#battle ground spoilers

[kaphkas]

Harry and Marcone in Battle Ground

[peregrineroad]

Dresden Files AU where everything is the same except Marcone can hear when Harry is monologuing about him.

[friendly-books]

Dresden files Battle Ground Live blog pt. 2

“But it was good enough for the Son of God. I figure it’s in the right league.”

Marcone’s eyes widened. One of his hands twitched. “And the adults let you keep it?” pg. 437 Ha

“Do you at least have a gun?” I asked. “Maybe you can distract her.”

“I have a knife,” Marcone said.

“Jusht like a gangster,” I said. “Bringsh a knife to an apocalypshe fight.” pg. 437 Ha

“Marcone gave me a level look and then said in a much more conversational tone, “Honestly, Dresden. If you used your mind half as much as your mouth, you’d be running this place by now.” pg. 437 Ha and high praise from Marcone

“Fool,” Marcone replied by way of greeting, his tone polite and pitched to carry loudly.” pg. 438 Ha

“If you had a mine,” Marcone said, “you would have used restraint. You would have arisen from the water with no warning to anyone. You would have unleashed a wave of expendable troops on the city, blown down a building or two, and returned to the sea to watch the havoc unfold.” pg. 439 Ha and I love how critical he is.

“I will simply never understand the need some people seem to feel to be proven correct in front of their enemies. It’s quite childish.” pg. 439 Ha

“I blinked.

Was Marcone . . . talking smack?” pg. 439 Ha he is and I love it and him kinda copying Harry and his trash talking

“Your negotiating skills would seem to need work as well,” Marcone added.” pg. 439 Ha

“I was an idiot. An exhausted, terrified idiot. Marcone didn’t do anything just to be doing it.

He was providing cover for me.” pg. 439 Yep

“And yet, I walk where I will,” Marcone said. “I sleep where and when I please. I eat when I hunger. I choose what to make of my life. I am free.” pg. 439 Yep

“Who are you?” Marcone asked back, his voice ringing defiance. “A daughter unloved by her monstrous father. Sold and traded like a horse? Hiding in a dark cave with her useless hangers-on for millennia? And now lashing out with her daddy’s gun.”…”It appears that it is better to be a mortal than a Titan, these days.” pg. 440 Yep

“Marcone stared at the Titan and appeared to choose his words the way a surgeon would his implements. “Be a good girl” he said “And go get it.” pg. 440 So cool!

“She seized him by the throat, lifted him with no noticeable effort, gave her arm a little bob, a little twist, and broke his neck.

I watched Marcone jerk and go limp.” pg. 441  AAAHHH!!!

“and threw the corpse away like an empty beer can.

The Baron of Chicago landed on the rocks, boneless and broken.” pg. 442 Sobbing no Marcone

“I staggered over to Marcone’s body. Broken neck didn’t kill you right away.

Nobody ought to die alone.” pg. 442 Yes and I love that Harry is going to be there with Marcone.

“And when I got there, he sat up.” pg. 442 Eh? What the? What just happened? Didn’t Marcone die? What’s going on? Is Marcone ok? Ahhhh what did I just read? What’s even real anymore? I’m going to need a couple of minutes.

“I fell back with a manly high-pitched scream.” pg. 442 Ha

“Marcone’s head was twisted way too far around to one side. He rolled his neck as if stretching out. There was series of hideous little pops in his neck and then he shook his head back and forth as if easing a cramp, and his neck just . . . unbroken.” pg. 442 Ew

“Marcone gave me a bland look and held up his knife.” pg. 442 Don’t give Harry that look he watched you die

“What the actual fuck?” I asked.” pg. 442 Thank you Harry my thoughts exactly

“Or infernal.” pg. 442 Thorned Namshiel! I forgot he had the coin. This is how we find out?!

“Marcone’s eyes wrinkled at the corners in genuine amusement. “Honestly, Dresden. Did you think I’d stop with the title?” pg. 443 I love that Marcone’s amused by Harry.

“And with a little ripple, black thorns that would have been at home on a particularly wild rose bush begin to emerge from his skin, in a pattern on his face and stirring beneath his shirt.” pg. 442 So cool

“Sir Gentleman Johnnie Marcone, Baron of Chicago, Knight of the Blackened Denarius, the bearer of the Mastery of Sorcery, Thorned Namsheil, calmly rose and divested himself of the pirate bandoliers. He reached up to undo the tie and tossed it to the side. Then he loosened his collar so that the thorns in his shirt, evidently to make himself more comfortable there too.” pg. 443 I’m looking respectfully 

“The coin of Thorned Namsheil, one of a set of thirty, rested on an almost unbearably fine silver chain against Marcone’s chest.” pg. 443 I continue to look respectfully I see Harry eyeing Marcone’s chest I’m calling this Bi Harry 58

“Marcone turned and slapped me.” pg. 443 Ah!

“Focus,” he snarled. “I know it hurts. I know what you’ve lost. I know you’re tired. But you and I are all that stands between that creature and this city.” pg. 444 I love how expressive Marcone is being. And that he knows about what Harry is going through.

“Dresden,” Marcone hissed, giving my chest a little push. “Are you going to sit there while that happens?” pg. 444  Marcone keeps touching Harry I love it and of course Harry isn’t going to let that happen

“Then I met the eyes of tiger-souled John Marcone and said, “No,” pg. 444 Yes!

“He bared his teeth. And the weird purple eyes . . . smiled.” pg. 444 Well that’s concerning

“Double Dragon boss fight beside Hell Knight Marcone now?” pg. 445 Let’s go!

“and there was a cracking sound in the air, like . . . broken wind chimes, maybe.” pg. 446  So cool

“Direct point-to-point translocation was something that the White Council kept in a section called “Highly Theological and Dangerous Magic” in the wizard’s library at the complex in Edinburgh. I knew, because years ago when I’d asked about it, I’d been put on the no-access list for the entire section.

Which . . . well to be fair, probably wasn’t entirely unwise.” pg. 447 Ha and so cool that Marcone can teleport

“And while Marcone kept her busy, I got to work.” pg. 447 Yep they make such a good team

“Fuck that!” the skull sputtered. “I’m going to Utah! stuff like this never happens in Utah!” pg. 448 Ha

Marcone’s really good at magic

“You haven’t changed much, either, darling.” pg. 449 Darling?!?

“Magic is awesome, but physics are still physics.” pg. 450 Yep

“Bob screamed in agony.” pg. 452 Oh no Bob

“Charity and the carpenter kids all lay between Maggie and the door.” pg. 454 But where’s Mouse?

“Dresden!” Marcone screamed from the water. “We’ll never get another chance at this!” pg. 456 Yep

“Hey Bubbles,” I said. “You forgot the dog.” pg. 457 Yes!

“ETHNIU, DAUGHTER OF BALOR, I BIND THEE!” pg. 457 Yes!

“Bound, bound, bound!” I called. “Thrice said and done! Begone!” pg. 458 Yes!

“Alfred!” pg. 458 Yes!

“But it pushed a bow wave ahead of it. A huge one.” pg. 459 Oh no

“In the water, Marcone snapped his head toward the wave, then calmly murmured something. He abruptly zipped through the water as through being pulled by a friendly dolphin and attained the shore.” pg. 459 So cool and why are you paying attention to Marcone, Harry? Shouldn’t you focus on the wave?

“Dresden!”

“Go!” I said. “I’ve got to hold her here!”

Marcone gave me a look and said, “Of course you do.” He eyed the incoming wave, gold and green and across the entire horizon. Then he muttered something in a language I didn’t know, answered himself in the same language and a different voice, and then said, in English, “No, I don’t have any gopher wood. No one has any gopher wood. I’m not sure even if it exists anymore.” Then he shook his head, looked at the ground, and started muttering and drawing in power.” pg. 461 Ha Marcone and Namshiel arguing. And I love that Harry tells Marcone to go and to save him. I wonder what look he gave? Exasperated fondness? Especially with his ‘of course you do’

“Then there were three points of violet light that resolved into the eye and the rune of Thorned Namshiel. I felt Marcone thump my shoulder. Then he fumbled at my hand. I took it, and the Baron of Chicago led me through the darkness, to an opening in the solid barrier surrounding us. I lost some skin but I scraped through, kicked weakly at the water, and eventually got my head above it again.

Marcone broke the surface at the same time. He started dragging me toward the shore.” pg. 461 Ah I love all of this! They held hands! Marcone saves Harry from drowning. I love that Marcone is dragging Harry to the shore. Bi Harry 59

“Marcone slogged onto the shore and made sure I was able to get out of the water.” pg. 462 That’s nice of Marcone to make sure Harry doesn’t drown

“Yeah, well,” I panted, gasping sweet, sweet air. “That’s because you suck . And you’re an amateur. Who sucks.”

“I didn’t see you doing anything about it.”

“Yeah, because I was holding the freaking Titan!” I shot back. “I was doing the grown-up stuff.” pg. 462 Ha

“You just almost killed us both as an unintended side effect of that binding,” Marcone snapped. “And you call me an amateur.”

“I saved your life from a Titan,” I panted, exhausted. And I think I had picked up a couple of cracked ribs, despite the last-second shield of concrete that had risen to stop most of the force of the wave. “You almost drowned us. Fake wizard.” pg. 462 Ha

“I just broke down the molecular structure of concrete and then chemically re-formed it inside a mold of pure will, saving both of our lives from that wave in the process.”

“Fake,” I said. “Sad.” pg. 462 Ha and I love them arguing/bantering like an old married couple :)

“Marcone let out a low, weary chuckle.

My stomach twitched a lot while breaths went in and out of my exhausted body.

We did not laugh together.

And he was no less an asshole.

But we won.” pg. 463 Ha and I love that they’re laughing together no matter how much Harry denies it. They did win together. Bi Harry 60

“I returned the look. I knew what Marcone was. I’d taken his measure, and he hadn’t changed. He was, above all things, a dangerous predator. It was simply his nature. And you don’t let predators know when you’re scared.” pg. 465 They stare at each other so much

“And one of these days, he and I would settle things between us.” pg. 453 Sure Harry you keep telling yourself that. It might end up in a fight like you think it will ;)

“I’d seen his small sharklike smile before,” pg. 466 Aw Marcone’s smiling at Harry

“His smile for a second turned almost human, and he said, “Not today.” pg. 466 I love this! I love that Marcone keeps smiling and that he won’t fight Harry Bi harry 61

“For a second, a look of contempt touched his face-but then he looked pensive.” pg. 466 Why a look of contempt? 

“To the Wizard of Chicago” pg. 466 I love this! I love that Marcone gave Harry a title! And now we have the Baron of Chicago and the Wizard of Chicago!

Ow

I did it again

I really need to either be strapped to a chair or sit on the floor when I read.

Guess who fell off the bed again. 

In my defense look at this!

“We did it together,” I objected warily.

Marcone’s smile sharpened.

“Prove it,” he purred, “hero.” pg. 467 Purred PURRED! And he calls Harry ‘hero’ and he smiled at him! Bi Harry 62

Harry and Marcone should have kissed at while they were at the beach. A beach kiss like in “From here to eternity” (kidding Murphy just died)

“Will and Georgia had through okay.” pg. 469 I’m glad they’re ok

“Where’d you hide them? Our family?” pg. 471  Aw :)

“Sometimes I frighted the Winter Lady.” pg. 472 That’s not good

“The honored dead will be cared for, she said. “You have my word on the that.” pg. 474 That’s nice of Mab

Justine!

“It’s Justine” pg. 481 Oh no

“How long ago did you possess the girl?” pg. 482 Oh no

“I think the problem is, you just don’t sound all that bright, wizard.” pg. 482 Yes Harry is smart

“I am He Who Walks Beside.” pg. 484 Oh no a Outsider

“You conceived my brother’s child intentionally.”

“Obviously,” pg. 485 Ew

“Apocalypse isn’t an event,” Nemesis murmured. “It is a frame of mind.” pg. 485 Wait isn’t that what Nick said?

“Empty Night,” pg. 485 Oh no

“Must suck,” I panted, “to get whipped by some stupid punk from Chicago. ‘Cause it looks to me like I beat you.” pg. 486 Ha

“She’s gone. She isn’t coming back.” pg. 490 Yes she is let me live in my denial

“It’s the same,” Gard slurred. “Where Nathan died.” pg. 490 Poor Gard :(

“He hated that name,” she said. “His mother . . .” pg. 491 Hendricks lore

I love that Harry threatening Odin about Murphy

“We had a funeral followed by a wake at Mac’s a few days later, the Paranet crew and me.” Aw :(

“Ethniu had been even harder on Chicago’s real estate values than me. Wakka Wakka.” pg. 493 Ha

“We filled a coffin with pictures.” pg. 494 Aw

“Except for a few friends, no one came within arms reach of me.” pg. 496 Aw :(

“When he spoke, his voice was ragged, as if he’d been shouting a lot.” pg. 498 Why was Carlos yelling a lot? Was he defending Harry from the White Council?

“Not Warden Dresden, I noted. Not even Wizard Dresden.

So.” pg. 497 Poor Harry I feel a rant incoming

Rant begin

“The vote,” I said. “Forgot all about it. Guess it didn’t go my way.” pg. 499 They seriously still had a vote after everything that just went down?

“You’re out,” he said. “You are no longer to associate yourself with the White Council or harass its members. You will refrain from the public practice of magic to standards of discretion determined by the Council or face the consequences. Wardens will periodically inspect you and your residence for residual black magic. You know the drill.” He shook his head and reached into his coat. “There are some documents. They list all the terms.”

“Terms,” I said. “Pretty bold for the Council to boot me out, then dictate terms to me.” pg. 499 This makes me so mad >:( How dare they kick Harry out after all of this. What does Carlos and the White Council mean ‘associate’ and ‘harass’ do he can’t talk to Carlos, Ebenezar,  Listen-to-Wind, and Luccio anymore? And what do they be by harass who gets to decide what harass means? Can they really force Harry to stop practicing magic and advertising as a wizard? He’s still a wizard even if he’s not a part of the White Council. He’s no longer a member of the White Council they can’t still tell him what he can and can’t do. They can’t just dictate his life. Do they do this to the Paranet too? They going to surveillance him like Merlin wanted to do? They’re treating him like a criminal. And who gets to declare the “standard of discretion” the senior council? Merlin? How vague are these terms? How can they be abused? And what consequences? Head chopping? That seems to be their only form of punishment. I’m going to need to see a fucking warrant if the council wants to inspect Harry and his house. What kind of search and seizure rules are these? Harry has a right of privacy. Which he still at this point Harry still doesn’t have his own house. Did the White Council wonder why when Harry was homeless he didn’t go to the heads quarters? I agree with Harry on the terms bit. I’ll probably have problems with the terms.

“Ramirez stared at me for a second. Then he said, his voice low, “You had to know this was coming. It’s need coming for a long time. We’ve given you chance after chance, and you keep-“ He broke off and looked away. “You never should have gotten mixed up with Mab, Harry. That changed everything.”

“Carlos,” I began.” pg. 499 Need I bring up the quote from Summer Knight? What changes? The council has wanted to get rid of Harry for years. The only reason Harry “gotten mixed up with Mab” was because he was desperate and the White Council wasn’t helping.

“You solid out to the monsters, Dresden,” Ramirez spat, his voice harsh. “Don’t you see that? Can’t you see it even now? As beaten as you are, you shouldn’t even be able to stand up. Sixty degrees, windy, and raining and you’re standing there soaking wet and enjoying it.”

“What did you say?” I asked low and hard.” pg. 500 What monsters exactly? Thomas? Molly? Mab? Lara? What or who do the White Council consider monsters? Everyone who isn’t human? Is Harry now inhuman in the White Council’s eyes?

“You heard me,” he said. He wasn’t budging, either. “I don’t know, Dresden, if what happened here could have been avoided. But I know you were mixed up in it in ways you aren’t saying.” He stared at me beseechingly, shaking his head. “You should have trusted me, man. And you pull that stupid hex on me instead?” Something in his face broke. “Chandler’s gone. Bill and Yukie are gone. And maybe if you’d been willing to talk, that wouldn’t have happened. Maybe it would have made things different.” pg. 500 No Ethnui couldn’t have been avoided. Maybe there’s a reason why Harry’s not telling you about the ways he’s mixed up in. No Carlos you should have trusted Harry first. You’re the one who didn’t trust Harry first. You’re the one who lead the “intervention” when there shouldn’t have been one to begin with. What would you have done if Harry let you in on the plan? Would you have helped or turned Harry in to the White Council? How dare Carlos say that if Harry had been more willing to talk then Chandler, Bill, and Yukie would still be here when those things have nothing to do with each other. You know what would if the Black court hadn’t killed them and disappeared Chandler.

“I had to,” I said. “I didn’t have a choice,”

“Yeah,” he said, his voice weary. “I know you think that. And that’s the problem.” He took his hand out of his coat and tossed a thick legal envelope at me. I caught it. “Read that. Believe it. Because as far as the White Council is concerned, you’re one of the monsters now, Dresden. Push us and we’ll push back. Hard.” pg. 500 Why wouldn’t Carlos believe that Harry had no choice. Who decided that Harry was one of the monsters now? Who says what push back entails?

“Who’s going to do the pushing, Los?” I asked. “You?”

“No,” he said quietly. “McCoy.” He cleared his throat. “We were friends once, Dresden. So I’ll  tell you this last bit of gossip. The Senior Council voted in emergency session, while Listens-to-Wind and McCoy were in surgery. They found witnesses who saw you directly murder human servants of the Former by means of pyromancy.” pg. 500 They’re really going to send Eb after Harry? And they’re having Carlos Harry’s friend deliver the news. Even if the White Council doesn’t know about the familiar connection between them Eb was Harry’s mentor. Of course they voted when both of Harry’s biggest supporters were out of commission. And with them out of commission Merlin has there vote. Oh really what witness exactly did they get? A mortal? A Black court vampire? Carlos himself? Oh you mean the Renfields servants how are for all purposes died already. Those human servants? The White Council certainly didn’t can about them back in Blood rites when Harry, Murphy, and Kincaid killed some. They’re grasping at straws for a reason to expel Harry. And they didn’t have Harry there to plead his case.

“Which was true. “You’ve seen what those guys have done,” I told him. “Would you call them human, strictly speaking?”

“Doesn’t matter what I think,” Ramirez said. “You know how broadly they interpret the First Law. And why it has to be that way. By unanimous vote, they have already given Blackstaff the order to execute your death warrant, and suspended it. If you cross the line, they’ll send him. And if he won’t do it, he’ll be charged with treason. So for your sake-and his-don’t make us take action.”

“You son of a bitch,” I said quietly.

“We don’t fight monsters fair.” he said. “I learned that from you.” pg. 501  The White Council only seems to interpret the law when it benefits them. First with this First Law interpretation of Redids as both alive and human and with the T-Rex and necromancy.  Or really charge Eb the Blackstaff and senior council member with treason I’d love to see how that plays out and how it’ll make the council look weak if the Formor captain of the wardens, current senior council member, and Blackstaff is charged with treason. Who will be safe if they do that? It’ll sow discord and fear. And don’t give me that “ So for your sake-and his-don’t make us take action.” nonsense. That’s just something people say to guilt people into not doing the right thing. I highly doubt Eb would actually agree to execute Harry. And don’t use Harry’s teachings against him. This is a different situation.

“It doesn’t have to be like this,” I said.

“It does,” Ramirez replied. “You made that call when you didn’t talk to me. And sixty thousand people died.” pg. 501 How would talking to Ramirez have helped? And don’t you fucking dare insinuate that Harry not talking to you had anything to do with the people who died fighting. They had a choice to follow Harry and fight. Their deaths aren’t on Harry’s hands.

“One of these days,” I said, “you’re going to look back at today and feel really stupid.”

“Is that a threat?” he asked.

“No, you knob.” I sighed weary. “Just a fact.” pg. 501 Interesting that Carlos jumps to thinking Harry’s making a threat

“The White Council has spoken,” he said, just as tiredly, and turned to go

“No,” I said.

He paused. “What?”

“No,” I said again, a little firmer. “The White Council has gotten to bully wizards for a long time, and they think they have the right. I say they don’t.”

Ramirez tilted his head. “Don’t talk yourself into something I can’t ignore, Dresden.”

I grimaced. “Carlos. I mean to live my life. You’ve cast me out, and you think that means I’m vulnerable. Maybe you ought to rethink that.”

“Meaning what?” pg. 501 Yes Harry you tell him! The White Council doesn’t seem to care about wizards of a lower power level unless they think they’re breaking one of the Laws. They have a low opinion on nonhumans and weaker wizards. They have not checks and balances. Must don’t deal with mortals. They’re insular and isolating. And they float the mortal laws. They can and do use their magic for personal gain.

“Why don’t you ask Ethniu how vulnerable I am? I said quietly. “We can. If you’d like.”

I let that one hang there while he stared at me.

“To say nothing about how Mab would react to the death of the Winter Knight,” I continued. “The Winter Lady might not take it kindly, either, and you saw what she’s capable of doing.”

Carlos’s cheek twitched. Yes. I did.”

I paused and said, “That was a threat, Carlos. I’m going to live here and do what I’ve always done. I want you to leave me in peace. And I’ll do the same in return. The way things are in the world, I don’t think the Council can afford to push things that far. Not for little old me.” pg. 502 Yeah did the Council really think through tossing out the Warden of Deamonreach and Winter Knight? Now Harry doesn’t have loyalty to them anymore.

“Ramirez exhaled. “You’re talking one hell of a risk, Harry.”

“I don't like being told what to do,” I said. “I let you push me around, who the hell am I?”

“Yeah,” Ramirez said. “Who the hell are you?”pg. 502 Harry’s been the same person he’s always been. If you cared you would see that Carlos.

Rant end

“Those fuckers.” pg. 502 Micheal swore :0

“I took my friend’s hand.

There was rain in my eyes.” pg. 503 Aw :)

“The Library of Congress, Special Collections Division,” Lara provided. “Also known as the Librium Bellum. Men in Black.” pg. 511 Like those officers in Dog Men?

“Humanity.

A foe.” pg. 512 Oh no

“Ramirez hadn’t been wrong.

I was working with monsters.

But I wasn’t one of them.” pg. 512 No Ramirez was wrong about a lot of what he said. Do you consider Marcone a monster? Or what about Ivy? Or Vandderung?

“Marcone suddenly looked more alert.” pg. 513 Oh I wonder why?

“I gave him a little smile. I didn’t blow him a kiss. But I let him know it was coming.” pg. 513 Ah! I love this and Bi Harry 63

“Don’t fight all of them, Harry. I thought. Fight one of them.

And I turned to Marcone.” I love that Harry turns to Marcone out of everyone in the room.

“Lara and Marcone took careful note of that.” pg. 513 Oh what are they thinking?

“I met Marcone’s eyes. “Our world isn’t supposed to cross with theirs, for the most part. And in return, they mostly ignore us. Now you say that the morals are going to be sending eyes and ears in. Well, maybe it’d be smart for them to see some things.”

“What do you suggest?” Marcone asked

“The Accorded nations provide humanitarian aid and assistance,” pg. 514 Harry keeps looking into Marcone’s eyes. And yes show humanity that the supernatural isn’t all terrible and scary like Harry does with his P.I. business and going on the Larry Fowler show.

“I met Marcone’s eyes. “I called, and men and women of this city answered. They followed me. They fought. And I felt them die.”

Something flickered in Marcone’s face.

His chin moved in the faintest vertical tilt of acknowledgment.

I dropped my voice to something that was just between me and Marcone. “We owe them more than just washing our hands of this mess. And you’re going to make a fortune rebuilding things anyway.”

Marcone’s eyes flickered with amusement, acknowledgement the truth of my point.

“The Accords,” he said, carefully, “are not a charitable organization.” pg. 515 They keep looking each other in the eyes. Longing looks perhaps? :) Is Marcone thinking about feeling Hendricks dying? I love that Harry lowers his voice so that it’s just between them in a room full of people looking at them. Glad that Harry amusing Marcone. And Marcone keeps saying things aren’t charitable organizations but then keeps doing them. Especially when Harry is involved.

“The Eye seems ample reward for such a deed,” Marcone noted

“Do you have it?” I asked Marcone innocently

He stood there, suddenly very wary.” pg. 516 Ha

“I assumed you claimed it from Ethniu,” Marcone said

“I don’t know what to tell you,” I said

“Are we to believe that you just left a weapon like the Eye lying upon the ground?” Marcone asked

“Dude, there was an apocalypse on,” I said, in a very reasonable tone. “The earth shaking. Giant waves. I almost drowned, you know, in this giant stupid concrete teacup some fool made. It’s all kind of blurry.”

Marcone narrowed his eyes.” pg. 517 Ha

“Marcone eyed me and then Mab, and then Lara. “Surely you don’t believe him.”

A little smile played on the corners of Lara’s mouth. “The last I saw,” she said, “you were the one running off with the Eye, Baron.”

“Queen Mab,” Marcone said in protest.

“He has given me no reason to disbelieve him, Baron.”

Mab said. She knew all about technically true things, too.

Marcone turned to me with his eyes narrowed. He regarded me and said,  “I know you have it.” Ha

~Vacation over~

“Marcone had put me on a pedestal by telling people I’d taken out Ethniu. That act alone had probably scared enough members of the White Council to get me voted out. But if he was going to put me up there, he shouldn’t be too terribly surprised if I kicked him in the face.” Ha

“Prove it,” I said. “Sir Baron”

Marcone eyed me. Then glanced past me to the Queen of Air and Darkness.

Mab’s eyebrow went up so far that it threatened the line of her skull. Then she said, as if to Marcone, “Much is explained.” pg. 518 Oh did Harry out Marcone as a denarian?

“Marcone’s gaze slid around the faces of the Ministry, weighing what he saw there. He yielded with reluctant grace. “Very well, Sir Dresden.” Marcone sighed. “What is it you wish of me?”

I leaned down to look him in the face.

“I want my lab back,” I said. “Move your stuff.” pg. 518 I love that Harry leans down to look at Marcone. I love how Harry gets the castle.

“Wait. Did you come down here with me to distract me?”

“Not distract, precisely,” Molly hedged. “But . . . perhaps it’s better if you don’t butt heads with Marcone just now, Harry.” pg. 520 Oh come on don’t deny me Harry and Marcone moments

“Oh, Marcone is furious with you, in his own way,” Lara said. “I’d say you won the round.” pg. 521 I do wonder what Lara’s and Marcone’s conversations was like

“Or start making out with each other,” Lara volleyed back. “The two of you were looking very looking very Warrior-bro chummy, I thought.” pg. 521 I love that Lara is a Harry/Marcone shipper

“The wedding will commence at sundown.” pg. 523 This is how the wedding gets announced?!

“Yes. You defy me. Obviously. You always do. In the interests of efficiency, let us assume you have uttered some mystifying reference to mortal popular culture nonsense, I have over glared at you, and reminded you of the power I hold over you, you have confirmed that you continue to understand the circumstances that require me to tolerate your insouciance, and we have both agreed to continue this ridiculous dance in the future, presumably for the remainder of time.”

Which made me blink.

Mab didn’t usually get into meta-discussion about the nature of our relationship.” pg. 528 Ha

“I wanted the people of Chicago kept safe. So I fought it. With everything I had.”

“Yes,” Mab said.

“So did Marcone,” I said. “End of the day, when push came to shove, he gave people who were in trouble shelter behind his walls. And he fought to defend the city,”

“He did,” Mab said.

“I won’t forget it.” pg. 529 Yep you both did

“Thank you.” I said, for the third time

Three repetitions separate the random from the intentional. Repeat something three times, and you make it more real.” pg. 530 Aw I’m glad Harry thanked Mab.

“Then he enfolded her in a slow, gentle hug.” pg. 538 Aw :)

“I hugged her back, as gently as I knew how.” pg. 539 Aw :)

Christmas Eve

“Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except me and Mouse.” pg. 547 Ha

“She insisted that the red ones go faster.” pg. 547 Of course clearly it’s correct

“Nobody likes a wiseass,” pg. 548 Ha

“Harry, I wouldn’t dream of taking this joy away from you. This is what being a father is all about.” pg. 549 Yep

“Spoilers,” pg. 550 Ha

“It was no match for the intelligent of the Wizard of Chicago.” pg. 550 I love that this is Harry’s title and he’s embracing it.

“She her head rather more deeply to Mouse.

I get no respect, no respect at all.” pg. 551 Ha

“I shut the box on the sound and eyed her. It was just possible that I’d already heard that song enough to make my teeth itch.” pg. 553 Ha

“Leave me!” I called quietly to the empty air where she’d been. “Take me back! Haunt me no longer!” pg. 553 Ha

Molly!

“I bowed my head.

I counted my breaths.” pg. 555 Aw and I’m glad the bills got paid

“You can forgive yourself, Harry.” she said gently. “The world won’t end. And it would be good for your daughter.”

“That . . . is something I never learned to do,” pg. 556 Aw poor Harry

Santa!

“And because you’re on my list, lad”

I snorted. “Please.”

“Call Kris Kringle a liar on Christmas Eve one more time.” pg. 560 Ha and come on Harry of course is on the nice list

“I love you, Dad.” pg. 561 Aw :)

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” pg. 562  Yay!

Final thoughts

Oh boy this book was a lot. Several people died. I believe that Murphy and Hendricks will come back. (Let me live in my denial) I enjoyed the fights and even with all the death and sorrow I thought the book was funny. Rudolph is on my list and he got off too easy. We had several Bi Harry moments and were up to 63! I fell off a bed twice because of it. The banners were interesting. Mab knows Harry well. I’m still sad about Murphy and Hendricks. I loved Marcone in this. That was a long rant. I liked the short story. Needed it after the book. I love that Harry kept the Wizard of Chicago. I’m glad that Harry isn’t part of the White Council anymore. I hope Harry and Eb can make up. I still want to punch Carlos he can fuck right off with his entire “talk”. I do worry about Carlso and how he seems to be moving toward more of an Anakin Skywalker or Morgan attitude. This book gave me more fuel for my “White Council cult lite” post and my “Why the White Council is terrible” post. I can’t wait to see unmasqued Chicago. 

Marcone*

Oh boy Marcone I have thoughts about you. Why did you become a partner with Thorned Namshiel? When did it happen? Was this always the plan since he nabbed the coin in Small Favor? Surely if Marcone wanted magic power there were/are better ways to get it rather than partnering with a fallen angel? What's the Thorned Namshiel deal? Is he against Nicky? How much of a partnership is it really? Is Thorned Namshiel manipulating Marcone? If so, how much? If Marcone gives up the coin what would the consequences be? Harry would have to give up his magic but would Marcone give up? If anything? Why did Hendricks throw himself in front of Marcone if Marcone can survive a neck snap? How much magic does Marcone know? Can he use hellfire? Teleportation: how does it work? The aesthetic with the wind chimes and rose thorns is cool. We’ll definitely see what Marcone and Thorned Namshiel can do now. I’m worried about Marcone because Hendricks is dead. Hendricks seemed to be the voice of reason in Even Hand and now all he has is Gard and Thorned Namshiel. 

Hendricks and Murphy

 There’s no way they stay dead. I don’t see Hendricks swearing fealty to Odin; he's loyal to Marcone and I don’t see Murphy swearing fealty either; she's too independent. With Marcone’s connection to Odin, he seems to like Harry. Or one of them could make people forget them and then they can come back. Marcone could do it and may or may not be charged with breaking the I’m sure Marcone has a plan. They know where Odin’s place is. They might pull a raid or Hendricks and Murphy break out. Or Hendricks and Murphy break out. Murphy is Catholic and this isn’t her afterlife is another reason. 

Harry 

I don't see him marrying Lara. The deal was between Lara and winter. Maybe Harry stops being the Winter Knight. Now that Harry's out of the White Council he could get more into Paranet or make the Wizard of Chicago a real tangible thing with the unseelie accords. I don’t see Eb going after Harry. Harry now has a magic castle and I can’t wait to see what he does with it. I’m glad Harry has his lab and Bob back.

*These got lost in the transition between being on a plane and coming home oops

Onto the micro fics and see if I can get my hands on “The Law”

[narastories]

while Mr. Author is still at 38%:

Things I really-really want from Twelve Months:

More Starborn lore crumbs

Thomas. Please please let Jim not forget about him and let him not be too cruel to him or I'll cry

Denarian Marcone. He's Schrödinger's villain at this point. We all have our theories about him, but we need evidence. Fuel our theories, please

Things to be expected in Twelve Months I'm completely indifferent about:

Whatever happens in terms of Lara/Harry

[badassbutterfly1987]

Thinking about Justine’s role in Peace Talks/Battle Ground again and my worry that she won’t survive the series, especially with the pregnancy and Nemesis. I get why, she’s a fragile human surrounded by monsters and she isn’t even a fighter like Murphy, no one really expected her to live this long as a thrall or otherwise. 

Putting aside the potential ickiness of getting a former sex slave (Thomas may have treated her relatively well but that is how it started) pregnant and then having her die soon after so one of the male leads can have a child and be a sad boy (the series has already killed off 2 of Dresden’s LI, 3 if you count Lash).

I also just find it kinda needlessly dramatic? Thomas/Justine is already tragic. Assuming he stays WC, he’s going to outlive here. Instead of a out of nowhere magic threat, why not have it to something inherently human that results in her death? Old age, or a terminal illness. Something normal the magic folk in her life can’t fight against.

[landfilloftrash]

my partner predicting shit in the dresden files, even though it has Never read it

now for context, before they read the series I had joked about how they were “Dresden irl” minus the height, and since reading it have gained an inner voice we call Harry. And from this inner voice, they have gotten some SCARILY accurate and specific things right (and they swear up and down they don’t read the wiki whatsoever, and considering their reactions, I believe them)

Has actually turned to their side to ask Bob a question before realizing. They are not Harry.

Lives in a basement

once asked me if he can ballroom dance and when I said “yes” (because I remember somewhere it’s mentioned he can) they shook their fist and went “DAMN BEANPOLE” because they desperately want to learn how to do so

Actually had their phone autocorrect a word to Nicodemus before I started talking about him a lot and inner Harry basically started hissing like a feral tom cat a la Mister

has actually called that Odin and Santa are the same person and girl I honestly don’t know how they know this one they haven’t even REACHED that point

started humming Flight of Valkyries once while reading one of Marcone’s parts in Fool Moon. This was extraordinarily funny to me

This one was more of a silly comment that foreshadowed what was gonna happened but made the comment “Oh Aurora is so nice and pretty— please don’t betray me ma’am. She’s going to. But please don’t.”

Marcone getting magic through something that isn’t innate power (this was before they read about the Denarians/Death Mask)

Called Harry getting a castle !

Murphy’s death. “Why did Harry just say ‘I miss Murphy.’?” “…uh” “R E A.” || "I keep getting vibes from the beanpole that she's dead. He keeps being so so mournful about her I swear to god Rea"

Molly becoming WInter Lady; called

They have now called Marcone with a denarian. Literally based on vibes. girl.

That's all I can remember off the top of my head, but I'm sure there will be more as we go along lmao

[shazzam567]

[prideprejudce]

vhagar when she's not mauling other dragons and their riders to death or flying aemond around:

[bobtheacorn]

I think the thing that’s most compelling for me about the live action iteration of Luffy is that they’ve stripped away all the expectations of the Shonen Protagonist.

Right away they let him have some character growth and vulnerability that we didn’t get from the manga until several dozen or hundred chapter in! He’s allowed to be indecisive and to make the wrong call and to NOT know what to do and to get comfort and reassurance and advice from his friends!!!

Everything goes to shit - Zoro is mortally wounded by Mihawk - and after they drag Zoro’s bleeding body into the galley, Usopp is running around looking for the first aid kit and Nami is trying to staunch the bleeding and Luffy completely detaches himself from the moment because it’s more than he can process! He never for a moment thought Zoro would lose and here are the consequences. Nami has to call his name several times before he can even answer her! And even when he runs into the Baratie’s kitchen, he’s so flustered and upset that he’s nearly incoherent and the pathetic way he says “My friend is dying” is absolutely heartbreaking!

It’s such an interesting take to see so early on, because the few instances in the manga where Luffy has lost a fight or not know what to do or royally fucked up have been because he didn’t understand the situation or he wasn’t properly motivated, etc. His authority as captain and the whole “playing at pirates” thing isn’t even something that gets called into question until WATER 7, and it’s Zoro who calls him out because he’s so ready to forgive Usopp.

To do it NOW? During the East Blue arc???

To have it be Nami who tells him he’s shit at his job and that he Needs to take it more seriously because Zoro is DYING??

I’m frothing at the mouth about it tbh because Luffy takes that shit to heart - because it’s after this confrontation that Nami LEAVES. Luffy says it himself when he’s talking to Zoro while he’s unconscious. HE lost the grand line map, HE lost Nami, and HE feels responsible bc he might lose Zoro too!

All those failures - all that guilt - bothers the hell out of him and we get to SEE that!

Part of Manga Luffy’s charm apart from his emotional intuition is that he’s a lil fuckin bulldozer and he’s so arrogant and selfish and that head is empty zero thoughts 98 percent of the time - to soften those harder (arguably less palatable) traits and make live action Luffy just so fucking earnest and thoughtful and intelligent is such an incredible take I’m just obsessed with it! I’m eating it up!!! Bc he’s still LUFFY at his core!

He’s goofy and smiley and charming and fun and happy and easygoing and he’s dumb as hell and he’s constantly hungry and he loves to fight and he’s KIND and he sticks up for other people and he believes in himself!

He believes in other people’s dreams!

He doesn’t think you should let anything or anyone stand in your way!

He cares so much about his friends and he LOVES them and he’d die for them in a heartbeat!

But he’s also allowed to have a fucking panic attack when his friend is literally bleeding to death and oh boy do I love to see it!

[temscraft]

the world building, foreshadowing, character development and storyline of parkour civilization is genuinely so fucking good

[reylo]

Okay, nice things about the Acolyte, this may be slightly too soon after the cancellation. But I'm basically numb to the whole star wars cancellation/ retcon etc after TROS. Like it didn't surprise me at all. Anyways, Episode 5. That was my favourite one. Reason 1) you got to know who the stranger was . That intro was well done. 2) the lightsaber battles !!!! That was awesome! EVERYONE looked soo good! . Their movements were so fluid. 3) people died ( I was super sad about Jecki and yord because I wanted to see them more in screen. Especially with Osha .Speaking of Jecki I like that she was the one who knocked his mask off. ) 4) The way they were introducing both the Sith, the dark side and could slowly hint at the grey Jedi. 5) the fact that Qimir said specifically he wanted his freedom to exist because the Jedi told him he couldn't exist. It doesn't absolve him of killing people but it highlighted the two forces trying to fight for dominance. 6) Master Sol's desire to protect the girls and his Jedi padawans but also holding a darker secret that hinders him was prevalent. I really liked his character.7) Osha and Qimir , I mean it was great. I like that she put her droid on his back to attract the creatures lol. And despite not wanting to be in his side, he for whatever reason healed her and brought her back with him. A connection, a very interesting and intriguing one that neither at the time understood.

I'm loving the positivity for The Acolyte Anon!!!

[peregrineroad]

[friendly-books]

The long awaited doodle to my reaction to the 'locker room' scene.

[sad-endings-suck]

“Jake is a bad father.”

I’m gonna need ya’ll to understand that just because a character is considered a “good guy/hero” does not necessarily mean you should be applying modern real life moral values to them. Jake is born 100+ years in the future, he’s on a completely different planet, him and his family are a different species than us, he’s apart of a completely different culture, he exists in a different social climate, he is at war, and they are fictional. Contextually all this information is so important because it tells us none of these people (no matter how moral or ethical or lawfully good) are not going to perceive what is “right” the same way we are. Because the world that teaches them what “right” and “wrong” are, is a very different world than the one we know. Automatically assuming that a fictional character that doesn’t do exactly what you think they should do is inherently wrong, lacks serious media literacy and basic understanding of fiction as a genre.

[cattailtales]

seeing the reactions to this latest chapter I can’t help but to think back to the first post-war arc and remember how little was ever addressed then too.. like dgmw I enjoy all these characters and think horikoshi is insane for trying to juggle so many but in the end he kinda like. Cannot handle it all. maybe he could if he didn’t waste time on silly things.. like I get that he’s trying to uplift the story in the end but it kinda falls incredibly flat with so many anxious questions looming and a rapidly approaching finish line…

[shazzam567]

WARZONE

Call of Duty: Warzone[b] was a free-to-playbattle royale video game developed by Raven Software and Infinity Ward and published by Activision. The game was released on March 10, 2020, for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One as a part of 2019's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and was subsequently connected to 2020's Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and 2021's Call of Duty: Vanguard, but does not require purchase of any of the aforementioned titles.Warzone allows online multiplayer combat among 150 players and features both cross-platform play and cross-platform progression between the three aforementioned titles.