#amber isle molly

[antzinha]

Hi I just wanted to say I love Molly that's it that's the post

[khutsydoh]

Realm of the elderlings ask meme thing

This seems fun!

Favourite Rote book: Fool's fate

Why: I loved the series even before this, of course, but it was after this that I knew in my heart that this series was going to be an all time favourite that nothing else could topple. It took me through every emotion imaginable, from laughter to gut wrenching despair, from anger to triumph. It has it all. Fitz's character arc goes to many interesting places. Fitzloved is at it's peak. The plot has many threads that come together wonderfully. The way fitz comes so close to accepting his love for the fool only to be left behind and going back to his heteronormative fantasy has done irreparable damage to me. The way it feels like we are slowly moving towards tragedy by the end and yet fitz fights the narrative itself to bring his beloved fool back. But it still ends badly. Peak "it mattered that the love was there" type of life changing soul altering shit I love. I still do have problems with the way fitz gets back with molly but my love for this book outweighs them<3

Top three favourite characters: Beloved, Fitz, Bee

Top three least favourite characters: Hest, Tats, Lant

Favourite ship of the floating kind: Paragon

Top 3 ships of the people kind: Fitzloved, Patience x Lacey, Amber x Althea (honourable mention to my headcanon that bee will find a female catalyst so that her, perseverance and the catalyst can be the chivalry/burrich/patience trio gone well. Gotta continue the farseer legacy afterall. Except she does not have the internalised homophobia and she has to make the cycles better as the white prophet. Edit: also Princess Caution x Felicity)

Would you rather be witted or skilled: Witted for sure

If you were witted, what animal would you bond with: My dog<3

Would you rather live in the Outislands, the Mountain Kingdom, the Six duchies, Bingtown, the Rain wilds, Kelsingra, Jamailia, the Pirate isles or Mercenia/Fool's homeland?: the Mountain Kingdom! I love the architecture there and I will be close to nature. I could live a quiet life in a cabin with a witted animal without completely leaving society. Plus I could go exploring the skill road to the elderlings marketplace and the place with the stone dragons if i want.

How were you introduced to the books: i went looking to a lot of top 10 fantasy type of lists and YouTube videos when I first wanted to get into adult fantasy. The Farseer trilogy was on most of them and the premise of a bastard prince who could bond with animals spoke to me.

Share a quote you love:

It was a long journey, in the cold and the dark. Somewhere I could hear a whimpering, and I despised myself for that, too. But as I scraped myself along, it grew, as a spark in the distance becomes a fire as one approaches. It refused to be ignored. It grew louder in my mind, a whining against my fate, a tiny voice of resistance that forbade that I should die, that denied my failure. It was warmth and light, too, and it grew stronger and stronger as I tried to find its source. I stopped. I lay still.

 It was inside me. The more I sought it, the stronger it grew. It loved me. Loved me even if I couldn’t, wouldn’t, didn’t love myself. Loved me even if I hated it. It set its tiny teeth in my soul and braced and held so that I couldn’t crawl any farther. And when I tried, a howl of despair burst from it, searing me, forbidding me to break so sacred a trust.

It was Smithy.

He cried with my pains, physical and mental. And when I stopped struggling toward the wall, he went into a paroxysm of joy, a celebration of triumph for us. And all I could do to reward him was to lie still and no longer attempt to destroy myself. And he assured me it was enough, it was a plenitude, it was a joy. I closed my eyes

- Assassin's apprentice

Why would I need therapy if I have these paragraphs from ms robin hobb.

Tagging: @apamates @lordgolden @annot8 @treezenith @kaijuerotica anyone else whose in the rote fandom. No pressure:)

[roostercrowned]

Realm of the Elderlings Ask Meme Thing

tagged by @tragediegh! \o/ Favorite RotE book: I'm also gonna have to say Fool's Fate though Ass Quest is a close second Why: Listen I will never forget the shrimp emotions I experienced in that tent or during the resurrection, and the reveal/healing of Fitz's forging re-contextualizing all his previous choices. This book pulls no punches. I don't think I would have survived it if I had read it back in 2003 with no guarantee of Beloved surviving. And the ending was devastating but honestly, upon reflection I accept it--not as a "happy" ending but as Fitz maladaptively retreating to his past and being unable to follow through on the character growth that was happening for him up to that point. It is NOT a happy ending for Molly. Top three favorite characters: Amber, Lord Golden, and the Fool. Haha ok no, favorite supporting characters: Patience, Paragon, and Chade, with honorable mention to Jek and Rapskal Top Three Least Favorite Characters: uhhh Tats "Friendzone" Last Name, and Lant--he had me at "poor terrorized kid," lost me at "mean to Bee," started winning me back a little, then lost me again at "dating the 14 year old (implicitly as part of her casting off her gender nonconformity)." Everyone else I was pretty much cool with Favorite Ship (of the floating kind): I already said Paragon so it's gonna have to be Ophelia, she was such a bawdy aunt and she got to slap some bad guys (I don't even remember who it was now but the slapping was important) Top Three Favorite Ships (of the people kind): I'm not really into shipping as like a recreational activity, I feel like Robin Hobb already put in all the work for me on the one I care about. That said: PATIENCE AND LACEY. ...Actually I also really love that one text post about how Chade and Jek definitely hooked up and were total bros about it. I'll try to find it after I post this Would you rather be Witted or Skilled? Witted 100% If you were Witted, what animal would you bond with? A cormorant, and I would regress into full Gollum mode just eating raw fish and wallowing in the sea as god intended Would you rather live in the Outislands, the Mountain Kingdom, the Six Duchies, Bingtown, The Rain Wilds, Kelsingra, Jamaillia, The Pirate Isles, or the Fool's Homeland? Hard not to choose the one of these locations that's presented only as an idealized memory. With NO WINTERS (I grew up in California). Mountain Kingdom might be nice but they need to work on their ableism How were you introduced to the books? A friend with good taste mentioned finishing Farseer and being obsessed with it, and I was like "Hey I like vintage fantasy, would like to get back into reading more, and am laid up with a fucked up shoulder that's keeping me from drawing." and now here we are Share a quote you love: there are so many beautiful profound quotes about changing the world and unconditional love but @tragediegh had those covered so I am gonna go with the only balm for my soul in the aftermath of Fitz eavesdropping on Jek and Amber:

get his ass my mind blanks when it's time to tag people but uhhh @everywaythatmatters and @cicide76536 if you haven't been tagged yet!

[mystofthestars]

Thanks for the tag @blackandwhitemotley ! I’m not good at picking faves but let’s see what I can do.

Favourite RotE Book: The Liveship Traders trilogy and Fool’s Fate. (I am not good at picking just one fave okay)

Why: Liveships - the concept of the liveships itself is so original and cool. These books have: Amber, sea adventures, willful ships who love drama, pirates, sea serpents with cool lore, DRAGONS, Kennit, Amber, one of the characters with the coolest character development I’ve ever seen (Malta), amazing female characters, incredible characters in general, BINGTOWN which I love, mysterious magic and ancient ruins and tree cities, and of course Amber. ....aaaand I’m sorry to say that the 3rd person POV helps it here for me. I did my share of crying in Liveships but being out of Fitz’s mind helped the rhythm of the books and, in general, I was happier reading this and the Rainwilds series, without Fitz’s gloomy attitude to spoil all the fun. Sorry Fitz. Also did I mention Amb-

Fool’s Fate - so much for being glad of getting rid of Fitz’s gloomy attitude ahah - I’m probably a masochist and, although this book delivered some real pain, it was the good kind of pain. Plus, it was really Beloved-centered and Beloved is my absolute fave, so. 

Top Three Favourite Characters: The Fool, Amber, Belov- Seriously speaking, though, Beloved is above being my favorite character. My feelings for them go beyond a top three faves list orz. 

Still, it’s so hard to pick only 3 faves for 16 books?! So, to name a few: Patience, Kettricken, Verity, Malta, Paragon, Alise, Sedric, Rapskal, Nighteyes, Motley.

...I did not name Fitz because being so much inside his head makes perspective change. I think he’s an incredible character but I also think the relationship between him and the reader makes it hard to simply put him in a top 3 list or the like.

Top Three Least Favourite Characters: Starling, Starling I couldn’t stand. She was rude to the Fool so get out of here woman. Thymara and Tats weren’t my faves either. 

Favourite Ship (of the floating kind): Paragon sure, but Tarman and Ophelia too.

Top Three Favourite Ships (of the people kind): Erek and Detozi because hands down, best romantic story out there. Molly and Burrich - I cried when they got together. They were happy together and we all know both of them deserved it and were perfect for each other. Fitz and Kettricken - now, let’s talk about real stuff here: those two could have had it all. Think about the Six Duchies (or seven) with them at their lead. Damn.

Again, Fitz and the Fool is just something else, I can’t really put it in a top 3 list. Their dynamics made me laugh, killed me with tenderness, made me so angry I could barely read the book any further, made me cry out of sadness and out of frustration. But it’s Fitz and the Fool. They are as one and their love is so multifaceted and complicated and yet simple that it’s almost pointless to describe it.

Would you rather be Witted or Skilled: knowing myself, I’d be witted, but hey being skilled would be amazing. The piss trick would save me from so many situations.

If you were Witted, what animal would you bond with?: I don’t know. I’m open to whoever wants to bond with me I guess.

Would you rather live in the Outislands, the Mountain Kingdom, the Six Duchies, Bingtown, the Rain Wilds, Kelsingra, Jamaillia, the Pirate Isles, or Fool’s Homeland?: I love Bingtown!!! It’s one of the coolest fantasy cities I’ve ever encountered.

How were you introduced to the books? Robin Hobb came to Italy at Lucca Comics&Games last fall and I signed in to go listen to a presentation she made. I had not read anything by her so I thought I should at least read Assassin’s Apprentice. However, I managed to read only the first chapters - the rhythm was slow and I was very busy at that moment, so I put it away for later. Later came in January and I told myself, I’m gonna finish this and then read something else. I was engrossed by the end of AA, and hopelessly lost to the series somewhere along Royal Assassin. I couldn’t out it down until the very end.

Share a quote you love: I loved all the quotes by Beloved, all of them. I’ve bookmarked them, too. Let’s go with “Tomorrow owes you the sum of your yesterdays. No more than that. And no less.”

(Special mention goes to the “you are confusing plumbing and love again”, all those conversations in Assassin’s Quest are just brilliant.)

I tag whoever wasn’t tagged yet and comes across this and wants to share some RotE love :D

[cptablovegood]

Realm of the Elderlings Ask Meme Thing

Created by @hermitknut and brought back by @elderling-magic  I was tagged by the lovely @blackandwhitemotley

I’m 100% gunna save this and do it again when I’ve finished reading all of the books (okay I’m over half way through and I’m getting sad about the potential of finishing them so slowing down on them ok don’t judge me.)

Favourite RotE Book: Fool’s Fate, I think, so far buuuut I love that entire trilogy SOOO much

Why: Ermm I apparently love pain? I cried like for the entirety of the tawny man trilogy, would book mark every other page and felt empty for a week after I finished. Fitz and Beloved whole relationship in this is far to intense and lovely and painful and we get so many amazing new character and lose so many wonderful ones. Honestly it was A L O T

Top Three Favourite Characters: Beloved, Fitz and Kettle (honourable mentions to Kettricken, Verity, Patience, Lacy, Jek, Paragon, Rapskal, and Mercor/Maulkin, sorry I just really fucking love these books and pretty much all the characters)

Top Three Least Favourite Characters: (I’m not gunna count actually evil characters) Starling Birdsong, Davad Restart, Molly (I REALLLY didnt like her when she was younger but I suppose she gets mildly better with age? maybe?..)

Favourite Ship (of the floating kind): Paragon and all his personalities (also I love my mutant baby Tarman)

Top Three Favourite Ships (of the people kind): Fitz and Beloved, Verity and Kettricken, Patience and Lacey (all the OG’s, also Amber and Jek and Erek and Detozi (does that become cannon or are they just two soft gays who write love letters for years?))

Would you rather be Witted or Skilled: Witted cos I don’t think I could resist the whole addictive nature of the skill and would deffo zombify myself

If you were Witted, what animal would you bond with?: I mean I’d hope for something cool like a crow (I also love octopuses and tigers but practicality wise probably wouldn’t be best) but the reality would probably be something like a slug

Would you rather live in the Outislands, the Mountain Kingdom, the Six Duchies, Bingtown, the Rain Wilds, Kelsingra, Jamaillia, the Pirate Isles, or Fool’s Homeland?: Jhaampe for sure but would love to visit everywhere, especially the Rain Wilds and Pirate Isles.

How were you introduced to the books? when I was about 11 I started reading the first book in a huge 2nd hand book shop while my dad was browsing. I didnt buy it but I never forgot that book and for years tried to remember what it was called. Thankfully 10 years later I thought to ask on goodreads (it was the most tenuous ask EVEeeer) and about 6-8 months later I finally got the name of the books and became immediately obsessed. 

Share a quote you love: erm just one? nah here’s about 50 (also might do a master post of all my fave quotes so lemme know if that’s a good idea) 

“You were never really good at it (assassination) you know. There was a naivete to you that none of the ugliness could stain, as if you never truly believe in evil. It was what I liked best about you. It was what I missed most when you were dead.” - Assassins Quest

“I was the Fool and the Fool was me. He was the Catalyst and so was I. We were twp halves of a whole ... For an instant I knew him in his entirety, complete and magical.” - Assassins Quest

“I have always been more curious than wise. Yet any wisdom i have ever gained has been from my curiosity.” - Ship of Magic 

There's a super beautiful quote Amber says in ship of destiny about fate but it is LONG

the entirety of the tawny man trilogy???

Tagging: if you see this and haven’t done it yet, consider yourself tagged! adding mutuals who i think are rote fans @alvangaar @goldnfool @books-and-doodles @tiabwwtws

Take the thing, copy and paste it into your own post, tag it “elderlings” and then tag as many people as you can that you know in the fandom.

[janeofcakes]

Chapter 112

**This chapter is pretty long, but it’s lovely. So very lovely.**

(A perfect autumn evening, just at sunset. The garden is full of turning leaves and vibrant flowers. Amber Chandler, licensed celebrant, stands under the trellis with a smile on her face, ready to preside over the ceremony. She has become very well acquainted with John and Sherlock over the last few weeks. She likes to know as much as she can about the people she marries and, as a result, asked them to meet with her six times at regular intervals leading up to the wedding. John had agreed straight away, no doubt expecting such a request. Sherlock had glowered immediately, eyeing her and then John in turn.)

S: Will this be considered premarital counseling?

AC: If you like.

S: (curling his lip in disapproval) I do not believe we are in need of such counseling.

J: (quietly) Sherlock.

AC: (unfazed) Then don’t think of it that way.

S: (cocking a brow) I fail to see its relevance.

AC: Fair enough. I’d really like to get to know you both a little before I bind you together.

(Sherlock looked at John triumphantly and John had face palmed. They had obviously discussed this at length prior to the meeting.)

S: So you can inform us we were not meant to be.

AC: No. (laughing) So I can tailor the ceremony to your specific relationship and personalities. (The suspicious detective narrowed his eyes and studied her intently. She just smirked, already liking this cantankerous character.) It’s not a trick, I promise. If I do say something that seems like counseling, it isn’t going to be anything you don’t already know and you don’t have to listen. You don’t have to care. Fair enough?

S: (still very skeptical) Acceptable.

AC: Great. When are you both free next? Couple days? Afternoon work? And don’t worry. (winking at Sherlock) The ropes don’t chafe.

(It all proceeded from there. Amber learned a great deal about both men in that first conversation and every meeting after also provided a wealth of information. She liked to think the two men learned more about one another too, but never expected it of any couple she married. She truly did not lie when she told Sherlock he didn’t have to care about a word she said.)

(Amber smiles to herself as she looks out at the small crowd of people seated before her. A diverse group to be sure. Friends from the surgery, a handful from John’s army days, and a few of the Yarders. Sally Donovan being one of the most animated, judging by the grin on her face. Sarah, her husband, and their daughter Madeleine are all seated close by, beaming from ear to ear. Billy Wiggins and a small troupe of Sherlock’s homeless network, who blend in quite well with everyone else, are at hand too.

Amber’s grin broadens as her eyes hover over the guests in the front rows. Each of them holds a special place in John and Sherlock’s hearts. They are the family on which these men depend, whether they admit it or not.)

(Bertrum Smythe, Sherlock’s tailor, a man who has known him since he first moved to London and has loved him like a son from the beginning.

Mrs. Martha Hudson, the matriarch, who essentially adopted Sherlock when he moved into 221B and who did the same with John when he joined the detective. She is secretly credited with bringing them together, leading them in the right direction with her hints and suggestions, both subtle and obvious.

Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock’s older brother and general pain in his ass. While Mycroft certainly takes pleasure in annoying the younger Holmes, he honestly does do it because he worries constantly. He has considered Sherlock his responsibility and not simply his brother since the day their parents died.

Molly Hooper, friend and colleague to both men, and Mycroft’s wife. How such a sweet woman came to know these men so well is still a mystery to Amber, despite the explanations she has received. Molly’s effect on each of them speaks volumes to her quiet strength.

A short laugh slips past Amber’s lips as her eyes rest on the best men. Standing before her, nervously smiling at one another, are Greg Lestrade and Mike Stamford. Each a long-time friend to one of the grooms and both overjoyed.

Mike stands to Amber’s left. Bursting with excited energy, he can’t stay still and shuffles his feet this way and that, a grin plastered across his face. Greg, on the other hand, stands stalk still to Amber’s right. His eyes are wide, but unseeing. His face is a paper-white mask of panic.)

AC: (whispering) Greg.

(He snaps immediately from his stupor, eyes focusing on her. She leans forward a skosh and motions him over with a quick snap of her chin. He takes a step closer and leans in, an uneasy look on his face.)

AC: What is it? You lose the ring?

G: What? No. (hand settling over his chest with a gentle pat, breast pocket lying beneath) I have it.

AC: Then relax. (She smiles sweetly.) This is supposed to be a happy occasion. Let’s not bicker and argue about who killed who.

(A quiet laugh pops from his lips. Her smile broadens and she taps his shoulder lightly.)

AC: There ya go. (pausing) Look, relax. You don’t even have to do anything.

G: Right. (exhaling slowly) Right.

(Greg steps back again and relaxes his shoulders. Amber huffs a short giggle as the music changes to signal that the ceremony will start soon. Greg’s body stiffens again, brown eyes darting to Amber. She just continues smiling and shakes her head, thoroughly amused.

Jane Eaglen’s “The Dreame” drifts across the garden, elegant stringed instruments augmenting her perfectly clear soprano.

Or scorne, or pity on me take,

I must the true relation make.

I am undone tonight;

Love in a subtle dreame disguised

Hath both my heart and me surprised.

(From her seat in the front row, Molly smiles brightly and looks around wistfully. Her acute examiner’s eyes take in every detail of the scene. The full blooms on the trellis in radiant fall colors, the crimson rose petals scattered throughout the grass, the wade pool with blood orange flowers floating delicately on its waters. Sighing happily, she turns her head toward her husband, intending to kiss his lips lightly, but her brows furrow ever so slightly and head tilts in question when she sees his thoughtful frown. Taking her hand in his, he puts voice to his concerns before she can.)

M: You regret not having this. That we were married in secret.

MH: (smiling at him, love and honesty in her eyes) I regret nothing about that day. Or about you, love.

(Mycroft’s worried expression gives way to pure adoration and he squeezes her hand. She tips forward to press her lips briefly against his smile and then leans close, their arms touching.)

AC: Will you all please rise?

(Everyone stands and turns to face the isle cutting through the center of the crowd. The music changes again to a recording of Sherlock playing an abbreviated version of a piece he composed for John. The perfect notes swell victoriously and drop down to near silence, telling the very soul of their story with its glory and tragedy.)

(After a full minute, the two grooms appear in the glass doors that lead into the house. The doors flutter open as if by magic and the men step out into the garden, arm in arm. They walk slowly down the short isle, beaming at each of their friends as they pass. Bertie sniffs quietly and brushes a wet eye when Sherlock’s gaze meets his. Mrs. Hudson has been misty since “The Dreame” began and she smiles softly as her boys walk by.

When they reach the front, John and Sherlock take their places in between the best men and unlatch their arms. Everyone has turned and all eyes face Amber. She smiles kindly and begins as the music fades away.)

AC: Please be seated. (The crowd complies. She looks at the four men standing before her.) Not you, I’m afraid. You all have to tough it out.

(Mike chuckles, Greg just tries to breathe, and Sherlock rolls his eyes. John keeps smiling and exhales deeply, letting everything sink in.)

AC: When I first met John and Sherlock, I had certain expectations. I read John’s blog. We all do, whether or not we choose to admit it. (glancing at Mycroft) I like to think I had some idea of their personalities going in, and that first meeting did not prove me wrong.

Sherlock was rude and suspicious and studied me with such intensity that I felt stripped of all secrets and pretenses. Defenseless to the onslaught of deduction that was surely coming. I immediately knew that if I were to hire him for a case, I would receive nothing but the best work and a speedy conclusion.

John was stern and calm and quick to laugh. Very polite, but with a temper lurking beneath. A good soldier and a good doctor. I immediately knew I would receive only the best care, far better than even my expectations, if I was his patient.

Now, we all know these two men work well together and they are clearly best friends. The proof of both is in the blog. But what would draw them together into something more? Two men who seem polar opposites. They’ll drive each other mad, I thought. Why aren’t they insane already? It must be the sex.

(The smiles and quiet chuckles in the garden give way to real laughter when Mrs. Hudson, of all people, lets out a burst of jocularity at that. She glances around at the other guests, a hint of pink on her cheeks, but with no other indication of embarrassment.)

Mrs. H: They are quite noisy.

(Everyone laughs heartily. John tucks his chin to his chest and smiles, his cheeks crimson. Sherlock bites his lip to keep from grinning and angles his face to catch a glimpse of his groom.)

M: (in a low mischievous tone) Allow me to sound proof the building, Mrs. Hudson.

(More laughter fills the air. The grooms catch each other’s eye and smile shyly. Right after Sherlock rolls his eyes, that is.)

AC: And then something happened. (reigning everyone in again) I almost didn’t notice it. It was the smallest of movements. They were sitting together on a sofa and, while he was talking, without the slightest giveaway, John slowly angled his leg until his knee touched Sherlock’s.

I could see the warmth spiraling from that single point, filling both men with comfort. At that moment, the meeting changed. John and Sherlock both eased back into the sofa and relaxed. Sherlock was still pretty skeptical, but he was willing to listen and talk.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. John’s always keeping the peace, making sure Sherlock behaves himself, (Sherlock lifts his chin and gives her a haughty look) but it’s more than that. John brings Sherlock peace. And Sherlock does the same for John.

The more I met with them, the more I realized that they were both restless and incomplete before they met one another. Neither was happy. Something was missing. After every solved case, after every battle or patient, something was always missing.

And then, one touch, one look changed everything. ‘May I borrow your mobile?’ … ‘Here, use mine.’

(Mike can’t help but puff up with pride.)

AC: Both minds stopped. Quiet at last. John and Sherlock have both referred to that moment as the beginning. The moment each knew he could find what he’d always been missing. And as time went on, they each began to realize there was more than friendship between them. A thousand looks while their backs were turned, lingering just a little too close for a little too long, and finally…that first kiss.

(Amber pauses. The silence is broken only by quiet sniffling. Molly rivals Mrs. Hudson for the wettest eyes.)

AC: I wish I could say it has all been smooth sailing from that moment on, but it has not. What it has been is life, and one that John and Sherlock would never exchange. One that they are overjoyed. Ecstatic. To live together.

(Sherlock and John meet eyes, both nearly giddy. The detective reaches for his blogger’s hand and squeezes it warm with his fingers. A quiet giggle passes through John’s lips. Sherlock’s silver eyes sparkle at the sound.)

AC: Gentleman, please face each other and join hand. (Sherlock glances at her with a cock of his brow and she smirks.) Well, what do you expect? You’re always one step ahead.

(There are a few giggles as Sherlock faces John fully and accepts John’s hand when he reaches for him. John straightens his shoulders, grinning at his detective. A shiver runs down his spine. His whole body is tingling with anticipation. In mere minutes, Sherlock will be his husband. He will be Sherlock’s husband. He will be Dr. John Holmes Watson.)

J: Sherlock, I’ve been thinking.

(Sherlock narrows his eyes, honing in on his fiance.)

S: John, I will not let you see my vows and it is not because I haven’t yet written them.

J: (pausing) You haven’t written your vows yet?

(The taller man straightens his spine and looks away stubbornly.)

S: I’m not going to write them down. I know what I want to say. (looking at John and pursing his lips) I have thought about it a great deal.

(John blinks slowly and exhales loudly. John Watson Number 10: The ‘What the fuck’ face.)

J: Fine. Forget it. I was actually talking about my name.

S: Your name?

J: Yes, I’d like to change my name once we’re married.

S: To something other than John? No. I do not approve. I will still call you John.

J: Not my first name, you git. Hamish. I want to change Hamish. (he pauses and his tone softens) I want to change it to Holmes.

(Sherlock’s defiant expression melts into one of shock. His mouth opens and closes a few times before he can finally find the words.)

S: John Holmes Watson. You want to take my name?

J: Yes. (He wipes a tear from Sherlock’s cheek and looks into his shining eyes.) It’s ironic, don’t you think? That my middle name already begins with an H.

S: It is. More than you know. (clearing his throat) I intended on changing William to Watson.

J: (huffing a short laugh) Watson Sherlock Scott Holmes?

S: (sighing) I will also alter its position.

J: (laughing and pecking Sherlock’s delicious lips playfully) Sherlock Watson Holmes… I like it.

AC: At this time, our grooms would like to exchange vows before all of you, their family and friends.

(Amber nods to Sherlock. He smiles and looks at John, meeting his deep blue eyes. When he begins to speak, his rich baritone wavers, but quickly evens out without losing any of its sincerity.)

S: John, when I first met you, I thought you were like everyone else. As easy to read as a book with no cover. You moved into the flat. We worked our first case. And you did what no one has done. You surprised me. As I sat in the back of an ambulance, wrapped in that infernal orange blanket, I watched you. I met your eyes and knew at that moment that I must learn everything about this miraculous man called John Watson.

I knew I cared for you almost immediately, but did not realize just how much until you and Sarah were taken during The Blind Banker. It quickly became clear to me that, in spite of myself, my feelings ran deeper than friendship. Much deeper. And I was terrified. I had spent my life ignoring, suppressing, denying my emotions in favor of what I thought was a higher level of existence. One devoid of sentiment and the difficulties that come with it. I tried to push it down, hide my feelings away until they faded completely. But they didn’t fade at all. They grew stronger.

Then that night by the pool… (shaking his head and stepping closer) When I tore off that coat and the Semtex, I didn’t want to stop. I wanted to hold you in my arms and feel our bodies touch over every inch. I wanted so much to tell you everything. Every thought, every feeling, everything I suddenly knew I could never suppress again. (shrugging) But I couldn’t find the words. Sherlock Holmes, who knows all, sees all, who misses nothing, had not the words to express his deepest emotions.

So I hid it from you. I watched you date, sabotaged your relationships, wondered with mind-numbing curiosity when you stopped dating, not daring to hope it was because you felt something for me. It wasn’t until Scandal in  Belgravia that I even knew what to call my feelings, and then I hadn’t the voice. She threw it in our faces again and again, challenging me. But I walked away. I could not bring myself to say the words for fear of failure, or disappointing you…losing you. Even after you confessed your feelings for me, even now, I avoid saying it in the presence of others. So, I say it now.

I love you. I love you. I love you. (By the third time, every muscle in his body that was tense has relaxed. His face is peaceful and a smile dances across his lips.)

I love you more than the universe is wide - 100,000 light years side to side. (Stunned, John looks at his groom with surprised eyes. His jaw drops, the corners of his mouth curling.) It bulges in the middle, 16,000 light years thick. It’s 3000 light years wide by the Earth. I know it all now. The universe, our solar system. I memorized it for you, John. I’m still uncertain why this knowledge is so necessary to you, but what is important to you is of the utmost importance to me. (flashing a grin, his brows rising) You, it’s always been you. You keep me right.

You, John Watson, are my sun, my conductor of light, and I will orbit you for all time.

(The garden is dead silent, as if even the wildlife stopped to listen. A tear rolls down John’s cheek and drips off his chin when he smiles up at Sherlock adoringly. A breathless Sherlock watches, quietly marveling at his beautiful John, memorizing every detail of the doctor’s face in this moment.

Amber smiles at the detective and then nods the go-ahead for John. He inhales deeply and swallows hard. Sherlock can tell what he’s thinking as if he were saying it to him. How can I possibly follow that?The detective smiles tenderly and squeezes John’s hands. The doctor meets his eyes. Don’t worry. It will be perfect. John smiles and wets his lips, inhaling deeply once again before he begins.)

J: Sherlock, you amaze me. Although, (he grins mischievously, eyes bright) after our first few words, I might have thought amazingly rude. (Quiet titters float about the garden and even Sherlock cannot help the grin that spreads over his own lips. How different they were then.) And then you said Afghanistan or Iraq, and I was hooked. (John shrugs his shoulders and affects John Watson Number 202: adorable, honest, vulnerable, content.)

You see everything. You know everything about everyone in a single look and I thought, after that first case, that there was absolutely no way you didn’t see right through me. Every look, every movement, every stolen glance. (still grinning, but looking sheepish) I tried to be…subtle about it because I knew I’d never be able to stop and I was afraid to hear your opinion on it, your deduction. I’d even look at your ass when your back was turned, for Christ sake. (more chuckles, tutting from a teary Mrs. Hudson) But I could never keep my eyes off your lips. And I couldn’t even hope to hide it.

(John pauses and his eyes drop before he can stop them. Both men wet their lips without thinking, looking into the other’s eyes.)

Amazing. In my mind, there was no way you didn’t know and no chance you had any interest. Not in an ordinary, broken army doctor like me. Also something I learned during that first case - that you were married to your work.

So I dated and I denied. If I’m honest, I wasn’t annoyed that people thought we were a couple as much as I was that we weren’t. I wanted so badly to be everything to you, but knew I never would be. As the years passed, so much happened between us and…I gave up. (Sherlock cocks a brow, so John clarifies.) I gave up dating. I wanted you, and only you. I’d grown to love you so completely. And I thought, it’s fine. It’s fine if he doesn’t want me, as long as he’s in my life.

(John dips his chin, embarrassed once again, and raises his eyes to gaze at the taller man.) I didn’t know what to do after New Year’s Eve. Our first kiss. I can still feel your lips on mine - gentle, tentative. It was the first time I dared to think you might feel the same. That maybe I could be more than your best friend.

S: (in his silky baritone) And then, the dinner.

J: (smiling) Yes, dinner. You were prodding me about spending so much time with Mycroft, like you were jealous, and…and I just said it. (His hand raises to cup the detective’s cheek lightly) God, I love you, Sherlock. You give of yourself so fully, so completely. And not just to me. To everyone you care about, whether it’s easy or the hardest thing to do.

(biting at his lip) It has been hard for us. But every time I’ve been so frightened and empty, you’ve brought me back. You take me in your arms and hold me tightly to your warmth, your life. Just like you did when we met. (John meets Sherlock’s silver eyes and swallows down a sob. Tears pricking at the corners of his own, even as he blinks to hold them back.) I was so alone and you gave me so much. Time and time again. Now, I… (his voice hitches, but he presses on) I will spend my life giving you all I have. Everything I have in my heart, everything you deserve. I’ll hold nothing back. Not anymore. You are a good man. The best man. And I will do my best to be worthy of you..

(A tear falls from John’s sparkling, deep blue eyes. He suddenly feels Sherlock’s hand at his nape, bowing his head, their foreheads pressing together. John closes his eyes and more tears fall. He tries to slow his rapid breaths and steady his heart. Sherlock sighs and then inhales John’s scent deeply, whispering gentle words to him alone.)

S: You are, John. You are.

(Sherlock raises his head and kisses the smaller man’s forehead. They take a step back from one another and lock eyes. Sherlock has never seen John so vulnerable. He shivers, even as John does the same, seeing the same expression on Sherlock’s face. Their hands slip away from necks and cheeks until they find one another again, long and short fingers holding tight. A small smile sparks on Sherlock’s lips. A wide grin plays across John’s in response.

Amber clears her throat and steps closer to the couple.)

AC: Sherlock Holmes, do you take John Watson to be your lawfully wedded husband. To give him your whole heart and keep his for the whole of your lives, and as long as your souls live beyond.

S: I do.

AC: John Watson, do you take Sherlock Holmes to be your lawfully wedded husband. To give him your whole heart and keep his for the whole of your lives, and as long as your souls live beyond.

J: God, yes. I do.

(John raises a brow when Sherlock visibly shivers. The taller man does not break eye contact, nor does he acknowledge that anything unusual happened at all. John’s lips begin to curl, but the smile doesn’t reach his eyes, which momentarily lose their focus. He has the oddest feeling of deja vu, as if he and Sherlock have done this before, not once but many times. The words ‘I do’ falling from his lips. A shiver running through Sherlock’s slender body.

The sound of Amber clearing her throat draws John’s attention, his eyes focusing on Sherlock once again. He wears a quizzical expression, a hint of concern in his silver eyes. John’s mouth curves upward in reassurance and comfort. It seems his message is received when Sherlock returns the smile.)

AC: At this time, John and Sherlock have chosen to exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment to one another. Greg, Mike, if you please.

(Mike and Greg each step up and place a wedding ring on the small, purple notebook she holds in her hands. She nods at them in turn with a broadening smile at Greg, mouthing ‘All done’ at him. He beams back at her.)

AC: Thank you. (looking to John and Sherlock) Gentlemen, please take these rings.

(Both men pick up a ring and then return gazing at one another. Their bodies are tingling. John actually feels like his lips might be numb. He tips up onto his toes for a second and drops back down again. Sherlock’s brows shoot up and down, and he grins at his groom like a complete idiot.)

AC: Sherlock, if you please.

(Sherlock lifts John’s left hand and begins sliding the textured platinum ring onto his finger as he speaks, his words rising into the air like a prayer.)

S: When I was young, my mother used to tell me that at a very few times in life, if I was lucky, I might meet someone who is exactly right for me. Not because he is perfect, or because I am, (his eyes lift slowly to meet John’s) but because our combined flaws are arranged in a way that allows two separate beings to hinge together. I have, for the first time, found what I can truly love. I have found you.

AC: (looking to the misty-eyed doctor) John, if you please.

(John sniffles quietly and gently raises Sherlock’s left hand. He speaks in a hushed voice as he glides the smooth band of tungsten carbide he revealed to Sherlock only moments ago on his long finger.)

J: You are sunlight falling through trees. You are laughter that breaks through my sadness. You are a cool breeze on a day that is too warm. You are clarity in the midst of confusion. You are all that is good in the world, my world. If love was a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches. And we would be in the center of them all.

(Amber takes a step back and nods. The two men join hands, each noticing as the other’s ring brushes against his skin. Silver and blue meet across a short expanse and the grooms whisper together reverently.)

S & J: With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine.

AC: (triumphantly) May what has been declared here today last for all time and may no man put asunder. John Holmes Watson, Sherlock Scott Watson Holmes… You. Are. Married.

(Spontaneous applause fills the garden and echoes over the meadows. Amber leans in and taps Sherlock’s arm, catching the hyper-observant man’s attention immediately.)

AC: Kiss your husband.

(Sherlock doesn’t need to be told twice. Without even blinking, he drops John’s hands and closes the distance between them, pressing his body solidly against the shorter man and enveloping him in his long arms. Sherlock’s lips cover John’s swiftly. He takes full advantage of his height, and John’s surprise, tipping his new husband’s head back and twisting his tongue around John’s. In spite of himself, the doctor tilts his head back even more and dances his own tongue along Sherlock’s, reveling in the way they fit perfectly.

The garden erupts in applause again, along with cat calls and whistles led by Greg and Wiggins. It does not let up when their lips part. They look into one another’s wide eyes, warm breath against their parted lips, everyone else falls away.

Breathless and a little dizzy, John senses Sherlock’s thumb delicately brushing away a tear he was unaware he had shed. The corners of his mouth curl.)

S: (whispering) Don’t cry…husband. (sighing and cupping John’s face in his big hands) I have waited to call you husband for so long.

J: (hands on that slim waist) Wait no longer. Husband.

(Grins break over both of their faces and they kiss again. Chaste and quicker this time, but with no less passion.

Amber holds up her arms to quiet everyone as she speaks loudly.)

AC: (playfully) All right, all right. We still have a few things to tend to, so save it. (to the crowd) It is now my honor and privilege to congratulate Sherlock and John, husbands at last.

(Another cheer rises up. Mrs. Hudson and Bertie rush forward, each embracing one of the men in a bone crushing hug. They quickly swap places before Sherlock or John can escape and only let the other guests have a go when they are satisfied that all the stuffing has been squeezed from both men.

The rest of the crowd gathers around, bestowing more hugs and claps on the back. Words of congratulations and well wishes float through the air and, although John and Sherlock hear them all, they aren’t entirely focused on the people around them. Their eyes constantly come back to one another, full of excitement each time. That is, until about ten minutes have passed and John notices the strain on Sherlock’s face. He steps through the crowd to his husband and turns to them all, beaming from ear to ear.)

J: Why don’t we all go through the trellis to the reception. Come on, everyone.

MS: Capitol idea, John. Come! Let’s all take our seats and start the celebration. Cake to eat, speeches to give. Eh, Greg?

(Everyone laughs at Greg’s nervous nod and begins heading for the trellis. John moves to the side and pulls Sherlock over with him. The man looks restless, brimming with anxiety. John slowly strokes his thumb over the back of Sherlock’s hand.)

S: How long must we wait before making them all leave?

J: Just calm down, babe. It’s only a wedding reception and all these people are our friends.

S: How long do they typically last?

J: Um…four or five hours, maybe.

(Sherlock stares at John, his mouth opening and closing without a sound. John just grins and gives him that look that says ‘you really are so precious’.)

S: (incredulous and seething) Five hours?? Intolerable.

J: Okay, okay.

(He presses a gentle kiss to Sherlock’s lips. It’s a longer kiss than John might normally do in the presence of others, but the calming effect of his nibbles is more on his mind than embarrassment over public displays of affection.

He can feel the tension melting out of his husband’s muscles the longer he plays with his lips. A hand resting instinctively on Sherlock’s waist gives him a little squeeze. John opens his eyes as he pulls away, still feeling Sherlock’s warm breath on his mouth.)

J: You’ll be fine. I’ll be with you the whole time. (Sherlock frowns with those delectably full lips and John sighs.) I promise we’ll stay in for a whole week if you want. And turn away anyone who comes to visit.

S: Anyone?

J: Anyone.

(Sherlock’s hands glide up and down John’s back. His eyes momentarily drop to John’s lips hungrily and then rise up again innocently.)

S: And if I want to spend the week in our bedroom?

J: (laughing) Then that is where we will be.

S: Promise?

J: Yes, I promise.

(Sherlock studies him for a moment in mock suspicion and then kisses him softly.)

S: (smiling against his lips) Shall we then? It is our reception, after all.

(John returns the kiss and leads his new husband under the trellis into the applause of their friends patiently waiting on the other side.)

[nsula]

Spring 2018 Dean’s List

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University announced the names of 1,087 students named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2018 semester.  Students on the Dean’s List maintained a 3.5-3.99 grade point average. Students, listed by hometown, are as follows.

 Abbeville -- MaKayla Lewis;

Albany -- Kaitlyn Kinchen;

Alexandria -- Chris Vincent Advincula, Evelyn Allen-Lewis, Lili Bedoya, Heather Bergeron, Tianna Bowens, Lydia Branch, Morgan Bryant, Thomas Crowe, Noel Cusick, Angela Dunn, Aubrey Farque, Claudia Gauthier, Ian Grant, Monnie Guillory, Tameka Hammonds, Tyraneisha Hayward, Roderick Henry, Martha Hopewell, Jaliyah Jasper, Whitney Joffrion, Jordan Johnson, Kelli Leone, Hunter Lewis, Jimmie Magee, Aaron Martin, Ceerah McNeal, Jennifer Miranda, Kylah Porter, Sailor Reed, Savannah Sices, Shacora Simpson, Christopher Warren, Shanequa Watkins, Amber Williams Taylor;

Anacoco -- Lindsey Alligood, Kinsley Blakeway, Kenneth Cochran, Alan Cosio, Nicole Fitzgerald, Rachel Fournier, Christopher Guy, Elizabeth Guy, Karlee Laurence, Brittany Lewis, Mahala Lewis, Caitlin McKee, Kayli O’Toole, Clarissa Owens, Katie Perkins, Bret Phillips, Amanda Shores, Cheyenne Taylor;

Anchorage, Alaska -- Sydney Bulot;

Angola -- Ursula Poarch;

Arlington, Texas -- Mariah Denson;

Arnaudville -- Zachary Leboeuf;

Ashland -- Victoria Roderick;

Atlanta -- Peyton Howell, Morgan Williams;

Atlanta, Texas -- Shannon Jones;

Aurora, Colorado -- William Mccullough;

Austin, Texas -- Ysmina Smith;

Avondale -- Brian Videau;

Baker -- Devante George;

Baldwin -- Lakesha Colar, Gerianna Lyons;

Ball -- Stephen Carpenter, Nickolas Juneau, Lauren Nugent, Vanessa Toney, Megan Wakefield, Alice Wilson;

Barksdale AFB -- Elysia Lanier, Tova Volcheck;

Barlanquillo Atlantico, Columbia -- Camilo Simancas Morelo;

Baton Rouge -- Emmanuel Dunn, Lydell Emerson, Madison Fry, Julian Guerrero Acevedo, Maisyn Guillory, John Guillot, Kelly Guillot, Madison Harris, Jessica Joseph, Mckane Kinchen, Henrietta Mercer, Madalyn Mullins, Katie Pham, Colleen Reese, Reagan Smith, Jason Stampley;

Beaumont, Texas -- Dustin Burns;

Belcher -- Sierra Laing;

Belle Chasse -- Natalie Wilson;

Belmont -- Tristan Ponder;

Bentley -- Zachary Doucet;

Benton -- Kelyn Bihm, Christopher Heard, Kara Knippers, Jessica O'Neal, Jadyn Sepulvado, Torea Taylor, Kimberly Umphries;

Bernice -- Brandy Ganter;

Blanco, Texas -- Reagan Rogers;

Bogalusa -- Amanda Crawford;

Boise, Idaho -- Jessica Anderson;

Bossier City -- Alexander Bequette, Kendall Caple, Jael Ahmad, Lauryn Bakalis, Abigail Barkley, Breanna Black, Elizabeth Blair, Brittany Boothe, Steven Braddock, Katie Briggs, Jonathan Castillo, Peyton Davis, Anthonia Dogbey, Madison Edwards, Bailey Freeman, Karli Freeman, Laschae Gadson, Kelsey Gallman, Julie Golden, Mizzani Grigsby, Candace Guillory, Devonte Hall, Oai Lee Huynh, Anton Inyakov, Dejaney Jackson, Nourain Jamhour, Anqumesha Jeter, Shane Kaiser, Tina Kile, Danielle Lombardino, Alexandra Madrid, Samantha Maiette, Caroline McKee,  Amanda Mings, Stacy Moore, Katherine Parson, Kennedy Parson, Brittani Phillips, Kathryn Pierce, Rachael Pierce, Tatyana Porter, Timothy Rice, Jami Rivers, Jasmine Roberson, Kassidy Robideaux, Madison Rowland, Rheagan Rowland, Jeremy Ryals, Dakota Schudalla, Ranya Shihadeh, Hope Spaw, Tabitha Stevenson, Susan Stone, James Taylor,  Jazmine Tom-Jones, Giselle Trejo, Lacey Velasquez, Madalyn Watson, Meagan Willis, Nour Zeidan, Eric Zheng;

Bourg -- Micaiah Richie, Abigail Trahan;

Boyce -- Tiffany Barnhart, Ekaterina Bordelon, Sarah Hill, Sonya Hill, Hannah Miller, Ashley Smith;

Breaux Bridge -- Ashtin Mouton, Tyler Thibodeaux;

Brentwood, Tennessee -- Joe Tappel;

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma -- Madeline Drake;

Bunkie -- Emily Arnaud;

Burleson, Texas -- Eric Neeley;

Campti -- Alisha Bedgood, Paige Cason, Trenton Parker, Ronald Reliford, Madeline Valencia, Rebekah Wiley;

Carencro -- Malik Babin, Chaney Dodge, Destiny Kennerson;

Cartagena, Bolivar -- Carlos Camargo Patron, Maria Carmona-Ruiz, Angela Coneo Valdez, Carlomagno Leon Jimenez, Paula Martinez Marrugo, Nestor Mercado-Garcia, Romulo Osorio Herrera, Ronald Rodriguez Herrera, Valentina Herazo Alvarez, Luis Osorio Betancourt, Juan Paternina Paez, Valeria Perez Espinosa, Alonso Restrepo Cardozo;

Cedar Hill, Texas -- Timmis Bonner;

Chalmette -- Sara Mendoza;

Cheneyville -- Katelyn Baronne;

Chicago, Illinois -- Brandon Hutton;

Choudrant -- Taylor Holley, Mya Melancon;

Clayton -- Glendalyn Boothe, Ruben Smith;

Colfax -- Camren Bell, Michael Dupre, Angela McCann, Lessie Rushing, Elizabeth Slayter, Morgan Vandegevel;

Colorado Springs, Colorado -- Rossana Potempa;

Columbia, South Carolina -- Brittany Bell;

Converse -- Samantha Davis, Ashley Forgues Brock, Hannah Womack;

Costa Mesa, California -- Keith Ford;

Cottonport -- Zachary Gauthier, Justin Tigner;

Coushatta -- Jason Bell, Nick Ezernack, Erikka Johnson, Jamary Jones, Sidney Jones, Aaron Murray, Jacob Shaver, Precious Smith, John Squires, Keyairrowa Thomas, Treasure Wilson, Caroline Wren, Lauren Young, Rena Yount;

Covington -- Justin Brogdon, Rachael Coyne, Margaret Denny, Titus McCann, Andrea Mier, Cathleen Oviedo, Catherine Sadler, Kenneth Sears, Jennifer Vo;

Coyolilla Veracruz, Mexico -- Guadalupe de Jesus Mendez Zaragoza;

Creole -- Brooklyn Frerks;

Crowley -- Kylan Poullard, Desiree Robinson;

Cut Off -- Zachary Breaux;

Cypress, Texas -- Alexis Gomez;

Dayton, Texas -- Jerry Maddox;

DeBerry, Texas -- Sarah Britt;

Deer Park, Texas -- Blake Stephenson;

Denham Springs – Joey Carroll, James Fillingame, Caitlin Griffin, Keisha Johnson, Halle Mahfouz, Amy Thomas, Jenson Wall, Emily Williams;

DeQuincy -- Austin Nichols;

DeRidder -- Dawanna Burgess, Maygin Chesson, Alphonse Engram, John Ham, Michael Keeper, Kayla Kowalski, Reagan Laird, Brittney March, Shayla Miller, Zachary Pursley;

Derry -- Hannah Antee;

Desoto, Texas -- Nicholas Forde;

Destrehan – Patrick Juneau;

Deville -- Hailey Bolton, Savannah Carter, Hailie Coutee, Kinley Deville, Candice Dryden, Hannah Lewis, Caleb Rhodes, Sydney Ryder;

Dike, Texas -- Brynn Offutt;

Dodson -- Courtney Booker, Kierstyn Cyrus, Haley McClendon;

Doyline -- Lucas Darbonne, Zeke Wallace;

Dry Prong -- Megan Alwell, DeAnna Bartlett, Jacob Boydstun, Ashley Martin, Judith Mixon;

Dubberly -- Alex Robles;

East Windsor, New Jersey – Andreia Martins;

Edmond, Oklahoma -- Ashley Medawattage, Amanda Stokes;

El Paso, Texas -- Christopher Barron;

Elizabeth -- Kolby Friday, Clyde Hurst;

Elmer -- Tula Newman;

Eros -- Alecia Smith;

Eunice -- Jeremy Ortego;

Ferriday -- Dalenesha Wimley;

Flatwoods -- Taylor Nichols;

Florien -- Whitney Byles, Travis Cook, Emma Herrington, Jackson Kleven, Ashton Remedies, Megan Wagley, Shari Wilson;

Flower Mound, Texas -- Cody McGee;

Folsom -- Sarah Moore;

Forest Hill -- Brett Atkinson, Anna Doherty, Rafael Sierra, Charli Stanley, Nancy Vargas, Leslie Winners;

Fort Lauderdale -- Abigail Pangallo;

Fort Polk -- Brittany Chadwick, Molly Fields, Clarrissa Lancour, Blaise Nkengafac, Lindsay Romero, Shiela May Tabonares, Jimma Tear, Nohora Valencia Camacho, Leslie Whitsett;

Fort Worth, Texas -- Angelica Valdez;

Fouke, Arkansas -- Holly Tweedy;

FPO, AP -- Amber Travis;

Franklin -- Shelley Bell, Abriana Lanceslin;

Franklinton -- Brian Geraghty, Bethany McGinnis;

Freeland, Washington -- Paul Aune;

Frierson – Mason Barnes, Shelby Callens, Treanna Howard, Shawna Longoria, Clinton Oliver, John Rachal;

Frisco, Texas -- Adam Trupp;

Garland, Texas -- Joseph Goodson, Alec Horton, Nia Randall;

Geismar -- Emilee Hawkins;

Georgetown, Texas -- Kyle Bryant;

Glenmora -- Brooks Davis, Faith Lawrence;

Gloster -- Paris Gillum;

Goldonna -- Alexander Guillory, Brandon Smith;

Gonzales, Texas -- Ivan Longoria;

Gorman, Texas -- Kourtney Seaton;

Gorum -- Josephine White;

Grand Cane -- Nathan Graham, Rachel Kinman, Jaylen Mcintyre;

Grand Isle -- Abigail Frazier,

Grand Prairie, Texas -- Stephen Garrett;

Grant -- Regina Johnson;

Gray -- Cassie Becnel;

Greenwell Springs -- Katherine Bryant, Madison Shade, Jamie Brooks;

Greenwood -- Ragan Aple, Malory Jeter, Char'Tarian Wilson;

Gretna -- Donald Wagner;

Gun Barrel City, Texas -- Dustin Huffman;

Hallandale Beach, Florida -- Ralph Boereau;

Hallsville, Texas -- Emma Hawthorne;

Hamtramck, Michigan -- Mary Cotter;

Harlingen, Texas -- Frances Knight;

Harvey -- Tajalai Evans;

Hattiesburg, Mississippi -- Mary Mitchell;

Haughton – Benny Broadway, Kayla Bull, Brittony Cole, Randi Corley, Bethanie Couch, Brandon Curry, Ashley Hamil, Tyler Holdsworth, Sydney MacFarlane, Tonya Morgan, Brooke Payton, Jamie Phillips, Makenzie Rains, Johnathan Schlicher, Logan Turner, Kaili Williams, Brigette Wilson, Chase Woltz;

Haynesville -- Eriel Fields;

Hempstead, Texas -- Joshua Roberts;

Henderson, Texas -- Andrew Blackmon, Asha Cormier;

Hermon, Maine -- Allessa Ingraham-Albert;

Hessmer -- Dana Lala, Molli Lamartiniere;

Hineston -- Richard Clark, Angela Merchant, Madison Morrison, April Nornholm;

Homer -- Madison Cain, Francene Ferguson;

Honolulu, Hawaii -- Melissa Baker;

Hornbeck -- Ronald Guess, Jerry Hughes Jr, Jaclyn Smith;

Hosston -- Alaysia Jaynes;

Houma -- Rhiannon Dean, Billy Gorr, Zoe Hebert, Corinne Paris, Sherrie Pena;

Houston, Texas -- Brittany Davis, Stephanie Hall, Natashia Jackson, Alyssa Jacobs, Kenneth Sheldon, Kendall Westfall, Madilyn Wood;

Hutchinson, Kansas -- Cassandra Childress;

Hutto -- Tommi Long;

Independence -- Sabrina Cook;

Iowa -- Nicholas Fisher, Matthew Phillips, Marvette Williams;

Jeanerette -- Selene Allain-Kovacs, Brandy Jackson;

Jefferson -- Matthew Broekman, Jaleia Parker, Codi Vernace, Amanda Wilburn;

Jena -- William Tradewell;

Jennings -- Emily Benoit, Destany Brown, Janee Charles, Rachel Edwards, Kelsey Fitzgerald, Lindsay Orgeron, Lydia Williams,

Jonesboro -- Dearo Nash;

Jonesville -- Rachel Eichmann, Shana Jefferson, Kayla Robertson, Memory Shriner;

Kaplan -- Gabriel LeMoine;

Katy, Texas -- Brittany Cecil, Clayton Holgorsen;

Keithville -- Eleanor Coleman, Erin McDonnell, Hannah Mikovich, Allie Neill, Cora Procell, Erica Sanders, Alexandra West, Deja White;

Kenner -- Christina Arrechavala, Willie Soniat, Kailyn Verdin;

Kentwood -- Iris Travis;

Kerens, Texas -- Brandon Brumbelow, Eric Guerra;

Kilgore, Texas -- Hannah Gribble;

Kinder -- Lorin All;

Kingwood, Texas -- Eric Piccione;

Klamath Fall, Oregon -- Megan Baker;

Lacey Washington -- Shana Sweeney;

Lafayette -- Samantha Donlon, Ashley Fontenot, Ashley Guidry, Bryce Hernandez, Emilee Leger, Nicole Neveu, Christina Poole, Hunter Robicheaux, Caleb Starks, Julia Towry, China Young;

Lake Providence -- Jayadra Campbell, Tamika Turner;

Lake Arthur -- Nicole Andrews, Hannah Worley;

Lake Charles -- Andrew Darbonne, Kennedy Fontenot, Marsha Heap, Karley Hebert;

LaPlace -- Jalen Haydel, Jacob St. Pierre, Doria Wilson;

Las Vegas, Nevada -- April Ficarrotta;

Lawtell -- Karoline Guidry, Olivia Guidry;

League City, Texas -- Emily Ornelas, Hunter Wamack, Christopher Zirkle;

Lecompte -- Allison Williams;

Leesville -- Junette Cutshaw, Skyler Abrams, Lyric Bacote, Marilyn Brooks, Kaylee Busby, Victoria Butler, Anthony Cantrell, Michael Carradine, Charlotte Cassin, Raven Collins, Haleigh Edinger, Brittany Edwards, Tyana Ellis, Caryllann Fermato, Ashley French, Brittany French, Jessica Gray, Gabriella Haymon, Kimberly Henley, Jessica Herring, Heather Hickman, Caitlan James, Zachary Keeton, Jessica Gray, Karl Marzahl, Kylie McAllister, Kelsea Mckinney, Emily Moore, Kaitlyn Pajinag, Montana Phillips, Charlotte Rivara, Chloe Rouleau, David Santos,  Hannah Scott, Heather Snell, Peggy Stanley, Collin Strickland, Haley Tucker, Matthew Ward, Jessica Taylor;

Lena -- Juan Gonzalez;

Lewisville, Texas -- Venus Par;

Little Elm, Texs -- Jasmine Ealy, Daniel Larin;

Little Rock, Arkansas – Tara Lane;

Livonia -- Ryann Bizette;

Logansport -- Amanda Hill, Ashley Wheless;

 Longview, Texas -- Gustavo Corrales, Hannah Dunn, Robdrick Halton, Joni Overman;

Julie Rawls;

Longville -- Johanna Braden;

Lonoke, Arkansas -- Rachel Terry;

Loranger -- Cambree Bailey, Laurie Lassalle;

Louisville, Mississippi -- Zachary Wilson;

Luling --- Nathan Roth;

Lumberton, Texas -- Joshua Terry;

Madisonville -- Alyce Lis, Jensen Volz;

Mandeville -- Evan Guillory, Guy Lecompte, Connor Loar, Carrie Maxwell, Blake Naquin, Prinice Neyland, Shannon Roussell, Sheridan Smith;

Mangham -- Rebekah Aultman;

Manito, Illinois -- Sarah Picken;

Mansfield -- Nicolette Hogan, Ashley Shelton, Brooke Smith;

Mansura -- Deaisha Johnson, Jonah Johnson, Katherin Lemoine, Distiny Thompson;

Many -- Rachel Bensinger, David Bourgeois, Toby Bruce, Jocelyn Cannon, Tyler Colston, Skyler Ezernack, Tiarra Frazier, Alison Garcia, Brittney Garcie, Savannah Garcie, Sheridan Gowen, Emmy Hinds, Emily Holcomb, Jenifer Meadows, Matthew Peace, Lincoln Pearce, Jonathan Pilcher, Bailey Walker;  

Maringouin -- Laura Scronce, Jalacia Toussant;

Marksville -- Andre Boyer, Erica Ducote, Andria Lachney, Chaterrika Lavalais, Zachary Moreau, Madeleine Morrow, Tanner Nugent;

Marrero -- Lorn Bourgeois, Jade Duthu, Luis Escobar, Addison Hinson;

Marshall, Texas -- Tiffany Cortes, Laurann Graham, Tristian Zamora;

Marthaville -- Dillon Hagan, Mallory Powell, Madeline Procell, Daniel Rachal-Claspill;

Masura -- Kate Losavio;

Maurice -- Jenna-Clair Courville, Nicole Levine;

Merryville -- Kalan Townsley;

Metairie -- Kathryn Bancroft, Cameron Duhe, Mary Gaffney, Ellie Mandel, Madysen Norra;

Midland, Texas -- Savannah Cantwell;

Minden -- Kadeem Bailey, Aubry Dennis, Erin Dotson, Abby Greene, Hutton Leppert, Madison Tanner, Kayla Theus, Heather White;

Mira -- Taylor Andrews;

Missouri City, Texas -- Cayla Jones;

Monroe -- Demonta Brown, Dataya Cummings, Deshon Hayes, Ashley Jackson Franklin, Tatianna Randle;

Montgomery --Laryn Graves, Teri Ogorek, Stephanie Sanders;

Mooringsport -- Jacklyn Dublin;

Mora -- Gracy Rowell;

Morgan City -- Norris Duthu;

Morrow -- Quaniqua Joseph;

Moscow, Russia -- Polina Ivanova,

Mt. Hermon -- Warren McFarlain;

Murrieta, California -- LaQuitta Wilkins;

Natchez -- Victoria Bradford, Courtney Sarpy;

Natchitoches -- Alissa Addison, James Armstrong, Cass Arnold, Adam Barnes, Behrend Behrendsen, Lauren Bennett, Joshua Bolton, Kayla Bordelon, Megan Bouchie, Taylor Burch, Deasia Burrell, Ebone Burton, John Byone, Ana Cardaba Garcia, Valerie Chadick, Hannah Chelette, Laura Coffey, Donna Cooper, Whitney Crooks, Dalton Dark, Cieara Davis, Sean Day, Jacob Ellis, Fred Fontenot, Daniela Forero Salcedo, Ashley Fortenberry, Mark Gallien, Luis Gallo Quintero, Taylor Garland, Christopher Gistarb, Samuel Greene, Pamela Gross, Hannah Haigh, Michaela Haigh, Jorgia Hamel, Jett Hayes, Emily Heard, Marcie Jenkins, Regina Johnson, Zachary Johnson, Jeremy Jones, Brian Jordan, Daniel Killian, Michael Kingsley, Abagael Kinney, Lyndon Knueppel, Jiyoon Lee, Robert Lee, John Lindsey, Luke Lucky, Kary-Katharine McCormick, Amber Minor, Shanteria Montgomery, Destiny Moody, Sarah Moody, Brooklyn Noe, Karmen O' Connor, Joseph Parrie, Kevin Price, LaKendria Remo, Antavious Roberson, Cayla Roberts, Tyler Roberts, Aaron Rogers, William Rogers, Kayla Roquemore, Dante Samuel, Spencer Sepulvado,  Anna Sibley, Josie Stamey, Scott Stewart, Harrison Thomas, Margaret Thompson, Victoria Thompson, Kaleb Usleton, Kristan Valdez, Ricardo Ventura, Ryan Wade, Kathryn White, Sarah Kay, Nicholas Wiggins;

New Iberia -- Tara Bonvillain, Bryson Bourque, Destinee Leger, Natalie Ortega, Madison Romero, Alexis Trosclair;

New Llano -Kendra Jones, Reaz Khan, Dennis Stein;

New Orleans -- Rayna Brantley, Beau Cook, Marquise Davis, Amy Favalora, Jaime Hendrickson, Karina Santiago, Jeffrey Swift;

Newman, Georgia -- Samantha Sims;

Norcross, Georiga -- Kailee Striplin;

Norwood -- Ty'Dashia McElwee;

Oakdale – Alyssa Cole, Kirstin Richard;

Oberlin -- Jonathon Villareal;

Opelousas -- Kierra Doucet, Diamond Leblanc, Amy Levier;

Pacifica, California -- Nicholas Pierotti;

Paris, Texas -- Emily Essary, Zachary Hevron, Cody Vorwerk, Jordan Whatley;

Pattison, Texas -- Morgan Hildebrand;

Pelican -- Mary Myers;

Pereira Risaralda, Columbia -- Mariana Ospina Rivas;

Pineville -- Connor Littleton, Aimee Ashworth, Christian Boudreaux, Raegan Brocato, Samantha Browning, Kaitlyn Burns, Taylor Campbell, Erika Carter, Luke Conway, Caitlin Crawford, Glory Deaton, Cory Franklin, Hannah Gaspard, Brooke Gongre, Leia Graham, Megan Gypin, Katelyn Hebert, Kaylin Jameson, Jacqueline Johnson, Alissa Joseph, Jessica King, Landon King, Carlee Lake, Brooke Leger, Jeffery Lepage, Ashlee Mitchell, Austin Nelson, Michalene Perry, Cinnamon Player, Wendi Powell, Brittany Shackleford, Odie Trusty, Wesley Williams, Alexis Williamson, Alan Winegeart, Jewel Woods, Madeline Wright;

Pitkin -- Jessica Jones;

Plain Dealing -- Hunter Horton;

Plaquemine -- Kameron Landry, Ma Kayla Washington;

Plum City, Wisconsin -- Brittany Reiter-Theeuwen;

Pollock -- Tanner Brazil, William Hardy;

Port Barre -- Olivia Lanclos, Danielle Schexnayder;

Prairieville -- Lauren Breaux, Joanna Bunnell, Claire Credeur, Andrea Gathercole, Jakalyn Hills, Bailey Mohler, Kyle Munson, Payton Stafford, Brooke Tompkins, Kaylon Wood;

Pride -- Leann Wills;

Princeton -- Ariell Shield;

Raceland -- Emily Adams, DQuincy McGuire;

Raeford, North Carolina -- Lauren Reilly;

Raleigh, North Carolina -- Aleida Alfonso;

Rayne -- Cameron Desselle;

Rayville -- Emily Rawls, Jennifer Rogers, Mary Rogers, Leslie Sharbono;

Reserve -- Ranata Coxie;

Rhinehart -- Bethany Russell;

Richardson, Texas -- Erin Wrozek;

Richmond, Texas -- Sidney Harris;

Ridgeland, Mississippi -- Jacqueline Fairley-Taylor;

Ringgold -- Alora Bryant, Abram Cook;

River Ridge -- Taylor Young;

Robeline -- Amy Bass, Hunter Dubois, Keira Huff, Bergen Oge, Laura Olguin, Megan Palmer, Rebecca Sparish, Christopher Taylor;

Rogers, Arkansas -- Taylor Bush;

Roseland -- Erin Verberne;

Rosepine -- Emily Camacho;

Rosharon, Texas -- Whitney Washington;

Rowlett, Texas --Daniel Miner;

Ruston -- Irene Hild, Qay'Shon Thurman, Jena Warren;

Saint Francisville – Claire Leming, Kathleen Morse, Katherine Noble, Hannah Prewitt;

Saint Gabriel -- Jainakee Cross;

Saint Ignace, Michigan -- Emilee Keuten;

Saint Martinville -- Blake Blanchard;

San Pedro Sula, Cortes, Honduras -- Jonathan Andino Madrid, Vilma Castro Lopez, Cesia Corrales;

Santa Fe, Texas -- Micaela Bouvier;

Saratoga, Arkansas -- Christie Sain;

Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada -- Loren MacLennan;

Scott -- Tayla Soileau;

Scottsboro, Alabama -- Jessica Provenza;

Scurry, Texas -- Rebecca Blackshear;

Shreveport -- Foster Adams, Phillip Adams, Ashlee Arkansas, Chris Bankson, Angelica Bartlett, Austin Beene, Azhani Bennett, Jessica Bollingham, Hannah Bolton, Alyssa Bonacci, JiKeeriya-Jontay Bowden, Rakeisha Brown, Amanda Charles, Brandon Cockerham, Caitlin Coker, Elizabeth Cook, Colby Cranford, Naterria Davis, Emily Dean, Courtney Dehart, Kimberly Dennis, Kristina Doyal, Jada Dudley, Shalanda Duncan, Hannah Ellis, Reagan Escude, Ronald Evans, Candice Faith, Amye Flair, Sierra Foster, Sterlin, Samantha Freeman, Jamie French, Zachary Fussell, JaSae Gatlin, Rayvin Gaudet, Michael Ghattas, Destinee Green, Lashonda Hall, Madison Harper, Brea Housley, Melinda Hunt, April Hunter, Alyecia Ivory Stills, Ronesha Johnson, Randall Johnston, Lajarious Jones, Demariae Jordan, Molly Kelly, Emalee Kennon, Kaitlyn Knighton, Lakenya Lafitte, Katie Layfield, Hannah Lee, Jay Lester, Brandon Lewis-Graham, William Mahoney, Alaina McMillian, Destiny Mitchell, Damitron Moore, Latravia Mosley, Aaron Navarre,  Maria Ogletree, Haley Peace, Allison Pearah, TreSor Pennington, Jared Perkins, Hayden Pilcher, Laura Pritchard, Lindsey Ray, Patricia Reed, Harrison Reeves, Kendall Reeves, Keyonna Roberson, Ansley Rosett, Caleb Rounsavall, Amanda Rushing, Mallori Sanders, Elizabeth Scott, Lawson Scott, Catherine Shaw, Kathryn Shrader, Mary Sibley, Jackiesha Simmons,  John Slocum, Shelby Sowers, Christa Sprawls, Angel Stewart, Rashima Stewart, Somer Stratton, Amanda Strother, Khalil Sumlin, Destini Sweet, Joyce Taylor, Breyonna Thompson, Albert Tuiel, Kayla Waller, Ilyanna Warlen, Aaliyah Watkins, Dillion Wilkerson, Donald Williams, JeVannica Williams, Suzanne Williams, Emily Wingrove, Morgan Woodall,  Randy Woodle;

Sibley -- Julianna Schober;

Sierner -- Emily George;

Sieper -- Whitney Browning;

Sikes -- Dylan Kelly, Tonya LeBaron;

Simmesport -- Kimani Batiste, Bailie Marsh, Taylor Myers;

Slaughter -- Ciara Gibbs;

Slidell -- Katie Buttner, Robert Carter, William Jensen, John Norvel, Theresa Sharp, Sophia Toranto, Maci Walgamotte, Olivia Warren;

Spring, Texas -- Victoria Harris, Elyssa Hernandez;

Starks -- Triston Bussell,

Stockbridge, Georgia -- Rachel Jeane;

Stonewall -- Hailey Compton, Madison Parker, Chassidy Sutton;

Sugarland, Texas -- Jake Gore;

Sulphur -- Kobe Ardoin, Derek Henry, Bralyn James, Rylie Mcfarlain;

Summerfield, South Carolina -- Alexandria Hughes;

Talihina, Oklahoma -- Heidi Couch;

Texarkana, Texas -- Cody Hambly, Daphne Hammett;

The Woodlands, Texas -- Robyn Beatty, Tyler Rapp;

Thibodaux -- Tierra Johnson;

Tioga -- Hannah Pusateri;

Tomball, Texas -- Kylie Spencer;

Toms River, New Jersey -- Jacqueline Manza;

Trout -- Makayla King, Kalee Mcguffee, Jacie Paul;

Turkey Creek -- Kelsie King;

Tyler, Texas -- De'Shalyn Jones;

Vacherie -- Tameeka Ross;

Vidalia -- Kayla Banks, Charles Johnson;

Vierzon -- Lena Billault;

Ville Platte -- Gabrielle Chapman, Joseph Evans, Hannah Gallow;

Vinton -- Shae Cramer;

Vinton, Texas -- Alexis Frescas;

Virginia Beach, Texas -- Danielle Hill;

Walker -- David Kolb;

Washington -- Halie Briley;

Welsh -- Jordan Durio, Lauren LeDoux;

West Monroe -- Charles Allen, Abigail Beck, Laura Lovell;

Westlake -- Baleigh Derouen,

Wills Point, Texas -- Rebekah Clark;

Winnfield -- Jermesia Anderson, Taylor Burnett, Simona Curry, Trenton Dill, Rhonda Duff, Kerry Fitzgerald, Kara Grantadams, Ieishlia Lynch, Brittany Parker, Katreiona Starks, Caitlin Womack, Caroline Womack, Katy Zimmerman;

Winnsboro -- Hunter Cooper, Darrel Doyle, A'Lexus Johnson;

Woodville -- Tiera Trask;

Woodworth -- Taylor Henry;

Yaroslavl, Russia -- Polina Mutel;

Youngsville -- Randall Blair, Hannah Broussard, Jessica Gilmore, Alexys Hebert, Brian Horton, Devyn Shores;

 Zachary -- Carmeka Cooper, Neil Ahldwin;

 Zwolle -- Holly Laroux, Courtney McDaniel, Konner Parrie, Holden Rivers;

Rebecca Reine.

[sophygurl]

RotE feels spewage

Okay, so now that I’ve read everything currently written in the Realm of the Elderlings series (but boy howdy am I excited about the new short story coming out soon!), I’m gonna try and capture some of my overall thoughts and feels. This will be very long and undoubtedly spoilerific. 

For the record, I started the whole series about a year ago and have just raced through it all. The first thing I read was the short story Homecoming and it so fueled me with all of the mystery and magic that I started in on the first Farseer trilogy and then banged out through all of the other short stories and novels in order. 

I am happy to see there are lots of RotE fans on tumblr, but sad to see most of the posts go back months and years ago and there isn’t a lot of current discussion. Woe is the fangirl who finds a fandom later than everyone else. But I won’t let that stop me from sharing my thoughts. 

Okay so I have some new all-time favorite characters from this series. Strangely enough, Fitz is not one of them. NOT that I dislike Fitz, and I sure did enjoy reading 3 sets of trilogies from his perspective, but he’s just not a fave-fave. 

A lot of the people (and animals) around him became faves, but I have to admit to being somewhat in the minority from what I’ve seen, in vastly preferring the Rain Wilds/Bingtown stuff over the Six Duchies stuff. Again - not that I don’t love all of it, but just those were my fave bits and the stuff I personally related to more and want more of.

Most Fave Characters:

Paragon. Oh my dear mad ship, how I love you. How can my favorite character be a sentient ship made out of dragon cocoons who has literally gone insane? IDK, Robin Hobb that’s why. I am so pleased for Paragon that he got to finally be dragons, but oh how I’ll miss my crazy traumatized liveship. I hope we get to see more of his dragons in future works?

All of the Vestrits, but particularly the women. Especially Althea, Ronica, and Malta. Their character arcs were phenomenal and I’d love to read any and all side-stories of their lives and adventures between the Liveship Traders trilogy and the Fitz and the Fool trilogy, as well as anything in their futures. 

Bee! Bee Bee Bee Bee Bee. Bee Farseer. Bee the Destroyer. Bee....loved. I love her. Every single thing about her. More Bee! MORE BEE!

Thick. He was probs my favorite part of the Tawny Man trilogy and omg the picture of him as an old man with a cat in his lap teaching Bee how to make skillsongs and being happy and comfortable and cared for is just killing me. ILU Thick!

Thymara. Best part of the Rain Wilds Chronicles imo. And the bits we gleamed of her and Tats and their kid in the Fitz and the Fool trilogy made me so happy. The way her wings grew! I bet she flies all the time! Oh please please tell me more about Thymara’s life once she settled into Kelsingra! 

Nighteyes. I don’t know that I can discuss my feelings for him without sobbing, so I’ll leave it at that. 

Nettle Farseer. What an amazing arc, and getting to see her from being a baby to having her own baby. MOAR Nettle! 

Perseverance. Where is the Per fandom?! I adore this little due with my whole heart and soul. So brave, so kind, so patient, so loyal. I cry just thinking about him and how good he is. 

The Fool/Beloved/Lord Golden/Amber/whatever all else... I think I loved his Fool persona the most, but they’re all fantastic. 

Chade Fallstar. Look, I know he’s a real son of a bitch, but I love him anyway. I’m a sucker for old wizardy teacher types and prankster/trickster types and just always wanted for him to find some happiness and belonging.

Kettricken. Such a strong, sweet, fierce, stable, amazing woman. Who was so in love with Fitz and you can’t tell me otherwise! 

Ophelia - my second favorite liveship and one I think might... even?? want... to stay one??? Maybe??? We’ll see. Hopefully. Please tell us. 

Patience. Quirky mom/grandma figure who couldn’t have her own kids so protects the ones that need protecting forever in my heart! (Also Lacey, who I am certain in my heart of hearts was her lover as well as her friend and bodyguard.)

Spark/Ash. Another wonderful genderbender in the series. I hope they get to keep being both sides of themselves. 

Motley. How can you not love a crow who calls Fitz “stupid” every chance she gets and who bonds with Heeby and loves all the same characters we love? I hope Motely finally finds a good wit-bond. She deserves it. 

Every cat we ever encounter in any of the books. 

Characters I love but with some reservations:

Kennit Ludluck - I mean I hate this man, but I also love him. He was a fascinating character and his relationships with other characters were interesting, and his whole ... thing ... with Paragon was so emotional and intense. And I could have forgiven every other awful thing he ever did up until he raped Althea and then it was just - nope. Sigh. 

Dragons - particularly Tintaglia, Sintara, Mercor, Heeby,and Relpda. Dragons can be terrible, but they’re also a lot of fun.

Rapskal - loved loved loved him before he merged with the Elderling memories. Still kinda like him, but not quite as much. His relationship with Heeby is always sweet. 

Ships (as in shipping not liveships)

First a note about Molly. I always felt like Molly’s character was strangely un-fleshed out. She was just Girl who is a Friend, Young Woman who is Attractive, Woman Fitz Loves, Woman Fitz Longs For, Woman Fitz Finally Gets to be With, Woman Fitz Loses. And then from Bee’s perspective she’s Mom. But she never felt like a fully realized character to me??

So it was hard to love her, to ship her with anyone, to really understand and empathize for Fitz’s feelings for her. She was just kind of this Figure. Which is really such a shame, because Hobb has so many other wonderfully filled out female characters who are so varied and fleshed out and amazing in such different ways from one another. And then there’s just Molly. Woman Fitz Loves. For ... some reason?? 

IDK - is this a thing that other fans feel? Did I miss something that everyone else gets?

I mean, I understand that the fandom mostly ships Fitz with Beloved/Fool, but did anyone ship Fitz with Molly? Or ship her with Burrich for that matter?? 

I personally shipped Fitz the most with Kettricken, but I obvi get the Fitz/Fool thing too. I always thought when Fitz grew up into himself more, he’d realize it was for the best that Molly and Burrich had ended up together and leave it at that, and then eventually the feelings he and Kettricken obviously had for one another would have a chance to blossom. But whatever. She gets to raise Bee now, so that’s something. 

So anyway, my ships for this series:

Fitz/Ketrricken, as stated above. 

Fitz/Fool, cannot be denied.

Fitz/Nighteyes - not in a romantic or sexual way but they were true soulmates. 

Fitz/Burrich and Fitz/Chade and Fitz/Verity as son/father.

Fitz/Dutiful and and Fitz/Hap and Fitz/Per as father/son.

Fitz/Nettle and Fitz/Bee as father/daughter.

Fitz friendships - Fool, Riddle, Thick, Nosy, Smithy, Myblack, Fleeter, Motley.

Fool/Shrewd as friends or even a touch of father/son.

Fool friendships - Fitz, Prilkop, Verity, Kettricken, Nighteyes, as Amber: Althea, Brashen, Paragon, Jek. 

Chade/Shrewd as brothers.

Verity/Chivalry as brothers. 

Patience/Lacey - mirite?

Chivalry/Burrich - right?? right??!?! Come at me about it. 

Althea/Brashen - perfectly coupled. 

Malta/Reyn - especially once they’ve actually had some time to get to know one another better. (their courtship was kinda yikes in a lot of ways tho)

Etta/Kennit’s charm necklace lmao.

Nettle/Riddle - so sweet together. I’m glad she gets her happy ending, so to speak. Getting to be recognized for who she is at Buckkeep, having a job/calling she’s good at and loves, getting to marry the man she loves, having a child she gets to actually raise. All the stuff Fitz never got to have. 

Erek and Detozi! How cute are they and how adorable was the way their relationship was shown in the books? Awwwww. (I did think for the first couple books that they were both dudes so I was slightly disappointed when I figured it out, but still sweet.)

Sedric/Carson

Alise/Leftrin

Alise/Sedric as friends.

Alise/Thymara as friends.

Sintara/Mercor - can you ship dragons? I think I do. 

Fave Places:

Rain Wilds - anything to do with the Rain Wilds, Trehaug, Cassarick, Bingtown, Kelsingra, etc. Love it, want more of it. 

Withywoods. I fell in love with this quiet home and the people in it, especially as seen through Bee’s eyes, and especially once she discovers the places in the walls.

The Pirate Isles - fun stuff and I liked that we got to see a little bit about how it’s developed both as far as appearances and it’s political/trading place in the world. 

Stuff I especially want more of, questions I still have, mysteries I want solved, etc.:

I’ll honestly take anything in this world at any time, but here’s the stuff particularly weighing on me....

Magic: SO much more about magic and how it works and where it comes from. For instance, the Silver.

How is it in the dragons?

How did it get into the memory stone?

How is it related to the Skill?

How did the Farseers get access to this magic?

How do people not related to Farseers sometimes get it?

Is the Skill/Silver related to the Wit or are they totally separate things?

Do dragons have Skill and Wit? And also something else?

What, exactly are (were?) The Others.

AND WHY ARE THEY TERRIFIED OF CATS?

Speaking of cats - why can they talk to anyone regardless of Wit?

Are cats and dragons related somehow??!

And what about pecksies?! 

What about The Whites? Where does their magic come from? Is it related to all the silver/skill/dragon stuff at all? Where did they come from and how are they related to humans, Elderlings, etc?

Also what in the freaking frak IS the skill-current and how does it woooorrrrrk? 

HOW are the Vestrits all so linked to magic?!?! I keep having these theories that Ephron did something to all his kids and grandkids, maybe to protect them from the blood plague, that made them all more susceptible to things like dragon glamour and skill-healings and the like. And why did he decide to stop trading with the Rain Wilds and magical items? What did he KNOW? Am I making stuff up in my head, or is there something there? I feel like there’s something there.  

History: grand-scale and smaller more personal things I’d love to see explained more either in short stories or as characters learn more in potential future trilogies and such - like as Nettle and the coteries learn more from the skill-cubes or as the new Elderlings and dragons learn more from their artifacts and buildings. Some examples:

Chade’s life. Would ADORE a short story about his life pre-Fitz, his many adventures as Lady Thyme and other identities, his life as Lord Chade and all of the secrets he never told anyone, his various spy networks and how they worked, etc. 

How did the Servants get so corrupted? How did their unholy alliance with The Others get formed? What was Clerres before it was the White Prophet/Servant place? What were the bones and skulls from? Some creatures bigger and badder and older than dragons?? 

FITZ’s Parentage! Especially his mom! We know she was Mountain-born, we know she had an affair with Chivalry who was not one to go about having affairs like that, we know Fitz’s grandfather forced his mom to give Fitz up, but that’s literally it. How did Chivalry and his mom meet and what happened between them? Why did his mom’s family decide she couldn’t keep him? Did she have the Wit - is that how he got it?? What was little toddler Fitz’s life like?? What happened to his mom after she was forced to give him up?? Did she marry and have more kids - are their Fitz-siblings and their kids and grandkids out in the world, maybe in the Mountains?

And that time really early in the books, maybe the second one? When he encountered some people in the market from the Mountains and there was a young woman who started screaming and pointing at him and crying and was held back by the others - I mean, that was his mom yea?? Why did we never come back to that scene. I kept waiting for Fitz to remember that and link it to what little he remembered of her. Sigh. 

Stories about Dragons and Elderlings of old! Maybe some about their destruction but also just ... what their lives were actually like?? How they came about?? How they made their art and architecture and stuff?? IDK. I’m so curious about this part. 

Maybe something about King Wisdom and how he sought out the Elderlings for aid, or if the Elderlings were already gone by then how he discovered the putting-your-life-into-stone thing? Maybe some stories about skill coteries who traveled together up the skill road to make their own dragons? TELL ME HOW THE FARSEERS ARE LINKED TO THE ELDERLINGS!

The gods, too. Sa and the priesthood of Sa and how all that got started, how it got corrupted, etc. How Sa connects with El and Eda. Are they real? Are they representations of the Skill or the Skill current or???  

Chalced’s history is one I’m very curious about. Are they connected to the Servants and Others in toppling the Dragon/Elderling civilizations, or did they just hate the Stone Pillars for other reasons? How did they get to be so ... terrible? 

Future:  Some of the stories I wanna see about what comes next!

BEE!!!! Bee and Kettricken and Per and Integrity and Hap and Motley and Spark riding through the Mountains together with Fitz/Fool/Nighteyes-as-stone trailing them! How all of their lives progress, and how Hope and Promise grow up together and what their lives are like and maybe check-in with Steady and Swift on occasion and yea. 

Are Fitz and the Fool and Nighteyes happy now that they’re whole and in the Skill together? How long can they stay active and watch over Bee? 

Gosh, I’d really like to see how the folks at Withywoods continue to heal and recover. Too bad they don’t have therapists in this world...

Will Prilkop be able to take the dozen or so Whites left and build something new? Maybe use their powers for good? Will Bee ever be prompted to find and use a Catalyst or will she continue to refuse to be a White Prophet? Will another White step in her place, and if so - will it be good or bad?!?! 

Will Motley find a wit-bond? Did Fleeter ever find one?? What about Swift - we never found out if he got one did we??! More wit-bond stories! 

Chassim, the Duchess of Chalced! How is she faring? Is she able to make progressive changes to her country? Do she and Selden keep in touch??

How are the Rain Wilds and Bingtown Trader’s societies being affected by all of the changes? Same for the Pirate Isles. Are they able to adapt and prosper? Would love to see some stuff about their times both between when TRWC ends and Fitz/Fool trilogy begins and also after all the dust settles as the Liveships turn into Dragons and whatnot as well.

How are Erek and Detozi doing??

Geography: I’d love to see some complete maps of the Realm. Maybe have some stories set in or around the Spice Islands since we hear so much about them but have never been there. Will we find more Elderling ruins? Where the Whites originally came from? Are the icy glacier areas in the North covering more ancient ruins? More about this world!!

So yea that’s a lot. And that’s just what’s occurring to me right now. I feel some deep re-reads are gonna be in order. This might one of those series that I just continually find myself reading and re-reading. 

I’m dazed.

Come talk to me RotE fandom!! (my inbox is open)

[ilovemovieposters]

Most Popular Celebs, 16th October

Ana de Armas - Blade Runner 2049

Harvey Weinstein - NYT, New Yorker

Sean Young - Blade Runner

Rose McGowan

Sylvia Hoeks -  Blade Runner 2049

Gal Gadot - Justice League

Mackenzie Davis -  Blade Runner 2049

Bill Skarsgård - It

Bella Thorne - The Babysitter

Natalie Alyn Lind - The Gifted

Alexandra Daddario - Baywatch

Denis Villeneuve - Blade Runner 2049 (director)

Asia Argento

Ryan Gosling (!) - Blade Runner 2049

Hilarie Burton

Sophia Lillis - It

Serinda Swan - Inhumans

Margot Robbie (!) - Suicide Squad

Daisy Ridley - Star Wars: The Last Jedi (!)

Katheryn Winnick - Vikings

Steven Spielberg ?

Harrison Ford -  Blade Runner 2049

Robin Wright - Blade Runner 2049

Halston Sage - The Orville

Georgina Chapman

Jason Momoa - Justice League

Michelle Trachtenberg ?

Adrianne Palicki - The Orville

Lily James - Baby Driver

Carla Gugino - Gerald’s Game

Eiza Gonzalez - Baby Driver

Emma Dumont - The Gifted

Tom Hardy - Dunkirk

Freddie Highmore - The Good Doctor

Sam Heughan - Outlander

Taron Egerton - Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Alicia Vikander - Tomb Raider (!)

Rutger Hauer - Blade Runner

Jared Leto - Blade Runner 2049

Millie Bobbt Brown - Stranger Things

Kaya Scodelario - Pirates of the Caribbeans 5

Sofia Boutella - Kingsman 1

Kelly Preston - Gotti

Wendi McLendon-Covey - The Goldbergs

Dave Bautista -  Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2

Emilia Clarke - Game of Thrones

Jodelle Ferland ?

Laura Haddock - Transformers: The Last Knight

Luke Evans - Professor Marston and the Wonder Women

Anya Taylor-Joy - Split

Crystal Reed - Teen Wolf

Daryl Hannah - Blade Runner

Jennifer Lawrence - mother!

Molly C. Quinn - Castle

Idris Elba - The Mountain Between Us

Karen Gillan - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2

Cole Sprouse - Riverdale

Bryce Dallas Howard - Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Cara Delevingne

Johnny Depp -  Pirates of the Caribbeans 5

Kate Winslet - Wonder Wheel

Sonequa Martin-Green - Star Trek: Discovery

Rose Leslie - Game of Thrones

Brianna Brown ?

Spencer Grammer ?

Holland Roden - Teen Wolf

Jason Ritter - Kevin (Probably) Saves the World

Tom Cruise - American Made

Haley Bennett - The Magnificent Seven

Dan Stevens - Beauty and the Beast

Milo Ventimiglia - This Is Us

Leonardo DiCaprio - ?

Charlize Theron - Atomic Blonde

Amber Stevens West - Ghosted

Zendaya - Spider-man: Homecoming

Zoey Deutch - Why Him?

Michael Fassbender - The Snowman

Rose McIver- iZombie

Tom Holland - Spiderman: Homecoming

JoAnna Garcia Swisher - Kevin (Probably) Saves the World

Melissa Benoist - Supergirl

Christina Hendricks - Tin Star

Nathalie Kelley - Dynasty

Pedro Pascal - Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Amy Acker - The Gifted

Jeffreay Dean Morgan - The Walking Dead

Winona Ryder- Stranger Things

Caitriona Balfe -  Outlander

Jamie Chung - The Gifted

Elizabeth Gillies - Dynasty

Isabelle Cornish - Inhumans

Matt Damon

Emma Stone - Battle of the Sexes (!)

Scarlett Johansson - Isle of Dogs

Alison Brie - BoJack Horseman

Jessica Rothe - Happy Death Day

Finn Wolfhard - It

Rebecca Ferguson - The Snowman

Keanu Reeves - Replicas

Sophie Skelton - Outlander

[martamontell]

I remembered that a fews months ago I made a Meme about RotE's books. LINK HERE I think after everything that's happened to me with these books, I've decided to do it again. 

Favourite RotE Book: I've only read "The farseer trilogy" "Liveships traders" and "Tawny man" but, I didn't finish Fool’s fate, I stoped in chapter 29. So I think my favorite book is Fool’s errand.

Why: Because I enjoyed so much (deleting of my mind a sad thing of the end…) because I met again with my Beloved, and I remembered how much I love him. SO MUCH. And they're together, they live together in a cabin. And for me there is nothing more important in these books. NOTHING.  (If there was a question of which book I don't like, I would say the Golden Fool and fool's fate. For me the plot overflows and it makes no sense).

Top Three Favourite Characters: Fool, Beloved and Amber ♥ Ooookk xDD  Beloved, Nighteyes and Fitz (Although Fitz has disappointed me very much, but ... well, I love him)

Top Three Least Favourite Characters: Molly, Kennit and Chade. (Although I think the character that hurt me the most is Molly). (I could also add Bee. I read very little of her, but the only I know about her, in AF It's horrible :(( )

Favourite Ship (of the floating kind): Paragon <3

Top Three Favourite Ships (of the people kind): Fitz and Fool. For me there are no more ships in this saga.

Would you rather be Witted or Skilled: Witted.

If you were Witted, what animal would you bond with?: My cat ♥

Would you rather live in the Outislands, the Mountain Kingdom, the Six Duchies, Bingtown, the Rain Wilds, Kelsingra, Jamaillia, the Pirate Isles, or Fool’s Homeland?: Probably Jamailla, but I like six Duchies too. (But only is Beloved and Fitz has to be my neighbor)

How were you introduced to the books? My friend Berta gave me the first book in Christmas 2013 and I started in february of 2014, and I love it so much! A few months later I continued the saga. And I finished the Farseer trilogy in december 2014. Two years later, in Spain was published Fool’s errand, and I read it. But I never read “Liveship traders” because they were discontinued, to my surprise reedited the saga in summer (2016) Golden Fool was released in November (2016) (and my heart is broken) and in May (2017) I know the end of Assassin’s fate and I had a very strong shock and I got blocked, and I had depressive principles...

Share a quote you love:  "I am not the person I was born. Neither are you. I know no one who is. Truly, Fitz, all we ever know are facets of one another. Perhaps we feel as if we know one another well when we know several facets of that person. Father, son, brother, friend, lover, husband...a man can be all of those things, yet no one person knows him in all those roles. I watch you being Hap's father, and yet I do not know you as I knew my father, any more than I knew my father as his brother did. So. When I show myself in a different light, I do not make a pretense. Rather I bare a different aspect to the world than they have seen before. Truly, there is a place in my heart where I am forever the Fool and your playfellow. And within me there is a genuine Lord Golden, fond of good drink and well-prepared food and elegant clothing and witty speech. And so, when I show myself as him, I am deceiving no one, but only sharing a different part of myself."  The fool in Fool’s fate

[hermitknut]

Realm of the Elderlings Ask Meme Thing

Let’s see how many of us there are before the new book comes out!

Favourite RotE Book: Fool’s Errand.

Why: It’s like a fantasy/buddy/road-trip combo, and it’s a really great time period for Fitz and the Fool’s relationship.

Top Three Favourite Characters: Fitz, Malta, Beloved. Wintrow. Nighteyes. That’s totally three, right? Right. 

Top Three Least Favourite Characters: Chade, Kyle Haven, Tellator!Rapskal.

Favourite Ship (of the floating kind): Ophelia :D

Top Three Favourite Ships (of the people kind): Fitz/Fool, Sedric/Carson, Fitz/Molly

Would you rather be Witted or Skilled: Skilled.

If you were Witted, what animal would you bond with?: A cat, probably.

Would you rather live in the Outislands, the Mountain Kingdom, the Six Duchies, Bingtown, the Rain Wilds, Kelsingra, Jamaillia, the Pirate Isles, or Fool’s Homeland?: I think I’d quite like Bingtown.

How were you introduced to the books? When a friend of mine leant me the Liveship Traders trilogy and I read them in about a week I was so excitied. I got Farseer a few months later and took FOREVER to put together the Amber/Fool connection. 

Share a quote you love: ‘The past is no further away than the last breath you took.’ (Fool’s Errand).

Tagging a bunch of people I know in the fandom: @sicanfly, @perplexingly, @badgerlock, @magic-redhead, @foolsfantasies, @effallya, @prophetandcatalyst, @validopinions, and @xupz whose tag never works.

Take the thing, copy and paste it into your own post, tag it “elderlings” and then tag as many people as you can that you know in the fandom :D Let’s see how many of us can do one before the new book comes out :)

[luinquesse]

REALM OF THE ELDERLINGS ASK MEME THING

I was tagged by @flyingcorpseinthesky, thank you :) It actually took me a moment to realize who you were since I was not aware of this account.

Favourite RotE Book: I can’t decide between Golden Fool and Assassins Quest. Both. Both are good. (All of them are good xD)

Why: AQ because I love the trek in the mountains and all the mystery of the stone dragon garden and the road. GF for all that lovely Fitz and Fool goodness.

Top Three Favourite Characters: The Fool, Fitz, Nighteyes

Top Three Least Favourite Characters: Kyle, Regal, Galen

Favourite Ship (of the floating kind): Paragon

Top Three Favourite Ships (of the people kind): Fool/Fitz, Malta/Reyn, Burrich/Molly (I think they were simply good for each other)

Would you rather be Witted or Skilled: Skilled

If you were Witted, what animal would you bond with?: Most likely a dog, or maybe a fox.

Would you rather live in the Outislands, the Mountain Kingdom, the Six Duchies, Bingtown, the Rain Wilds, Kelsingra, Jamaillia, the Pirate Isles, or Fool’s Homeland?: The Mountain Kingdom or Duchies

How were you introduced to the books? I picked up Assassins Apprentice from my local library when I was.... around 14 I think. 

Share a quote you love:  “Take comfort in this, Amber. You are only one small, short-lived creature. You’d have to be a fool to think you could change the course of the whole world. “

I have no idea who of you have already been tagged with this, so bear with me ;D  @art-is-blind, @magic-redhead, @utulien-aure, @femmerosa, @sicanfly

Take the thing, copy and paste it into your own post, tag it “elderlings” and then tag as many people as you can that you know in the fandom :D Let’s see how many of us can do one before the new book comes out :)

[marvel-wlw]

Who I write for

I should have made this a long time ago... I’m always open for suggestions, so you can always send them in :)

Marvel Movies/TV Shows

Natasha Romanoff

Wanda Maximoff

Maria Hill

Pepper Potts

Jean Grey

Peggy Carter

Gamora

Nebula

Hope Van Dyne

Valkyrie

Hela

Carol Danvers

Yelena Belova

Daisy Johnson

Bobbi Morse

Melinda May

Jessica Jones

Lorna Dane

DC Movies/TV Shows

Diana Prince

Alex Danvers

Lena Luthor

Kara Danvers

Sam Arias

Maggie Sawyer

Imra Ardeen

Lucy Lane

Sara Lance

Laurel Lance

Caitlin Snow

Iris West

Thea Queen

Kate Kane

NCIS

Ziva David

Ellie Bishop

Jacqueline 'Jack' Sloane

Abby Sciuto

Rizzoli & Isles

Jane Rizzoli

Maura Isles

Orange is the New Black

Alex Vause

Nicky Nichols

Lorna Morello

Dayanara Diaz

Maritza Ramos

Poussey Washington

Stella Carlin

Wynonna Earp

Wynonna Earp

Waverly Earp

Nicole Haught

Pitch Perfect

Beca Mitchell

Chloe Beale

Aubrey Posen

Stacie Conrad

Chicago P.D.

Erin Lindsay

Kim Burgess

Star Trek

B'Elanna Torres

Kathryn Janeway

Seven of Nine

Una Chin-Riley

Erica Ortegas

Video Games

The Borderlands series

Lilith

Maya

Mad Moxxi

Athena

Janey Springs

Angel

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Cassandra Pentaghast

Leliana

Morrigan

Uncharted series

Chloe Frazer

Elena Fisher

Tomb Raider

Lara Croft

Fallout 4

Piper Wright

Skyrim

Aela the Huntress

Life is Strange (Note: all of these characters are going to be older)

Chloe Price

Max Caulfield

Rachel Amber

Kate Marsh

Alex Chen

Steph Gingrich

Red Dead Redemption 2

Sadie Adler

Abigail Roberts

Mary-Beth Gaskill

Molly O'Shea

Karen Jones

Mortal Kombat

Mileena

Cassie Cage

Jade

Marvel's Spider-Man

Mary Jane Watson

Silver Sablinova (Silver Sable)

Yuri Watanabe

Felicia Hardy (Black Cat)

Resident Evil series

Ada Wong

Jill Valentine

Helena Harper

Claire Redfield

Alcina Dimitrescu

Bela Dimitrescu

Cassandra Dimitrescu

Daniela Dimitrescu

Donna Beneviento

Marvel’s Avengers

Natasha Romanoff

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla

Female Eivor

Randvi

Soma

Cyberpunk 2077

Panam Palmer 

Judy Alvarez

Mass Effect

Female Shepard

Tali'Zorah vas Normandy

Liara T'Soni

Miranda Lawson

Jack

Ashley Williams

Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West

Aloy

Talanah

Actresses 

Scarlett Johansson

Elizabeth Olsen

Katie McGrath

Anna Kendrick

[homefortheaus]

Dishonored au

We have Terrain, Eli's kingdom, closest to the Isles and similar to it 

In this kingdom, the Church has a lot of control over the populace. People marked by the Outsider are not feared, so long as they’re “working” for the Church. Terrain’s church makes sure to take any of those Marked and take them under their wing, which means that they’re ripped from their family and basically become soldiers. 

Eli is the crown prince

Blakk is in charge of the Church

His son Tadd is next in line to take over the church

Sigil was Marked when she was younger, so she was taken from her family. Lux tried to stop the guards, so they took him with her

Sigil and Tadd were close friends when they were younger, but when they sneaked out of the abbey, Blakk was waiting for them. Blakk blinded Sigil to punish her and Tad for sneaking out. 

Elina and Tadd are engaged, but it’s a bit awkward because Sigil is Elina’s bodyguard. 

Elina is also a Marked, but she is much more powerful than Sigil. 

She also is nobility and raised by her maternal grandparents, who are very strict.

Serrulata, an Asian island set with less technology but vast beauty

Quora’s family are the rulers, with Akuma as the King

Marked in Serrulata are basically Akuma’s personal slaves

Quora is Marked, but she has to keep it a secret because if her father found out, her life would be an even bigger hell. 

However, because she still has a strong sense of justice, Quora becomes a masked vigilante keeping her family safe. 

When Junjie meets the masked vigilante, he’s super flustered because she wears tight-fitting clothing.

When Quora is older, she and Lux are set to be engaged because Akuma and Blakk want to create an alliance between their kingdoms. 

Lux and Quora do not like this at all since Lux is a womanizer and Quora doesn’t trust a “loyal” lackey of Blakk

However, they do become friends and Lux begins to fall in love with Daji, Quora’s closest friend and tutor. 

Meanwhile Quora sort of begins to fall for Junjie, a royal guard.

Eventually, Lux, Daji, Quora, and Junjie create a rebellion against Akuma because he wants to start a war against Takion, and Quora’s older brother takes over. When he wants to step down, Quora takes over.

Takion, has incredible technology and battle planning

Max and his family are the ruling family of this island.

Amber becomes the captain of the guard because of her combat prowess 

Keeah is the country’s top scientist.

Dredd is the advisor to Molly and Jim.

All is not well though, as a plague rips through the island that turns flesh to metal

Cutting it out of the body is the only way to cure it, but without Keeah, they can only do so much.

It’s released through Keeah’s most recent invention when she’s demonstrating it to the royal family

Unfortunately, Keeah takes the most damage. Amber’s parents rush her to the infirmary and try to keep her alive. The Outsider takes an interest in her, but doesn’t mark her. Instead, he helps the doctors save her, but turns her arms and eye into metal prosthetics. 

Meanwhile, Max is getting sick from the plague. In interest of “keeping the heir safe,” Dredd sends Max away and then claims Max died from the plague. He uses this to blame Keeah for the plague and brand her as a traitor. He sends Amber to arrest her.

However, Amber doesn’t trust Dredd and instead breaks Keeah out of prison, being marked as a traitor herself. However, she knows where Max was sent, so she and Keeah go to rescue him.

Fun thing about the plague, it digs its way through the body. So Keeah creates the Ultralinks to keep Max alive since the metal is heading toward his heart. The metal in Amber is heading toward her spine, threatening to paralyze her.

The Ultralinks are like mini-surgeons.

But Max and his two friends eventually prove Keeah’s innocence and make Dredd pay.

Also Max eventually proposes to Amber because of the Outsider

The Outsider

In this au, he’s freed, but he still has some connection to the Void.

After he’s freed, he wanders the world, eventually landing in Terrain. 

He forms and Ot5 with Elina, Eli, Tad, and Sigil.

At a party, he helps Max realize that he’s in love with Amber XD