#army public tutoring

[vanya-evergreen]

Batfam x reader platonic concept

But make it over throwing royal’s with reader as a royal and Batfam as revolutionaries AU (with some fantasy elements that aren't expanded on)

CW: Neglect, Violence, blood. War like topics (revolution)

Something to note: in the real world timeframe I would put this in the late 1910s to early 1920s. The cars are faster than the actual cards of that timeframe because of fanfic logic!

Ps, I would love to write more of this (i already have another 1000 i am keeping to myself)

The soft patterns of rain on the roof was the loudest sound in your room. You lay on a bed, arms locked to your sides, staring up to the ceiling of the tall room. It was opulent to say the least, but that was the last thing you would think of. You were stuck in a cycle of memories that felt like a lifetime ago, yet it was only a few months ago that all of what you knew was gone. Not that you missed much of it.

There was once that if you had even whispered a complaint, it would've been fixed by a servant before you could dwell on it. Now it would just fall on deaf ears. You had alway been pacified with gifts, trips, or even new lessons to learn. It was one of the many benefits you got from being of royal descent, when that had mattered. You were happy with what you had but you still craved more. You wanted the unconditional Familial love that every other child seemed to get.

Slowly, you began to watch the families at garden parties, grand balls, and even going through daily life. You can’t help but staring as the parent lovingly held their children, or how they would even just watch them from afar. If you would turn to your parents, they always had their backs to you. You screamed and fought for their attention. You cried quietly every time they forced another toy or trip onto you. Sadly, it turned out to be much worse for you, everyone thought you were spoiled and ignorant because of your public fits. You never had an understanding of how parents were meant to love a child, until you met him.

The Dark knight.

You had met him briefly once before, given he was an army commander. It was a formality really, but you did remember his suit. It looked oddly like a bat with his cape. Still the Dark Knight was skilled with the sword, even with the advancing technology. You always heard whispers of his real name but they were never loud enough to make it your ears.

You were given sword lessons as another class to keep you busy. ‘I always did want to try the sword’ was just a pathetic attempt at ignoring your ugly truth. You were only 10 when you figured that your parents were pushing you off on all these tutors in hope that they would keep you busy enough to stay away from them. You still remember feeling the love you had for your parents slipping through your fingers like sand. You had stopped throwing fits too, you began to try to hold your emotions closer to your heart. All of this is probably what made it so easy for you to get attached to the Dark knight.

Your first lesson was rough. You had been rudely awakened at an unfamiliar time and when you made it out to the training grounds you could only see slivers of light on the horizon. You were forced to clean your tools and even some of his. You complained but he only remained quiet watching you with a heavy eye. You kept your mouth shut after that, finishing without much more complaint.

When you finished, he made you run laps. You wanted to whine about it, but you remembered knowing it wouldn't do anything, so you ran. Lap after lap, you always felt his eyes on you no matter where you went. He remained silent unless it was to tell you to keep going. It wasn't until the sun had fully risen that he had made you stop, letting you get water. You couldn't help but be wreathing with anger as you sat drinking your water.

“Sword lesson my-” you began to whisper under your heavy breaths, until a warm gloved hand was placed atop of your head. You shot your head up to where the head came from. It was the Dark knight, without his helmet.

“Good job kid.” He looked at you in your eyes, you couldn't help but let your emotions slip for a moment. His eyes were so kind, but his face was worn. It was the face of a man who had led a hard life, but still had compassion for others. You gripped your water, you wanted him to say it again

You continued the lesson for another 2 hours but it felt too short for you. Even if he said you weren't ready for a sword, You couldn't wait for the next lesson.

That is how it started and would go for the next 6 years. Twice a week you would meet with him to learn, but every day you spent hours practicing to impress him at your next lesson. He and you had bonded, or so you thought. You learned his true name, Bruce Wayne. he let you call him by his name, you tried to offer him the same courtesy but he refused, it hurt you but you understood.

This was your way of life, this was the happiest you ever were. You thought you had the love you craved the most. You thought that.

It was your 16th birthday. You were meant to focus on the party that was held every year for you but there you were happily running over to the training grounds to see Bruce. Ever since you met him, he always had some form of present for you on your birthday. It was the only present you looked forward to every year.

You stopped at the entrance when you saw Bruce with two other people. Diana Prince and Clark Kent, they were commanders just like Bruce. You always saw them together when they were in the same room, but why were they meeting here today? They looked like it was a serious matter so you hid behind the stables.You crouched down and slowly crawled to the end of the stable closest to them to listen in. You thought maybe you could scare them, you couldn't help but smile at the thought of the previous time you tried to scare Bruce and failed.

“A week from today we will take the capital.” Bruce said matter of factly. You breathe hitched, you heard murmurs through the walls about a revolution, but you didn't think it was real. Much less Bruce was a part of it. “And arrest the royal family and their descents.” That isn’t when you broke, no you didn’t care if they did that.

“And we can finally return to our families.” Clark added. This is when you broke, the mental image you had created in your delusion, the image of Bruce seeing you as one of his kids, shattered into a million pieces right in front of you. You quietly got up, you acted faster than your mind could think.

You jumped out from behind the stables, “Boo!” you shouted, while you wore your best smile. They all flinched at your sudden appearance. Finally you got them. “Hope I wasn’t interrupting anything.” You beamed while scratching the back of your head. They all looked at you in horror as you walked closer.

“How much did you hear, your highness?” Diana began reaching for her lasso on her hip, while trying to keep a pleasant expression.

“Nothing beyond something about going back to your families” You laughed. “ I assume you heard about the holiday I asked the king and Queen to give the troops after my birthday.” You could see as they relaxed, believing your words.

“Is there a reason you came here, your highness?” Clark stepped closer to give you a kind smile placing a hand on your shoulder, he always was kind to you even when you threw fits.

“I always stop by on my birthday.” You take a quiet glance at Bruce, with guilt flickering in his eyes. Y our heart sunk further into your chest. “I was saying hello to my teacher, before going on with my busy day.” You moved your eyes off of Bruce, and on to Clark. You tried to ignore his heavy gaze, your hands were shaking.

“Of course…” Clark and Diana look at Bruce. He gestured for them to leave. “Well Happy birthday, your highness.” Clark bowed before leaving, as did Diana. You watched them leave until they were out of sight. You clasped your hand together, the shaking stopping but your rate grew.

“Your highness,” Bruce’s soft voice boomed in your head . Bruce’s eyes weighed heavily on you, You were barely able to maintained eye contact. “I got you a gift.” He pulled out a small rectangle box wrapped in expansive sliver fabric with an extravagant white lace ribbon tied around it.

It was like every other year before, a small gift that meant the world to you. You, normally, would eagerly take it from him with the biggest grin, and opened it in front of him, thanking him no matter the gift. That year though, you hesitated, you didn’t give a wide grin, nor did you open it immediately.

“Thank you, Bruce.” You stared at the gift, playing with the white ribbon in your hand. “I really appreciate the gifts you have gotten me.” You sighed faintly. Bruce was stunted by this. “I hope you enjoy your time off with your family.” You let out a shaking breathe.

“What about your-” Bruce reached out to touch your shoulder, it was natural for the two of you.

“Don’t worry about lessons next week,” You grabbed his hand before he touched your shoulder “It’s fine if we miss a week. We alway have the after one, right?” you looked at him with a knowing look. He face dropped, he understood that you had heard more than you would say. “I hope to see you later Bruce.” You let go of his hand as you walked away from him leaving him behind in his silence.

You didn’t open that gift that day, even when you were in your room. You spent the rest of the day distracted. There were plenty of things you could’ve done about your impending arrest, but you also knew that would lead to Bruce's death. You didn’t want that, even if he only saw you as a royal, you still viewed him as someone would view their father. So you remained quiet.

The party came and went. It was the same as it always was, many gifts that were worth an average person's salary for ten years, and even proposal letters from noble families that wouldn’t matter in a week’s time. After that night you started to count down the days. Your memories of that week are blurry now, all of the days bleed into each other, until that day of the plan came.

You didn’t leave your room that day, even when you heard the screams of your family members. You waited, seated in a chair by the fire you had the servant light before going to bed. The box Bruce gave you is still unopened on your desk. You didn’t want to open it and pretend like everything was still the same.

You got up as you heard the soldiers get closer, opening every door along the way, until they reached your door. You opened the door before they could barge in. You came face to face with the helmet of The Dark knight. The blood of those who fought back dripped on the floor off of his suit. You step aside to let them in.

The Dark knight was the only one to step in, “Continue moving without me.” You tensed up as he ordered his subordinates to not follow him in. “Your highness-”

“There is no longer a need to address me like that.” You hummed, closing the door behind him. “After all, my heritage won’t matter by sunrise tomorrow.” You stood by the edge of your bed, looking out of the window.

The Dark knight was across the room from you, staying in front of the fireplace. You wouldn't meet his eyes, as he stared at you through his helmet. He looked around the room, he noticed the box on your desk still wrapped neatly. “You didn’t open it.” He picked up the box from the desk, and looked back at you.

“I thought it was inappropriate to open it, considering what was bound to happen.” You Pointed your head back down to the ground,

“You didn’t try to stop us.” He kept the box with him, and stepped closer to you.

“I couldn’t bring myself to,” You confessed, “I knew what it would lead to if I did.” Even then you couldn't bear the thought of him dying because of you.

“Do you understand why we are doing this?” He stopped two feet away from you, and took off his helmet. You wanted to see the face was making but you knew if you saw his face you couldn’t help but break all over again in front of him.

“Not fully,” You weakly replied “but I know that if you and the other commander are in on it then it is for the betterment of the world.” you clenched your hands. You tried to be mad at him but it was hindered by how you saw him. To you, you knew him as a man of justice, who wouldn’t needlessly create waves unless he saw necessary. You put your hands behind your back, intertwining them together.

The Dark Knight couldn’t understand you, but you knew what his thought was “I didn’t run because you taught me to stand with the side I chose, and by blood I am forced to choose this side.” You looked up from the floor finally. His face seemed almost desperate for a better answer, you could only return a sympathy nod with closed eyes.

The room remained silent for a moment, before you offered your wrist forward to make it easier to cuff them, he didn't. Instead he stepped behind you, guiding you out in front of the palace with a firm hand on your shoulder. You kept your eye forward ignoring the blood splattered across the floor and walls. The walk through the halls were eerie and quiet, they still haunt you to this day.

At the front of the palace each member in the royal house kneeled with their hands bound behind their backs, in rows separated from the servants. The Dark knight didn't seem to be guiding you to the royals until someone grabbed you by the arm and pulled you away from him, you saw him for a short moment longer. Maybe if you weren't so tired you could've seen him reaching out for you as he was swarmed by his cohorts.

The soldier was much harsher compared to The Dark knight. They forced you down by your parents, who were bloody and bruised, they must've fought. Their heads hung low, they didn't even try to lift them up to look at you. You watched as Clark walked to stand center in front of palace residences.

“To the royal family, you are found guilty of tyranny and causing anguish to the lands of…” Clark went on about the endless sins your family and you by extension committed. “Now we will go down the line to give you your sentencing.”

You closed your eyes, listened to cries for mercy by the ones you assumed were to be put in prison for life and the quiet sobs of the ones who got less. Clark stopped when he passed you, You were the only one sitting up with free arms. He whispered something to the person following him, before moving on. two soldiers picked you by your arms from ground and brought you back into the palace.

You might've been more confused if you didn't pass out the moment they shoved you back into your room.

The weeks following after that there was a surgeon of royalist nobels trying to take back the monarchy, but they were swiftly dealt with each time they would arise according to the maids that would pass your room.. You spent those weeks confined to your room, at the former palace, you tried to ask why you weren't in the prison, but none of the guards standing outside of your room wouldn't reply.

It was 2 months later that you finally left your room to be brought in front of the new leaders of your country. Diana, Clark and Him. It was a small meeting with only you and the three of them.

“Tell us _, why do you think that you are here?” Diana spoke in a loud yet caring tone.

“I am here to finally receive my sentence.” You mumbled.

“No,” Clark interjected what would've evolved into a rant. “We are curious to know why you did nothing to stop the revelation.”

“I couldn't live with the consequences if I had stopped you.” You replied flatly.

“and those consequences would be, what?”

“The continued suffering of the country” they gestured for you to go on “and the loss of your lives.”

“And are you aware that means you betrayed the royal family?”Clark retorted. Bruce leaned forward.

“Yes.” You wanted it to be over already.

“Then you will not receive a sentence, but you will live under surveillance.” Clark stood up from his seat and offered you a hand. You took the hand, you could live under surveillance.

“Here at the… well whatever this was turned into.” You questioned, Clark shook his head no. “Then where?”

“With me.” Bruce finally spoke up. Your body ran cool, as a sinking feeling bloomed in your stomach. You would've been fine anywhere else but with him. You had no choice.

“Fine.” You looked away from him.

That day, your clothes, swords, and other trinkets were packed and off to Gotham where the now infamous Wayne manor resides. While you rode in front with Bruce in his Car. The ride was quiet, along with unpacking the car. You broke the silence to say thank you for help, before taking your belongings inside of the foyer. Serval people were waiting, but not for you.

“Who are you?” A boy, younger than you, glared as you stood there awkwardly holding you things. You were going to respond but Bruce came in behind you. “Father, who is this this person?” So these people were his kids.

“Damian, that is not how you greet someone.” oh. You heard of Damian when you and Bruce would take breaks from your sword lessons. He always liked talking about his family, there was even a point where you though maybe they could see you as family too, but not now. “I am _ _” You lowered your head already knowing what comes next.x .

“A member of that trantical family? Bruce, why are they here?” A boy, probably only a few years older than you, almost screeched.

“I will explain it later, Tim” Bruce took your things from you and tried to push past them, only to be blocked by a girl around the same age as time. “Cassandra please move.

“No, we need to know now.” Damian demanded, as him and Tim cornered Bruce with Cassandra.

“Alfred,” Alfred, who was standing off the side came forward and took your things back from Bruce. “Take them to their new room.”

“Of course Master Bruce.” Alfred turned to you “Please, follow me this way.” He smiled politely. Your arms tense as the You followed behind quietly, walking up the stairs to 3rd floor, back into the furthest corner of the house, the perfect reflection of the distance between you and Your new household.

[warwickroyals]

Sunderland's Royal Jewel Vault (32/∞) ♛

↬ The Trethewey Wreath Tiara

One of the few wreath tiaras in the royal vault, the Trethewey tiara remains one of the most notable tiaras of Queen Katherine (née Lady Katherine Rothman), despite not being seen since the 1950s. The tiara is named after Katherine’s family, holders of the once powerful and influential Trethewey Earldom. The daughter of the Earl and Countess of Trethewey, Katherine’s charmed life was cut short during the Great Depression. In 1931, Katherine’s family moved from their sprawling country estate into a modest three-storey townhouse. The family retained only a cook and the Countess’s lady’s maid, and for the first time in her life Katherine had to do her own chores. A new home also meant a new school, as Katherine’s parents could no longer afford a private tutor. Friends and relatives noted that the once boisterous girl became withdrawn and prone to tears almost overnight. Further tragedy struck when Katherine’s only sibling, big brother Clarence, was killed during World War Two. At the time, Sunderland was constrained by a non-aggression act it passed a year earlier, but many Sunderlandians still volunteered to fight under the Allied forces. Clarence, called Red Clarence for his socialist views, was adamantly against Sunderland’s non-interventionist stance. Despite the pleas of his parents and sister, Clarence volunteered with the United Kingdom’s Territorial Army. Following Clarence’s death, Katherine recalled becoming mad, downright neurotic. By 1941, Katherine’s behaviour reached a fever pitch, I thought I should be institutionalized and that’s what I wanted. To be put away, as they say. So I acted out more and more. My parents saw through me, I think. During this time, Katherine’s favourite exploit came in the form of Prince James, the second son of King George II and an old childhood friend. The two had begun a tryst years earlier, but after Katherine’s brother died James asked Katherine to marry him. I laughed because I thought he was joking, but he didn’t even smile. Said that he’d seen how much I’d suffered and that he wanted to save me. When Katherine rejected James he only became more and more insistent.

He went to Daddy. And then Mommy. Both insisted that it was my choice. He showed up at all sorts of crazy hours. Wouldn’t leave me alone. Every time he saw me, he would throw himself at my feet and cry: “Marry me, Kitty! I’ll make you smile again.” It devastated me; royal life was a terrifying prospect. At the time I’d wanted to fold into myself, become invisible. Now James wanted to put me in a bell jar.

In 1942, Prince James enlisted the help of his mother Queen Anne. Anne had some reservations about Katherine’s suitability for royal life, but she was also firm in her belief that each of her children should marry for love. That spring, Katherine and her mother were called to Chester Palace. Her Majesty sat me down and told me Jim would never love another girl as much as he loved me. Katherine agreed to marry James that summer. I told him to ask that same ol’ question, because I’ll respond the way he wants this time. Upon Katherine’s marriage, the fortune of her parents increased greatly. Their daughter was now the Duchess of Woodbine, the third lady of the land behind the Queen and the Princess of Danforth. Ahead of the wedding, the Earl and Countess gifted their daughter a diamond wreath tiara, featuring diamond laurel leaves between sprays of cabochon rubies. It came with a note about how proud they were and how much they loved me. I cried myself to sleep that night. It was as if something fundamental had shifted, all at once it came to me that I was no longer theirs. In the early years of her marriage, Katherine wore the tiara for her first official portraits as the Duchess of Woodbine. Images of the duchess in this tiara were displayed on stamps, posters, and even cigarette packages. Katherine disliked the publicity, but it was just a taste of what was yet to come in the years ahead. In late 1943, Katherine’s brother-in-law George, the Prince of Danforth, was assassinated. In 1944, Prince James was formally declared heir apparent. One year later, Katherine was pregnant with her first child. By 1956, King James II and Queen Katherine sought romantic comfort from other people. The Trethewey wreath tiara hasn’t been worn since.

[lorirwritesfanfic]

Chris Hemsworth as King Liam Rys

Disclaimers:

This character profile was created specifically to fit King Liam on Liam and Jade's Love Story universe. I unfortunately don't own the character, I don't assume to know everything about him and I have no intention to affirm this is exactly who he is and how other people should write him. I'm merely a hardcore enthusiast of this lovely character and I do my best to keep his essence while adding a few headcanons of my own;

Though I mostly write canon compliant fics in L&JLS, Lena isn't included in this character profile because I haven't played TRF and I personally don't know how relevant she would be for the series.

Name: Liam Rys

Nationality: Cordonian

Birthdate: January 10, 1990

Hometown: Cordonian capital

Current Residence: Cordonian capital / Duchy of Valtoria, Cordonia

Occupation: Politician, Head of State of Cordonia

Titles: His Royal Majesty of Cordonia, Colonel-in-Chief of Cordonian Army, Duke of Valtoria, Patron of the University of Cordonia, Patron of the National Museum of Cordonia, Patron of the National Library of Cordonia

Talents/Skills: Combat training, empathy, leadership, musicality, negotiation, perceptiviness, public speaking, self-defense, strategic thinking, survival skills, sword fighting, teaching, writing.

Parents: Constantine Rys and Eleanor Rys (both deceased)

Siblings: Leo Rys

Spouse: Jade Isabel Bourbon-Rys

Children: Elise Valentina Bourbon-Rys, Louis Philipe Bourbon-Rys, Sophie Eleanor Bourbon-Rys

Closest relatives: Regina Rys (stepmother), Ava Mei Tsui-Rys (niece), Emma Zhen Tsui-Rys (niece), Daphne Wang-Foredale (fourth cousin)

Background: Second son of King Constantine Rys and Queen Eleanor Rys, Liam is a kind-hearted, polite and sophisticated man with impressive diplomatic skills. Though he wasn't raised to be king, he was prepared from a very young age to serve the Cordonian Crown taking etiquette lessons, politics, philosophy, learning different languages (aside from English, he's fluent in Greek, Spanish, French and Italian) and even dancing and survival skills. While growing up, he was a free-spirited kid and had more opportunities to enjoy his childhood with his friends and the Walker family than his older brother.

After his mother's tragic passing, Liam became a reserved person, taking his role in the Royal family more seriously. With time, Liam grew apart from Drake (who left to the US to go to college) and joined the Royal Air Force to please his father. A few months after, the Royal family suffered an assassination attempt. Liam developed signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, avoiding social interactions, having trouble sleeping, being easily frightened/startled and showing some physical symptoms of panick (sweating, nausea, trembling). Leo asked Drake to return to the palace to help Liam, both encouraging the young prince to seek therapy.

As he got better, Liam enrolled in the University of Cordonia to study History and returned to the Royal Air Force. Liam had plans to follow an academic career when Leo abdicated the throne. After Liam got his major degree, he was formally introduced as the Crown Prince and officially prepared to rule the Kingdom. Though it was a drastic change of path in his life that required many sacrifices, Liam adjusted to the life of future monarch quite fast, undeniably enjoying the perks of using the many skills he had developed over the years to make a difference as a politician.

What's his family like?

Constantine wasn't a present parent, nor a father who easily showed affection towards his sons. Liam was mostly raised by his mother and a few nanies and tutors. Eleanor constantly talked about the importance of Constantine's role as king and father not just for their family but for the entire country, which is why Liam always looked up to his father.

Eleanor was a loving mother to him and his brother, but also disciplined them when necessary. She shared her love for reading, writing and History with Liam. Her passing had an enormous impact on Liam's life and personality. He still misses her dearly and visits her whenever he can. He always takes a bouquet of jasmines to her grave on Mother's day and on her birthday.

Being six years younger than Leo, the brothers always had divergences, often teasing each other, Leo and Liam played pranks that usually led to getting both of the. in trouble while growing up. Yet, Leo always knew Liam was a better fit for the Crown and has always been a protective of his baby brother, taking the blame for himself whenever Liam did something wrong, defending his brother from malicious comments and insults, helping him during his first months as Crown Prince and teaching him self-defense and mixed martial arts. Liam looks up to his brother and fully supports the lifepath and choices his older brother makes.

Regina entered the Royal family a few years after Eleanor's passing. Despite her usual commanding presence towards her stepsons, she cares for them deeply. Liam has great respect and fondness towards Regina.

Liam doesn't have a long list of relatives he's truly close to. The only exception are the Foredales, specially Lady Daphne.

Favourite childhood memory: Playing with Drake and Maxwell around the palace, trips to the Walkers ranch and summers at Applewood Manor.

Nicknames: He didn't use to have nicknames while growing up, but he loves all the petnames Jade has given him.

Astrology sign: Capricorn sun, Libra rising, Scorpio moon

Hobbies: reading, horse riding, sailing, playing guitar, singing, writing

Top 5 songs:

The Seasons, op. 37a: VI. June "Barcarolle" - Piotr Ilitch Tchaikovski

Requiem: Lacrimosa - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Bachianas Brasileiras n°1 - Heitor Villa Lobos

And I Love Her - Beatles

Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

Favorite books:

The Metamorphosis - Franz Kafka

Dubliners - James Joyce

Hamlet - William Shakespeare

Charneca em Flor - Florbela Espanca

Jane Eyre - Emily Brontë

Favorite movies:

Star Trek (1979)

Matrix (1999)

The Lord of Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2011) [he likes all the LOTR saga, but the first one is his favorite]

Black Swan (2010)

Lion (2016)

Favorite TV shows: Liam enjoys watching anything that gets his mind out of his life. He grew up watching The X-Files and Firefly with Drake and Maxwell. A friend introduced him to Death Note during his teenhood and it blew him away. Nowadays, he likes watching Stranger Things and Arcane by himself, but he often watches comedies like Friends and Parks and Recreation with Jade.

Biggest guilty pleasure: he's getting addicted to watching videos of people building things from scratch like furniture, houses or doing crafts. In any spare time he has, he will watch people building furniture out of bamboo, small cabins in the woods and intricate craftsmanship like jewelry design, intarsia and pastry sculpture.

Sweet or savoury? Sweet.

Favorite food: Baklava, chicken tagine, apple pie, any sort of pasta.

Favourite drinks: coffee (the stronger, the better), vanilla milkshake, wine, scotch.

Most treasured possessions:

A Lion Cross Royal Crown designed for his thirtieth birthday;

A small double bladed dagger that belonged to his ancestor Queen Kenna Rys;

Photo albums with many pictures of his family and friends

A Statue of Liberty keychain given by his wife on his coronation night;

Jade cufflinks given by his wife during the trip to China;

His wedding band;

His children's baby teeth (the kids find it gross, but Jade and him proudly keep them in the family safe).

Close Friends: Drake Walker, Maxwell Beaumont, Hana Lee, Bertrand Beaumont, Leo Rys

Goals for the future: Liam has many goals for Cordonia such as bringing back economic stability to the country, hosting big events that will increase tourism, supporting projects involving environmental sustainability, arts, culture and philanthropy, etc. But in his personal life, he simply wants to travel around the world with Jade, watch his children grow and spend as much time as he can with his loved ones.

Dog lover or cat lover?

Dog lover. He loves strolling with the family corgis. But he also likes Jade's cats and encourages his kids to have any domestic animals as long as they actually take care of them.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird. But he can't deny he loves late nights with his wife.

How does he relax after a bad day?

It depends gon how bad the day was. On a not so bad day, half an hour listening to music (he has a soothing playlist on Spotify) when he needs to slow down will do. He goes horse riding or walking when he needs to clear his head. But on really tough days, he'll go to the gym to practice any sort of martial arts. Muay Thai and Krav Maga are his favorites.

Personality: INFJ-T (Turbulent Advocate)

Idealistic and principled, people with the INFJ personality type (Advocates) aren’t content to coast through life – they want to stand up and make a difference. For these compassionate personalities, success doesn’t come from money or status but from seeking fulfillment, helping others, and being a force for good in the world.

Thoughtful and often selfless, INFJ personalities pour a great deal of energy and care into their relationships, but this doesn’t mean that they always feel appreciated in return. People with this personality type tend to slow down and really evaluate how what they do might impact others before they take action. Consequently, it can frustrate them when other people don’t recognize their good intentions. INFJs are very sensitive to criticism of any kind and can take things very personally. A few close relationships, provided that they’re genuine, can fill INFJs’ hearts to the brim.

One random headcanon: Liam joined the Cordonian Royal Air Force when he was nineteen. He was progressively rising on RAF ranks (he reached Flight Lieutenant rank) and was in his third year studying History when Leo abdicated the throne. He still pilots helicopters and small planes from time to time, but since he doesn't fly often, he has never piloted any aircraft with his children in it. He took Jade a few times when they were newlyweds (it involved a lot of begging and persuasion on her part), but there was always an aircraft pilot team on board just in case.

[gale-dragon-writer]

Guardian Zestial Pt 1

Something that has somewhat been living rent-free in my brain for a while.

}I{

When Charlie was an itty-bitty little babe, Lucifer started worrying about his precious little girl getting in trouble. Since Razzle and Dazzle aren't in existence yet (idk how old these two are or when Charlie got them as her servants/bodyguards), the King of Hell started looking for a suitable bodyguard that could double as a caretaker. The tricky bit was looking for someone who wouldn't try to use Charlie as leverage because this was Hell.

Therefore, Lucifer made a very detailed list of criteria that he wanted for this Protector for his precious little girl. Someone strong enough to protect Charlie from any type of threat within Hell, wouldn't use Charlie as leverage to get to Lucifer, wouldn't harm Charlie in "Any" way, could care for a child, smart enough to be a tutor if needed, and most importantly, someone Lucifer could genuinely trust.

Simple list, but given that this was Hell, that was a tall order. So Lucifer created little "Speye Ducks" to search the entire Pride Ring for his precious daughter's perfect protector.

Thankfully, none of the denizens of the Pride Ring noticed the Speye Ducks; if they did, they either didn't care about them or thought they weren't worth their time.

It takes a year or two for Lucifer to find some potential guardians for his precious little daughter. A handful of Sinners and a few members of the Goieta. The biggest issue was whether or not he could trust any of these potential guardians. Therefore, Lucifer created a plan to test these potential guardians. An easy test of trust on paper, but easy to fail.

Lucifer summons these people (separately) and gives them a sealed envelope, telling them that he needs them to deliver this secret letter to a potential grand commander for the army he's planning on making. Lucifer makes it a point to tell them he trusts them with this valuable information and not look at it. He sends them off after he tells them where this "commander" is. Once he gives all the potential Guardians the test, he teleports himself to said location and waits.

All but one failed the test. Zestial.

He is the only one to take a moment to weigh his options regarding this 'information', considering the pros and cons of looking at the 'information' and following Lucifer's orders. Seeing that it would be more beneficial to have the Ruler of Hell's trust in his corner over a glimpse at something that would possibly become public once the 'army' was established, Zestial proceeded to deliver the envelope to its destination without opening it.

Zestial is understandably surprised and confused when he arrives at the location and finds Lucifer there.

Lucifer congratulates the Overlord on passing his little trust test and then proceeds to tell Zesital why he did this and why. Ofc, Zesital is confused by all this.

Lucifer goes into more detail on his desire to have a perfect guardian for his precious daughter and why. He explains how Zestial fits the criteria he's looking for and wants him to be that guardian, and ofc Lucifer isn't asking Zestial to do this for free.

So they talk for a while to iron out this little Deal. For the care and protection of Charlette "Charlie" Morningstar (plus the possibility of being a teacher to her), Zestial will earn Lucifer's backing as an Overlord, given protected areas during the Extermination in his territories for the souls that he owns (not the entire territory because that will be too obvious to others in Hell and the Exorcists, but scattered across it in easy to access areas), and the access to the Morningstar Mansion to him and anyone he holds close to his heart. Ofc, Lusicer makes sure to put in the contract that Zestial couldn't use any personal information he gains while at the Morningstar Mansion or while caring for Charlie. Both beings keep their souls.

After solidifying the contract for the Deal, both Lucifer and Zestial agree to it and seal it.

It doesn't take too long before Zestial becomes attached to the cheery little toddler while in his care. While bitty Charlie didn't enjoy the screams of the denizens of Hell, she seemed to enjoy the teas that Zestial brought. The little tot was more interested in the sweeter teas than the bitter ones.

It doesn't take long before Zestial brings little Charlie (maybe when she's 6-7ish) over to the Carmine Family for a get-together. Odette and Clara were overjoyed by the fact that they could be big sister figures to Little Charlie. Carmilla is understandably confused by this, at least until Zestial confides to her about his little charge while the children are playing. Ofc, Carmilla gives him a 'what are you thinking?' talk. Zestial understands his friend's concerns and explains why he accepted the Deal, adding that he asked for Lucifer to also place a Safe Zone in the Carmine Residence and that little Charlie might as well be his little goddaughter. Carmilla couldn't help but agree that the youngest of the Morningstars was easy to love and was willing to look after the youngling in case Zestial was busy, somewhat adding that her daughters would be willing to look after her too. (Family Bonding!!)

Over the years, Zestial learned more about the Morningstars as well as somewhat became part of the family.

But the more subtle yet information Zestial gained came specifically during and after the Extermination. He saw how much the Morningstars loathed that day. Charlie was more obvious about that since she was still pretty young and didn't understand what was going on. Lilith seemed to get irritable. And Lucifer was... Complicated... He seemed to have this strange combination of anger and sadness when this day came around... Zestial watched these moments from the shadows for years, unsure how to broach the subject.

Until one year when the Exorcist decided to have the Extermination a week early when Zestial was out and about with the Carmine Family and little Charlie for an afternoon stroll in a bizarre to get some supplies for said event. The attack was sudden and there was no real time to take cover for anyone. However, Zestial was quick to act and used his powers to grab the Carmines and little Charlie and then teleport them all into the Morningstar Mansion with only seconds to spar.

Ofc, Lucifer is confused by their sudden presence and asks what was going on. When he's told about the early Extermination, Lucifer goes through several different emotions in a matter of seconds. Sock, disbelief, worry, relief, anger, and resentment in that order. Little Charlie rushed into her father's arms in tears, still terrified over the whole ordeal.

That was when Odette and Clara shouted at Lucifer, asking him why the hell he allowed the Exorcist to do the Extermination every year before Zestial and Carmilla could stop them.

Lucifer quickly snaps back in anger, "You really think I want this shit to happen!?" The ruler of hell then says in anger, "But does Heaven listen when I suggest any alternative solutions?! NO!! They don't give a crap!!" Lucifer hugs his confused daughter closer when he says softly, "All I was able to do was make sure they leave the Hellborns alone..."

The Carmine Family and Zestial... Did not know how to respond to this... Reveal... But due to Lucifer and Zestial's deal, this information stays between them. Never to be told to anyone outside the Morningstar home...

A few years go by, little Charlie starts spending a little more time outside the Morningstar mansion. But most of that time was either with Zestial or the Carmine Family, learning a lot of useful skills. Charlie learned about conjuring magic from Zesital while she learned combat and weaponry from the Carmines. It didn't take too long before she could handle any type of threat on her own, mostly. Charlie was still an oddly kind-hearted soul for a hellborn and princess of hell. Zestial usually takes care of the would-be assassins behind Charlie's back by using fear tactics.

To be continued in pt 2.

[queenoffishingandcookies]

Noct and Gladio’s Relationship

This is just a strange mix of headcanon and chewing on dynamic between younger Noct and Gladio.

The Early Years: (Mostly Headcanon)

- The first time Gladiolus and Noctis ‘meet’ is when the Crown Prince of Lucis was first born, and he was presented to the public. It wasn’t even really a meeting, exactly.

- Several weeks after Noctis was born, the royal family appeared in the very front of the Citadel with him. The Amicitia family, sworn shields to the crown - and young Gladio included - also were there.

- Following Gladio’s canon age, I believe he would have been three or four at that time. He probably would have introduced to Baby Noctis by his parents, maybe been given the chance to hold him, before being brought back home following the festivities.

- following tradition, a portrait of the royal family was commissioned - with the Shield of the reigning monarchs standing tall, and their children - now the prospective shields for any royal heirs - alongside them. That would be a next meeting, I think.

- Around four/five, he would have been (in in public schooling) in pre-k, I think? In regards to the Amicitia family and their higher class, this probably translated to early tutoring. Likely, Gladio spent most of his time at home with Nannie’s of his own watching over him

- it goes without saying that, since Noctis was a literal baby at this time, that they didn’t have much of a relationship.

- For Gladio’s childhood, and Noctis’, this doesn’t really change in my headcanon. They’d probably see each other at functions (where young children actually could be), but the age of both of them - plus the difference between them - wouldn’t make for many opportunities to meet.

- If they were closer in age, I could see Gladio occasionally being watched over by Noctis’s nannies- maybe in a bid to have the future shield closer to his king. I can even see baby Gladio being pretty protective of Noctis (though it’s less out of duty, and more - oh, this is a tiny person. I protect).

- I can’t see this happening often, though. The Amicitia family surely has its own army of nannies, and in case of emergencies at the citadel, it would have been safer for Lord Amicitia’s only child at that point, to be home.

- Even when both Noctis and Gladio are older, this doesn’t change. Both would be tutored in their respective homes. If they were the same age, then maybe Gladio could have been tutored at the citadel - but as it is, they weren’t, and different ages made for different learning material, and so forth.

- and also, this lack of contact, lack of bond, lack of meeting, does come into play later in their lives (I’ll mention this in the Brotherhood section). By this, I mean Gladio’s opinion and perspective in regards to Noctis.

- They do physically run into each other on occasion. I can see Gladio, around ten or eleven, starting to take beginner classes in self-defense and combat at the Citadel, and he and Noctis both seeing each other during official functions - like luncheons and other things - but, and this doesn’t change until Brotherhood basically, they don’t really meet or interact past “Hi”, and “hello”.

Post-Marilith/Brotherhood: (Mostly Analysis)

Gladiolus is 23, only three years older than Noctis, in canon.

In the Brotherhood anime, he looks to be in his early-mid teenagers years, and Noctis is young in Gladio’s episode. I’d have to say around twelve, maybe thirteen. Which would make Gladiolus around sixteen or seventeen?

Unless Noctis is older at the time than I think he is, Gladio’s not old enough to be a member of the crownsguard (18) and likely not a Shield in the official capacity, even if it’s his title.

At this point in time, it’s evident that Gladio and Noctis do not get along well. The first interaction we see between mini-Noctis and Gladio is when the two are sparring.

Gladiolus sends Noctis flat on the ground with a single blow each time the younger comes at him. He’s several years older than Noctis, larger, and has more experience, so it makes sense.

This scene is where he’s trying to teach the Prince how to handle weaponry (like swords). Which I find interesting, because we don’t really get to see Gladio teaching. He doesn’t taunt Noctis, doesn’t bully him - but Gladio, in this scene, is very cool and collected. Stoic.

When he speaks, it’s only to tell Noctis to get up, that he can do better. The fact that he stands as straight as a rod, not positioned as though ready to brace, speaks leagues to the fact that Gladio is the one with power in the room - and he doesn’t tell Noctis how to improve his stance, how to swing -

(Then again, it’s late. They may have already gone over the basics earlier).

He tells Noctis ‘again’ and that he can do better, to which Noctis gets up the second time, says no and begins to leave the training room, essentially blowing of Gladiolus (to the elder’s eyes), because it is time for dinner with his father.

At the dinner, which Gladiolus is standing guard at nearby, Regis mentions that Noctis didn’t eat his carrots - and Noct says he hates carrots.

All in all, Gladio’s interactions with Noctis - and the superficial view of the actions the young Prince takes - leaves the future shield with a not-exactly glowing opinion of his future charge.

Gladiolus thinks Noctis is stuck-up and selfish. He’s recalcitrant when it comes to training, is picky when it comes to eating, and will do as he wants when he sees fit - because he is the one and only Prince of Lucis.

Gladio sees Noctis in impressions of short moments spent together or seen through the day.

He goes so far as to call Noctis spineless (Which. Is a poor choice of words, all things considered, and there’s also the fact that he’s a literal child).

Gladio says he’d be willing to be Regis’ shield, but never Noctis’, due to his bad impression of the Prince’s character. That Noctis would never be king (the implication being that Gladio thinks his character would make for a poor king).

Presumably, that is the extent of their relationship, come Noctis’ pre-teen years. Gladiolus standing guard in the proximity of the royal family (if not simply patrolling the citadel itself), and teaching Noctis combat.

Based off his behavior (Noctis having been a very bright and cheerful child prior to the attack, and becoming more stoic and quiet afterwards) and Gladio’s own age and perception of Noct (that he’s lazy, spoiled), this is really the only thing I can think of for this type of distance between them.

Like I mentioned earlier, they probably did see each other around. Noctis had to sit in on meeting with Regis and the council, at least in later teen years, and Gladiolus surely would have spent a lot of time at the Citadel training with the crownsguard- and also, probably sitting in on the meetings where Noct was present.

But they weren’t often in the same areas? Noctis had the crownsguard and kingsglaive guarding him while at the citadel, and both he and Gladio had school to attend. Most likely, I see Noctis - prior to high school and Prompto - spending most of his time doing charity, other royal duties, or in his room, while Gladio would be training.

They…wouldn’t exactly interact with each other, most likely.

Gladiolus only becomes more ‘open’ towards Noctis following the incident where Iris had gotten lost in the citadel, looking for a stray cat, and Noct had lied to keep Iris from getting in trouble - getting grounded in the process.

Which displays the fact that there is a selfless side to the ‘selfish’ Prince, and leads to Gladiolus essentially getting over his preconceived notions about Noctis, if only a little bit.

So, Gladio and Noct’s friendship begins around there.

[girlactionfigure]

THURSDAY HERO: Armin Wegner 

Armenian refugees photographed by Armin Wegner, 1915

Armin Wegner was a German soldier stationed in the Ottoman Empire during World War I who was  witness to the Armenian Genocide. Disobeying orders, he gathered extensive documentation and took hundreds of photographs of atrocities committed against Armenians. Later, Armin became a fearless peace activist who was imprisoned for standing up to Hitler.

Armin was born in 1886 to an aristocratic Prussian family in the Rhineland area of Germany. He was educated at schools in Poland and Switzerland, and was a gifted poet, publishing his first volume of poetry, “I Have Never Been Older than as a Sixteen-year-old” as a teenager. He attended law school, but had the soul of an artist and spent the next couple of years (in his own words) as a “farmer, dock-worker, student of drama (with Max Reinhardt), private tutor, editor, public speaker, lover and idler, filled with a deep desire for unraveling the mystery of things.”

When World War I broke out in 1914, Armin joined the German army, serving as a medic in Poland. He received the Iron Cross for rendering care under fire. Armin rose to rank of second lieutenant in the German Sanitary Corps and was sent to the Middle East as part of a detachment to assist the Ottoman Army.

Stationed along the Baghdad Railway in Syria and modern-day Iraq, Armin was shocked to witness thousands of emaciated Armenian refugees forced onto death marches by the Ottomans. The horrifying reality of what was happening was being hidden, and Armin was ordered to keep quiet about what he saw as Germany did not want to alienate the Ottoman Empire, an important ally. Disobeying what he felt was a deeply unjust order, Armin went to great effort to collect proof about the systematic massacre of Armenians – the first modern genocide. Armin was willing to risk his life to document what was happening, and his extensive photographic record remains the most important evidence of the atrocities that occurred.

The Ottomans eventually found out what Armin was doing, and he was arrested by the Germans and sent back to Germany. Some of his photographs were destroyed, but he was able to smuggle out many negatives hidden in his belt.

After the war, Armin became a successful journalist and prominent anti-war activist. In 1919 he published an “Open Letter to President Woodrow Wilson” urging the peace conference to create an independent Armenian state.

He wrote extensively about the Armenian Genocide and testified in court at the trial of Soghomon Tehlirian, an Armenian who killed Talat Pasha, the Ottoman leader who orchestrated the atrocity. Armin’s testimony was so powerful that the court could not convict Tehirian for the assassination, even though there were many eyewitnesses. He was found not guilty for reason of temporary insanity.

Armin was a respected writer and cultural figure who co-created the German Expressionist movement in the mid-1920’s. After visiting the Soviet Union, including the Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia with his wife, author Lola Landau, Armin wrote a book about his trip, which became a bestseller. It was a chilling account of the political violence endemic to Soviet Communist rule. At a time when many in the West were romanticizing the Bolsheviks, Armin was one of the few who could see where the situation was headed: totalitarian Stalinism.

Meanwhile in Germany, Hitler and the Nazi power gained power and in 1933 they urged a nationwide boycott of Jewish businesses. As someone who witnessed the Armenian Genocide and had many Jewish friends, Armin could not remain silent. He wrote an open letter to Adolf Hitler identifying himself as a proud Prussian who could trace his roots in Germany back to the time of the Crusades. In clear language he told Hitler that his persecution of Germany’s Jews would destroy the country. “There is no Fatherland without justice!” he said. Armin was the only writer to speak out publicly against Hitler. Swiftly, he was arrested by the Gestapo, tortured and imprisoned in harsh conditions for a year. In 1934 Armin was released, and immediately fled to Rome, where he changed his name and lived in hiding. His wife divorced him, leading Armin to later say, “Germany took everything from me… even my wife.” He never returned to his beloved homeland. For being the only cultural figure in Germany to speak out for the Jews, Israeli Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem honored Armin Wegner as Righteous Among the Nations in 1967.

Armin died alone in Rome in 1978, at age 92. Per his request, his gravestone contains a quote from Pope Gregory VII as he lay on his deathbed in 1085: “I loved justice and hated injustice/Therefore I die in exile.”

For bravely documenting the Armenian Genocide, and standing up to Hitler at great personal sacrifice, we honor Armin Wegner as this week’s Thursday Hero.

[eonars]

THE WHINERRRRR I've been at this summer training program half a day and I already hate itttttttt

When I first got in a couple of them (fellow phd students in the doctoral network we're a part of) were asking me about my background and stuff because they'd all just been talking about their background in embryonic research and reproductive biotechnology and what fucking ever and I was like yeah um I did environmental consulting for proposed development projects and was also a math and science tutor for kids and got a fuckin LOOOOOOK from them bro :/ and like genuine surprise of oh so all this stuff is new to you? You're gonna learn it all here? Like YES? THIS IS A SUMMER TRAINING PROGRAM NOT A SUMMER ALREADY KNOWS IT PROGRAM. And then they were like you only brought that backpack with you? And I was like yeah my supervisor booked my flights and only got a carryon but it's whatever and they were like wowwww my university got me a checked bag I could neverrrr fit everything into a backpack like that. Poor you. Then one guy was like what's that fish you have tattooed? And i was like oh it's m.zebra I did my bachelor's thesis on them and he was like ugh. I could NEVERRRR have something *work* related tattooed on me (he has no tattoos but told me all about how he's perfectly planned two sleeves of japanese motifs on one and nordic runes on another) and then when we got in I was like you know I might just hand wash a shirt or two bc by the time I get enough stuff for a load of laundry I'll be out of clothes and this girl was like omggggg I just feel SOOO BAD for you with that tiny backpack I don't know how you did it. And then tattoo expert was like honestly if I went to America when I was 20 and they told me I couldn't drink a beer I'd GO CRAZY how come you guys can join the army and vote and do all this stuff before getting a beer?? And I was like you're aware I have no power over this right? And then later on in the night he was like yeah I see those videos of Americans making mac and cheese with like bricks of cheese and stuff it's fucked up and I was like no yeah I'd come home from work and fry a whole block of velveeta every day. And then he was like that are those runes on your hand and I was like they're not runes. Also every time we smell weed he's like haha look at her the Californian she's so excited. Anyway I kinda hate it here I wanna go home four of us are sharing one bathroom and the shower doesn't drain at all and the whole thing floods and I feel like everyone is being so patronizing to me cause I'm some dumb inexperienced American and they keep making snides about how I got into a really good project and how norway has the best pay out of all the European countries associated with this program and why am I being so cheap and taking public transport from the airport when I'm getting the norway pay?? Anyway I almost cried in bed last night. Onwards and upwards I'm here til next Wednesday.

[fantasyinvader]

@ezralahm

Which naturally leads to still more questionable views of what the Adrestian Empire will be when it doesn't matter HOW you "win" - you just "win," and you get to set the terms. For all that Edgey wants a worthy successor, I suspect the point is that she wouldn't see the difference between Bob the Deft Swordsman or Artie the guy who poisoned all his relatives and blackmailed his way to the top.

There's actually something about this in the Japanese version of Caspar's endings. In the endings where Caspar becomes the head of the Imperial Army, his ending with Dorothea mentions that the Empire sends him on expeditions. Military expeditions are when a country's army conducts missions within other countries, it's actually considered a form of invasion. The Japanese version of this ending confirms that Edelgard begins marching on other countries following the conquest of Fodlan.

But the kicker is what the translation really changed. In english, Caspar is said to be “sometimes reckless,” whereas in the original text Caspar and the Imperial army is “often out of control.” It's mentioned in his ending with Annette that she needs to teach the army discipline, but Caspar's the one who is in charge of it. He does complete his missions, but the guy can't even control the army he's meant to be leading.

It's the results that matter in Edelgard's empire, which is typical of meritocracy. If the son of a noble hgets better marks in school because they have a paid tutor and time to study while the son of a farmer needs to spend time on chores and taking them off the farm would hamper production, it isn't going to matter if the latter was in fact smarter than the former because the tests, the end result, would say otherwise. It's not going to take privilege or access to opportunities into consideration, just this person succeeded or did better than this other person and therefore their position is justified by deeming it to have merit.

And, yeah, I really believe that with Edelgard manipulation IS supposed to be her strength. Scarlet Blaze was supposed to be about her fighting based on that according to the devs, hence her being happier than in Houses, and that route makes it more overt how much attention she puts into her public image. The route drops that she conscripts her people to fight, that the farmers wouldn't support the war, that she's oppressing the masses to appease the nobility yet she'll still make a big deal out of how she's supposedly allowing commoners to rise up while she's giving the positions of authority to nobles because the nobles wouldn't like her giving them to no-name commoners. You need to distinguish yourself before you're even considered for advancement if you're not nobility, and even then it's a matter of them believing you won't screw up and make Edelgard look bad.

So in the end, Edelgard's reforms also prioritize making Edelgard look good.

[whencyclopedia]

Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr (1756-1836) was an American politician and lawyer, who served as the third vice president of the United States (1801-1805). His reputation as a US Founding Father was marred by his killing of political rival Alexander Hamilton in a duel and by his treason trial in 1807, leading to his common depiction as a villain in US history.

Early Life & Revolution

Aaron Burr, Jr. was born on 6 February 1756 in Newark, New Jersey. He was the second child of Aaron Burr, Sr. a distinguished Presbyterian minister and second president of the College of New Jersey (modern-day Princeton University), and Esther Edwards Burr, the daughter of famed theologian Jonathan Edwards. Burr would never know his parents, however; in 1757, his father died of a sudden fever, and his mother fell ill and died a year after that, leaving Burr orphaned at the age of two. He and his elder sister, Sarah Burr, were sent to live with their wealthy maternal uncle, Timothy Edwards, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. A successful lawyer, Edwards hired private tutors to educate the young Burr and prepare him for eventual enrollment at Princeton. However, Edwards was also physically abusive towards his foster children, causing Burr to try to run away from home several times.

Burr was admitted into Princeton in 1769 at the age of 13. Initially, he decided to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and study theology. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree at the age of 16, but, after two more years of religious study, eventually opted to abandon theology in favor of a law career. In 1775, 19-year-old Burr was studying law in Connecticut when he learned of the Battles of Lexington and Concord (19 April) and the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. He immediately enlisted in the Continental Army, and, that autumn, he served under Colonel Benedict Arnold in the ill-fated American invasion of Quebec. To get to the British colony of Quebec (Canada), Arnold's men had to trek 300 miles (480 km) through the wilderness of Maine, an odyssey that Burr endured with 'great spirit and resolution'. Upon reaching Canada, Arnold linked up with General Richard Montgomery for an assault on the city of Quebec. During the climactic Battle of Quebec (31 December 1775), Burr was standing nearby when General Montgomery was killed by a blast of grapeshot. Burr risked his life trying to retrieve the general's corpse, but had to abandon it when he could not drag it through the fast-piling snow.

Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec

John Trumbull (Public Domain)

Promoted to major for his bravery in the Quebec campaign, Burr was sent to join the staff of General George Washington in the spring of 1776. The two men quickly fell afoul of one another – Burr, who had wanted to help plan military strategy, was insulted to find that he would be relegated to performing menial tasks, while Washington disliked the young officer's haughty personality. In June, Burr was transferred to the staff of General Israel Putnam and became his aide-de-camp. Following the disastrous Battle of Long Island (27 August 1776), Burr played a crucial role in the evacuation of the Continental Army first from Long Island, then from New York City, with his leadership credited for salvaging the American artillery. In July 1777, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and given command of a regiment of 300 men. He was with the army during the harsh and bitter winter at Valley Forge and was present at the Battle of Monmouth (28 June 1778), where his regiment was devastated by British artillery. Burr suffered a debilitating sunstroke during the battle that hindered him from carrying out his soldierly duties. This, and other health issues, led him to resign from the Continental Army in March 1779.

Continue reading...

[acertainmoshke]

Halara series master post

Dividers by @/tsunami-of-tears

Book #1: Cracks in the Stone

Years: 405-446

Ko’a grew up in the halls of a family-run inn with their single parent and older sibling, going to public school and dreaming of writing for the local newspaper. But just before their age of apprenticeship, they were swept away to court by the royal parent who had never acknowledged them over a prophecy that suggested they might save the kingdom. They had no interest in anything that grand, only in finding books to read and being kind to children in need of a friend. This bookishness and kindness led them to rise from servant to tutor and eventually earn the acknowledgment of their royal parent, granting them a noble title and an unwanted marriage. Later they would become a trusted advisor to their half sibling. But always, there was the threat and demand of that prophecy. And, sure enough, the worst happened and the kingdom was left in flames under a harsh ruler. But Ko’a found themself in exile with the rest of their family, unsure how exactly they were meant to fix it all.

Book #2: Blood and Ice

Years: 332-375

Aryel, as the royal child named to lead the army rather than rule at home, was resigned to a life of bloody battle as they struggled to win and end the generation-long war. At least they were well-loved among their soldiers and felt at home on the front lines. But after an unexpected tragedy meant they had to rule the kingdom as well, splitting their time between war and the quieter danger of court, the needs of all their people grew harder to balance. And the talk of centaurs as treasonous spies only made everything more complicated. To make matters worse, they weren’t winning and were running out of able soldiers. But they had to end the war somehow, and soon, or there wouldn’t be any kingdom left worth protecting.

Book #3: A Thread of Gold

Years: 184-231

Other than being dismissed as a simple child, Tlapil grew up with a charmed life at court. Their cousin, the heir, made sure of it: lessons from the best tutors, freedom to dance barefoot in the garden, the greatest bards playing their favorite tunes on repeat. As they grew up and discovered an interest in cartography and a friendship with one of the noble slimes at court, they left their own small world and demanded to be seen. They eventually became an advisor for their cousin and greatly improved mapmaking in the kingdom, falling in love with Flim, the first known human-slime relationship. They were graceful and happy and loved. But after Soter’s death, they struggled with their own grief as well as young Lalosh’s. Lalosh, the only remaining royal child, was too young to rule, and so for an 8-year stretch Halara had a foreign regent in their mother, Suzun. The kingdom was falling apart, but Tlapil were more concerned with their family falling apart, and found themself reluctantly embarking on an adventure to protect the people they loved—and perhaps to save the kingdom in the process.

Book #4: Midnight Mage

Years: 251-289

Anjet was just a spare noble child, one of many who came to court seeking a way to distinguish themself. But unlike the others, they caught the eye of the heir to the throne. Despite what others believed, the two really were in love. And despite what their own family seemed to think, Anjet was clever and charming and quick enough to talk the ruler into an arranged marriage based on feeling—but not without a price. Princen Zjuk’s parent was so impressed with Anjet’s quick thinking that they allowed the marriage, with the understanding that Anjet act as their personal spy. At first, Anjet was young and in love and mostly happy at court. Their spy duties didn’t seem like a big deal. But slowly more was expected of them, from complex and dangerous magic to political assassinations. But it was alright, of course it was, because the ruler was getting older and they’d stop when Zjuk took the throne. Only they were unexpectedly widowed young, and with no other viable heirs and no sign of dying, they could be working for this ruler for a long time. And then they were sent to another court to spy and report back instead, and with the culture shock and shift in politics Anjet noticed something oddly the same: the world was breaking. Dragons were leaving and with them, magic seemed to be turning sour. They had already done the unthinkable to protect their kingdom and family, what was a little more to protect the whole world?

Book #5: Garden of Smoke

Years: 494-517

Zi’altsa lived a more or less quiet life as a private investigator of mysteries too small or…delicate to be handled by the royal guard. It kept their mind engaged and allowed them to afford a private residence with a nice garden in the city. They handled cases for people from all walks of life—or very nearly. They never expected to hear from royalty. But when Fen, the spouse of the ruler themself, showed up on their doorstep alone one night, Zi’a’s entire understanding of the world was turned upside down.

Book #6: Shattered Scales

Years: 912-953

Eshara was born into a happy, free, equal time. Halara was the only local kingdom to still have hereditary royalty, and that royalty was little more than a single vote in the government. Eshara’s job would be largely ceremony and mediation, but they were still heavily trained in diplomacy and politics. And, despite it all, there were still games at work. Eshara lived in a free and equal age—so why could they never fit into the system around them? Why was their magic so wrong? Why did that scare everyone around them? And, with the world shifting around them again, would that give them what they needed to protect their people?

[auroramoon-draws16]

I can’t stop thinking about this, but it’s not Assassin’s Creed, sorry folks.

Hogwarts Legacy x Harry Potter

(No real spoilers, mostly vague references, iykyk)

I just need BAMF! Player Character/MC to pop up in the Harry Potter era. I’ve thought about several ways how:

1. Ghost. MC is the damn best duelist in history, but they can’t win ‘em all. Keep fighting the hardest fights, or get caught in a bad ending, and it’s curtains. So, what if MC didn’t feel like they did enough, hadn’t been able to help their friends enough, so they stayed, and in that decision, the wizarding world’s history changed. You call that defense against the dark arts??? That’s bullshit is what that is! Hey kid, here’s how you properly duel a bitch. Yes, it’s entirely legal to throw furniture and other objects at your opponent. Yes, you can throw your opponent. Prophecy? You guys traumatized a child! Hey, you, Harry was it? I gotchu, kid.

2. A painting. It’s pretty clear that the portraits all over the school are alive and retain some personality and characteristics of the subjects. Mostly when the subject actually adds more to their portrait to have a better effect. The MC was also one of the few who could use ancient magic, so that could be a reason they decided to have their portrait done, to ensure the next generation would have some sort of guidance they didn’t get. Not only that, but also help future duelists. So maybe the portrait can only be accessed by asking the Room of Requirement, mostly because ancient magic secrets are best kept between users. Imagine that portrait being found by Harry, he asks the room for help teaching Dumbledor’s Army spells and suddenly a portrait of a person no one has heard of, but apparently is the best duelist in the history of the wizarding world perks up and goes “alright, bet.” (This can also work for the ghost version) Well, the portrait could also just be out in public, but the MC is just not there, cue mystery to be solved!

3. Time travel. Ancient magic is wonky, it can happen! Cue sudden transfer student shenanigans. Also, chosen one? That is a child, MC has seen enough shit to know that’s fucked up and Harry needs better supports in his life, dammit. Older sibling MC goes brrrrr.

4. Apparition. Ancient magic wonky shit, part 2! Prophecies are bullshit. That is a child, and that bitchy 80 year old snake face needs to eat concrete. Harry stumbles upon an ancient magic item before he gets to Hogwarts. A necklace or a bracelet or some shit. Now baby Harry has a friend! MC takes one look at this child and goes “anybody gonna love and care for this one? No? Aight, mine now.” They can’t do much, but they are visible and heard only to Harry, so that means they can keep him company and tutor him wherever possible. How did they end up like this??? Uh…. Don’t worry about it.

5. Pensives. Somebody has to learn from history, and books are boring dammit. And easily edited. MC’s got your back kiddos.

6. How long do wizards live? Oh shit, yeah, MC is still alive. Heyyyy bitches, I’m your new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor! Who here knows how to throw a bitch at a wall? No? Well we got a lot of catching up to do. I may be old, but I’m still the best damn duelist around.

Idk, I wanted to have some fun with this and I haven’t seen anyone do this with an actual character. You can add backstories and shit. I hate reader inserts, okay? Don’t judge me :/ (also I’m tired of the romance, I love me a good ship, but my aromantic ass wants to see cute platonic shit, okay?)

Here’s my MC for Hogwarts Legacy, even tho I don’t have the game, lmao:

Morgan Diane Rook (They/Them)

Black wavy hair that goes just past their ears, gray eyes, tan skin, freckles, round face, scar on their cheek, and in Hufflepuff (my house, also for the rep)

Sass master, protective friend, and just a little bit feral, will laugh in the face of enemies. Unforgivable curses? I don’t need to be forgiven, I just need you to cease existence. You were very rude to my friend.

Obligatory Slytherins need a designated Hufflepuff best friend.

Blame the attitude on the Uncle who took them in after their parents died in an accident. Uncle Jack is from the states and ran in a gang before he went straight for his kid, he’s trying his best dammit. It’s also why they’re a transfer student, they spent a few years with Uncle Jack in the states before moving back into Mom and Dad’s place. He hired a wizard tutor, no worries. He don’t get all this magic shit, but he loves his kid, and that’s enough reason for him. They’re a damn good duelist for a reason.

Morgan also knows how to use a gun, just because :)

Idk, I think they’re neat

[paeliae-occasionally]

Find the word tag!

Thanks for the tag @frostedlemonwriter!

My Words: time, ball, intense, fast

Time:

3 looked back at tyro with concern but their eyes were locked on Apollo’s casting. He spoke another word, this time loud enough that they could hear  ‘Pali’. 

3 recognised the resonant power in the word despite never having heard it. 

Ball: I can’t find this.

Intense(ly):

…Anyway’ He paused ‘that is not the main reason I came.’ He stared intensely at his hands clasped in front of him

‘What could be worse than that?’ Tyro stammered ‘We were literally attacked by a small army in a semi-public place’

Apollo sighed deeply 

Fast:

The debate lasted an hour with both of them entirely missing their classes, which only Ander ever apologised to the tutors for, but the fast friendship of a good conflict lasted years, and Paeliae was glad to have him by his side now. 

Your words are: late, crowd, true and wink

tagging @drchenquill, @kaylinalexanderbooks and @illarian-rambling.

+open tag.

[eclipsecrowned]

Mithandin + HOUSE JAVAYA (PT 2: current events / the siblings.) long post because there's five of them -- pt 1.

Recent events in Al*thkar have been as eventful for House Javaya as the rest of the nation. Upon the thwarted treaty signing of 1167, Abrar swore loyalty to the new king, then put himself and his three sons back into the service of auld companion D*linar Kh0lin. Along for the ride were his two daughters, though the eldest left the Plains upon reaching majority, and the younger has been kept safe in the Kh0lin camp for the entire campaign.

The six year war for vengeance saw each child come of age amid relative turmoil, and perhaps clinging tighter to one another for it. They might have come out stronger for it, had their father not caught an enemy's blade across the throat. Now fractured and without shared goals, the five children of Abrar and Catath struggle with where to go and how to cope.

Mithandin, the latest leader and second Highlord of the House, seems to struggle particularly with holding both power and dignity in the face of his father's loss. But he is not the only one trying to ride out the hard hand fate has dealt their House and people.

The eldest child, Alasan, always felt a stranger in a strange land, save for in the presence of her father. Born during the campaign to unite Al*thkar, her heritage has always been somewhat shrouded -- was she the daughter of her mother's late husband, or her latest? Regardless of the truth, Abrar named Alasan his own and embraced her as such by every measure. She would need that support from one parent. The premiere victim of her mother's 'unsuitability' to the role, her early life was a difficult one, until her father took notice of the situation.

Securing the young girl a wardship away from her mother's household, Alasan took to academia early, showing a particular love for the written word and histories. Pursuing poetry and publication, she became accomplished despite her youth. Still, she struggled to accept any praise from all but her father, who often corresponded with her via sp*nreed to see how things were in her life, and to assure her he was well even when way on frequent campaigns.

Several matches were floated for Alasan as a teenager, some even whisper about a potential match between she and the then Crown Prince, but nothing ever came of such scheming. Without an older female relative to guide her entrance to society, she was rudderless in social waters. It is, in fact, her preferred state. Ever dutiful Alasan professed to a desire to stay with her family and put them above her own needs.

These attestations become somewhat comical, knowing the girl fled the Plains as soon as she was capable of fending for herself. Though physically distant from her siblings, she keeps touch, and especially tries to be of aid to the eldest of her brothers. She returned to the Plains once Abrar was lost and stayed long enough to help her siblings somewhat settle, but soon took to wandering again. Her messages often allude to a Thayl*n traveling companion that her siblings all understand to be her current partner, a lovely young woman with a ship her own to ferry Alasan to and fro at will.

Then there is the eldest son, the latest leader of the House, Mithandin himself. His father's pride and joy, the securing of his mother's place in the family, he was welcomed with open arms and given every privilege his parents could afford. Much like Alasan, it was not enough to save him his mother's treatment, but it did allow for his mistreatment to take a different form compared to his sister's. He was likewise taken from his mother's household at a tender age, but still has memories of his time in court.

Unlike Alasan, Mithandin was taken on campaigns with his father from then on. First left with a P*rsh nursemaid, then with a series of tutors, he eventually came of age to be useful to the army. A messenger in one conflict, then a recruit in another, Abrar ensured his son would work to get where he was going, to earn his place in history, just as he himself had in the war for unification. His son would witness far more Al*thi history in the making than any child should endure. By the age of twelve, Mithandin had a healthy respect for flame, and how it could burn far more than buildings, more than flesh.

The next war his nation led was the now infamous Vengeance Pact that saw the entire House upended to the Shatt*red Plains, and saw Mithandin moved from messenger to recruit. To his credit, Mithandin learned on his feet, and showed a knack for both boldness and tenacity in battle that would benefit him for years to come. Hardened by the time he came of age, he has served admirably and without hesitation for his Kh0lin masters, and cleaved to them with far more zealotry than his father ever had.

Since his ascension and the fall of his nation, the new Highlord has proven... largely the same on the surface, the ideal Al*thi man. Stoic, brave, and competitive, but this has become more of a mask of late. In private, the young man has been said to become sullen and confrontational, even hostile to others within his Highpr*nce's service. A certain br*dgeman seems to have especially caught Mithandin's ire, and it's this rivalry that might undermine his early rule the most.

The third child, Lustran, is struggling in his own ways. The even-keeled second son, the so called 'spare,' he has only vague memories of his early life in the capital. His dispassion distanced him from a mother that preferred to get a reaction, while his father always tried to meet him on his own level. Lustran's level, however, might be on an entirely different frequency from what others anticipate.

Too young to openly aid in any conflict his father found himself in, Lustran instead took to the camps in whatever capacity others would have him. Quiet and observant, he was a favorite of various members of the household, an extra set of hands and an unimposing personality. He was spared the early horrors his elder brother knew, and seemed to be headed towards a fine life of service.

Then he, too, became a recruit on the Plains. If his brother was keen in combat, Lustran shined like a freshly infused sphere. Cunning, tactical, and highly efficient, he's one of the best assets the Kh0lins have on the battlefield despite his youth. He seemed to thrive in battle, and to have a grand career in front of hm. Beautiful, bold, and with his best years before him, everyone has had high hopes for the second Javaya boy.

He is, however, a recurring thorn in his brother's side post-ascension. Now the heir presumptive until Mithandin cons some unfortunate partner into a political match, Lustran has been forced to reveal some things once the dust settled for the family. No great lover of warfare, the boy was in negotiations with his father to join the monastic life. Abrar was open to the idea so long as Lustran waited for the war to end. Mithandin is absolutely not allowing his brother to throw away his god-given talent in battle. Lustran is quietly resisting Mithandin, as is his way, without opening himself up to open insubordination. It's a cold war that seems to simmer when the two meet in domestic settings.

Which brings us to the fourth child, Feben, everything his brothers are not. Luckless, awkward, and a hazard to himself and others, Feben is the great loser of the family. Only 17, he's doing his best, but it's just not enough. Unable to recall his mother, and only ever encouraged by his adoring father, these might be the only breaks he'll ever be given in life.

He tried to be helpful like Lustran as a child. Folk in the camps cursed him as some sort of omen for his meddling. He tried to follow his brothers into battle. He pales before their talents for bloodshed. He tried to make his own way. He always stumbled short of victory in whatever he pursued. Even the young ladies of the camp keep a wide berth from him. It genuinely could not be happening to a nicer lad. The loss of his father has been a further hit against his sense of self, as he now feels truly isolated in his family and overlooked by all but his sisters.

Mithandin is first quick to write off Feben at the start, considering the House has bigger problems than his loser kid brother. However, time and perspective allow him to finally start bonding with Feben, and helping him not just to achieve goals, but have more confidence in himself. This being Mithandin, it blows up in his face when Feben goes AWOL and elopes with one of Rai's younger sisters. He's just aligned the Javaya with a man Mithandin cannot stand. Said brother has dealt with nothing but migraines since. At least Feben and his lady love are happy together.

And then there is Kheri. The baby of the bunch, the only other daughter, she has been raised in warcamps and cut her teeth on leather. She has no memory of her mother or the capital whatsoever, and was a particular favorite of her father. Only just old enough to cover her safeh*nd, this might be the last concession to propriety the little heathen will ever make.

Mischievous, quick-witted, and a particular devil to her favorite brother Mithandin, it's clear that Kheri has been without a proper lady's upbringing. She's dropped out of at least two attempts at tentative wardship in the past, and is much more interested in people than academia. A joy and a headache in equal measure, she means no harm in her pranks and schemes, but has all a child's demanding given her age. Abrar and Mithandin both found it best to channel some of her boundless energy and focus ino art, one ladylike skill she excels at.

She does, at least, bear little of the prejudices native to her society. A friend and one of the Almighty's little tests to all that she meets, Kheri has some ideas about others that some might find naive at best. Still, she's as sincere about what she wants as her siblings, and that means she's doing her part to call out the parts of life and tradition that she finds senseless. It's Kheri's world. The rest of us are just living in it.

Other than slow roasting Mithandin when he deserves it and harboring a black hole of a Reshi teenager in their household to eat all their stores of food, Kheri is the other sibling Mithandin is on good terms with. In a lot of ways he's taken on the role of foster father to her and the two often rely on one another if they are to make any attempt to confront their grief about the situation. Now if she could stop alluding to how much dowry he'll have to fork over when she marries their h*ghprince's son in front of royals he'll be a happy man --

next: the allies

[baconcolacan]

Idk if you already answered this before, but in the stay au does AK go to school or does he get private tutoring? Since his dads are both high ranking officers in the red army idk if they would be comfortable letting their kid out of their sight, though it would ultimately be good for him. Also, imagine parent teacher conferences with those two! Or career day “my mommy is a doctor!” “My daddy is a lawyer!” “My daddies command armies!”

I did answer this before ^^ AK does attend school though it's a private school (that the Red army funds on the down low). It was a difficult decision but ultimately it was the best choice for AK, as he would be able to socialize with kids his age and it's a good cover for him too in a way. Matt is assigned as his guardian for when he needs to go to school, so Matt also kinda doubles as his bodyguard. Reason for him being chosen for this is because Matt is the only RA General who doesn't make any public appearances, so not much is known about him either, which makes him a safe bet. AK attends the school under an alias: Artur Kjeller Fehn (< Fehn is Tord's mother's maiden name <3) Unfortunately he has to pretend that he doesn't have parents and only has his guardian (Matt) so T&T cant attend parent-teacher conferences.

[arcstral]

𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐏   𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐄   𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑   𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐓

NAME.  MARTH LOWELL

BODY

HEIGHT:   174cm — 5′8.5"

STRENGTH ★★★☆☆   ( a strength once conducive to dual-wielding the falchion and binding shield without much strain. not overly impressive but he can pull his weight on the battlefield and during acts of manual labor. )

DEXTERITY ★★★★☆   ( light on his feet as expected of a duelist type swordsman. )

HEALTH ★★★★☆

ENERGY ★★★★☆   ( functional human being healthy circadian rhythm; rises early and goes to bed at a reasonable time which supplies him with a lot of energy. )

BEAUTY ★★★★★   ( in-game physical descriptors include ‘dashing’ and ‘having very sweet eyes’, spelling a gentle face that is popular with clerics, princesses, and romantics. )

STYLE ★★★☆☆   ( stately but predictable. doesn’t dress to revolutionize or make waves. )

HYGIENE ★★★★★  ( trimmed nails that are free of dirt, odorless body, and clean-shaven face. follows hygienic routines faithfully to ensure his appearance is fit for the public eye. )

SKILLS

PERCEPTION ★★★☆☆   ( a good head on his shoulders but over-trusting, placing faith in questionable former allies and leaning toward the belief that individuals- particularly, friends- must surely have reasons to commit their wrongs. )

COMMUNICATION ★★★★★   ( exceedingly transparent with his feelings and doesn’t shy away from conveying fears, dreams, or anxieties. )

PERSUASION ★★★☆☆   

MEDIATION ★★★★☆   ( naturally good at mediation, but balancing and checking the seven enclaves of a unified government help to keep it sharp. )

LITERACY ★★★★★   ( well-educated, having cultivated his reading and writing skills under a menagerie of royal tutors from an early age. )

CREATIVITY ★★★☆☆

COOKING ★★☆☆☆   ( knows the bare minimum of catching and cooking wild food in order to subsist outside of castle walls. otherwise, it’s an area of expertise he leaves faithfully to caeda. )

TECH SAVVY ★★☆☆☆  

COMBAT ★★★★☆   ( an able commander and swordsman alike; skilled spur-of-the-moment judgment, calm under pressure, and in possession of quick reflexes. )

SURVIVAL ★★★★☆   ( coming out alive from both of archanea’s wars with all his limbs, fingers, and teeth should be saying something. observed from his enemies, not too many soldiers or opposing commanders are lucky enough to say the same. )

STEALTH ★★★☆☆

STREET SMARTS ★★☆☆☆

SEDUCTION ★★☆☆☆   ( flusters easily and wouldn’t be able to seduce anyone with confidence on command. doing it without intention is a different story. he’s young, fit, and attractive so the pieces sometimes magically fall into place. )

LUCK ★★★★★   ( considers himself fortunate to possess so many wonderful allies and sources of companionship. )

HANDLING ANIMALS ★★☆☆☆  

PACIFYING CHILDREN ★★★★★   ( shown to interact in a caring and empathetic manner with children. soothing the divine dragon princess, tiki, with unerring success implicates a solid degree of talent. )

MIND

INTELLIGENCE ★★★★☆   ( capable of keeping stride with fast-moving stratagems and conversations at the war table, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent. )

HAPPINESS ★★★★☆

SPIRITUALITY ★★★★☆   ( the altean heirloom, falchion, is within itself a bequest to mankind from their guardian god so his acceptance of religion is unavoidable. takes special care not to desecrate holy temples with the muddy operations of an army. )

CONFIDENCE ★★★★☆

HUMOR ★★★★☆   ( pleasantly good-humored; can whip out witty ripostes and speak the language of less solemn individuals if need be. )

ANXIETY ★☆☆☆☆

PATIENCE ★★★★☆ ( the patience of a sage. between his two-year stint hiding in talys, and the two-year period of reconstruction that postponed his own marriage, he’s invested in any undertaking for the long haul. )

PASSION ★★★★☆   ( shows commitment to his goal of peace, an earnest belief that goodness in human hearts will prevail, that broken lands and broken people can be rebuilt in time. )

NICE ☆★☆☆☆ MEAN   ( kind of manner and speech with rare deviation. only when faced with villains that commit brazen wrongdoings does he drop courtesies. )

BRAVE ☆☆★☆☆ COWARDLY   ( seemingly impenetrable as if his courage can never falter, but inwardly feels the fearsome weight of his responsibility. the soldiers that stand at his back are unable to see their leader’s frightened face and he states that he prefers it that way. )

PACIFIST ☆☆★☆☆ VIOLENT   ( pacifistic but not pacifist. even though he’s a man that values peace, he could never achieve it without fighting and winning wars first; a sour antithesis albeit one marth has come to accept. )

THOUGHTFUL ☆★☆☆☆ IMPULSIVE   ( a high level of empathy means that he approaches topics and individuals with great consideration. impulsivity even if felt isn’t something he honors especially with a number of prudent subordinates like jagen and malledus to rein him in. )

AGREEABLE ★☆☆☆☆ CONTRARY   ( doesn’t often speak or act in opposition against others, preferring to forge an understanding or to coexist at worst. )

IDEALISTIC ☆★☆☆☆ PRAGMATIC   ( a self-aware idealist, knows that he can’t save all lives under his jurisdiction or expect humanity to likewise choose good over evil but these are ideals he yearns for regardless. )

FRUGAL ☆★☆☆☆ BIG SPENDER   ( rightfully selective with his expenditures as a ruler. a formative few years spent in talys, a kingdom without an army to call its own and less wealth compared to altea, hammered in the importance of frugality and finances. )

EXTROVERT ☆★☆☆☆ INTROVERT    ( being surrounded by people, working with people, leading people- all these actions mean that extroversion is nurtured even if it’s not nature. )

COLLECTED ★☆☆☆☆ WILD   ( in order to uphold the image of a dependable figure of authority he keeps to his composure. very few of his knights have ever seen him behave otherwise. )

ambitious / possessive / stubborn / jealous / decisive / perfectionist

SOCIAL

CHARISMA ★★★★☆   ( well-spoken and authoritative, but it’s ultimately his sincerity and purity of heart that compels others to follow. an essence that drives his most compelling speeches. )

EMPATHY ★★★☆☆ --> ★★★★☆   ( though he feels for the suffering of innocents, the traitors to his kingdom including its civilians were once observed with less understanding. war, after all, can drive a stake of hatred through any heart. )

GENEROSITY ★★★★☆   ( is willing to hand out everything found in his pocket when asked for money. )

WEALTH ★★★★★   ( wealthiest man in archanea, no doubt. )

HONEST ☆★☆☆☆ DECEPTIVE   ( generally honest. stays faithful to the truth, but will lie to spare feelings on occasion. )

LEADER   ★☆☆☆☆ FOLLOWER   ( marth is a natural prince, now king, who honors the duty he bears to others and shoulders whatever social burdens are required. in the event that a leader is required he’ll step up to the plate without batting an eye, not out of pride or any particular desire, but simple nature. )

POLITE ★☆☆☆☆ RUDE   ( extends deference to all deserving individuals no matter their origins or caste. )

POLITICAL ★☆☆☆☆ INDIFFERENT   ( his royal station is closely intertwined with politics, even if he wanted to turn a blind eye he couldn’t. a person’s value served to said politics, however, has no relation in how he regards them. )

BELIEFS

HIGHER POWER ★★☆☆☆   ( after learning the revelation that naga, archanea’s warrior deity, was in actuality the divine dragon king, the expectations and beliefs he held toward a higher power have been humbled. the heavens brought a little closer to earth, seen as more mundane than otherworldly. )

FATE/DESTINY ★★★★☆   ( destiny in the words of malledus has lead him down the path he walks now, as anri’s successor, as heir to the falchion and the duty it entails. marth’s own conviction manifests in his attitude that fate brought him and kris together. )

MAGIC ★★★★★   ( it would be difficult to deny the existence of magic when his sister is a cleric and his best friend is a collegiate mage of khadein. this is to say nothing of the malevolent magicka that hounded his army through gharnef’s imhullu. )

SOULMATES ★★★★☆   ( his belief in soulmates bears certain equivalence to his belief in fate. his beloved caeda is one such soulmate; his other half and royal guard, kris, is another. )

GOOD AND EVIL ★★★★☆   ( to marth’s understanding, good and evil though existent occurs in intricate shades, especially in the case of evil. medeus who thrice subjugated mankind and proved the enemy of marth’s bloodline had seen first humans persecute his kind over centuries. humans themselves refract similarly complicated factors in their ugliest actions, as seen in michalis and camus. marth for this reason has never crossed the threshold of hate even for his most bitter enemies, excluding gharnef. )

LUCK ★★☆☆☆   ( places an average emphasis on luck that falls in line with lamenting a rainy day or a bad hand dealt in cards. )

PRIORITIES

FAMILY ★★★★★   ( if liberating archanea and reclaiming altea was marth’s most vocal priority, alongside it was the rescue of his older sister, elice. )

FRIENDS ★★★★★ ( you won’t find a man more appreciative of his friends. )

LOVE ★★★★☆   ( love though held dear to his heart must come secondary to the crown his head wears. )

HOME ★★★★★   ( marth has never failed to fight for the salvation of his lands and the subjects that live within them. a prevailing sense of guilt at his inability to protect his home from invaders suggests just how important he finds it. )

HEALTH ★★★★☆

PRAISE ★☆☆☆☆

JUSTICE ★★★★☆   ( laws and morals should be enforced for a world to be worth living in. in that regard he has shown himself to be fair yet merciful when administering punishments for crimes. )

TRUTH ★★★★★

POWER ★★☆☆☆   ( hardin of aurelis once ceded the rights to command the battlefield to marth, judging him to be someone who wouldn’t squander a position of power for his own gain. this perception is true. power whether social or physical, tangible or intangible, holds no importance to him. )

FAME ★☆☆☆☆   ( it’s ironic that he has little care for fame. his name will turn out to be the most famous throughout archanean and ylissean history. )

WEALTH ★★☆☆☆

OTHERS' OPINIONS ★★☆☆☆   ( validation or a lack thereof doesn’t weigh on him heavily, but it’s preferable to be regarded in a positive light over a negative one. )    

[needcurse]

{ * ALT. VERSE; ULLA MOROZOVA ✳ . . . songstress of os alta, the sister of the shadow, a woman who once belonged to the waves

INTRODUCTION,

once a sildroher from the furthest reaches of fjerda. ulla morozova was the abandoned child of baghra left to live out her life beneath the waves in the depths of the isenvee. she was a gifted songcaster but not well loved in the undersea court as she was seen a strange and foreign creature given her ashen appearance. she only begins to gain the favor of the royal family when she begins to write spells alongside the favored court singer, signy. through their friendship ulla is able to join the chorus and royal family on land to walk amongst the humans.

it is in this castle by the sea that ulla meets her brother, aleksandr who reveals to her the truth behind her lineage. ulla is half-human and her health and appearance greatly improve after splitting her tail to walk on land. aleksandr entreats with her and asks his sister to join him in his game of kings and queens. at first, ulla has no interest in the treatment of grisha on land as she had lived amongst the ocean-folk for the whole of her life. although, the longer she strays from the sea the more her shadow summoning abilities become prevalent. she needs a tutor and she agrees to join her brother on his travels. she never returns to the sea with signy and the others and thus she endures the trauma and destruction her fire enchantment brought upon the royal family.

SETTLING IN OS ALTA,

year pass and the two siblings have established their positions amongst the royal family.    it is rumored that shadow summoners are always born as a set of twins,    this is a ruse both aleksandr and ulla given into.    they have decades between them but their youthful faces and like appearances suggest they lend themselves to this narrative.    all the more favor to make both seem mythical as it is common knowledge that they are the ancestors of the supposed "black heretic".    during the time,    like her bother,    ulla takes on a pseudonym and is called ursula after the saint of waves.    little does the public her and the saint are one in the same.    

during the events of the original trilogy,    while aleksandr is the leader of the second army ulla takes upon herself to establish a foothold for grisha in religion.    she is a song leader at the palace chapel and she works closely with the apparat both in and out of services.    she plays the role of the pious witch in repentance speaking often of the fold and how the time of "sun" will be upon them soon.    she often tells the story of her namesake and how she was a woman of faith punished for her belief in the saints.    although,    it is not her preaching that gains favor amongst the masses.    her song can convince even the most vehement non-believers of her cause.    

by all intents and purposes she is not viewed as soldier.    she is more widely recognized as,    the dark jewel,    in the queen's retinue.    she is a symbol of faith as well as a prized asset to the royal family.    she is frequently seen at banquets wielding a harp and the deep,    richness of her voice.    she may not be part of the army but her song has swayed many a politician into complacency and the sky seems to shift whenever a melody leaves her lips.    more omen than weapon but no less of a threat for it.  

PERSONS OF INTEREST,

» the apparat: by the nature of their work these two work quite closely together.    their alliance can be described as tenuous at best.    both are playing the same game and they use religion as a means to gain influence in the capital.    they portray an image of a unite front but more often that not the two at odds with one another but cannot make a direction move opposite given the optics of a open quarrel.   

» the darkling ( @greeksmyth ): twins are often seen as parts of a matching set,    yet despite ulla and aleksandr's like appearances they occupy different political spheres in the capital.    their quarters are adjacent to one another though and they take meals together away from the other summoners more often than not.    ulla is overall less of a mysterious figure than her brother as her occupation as a musician sweetens people to her presence more than that of general.    this a frequent fact she lauds over her brother and they bicker often about as brothers and sisters do.   

» baghra: ulla and baghra scarcely have a relationship.    despite the years ulla has never forgiven her mother for abandoning her.    it was aleksandr alone that swayed her to come to ravka in the end.    she visits baghra's hut infrequently and they speak as strangers do.    no one would believe the old woman and the songstress were related given how sour they are in one another's presence.    because of this,    it was aleksandr who trained ulla when she was beginning to summon shadows.