#but this arya has had way too much of the 'second in command' written into her brain to lead. so i think she begs eric to come back

[oopsallmabari]

WAIT did i ever share any of the VERY brief dip i took into writing a templar!arya au

[mkstrigidae]

Current WIPs and Fic Concepts

I promised I would do this yesterday, and then I forgot!!! (I was very sleep deprived). Anyways, here are a bunch of the WIP premises that I have in my 'unfinished drafts' folder. Most have at least a few pages written for them, but I love them all! ☺️💕

- A Santa Clarita Diet AU (Jonsa) Takes place in sunny southern California, where a shitty dinner at a mediocre restaurant turns into a huge problem for Jon and Sansa when Sansa's heart stops beating. Although she seems fine, Jon is flabbergasted several days later as he watches his wife- who alphabetizes their pantry and refuses to let anyone wear shoes in the house- rip the throat out of one of the sleazy new partners at their law firm, eating half of him before anyone processes what's going on. Hilarity ensues as Sansa's inhibitions and filter disappear, Arya ropes an extremely confused Gendry into helping figure out what the hell is going on just because he moderates the zombie forum on reddit, and Jon tries to deal with the fact that the woman he loves more than anything is now a humanitarian. He really could use a drink. (This one is actually mostly complete, but i need to refine a few things- i really love it. It's as gory and irreverent as the show, so viewer discretion advised, but it's a BLAST to write).

- A Thor/MCU AU (Jonsa, Steve Rogers/Sansa)- Asgardian prince Aegon is banished to Midgard after one too many arrogant decisions, and is promptly hit by a van containing Dr. Sansa Stark, Dr. Barristan Selmy, and Margaery Tyrell- two astrophysicists studying wormholes and Sansa's best friend and pseudo-intern. Marg yells at him, he yells back, Sansa tases him, and Barristan didn't sign up for the kind of heavy lifting that getting a 200+ pound slab of muscle into the back of a van takes. And then Aegon's younger brother, Jon, shows up, in the middle of an identity crisis because, apparently, he's adopted. He wasn't intending to stay, but he's rather drawn to Dr. Stark and her brilliance, and against her better judgement, she starts to trust him, and maybe even like him. This story is in about three parts so far- the first is based on 'Thor' and the second on 'The Avengers' and are fully Jonsa, and the third started as a family bonding story between the Stark kids and Tony (Ned and Tony are second cousins, and Ned was really supportive of Tony in rehab without expecting anything in return), and accidentally turned into a Steve Rogers/Sansa Stark story, which is a pairing i am HERE for. A lot of this one is written, but it needs some fill in before publishing, although it's one of my favorites that i've written to go back and actually read.

- A Star Wars AU (Jonsa) where Sansa and Arya are Alderaanian princesses who are off planet when Alderaan is destroyed- Sansa as a senator and Arya as a pilot, both working for the rebellion, and jon is a smuggler who does not know how all of these people got on his ship and why two princesses are sassing him. His copilot, Tormund (yes he's a wookie), thinks it is hilarious. I started this one just the other day, and it's already thirty pages long, most of them involving Sansa and Arya sassing people. Dany is a leader in the rebellion, Roose Bolton is the emperor, and Barbrey Dustin is a disgruntled former jedi trying to live in peace on a remote planet until another Stark crashes into her life and harangues her into teaching again.

- A witches/magic AU (Jonsa) where the Starks run an apothecary and spellcasting supplies shop. Jon had been completely in the dark about magic before his mother confessed to being born into a family of witches. He finds himself traveling to her hometown, trying to understand her world more clearly, and what it means for him. On the way, he develops something of a crush on the red-headed shop clerk who brews the best headache potions in town. Featuring lots of magical shenanigans, this is one of my favorites in the folder :)

- A 24 hour diner AU (Jonsa) where Jon is a local mob boss, and Sansa works the late shift at Seaworth's diner to buy textbooks for the PhD she's working on in botany. Sansa's running from memories, and Jon has a soft spot for the red-headed waitress who always remembers how he likes his coffee.

- An East of the Sun, West of the Moon AU!!! (Jonsa) This is one of my fav fairy tales, and of course i couldn't resist Jon as a direwolf striking a deal with the starks!

- A Roomates AU (Jonsa)- Arya, Jon, Tormund, and Sam have been renting the same house together off Winterfell's campus for years- but when Sam moves in with his girlfriend, they need one more person on the lease. Sansa, about to relocate to Winterfell for grad school, finds out that her boyfriend has been cheating on her and that her housing plans have fallen through, all on the same day. Needless to say, she's a bit upset when she calls Arya to relay the news. There's a simple solution here, if Arya and Tormund can stop teasing Jon about his crush for five minutes. (any excuse to write tormund and arya roasting jon, tbh).

- A Fae AU (Jonsa)- When Sansa, a baker living in the city, washes her face in an enchanted spring on a camping trip, she gains the sight as a result. Suddenly able to see the fae underworld all around her is disorienting and terrifying. Sansa tries to conceal it- afraid of what might happen if the fae around her know that she can see them- but slips up, and catches the attention of Jon Snow- one of the lords of the unseelie court.

- A nuclear winter wasteland AU (Jonsa)- (?? I don't even know how to describe this premise, haha) where the Starks are living and running the Free Winterfell settlement in Siberia after a worldwide nuclear meltdown. Before the fallout, Sansa was one of the world's preeminent researchers in plant genetics and pathology, and works at the settlement to create newer, disease and radiation resistant crops to distribute for free to other settlements, aiming to break up the monopoly that Lannister Corp has on the market. Jon is a scavenger, searching throughout Siberia for his sister Rhae who disappeared several years previously. When he runs across Arya Starkovna, helping her fight off another band of radiation ravaged scavengers is just instinct- he doesn't think twice about it. In thanks, she brings him to the Winterfell settlement, where her brother Robb offers Jon sanctuary and resources, in exchange for serving as a bodyguard for Sansa when she travels to other settlements. Sansa is not particularly thrilled by this arrangement, but given that multiple parties seem to want her dead, she doesn't have much of a choice but to accept his company.

- A reincarnation AU (Jonsa)- of sorts. Robb is an archaeologist who finds a strange set of runes at a site up north, and immediately calls in Jon Snow- a historian and expert in said ancient language, as well as an old university friend of Robb's. When he arrives though, Robb shows him their most valuable finds- two mysterious ice blocks, with what appear to be perfectly preserved bodies from over a thousand years ago. No one could ever have imagined that either of them were still alive, but when the ice melts, revealing two very alive girls, the entire crew is instantly buried in NDAs, and given an assignment from the Westerosi government to figure out what the hell was going on. Sansa and Arya wake up, extremely confused about the world they live in, trying to adapt and mourning all that they've lost, even as the people around them wear familiar faces.

- Soulmates AU (Jonsa)- (Yes, another one, I love this dumb trope) Trauma surgeon and medical resident Sansa Stark is having a very bad day, and ends up meeting her soulmate during what she thinks is a mugging gone wrong. Fortunately, he’s not the one mugging her, just an intervening bystander, but she ends up slightly shot nonetheless. Sansa’s fretting about bleeding on the upholstery in his car, but Jon is a bit more worried about her injuries than the blood stains. He’s a bit confused when she threatens him if he takes her to a specific hospital, nearly has a nervous breakdown when she insists on doing her own triage, and is very charmed when she insists on ice cream after taking pain meds at the hospital. On Sansa’s part, she’s a little less concerned about being shot, and a bit more concerned about whatever weird first impression she’s making to her soulmate while high as a kite on pain pills. (this one just needs some tweaking to be postable- I'm not sure if it's going to be a oneshot or a series, but i love what I have already)

- A Demon/Archivist AU (Jonsa)- where Sansa works in the university's historical archives in Oldtown, and is learning to restore old texts with her fellow student and friend, Alleras (Trans Sarella is an amazing concept). When Joffrey Baratheon shows up with a pile of old books from his family's library to donate, Sansa is eager to get away from his sleaze, and accidentally takes one of the books home with her in her rush to leave. Unbeknownst to her, it's more than it appears, and when she leaves it open overnight, she accidentally summons forth Jon- an ancient, powerful, and extremely annoyed demon who is under a curse, and now hers to command. As Jon and Sansa try to get used to this new normal, the Lannisters (unaware that Joffrey had donated the tome) try desperately to find the book and it's owner, wanting Jon's power for themselves, and putting Sansa in considerable danger unless she can figure out how to break Jon's curse. Fortunately, she's a pretty good researcher, even if Jon is initially a bit of a grump. (This is based on a total wish-fulfillment mary-sue type premise for something I wrote when I was thirteen, and I revisited it and wanted to see what it would look like if i took it very seriously, and i am really enjoying it so far. It's a love letter to the terrible, heartfelt writing i was doing in middle school that created the foundations for my writing today, and so much fun).

The one that I am MOST excited about though:

- A Pacific Rim AU!!!! (Ned/Cat, Gendrya, Braime, Sansa/Jon Umber)-Twins Sansa and Robb Stark have always been completely in tune with each other, and when your parents are Jaeger pilots and your mother invented the neural handshake, what option is there but the Jaeger academy? Sansa studies to be an engineer, but ends up copiloting the Jaeger 'Winter Wolf' with her twin brother, after they lose Ned Stark to cancer. When Robb is ripped out of the conn-pod and killed by a kaiju while he's still connected to Sansa, she barely manages to kill the creature before stumbling back to shore, traumatized, grieving, and swearing that she'll never pilot again.

Unfortunately, the Kaiju don't stop just because Sansa does, and when the end of the world is imminent, Marshall Catelyn Stark orders both her daughter and former pilot Jaime Lannister (who lost his twin and copilot, Cersei, several years previously) back to Hong Kong for one final stand. Forced to face both her demons and an irate Arya, furious that Sansa had abandoned the rest of them after Robb's death, Sansa and Arya have to figure out how to pilot Winter Wolf together before the apocalypse comes for them all.

Featuring Marshall Catelyn Stark (commander of the Hong Kong Shatterdome, inventor of the neural handshake, former Jaeger pilot, and BAMF), Sansa x Jon Umber (Yes i know it's a rare pair but i've always kind of loved the idea of them, even though we know so little about him), Kaiju parts dealer and smuggler Petyr Baelish, bickering kaiju biologist Dany and theoretical mathematician Jon Snow, LOCCENT officer Theon, lots of snark, lots of angst and heartfelt conversations, and a weird friendship between snarky-grieving-asshole Jaime Lannister and kind-quiet-grieving Sansa Stark, who are the only two people in the world who know what it's like to lose a copilot and a twin in the drift.

Thanks for reading guys!! There are more, but some of them I just don't know how to explain quite yet, haha. I'd love to hear what you guys think about these!

[rueitae]

Writing Roundup 2020

This is a writing reflection I’ve been doing for myself every year for the last four years. Its a positive boost to myself see how far I’ve come and look back on my progress for the past year and look forward to the new year. 

Everyone is welcome to use this same format if they’d like to do the same! 

~~~~~~~

Stats:

Words written:

330,000, which is nearly half of all the words I’ve written on Ao3 in the last three years. 

One Shots Posted (all fics plance unless otherwise stated):

In the Arms of the Ever(pink?) Tree (4463 words)

For the Plance Secret Santa exchange. Post s8 date/not date on a snowy moon. Love confession. 

Birthday Treats (2129 words)

For Pidge’s birthday this year! Domestic family fluff, breakfast in bed, plance kids.

Begin Again (Together) (4805 words)

Canon divergence from before episode one! Pidge and Lance are established dating when alien intervention brings them to where they are supposed to be: with the Blue Lion. Just a brief look into what the AU would look like. 

Common Ground (4521 words)

A treat for my friends who introduced me to Magic Knight Rayearth and pointed out some fun character parallels. There is this beautiful art Arya made to go with it because we’re all trash for both series. Plance meet up with Fuu and Ferio post series for both couples. 

Bonded To You (1808 words)

For the Langstron Halloween Exchange! Established plance with a baby Lance is trying to keep safe from a witch who would take advantage of the child’s heritage. 

It Tasted Good (6785 words)

Pikelavar for Pikelavar Month! The premise is crack, but it's mostly treated seriously. Pike ate the Jewel of Jitan by accident and doesn’t realize it until Haggar finds them. Meklavar gets Protective.

The Remainder of Days (3188 words)

Part of my Bad Things Happen Bingo. Fantasy AU where Pidge is a minor forest goddess and Lance is her neighbor mortal farmer. 

I Love You a Lily More Each Day (3232 words)

Another of the Bad Things Happen Bingo. Canon compliant where Lance is undercover at a flower shop and knee deep in an illegal smuggling operation. 

Lease on Life (4978 words)

This one was also part of Bad Things Happen Bingo and was an experiment. It’s POV of an oldest plance kid, canon verse. Her parents’ Paladin days come back to haunt them one night. Some cute family stuff too in there. 

Ready to Dance (4135 words)

For the Valentine’s Day exchange! Post series. Lance tries to get back into the party scene and Pidge rescues him from a disastrous night. 

Loopholes (5476 words)

Technically I didn’t write this fic this year, but a very kind reader asked if I would post this to Ao3, so it was my first fic of the year on Ao3. It’s Lotura! Originally a gift for a dear friend I’ve had since elementary school. It’s a fantasy AU where Lotor stumbles into Allura’s kingdom needing help. 

Next to Me (7311 words)

Also for Bad Things Happen Bingo, this is probably one of my favorite fics of the year. This is the canon verse AU that went all wrong in s7, and Sendak succeeds in destroying Earth. Lance and Pidge end up not only his prisoners, but also two of the last humans in the universe. Ends open ended, but it became a series in the end!

Into Me (14248 words)

The sequel to the above fic. There are two versions, this and the one below. The title tells all. Lance and Pidge come to terms with their new life aboard Sendak’s flagship and do their best to keep the other comforted.

Into Me (non-explicit version) (7228 words)

Exactly the same as the fic above, only this one is SFW

Sunshine (3831 words)

A Bad Things Happen Bingo! One of my favorite concepts. Canon verse. Pidge gets sick while she and Lance are on a scientific mission. 

Showoff (635 words)

A really short fic for a friend on their birthday, featuring their plance kids!

Respite of the Heart (4181 words)

A fic I have been wanting to write for a very long time. I love the concept of Pidge as a Disney Princess in the sense she has the forest guardian theme and all these animals love her. So there’s some play on that as the Paladins stop for lunch on their journey back to Earth in early s7. Lance comes to a realization and they have a chat surrounded by the animal friends. @anchoredtetherart did a phenomenal piece to accompany it. Please look at it in awe here.

The Hardest Part (3960 words)

For Bad Things Happen Bingo! An AU of the episode The Reunion where Pidge doesn’t return when she’s supposed to. 

A Planned Sacrifice (4988 words)

Another Bad Things Happen Bingo. Canon verse. Pidge assumes that being a sacrifice for the ‘forest god’ is strictly ceremonial and at worst a wild animal. It’s actually Sendak, who no one has seen since Shiro shot him out of the Castle. He remembers Pidge and is far too pleased to see her again, tied up on a silver platter. 

Almost Forgotten, but Not Gone (3946 words)

Bad Things Happen Bingo. AU sometime in s1 where Haxus isn’t as dead as Pidge thought. 

Touch (7519 words)

Written for the Lance Goes Boom bang! It was inspired by @fenixseraph ‘s amazing art here! It’s a different take on The Way Forward, where Pidge and Lance are separated from the rest of the team and placed in their own cell. And the Red Lion causes issues. 

Chaptered Fics started/added to:

Wolf In Thieves’ Clothing (4516 words)

An AU of The Castle of Cagliostro from Lupin the Third series. Lee, you have my thanks forever for making me watch this finally. Pidge is a literal princess whose kingdom is in the middle of an internal coup. Lance is a gentleman thief who rides with his best buds Hunk and Matt. Their paths are destined to cross again when Lance goes back to the castle he used to call home. 

Game of Love (4593 words)

The most crack of the bunch. AU of Fall the of the Castle of Lions where Sendak and Haxus get away with it all. Pidge and Lance are prisoners on Haxus’ new ship, and Lance finds an opportunity for eventual escape when he learns that Haxus has a crush on his second in command. Operation matchmaker begins. (happy ending planned for all)

What Tides May Bring (20704 words)

Collab with the fantastic @anchoredtetherart for MerMay! Established plance as mermaids and guardians of their elements with adorable mer child. Then angst because they are all captured by a ‘research’ institute. 

Seasons of Magic (16546 words)

I actually added a chapter this year! Ongoing collection of one-shots with mage Pidge who lives in the country and cultivates her plant magic and makes potions with the assistance of her dragon familiar, Lance. Mostly domestic fluff. 

Too Soon and Not Soon Enough (11438 words)

Added another chapter this year to my Keith-centric AU. It’s basically VLD but five years early and they’re all literally child Paladins. Keith gets to meet Krolia earlier and its fun to go into tween friendships as they try and navigate the reality of their situation. 

Seeds (48833 words)

Added a ton earlier this year. A collection of plance fics all or mostly under 500 words. All meant to be adopted by others if interest strikes. Covers many genres.

Chaptered Fics Finished:

Resolve to Fly (75799 words)

Written for the Pidge Angst Bang. My artist @alchemie0 did an outstanding job capturing the feel of the fic. Look at the art here! Canon verse AU where Pidge encounters Haxus, who has crashed on Earth. She helps him repair his ship in excitement and good faith, which he pays back by kidnapping her. For two years she survives as little more than a housepet on Sendak’s ship. Gen.

Who's Protecting Who? (28989 words)

Also technically not written this yeah, but posted. A collab with Hush waaaay back in 2018. It's a plance Altean AU with Pidge as distant royalty and Lance as a bodyguard.

A Dish Served Cold (21533 words)

Finally finished this one! Canon verse in which Pidge accidentally runs into Sendak on an isolated planet. Sendak takes advantage of this encounter and tries to return to the Empire with her in tow. Much Pidge whump. Gen

Reflections: 

Best title 

I still really really love Too Soon and Not Soon Enough (11438 words). Because it's too soon for the Paladins to be Paladins, and for Keith it's not nearly soon enough for Krolia to return. It just feels like it has a lot of heart to it. I hope I can keep it going, but my ideas are incredibly scattered for it. 

Worst title 

Touch (7519 words). Yeah it’s a play on ‘Don’t you touch her’ but it feels soooo dry. 

Best/worst last line

Best: This was really, really hard choice this year, but ultimately, making up for the terrible title, its Touch (7519 words) 

“It feels good to escape the ship with all of his teammates, secure in the knowledge that he has a way forward not just as a Paladin, but also with Pidge.” 

- Not only did I manage to fit the title of the episode in there, it's got that hopeful tinge to it and reflects on personal growth both internally and with Pidge. 

Worst: This one isn’t necessarily bad from Begin Again (Together) (4805 words), but it could be better. It didn’t get quite the epic sense I was hoping to pull from it.

“Okay,” he smirks, hand firmly on the throttle. “Operation save Earth starts now.”

Looking back, did you write more fics than you thought you would this year, less than you thought, or about what you predicted?

Definitely wrote way more. Even with posting two fic that are essentially the exact same, I still ended up writing nearly half of my total Ao3 word count this year. (330,000/670,000). Doing Bad Things Happen Bingo was a bit part of that - I was very inspired at the beginning of this year - but also there were many events I participated in (8 total!!) on top of my personal projects. 

What’s your favorite story this year? Not the most popular, but the one that makes you the happiest.

A really hard decision this year, because there are several that make me really happy. I think oddly enough though, it’s Game of Love (4593 words) because of its potential and how much crack it is. It has such whacky rom-com energy to it but also that underlying angst of the situation I can fall back on. My favorite trope to explore is what happens to the characters when they’re captured. I just really enjoy the concept and the challenge to make such a concept believable with minimal suspension of belief. 

Okay, NOW your most popular story.

Using kudos as my gauge (and not counting the chapter fics), the winner is: 

Respite of the Heart (4181 words)

Not surprising because Ivy’s art is STUNNING.

Story most underappreciated by the universe?

I think that’s It Tasted Good (6785 words), the pikelavar fic. Pikelavar is underappreciated in general

Story that could have been better?

For all I was excited to write Sunshine (3831 words), it didn’t quite fall the way I had imagined in my mind. I don’t know if it was the structure or I was running out of steam or what. All i know is that I wanted more but all I could concentrate on was that scene where he’s caring for her in bed. Maybe I was just too ambitious.

Sexiest story?

No brainer it's Into Me (14248 words). Literally. Which really shocked me that it happened. Didn’t think I’d write any smut at all, let alone this year. This particular fic just kinda called out for it 

Saddest story?

The prequel to the above fic: Next to Me (7311 words). How much more sad can you get than Earth being destroyed, being Sendak’s prisoners all while trying to tell each other ‘i love you’ without seeming weird because you’re the last humans in the universe. 

Most fun?

I think it's Ready to Dance (4135 words). Just Valentine’s fluff and impromptu slow dancing in the park at night. 

Story with single sweetest moment?

I’m picking What Tides May Bring (20704 words). Listen, mer Lance and mer Pidge playing with their mer baby in their domestic paradise is probably one of my favorite things I’ve ever written. Dad Lance has my heart. 

Hardest story to write?

The last chapter of A Dish Served Cold (21533 words) was like pulling teeth. I’m pretty happy with it in the end but at the time man it was so hard. 

Did you take any writing risks this year? What did you learn from them?

I wrote smut. It was...weird? But also strangely calming. I wrote more for another fic but it's still a WIP. I definitely need to be in the mood to write it. 

Proudest Achievement:

The Pidge Angst Bang. Resolve to Fly (75799 words). Look at that word count. I only wanted something under 3k at first, so it was just going to be Pidge meeting Haxus. But by the time I finished that part it was already 10k. So even though I was going through a rough part of my life, I just kept going and it ended up being my therapy. I’m really proud of the fic and I love my artists’ pieces. It really lifted my spirits. (You should all really go check out the Ao3 collection of all the bang stories and art they are AMAZING you won’t regret. If you love Pidge angst they are all must reads.)

What are your fic writing goals for next year?

I’d like to finish my Bad Things Happen Bingo card and then focus on my current WIP, that includes the Seeds collection. There are days I still feel a bit overwhelmed, and I’m still trying to find a routine after moving. I’d like to do more events too, but I think I need to be more selective about which ones I do. I don’t want to burn myself out. 

Apart from that, I’d really like to try and give back to the community more. I’d like to start consciously writing fics for others without an event to go by. 

Past Years:

2017

2018

2019

[silverducks]

Game of Thrones - My Ending

Ok, so I wasn't too keen on the ending we had in Game of Thrones, so I made up my own.

This is not me theorising how the book series might end either, just me trying to come to terms with some of the badly written stuff at the end of GoT. A fix it fic, if you will.

It can pretty much go as we've already seen in the episodes, even if I'm not too keen on a lot of what happened in it (cough the Night King cough). But I can live with most of it and this is designed to fit into what we already have, with not too many changes. Just enough to fix what for me were the worst of the plot points.

Spoilers below for GoT obviously.

Anyway, Jaime of course doesn't just go back to save Cersei, because that's stupid and totally undermines his character arc. Instead he is going back to stop her – kill her if needed - as he fears she'll set off the Wildfire which he suddenly thought of from what Sansa says. So he pretends he's leaving Brienne as he doesn’t want her to go with him, as it might put her in danger.

The rest of the episode can play out as it does, with Tyrion really thinking Jaime is returning to Cersei because he doesn’t realise how much Jaime has changed as a person. Jaime plays along, not wanting his brother to either try to stop him, or help him. But when Jaime gets to Cersei (much sooner than in the show) he sees she is about to set off the Wildfire - her last attempt at victory, hoping it will kill the invading army.

It’s another silly plot point for me that Cersei doesn’t have more planned; she's too clever not too. So she does have a back-up plan in my version, one where she’ll set off the Wildfire to hopefully destroy the invading army and Dany and her dragons with it (having already isolated the Red Keep from the Wildfire supply, so she’ll be ok there). Anyway, Jaime sees Cersei about to set off the Wildfire so he pleads with her not too. When that doesn't work, he strangles her as per the Valonqar prophecy. He then sets off the bells, (because it makes more sense only the royal family can from the keep). This brings his story arc to a proper close – coming full circle in the sense he yet again kills a monarch to prevent the slaughter of innocents, something even harder for him to do this time as it’s his sister. But also fully completes his character arc in that he finally and fully breaks free from Cersei and redeems himself.

Before and between the above scenes, we see much more of a proper battle between Dany and Jon’s forces and Cersei’s – the battle isn’t won quite so easily. The Lannister army still surrenders, but only when they hear the bells rung by Jaime.

Dany, when she hears the bells, but sees the Red Keep, decides she's determined to take her enemies out. She doesn’t just slaughter everyone, because that is another stupid plot point, but instead goes straight for the keep. Her "madness" is still there, but only in enough for her to forget the innocents on her way. (Yes, I still like Dany’s descent into madness and think this is a key thing from GRRM, but the show handled it badly). Unfortunately though, she sets off the Wildfire accidentally, which Jaime tried so hard to stop. It tears through the city and hits all the innocent people anyway. It's enough for Tyrion & Jon to see she's unfit to rule, but without such a rash personality change.  And whilst the Wildfire rages through the city, we see all the soldiers on all sides helping the innocent people and each other to get to safety.

Meanwhile, Arya, who isn't so easily swayed from her task, gets to Cersei just as Jaime kills her. Jaime is about to give up after he rings the bells, because he's upset he’s had to kill his sister - even if he's not in love with her anymore, she's still his sister and he still cares a lot about her. But when he sees Arya and the Red Keep under attack from Dany and Drogon, he remembers his vow to save both Stark girls. It gets him fighting again and him and Arya both help each other escape the Red Keep. When they’re trying to escape is around the time the Wildfire is set off by Dany and we see Jaime badly injured with Arya (who knows he’s on the right side for killing Cersei), helping him up. The episode ends with us not being too sure if they made it out alive.

The next and final episode, we've still got going relatively similar with Tyrion wandering through the wreckage of Kings Landing. He finds a bunch of Lannister soldiers near the Red Keep and a badly injured Jaime is there. Arya's there too, but not as badly injured, but much more than the show which was too unrealistic in that regard.

Jaime tells Tyrion he was trying to stop Cersei, but the Wildfire went off anyway. Dany doesn't have much remorse about this - she sees it is a necessary casualty in winning the war. She still gives her speech, but it’s not quite as tyrannical. But both Tyrion & Jon are not happy about this, so the rest of the story with Dany’s death goes the same. Only we see Dany realising why Jon is killing her properly this time. Drogon doesn’t destroy the throne - because that symbolism, though looking cool, isn’t ever then taken through properly in the show (ie we still end up with a King).

However, because Jon is technically the rightful heir to the throne, not Dany, the Lord Council members demands he’s set free and made king. He was in his right to kill the “real” usurper. Grey Worm doesn't like this, but as most of his soldiers are now dead, because they've fought in lots of battles now - same with the Dothraki - he has little choice. (Seriously, in the show where did all these extra Dothraki and Unsullied come from?!) So Jon's released and Tyrion too (he still gets arrested for freeing Jaime, even though Jaime was on their side all along, because it’s another sign that Dany’s not herself now, her thirst for power has totally overtaken her idealism)

Jon though, doesn’t want to be King, so they still all elect Bran, only they focus on the real reason Bran would be a good king - because he can see everything and therefore use it to make wise kingly decisions.

The Small Council's much the same; Brienne can still be head of the Kings Guard, although Bran changes the rules so they can still marry people and have kids (he’s all knowing, it’s less relevant for him to have such a committed Kings Guard) and so her and Jaime can marry. Jaime becomes the commander of the army/Master of War again, because he’s proven himself worthy. He’s still also Lord of Casterly Rock, although he doesn’t live there, but his and Brienne’s children can inherit it and also Tarth. Bronn's made his second in command (not Master of Coin which makes no sense.) Tyrion's still the Hand, because he did do a good job of it back in the days before Dany (and the show runners made him stupid).

Jon chooses to go North to be with his Wilding friends, although he’s not exiled and there is no Night Watch now. (Seriously, that’s the only way to deal with the people who would otherwise join the Night Watch?)  Sansa’s just made warden of the North, because splitting the country up further seems counter to the theme of working together we had in the show. (I think Sansa would indeed make a great ruler, but she doesn’t need to actually become Queen. Just the best Warden of the North ever!) Arya still leaves to find what’s West of Westeros, but it's based on the idea she'll be back and of course totally left open ended whether she eventually reunites with Gendry (in my head canon she totally does). He’s there waving her off and she looks a little sad as she watches him whilst she sails away...

And Pod still becomes a Knight.

There. That’s my ending. Of course, there’s lots more I’d like to change in Season 8, and also Season 7 which had its own share of bad plot points, but this is meant as a few tweaks to the biggest issues I had, rather than a full on rework.

And I’m gonna have this as my headcanon, because I’m still bitter about how they did end things on the show, especially for Jaime. He had one of the best character arcs on the show and no one can convince me it wasn’t anything but completely wasted and destroyed in the end. For no other real reason but bad writing and a total lack of understanding/regard for his character. Such a shame.

[dismuch47]

Game of Thrones Theories

It’s always fun to throw these out there and read them again after things have gone down. So here is my revised theory list, as my predictions have altered somewhat...

ARYA STARK

Hate to say it, but I think she’s gonna die. She was obsessed with legends of heroes as a child... and now she is one: Arya Stark who disguised herself as a boy with her sword Needle, favorite of the Many Faced god, who completed revenge on those who murdered her family, killer of the untouchable Little Fnger, and slayer of dragons. I added the last one, because I KNOW she is going to kill an ice dragon with that spear. She is going to be the source of so much inspiration to bards, but she is going to be cut down in this war against the Night King. “Okay... today...” She will tell the god of Death, “But not this second...” as she does one last amazing feat to give the good guys the tipped scale they need...like a bad ass boss. Gendry will listen to her hero deeds through songs for the rest of his life, bitter sweet smile on his lips for his first love and the most bad ass woman he ever knew.

GENDRY BARATHEON

Obviously I love the Gendrya ship, that’s why they come first to my mind, but I don’t think they are fated to be together. Their love is true, but she never wanted to be a Lady in a castle. And I don’t think she’s going to survive to the very end. But I do feel that Gendry is being built up to take the iron throne. That this series is going to end how it began; the wheel will not break, but it will wear down. But this time... a Baratheon and Stark will rule... as it should have been the first time. Gendry will have bard songs to remember his first love Arya, but he will be in matrimony with Sansa. It will be a political move... but as he is kind, she is beautiful and witty... it will work. Love... not sure, but he’ll be true to her, unlike Robert. Oh... and there is still a chance that he could be legitimate...but I’ve already written about that and don’t want to take the time to write it all up again. Short version: It’s all Jamie’s fault the Cersei is crazy and Gendry was raised by a blacksmith.

SANSA STARK

There was a time that I hoped that Sansa would renew her marriage to Tyrion, for numerous reasons (I might have shipped them at one point..), but I feel that Sansa is no longer bewitched by the idea of being married for the sake of love. It is obvious that the north looks to her as their level-headed ruler, and she becomes more and more like her mother every day... so I feel that she’s going to be on the throne... and pressured to marry Gendry Baratheon. They will have a long winter to turn him into the king figurehead he needs to be... but Sansa is the one pulling the strings and whose council he trusts. It will be political, but they could grow to lust for each other and...who knows... love? The fact that they both love Arya (though for different reasons) is just more common ground.

BRAN STARK

I don’t care. But I feel like the three-eyed raven does more harm then good. Pushes people away. And when his plan totally fails, we’ll see that everything was going to play out exactly the way it would have even without his “help.” Hello I can see everything that has already happened: WORST SUPER POWER EVER. Seriously, warg some crap to make things better for everyone instead of making them feel self-conscious for things they can’t control! I truly believe that the death of the “memory of man” is a good thing...all these prophecies and fates make everyone feel trapped... instead of letting everyone carve their future with bold uncertainty. I’m calling it now... death of three-eyed Raven is a GOOD thing. It will help wear down, or break the cycle.

JON SNOW

He never wanted the throne, and I don’t think him finding out who he is has changed that. It’s only there to add drama and tension. I do feel that he’s going to have to play out that prophecy of killing his beloved, Daenerys... because DRAMA. He’s going to end up either taking their boat baby elsewhere to be raised or he’s going to die. I would like to think he would survive... because I don’t think Dany is going to make it... and the dragon line will continue... though maybe not with the dragons...

MOTHER OF DRAGONS

She dead. The days of commanding mythical creatures and magical people are coming to an end. Drogon will die by the Night King’s Dragon, which will be able to HURT DANY WITH IT’S FLAMES since it is not regular fire... so her mortality in battle will come as a hard blow. Strip her of the muscle, which was gained with muscle and dragons, take away dragons and you have a very vulnerable woman with no real know-how to lead or inspire loyalty. So really, in my opinion, her usefulness is going to run shockingly low once the NK army mows over her 3,000 like nothing. Except for drama. So... boat baby and turning against Jon...and having to be killed by him...for....yah now. DRAMA. I’m sorry, but I’m just over her. 

CERSEI LANNISTER

I think Jamie will be responsible for her death, but not in the way that we think. I think she is going to legit kill him. And possibly his gold hand will come into play of her death...whether by being bludgeoned by it (*cough* by Brie of Tarth *cough*) or being melted down into a sentimental weapon to killer her with (*cough* by Brie of Tarth *cough*).

SIR BRIENNE OF TARTH

Oh she gonna LIVE, baby. She gonna team up with The Hound to take down The Mountain. She gonna put the Mad Queen down. And then she gonna be head of the King’s guard. Because that’s how you crush the wheel of sexism, baby!

JAMIE LANNISTER

Dead. Just... dead. He’s gotten redemption, he’s pissed off Cersei and at times is responsible for her madness... so... dead. It’s time. And I’m sure it will be sentimental and in the arms of a gorgeous lady knight which is more than he deserves... Or crumpled up by the Mountain.

TYRION LANNISTER

He’s my fav. He’s my boy. But I don’t know if he’s gonna make it. How nice would it be if he did... that the one that everyone mocks as being weak and useless and ugly makes it out on top...but I just don’t know. If he doesn’t make it, may it be on his witty terms, and not like a coward.

BRONN

Dead.

THEON GREYJOY

I don’t want him to die... because his redemption has been heartbreaking and sincere, but I also don’t want him to live with the memory of what he’s been through. I could see him dying honorably, and it would be a sigh of relief to him.

YARA GREYJOY

You go get that fishy throne! You’re doing amazing sweetie.

NIGHT KING

So I’ve always had a theory that the white walkers and the long winters are basically a reset button for mankind when things get too immoral, incesty, and just unbalanced...so while they are terrifying and it seems horrible that they take infants for their army and slaughter thousands.. look at what the human kingdoms are doing: burning little girls, sacrificing infants, slaughters at weddings, using imprisoning and torturing in the name of righteousness, brother and sister joining in lust, conquerors called messiahs... it’s an unholy mess and the white walkers are like “yucccccck... let’s just mow this over and see if anything worthy crops back up in the spring...” This whole summer verses winter... it’s a tale as old as time: death must come in order to purify for a hopeful spring. It’s a cycle...and I think that the walkers are apart of the cycle when it comes to mankind. But if they are defeated, then mankind is going to be left to face it’s own morality issues, rather than blame an ultimate evil. Can mankind even handle that? And then there’s the theory that the NK is just cruising for a queen, which I find reasonable. And if he is...it’s going to be a Stark, as a call out to the Stark Crow that went mad for a White Walker Queen.

So those are some predictions. It will be interesting to see who gets killed tonight...

[psi-psina]

sorry girls

I can’t stop thinking about Dany and how this ending may reflect her ending in the books and what might happen to get her to that point. :/

I think it’s not just possible but honestly even very likely that Dany will, at the very least, bring down The Red Keep completely and posssiiblllyyyy raze King’s Landing in one of the two following books but I have a VERY hard time thinking that that will be the final denoument of her entire character arc in the books, like I genuinely can’t see it happening like that. Even in the show where they did  (purposefully? idk if they even deserve that much credit) give her these more entitled/egomaniacal traits whenever she had to be commanding/regal, it still doesn’t makes sense even in the show, but that is primarily because they failed to give her even a slightly believable motive for doing such a thing after she had already conquered the city? They can claim she is “mad” and try to equate her actions with Cersei’s all they want but before that moment she has never shown a hint of having such ~madness~ in her lmfao. It’s ridiculous. Not to mention because her distrust of the people around her is literally completely justified because they all turn on her the second they smell an alternative to the foreign dragon lady. Like, Jon betrays her then Varys betrays her then Tyrion betrays her. One two three. I do find that interesting because I think this could also possibly be a thing they’ve mangled from the books...Quaithe warns Dany repeatedly of the three betrayals she will endure and Dany assumes she has already experienced two of them (Jorah and...whom?) but this could point to it being otherwise, which would be totally in line with how Martin treats prophecies in the narrative. It seems very likely the prophecised betrayals will be commited by far more significant characters at far more crucial junctures.

I’m certain she will lose one of her dragon’s to Victarion/the dragonbinder and since Victarion is basically already in Slaver’s Bay in the book’s, I would expect that to happen in TWOW if it’s gonna happen (which it has to...chekov’s gun and all), and I think that loss could definitely be a huge hinge for her character and prompt a much darker turn. We know she will be back with the Dothraki for a while and almost certainly will burn all the Khal’s in Vaes Dothrak and probably be named the stallion that mounts the world or some such by the Dosh Khaleen (would be poetic + epic), and she also has two other priests coming for her to name her Azor Ahai reborn...but aside from that I have very little idea as to where she will end up in the next book. I have a feeling she will at least end up in Volantis, but possibly even back in Pentos? Idk. Unless she gets news of Aegon and literally drops everything and legs it back to Westeros because him lol, who knows.

Like I feel almost certain that Dany will die in the end in the books, but I ALSO was certain that JON would die too, especially because he is literally a fire-wight now bc he’s already fucking dead? Like? He’s gonna be brought back for a reason and nothing in the fucking world will convince me that that reason is to kill Dany until I am forced to read it with my own eyes. (Obviously I expect that in the books Jon’s character arc will like somehow meaningfully tie in with the fight/defeat of The Others as well lmao)

Also like, I just need a moment to get off my chest how shitty and awful I think Sansa’s scripting is, like it’s even worse than last season and like with all the characters, I absolutely hate that this is what they turned her in to. It’s fucking stupid to start with, the Starks and the north want independance  from the Throne, yes, but also specifically (in the show) from Cersei with whom they have a rather large grudge. So in waltzes Dany who has a giant army and presents a whole host of possibilities for the north as a powerful ally/alternative and is also acting AGAINST her own interests in order to like, save them all from the ice zombies and Sansa is too stupid and small-minded to even show basic courtesy, but actually cannot WAIT to tell Dany what an inconvenience she is? Bitch what is WRONG with you, as if Lady Sansa would ever behave in such a rude, dumbass way in a fraught political situation, let alone one in which they NEED THE HELP ON OFFER which she and Arya openly acknowledge kajsndf lmfao I can’t its too stupid. It’s the dumbest soap opera bullshit. Like sorry! Ya’ll going on about Sansa pouring dumb bitch juice in everyone elses cup is ridiculous, she shows no more political savvy than Jon does, overseeing the running of a castle day to day doesn’t make you some political genius, she’s literally just a fucking asshole now and I can’t stand her. Like some of the shit she wanted to do last season was beyond stupid. But like obviously I also know she is only written this way in order to ~seed~ the sudden emergence of Dany’s maddness lmfao they could give less of a fuck about Sansa as a character than like....actually IS there a character they give a single toss about? Bronn and Euron, we know they love Bronn and Euron and care about them, huh. And Tyrion I suppose. A pity they couldn’t bring themselves to feel the same way about like, Jon or Dany or Bran.

 It’s not like Dany’s scripting is any better when it comes to their interaction’s though, every single one of them made me want to scream lmao I hate it so much.

I already RAGED about Arya’s scripting last season, like that season was the final death knell for her character and this season it’s Dany and Sansa’s turn but ho boy no one in this entire show got done dirtier than Dany. Not Stannis or Dorne or Meereen or Catelyn or Oberyn or Barristan, none. Because in comparison to Dany these characters and settings simply aren’t at the heart of the story like Dany and Jon are lmfao.

[mmazzeroo]

Jonerys Advent Calendar 2018

@helloimnotawesome 

Dear Val! I’m so excited (and nervous) and honoured to be your Jonerys Secret Santa!

Just a real quick shoutout to Val’s story ‘I Chose You’ - go read it if you haven’t already! *hearteyes*

Never done anything like this before, but got this crazy idea in my head and just couldn’t get it out. So I thought why the heck not?! Why advent calendar you ask. Because they are a vital piece of Christmas celebrations in my part of the world, and as a child I loved them so hoped you might too. Beginning your day with a small piece of chocolate what’s not to like, right? (I still do sometimes even when it isn’t Christmas, please don’t tell my mom). There are advent tv-series where children (usually) somehow end up saving Santa or Christmas or both. So I thought I’d try to transfer the concept into writing by giving you a little drabble-ish sized bite each day from Dec. 1st to 25th.

Fair warning: Virgin fanfic writer (written non-fic pieces though). Un-beta’ed, so apologies for that. English isn’t my native tongue. Any and all grammatical and spelling errors, plot-holes and messed up timelines are entirely mine, and I own them proudly. Since this is based on fiction I’m not trying to make it realistic, just plausible enough to be believable. Totally ball-parking everyone’s ages! Also, because it’s Christmas time I’ve tried to keep the story light and cheery despite the underlying current of heartbreak. (Did I give too much away now?)

Hope you’ll enjoy the story - and the ride! Can be read here below or on AO3.

NB: All rights belong to George RR Martin and HBO. Also, all lines and quotes from various movies, tv series and songs belong to their respective writers / producers / owners. I own none of the content.

ARYA I - What A Shit day!

"Sir! Sir! You need to lay still! We're here to help you, ok?"

She was looking into steel grey eyes as wide as saucers. Like a deer caught in the headlights. Wide with fear and pain. Always the same mix only the degree of either varied. The grey eyed man unfortunately seemed to learn towards fear. Damn it! Fear only made her job more complicated. Fear was only a few steps away from panic and panic was lethal. Panic shut down the brain and prevented her from reaching or reasoning with the patients.

"My wife!" He grabbed her collar and pulled her closer to his face. "Save my wife! She's 8 months pregnant! Please!!" His voice broke at the last word and he loosened his grip on her jacket. Yup, definitely need to calm him down. Shit! She took a quick look towards the tree-line feeling like she was being watched.

"Sir, your wife is being tended to as we speak, ok? She's in good hands. Now can you please tell me your names?"

His lips moved but she couldn't hear a thing over the helicopter taking off just then. Brilliant! Thanks Rakharo! She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. By the old gods and the new please keep the woman and her child safe. Brienne was an amazing paramedic and always did everything within her power to keep everyone alive. She had to have faith, yet she could never help herself to say a little prayer whenever she was on a scene. Especially one like this.

Detective Bronn from King's Landing City Watch had already arrested the drunken sod who'd caused this mayhem. SUV hit in the side, pushed off the road, rolled down a hill and burst into flames. Metal pieces, glass and blood spread heavily all the way down. Pools of blood where the bodies of the driver and passenger had landed. Strange how being thrown out of a vehicle could suddenly be looked at as 'lucky', but it had prevented them from being trapped in a burning car. The blood was all too easy to see in the snow even though the only light available was that from the flames of the burning car - which the firefighters were working on putting out - and her own headlight strapped to her forehead. Both bodies had appeared unresponsive until she and Brienne had managed to get close enough. The drunken driver had gotten off with a broken nose and a busted eyebrow. Fucking asshole! If any lives were lost this evening he'd have a much worse hangover than he could possibly imagine. DA Martell would make sure of that!

A couple of decades ago the Starks and Targaryens had entered an unprecedented partnership. While the Tyrells and Martells were battling over who should reign supreme over Westeros, the wolves and dragons set out on a different mission: They united their medical skills for both humans and animals alike. Under one roof. Together. So today when an emergency call was made they sent out paramedics and a tracker for the hurt and scared animal. To help all injured beings. At first there was the usual scepticism when someone does something new, but gradually people began to understand. Her dad and the late Commander Targaryen both believed the idea of 'leaving no one behind' must include ALL family members regardless of number of legs or wings or scales etc. President Tyrell had successfully managed to get a law past about a decade ago which clearly stated that 'a life is a life' and 'any life taken by outside forces will henceforth be considered a criminal offence and proper authorities shall investigate as such'. So if Tormund and his bloodhounds didn't find and come back with a living breathing dog belonging to the grey eyed man...well then mr. drunk-with-a-busted-eyebrow would be waking up to murder charges tomorrow morning.

"Can you tell me your name, sir?"

She had leaned closer to try to maintain eye contact with him. His eyes blinked once, twice, then closed, she felt his breath on her face and felt his hands slip from her jacket, fall and landed limply in the snow. There was a cry from the woods sounding almost like a wolf, but there were no wolves this far South.

"Clegane! CLEGANE!! Get your arse over here! We need to get him out of this godsdamned snow!"

Sandor Clegane was by her side in a few big strides. He helped strapping the man to the board and helped pull him uphill. He hopped in the driver's seat while she went to work in the back of the ambulance.

"Don't you dare die on me now, buddy! C'mon!" Still no reaction. "C'mon damn it! Wake up!!" Fuck! Cutting his clothes to get to his torso she was met by a sight she'd never seen before. His upper body was covered in scars. Some clearly old while some looked to be pretty resent. Seven hells! What's happened to you?! If only she knew his name. People tend to respond well to hearing their name. She kept working on the man while listening to a symphony of Sandor cursing the King's Landing late night traffic. There was a strong pulse again. Good.

"Yes! He's stable again. ETA?"

"5 mins"

"Roger that."

She searched his pockets for any ID's or papers of any kind but came up empty handed.

"Sir, can you tell me where you are?" She gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"We, we just..." His breathing was shallow and laboured. "We just wanted to find our family." Tears started to pool in his eyes and he was visibly shaking now from trying to keep himself together. "And now," he took a deep shaking breathe, "it's all gone to shit." Tears rolled down his cheeks as he closed his eyes. Once again crashing.

"Damnit man! Stop doing this shit, it's getting real old! You hear me?!" We're so close to the hospital, just hold on a little longer. Leaning in she whispered in this ear, "Your family needs you."

When they arrived at the emergency entrance at the Lyanna Stark Memorial Hospital, Dr. Lannister was already waiting for them.

"Male, injured in vehicle accident. In and out of consciousness, but stable for now. Seemingly superficial wounds to left side of the head. Broken ribs and possible punctured lung on the left side of the chest."

"Has he said anything, Stark?" Dr. Lannister lifted his eye from his notes and looked straight at her. He didn't mean to she knew that, but the fact that he was so tall he literally looked down at her tend to make her feel like a child being scolded whenever he spoke to her. She did not like that feeling. Despite being one of the best surgeons Dr. Lannister wasn't arrogant though. Sure he would often state the fact that he's better than most, but does telling the truth make you arrogant? She wasn't sure.

She lifted her chin towards him and said, "Only few words here and there about his wife and family, doctor."

"Alright. I'll take it from here then. Time to go fix this daddy!"

He started pushing the gurney down to the lift. She took a few steps down the hall.

"Know anything about his wife?"

"Dr. Martell and Dr. Stark are working on her and the babies as we speak. They're in good hands, Arya." His kind green eyes met her own concerned grey ones.

She nodded.

"Wait! Babies? Plural?"

"Twins!", he shouted before the lift doors closed and he disappeared up to the OR.

Twins! Now she hoped even more that Robb and Dr. Martell could work their magic. She knew her brother was a skilful paediatric surgeon, but rumours had it that he was particularly skilled in neonatal care including surgery. Had to be why else would someone like Dr. Martell pick him as resident? Not known for doing favours she wouldn't give two fucks who his dad was if he didn't have any knowledge and skills of his own. Deep breathe. Ok, so overall the country's top surgeons were busy working on her grey eyed patient and his family. That had to be enough. It had to be!

Normally she'd go check the status of the affected animals over at the vet wing, however not expecting Tormund and his hounds to be back already and since technically her shift had ended while out on the call, she went straight to 'Hot Pies & Ale'. Not exactly the most inventive of names, but as Davos said 'we do what it says on the tin.'

Much to her surprise she heard the rambunctious wildling's voice the second she set foot in the pub.

"For fuck sake Bobby, stop licking Bessie's tits! At least buy her dinner first, you dog!" Tormund shook his head as he took a sip of his beer.

"Well, he is a dog so what did you expect?"

"Ha! Little Stark! Smart as always. Bobby B's a dog, aye, but does that mean I want to listen to him licking his girlfriend's tits all night? Tell me that!" He said challengingly, his eyebrows up and chin raised.

"I'm not 'little Stark'—", she said through clenched teeth

"Only because Bran's sitting in a chair!" he bellowed.

"—and 2nd, I don't know what the hells you like listening to!"

Turning towards the bar she hopped onto one of the stools and nodded to Tyrion and Viserys sitting side by side chuckling, probably at her and Tormund's little exchange.

Giving them an annoyed side glare, idiots, she turned around slightly to face the red-haired man. "Didn't expect you back this early. Is that good or bad news?"

"Good. Found it not too far off in the woods. Growling like a motherfucker though, had to sedate the poor thing. Must've taken some hits in that tumble down the hill. Had a few burns as well not too bad all things considered."

She remembered all too well the sound of the growling coming from the car as she had manoeuvred around the vehicle to get to the man. When the firefighters had managed to cut the lock to the crate open all she saw was a flash of white fur, and it was gone between the trees.

"Dr. Tyrell and Sansa was with him when I left."

Giving him a puzzled look he clarified, "Dr. Targaryen isn't expected back until tomorrow. Anyway, Dr. Tyrell says the dog should be back up and running in a jiffy." Giving her a reassuring smile he continued with a wistful look in his eyes, "Could swear it looked like a winter dog. Albino one at that. White as snow. Big gorgeous beast!" He ended with one of his signature big grins.

"Do winter dogs howl?" she asked while taking a sip of the soda Davos had placed before her.

"This one did that's what led me straight to him. Up North they do and the wolves will reply. Can keep you up all night with their howling banter", he laughed out loud and shaking his head as if remembering something. "We'll know for sure tomorrow when Dr. Stark comes."

"Dad's coming??", she asked perhaps a little too excited.

"Aye, Dr. Tyrell called him down for a consult to make sure. If it is a winter dog then he's more wolf than the huskies she's used to."

"Speaking of howling", Viserys interrupted and looked at Tyrion, "your sister was causing quite a ruckus this evening," he chuckled.

Sighing deeply Tyrion asked, "Do I even want to know what she did this time?"

"She kept yelling for more wine", Viserys laughed trying to immitate Cersei "More wine! MORE WINE! MOOOORREEEE WIIIINNNEEEE!!" Leaning back on the barstool, hand on his stomach laughing out loud he continued, "she almost couldn't sound more looney even if she tried!"

Everyone laughed out loud at that including, and especially, Tyrion.

"I swear rubber cells were invented for the likes of my sister."

"Tyrion!", she slapped him on his arm, "she may be crazy but she's still your sister."

"That's exactly why I say it! If set free she'd be a menace to society." He took a big gulp of his beer. "Speaking of menace, have I ever told you the story of the jackass, honeycomb and brothel?" he asked with a grin wiggling his eye brows.

Leaning closer to him with a big smile on her face she answered "Ooh do tell Mr. Lannister!"

"Well, I once brought a jackass and a honeycomb into a brothel—"

He was interrupted when the pub door was ripped open and the voice of a furious woman yelled, "Hey! Watch where you're going fuckface!!"

Stepping through the door she practically threw her bag to the side as she stomped straight to the bar.

"Dany! Good to see you again, sis", Viserys leaned in to kiss her on the temple, "Flight catch some disturbance did it?" he chuckled.

"Oh if only it was the flight", she growled, "Davos, give me a shot of your Dothraki booze."

"As m'lady wishes", Davos poured a shot while exchanging a look with both Vis and Tyrion. "Here you go."

Dany put the glass to her mouth and threw her neck back taking it in one shot. Resulting in heavy coughing and wheezing. "Gods! I hate that stuff! Give me another one. Now, Davos!"

"Hey, why can't I have any of that by the way?", she suddenly asked pointing her index fingers at everyone's drinks.

"Because Arya," Gendry, having been quiet this entire time, said and raised his hand to point at the sign hanging at eye-level clearly saying '21', "you must be this high to ride this ride." Everyone around her laughed out loud with him. A smug look on his face indicating he was very pleased with himself.

"Fuck you! I'll be 21 in just a few months!"

"Few months isn't 21 today, sorry Arya", Davos said sympathetically.

"Whatever!" She left 5 dragons on the bar and jumped off the stool marching to the door.

Gendry called out to her, "A soda's only 4 dragons."

As she swung the door open she looked back and said, "Keep the change...you filthy animal!"

She heard a choir of laugher as the door closed behind her. What a shit day!

[lawonderlandwriter]

Okay okay!

First lines meme

RULES: List the openings of the last ten stories you published. Look to see if there are any patterns that you notice yourself, and see if anyone else notices any! Then tag some friends.

Tagged by @tomakeitbeautifultolive

1) Ice And Fire And Family 

“Your Grace, might I have a word?” Jaime asked quietly, but making sure to emphasize her title so she might agree. Jon Snow looked back at the two of them, an unreadable expression on his face. But when Daenerys nodded, he exited the great hall with his sisters and Brienne.

“Your Grace?” Daenerys repeated, eyebrow raised. “I thought I was just a would-be usurper to you and your sister.” Jaime swallowed hard. He’d done them a great favor overseeing the construction of the scorpion weapon so they might have a chance against the undead dragon. And Sansa at least, had expressed her gratefulness that he was with them. But Daenerys was different. Yes, he’d wronged the Starks many times over. Had attempted to kill one of them. But the crimes he committed against the Targaryen family were far worse. He wasn’t sure where to begin. - DNF sorry. Comments were pretty rude so I abandoned this one. Might go back to it one day.

2) I Want To Be Where You Are

“What are you doing out here?” Jon heard a familiar voice call out to him. He smiled. For some reason, he knew she would find him out there on the steps.

“Just enjoying the view one last time,” he told her, motioning to the sunset in front of them. Daenerys came up and rested her hands on the stone lining the pathway and sighed. Jon turned to watch her watch the sunset and he couldn’t help but think that this was the most beautiful he had ever seen her. The way the light caught her hair and her eyes. The way her lips parted as if in wonder at it all. Looking at her then, Jon’s chest ached. They were leaving that evening, headed north to fight in the Great War. Then afterward, if they were to succeed, they would take King’s Landing from Cersei and there Daenerys would reside. They would have no reason to ever come back to Dragonstone again. Neither of them. - My boatsex one shot! (Split into two chapters)

3) At Least They Had Each Other

In order to keep from crying, Daenerys decided to be angry. Angry at her soon to be husband whom she had never met, angry at the king for forcing this match upon her to shame her house, angry at her brother Rhaegar for running off with Lyanna Stark and igniting this whole mess in the first place, and angry at her father for giving House Targaryen such a horrible reputation, as if any who bore the name would be just as mad and awful as he was. She didn’t want to marry this Jon Snow, some barbaric Northern bastard whom she was sure would be no better than a wildling. Probably twice her size, wiry beard and untamable hair, weatherbeaten skin because the gods knew how unkind the weather was this far north. Thick accent that would either grate on her nerves or be so foreign to her ears she wouldn’t be able to understand a word he said. And oh gods, the bedding. She dreaded that most of all. Like any good lady she had never lain with another, saving herself for her betrothed, mostly because she was fearful that if she didn’t come to her marriage bed pure, he would be able to tell and it would anger him. But being pure had its downsides and from what all her friends and handmaids had told her, the first time was a dreadfully painful experience. And certainly a Northern brute like this Jon Snow wouldn’t be gentle with her at all. - Honestly, probably my favorite out of all the things I’ve written, my “Forced Marriage” AU for one of the Jonerys Weeks!

4) A Fire You Can’t Put Out

Mr. Snow sat at his desk in room 317 and waited for the mad rush. It was eight o’ five, on the morning of August twentieth. It was the first day of school. And it was going to suck.

The government teacher hadn’t always hated the first day of school. When he began teaching at Westeros High three years ago, he had actually looked forward to it. Some of his best memories had taken place in these halls in his own days as a student with best friend and fellow alumni-turned-teacher, Robb Stark. - Adapted from an original story of mine for Jonerys Week - Modern AU (High School AU - Teacher Jon, Student Dany).

5) A Cold That Would Burn The Entire World

It was everything Tyrion feared and even more horrifying to see. Sansa gasped when they brought the queen inside and laid her lifeless body on the table, her protruding belly almost mocking them. Grey Worm wouldn’t meet Tyrion’s gaze and simply walked back outside. Arya and Theon Greyjoy stayed though. Tyrion wanted to ask what happened. Wanted to know every bloody detail but the words stuck in his throat. The Lady Melisandre walked around Daenerys’s body, shaking her head as if she didn’t agree with this. Tyrion felt the same. This wasn’t the way it was supposed to end. He had seen the dead all collapse into lifeless corpses again. He knew they had won. But this didn’t feel like a victory. - My SUPER angsty one-shot on the end of the War for the Dawn. It has a happy ending though!

6) Go South, Get Warm

It had been a long journey from Eastwatch but not at all unpleasant. Though this was only Jon’s second time on a ship and certainly the longest he’d ever been out to sea, he found he loved it. It was peaceful. It was quiet. There were no traitorous Night’s Watchmen here. No wights or White Walkers. It was just Jon and the sea. And Ghost. The direwolf didn’t seem overly fond of being on the ship. Here he couldn’t roam or hunt. He’d grown a little bit of a belly since they departed and Jon noticed it swung from side to side when Ghost trotted up and down the ship. He hadn’t yet decided if he found it endearing or felt guilty for it. - An AU in which Jon misses Sansa at Castle Black and does exactly what he told Ed he would do - Go South, Get Warm. And yes, still writing, have not given up on it.

7) Across The Sea

Her handmaid and midwife Wylla had told her it wouldn’t be for a few more weeks but as another painful squeeze around her midsection took her breath away, Lyanna knew her little prince or princess was coming today . She knew what had brought on her early labor. Her grief at hearing of Rhaegar’s tragic passing and the fate of his former wife and children. Though she knew she and Rhaegar needed to pay for their sins that started this wretched war, this price seemed much too great. - AU where Jaime and Lyanna raise Jon and Dany in Essos. Have not given up on it either, still planning on continuing. 

8) The Ginger Wolf And The Copper Dragon

Jon sat at his new desk in his new office - new office in honor of his election as the 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. When Sam had thrown Jon’s name into the election, Jon had not expected to win and somewhat resented Sam for doing so. He just knew that when Thorne was named Lord Commander, he’d make Jon pay for his going up against him in some way. But to Jon’s surprise, Maester Aemon cast the deciding vote, putting all his trust in Jon, giving him all the responsibility of The Wall, putting so many people’s fates in Jon’s hands.

It was a hollow victory of course. As he sat at his desk, eyes and mind refusing to close so he might get some rest, he touched his fingers as close to the candle in front of him as he dared without burning himself. Kissed by fire. Unbidden, Jon’s eyes prickled with tears and his throat tightened, thinking of Ygritte. We should have never left that cave. - AU where Jon/Ygritte had a daughter and Rhaego lived. Single parents Jon/Dany. My FLUFFIEST fic to date.

Hmm, so I guess I definitely have a thing for writing from male character’s perspectives! Clearly these are all Jonerys. Though funnily enough, when I first made this blog, I was super into the Marauders Era of Harry Potter and wanted to write fics for that. I may still yet. Who knows?

If you’ve been tagged, sorry! Tagging @ashleyfanfic @thesparkles59 @muttpeeta @justwandering-neverlost

[thousandeyesand-one]

Cersei Lannister with the wits & cunning of Tywin Lannister..

Recently I read an anti's perspective of this scene where cersei is very cunning with her fear mongering. Apparently cersei wasn't lying in this scene about daenerys, she wasn't inaccurate about who the Mad King's Daughter is & every last bit of info she dropped on her. So here's a breakdown of this scene & the amount of "truths & lies" it contains.

This statement coming from cersei is really something considering she has steered the War of the Five Kings which has destroyed the realm, wiped out several noble families & caused innocent lives the count of which is still unknown.

Open Rebellion which happened because of how cersei ended the future of a great house who were actually the crown's greatest ally. Olenna was playing a last move against cersei for justice for her family that is the only reason she allied with daenerys.

•House Tyrell aren't Targaryen Loyalists really! during the rebellion they sided with the Targaryens as long as they were the winning side as soon as Rhaegar died & Lannister's sacked KL they lifted the seige on Storm's end, similarly in the War of the Five Kings they sided with the Crown right after renly died. So, a family who has stayed Loyal to nobody but themselves in the past will have an easy case built against them by cersei. Their past isn't very convincing on their loyalties for Tyrell's bannermen to stay loyal to their Lord Paramount in a state where they side with a foreign army against the crown. Cersei isn't lying here but definitely hand picking selective facts to back her case up.

•Mindless unsullied soldiers or more correctly Loyal unsullied soldiers. When daenerys gave them their freedom back & the right to choose whether they fight for her or not & they chose to fight for her they stopped being mindless. When Kraznys Mo Nakloz shows daenerys the ranks of unsullied more than half of them were of dothraki stock, some from lys & Qarth. They seem to have no allegiance to anyone but their commander unlike the golden company consisting of sell swords from around the world & a number of exiled westerosi men whose only allegiance is to gold not any commander. They aren't mindless atleast not the unsullied with daenerys. But yeah I guess Unsullied in general have that reputation of being mechanical to consequences of war. Again cersei isn't lying here but these are hand picked facts she needed to back her case.

"Unsullied are brave soldiers ... But not warriors. Not knights"

                                                       -Ser Barristan Selmy

While the unsullied are helpless to their own nature to the way that they were created to be as soldiers not warriors or knights. Yet there are those like Ser Gregor Clegane, who was knighted for his sadistic brutality on Princess Elia & her children. Also known for being pretty brainless with his brutality of innocent & women, children & in burning of villages. Rmember the way Lannister men tortured people in harrenhal without question?! If the unsullied are mindless then so is the Lannister army, the Northern army & every other army who fights & follows their commander's orders as in that's what armies do. As of now in the show mountain is just as brainless as any foot soldier in the army of the dead. There is nothing that the Dothraki does that the Lannister men haven't done in a time of war. Dothraki way is the barbaric way, that's the only way they know unlike the Lannisters. So again, cersei hand picked the facts to back her case.

Also I love how they cut to Jaime when cersei says the following..

•Ned Stark's service & loyalty was also rewarded in a particular fashion of unfair brutality by cersei for the sake of her children. Olenna is doing the same in fact her motivations are the same that of cersei's. Cersei was protecting her family Olenna is avenging hers.

•Mad King is cersei's strongest champion in this discussion, she strengthened her own position by using mad king to exploit daenerys & her reputation before she builds one in the eyes of westerosi lords. Cersei knows as much about Aerys & Daenerys as much as the next person in that room. But Ser Barristan Selmy not only served Aerys but also had seen Rhaella, Rhaegar & Daenerys. Other than varys he might be the only person who saw the Last of House Targaryen pretty closely. He thought Daenerys was like Rhaegar who was widely believed to be nothing like the Mad King.

"Prince Viserys was only a boy, it would have been years before he was fit to rule, and ... forgive me, my queen, but you asked for truth ... even as a child, your brother Viserys oft seemed to be his father's son, in ways that Rhaegar never did."

                    -Ser Barristan Selmy ASOS (Daenerys IV)

"I think you are Rhaegar Targaryen's sister," Ser Jorah said with a rueful half smile.

"Aye," said Arstan Whitebeard, "and a Queen as well."

                                                     -ASOS (Daenerys IV)

While Jorah & Whitebeard knew daenerys that well to make that comparison of her to Rhaegar. Tyrion on the other hand knows both cersei & Daenerys well enough. He chose to serve daenerys over his own sister & did her bidding one on one to cersei. Neither does he want daenerys to launch a dynasty nor does he wants to see cersei win. He wants to build a new world with daenerys with the help of the power she holds because according to him, her mind & heart are ultimately in the right place when it comes to the overall picture!

"Cersei is as gentle as King Maegor, as selfless as Aegon the Unworthy, as wise as Mad Aerys. She never forgets a slight, real or imagined. She takes caution for cowardice and dissent for defiance. And she is greedy. Greedy for power, for honor, for love."

                                                -Tyrion Lannister ADWD

Tyrion never refers daenerys in anyway ever as unworthy, mad or cruel, ever! Neither in the books nor on the show. All he says is "Daenerys is not her father" Cersei is wrong with her comparison of mad king & daenerys.

•I agree daenerys has made mistakes in the past, done things that when given a second thought to, come of as cruel. But to remember the fact that she was brought up on the road in exile with an abusive Half-mad brother, whose decent into madness she saw & lived with. Both Jon & Daenerys are Targaryens, both very similar people at the core of their personalities; Innocent & introvert, pure & kind the only reason why Jon is such a flawless beloved character is because he was raised by Ned Stark unlike daenerys who was raised by Viserys & his own twisted perspective of the world & people. Yes She crucified 163 masters of meereen, most of whom had a hand behind the crucifixion of little children at every mile on a post for 163 miles. All those children were brutally tortured so daenerys learns a so called lesson masters wanted to teach her. Maybe not all those masters were behind the said brutality but daenerys is a women in a hurry to establish power in meereen not to enjoy the fruits of power but for the betterment of the mereenese, the slaves & the children. Regardless of the consequences her intentions were never evil.

•About feeding the masters to her dragons. This doesn't happen in the books neither does Ser Barristan dies. So purely from a Show viewer perspective cersei humiliated Ser Barristan Selmy out of his servitude in the Kingsguard, the sworn brotherhood like the Night's Watch whose oath frees one upon their death.

A little history on Selmy; he was sworn into the brotherhood of Kingsguard during the reign of Jaehaerys II who was weak but a fine king Selmy was happy to serve him yet he died quickly after which Aerys II ascended to the throne who wasn't mad initially but soon acquired the said madness & Selmy grew to respect his oath over the king he serves. He fought for Rhaegar at the trident because he believed he would be a better king than his father unfortunately he died too. Leaving Selmy in a clutch of his oath & honor, upon being pardoned by Robert Baratheon he decided to serve him because he was a great knight but even he turned out to be a Bad King. Let's not even talk about Joffery! After being free of the oath that bound him to the Crown he went looking for someone he would follow & serve out of sheer will. Ser Barristan Selmy made daenerys feel closer to her family than Viserys ever could in all the time that she was with him. On the show Selmy dies fighting the harpies in a betrayal, for daenerys this was her losing her family all over again. Arya fed Frey's sons to Walder Frey only on the show by far, sansa fed ramsay to his hounds again only on the show by far & Daenerys fed the men whose betrayal costed her Selmy after finding about jorah's betrayal.

In all honesty she only fed one man to her dragons with an intention to terrify the others into divulging the truth. Yet again cersei hand picked the facts to back her case up.

sure.

A Solution? More like an attempt & a failed one at that!

Cersei is outright lying here, playing with incomplete selective truths. Neither did she depict the past accurately nor the future. Hypocrisy is written all over this scene, This is fear mongering 101.

[azulaahai]

I Close My Eyes, But She’s Still There

When her older brother fails to return from a voyage to a nearby village, it is up to Sansa Stark to find him again.

A messy Jon x Sansa Beauty and the Beast AU based on the Disney movie(s) for @miazeklos for this round of the @jonsaexchange - I really hope you enjoy it! ♥ Title, of course, from the song ”Evermore” on the movie soundtrack.

You can also read this on ao3.

* * *

T H E   B E A U T Y

It will have to be her, Sansa thinks, as she mounts the horse, the old leather of the saddle creaking in protest as she straddles it.

There’s no one else left.

They’ve been scraping by, her family, doing what they could to keep above water. Losing father was unbearable, the loss and grief threatening to undo them. But losing mother, not a year thereafter … that was almost impossible.

That winter brought them close to starvation - Sansa and Robb went without food for days so that Arya, Bran and Rickon could eat. They had few friends in the village, the Stark always having been viewed as peculiar, worshipping other gods and keeping other customs than the rest of the villagers. In the coldest weeks of winter, they all fell ill with fever. Rickon, baby Rickon, was in the worst shape, and for a few days there Sansa was sure they would lose him too.

But Rickon had made it through the peak of the fever, shiny Stark-grey eyes blinking awake in the morning, and Sansa had thanked whatever gods that must still have been hearing her prayers.

And spring had come again, as surely and suddenly as winter had snuck up on them - the drives of snow had begun thawing, the cold winds softened their touch, the early flowers sprung up where there had been ice weeks before. Arya went out without her furs. Hope, that treacherous beast, began spurring in Sansa again. With spring here, the roads would once more be safe for travels - they could trade with neighbouring villages, as their parents had - sell furs and handiworks of Sansa’s making, grow vegetables in the garden again.

It had all looked so heartbreakingly bright, there, for a while. Robb had set out on his first trading journey with a broad, victorious grin on his lips, and they’d all been there to wave him off as he went in the carriage, Grey Wind, their beautiful silvergrey gelding, pulling Robb and their goods off on an adventure.

And then came the waiting.

First, he was a day or two late. It was easy to brush off, to explain to Rickon, who threw a fit when Robb wasn’t home on time - their brother could simply have decided to stay longer in the other village for whatever reason, or have been delayed on the road. He’d be home anytime now, for sure.

But he wasn’t.

On the third day a terrified Grey Wind, without the carriage and sweating profusely, galloped into the garden, large dark eyes stirring white.

And Sansa’s world came crashing down once more.

A cloud of steam rises as she exhales in the early morning - a chilly bite remains in the air, though spring has come for true now.

She is following her brother’s trail, Grey Wind uneasy beneath her as they set off into the woods. The landscape lays quiet around them, the silence broken only by the occassional bird or snapping tree branch.

No one is there to see them go - only Arya knows she’s leaving, and she’s still sleeping inside with their little brothers. Her sister begged and demanded that Sansa let her go find Robb in her stead. Arya is the fiercest of the two, no doubt about it, and by far the superior rider - but with Robb and their parents gone, Sansa’s the eldest, responsible for the others. She could never send Arya off to an unknown danger.

And if she’s to never return, their brothers would likely fare better with Arya, she-wolf with teeth and claws, to protect them, than Sansa with her songs and stories.

* *

The ride is hard, at least on her untrained body; Sansa’s legs are sore after a mere half hour. Grey Wind is not his usual calm, reliable self - he’s taut as a bow string beneath the saddle, freezing or jumping to the side at every small noise. They keep a humble pace, trotting along the forest trail. Not a single man or creature is in sight, save a bunny that flees when it spots them and a bird flying up from the bushes, giving Grey Wind a fright.

There’s something strange in the air, Sansa reflects with a shiver; the air seems to have grown colder. Snow remains in the ditches on the side of the trail, and Sansa must be imagining it, but it almost seems as though the amount of it increases the further into the forest they travel.

The silence, too, seems to grow louder in here among the trees, more piercing. Sansa hasn’t been this deep into the woods for years, but the forest she remembers from her childhood, when she used to ride in the back of her father’s carriage, was not at all this quiet. It’s as if nature itself is holding it’s breath.

* *

When Grey Wind wants to trail off track into the woods the first time, she stops him with a pull on the reins. The horse, behaving highly out of character, ignores her command, continuing on the small path he’s found. Sansa, equally annoyed and scared as she gazes into the dimness of the forest ahead, half-dark even during the day, urges him to turn back.

Instead, he increases their pace as he sets off into the woods, breaking into a trot, then a canter, dark silhouettes of trees whirling by on both sides as Sansa desperately pulls on the reins to hold the horse back.

Grey Winds does not heed her commands, nor her shouts as their speed turns reckless. Snow lies thick on the ground here, though Sansa has no time to dwell on that. The horse has lost his mind, it appears - fear flutters through her. She does not notice the trees beginning to thin out around her, knows nothing but the sound of hooves hitting snow at a mad pace and her own primal fear telling her she’s a second or so from death. Sansa presses her eyes shut, not wanting to see the end as it hits her -

And then - suddenly - salvation.

Grey Wind suddenly slows down, steam rising from him in the cold, Sansa sees as she hesitantly opens her eyes again.

The cold, yes - so unforgiving now, cutting through Sansa’s thick woolen cloak as were it cotton.

The horse’s pace gradually decreasing, until he’s walking calmly again, he bows his head and snorts, as if in apology for his temporary outbreak of madness.

And that’s when Sansa realizes there are no trees surrounding them anymore.

That’s when she sees the castle.

* *

T H E    B E A S T

It has been a long, long time since he’s seen people.

And now there’s two of them in a matter of days.

He hears voices, as he moves up the stairs, echoing in the tower like a beautifully twisted melody.

”Robb!?” a bright, melodious one exclaims. Is that the name of his prisoner? Jon has not bothered learning it.

His steps feel heavy.

”Sansa?” is heard next, in the deep voice he’s come to recognize as the prisoner.

They know each other, then.

”You have to leave, Sansa”, says the prisoner, and Jon grinds to a halt in the stairs.

They’re afraid of him.

Of course.

Why wouldn’t they be?

He begins moving up the steps again, quicker. No more of this, no more strange people in his castle. He prefers to mope in solitude.

There comes more talking from up in the tower, lower now; Jon can’t make out the words. He steps up the last few steps in a rage, angry to be disturbed, angry to be feared.

He steps into the tower room and there she is.

Red hair, glistening blue eyes. She does not cry out when she sees him - that is to her credit. But she flinches away as he steps into the light, and the revulsion written across her features stings.

The prisoner stands on the other side of the bars of the cell, looking ready to break out just to stand between Jon and this woman.

”What is the meaning of this?” Jon roars, in that voice that still isn’t quite his.

”Who are you?” the girl breathes, still taken aback.

”Given that it is my castle, it is I who should be asking you that.”

”I’m here for my brother.” She straightens her shoulders, a quiet defiance in her eyes as they meet his. To his surprise, hers don’t have fear as much as vigilance in them.

In the cell, her brother begins speaking to him, both pleading and demanding at the same time. ”Let her leave. She has done you no wrong. Let her go. Sansa”, he says to the girl. She looks at him despairingly, and for a second, Jon feels …

Strange.

”Sansa, leave now”, the prisoner says. ”Go home …”

”Not without you.” There’s tears in those eyes now. Jon takes a step back without thinking.

The girl turns to him then, accusation written across her features.

”By what right do you hold him here?”

”He trespassed on my land”, Jon grunts. ”Slept in a room in my castle.”

”Sansa”, the prisoner says again. ”Go. Now.”

”And what would it take for you to release him?” Desperation in those sky-blue eyes.

Jon snorts, and the sound startles her. He hates it, hates the way he is a monster -

but he is.

A beast.

”Your brother is imprisoned for a crime. I will not release him. If you leave here now and swear never to return, I shall grant you leave this once.”

”Sansa”, comes from the prisoner again. ”Leave. Please.”

* *

T H E   B E A U T Y

Robb is pleading with her from his cell, the beast before her turning to leave, thinking the matter settled. But in Sansa’s mind, an idea has hatched - a plan vaguely beginning to form.

It’s rather mad. Not at all like her.

But she thinks of her younger brothers back in the cottage. They’ll almost be ready for bed, now - twilight’s just around the corner. She thinks of Arya - angry and frightened and strong. She’ll probably be up all night, waiting for someone to come home.

They don’t need me, Sansa thinks. The thought both hurts and relieves her. Not as they need Robb.

And so she calls out to the beast.

”And if I wish to take his place as prisoner?”

[aegor-bamfsteel]

Hello! I was hoping to add a bit to your thoughts on Bloodraven. I agree wholeheartedly with you that Bloodraven is a terrible person and made terrible decisions. But I disagree with you that he’s rewarded for it. The novels do quite a but to frame him as an evil person. Yes he’s a magical greenseer and has a lot of magical power, but he’s also a scary tree person with roots growing in him. He lives in a dark cave he can never leave with creepy elves that have probably killed Bran’s friend. There’s also a lot of theories that Bloodraven drove Euron crazy when testing Euron for magical abilities like he tested Bran. GRRM looks to be setting him up as a dark twist to the wise mentor trope while the show treated him like Gandalf.

Hello, Anon! Bl00draven as a villain is actually a very controversial opinion/theory in tumblr fandom, (which is why I misspell his name and use his anti tag) with at least some considering him a straight-up hero trying to save the world, or an anti-hero who commits atrocities to achieve “noble goals” (including, if I remember correctly, the same person who wrote at least part of the theory that Euron is Bl00draven’s ex-student). I believe Bl00draven is “a terrible person [who] made terrible decisions”, but I’m probably in the minority, (you’d probably find a better discussion with people who think he’s a hero in your analysis of how his character is framed), but you haven’t indicated why you don’t think he’s rewarded for his actions. 

I have written about how the narrative protects Bl00draven from the consequences of his actions in the post you’re responding to, in a response to warsofasoiaf, and a response to godihatethisfreakingcat. In summary:

The two times BR suffers any setback (losing an eye; being sent to the Wall for high treason), it ends up working out for him in the end (not being affected by monocular vision at all if he held his own in a second duel against Aegor Rivers, getting a “scary” reputation and possibly greenseeing powers; having 200 of his personal guard and Prince Aemon accompany him, getting to keep the only Targaryen ancestral sword when he’s supposed to be punished, getting elected Lord Commander despite his horrible tenure as Hand, and deserting the Night’s Watch to become an immortal greenseer despite desertion being a death sentence)

When it looks like BR is going to suffer other setbacks, they magically go away (he and Baelor have a dispute over how to treat the defeated Blackfyre rebels, but Baelor dies before he can become king; he mocks Maekar in front of his own son and unsubtly threatens to kidnap Egg, but is said to have become Maekar’s Hand; his spy network fails to capture Aegor Rivers multiple times and couldn’t keep an eye on his ship as it made way for the Wall, but he isn’t punished for failing to do the one job he promised to do)

BR never had to work to gain anyone’s trust or his positions of authority, despite being terrible at his job (his mother was a friend of Da3ron II’s from birth; he was granted an ancestral Valyrian sword as a teenager despite not being the best swordsman; he gets his first Small Council position by age 20; Da3ron II trusts him enough to start a war on his say-so; Aerys makes him his Hand over his more competent brother Maekar; Maekar keeps him as Hand despite resenting him for decades; he’s made Night’s Watch Lord Commander). Maintaining so much power either undermines your claim that the narrative frames him as a villain (if he’s so untrustworthy, why do the supposed protagonists keep giving him jobs?), or it makes the characters who’ve granted him this power into idiots (at least 2 of whom are lauded as intelligent or clever).

Other villainous characters have done less harm than Bl00draven, but are punished for it while he gets to keep his power:

The infamously corrupt High Septon was torn apart by starving King’s Landing smallfolk during the bread riots of 299

The corrupt Rego Draz, who levied high taxes and tolls on the smallfolk (abuse of the smallfolk amidst a humanitarian crisis? sounds familiar), was stoned to death by a starving mob during the harsh winter and plague of 59

Rhaenyra was believed to have murdered Helaena Targaryen, and her husband did arrange for the murder of Helaena’s son (a parent and two young sons murdered in cold blood? sounds familiar). Thousands of smallfolk rioted out of desire for justice for the three, which caused the death of 5 dragons, Rhaenyra’s remaining son Joffrey, and Rhaenyra’s own flight from the capital. She never regained the throne again

Mysaria of Lys, explicitly compared to Bl00draven as Mistress of Whispers, also arranged for the murder of Helaena’s son Jaehaerys, informed on Nettles to Rhaenyra resulting in a warrant for her death (informing on someone to a monarch baseless rumors resulting in a warrant for their arrest? sounds familiar), and may have contributed to Helaena’s suicide that the riots were about. When King’s Landing fell, she was stripped naked and whipped to death as she was forced to walk out of the city.

Tyanna of Pentos, similarly mistress of whispers like Mysaria, tortured the king’s nephew to death (after having him imprisoned? sounds familiar), tortured dozens of men and women including rumored lover Alys Harroway, kidnapped children to ensure their mother’s good behavior while being repeatedly raped, and allegedly poisoned her fellow queens in order to be Maegor’s true wife. She was brutally murdered by the man she sought to influence, her heart thrown to the dogs

Bl00draven deliberately shot 2 unarmed 12-year-olds in front of their father to win a war, ordered the smallfolk back to their lands during the midst of a drought and after the Great Spring Sickness, caused the death of a young man under suspicious circumstances, threatened to keep the son of his rival a hostage, killed a man he promised safe passage to, denied critical aid to the crown’s vassals during ironborn raids, and created a reign of fear and paranoia that resulted in the deaths of innocent smallfolk. Bafflingly, while there are apparently riots and violence and rebellion, he makes routine trips into Flea Bottom to keep the people in line (yes, the smallfolk in King’s Landing are so complacent to authoritarian rulers as I just mentioned) and survives all of them (relatively) unscathed. Not only does he keep his position as Hand, or gained a new position as Lord Commander, but he lives to a ripe old age before running away to the cave to be an immortal greenseer with infinite knowledge. My point in comparing the actions and consequences of characters similar to Bl00draven is that if the smallfolk or the Targaryens were written consistently, he would’ve been horribly murdered for corruption or insubordination long before he ever met Bran. I understand he would have to live into canon era to be Bran’s mentor; but GRRM broke the rules of his own universe by letting Bl00draven get away with too much to be believable while giving him even more power. It is inconsistent writing that makes his survival due to authorial fiat than any skill or allies. That’s why I consider him possibly the worst-written character in the series.

Bl00draven has not committed enough good deeds to be a hero (in my opinion; other people consider keeping Da3ron’s progeny on the throne for a few generations longer to be heroic). But neither has he suffered for the consequences of his actions like a villain. We know that the Freys and Boltons will face comeuppance for their atrocities in the Red Wedding and at Winterfell because it’s already clear they have sown the seeds of their own destruction; the Freys’ violation of guest right contributed to the breakdown of the rule of law that made honorable parley impossible, and their murder of Catelyn Stark led to Lady Stoneheart in the Riverlands killing Freys with the Brotherhood, and their murder of Wendel Manderly led to his father Wyman orchestrating some of their deaths; the Boltons’ role in the Red Wedding led to nearly universal hatred among the northern lords, and caused the mountain clans to ally with Stannis to get them out, and Ramsay’s rape of who they think is Arya Stark just gives them further cause to resent their traitorous overlords. I don’t have to explain how Tywin’s cult of Lannister supremacy doesn’t survive his death as he’s offed in the most humiliating manner by the son he despised, since Jaime, Cersei, and Tyrion are either imprisoned, enslaved, or in a trial for their life by book 5. Contrast Bl00draven, because the family he most wronged (the Blackfyres) are either no longer around or are uninterested in seeing him brought to justice; he certainly sowed the seeds of destruction, but he never reaped them himself (if anything, he got more powerful); instead the Targaryens did. I don’t see how he will be getting any personal comeuppance in the future, unless he is somehow unplugged from the weirwood network and executed as a deserter to the Night’s Watch (the Starks do have a pattern of executing those guys, so maybe it will be Bran’s turn). Until then, I don’t foresee him being a good asoiaf villain either.

[jonsa-creatives]

Prompt: An arranged marriage between Sansa and Magnar Jon.

Hi Anon!

Pardon for the very late reply because this prompt… was challenging. But in a good way. Made me reread the books a bit hence the delay in answering. It’s a little long but then again when have I ever written anything less than 1k words… sigh.

Anyways, poor abilities aside - Now that I have, I hope you like it!

This is also a submission for the awesome Jonsa event by @fyeahjonandsansa - 31 Days of Jonsa: March 14 - Bandaging wounds

Summary: Sansa finds herself lost in the woods beyond the Wall while out riding one day with her siblings. Help comes from an unlikely source but with it comes a condition she isn’t quite prepared for. Or, is she? (Magnar Jon is raised by the freefolk, but he has a secret…)

Mood music: Dreams by Fleetwood Mac

Enjoy! 

~ Mod Elle xx

A Promise

“Move.”

A raspy voice shook her to her core.

It was all her fault. She wanted to prove that she too could be as good as a rider like Arya. But she had always kept companywith the septas and the other ladies indoors within the castle grounds. She knewnext to nothing about riding except to sit on a horse. It wasn’t very lady-likeventuring out in the wintery woods like the Stark boys and Arya often did. But she didn’twant to be the odd one out. She was always the one left out of fun and games.But this wasn’t fun and it wasn’t a game any longer. Sansa knew the minute sheheard only the thumping of her mare’s hooves that she was certainly lost and onher own. In the thick of the woods. Clothed only in her woollen dress and a furcloak, Sansa had nothing else.

“Can you talk?” another voice chimed in.Sansa wasn’t sure if she should. The Freefolk were an uncivilised lot, andSansa had rode far enough to be caught in their midst. All she wanted was to askfor help and perhaps for some food and water. It was a great risk butdesperation drove her to that end. It had been two days of riding and Sansacould barely sit on her horse.

“Leave us. Leave!” The raspy voice waslouder this time and commanded the rest to leave the tent. Sansa watched astheir feet shuffled towards the exit, keeping her eyes down. Please don’t killme, please.

“Here, have some food. You look like youcould use some.”

Sansa’s stomach growled as the scent ofroasted meat hit her nostrils. Looking up, she was met with dark grey eyesstaring back. A head of messy black curls framed a solemn and gruffface. He wasn’t quite what she expected. Not at all hideous, like the storiesabout the free folk told when she was little. In fact, he looked like any othernortherner. He raised his eyebrows and nudged the tray at her.

Sansa nodded meekly and took a smallportion of charred meat. He smiled as she ate. Sansa was ravenous. She couldeat three more plates of whatever they made, it was delicious.

“Where are you from? The North? Were youlost?” he asked, sipping from his cup as he curiously watched her every move.

Sansa nodded again. There was no point inhiding anything, perhaps even better if she told the truth. The truth of whoshe was, the daughter of Lord Eddard Stark, the Warden of the North. Whether ornot the Freefolk knew what that meant, it was all she had. And maybe the onlyhope to return home.

“Y-yes, my Lord. I was out riding with mybrothers and sister and I lost them. I have been trying to find my way backever since. That’s when I came upon your camp, I needed help.”

He listened intently and remained quiet asshe spoke. It was unnerving to Sansa seeing how his eyes roamed all over her, asearing gaze that could burn a hole right through.

“Aye, I heard from the women folk, how ayoung lady, barely hanging onto a tired horse walking right up to our tents.They took good care of you?”

“Yes my Lord. They did. Your people- thewomenfolk, they were very kind to me. Thank you.”

“Aye, they told me you were a lady andindeed you are. Do you have a name?”

Sansa hesitated. Father would be lookingfor me already by now.

“Sansa. Sansa Stark, daughter of LordEddard Stark, Warden of the North-”

“Warden of the North? I know of  a House Stark. So you’re his daughter?”Sansa nodded.

“Yes-yes my Lord. You have all been verykind to me but I wish to return home. Could you please show me my horse so Ican be on my way? I will never forget your kindness and neither will myfather.”

The young man paused as he brought the cupto his lips once more and only looked down without a word.

“Lady Sansa, it is too cold to leavetonight. Perhaps in the morning. I will take you to him myself, it’s not soeasy the roads beyond the Wall,” he said. There was something in his tone thatmade her nervous.

Sansa was too fatigued to move and sleephad overpowered all of her senses. But still she could not shake off themovement of furs and clothes around her. A hand had firmly grasped the inner ofher thighs and a strong pinch woke her up with a start. Large brown eyes and asnarl greeted hers. A towering build that reeked of dried blood and pisshovered above her.

Sansa screamed.

“Shut up! Shut up! You’re my little wenchnow!” he hissed at her and Sansa desperately tried to crawl away but he was fartoo strong. Sansa managed one more shriek, with all her might, before a handsmothered her mouth and pinned her down. No, no, oh gods, please no..

“Are you a virgin, sweet one? Your tightcunt is mine-”

“Let her go! I’ll fucking kill you!”

Sansa drew in a sharp breath of air as allof the weight was removed from her,  in asecond. Sansa turned and saw the beastly man fly out of her tent.

“Are you all right, Sansa? I heard youscream,” he knelt beside her and helped her sit up. Sansa nodded as tearsstreaked her cheeks and pulled together her torn dress in an attempt to regainher modesty. The stories were all true…

“It will never happen again. I’ll stayright here. No one will touch you, Sansa.”

“Your name… I don’t know your name,”Sansa whispered in between sobs as she leaned into him. He was warm and smelledof leather and ale. It was strangely comforting.

“Jon. Call me Jon.”

Sansa woke up covered in a heap of furs,undoubtedly Jon’s as they had his scent but a ruckus heard just outside hertent prompted her to investigate.

“And you believe her? She could be arunaway from a whorehouse you fool! What highborn young lady wanders beyond theforests on her own beyond the wall? She’s fair game.”

“I would behead you if I hear you talkabout her like an animal one more time. She is not ours to keep! We cannot riskangering the Northern Lords. Not the Starks,” Jon argued, obviously in a heatedexchange between the tribe leaders over the incident the night before.

“I know of the Starks. How do you know sheis one?” a deep sombre voice responded. Sansa couldn’t quite see whose it wasas the men were all dressed in nearly identical furs.

“Her cloak. Had direwolves on them. Sigilof House Stark,” Jon said. Sansa wondered who this Jon was, seeing how much heknew about her family.

“You seem to know a lot about theseNorthern Lords. You wish to kneel to them?”

“Mance, you forget I was ten before youtook me in. I knew plenty by then. Let her go, Mance. It’s not worth riskinglives for the sake of one girl. They are searching for her now as we speak.”

Silence ensued. Sansa quickly dressedherself as much as she could with the furs she was given. She searched high andlow in the small tent for a knife or a dagger, perhaps one that Jon took off ofhim during the night but there was none. I want to go home.

“She’s not one of us!” shouted anothervoice, followed by a cacophony of objections rising loud enough to rattleSansa’s nerves.

“Well then, make her.”

“You are out of your mind, Mance! And howdo you do that? She’s of House Stark! A lady! You want her turned as one ofus?” Jon scoffed.

“She has to be spoken for. You can’t standas her guard all the time. If you want to keep her safe, then you have to takeher. No man here will touch her again, you’ll have their word.”

“Take her? What do you mean? … As mywife?”

“Well, how else then? If she’s a cleverone, she will know it’s good for her,” Mance continued and all Sansa wanted todo was run.

“Aye, she will be safe here as your woman.No man would be foolish enough to touch another man’s woman. As long as she’snot, not I nor you can keep her modesty intact for long.”

Sansa paced the tent. She needed to escape,to get away from the whole arrangement set up before her. I was meant to be queen!Not a whore to a man of the Freefolk!

“I…. I have to speak with her.”

Sansa heard footsteps approaching, certainthat it was Jon. She had heard it all. And she was not willing. They can’t makeher.

“San…. Oh, you’re up,” Jon greeted her,seeing Sansa standing wide eyed before him. “I need to speak with y-”

“No! I cannot! I heard everything! Ican’t marry you!”

Jon sighed and sat down on a stump of wood.“I want to kill the man who hurt you last night. Behead him and put his head ona platter.”

“But I can’t do that to every man here.They don’t care if you’re a highborn princess. You understand don’t you?”

“Why won’t you let me go home? Please, myLord, I swear to the old gods, my father will reward you greatly for returningme to him! Please, my Lord, let me gohome,” Sansa pleaded tearfully, rushing to his side almost kneeling and beggingfor mercy. Jon couldn’t look her in the eye no matter how hard he tried.

“Lady Sansa, listen to me. It’s not safefor you here and you cannot be out there alone. I tried to explain… But it’sbetween me and another wildling man Sansa. I’ll… I’ll take care of you. Ipromise I will take you home. And once you’re home, I’ll release you and youcan go back to being Lady Stark again. But for now,” Jon paused, knowingperhaps he had said enough in one breath. Sansa stared at Jon in disbelief.This could not be. Her future, her dreams, her life now utterly ruined. Inresignation, Sansa clutched her knees close to her chest and cried.

It was a riotous affair with the wildlingswhen it came to weddings - perhaps it was their only one since it was a firstfor Magnar to be wed to a lady. A Northern lady no less. Sansa could not findit in her to smile, much less eat or drink, in partaking the huge feast thatlaid before her. Jon had taken notice too but he was mindful enough to keep itto himself.

“Eat, Jon! You’ll need it! To bed yourwoman and bed her well!” a brawny ginger haired man sauntered over to them,reeking of ale. Sansa turned away. No one will touch me, not even Jon. Jon onlysmiled and drank up his ale. He knew it was time for the feast to wind down. He was exhausted and didn’t care much for whatever else. All that mattered wasthat no one was going to touch Sansa ever again. And soon, he had to make plansto venture past the Wall to return Lady Sansa where she belonged. It wasn’tgoing to be easy and even dangerous, if they came across the rangers fromCastle Black.

“It’s time to go to bed,” Jon said quietlyto his new bride. Sansa glared and pulled away from his touch. Jon sighed, athow this was going to be a dreary long night; for both of them.

“Sansa, before they carry you to my tentand strip you naked, please do as I say, my Lady,” he continued, seeing how sherefused to budge earlier. Sansa shut her eyes for a second and eventually stoodup with Jon. The crowd cheered and hollered as the newlyweds stepped out totheir tent.

Sansa walked meekly behind him in hermended dress with a new fur cloak that Jon had draped over her shouldersearlier during the ceremony. It felt heavy and stifling even in the bitingcold.

Jon’s tent was much bigger than hers andbrightly lit and warm. Though not much to look at. The bed was made up of balesof hay and a heap of animal skins and furs atop it. A small fire stood in themiddle of the tent and all Sansa wanted to do was crawl up next to it and fadeaway into nothingness.

Jon removed his furs and weapon belt,leaving only his tunic on as Sansa watched him from a distance. Sansa tried tolook away but her intrigue got the better of her. Who was this man? He spokelike a Northerner, behaved like a Northerner, still had all his teeth and even had manners. A leader ofmen in the tribe of Thenn was all she heard of him. Somehow, it wasn’t enoughto satisfy her curiosity. Now that they were married, Sansa supposed it wasonly right to get to know her new husband.

A soft hiss snapped her back to her sensesas she saw Jon reach from behind him to peel off his tunic slowly, exposing aworn bandage stained with dried blood plastered across his back. It was obvious he wasnot able to look after the wound well as the odour that emanated from it soonfilled the tent. Sansa covered her nose discreetly. Jon groaned in pain as thetunic came off his shoulder finally and onto the ground. The sight of hismaimed back was enough for Sansa to curse the gods.

“You’re hurt,” Sansa said, quiteplaintively, attempting to hide the grave concern in her voice.

“A few scratches that is all. It will begone in a few days,” Jon smirked as he turned to face her. standing half naked.Sansa had never seen the bare chest of a man before and the chiselled physiquethat her new husband presented before her had Sansa let out a small gasp. Itwas probably a good thing, then that he did not look one bit like thewildlings. That if she was going to have to stay near him always, at least hewas comely enough for her to withstand and look upon.

A silence stood between them and Sansa soon realised what was about to take place. Oh, gods, no.

It was her duty. Shutting her eyes, Sansaturned around and uncloaked herself. She took as much time as she could eventhough she could feel Jon’s burning stare at the back of her head. He wasanticipating what every man would on their wedding night. She couldn’t blamehim. She had agreed to the arrangement, it was the best choice she had of everreturning home. But to be touched by a strange man, to be taken as a bride - she wasn’t ready.Perhaps she never will be. This wasn’t what she had in mind with the prince inher dreams. The tears started flowing again and Sansa fought to keep calm.

“Lady Sansa… You don’t have to. If youdon’t want to.”

Sansa paused. A wave of relief washed over her.

“I meant what I said. What I promised you.We will leave once it’s safe. I hope we will get you home safely, my Lady. And I won’t ask anything of you that you do not wish to give me.”

Sansa exhaled the breath she didn’t know she was holding. How she wished Jon knew how happy it made her, hearing those wordsonce more. How happy he had made her. The gods must have heard her prayers.

Jon smiled and took some of the furs fromtheir makeshift bed and laid them on the ground beside the fire. He sat down todrink a cup of ale before Sansa wondered why he wasn’t in bed already.

“My-my Lord? Aren’t you tired? Perhaps it’stime for bed?”

Although, Sansa was more than happy to sleepnext to the fire. Jon gave a polite grin and shook his head slightly.

“The bed, is all yours, my Lady. The firehere is warm enough for me,” he pointed at the flames with his cup.

“Oh no, I couldn’t. I am pleased enoughlaying by the fire, my Lord. If that is all right with you.”

Jon chuckled. He was amused at thecourtesies of the young lady. She was indeed beautiful, skin as pale as thesummer moon and hair kissed by fire, with eyes as enchanting as the bluestskies. But, she wasn’t really his. He had made a promise. Under differentcircumstances, if he was raised the Thenn way, he would ravage her until shecould barely walk the day after but… his old guardian had taught him better.He was of no wildling blood and he would prove it as a testament to his realheritage. But that was his secret and his alone. Whether or not he shouldconfide in his new wife, only time would tell.

“No, my Lady. Living in a camp must alreadybe hard enough. No wife of mine would be sleeping on the ground. Please, thebed is yours. It’s not much but it’s good enough for sore bones and such.”

Sansa returned his smile and nodded. As shesat on the bed, the animal skins and furs softly embraced her as she gentlylaid down; Sansa could not stop thinking of Jon’s badly wounded back. At leastif he was kind to her, she could repay him with some of her own.

“My Lord?”

“Sansa, please, call me Jon.”

Sansa blushed as he turned his gaze on heras she called out to him from his bed. Their bed.

“Thank you. For helping me. I will neverforget it and I’m sure my father will thank you for your kindness.”

Jon’s gaze lingered as their eyes met againand  Sansa could feel everything elsearound her melt away. There was something in Jon that caused a stirring in her.Perhaps it was his sad dark grey eyes that drew her in despite her resistance.

“May I sit with you?”

“Sansa, you may do whatever you like. Isuppose as long as you’re with me.”

Sansa nodded shyly and sat up. Gingerly, she tiptoed and found a warm spotinches away from him. Jon felt a breath hitch in his chest when he saw how beautiful she glowed in the pale amber light.

“Your back. How did you get hurt? If I mayask?”

“Ah, yes. A skirmish. In a small village,they took our livestock. So we took theirs.”

“Raiding cattle?”

“I suppose so. There’s many of us, manymouths to feed. It’s hard in these parts. Hunting is sometimes scarce. You maynot agree but that’s our way of life.”

“I have only heard stories, that is all.”

Jon chuckled. He too, heard of many storiesof the wildlings and it was amusing to him now that he had become one.

“How is it that you don’t speak like them,Jon? And you know so much about lords.”

Jon eyed Sansa nervously and sat upright,slightly uncomfortable at the sudden probe. Sansa’s eyes were mostly fixed onthe flickering flames than on him and it put him at ease a little. Still he hadto be careful lest his secret be known.

“I was ten when the wildlings took me in.Just a boy. I had no mother or a father. Just a guardian who looked after me.Taught me all I needed to know. Lived in a small village just before the Wall.The wildlings came and took over, he died fighting for me. But managed to killa few of them and two were the sons from the tribe of Thenn. So, they thoughtit was justice to bring me up as one of theirs.” It was a good story he had thought of many times over, often to himself since the day he was taken by the free folk. The truth was far from it. 

Sansa wished she hadn’t asked. He was justa boy.

“You were taken? A prisoner? So you neverwere one of the free folk.”

“Aye. Not so much a prisoner. I supposethey found some use for me,” Jon nodded, looking at his weapons strewn on theground.

“Does it hurt?”

Jon pondered on her question. The tribe wasthe only family Jon had ever known. He had fought alongside them, ate withthem, even killed for them. They had taken away the only family he had but unwittingly offered a clan who now called him their lord and leader. No, it doesn’treally hurt.

“Your back, I mean. Perhaps I could take alook at it for you,” Sansa continued.

“It would please me to care for my lordhusband, to see that he is well. Otherwise, who can I count on to bring me backhome?” Sansa persuaded, seeing Jon’s hesitance. A good point he could notargue, though touched by her gesture. A kind woman.

“There is some water over there forwashing.”

Sansa grabbed hold of the cask and lookedaround her for clean rags she could use. There was none.

Well… if I must, then so be it.

Sansa sat down again and lifted her skirts.Her small clothes were the perfect material and probably cleaner than anythingelse in the camp.

“My Lady, what are you doing?” Jon asked asSansa began to undress. She was his bride that was true and Jon had his ownmanly needs but could he refuse her? It would be foolish to do so.

“I beg your pardon, but this is probablyquite un lady-like of me that you have to witness,” Sansa quickly apologisedbefore ripping the hem of her small clothes into small thin rags. Jon could nothelp but laugh. “I promise I won’t tell anyone.”

Sansa motioned for him to turn around andJon winced as Sansa’s fingers made her way to the gashes on his back. Her touchwas soft and tender, almost loving and Jon fought to sit still. In his mind,Sansa would already be in his arms and his mouth on her pretty lips.

“Sit still. This may hurt a little,” Sansawarned as she pulled the stained bandage off his skin. Jon howled and writhedin pain, feeling a thousand arrows piercing his back.

“I’m sorry my Lord! Please, sit still!”

Jon took a few deep breaths, cursing underhis breath, glad that he chopped the head off the one who drove the axe ontohis back. Sansa’s hushed whispers as she washed the wounds had somehow calmedhim and soon he realised he knew the words too. It was a song. He had heard thesong once before but quite vaguely. Her soft tones were enough to lull him to asense of peace and tranquility. It was almost surreal.

“You have a lovely voice, Sansa,” closing his eyes at her touch.

“It’s a hymn that I sing to sleepsometimes. My Septa taught me.”

“She taught you well,” Jon praised as hesighed and melted at the gentleness Sansa was treating him with.

“Yes… She did.” Her fingers paused andJon noticed her touch had left him completely. Instead of a song, Jon heardhushed sobbing. Turning around, Jon saw Sansa wiping her tears hastily, her body heaving uncontrollably.

“I’m sorry if it was something I said, myLady. I didn’t mean to-”

“I miss them. I miss my family. All ofthem. They must think I am already dead,” Sansa struggled through her sobs, hertears and sadness unrelenting.

“Hush now, they will jump for joy when theysee you. They will always hope for your return, my Lady. I know it. I will getyou home, Sansa. Whatever it takes, I promise I will,” Jon said, lifting herchin with his finger to meet her eyes. Her pale blue eyes were glimmering withtears and her face red from crying but it only made her more beautiful.

Sansa nodded and closed her eyes as shecalmed down. With their faces now almost nose to nose, Jon wiped away a teartenderly as it rolled down her cheek. As Sansa opened her eyes once more, Jon’sgaze was still on her, only this time the eyes that were staring back weretender and kind. It was as if he was another person entirely, someone she couldtrust and even grow to love.

“I know you will. I trust you.”

Sansa closed her eyes again, this timereleased from her pain as his lips grazed hers and his warmth wrapped aroundher in an embrace she wished would never end.

[janiedean]

Do you think Sansa is knowingly poisoning Sweetrobin? I've seen a few well-known blogs making the argument that she's doing it on purpose but I'm not convinced. I don't think she understands how dangerous sweetsleep is. For reference: bluetheon(.)tumblr(.)com/post/165242694491/maidenoftheforestlight-alayne-stonecoldfox and I just saw another pretty popular blog say that she is willingly poisoning him too which bugged me so I thought I'd ask what you think. It's just so unlike Sansa. :/

now, given that I haven’t read anything from TWOW except the theon chapter because I’m weak like that but like I don’t want to form ideas based on pre-released chapters that might or might not get changed when they’re published, so like I’ve just read up what’s in that meta, and like... I think she’s aware on a subconscious level but hasn’t really realized it yet, but that at the same time it ties into a larger theme as in ‘grrm is making the stark children go through a lot of very dark shit and is putting in question a lot of things we should have assumed’. I had written something about it once let me see if I can find it, but anyway, basic background of my Large Starks Theory: they started out as the heroes and they will end up as the heroes, but right now they’re all going through a morally gray/morally questionable moment/phase while the Lannisters are also being turned on their head except for cersei - I mean cersei’s always been herself except she gets more bonkers with time, but tyrion started as a sympathetic figure who had to be on the villain side and now he’s going over to another hero side, jaime started out as OMG SO TERRIBLE (to the not-in-depth-read anyway) and now he’s turning out as one of the people in the series with the most sensed views about anything + one of the few reliable narrators when it doesn’t concern his feelings about being like cersei in asos + a fairly decent guy all things considered. Like, we started with good starks and bad lannisters and now we are with grey starks and getting-better lannisters and we’ll end with good starks and two good-ish lannisters on three. Now, what I mean with the starks are going through their morally gray phase, if I can find that post I made a while ago gdi I can’t find it AH WELL:

arya is training at an assassins’ school where the basic point of it is killing people after renouncing your identity

bran is turning into the westeros big brother pretty much and while I don’t think that in the show they realized that it probably will not turn him into a robot who sends meera off without so much a thank you, I’m 99% sure they weren’t making it up with hodor and like... he’s younger than twelve. that’s a lot of power. on top of that he had done exactly all the things varamyr said in the adwd prologue that wargers should not do (ie warging into people, eating meat while in an animal and I can’t remember the third but back when I checked, he did that as well), that’s not kindergarten material

rickon is being pretty much literally raised by wolves/wildlings on an island known because there’s cannibals on it and he hasn’t seen his family since he was four, as much as osha can be a good influence the moment he goes back to civilization manderly is going to be very wtf at least

jon has died and will come back to life which is most probably going to leave him fairly more traumatized than in the show and his entire arc in adwd was about how he has to do a lot of things that he’d have previously found despicable because he’s a lord commander and he has a duty (do we remember the whole deal with gilly’s baby?)

catelyn is a zombie who only wants revenge and she’s so past morally gray, she’s turned into riverlands!aerys which is why I’m putting my money on brienne killing her to save jaime but never mind that

and lastly.. sansa is stuck with LF who’s using her in his ploys while also being a total creep with her and who wants to marry her because he was in love with her mother (yikes) and who’s made her at least complicit in the whole sweetsleep scheme, which is what would put her in the morally gray column for now

now, I do think she doesn’t realize the extent of what she’s doing and that from what it looks like in the preview chapter she seems very immersed in her alayne part - I mean, again I haven’t read that, but looking at the quotes in that meta,

She put a finger to his lips. “I know what you want, but it cannot be. I am no fit wife for you. I am bastard born.”“I don’t care. I love you best of anyone.”You are such a little fool.

+

Maester Colemon cares only for the boy, though. Father and I have larger concerns.

now, idk the context, but that doesn’t sound like sansa to me, that sounds like how alayne should sound, but like... that’s the point, that’s not sansa. that’s sansa at her lowest point while she’s being made complicit in the scheme, but who doesn’t fully realize the extent of it yet I think - the second person has a point when it says that LF is also building this so he can frame her but he won’t get his way, most probably because that person is not sansa and sansa wouldn’t do that, so the moment she actually realizes it and puts two and two together she’ll stop it or do something to change the tide. like, LF has to die and he most probably will because he underestimated her (also as the other meta-er said I’m 99% sure she’s gonna run into brienne and jaime so there’s that too), but sansa has to go through the ‘what the fuck are you doing this is wrong WHAT’ moment because that’s what... all of her living family is doing.

I don’t think she can’t know at all because I mean, she’s not an idiot and those conversations with the maester plus LF laying his plan down are fairly obvious - anyone would put two and two together and I think she has but she just doesn’t want to admit it, which is why I’m midway - I don’t think she willingly is doing it but I think she knows she’s doing it on some level.

mind that I think it might go like this also because grrm already did all of that with theon - in adwd if you start from reek you see him knowing things but apparently denying them in the pov/trying to not think about them/saying or thinking the things reek should say or think or do same as sansa is doing above with alayne - a lot of shit theon does/says/thinks in reek 1, 2 and 3 is not him, it’s what he thinks he has to be in order to survive ramsay and like, the concept is exactly the same, but the more adwd went on the more he was forced to realize that he was not reek, he could not be reek and he didn’t want to be reek, and like... he knew that jeyne was jeyne and not arya, he tried to ignore it as long as he could, he knew what was happening to her and tried to block it out, he couldn’t, the moment he puts two and two together and realizes where he went wrong/who he wants to be/what he wants to do with his life and his choices, the first thing he does is saving her hide. it’s the exact same pattern except that we saw sansa going from sansa to alayne and we didn’t see theon going from theon to reek (THANK FUCK), but we’re going to see sansa to alayne to sansa again I think, and that includes her admitting to herself what the hell they’re doing and realizing it’s not who she wants to be or what she wants to be. which would put her back in the good guys camp, though with a lot less naivety I suppose, which is what I think is going on with all her siblings, so... yeah that’s what I got.

tldr: I think she knows what she’s doing on a very deep/subconscious level but doesn’t want to admit it and that she will have to and that it’s part of her family’s overall arc as ‘go from good guys to morally gray and then back to good’ and in order for her to be *properly* grey at least for that chunk of her arc she has to be aware of it on some level. obviously I don’t think it makes her a horrible person also because it was all LF’s ploy and she’s being manipulated/convinced into it by a fairly creepy guy who couldn’t care less about her well-being and only wants to marry her because he was in love with her damned mother so she’s also LF’s victim in all of this along with sweetrobin but it’s another level of it and I think that assuming she has no idea whatsoever.

btw meanwhile I did find that post where I discussed the thing so if you want the more in-depth version http://janiedean.tumblr.com/post/134282706508/hi-i-that-post-you-answered-about-theon-being XDD

[dachi-chan25]

Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 6 Recap Pt. 1

Oh boy… I need to vent again, I’m sorry, but thanks to everyone reading this, it’s a cathartic experience if anything.

WARNINGS: SPOILERS; Not a D@€ny fan, but if you follow me you already know that and if you don’t no problem that’s why I always warn you about it; Jonsa shipper and still growing strong ( I always loved the Tyrell OK???)

Before diving into the recap:

1.- The toughts, tinfoily wishy washy stuff, analysis, random stuff that I write are my own only, and in no form or way am I trying to convince you that I am right and every body else is wrong, I have been wrong about fandom stuff a LOT, and really it’s just fun for me to do this, anyway I am open to debate if you want just be respectful. Feel free to correct me if you notice I have some facts I present wrong, I will never get mad about it and will even thank you for your insight.

2.- The analysis/opinions I express of certain ships/characters are just my opinion as an audience, if you like the ship/characters good! That’s what makes the fandom experience such a diverse thing, and I have nothing against you. Keep on loving the thing you love!

3.- The Salt Throne and I are one entity of pure undiluted Salt and bitterness,if you don’t wish to subject yourself to reading my salty fangirl rants I completely understand.

—————

1.- We start on that table-map, helI feel I condemned myself saying I didn’t wanted no more close-ups of the thing, anyway so it’s just a pretty shot to get to where the story (plot? What plot?) really pick’s up: Eastwatch by the sea.

We are with the suicide squad on this show’s dumbest mission, but then again this season a lot of dumb things happened so I am resigned. Yeah so Jon and Tormund are talking about how dumb this mission is (got is breaking the fourth wall now???) while Gendry is freezing, Tormund is happy to be back North of the Wall cuz the air in the south is shit, Jon is like bih you never went south but really is agreeing actually Jon seems much more himself now that he is in the North again. Tormund and Jon tease Gendry about making do with him cuz there are no ladies here (ahaha joking about experiencing homosexual sex but no homo bro it’s just because we have no ladies amirite? Am I watching got or the big b4ng th€or¥?) and you know what else they don’t have?? Horses, and food, and those pesky dragonglass weapons, and a raven to send for help should anything happen… But no ladies are the priority. (*sigh* this show is so painfully obviously written by man) Gendry apparently believes them and goes away, Tormund comments he isn’t very bright, he needn’t be says Jon cuz they need the brawn and not the brains right? No this stupid ass mission could have seriously used some brains.

Anyway this next convo of conversations was very intresting to hear, not because they add anything to the plot (if such a thing exists anymore in this show) but I think they are important in understanding the theme they have in common and the relevance I think they have in the final scenes of the episode.

First we have a Tormund/Jon convo, our funny redhead asks about the Dragon Queen, and I expected they would use this chance to make some crude remark about her beauty or her body (dude not a second ago they were joking about bedding Gendry!!) but no, the conversation never goes in the direction that could further the idea of Jon’s attraction to D, Jon trusts Tormund and it would be normal for bros to discuss this stuff (remember how Jon giggled about Tormund mentioning Brienne last episode), instead a very weary and frustrated Jon states she (D) wouldn’t help unless he bends the knee, Tormund says that won’t happen cuz Jon spent so much time with the Wildings to be a kneeler again, but then he moves on to talk about Mance Ryder (dude this Jon/Mance parallels are hitting me in the face like a cold fish, I know D&D I noticed! You haven’t been subtle about this!!! You used the same FUCKING dialogue) and how the dude could have saved a lot of lives if he just had let go of his pride and knelt (so Tormund is our Jon in this parallel ain’t he?) it just made me laugh that Tormund, a wildling cuz they are still Free Folk and rule themselves even if they have an alliance with the KitN, is the one to suggests kneeling, but then I realized how big of a fucken deal that is, Mance could have saved those lives yes (and that’s mere speculation honestly cuz Stannis and his army could have also died at Hardhome #just saying) but he decided keeping his people’s will was more important, Jon respected that to the point he defyied Stannis (they needed his help and dude had just saved them) openly by killing Mance, and now Tormund who is kind of the new Free Folk king/leader is saying it would have been OK if he knelt to save everyone’s lives in front of Jon whom is in a very similar situation.

Then we get a Jorah/Jon convo, again perfect oportunity to show them as D’s love interests and rivals, or for Jorah to wax poetic about Khaliiisi and Jon being jealous or some shit. Some serious talk, if we had time in this compact season for Jon to threaten (or pardon) every man who ever crossed paths with Sansa, why Gendry or the Hound haven’t mentioned Arya at all, if logic states that she is someone this people have in common and should talk about? (like Theon asking about Sansa, or Tyrion) Why Jorah doesn’t talk about D if Jon is her new love interest and it would be a nice and neat contrast between the two of them? Instead they disscus another people they have in common, ex-Lord Commander Jeor Mormont and Ned Stark, oh yes they talk about their dads, Jon says how wonderful was Jorah’s dad and how awful was his death, while Jorah said it must have been heartbreaking for his dad whose entire life was the NW and Jon talks about Ned “the goodest most honorable man ever” dying like a traitor for his honor and pride (like I sense a pattern, can you tell? Gods D&D are too subtle guys) and goes as far as to say he is glad his dad didn’t kill Jorah (you know making him pay for his crime in a just honorable way). Honestly what was the point of this conversation if not that survival is most important than honor? The writers (through Jon) are celebrating that Jorah survived even if he has done sketchy awful things (among them he conspired to have D and her baby killed so he would be allowed to go back to Westeros).

Right we get an intresting end to this convo, Jon offers Jorah Longclaw (why would he give him the sword if he is gonna need it right now in the stupid ass Wight hunt? Why didn’t he gave it to Lady Lyanna Mormont, she has presumably begun training cuz she said to Lord Glover she wasn’t gonna sit by the fire while the man defended the North??? Why would he give it to someone if Jeor gave it to him cuz he didn’t wanted Jorah to have it???) but the point of the conversation it’s not the sword, because Jorah rejects it, it’s about planting the possibility of children in Jon’s future. people have been screaming Targ baby to the heavens and back, and if that is what you chose to belive alright, but I think not, if that was the case wouldn’t it be appropiate to have the Targ theme or the J/D song in the background and transition to DS where D talks about children with Tyrion like she does in a future scene? I would have believed it then. But instead we have the Stark theme and the scene transitioning to Arya and SANSA, call me delusional if you want but for me this is another check in the ‘targcest is building up tarbowl’ column.

Summarizing this we get the very bright neón message of Honor=Death. Which I’ll bring back later.

2.- Y'all remember those good times when the WF storyline was the only thing getting me through all the bullshit I was being fed by D&D? Well they’re over. As I said in point 1 we get a transition of Arya and Sansa looking down at the courtyard while Arya talks about how Ned watched the boys training and tries to diminish Sansa’s connection to her family by stating she was surely too busy sewing to know that (have fun freezing your limbs off darling!!! Sewing and Knitting and all those “delicate female” activities you sniff at are the reason you have clothes miss, really I can’t with this where is the Arya that thought woman to be of equal importance than man?) Sansa is having none of that and says she remembers, we get a cute memory of Arya practicing archery in secret and Ned approving (we get again nods to the patriarchy is wrong! But this is sloppy as fuck if D&D make Arya feel superior to non-warrior inclined girls, like that is also misogynistic) Sansa is smiling fondly (she at this point is more of a feminist icon than any other girl in this show, make no mistake she is not upset or resentful of warrior girls, she approved with a smile when Lyanna said girls on Bear Island were going to be trained too, and she smiles at the memory Arya is sharing with her of defying the rules and practicing archery cuz that made her happy) but then things take a turn for worse when Arya said that Ned is dead cuz Sansa helped the Lannisters. I never asked for this bullshit!!! Not even Ned blamed Sansa for anything, even if Sansa hadn’t alerted her Cersei was gonna kill Robert to protect herself and her children, Ned died for Joffrey’s cruelty (he wasn’t even supposed to die, he was to be sent to the Wall) and yes Sansa had a role to play in the chain of events that led to that, but Sansa had no way of knowing that, she only tried to save her family! The smile gets wiped from my girl’s face she is completely at loss. Arya takes out the letter and starts reading it out, even when Sansa asks her to stop cuz she already knows what does the letter say (wow I can’t belive D&D keep on triggering Sansa through her siblings, FUCKING disgusting) Arya is being unnecessary cruel, blaming Sansa for being powerless to stop their father’s death when she herself was equally powerless, like????? D&D are pushing this Starkbowl bs cuz this is got and nothing can be nice for 2 sec. But really this shit has no basis, you have Wight Hunt Team people who have literally killed each other or tried to working together and joking and then have two sisters who went through hell and back fighting cuz one of them thinks the other survived KL by being a princess in a tower??? Like how is this logical? Even if this is a cleverly crafted Arya plot (I think there is some logic to this) to kill LF is not fair for Sansa, god can’t she have good things on her life? D&D took away the safety of her home by marrying her off to Ramsey and have him rape her in her HOME, and now they make her family treat her one like a stranger and the other like shit???? I’m not asking for Arya to thank Sansa on her knees like she suggested (if anything Sansa was super brave standing her ground and defending her possition and everything she did to retake their home) I don’t want everyone to worship her as they do certain someone all I am asking for is respect and safety for someone who deserves it! Really and Arya suggesting Lyanna Mormont would go for Sansa’s throat why yes she is a child, one that has lost a lot with all this fucking wars but still a child that lacks the knowledge of the true game of thrones and what it takes to survive it, like you Arya (doesn’t she remembers she was cupbearer to Tywin who literally was responsible for the murder of her brother and mother? This is actually what leads me to think this is a ploy cuz Arya is not a hypocrite as far as we’ve seen) still this was painful to watch if you love the Starks.

Anyway leaving my frustration with this cheap drama aside, did anyone notice the parallels between the Arya and Sansa confrontation and the Jon/Tormund and Jon/Jorah conversations? The Wight Hunt Team was talking about great honorable man whose honor and moral code brought their downfall and in the Sansa and Arya, the youngest sister was blaming the eldest for having no honor and surviving (she goes as far as to say she would have rather died than betray her family) while Sansa defends what she did and shows how far she has come from paying the game.

Again this thing is not subtle at all.

———

This is too long so Part 2 is coming!

[doublehex]

Impressions of 7x02 “Stormborn”

So we got the second episode. Let’s have a chat.

Dragonstone:

We open up with a fierce storm raging outside Dragonstone, and I love this for several reasons. First off, the obvious allusions to the night that Daenerys was born, but most importantly I love the imagery of it. It is nearly black, save for the outlines of thunder strikes and the fire from within the Targaryen keep.

The scene opens with strife amongst Daenerys’ advisors. Elaria Martell has no shame over killing Tyrion’s niece Myrcella back in the final episode of Season 5, and I have to say I was disappointed by how it was played out. Tyrion seems to just casually accept what Elaria has done, a shrug off his shoulder. He should be pissed, and demanding from Daenerys some kind of retribution. I really do hope that something comes out from this, because otherwise it would just seem the showrunners are just waving off a critical relationship between characters.

Daenerys questions Varys about his loyalty, and I really do need to ask���why now? This is a conversation that needed to happen, but not after months of sailing together across the Narrow Sea. Why did Dany not speak with Varys in the final episode of season 6? It just seems awkwardly placed, although it is decently written.

Varys’ character suffers from cutting out the Golden Company plot from the books. Without Varys’ “perfect prince”, it doesn’t make much sense for him to have backed Viserys in the first season. He should have known that Viserys was the same kind of man that Aerys was, so why would he go for that? It feels like the writers are trying to salvage a ship that is made out of seaweed and is on fire.

I do however like Daenerys’ response – that if Varys felt she is doing a poor job as queen, he will say so to his face. And her threat of killing him if he should conspire against her shows she is not going to just accept his loyalty. Varys has jumped from monarch to monarch several times over now. He was essential for bringing Dorne and the Reach into the fold, and Daenerys is in need of a spymaster. But she does not trust him one bit, nor should see.

Then we get a Melisandre scene, where she reveals that perhaps Daenerys is the Prince(ss) That Was Promised. In the books, the revelation that the prophecy may have suffered a grammatical mistranslation came about as a sort of bitter moment…Aegon had been mistaken all along, and perhaps his error resulted in Rhaegar’s rash decision. Here it’s played as a mediocre female power moment.

Also, why is Melissandre in the throne room? Dany should be there on the stone throne, and Melissandre should be escorted in. Dany sees herself as queen – she should be showcasing that as much as possible.

When they plan for how Daenerys will retake the Seven Kingdoms, it is only her and Tyrion that vouches for the least amount of blood shed as possible. They realize that the Dothraki and Unsullied will only fan the xenophobic flames of the Westerosi. In order to establish Daenerys as a rightful ruler, it can’t be the Essosi that take King’s Landing. The Reachmen and Dornish will lay siege to King’s Landing.

This scene does a good job of showcasing what everyone wants out of Daenerys. Yara just wants the Iron Islands to be independent, she wants a quick end to the war. Ellaria and Olenna want Cersei to suffer, damn the consequences. Daenerys’ alliance is a fragile on at best. Besides the racial tensions between Dorne and the Reach, which have always been high, the alliance is split on how to proceed. It seems only the fact that Daenerys has dragons and a formidable army is what keeps the others from abandoning the cause.

At the end, Olenna tries to remind Dany that she is a dragon, so she must “be a dragon”. Olenna is trying to push Daenerys towards fire and blood, highest amount of casualties, giving the Lannisters as much misery as possible, and one can’t help but worry that this will be the show’s version of the “dragons plant no trees” from the books.

The Missandei and Grey Worm romance has finally come to it’s…blunt conclusion. Although it was good to hear Grey Worm speak of what the training of the Unsullied was like, the romance between these two characters have felt very contrived and forced. The sex scene is rather mild by the standards of the show, which comes as a relief, because the dialogue leading up to it was as awkward as one could get. One really has to ask just what this side plot added to the series, that couldn’t be better spent somewhere else.

Kings Landing:

Cersei seems to have taken Jaime’s advice to heart. She is doing her best to rallying the support of the Southern lords…and that seems to means just the Reach, if Randyll Tarly’s presence is anything to go by. The language she uses in her speech reminds me a great deal of Trump, where she is relying on an appeal of the Other and objectively false claims to secure a base.

It may have been unintentional or not, but I got several ISIS vibes when we had Qyburn defame Balerion’s skull with the ballista. They start off that scene with a bit of a history lesson, showcasing that Balerion is a big part of how the Seven Kingdoms were forged. It’s a priceless relic for all intents and purposes. Then we have Cersei deface it, and look pleased about it.

It seems to me that D&D are trying to create parallels between modern day and with Cersei. She has overturn the political system, going against the will of the people, to secure power. Now Trump did not perform a coup d’état like Cersei has. As far as we know, his election was legal. Influenced by outside forces, beyond a doubt, but legal. Most people did not want Trump as president, and almost nobody in Westeros wants Cersei to be their queen.

Another comparison between Team Lannister and the Alt-Right is the racist language Jaime has employed in recruiting Randyll Tarly to their side. Othering the Unsullied and the Dothraki in an appeal for Westerosi Nationalism (and luring the prospect of a new Paramount Lord of the Reach) seems to have worked on Lord Tarly.

One very keen thing to take away is that Jaime states that he no longer likes his sister. A rift is growing between the Lannister twins, and it will surely culminate in Jaime having to make a choice.

Winterfell:

Jon is finally starting to listen to Sansa. He speaks to her about the summon to Dragonstone, and she is wary. Despite her insistence that Tyrion is a good man, it is too risky. Sansa is still very much in bunker mode – after years of witnessing her family come under siege, she views anyone else but a Northman as a threat. She is not entirely wrong, but Sansa is also focused on the Southern threat, while Jon is focused on the Northern one.

In the end, Jon goes against the pleas of all his lords (including Lyanna Mormong) and accepts the invitation. Jon is getting flashbacks to his time as Lord Commander, when he is the sole voice for an unpopular action that must be taken. Even if it weren’t for Daenerys’ dragons, the North has been under siege for years. Food supplies are low, men are short. There’s a reason that boys and girls are being taught to fight. They need more manpower against the White Walkers, and Daenerys’ army is precisely what they need.

But once again, Sansa openly objects to Jon’s proposal in front of their lords. D&D continue to strike the same source of conflict between these two characters, in a way that seems artificial and forced. Especially when Jon rewards her with ruling the North in his absence. We just saw Jon seeking her counsel a scene earlier – why doesn’t he tell her his plans in private? The Starks look divided, and that won’t look good in front of the Northern nobility.

Petyr Balish also seems to be out of place this season. There is no clear understanding of just why, precisely, he is in the North, or what he is trying to accomplish. He may view chaos as a ladder, but the ladder doesn’t seem to be leading him anywhere. And the creep vibes he gives off does not seem to serve a purpose. In the earlier seasons, Petyr was very good at being everyone’s friend. That skill seemed to have evaporated by season 7 has rolled around.

Just what is Balish’s endgame plan? We are not getting much of a sense that he has one. Just like Varys, the changes to the narrative post season four has left Balish hanging.

Oldtown:

Sam’s arc is quickly becoming one of the best parts of the season. With an emphasis on being “hard rock Hogwarts”, the pacing of these scenes is stellar. They are glorified info dumps, but they are info dumps with style, and I am along for the ride. Maester Slughorn…err, Marwyn…no, Ebrose, sorry, is a darkly charming mentor for Sam.

The Grandmaesters actually had a good reason for hiding the greyscale cure – it tends to get the treater killed. But Samwell doesn’t have a say no attitude, and by golly he is going to save Ser Jorah. No matter what.

The cure for greyscale being entirely mundane instead of magical was a sigh of relief. And with the cure being to actually carve out the corrupted skin, one could not think of a better face for a character with morals are corrupted and dubious as Jorah Mormont. Next time, Ser Jorah, do not enslave people just to fulfill the debts of your wife. Also, don’t abuse the trust of a young woman and violate her privacy by kissing her without permission. No matter how sexily Ian Glen can growl “Khaleesi”, that is unforgivable.

And he does nothing for the narrative anyways, except slows it to a crawl.

Arya:

And the best scene transition goes to…pus soaked flesh into chicken pot pie! Mark Mylod had to be crackling as he directed that, and I wouldn’t blame him one bit. Grossing people out is a wonderful hobby to have.

Say one thing for season seven, and say that Arya’s arc has been on point, and her time in the inn is no exception. Watching her eat the pie surely made the entire audience hungering for something to stuff down their gut. You could hear every crunch, see the crumbs get stuck on Maisie Williams’ cheeks, and just get the sense that the pie was really damn good.

We also got a sense that the Hound had a profound impact on Arya. Her statement to having baked some pies is the kind of casual appeal to murder that sounds like it would come from Sandor Clegane’s mouth.

Arya also seems to have not realized that any of the Starks were alive, up until Hot Pie drops the fact that Jon took back Winterfell and was the King in the North. That changes her trajectory completely, from killing Cersei to reuniting with her family. Although that warms the heart, one has to wonder just what her last line to Jaqen H’ghar was supposed to mean. If she was “going home”, why was she not in Winterfell already?

The scene with Nymeria was, of course, wonderful, and D&D avoided the expected trap of having Nymeria rejoin with Arya. They haven’t been with each other for years, and Nymeria has long since found her own path in life. Nymeria has a pack, and Arya is on her way to reunite with hers.

Oh, of course this happens the moment Jon heads south for Dragonstone, but that’s plot convenience for you.

The Battle in the Narrow Sea:

So, we got one good scene and one bad one. The interaction between the Sand Snakes is almost…endearing. I actually found it a bit heart warming to see these three half-sisters are toying with each other. It almost makes one forget that they went and killed their nephew and joked about it.

But then we get the most awkward flirting with Yara and Elaria. “A foreign invasion is in progress”. Good god. They improvised most of those lines, and it really shows.

Once that nastiness is out of the way, we get a real sense of just what type of villain Euron Greyjoy is meant to be. The book version was an sorcerous pirate captain with delusions of eldritch power. Show Euron is the Mountain on the Sea. An absurd murderer with no desires to hold back his bloodlust. From the moment the Silence rams into the flagship of the Greyjoy fleet, Euron is an absurd villain.

And he rocks that role. Euron is utterly bloodthirsty that reflects the raised stakes of the series. Daenerys has brought dragons to Westeros, but Euron is showing us the true meaning “fire and blood”. Between the flaming ballista bolts and the Iron Islanders carving through each other, we get plenty of both.

The show does allude to how Euron from the novels would cut the tongue out of his crewmates. They are all silent, not speaking a single word, and one of the final shots is them cutting out the tongue out of the survivors.

The scene ends with Theon facing a new Ramsay. Seeing the way the Greyjoy loyalists are butchered by the crew of the Silence reminds Theon all too much of his abuser, and he can’t take it. Alfie Williams deserve an award for this scene alone. He utterly sells just the shame and fear in Theon.

When the episode draws to a close, Theon is left behind, just another bit of wreckage in Euron’s wake.

The episode opened with a storm of water, and it ended with one of blood.

[winterfellchild]

Hey, do you think these are legit? They seem very detailed. reddit*com/r/gottheories/comments/5hyax8/spoilers_season_7_all_leaked_info_in/

I read that spoilers too but I don’t trust what they say for many reasons. It’s a lot to talk about but let’s start with the main reasons why I’m not convinced with these spoilers, in no particular order, under the cut:

The wighthunt is useless. If it was anyone else maybe I could have taken that idea in consideration but here we are talking about Jon Snow, ex Lord commander of the NW who fought at Hardhome. Jon saw what the WW are and what they can do, he saw how dangerous they are and how when the NK raised his arms triumphantly all around him the dead rise up as undead wights. How can a great warrior like Jon who saw all that even think that a wighthunt is a good idea? From the start it looks more like a suicidal idea than a Lord Commander’s idea. But let’s take this as a good idea and not a suicidal one for just a minute: why should they try it? To prove the WWexistence to the Dragon Queen? I don’t see why sending good men on a difficult mission can be a good idea when she has dragons and can look for herself what it’s happening behond the Wall. In the spoilers it says that during the wight hunt D with her dragons will join the group beyond the Wall to save the day, so my question is: could she not just fly beyond the Wall in the first place and take a look? Last time we saw them the WW didn’t fly so flying can be the safest, easiest and fastest way to check on the WW. She doesn’t need to engage in a battle, just take a look. She is willing to go either way so why not try the safest way first? And they will catch the wight in the end and they will take it to KL...REALLY? It wasn’t in the show but in the book Martin already proved how this is highly improbable to happen: Lord Commander Mormont sent Ser Alliserto KL with the hand of the dead ranger who tried to murder him at Castle Black but as soon as Ser Alliser left Castle Black the hand started to putrefyand when he reached KL Tyrion ( that was hand of the King at that time) had a good time mocking him because of that hand. If it didn’t work before Im not sure it will work now.

Melisandre and the BwB run into each other and after that Arya also run into Melisandre. Well, I believe this one can be true but I also know for a fact that this idea was around long before the spoilers. For example this video was posted on June2016 and there are a lot more that talk about who Arya will meet in the Riverlands. So this doesn’t look much like a spoiler to me, more like using a well know theory on youtube like a spoiler.

Sam is the one who will cure Jorah. Like Arya meeting that people in the Riverlands this idea was already around long before the spoilers. I remember I saw a video that suggested 2 possibilities to cure his greyscale: one was that he will go to Quaitheand the other one was that he will go to the citadel and find Sam. I can’t find that video ( I tried but I watched too many to remember which one was) but the citadel was the most likely possibility because the person who made that video said something like “ the citadel is like google in Westeros”. Since there were spoiler photos of Jorah and of Sam ( not together) but not of Quaithe it’s the most logical thing to say Sam will cure Jorah and not Quaithe. Anyway this video will be enough to confirm what I’m saying since it was posted on July2016.

I’m confused with Theonstoryline in the spoilers.He gets his ass kicked on a beach near the coast of Dorne by the Ironborn, after they saw how Theon was unable to save Yara. The Ironborn leave him.So this will happen after his uncle EuroncapturedYara, but it didn’t say who exactlywill beat him. I saw some photos and the one beating Theon will be Euron himself. I think it’s too strange that his uncle Euron will capture Yara but leave Theon go when he wants to kill them both. Many say Euron is even worse than Ramsey ( I don’t like both in the same way) and Theon is a bigger problem to Euron’s claim on the Salt Throne because he is a male so... will he really let him leave? For sure both things will happen because there are photos ( Yara will be captured and Theon will be beaten) but maybe the timeline is not really how it’s written in the spoilers and if it’s not like that why should I believe that these are really leaked scripts and not just ideas from people who saw the photos like me?

I talked about this in another post so I’ll just copy and paste what I wrote there about the idea of a successful parlè in KL. The leaks said D, Cersei and Jon ( and others) will have a parlè and team Jon/D will ask Cersei’s help. Jon and D will trust Cersei (who recently killed a great part of KL people without a care, we all know how mach Jon loves people who burn innocents) and after 6 episodes of them fighting each other ( D and Cersei) and reach a compromise. Can this really happen? Cersei and her family killed half Starks so I don’t see how Jon will be able to ignore that and made peace with her. But even if Jon is willing to trust Cersei ( and I don’t think he will trust her but let’s talk hypothetically he will do it for a greatest good because he is that kind of person) D will never ever acknowledge Cersei as Queen, she will take what she thinks is hers with “ blood and fire”. Like she did in the last parlè she took part in. The writers wrote that she was more like a tyrantin the last parlè ( ep 6x09 script) so I don’t think she will be so open to make peace with Cersei. If there will be a scene with Jon, D and Cersei I think it will be Cersei’s death scene not a parlè.

Littlefinger is Sansa kill, as Ramsey was, and it will be a satisfyingdeath only if Sansa will personally kill him. After all she is the one that is supposed to slay the “giant” not Arya.To let Arya physicallykill him is possible but not really satisfactorywhen Arya already has a long list and Littlefinger is Sansa’s foe. Also I like more the idea of killing him with poison and not a knife. After all it all started with Littlefinger poisoning Jon Arryn and Littlefinger used poison with Joffrey and Sansa was framed for that murder. Like it happened to the people who killed the Starks in the Red Wedding I would like to see Littlefinger die in the same way he killed people.

Olenna telling Jaime that she killed Joffrey, and Olenna then poisons herself, dying in front of Jaime. I’m not sure but did lady Olenna have scenes with Jamie where they talked like enemies? Their families are enemy so there is no lost love between them but I don’t think Lady Olenna/Jamie will be a great showdown like it will be Lady Olenna/Cersei. These 2 women had a lot of history and Lady Olenna is too sassy to just kill herself without first saying what she thinks to Cersei. I like Lady Olenna a lot so I hope for a more emotional death scene for her than not one with Jamie. I hope she will have the satisfaction to look at Cersei’s face when she will confess that she killed Joffrey... after all Cersei killed all her family so D&D can let her have this little satisfaction.

Jon will die again and Beric will give him the kiss of life. For one thing if he will die again there will be a greater meaning to his death than a-not-special-at-all WW killing him in a useless mission. His first death was important, not only because of who killed him ( the betrayal was an emotional moment) but also because of how it frees him from his vow to be a NW. This second death doesn’t look much special and doesn’t have a special purpose, for me it’s not something fit for the leading character. Also if they start to kill him and bring him back and it start to become a habit it will lose the special meaning of him being TPTWP. And if D&D will use the kiss of life I hope it will be Jon using it not Beric. In the book it was so important when Beric give it to Cat but giving it to Jon in a not so epic death scene seems to me a little disappointing. To me this looks more like the need to put the kiss of life in the spoilers than a good script.

I’m not going to talk much about the boats*x but I have reasons to not believe that too. In truth, maybe there will be a boats*x scene but I don’t see how Jon can have feelings for D and kneel to her when she is becoming more and more tyrannical ( again ep 6x09 script and what Emilia said in an interview). That Jon is not much like the Jon I saw in 6 seasons so I hope it will not happen.