#also suck it morgana shes mine

[microwave-core]

I think every game should end with a fist fight like P5R

[arcplaysgames]

your recent post about bad things about p5r is so accurate. honestly the writing sucks in quite a few areas, especially the villains other than maruki, all of them have the same level of detail as a bad animated movie villain

also as a morgana fanboy, seeing all of these people call him out for being a simp and then immediately go and pray to their shrine of makoto is so annoying

jfc

Morgana is not a "simp" and like. IDK if the people who call him that just haven't played any other Persona game? Or, uh, any RPG that revolves around teenagers?

Maybe this is another situation where other people's playthrus were somehow wildly different from mine but Morgana was obviously into Ann and mentioned it periodically, but unlike the last two Persona games he didn't, like, go out of his way to be a fucking peeping tom or try to force her into uncomfortable situations. Hell, fucking YUSUKE does that more than Morgana.

Also, Ann, to my knowledge, never actually.... went "hey morgana fuck off" or expressed discomfort at the attention. She didn't return it but she was also the one who tried to stand up for Morgana and tried her best to get Ryuji to actually apologize (albeit in vain) and she treats Morgana as a friend. I never got the feeling Ann felt uncomfortable or unsafe around Morgana.

I dunno, I know I'm a huge Morgana fan and thus am inclined to defend him, but also I just fucking played the game, I have fifteen thousand six hundred and fourteen screencaps I used to recap and analyze the game. I feel pretty comfortable saying with some authority that Morgana isn't a simp.

[sapphic-scylla]

P5R Teammates (Favored to Less Favored)

I’m not stopping. I’m on a hyperfixation kick and you can’t stop me. We are basing this on how much I use this companion and the usefulness I feel this companion brings to my personal play style. I also won’t be including Futaba because she would take top spot and she doesn’t really fill the same role as the rest of the squad.

Yusuke Kitagawa: A lot of people prefer Ryuji over Yusuke due to the damage difference. Truth is that Yusuke and Ryuji are the difference between a barbarian and a monk. Both are tanks, but in different ways. I prefer Yusuke because not only is he voiced by Matt Mercer, but he also makes for a VERY good dodge tank that can also deal out loads of damage in groups or on a single target. Plus, he has a way of avoiding critical hits that Ryuji really just struggles with.

Yoshizawa: Look, I’m a DEX fighter, okay? I like agile, artistic, creative fight styles. That and she compliments my Curse magic/high crit fight style. Adding in that she can increase critical rate and has a support move, it just sucks she appears so late game because I vibe with her abilities a lot.

Makoto Niijima: My anchor. She doesn’t do a ton of damage compared to the Top 2 spots, but every team has to have a support. And considering she gets both a full team defense buff and a full team heal, she definitely keeps me alive.

Ann Takamaki: I think she fills a role that’s very underrated and she really sets up a solid niche combo that not a lot of people build into. A lot of her abilities are set around High Magic Damage and Ailments. Her only downside is her lack of variety which frustrates me, but she’s great at teeing up Baton Pass combos for Joker.

Ryuji Sakamoto: The Physical Dreadnaught. I love him and I’ll switch him in with my top 4 pretty regularly, but he and I don’t mix well. And it’s not a kit thing, I don’t think. It’s a luck thing. Not the stat, just he is an inconvenience when he shouldn’t be. Trust me, I love his damage capabilities and his tactics mesh with mine, but if he could just get on the stick in terms of not getting crit at the worst times, not dropping at the worst moments, and not getting focused down almost immediately in every fight, that would be great. Dude literally got criticaled 4 consecutive times when I was fighting the Twins, causing me to lose my buffs. That and he has a very late spin-up in my opinion where he gets all of his good stuff like Agneyastra and God’s Hand at level 70-75-ish whereas Yusuke is pretty damn solid from the jump.

Haru Okumura: A surprise to see her down this far. And I do really enjoy her as a teammate, but I genuinely feel like she suffers from success. Too much good stuff put onto one character, forcing you to pick and choose from too many important things. And considering you have too little space, she is INCREDIBLY good and there has to be balance somewhere, but it would have been nice to spread the love around.

Goro Akechi: Truly would be a solid usable option and his Showtime with Joker is fire, but he overstacks on my favored affinities and favored teammates. Being that both Ryuji and Yusuke can match him in damage despite not having Almighty skills and Akechi only shows up for two Palaces, I just have so many better options at that point that it seems like I’m overdoing it at that point to go THAT all-in. He’s useful in very niche fights where I really need to go all in on damage without setup, but me and Yoshizawa usually cover that late game, so really, he’s overkill for how I stack myself.

Morgana: I mean come on. I know. Great support. Fantastic skills. Salvation and Samerecarm, but I really can’t get over how insufferable he is as a character in the first half of the game. Up until Okumura’s Palace, he’s an ego trip. And apparently, if Mona isn’t with me, I just can’t go anywhere for a week straight (yes, it’s practically a week. I counted). He also doesn’t have great stats and doesn’t really put out the damage you want him to when it really matters (Twins and Lavenza). Obviously, you have to build into him, but when Makoto and Sumire can both also heal and wreck house, it’s like why take the cat? Also, Quetzalcoatl and Ishtar can do what Mona can do and better if they want to, so really why take him.

[kareofbears]

finished my task early and realized that as a byproduct of our capitalist society, im unfortunately happier when i do tasks. here are my rankings of persona 5 awakenings spanning from vanilla to strikers. and i watched all of them again just so i wasn’t biased. i will also be attaching the splash pages they have of the group during awakening scenes because theyre fucking awesome 

excluded: 

morgana - no awakening, very sad

akechi - just a reveal, but an awesome reveal 

10. okumura haru  

it feels like a lie to even say she got an awakening, because they didnt even let her rip off her mask. they gave her a half awakening like it was on clearance. sad stuff, couldve been amazing, instead felt underwhelming since there was no lethargic high point where you feel her anger. i liked the gun reveal though 

9. sakura futaba 

same deal as haru, no mask ripping part :( that part of awakenings are very important to me, since its like, the whole deal with awakening your persona. its supposed to hurt, cause it hurts to throw away your facade and be who you really are!! also it just felt long and drawn out, making the tension feel...untensed. pliable, if you will. ranks higher than haru cause it still made me cry--futaba truly has one of the toughest and heart-wrenching motivations to persona awakenings, truly. 

8. niijima Makoto 

no splash page for her which makes me sad. love how gritty her mask + scream were afterwards, you can really feel the impact of it. also, editing was great during this scene. ranks low (high?) on the list though because it was pretty unremarkable overall--thats because makoto’s awakening/arc is pretty detached from who she is. its not very personal, since the conflict isn’t specifically about her you know? 

7. Kitagawa Yusuke 

a fan favorite and im sorry i couldnt rank it in a better spot. loved the camera work, loved the dialogue and his speech afterwards. it really is poetry infused with pissed-off and ready for revenge. if only the mask removal scene was grittier!! i like seeing them in pain!! it shouldnt be easy to take off the mask!!

6. takamaki ann

beautiful spectacular awakening that always makes me cry, but docked many points off because of how sexual it is. why are they focusing on her torso when shes crying. enough with the jiggle physics. stop that!!

her rage and swearing is so on point, and i am in love with how she mows down her shadow self in one go. so cool. love ann.

5. Hasegawa Zenkichi 

another fan favorite and its also one of mine as well. yall im just so emotional that an adult actually got a persona awakening. like, an adult who wants change just as desperately as the young people do? that means so much to me. dialogue is great, shadows are great. his mask ripping scene was so fucking intense that he snapped his mask in half like thats so rad 

4. yoshizawa sumire 

yeah yeah whatever i love her awakening ok. its big cheating that she got two on camera awakenings, but the first one sucked so its fine. the second one is just so great and i love how quiet the music is . where some awakenings feel very disjointed and impersonal, hers was arguably the most personal out of all of them. like she saw her sister?? and that was what made her awaken for real this time?? fantastic. also her mask removal scene was so intense and i loved that nothing happened at first because it makes you think that something is still wrong. hated the first awakening though--why the magical girl sequence?? what the fuck 

3. Sophia 

hehe her awakening is so fucking good. from the line read to the dialogue. this was the only awakening (besides jokers but ill get to that) that truly caught me off guard. i didnt expect that, even though it was the only logical conclusion to her character arc. brillaint. and i cant stress this enough--the line reads. the line reads. are so good.  thank you VA from puyo puyo tetris lmfao 

2. Kurusu Akira 

no splash page for him either but i will forgive it since hes the first. this one fucked me over because one: the animation was amazing, two, he awakened for ryuji, and three, his mask removal scene is the best of them all. you can feel every centimeter of his mask forcibly peeling away from his skin and i love it. also, this one scared the fuck out of me because when i bought p5, i didnt know what a fucking persona was. i thought this was like, a high school adventure. so yeah, this had a big impact on me

1. sakamoto Ryuji 

look man. this boy is just so angry. so fucking angry, and so intense about his feelings, and so desperate to help, and all of that accumulates to being the best awakening. where akira has the best mask ripping scene, he has the best scream after he rips his mask--you could feel that shit in your throat, in your lungs, the vibrations in your head. not to mention, he was the only one who was allowed to look fucking insane--rolling on the carpet and shit, sweating his heart out. i love how gritty it is. 

Those are my opnions thanks for coming to my ted talk 

[jiejie-eonni-onee-sama]

Love is like a tornado...

For the dearest @fandoms-are-my-friends-1321​ 💟💟💟

Hope you’ll like the story...

"Man, that sucks..."

"Yeah, the situation is desperate!"

The Weasley twins sigh as they watch two of their favorite teachers glancing at each other but not daring to say a single word.

On one side, there is Professor Remus Lupin, the current Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. Compassionate, kind, encouraging, and understanding, he is among the most popular teachers in the school.

On the other side, there is (Y/N) (L/N), the new Charms lecturer. She is not only beautiful but also passionate, supportive, charismatic, and gifted. Every Hogwarts students are keen to attend her courses: even the Slytherins are respectful towards her. 

Besides, she is the youngest member of the professors' staff. 

However, what makes Fred and George Weasley upset is that the two teachers seem fond of each other, but no one tries to make the first step.

"They could be the most popular couple in school!"

"You mean the most popular couple in the history of the school!"

"You got the point, Fred!"

Sitting next to them, Ron, Hermione, and Harry share their opinion.

"They are so cute together! But it would not be fair to force them!" breathes Hermione.

"Hermione is right. Likewise, Remus is not at ease with his lycanthropic condition: I'm sure he is scared to hurt her!" advises Harry.

"Sure. And, moreover, Lupin is so clumsy when it comes to ladies!" grins Ron.

"Watch your words, Little Ronnie! I'm sure you don't want your friends to know about the emptiness of your love life!" sneers George, making his twin laugh.

Grumbling some curses against his "stupid brothers," Ron eats a piece of cake while asking:

"Which subject do we have after lunch?"

"Let me see... Ah, we have a Charms lesson!"

As they hear it, a Cheshire grin appears on the Weasley twins' faces.

"Do you hear that, Georgie?"

"Oh yeah, Freddie, I heard it!"

Under the worried look of their younger brother and his friends, George and Fred prepare their new trick to "help" their beloved teachers...

Later in the afternoon, in Charms classroom.

In her classroom, (Y/N) tries to explain a new spell to her students.

"Remember, ladies and gentlemen: your gesture must be short but firm! Come on, try!"

Both the Gryffindor and Slytherin students try their best to achieve the exercise. Some manage to reach their objective while others struggle.Their professor watches them with a kind smile on her face. She really enjoys teaching at Hogwarts: the pupils are interested and willing to work.

Furthermore, in her class, there is no rivalry between the houses. She encourages solidarity and group works between the students, no matter which house they belong to. 

That's why she appreciates seeing Hermione, one of her favorite students, working with Draco Malfoy without hostility. She even notices that the two seem to get along now, to Ron Weasley's dismay. 

Speaking of the latter, he nearly turns one of his classmates into a chair!

"Watch out, Ron!"

"Sorry, Seamus!"

"Focus on your gesture, Mr. Weasley!" she reminds him kindly.

"Yes, sorry, Mrs. (L/N)!"

The class goes well until the bell rings.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen! For next time, I want you to practice all the charms on page 214 of your manual! See you on Friday!"

Once the students leave her classroom, she packs her belongings and heads to her office. On the way, she bumps into someone and lets her book falling.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I did not see you..."

"I should be the one apologizing, (Y/N)"

The young woman lifts her head, and she recognizes Remus. For a moment, they cannot help but look at each other with some fascination. Shyly, the werewolf hands to her some of her books.

"Thank you for helping me, Remus!"

"It's my pleasure. I'll be careful next time!"

"Don't be upset about it. It's okay!"

"I... I'm glad to hear that!" whispered the werewolf, slightly blushing.

Unbeknownst to them, the Weasley twins observe them, hidden in a corner.

"By Merlin, it fails! They are this close to kissing, I swear! Ugh, it's soooo frustrating!"

"I told you that the Tumbling spell would not work!"

"Quiet, Fred! Unless you have another idea..."

"Just let me think about it, Georgie... Hooray! I have a plan!"

"What is it?"

Fred picks up his spellbook and points to a segment.

"I think this would help us!"

Looking at the spell, George beams.

"Oh, that's what I call a brilliant idea! The best prank we ever did!"

"You can say it, bro! Now, let's prepare it! We have to do it tomorrow: I hear Ron revising his Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson for tomorrow! It's our only chance !"

The following day.

Sitting at her office, (Y/N) prepares the lesson for the Year 1 Ravenclaw students. She smiles while thinking about those little wizards and witches who look at her with admirative eyes. They are so cute! 

To be honest, they are cuter when they interact with Remus. She loves to see him being gentle with the younglings and encouraging their efforts. She can say that her colleague would be a wonderful father...

Suddenly, a loud noise wakes her up from her daydream. She looks at her door that shatters because of a tornado.

"By Merlin, what is that?"

As she prepares to cast a spell, the tornado charges at her and imprisons the young witch in its fury. 

Mangled by the tornado, (Y/N) cannot stop it, losing her wand in the process. And carried by the wind, she soon crosses the corridors, under the astonished eyes of the teachers and students.

Meanwhile, in Remus's classroom, the students listen to their teacher.

"As you know, Banshee's main power is her scream. It's so powerful that it can drive her victims mad! It can also lead to their death!"

"How loud it can be?" asked Draco.

"Well, according to Newt Scamander, you can hear her wails from a couple of miles away!"

At the same time, the students jumped on their seats as they hear a piercing shriek.

"BANSHEE! SHE IS HERE!" panicked Neville.

"I assure you, young Mister Longbottom, that it is not a supernatural scream. On the contrary, it is a human scream... It sounds like someone needs help!"

Indeed, someone needs help as they hear a familiar feminine voice.

"PLEASE! SOMEBODY HELP ME!"

"OH MY GOD! It's Mrs. (L/N)!" exclaims Harry.

Fearing for the life of his beloved witch, Remus picks his wand and prepares to rescue (Y/N) when the tornado bursts into the classroom.

"STEP BACK! STAY FAR FROM IT!" directs Lupin.

All the students stumble behind their teacher. The werewolf braces himself before he tries to rescue his crush from the roaring wind. 

Unfortunately, the tornado absorbs him as well, before getting outside the classroom.

"We have to help them! Hurry!" declares Parvati before running outside, followed by her classmates.

When they arrive in the main hall, they witness an extraordinary scene: trapped in the tornado, Remus and (Y/N) try to escape this windy pit but fail every time.

"How can we help them?" demands Ron.

"First of all, we must identify which spell was used to create this tornado!"

At the same time, Fred and George topple towards them while repeating:

"A DISASTER! IT'S A DISASTER!"

When he hears his brothers, Ron exclaims:

"What on Earth have you done again?"

"See, little brother, it's a long time story..."

"Cut it out, and tell the truth!" yells Dean.

The twins look at each other with despair before explaining:

"Well, we only wanted to try helping Professor Lupin and Mrs (L/N) confessing to each other..."

"And we thought that if he saves her, she would immediately confess her love! And he would do the same!"

"Oh, by Morgana, why do I have those two dorks as brothers?" whines Ron as he facepalms.

"Okay. But why the tornado?" asks Neville.

"Well, it seems cool!" answers Fred.

"That is not cool AT ALL, you dumbskull!" 

"Only a Weasley can produce such a ridiculous idea!" says Goyle with irony.

"Shut up, Goyle, and be useful for once in your life!" shouts Seamus.

Whereas her classmates panic for their teachers, Hermione muses about the tornado.

"It is not a classic spell... If only I had my Charms book with me!"

Immediately, Draco hands his manual to her.

"You can read mine if you want!"

"Thanks, Draco! Let's see what it is!"

As the two wizards look in the book, Ron nudges Harry.

"Did you just see it?"

"What?"

"Malfoy was nice with Hermione!"

"And? It is not the first time!"

"That is not normal, Harry!"

"For Godric Gryffindor's sake, Ronald! We have other priorities now!"

Quickly, Hermione finds the solution.

"I got it! Oh lord, it's a Confessional Tornado!"

"A what?" asks George.

"According to the book, this spell creates that entangles two people and compels them to tell the truth. It lets them free only if they do so!" explains Malfoy.

"Well, that's a complicated situation!"

Coming closer to the tornado, Draco yells to the teachers.

"Professor Lupin, Mrs. (Y/N), you are in a Confessional Tornado! You must tell the truth, or you won't get out!"

"WHAT?"

"That's true! We checked it! Please, tell the truth!"

"The truth? About what?" asks Remus.

Sighing, the Slytherin shouts:

"Sir, tell her everything. Say how much she means to you... Just say what you are truly feeling about her!"

Slightly biting his lip, the young man carries on:

"You are a brave man, Mister Lupin. You can tell her the truth... so perhaps, it would help me to confess to the girl I love what I've dreamed of saying to her! How incredible, smart, lovely, and beautiful she is to me!"

"Who is he talking about?" asks Hermione.

"I don't know... but I pity for her!" sneers Ron.

Gathering his courage, Remus looks at (Y/N) and manages to say through the storm:

"Draco is right (Y/N). I should have told you the truth a long time ago..."

"What?"

"You are the most amazing witch I've ever met. Since the first day, I knew that... I fell in love with you."

Saying that (Y/N) is shocked is an understatement. All this time, she hoped to hear Remus saying those words... 

"Why?" she mutters.

"There are so many reasons why I love you, but I would waste your time. The main thing I would say is... If it takes me all this time to confess, it's because I'm scared... of me! You're aware of my second nature, and I would not be able to forgive myself if I hurt you!"

She smiles.

"Do you think I would turn around and walk away because of that? Remus, your lycanthropy is a part of you. But does it makes you a monster? No. You try your best to protect those around you from this curse. Every day, I see you with our colleagues or students. I only see a kind, compassionate, encouraging, brave, protective, and wise man who never gives up on someone else. This is the man I fell in love with since our first meeting. This is the man I want to spend my life with... If you would give me this chance!"

Suddenly, he takes her small hand and holds it tenderly.

"You don't have to ask: you are already in my existence!"

Moved by this answer, (Y/N) brightly smiles before she cups his face between her hands and kisses him. Taken aback by this sudden gesture, the man kisses her back under the cheers of the students and teachers.

"See, Minerva, he found the courage!" says Dumbledore, chuckling.

"They must be so relieved!" smiles McGonagall.

Meanwhile, the Weasley twins let out a sigh of relief.

"At least, it was not as disastrous as I thought!"

"Yeah. Mission accomplished, bro... And I can say that it helps someone else!"

They both look at Drago and Hermione, who are holding hands and speaking softly. 

"Man, I think we have created another power couple in Hogwarts!"

"Should we tell Ron about this?"

They look at each other with a mischievous smile.

"NAH! NOT NOW!" they laugh.

"Instead, let's enjoy our success!"

At the same moment, Remus and (Y/N) are enjoying the moment as they start a new step in their lives. A new life together. And to think that all begins when two prankish brothers start a tornado... After all, love is like a tornado: it arrives unexpectedly and sweeps you off your feet...

Thanks for the reading!

I hope you’ll like it! 💜💜💜💜💜💜

[penfullofwordsaheadfullofstories]

A Vulptex and Literature Homework

A/N: I just wanted to drop something happy for @morganas-pendragons​ so here’s a fluffy piece between Obi-Wan and Ahsoka. (Platonic! Please don’t tag as a ship) Anyway, Obi-Wan is a huge animal personal and also a nerd. If you’re here for everything to be canonical, this might not be the best place because I don’t know what I’m doing. Also, this is unedited. But I think we could all use some fluff, so here goes!

Warnings: implied animal cruelty and negligence. Just fluff other than that!

Pairings: NONE

The mission had taken them to the underbelly of Coruscant. A contact of Obi-Wan’s that had information they needed, and it had gone uncharacteristically well and to the point. 

Ahsoka squared her shoulders at the very thought, raising her awareness in preparation for something to go sideways.

Or maybe, it was just because she was with Master Obi-Wan instead of her own master that things lacked their chaotic spin. Upon a quick thought of history, however, she decides it’s just sheer luck. Ever since they’d been back on Coruscant, Skyguy’d been suspiciously illusive, so when she saw Master Obi-Wan leaving, she’d asked to tag along. 

He’d given her a warm smile and a “I don’t see any reason why not.”

Deciding to fill the silence, she speaks as they keep walking, deliberately stepping into a puddle to mar the replicated image of a neon sign above into ripples. “Well, the negotiations were shorter than I thought they’d be.”

Shooting a side-glance beside her, she catches a sad smile and a long-off glance from Master Obi-Wan. What did she say?

“Yes, I suppose they were.” 

He doesn’t elaborate, so she focuses on matching her stride to his. He’s going back a different way then they came, she notices offhandedly. 

“Have you been able to keep up with your studies recently with all the missions?” 

Ahsoka sighed. She didn’t have much of her traditional schooling left, but what did remain felt like a vastly unimportant chore in the backdrop of a galactic-scale-war. “For the most part, yeah. Basic Literature has a better chance of killing me than the seppies, though.” 

He seemed to light up a little at that, to her surprise. “Oh? That was one of my favored subjects. If you’d like, I can help you when we get back.”

She nodded. “It’s better when you don’t have to do it alone. Master Skywalker isn’t a lot of help with this subject.” 

Obi-Wan chuckled. “No, it was never his cup of tea. He excelled at mathematics, however, when he applied himself.” 

“Yeah! He knows how to do equations really quickly, without all the extra stuff.”

“Oh, yes. He…”  Obi Wan trails off as they pass a shadowy shop, coming to a halt. 

“What is it?” 

He puts his finger to his lips in a gesture meant for her as his brow sinks deep. 

Faint, foreign whimpers come from behind the dark-tinted transparisteel, and it must decide something for Obi-Wan, because he pushes through the door of the shop. 

The shop is dimly lit, and the man behind the counter frowns at them at first upon looking them over and realizing what they are, but he quickly plasters a smile over it.

“What can I do for you today?”

Obi-Wan stops a little shy of the counter, expression unreadable. “Do you sell animals here?”

The shopkeeper gestures around to the various trinkets and perishables. “Not unless you consider anything you see one.”

“Really? Because I could have sworn…”

The whimpers start up again, coming from the space behind the counter. Obi-Wan raises his eyebrows and gives the man a pointed, steeled stare. 

The man, visibly shifting his weight from foot to foot, explains, “It’s a personal pet. Not for sale.” 

“Can I see it then?” Obi-Wan counters, and Ahsoka knows as much as the man does that it isn’t really a question. 

Hesitantly, he stoops behind the counter and pulls up a cage with a tiny, white, spiky ball of… something cowered into the corner furthest from the shopkeeper. 

Ahsoka follows as Obi-Wan steps closer, ducking his attention to the ball.  “If I’m not mistaken, it’s illegal to sell vulptices on Coruscant.” 

“It’s mine. I’m not selling,” comes the retort through gritted teeth.

Obi-Wan fingers a tag hanging from the cage. “Right. I suppose this credit marking is a coincidence, then.” 

Ahsoka watches the man’s jaw clench as Obi-Wan stands fully. “Even in light of that… unfortunate coincidence, the conditions under which you’re keeping it in are considered negligence at best.”

The man seems to be fuming silently at this point, clenching his hands, and Ahsoka’s hand slightly brushes her lightsaber, just to make sure. He flicks his eyes to her, catching the motion, and takes the smallest step back. 

“I suppose I don’t need to report it, however, if you allow me to take it and ensure its safe return to its home.”

With a resigned eye roll, then plops the cage down and waves his hand.

Obi-Wan, after removing his gloves, opens the cage and gently lays his hand open. Ahsoka senses the soft hum of Force energy he extends, encouraging it to approach.

Timidly, it eventually does, still ducking slightly when Obi-Wan’s fingers curl to secure it. 

On their way out, Obi-Wan presses the open button on the door panel with his free hand, inclining his head for Ahsoka to exit first. In the threshold himself, he pauses, and once more addresses the man over his shoulder. “I suggest you rid yourself of any illegal merchandise. Although I won’t report this, I will be giving a tip for periodic inspections here.”

And with that, he let the door slide close behind him.

“Master, what if he gets rid of animals he has in an… inhumane way?” 

“He didn’t have any others. I felt for other life forms. I was referencing the other stored goods he likely had behind the counter.”

Looking to the small being cradled in his hand, she asks, “What are you doing to do with it?”

“It needs food. Milk, specifically. This pup is far too young to be separated from its mother. We’re fortunate to have found it when we did.”

When Ahsoka starts to tap into the soft hum Obi-Wan has started around him, the pup perks up two large, pointed ears, before one falls into a flop. 

“They’re extraordinarily empathetic creatures. Very responsive. I can imagine it’s had a very unpleasant experience here of yet.”

On the way back, Ahsoka asks questions she knows will prompt informational monologues from him, smiling at the way his eyes sparkle as he speaks.

When they return to the temple, he tells her, “If you go get your study datapad, I can help with the assignments you’re having trouble with. Come to the refectory near my quarters.” 

“The refectory?”

“Yes. I’m going to attempt some substitutional concoction for its mother’s milk.”

When she finds him again, datapad in hand, he’s stirring something with one hand, while the creature dozes in his other, sucking on his pinky. He looks back and forth between the bowl and the pup, smiling down on it with an affectionate kindness. 

Quietly, Ahsoka announces herself. “I think you have a soft spot for animals, Master.”

She’s a little shocked when he gives her a similar look of affection, and she wonders, idly, if animals sometimes give him some type of perceived permission to be more open.

“It’s an inherent trait of Jedi. To care for all life-forms.” He says it as a deflection, but he smiles in a way that lets her know she’s right.

“All right, let’s see your literature.” 

And somehow, the subject seems a little less boring already. 

[gotmilk5101520]

Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia Watch Episode 44 The Exorcism of Claire Nunez (Part 2)

Part 1

“Jim!”

”The books! The books! She saw them fall!”

“Must keep studying”

“Finals are tomorrow”

“Dude! Do it again!”

“I’ll do one better”

“Uh...”

“Mm. Evil spirits begone!”

“Read girly!”

“Read!”

“AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!”

“Claire, this isn’t real. It’s us, Jim and Toby”

“Wake up”

“Claire!”

“Claire, we’re here!”

“Claire, do you see us?”

“Come on, right here” “We’re right here. Whoo-hoo!”

“Claire, do you see us?”

“I know. I see you��� Should’ve said that sooner.

“What? Why is everything so weird?”

”And why am i see-through?”

“Holy sheesh-kabob!”

“I’m dead! And in hell! Not only did i get possessed by a bitch, but i also died a virgin!”

“You’re not dead”

“It’s kinda hard to explain”

“Allow me”

“You’re a ghost in a ghost house in a crazy shadow space”

“And we gotta get you back to fight a scary sorceress lady who norted your body”

“Plus, i think she’s been dead for a few centuries”

“Morgana!”

“I’m gonna kill that bitch!”

“Jim, say the magic words!”

“Helkat-Luccho Sudom” Yeah those are wrong it’s Hkat-Lucco Sudom.

“Okay, so we’ll do it the hard way”

“Take us home, Suzy!” “Call me Barbie!” “Okay, fine. Take us home, Barbie”

“I’m going fucking crazy”

Okay, yeah, Take the form of a woman, even though it’s really the body of a 16 year old girl that you’re possessing. Let’s move on!

New meme, who this?

Suddenly the opening theme is playing.

“Did you guys bring the deck?” “Yeah. Here” “Get ready, Morgana. Cause it’s time to duel!” “You think you can beat me?” “LET’S DUEL!” “This is really happening, Tobes. We’re really having a Yu-Gi-Oh duel” “I kinda saw this coming since this is the Shadow Realm”

“Azazazuth-Kinekh-Thoon!”

“You don’t control me!”

“Get out of my head, child!”

“AZAZAZUTH-KINEKH-THOON!”

“YOU DARE WIELD A WEAPON OF MY POWER?”

“MY SKATHE-HRUN WILL BE YOUR END!”

“IT’S NOT YOURS ANYMORE. I MADE IT MINE”

“AND NOW I’M TAKING IT BACK”

“Okay, Suzy Snooze”

”it’s you and i”

“WHAT’S HAPPENING?”

“GRAB ONTO THE STAFF!”

*Screams in Troll*

“Claire!”

“Were you gonna stab me with that thing?”

“No!” “Yes!”

“Obviously, we were-“

“Going to break your chains!”

“Ha!” Claire is unconvinced.

“But while she was under my skin... I was in her head”

“I remember things. Like how she had a handmaiden that looked like me. Also that handmaiden was a monster fucker cause she was kissing a troll right in front of Morgana. And i also saw Morgana get hit with a guitar by a guy that looked just like Luka” “I AM NOT LUKA!”

“Plus, Morgana told Gunmar how to bring the Eternal Night”

“And if he does, i got a bad feeling this won’t be the last we see of her”

“Claire, we’re home!” “WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR HOUSE? AND WHERE ARE THE FURNITURE!” “Oh, yeah. Morgana opened a huge portal to suck me into, and it sucked all your furniture” “A portal to suck you in? I will not allow that to happen till i do it myself” “What?” “I said, we should get out of here. Let’s just say i was having a sleepover at a friend’s house. Okay everyone, go into this portal it will take us to Jim’s house” “Yeah! Sleepover at my hous- Wait a minute”

“She led us true”

“Aysa-Thoon” Wait how did they get there so fast? Aysa-Thoon is in India and Arcadia is in California. Plus this and last episode happen the same day.

“Pale Lady”

“The eye of Angor Rot”

“My champion”

“Centuries ago, you came to me on your knees”

“I granted you power”

“In return, you served me faithfully”

“Take your soul back and a tad of my own and live again”

“You shall serve me once more”

“Angor Rot”

“Yes, my lady”

“This time”

“I will destroy them all”

Morgana’s Life Points hit 0

Also my mom doesn’t know what i do. Nor does she know i’m on this hellsite.

[quietkite]

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐬 | 𝟏

The Wattpad Version ➼ Lovely Little Liars                                                                Table of Contents 

𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

Trigger Warnings:

Offensive Language, Mention of Death

Draco

He couldn't bear to look.

Lucius Malfoy stood on a podium with restraints on both his arms and legs. A heavy metal brace rested on his neck with a multitude of locks unable to be unlocked with just a simple 'alohomora'.

His mother was next to him with an emotionless look on her face, but she knew how to control her emotions. Her hands were locked with her son's, squeezing it with a mixture of fear, anxiety and comfort.

He couldn't tell if she was giving or wanting the comfort.

Draco could have almost been unrecognisable. His overly light blonde hair was a mess. He wore an oversized light grey shirt with long, pushed up sleeves. He had navy jeans that were ironed but slightly crushed up. He could have been Potter if he wanted to.

There were fifty people in stands looking down from their high spots. Draco stood by his mother on the side of the cold, and open, cobblestone courtyard where his father stood silently on his podium in the middle of it all.

Then out of nowhere, memories flooded his head, bad memories. It worsened by the second and Draco felt that he might have blacked out.

But it was time.

A dementor floated airily toward his father. Draco saw the anguish in his father's eyes. The defeat. The dementor didn't immediately suck out his father's soul like how the process of the dementor's kiss would normally go. His father turned his head to see his wife and son one last time. But the anguish in his father's eyes turned into hatred as he looked at Draco. He was able to get one word out before the dementor took his soul.

"Faggot."

The dementor took less than a minute to take the man's soul as Lucius's soulless body was dragged away after falling forwards with an eerie hollow-sounding thud.

That was when the tears flooded out. Draco didn't know if he was crying over his father's soul being permanently stripped away forever or that his last words were about his complete hatred for him. His mother took her hand from his and rubbed his back trying to soothe him. Draco knew how much this broke his mother too.

When they reached the elevators, Draco had composed himself enough. No matter how much his family was hated now, he couldn't show the pain. The Malfoys shouldn't show any more emotions than they already had shown. Too much emotion that is showcased to the world, meant the more damage that could be done to you from the world.

Narcissa then swiftly apparated them back to the Malfoy Manor silently.

Once there, his mother immediately requested to be alone as she slowly, yet gracefully, walked to her quarters, her black high heels clicking as she walked.

Draco's trials had happened the week before. He was spared for being underage when he took the mark. Someone defended him but they wore their hood hiding their identity. When Lucius's punishment had completely finished Draco had a faint glimpse of his defender's vibrant, emerald green eyes and round looking glasses as the Wizengamot members filed out as his defender attended Lucius's soul detachment. The mysterious person was a bit shorter than average, had tanned skin and wore muggle-looking shoes called running shoes. Draco could have guessed they were no older than seventeen or sixteen.

Although Draco didn't understand how the stranger had to much evidence to prove his innocence.

But alas, the stranger wasn't able to prove him to be completely innocent. He still had the dark mark.

As Draco wasn't going to Azkaban yet, they put him on probation instead.

He couldn't cast any offensive spells and hardly any of the ministry-approved spells were helpful to him. The ministry then made it so if Draco were to leave his home he would only be allowed twelve hours per day.

A loud bang sounded at the door making Draco visibly jump. Quickly running towards the door in case it was the ministry, he opened the door to see a person slightly shorter than him with raven coloured hair styled in a short, black bob, immediately attacking him with a strong bear hug. Not far back was another with long, dark brown hair that had a natural purple tint, smiling.

It was Pansy and Astoria.

Pansy and Astoria could have been counted as two of his actual best friends.

Pansy was his first friend that was a girl ever. They weren't ever going to marry as their families were already close enough to be family. She had admitted to liking him in the sixth year while they were in their seventh. But she got over that quickly. But to him, Pansy was always like his sister. She helped him in his darkest times and vice versa. They were quite close. They loved each other as actual siblings would. He would do anything for her.

Astoria was a bit of a different case. The two were mutual friends at first thanks to one of his other friends being Daphne Greengrass, Astoria's older sister. When Draco was in his seventh year and she was in her fifth, they were told they'd be wed one year after Astoria graduated from Hogwarts. Because Daphne had died a month after the war when her health was terrible from a blood curse which resurfaced in her and a critical hit while fighting in the war it caused the entire Greengrass family go through much grief. They still grieved, because family is one of the hardest lose.

"Dray, darling!",Pansy cried out as Draco hugged her, shocked about her and Astoria's sudden,unexpected arrival.

"W-what are you two doing here?",Draco asked confusedly.

Pansy shot Astoria a look of confusion and worry. Astoria crept up closer towards the doorway.

"Did you not receive the letter?",Pansy replied with a clear sense of agitation and worry lining her voice.

"Maybe it would be better if we talked inside.",Astoria stated, pointing inside the manor.

Draco quickly looked backwards inside his house to see if his mother was still in her room before answering,"Of course, although we ran out of tea and won't be able to get anymore for a while without our house elves for the year."

Pansy gave a firm, but compassionate nod while Astoria gave him another smile.

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"I am so sorry we weren't there for you today, we—",Pansy started before Draco cut her off.

"It's okay. I'm fine now. But what is this about a letter?",Draco asked, quickly changing the subject.

Pansy eyed him, searching for clues to see how Draco wasn't fine at all, before answering Draco's question.

"I was in my Manor reading when an owl flew in with a letter. As you know our owls normally went straight to our parents unless it was a friend our parents approved of. But the stamp was none of the pureblood crests. It...it was from Hogwarts. They requested that we were to come to Hogwarts for a reunion and some news. And this was only sent to those in our year. But I-we, came here to ask if you were coming to the reunion."

Draco was shocked.

A reunion?

How come he was never owled?

"Do you know who else is coming? Slytherins I mean."

"Well, Goyle...he committed suicide after Crabbe died. Theo gave me a maybe though it was pretty unclear, Blaise hasn't answered any of mine or Astoria's owls. But I do know that I'm going, although Astoria is only in her sixth year meaning she can't go. That bitch, Millicent is dead thank Morgana. But I heard a rumour that Tracey was going to come after she was proven innocent by the ministry."

Draco stiffened at the thought of Tracey. None of his friends were ever fond of her and Millicent, for reasons nobody wanted to nor was ready to discuss.

"I will go only since you will be going and because Astoria cannot go with you. When did the letter say the reunion was?"

"In two days time I believe."

"Merlin. Okay, I will have to let mother know then. Have either of you two seen Theo or Blaise since the war?"

"I haven't seen the two but Pansy and I have only owled Theo once if that counts and his response was only one word. But we're not exactly sure if he will go to the reunion. And we haven't heard a word from Blaise since then. He just disappeared off the radar.",Astoria piped up. She was almost always with Pansy and always thought of her as second older sister. Especially since Daphne's death.

"How is your mother doing right now Dray? Je me sens comme un idiote de ne pas demander!"

"She's....fine...",Draco remarked doubtfully, looking backwards at the kilometre long hallway filled with the moving portraits of the past Malfoys.

"She's that bad? Merlin!",Pansy replied a gasp, shaking her head with pity.

Astoria discreetly nudged the young woman as she realised what time it was. At least half an hour had passed.

"Merde. Sorry to cut our time short Dray dear but I promised Astoria we'd go somewhere for a bit as she can't apparate on her own yet. Oh! Mcgonagall also stated that she wanted us there a day earlier. I can apparate us to the train station."

"It's completely fine. I should be available then. I'll have to let mother know now."

Astoria gave Draco a smile as Pansy gave him one last tight, warm hug before Pansy apparated the two young women to wherever they had made plans to go.

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When the two girls were gone Draco let out a heavy sigh.

He trudged to his paren— his mother's room to check on her. Lucius's death took quite a toll on her. He didn't know what could happen to her if he left her alone for only two days.

Draco opened the door as the only sound made was a squeak from the door opening. Narcissa laid in her bed upright with a tiny, dark green book in her hands, silently flipping the page, a small frown etched onto her face.

"Mother..?"

"D-Draco!",Narcissa jumped,"I didn't hear you come in! Did you need something? Is it already supper? I can make you some food if your—"

"No no mother. It's just that Pansy and Astoria came over a small while ago and informed me of something."

"Oh those two darlings, what was it that happened dear?"

"Er— They told me that all of the seventh years from last year were invited to a reunion. I have already confirmed with Pansy on my attendance to the meet. But was part of the ministry's prohibition not giving us our letters? I only just found out about the reunion from Pansy today. But more importantly, will you be okay alone? It should only last two days, but I'll have to leave tomorrow."

"I should be fine by myself Draco. I am not that weak to become dysfunctional over one man's death. Although I will contact my lawyer about the owls. You should go start packing. Your old school trunk is in your sixth closet."

Draco smiled at his mother, who's stance straightened up, as he left the door with a squeak when he closed the door slowly.

Once the door was closed completely, Draco walked quickly to his own room and slammed the door shut as he slid down the door, his long legs sprawled out

He took a long deep breathe as he smiled some tears falling down.

"I wonder if Potter will be there."

Table of Contents 

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[emrysarthurpendragon]

Where do you think you're going?

Arthur’s POV:

 I stare with wide eyes at the collapsed building. It can’t be. Merlin can’t be … he can’t be dead! Buried alive and gone to the land of Avalon. Gwaine hand stops me just in time from running inside when the stones started falling. I scream in despaired, yells my friend’s name but no answer came. In anger, I turn my sword to a mercenary. The man dared to laugh at my distress, and, of course, I killed him. I killed him coldly and feel no remorse. Not even a hint of regret. Cover with dust, I push Gwaine away and hurry to the fallen tower. My hands shake with fear as I collect one cold rock after another. The dust makes me cough, my eyes are watering with unshed tears but still I work harder and call his name.

“Merlin! Merlin!” the desperate words of a man, a lover. I loved him, I still do, and he has to come back to me. I’ll do whatever it takes. “Merlin, can you hear me?!”

 An eerie silence falls on the group. We are all listening for something, even a muffle noise from beyond. Percival approaches me and with his force, he starts moving rocks too. I notice how some prisoners want to help, to use their magic and save my friend, but they are too weak. I can’t blame them, even if I will give my throne to a spark of the ban art right now. Something, anything to find him. Find them. Just when I formulate that wish inside my heart, something happens. Hope rushes in me. Here, right where I picked up a pebble, I find a hand. Not Merlin’s, it is too small, but it clearly belongs to someone. Probably the child we came here for in the first place.

 “Over here!” I call. The frail fingers move, not much, but the person is still alive if not in a good shape. As a time, my knights, brothers and friends in more ways than I can describe, help me. The more we collect the tower’s fallen parts, the more we realise magic was at work when the building collapsed. A golden shield, thin as skin, covers the child’s arm. Before long, we free her entire arm and are met with bright red clothing. Camelot’s cloak. Meaning Merlin is now closer than ever. Once again, I hear myself call his name. What if he died? The mere thought scares me. I can’t lose him. Not after my father and Morgana. Not when he is the only one keeping me sane and alive. No one can replace him in my life. If there was a drug for me, it would be Merlin. His presence gives me strength and hope. Hope for a brighter future, for a prosperous reign. He makes me see the good in myself and the others. Without him, I may end up like my father. I cut my thoughts when an adult body appears. It’s my warlock, firmly curled around the child. He protected her from any harm. Gently, I unwrapped him – pardon the poor comparison – and call for Percival. I hand him the girl, barely human with all the dirt and coagulate blood on her, before focusing again on the dark-haired man. He does not move. He does not even seem to breathe. Blood is pouring from the back of his head, where he’d been hit earlier. I’m scared. What if I cause more damage by moving him? Had he always been so light? Elyan helps me carry my former manservant to a clear place and we check his injuries together. We are no physicians, but a first look makes us notice things like a concussion – well, he had a tower falling on him, it does no good – broken ribs and maybe more. We also notice his soft breath. He’s alive…

 “We need help; but we’re too far away from Camelot. He may not make it,” I say, worried creating wrinkles between my brows.

“The same goes to the girl,” says Leon, who volunteers to care for the girl. I guess he just wants to feel useful, by saving a child when he couldn’t do the same for his own daughter. He never told me about her … or her magic. Did he believe I would have handed her to my father? Was I that kind of prince in my early life? Before Merlin came and changed my world? “She suffers severe malnutrition and abuse I can’t even name.” My knight voice turns into a growl and I can only guess what he means. I noticed the burn when we pulled her from the debris, I can’t imagine what they had done to her. I close my eyes, fighting nausea. Now is not the time for revenge. Especially when we took off most of the men involved.

 Hours later, both knights and former prisoner set camp into a new clearing. We decided to move once the wounded had been taken care of and now, I allow myself some rest. Merlin is lying motionless beside me, sometime shifting with unease and I pray for whatever God to help us. Near him, the child rests too. She looks healthier now. Or at least, Leon and Percival cleaned her, so she looks decent, and wrapped in a couple of extra-size clothing and blankets. Sir Leon even added his cloak, so she now looks like a baby carefully swaddle. I won’t be surprised if, back to Camelot, my friend adopts her.

 “You two are quite the pair,” I whisper to myself, running my fingers through Merlin’s messy hair. “Of course, you have to find a child of magic and end up in danger together. What am I going to do with you, eh? There are quicker ways to kill me.”

Even the joke sounds lame in my ears. I must be tired. I decide to call it a night and, after my thoughts quieted enough, I find myself drifting to sleep. For a while at least.

 * * *

 The sun is barely rising when my eyes shoot open. I felt something. A touch on my shoulder. My instincts make me places a hand on my sword, only to find the cause of the ‘threat’. The little girl is up, her eyes burning gold and sitting next to my face. What I felt was her small finger booping my nose. The moment she noticed I’m awake, she tried to run but fell, her legs too weak to carry her. How does she come here? Crawling on the floor?

“Hey, don’t worry. I won’t hurt you,” I say awkwardly. I never interacted with a child before. Especially a wild one. “My name is Arthur, I’m Merlin’s friend.”

I gesture to my unconscious knight and jump when a voice pops in my head.

“Emrys?” asks the small, cute voice. “Emrys hurt. I’m sorry,” she continues, her breath fastening and the wind blowing harder. Is that the kid doing?

“It’s not your fault. Merlin is an idiot. He would have got hurt anyway,” I try to joke, resulting in a pinecone falling from a branch to my head. I saw how the thing snapped and, judging by the look of pure horror written across the girl face, I knew she was behind it. To ease the tension, I laugh openly. Probably the best reaction, since the little one tilts her head, confuses like a cat. She moves closer and places her hands on my cheeks, studying my traits when I am laughing.

“What’s this?” she asks, still not using her voice.

“What’s what?” I ask, confuse. Were all kids so ‘not specific’?

“This!” she mind-says, mimicking the smile I had not long before. She also tried to produce a laugh, but not so well. The fact she does not even recognise a smile or what it means crushes me. Even with a father like Uther, I had happy moments in my life. Saddened by that knowledge, I sober off before answering the best I could.

“It’s a smile. That’s what you do when you are happy. And if you are very happy, you make a noise too, and it’s a laugh,” I’m bad at this, right? “You can laugh too if you think a joke is funny. Like, I think it was funny when you make than pinecones fell on me.”

“Funny?” the cat look is back again. She seems to proceed all the information like they are new to her. “Not mad? No punish?”

“Of course not. You did nothing wrong. You were unhappy because I say Emrys is an idiot, right?”

This time, the kid nods and locks her golden eyes into mine. The wind disappeared some minutes before, and I can’t tell what she is using her magic for now.

“Emrys is strong. I love him.”

“So do I, I love him and respect him. He’s a dear friend, and I like teasing him from time to time.” Shall I feel worried for the child claiming her love for my warlock?

“Teasing?”

“Uh… You have a lot of questions, haven’t you?” I ask, chuckling. “But I have one too. What’s your name?”

She blushes for a second and lowers her head. Her fingers play with the grass beneath us. I can see her mind rushing, searching for the information locks in her brain.

“Gaia?” she finally says, “Where papa?”

“I don’t know where’s your dad. You know his name?”

For the first time, I see something other than fear on Gaia’s face; she is judging me. Like I just ask the stupidest question ever. There is actual ‘are you dumb’ look in her eyes. So much like Merlin now that I think about it.

“His name is Papa!”

Right. Of course. Papa. There were not hundred men with that name, according to children. Ok. Think, Arthur.

“It’s a very common name, can you tell me something else?” and please, not that her mother’s name is ‘mama’ or ‘mum’ or ‘mummy’.

“Show you! Come, come!”

Curious, I let the child sit on my knees – I guess she feels I’m safe? – and cup my face with his hands. Magic invades my mind, but it does not hurt. It feels like I am welcoming something I longed to meet before. It’s both foreign and familiar while Gaia leads me to a strange place. In this vision, she’s not the scared little girl anymore. She’s a teen, strong and confident, leading the way through what she endured before we found her, ignoring the pain they may cause, to a secret door. The gate was barely large enough for a rabbit. I look up at the young woman, confuse.

“Push the door, and you will see my happiest memories. They are from before I was taken.”

“You look older,” I blurt before I could stop myself. No shit, Arthur.

“I was older once, in another life,” she tells me. Another life? Like … reincarnation? Like, she lived, died, and came back again? Well, her life sucked until then.

“You’re right, but it’s all in the past. There is more to life than what happened. With your help, I may retrieve my memories and who my parents are now. I’m afraid my magic locked away all the happy memories when my younger self realised no help was coming.”

“Wait, you can read my mind?!” Arthur asked, horrified.

“We are in my head, what do you expect, Queenie?”

“Oi! You sound like Gwaine, I don’t like it.”

We share a laugh but, after she tells me I’m the only one – with Emrys – able to unlock her memories, I place my hand over the wooden surface.

 Something clicked and the scene morphs into something else. I’m in a courtyard, watching a family in the distance. Blurry at first, they become sharper as I walk. A child, maybe around three or four-year-old, laughs and tries to escape her father’s grasp. I can’t see the man, as he is turning his back to me, but he is blond and clearly busy tickling that version of Gaia. The girl squeals happily and locks her arms around her dad. From behind, Yseult walks with a soft smile, one she never had since the incident.

“It’s nap time, my love. Kiss papa and off to bed.”

“Oh noooo! Wanna play more, pwease?” she asks, giving both her parents the best puppy eyes one could imagine. I almost yell for them to allow her more time, and I’m just visiting the memory. Wait … did I say Yseult? Like, Yseult Leon’s spouse? Could it be? I take a step back and sure, he is my friend – younger – holding his baby girl against his chest. I see him gently kiss her curly blond hair and promising her a story if she just agrees to sleep.

“I even have a surprise for you, if you are nice and follow your mother’s orders,” Am I dreaming, or does Leon sounds like the kind of parents who have a hard time parenting, just because their child is too cute? I’m sure he just makes up that gift story.

 The scene changes and I’m now in beautiful gardens. Gaia is gasping at what her father just gave her. A pendant, with a small quote engraves behind. In her hand, a wooden sword hangs, forgotten for now. “I love you, papa!” she squeals, laughing when Leon picks her for a kiss.

 Another moment, Leon is on his horse and Gaia clings to his cloak. She is sobbing uncontrollably and scream.

“Don’t leave, Papa pwease! Bad men are coming, please! Please! I’m scared!” she is probably between four or six years old now. Leon shakes his head, silently begging Yseult to take their daughter. When her mother pulls her away, the noble child shrieks. I can feel the panic that took her then, her magic flying around and summoning the wind.

“I’ll be back soon, baby. Be a good girl.”

 It is now night. I don’t know how much time has passed since Leon’s departure, but Gaia is in bed, clutching a small sword in a hand. I don’t know where she finds it, but I’m sure nor his mother or a servant gave it to her. Her blue eyes stare at nothing but blackness. Until they heard the alarms. There are screams coming from the village and soon, from inside the house. I see Gaia rushing out of bed, her small arm barely able to lift her sword. She’s brave for her age, I notice, as she’s not calling for her mother. More children would have, that’s what people do when they are scared. They beg for a parent. An eternity pass and the door opened, revealing two men. One fly across the room and I cheer for Gaia. It’s not a kingly reaction, but I’m alone, so I guess it’s ok. The other laughs when he sees the little girl stands proudly and pointing her sword at him. With a single blow, he makes her lose her grasp on the weapon and she shy away. She was terrified, of course. The man tackles her to the floor, and I curse. Why can’t I help her? It’s all in the past, but I want to save that girl, to give her the life she deserves. Of course, I am amazed when I see the way she burns the mercenary’s hands when he took her, but all I can think is her current state, in the real world.

 The scene vanishes and I’m now back in the clearing. Gaia watches me as if nothing happened and I smile at her. I also take notice of all the curious glares send toward us, meaning the moment lasts more than a minute.

“Arthur? You okay?” Lancelot asks, and I nod, sitting more comfortably with Gaia still clung to me. “Hello kid, is Arthur all comfy?”

“I’m not a pillow, Lancelot,” I say, still smiling when Gaia nods seriously. Ok. Maybe I was. “She showed me her last memories with her parents, oh and she talks her lot,” I point, winking to the child who hid even more against me. I’m not sure, but I think I have a thing, like a natural talent with little humans. I mean, I’m friends with Merlin, and he’s a child in a man’s body. “Only, she uses her mind. Can you … can you fetch Leon and bring him here?”

The man nod, quickly checking on Merlin before the leaves. Emrys is still out, but I have a good feeling. Maybe because a sorcerer we saved comes to me while I wait for my friends.

“Emrys will be fine. Druids are coming to heal him. They heard the King and Queen’s call.”

“The … what?” I ask feeling dumb again.

“It’s a long story. A legend among our people. Emrys will tell you when the time comes.”

I nod my agreement. I guess I just must wait and see then. For now, I’m amazed by the magic around the camp, with people acting as if they were not with people from a kingdom where their kind is killed for what they are. Is this Camelot future? Once I lift the ban? I have that dream, and I’m sure Gaia has too, if I believe the way she uses her gift to create small sparkly butterflies. Red, blue, or golden insects that vanish when she notices my two knights.

“You summoned me, Sire?” Leon asks his eyes studying the strange pair we are forming with our new addition. “I see our young guest is feeling much better,” he adds, and I nod.

“I think her magic helps a lot. Her eyes keep glowing since she wakes me.” But I focus on the main topic right away. Leon waited long enough, right? I stop Gaia’s game and she looks up, worried and confused, before I turn her face toward my most trusted soldier. “See that man? His name is Leon, he travelled for a long time to rescue you. He’s a brave knight and always keeps his promises, even when it’s hard.” Gaia tilts her head; I can see her picks all the pieces together. She’s still somehow in my brain and the blurry face of her dad is becoming clearer in her mind. Leon, on the other hand, struggles to see where I’m going with my reasoning. “Sir Leon, may I introduce you to the young Lady Gaia?”

 I almost laugh at the way the gap at each other, like fishes out water. Leon moves slowly, unsure. He stops when Gaia places her tiny hands over his face, searching for something or showing him a memory. Then, Leon just breaks in front of us. He is crying, for real. Sobbing with an equally crying little girl in his arms.

“Yes, you were right … the bad men came, and I wasn’t there. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry…” and for the first time, we heard her voice. She speaks in a small whisper, with the tone of someone who scream more than enough in her life.

“You came…”

 And he did, even if it took them years. I can’t help but smile at them. A family reunited. Merlin on his way back to health when druids came later in the day and used their magic. Maybe there was hope. I have to believe in it.

 “You’re right, Sire,” a voice whisper. A druid stands beside me, his hand behind his back. “There may be dangers here, waiting for you and seeking revenge for your father’s actions. But I think you are on your way to become the Once and Future King. If you ever need our help, my people will answer.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“Don’t thank me yet. Raising a magical child is a lot of work, she may drive you crazy before you accomplish the prophecy.” I can sense a laugh, a mockery behind his words and my smile soon match his. I should lift the ban of magic soon after we return to Camelot then.

“As long as she’s happy, I’m sure we can work something out.”

 The druid laughs even more, but I don’t ask questions. For now, all is well.

[iknownowmerlin]

merlin rewatch - 1x13: le morte d’arthur

a series of posts in which i record my thoughts and reactions as i properly watch all of bbc’s merlin for the very first time 😊

great end to a great season

season finale baby let’s do this

love that even now the knights just quietly stand behind merlin and arthur like yup,, there they go again 

uther you are going to get you, your son and all of camelot killed

gwen comforting morgana when she has nightmares 🥺

morgana really is losing it and it’s quite heartbreaking

arthur’s first instinct upon seeing the beast is to push merlin out of harm’s way

did merlin just defeat the questing beast just like that? he barely lifted a finger damn alright emrys

“we haven’t done all the things we’re meant to do” wanted to make some kind of shippy comment before i remembered that arthur eventually does die before they do all the things they were meant to do and now i’m crying

tbh despite it all it’s always nice to see the more human side of uther, the one that truly cares for arthur

HARRY POTTER IS DEAD vibes

kilgharrah my dude you’re really starting to get on my nerves

merlin has clearly felt bound to his destiny from day one but we’ve never seen him quite so desperate for arthur to live

i think it’s really interesting how his reasoning for being willing to do anything to save arthur keeps going back and forth between ‘it’s my destiny’ and ‘he’s my friend and i don’t want him to die’

hm bashful/nervous gaius, that’s a new one

arthur calming down under his father’s touch :( he’s just a boy

also hi merlin looks gorgeous

gwen’s talk to arthur is just lovely, as is she

arthur is already loved and respected, the people are preparing to mourn

“i don’t believe in miracles” >> immediate cut to merlin. i dig it

iiiit’s nimueh

“i willingly give my life for arthur’s” “his life is worth 100 of mine” 😢

merlin!! ily but at NO point did she explain or did you ask for the exact terms of this bargain you have already agreed to

everything’s going to be alright?? i can’t tell what merlin’s thinking. maybe arthur living is all that matters to him but everything certainly won’t be alright for a whole lot of people if merlin dies

merlin holding arthur i

morgana jumpscare

“i think there’s someone watching over me, keeping me from harm” the closest merlin will get to actual recognition from arthur until… well you know

what’s this? the first proper arwen scene and it actually really works for me?? holy shit why had i never seen this???? it’s super arthur and it’s super gwen and they’re adorable af?????? MORE OF THIS PLEASE

who tf is it??

HUNITH D:

this part with kilgharrah just makes me mad because it was merlin’s fucking destiny to help arthur bring magic back to the land so WHY didn’t that happen

merlin’s betrayal. i felt that

hey uh kilgharrah… wtf?

this is a good time to point out that we have never seen merlin do so much magic or be so in control of it

i know it sucks but your mother wouldn’t want you to die for her merlin

i don’t know how true everything merlin’s saying to gaius rn is but it’s sweet

this,,,,,, scene,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

merlin calls him a royal prat right to his face and all arthur does is laugh with overwhelming levels of fondness

“are you ever going to change merlin?” you KNOW what future line i’m thinking about 😭

arthur’s face when merlin says he’s happy to be his servant until the day he dies, i’m telling you shit’s going on there

arthur’s last words to merlin: “everything you’ve done, i know now. for me, for camelot. for the kingdom you helped me build. thank you” vs. merlin’s last words to arthur: “just… don’t be a prat”

merlin saying goodbye to gwen too 😢

gaius DID that

“you did not like the outcome” and you did??? was the outcome not the genocide of your people? isn’t revenge the whole point of all this?

well i say that, to this day i still cannot for the life of me figure out what any of nimueh’s actual goals are

yo this confrontation is pretty epic. worthy of a series finale

powerful merlin is my shit!!!! he just brought LIGHTNING down. amazing

LMAO “what did you do?”

yo that ending was cute

oh shit spoke to soon. ~drama~

[tinysupervicki]

It’s hard to stay away, huh? I did turn off my notifications on twitter but I still peeked. Why are y’all so amazing to me? What did I do to deserve this love? This community?

Since y’all have been there for me ever since my mom passed three years ago, I’d do anything for y’all. I felt I did let y’all down because I’m a content creator and haven’t done anything in so long. It sucks because I’m yearning to do so but lack the time due to now being an adult, working a grueling adult job and living with family.

I believe I will be able to get a place of my own later in the year, I’m really hoping for that. As for my full time job, I’m actively looking for another one. The one I’m at, I feel I work so hard but I’m not appreciated enough. It’s a healthcare industry and I work hard to help people with their needs while management focuses on metrics and numbers. I wanna get out of there.

I haven’t had time to myself and just be selfish for once? So I’m glad I was able to take time off to have a pretty long weekend to enjoy Sizecon 2020 and spend time with friends.

Let’s get started on the recap, shall we? Bare with me, I talk a lot (and not well might I add).

Day 1: Thursday 2/13/20

I woke up at 4 am to catch my flight that leaves at 6:45 am. I thankfully had all my bags packed, I just needed to shower and be ready. My dad took me to the airport and wished me off. At this point, I had plenty of time, even seeing the long TSA line at the Houston airport. I had internally groaned a lot but managed through. After having some minutes to spare, I grabbed a quick bite to eat at one of the dining places, a lovely breakfast bowl that I can have (those of you who don’t know me, I have celiac disease and I have to eat gluten free). Jumped on my flight and comfortably slept in my seat on the plane. The plan was to have a connecting flight to Charlotte, NC and then to Newark, NJ.

Two hours later, I woke up to not at my destination but at Colombia, SC. Apparently, while I was asleep, they had to divert us to the next airport because the weather was really bad in NC. We had two options: stay on the plane and wait it out until we’re back in the air to NC, or get off the plane and figure out another alternative. I stayed, I had plenty of time until my connecting flight was scheduled (which I actually got alerts that it ending up delaying a lot) so I stayed in my seat and watched greys anatomy. About almost an hour passed and we’re finally back up in the air, with more space to breathe since there were people that did leave the plane. Landed safely in NC and I ventured off to find snacks and wait at my gate. It kept delaying but I finally was able to get on my flight to NJ, making my total time at the airport and in the air...all day, I can’t do math lol. I safely landed in NJ at 5:30 pm, I had been awake since 4 am. It was a day.

Yo, I’m gonna get him and his wife a gift, I swear to god, but DJ (aka Giantgripper) saved me by picking me up from the airport and letting me stay the night at his place. When he’s the host, he does one heck of a job as a host. Since I hadn’t eaten a proper meal since 5 in the morning or so, DJ took me to a Mediterranean little mom and pop restaurant that I fell in love with. Had a stuffed pepper and practically cleaned everything off my plate. After we ate, I accompanied DJ while he did some errands for extra things he needed for the con (which did include articles of clothing for the giant cafe lol). I was happy to help as much as I could. After that, we made it back to his place. Once his wife Adri (chibiana) came home from work, we watched a documentary while trying (and failing with me because I’m a turd) to make different mixed drinks to taste. I ended up going with hot chocolate, I’m a simpleton when it comes to alcohol. A little bit afterwards, I had to pass out, it was a long ass day.

Day 2: Friday 2/14/20

Valentine’s was just another day for me. Woke up, got dressed, and DJ surprised me with a fresh homemade breakfast. It was magnificent, I scrapped the plate then too. Plans for the day was to get allllllll the stuff we need and travel to the hotel, which apparently was an hour and a half away from DJ’s house I believe. Adri had to go do another thing for work and was gonna meet up later. DJ and I traveled to the hotel first. I passed out again in the car, I was so exhausted from before I guess it had hit me again.

We made it to the hotel and unpacked the car with my stuff, his and Adri’s bags, and things for the con. I got to say quick hellos to people I knew that were already there (gave a big ass hug to Miss Kaneda, she’s so precious and a big hug to IamFilledwithStatic). I was going to be sharing a room with shortmarcy, Morgana (Moe), and Guiri. So since I had arrived first, I will check in first; Morgana and Guiri were still flying from Spain and shortmarcy didn’t come until the next morning. Since it was under shortmarcy’s name and the deposit was paid under her, She had to call to have the hotel let me check in for her. In turn, I had to put my card on file. I thought I was being a responsible adult and I thought it was gonna charge like half of the charge or something but...they charged the full price of the hotel. Which was $503...which was basically everything in my bank account. I didn’t know that was gonna happen, I panicked and just sat on the couch outside of the con area while Robyn (goddess-rei) comforted me. I had to come to terms that shit happens and I had no money for the weekend. But I graciously had the best of friends this weekend, I’ll get to that in a sec.

After my bumming out, I changed to put on my blouse for the valentines banquet (one of my guaranteed dinners that night lol). I met up with Morgana and Guiri and also sillylilbug (she’s so adorably sweet). We had our own table along with my friend Joe (CaptainRandGTS, who is a phenomenal photographer btw). We ate some good food and they took account of my gluten free (however I think the chimichurri steak may have upset my stomach). I said goodnight and went to my room to basically turn the bathroom up XD I had changed into my pajamas to head downstairs to get water and pain medicine when I turned the corner and saw a group of people walking down the hall. Guys, I’m still getting used to this, but the group was like, “Is that Vicki?!” “That is her!” And I was like WHAT. It was my lovely friends sviolet, mansquishers, mister finch, Joseph moestar, and Strongshadow2018. I was so surprised and honored, I was gushing. I got to hang out with them in their hotel room for a bit, played cards against humanity (I WON!) and ate ridiculously delicious gluten free cookies misterfinch made.

Day 3: Saturday 2/15/20

Con day. This day was a bit of a blur honestly (my mind is not the same people) but I know I took this day to “try” and relax. I was still bummed about my money problem but I had enough to buy the breakfast buffet meal ticket. My idea was to chow down a lot of food (since it was a buffet) so I won’t ask for food but that did not happen because I have wonderful friends?? Towards noon, I went to ihop with my crew (we called each other the sizecon crew lol) with sviolet, mansquishers, mister finch, Joseph moestar, and strongshadow2018. We had a nice time and I was so grateful for the lunch! Once we headed back to the hotel, we split up to do more con shenanigans. I met so many people, it was amazing. People I already knew and new people as well. It was awesome to match names to faces, it was so cool. I’m telling you though, my mind is not the same so I can’t list out the whole list of everyone I’ve seen. Then I got to see my good friend Steve (Miles Striker). I’m so fucking proud of this dude. He showed me a film he wrote, recorded, and edited all by himself, it was mindblowing. We had to go back downstairs after that because I forgot I had a social to lead and he had panels to go to. I stopped by the giant cafe, that was fucking wild. I ran the Fluffy Feels Social and I did my best because I’ve never ran something like that. But I’m glad we all liked the same thing and we just kept talking! It was getting late to when the Playroom was gonna start, so I headed back upstairs. Chilled a bit more with my crew and then headed back downstairs. I don’t know what got over me, but I gathered enough courage and joined the nude swimming party. I cannot believe I did that, that was a big step for me. Kinda sucked getting out though because I didn’t have extra clothes and it was fucking cold.

Day 4: Sunday 2/16/20

Technically last day of the con but it was the busiest. I spent all morning practicing my skit for the Tiny Cafe. I was nervous and pacing around in my hotel room, making sure I get it right. Around 12:30, I headed down to meet up with the rest of the cafe to get ready when we start at 1 pm. I could not describe how nervous I was. I wanted to make sure I didn’t mess up and I know I was lip syncing (graciously provided by Anoka’s vocals) I was still nervous as fuck. This was a performance and I’m now more confident talking to others about my kink/aesthetics but performing? Oh lawd. We had a big crowd apparently, I was surprised. We had to get more chairs and apparently turn people away? THAT MADE MY NERVES SKYROCKET. The cafe starts with a wonderful performance by Adri (Chibiana) then followed by cute transitions from our servers mini-moo and shortmarcy. Then it’s time for our skit: Veronica (Jitensha), me, and Aim were shrunk and sung songs about our giants. I was first (omg) and mine was in the style of “Maria” from west side story (Veronica called it Shrunken side story). I was shaking like a leaf and tried my best to get through the whole song while doing silly quirks of mine. Once that was done, I rushed back from my spot XD it was Veronica’s turn to sing about a giant dick lol and Aim serenading a giant lady. After our skit, it was the grand finale of Morgana performing a dance in a giant hamster ball. It was incredible. Despite my anxiety, I’m glad I did this and we did so amazing (we made tips!!!!).

Right after that was done, I had to rush to lead a social of Giant men and Tiny women. It was a small turnout but we still got people and we talked a lot. When that was done, I rushed to be on my first panel of the day: Owning what you love. After that was the Macrophile panel and then after that was the Diversity panel. I was on all of them and they were back to back, I was a busy lady lol. After that panel, I was free! Since I made tips from the cafe and I was broke from the hotel, I got to buy a few things in the vendor hall. Was able to say hi to some people I knew like scridam, the reducer, miss kaneda, iamfilledwithstatic, robclassact, and aborigen. It was also mister finch’s birthday so since I was free for the night, I went with the crew to go celebrate at a restaurant. That was such a nice time, I swear everything I did this weekend I wanted to experience again. When we came back to the hotel after dinner (after a quick stop to the liquor store lol), I was able to make it in time for the closing ceremony. Hearing everyone’s words touched my heart and reminded me why I love this community. So I was able to give a speech to say that; this is my second home when I lost my only home when my mom passed. God, that room was filled with so much love. I went back upstairs and hung out more with the crew and watched Promare (pretty sick movie). I was gonna head to bed but I hung out more with Steve and we watched a movie before passing out.

Day 5: Monday 2/17/20

It was time to say all of my goodbyes to everyone that had to leave. I gave so many hugs and love, I just miss them all. Most of the crew had to head out, except for sviolet, she had her flight in the afternoon. So we went out to breakfast at a Mexican restaurant, reminiscing this whole weekend. We came back to the hotel to chill in my hotel room. Morgana and Guiri were leaving to the airport back to Spain and shortmarcy wanted to venture to NYC before she went home the next day. So sviolet and I chilled in my room before she had to head out.

Then for the rest of the evening, I had the room to myself. I watched law and order svu whole packing and double checked I had everything. I waited up for shortmarcy to come back (I was so worried) but she made it back after 10 pm safe and sound. At that point, I had to go to bed because my flight in the morning was at 5:45 am.

Day 6: Tuesday 2/18/20

I woke up at 3 am to get to the airport on time and my Lyft driver I got...I had a feeling he was having a bit of fun by himself before he picked me up. Because it stunk in the car of cum. Whatever, I held in my breath and made it to the airport safely. My flights were on time and I slept on each one. I did not want to go back home.

Back to reality and I hate the after con blues! Especially with how much this con and community means to me.

Hoping there’s a next year and I’m ready to help as usual.

Y’all have a goodnight ❤️

[vocalprinceseokmin]

Xcalibur summary (Part 1)

SPOILER ALERT: If you are someone who has tickets to go watch Xcalibur, or you intend to go and watch, then I highly suggest that you do not click under the cut. This is my attempt to piece together the musical from whatever is available online for those who have not or will not manage to catch it. My understanding of Korean is at best minimal, so my understanding is from the summaries that have been floating around (including the summary from the program book), and guesswork from watching the musical.

I watched the first two shows that DK performed, namely 19 June and 22 June, which shall be referred to as Day 1 and Day 2 respectively. I also watched the Kai show on the 21 June, which featured pretty much a completely different lineup from Day 1 and Day 2. 

Cast (Arthur / Lancelot / Morgana / Merlin / Guinevere / Ector )

Day 1: DK / Um Ki Joon / Shin Young Sook / Son Jun Ho / Min Kyung Ah / Lee Jong Moon

Day 2: DK / Lee Jee Hoon / Jang Eun Ah  / Son Jun Ho / Min Kyung Ah / Lee Jong Moon

Kai Day: Kai / Park Kang Hyun / Shin Young Sook / Kim Joon Hyun / Kim Sohyang / Cho Won Hee

 As a matter of background, please do note that DK is triple cast in the role of Arthur together with Kai (not the EXO member, musical actor whose real name is Jung Ki Yeol) and Kim Junsu (Xiah Junsu). Both Kai and Junsu happen to be (very) well regarded musical actors, so let’s just say that there is pretty much no way that DK can match up to the two of them given that he has zilch experience, and I don’t think anyone with background expects him to match up. In addition, as a broad generality, the rest of the cast is well regarded, and it is established that he is the youngest of the lot. I suspect every other main cast is at least five years older than him (with the youngest of the rest I think being Min Kyung Ah), and way way more musical experience.

So really, he has his work cut out for him, and I am saying this as someone who runs a DK vocal appreciation account. That said, Arthur is the lead role in a big budget musical “world premiere”, so he really can’t afford to suck. 

I repeat: If you intend to watch the musical, I suggest you do not spoil yourself.

Due to the length of this post, I will not be embedding the videos like I normally do. There exists more videos, but I want to get this out first.

Edit (28 June): to include alternative videos from the press call + new videos from the Sitzprobe (but please note that the quality of the video in the Sitzprobe is not great but there’s no other source)

ACT 1

0 Prologue

Ensemble

Opening of the musical where masked ensemble members come on stage to do some chanting (think in relation to the Xcalibur). Looks quite ritualistic.

 1 A Bond that Cannot be Broken

Arthur / Lancelot / Ensemble

Arthur runs onto stage (for DK fans, the first guy who runs on to stage with the sword is Arthur, because I couldn’t tell until later). Arthur and Lancelot have a duel (not serious). Don’t recall who wins, but in the end after Arthur and Lancelot are done fighting, some ensemble actor (who is a village boy) kicks Arthur in the butt. Arthur gets angry and brandishes his sword at the ensemble actor. There is some further provocation between the ensemble actor and Arthur, but after interference by Ector (Arthur’s adoptive papa), and the other ensemble actors (village boys), the tension is diffused.

Arthur breaks into song, which I think generally introduces his life (as a ordinary village boy), with his friends and his adoptive papa. Generally a merry mood, with him drinking a few times out of his cup. He appears to be great friends with the village boys (including Lancelot).  At some point Lancelot takes over singing the song. The spoilers are right in that he gets kissed once on his cheek (he falls over), and then I believe the same ensemble actress kisses him on the lips. While shocking when watched the first time, it’s really quick (and contrary to the image you are likely imagining, he has both village boy and girl friends).

Arthur ends the scene on the shoulder of two other village boys with the light shining on him.

2 Telling of a Tale

Merlin

Lightning strikes, and most of the villagers disperse. Arthur asks what is going on, and Ector (adoptive papa) basically knows that it’s Merlin who is coming.

Merlin sings. I believe the song is telling Arthur that he is destined to be king. Merlin is a very composed character, I feel, and makes hand movements wherein basically the fate of Arthur is projected (namely for him to be king etc). Effects were cool.

3 My Flesh, My Blood, My Skin, My Bones (on DK international twitter, I think people translated it to I Am Mine)

Arthur

Arthur gets angry and does not want to accept what Merlin is saying and gets angry.  

This is the song that DK sang during the mini live (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiQJGPa5ktM).

Trans: https://twitter.com/17_HAMZZI/status/1130284402150240261

Arthur confronts Merlin, points his finger at Merlin. At some point picks up his sword and points that Merlin too.

4 World on Fire

Ensemble

There is a press call for this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnvvEpp_wOk

Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIivCO6yewQ

Camelot ensemble is living in fear, and then the Saxons end up barging in and finishing them off.

5 Where Are You Now  

Morgana

Sitzprobe at approximately 4:14 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvg5_pFKDPE

Morgana is Arthur’s half sister, and appears to be a nun. Believe she is mourning her fate, and asking where Merlin is, but I will admit I didn’t get much more than that. From information that I have seen subsequent, it seems that Morgana is Merlin’s former disciple.

I think at the end of this scene, the Saxons crash into Morgana’s room, kill the other person who was in her room, and Morgana manages to save herself by saying that her father is Uther Pendragon. Not sure if they believe her, but the Saxons spare her life and take her prisoner.

 6  Telling of the Tale Reprise

Merlin

Arthur runs to the forest and prays. Probably asks why his fate is this, can’t believe it etc. Ector shows up, and I believe confirms that he is not Arthur’s biological father (giving credence to what Merlin says that he is destined to be king, and he is Uther Pendragon’s son). Arthur is angry. I am also being led to believe that Ector tries to convince Arthur to listen to what Merlin has to say.  

Merlin is singing the song, probably showing Arthur his fate. I think there is some suggestion that Arthur has some “dragon blood” and “dragon rage” in him. Many animations of parts of a dragon appear, in which Arthur swings his sword at the animations that appear. In the end he falls on the floor when the animation of the dragon eye appears.

Merlin probably tells Arthur about how the Saxons are threatening Camelot or something. Merlin takes away Arthur’s sword and I think tells Arthur to go pull the xcalibur out of the stone.

 7 The Man You’d Have Me Be

Arthur

The first song from this clip of press call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbzWMHbszjk

Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm0DC5gHyrA

At some point, it seems that Arthur is buying what Merlin is saying. Then the rock formation with the xcalibur sword in it appears.

Arthur scales the rock (while singing) with the intention of trying to pull the sword out of the stone. Villagers are starting to gather below the rock formation.

Arthur fails to pull the xcalibur out of the sword twice (to giggles and then more giggles from the onlooking villagers below).

8 Let the Sword Make This Man

Lancelot / Ensemble

Merlin tells Arthur something, and then the xcalibur slides out easily without Arthur needing to exert force at all.

Second song from this clip of the press call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbzWMHbszjk

Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm0DC5gHyrA

Arthur is in awe of the sword, but Lancelot doesn’t seem to be very happy (and Lancelot is the one singing the song mostly). Villagers seem to be in awe of the sword too, and have fallen to their knees to pay respect to the king (except Lancelot). 

There is a moment of suspense when 5 or 6 ensemble actors (to be knights) sing, and then there’s a pause and everyone looks at Lancelot who hasn’t sung yet. And then Lancelot breaks into song, gets on his knees. And then the joker asks to be knighted right away – and Arthur does. Arthur and Lancelot hug. Then Arthur goes to Ector and they hug too. 

Arthur celebrates with Ector, and then Merlin. Believe Arthur hands the xcalibur to Ector.

9 If He Were Standing Here

Guinevere / Arthur

Last 30 seconds of this clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbzWMHbszjk is the background to the song. Song itself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv6OLpbsnBA

Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcYAjOAIVZI

Sitzprobe at approximately 7:05: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvg5_pFKDPE

Guinevere shows up and is in awe that someone managed to pull the xcalibur out of the stone.

I believe Arthur asks Guinevere what she would say to the person who managed to pull the xcalibur from the sword if he were standing here. Guinevere doesn’t know that Arthur was the one who managed to pull the xcalibur from the stone.

Guinevere is excited that someone managed to pull it out of the stone, that is clear enough.

Towards the end of the song, Ector comes and gives the xcalibur back to Arthur, to the shock and horror of Guinevere. Who makes an excuse to run away, but Arthur manages to get her name. Arthur looks smitten anyway, and I have been subsequently informed that Merlin asks Arthur if he likes Guinevere, and he answers yes. Merlin tells Arthur that ok, he’ll make Guinevere his wife, and Arthur answers yes, without paying too much attention to what Merlin is saying, then realizes that Merlin is saying, and pretty much goes “really” or something along those lines and chases Merlin excitedly off stage.

10 The Mark of the Wolf

Wolfgang / Ensemble

Sitzprobe at approximately 12 minute mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvg5_pFKDPE

Ensemble (Saxons) get on stage and demonstrate their power.

Lee Sang Jun (Wolfgang), I think, has more to do than his 7th billing suggests, and I think he sings well. I think he has more to do than Ector for sure.

 11 Where Are You Now Reprise

Morgana

I think in 10 there might’ve been some Morgana bullying (notably, it seems like Wolfgang’s son (who is a important ensemble member) likes to pull her hair).

So I guess Morgana is again, not very happy.

 12 In Troubled Times Like These

Arthur / Guinevere

Guinevere is with a group of girls. It seems like she’s holding some fighting classes or something. Lancelot and Arthur come along (for what purpose isn’t exactly clear to me). Think Lancelot might have said or done something to piss Guinevere off, so Lancelot and Guinevere get into a (not serious) fight. Guinevere wins.

Lancelot wants to like chase girls, and I think the girls want to see the xcalibur. Arthur moves closer to offer the xcalibur to Lancelot to take to chase the girls, and all the girls save Guinevere flock to Lancelot who leads the girls away.

It’s only at this point that the song starts. Unlike If He Was Standing Here, this song is probably even. It seems like some love song, and it seems like at the end there was an intention to kiss, but they get interrupted by the Saxons. Arthur pushes Guinevere away and fights the Saxons (without the xcalibur, or any other kind of proper sword), but soon after Lancelot comes back, hands Arthur his xcalibur, then Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere (with the bow and arrow) manage to fend off the Saxons. However, Arthur is injured in the process. Wolfgang’s son is seriously injured in this battle, and I think Arthur tells Wolfgang’s son that he is the son of Uther Pendragon.

 13 Pagan Dance & Ritual

Ensemble

I think basically what it suggests. A lavish number of ensemble (the female Saxons(??) who like entertain instead of fight, are not as good as the male Saxons). They are celebrating and then engaging in some ritual, which seems to result in perhaps crowning Wolfgang as king? (Morgana is still Saxons’ prisoner).

Wolfgang’s son runs in, and I think is quite injured. Understand that he reveals that he met Uther Pendragon’s son. Wolfgang is angry. Morgana is angry and shocked that Arthur is alive/exists/in the way.

 14 Sins of Father

Morgana

Press call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijpz7GqTAaI

Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xWQgN7VOoE

Sitzprobe at approximately 15:50 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvg5_pFKDPE (sung by Jang Eun-Ah instead of Shin Young Sook at the press call)

Understand that Morgana is angry/jealous of Arthur for taking away what she believes is rightfully hers, and is angry at her father.

The edges of the dragon in the background shine more brightly as the song goes on, and at the climax, a dragon projection roars out (this does not show up in the press call). Cool stuff but Morgana is definitely the highlight still.

15 The Tempest

Lancelot

Recall that Arthur got injured due to the clash with the Saxons. At the start Arthur didn’t have a weapon because Lancelot took it away to go and chase girls (though to be fair, Arthur offered the xcalibur). Still, Arthur is the one who got injured.

At the start of the scene, some of the knights are angry at Lancelot. Lancelot breaks into song. If you believe the summary, it’s probably Lancelot regretting and vowing to be a better person or something along those lines.

 16 In Troubled Times Like This Reprise

Guinevere

Merlin does some singing at the start (understand that he’s backed by ensemble). Arthur is in Merlin’s cave, and Merlin is trying to save him.

Guinevere comes along, and Merlin is quite exhausted from trying to rescue Arthur. Not sure what Merlin tells Guinevere. But at the end of the scene, Guinevere told Arthur that she loves him. Arthur is already awake (or wakes up) and tells her that he loves her too. They embrace.

 17 Hundred Years From Now

Ensemble

Scene starts with many villagers who are all out and about building things. There is a fair bit of construction equipment. Ensemble starts out singing a short number.

As you can guess Arthur survives, and walks in (with Guinevere and Merlin supporting him) to a crowd of villagers chanting his name.

 18 Why Am I Here

Morgana / Merlin / Arthur

Lightning strikes, and Morgana (somehow) is on the floor (for avoidance of doubt, this is a direct continuation from the previous scene with the villagers still all around them with the construction equipment, though as the scene goes on the villagers start to retreat). I think Arthur and Guinevere check if Morgana is ok,  and then Arthur asks Morgana who she is to which Morgana says that she is Morgana Pendragon, and that she is Arthur’s older sister.

Morgana and Merlin have a confrontation, and this is where Morgana breaks into song.  Merlin joins in.  There is a lot of back and forth between Morgana and Merlin. Then Arthur joins in. And there’s a lot of back and forth. At the end it seems like Merlin is on the other side from Morgana and Arthur.

After the song (I think, but no promises, might have been before), Arthur embraces Morgana. Arthur seems genuinely happy to meet her. It seems like Arthur is not happy that Merlin kept this fact from him.

 19 The Mark of The Wolf Reprise

Wolfgang / Ensemble

Saxons display their power. As before, they have a very cool routine in which the Saxons ensemble bang their weapons on their shields. If you sit near the front it’s really quite scary.

 20 Sins of Father Reprise Chant

Morgana

As the title suggests, Morgana is angry about the sins of her father.

 21 Remember This Night

Arthur / Merlin / Ensemble

Press call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZySqHmL3qc

Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-Fzaj6NYFg

Sitzprobe at approximately 20:30 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvg5_pFKDPE (with Kim Joon Hyun as Merlin instead of Son Jun Ho)

Crowning of Arthur atop the rock formation. All key casts are present (Merlin, Ector, Guinevere, Lancelot). The knights have now their knight outfits, and well, now knights around the round table. Villagers are also present.

I think the press call is quite accurate, except at the end, the light on Arthur intensifies and gets really bright and then Arthur thrusts his sword into the air to bring an end to Act 1.

===========================================================

I have thoughts, and initially thought of including them, but I have left them out, and have decided this to be a skeletal of the musical instead. I will share my thoughts eventually (probably in a separate post). On DK, let me just say that when I decided to fly in to watch him (I have never flown to watch a concert before), I knew that if he did not meet expectations (whatever that means, to be clear expectations is not to be as good as Junsu or Kai because that’s simply unrealistic), I would likely drop him and leave kpop altogether. That got messed with because the rehearsal reviews were quite positive (which I saw), and I guess, despite that I’m still writing this to piece together the musical so.

If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a message, and to the people who have reblogged this, thanks alot!!

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

I was tagged by @occidentaltourist. This was hard but I gave it my all, thank you for including me, now please come read my rantings...

my shows (in no particular order) :

Merlin

Xena: Warrior Princess

Stargate SG-1

Supergirl

Sanctuary

questions:

1. who is your favorite character in 2?

Xena. How is this even a question? This bish was so extra I didn’t even know the meaning of the word until I saw her bury her damn armor in the first 30 seconds of the first episode. The battle cry, the chakram-- the leather. My poor baby gay brain melted.

2. who is your least favorite character in 1?

Fucking Merlin. I would normally say Kilgarrah the dragon, as the instigator of most of Merlin’s dumbfuckery in one way or the other, but I can at least say Kilgarrah had his motives for doing what he did and insomuch at least remained consistent. Merlin not so much.

3. what is your favorite episode of 4?

Tie between “Exodus” and “Luthors”, I think. Maybe. Any Lena-centric episode is up there, honestly.

4. what is your favorite season of 5?

Probably S1. It’s the most cooky, and the most unique, where they really leaned into the teslapunk vibe and the revisionist history angle (not in a “if the nazis won” kind of way either) in how Helen knew so many people from across history. It also has Ashley, my poor heart.

5. who is your favorite couple in 3?

Sam and Jaaaaack

6. who is your favorite couple in 2?

Xena and Gabrielle. Can you believe my ace ass watched through the entire series thinking they’ve got the absolute Life™, tooling around the ancient world as besties? I only saw the gay when I atched a BTS interview with Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Connor where they were like “yeah it was totally gay” and I was like ( O.o ) and immediately went to re-watch it and only THEN did I realize how fucking gay it was oh my god.

7. what is your favorite episode in 1?

“To Kill the King”. I know it sucks when a show peaks in S1, but honestly? We’ve got the pinnacle of Morgana’s spirit in her efforts to free Gwen’s father, her rage in her failure to do so, and her impulsivity in deciding to do something about it by conspiring to assassinate Uther. And then we also have the embodiment of her kindness when she changes her mind at the last moment and kills to protect him. It only goes downhill from there.

8. what is your favorite episode of 5?

TEMPUS. Motherfucking god almighty “Tempus” took my breath away when I first saw it. It’s always the first one I go back to. The continuity, the performances, the sheer badassery from Miss Helen Magnus…. THAT was a masterpiece of television and anyone who disagrees can kiss my ass.

9. what is your favorite season of 2?

I gravitate towards the second season of X:WP, honestly. They’d hit their stride, and the season was predominantly one-offs, which I prefer over the heavy seasonal arcs they get into in later seasons. It also has my favorite episode, “A Day in the Life.” I live for “day in the life” type episodes, and this is the reason why. 

10. how long have you watched 1?

Ummm I binged the entire series oh…. Two years ago? Since then, I’ve watched only the pre-evil Morgana-heavy eps when I need something on in the background.

11. how did you become interested in 3?

So what happened was that I got to military training early, and had to spend two weeks in med company until my training billet opened up. While there, a buddy of mine had some atlantis eps on a usb drive and we watched during personal time. After I heatstroked twice later in said cycle, I had insomnia for the following year, and decided to catch up on the show-- from the beginning of SG-1. I watched whenever I couldn’t sleep and ended up getting through all 200+ episodes by the end of the semester. It’s probably the only reason I survived that year at all, tbh.

12. who is your favorite actor in 4?

Three-way tie between Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, and Katie McGrath. All three have the knack for non-verbal acting that I really gravitate towards. Some cases in point are Kara’s physicality in Season 1, and Alex’s coming out arc in Season 2. For Katie McGrath, I could point to any scene between Lena and Lillian, or Lena and any moment of vulnerability. Given the right material, all three are breathtaking.

13. which do you prefer, 1, 2, or 5?

Uggggghhh….. It’s definitely between 2 or 5. Both are equally meaningful to me. But I have to admit that I re-watch Sanctuary more, and I was definitely more active in the fandom there than I was for Xena, so… Sanctuary.

14. which show have you seen more episodes of, 1 or 3?

Ha. Ha ha ha hahahaha… 3. Stargate SG-1 has 214 episodes, not including two spinoffs, plus a short-lived animated series, a mobile game, and 31 tie-in novels (50+ if you include the atlantis tie ins and assorted novellas). 

Merlin has 65 episodes.

15. if you could be anyone from 4, who would you be?

By nature, Lena. By choice? Alex Danvers. She is the embodiment of everything I ever wished I could be. Her close bond with Kara. Her fierce protectiveness-- and ability to back it up. Her trust and confidence in herself and her friends. Her authority and physical prowess. Yeah. I’d choose to be Alex.

16. would a crossover between 3 and 4 work?

Strictly speaking… yes. There’s not enough room here to go into full details, but yes. It’s entirely feasible.

17. pair two characters in 1 that would make an unlikely but strangely okay couple

Arthur and Morgana. I say this in full knowledge that they’re siblings (hence the unlikely and strange part), but they’d be okay because in my mind they’d rule platonically and each of them would have their own spouses and it’d be two pendragons ruling to protect camelot and the rest of the world quivers before them.

18. overall, which story has the better storyline, 3 or 5?

What kind of question is that? Which storyline? They both have duds, and they both knock it out of the park. Am I supposed to compare bests? They fill different niches, bro DO NOT MAKE ME CHOOSE BETWEEN SANCTUARY AND SG-1 I REFUSE

19. which has the better theme music, 2 or 4?

I feel that this is an unfair question in this day and age, as most current tv shows don’t have theme songs the way they used to. They don’t have opening credits, so how are we supposed to be able to ID a theme song like we did in the old days? 

That said, I’m able to hum the Xena theme right off the bat, while Supergirl I’d only recognize if I heard it. So, Xena wins. Xena also wins for opening voice-over.

Tagging: @magicalstripedhorse. @samarallewis86, @cloudytiger, @storyiicharacter, @motorcyclegirlfriends, @calculatingdistances and anyone else who wants to rant about their shows.

[lizzybeth1986]

Quick Thoughts on TRR Book 3 Chapter 19

• It's our WEDDING DAY. But it looks like Anton wants to make it our Deathday first.

• For the kind of wait most of the stans have been keeping since this book has begun, seeing our MCs finally married to our favourite LIs is quite...satisfying. Well. For most of us at least.

• Title: You Are Cordially Invited. To see me get married or to see me die?

• Mara goes outside, vowing that to get through to us they'd have to get through to her first.

• Madeleine and Bertrand barricade the door with a couch and Bertrand warns everyone to have something in hand (Olivia is one step ahead, obviously, with her sharp-as-fuck stilettos).

• That girl is ready and prepared to commit maritricide, y'all! XD

• Hana picks a vase, Madeleine keeps her clipboard, Penelope is panicking at the back with Merlin and Morgana (this was the shit I was trying to avoid with court, Mom! I can almost hear her thinking), but if you really want to see a legend minus the legend points...I should point you all to Kiara:

I repeat. A legend I stan.

This is someone having a trigger attack, and steeling herself despite the trauma of two previous experiences before plunging herself into a possible third one. That takes serious guts.

• Madeleine isn't exactly prepared to fight (clearly being Queen never seemed to involve fighting assassins before for her, strangely enough), but Olivia sure is. She says "do you want to keep bleating like a defenseless lamb or do you want to get ready to fight?"

• Honestly though Olivia delivers some of my favourite lines this chapter.

• Ana is staying out if this - (in public) because she "does not have the equipment for this" and (in private) because she wants to capture the scoop of the century!

• THANK YOU MAXWELL for gifting me that sword!

•

(All the screenshots, except for the Maxwell one from the HIMEME channel, are mine)

I have better bodyguards inside this boutique than I do outside. Look at all of these people. Picking up clipboards, stilletoes, vases, mannequins, scissors, THEIR OWN BARE HANDS, and defeating these dudes. Like...like...they may have been incredibly sheltered and protected by their families but all of them know how to make the best of a situation where their lives are under threat. And mind you, at least two of those women openly struggle with issues related to their mental health and still manage to emerge from this doing what they can.

• I loved the sword scene! It was a nice look back at TCaTF (esp Book 3) and a nice way to celebrate the Choices anniversary. In TCaTF books 1 and 2, you had different point systems for Kenna and Dom: prestige for her and power for him, to show the rise of Kenna as a formidable leader and the gaining of Dom's fire powers. Because he possesses enough power to transform into a dragon by the end of Book 2, the focus then shifts to them gearing up for their biggest battle yet - the one with Empress Azura of Ducitora (though part of this book is spent with Dom trapped inside an airship fighting a particularly frightening form of mind control from Hex). The implication is that Kenna becoming a legend consolidates her position as the uniter of the Five Kingdoms, which is what she becomes by the end of the story. It's therefore fitting that the legend points feature here, just before the MC's wedding - for like Kenna, she has just returned from reuniting the nobility (or not) into supporting Liam's right to the throne through her wedding, and like Kenna she needs to fight a Nevrakis, while possibly having the support of other Nevrakises...well, just one in the case of TRR.

• If you're marrying Hana, she features nowhere in this scene, and Olivia stabs the assassin who attacks Madeleine with knives. If you're not, she is part of your entourage, and particularly is shown taking action when Madeleine's life is under threat. If they hadn't already been hinting at Madeleine's "feelings" for Hana, and the latter's convenient amnesia regarding the events of the engagement tour...I wouldn't have minded. But I do. Very much.

• Maxwell only features in this scene if you choose him as a bridesmaid, but I would highly recommend choosing him as one at least once (if he's not your LI that is) because he and Bertrand do so amazing fighting together here.

• Ana's motto will be "my life may leave me but never my desire to catch proof of a burning-hot scoop".

• Gee, Bastien, you took a while to get here. Like...8 chapters or something.

• Mara comes back with an injury and an attempt to say our code name, which...sure thanks Mara but you still suck at your job. If guarding us is really your job at all.

• Bastien and whoever is with him have managed to capture the remaining assassins but Anton managed to escape. If that doesn't come back to bite us in the ass later...

• Why is Madeleine so involved when it comes to MY dress? Her hand is literally trembling. Please don't tell me this design was intended for her wedding. That'll be a waste of 25 whole diamonds.

• Or perhaps she's just shook coz THERE IS FYDELIA LACE INVOLVED YOU PEASANTS.

• "I need to have security remove any guests wearing white," says the press sec who tried to sneak in a white dress to wear for my wedding.

(Yes. I plead guilty. I just needed an excuse to cram in a Brian May gif there. I can't help that this man is the Meme King of Queen).

• OF COURSE I'M WEARING DRAKE'S POCKET WATCH AND HANA'S SHOES.

• We've finally reached the cathedral! After threatening to either drive the carriage through the premises, cry or sue Cordonia if we don't get there soon enough.

• I see the Applewood people! You get loads of options to greet the crowd. And of course I was going to try getting Esther to say " 'sup" once lol. I think depending on how you wave to them, the press will either see you as graceful or playful.

•

(Screenshots: Hana's is mine, Maxwell's from the HIMEME YouTube channel, Penelope's from @sgt-peppers-coffee-club , Olivia's from @i-dream-so-i-write , and Kiara's from @callmetippytumbles )

Here's all our Maids (plus one Man) of Honour! All of them speak about this day being a long time coming, but also reflect with the MC on what it took for them all to get to this point. I think Olivia (by virtue of being the Fighter of the lot) and Kiara (because of what she's faced at least thrice now) get some particularly meaty lines for their MOH scene.

• You get to choose whether Bertrand should accompany you down the aisle, since it's tradition to be done so by a member of your House, and the Beaumonts have been her sponsor from the beginning. Cue an emotional moment with Bertrand, who regards you as family now and is immensely proud of you. The Maxwell stans got a similar conversation in the vows diamond scene, but in more detail because it's his kid brother you're marrying, but now we get it as an honorary Beaumont as well. He gets super super emotional if you ask him to walk you down the aisle.

• Oooh pretty! And so many stained glass windows! Why was Leo complaining so much about this cathedral in RoE Book 3? I would have given an arm and a leg to get married there.

• NEW MUSIC!!! Lots of lovely flowery piano notes and trumpets. Very regal and very much a wedding march tune.

• So technically I'm guessing this is where we get to see the results of our tour, because in my playthrough everyone is here.

• If you're marrying Drake, you get to see his mother Bianca, and she speaks to you after the ceremony. I can kiiinda see where Savannah gets her "I only met you ten seconds ago but OMG WE'RE GOING TO BE BFFS" vibe comes from.

• WTF none of these people changed clothes it seems 😂 Everyone's else is wearing what they usually wear. Guys, this wedding is going to be freaking TELEVISED and these nobles are wearing their usual dusty outfits 😂😂

• The Best Men/Women, are depicted positively - whether they have feelings for the MC or not. Drake is said to be showing a "rare, unabashed grin", and Liam is "smiling proudly". Kiara is "smiling excitedly".

• So as you all know, you can choose between Liam (if you're marrying Hana or Maxwell), Leo or Regina for officiating your wedding. The speech is largely the same - they all mention the seed and apple tree analogy, the traditions of Cordonia and how important love is - but the opening lines vary.

(Regina's is from mine, Leo's is from the Bizzy's Choices channel, and Liam's is from @kennaxval )

Regina's is distant and formal, which suits her and suits the scale of the occasion. Leo's is humorous, and Liam's is flowery and poetic. This suits both of the men as we know them. Leo is known to not take himself very seriously, and Liam's language is very ornate by default.

• The vows (I'm talking about the LIs' ones here, since the MC's is customizable) are all beautiful. Every single one delves into their history with her and how their relationship with her grew from strength to strength. You can see why they decided to go off-script for their vows. Their story with her has always been personal and these vows are about acknowledging the long, hard journey that got them to this altar.

•

Liam's is about how the MC taught him to believe in possibility, to believe that he needn't be stuck in the rut of royal stoicism to be the king his people need. Hana's is about the freedom the MC gave her from a future carefully charted out for her, into a better, brighter one. Maxwell's is about how he has found a woman whose very presence represents adventure for him, someone who will raise him up rather than tie him down. Drake's is about embracing change, accepting the love the MC has for him and the love he tried to deny having for the MC. I love them all.

• In my mind this is the improved version of the wedding scene in TCaTF, as is the RoE wedding. I recall, way back when Kenna got married, fans (rightly) pointed out that while her LIs' vows sounded heartfelt and acknowledged their relationship with her, the few options given for Kenna's vows made her sound impersonal and not very involved in comparison (for instance, even though Diavolos appeared only by Book 3, Kenna still was made to sound like the relationship had been there for longer). In RoE, they attempted to correct that, by giving us the diamond option to personalize our vows (still using their choices, but we got more options here and went into more detail). In TRR they've gone a step further and have US type what we want with our wishes, because even when you have the same LI - no two people can view one character the same. There's space for shitposting haha, but it's also to ensure that we have enough say in the vows we want our MCs to repeat.

• If you don't choose either your corgi or Bartie, the Cordonian children become your ringbearers. In this case, they are Valerie and Marco, the little ones from Lythikos, which I think is a very interesting choice. Because it does show us that though the Nevrakis clan seem to want to destroy Liam and his line, Lythikos itself - represented by Olivia - is in support of him. If Liam doesn't marry you, it makes even more sense that the children meant to represent Cordonia come from Olivia's estate.

• Lol everyone got the same ring. At least it isn't the cheapass one Madeleine had us pick up for her in Book 2.

• Vows exchanged, tears shed, and we can be as thirsty as we want in public without anyone saying a thing (wink at the LI, tell them you wish you both were alone instead of at a cathedral, give them a steamy kiss after your vows are exchanged).

AAAAAAAND WE'RE MARRIED!!!!

(Screenshots: for Drake and Maxwell it's was @sgt-peppers-coffee-club and for Hana it was @kennaxval 😄)

Ngl I was super super emotional when I saw the wedding portrait it took us so LONG and it was so BEAUTIFUL 😭

• Esther wants to call the monarchy the "DuPont dynasty" right now haha. I think there are some playthroughs (for instance Maxwell's I think) where Hana speaks of creating the Lee dynasty which...well...is odd if you're not marrying her, yes. This chapter had a whole bunch of goof ups going on.

•

YES DONNIE KEEP SAYING IT. I'M QUEEN NOW. FINALLY.

• From rats in a dumpster to this...what a journey.

• We now have a reception to go to! There is a teaser about whether this reception will be the one we hoped for (which is shorthand either for "gear up for drama folks" or for "you didn't spend enough diamonds for this, sucks to be you" ���).

General Thoughts:

• How many of you folks have seen Cold November Rain? That music video from Guns n Roses? In that one, there's a wedding and Slash, the band guitarist (cum best man who seems to be in love with the bride) drops the ring in the bridegroom's hands and then steps out into a...desert for this:

Would have been epic if either Drake or Liam left the ceremony midway to perform an epic guitar solo to the bustling crowd in Cordonia 😂 (you know the writers have friendzoned Hana and Maxwell hard enough that that will never happen for them).

• For the most part this chapter definitely did live up to the hype. This wedding was the culmination of everything we've been through since the book began so of course it was going to be big - and it was. I may have lost a lot of love I used to have for this book, but damn did I feel emotional when I read those vows, saw that wedding screenshot, heard the wedding music, fought alongside my girls.

• I think there may be two chapters left. Next chapter will be dedicated to the reception, and we'll see the following choices we made play out, most of which are certainly diamond-options:

1. The nobles (free, but it largely depends on whether you won them over or not)

2. The main course (from the food festival in Castelserraillian). Liam also showed us a chocolate souffle from there which he was suggesting for the wedding but IDK if that one will feature.

3. The wedding cake (Capitol cake scene) and the surprise dessert for the LI (baklava, cheetah cake, s'mores, hot chocolate).

4. The chocolates/macarons for guests

5. The gifts for the LIs (all of which open up a special scene).

6. The presence of Drake's mother (if you are marrying Drake).

That's a whole lot of stuff to code so get ready for a few goof-ups here and there, fam. As long as it's not as bad as the one they did at Hana's wedding that would be fairly okay.

• Now I know the "husband and wife" thing was a goof-up with the code, as is Liam not wearing the white uniform if you chose it for him and Hana's comment on the Lee dynasty with the MC (which somehow never showed up on my Liam playthrough). And technically, not many would actually be this angry about it if it weren't for the fact that Hana has been treated like crap by her writers before this, and on a smaller scale so has Maxwell. It's bad enough that she is the only option out there. It's even worse that while Drake gets extra development and extra scenes and extra characters (they worked hard enough to do the artwork for his mother for just that one playthrough), Hana is stuck with lazy writing and the person shown having a crush on her was her bully in the previous book. Having Liam announce that Hana and the MC are "husband and wife" even after different options had been given or chosen, would feel like a slap in the face.

Thankfully, PB has recognized how badly this could alienate fans, especially fans of characters like Hana and Maxwell who don't get the attention they deserve, and not only apologized but recognized how hurtful it was and tried to compensate.

I mean, how would you feel if the LI you liked was constantly being treated like they didn't matter? Wouldn't it frustrate you? Wouldn't a "glitch" like this one be the rotten cherry on a huge crapcake?

I'm saying this because I have seen at least a few say "this is a glitch lmao why are you guys complaining so much". This is why. It goes beyond just the glitch. It goes into why "husband" has to be the default here. It goes into chapters and chapters of shitty writing given only for certain LIs. That frustration is bound to boil over at some point.

• We'll also definitely be sneaking out and doing some post-matrimonial banging at some point. And if I don't get lingerie before that happens Ima be very very angry 😡

• I think it would be better to spread this out into two chapters.

• Is there a chance Anton might actually try something at the reception? Possibly.

• Will it be enough to warrant another full-length book? I don't know. I hope not.

• Alright, it's time for Chapter 20 now!

[troublesometrollhunters]

AAARRRGGHH! for the ask thing :)

Who would I most want to be friends with? Well everyone on the Trollhunters team really.

 I think me and Claire would get along great. I’m not a huge fan of punk rock but I do like the idea of the all girl band Papa skulls. I’m also a huge theater nerd so we could bond over plays and magic is awesome so I’d love to learn it next to her side. Plus girl nights just seem awesome. Claire isn’t a girly girl but she’s also not full on tom boy so we could chill eat a meat lovers pizza and do our nails/toes at the same time. Plus I’ve had issues with parents wanting me to be perfect too. I can understand her struggle and I think in real life we’d be awesome friends who kick bad-guy ass.

 On another note I think Jim and I would do well as good friends too. I love to bake, I’ve wanted to learn how to properly fight with a sword since I was really small, and my dad left me when I was young too. So we could bond over that. He’s also just really sweet and sometimes you need someone you can cry and hug because life sucks and good friends are the only thing that get you through it. Also I’m the best at making up excuses that get me out of trouble so I could help keep him out of trouble with his mom while helping him with school work.

 As for Toby? Well I’m not fat but my whole life I’ve tried to pretend I think I’m big and beautiful and bold but I have some huge insecurity issues because I’m a plus size and girls have pointed it out, along with my mom who wants me to slim down to be healthier. So me and Toby could be healthy together without doing anything extreme to hurt us. Also he just seems like the best cuddle buddy. He knows when your sad and he’ll make you laugh and give you a hug to cheer you up! I really like Toby and in real life we’d be an awesome duo. (Tbh I’d probably steal ‘borrow’ his warhammer all the time lol)

When it comes to Book dad Blinky. Oh. OH MY GOD. I AM THE BIGGEST NERD. I want to ask him questions about everything. And I do mean EVERYTHING. I have so many questions about troll history and its lore and about the amulet and Merlin and Morgana. And AHHHHHH!!! I want to learn how to speak and write trollish! I want a book dad that’ll teach me how to fight but still loves that I have a kind heart. Just yes. Give me dad friend Blinky who takes care of me as a kid but also lets me have fun and make mistakes.

ARRRGH. What can I say? I love him. I think I talk to fast for him and that my vocabulary would confuse him but he’s a well rounded developed and sweet character who doesn't need to speak to make an impact. He’s had severe traumas and I just wanna cuddle him but I also want to sit down and cry with him as I hear his story and he hears mine. I love Arrrgh and he’d be the best friend. Please let me cuddle up with him and just enjoy life as we eat cookies and watch fun t.v shows.

 Just let Trollhunters be real please. I love those characters and I want them to be real because I think I’d fit in well with them and I need more friends.

Halp.

[vampirequeenoffan]

yes hello im feeling your trollhunters opinion!! do u also feel like Merlin is super shady? I don't think he did a single thing since he showed up that can be considered 'good', he doesn't seem to care about anyone but himself, and after what he did to get Jim to turn into a troll (cutting him off from his entire support network, playing on his insecurities) I thought he'd turn out to be the Ultimate Villain of the show right up until the end, when he wasn't.

HOOOBOY do I ever have FEELINGS about this (which will once again be under the cut because SCREAMING)

First off, holy fuck, THANK you. Your message means a lot to me (as do the other nice messages and comments I got on my post! It feels great to know I’m not the only one who felt like there was something wrong with this ending).

Second.

Yeah, what in the fuck is up with Merlin? I liked him for a good thirty seconds after he was introduced– I’m a bit of a sucker for the ‘ancient and powerful being of legend is actually Not At All What Anyone Thought trope’ tbh. But the novelty quickly wore off and you’re absolutely right– I totally thought he was going to be the show’s Ultimate Villain. I usually love asshole characters, so the fact that Merlin is so much of an asshole that I hated him is… impressive, in a weird way. And the list of characters I’m crazy about contains several serial killers, so the bar is real low.

Let’s break this down.

Merlin, upon reentering the picture, does the following:

–Gets passive-aggressively mad at the Trollhunters for not getting him his staff

Which, y’know, could’ve been avoided if he’d just asked to have the staff in the same room with him when he’d been buried. He also had no reason to be mad, considering his plan was to release Morgana all along, and had the Trollhunters actually taken back the staff they then would’ve had to fight their way into Trollmarket in order to free Morgana, which… would have been difficult. That, or they’d have had to turn the staff over to Gunmar anyway, so again, no reason for Merlin to be mad.

Personally I totally agree that they should’ve left Morgana in there, or at least had some semi-automatic weapons ready when they did release her (because if the USA is going to have shitty gun control laws we might as well use them to destroy evil witches, amiright?), but this is about Merlin’s reaction, not mine.

Also, if this was his plan all along, he could’ve left instructions about that. So that, y’know, Drall didn’t die trying to stop Gunmar from taking the staff. You know. That little detail.

–Repairs Jim’s amulet

On the surface this is good, except that, again, he wouldn’t have had to do this if he’d written the directions to his tomb on anything else. He could’ve even had the instructions in like, the spirit room that the dead trollhunters live in, if he was really that determined to make sure it was trollhunter-specific. 

–Threatens to eat Toby

????????¿¿¿¿¿¿¿???????

What even happened here. What. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, it really added to the ‘what the fuck even is going on with him’ vibe that Merlin has, but why? Did he just… hang out with trolls too much? But only the evil trolls did that. What even was happening here. And why Toby? Was it process of elimination because he though Claire was hot (which, uh, creepy) and he needed Jim, or was this a… fat joke? I honestly have no idea.

–Gives them a laundry list of complicated as fuck items to collect

Merlin is an asshole who should’ve gotten his groceries himself. Nuff said. Oh wait, not enough said, because one of those things was literally lightning in a goddamn bottle, which they needed the help of actual goddamn aliens to get, so Merlin, with no knowledge of modern technology, really should have known he needed to at least get that one by himself.

What a guy.

–Destroys Jim’s vespa

Okay, this probably seems petty. ‘Merlin literally kickstarted the apocalypse, why do you care about the vespa?’ Well, because it wasn’t just any piece of machinery. Jim had been wanting a vespa for a very, very long time– for him, it was a dream, then a symbol of normalcy, and then it became even more than that when he finally got one– by building it with Blinky. It was a project he undertook alongside his father figure, likely took weeks of work, and was a physical reminder of how much Blinky cared about him.

Merlin destroys it and uses it to make armor.

Now, there’s some symbolism here. Merlin is destroying the vespa– symbol of Jim’s old life– and using it to forge armor– transforming his old life into something that protects his friends. It’s not unlike what his amulet has done to him, or what Merlin later tries to do by making Jim into a troll. Which, yeah, I’ve covered being a shitty tactical decision and I’m going to go over even more reasons why it’s terrible in a minute.

Point is, dick move. He could’ve used literally any other kind of metal, so the only upside here is symbolism and, let’s be real, it’s a metaphor is not a good reason to do dumb shit.

–Champions releasing Morgana

I was really happy that everyone yelled at him about this one. I was less happy that that was all that happened. Merlin did, clearly, just want his magic back. If he didn’t, he would have just left Morgana in her goddamn crystal like a sensible person, or at the very least agreed to help take out Gunmar before handling Morgana. It’s just common sense to divide and conquer– yes writing a paper is very hard, but it’s a lot easier to do that when your house isn’t on fire. Dealing with problems separately makes them all a lot less taxing, or in this case, a lot less deadly! There are so many people that would still be alive if Merlin, after being asleep for hundreds of years, had just been able to wait a few more goddamn weeks to have his fingersparkles back.

–Emotionally manipulates Jim into becoming a troll

This fucker. This assclown. You’re absolutely right– he cuts him off from everyone he knows and refuses to let him go rescue his mom, does that shitty parent thing where you guilt someone by saying “It’s your choice whether or not to do the right thing…” and spews some shit about destiny and just generally uses his title of Old Guy Who Knows Stuff to tell Jim that he Has To Do This, but it’s Totally Your Choice.

I thought, when Jim’s mom rescued herself (go Barb go!!!) and came running up to the bathroom door, that he would stop. Because that was the whole reason Jim was going to go through with the transformation– it was the only way Merlin would let him go save his mom. The fact that he just kinda… ignored the fact that they were out there yelling for him? Yeah, that was dumb. Even if he wanted to go through with it, he should have talked to his friends and family first. That was, uh, the whole lesson he learned from going into the Darklands alone. We’ve been down this road, Jim, it’s depressing.

And then Merlin’s just… useless. He can’t beat Morgana, his tactics suck ass, and the only thing he does from that point on is try to get other people to die for him– looking at you, Aargh. I’m so glad you’re still alive.

So, to reiterate, Merlin shows up, fucks shit up, and then doesn’t fix any of the fucked up shit. On top of that, he’s an asshole the entire time– the “real battle of Killahead” line was just the tip of the douchebag iceberg (though ‘all you folks who died during this battle didn’t matter’ was a hell of a way to kick that off, I agree). But… why?

You’re right, we don’t know why he and Morgana started this pissing contest. We don’t even know why he took her on as an apprentice in the first place, or what connection the two of them had to trolls at all– presumably a strong one, considering how much they both tried to fuck with the future of the species. Before we met Merlin, none of these things had to be defined– Morgana and Merlin were vague enough as figures that we could imagine any number of things that had led to the current state of being. I, personally, imagined Merlin as being more invested in humans than trolls, which made sense to me because he was on the side of the trolls that didn’t hurt humans and his amulet placed a huge amount of value on Jim’s humanity. But then it’s revealed that Merlin actually doesn’t give a shit about humans at all, as he apparently eats them, doesn’t mind putting the entire town of Arcadia in danger, and tells Jim that his humanity doesn’t matter and he’s better off being a troll.

Same for Morgana. I thought her whole deal was that she wanted trolls to be the dominant species, but then she says Gunmar is disposable and doesn’t seem to give a shit about his conquest of the surface? If she didn’t actually care about trolls conquering humans, why in the hell did she want to bring about the eternal night?

So, again, what was happening and why were they so invested in the future of trollkind? If it wasn’t, like I thought, about whether humanity or trolls should be dominant, what possible reason could they have for interfering? Presumably at one point they got along, because Morgana was Merlin’s apprentice, but the only reason we get for her hating him is that he took her hand to make the amulet. . . except, wait, he did that after she started trying to bring about the eternal night. Forget why she cared about that, if he didn’t care about humans then why did he?

TLDR, Merlin’s an asshole, his decisions make no sense, and when you poke at things he creates plotholes in the entire series that weren’t there prior to his introduction. Also he’s the worst.