#and perry's story is also relatively likely

[numericalbridge]

These are super rough, but i just wanted to share some tidbits from the fics i've plotted but not sure whether i would write in full. All are from different stories:

A.

"Darius?! Darius! Please, please, wake up!"

The voice is sending pinpricks of pain right through his brain. Darius opens his eyes. Everything is swaying. It feels like all the energy has been drained out of him. What happened? He blinks groggily and attempts to sit up.

"You're alive!" Eda's human ward - Luz - lets go of his shoulder and mutters something in a language Darius doesn't understand. "Is Eda all right? Everyone else?"

"Where are we?" He doesn't recognize the place. There are lines of strange glyphs around the two of them. "And what are you doing here?" he demands. He doesn't like this. Where are the other kids? His head is still foggy. The Ceremony. The fight. The translocation. "Yes, Eda and the rest should be safe. Are you here alone?"

Luz twists her mouth into a forced smile, "Well, you see... But first ugh..." Her eyes shift. "Please don't freak out..." she mutters.

Is she looking at his arm? He follows her gaze to his sigil...

B.

Raine knew that look. Imperious and somewhat disgusted, as if he had just seen something so beneath him that it fascinated and repulsed him in equal measures yet wasn't worth a verbal reaction. That look was enough to shut up even the oldest Coven Heads. Only... Raine couldn't recall it ever being directed at them.

Then the boy's lower lip wobbled, and the illusion was shattered.

C.

"I assume the Great Demon King has not heard the blood-curdling tale of Brie the Blimp?"

"Brie the Blimp?" Ha! The name was catchy. But King had his mission.

"Oh, yes," the witch said. The abomination on his head shifted. "The mysterious and frightening witch-eating flying apparatus." He raised an eyebrow and then nodded towards the window. "They say she prowls the skies on nights just like this."

"And?" King asked - just in case. He had to find Eda, but this was something new. He needed the intel!

"Oh, I don't know," the witch leaned his head on his hand. "Perhaps this story is too much..."

"No!" King objected. "The King of Demons is not afraid of some old nursery story. I demand to hear the blood-calling... blood-curling tale of the evil Blimp!"

"Hmm, all right," the man smiled, "if you insist."

King grabbed one of the abomination toys closer to himself - also just in case - and plopped down to listen.

"It all started one bright and peaceful morning..."

D.

"Oh my Titan! Are you Perry Porter?!" one of the scouts squealed. "From the Crystal Ball? For real?!"

"Yes, yes," Perry forced himself to say. Normally he would be embarrassed, but this time was different. "Glad to meet a fan..."

"Do you even know who this is?" the scout pestered their colleague who shrugged non-comittally.

"I love seeing you on the Crystal Ball!" the first scout addressed Perry again.

"Thank you. But can I help you?" Perry knew his voice sounded polite, but his heart was pounding. Here we go.

"We are looking for dangerous rebels, potentially wild witches," the less enthusiastic scout announced. "They were seen in the vicinity of your house. Have you noticed any suspicious activity?"

"I don't think so," Perry answered. "But there is a forest behind these houses, it would be easy to hide there."

"Are you sure you didn't see anyone?"

"Come on," the chatty scout interrupted them. "It's Perry Porter! He would've noticed if the rebels were here. Thank you for your time!"

No, thank you.

"No problem."

E.

"Oh, wow, this Construction Coven's book is surely a brick," Luz waved the book in front of herself. Judging by the blank stares, the joke didn't land.

"The most prominent figures of the Construction Craft, tome 2," Skara read the title from below.

"Sounds fun," Luz started - she had a really good one...

"Hey!"

Eberwolf grabbed the book right out of her hands, and she nearly fell down the ladder. Eber hurried to the other side of the room, put the book on the desk and began hastily turning over the pages as if looking for something specific. Then they seemed to find that something. He read the page, chirping almost silently to themselves and tugging on his mane from time to time.

"Eber?" Darius had stopped mending the abominations and came up to stand by them.

Eber shook their head, jumped down the chair and silently trotted out of the room, leaving the book on the table.

Darius sighed.

"What happened?" Skara asked.

Luz leaned to look in the book. There was a portrait.

"Galatea Vault," Darius said. "She was the Construction Coven Head before Mason."

[malusokay]

5 Classics for girly girls 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

Emily of New Moon

The bittersweet process of growing up and finding where you truly belong... The perfect read for the start of a new school year. After her father’s death, Emily Starr is sent to live with her snobbish relatives at New Moon farm. Thrust into an unfamiliar and often cold environment, Emily faces numerous challenges. However, as time passes, she begins to adapt and discovers the beauty in her surroundings. With the support of her new friends—Teddy, Perry, and Ilse—Emily not only finds solace but also discovers her own creative talents, helping her carve out a place for herself in this new chapter of her life.

“If it's IN you to climb you must -- there are those who MUST lift their eyes to the hills -- they can't breathe properly in the valleys.”

Jane Eyre

A true classic for all my fellow gothic-lit enthusiasts, Jane Eyre, reminds us that everyone deserves a love that consumes, challenges, and transforms the very core of your being, offering both profound joy and deep heartache (we love a good situationsship). Following Jane Eyre, an orphaned and mistreated girl who endures a harsh upbringing but grows into a strong, independent woman. As she takes a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall, she encounters the enigmatic Mr. Rochester, sparking a profound and tumultuous romance. Their intense connection is marred by secrets and personal demons, revealing the complexities of their relationship.

“Jane, be still; don't struggle so like a wild, frantic bird, that is rending its own plumage in its desperation." "I am no bird, and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being, with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you.”

The Secret Garden

Mary Lennox, a spoiled and neglected girl, is sent to live with her uncle after the death of her parents. Initially ill-tempered and withdrawn, Mary’s curiosity is sparked by rumours of a hidden, abandoned garden on the estate. As she explores and begins to restore this secret garden, she experiences a beautiful shift (glow-up era). The once gloomy and sickly Mary starts to bloom alongside the garden, rediscovering happiness, vibrancy, and a sense of belonging, making the story a heartwarming tale of growth and recovery.

“At first, people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done--then it is done, and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.”

Pride and Prejudice

Truly a classic that has shaped my romantic expectations hahah... Elizabeth Bennet battles societal expectations and her own misjudgments in 19th-century England. When the aloof Mr Darcy (he'd totally be a ghoster in the 21st century just saying...) first crosses her path, their initial encounters are fraught with tension and misunderstanding. However, as Elizabeth delves deeper, she uncovers the complexities of Darcy’s character and her own heart.

“I could no longer help saying that I loved him. I loved him not only for his sake but for his own sake. I loved him because he was the only person who had ever really loved me for myself. I loved him because he had made me feel that I was worthy of being loved.”

The Little Prince

A young, otherworldly prince from a tiny planet travels across the universe, meeting various inhabitants and learning profound life lessons. His journey brings him to Earth, where he encounters a stranded pilot and shares his reflections on love, loss, and the essence of human connections. Through whimsical adventures and encounters, The Little Prince explores the importance of seeing with the heart rather than the eyes and reminds us of the value of friendship and innocence.

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched; they are felt with the heart.”

you guys asked for more academia/book stuff so I thought this might be a nice start, especially since I know that many of you are just getting into classics; these are all very much suitable for beginners!! <3

love ya ･:*₊‧✩

[deepestdelulu]

5 classics for my girlies

Emily of New Moon

The bittersweet process of growing up and finding where you truly belong... The perfect read for the start of a new school year. After her father’s death, Emily Starr is sent to live with her snobbish relatives at New Moon farm. Thrust into an unfamiliar and often cold environment, Emily faces numerous challenges. However, as time passes, she begins to adapt and discovers the beauty in her surroundings. With the support of her new friends—Teddy, Perry, and Ilse—Emily not only finds solace but also discovers her own creative talents, helping her carve out a place for herself in this new chapter of her life.

“If it's IN you to climb you must -- there are those who MUST lift their eyes to the hills -- they can't breathe properly in the valleys.”

Jane Eyre

A true classic for all my fellow gothic-lit enthusiasts, Jane Eyre, reminds us that everyone deserves a love that consumes, challenges, and transforms the very core of your being, offering both profound joy and deep heartache (we love a good situationsship). Following Jane Eyre, an orphaned and mistreated girl who endures a harsh upbringing but grows into a strong, independent woman. As she takes a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall, she encounters the enigmatic Mr. Rochester, sparking a profound and tumultuous romance. Their intense connection is marred by secrets and personal demons, revealing the complexities of their relationship.

“Jane, be still; don't struggle so like a wild, frantic bird, that is rending its own plumage in its desperation." "I am no bird, and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being, with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you.”

The Secret Garden

Mary Lennox, a spoiled and neglected girl, is sent to live with her uncle after the death of her parents. Initially ill-tempered and withdrawn, Mary’s curiosity is sparked by rumours of a hidden, abandoned garden on the estate. As she explores and begins to restore this secret garden, she experiences a beautiful shift (glow-up era). The once gloomy and sickly Mary starts to bloom alongside the garden, rediscovering happiness, vibrancy, and a sense of belonging, making the story a heartwarming tale of growth and recovery.

“At first, people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done--then it is done, and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.”

Pride and Prejudice

Truly a classic that has shaped my romantic expectations hahah... Elizabeth Bennet battles societal expectations and her own misjudgments in 19th-century England. When the aloof Mr Darcy (he'd totally be a ghoster in the 21st century just saying...) first crosses her path, their initial encounters are fraught with tension and misunderstanding. However, as Elizabeth delves deeper, she uncovers the complexities of Darcy’s character and her own heart.

“I could no longer help saying that I loved him. I loved him not only for his sake but for his own sake. I loved him because he was the only person who had ever really loved me for myself. I loved him because he had made me feel that I was worthy of being loved.”

The Little Prince

A young, otherworldly prince from a tiny planet travels across the universe, meeting various inhabitants and learning profound life lessons. His journey brings him to Earth, where he encounters a stranded pilot and shares his reflections on love, loss, and the essence of human connections. Through whimsical adventures and encounters, The Little Prince explores the importance of seeing with the heart rather than the eyes and reminds us of the value of friendship and innocence.

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched; they are felt with the heart.”

You guys asked for more academia/book stuff so I thought this might be a nice start, especially since I know that many of you are just getting into classics; these are all very much suitable for beginners!! <3

Love yaa

[kellyvela]

Sophie's Hon Vol. VI Spring/Summer Edition 💐 ☀️

After wrapping her movie Trust in Mexico, Sophie is back home in the UK and has been *having fun* with Perry 😎

BRITISH VOGUE INTERVIEW

In her latest interview with Chioma Nnadi for British Vogue's June 2024 Issue, published online on May 15th 2024, Sophie briefly described what it's like dating Perry:

[...] she’s not entirely alone in Paris. In the past few days, she’s been papped on more than one occasion floating around the French capital with her rumoured new beau, Peregrine Pearson, a handsome British property developer and viscount’s son. “I am having fun dating. It’s very fun,” admits Turner, her striking blue eyes sparkling. “I mean, it’s strange when you get married so young. It’s like you never really learn how to date. So it’s all very new to me.” —British Vogue June 2024 Issue

And they are having fun indeed! During the last two months (May-June) they were seen attending costume parties, enjoying sunny days at his family estate, traveling to Italy, being VIP on Taylor Swift concerts & after concert parties, and more. Let's see!

~~~

LOLA

On Saturday night, May 18th 2024, Sophie posted a picture of Lady Lola Affrica Crichton-Stuart, also known as Lola Bute, on her IG stories:

I'm mentioning this since this was the first crumb we got after Perry's visit to Mexico while Sophie was filming Trust there.

So, since Lola is friends with Perry, it was easy to assume that he was with them that night.

Lola and Sophie started following each other on IG after that outing.

~~~

COSTUME PARTY

On Sunday, May 19th 2024, a picture of Sophie and Perry wearing costumes appeared on this forum.

Sophie looked super cute as Super Girl, while Perry opted for a Batman mask and cape.

After some research I found out that the costume party was a birthday celebration for a relative of Perry.

~~~

COWDRAY ESTATE

Sophie and Perry enjoyed a sunny day at Cowdray Estate (Perry's family estate in Midhurst, West Sussex).

They were joined by some friends and a few of Perry's relatives.

~~~

HEATHROW AIRPORT

On Saturday, May 25th 2024, Sophie and Perry were spotted at Heathrow Airport, leaving London for a romantic getaway to some European destination:

~~~

CAPRI

On Saturday, June 1st 2024, we discovered that Sophie and Perry's European romantic destination was Capri, Italy.

They were seen leaving a bar/restaurant and walking through the streets of Capri, while she was was carrying a shopping bag and smoking a cigarette, and he was holding a glass of white wine and carrying a deck of Monopoly playing cards.

As you can see, Sophie was wearing Perry's navy blue jumper, the same he wore the day they flew to Italy.

She just likes borrowing her boyfriend's clothes ❤️

~~~

THE PENINSULA LONDON GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONS

On Tuesday, June 18th 2024, Sophie attended the Peninsula London Grand Opening Celebrations, where she was seen with Eleanor Wellesley and Camilla Blandford, who are two of the first friends that Perry introduced to Sophie last year.

~~~

TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT

Sophie and Perry are now *Taylorfficial*

On Sunday, June 23th 2024, Sophie with Perry and friends Tabby Doherty and Rupert Gorst, attended Taylor Swift's third concert of her Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in London:

~~~

The four of them enjoyed the concert from the Vip Tent. Here are some pics, gifs and videos:

Sophie and friend Tabby Doherty:

Sophie shared this one on IG. This picture was probably taken by Perry.

~~~

Sophie and singer Gracie Abrams:

~~~

Sophie, Tabby Doherty and Danielle Haim:

~~~

Sophie and friend Tabby Doherty singing Cardigan next to Fleabag's actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge, while Perry was talking with an old gentleman in the back (I think one of Taylor's uncles):

~~~

Sophie singing and dancing Look What You Made Me Do:

~~~

Sophie and Danielle Haim effusively singing and dancing All Too Well (Ten Minutes Version), while Tabby Doherty and Perry shared a hug in the back. In the end of the second gif you can see Sophie hugging singer Gracie Abrams:

So, Tabby Doherty is the Sophie's friend that hangs the most with the couple and seeing Tabby and Perry being this friendly makes me think that, maybe, the anons that messaged me with their suspicions that it was Tabby the common friend that introduced Perry to Sophie were right! 🤔

~~~

Sophie next to Fleabag's Hot Priest actor Andrew Scott:

~~~

Applause for Travis Kelce in the Vip Tent following his stage performance:

In the middle of the video you can see Perry fistpumping Travis in the back 🤜🤛

~~~

Sophie getting friendship bracelets from fans:

She's adorable 😍

~~~

Sophie going and coming (to the bathroom I presume) during the concert:

~~~

Perry holding Sophie and Sophie's bag 🤭:

(After watching this video someone asked me if they were a throuple 🤨)

~~~

In summary, Sophie had the time of her life at Taylor's concert:

~~~

CHILTERN FIREHOUSE

After the concert, Sophie and Perry joined Taylor Swift and boyfriend Travis Kelce for an after party at Chiltern Firehouse:

Last night, an exclusive eyewitness source reported to Deuxmoi that they were seated next to none other than America's prom king and queen Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at London's Chiltern Firehouse. Taylor celebrated the end of her Wembley shows with a bang, and who better to join the party than the Kansas City Chiefs tight end himself? According to the source, the two were "kissing and looking like they're having so much fun!" The source continued, "Sophie Turner  joined their table, too!" In addition to Turner, Gracie Abrams, the rising singer-songwriter, was seated with the group along with Hayley Williams from Paramore, and English actress-screenwriter Phoebe Waller-Bridge. What a turn out! [Source]

The after party lasted until 4:00 a.m., and when they were leaving Chiltern Firehouse the paparazzi were ready to take the most unflattering pictures of the tired couple. They basically shot their flashes directly at their faces inside their car . . . .

~~~

ROMANTIC PICNIC IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

On Monday, July 1st 2024, Sophie posted a carousel on IG with a couple of pics from a romantic picnic date with Perry somewhere in the countryside 😍:

Perry took the second picture and is tagged on it ❤️

The caption of the carousel is: "🌞 sun, sex and suspicious parents 🌞." That particular caption is a reference to an old BBC Show precisely called Sun, Sex and Suspicious Perents, a documentary -reality television series, where people in their late teens and early twenties go on their first girls'/lads' holiday abroad under the belief that they are getting away from their parents. However, their parents are also sent to the holiday destination and secretly watch footage of their children on video screens and also spy in their hotel rooms and at nightclub locations. The parents then reveal themselves on the last night of the holiday, to the dismay of the children, and tell them what they've seen and learned.

What were you guys doing??? 👀 🤭 🙈

~~~

And this is all for now.

I was hoping that Sophie and Perry's next Summer activity would be Glastonbury, but sadly that didn't happen, as far as I know 😔. But the picnic date pictures were truly an unexpected and lovely gift from the lovebirds ❤️

~~~

You can read the previous editions here: Vol. V - Vol. IV (Appendix) - Vol. IV - Vol. III - Vol. II - Vol. I

Until the next report 👋

[camlannpod]

Hi!

Finished catching up with the episodes this week and first of all congratulations it was fantastic every bit of them, this has become one of my favorite podcasts I’ve ever listened to!

Second of all I was talking with my boyfriend this afternoon about people we know that have story names and would have powers in the Camlannverse and we were wondering, only one person of each story name survived the Cataclysm, or every one with the same name is alive and kicking? As in, for example if there were another Arthur in the same area at the time of the Cataclysm could he possibly go and compete against the one we know for the knights?

Also, are you planning on releasing the music of the show? I really enjoyed the different songs that play at the beginning of the episodes!

Thank you for sharing your art with the world, hope you all have a great weekend! <3

Hello hello!! Thank you so much for the incredibly kind words, this is wonderful to hear!!

Many more than one person with each name survived! At first, the reason the group only know one person of each name is just that they've encountered so few survivors. Like, there are 67 million people in the UK, and by the start of series one, Dai, Morgan and Perry have seen about 300 people in nine months. By the end of the series, Arthur and his Knights have only seen about 1,000. So with those numbers, every name is relatively unique.

But (spoilers) - as confirmed by the end of the series, there are many more survivors than the gang previously believed. And this means many more duplicates! In Arthur's case, he is actively hunting any rival Arthurs and getting rid of them, because he recognises them as a threat to his power. For the others - it's a mixture of luck and fate. A Gwaine by himself wouldn't last as long as one who'd found an Arthur, or other Knights, and could be killed by a different story (as we see nearly happen with Perry and the dogs). So it's kind of a lottery as to who's survived, even if they have magical names.

Also, we are planning on releasing the music! @tincanaudio will be releasing a soundtrack album on bandcamp later this year, the exact date is TBA. We'll be using proceeds to help fund s2!

Though it's worth noting we won't be able to release the vocal tracks for two reasons. One is that each song is a folk song and we'd need to come up with our own new original arrangement for each one, which is a buttload of new unpaid work for both Amber and our singers, and second is that we'd need to arrange recording all that, which again just isn't practical from a financial POV.

However! All the instrumental original scoring that Amber has done throughout the series will be on there, and there's a Spotify Playlist of the folk songs if you ever want to listen to them.

Thank you so much for the lovely ask, and for sharing your art with the world!

[ausetkmt]

Eighty-three-year-old Corine Woodson is poised to suffer a devastating blow: the loss of the home she shared with her late husband—who died in 2022—for over 60 years.

Her land, 40 acres set amid rolling pines outside of Auburn, Ala., was purchased in 1911 and passed down through generations, a rare example of Black land ownership in the Deep South. But in recent years, this once rural property, now parsed out among various family members in a form of ownership known as “tenants in common,” has caught the attention of investors who hope to purchase and develop properties they consider prime real estate.

Cleveland Brothers Incorporated bought out Woodson’s relatives, accumulating 49% ownership of the previously Black-owned property. Now, the case is making news as it heads toward the Alabama Supreme Court, with the company declaring that it will suffer “financial harm” if Woodson delays the sale of her share. (A representative of Cleveland Brothers told WTVM that Woodson could stay on the property for a year even if the sale goes through.)

Soon, Cleveland Brothers will probably purchase the remaining property, displacing Woodson. “It’s happening right before our eyes,” Melissa Woodson, Corine’s daughter and a licensed realtor said, “and the sad thing is that there is very little we can do about it.”

Stories like Woodson’s have been common for Black residents of the rural South for more than a century. The continuation of patterns of Black land dispossession exposes how—for all of the civil rights gains made over the last 60 years—there is still much to be done to secure racial equality in the U.S.

At the turn of the 20th century, Black landowners owned and operated 890,000 farms. Around midcentury, however, that number began to decline sharply. Beginning in 1950, they lost more than half a million farms; by 1970, only 45,000 remained. During the 1960s alone, the Black farm count in 10 southern states dropped by 88%.

Read More: The Forgotten School Integration Story that Challenges What We Think We Know

This drop off reflected how, for decades, wealthy white people utilized the power they held in their communities as government officials and business owners to push local Black people off land that their families had lived on for generations. Local white people also exploited new laws and subsidies to remove landowners or renters, deploying what an Emergency Land Fund report in 1974 described as, “a great deal of chicanery.” New capital-intensive farming practices also favored the wealthy, while industrial development led to corporate interest in rural tracts, driving up prices.

Rural Black women were particularly vulnerable to these threats of dispossession. Take Susie Young, for instance. Within two weeks of the death of her husband in 1955, Young received notice from the Allison Lumber Company that she had to vacate the land her family rented from them and had tended for over 20 years in Choctaw County, Ala. They considered her now incapable of maintaining the property. 

One Black Perry County, Ala., woman had a similar experience. After the death of her mother in the 1950s, a nearby white landowner returned to claim the 60 acres her parents had bought decades prior claiming he “didn’t sell [her] that land.” Though the family retained counsel and provided proof of purchase, they were nevertheless pushed off their land. Black landowners often lacked formal deeds, and white judges frequently ruled against their claims.

Even as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 afforded Black Americans new opportunities and greater equality in many areas of life, these laws didn’t address land loss. In fact, the 1960s introduced a massive contradiction: at the same moment Black Americans achieved political gains, they were also experiencing a quiet economic catastrophe, the result of what historian Pete Daniel calls “intended consequences.” 

Of course, civil rights organizations recognized the impact of Black land loss, not only for landowners but also for sharecroppers and tenant farmers. The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), Federation of Southern Cooperatives (FSC), and regional groups, such as the Southwest Alabama Farmers Cooperative Association (SWAFCA), pushed back against white structural control and assisted Black people facing displacement.

They understood that resistance to economic exploitation was inextricably intertwined with the civil rights movement’s racial justice initiatives. In 1968, for instance, the United States Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) conducted an investigation of land dispossession in Alabama’s Black Belt. The Commission found that rural Black men and women were pushed off land at higher rates than whites, denied protections and grants by local Farmers Home Administration (FHmA) and Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) officials, and intimidated by hostile neighbors. 

Civil rights organizations and the USCCR advised stronger enforcement of federal protections against discrimination and fair access to federal programs and grants. But it was state and local offices, often run by racist whites, that controlled implementation of these programs. This structure meant that racial equality and programs to assist the poor were nothing more than “empty promises and a cruel hoax.” 

Decades later, the federal government agreed. In 1997, a group of Black farmers filed a massive class-action lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, arguing that between 1981 and 1996, the department had discriminated against them on the basis of race. The USDA denied Black farmers loans and delayed assistance, which resulted in land loss. The plaintiffs won. The decision in Pigford v Glickman and a subsequent settlement inspired a second round of filings in 2010, known as Pigford II. In his landmark opinion, District Judge Paul Friedman acknowledged that, despite the settlement, “historical discrimination cannot be undone for the broken promise to African Americans and their descendants.”

Read More: How Civil Rights Were Made—and Remade—By Black Communities In the Jim Crow South

But these struggles have gone unnoticed by most Americans. Traditional civil rights narratives have typically centered urban spaces like Atlanta, Birmingham, or Memphis. Yet even as the civil rights revolution brought significant gains to Black residents of those cities, the story was very different in rural places like Lee County, Ga., or Lowndes County, Ala. As activist Wendell Paris put it, “the civil rights movement passed over Sumter County, Alabama, altogether.” In rural spaces, the same old local white power structures continued to dominate county boards and courts, while wielding new tools to exclude and limit Black Americans. Land loss was one of these.

Rural stories of dispossession like Woodson’s—and the sobering reality that they continue to happen—challenge popular civil rights narratives. These hopeful, progress oriented arcs, reveal an American propensity for national congratulation and, as Jeanne Theoharis has contended, “place the struggle against racial inequality firmly in the past.”

And yet, white supremacist power has not disappeared. While some of its iterations remain overt, others have shapeshifted since the 1960s, adopting new rhetoric and tactics even as they wreak familiar devastation on Black lives and Black communities. Redlining, gerrymandering, harsh sentencing, and predatory lending have proliferated just as talk of colorblindness has become mainstream. Indeed, as professions of racial parity have increased so have discrepancies in outcomes, hidden and compounded by the invisible hands of racial capitalism. 

In 1968, C.H. Erskine Smith, then Chairman of the USCCR’s Alabama State Advisory Committee implored: “the people of rural Alabama and the rural South must not be forgotten.” To understand the long Black freedom struggle and to seek racial justice today means that we must heed his call.

Ansley Quiros is an associate professor of history at the University of North Alabama and author of God With Us: Lived Theology and the Freedom Struggle in Americus, 1942-1976. She and Dr. Matthew Schoenbachler are currently working on a memoir with Dr. Wendell Gunn. Allie R. Lopez is Ph.D candidate in history at Baylor University, writing a dissertation on the freedom struggle in rural Alabama. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here.

[alwayschasingrainbows]

What do you think about Anne and Gilbert arriving at their house of dreams after the train ride right after their wedding, having dinner with Gilbert's great uncle, his wife, and Captain Jim, and chatting until nightfall?

I saw in some comments that people didn't like it and found it ridiculous and unrealistic. Do you think so? I'm just curious about your opinion.

0 not

Thank you so much for this question, dear @pinkenamelheart! I feel "tickled as a dog with two tails" (to quote Perry Miller) each time I get to talk about my favourite writer and her books! And Anne-related questions are such a treat since I am rereading the series right now!

Now, about the question. I think that some readers tend to project their own feelings and emotions onto their beloved characters (well, at least that's what I used to do). And so, before I'll give you my own opinion, I'd like to look at the situation from such a reader's perspective.

Maybe I am wrong, but I assume that most newlyweds would prefer to spend the first hours after the wedding party together, just the two of them, basking in the glow of their new happiness and love. Objectively, Anne and Gilbert had experienced a day full of elation, delight, joy, but also nerves. Their wedding reception had just ended: wonderful, longed for moment, filled with stress and excitement. Moreover, their union brought further changes, including the need to leave Avonlea, say goodbye to beloved family members and start a life together in a new place. In short: they had every right to be tired. They had every right to want to spend some time together, learning and teaching each other the secrets of married life.

Readers very often identify with their beloved characters and think: "I wouldn't be satisfied", "I would feel so tired after my wedding", "I would certainly have a headache after such nerves", "I would rather cuddle up with my husband/wife" . In other words, they convey their own emotions, thoughts, dreams and desires to the book characters and since this solution would not suit them and they would like to experience the first moments after marriage in a different way, they assume that it definitely applies to the book characters.

Now the question is, if I were Anne, would I be happy if my husband's relatives came to my new house immediately after the wedding reception and stayed for the next few hours? Well, since I don't have a husband, it is completely hypothetical answer, but I'm afraid I wouldn't. I am a completely different type of person - an introvert who would need to "recharge her social batteries". Naturally, I would appreciate an extremely kind gesture from the people who prepared a meal for me and welcomed me to my new place. But deep inside I would probably feel a bit overstimulated and very tired.

However, I am me and Anne is Anne. Despite her dreamy and slightly pensive nature, she is an extremely sociable girl who thrives in the company of other people. Gilbert is a warm and family-oriented person, always appreciating the kindness of others. They were both touched and pleased by the visit. For them it was a beautiful, new experience that they could share together. First memory of a dinner as husband and wife. They had their whole lives ahead of them: many days and nights together, full of kisses, whispers, tender hugs and caresses. I guess the fact that their longed for "alone time" took place a few hours later didn't make it any less romantic. In my opinion, this dinner was lovely for both of them; they made their first friend in Four Winds, listened to fascinating stories, received support and sympathy.

Moreover, this scene was much more interesting from the reader's point of view. Personally, I really enjoyed it. I also believe that Maud, for obvious reasons, could not have written scenes that are now a popular part of fanfiction. Anne and Gilbert's marriage is described in a very subtle way, yet none of us readers ever doubted that these two shared a deep, passionate love. I think that Montgomery approached the matter very skillfully, describing a scene that was interesting for the reader and (between the lines) she wove a lot of romantic feelings and warmth that the couple had for each other. In my opinion, this is a move that perfectly illustrates Maud's artistic talent and her firm belief that literature would lose its charm if it told the world everything.

That's partly why I really like this scene; it shows how warm, family-oriented and friendly people Anne and Gilbert were. Perhaps other characters, such as Valancy and Barney, would need only each other to be happy. They could have existed in a magical circle created only by the two of them. But... Anne and Gilbert needed something more. They wanted to share their happiness with the world and make the lives of others around them better.

I think that every scene should be assessed not only from reader's own perspective. We always have to take into account the characters' personalities, hopes and dreams. Anne and Gilbert were happy and thriving in this situation and that's more than enough for me.

Thank you very much again for this great and interesting question. I'm sorry that the answer is so long, I hope I won't scare you away :) I will be happy to answer any question about Montgomery's books, which I love!

[firstofficerrose]

I just keep thinking about Camlann, and there are two scenarios that I come back to over and over.

Scenario the first: Lancelot. It's not a common name, but it's not totally unheard of either. Lancelot originates in the French romances, I believe, so he would have less power here than characters originating from the Welsh traditions. But Lancelot is genuinely one of my favorite characters in Arthuriana, he's such an absolute disaster mess of a man. He is constantly getting kidnapped and imprisoned, he is a dude in so much distress. He's an incredible fighter. He has (sometimes lengthy) periods of madness. He cannot achieve the grail. He has a thing with Guinevere, and I know that our Gwen is definitely falling for Morgan (which is excellent), but Lancelots are very well suited to pining as well... and there's versions of the story that could even be read as ace or demi, probably. He keeps getting tricked into sleeping with ladies he has no interest in, so you might even have space for Aro Lancelot. There would be power in a link to Guinevere, but I suspect that he could get away with leaning into fealty without romance, you know? Such a juicy space of stories to play with. Such a sopping wet guy. I want Perry and Gwaine having to team up to rescue this dude and having some excellent teeth-clenched teamwork. Do you see my vision here?

Corollary to Scenario the first: Galahad, for many of the same reasons. An even less common name, trickier to pull off, but Galahad being this even-more-incredible fighter might be neat. A lot of what Galahad does falls into the space of miracles, which might not work with Ella's stated intention to avoid living religious traditions, but Galahad is another really interesting character. Achieving the grail through the power of no fap. He's a late addition to the Arthurian stories, and therefore less powerful overall, but I think he would be interesting.

Corollary the second to Scenario the first: Elaine. There are *so* many Elaine's in the Arthurian stories, an Elaine could take almost any role she wanted and that versatility could be extremely useful.

Scenario the second: Robin Hood. This one is relatively easy, because a number of the names from the story (Robin, Marian/Marion, Alan, John, Will) are quite common. This story would be stronger in Nottingham, of course, but can you imagine having this little crew of archery anarchists on your side? It would be excellent. Robin is, in later versions, all about rebellion against a corrupt king or prince, which might give him and his Merry Men a fighting chance against Arthur and the Knights. I want to see it, it sounds great. Also, our group of main characters are casters, a Face, and close-quarters fighters, and in the interest of party composition, I would be happier if we had some longbowmen here. (I know about Perry's crossbow and the spear, but come on, Peredur is a knight in the Mabinogion. He - and therefore Perry - does swords and spears and lances really well, not crossbows.)

Bonus scenario: Pellinor and the Questing Beast. It's been a hot second since I've read Le Morte d' Arthur, but basically the first thing Arthur does after becoming king in that version of the story is run off and go on a quest chasing the Beast for a full year, relieving Pellinor of the quest. I have never heard of anyone named Pellinor outside of these stories, which tells me that he might work better as a monster. You have the Beast and the knight chasing him (Shūjūn mentioned things that looked like Knights and really, really weren't, it could work) as this monster that Arthur and maybe his Knights are all compelled to go chasing, and it gives our little group a break.

[its-haughty]

made a new story and cast of characters because i’m insane…

Welcome to Full-Body Attack!! A parody of the action hero/super genre where instead of this super charismatic hero who needs to save his city from evil bad guys, it’s just this tired guy who’s armed with a shovel and infinite revives… …The only thing that Shane shares with a true hero is the unbridled determination and selflessness which he sometimes takes to the extreme.

World building and info on shane under the cut

WORLD BUILDING

Parasites live in this world like animals do, however they’re quite rare and were only recently discovered only a few decades ago… There’s still up incoming science related to their existence because of this

Parasites can talk and can only hold powers if they fed off a human/host, using them as a power source - parasites choose humans in particular as they’re one of the most long lived organisms while also being entertaining

When someone has a parasite attached to them: they require more food, sleep, and are just abit more tired than the average person

Mentally handicapped people are the ones most prone to being attached to a parasite as they’re more vulnerable and can stick around unnoticed by their host much easier (the symptoms of having a parasite in some cases don’t feel very noticeable as the person may already suffer from lack of sleep for example)

Usually Parasites don’t make themselves known to their host right away… To ensure they can live their life relatively conflict free!!

BUT when parasites do become noticed by their host whether the host has caught on or the parasite accidentally poked their head out of smt- they almost always strike a deal: To grant the host a power that matches the host’s personality (eg: vigilance = supernaturally strong senses or hearing) in exchange the host must let the parasite live inside them to keep their power

So because of this, parasites and humans try/normally have a symbiotic relationship where both parties are happy

In the city that Shane lives in, Mako is the ceo of two companies: a public and well known pharmaceutical company and a private crime fighting organisation called Symbiosis. Hiring hosts and training them to become heroes in order to take down villains who cause havoc to cities all over different states

———

SHANE AND PERRY

Tired, reserved and very chill guy who wants a good nap and enough money to pay for himself and his family. Complete opposite to Perry who’s mischievous and has a thrill of action. The two bicker a lot but they’ve grown fond of eachother and have a good friendship!

While Shane doesn’t care about himself, he cares a whole ton about his family and his sister, Nadia. He’ll care for himself if it’s for someone he loves. However, Perry does care a lot about Shane, at first it was for the sake of his own survival but it started to devolve into genuine endearment to the man!

Had Perry for awhile since childhood but was unaware he did until adulthood during a freak accident. While driving to his parent’s house to visit his sister, he’d accidentally ram into a deer which would’ve killed him if it wasn’t for his absolute determination and desperation to stay alive for Nadia… It’s then he’d strike a deal with Perry to grant him the ability to come back after death. Not all heroes come from badass origins stories.

But nevertheless is a pretty sick power, Mako thought so too, offering him a job to be an action hero! Shane would take the offer and now it’d kickstart his new life of zany Villain of the Week adventures

Shane is a huuuge nerd deep down and a part of him also likes to pretend he’s this sick ass hero…. Perry indulges this

Does want to do good if he can, his moral backbone is flawed if money is on the line but if he realises the villains aren’t all bad either then it feels kinda bad to beat them up, right? wait maverick what are you doing here

[good--merits-accumulated]

OK, SEVERELY rambly post incoming but - Anderperry Stardust (2007)/ The Little White Horse AU, anyone?

Rundown: I think many of us are familiar with Stardust, originally a Neil Gaiman book but also a great film, starring Claire Danes as a falling star and That Guy Who Plays Daredevil as the lad who promises to bring her to the girl he's infatuated with. The Little White Horse is, to the best of my knowledge, more unknown, but equally very good (for sentimental reasons, I think of it much more highly than Stardust). Published in 1946 by Elizabeth Goudge, it tells the story of thirteen-year-old orphan Maria Merryweather, who moves to her cousin Sir Benjamin's Moonacre Manor in the West Country, where she finds a) a thriving cosy community and a long family history, b) the little white horse of the title, c) a longstanding family feud cutting off Moonacre from the sea, d) her imaginary best friend Robin, real and in the flesh, and e) some of the most deliciously-described food that has ever been or will be. It's a great book even past the rose-tinted glasses of my childhood. Go read it. (The one (1) marring is that you can't find a bloody edition that doesn't have a JK Terfling quote pasted onto the cover, because apparently it was one of her favourite books, but fuck OFF, I'm reclaiming it now. Thou shalt not keep the cosy low fantasy from me.)

Anyway even though I mention Stardust this isn't really part of the AU I have in my mind, except for the bit with the Star, because Todd as a main character who thinks he's a very forgettable bland boy-in-the-corner until he finds out he's a star is a great thought to me. Particulars on /how/ he's a star to be fleshed out later! (I only thought of this AU about two hours ago, lol.)

In my mind this is how it goes - nebulously Olden Times setting (TLWH is set in 1842, so perhaps then). Todd is around seventeen/eighteen and Geoff has just graduated from university, and gone off around Europe, accompanied by their parents. Months go by. Something happens - he's never given the liberty of knowing, but Geoff and their parents stay in Europe, and the townhouse in London is sold, and Todd is packed off to stay at a distant relative's - Keating, as it turns out. It's a blessing in disguise, because Todd is finally away from his family for the first time in his life and around people that appreciate him. He begins to bloom under this new care - but there are strange family secrets only now being revealed to him, and dark forces beyond the valley which threaten to disrupt the haven he's found...

The rest is very cosy fantasy, featuring Mr Perry as the local uptight vicar locking horns with Keating at every opportunity, Neil as his withdrawn but friendly son just longing for a rebellion, and more! (Read: Charlie is here and he is Outrageous as usual. Read also: Pitts as a sailor because I think he'd like it.) Right now I'm thinking of adding an equivalent of Monsieur Cocq de Noir for a villain (Mr Perry is NOT the villain), and Cameron can play a part there so I can give him a good redeeming! Here are a couple of extracts from TLWH to show the kind of mood/tone we're working with:

Thematically, I REALLY like the idea of Todd as a star because it allows me to work in a very fun trope, of "not of the rose but near the rose" - when a character perhaps is shy and a little quiet and reclusive, but inspires other people around them to brilliance and greatness. (Honestly I do think this kind of goes in with the film, where it's not just Keating's teaching but Todd's reaction to it and his presence that galvanise Neil to continue.) This ties in really well if Todd's a star and adds to the overall self-confidence journey - plus I was really thinking about the sun/moon motifs! They're very prominent in TLWH (Maria is a "moon" Merryweather and Robin is a very sunny boy), and I really want to implement them here with slight twists. I think of Todd as a sunny moon; yes he's warm and caring and cheerful but once you go a little closer it's more of a luminosity rather than a blaze, there's a coolness and quietness to him I like. You know, a quiet character doesn't always have to be quiet because there's something "wrong" with them, sometimes they're just like that. For Neil it's the opposite, he's a moony sun; under the thumb of his father he's polite and decorous and demure but somewhere under all of that there's a very loud and booming laugh and a healthy sort of ruddiness. I don't know, I just like sun/moon motifs!!!!!!!!!!

(On a more personal note: this AU, which I already love very much despite not having known very long, would be above all a careful love letter to the West Country. It's been lovely living around here almost all my life and by this time in September I'll be hopefully up very far north at uni, so I'm pre-emptively kind of :') about it. Mutuals who are at uni/college how on earth did you cope?)

[noodletea]

I just realise the Perryshmirtz canonically has every freaking romantic trope that one fanfic could ever have

Like, seriously. They have nearly every typical AUs, every dynamic from best of best to weirdest of a ship, every stage of a slow-burn love story, every scene of either an oneshort or a 50000 words longfic that we shippers, writers and artists could ever come up with.

AUs: fairy tale, ancient China, star war, prehistoric, (i don’t know) 17-19th century time, Swap/Parallel universe, future setting

Dynamics: enemies to lovers, enemires to friends to lovers, co-workers, bestfriends, ‘one black coffee’ and ‘Mc Donals! Mc Donals!’

Some romantic tropes that are repeated so much in most fanfics of any ship on this whole wide world:

Jealous 

Sulking

Possesive

Break up

Singing about their feeling (love) of each other

Holding hands

Kidnap and rescue

Waltz and dance together

Sick fluff stuff

Psycho/trauma/hurt and comfort

Get lost together in some nowhere place

Pictures together

Having Children (Norm :))

Met the other’s family/relative

Doing stupid things

Save other’s life

Visiting others hometown

Seeing other naked and look at their ass

Even some perculiar ones like, make film about the other and himself living together and be good friends (I once read a Drarry fic with the similar plot and I thought it only suit this couple because of the denied handshake - which is also perculiar too)

Some other romatic-codded stuff: accidentally in wedding suit and gown, fighting over the remote like an old married couple; lucky pulmber p0rn, BDSM, tentacles, s3x (the word dead fish Heinz once said to Perry means a person who is not so active when making love) references that go like ‘the god/the creator is shipping them, now kiss!’

I think we can make an excuse for having so little fanfic despite a bunch of hints (and even support from the creator and the fandom is large too) that the show itself is the biggest fanfic

[penvisions]

return the favor {chapter 14}

Pairing: Joel Miller x Reader 

Summay: Kansas City keeps throwing curveballs at your group, but the city limits are thinning and it looks like you'll all make it out.

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: canon typical violence, canon compliant deaths, gore, description of injuries (not explicit) 

A/N: this is a bit of a smaller chapter, to help me get back into the motions with this fic. i think i psyched myself out with this fic due to how serious i set up the story line and how to the book i'm keeping it (for the most part), so to speak. but also like, the hoard scene is just really beautifully done in the show and i didn't want to mess it up but rushing through it, i really wanted to display that reader an Ellie are capable of taking care of themselves under pressure. 

please let me know what y'all think! and thank you for taking the time to read! 

ao3 link || series masterlist || main masterlist 

There was a large creaking of metal filling the night air before the truck that had crashed began to teeter in its spot as if it was on the cusp of a cliff. The quake of earth giving way caused you to stumble, your foot coming off of Perry’s neck as everyone turned their attention to the source of the sound. The truck swayed where it was half crashed into the house it had served into, the sound of metal grating on metal making your head throb. Before it could even fully tip forward you took a step to distance yourself further from it. Kathleen didn’t seem to notice as she was completely focused on the movement of the truck. It disappeared with a crumble of earth into the ground completely, a sink hole having opened up in the house as a result of the crash or had already been forming over time and had given way from the weight of the vehicle.

A feeling of cold dread shot down your spine at the quiet rumbling of that sounded from the dilapidated structure when silence would’ve been the natural progression once the vehicle settled below the ground. Whispers of snarling ignited goosebumps along the entirety of your body and you were stepping back further the more intensely they grew.

You were quickly leaning down and helping Perry up from where he was still pinned beneath your weight. He didn’t tear his eyes away from the rumbling and now alarmingly low roar of voices that was beginning to flood the air, though his hands grasped at your good one as he stood. He continued to face the house, as did everyone, the sound could only mean one thing….

Your motions were quick to retrieve your guns from the ground, placing them back in their respective holds and you had only managed two or three steps toward where you had been hiding and where your machete was abandoned on the ground when a crowd of rotted bodies all but exploded out of the sinkhole opening. Your heart caught in your throat and your nerves felt like they were buzzing, but you didn’t let the fear halt you. You let it fuel you. You broke out into a run, scooping up the machete from the ground and shouted for Ellie as loud as you could, hurting your already hoarse throat.

-

You swung as hard as you could at the two runners closing in on you, Ellie’s back to you as she tried to help guide you away from them in a relatively safe path through the utter chaos that had exploded. A shot rang out close and took out one of advancing figures. You lunged and landed the blade of your machete in the side of the second one’s head, the squelching sound bringing a wave of nausea over you that you pushed down.

You turned around and ushered Ellie toward a vehicle, silently telling her to hide in the confines as more figured descended on you. Two of them fell to the ground, shots smoking at the apex of their foreheads telling you how they were downed. As you looked up, your eyes connected with Perry across a small distance. His rifle was raised, and it was obvious he had helped you. You nodded at him, an understanding blooming between you. It was all circumstantial, if he had encountered you out beyond the walls or even within them and Kathleen hadn’t painted you as a threat, he would’ve tried to help you. Just as you would’ve tried to help him.

Ellie fell to the ground when one of the figures you were fighting turned and set its sights on her, grasping for her. You cursed under your breath as you felt a sting on your own arm, one of the clickers in front of you getting a good deal closer than you were comfortable with as your attention had been focused on her. You shouted over your shoulder at her to crawl, to crawl and keep low, keep vigilant and get to the damn vehicle and lock the doors. There was a shot that rained down and took the clicker crawling after her out, allowing you a short lived moment of relief as you tried to thin the hoard.

Precise shots rained down on any threat that got too close to you or Ellie. You knew Joel was trying to help in any way, the guilt of not being able to do so down on the ground in the trenches of the chaotic scene was probably eating away at him. It was better for him to be up in that house, away from all of this.

It was terrifying.

Time seemed to be moving in slow motion, everything seemed to draw out in long seconds. But it was also moving at an alarming speed, making your head spin as you focused on the task of getting Ellie to safety. She was running from the vehicle you had shoved her toward nearly careening into you in her haste, frantic. Bodies dropped as she made her way toward you. You saw a glimpse of the small Infected figure now trapped as it clawed desperately at the glass of the windows. The sound of its nails and fingers breaking against the glass were focused in your ears and it made you shudder. You ushered her close to your side, guiding her hand to grip a strap on your pack.

You weren’t near the crowd that had tried to ambush you. They had dispersed quickly, instincts taking over revenge. Haphazard shouts of orders barely registered

Shrieking hit your ears harshly and you spun around to see both Henry and Sam being pulled from underneath a car by a small form of Infected. You and Ellie both rushed over, your machete swinging wildly as you tried to clear a path. The revving of an engine was loud as a car came out of nowhere an you pushed Ellie away from you toward the boys, throwing yourself to the ground just in time to avoid the speeding vehicle. Inside the driver was being torn apart, blood splattering against the inside of the windows in a gory display.

You scrambled up and reached for the legs of one of the figures clawing after Sam, pulling it toward you and setting your blade into the back of its head. Ellie  managed to stab the one that had done the same to Henry, dragging the man from underneath the truck and had been about to sink its teeth into his back.

“Let’s go, now! Kids in front. Run!” Once they were freed, though they were injured much the same as you and Ellie, you ushered everyone ahead of you. You all moved down the street, off to the main path of asphalt to avoid being easy targets. “Run as far as you can and do not look back! Joel will meet you if we can’t!”

They were about to break into the line of trees surrounding the neighborhood when a figure appeared behind you, yelling at you to stop. You turned on your heel, the gun in your body holster in your hands and the machete being secured to your pack in a breath. Kathleen stood before you, the scene of what she caused playing out behind her in a sicky ironic way. She had fought so hard for revenge, to find justice that she had damned the very people who had been looking to her for guidance and were willing to help her achieve her goal.

She was closest to you, the kids and Henry further back but sill too close to her for your comfort.

“I can’t let you go, you took everything from me.”

“I didn’t take shit from you, Kathleen. You got greedy and damned yourself.” You held your gun with its last few shots just as adamantly as she was holding hers to you. Mirroring each other in a bubble of intense silence as chaos continued to reign all around. You felt the presence of your group behind you, and you silently urged them to step back with a short nudge of your head, not daring to take your eyes off the dangerous woman in front of you. If they could just breech the tree line, they would be that much safer.

Your eyes caught movement over her shoulder the same moment Ellie let out a quiet gasp.

Behind her, the same small Infected that had stalked Ellie was climbing over an abandoned vehicle, its head inclined toward Kathleen.

You had the passing thought to fire on her in a moment of sympathy, to save her from the intense and panicked death that she was sure to have. You even went as far as to lift up your gun higher, just as the small form lunged at her but her words of children deserving to die rang through your mind and you lowered it. Joel was behind you suddenly, having made sure everyone had begun to move before he approached you where you were rooted in your spot. The violence of Kathleen being torn apart and her screams holding you still.

“This way now! Move!” You heard his orders but they were muffled as if you were underwater, your gaze locked on the sight in front of you.

Joel reached out and placed a hand tight on your right shoulder gently, calling your name softly but no less urgently.

“We gotta go. Don’t wanna get mixed in this anymore than we already have.” His voice held a weird timbre, as if he was barely able to get the words out, they sounded forced from his chest. He needed to get everyone to safety, he needed to get you to safety.

Your eyes snapped back into focus, and you turned to look up at his worried face. He reached up and wiped away the tears you didn’t know you had been crying.

“C’mon, we gotta go.” You followed him, hands clasped tight together as you both ran to catch up with the rest of your group.

-

The tears wouldn’t stop flowing, the pain in your arm was too much, your vision was blurring and going black at the edges, your eyes refusing to focus. Your tears had quickly waned from those of horror and sadness of the city’s downfall to that of your own personal pain.

“I gotta stop, I think I’m doing more damage to it the longer I don’t do something about it.” Your voice was hoarse from your frantic cries when the injury had happened.

“I don’t know how to help.” Joel’s voice was rough, panicked beneath the crumbling resolve of trying to remain calm for you, for everyone as you tried to get as far away from the hoard as possible. His hands hurt where he clenched a gun, the metal hot with the heat of his stress and anxiety. His other one still holding tight to your good one.

You all had managed to put some distance between the absolute horror show of what had just happened and were all crowded in front of what used to be an apartment complex or a motel, it was hard to discern. The only thing that everyone knew for sure was that you were on the outskirts of the city limits, there were more highway junctions and open fields than condensed buildings and neighborhood streets.

“We just need to find somewhere safe, let’s clear this building and just…hunker down for the night.” You tried not to noticeably sway on your feet, but you think you failed as you felt Ellie’s small hands grasp at you. She was wrapping her arms around your sides, body offering support on your right side, careful to not knock your left shoulder or arm at all, your broken arm still held close to your chest. You couldn’t feel anything below your elbow and anything above that was throbbing.

“I’ll help anyway I can, but that really doesn’t fucking look good.” Ellie’s face was worried, eyes wide with panic. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from the white of the bone sticking up through your skin despite it making her slightly nauseous. Joel snapped his fingers, the sound breaking her focus on the sight of your injury. She looked to him, trying to school her expression but she didn’t think she succeeded. His frown was a touch too loose to be intimidating.

“I know a little from helping the doc, but not much.”

“I think…” You let out a shaky breath, not sure if the hysterical laughter bubbling through the air you heard was your own or one of your companions. It was unnerving, regardless of who was making the weird sound.

“You can’t even stand up straight, you think you can patch it up?” Joel’s voice loud in your ear, you weren’t sure when he had moved so close, but his body was a hard line against yours. His own replacing Ellie as she now stood slightly off to the side, close to Henry, the two holding hands as they tried to keep their heads in such a situation. He was genuinely asking, not trying to make you feel lesser for being so out of touch now that adrenaline was fading from everyone.

“I have some stuff in my pack.” Your words were slurred, black spots popping up and making it hard to focus. You felt yourself sway again, his chest coming to support your back, arms secure around you as you felt the adrenaline drain from your body completely. Your head lulled back, knocking into his shoulder with a thud as it was suddenly hard to keep it level.

“But can you concentrate? I don’t think any of us know enough to help.” Joel’s voice was wrecked though he was still trying to school in his emotions, he didn’t like this, he really had no idea how to fix a bone that was broken through flesh. Surgery would be his first guess, but they were twenty years too late for that to be an option. You shoved off from him, feet scuffling as you tried to keep your balance as a flash of energy rushed through you at the sound of his voice.

“I can take care of it, just give me a damn minute!” You shouted, bringing up your good hand to rake through your loose hair. You could tell you were shaking with how spent your body was, ready to just pass out and be done feeling anything for a moment. You felt hot tears spill over your lashes in another wave, hand firm on your forehead as you tried to collect your thoughts. Ellie called out your name, making you open your eyes and look over to her.

“We just want to help. We just don’t know how and you’re shaking.” Her brow was furrowed, eyes wide as she tried to keep her arms to herself. She hoped her pleading eyes would be enough to convince you to let everyone help, you were so quick to do so for them. “I know you’re not trying to, but you’re scaring me.”

“She’s goin’ into shock.” Henry’s voice was quiet, him not wanting to impose on the already emotional situation.

You opened your mouth to retort but a particularly sharp, hot pain reverberated from where the bone was ripped through your skin, your words drowned out by a stuttering breath before your vision faded completely and you felt yourself begin to crumble where you stood.

“Shit!”

“Don’t let her land on her arm!”

“Joel, catch her!”

previous chapter || next chapter 

[lets-try-some-writing]

If you could mix transformers universes what would you do

Hm. Well honestly that is a question that would require a bit of thought to answer well. But off of the top of my head I feel like bayverse and tfp could mix well due to the relatively similar personalities of the bots involved. Or better yet, G1 and Animated due to the ties between the two.

In tfa the G1 war is a canon thing that happened (at least I am pretty sure), meaning it would be quite easy to swap around a little lore and make everything work out well.

G1 & TFA Lore Mix

It wouldn't be hard to drop G1 Optimus in there and throw him into the plot as an ancient war hero who fought for the Autobots. He would have the Matrix and be a true Prime, an actual herald of Primus during the early years of the war. Whatever his origin story, him and Megatron would hate each other but have this odd Perry the platypus and Dr. Doofenshmirtz like relationship to keep with the fun G1 feel. But sooner or later Optimus would start becoming a threat to the Autobot high council and eventually he would see the corruption. At some point during the height of the war when the council believed themselves near victory, they would try to get rid of him due to his too good morality getting the way of their goals. At some point Optimus would disappear without a peep, prompting intense backlash from Autobots and Decepticons alike.

Megatron and his Decepticons, while still not fond of Optimus, respected him greatly and would lash out, knowing that most likely the Prime had been killed. And Optimus's most loyal Autobots would rebel but ultimately find themselves slowly being picked off and mind wiped or sent out to dead-end positions where they would have no influence. The council would rewrite the story of Optimus Prime, turning him into a fairy tale figure, a made up story of loyalty and bravery to the Autobot cause for young sparklings. And with time, Optimus Prime would fade into obscurity outside of the imaginations of sparklings, his legacy quietly removed and his records and assets destroyed.

Optimus's young son Bumblebee would be put into stasis, too small to remember just about anything in regards to his Creator. He would only be woken vorns upon vorns later when not a spark would remember his lineage, at which point he would be drafted into boot camp. All of Optimus's old comrades save Ratchet, Kup, and a few others would be... removed, new sparklings being given their names to make up for the loss. Ratchet and the few that remained would be blackmailed into remaining silent, their skills too useful to be lost and their disappearances being far too suspicious to be acted upon. Ultra Magnus hoping to save at least some of the legacy of his old commander and Prime, would take control of the Autobots as best as he was able. He would try to stop the implementation of the title of Prime as a military rank to no avail and struggle viciously to preserve the ideals he and his fellows fought for. He would try, but with time he would grow apathetic and detached from it all.

Eventually a young bot would be given the name Optimus by Kup in the hope that the youngling might live up to his namesake. And with that done, transformers animated would proceed as usual, with Optimus taking the fall for Sentinel and going to earth with his repair crew in an attempt to get the Allspark. Shenanigans would ensue and very little would change story wise besides a few small cultural things and perhaps a snippet or two of Bumblebee still loving the old sparkling tale of Optimus Prime the war hero. He would also definitely poke fun at the current Optimus all the time for being named after a fairy tale figure while secretly admiring him for it. Ratchet would also likely struggle to treat Optimus normally considering he served under the original and was his best friend. But overall everything would be normal... until the last of the Primes is unearthed trapped in a stasis pod.

Cue everything going to heck in a handbasket as the original Optimus wakes up very much confused, angry, and unsure as to what in the pits he is supposed to be doing. Not only that but he would have a bit of a breakdown trying to find his sparking, likely going onto believe that his little one is either dead or long gone. Ratchet would do what he could, but the original Optimus and the new would bicker, not really angerly, just because of differing styles of leadership and cultural misunderstandings. Maybe to make everything better the original Prime is weak from slumbering for so long, not at full strength or otherwise being mostly out of action for quite some time. He would become a mentor figure and work from the sidelines for most of the show, adding a more mystical element to everything or even a humorous aspect due to his age.

It could go many ways, but it would be fun nonetheless and has amazing potential for fluff and angst.

[dem0nguy]

MEOWWWW!!!! PLEASEE!!! ON MY KNEES… tell me about your ocs mootie… or send me some refs please plea please alsjslsbsmsknsn. Esp bonesss… please plea se. (Is so normal right now)

Send it to me Rachel,,, send it to me pleaseeee /ref

JSHFHSJDJFJJS OFC MOOTIE‼️‼️

Okokok so first I wanna give some background, bc I’ve had these babies for ~5 years and I recently overhauled their designs/lore and now im obsessed.

They used to be my old gacha ocs (back in the good ol days 😔) but they had a very uh… fucked up story, to say the least. (Rider used to be some sort of mary sue 0-0) The story was so all over the place that I’m not sure I can properly explain it. But that’s exactly why I rewrote it :3

So the story revolves around two main characters, Rider and Cody.

Rider is a (secret) agent at the Bureau of Magical Containment and Research, aka the BMCR. He’s technically not supposed to be working there. Because yk, child labor laws. But the BMCR has a tendency to skirt around laws and get away with it.

Rider was only able to join the BMCR because of Bones, who became his guardian after both his parents died. (Ik thats the most typical tragic oc lore, but like, bare with me ;-;)

He was indoctrinated into the BMCR when he was 10, and because of Bones’ assistance, he earned the codename, “Free-Rider.” (Most people just call him Rider, but other BMCR operatives he isn’t personally connected to use his full codename)

He has a real name, but he doesn’t use it anymore. It reminds him too much of his parents and how much he misses them. He goes by the alias “Rider Youngson,” and picked “Rider” as his first name as a reference to his codename. To him, it symbolizes a new era in his life.

Rider wears a mask to hide the tattoo on his cheek. (There’s a lot of lore behind tattoos/markings but it would take forever to explain, so long story short, it’s related to class and is typically changed based on occupation.) Kids under 18 aren’t supposed to have full time jobs, and especially aren’t supposed to work at a highly sensitive government organization. So yk, he’s gotta hide it.

(Sometimes he uses makeup, but he’s lazy 90% of the time and just throws on a mask. (It’s also pretty normal for people to wear masks, bc he lives in a big city and disease is RAMPANT))

His current goal is to graduate high school, and then go to legally work at the BMCR full time. But that kinda changes once he meets Cody >:3

He actually has a mission called “Operation Deadpride” and for as cool as it sounds, it’s really simple. All he’s supposed to do is be on the lookout for magical anomalies, report them to the BMCR, then go with a team to capture it.

He has a cool ass motorcycle, bc silly :3

Also his favorite artist would be Rhianna (he would also listen to Katy Perry, Kesha, Chase Atlantic, and The Chainsmokers (I have a whole playlist for this guy and it’s all I listen to now…))

Okay now Bones. Bones’ full codename is “Bone-Crusher,” because he’s trained in a fighting style that allows him to easily break the opponent’s bones. (No one knows where tf he learned it, and he refuses to teach it to anyone except Rider)

(Unrelated but he uses he/him pronouns and he’s aroace :] )

He was good friends with Rider’s parents, which is why he volunteered to take Rider in. He trains Rider incredibly hard, both mentally and physically. He says it’s to “catch him up” and “get him on everyone else’s level” But Rider thinks he just likes making him suffer.

Bones welds an electrically charged halberd. It kind of acts like a taser, but he can adjust the intensity to instantly kill someone/something. (He doesn’t like doing that though, and refrains from it.)

He’s a very secretive guy, and only has one or two other friends. To most, he comes off as a hard-headed workaholic. He’s been loyal to the BMCR long before he joined it, or, has he..? >:3

Finally, I’ll go over Cody (this is getting too long 0-0)

Cody is the second main character, and he’s relatively normal. He’s got a younger stepbrother, a dad and a stepdad, and a happy little life :3

One problem, she’s got magic in a world that fears magic.

Cody has the ability to create portals, really strong ones too. But she’s got to be really careful when using her powers or else the BMCR will find her and kill her.

Their biological mom died during childbirth, so they never got to meet her. (Casey’s mom left to get the milk, so they never met her either lol)

Cody’s very strong academically, and is working to get into a good college to get a degree in biology or something else science related. (She’s not entirely sure yet.) He gets straight A’s, takes too many AP classes for his own good, and is beloved by all the teachers.

Then he meets Rider.

They share science class together, and get partnered up for a project. After that, they become “hey I don’t hate you as much as everyone else how about we bullshit these assignments together” acquaintances

Rider is relatively popular in comparison to Cody. People like talking to him, and invite him to parties (that he never goes to.) Cody is more of a recluse, she has a few friends here and there, but spends most of her time focusing on schoolwork.

She dyes her hair black, their natural hair color is a dark red :3

Eventually, Cody accidentally reveals their powers to Rider. So Rider makes it his new mission to capture Cody and turn them in to the BMCR.

Rider doesn’t actually tell the other agents about Cody, because he wants to handle something by himself for once. And when he finally gets around to telling them, they don’t believe him.

Bones thinks he just has a crush on Cody and he’s just making up excuses to hang out with him. (He’s not wrong tbh)

There’s SO much more, but I don’t wanna make you read an essay pookie. I hope you enjoy this little blurb tho :D

[solemn-marauders]

Broken Glass, Broken Hearts

Ominis’s POV, kind of

A continuation of A Regretful Visit

Disclaimer: More of my Hogwarts Legacy drabble that I’m posting. These are written quickly while the ideas are fresh. They are short and most likely sprinkled with errors. I’m posting these for me, but if other people enjoy them, then all the better. I will be using my MC’s name, Thea, since this is her story. I also keep the time period in mind. I do my best to keep it as period accurate as possible.

Trigger Warning: None

Additional Information: Takes place the summer after their 5th year. Includes the PS5 exclusive storyline of MC owning a shop in Hogsmeade and befriending a house-elf named Penny. I also have a HC that Garreth spends the summer in Hogsmeade apprenticing with Perry Pippin. 

It had taken many weeks and several heated words before Ominis found himself willing to be in Sebastian’s company again. He had missed him terribly, he was the brother he always wanted, or rather, the brother he never wanted but somehow couldn’t live without. No matter the love Ominis had for Sebastian, it didn’t excuse his recent actions. It hurt Ominis beyond words to see his brother fall victim to the Dark Arts. Sebastian was going down a path that was much too similar to the one his blood relatives had all but sauntered down.

It was Thea who had encouraged him to at least reach out. Ever the Mother Hen, she hated it when the two boys fought. Either in a moment of weakness, or one of strength, on a cool summer evening, Ominis had found himself on Sebastian’s doorstep. They talked, they yelled, they spilled tears that either refused to acknowledge. He could feel Sebastian’s sorrow and regret. He’d never experienced his friend so broken before, not even after Anne had been cursed. Sebastian had truly been alone in this world for the past several weeks. Alone to ponder and atone for his actions. Alone in his grief and self-loathing. Alone, because “it’s the way it should be” or so he said.

Ominis was very glad that Thea had convinced him not to report Sebastian to the Ministry. After their reconciliation, he began spending the rest of his summer in Feldcroft just like before. He still visited Thea in Hogsmeade often, something Sebastian avoided adamantly. He always had some sort of excuse to not make the trip. Ominis was blind, not stupid, and he knew Sebastian better than anyone, but even he couldn’t get him to confess his reasoning behind avoiding Thea. It made him quite perturbed to be honest. After everything she had done for him and he’s just so willing to let their relationship wither away. Personally, he would have wagered a significant amount of galleons on Sebastian spending the summer courting her, or at the very least, a courtship once the happenings from months ago had been addressed and resolved. Now it seemed even the thought of her made his friend blanch. Every time Ominis tried to bring it up seeking answers, Sebastian would immediately become irate and shut him down. Their friendship was in a very delicate state at the moment and he decided to let it go, for the time being. 

Thea had her arm through Ominis’s as she made him escort her to the Three Broomsticks.

“People will think that we’re courting.” He grumbled making Thea chuckle. She had been so sad since the events in the repository and yet somehow, lately, she seemed even moreso melancholy. It gave Ominis a sense of pride that he could still get a laugh out of her, even if it was just a chuckle.

“Ominis! I’m hurt! Would it really be the end of the world for you to be seen with me like this?” She was teasing now and he would play along for as long as she liked.

“You’re practically my sister. It’s not a thought I like to entertain.”

“Fair enough, but do not fret, people will just think you the proper gentleman escorting a lady to her destination.”

“Right, and what about the fact that I stay in your shop overnight with no chaperone?”

“Oh pish posh! Penny is a fine chaperone, and besides, you’re hardly the only guest of mine to stay in one of my spare rooms.”

“Natty, Poppy, and Imelda don’t count. There’s no scandal there.”

“True, but Garreth visits often as well.”

Ominis’s eyebrows shot up, “Now that is something I’d like to discuss further.”

“You’ll have to buy me a butterbeer first. We’re here!” Thea held the door open for them as they entered. 

Thea was such a frequent patron that Sirona had started reserving her favorite table just for her. It was in the back right corner near the fireplace. She came to the Three Broomsticks almost every evening, sometimes with Penny, but mostly alone. She had no skills when it came to cooking and she felt terrible relying on her elf companion to make her every meal. Penny swore that she quite enjoyed it, but Thea had freed Penny and often encouraged her to spend her spare time doing absolutely whatever she wanted.

Oftentimes the feeling of loneliness would become too much for Thea to bear and she would try to ease it by people watching in the bar. When she was alone, her thoughts would wander to the darkest corners and would completely incapacitate her. Her heart would race, her lungs wouldn’t fill with enough air, and the nausea would keep her from eating for days. These bad-spells would happen more often than not, and her night terrors kept her awake almost every evening. But she buried those thoughts deep, she currently had the company of one of her closest and dearest friends, she refused to spend their time together wallowing with her demons.

She led Ominis to her table and they both settled in.

“Now, tell me about Weasley. I must admit that I am intrigued.”

Thea glanced up at the bar and caught Sirona’s eye. The Three Broomsticks owner held up two fingers with a questioning look. Thea gave her a nod and turned her attention back to her friend. “I’ve changed my mind. This is more of a Firewhiskey kind of conversation.”

“So, how was your visit to Hogsmeade?” Sebastian’s attempt at nonchalance failed miserably. His back was to Ominis as he washed the dishes from dinner.

Ominis knew what he really wanted to know was how was Thea. He was over whatever game Sebastian thought he was playing. He hated the pain he heard in her voice every time he would visit. He knew Sebastian had hurt her deeply; so he felt no shame in making him squirm.

“Hogsmeade is always pleasant enough. It was wonderful to see Thea again, she’s looking as lovely as ever. You know, she told me the most interesting thing while I was there.”

“Hmm?”

“Apparently her and Garreth have grown particularly close. She didn’t go into much detail, but it seems that he visits her quite often and has taken it upon himself to teach her the more…physical side of courting.” The sound of shattering glass echoed throughout the cottage and Ominis could barely keep a triumphant grin from gracing his face. The air around them thickened, almost palpable. “I’m not sure if they’ll continue their dalliances once school starts again, but I doubt Garreth would be opposed to a proper courtship eventually.”

Sebastian’s grip on the edge of skin had his knuckles turning white and the veins in his arm protruding. His body had the sudden urge to expel his dinner from his stomach. Garreth?? Garreth Weasley and Thea?? What kind of personal hell was he in? Weasley certainly had no business making any type of advances towards Thea, and he most certainly needed to keep his hands and lips to himself. Sebastian had to take several deep breaths to steady his rising rage. After the fifth exhale, his grip on the sink loosened. He had to remind himself to let go of any and all thoughts of Theadora Gravethorne. A task that seemed most impossible. He’d be more successful telling himself not to breathe or not to blink. Thoughts of Thea were as much a part of him as the beating of his heart. But this was something he had to do. Something he had to remind himself every minute of every day since summer holiday began. He busied himself with picking up the shattered remains of the drinking glass that fell from his grasp at the news.

“That is interesting.” His voice was cold and unwavering, a skill he had mastered over the past several weeks. A complete opposite to the burning temper raging inside of him.

[gayleviticus]

i dont necessarily want to go around slandering this specific person, more just unpack the dynamic happening here, but there's a certain public (like an actual writer not just a social media influencer or w/e) Side B gay christian advocate who seems like a decent enough person, but I feel like spends an awful lot of time criticizing Side A people more than Christian homophobia.

it's not like, huge. this person doesn't feel like a sellout more interested in defending traditional sexual ethics against queers than anything else like jackie hill perry or sam allberry. but idk, compared to other side B people like eve tushnet or grant hartley or wesley hill, even if they do obviously express disagreement w side A, I feel like they have a more fundamental position of solidarity w queer christians regardless of side (I could be wrong here, but that's my impression)

whereas this person i feel doesn't really. it's nothing huge, it just feels like they're more interested in pushing back against Side A than cishet homophobia. and i think it kind of makes sense in this person's context, given they're an adult convert to Christianity from fully gay-affirming agnosticism.

but i also feel like this puts this person in a position that is a lot more privileged than a lot of queer people who were raised in the church (whether still christian or not).

i dont want to suggest adult converts don't face homophobia at all (and in fact, in some ways, a married gay couple converting as adults might get it worst of all given attempts by the church to break up their family). but i feel like the way in which being raised in a homophobic faith tradition gets so deeply internalised by queer people as vulnerable children with less ability to deconstruct what they're being taught is something an adult convert is less likely to grasp.

and especially if that adult convert is Side B - i don't know. i think it would be tempting for someone in that position to not realise that their ability to freely choose Side B as an adult - with pressure, to be sure, but still with a choice - is very different from people who were raised to feel they never had any choice in the matter.

there are other adult converts - like eve tushnet - who i feel (again in my not-exhaustive knowledge of them) do acknowledge their relative privilege in avoiding that ambient air of homophobia as a kid. i think tushnet even appreciates the fact she was able to enter christianity with an already well-formed sense of identity as a lesbian and so could choose the burden of submitting to the catholic church's Side B teaching. her life as an atheist lesbian was preparation for being a side B catholic.

whereas this person i'm talking about i think, seems to view their irreligious gay activist past as something to be repudiated, and seems to hold a kind of resentment against their side A christian friends who told them they could be practising gay and christian, because they felt deceived. Where tushnet perceives a continuity of moving towards better things, this person perceives a radical 180 degree turn and repudiation.

and so i think im not surprised that this person doesnt really feel invested in side A/B solidarity - bc as someone not really exposed to christian homophobia, and who understands their conversion story very much in terms of a road to damascus-style 180 repentance, it makes sense this person would be more concerned about side A than cishet homophobia.