#clara thornton

[thebeastofblackmoor]

original by @spacerockband

I absolutely HAD to take this comic about brood parasitism--when a bird egg is placed in a smaller species' nest and as it grows, it ends up starving out its "siblings" to survive-- and make it about young Clara Thornton and her relationship with Charlotte and her family. The metaphor was just too perfect for me to resist.

[nancydrewpcpolls]

Aside from Nancy

[drewlyyours]

I’m afraid Her Interactive is falling for the Disney problem. The sheer AMOUNT of female characters in these games with dead mothers is actually funny:

Joy Trent (the OG sad mom story)

Frances Humber

Emily Crandall

Pua Mapu

Kyler Mallory and Fiona Malloy

Rachel and Kim Hubbard

Yumi and Miwako Shimizu

Jamila El-Dine

Harper, Charlotte, and Clara Thornton (and Jessalyn, depending on the ending you get 👀)

Elisabet Grimursdottir

Lauren Holt

Elka Strojník

It makes the number of living mothers in Curse of Blackmoor Manor (3 if you count step-mom Linda) astounding!

Now that I think about it, I’m actually kinda perturbed that they fall back on making a female character more interesting by having a dead mom. They NEVER do this with the male characters, give them a dead mom or dead dad just for some edge, except maybe Henry and Grigor, but Grigor’s backstory was interesting because of how sucky the foster system is.

Lets find other ways to deepen female characters, okay?

[margeries]

spoiler alert ‼️

i don’t think I can trust anyone in this house, but at least Clara doesn’t kill us if we decide to not help her unlike her daughter and cousin lol i still have no idea how you can find Harper trustable 🤡 i read the post about Her answering fans questions, and honestly saying there are more question than answers left

[papenniesandbentoboxes]

Original vvv

[incorrectnancydrewquotes]

I haven’t always been against birthdays. Each one reminds me I’m a year closer to death’s cold embrace. What’s not to like about that?

-Clara Thornton, Ghost of Thornton Hall

[spookieloop]

I noticed something while replaying Ghost of Thornton Hall that for me confirms that Clara did willfully murder Charlette.

Clara may tell you in the end that it was an accident, but she also says that one other time about a different family member she wronged.

She tells you that she never meant for Wade to go to jail, that she just wanted to scare him; similar words she uses when confessing Charlette's death. Wade on the other hand outright says that it's a lie in his case, since Clara would visit the jail just to laugh at him.

Harper even calls Clara a "Revisionist".

It sounds as though Clara wants to believe these things were accidents, so she refuses to accept the truth of her own actions. I definitely believe she murdered Charlette intentionally--even if she wishes she could take it back.

[tfg5]

[demifiendrsa]

Black Mirror: Season 6 | Official Teaser

Season 6 of Black Mirror will premiere in June 2023.

Poster

[elliotchen-apologist]

chilling in nancy drew games:

thornton hall

[thebeastofblackmoor]

not to be dramatic but I am thinking about Clara Thornton again, and I know she's like The Worst and has seriously hurt every single person in her life and is an abusive-workplace-approving, marriage-arranging, cold-mothering, cousin-killing capitalist dog, but seriously let me speculate about young Clara for a while. Under the cut because, predictably, I got swept away in the sweet sweet stream of psychoanalysis.

She's born a bastard child with an unknown father into a very traditional family that presumably cares very much about propriety and pedigree. Not the end of the world, but definitely something she's insecure about and something that puts her on thin ice with the family from the beginning.

And then, when she's 10 (or maybe 5, if you believe the family tree over Wade), her mother dies without ever telling her who or where her father is. She doesn't know where she's going to go.

She ends up living with her aunt and uncle and cousins, which probably sounds really nice, since Mariana and Roger are by all accounts wonderful people, but it's possible that she felt like a burden, out of place in the household. Presumably, they never formally adopted her, and Charlotte and Harper seem to have had a remarkably close relationship that maybe she was always a little left out of.

Regardless, being re-homed as a child--no matter how functional the new household-- is a tremendous trauma. Pretty much all kids will have a lot of anger and grief about what they lost, or feel anger and guilt for allowing their new guardians to "replace" their biological parents, and just generally feel insecure about their future, like the rug is going to be pulled out from under them again.

And it is pulled out from under her! Again and again!

When she's a teenager, the aunt and uncle who took her in are killed in a plane crash, and the three girls are left on their own.

From the line at the end of game, when Clara tells Charlotte's ghost, "You had so much, and I had nothing," we can assume that Clara was not included as a daughter in her aunt and uncle's will. Unfortunate for the obvious monetary purposes, but it also probably serves as sad confirmation that Clara was never really seen as a part of the family.

And as Charlotte is her parents' successor, she undergoes the process of taking over the (extremely successful and lucrative) company, and part of that is setting up the next successor. Maybe because Charlotte thought Clara was the best choice, maybe because she felt bad for her, maybe just because Harper wasn't an adult yet... regardless of the reason, Charlotte set the company up to go to Clara if Charlotte, too, were to pass. This was important to her not because of the money and power, but because it solidified her value to her family. After years of feeling unsure of her place in the family, maybe feeling unwelcome in her own childhood home, this must have been a huge relief, even if it would only ever be symbolic and wouldn't ever come to pass.

And then Charlotte tries to take it away. From explicit evidence (the diary in Charlotte's bedroom), we know that it's because Charlotte thought Clara was in some way unstable or close to snapping (probably a product of her childhood trauma), but if you subscribe to the Jackson-incest theory, there's just that much more to unpack about Clara and how she fits into the Thornton family. Clara does in fact snap. I personally believe Her Interactive's response about Clara not literally striking a match, but instead throwing down a candle in a fit of rage, and then, boom, Charlotte is gone, too.

Obviously, Clara, who has always felt like she was on thin ice with her family, isn't about to go confess that it was her fault or why, but Harper knows. And of course she resents Clara.

But maybe she's willing to give her a chance. It was an accident, after all. Harper has an interesting few lines where she states that Clara could've been there for her after Charlotte died, and that after Charlotte died, that was the end of her family. Helping a younger sibling through grief under the best of outside circumstances is trying, but Clara is also coping with guilt, and the extreme, burdensome responsibility of taking over the company. And something else. If Clara never really felt like part of the family, if she always felt like Charlotte and Harper were the sisters, the best friends, and she was very much just the cousin, she might have also felt slighted that Harper only wants her as a sister after her biological sister is gone. That's just my personal speculation as a possibility; I don't have much to support it, but I think it makes sense.

And no matter whether this was the case or not, eventually things get so bad with Harper that Harper makes an attempt on Clara's life (I have a personal headcanon that Clara provoked her in a purposefully dangerous position as an indirect suicide attempt, but again, unfounded). Harper flees in the aftermath, so now she's gone, too.

I truly believe that all the positive influences in Clara's life were gone when she was learning how to run the company. And the extended family couldn't have been too thrilled about this young, unstable, bastard orphan running things. Thin ice, you know the drill by now, Now, the only way to prove herself to her extended family is to get them that coin.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say with all this is that it's no surprise that she ended up a completely emotionally closed off woman who was focused on the success of the company, no matter what, and that I think she's 100% one of the most tragic and believable villains in the games. Come on, that backstory is delicious.

[missdeerlady]

I mention that Charlotte had to beg her father to go The white Ash institute . . . Here a short story of how she was able to go.

“As soon as her grace returns from her ballet lessons, I will escort her to her afternoon lesson” A man dress he black with his grey vest being the only color that pops out. Small frame glasses frame his aged face. His brown and grey hair slicked back, and a grey patch of hair in his chin kept clean.

“Thanks you Sovin” the duck knowledge as he continue with his paperwork. The sounds of rain softly taping the window of his office, and the smell of wet soil covered the grounds outside the estate. Even with the rain his work is never done. Meeting needed to be scheduled, paperwork needed to be filled, and he must address some issues that some of the folk in the forest have brought to his attention.

“I have notice . . . “ Sovin spoke “ . . . That the princess has usually quiet for the pass few days” The Duke’s hand stopped moving at that statement. “I have not seen her like that . . . In a long time” Sovin careful with his words.

The Duke continues to work on his document, but his mind started to replay that day in back of his mind.

Charlotte rushed into his office cheering and jumping with her friends Trinity and Flora fallowing after her. Sovin is the last to enter as he closed the door behind him.

The duke raised his head from his work watching this sight in confusion. “Charlotte a duchess does not act is such a manner”

“I am sorry father, but I am excited” she runs to her desk and showed him a pair of glass slippers and a letter in hand.

“We found this at the entrance of your door” Trinity chimed him “We though someone poor shoes cobbler wanted to use her for Promo”

Flora nodded her head. The duke tuned out the girlish chatter as he examined the shoes and opened the letter. His eyes widened slightly as his recognized the letters headed. His eyes drifting through the letter.

Dear Charlotte Evergreen

I am pleased to inform you that you have been cordially invited to attend White Ash Institute. Cristalería

The wand has chosen you because you so much potential, passion, and heart in being a mage. White Ash Institute will provide a place for you to grow and learn to be a fine mage in all of twisted wonderland.

We are excited to share more with you, and invite your friends and family to attend upcoming events. Upon your first arrive please report to the Grand Hall in a two weeks time along with other new student for orientation.

Please share this wonderful news with everyone.

Welcome to the White Ash Institute family

With my best congratulations

Clara Cristalería”

The Duke reread in letter a few times. His composure was calm and unfazed by the chatter of the three girls, but on the inside a bunch of questions filled with his mind. The W.I.A wished for his daughter to attend? She will be leaving the estate? Will she making to the school on time? What if something happens before she . . . ? The memory of his wife face flashed in his mind. A smile on her face as she slowly fades away with the sounds of sirens in the distance. He jumped slightly as he felt someone touch his shoulder breaking him his thoughts.

“I am sorry your sire” Sovin spoke.

The duke nods to him and he fold the letter composing himself. Charlotte turn to her father with a big smile on her face.

“Father before I have to leave. Is it possible I-“

“You will not be attending” spoke as he places the letter in his desk draw.

The room goes silent. Charlotte looked at her father as he went back to his work. Her smile faded away now replaced with confusion. “What?”

“You will not be attending” he continued to work “I will be reaching out to Miss Cristalería to have her-“

“Why can’t I go!?” She shouted

“A duchess does not raise her voice” the duke place his pen down to look at her. “Miss. Mena as already created your circular plan for this year and it wont be disrupted”

“I am sure Miss Cristalería school will have the same circular plans plus more with the number of teacher they have”

“I have not met any of these professors, nor do I know there credentials.” He argued

“I am sure you can come with me on orientation day to meet the professor and Miss Cristalería” she argue back.

“Yeah Mrs. Evergreen” Trinity spoke “It’s the same school Charlotte’s Mother went to so I am sure-“

“Enough Miss Thornton” the duke spoke firmly. Both him and Charlotte looked at each other, and it clicked for her. He continues to speak as he looked at his phone. “I have a meeting to attend in an hour so I will be late for dinner. Your-“

“Why do you wish to lock me up here?”

Her question silence him and he looks back at her. Charlotte tired he best to keep her composure but her anger anger slip through.

“I have an opportunity to attend a wonderful school. To further my education and possibly make more connections for our kingdom to reach out -“

“Enough Char-“

She raises her voice “And to strengthen our connection to better our people and there. As Future Duchess I have to learn that right? And you wanna me keep me isolated!”

“Do not raise your-“

“If mother was here she would be happy for me to-“

The duke slammed his hand on his desk and rose from his seat. “ENOUGH CHARLOTTE!” He yelled, her eyes widen she took a step back when her father rose. The duke cleared his throat as he fix his tie before sitting down. “The discussion is done with. You will continue your education with Miss Mena here. Being a duchess mean sacrifices. You must put your feeling aside and do what best for your kingdom, and what best if for your to stay here. Do you understand?”

Charlotte didn’t say anything, she turn in her heels and ran out of his office with Trinity run after her. Flora went to his desk and gather the glass slippers in her hands. “ Sorry to bother you your majesty” she spook softly and bowed before leaving his office. The room going silent once more, and the dukes mild slowly feeling with guilt

Slowly coming out of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Remember he is working, and now hearing the sound of his phone ringing. He shook his head and placed the down. See that Sovin stured him from his thoughts. “I am sorry your grace, but your phone has been ringing for a while.”

The duke turned his attention to his phone, and saw it was an unknown number. Thinking it could be another government official reaching him hi answer his phone. “This is Braxton Evergreen”

“Hello Mr. Evergreen” a elegant voice spoke in the other end “this is Clara Cristalería from the White Ash Institute”

Keeping a straight look on his face, but he wondered why the headmage is WIA would be calling “Yes Miss Cristalería, what can I do for you this afternoon?”

“I am sorry to bother you, but I wanted to reach out regarding Charlotte place here”

“I don’t see why, the letter I sent a few days ago should explain why I wish to keep Charlotte in homeschooling”

“I did read that, and I understand your reasoning. However I wish to state my reasoning why I believe Charlotte would benefit coming to my institute.”

He cocked one eyebrow at that statement. He hasn’t not had someone question his decision is a long time, so having someone do it now is odd. “Your reasoning?”

“Yes Mr. Evergreen”

“And what are your reasoning to send my daughter to your institute?”

“Well your daughter would be reserving the best education we can provide her with instructors with wonderful credentials.”

“Her instructor I have for her currently has great credentials too”

“I am aware of Miss Mena’s credentials, she was a former student of mine as you are aware. And I am aware of her work she done after she has graduated. I have reached out to her, and she speaks quite highly of your daughter. She is a bright girl with her potions skills, but can be a bit restless if kept inside all day.”

Still keeping his straight face, but taken back a little. He was aware Mena education to and work as a teacher, but he felt a bit unease that someone he has not formally met reaching out to know about his child.

“Which bring me to my next reason” Clara continued “We provide many connections for what they wish to do after they graduate, but also while attending with there fellow peers. Our school provides education from anyone of royal blood to a simple maiden. Your daughter could make more alleys while being here to help strengthen your connection in the future”

“Which I can teacher her here as well in a secured environment”

“Are you saying my school is not secure Mr. Evergreen?” She said with a slight serious tone “Because I and our educators top priority is to make sure the out students and the environment they are in our safe.

“I did not say that, all I-“

“Mr. Evergreen” she interrupted “I am aware of what of why you wish to keep Charlotte home”

His straight face slowly faulted. Remaining silent on his end. Clara stayed silent for a moment, allowing Braxton to compose himself before continuing to speak. “Like I stated I am aware of all my former students. I am truly sorry for your loss Mr. Evergreen, I can not imagine the heat break you have felt. That pain will be something you don’t forget”

Braxton stay silent, not wanting to break his composure. The rain slowly turning to a drizzle and the tap of the water starts to go silent.

“But it cannot be something that controls you. I am sure Sylvain would not want you or Charlotte to be isolated away forever. She would not want to see that for you two.”

He rose from his chair, and walked toward the window his phone still on hand. The rain fulling stopping, seeing the dew drops falling off the pine trees needles. The silence felt like forever. He was processing every thought, trying to sort out his feeling with rational thinking. Then he see a car pulled up to the front of the estate. The servant coming over to open the door for Charlotte. A sun ray finally breaking from the clouds, both Charlotte and Braxton looking up. He felt a warm sensation come over him, as if someone was hugging him. Feeling as though his wife is holding him again for a moment before hearing Clara call out to him on the phone.

“I apologize, can you repeat yourself?”

“I had said I can only give you my opinion on why Charlotte should attend. However as her parent the decision is up to you.”

He look back toward Charlotte who was reached the entrance to the doorway. He walked away from the window and back to his desk “Are you able to accommodate her ballet schedule if she attend your institute Miss Cristalería?” He sit down.

He could almost feel the smile on Clara face “Of course Mr. Evergreen. Either you and I can provide her with transportation to her ballet lessons and back to school.”

“That great to hear” he picked up the pen and went back to his work. “I will make sure that Charlotte has her stuff ready and sorted before she has to leave for orientation”

“Wonderful! The carriage will be there the day before orientation to pick her up.”

“I understand and will make sure she is ready by then” he places the pen down “It was a pleasure to speak with you Miss Cristalería”

“You should thank your friend Sovin. He advises that I should call you to discuss this letter with you”

Sovin was already out the door before Braxton could even give him the look. “I will make sure to properly thank him.”

“And don’t worry I will make sure that she is kept safe in your absence.”

“I greatly thank you Miss Cristalería.”

He hangs up the phone as he looks back toward the window and see the sun shinning breaking through the clouds. Smiling, knowing that she is always watching over them.

(Here a gif of how happy Charlotte got when her father told her the good news)

Clara Cristalería and the White Ashe Institute belong to @adrianasunderworld

[drewlyyours]

HAPPY BELATED MOTHER’S DAY

to all the Nancy Drew characters who have lost their mothers.

We love you!

[whencallstheheart4ever]

A little tribute to the women of Hope Valley. 💗

[bathtubenthusiastr]

Wade said workers rights

[incorrectnancydrewquotes]

Hey, everybody. Today Harper pushed me, so I’m starting a kickstarter to put her down. The benefits of killing her would be I would get pushed way less.

—Clara Thornton, Ghost of Thornton Hall