. I want them there 🫵

I'd also probably add some time in places that feel like. happen fast. and overall have a more concrete time frame of when things happen.

Like I'd put at LEAST A DAY inbetween the group arriving to Tural, and the day the rites begin. The Rites maybe take like 2 weeksish. possibly a little less depending. I'd add a couple of downtime days to a week inbetween the final rite/finding the golden city and coronation day. The shaolaani trip maybe takes a handful of days, maybe a buisness week? The Dome Explorarion takes a few days, and ofc Living Memory less than a day. I'll keep the 3 day celebrations bc that's fun, then immediately after Aresiba goes on a full 7 day week No-contact vacation to see her family. and then that Final CS of her, Erenvielle and Wuk lamat takes place the day of her return to tuliyollal. probably a few hours since her arrival. After that it's all me time baeby YIPPIEEEEEE

Siba has her own subplot "Hero returns home from her heroes journey, bur both her and her home have changed", during the rites part of the expac, and how she's adjusting to it

Koana/Aresiba buildup is basically this Entire Expansion, getting together/confessing fee fees happens probably pre 7.1

i want a "Blessed Siblings" vs "The Seas Blessed" (Aresiba and Yahima) fight SOMEHWHERE before they hit the Jak tiika heartlands,/BEFORE the bkjj's redemption, so I can draw a parallel bc THERES ONE THERE I REALIZE. AND WHILE IT DOESNT AFFECT THE STORYLINE MUCH it only makes the hard scenes HURT MORE

Gulool Ja Ja and the Ca'aguey Grandmama getting drinks, catching up, and having a Parent chat abt their kids 🥺

[navree]

Do you think they will turn Aegon into a depraved clone of Joffery? Let's be real they give him the most cartoonish scenes for a reason . But really i find it weird how anyone would read the book then be thinking yeah Aegon ii was the original joffery. I mean if I'm going to compare Aegon to any character of the main series, i will say it's theon greyjoy and Tyrion who are the most similar characters to him , maybe Robert too? Since Robert has revolted against Aerys because Aerys wanted his head and ned's as well also Robert never wanted to be a king? That similar to Aegon kinda

Also if they turned him into joffery2 this will be the most boring, predictable route for his character. But i guess Showrunners these days are not that creative to create a nuance and grey story , so the easiest way is turn it into Joffery0.2 vs Daenerys0.2

I don't have the most faith that they'll give Aegon his due, but unlike most I do actually avoid a lot of the doomcasting I tend to see about season 2 because a) we know absolutely nothing about season 2 given that I think at most it's still in early pre-production b) they're going to have more space next season. The consequence of the show having done so many time jumps is that we got a very limited amount of time with Aegon (he's got like one focal scene in episode 6 and he's very much a background character in episode 7 except when he goes along with Aemond's lie, and then two episodes, both of which he's more of a side character in until his coronation), so they really couldn't give us a lot with him beyond some incredibly bare bones characterization. That means we need to know that he's got substance abuse problems, he's a mess of a person, and he gets all wet and pathetic the second someone shows him a scrap of love. Do I think that was a good decision? No, I think it was dumb, but that's the corner they drew themselves into. But that's not gonna be the case for season 2.

We're pretty much gonna be dumb with big time jumps I think, so that means we're going to have a full ten episodes to get to know Aegon, and given that the writers have shown an openness to listen to TGC and follow his insights on the character, as well as keep in things that he's improvised to improve on him, they're probably going to have more leniency towards showing different facets of his character. And unless everyone comes down with a big case of stupid-itis (and while I have issues with these writers, they're not dumb), Blood and Cheese and its aftermath is likely going to get a whole episode to itself, which alone is going to give us a lot of pretty layered Aegon content. And I don't think they'll lean too heavily on the Joffrey stuff either, because while there's been jokes about it, when you look at the writing that doesn't seem to be where it's going.

The Joffrey comparisons are trite and annoying form a fandom perspective, but I think that the writers are likely going to avoid it just from sheer luck based on the fact that Joffrey and Aegon, even show Aegon, are very different people. Aegon, as portrayed to us, is a drunken lech who avoids responsibilities and also has so many issues surrounding love and self worth. Meanwhile, Joffrey doesn't have any of those. Joffrey doesn't avoid responsibility unless he gets bored, he doesn't have nearly any of the self worth issues that Aegon does (Aegon doesn't think anybody loves or cares for him and appears to have a deep rooted self hatred, which isn't conjecture that's basically me quoting TGC, Joffrey thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread), and most importantly, Joffrey is heavily coded as being genuinely psychologically disturbed. And I'm not talking in a "lol Aegon's got some issues in his head guys" kind of a way, Joffrey is clearly written to have some sort of personality disorder. It's more explicit in the book where he does shit like torture animals and is more sexual in his brutalization of Sansa, which in our modern world are clear red flags for kids who've got some kind of antisocial personality disorder (idk how valid people consider the homicidal triad in today's psychiatry but torturing/killing animals is one third of it), but even in the show universe Joffrey's clearly meant to be fucked in the head. Aegon doesn't have that, so anything beyond a cursory "eh I mean they're both kings that some people don't like" literally cannot be done without making the entire show whack. Joffrey has genuine severe mental problems (likely meant to be a result of incest) that would get him under psychiatric observation if he lived in our world, Aegon needs a stint in rehab and a therapist and also isn't being written to exhibit any sociopathic tendencies. Sorry to Burlington Bar.

(And also Alicent and Cersei raised their children very differently, especially book Cersei who is completely blind to the kind of person Joffrey was, but let's be real we're not expecting anybody who's pro-Blacks to understand nuance when it comes to Alicent, and also the Alicent/Cersei parallels are so surface level it's bordering on annoying)

The issue with Aegon I'm anticipating the most isn't necessarily bad development, it's under development. My most pessimistic view is that they're going to keep treating Aegon as more of a side character than he should be, while keeping main focus on Rhaenyra and Alicent and Daemon and Aemond, while characters who should be mains, like Corlys and Rhaenys and Aegon, are going to be getting less screentime and development than they need, especially for such major players. Do I think that's what's going to happen 100%? No, I don't know what's going to happen 100%, and I'm choosing to give the writers the benefit of the doubt due to what I've seen so far and the fact that there's a lot more I like about season 1 than I dislike. So they might go more along the route of someone like Tyrion or Theon or Robert (even tho Theon definitely wasn't a good guy in season 2 and also Robert was an ass who deserved to get gored by that boar), especially given that Ryan(?) said he was anticipating people switching sides and viewing things differently in season 2 and also the writers' clear vendetta against Daemon and poor Matt Smith.

Also they can't really do Rhaenyra as Daenerys because Rhaenyra and Daenerys are two verrrrrrrry different characters in many different ways, and I do say that as a positive towards Dany and a slight on Rhaenyra (I'd go into that more but this ain't about them this is about my sweet Eggo)

[forestwhisper3]

Plans to watch MM tomorrow, so I'll finally be able to come back to Tumblr and not worry about spoilers. Just popping in for a moment because while I have been able to do some writing for my fics, I was also goofing around a bit with a random idea that wriggled into my brain while at work, and I thought I'd share it. It's an MCU/Rottmt crossover.

Basically, the premise is that the mystic stuff going on during the fight with Shredder was strong enough for Loki to sense from Asgard, and he gets curious since, as far as he's aware, Midgard shouldn't have anything like that anymore. As he was already looking for a reason to take a break since Thor and the others were getting unbearable with talks of the Coronation becoming more serious, he decided to sneak out for a while to investigate. Yada yada, stuff happens, he meets the boys and somehow finds himself absorbed into their collective as an uncle figure/third dad. He doesn't really fight it.

However, someone decides to take advantage of his absence, and everything leading up to the Avengers movie still ends up happening. Needless to say, he's not happy to have to deal with that during his day out with the boys.

This is all pre-Krang, by the way, so having to face this first invasion would definitely affect how they act during the movie. Am I aware the timelines (as in the years that these events take place in their respective universes) don't match up at all? Yes. Yes, I am. However, I am choosing to purposefully not think about that and just let myself have fun with this. Now, here's a little segment I wrote. Enjoy. :D

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"You will all fall before me."

"I highly doubt that," a smooth, familiar voice cut in.

Tony froze- an idle part of his mind noting how the hand gripping his face seemed to do so as well -and his eyes widened as he saw another Loki standing there. Unlike the one with the staff, however, this Loki was dressed much more casually in comparison- worn jeans, a T-shirt, and his hair tied back in a low ponytail.

And he did not look happy.

"You," staff Loki hissed, although curiously enough, Tony could see a hint of nervousness in his eyes.

"Me," casual Loki drawled before his arms uncrossed and he walked towards them, steps measured and purposeful.

"I was gone for one year," he began, voice irritated in the way only one who constantly had to deal with the stupidity of others could be. "One. Year! Practically nothing for Asgardians, and everything falls apart. All I wanted was a break, a bit of time for myself, but noooo. Clearly, even that was asking for too much."

He blinked. That…was not what he was expecting to hear.

"Uh…who are you?"

"How dare-!" staff Loki started before he was immediately up in the air, bound together by some invisible ropes or something and unable to speak.

Now free, Tony worked his jaw as he watched this crazy turn of events. Hey, the longer things stalled, the more time the others had to do what they needed.

"Quiet, you half-rate magician!" Casual Loki snarled before walking over and picking up the staff where it had fallen to the ground. "I don't even know what I'm more upset about- the fact that you dared to impersonate me in my absence or that no one sensed anything was amiss!"

Judging by how his expression darkened at the last bit, Tony was willing to bet which one bothered him more, and damn if he didn't feel a bit bad for the guy. Yeah, this was all confusing as fuck, but he knew what it was like to feel like no one cared enough to notice the important things.

Casual Loki studied the staff in his hands for a second before his eyes widened and he turned to glare at the…fake? Was that really what was happening here? This was seriously the kind of twist he'd expect out of a cheesy b-movie, not real life.

"Where did you get this?" he demanded.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" was the sneered response.

In a remarkable show of restraint unlike anything he'd seen from any Asgardian so far- even Point Break -the real(?) Loki took a deep breath and breathed slowly out of his nose.

"Remember what Dr. Feelings said," he muttered almost too quietly to hear, completely annihilating his trepidation or suspicion towards this new Loki.

There was no way anyone with destruction, world domination, or evilness in general on their mind would go to therapy (and seriously? Dr. Feelings? He hoped that was just a professional name).

Another deep breath, and real Loki finally turned to look at him.

Green.

For a moment, it was all he could see. Green eyes that were as bright and vivid and striking as that emerald he'd tried to buy Pepper once. Compared to the watered-down blue of the fake, it was a wonder Thor hadn't mentioned it. Unless he just didn't notice, which, sadly, sort of tracked with the little he knew about him.

He was really starting to understand why this guy was so pissed off.

"So, lemme get this straight," he said, if only to break the awkward silence he could feel starting to form. "This guy here," he gestured up to the Loki in the air who was scowling furiously at them, "-was pretending to be you? All while you were on what basically amounts to a vacation?"

"It appears so," Loki sighed before he finally gave in and pinched the bridge of his nose. "My sincerest apologies for the trouble. I cannot say I expected such a disaster to result from my time away, but clearly, I have overestimated what little intelligence and reasoning those back home possess."

He held back a cackle of amusement, but it was a near thing, and judging from the way the corner of Loki's mouth twitched, he'd noticed.

"So how'd you know to come here, then?"

"Where do you think I've been?" Loki asked with a huff of laughter.

"No kidding? I thought Asgardians thought we were a little backwater planet. Not exactly the first place I'd imagine for a trip."

"I assure you that Thor only said that because he's an uncultured brute too embarrassed to admit Midgardian technology is beyond his comprehension."

That time he didn't try holding back the cackle.

"How'd you know it was Thor?"

"Please. With that charlatan galavanting about, there is no other the Allfather would have sent. And last we spoke, my brother did not have the most favorable opinion of Midgard."

"Huh…You're the real deal, aren't you?" he asked, the reality of it all sinking in.

This whole time they'd been dealing with someone else. The who still needed to be answered- and that was probably a really important answer now that he thought about it -but this guy was the real Loki. The Loki that Thor talked about with fondness, even if there was grief mixed in. Now that he was getting a chance to have an actual conversation, he could see why Thor had been so defensive of him. He was clever enough to figure things out with minimal information and less closed-minded about things outside his world and culture. He was witty in a way he could appreciate and just…more approachable, in a way. More human.

Completely different from the other guy.

"The one and only," Loki grinned before a more serious expression settled on his face. "Now, we should probably figure out what to do about the portal device on your rooftop."

"Wait, didn't you stop it?"

"I only managed to interrupt the connection process, and even that is taking considerable focus on my end," Loki shook his head. "The best I can do is delay the portal from opening and hope we find a way to shut it down before then."

"How long do we have?"

"Around…eight minutes."

"That little?!"

Loki's brows furrowed. "I do not jest when I say I am one of the most powerful mages in the Nine Realms, but it is precisely for that reason we even have that long. As skilled as I am, I am no match for the power of an Infinity Stone."

"Infini-what now?"

Loki suddenly looked like he'd bitten into a lemon before he looked up at the ceiling as if asking for patience.

"Thor, you absolute oaf," he groaned, sounding like he was just done with it all. "Don't tell me you didn't even figure out this much?!"

"Does that mean it's time for plan B?" a voice asked, seeming to come from Loki's forearm.

A forearm that had a strange, glowing symbol of some kind floating above it, and how had he not noticed it until now?

"Yes," he sighed. "I suppose it does. But be careful. Let Donatello try to disable the device before you attempt anything mystic. There's no telling how the two energies will react to one another, and I don't want to risk you getting hurt. I'll never hear the end of it from your father otherwise."

"Ooh, I was hoping you'd say that!" a second voice replied excitedly. "Such beautiful and advanced technology! I can hardly wait to crack this baby open!"

"Nerd!"

"Guys, focus!" yet another voice- and was it just him, or did they all sound really young? -cut in sternly. "You heard what he said! We've only got eight minutes!"

"Technically less now."

"Not helping, Leo."

"We got this!" a fourth voice chirped, somehow managing to sound cheerful and determined all at once. "Don't worry about us! Just do your thing, and we'll do ours, okay? Okay! Good luck, love you, bye!"

There was a crack and a yelp from the other side.

"I'm fine!" the second voice said, sounding a bit muffled. "Just some minor resistance!"

"Dude, why does the machine have a force field?!"

"Shut up! The comm's still on!"

"Oh shit, turn it off! Turn it-!"

The sound cut off, and the glowing circle faded. Loki stared at his arm for a moment, a mix of emotions warring on his face. Concern was one, along with exasperation, but there was amusement there too, and fondness.

"So…kids, huh?" he asked, admittedly curious. "Thor never mentioned being an uncle, but then again, mythology does say differently."

Loki snorted. "So I've seen. I can assure you, Stark, that those stories have been grossly exaggerated."

"You didn't deny it, though."

He grinned when that got an actual chuckle in response.

"I nursed a few animals back to health in my youth," he clarified. "But word of mouth and crude record keeping stretched out over a few hundred years tend to make for a wildly different account of events."

"Like the world's longest and most twisted game of telephone."

"And here I thought I was the ancient one."

That startled a laugh out of him.

"Oh, I like you," he grinned.

He really hoped this wasn't some sort of elaborate trap because he was already attached. He wondered what the odds were for him to convince Loki to extend his vacation after this…

"Now, as riveting as this conversation is, we do have a rather pressing matter on our hands," Loki reminded him. "One that I would like to resolve as quickly as possible lest-"

"LOKI!!"

"Oh for fuck's s-"

He didn't get to finish before he was thrown against a wall.

[3rddimension]

This was my first Smosh ticketed live show so I didn't know what to expect. First impressions were that it was really good but I think I bought into the hype too much. The trailer, photoshoot, and all of the streams leading up to the event made it seem larger than life. They talked up how crazy it was gonna be to sell tickets but the stream itself was kinda just a normal old funeral roast on a fancier set.

Here's a pros and cons list to better organize my thoughts:

PROS:

Set and costume design were impeccable.

Roasts were good overall but specifically Tommy, Brandon, and Courtney KILLED their roasts. Anthony also had a very good counter-roast.

Halftime show was the best part. Didn't know what to expect and figured it wouldn't be my thing but Chanse, Angela, and Josh absolutely killed it.

CONS:

Feel like the show needed to be a bit longer, and I'm not just saying that because I want more. I think certain characters(Priest and Coroner come to mind) could've been given more time, and an extra thirty minutes give or take would've done the show some good.

Special guests should've stayed secret or there should've been more guests. If you have 3 suprise guests then why reveal 2 pre-maturely just for the third to be a VIDEO of a roast? Not to say Dan & Phil didn't kill it but I feel it just would've been more impactful if more was kept secret. Also I thought I remembered Courtney saying something about an audience with other special guests but maybe I'm imagining or misremembering something. If she did say that then I guess it fell through?

As far as Shourtney stuff goes, I don't think we've seen much of Shayne or Courtney directly roasting each other in previous funerals so that was fun to see. Glad Shayne got his wish of somebody making fun of him for more than his appearance. Courtney using her roast to avoid that and say he was overworked instead was very thoughtful of her.

Speaking of Shayne getting roasted though, I am excited to see him have another Funeral. I imagine given that he pulls views Smosh was probably jumping to do it after the Smosh Mouth where Courtney mentioned it. I wanna see people really get creative rather than just going for the easy stuff like they usually do with Shayne. I hope the reuse assets from this live show to upgrade the set for "Season 2" of the Funeral Roasts.

I think Dan & Phil is pretty much a full secret or someone spilled it before the event? Also yeah the show would be even more awesome if it's a bit longer but I think it might be too much if they overdo it.

Also I agreed that the roast that Court got for Shayne is super thoughtful. In the right time with what he was talking about on I Spent A Day video with Anthony too.