#also its funny one day he will be King Prince

[jellydrawsposts]

Janai is actually thrilled, don’t let her fool you.

More on the little prince below!

Prince Sar, named in honor of the late Queen Sarai, is the only child of Queen Janai and Queen Amaya and heir to the Sunfire Throne.

His cousins Zerah (left) and Talia (right), although stripped of their titles, have grown up alongside him.

[supernovasilence]

Ok we all talk about the Pevensies' trauma at returning to Earth at the end of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and their trouble readjusting to life there again but think of all the funny/good parts too

They return from the country, and their mom is surprised when all her children hug her at the station. Even Peter, who thinks he's all grown up. Even Edmund, who went away surly and withdrawn. She doesn't know her children haven't seen her in over a decade.

They miss their dear Cair Paravel, but they absolutely do not miss its chamber pots. Indoor plumbing is amazing.

It takes a while to remember how modern technology works, though. How many heart attacks did the siblings give their parents or the professor because they walked into a dark room only to turn on the light and find the children sitting there in the dark. (They were by the window! There was still plenty of light from the sunset! They would have gotten a candle in a minute!) The kids sheepishly remember oh yeah electricity is a thing.

(Edmund has a new electric torch in Prince Caspian. He was so excited to get that torch. Almost more excited than you'd think a kid his age would be, and his parents expect Peter at least to tease him, but the siblings all agree light in your hand at the touch of a switch is terrific.)

Suddenly getting really high grades in some subjects and terrible in others. Their grammar, reading comprehension, spelling, vocab, even penmanship? Amazing. History and geography? They don't remember anything. One time in class Susan forgets Earth is round and wants to die.

Also they can never remember what the date is supposed to be because Narnia uses different months and years. They can estimate time really well by looking at the sun though, and Edmund at least can always tell which way is north etc without thinking about it (again, using the sun)

Okay but how many times did they go to pick something up or reach something and realize they are so much shorter and less muscled than they expect? It's a common sight to see Peter climbing on counters to reach a top cabinet, grumbling about how he's High King this is demeaning. (No he never takes the extra five seconds to grab a stool. He will climb that shelf.)

Peter and Susan being delighted because they are no longer almost thirty. (In a few years Edmund and Lucy will tease them about being old and their parents will not understand.)

Lucy doesn't have to deal with periods anymore for a few years yet. Susan might not either. Heck yeah

Lucy loves to climb into her siblings' laps and be cuddled. In Narnia she eventually she grew too big, but now she is small and snuggleable again. Peter is her favorite, and if she's upset, he'll tickle her and tell bad jokes until she's smiling again, but really she loves cuddling with all her family. She grew up without her parents; how many times did she just want to crawl into her mom's lap and her mom was a world away? Imagine the first time she realizes she can now. Or, imagine one day, a cold and grey sort of day, when the rain is pattering against the windows, and it sounds like the rain on the windows of the Professor's house, that first day they went exploring. It sounds like the day they played hide and seek. It sounds so like the rain on the windows of Cair Paravel, that if Lucy closes her eyes she can imagine she's back there, having tea and chatting with Mr. Tumnus before the fireplace of her room, and soon the rain will stop, and they will go out on the balcony and wave to the naiads and the dryads and the mermaids, who have come out to enjoy the rain and visit one other on the banks of the Great River winding past Cair Paravel down to the sea.

But if Lucy looks out the window, all she'll see is the rain over London, so it's not only a cold and grey sort of day, it's a lonely sort of day too.

Susan and Edmund are playing chess in the living room (and they must have studied with Professor Kirke, thinks their mother, because they certainly weren't that good when they left). Lucy goes over to Edmund, and oh dear, thinks their mother, now he's going to call her a baby and be horrible to her, but instead he picks her up and puts her on his lap without even taking his eyes off the chessboard; it's simply a matter of course.

"Doesn't the rain sound familiar?" says Lucy in a solemn, wistful way.

Their mother doesn't know what that means, but her siblings must, because Susan says, "Yes, Lu, it does,” and Edmund gives her a little hug with his free arm as she tucks herself under his chin to watch the chess match.

(Five minutes later there is a crash from the next room as Peter falls off a counter. Their mother does not understand the words he must have picked up from the Professor, but he's grounded for them anyway. His siblings have no respect for their High King, because they refuse to stop laughing.)

[anyarose011]

"Crawling Back to You" {Aemond x Reader}

Summary: It started with a night out in King's Landing, then a fake name, and then a disagreement. Some time after cooling off, and after a job gone wrong, you and the one-eyed prince come to...an understanding in the rain.

Part 2 of 3 (Masterlist)

Warning(s): Oral sex (f and m receiving), nudity, groping, talk of death, swearing, canon-typical injury, sexual harassment (not done by Aemond), and mention of past child SA

Heyyyyyy pookies. So I just started my senior year and it's been hectic. BUT I hope this long ass chapter (it took me forever) makes up for it! I'm also not sure how accurately I'm writing Aemond. I mean, I know HBO is making him into the edgiest edge lord, but I'm taking creative liberties i guess. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Word Count: 8.5k

 “It’s a pleasure to finally put a name to your face. One that fits its beauty.” He smiled.

You lowered your gaze, fighting the smile on your lips. It was a stupid compliment, one that you had heard several variations of the rare times men would flirt with you those days. But…it felt different from him.

Still, you merely scoffed, setting the jug on your hip. “Do you want to lead the way, or should I?”

“Go ahead; considering you believe I’ll harm you somehow.”

“See?” You decided to tease instead of defy as you began to walk up the cobbled hill. “You are funny.”

Aemond scoffed, following you. “Did I ever deny it?”

“How you reacted when I first said it never gave me a clear answer.”

“Shouldn’t you change?”

You looked back at him. “What?”

Unashamedly, his eye trailed over your body and yours soon followed. Your nipples were perking through the thin material of the dress.

“Seven Hells.” You cursed, bringing the jug in front of yours.

Aemond came to your side, a hand on your back and leading you up the hill. “You don’t wear a corset?”

“Not with this. I’m meant to lure lustful men, remember?”

“Perhaps you can tell me where you tailor so we can get more appropriate clothing?”

Hell no.

���Or,” you suggested. “I could teach you how to properly steal something?”

“You need to be able to not draw attention to yourself to do that.”

“I’ve done it before.”

“I have no doubt, but the clothing off a man’s back?”

You paused for a moment before replying. “Yes, actually; I even managed all of one’s undergarments.”

Aemond shook his head, pulling his hood farther up to hide his smile. “I mean more so with that dress.”

“It might surprise you, but that is how I robbed him blind.”

“I mean in the sense that-.”

“-I understand.” You shut him up, but not aggressively. The two of you passed by more and more people through the many alleys of King’s Landing. When you got to the main roads, you would’ve lost Aemond in the crowd if it weren’t for the fact his hand had traveled from your back to your arm.

Maybe it was because he was paying you, or maybe it was because you didn’t know how touch starved you had been until it felt like his hand was simultaneously burning and soothing you; but you welcomed his touch.

As you continued to brave through the busyness of the city, you managed to spot a hobbling man wearing a long cloak with a drink in his hand. You smirked at your companion.

“Are you watching?”

He nodded, and how he looked you up and down briefly didn’t escape you. “I’m watching.”

You handed him the jug of water and approached the slightly incapacitated man. You pitched your voice up when you asked. “Ser?”

The man glanced up at you through hooded eyes, and he grunted in response.

“Are you alright?” You feigned concern, wrapping an arm around his shoulders to hold him up.

“Aye.” He sighed. “Much better now that you’re here.”

You giggled, leading him. “You’re too kind.”

“If it’s possible, could that kindness be repaid?”

“Let me at least have your name first,” you turned him down a spacious alleyway where there were less people. “Then I will know what to scream.”

“Gaius. You may-oi!”

You snatched the cloak right off his shoulders and took off in a mad dash down the rest of the alley. Turning your head over your shoulder for merely a second, you were graced to watch as the drunk man stumbled over his own footing before two hands in front of you grabbed your arms. Once you were pulled around the corner, you raised your hands to strike your assailant; to which he caught both of them.

“Is it truly that easy to rob Smallfolk?” Aemond asked, not letting go of your wrists.

Snickering, you pulled away from him. “I thought you said you were watching me?”

“I was.”

“Clearly not.” You slipped the cloak over your body, tying it. “You were lurking in the shadows.”

“I still saw you.” He retorted.

Shaking your head, you bent down and picked up your jug of water on the ground. Then, you stuck your hands into the pockets of the cloak. Your face lit up, and your retracted your hand, holding four pennies in your palm.

“Come with me.” Was all you said before walking past him and continuing down the street.

Aemond was by your side once more. “And where exactly are you taking me to?”

“Are you fond of sweets?”

“I enjoy them, but rarely indulge.”

“Then I will be more of a temptress tonight without having to show any of my skin.” You said excitedly.

All the prince did was smile; somehow trusting your ‘madness’. It was a short walk from where you were to a small stand in one of the several market corners of King’s Landing. Despite the long line, you pushed to the front, ignoring all of the comments and curses from the people.

“Evening, Marija.” You greeted the older woman. “Oh my, has someone bewitched you? You look younger!”

“What do you want?” She sighed your name tiredly, but a pleasant smile was on her features.

Sliding the four pennies onto the counter, you said. “Two dishes of Northern Snow.”

“Do you have two other pennies?”

“This was all I was paid.” You sighed. “You know how short everyone is on coin.”

“Precisely why I need every bit of what is owed to me.”

Shaking your head, you lowered your voice. “Do you see the man lingering behind me? The one with one eye.”

She glanced over your shoulder for just a moment, long enough for it to look like an accident and not a stare. “Yes?”

“He’s a rich lord from Essos,” You began the lie with a truth. “and he has fallen in love with me.”

“You have always told marvelous tales, but even for you-.”

“-Marija…I have a good feeling about him.” You spoke with more insistence. “You know that doesn’t happen very often.”

The older woman looked at you for a little longer, as if to try and pick apart your deceit. Then, when she could find no trace of it, she sighed heavily. Still, she brought out two small vanilla cakes and laid them on the counter, then brought out the bowl of puffy cream.

“You better invite me to this extravagant wedding of yours.” She frosted the cakes with the cream, creating a fluffy topping that looked as if it was true snow itself. Marija then drizzled melted chocolate over both cakes before handing them to you. “Considering this handsome stranger is wealthy.”

“He is strange.” You chuckled. “A bit arrogant too, but I shall live.”

“All men are arrogant.”

“You have not met this one. Thank you, Marija.”

“Sure, sure,” she scoffed. “Give me your water as well; I’m parched.”

“Only if you give me the jug back. I need it.”

“I’ll come around tomorrow and visit Yelena in the meantime, is that alright?”

Your smile fell for just a moment, before forcing it back. “Sounds great!”

Rushing away, you could barely hear her goodbye before you soon found Aemond again, handing him the dish. His nose wrinkled as you immediately sunk your fork into the pastry. “What is this?”

“Northern Snow.” Your answer was somewhat muffled by the amount of food in your mouth. “Marija’s traveled across the realms and has been popular for her desserts. The snow is just whipped cream with sugar and some rosewater.”

“The brown parts?” He poked the treat.

“Chocolate, but it’s meant to look like horse droppings.”

“I believe I’ll pass.”

You shook your head. “I’m meant to be showing you around the joys of the city that is not just brothels. Trust me.”

He matched your seriousness. “And if I find it revolting?”

“Then you may know where I tailor.”

Humming, he smiled as he dug his fork into the cake and then into his mouth. He pursed his lips together as you watched him ponder the taste. Then, he shook his head, taking another bite.

“You must be a witch to have known I would favor it.”

Smiling victoriously, the two of you walked a short while through the congested market until you managed to find two chairs and a table.

“What did you tell her?” He asked as you sat. “The woman who made this?”

“That you were Prince Aemond and would have my head if I did not serve you a Smallfolk delicacy.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“No, I didn’t.” You agreed, taking a bite of your treat. You hesitated on your next words. “I…she’s a romantic, and I didn’t have enough for the cakes, so I told her you were a rich lord courting me.”

It was nice you didn’t immediately expect him to lash out or condemn you to your death; he seemed genuinely composed every time you were with him, and he stuck to that.

“And what was my name?” He humored.

“I didn’t tell her one.” You teased. “If you were not yourself, what would you have wanted to be called?”

He hummed, taking time for an answer before settling on. “Ciarán.”

“I’ve met one or two of those.” You nodded. “It’s a good name.”

“Might I ask you a question now?”

“Of course.”

“Do you summon your knife out of thin air, or do you hide it in your cunt?”

Choking on your food, you placed your hand over your mouth to stifle the sound. Once you were alright, you finally looked at him. “I beg your pardon?”

“The rumors I’ve heard of you isn’t just about your beauty.” He grinned, knowing the effect on you. “It’s known that you assault men with a blade, but I’ve heard conflicting accounts.”

You stared at him for a little longer before shaking your head, snorting. “Inside of my thigh, like a normal person. You nearly grazed it the first night.”

“Did I?” He tilted his head to the side.

Nodding, you smirked as you took another bite. It was then that his eye darkened just a hint. “What?”

Aemond didn’t verbally respond. Instead, he bunched up the sleeve of his shirt, reached over to take your face into his free hand, and wiped the corner of your lip with his sleeve. “You had something white on your face.”

It was your turn to hum at his statement, continuing to eat; yet, you would glance at him more often while you slid the fork into your mouth, tongue trying to lick the utensil clean of the whipped cream. You both finished up in silence between each other, yet the people around you only chatted excitedly, laughed boldly, or moaned and fucked one another in the dingiest of places nearby.

“Is it fun to be a prince?” You asked, pushing in your chair when you bother stood to leave.

“I wouldn’t call it such.” Aemond shrugged, following suite, and the two of you were wandering aimlessly once again.

“Then what is it you do for fun?”

“I find myself in the library often; reading, studying the history.” He listed. “I train with Ser Criston Cole, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and the Hand of the king.”

“You sound like you enjoy his company.”

“I enjoy making him falter as we spar.” He looked at you. “You mustn’t be so horrible in combat. On account of you supposedly taking men’s lives for bounties.”

Shaking your head, you place your hands in the pockets of the cloak. “I don’t take pride in it. I’ve also had my fair share of bruises and broken bones.”

“How many have you killed?”

“How many have you?”

Your response would’ve only worked if it had not been for the well-known fact he had killed Lucerys; something you had forgotten when you saw him again. Now, there you both were, your pace slowing equally in the silence that was the discomfort you had created.

Still, he responded. “Only one; and I assume you along with the rest of Westeros knows who by now.”

Nodding, you kept your eyes down on the road in front of you.

“Aren’t you going to ask how I did it?” He questioned.

You shook your head. “It’s not my place. If you wish to tell me, then tell me. If not, then I believe it’s your turn to ask something about me.”

Humming, he prodded. “Again, how many men have you killed?”

“The same as you.” You stood closer to him as a crew of rowdy men began to pass by. “He was an angry man; a ratcatcher fired from his profession, and to my luck, with no family or anyone to miss him.”

“It must have been his luck as well, considering what happened to all of them merely a week ago.”

You didn’t want to acknowledge the gate into that conversation. “I had only done the luring and thievery for a single moon; the worst I had come across was a bloodied nose and a bruised rib. This night…Chansey had warned me not to pursue him, but I was young and ignorant. I didn’t even get to the well before he came up behind me and…”

This was far too intimate of a story to tell someone you had only met twice; nonetheless, one of the princes of Westeros. You decided to end it as soon as possible. “He didn’t hurt me in the way you’re thinking. We struggled against one another, I had no knife with me at the time, but he did. He dropped it as we fought, we both reached for the blade, and I got it first.”

The two of you had somehow wandered into a small, quiet square; perhaps only a few other people resting from a drunken bender. Aemond, with his hands behind his back, simply inquired.

“Did he have anything of value on him?”

Shaking your head, you grinned. “Three pennies, a half-penny, and a surprisingly clean red scarf.”

“And the scarf was the most priceless.”

“Of course. I would’ve died in the winter without it.”

You both chuckled, and it was him who halted the walking. You stopped in front of him a few places.

 “I hadn’t meant to kill Luke.” Aemond admitted softly.

“Lucerys?” You clarified.

“Yes; only frighten him.” He sighed. “It…it was an unfortunate outcome to what I had intended.”

If he were not himself (perhaps the rich Lord Ciarán he wished to be for that one night), then you would have told him it did not matter what he intended. A boy was dead and that put all of Westeros at risk. Still, whilst your anger was present, you understood you would never know what happened that day. You also understood his regret above all; you had no right to act like a saint.

“Is there anything I can do?”

You genuinely had no idea how to respond to him. So, you did what your mother had done for you whenever you were upset as a child: Ask what you needed from her.

His eye met yours, and you somehow found the courage to not look away from him. After what felt like a lifetime, he approached you suddenly and gradually wrapped his arms around you. Your body was akin to a corpse with how frozen you had become. Still, it didn’t last for long as you found yourself easing into his hold, your own arms around his neck. The night was so quiet, you could hear his shallow breaths in your ear.

Then, his hand slipped into your pocket.

At the sudden change of touch, you flinched out of his touch, but he merely shushed you, pulling away fully. You reached into the pocket and pulled out what he had promised you; three silver moons.

Swallowing thickly, you looked up at him and saw…an array of emotions you could not describe. So, you spoke first.

“I…I hope tonight was enough for you. I’m not sure what else I-.”

“-It was nice.” He interrupted, his gaze still on you. “Lovely, even.”

Nodding, you pocketed the moons and kept your hands at your side. “I bid you a goodnight, Little Prince.”

He rose his brow. “I don’t believe I gave you permission to call me that.”

“Will you have my head then, your grace?” You taunted.

“I should.” He walked closer to you. “But I won’t. What direction is your house?”

Your heart leapt; yet, not in the way it should have after an attractive man (you would later admit) made a forward remark.

“Oh no, I will not bother you.”

“It is not a bother if I desire to see you home safely.” He argued.

“Aemond,” you stepped back, not wanting to play a game. “I don’t want you to walk with me for the rest of the night.”

The quietness returned; but, not one of comfort. He didn’t look angry, and that was what frightened you. He merely stood tall like a man.”

“I see.”

“I didn’t mean to say it so-.”

“-Yet you said it.”

Shaking your head, you tried again. “I offended you, and I’m sorry. My house is no place for anyone other than myself and-, not even other smallfolk.”

“I wouldn’t go inside if that is what worries you. I am merely curious.”

“Look,” you approached him again, only for him to step away. “if you wish to see me again, I wouldn’t mind at all-.”

“-As long as I have coin.”

Your face went blank for a few seconds you had been so shocked by his words, and soon formed a scowl. “You had offered.”

“You didn’t reject it.”

All you could do was laugh. “You-!”

He wasn’t the one to cut you off, it had been yourself. Taking a deep breath, you folded your hands over your mouth to ponder your next words. You were tired, frustrated, and wanted to go home. So, you did exactly that.

“Be safe on your journey back to the Red Keep.” Was all you said, and you brushed past him, expecting him to call you a nasty name, or chase after you again.

But, like the first night you had met him: He did nothing.

A week later, you were back where you’d always been at night: Sylvi’s brothel. As you prettied yourself, the girls were restless; not with enthusiasm for the clients, but for the talk of war. Whether it was the fear of death it would bring, or the lust for strong men to take comfort inside of a woman.

You were a part of the former. Not as horrible as some girls (you found one vomiting up her dinner after the discussion), but you had to admit you were judgmental of those excited about it. You yourself had never experienced war…but if it was just a smidge like the violence you and other women had ever suffered multiplied by a thousand…it wasn’t something you were looking forward to.

Later, you waited in Sylvi’s private quarters (the one place no one is allowed to go during work hours unless she permitted it) until it was Chansey who came, saying she had quarry for you.

She had been with an older, retired member of the Lannister guards. He was three and fifty, she told you; fucked like an animal, but when it was over, while he desired to do it again, his body ached so horribly he could only walk.

It was meant to be easy…but for any reason at all, it wasn’t that night.

You stumbled as you brought your knife out, and he unsheathed a dagger from his side. You fought and fought, it almost being like a twisted dance; he’d strike, you’d doge, and vice versa. He swiped against your side, and it stung but you had no time to even seethe in pain as he brought his blade up to stab you again.

He’d gotten tired sooner than you imagined, and you grabbed onto his sleeve, then dragging him into a handful of barrels nearby. He landed in a crash, and he wasn’t getting up. He was still breathing as you looted him. A few Coppers and a silver Stag.

It was only then, as you pushed your way through the boisterous crowds, that you felt your head begin to lighten, and your side grow heavy. Looking down at the gnawing pain, you saw crimson soak your thin gown. Oh…you were wounded.

“Chansey?” You called out over the groaning of whores and their patrons once you made it back to the brothel. The lights seemed dimmer than usual, and with one hand keeping pressure on your wound, you used your other to tap the shoulder of the nearest server.

She gasped upon seeing you. “What happened?”

“Where’s Chansey?” You asked.

“She-she’s with someone.”

“Seven Hells, already?!” Sighing, you took one of the chalices off her tray. “Fuck it, I’ll do it myself.”

And you took it in one gulp. The server gaped at you as you took another one, also downing it like it was water. “Thank you.”

Her voices of worry were once again drowned out by the sound of constant pleasure from every corner of the brothel. Now, what the server did not tell you, was that it wasn’t the cheap wine usually served to the common payer; no…it was incredibly rich, and incredibly strong.

It also didn’t help you barely ate or drank water that day. So, to no one’s surprise but yours, you were stumbling through the entire pleasure house.

“Needle and thread?” You slurred, pulling open one of the curtains abruptly only to see five naked women lying next to two men. “Sorry.”

You felt the blood begin to seep through the small cracks of your fingers and your pressure wavering as you made your way to the next curtained area.

“Do you have a needle and thread?” You asked again, being welcomed by Valda laying on her back with a man’s head between her legs.

She screamed at your intrusion and cried your name. “What the fuck?!”

“Hey,” in your haze, you found it amusing. “do you know where Chansey is?”

“Get out!”

“Okay, okay.” you whistled at the man. “Good ser, I do declare that you are a gift from The Seven because only They know how many men actually come here to-.”

“-Wait, are you bleeding?!” She sat up in alarm.

You left immediately, taking deep breaths to try and remain upright as you continued your search. A hand grazed your shoulder.

“Are you alright, girl?”

A putrid looking man questioned with a toothy grin as you turned briefly to see who touched you. You nodded. “I’m fine, go away.”

“Hey now,” he tried to make a grab for you again, but you shoved him off. “don’t be like that.”

“I’m dying, I think I can be.”

“Let me give you a little death.” He flirted.

You grabbed the nearest curtain, tossing it aside. “For fuck’s sake, does anyone have a-?!”

Words failed as you gazed upon Madame Sylvi sucking the cock of a standing man. It was then that your eyes traveled up his body, and saw a familiar, silver-haired prince.

A prince with one eye shut, and a sapphire where an eye-patch should have been.

Your mouth ran dry at the sight of him falling apart in whimpers, and it dropped once his eye opened and immediately went to yours.

Aemond released a loud groan, tossing his head back as cum dripped through the creases of Sylvi’s mouth. She drew herself away from him, still on her knees, wiping her mouth and looking over at your interruption.

“What in the devil’s name are you doing here?!”

Your words fell into syllables as you genuinely had no idea what to say. Then, in the corner of your eye, you saw the man that had been following retreat.

“Hey!” You yelled, hobbling after him. “You sheep fucker, get back here!”

Two hands grabbed your shoulders and turned you around sharply, causing a reminder of the wound in your side. You hissed, clutching it and trying to smother a cry. You kept your head low as the person who had manhandled you led you back into Sylvi’s small room. You were laying on the pillows and thin mattress. It was then you saw Aemond Targaryen hovering above you.

“No-!” You tried to push him away.

“-Calm down.” He insisted, restraining you. “You’re going to make it worse.”

“If you touch me, I’ll carve out your other eye and feed it to your mother.” You slurred.

Instead of killing you right there, he thinned his lips. “While I don’t doubt that, you shouldn’t need to worry; I’m well spent.”

You gagged, shutting your eyes in disgust and tossing your head further into the pillow you rested on. You felt a presence soon beside you, and you opened your eyes to see Sylvi.

“My prince,” she turned to Aemond. “please wait in my personal quarters and I’ll-.”

“-I’ll hold her down.” He interrupted. “She’s a fighter, if you don’t know.”

“Believe me,” she unscrewed a bottle of alcohol. “I do.”

Sylvi hiked up your dress, completely exposing you from the waist down, and poured liquid over your side, causing a squeal to escape your throat. In an attempt to not just remain calm for yourself and everyone else in the building, you did your best to stifle your cries. It only became harder to do once Sylvi stuck a needle in your skin.

That was when you instinctively rose yourself up, only for Aemond to force you back down, putting his entire weight upon you. Your hands traveled up to his bare shoulders, sinking your nails into his skin and even scratching in an animalistic attempt to get him off of you.

Tears welled in your eyes as you took in quivering breaths and suppressed your grunts in pain. It looked like everything was underwater, and you could barely make out the face of the man above you. You only saw the shimmering jewel where his left eye should’ve been.

Then, the pain was over.

Your heartbeat began to slow down, and it was no longer the only sound in your ears. Your body rose momentarily as you felt bandages being wrapped around your waist, and your dress finally lowered, covering your nakedness. You felt a warm hand brush your face gently before it pulled away abruptly.

“What did you do now?” Sylvi sighed, tossing her materials away.

You groaned, unable to move. “Bad job.”

“And so, you decided to come and bother me?”

“Chansey was fucking someone and I-.”

“-Watch your words!” She lightly slapped your face and whispered fiercely. “Prince Aemond is here, and I will not have you speak like that.”

You laughed, glancing over at Aemond, who had put his pants on, and was working on his shirt. “Do you hear that, Aemond? I can’t say ‘fuck’!”

“Are you drunk?” She hissed.

“Nooooo.” You trailed off before giggling.

Sylvi stood, placing her head in her hands and shaking her head. Now noticing how strange the whole situation was, you pushed yourself up. Your body was scalding, but you would rather die walking away from embarrassment than in the heat of it.

“He had some coin.” you sat up. “I don’t know where it went, but I’ll find it. I have to go home now.”

“You are not walking out like this.” She pushed you back down.

“I’m not sleeping here.”

“I’ll take her back.”

The prince stood tall, slipping his patch over the sapphire. Sylvi shook her head. “No.”

“Are you questioning my authority, Madame?” He challenged.

You watched her flinch. Then, taking a breath she explained. “You needn’t bother with her; she’s a humble, little thing that doesn’t listen to anyone other than herself. Besides, you requested and paid for two hours, yet you have only used twenty min-.”

“-I will gladly spend the rest of it escorting her home.”

Again, the only sounds being heard was skin slapping alongside loud moans outside. You looked in between the prince and the Madame as if you were a child being fought over. So, coughing, you sat up again.

“Can I wear my own clothes, please?”

Sylvi, for the first time that night, coddled you. “Of course. Aemond, could you tell the first girl you see to fetch her clothes from my quarters, please?”

He nodded, leaving you two alone. When he was out of sight, she brushed the hair sticking against your sweaty face.

“Tell him you changed your mind, and you’re too weak to walk.” She begged.

“And if he says he’ll carry me?”

She scoffed. “He won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

Sylvi kissed your cheek as if to soothe you. “I don’t want you to be alone with him.”

“He told me he already had his fill of cunt.”

“Men can still hurt little girls without their cock.”

“Take a look at me,” you sassed. “don’t you think I already know that?”

She said your name softly. “He’s not as kind as he seems.”

“No, he’s not. He acts like he’s been born out of an ass’ ass. I mean…how you feel about the Dowager Queen-.”

Slamming a hand over your mouth, she spoke in your ear. “-Not another word from you. You listen to me; I’ve come to know him for the years I’ve spent with him longer than the weeks you have had with him.”

“If he’s so horrible,” you took her hand away. “then tell me what he has done.”

“He-.”

“-Never mind, I don’t care.”

Instead of stepping into the room, Aemond had tossed your set of clothes through the curtains, landing on the floor. Without words, but with looks that could kill, Sylvi helped dress you and then led you out of the brothel.

It was downpouring, and while your clothes thankfully covered almost every inch of your skin, save for your face, you weren’t in the mood to be bathed in rainwater. Sylvi hadn’t even wished you a proper goodbye; just nodded to a hooded Aemond beside you and went back inside.

“I assume you can walk?” He asked, almost annoyed at his own idea to walk you home.

“You’re not going to carry me?” You teased.

“No.”

Sighing dramatically, you took a few steps out into the rain, and immediately felt agonizing pain. Well, not as bad as earlier, but it hurt. Still, you decided to follow the best given advice: Walk it off.

“Stop, stop.” Aemond shook his head after you limped four more steps, coming to your side. “Lean against me.”

You didn’t argue, draping your arm over his shoulders. You both walked as quick as you could in the rain, you giving him directions the best you could (he had to turn around twice to go back to the same fork in the road) until you tapped his shoulder.

“Wait-wait, I don’t feel good.”

“Seven Hells.” He cursed, pulling you over to the side of the street. Grabbing your hands he placed them on the nearest wall, standing behind you to guide you.

“Hey, hey!” You rose your voice. “Don’t-don’t you even think of hiking my skirt up!”

“You’re going to smell like death in a moment, why would I ever-?”

“-Because men are…are…”

You gagged, and Aemond’s hands immediately vanished as you threw up what little you had eaten that day. Your throat was on fire the whole time, making the chill of the rain even more apparent.

“Oi!” An older man yelled. “Are you alright, ma’am?”

You nodded, wiping your mouth and turning over to look at him standing in a doorway of his shop. “Yes, thank you!”

“Do you know that man with you?”

Before Aemond could say anything, you pat his shoulder affectionately. “I’ll have you know, this is Lord Ciarán of House…Strong…Man, Strongman. He’s one of the richest men in Westeros.”

“Is that so?” He nodded, then looked at your companion. “Lad, do yourself a favor and put your old lady to bed.”

Aemond forced a smile, taking your arm and returning it back to its proper place over his shoulder. The two of you were on the road again, you leading him blindly throughout the streets. The rain felt nice at this point; not exactly, but your throat had been parched, so most of the time, you were holding your mouth up and tongue out like a child to catch the rainwater.

At one point, he hissed in pain, his hand coming up to his eyepatch.

“What is it, what’s wrong?!” You gasped.

“Nothing.” He cursed. “’Just keep going.”

Reluctantly, you carried on through King’s Landing until you reached your home.

“Okay, we’re here.” You stopped him a few minutes later.

Aemond looked at the building before him; it was a bouchère. “Here?”

“No, down there.”

He followed your gaze, and sure enough, there was a set of stairs to the side leading down. Carefully, you both scaled down the steps, and entered your home.

There was no leaking anywhere, to your surprise. With only the little amount of light within the sitting room, you knew Aemond (even with one eye) could see just how much dust there was on the furniture.

“Hells,” he sighed heavily, slipping off his cloak before you could stop him. “how do you live in this humidity? I can barely breathe.”

“I-.”

“-Vivi.” A sweet, tired voice called for you.

In the corner of the room, in her usual chair, was your grandmother. Her eyes drew up to the door once you entered, and they were alight.

“I thought you were out for too long.” She stood.

“Evening, Gigi.” You staggered over, embracing her. “And how was holding down the fort?”

“Some mice almost came in, but I showed them who was the boss around here.”

“I’m sure you did.”

It was only then did she fully realize there was someone else with you; a man. A man with silver hair. She gasped, turning back to you.

“Siobhan, you didn’t tell me the king was visiting!”

You cackled. “Gigi no, this is my friend-.”

She gently took his hand into hers, kissing it. “-Your grace, you must forgive my dear girl; she has a knack for getting into trouble, but not for telling me things.”

And then, Aemond did something you weren’t expecting. He placed his other hand over your grandmother’s, smiling.

“All is forgiven.”

Her grin was contagious as she pulled her hand away to hike her long skirt up, walking to the kitchen. “Oh, I shall make tea! Imagine what Cassian would think?” She chuckled. “Jaehaerys himself in our house!”

The name she uttered sobered you up; not all of you, but enough for terror to return into your body. Once she was out of sight, with a growing fear in your eyes, you looked at Aemond.

“You-you must understand, she hasn’t been herself since I was a child. I don’t think she’s even aware there is-was another-.”

“-I’m not a fool.” He stopped you. Noticing you had the face of someone who would vomit for the second time that night, he said. “I told you; I enjoyed reading the histories. I’m well aware the king before my father was Jaehareys.”

Feeling as if you could breathe again, you rested against the wall. “Thank you.”

Aemond hummed. “Why ‘Gigi’?”

“She never liked me calling her ‘Grandmama’.”

“And who’s Siobhan?”

Your eyes drew to the ground. No mice were in the house, but a few spiders had made their way in. “My mother.”

“Ah.” Was all he could manage.

“She uh, she died when I was one and ten; that’s when Gigi…”

“How?”

“What?”

“How did she die?”

Something clogged your throat, and your head felt heavy all over again. Swallowing the lump, you tried to find the words to-.

“-Forgive me. “Aemond spoke. “I shouldn’t have prodded.”

“No, you-.” You shook your head. “I understand your curiosity.”

And there you two were, against the wall in silence. Sighing you finally said.

“She forgets what she was meant to do when she enters a room with a purpose.” You explained. “I guarantee you, she’s doing a puzzle instead of making tea. We don’t have the best leaves anyway.”

He nodded. “Do you wish for me to leave, then?”

Your eyes went to one of the only windows in the house; the long, thin panel at the top where you could see the feet of everyone in King Landing if it were a nice day. The rain came down harsher, the spattering of water being almost too loud.

“You can stay until the storm eases,” you answered. “if you want.”

“I would prefer it.”

Nodding, the heaviness of your head did not cease, and your eyes drifted to the doorway in the back of sitting room. You made your way through it, glancing back at Aemond.

“If I may be candid, I’m quite exhausted. So…unless you’d prefer being called ‘Your Grace’ by my grandmother, then you’re more than welcome to talk with me in my room.”

“Hm, the former sounds tempting.” Despite his words, he followed close behind you.

You pushed open your door, took a few steps towards your bed, and lowered yourself to lie down with a sharp wince. The prince took his time observing your room, taking in every little detail. From the residue of a mess being pushed under your bed, to old childhood art pieces up on the wall.

One piece had caught his eye the most. A sketch of a woman’s face; a haunting gaze in her eyes that would make anyone believe she was watching them.

Much like yours…

“This is Siobhan?”

Better to use your mother’s name as if she were a stranger instead of calling her ‘your mother’.

“Gigi drew that.” You smiled lightly. “It was on one of her namedays.”

“It’s beautiful.”

His compliment unnerved you before it flattered you. You deflected with a joke. “Beautiful enough to have her paint the Targaryens the next time they so desire it?”

“If she cannot remember to boil tea-?”

“-She is herself again when she does or speak of things she loves.” You sat farther up against the wall behind your bed “Even if they’re things that no longer are with us.”

He sat at the edge of the mattress. “And what are some of those things?”

Oh, where to start? As your mind rattled over what exactly to say first, you truly looked over Aemond for the first time. It was strange; you had acknowledged his attractiveness for just a moment, but never delved more into it.

Then, as you stared at him, you knew exactly what to tell him.

Giggling, you began. “Cassian was my grandfather; I hadn’t known him, he died before I was born. Still, if it’s not him she speaks about being in love with, it’s ‘Elio’; a Dornish man, her first love.”

“Some might say they are far greater than the one you marry.” He shrugged.

“She’s never told me his real name.” You leaned forward. “She said that he had to keep it secret from her for a long time, and he only told her after she got drunk, and he thought she wouldn’t remember.”

The two of you laughed lightly, and you kept going through your giggles. “He-he was only in King’s Landing for a year and went back to Sunspear. They would send ravens to each other, but then he stopped one day. She married my grandfather, had my mother, he died, and that was life.”

“And then there was you.”

You nodded, thinning your lips. “And then there was me.”

“You’ve talked about your mother, but you haven’t mentioned your father yet.”

Sighing, you rubbed your finger into the blanket you rested upon, looking away from him. “When my grandfather’s heart gave out, Gigi had to take on more work at the tailor’s and they still weren’t making enough for food. So…my mother took up working with Sylvi. She was fifteen, and Sylvi only let her cook and clean. When she was of age, she let her go to bed with the men for her coin. I could’ve walked past my father, and I wouldn’t be able to know.”

Aemond stared at her, nodding. “You’re a bastard.”

“It’s the one time I enjoy being smallfolk.” You shrugged. “I can just as easily lie and say my father died while married to my mother.”

“No one else knows?”

“Sylvi and Marija; the woman who gave us Winter Snow.” You scoffed. “Some old neighbors who’ve thankfully died, but I still remember their insults as I passed by them when I was just a child.”

He hummed, and you did not blame him for not saying anything after you. The two of you just existed in your childhood bedroom, the rain still beating against the roof, but not quite as hard this time.

“What were you like when you were a boy?” You questioned.

“Not like my brother or nephews.” He answered right away. “They…teased me a lot.”

“I’ve never had brothers or sisters, but aren’t they meant to?”

“Not like how they did.”

Oh…so it was bad. You wouldn’t ask him how horrible it was, knowing that there are some things no one would ever want to speak of.

“I’m sorry they did.”

He shook his head. “No need, it was years ago.”

“It was still wrong.”

Aemond didn’t say anything; didn’t even look at you. Then, for some reason…you felt compelled (maybe even okay) to tell him. “My mother she…died the same way my grandfather did.”

“His heart.”

“We-we think so. It’s strange though; she was so young, and just one night we were eating dinner, she stands to go tend to the fire…and she fell. It…it was as if her soul had been sucked away from her and all that was left was her body.”

“And you think you’ll die like her.”

Swallowing thickly, you had hoped he didn’t see right through you about that; but at the same time…how freeing it felt to be seen even in the most shameful and terrifying moments of life.

“She was the main provider for our house.” You went into more detail. “Gigi tried her best, but it wasn’t enough. My mother…Sylvi hasn’t told me everything she did to earn enough coin, and I don’t think I want to know. Many healers have said that people dying from a bad heart at such a young age is due to stress. I don’t know if they’re right, and even when I was one and ten, I did everything in my power not to feel so, but Gigi would wander around King’s Landing late at night, or we couldn’t afford food for days on end…”

You were vomiting all of your troubles onto him, it was disgusting; but, once you started, you couldn’t stop. The storm had picked up again, and from how the wind shook the walls of your room, you thought they would all crumble.

“Sylvi knew of us struggling, and she paid for our meals. I was to become an indentured servant to her, like how my mother was; cooking, cleaning, running odd errands…but she paid me in coin as well. I think-I think she thought I was going to follow in my mother’s footsteps when I was of age, but I refused. That’s when some of the girls and I came up with a way for me to make extra coin, and here we are.”

“She never let anyone younger than seventeen be a whore?”

For a moment, you pondered how that was the one thing he got from your nervous ramblings. Still, you decided it wasn’t best to think about it. “She didn’t want men bedding little girls.”

“I suppose it’s different for girls.”

You frowned. “What do you mean?”

“It was my thirteenth nameday when my brother brought me to Sylvi’s pleasure house.” He said it as if it was common knowledge. “He said I needed to know everything there was about women. Your Madame certainly taught me well. It makes sense I suppose; girls are taught to be more ashamed about it.”

Even with the storm still going outside, the only sound you could hear was the beating of your own heart. “…What?”

You remembered what it was like when you were that age. Your body felt strange, you bled between your legs for the first time, you wanted a husband right away one moment, and then wanted to be a child forever the next. You were good at talking to men who were older than you…but…being intimate? No…and Sylvi had…Sylvi had-?

“Is something wrong?”

If you were delusional, you would say he seemed concerned. Still, if you were to tell him that what Sylvi had done was hypocritical and despicable of her, you would go red in the face with tears, and he would only spit on you and say you wouldn’t understand, and-.

“-Your hair.” You said, having been staring at it whilst your mind rushed. “Has…has it always been curly?”

Aemond scowled, not in scorn, but in puzzlement. It must’ve started to dry as he spent time in the house; it must’ve been frizzy and horrible as well. “Yes.”

You forced a smile. “And here I thought only the ladies of the night burned their hair since men favor it straight.”

“Mothers too.” He sighed when he saw the look you gave him. “It curled more by the time I was fourteen. She had the servants straighten it for me ever since; I believe she hates anything about me that is a reminder that she is my mother.”

“Aemond…”

“I don’t need your pity. I’ve been with her since I was born, it is nothing new and I have-.”

You don’t know why you reached forward and combed a strand of his hair between two of your fingers. Maybe it was because you were still tipsy, or maybe it’s because you just wanted to. He flinched upon your touch, and so did you.

“For-forgive me,” you backed farther up your bed. “I-I forgot myself and I-.”

He brought himself forward, taking both of your hands. Without looking at you, he brought both of them into his hair. Almost like it was second nature, you began to gently run your fingers over his scalp. He shut his eye, his hands traveling to drape along your waste, and he bent his head to rest upon your chest.

It was strange. Strange but nice. You were holding him, but just to have the illusion of you also being cared for…not even your grandmother had done something like this for years.

“I like your hair just how it is.” You whispered after a minute. “If it matters at all.”

He merely hummed, his hand travelling under your shirt. Your breath hitched when you felt his finger caress the skin above your wound. Your hands did not still, continuing to comb through his hair softly.

His finger traveled farther up, circling the swell of your breast. You made a noise you hadn’t made before, and you thought you sounded ridiculous. He hummed against your chest, and…

And…

Something between your legs felt like it was beating; like your heart, but it wasn’t that.

“I’m going to touch you there.” He mumbled against the fabric of your shirt. “Alright?”

No, no it wasn’t alright, but it was at the same time.

It wasn’t okay because you’ve only heard stories about this from the girls at the brothel, but it was okay because-because you liked him, and he was-

and you were-

and everything feels warm-

and the way he talked to you-

and the way you-!

“Get off!” You whispered once you heard just the lightest of footsteps outside your door. He listened, backing away quickly to the edge of the bed. An almost silent knock came from your door, and you smiled. “Come in!”

Gigi pushed herself in, holding a tray with two steaming mugs, setting it on the bed. “I’m so sorry, your grace. We do not have tea leaves, so is milk alright?”

Aemond nodded. “It is.”

“How have the both of you been?”

You wore a thin grin. “Fine.”

She nodded, looking in between the two of you. As if she knew what had just taken place, she gave a wry smile and turned to leave. “Well, the rain is dying down now. Let me know if you two need anything else.”

“Thank you, Gigi.” You said without another thought.

She didn’t shut the door when she left. You picked up the mug, took a sip and immediately felt your body heal just a little. Warm milk does numbers on a soul.

“I should take my leave now.” The prince stood up abruptly, dusting himself off.

You tried to stand. “I’ll walk you out.”

The wound at your side burned every inch you moved, and you did a horrible job concealing it. Aemond gently took your shoulders, pushing you back down.

“Rest.” He commanded. “You’re injured, and it’s late.”

“And when have you ever cared?” You teased

“Perhaps just now.” He matched your tone.

“Do you know what I hate?”

“Me? Life itself? Men?”

“Yes, to the last two.” You feel your chest constrict at what you would say next. “I hate that you told Sylvi you would spend time with me because you paid her for…other things previously.”

Aemond tilted his head to the side. “Is that so?”

She nodded. “You…you no longer have to pay for my company. You’ve seen me in turmoil, and I’ve seen you naked.”

He laughed…he laughed in a way you’d never heard him laugh before. “Is that what makes us allies?”

“Friends?” You reworded. “You understand the meaning, don’t you?”

“Of course I do.” He scoffed.

“So…are we friends now?”

Friends who touch each other in ways they usually don’t.

A hint of a smile spread across his lips. He took your hand and kissed your knuckles. “Friends.”

You dropped your face, hopefully to avoid him seeing how you blushed. The damage was done though. Regaining yourself, you took a deep breath and looked at him.

“And…I’m aware I won’t be the first person you’ll seek if you’re in distress, but please know I will help if you need it.”

“Do not call yourself inadequate.” He shook his head. “I might have some use for you.”

You scoffed. “How considerate of you.”

“Rest now.” He repeated, turning to leave without a proper goodbye.

You sat up. “Wait!” Aemond did not turn to look at you, but he stopped. “Your eye. When you were walking me home, you were in pain. Does it still hurt?”

He was silent. For a moment, you thought it was to come up with a lie, then you assumed it was to find the words to tell you the truth…you had too much faith in him for either.

“It’s late.” He said your name softly and walked out of your bedroom. You heard the front door open then shut.

And there you were, on your bed, alone with an undrunk mug of milk.

The rain had completely stopped.

[achaoticeternal]

Could you please write a fic where Rhaenyra’s strongdaughter gets into an argument with her mother because her mother won’t let her marry Aemond and she calls her mother a hypocrite for calling Aemond unfit to be a husband when her own husband got exiled twice. (Please also write Daemon reacting to it)

I looooove this idea! To me, it would be such a funny argument and of course, Daemon couldn't take it seriously - its just so lol enjoy this little blurb!

submit your own blurb/ headcanon requests HERE! read part two of this blurb HERE!

Targaryen Traditions

AEMOND TARGARYEN x VELARYON(STRONG)! READER word count: 900 - blurb summary: read request a/n: should I do a little continuation?

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Rhaenyra moved gracefully down the halls of Dragonstone, despite the unamused look that graced her face. It had barely been a full day since the daily had returned from an eventful visit in King’s Landing. Despite the typical quarrels, it now seemed her own daughter had been bewitched by one of her half-siblings… Prince Aemond Targaryen…

“Mother, I don’t understand!” You whined, following her into the great foyer of Dragonstone. 

“You will understand in time that I am right,” Rhaenyra spoke simply while crossing toward the fireplace, a hand over her belly.

“I wish to understand now because this makes no sense to me!” You quickly rebutted, “A year ago, you suggested to the Queen that I be betrothed to Aegon, who has since married Helaena. Now Aemond wishes for my hand and you deny me marrying a prince.”

“The point was never to have you simply marry a prince. If I wanted to see you married off to a man that holds such a title, I could have sent you to Dorne or Essos. To marry Aegon would have done a great many things, but most importantly keep you close to me,” Rhaenyra gazed toward you with motherly affection, “However, it seems Alicent only cares for Targaryen tradition when it serves her needs. You will not marry a second son.”

Daemon soon entered, freshly clean from the travels of the previous days. Though you respected and even somewhat cared for your stepfather, he did not replace the man that you first called father, Ser Laenor. When he entered, both you and your mother turned to him, silently begging that he pick a side. It was wishful thinking on your part since Daemon was not over fond of his nephew. Seemed to be a recurring theme…

The Rogue Prince had a smirk playing on his lips. Rhaenyra’s words were not lost on him, and even caused a chuckle from the man, “What is wrong with second sons?”

At such playful teasing, Rhaenyra rolled her eyes at the antics of her husband, “Nothing, husband. Except my daughter wishes to marry the Queen’s spiteful, second son.”

“Aemond?” He asked as he approached the princess. She nodded to his question, and then his gaze turned to you, “Aemond?”

Eagerly, you nodded. The thought crossed your mind of possibly being able to convince Daemon that your betrothal should be set with Aemond so that he could push Rhaenyra to be more willing to the idea. 

“You wish to marry to One-Eye prince?”

Of course, Daemon would tease you with such a question. As if your brothers had yet to torment you over the idea. Neither Jacaerys nor Lucerys liked the proposed betrothal between their uncle and sister. 

“It would be fulfilling my duty to the family and the realm,” You began to explain, “Jace shall sit on the throne one day, and I will be his heir until Baela gives him a child.”

Rhaenyra’s face soured at your words. She did not like how your education fueled your argument but was also proud of seeing such diplomacy from her daughter. The double-edged sword that all mothers must face with their children.

When she did not speak, you began again, “If I marry Aemond, I will also live in the Keep. I can assist Alicent and the maesters in taking care of my grandsire. You and Daemon always voice your concern for the King, so it might put you at ease.”

“You are a princess, not a caretaker—”

“Says who? You?” You were sharp with your tongue, growing tired of playing this game with your mother, “You say a princess is not a caretaker, yet you are a mother. You say I should not marry a second son, yet you did…”

“My dear, the circumstances are different,” Rhaenyra’s voice grew more stern at your pointed argument, “Aemond is your uncle!”

At such a comment, a boisterous laugh escaped your lips. It was quite out of fashion, but you could not keep it together. You looked back to your mother with a look of disbelief, gazing between Rhaenyra and Daemon, “Have you looked in a mirror recently?”

Confused by your statement, Rhenyra looked to Daemon. He chuckled while taking her hand within his own, intertwining their fingers, “I believe she means to call you a hypocrite.”

Rhaenya pursed her lips, looking at her husband than her daughter. Her eyes glanced over your frame, taking in all the likeness you shared. She then thought about how she acted at your age… She had married Laenor when she was just a year younger than you are now. But she would resent seeing you leave Dragonstone, no matter who the man was. 

“I’m flying to King’s Landing in two days' time on dragon back due to a previous agreement. You shall join me… and I will consider the proposition of a marriage to Aemond,” Rhaenyra spoke with a sigh.

A great smile spread across your face, elated that she would now at least consider Aemond as a suitor, “Thank you, mother! Thank you, thank you!”

“But I do not wish to hear any more of this or anything related to Aemond before our departure. Am I clear?”

“Yes, of course, mother,” You replied with a light giggle.

With a slight nod of her head, Rhaenyra dismissed you to do as you pleased. Relief washed over both of you. With quick steps, you took your leave to write a scroll to Aemond of your small successes.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

should I continue this/ make a part two?

[most-datable-datable-bracket]

ROUND 5 MATCH 3

Elliott propaganda:

“Just look at him. Pure hunk energy.”

“I will punch anyone who dislikes him. He’s like a fire emblem character in the modern day. He’s so flamboyant and handsome, he can play the piano and he’s best friends with the old fishing man!”

“dramatic writer man with sexy hair”

"Since I like elliott. I will state some reasons why I like him

Imagine if Mr. Darcy didn’t insult your family first time you met him, that’s Elliott. The man who’s basically the hallmark romance love interest. He’s a writer who moves to the small town in the country side to find inspiration for his writing. Then he finds the farmer.

He has a crab living in his pocket

He can play the piano (hopefully it isn’t the river flows in you however)

His fans sometimes hc him as a merman and that’s just a major plus IMO

He genre of the book he writes is dependent on what genre you say you like.

He also sends letters to you if you marry him

Okay and also some things I dislike

His liked gifts, the easiest one is pomegranates, which cost like 6000g to grow a tree if you don’t pick the fruit cave. I AM NOT GETTING SQUID INK IN YEAR ONE FOR YOU.

he might be British /j

The fact he has no kitchen but still likes food like lobster, like he is just a mystery. Lives in a cabin, with no kitchen, no washroom (okay no character has a washroom), but still likes the most fancy food out there and has luscious hair worthy of a L’Oréal ad.

Gifting him on rainy days when you don’t have two hearts"

Dimitri propaganda:

“He's chivalrous, he's blood thirsty, all rolled up into one package and calling you "his beloved". Get you a man who can do both.”

“My husband <3 He's schizophrenic just like me and I love him for that.”

"First, look at him. No disrespect to the monster lovers, but even if blonde, blue-eyed hunks aren't your thing, you can't deny that Dimitri is very pretty.

Second, one of the things I love most about Dimitri is how self aware he is of his privilege as a prince (or king) and how seriously he treats the gravity of his position. He has a strong sense of duty and wants to be a good leader who listens to and provides for the needs of all of his people. This includes the citizens of Duscur, who were nearly wiped out by his own countrymen in (mistaken) retaliation for his father's murder. His commitment to righting this wrong is one of his primary goals in life.

Third, while he is more than capable of crushing a man's skull with his bare hands, under normal circumstances he absolutely wouldn't. A large part of the reason why his fall is so shocking and devastating to witness is because by the time he snaps, we know that Dimitri is actually a kind and gentle soul who hates violence and understands that even his enemies are human. Even at his worst point he still recognizes this, which feeds into his extreme self loathing. He extends compassion and forgiveness to others but struggles mightily to allow himself any forbearance for his own mistakes. He's kind quite literally to a fault, as his empathy is both his greatest strength AND his biggest flaw and I find that as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking."

"Okay first for all the "he needs therapy haha funny" (and its annoying corollary "I can fix him") comments, 1) don't we all? And 2) you can't romance him til end game when he is in a much healthier place due to his own choice to change his priorities and the support of you and his friends. He battles daily with severe mental illness in a repressed society that doesn't talk about it. And on multiple occasions tells people that it is okay to feel your feelings and offers support despite his own struggles (I include that bc that is a date able trait to me). If he's not your fave that's cool, but leave the ableist language out of it pretty please 💙💙 Okay reasons he should be your boyfriend now!!

He calls you his beloved and wants to hold your hand 🥺

His happiest moments in game are when you smile

And in conclusion, he is shaped like a dorito and has a huge cloak to snuggle you up in"

[tototalks]

Here we are, the last short story! I have absolutely adored this entire series and short stories, and will probably be re-reading in the near future!

Without further ado: ⚜️ The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant ⚜️

- I really like that Veretians and Akielons are adopting each other’s fashions with the merging of cultures… Akielons are still rejecting the sleeves though. I bet “to reject the sleeves” or to “have no sleeves” becomes some kind of dirty euphemism later down the line. 😂

- Laurent and Damen really are leaders that give back to their people and don’t put themselves on a massively high pedestal. If they want to run away for a bit and be Cousin Charls and Lamen, they’re gonna do it. The council are going to have such massive headaches for the entirety of their reign lol

- And Charls is such an MVP for carting around the King of Vere masquerading as his cousin who is also called Charls 💀

- It will literally never not be funny to see Charls NOT figure out who Damen is.

- It will also literally never not be funny when Charls starts to get suspicious and comes to a conclusion that is also wildly wrong. “He’s a merchant’s assistant!” 😮

- Credit to Damen for playing along. Were he not born a royal, this kind of life would suit him.

- Laurent and Damen sneaking off before the ascension is also fantastic. At the end of the day they’re both just people and enjoy freedom and adventure.

- No one was gonna tell me Damen has a dimple?! This is crucial information people!!

- “Wow, Lamen’s clothes suck and he’s clearly poor, but damn his Veretian is great!”

- Damen there trying to defend Charls surrounding the rumours he was deceived and Charls literally just tells him to stfu 💀

- Makon. We’re gonna have problems. Your seams? Wonky. Your fabric? Low quality. Your business? Dodgy. You are talking smack about the literal blood-related cousin to the King of Vere. They are a FAMILY.

- Every time Laurent uses his snakey qualities for good, an angel gains its wings. Undercutting Makon for the fabric was so satisfying, and everyone handled that with more grace than I would have. I would have literally laughed in Makon’s face.

- I really like the implication that Laurent has a soft spot for animals, horses especially, and generally creatures that are innocent (children included). Makes Damen’s gift super special, and this horse poisoning scene really sad 😢

- And in all the chaos, Damen is still finding time to flirt. Priorities.

- Another detail I adore is that Charls notices clothes before he notices physical appearance. He’s far more likely to say “the guy in the poorly woven woollen cloak” than “the guy with brown hair.”

- Laurent really hit the jackpot with Damen and the scary dog privileges that came with him. Someone need only tip a drink on this man and Damen’s started a whole bar fight.

- Also. Totally real that Akielons and Veretians still hold animosity between one another even after the merging of the kingdoms. Integration doesn’t happen overnight.

- This bar fight is everything. Damen is there absolutely murking everyone he sees and Laurent is ducked behind a table tossing olives and stealing lamb legs. Play to your strengths I guess!

- I can picture exactly no situation in which geese could make it better. Evil cobra chickens.

- We have adopted Alexon. He’s invited to the wedding.

- “A Prince’s hands are for refinement” I bet Charls and Damen keep this as a running joke even after everything is out in the open. Laurent lifts a pea and he’s like “Lamen! The king cannot possibly!!”

- If I was sat in disguise around a campfire with some borderline strangers and they started talking about my sex life, I’d simply ✨pass away✨. At least it was all good things and no scandalous rumours about Nikandros teaching Laurent how to wrestle 💀

- Seven hours? That’s cute. He barely survived one with Halvik’s girls 💀

- ALEXON!! Be the kind of nepo baby that uses their status like this.

- Literally need an entire book of Damen and Laurent sneaking out undercover in disguise to free slaves and bring down those trading them. ‼️📢Bring back the blue dress 2k24‼️📢

- Love that Charls always takes the opportunity to mention how strong and young and virile Lamen is, and how him and Laurent must be fucking like rabbits. Which, to be fair, is not too far from the truth lol

- It hurts my heart that the conversation Damen has with Charls could have happened with Auguste or Laurent’s father had Damen had the opportunity to court Laurent like he wanted.

- Laurent in gold looking absolutely ethereal at his coronation. That’s the post.

- HE FINALLY FOUND OUT 😂 WELCOME TO THE ROYAL FAMILY CHARLS!! You definitely know who’s getting to make the wedding trousseau 😉

This entire series has been an absolute ride, and thanks to everyone who’s shared in my (annoying) enthusiasm 😂 AO3 will be my new home, and any fic recommendations are 100% welcome! Love y’all! ♥️

[grecoromanyaoi]

helloo since we're on the topic: top historical fiction (or adjacent) ? can be any time period I just really love your taste in shows/games/etc and am always on the lookout for history inspired media !

thank you!!! im rly glad im like. inspiring other ppl to engage w things im insane abt hudofajsdfdassfsad. anyways. i will probably expand that list bc i literally forgot every single thing i ever read. also i havent watched that many movies so far

ancient times: i havent really watched a lot of movies/series set in ancient times so far :(

rome HBO (2005-2007) (tv series) - OF COURSE. i personally think its one of the best series ever made. they combine political, miliatry history with the lives of every day people in an incredible way. they never let you once engage with the series through modern lenses. according to my teacher (a historian, archeologist & self described 'romaphile') its incredibly historically accurate, mostly the clothing, set designs, characterization, military practices, etc. except for the things they straight up made up, of course.

i really enjoyed gladiator (2000), i think its a masterpiece.

prince of egypt (1998) i guess?

all the asterix movies of course, all the animated ones and most of the live actions. but i wouldnt really call it historical fiction

ok i havent actually finished watching it for now but sebastiane (1976) - an erotic, x rated, gay interpretation of the martyrdom of st sebastian. its in latin also.

wait i cant believe i forgor about assassin's creed odyssey - so far the only one ive played. its so fun and incredibly immersive visually. especially pour moi who cries into the pillow about how ill never experience the ancient world. also you can b a faggot which is always fun. i have things to say about their portrayal of same-sex sexuality and slavery in classical greece but i get why they did that considering its supposed to like. appeal to a lot of people, and a more "historically accurate" portrayal (for example of pederasty or how common slavery was etc.) would b v difficult for a lot of their target audience. alas.

medieval and early modern era:

the name of the rose (1986) - my medieval history teacher literally showed us bits of this movie to teach us about monasteries and monks fhdosiasdjasd.

the borgias (2011-2013) - incredibly messy, lots of political intrigue, and so so fun to watch. about the history of the borgia family. filled to the brim with drama.

the three musketeers (1993) - my favorite adaptation, also coincidentally the one i grew up on. casting tim curry as richelieu was genius. he slays so hard.

i also like bbc's the musketeers (2014-2016) - a neat little series. very fun and entertaining to watch.

outlaw king (2018) - like i dont think most ppl heard of this movie. its about robert the bruce's fight to reclaim the throne of scotland. starring chris pine

vikings (2013-2020) - its fun. i havent watched the entire series tho. dont expect anything resembling historical accuracy

the northman (2022) - you will see something resembling historical accuracy

mihai viteazul (michael the brave) (1971) - a fun movie. very much romanian propaganda tho.

1670 (2023-) - such a fun series!!! incredible cast, shows respect to the actual history and the lives of historical people. really cute and funny.

caravaggio (1986) - a biopic about caravaggio.

wait i also forgor about pentiment - an intriguing, immersive, and incredibly beautiful video game! it has a lot of 'the name of the rose' vibes, with it being a medieval murder mystery taking place in a monastery. its incredibly touching and made me cry, and in the last few years i very rarely cry. also im 99% sure its an indie game? go support the creators!

vaguely-medieval/early modern fantasy:

mirror mirror (2012) - a retelling of snow white. a very fun movie imo, with incredible costume design. julia roberts plays the evil queen and she SLAYS. armie hammer is unfortunately in that movie.

stardust (2007) - one of my fave movies growing up. more modern-inspired but still.

the green knight (2021) - controversial i know but i actually loved this movie! i liked it both as a standalone movie but moreso as a 21st century adaptation to sir gawain and the green knight.

galavant (2015-2016) - !!!!!!! one of the most series ever! they manage to tackle such difficult concepts and conversations with a hilarious wit. so fun to watch. i listen to a lot of the songs still, and rewatch every once in a while.

disenchantment (2018-2023) - very fun to watch, especially the first season.

i also really liked the novel uprooted by naomi novik. its a polish-inspired fantasy.

modern era:

killers of the flower moon (2023) - of course. a masterpiece

aferim! (2015) - a romanian movie set in 19th century wallachia, about two officers, a father and son, who were sent by a nobleman to retrieve an escaped enslaved romani man. a lot of the people in the comments were calling the movie humorous and funny, maybe im missing smth (as im watching with subtitles n dont understand the original language) but it was a very difficult watch for me??

the handmaiden (2016) - need i say more

black sails (2014-2017) - a prequel to the famous novel 'treasure island'. not an easy series to watch. incredibly good.

the favourite (2018) - need i say more pt 2

the rabbi's cat (le chat du rabbin) (2011) - animated movie set in early 20th century algeria. a rabbi's cat learns to talk overnight.

the nice guys (2016) - a fun murder mystery set in the 1970s

o brother, where art thou (2000) - a retelling of the odyssey set in the southern us in the 1930s

victor/victoria (1982) - set in early 20th century paris. julie andrews pretends to be a man and takes on a job as a drag queen. extremely fun, extremely gay movie.

lady chatterley's lover (2022) - very much porn for moms but it was a nice watch imo

amulet (2020) - set in like. idk. sometime in the 20th century. this is a horror movie, deals a lot with misogyny, sa, and so on. i really like it, personally. a lot of people, mostly weird men, dont tho.

the great (2020-2023) - i have mixed feelings about this show. on the one hand, its really fun to watch. on the other hand, its basically ofmd for girls who have public mental breakdowns whenever someone claims corsets were oppressive. and theyre so weird about russians, jesus christ.

disses:

domina (2021-) - i just couldnt get into it, esp since i tried right after finishing rome hbo. it was kind of silly, and not in a good way. takes itself wayyyy to seriously.

i didnt like spartacus (2010-2013) - the dialogue was almost grotesque and the editing, especially the transitions, straight up killed me

damsel (2024) - holy fuck what a trainwreck of a movie. absolute waste of angela basset and robin wright. the only good thing were the costumes.

lancelot du lac (1974) - i just didnt like it at all. couldnt get into it. i guess it was way too french and artsy fartsy for me. a movie that was trying to say both too little and too much at the same time.

i didnt rly like bram stoker's dracula (1992) - i mean. it was a fine movie. it was definitely not the godfather. the movie itself was meh. the visuals tho? absolutely stunning

[mimisempai]

THE 1001 INEFFABLE NIGHTS -

Sleeping Beauty

Summary 

Tonight the twins have decided it is Crowley's turn to tell a story.  The demon doesn't hesitate, and under Aziraphale's amused gaze, begins the tale of Sleeping Beauty. In his own way.

Notes

Don't blame me for Furfur.

I still laugh about it.

On Ao3

Rating G -  4392 words

"I wonder what story he's going to tell us today?"

"Shh, they're coming."

Aziraphale and Crowley entered the room and the angel asked, "Are you ready for the night?"

"Yes!"

Cassie and Alexis watched their fathers approach, and the little demon leaned over to her brother and whispered in his ear.

Crowley and Aziraphale looked at them with amusement, used to the twins' secret conversations.

Alexis nodded and Cassandra said, "Today it's Dad's turn to tell the story!"

Aziraphale smiled and gestured to the bed, turning to his husband, "After you...Daddy."

Crowley climbed onto the bed, sitting against the headboard as Alexis exclaimed, “ Papa, Papa, come on the bed with us too!”

Aziraphale joined them and once seated, Cassandra came to sit between his legs while Alexis cuddled up to Crowley.

“Dad what are you going to tell us?”

Crowley turned to Aziraphale and asked, "What did you have in mind?"

Aziraphale replied, "Sleeping beauty."

Crowley nodded and asked again, "Which version?"

The angel winked at him, "Mine, of course."

"Hmmm, I see."

Aziraphale took a brush from the bedside table and began to brush Cassandra's long red hair. As he did so, he didn't see the mischievous flash that passed through the demon's eyes just before he began to tell the story.

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a king and queen longed for a child.

One day, their wish was granted and a beautiful boy was born. They named him Sunshine because..."

"Crowley, I think you..."

"Angel, it's my turn to tell this time."

"Yes, papa, it's Dad's turn to tell this time."

"Thanks Alexis."

Crowley grinned at Aziraphale and continued.

They named him Sunshine because the little baby had a face as round as the sun, hair as blond as its rays, and a smile as warm as the heat of a summer sun. 

Cassandra interrupted him and said, turning her head toward Aziraphale, "That's funny, the little prince reminds me of someone."

Crowley winked at his husband. 

The king and queen threw a great banquet in the castle to celebrate the long-awaited royal birth. 

Among the guests were the most important kings of the country, especially the king of the neighboring kingdom and his son, young Anthony, who was barely four years old. The celebration would also be the occasion for the two monarchs to announce the alliance of their two kingdoms through a distant marriage between the two heirs of their families.

Little did Anthony know, however, that he was looking at his future spouse for the first time as he bent over little Sunshine's cradle.

Among the guests were, of course, the three fairy godmothers, Maggie, Nina, and the youngest of the three, Muriel.

"Oh, they have the same names as our aunties?"

"Absolutely."

Aziraphale couldn't help chuckling as he imagined their three friends as fairy godmothers. 

Crowley continued his story.

The three fairies bent over little Sunshine's cradle, squealing with wonder and admiration. 

The wisest of the three, Nina, said in a solemn voice, "Each of us can bless the prince with just one wish. I, little prince, offer you a generous and kind heart, with a kindness that will touch all who come near you."

Maggie approached and, raising her wand to the cradle, said softly, "As for me, I offer you strength of character. A strength that will carry you through life and help you get up every time you fall."

Muriel stepped forward and raised their wand, “Me, pretty prince I'll -”

Suddenly Muriel was interrupted by thunder as in the middle of the banquet hall, floating in the air, appeared the face of a menacing man surrounded by green flames."

Maggie whispered, "Metatron!"

Muriel replied, "What does he want?"

"Quiet!" admonished Nina.

Metatron said in a falsely honeyed voice, "What a beautiful gathering, Your Majesty, all these fine people, it's wonderful."

Muriel started to fly toward the floating head, but Nina stopped them in time.

Metatron continued, "Too bad I didn't get an invitation."

Muriel exclaimed, "That's normal, we didn't want you here!"

"No? I was hoping it was an oversight, so I'm going to disappear. But first, to show you that I don't hold a grudge, I'm going to give the child a present as well."

The three fairies rushed to the cradle to protect the little prince.

Metatron called out in a thunderous voice, "Listen to me, all of you! The prince will grow in grace and beauty, loved by all who know him. But before the sun sets on his sixteenth birthday, he will prick his finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die."

Before anyone could react, Metatron's floating face disappeared in a great, thunderous laugh.

In the face of the king and queen's dismay, Nina said gently, "Do not despair, Your Majesties. Muriel has yet to fulfill their wish for the little prince."

The king exclaimed hopefully, "So they can undo this terrible curse?"

Muriel shook their head, "Oh no, Your Majesty, Metatron's powers are far too great."

Maggie looked at them and said, "But they can help."

Nina insisted, "They can. Go ahead, Muriel. Do your best."

Muriel walked over to the cradle, raised their wand, and said in a slightly hesitant voice, "Sweet prince, if you prick your finger on a spindle, you will not die, but you will fall asleep and be awakened by the kiss of true love and the spell will be broken."

To save the little prince, the three fairies took him to a cottage deep in the forest and pretended to be peasant women, hiding their magic wands so that Metatron would never find them.

Sixteen years passed, and the wizard Métatron raged in his castle because, despite all his powers, he didn't know where the young prince was.

As a last resort, he agreed to part with his only loyal friend, his raven, and sent him on a quest to find the prince.

Meanwhile, the three fairies planned a surprise birthday party for Sunny, the young prince.

While they were discussing how to make the prince's costume, Sunny came out of his room and asked them what they were doing.

Looking innocent, the three fairies dodged the question and sent him off to gather berries.

While they were arguing about the color of the costume and how to make the cake, Sunny had filled his basket with berries and was sitting by a tree singing.

His song was so melodious that all the animals in the forest gathered around him to listen.

But someone else was enchanted by the young man's voice. 

Prince Anthony, riding his trusty steed Furfur, stopped and-

Crowley had to pause as Aziraphale literally burst out laughing. 

When the angel finally regained his composure, he said to Crowley, "You named the horse Furfur! Oh God, if he knew."

Crowley nodded and chuckled before continuing his story.

Prince Anthony, on his trusty steed Furfur, stopped him and exclaimed, "Hear that, Furfur? Come, take me to the origin of this song."

Promised a few carrots, Furfur galloped off into the forest.

Prince Sunny sighed when he finished his song.

"Oh dear, why do they still treat me like a child?"

The owl hooted, as if to say, "Who?"

"My three godmothers, they never want me to talk to anyone."

Sunny leaned forward and continued in a whisper, "But I have a secret. I've met someone."

The owl hooted again, "Who? Who? Who?"

Sunny stood up and replied, "He's a prince. Well, he's tall and handsome and... and so romantic. We walked together, talked together, and just before we said goodbye, he took me in his arms and there... I woke up."

The animals all made little sounds of disappointment, but Sunny continued, "Yes, it's only in my dreams. But they say that if you dream something more than once, it will come true. And I've dreamed about it so many times."

Then he closed his eyes and started to spin around, as if dancing with an invisible person, and began to sing.

I know you

I walked with you once upon a dream

I know you

The gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam

Yet I know it's true

That visions are seldom all they seem

Prince Anthony approached Sunny, but hid behind a tree to watch the young man dance and sing. 

Naturally, he was immediately smitten.

How could he not be when he saw that radiant face, those curls of blond like a field of wheat, those hips moving in time to the music, those plump b-

“Crowley, dear, I think you're getting a little off track.”

"Oops."

The demon blushed slightly and Aziraphale nudged his shoulder as he replied amusedly, "You can develop that part of the story a little later when it's just the two of us."

Crowley chuckled slightly before resuming his story.

Prince Anthony took advantage of the fact that the handsome boy's back was turned to approach him silently, waiting for him to turn around.

But if I know you

I know what you'll do

You'll love me at once

The way you did once upon a dream

As the handsome young man sang the last phrase, Anthony joined his voice and Sunny stopped, startled, before turning around.

Frozen, he took a step back, ready to run away, but Anthony stopped him, speaking softly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

Sunny replied, "It's not that. It's that I don't know you. I shouldn't talk to people I don't know."

"But don't you remember? We've already met!"

"Have we?"

"Of course, you just sang it so beautifully: once upon a dream."

A chuckle interrupted Crowley and he turned to the Angel, "What?"

"What a smooth talker this prince is."

Crowley raised an eyebrow and replied, a mischievous smile on his lips, "But you already know that, my angel."

“Dad! Papa! Stop interrupting the story!"

"Yes, that's right, I want to know what's going on."

"Sorry, kids."

Aziraphale pressed a kiss to his daughter's hair, while Crowley gently stroked Alexis' cheek as his son snuggled against him.

Anthony and Sunny began to sing and dance in harmony as the forest animals looked on.

When the song finally ended, they looked at each other wordlessly until Anthony asked, "Who are you, what's your name?"

Sunny remembered his aunts' words of warning and let go of the prince before stepping back and saying, "Hmm? Oh, my name. Why, it's, it's... Oh, no, no, I can't, I... Goodbye!"

He took off so fast that Anthony couldn't keep up.

He called after him, "But when will I see you again?"

"Oh never, never!"

"Never?"

Sunny paused and replied, "Maybe someday."

"Tomorrow?"

Sunny shook his head, "No, tonight. At the cottage in the valley."

As Sunny ran away, all he could think of was the handsome prince, his red hair shining in the sun, his golden eyes, and his charming smile".

"Pretentious..."

Crowley chose to ignore his husband's murmur and continued.

Meanwhile, the three fairies tried unsuccessfully to bake the cake and sew the suit, and despite 16 years of living without wands, they weren't very good at it.

Nina had had enough and raised her hand and said, "Stop, we're getting nowhere and it's almost sundown. For once, we're going to use our wands."

Muriel gestured to get them, but Maggie interrupted, "First we have to close the doors, shutters and windows, we can't allow the vile Metatron to see us.

Once everything was closed, Muriel, armed with their wand, prepared the cake and Nina and Maggie went to work on the suit, arguing over the color of the bow tie. They had forgotten one thing.

The fireplace.

When they cast a spell on the suit at the same time, a bolt of lightning shot out of the chimney.

This was not lost on Metatron's raven, who saw it from afar and flew back to his master's castle to tell him the news.

The three fairies finished their preparations and Muriel looked out the window before exclaiming, "Sunny's back! Let's turn out the lights!"

The cottage was pitch black as the door opened.

The light came on and the three fairies exclaimed, "Surprise! Happy birthday, Sunny!"

Sunny gave his three aunts an emotional hug, then saw the suit and cake and exclaimed, "Oh, how wonderful! This is the happiest day of my life. First him, then this surprise."

"Him?"

"Sunny!"

"You met a stranger?"

Sunny, blushing and looking dreamy, replied, "Oh, he's not a stranger, we've met before."

Sunny started dancing and singing, "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream".

Nina murmured, "He's in love."

"Oh no."

"That's terrible!"

Sunny stopped and looked at them, astonished, "Why? I'm sixteen."

"It's not that, dear."

"You're already engaged."

"Since the day you were born."

“To Prince Anthony, sweetie."

Sunny exclaimed, "But that's impossible! How could I marry a prince, I'd have to be a..."

Muriel said quietly, "A prince."

"And that's what you are. Prince Sunshine, tonight we'll take you back to your father, the king."

Sunny shook his head and replied, "But, but I can't! He's coming here tonight, I promised to meet him."

Maggie stroked his cheek sadly and replied, "I'm sorry, sweetheart, but you must never see that young man again."

"Oh, no, no! I can't believe it. No, no, no! "

Sunny ran to lock himself in his room, and the three fairies sadly heard the sound of his muffled cries.

Muriel muttered, "And we thought he'd be so happy." 

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Sunny's father and Anthony's father were getting drunk and talking about their children's future, how many children they would ask the fairies to bless their family with.

They were on their second bottle of wine when a voice announced, "His Royal Highness, Prince Anthony.

"Anthony?"

Anthony's father rose and, with staggering steps, descended the stairs to meet his son before exclaiming, "Anthony! Hurry up, my boy, hurry up and change into something suitable. You can't meet your future husband in this state."

Anthony replied, "I have met him, Father."

"You met him? Where?"

"Once in a dream."

"I know I've been drinking, but I don't understand a word you're saying! What's all this about a dream?"

"It wasn't a dream, Father. I really met him!"

"Prince Sunshine?"

"Oh, I must tell Prince Sunshine's father that you've already met his son."

"I didn't say it was Sunshine. I said I had met the man I was going to marry. I don't know who he was, a farmer, I guess."

Her father drank his glass in one gulp and exclaimed, "A farmer? A farmer? You're going to marry a... But Anthony, you're joking! You can't do this to me! Give up the throne, the kingdom, for anyone, for no one? I won't accept it. You are a prince and you will marry a prince!"

"I will marry the man I love. And I don't need your permission. Goodbye, Father!"

Anthony turned and ran.

Night had fallen when the fairies and Sunny entered the castle unnoticed through a back door.

They sat the prince down and Maggie approached him and said softly, "This last gift, dear child, for you, the symbol of your royalty. A crown to wear with grace and beauty, as is your royal right and duty.

Nina placed the crown on the prince's head, who couldn't hold back a tear.

The three fairies looked at each other and silently decided to leave him alone for a few moments and went into the next room.

Muriel muttered, "It's so sad and unfair. He looked so happy, and now his happiness is shattered. I don't see why he has to marry a prince."

Nina, the voice of wisdom, said softly, "That is not for us to decide, my dear. "

"I think we should speak to the king."

"We could try, but..."

They were interrupted by a strange noise from the next room and went over to see Sunny crossing the fireplace, the wall closing behind him to prevent the fairies from following.

Muriel brandished their wand and broke through the wall, revealing three paths.

The fairies called, "Sunny, Sunny, where are you?"

Sunny didn't hear them and followed the light that led them up a spiral staircase.

Arriving in a small room, the light turned into a spindle and Metatron's head appeared and said to Sunny in a hypnotic voice, "Touch the spindle. Touch it and all your dreams will come true!"

"Sunny, no!"

Too late, in a flash of light, Sunny touched the spindle with his finger and Metatron's head turned to the fairies, "You poor fools. You thought you could defeat me, the master of all evil. Well, here is your precious prince."

Metatron disappeared with a laugh, revealing Sunny lying face down. 

Maggie exclaimed, "Sunny!"

Nina put her head in her hands.

"Oh Sunny! Oh, I'll never forgive myself."

The three of them cried over the young prince's motionless body. 

In the castle, Anthony's father tried to explain his son's departure to Sunshine's father, but suddenly a voice interrupted them.

"The sun has set, prepare to greet your prince!"

The crowd outside the castle cheered, and fireworks shot into the sky.

Meanwhile, the three fairies were crying around the bed where Sunny lay, a yellow rose in his clasped hands.

Nina said quietly, "We have to go. We have something to do."

They step out onto the balcony and look out at the crowd waiting for their prince to return.

"Poor king and queen."

"They'll be heartbroken when they hear."

Nina shook her head, "They won't be."

"No?"

Nina replied, "We'll put them all to sleep until Sunny wakes up. Come on!"  

The three fairies flew up and raised their wands over the entire castle, putting everyone from the groom to the king to sleep.

Nina had just cast a spell on Prince Anthony's father when she heard him whisper, "I just talked to Anthony. It seems he's fallen in love with a peasant."

Nina froze and asked, "A peasant? Yes, yes? The farmer, who is he?  Where did he meet him?"

The king said before falling asleep, "Once upon a dream.

"Once upon a dr... Sunny, Prince Anthony!"

Nina flew full speed toward Maggie and Nina, telling them, "Come on, we've got to get back home!"

Nina explained the king's last words to them on the way.

Meanwhile, whistling the song, Anthony arrived at the cottage. But Metatron was waiting for him, and his servants jumped on the prince, tied him up, and took him to Metatron's castle, where they threw him into a double-locked cell.

Soon after, the fairies arrived at the cottage and found Anthony's hat on the floor.

They immediately realized what had happened.

"Metatron! He's got Prince Anthony!"

"To the forbidden mountain."

"But we can't, we can't go there!" cried Muriel.

Nina replied with a firm voice, "We can, and we must. For our little Sunny and his happiness."

The fairies reached Metatron's castle and approached cautiously until they found a window overlooking a room where Metatron was feasting and talking to his raven.

"It's a shame the prince isn't here to enjoy the feast. Come, we must go to the dungeon and cheer him up."

Metatron left for the dungeon, followed by the raven and the fairies.

"Come now, Prince Anthony. Why so much melancholy? You have a wonderful future ahead of you. You're the hero of a charming fairy tale come true."

Metatron conjured a vision before Anthony's eyes and told him in a falsely gentle voice, "Here is the king's castle, and in the highest tower is Prince Sunshine, dreaming of his true love.  But behold the merciful whim of fate. This is the same peasant who won the heart of our noble prince only yesterday. He is indeed wonderfully handsome. The gold of the sun fades before the blond of his hair. He rests in an ageless sleep. Years pass, but a hundred years are like a day to a steadfast heart. And now the dungeon doors open and the prince is free to go. He rides out on his noble steed."

Anthony saw himself old and weak, and Metatron's voice was full of sarcasm as he continued, "...a brave figure, straight and tall, to awaken his love with love's first kiss and prove that true love conquers all."

Anthony struggled in his chains and against his gag as Muriel, unable to control herself, moved angrily toward Metatron, but was held back in time by Nina.

Metatron raised his arm to the raven and said, "Come, my dear. Let us leave our noble prince with these happy thoughts."

As he walked away after locking the door, he continued, "A most beautiful day. For the first time in sixteen years, I'm going to sleep well."

As soon as Metatron was gone, the fairies entered through the window, approached Anthony, and when they saw that he was fidgeting, whispered, "Shh, no time to explain."

They used their magic to open Anthony's chains and the padlock on the door.

As the prince started to run, Nina stopped him and said, "Wait, Prince Anthony. The road to true love may be buried by many more dangers that only you can face. So arm yourself with the enchanted shield of virtue and the mighty sword of truth. For it is the weapons of righteousness that will triumph over evil."

Outside the dungeon, the raven waited and flew away screaming, sounding the alarm.

The fairies and Anthony began to climb the stairs, encountering Metatron's minions, whom Anthony easily fought off.

"Look out!"

Nina raised her wand to the stones the servants were throwing in their direction, transforming them into butterflies.

It was the archers' turn to send a volley of arrows at the prince, but Maggie turned them into colorful flowers while Muriel freed Furfur. 

Metatron, awakened by the raven, appeared at the door.

"Raise the drawbridge!"

"Careful, Anthony!"

Fortunately, Furfur managed to jump just over the moat.

"Quick, quick, Anthony!"

Metatron shouted, "A forest of thorns will be his tomb, forever cursing the castle and its inhabitants!"

A black cloud appeared above the castle. Lightning struck everywhere, causing thick briars to grow so dense that Anthony was forced to stop. He dismounted and swung his sword to clear a path.

Metatron appeared before him and shouted, "Now you'll have to deal with me, Prince, and all the powers of Hell!"

Metatron transformed into a giant dragon that Anthony could do nothing against. He tried his best to dodge the flames coming from the beast's mouth, but a new blaze caused him to lose his shield.

Metatron laughed as the fairies approached the prince, pointing their wands at his sword. 

"Now the sword of truth flies swift and sure. May evil die and good endure!"

Anthony hurled the sword at the dragon with all his might. The sword plunged into the dragon's heart, which collapsed before burning with a howl in the flames it had spewed. 

Metatron was dead.

Anthony and the fairies entered the castle and climbed up to the tower where Sunny lay on his bed. Anthony approached him slowly, taking time to admire the radiant beauty of his stranger, his prince, then leaned over and gently pressed his lips to Sunny's, who immediately opened his eyes.

Her beautiful light blue eyes, in which stars seemed to shine, fluttered and Anthony saw the moment when Sunny recognized him.

He asked softly, "Am I awake or is this a dream?"

Anthony pressed another kiss to his forehead and replied, a little smile on his lips, "If it's a dream, I think we're having the same one, my prince."

A little later, what a surprise it was for the two kings to see their two children arrive together, smiling and holding hands.

Anthony's father muttered, "Protocol, my son, protocol."

But a charming smile from his future son-in-law quickly made him forget this minor breach of royal etiquette.

After an emotional reunion between Sunny and his parents, the orchestra began to play a melody that the two young princes recognized, and with knowing smiles on their lips, they immediately began to dance under the tender gaze of their parents.

But if I know you

I know what you'll do

You'll love me at once

The way you did once upon a dream

Muriel couldn't hold back a few tears and Nina gently asked them, "Muriel, what's wrong, darling?"

"Oh, I love happy endings."

Nina and Maggie nodded because they did, too.

Until Maggie noticed that Sunny's suit wasn't the color she had chosen and immediately changed it.

Of course, Nina didn't let go and did the same, so, throughout the dance, the color of Prince Sunny's costume kept changing, adding magic to an already enchanting moment.

But the two princes didn't care, because they only had eyes for each other.

They got married, lived happily ever after, and the fairies gave them lots of little princes and princesses.

"Aww, I want to dream about my prince too..."

Aziraphale, amused, helped Cassandra into bed, tucking her in tenderly, while Crowley did the same on the other side with Alexis, who murmured, half asleep, "I want to dream about him, too. And if I dream about it a lot, it'll come true."

"You're right. Good night, Alexis. Good nigt Cassandra."

"Good night dad."

The twins were asleep by the time Crowley and Aziraphale closed the bedroom door.

The demon and the angel headed for the living room when suddenly Aziraphale turned to Crowley and said teasingly, "So tell me, what did you mean to say after talking about Prince Sunny's hips moving to the rhythm of the music?"

Crowley wrapped his arms around the angel and, sliding his hands from his back to his butt, replied in the same teasing tone, "I was going to talk about his lovely, plump cheeks."

Aziraphale laughed before wrapping his arms around his husband's neck and saying softly, "How about showing him your appreciation in a more appropriate place?"

Crowley gently pressed his lips to the angel's, then murmured against his lips, "My prince's wishes are my commands."

Then he led him into the secret of their bedroom, where he set about demonstrating in detail how much he appreciated his prince's features.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable Husbands masterlist : here

The Thousand and One Ineffable Nights series : here

[bleedingoptimism]

When Eddie is given the order to infiltrate the castle and kill the heir to the throne he doesn't even blink.

It’s just another job. He couldn’t care less if it’s the prince or a tavern keeper, he’s never failed before and he’s not planning on starting now.

Finding work at the castle is easy enough, but getting close to the prince takes longer. Only the most trusted people in the palace are allowed to interact with him. So he only gets to see him, to appreciate him from afar. 

The heir to the throne, Prince Steve, is the most beautiful person he’s ever seen in his life. Handsome and fit but with delicate features, big brown eyes, and a myriad of beauty marks.

He’s keeping a close eye on him so he notices every little thing about him. How kind he is with everyone.

How afraid he is of the king, his father. How he still stands up to him, even if he’s terrified when he is being unfair to the people.

He also notices Steve is a really good fighter, which worries him. He is going to need to get real close to him, enough that the prince could never suspect him, enough to make him keep his guard down.

But as time passes he gets more and more enthralled by the prince. When he hears him laugh as he play-fights with the younger knights he took under his wing it makes his heart stutter.

And when he catches him sneaking into the library with the quirky royal scribe to read late at night it fills him with wonder and curiosity.

And the more he watches Steve, the more he hates his assignment.

He starts having dangerous thoughts. Why would his master send him to kill this wonderful boy? He is so generous, so fair, so brave. He would be a wonderful king. Wouldn’t the people from the kingdom benefit from someone like Steve?

Is he really serving the greater good? Is this really for the good of the kingdom?

But he casts those thoughts away. They serve him no good. It’s not like he has a choice anyway. It’s his head or Steve’s. And he’s rather attached to his head.

So by the time he’s trusted enough to be allowed in the private areas of the palace, by the time he actually gets to talk to the prince, he’s already halfway in love with him and incredibly conflicted.

And Steve, beautiful, wonderful, soft Steve. He warms up to Eddie right away, and he asks about him, his thoughts, and his feelings. And he’s so cute and funny, he laughs at Eddie and with Eddie. He stands up to him in front of the king and lets Eddie sit quietly with him, holding his hand when his father tears him down with harsh words.

They get close, and Eddie starts his mornings dreading this is going to be the last day he gets to spend with Steve, the day he gets the order to end it all. But he ends his nights with a smile on his face because every day with the prince is a delight and he just can’t help but be endeared by everything he does.

And then the day comes. Eddie wakes up to the sight of an ugly, disfigured bat, perched on his window, the thing screeches loudly at him and Eddie yells back, dread and sorrow already invading him because he knows what its presence means. It means it's time.

The bat cocks his ugly head at him and then flies out the same way it came in and leaves Eddie holding his head in his hands, rocking back and forth in the bed. He reminds himself it’s his life or Steve’s and he repeats it as a mantra all day. It’s me or him. It’s me or him. It’s me or him. It’s me or him. It’s me or him.

The night finds them lounging in the library with Robin, the scribe. She’s reading to them from a book of obscure stories from kingdoms past. It’s Steve’s favorite. It’s getting close to midnight when Robin yawns and calls it a night, leaving them alone in the enormous library.

Steve is sitting by the window, one leg bent at the knee and resting his head on it, the other swaying on the edge. Eddie takes a deep breath and thinks, ‘this is it’ 

He slowly makes his way toward Steve and takes a hidden knife out of his belt.

He’s so close now, hand raised, knife shining in the moonlight. And Steve doesn’t move, he just lets him get close. He trusts Eddie. 

It's him.

He can’t do it. He just can’t. He’d rather die than hurt him and it’s that a thought? He’s never felt this way. He would die for him. He should die for him. 

He stops, intending to put the weapon away but it’s too late now. The knife glints and it catches Steve’s eye in the reflection of the window. He turns shocked and hurt fills his eyes before he launches at Eddie.

They fight, and Eddie just tries to defend himself as Steve throws blow after blow at him. But he can tell Steve is not giving it his all.

He’s confused and heartbroken, he fights as tears fall from his big doe eyes and he screams at him and Eddie takes it. He takes everything Steve has to give.

He disarms Eddie at one point because the prince really is that good at fighting and the combat comes to a stall with Steve sitting on his lap and him flat on the floor, a knife at his throat. 

Both of them are panting heavily as Eddie looks at Steve, tears falling from his gorgeous brown eyes and wetting Eddie’s cheek and he knows he’s going to die.

He’ll die, either by Steve’s hand or by his master’s evil creatures so he has nothing to lose when he says,

“Gods, you are so beautiful” and he surges forward, letting the knife scrape his neck and kisses Steve deeply.

Eyes closed he waits for the knife to be buried in his neck but then he hears the distinct sound of the weapon hitting the floor. And suddenly Steve is kissing him back, one hand on his cheek and the other on the cut on his neck. 

But Steve is still crying so Eddie cups his cheeks and wipes the tears away,

“Please stop crying your highness, my love”

And Steve shakes his head and bites Eddie’s lip hard enough to make him bleed. “Why?” he whispers into his mouth.

And Eddie tells him everything, he tells him all about the unbreakable contract with the dark wizard who ordered his death. How he was down on his luck and almost dead and didn't have any other choice.

He tells Steve about watching him from afar before their official meeting, about falling in love with him, and that he was ready to die before hurting him.

“I never wanted to hurt you, I’m so sorry my beloved prince,” he tells him, “But I must leave now, I need to kill my master, I have to save you.”

“I’ll go with you, I’ll help” his love replies.

“Steve, no-” 

“You don’t get to tell me what to do” Steve cuts him off, voice firm and it makes Eddie smile. His prince looks so handsome when he gives him orders.

“Eddie, you make me feel…Alive, I love you. I’m not letting you go alone.”

Eddie implores him to stay, “It’ll be dangerous my adored one, what if I can’t protect you? What if I can’t save you?”

Steve leans forward and touches their foreheads together, “We’ll save each other.” He simply says. 

They run away together the next night.

[magicalgirlypop]

no, the sailor moon 90s anime is not more feminst than the manga

i've seen people herald the 90s anime as this beacon of feminism just because it focuses on the relationship between the inner senshi instead of usagi and mamoru's relationship. there's this idea that the manga being more about romance makes it inherently less feminist than the anime. but i want to shut that idea down.

people keep circulating these three screenshots to prove the 90s anime is this feminist masterpiece

but just a scene prior in the SAME EPISODE, rei calls usagi ugly COMPLETELY UNPROVOKED

yes there's teasing between friends but come on. usagi didn't even do anything to warrant being compared to a monkey.

and speaking of rei... she's so heavily lesbian coded in the manga. literally her nightmare in the dream arc is getting married and settling down in the trad family sense. which she destroys with her akuryo taisan like the lesbian queen she is. also her distrust of men is a big part of her character in every adaptation... except the 90s anime which made her boy crazy and have that plotline where she gets with mamoru for a while for the sake of a rivalry with usagi!

there's the whole jealousy thing with chibiusa which is honestly weird no matter the adaptation and idk why ANYONE thought that was a good idea. but its somehow WORSE in the 90s anime. at least, at the very LEAST in the manga she actually communicates with mamoru about her insecurities and the whole jealousy thing only lasts in the black moon arc (which continues staying the worst arc regardless of the adaptation). in the anime... it lasts well into the end of supers... TWO SEASONS after usagi found out chibiusa was her and mamoru's daughter!

and lets talk about how they made usagi jealous over small things in supers! look i get it, she's a teenage girl and she gets jealous easily. but when you get jealous of a child who is also your future daughter and an old woman your boyfriend tried to help, that's when you have issues. there's an entire fucking episode where she stalks rei just because mamoru is staying at her house for a day!

and the most egregious thing which makes me laugh at any claim of the 90s anime being much more feminist than the manga.. is how they handled prince demande. you know, the guy who kidnapped and sexually assaulted usagi? in the manga and crystal, he's killed off unceremoniously.

but guess what ikuhara, the feminist king who knows to write SO MUCH BETTER than naoko, did. he tried to make demande sympathetic. he made usagi sympathise with him.

yasssss ikuhara you go make the pedophile sexual assaulter sympathetic, you feminist king! you definitely know SO MUCH BETTER than naoko!

and people thought crystal was antifeminist? get outta my face with that at least crystal didn't try to make the fucking borderline rapist sympathetic, he disintegrated in a pile of dust like he deserves.

you might be thinking "get outta here no one says the 90s anime is more feminist than the manga". well yes people do. you'd be surprised. i went to an old anime confession blog and found these posts back when crystal was still new and still had a MASSIVE hatedom

and these are just some of the posts. there's so much more. people who dared to enjoy crystal were called misogynistic for... liking a show. even today i see people bash naoko for the smallest things while praising ikuhara as a feminist king and lgbt ally who did more for the community than naoko (which is funny because the 90s anime has an episode where makoto has a crush on haruka and the girls are like "nuuuuuu mako you can't date haruka you're a girl" which wasn't in the manga). when he wouldn't even have been able to make the anime without naoko's manga.

there's an interview with naoko takeuchi where she says that the difference between the manga and 90s anime was that the 90s anime had a male perspective as it was directed by men while the manga mostly had a female perspective as it was written by a woman.

and it honestly really shows when you watch the anime again.

was the 90s anime progressive for its time? yes. is the manga peak feminist literature? no. you can prefer the 90s anime over the manga but don't go acting like its inherently more feminist than the manga just because it doesn't focus as much on the romance aspect. the manga focusing more on usagi and mamoru's romance doesn't make it inherently less feminist.

[mozarteffect]

First of all:what an honor having you like my take,i used to love your fic back in the day! Second,onto the "Sayan are the japane discourse":i think people really underestimate how political Toriyama was capable of being, the only difference is that instead of presenting the situation as an analytical critique as in Revolutionary Girl Utena (to name one) he used satire. But if you read works like Sandland or Pink! you immediately notice the strong tone of criticism especially towards the Japanese industry. Your observation about the Ainu is quite fascinating, (and if you like I would be happy to hear you analyze it, both here on the main and in the dm). If I had to tell you mine, I think that the analogy works at best if it's taken in a larger sense: This fandom as a problem with west-centrism and every time the Sayan/Vegeta discourse shows up it's always treated as if we are talking about USA problems the german-thing- we-can't-talk-about-because-Tumblr-will-take-it-down. However the all story became much easyer to underground once you put the japanese lens on:and here "Sayans were ferocious conquerors but they are still victims of an extermination that they did not deserve by an evil emperor,and both reality are true at the same times" becomes "Japan committed atrocious crimes during WW2 and in any case they did not deserve the atomic bomb by the USA,and both reality are true at the same times". Same goes for out favorite prince,who's both part of the system AND a victim of It. Idk,this are just some thought of mine . Hope you enjoy It! (And have a nice day/evening)

Thank you for liking my writing!

As to the fandom view of Saiyans, you're very much correct that it's an extremely US-centric attitude that goes on. Although I've also observed a very...how do I want to put this, uh, weirdly xenophobic view too, since people will say with no irony "Saiyans are naturally/born evil" and decry canon showing Saiyans that AREN'T like that at all (even if Toriyama is the one doing it) and claim it's a retcon.

Yeah! Not really the greatest thing to say that a race is "naturally evil"! I think that goes against the nature of the series itself plus, well, duh, Goku himself? He was raised by a good person and he turned out good, he was not raised like a Saiyan, what about the math is not mathing?

I've never been subject to the not-see comparison, though I can imagine that may be an issue.

I think ultimately the Japanese perspective is forgotten since Saiyans are projected onto by many, many people of different cultural backgrounds and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I love seeing peoples' interpretations of how Saiyan culture and history (even the dark, tragic, or ugly parts) reflect their own experiences with their own cultures. Most (though not all) tend to ignore or not know that Japan is its own country with its own history and culture outside of what they see in anime, including dark, tragic, and ugly bits. The same (though not all) would claim that all anime is apolitical and that Toriyama never got into anything similar to that at all in his works because "he just wrote funny comics."

But obviously, I disagree! You can see a strong environmentalist slant in his works, it's very prominent in Sandland! He may have not made it obvious or spoke openly about it, but that doesn't mean his opinions weren't present, he was just private (although saying he made Frieza like a real estate speculator because he thought they were the most evil people in existence was sure blatant!)

In my view, the Saiyans have a strong imperial Japan influence (Frieza Force armor is extremely similar to samurai armor) with modernization from "outsiders" coming in and flipping things around. My view of Sadala Saiyans being similar to the Ainu isn't as fully developed and leans more on the indigenous being killed in order to install a greater power with very few (possibly the good/neutral Saiyans that don't agree with or like the king's rule or obeying Frieza?) being left.

It's true that they did horrible things and it's also true that horrible things happened to them. Both concepts can exist and I think the Saiyans that are left have very complicated feelings about their people (well, Vegeta does for certain especially with what was supposed to be his role in Saiyan society, and I think Goku was definitely turned on his head finding out what his parents were really like even if that was never fully addressed. Ideally I would believe he would rethink his view on Raditz too and wonder if he was just angry and insulted that he forgot their parents, whom Raditz seemed to respect/love a great deal. Not to say he would think "gee maybe things were okay after all!" rather "wow this is actually more nuanced than I previously believed.").

Honestly I have complicated thoughts about Vegeta too, contrary to how people think he would act if the planet remained intact, I personally think he just liked the idea of being king but wasn't equipped or interested in the actual aspects of being the king. Plus, though people want to deny he exists, Vegeta does have a counterpart in Tarble who is everything he's not, you can't say his little brother didn't influence him at least a little bit.

I know people get sick of how Vegeta ends up being the mouthpiece/exposition on Saiyan Things but, well, that's kind of the nature of storytelling considering he's the only Saiyan left that was actually raised on the planet. I believe that knowledge is very heavy on him, like how what he's actually done in his past is weighing on him too and he's trying to make up for it even if he knows he's not entitled to forgiveness.

Sorry this ended up rambly and also talking about Vegeta but I have strong feelings about Vegeta lskfjlk I hope that made sense!

PS: Sometimes people believe that Saiyans have a strong Spartan influence as well and point to the aesthetics of Sadala's armor, and I can see that as well!

[kaledya]

• Giovanni time🌸

First, Kaledya, how dare you. Combined the fox and the moustache ? Two things I like. A lot. And you just put it here like I could handle it ? Ahah

More seriously, Giovanni design is amazing, his personality seems to be what I like to work with. Little bit insolent, cunning, clever, playful, classy.

Honestly, my reaction when I saw Giovanni, I was just like... *Giovanni takes the part of me that will instantly adore him, dance some kizomba.*

Giovanni *murmurs* :" I know you like to be in control, but not today..." Me : right. Giovanni :" My parent (Kaledya) says that you're a goddess like them. Could you maybe..." Me : yes. Giovanni *continue to dance* : "...give me an entire Ring of Hell where I can be the master and also replace one of the seven deadly sins ?" Me : yes. ...

Wait, what ?!"

That was the reaction ahah. (I'm not exaggerating what do you mean ?)

• More seriously, I made an OC to be his assistant. If you don't like it, of course tell me!

So my OC is named Hürrem. She is a bastard princess of the Goetia. I thought about this character for Giovanni to have access to more that he already can.

Specie : Demon ( quarter-blood Ars Goetia) Feature : parrot sun conure + bunny Gender : female Age : 21

Title : none Family situation : Hürrem is a daughter of the Ars Goetia prince Vassago and a bastard half-blood princess named Parvin.

Mother : Parvin is the illegitimate daughter of King Paimon and a normal bunny Demon. She died by giving birth to the egg of her only daughter Hürrem.

[Fun fact : Parvin is a teen in the 16th century, when the human Hürrem Sultan (Rolexana) was alive and she find her amazing like her own hero and that is why she wanted her daughter to be called Hürrem (means happy/pleasant). Also wanted her to be happy as she never was herself.]

Parvin never had the princess title, and she was the 'pupil' of Paimon and secluded in her own palace.

BACKSTORY : Vassago was born way later and, as a lot of Ars Goetia member unhappy and pressured by the life he was demanded to live. He find Parvin one day and they become the best of friends. But one day, Vassago was already married and unhappy, depressed (he is gay) they kinda make love in a way to make themselves better. And Parvin become pregnant. And its panic.

Parvin put Vassago away from her life (she told him she ruined her but the reality she wanted to protect him from Paimon rage.) Parvin and Vassago stop talking to each other. Parvin died in childbirth of her egg. Paimon is distressed and hide it and he will never know who is the dad. Vassago take the egg and raise his daughter Hürrem giving her everything but anything. No love but education. No title. (Complex relationship)

STORY : as a bastard child, and something very rare amongst Ars Goetia especially with mixed blood in lineage, Hürrem is stuck in nothingness. The Crown Prince Constantine, ask her for an audience one day. He knows she is very observant and have good instinct by always looking others without a sound. He gives her a mission :

With the help of a Hellhound, a detective, named Giovanni (Kaledya OC), she will be his assistant and help him navigate into the places a Hellhound can't go alone without raising suspicions (aristocratic places).

And their mission is very secret : found the Queen Lilith who have disappeared. If she accepts and with Giovanni found the Queen, the Crown Prince promised her to legitimate her as a princess, found her a match and a place in her family (and stop all the rumor and give a kind of pardon to her dad). What she always wanted right ?

And so her adventures start with Giovanni!

Personality : Hürrem is insecure, observant, instinctive, she knows everything there is to know on the Ars Goetia (the facade) and she doesn't know much of the others lives of demons (Succubus, Hellhound, Imps). She gives herself an attitude to not crumble as she has no one to cry with. She is not confident in herself. She dressed more practical than pretty. She is funny when she feels okay, get flustered easily, not very good with face-to-face interactions.

Hürrem is asexual, she is very afraid to die like her mom if she has sexual relationship so she always put a vast distance with sexuality and herself. Otherwise she is actually too romantic for her own good (she lives and breath romcom) !

The idea I got from Giovanni and Hürrem character dynamic is : the detective and his assistant. Hürrem is not particularly commonly clever, she observe, found something and then Giovanni run into the action with the tricks and all. Her area of knowledge is short, but she likes to learn. She is not manipulative at all. Giovanni could be very playful with her ? And help her feel more herself ? And Giovanni could, with time, like her candour? I don't know yet !

Exemple :

*Hürrem reads files about a place they need to go tonight to find a guy that maybe can help them. Giovanni enter the room and just look above her shoulder.*

G : What're you doing, princess ? H : I'm not...! How many times? Anyway. I'm doing our job. G : Hum, really ? And all of this *look at the papers*, is necessary how ? We already know where we're going. H : No we don't... By Lucifer ! You already know all along and you told me to do the search anyway?!

*Giovanni fake a moment of thinking before smiling.*

G : Yeah. My bad. H : I will... *raise her hands at him angrily*

*Giovanni takes her wrists and leans towards her.*

G : Do what exactly ? Shout some birds noises in my soft ears, princess ? H : Stop calling me that ! G *laughing* : Why ? You're so appetising when you're blushing !

*leaves and Hürrem is alone and flustered and annoyed.*

Tell me what you think !

So, the idea of second most trusted man of the Clan of Whispers searching for Lilith is great. It help to tied up different stories together :

Constantine search for Lilith > Lilith is emprisonned somewhere by Roo/Eve > Roo/Eve send Alastor to the Hazbin Hotel > Hazbin Hotel is made by Charlie > Charlie accept Serenity in the redemption  team > Serenity already knows Constantine > Constantine send Giovanni and Hürrem find Lilith >

Full circle ! Boom !

So now that I talk about Hürrem, I need to ask questions about Giovanni. I need details. Everything. So I'm sorry, I will ask :

  - I know he is a Hellhound, but what is he ? A dog ? A fox ? A wolf ? A husky ?   - What is his type ?   - What is his situation ? (Single, divorced, married, ménage à trois, I don't know)   - What made him choose to be in the Clan of Whispers ? (Was he an orphan like the others or its another type of story) and was he always a detective?   - Should Hürrem be taller or smaller than him ? Or same height ?   - Is he okay ? (Mentally)   - Does he likes nightclubs/nightlife ?   - He lives in the Pride Ring or a different Ring ? What's his favorite Ring ?   - Does he have a house or an apartment ? Or doesn't he sleep on whatever sofa in the quarters of the Clan's place ?   - What's the relationship with Serenity ?   -  Can he fight ? If yes with what ?

In fonction of how you answers the questions about Giovanni, it will help me to finish up Hürrem development and knows how her story will end. So thanks in advance! And I'm sorry, I don't usually ask questions, i hope its okay.

Have a nice day 🌸🌸

Hahahah but let's be honest now, mustache suits fox characters very well.A thin mustache provides complete perfection to that cunning. 🤌And I'm really glad you liked the design!!

Since it is a somewhat sketchy design, I plan to draw him in more detail in the future.

His personality is exactly as you described! You nailed it 10/10!!

AND LMAO It was so much fun reading the little dialogues you wrote!

G:So, you are a god, dear, considering your beauty,I would have to be a blind hellhound not to guess it.

M:Yes.

HA! Can you give me the 7 rings of hell?

M Consider it done. Is there anything else you want?

G:Don't worry I am kidding darli-. Wait seriously?? Are you serious????

M: YES.🗿

LMAO

--

Didn't like?? I LOVED HÜRREM SO MUCH THANKS FOR CREATING HER!!

And first of all, I would like to mention a few funny coincidences.

First of all, Hürrem being half rabbit

After making Giovanni in your previous answer, I was going to make a joke about how it would be funny if the other OC who would be his partner did have rabbit features or a rabbit demon.Then I gave up.

Becouse of that I really laughed and was surprised when I learned that Hürrem was half rabbit.(sometimes it feels like we share the same brain cell)

Because when you mentioned creating Detective OC in your previous message, I immediately thought of Nick and Judy.I created Giovanni with inspiration from Nick.So in short, it was a fun coincidence.

2. Hürrem's name.

As far as I know, Hürrem is a Turkish, or rather Persian, name. In the Ottoman Empire, there was also a famous sultan called Hürrem Sultan.I don't even know if you know, but there was a TV series called (Muhteşem yüzyıl) which used to be very popular in Turkey. And I guess Hürrem Sultan one of The most popular characters in that series.

(I think the series was a kind of history + palace drama. I haven't watched it, but it's a series I've heard a lot about)

Long story short, I'm seriously surprised that you used the name Hürrem your OC.

While creating Giovanni, I was going to give him a Turkish name at first, but since I couldn't find a good name, I named him Giovanni (I don't know why, I thought it fit his Fox look very well).

(Since Olcayto's name is Turkish, I wanted to include him as well)

Anyway, unnecessary details, sorry! I just really like your choice of name!

---

I really loved the background of Hürrem's parents. It's also really interesting that Vassago is her father.ve I really loved Parvin's past and story. It was very sad that she received treatment she did not deserve and then died at birth.I also loved the reason why Parvin named her Hürrem!

And I also liked that Vassago and Hürrem had a complex relationship. But I finds it very sad that she grew up not receiving any love from her father and was ostracized from other nobles probably because she was a bastard.The thing a child needs most at that age will be love.

I also noticed something. In SSAU Paimon is also a fallen angel . Does this mean that Parvin has angel blood in her veins? Or isn't Paimon a fallen angel in AA?

--

I really like the reason why Constantine chose Hürrem.

As a result, there are places where Giovanni will draw attention as he travels as a hellhound, and the places where nobles live who see hellhounds as dogs (a group of servants) are among them.

Here, Hürrem both ensures Giovanni's access to these areas and ensures that he attracts less attention.

And Hürrem has characteristics that most Goetias do not have, she is not spoiled, she is not a bad person, she is not someone who is distracted by wealth or level.A young girl who just wants to escape from her situation.

So the best choice for Constantine

After all, she is someone who has nothing to lose but everything to gain, and Constantine is the only one who can remove the "Bastard" mark on her as the crown prince and the person currently sitting on the hell's throne.

--

I really liked Hürrem's personality. She's seriously connected to her past seriously logical. and I already love her! It is very fun to read such character types.Also, characters like this are usually the ones with the best character development.

Also, I really loved how she knew everything about Goetia but didn't know anything about other races!

It can be said that she and Giovanni complement each other here.Because Giovanni is someone who doesn't like or even hates the nobles, he only knows bad things about Goetia, nothing else.And unlike Hürrem, Giovanni's professional field is non-noble races.

So I think there will be a really nice dynamic in their research.They both show each other worlds they don't know.

Maybe even when they took a break somewhere, Giovanni took Hürrem to a nearby Clan Mansion. And the hellhounds there are really friendly and good to Hürrem, they don't exclude her just because of the stamp on her head.

H:Why are they being nice to me?

G:Why wouldn't they? My dear, did you commit a crime that I don't know about?

H:NO?!??

G: Then you don't need to worry.

H:I don't know... Look, I'm sorry, I'm just not used to this kind of treatment. People around me usually -

G: Do they ignore you because you're a bastard? Do they look at you like garbage?

My dear, I am a Bastard, everyone here is a bastard or an orphan. Do you think anyone will care that your parents brought you to hell before they got married? This is something those arrogant nobles use, not the hellhounds here. Just be a good and honest person and you will be accepted here.

G:In the end, you know what they say, bastards must stay together

H: Seriously, I'm 70 percent sure there is no such word like that

But.... thank you Giovanni I mean it.

G: Always fluffy feathers. I'm going to go get some more drinks and you go socialize. If you want, there should be a kindergarden around here, you can spend time with the cubs too

*As Giovanni walked away, Hürrem looked at him with a smile, then turned around and went to where the other hellhounds were.*

(Normally, most Hellhounds do not like nobles or are prejudiced, but since Hürrem is someone invited by Giovanni, the clan prefers not to take action against her. After all, they trust 3rd Clan leader decision completely.)

----

I think it makes a lot of sense for her to be asexual.After all, the fear of death during birth is a very natural thing. Throughout history, many women have died this way.

It really was a choice that fits the character very well.And it's so sweet that he's a romcom and romance lover.

And something came to my mind, imagine that hell has its own ao3 and people write fanfics about that Overlords or TV series they ship lmao

And Serenity has such a situation too. As a doctor, she assisted in many births and saw many deaths.As someone who hates pain, pregnancy or birth is something that really scares her.

---

YES THE DYNAMICS AND RELATIONSHIPS ARE EXACTLY AS YOU DESCRIBE That's exactly what I thought, it's so fun to read this kind of detective dynamics.

And it was so fun to read the dialogues you wrote, their dynamics would be exactly like this.Giovanni would probably act like this whenever he got the chance.You captured their dynamics perfectly.

And it's really fun to read Hürrem's reactions.I think her reactions are really cute You really created a beautiful character!

--

Yes, it was really great how everything came together in a circle!

---

Sir, do not hesitate, you can ask any question you want!

-He's a cross between a fox and a husky. But mostly fox features are much more dominant.

-He loves confident, honest, strong women.(Emotionally)

In other words, he generally likes sincere,good people who have no ego, and he also likes people who He loves women who can overcome difficulties to achieve what they want.

He doesn't have much of a preference in terms of appearance.

-he is Single

-He was an orphan.His family had neither the money nor the mental health to care for him, so they threw him out on the street to survive on his own.And he did this on his own for a while, he was scamming people really well, he was deceiving people by organizing other orphans and robbing them.Sometimes he made money by giving advice to people.

But one day, one of the men he defrauded decided to go back and find them.Giovanni had a team of puppies around his own age. But No matter what they did, they couldn't come up with anything that could defeat that group of adults.It was Giovannin's fault that the men found them; after all the successful work he had done over time, his ego had really increased and he was behaving irrationally.And this caused his friends and himself to be beaten to death.

Fortunately, Serenity, who was passing by ,before the men killed Giovanni, saw this incident and saved Giovanni.she ordered the other wolves with her to bury the bodies of the children in the flower garden in the her main mansion.

Giovanni was unconscious for a while, then when he woke up, Serenity told him what happened and gave him two options.He could either join the clan, become powerful, and serve the clan. Or Serenity would only care for him until he became an adult, and when he became an adult, he would move on with his own life.(Here the two options actually is The same. The cubs who chose the second option changed their minds over time and joined the clan.)

Giovanni asks for time to think, then says he wants to join the clan.

At this time Giovanni was 12 years old.

The reason why Giovanni wants to join the clan is because he has lived on the streets for all of his life and always wanted a warm home and people he could trust.And he was also tired of being a weak child, tired of risking his life for a few pennies to eat on the streets.He wanted to be respected and be strong to protect the people he cared about.The only way to do this was to join the Clan.The Clan was a place that would provide him with everything he wanted, and all he had to do was use his talents for what was left.

-I think, considering their dynamics, it would be better for Hürrem to be shorter than Giovanni.

- Wellll, he can't be called the sanest person, but he has a good mentality.

-He loves, he has a personality that really loves parties and women. (His personality is kind of like Tony Stark)So I think he'll have a history with nightclubs.

-His Main House in Pride (he has her own section in COW's Main Mansion) But if he want, he have places to stay in other rings. COW provides homes and secret safe accommodation for Hellhounds located in those rings.

-His Favorite Ring is Lust or Gluttony.

-There are teacher-student relationships. Serenity is the one who raised him and taught him everything he knows.The person who gave him a family and people to trust In addition, she was the one who recognized his detective potential and enabled him to receive training on that subject.Giovanni really respects her a lot, he is 25 years old now and has known her for almost 10 years.

Giovanni trusts Serenity's orders completely, and as someone who questions everything, he has never questioned her decisions even once. He sees her as a really smart person, she is kind of his role model.

-Has pistols and a commando knife + claws and teeth

He's a really great gunsmith, he's really an expert in using weapons. As a plus he wears the luck charm that Serenity gave him, which allows him to always roll 20 on his dice when shooting.or Or rather, it gives +20 to his luck rolls.

And you don't have to apologize!! I really love answering questions. If you have a question in your mind, feel free to ask!I seriously have so much fun answering questions.

Also, thank you for writing, it's a lot of fun to read and write.And I already love this duo so much, I can't wait to see them!

Have a great day 🫂❤️❤️❤️

[camisoledadparis]

THIS DAY IN GAY HISTORY

based on: The White Crane Institute's 'Gay Wisdom', Gay Birthdays, Gay For Today, Famous GLBT, glbt-Gay Encylopedia, Today in Gay History, Wikipedia, and more … December 2

84 BC – Gaius Valerius Catullus, Roman poet of the 1st century (d: 54 BC); His love poetry was never surpassed in ancient times, and influenced a great many poets, both ancient and modern. Tibullus, Propertius, Horace and Ovid imitated his techniques, and, during the English Renaissance, English poets such as Ben Jonson and Robert Herrick attempted to capture the quality of Catullus (unsuccessfully) in English.

Most of Catullus's poems are short; in a few concise lines he is able to create an experience of love, friendship, or sometimes bitterness and anger either at his mistress (whom he called "Lesbia") or at some person he despised.

Although most of his poems are about heterosexual love, a good number of them are devoted to the love of boys. These are particularly lusty, some of them very funny, and all of them explicitly sexual. (Since many editions of Catullus prudishly omit these poems, and since almost all translations are severely bowdlerized, only one edition in translation is recommended, that by Peter Whigham.)

For example, in a gay rape fantasy Catullus promises to throw his pal Aurelius a beating if he finds out he's toyed with the young boy who he'd been saving for himself:

... you bastard, you're willing to provoke me, Ah, then you'll feel my dire retaliation, feet spread and strapped, back-passage widely gaping, reamed all its length with radishes and *mullets! *mullet - a European fish

In one poem, the poet comes upon a young boy "stuffing his girl." With a wink to Venus, he "stuffs" the boy as "poetic justice." Since Catullus was a contemporary of Caesar, his pederastic poetry is characterized by the basic prejudice of the period: "taking" a boy is a manly act, but allowing another man to do unto you what you did unto him is sheer depravity.

Another of his poems:

This scenario is ridiculous and too funny, Just now I cought my girlfriend's little boy Wanking. If Dione approves, I took him With my hard-straining cock.

We would call this sexual abuse. For the Romans it was different. Assuming the boy Catullus assaulted was a slave, the worst he'd have to do was compensate the slave's owner for property damage.

Catullus also wrote love poems for his male lover Juventius. In Roman society, homosexuality itself was not an object of criticism, only the adult passive/penetrated participant in a homosexual act. We assume that Juventius is the younger, passive partner of Catullus, probably a teenaged boy, who at least in one poem cruelly rejected catullus..

756 – Abu-Nuwas al-Hasan ben Hani Al-Hakami (d.814), best known simply as Abū-Nuwās, was one of the greatest of classical Arabic poets, who also composed in Persian on occasion. Born in the city of Ahvaz, in Persia, where his father was from southern Arabia and his mother was Per-sian. His first teacher was the poet Waliba ibn al-Hubab (died 786), a master who initiated him into the joys of pederasty as well as poetry.

Although in the modern world, the Islamic countries are known as those most hostile to male love, it was not always so. In earlier times in the Moslem lands, famous Iranian and Arab poets such as Hafiz i-Shirazi and Abu Nuwas praised and rued the charms of boys (whom they plied with wine and seduced). Sufi holy men from India to Turkey sought to find Allah by gazing upon the beauty of beardless youths. Storytellers included gay love tales in the Thousand and One Nights. Artists like Riza i-Abbasi amused kings and princes with exquisitely wrought erotic Persian miniatures and calligraphies. Mullahs and censors railed against male love, but men of all walks of life, from Caliphs to porters, delighted in it and all looked forward to being attended by fresh-faced tellaks (masseurs) in the hamam, and "unaging ghilman (youths) as beautiful as pearls" in paradise.

I die of love for him, perfect in every way, Lost in the strains of wafting music. My eyes are fixed upon his delightful body And I do not wonder at his beauty. His waist is a sapling, his face a moon, And loveliness rolls off his rosy cheek I die of love for you, but keep this secret: The tie that binds us is an unbreakable rope. How much time did your creation take, O angel? So what! All I want is to sing your praises.

Originally trained in theology and grammar, Abu-Nuwas gained his great fame as a poet who excelled in lyrical love poetry, in lampoons and satire, and in "mujun" - frivolous and humorous descriptions of indecent or obscene matters. As with many other Islamic poets, he particularly celebrated in his poetry the love of wine - and boys. As one of the earliest Arab poets to write lyrical love poetry about boys, his achievement and influence helped to bring the genre to great heights.

In the Bath-House In the bath-house, the mysteries concealed by trousers Are revealed to you. All becomes radiantly manifest. Feast your eyes without restraint! You see handsome butts and shapely trim chests, You hear the murmuring of pious formulas, One lad to another: "God is Great!" "Praise be to God!" Ah, what a palace of pleasure is the bath-house! Even when the towel-bearers come in And spoil the fun a bit.

The only woman who played an important part in his life was Janan, a slave girl, but, because of his libertine conduct, she never trusted the sincerity of his love. When she asked him to renounce his love of boys, he refused, saying that he was one of the "people of Lot, " with reference to the Arab view that the Biblical Lot was the founder of homosexual love. Abu Nuwas was sexually interested in women or girls only when they looked like boys, but even then he considered their vagina too dangerous a gulf to cross. As he said (symbolically): "I have a pencil which stumbles if I use it on the front of the paper, but which takes great strides on the back." He also wrote about the pleasures of masturbation, which he saw as inferior to the love of boys - but preferable to marriage.

Samoan man, plus size, slightly muscular, sweet and kind looking

1899 – American Samoa is obtained by the United States. It has no law against sodomy, making it the only “free” jurisdiction of the United States.

1943 – Steve Rubell (d.1989) was an American entrepreneur and co-owner of the New York disco Studio 54.

Rubell and his brother Donald grew up in a Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York. His father worked as a postal worker and later became a tennis pro. Rubell was also an avid tennis player, but decided against playing professionally.

Entering Syracuse University, Rubell completed bachelor's and master's degrees in finance. While attending college, Rubell met Ian Schrager, who became a lifelong friend and business partner. Rubell and Schrager were both brothers of the university's chapter of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity.

Rubell joined the National Guard, returning to New York after a tour of duty in a military intelligence unit. He worked at a brokerage firm after his return. Rubell then decided to start his own business and opened two Steak Lofts restaurants, one in Queens, New York, and the other in Mystic, Connecticut.

With the help and knowledgeable influence of disco promoter Billy Amato (Smith), executive vice president 20th Century-Fox Records, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager were introduced to the dance and disco market in early 1975 by John Addison of La Jardin. Rubell and Schrager opened two clubs, one in Boston with John Addison from La Jardin, the other, called The Enchanted Garden, in Queens in 1975, which later became Douglaston Manor. In April 1977, they opened Studio 54 in the old CBS Studio on West 54th Street that the network was selling. Rubell became a familiar face in front of the building, turning people away and only allowing entry to those who met his pedantic standards. Rubell also dealt with the club's celebrity patrons, ensuring that they were thrown lavish parties. His approach worked and the club made $7 million during its first year.

In December 1978, Studio 54 was raided after Rubell was quoted as saying that only the Mafia made more money than the club brought in. In June 1979, Rubell and Schrager were charged with tax evasion, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy for reportedly skimming nearly $2.5 million in unreported income from the club's receipts, in a system Rubell called "cash-in, cash-out and skim." Police reports state that cash and receipts were in the building and were hidden in the ceiling sections of Rubell's office, where both he and Schrager worked. A second raid occurred in December 1979. The pair hired Roy Cohn to defend them, but on January 18, 1980, they were sentenced to three and a half years in prison and a $20,000 fine each for the tax evasion charge. On February 4, 1980, Rubell and Schrager went to prison and Studio 54 was sold in November of that year for $4.75 million. On April 17, 1981, Rubell and Schrager were released from prison after which they lived at a halfway house for two-and-a-half months.

In 1985, Rubell, who was closeted for most of his life, discovered he had contracted HIV which later progressed to AIDS. He began taking AZT, but his illness was furthered by his continued drug use and drinking, which affected his compromised immune system. A few weeks before his death, Rubell checked into Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City under an assumed name, to seek treatment for severe peptic ulcers, kidney failure, and hepatitis. He died there on July 25, 1989. Rubell's official cause of death is listed as hepatitis and septic shock complicated by AIDS.

1946 – Gianni Versace, Italian fashion designer born (d. 1997); Italian designer of both clothing and theater costumes. He was influenced by Andy Warhol, Ancient Roman and Greek art, as well as modern abstract art; he is considered one of the most colorful and talented designers of the late 20th century.

Gianni Versace met Antonio D'Amico, a model, in 1982. The couple embarked on a long-term relationship that lasted 15 years, until Versace's untimely death. During that time Antonio worked as designer for the Versace sports line. Versace's will left his male partner D'Amico with a pension of 50 million lire (about $26,000) a month (for life), and the right to live in any of Versace's homes in Italy and the United States. D'Amico now runs his own fashion design company.

One July morning in the summer of 1997, returning from his customary walk on Ocean Drive, Versace was gunned down outside his ocean-front mansion in Miami Beach. He was murdered by spree killer Andrew Cunanan, who committed suicide shortly after the murder. Versace was buried in Lake Como, Italy.

1976 – Erik Everhard is the stage name of Mitchell Hartwell, a Canadian pornographic actor and director, known for gonzo pornography films (porn's version of "reality" tv).

Everhard is a Canadian national of Ukrainian ancestry. In 1995, he moved to Vancouver, British Columbia to attend university, at which time he made his first forays into adult films. Everhard's adult film career began in Canada performing for websites. At the urging of friends and colleagues, he moved to Los Angeles in 1999 to pursue his career. His first shoot in the United States was for director Jules Jordan.

After securing himself as a performer, Everhard began directing videos for Anabolic and Diabolic Video in 2001. In 2003, he landed a distribution deal with Redlight District. In 2005, Everhard left Redlight, suing the company for breach of contract. He won the suit. He was then hired by Evil Angel Video. After shooting several films with Evil Angel, Everhard returned to work with Jules Jordan.

Everhard performed in about 2,400 films in his pornographic career.

1980 – Ricky Godinez, known by his stage name Ricky Rebel, is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, musician, and recording artist. Politically, Rebel is known for at once being pro-Donald Trump and advocating for LGBT rights.

Rebel was born in Upland, California. He began training as a gymnast at the age of 7 years old, and ranked 15th in the state of California at the age of 11. Rebel began training in classical ballet and jazz dance styles around the age of 11. Rebel immediately entered dance competitions at the regional and national level. After some years of competitive dancing Rebel then began acting, and performed in musicals like Annie (1991), Oliver! (1992) and Phantom (1994).

In 1996, Rebel started working with the band No Authority as their lead vocalist. Since 2010 Rebel has been performing as a solo artist Ricky Rebel.

As part of his commitment to advancing gay rights in the United States Rebel performed at the 2014, 2015, and 2016 "Out at the Fair" festivals at The San Diego County Fair. Rebel also performed at Gay Pride festivals in major cities like Phoenix, Long Beach, Orange County, Palm Springs, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Also, in 2015 Rebel performed at Matinee festivals in Las Vegas and San Diego.At the 61st Annual Grammy Awards Rebel wore a pro-Donald Trump jacket. He stated, "I'm reflecting millions of Americans out there who voted for Trump. Keep America great. That's right, baby. We are here. We're here all around the world, 50 million of us. My name is Ricky Rebel and I'm a reflection of America."

Rebel has since attempted to appear with political commentator and public speaker Milo Yiannopoulos at a concert in Honolulu but the event was cancelled by the venue when they learned of Milo Yiannopoulus's controversial statements and alleged pedophilia advocacy.

1992 – Cason Crane is an American mountain climber. In 2013, he became the first openly gay mountaineer to scale the Seven Summits.

Crane is the oldest of five children born to David W. Crane, the president of NRG Energy, and Isabella de la Houssaye, an international lawyer, in Mercer County, New Jersey. He lived in Hong Kong between the ages of one and six before returning to Lawrenceville, New Jersey. His younger brother Oliver Crane is an American adventurer and rower.

Crane attended Princeton Day School through his eighth grade year, along with the rest of his siblings. In 2011, he graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall, a private boarding school in Connecticut, where he competed in a number of sports. He came out as gay at the age of 14; both his parents and his school were supportive, although he experienced bullying by classmates on occasion. After deferring for two years to travel to Lebanon and Israel and climb the Seven Summits, Crane joined the Princeton University Class of 2017, majoring in history.

Crane summited his first mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, as a 15-year-old freshman in high school with his mother. He described it as a "gateway mountain" which piqued his interest in mountaineering. As a junior, following the suicides of Tyler Clementi and one of Crane's friends, he was inspired to raise awareness about suicide among LGBT youth through mountain climbing. This led him to start the Rainbow Summits Project, with the goal of climbing the Seven Summits—the highest mountains of each continent—in order to raise funds and awareness for the Trevor Project.

By the beginning of 2013, a year after starting the Rainbow Summits Project, Crane had successfully climbed five of the Seven Summits: Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Elbrus in Russia, Cerro Aconcagua in Argentina, Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia and Vinson Massif in Antarctica. In May 2013, he reached the summit of Mount Everest in Nepal, guided by New Zealand climber Lydia Bradey, the first woman to summit Everest without using supplemental oxygen. Crane's successful ascent of Mount McKinley in July 2013 at the age of 20 marked his completion of the Seven Summits, making him the first openly gay man to have done so. By the completion of the project, Crane had raised US$135,000 for the Trevor Project.

2013 – This is the first official day that LGBTQ couples in Hawaii, both residents as well as tourists, may marry in the Aloha State

[a-libra-writes]

hello friend, is it alright if i request short headcanons about childhood friends to lovers with margaery and/or sansa? I need more sansa and margaery content, their tags are dead silent 😭😭😔. I hope this is okay and hope you have a good day/night.

Sapphic friends to lovers ................ my weakness ........ okay you didnt specify if it was so I assumed, LOL. This is more childhood crushes n' friendships cause its cute, damn it.

(((also im including my favorite dornish ladies bc i can)))

🐺Sansa Stark🐺

You, Sansa and Jeyne become "the little ladies" of Winterfell, a close trio of friends who are often together. While Sansa seems to be the leader, she very much looks to you for guidance, even if you're younger. She's often hung on your opinion and thoughts, and if you did the same for her, you both would be talking in circles about what to do before Jeyne would interrupt and suggest a third thing, lest you two talk all day.

Sansa starts to admire things you fancy, even if she doesn't always understand why you like them - say for example, swords or bugs. She admires you, too, though that's obvious, and she's childishly delighted when you agree with her thoughts. When old nan tells stories about knights and princesses, in Sansa's mind, the knights always seem to have eyes like your's.

And while Sansa often daydreams about being a married Lady, just like her mother, sometimes a worry interrupts her thoughts. Won't you need to be married too? Doesn't that mean you'll have to go away? No, no, it's fine, you'll just visit and write to her. Sansa makes you promise to do so several times.

If you're of a much lesser rank than her, she's heartened by the thought of you being her handmaiden instead. Proper ladies need proper handmaidens, after all. Then you two wouldn't have to part at all! Whenever she's expressed these worries to her mother, Catlyn gently tells Sansa that it's just the way of things, and she'll find new companions and friends in her future husband's house. Sansa retorts she doesn't want new ones, she wants you.

Sansa likes to fuss about with your clothes and hair, just like her mother fusses with her's. If you aren't a girly type or appreciate touching, this can be exhausting. More than once you two have bickered because she wants to keep trying different hairstyles and you want to do something else. Jeyne or even Arya are the ones who interrupt it.

Speaking of Arya, if you're the type of little lady whose closer in personality and temperament, she's quite fond of you. Sansa can't help but feel jealous, even if she knows it's silly. And when she scolds Arya for something unladylike, and Arya retorts "but YN does it!", Sansa just huffs. "That's different!" "How is it different?" "It - it just is!"

Sansa would also pout if you play with the boys instead of her, especially if you're a little older. She very carefully walk through the mud in the sword yard or brave the high parts of Winterfell's walls where you're hanging about with Robb, Jon and Theon. She wants to remind you it isn't proper, but then you might send her away, so she just huffs and deals with it. If she's feeling clever, she'll claim she needs you for something right this minute and drag you off.

(The boys notice this behavior and think it's pretty funny. Robb knows all he has to do is tease you and Sansa will RUSH over to your defense)

Naturally, you're going with Sansa when she has to leave for King's Landing. It'll be so wonderful! She has so many fancies of being a Queen and you her handmaiden, and that means you can always stay by her side. And apart from that, there will be so many amazing things to see and do. She can hardly keep still at the thought, and spills it all you to, hoping you'll agree. Arya thinks her sister will be too preoccupied with you to care about princes or knights, but she's just fine with that. Better you than that awful prince and his dog.

🏵Margaery Tyrell🏵

She knew you were different from the start. Margaery has always had an endless stream of companions, from her cousins to the daughters of her mother's handmaidens. There was something so different about you though, and she just couldn't put her finger on it.

Being a charming little girl, it wasn't hard for Margaery to find out about you from the servants and other cousins. What you liked, where you were from, what your parents are like, and so on. Maybe if she shows an interest in these things, you'll be more inclined to play with her.

(You both being children, it really doesn't take much for you to want to play with her. Margaery forgets about using her gathered facts and just has fun).

Hanging out with her means playing with allll her cousins and companions too. Huge games of chase in the gardens, elaborate and dramatic plays, big tea parties with over-dressed dolls. The consistent thing is you're always Margaery's "pick" - you sit next to her, you play the knight if she's the princess, your doll is the sister of her doll so they can't be separated. Even in competitive games, she's more likely to team up with you than play against you. There's been more than a few girls who complained of you being the favorite, which Margaery doesn't deny.

If you're the sort of girl who prefers playing swords and being outside, Margaery adapts to that. She'll drag Loras along (he'll never turn down a mock sword fight), and sometimes he sneaks training swords out of the armory. Sometimes you're the villain who steals Margaery away, and Loras is the knight getting her back. Sometimes she demands you two switch roles 'so YN can keep me this time!'. You end up close to Loras, too.

She's used to being made much of by servants and companions alike, but no praise holds as much weight as your's, except maybe her mother's. She can become quite prideful if you're always praising her virtues and admiring her. Margaery is much the same with you, and she's always been physically affectionate. She likes holding hands, doing your hair, hugging and sharing a bed (though that's usually joined by a baby cousin or two). Highgarden is positively charmed by its little Lady Tyrell and her companion.

(Lady Olenna has notes you two are remarkably close, and that could probe useful in the future. She'd invite you two to her little private parties, often posing unusual riddles and questions to you.)

Being accomodating and considerate, Margaery is easy to get along with regardless if you're more social or more introverted. Being the former makes it easier to attend parties with her, and the latter means she'll be more understanding than most if you don't want to attend the endless feasts and social gatherings. She'll miss you, but she's delighted to be the exception - you may be sick of everyone else, but you'll let her stay (quietly) while you decompress. She'd be disappointed to be sent away, though she perks right up once you want to talk again.

Margaery figures she has some kind of crush as she gets older. Her other companions talk about boys in the same way she thinks about you. Margaery isn't opposed to boys, but she finds girls just as interesting, and you're the most interesting of all. She'd be a little hurt if you were chasing after some boy cousin of her's, or picked another girl over her. It takes her some time to formulate these thoughts and feelings. She has a gut feeling these aren't things you normally think if someone is just a friend. When she hears a wonderful love song one evening - one she's heard many times before, yet just now has it struck her - she begins to understand her feelings.

As she grows older, she underatands you can't truly be with her forever and ever. ... or could you? Important married ladies still get to have handmaidens. Would it trouble you to stay at her side? Would you rather have your own husband and family? These thoughts often bother Margaery. She goes to her grandmother with her troubles, and Lady Olenna is certainly inclined to help her favorite ...

⭐️Ashara Dayne⭐️

Though the Daynes were well-liked amongst the nobility of down, House Starfall was a quiet place. Ashara was a quiet girl, content to observe her more outgoing brother and parents visit with guests. Her parents felt a female companion might do her well, and Ashara was open to the idea. She liked playing with the many noble girls when they visited Sunspear, and there wasn't much in the way of playmates in Starfall. Most of the servant's children were too young or too old, or boys, which her father forbade.

Her big, purple eyes took you in when you arrived. She was a little distant at first, wanting to observe you first, but she was never impolite or cold. Regardless if your personality was more on her wavelength or a total opposite, she's amused by your habits and interests.

Sometimes you two will play long and imaginative games, sometimes you read something together in silence. Ashara likes it when you talk about something you're very passionate about, and you can draw similar conversation out of her. While she was never a shy child, her parents are pleased she's becoming more willing to talk to others. Sometimes she just gazes at you, and when you ask her what she's thinking of, she only shrugs. "Only you." Ashara often says odd things like that.

Being friends with Ashara means you're around Arthur a lot, in spite of the age gap. He's always kind and gracious to you, very "knightly" even. Many servants think you two will be trouble later on, but Arthur just sees you as a second sister. Many times he's thanked you for being Ashara's friend, and asks you to look after her safety.

She's not very affectionate, even with her brother, but she enjoys holding your hand and brushing your hair in the evening. During loud feasts and parties, she likes to take your arm and keep close so you don't lose each other.

Going to Sunspear is already exciting, and Ashara is the one introducing you to all the Martell cousins and other children, both highborn and lowborn. The both of you quickly make a trio with Princess Elia. You're either of similar temperment to the steady girls, or you're encouraging them to run about and play more. The three of you like to go off to your own games and little world, and this bond only strengthens each time you visit.

It might be Elia who helps Ashara put words to her feelings, once she's older and seriously thinking of them. Arthur has his two cents as well; gently warning his sister that you may not be with her forever. She hates to think of that, though she knows it's true. She's content to keep these feelings to herself. It would almost be worse if you felt the same, because then you'd both have to deal with the separation. Ashara hopes you don't think ill of her for wanting to stay quiet.

Reprieve comes in the form of the newly married Elia. As the future queen, she's expected to have handmaidens, and of course she'll want her childhood friends to accompany her. Her brothers Doran and Oberyn make it clear they only trust you and Ashara, anyway. Now you can have many precious years with Ashara, and not have to worry about marriages. For a while, anyway.

☀️Arianne Martell☀️

It's like you were meant to be her dearest friend. Your father was good friends with Doran Martell, so it only seemed natural that their daughters should be each other's companions. Arianne almost can't remember you not being there. You've always been a constant in her life, and you were different from her other companions or the Sand Snakes she considered sisters.

You two are notorious in Sunspear for your mischief, wether it's Arianne dragging you into it or you're just as bad. Prince Doran takes it in stride, as it's never truly malicious, and Uncle Oberyn only encourages it. Several times Doran has scolded you girls for being so mischevious to guests you dislike. Arianne gets most of the scolding - she's the eldest, and his heir, she ought to know better ... she never turns the blame on you, just teases that you owe her for covering for you.

There's always companions and cousins to play with, but you're second to none. Arianne makes this clear with her words and actions. You're to sit by her and hold her hand and are chosen first for her games. If you're competing with another child, Arianne is rooting for you and maybe helping you cheat.

She was your first kiss, too. It's when you were playing hide and seek around the vast orchards. Arianne found you, and gave you a quick kiss rather than saying "you're it!". Later she claimed it was to confuse you so she'd have more time to run, but maybe that wasn't the whole reason. When you bring it up years later as adults, she's both embarrassed at her childishness and a bit proud.

The downside to being her favorite is the jealousy. Not from the others - that's easy to deal with - it's if you're playing with someone else, especially a girl. More than once you and Arianne have gotten into arguments because she felt ignored. The little fight only lasts a few hours before you both make up, and Arianne is better about it once she's older.

Much of the jealousy stems from her being aware of her feelings early on. She knows they aren't feelings one has for a friend. Arianne is open about how she finds you the loveliest and the best, and she loves receiving the same praise in kind, but she wonders if you have the same feelings. She isn't ashamed of them, she knows girls can feel that way about girls - but she also knows only boys and girls can marry. It gives her much to think about.

She doesn't think about it long. Once she's Princess of Dorne, you can always stay by her side! Problem solved. She pitches the idea throughout your childhood. You'll never have to worry about a thing, she'll make sure of it. You both will always have the best gowns and go to the best parties and never have to part. It'll be like a dream.

Prince Doran is more than happy you and Arianne get along so well - you end up being like another daughter to him - he does often worry about her attachment. She can't expect you to always be there, and she doesn't want to listen to any talk of you leaving. Well, he figures she might see reason once she's grown ...

[bluxb3rry]

❝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦!❞↳෴੭˚ ༘♡·˚₊˚ˑ༄ؘ 💜

Hyunjin x male reader! He/him pronouns! English is not my frist language! More angst? idk ── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱───────

In a world were only Kings and Queens rule, the money its the most important thing. Who has it, wins and who doesn’t, dies.

Thats what his father always told him, when he was just a little boy and inocent, afraid of the oh so called "real world", he was though how to steal and act, how to make People see him with pity only to steal their bread.

-Y/N, never try to take orders from someone else, only from me even if im dead-

His father was the reason he still steals, his father was the reason of why he fought, he stold, he ran and he got hurt in his name.

So, it was only fair to blame him in this situation.

-Y/N L/N, its funny seeing you like this right now, you promised to kill every single one of us by now, remeber?-one of the guards told him, while he was in the floor with blood coming out of his mouth.

-What a piece of shit, i wonder why that prince wants you still alive, you should die by now-

-fuck you-Y/N said

Then everything turned black.

── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱───────

When he opened his eyes again, he felt tired and pain all over his body, looking at the ceiling and his gold details, with also a big painting of clouds in it. Already knowing where he was he just looked around, trying to find the window thats its hopefully open. He sat slowly in the bed, seeing his naked body with bandages and violet spots, when he touched them he felt more pain.

The door opened

-Y/n!-he heard an angelic voice, then he felt hands in his chest and how he was slowly being lay down to the bed again-you need to rest! stop trying to escape for once

-trying? i always escaped before you watched me again-he said smiling

-yeah well, you look worse now, you took longer to wake up-the male said, his long black hair being tied up while he looked at him.

-Hyunjin, i can't stay-

-but you can! you are safer in here, you have food, a room, warm water-he sighed-why do you always have to go and keep stealing?

Hyunjin turn away, looking for the food he brought in for him, bring in it more closer.

-my dad didn't like this style of living, you know that-he was interrupted by a biscuit in his mouth

-you say that every-fucking-time, im tired of that you know?-he started cutting the food, knowing that Y/n couldn't move his own arms-i...i miss having you here, being with you

-stop-

Hyungjin felt your hands in his own, but didn't try to look

-you know, even if you are the one with power, they would kill you the moment they see you with me, if not for the gender is gonna be for who i am-

-i told you we could escape-

-i don't want you to live like me-

-but you just said!-Hyunjin shouted, but stopped, noticing how close you both were.

-i know...but we just can't, we aren't made for each other-Y/N ate a little bit more, and then stand up.

-you don't even kiss me anymore-Hyunjin looked at him-why? you can't even do that? you can't give me that satisfaction?

-if i do it, im afraid i won't be able to go-

-Then do it-Hyunjin got closer to you-kiss me, stay here, no one has to know, it can be our secret-

-if i stay, i could love you, but you would have to be with some lady to not make it that obvious, to have that heritage your father oh so wants-you looked at him-one way or the other we can't be happy

Silence took place, Hyunjin trying to think in another way while Y/N was suprised he didn't escaped yet.

-Just for this day, please-Hyunjin pleaded, holding your hands

-if i go tomorrow, its gonna be worse for you-

-just...-he sighed-let me have this joy for one day, let me imagine that we live in a world where you didn't have to live like this for some code, a world we are not gonna be hated for our love, a world were i can wake up and have you on my side-

-it's just gonna be a dream, love-

-well, let me dream-he kissed him

and you accept it

── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱───────

You were both kids when you met eatch other, he escaped from his castle with tears in his eyes and you found him, you hugged him while saying that "pretty people should not cry!" and made him laugh.

You played like kids, he remebers how he got all dirty, his white clothes being a big contrast with the dirt and your own clothes, in his eyes you were a free spirit that liked to do anything, he loved that form you, didn't even care that you were a boy.

After he came back from outside (not before a kiss in the cheeck as a goodbye from you) he told everything to his parents, his dad said he was just a kid and no boys could have such feelings, that he was just confused. When he cried to his mother and while she was hugging him, she told him "love is different for everyone, if you like that boy, then i guess is okay"

He escaped almost all days from the castle to look at you, to find you, it looked like everytime he find you, you changed a little bit more.

So, after some years, when you both stopped being kids and he knew everything you did, he said everything, his feelings, his worries, everything. All under the moon and stars.

You kissed him that day, you hugged him and said the same to him, but also saying the one thing he already knew.

"in a world like this, all we can wish is just gonna be a dream Hyunjin"

"then, let me sleep and dream it"

── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱───────

Hyunjin woke up the next day, feeling the slight pain in his hips, and he touched his neck that was full of love marks, he smiled and then looked beside him, hoping to see you.

But the bed was to cold.

Your warmt wasn't even there, his smile dissapeard and then he looked the window, seeing it all open. He looked at the room, not seeing anytrace from you.

Then he looked at the little paper that was in the pillow beside him, were your head rested.

"i love you"

He laughed, he laughed and hide his face with his hands, slowly feeling the tears appearing and his laughs turning into sobbs while.

He just woke up from his dream after all.

── ⋅⋅⋅ ────꒰ ୨ ♡ ୧ ꒱───────

[princesssarisa]

The latest series of stories I've read in Cinderella Tales From Around the World are from Eastern and Central Europe: Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

*In several Eastern European versions, the Virgin Mary is the girl's helper who gives her finery. She appears either from a well or from inside an oak tree or a fir tree.

*In most of these variants, the heroine goes to church. Only a very few have a ball instead.

*Several also have the stepmother give the heroine a task similar to the Grimms' lentils in the ashes – typically poppy or millet seeds to sort either from the ashes or from sand, or bushels of wheat to clean – and birds help her. Also recalling the Grimms' version (and many others, of course), the third time the heroine flees, the prince usually has the church or palace steps smeared with tar or wax, causing her to lose her shoe.

*In the one Ukrainian version, the heroine has a cow who magically finishes the impossible amount of spinning and weaving the stepmother demands she do every day. Of course the stepmother eventually has the cow killed, but in its entrails the girl finds a grain of corn, which she plants, and it grows into a willow tree. From then on, when she wants finery for church, the tree opens and ladies come out to dress her. In this version, she also loses both of her golden shoes rather than just one in the tar on the church steps.

*Two Hungarian versions, The Three Princesses and Popelusa, and one unnamed Polish version are all near-identical to Finette Cendron. Three daughters of a deposed king are abandoned in the forest, they find an ogre couple's castle, the youngest outwits the ogres and slays them, but then her ungrateful sisters treat her like a servant, etc. Since Madame d'Aulnoy's tale is a literary story, could this be a sign of French influence in Eastern and Central European culture?

*Another Polish version, The Princess with the Pigskin Cloak, combines Cinderella with themes from Snow White. A wicked queen has a magic mirror, which tells her that her stepdaughter is more beautiful than she is. So she orders her servants to kill the princess and bring back her heart, but they let her go and bring back a dog's heart instead. The princess dresses herself in pigskin and finds work as a swineherd, but she knows a certain hollow oak tree that's sacred to the Virgin Mary, and when she goes inside it, she finds a room where she receives finery for church. She finally loses a shoe, is found by the prince and marries him, and the queen dies of rage and grief when her magic mirror tells her the news.

*Several of these versions have the heroine run away from her stepfamily, but unlike most others that use this device, they don't have her work as a servant at the prince's palace, but just find farm work somewhere nearby, a la Perrault's Donkeyskin.

*This brings me to an issue that's appeared in many versions so far, but which I didn't bother to discuss until now. I suppose now is as good a time as any, because it's a theme that appears in many of these Eastern and Central European tales. In so many versions of Donkeyskin/All-Kinds-of-Fur, or any Cinderella story where the heroine leaves her home and finds work as a lowly servant at the royal palace or elsewhere, the prince tends to repeatedly meet her in her rags or animal skins, and he mistreats her. In the versions where she works at the palace, when she takes off his boots or brings him bath water, a towel, and a comb, he throws them at her. Or in versions where she works elsewhere, she meets him on the road, he drops things and she hands them back to him, but instead of thanking her, he hits her with them. Then at the ball or at church, when she's in her beautiful gowns and he's smitten with her, he asks her where she came from, and she replies with allusions to his earlier rudeness, which he fails to understand.

**This is obviously uncomfortable by modern standards. I suppose to the original audiences, it was funny, ironic social commentary: the prince pines over the "mystery princess" with no idea that she's really the scraggly kitchen maid he treats like dirt, and he's clueless when she alludes to her identity. But does it bode well for "happily ever after" when she marries a man who treated her badly? I think this goes to show that in traditional oral fairy tales, there tends to be less emphasis on finding "true love" than on simply escaping from bad situations and achieving safety, comfort, and preferably wealth and high status. It doesn't matter that the prince is a bit of a jerk, what matters is that he makes the girl a princess in the end. Still, when you want her to marry a worthy man and believe he'll make her happy, it's uncomfortable. Different adaptations obviously find different ways to handle it. For example, Grimm's Fairy Tale Classics' "The Coat of Many Colors" avoids all this and has the prince always be kind to Aleia, while "Sapsorrow" from Jim Henson's the Storyteller keeps his rudeness but gives him a small redemption arc, first by finally sharing a sympathetic conversation with "the Straggletag," then by agreeing to marry her when the slipper fits her before he learns her identity.

**Maybe this tradition partly explains why the prince in the classic movie Three Wishes for Cinderella is slightly bratty and rude at first. I know that @thealmightyemprex found that choice off-putting when he reviewed the movie, and I have mixed feelings about it too, but maybe it stems from the fact that in Europe's oral Cinderella stories, bratty princes are surprisingly common.

Speaking of which...

*This book includes the two Cinderella stories from the Czech-Austrian writer Božena Němcová's collection that inspired Three Wishes for Cinderella. One is called The Three Sisters, the other O Popelusce ("Of Cinderella").

**They both follow the same formula. The heroine's kind father (whom the movie replaces with a surrogate-father manservant) sets out on a journey, and his daughter asks him to bring her the first thing that knocks against his head. This turns out to be the branch of a nut tree, containing three nuts, which produce beautiful dresses and shoes that she wears to church three times.

*Each version is slightly different, though, and both are slightly different from the 1973 movie. In The Three Sisters, the heroine Anuska is abused by her own mother and sisters, while in O Popelusce she has a stepmother and stepsisters. Meanwhile, the movie uses a stepmother and just one stepsister. In both stories, the (step)mother cuts the sisters' feet to make the slipper fit, with the movie replaces with their stealing Cinderella's clothes to pass Dora off as her. As I said, both stories have the heroine go to church, while the movie draws on the Western European Cinderella tradition and has a ball, and unsurprisingly, neither the movie Cinderella's sassy tomboy personality nor her dressing as a boy to join a royal hunt can be found in Němcová's original tales.

*Still, it's clear that in some ways the movie draws strongly on Němcová's texts. In The Three Sisters, the second sister's name is Dorotka, which must explain why the one stepsister in the movie is named Dora. And Anuska's first church dress is rose colored with silver trim, just like the movie Cinderella's ball dress

**From now on, in Three Wishes for Cinderella, I think I'll imagine "Anuska" as Cinderella's real name, as it is in The Three Sisters. It's a Czech equivalent of "Annie," and she's definitely a spunky Little Orphan Annie type of character in the movie!

*There's also a Hungarian version that's almost identical to Němcová's, with three dress-producing walnuts. But it has a completely different ending. The heroine doesn't lose a shoe. Instead the prince's servant follows her as far as her house, then puts a golden rose on the gatepost to mark it. Meanwhile, her loving father can't bear to let her be abused anymore and takes her to live with a childless widow in the forest – she's still poor and still has to work, but she's better off than with her stepfamily. When the prince comes to the family's house to look for her, only her stepsisters are there, but then the golden rose magically rises up and floats through the air to the forest cottage, and there she is. But then, in a different (and sadly racist) twist on the common "false bride replaces Cinderella" plot line, a Romani woman pushes the heroine into a lake, steals her magic walnuts, and dresses in her clothes to trick the prince. But the heroine survives by turning into a golden duck, then resumes her true form and finds work as a servant near the palace. But one day, the prince brings his new bride out in public and urges her to tell everyone the story of her life. The Romani woman fabricates a story, but then the real Cinderella speaks up and reveals the truth, and the prince instantly recognizes his true bride. He has the Romani woman executed, the stepmother jailed, and the stepsisters' hair cut off, while the father marries the widow from the forest in a double wedding with his daughter and the prince.

@adarkrainbow, @ariel-seagull-wings, @themousefromfantasyland