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equestrianempire · 10 months ago

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Sweet Victory! Aaron Vale & Prescott Power to the Top in the $100,000 Mars Equestrian Grand Prix CSI 3*

Ocala, Florida, USA – March 02, 2024 – The WEC Grand Arena once again became the epicenter of thrilling international competition as spectators from near and far gathered at World Equestrian Center – Ocala to witness the highly anticipated $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI 3*. An elite lineup of the world’s best Jumping athletes competed for the top prize, but it was Aaron Vale (USA) who clinched the well-deserved victory aboard Prescott (Lordanos x Bb Carvallo), owned by Thinkslikeahorse.

Catsy Cruz (MEX), an FEI Level III course designer, crafted the challenging tracks that allowed 11 duos to qualify for the jump-off.

Samantha Schaefer (USA) & James Bond HX

Anna Dryden (USA) and Gipsy Love set the initial pace in the jump-off, but Samantha Schaefer (USA) and Bonne Chane LLC’s James Bond HX (Douglas x Cash) blazed through, clocking in at 41.33 seconds to take the lead.

Daniel Coyle (IRL) came close to taking the win with a speedy performance aboard Ariel Grange’s Legacy, but had a heartbreaking rail, leaving the door open for Aaron Vale, determined to seize the win.

Aaron Vale (USA) & Prescott

At the sound of the tone, Vale and Prescott were off, “I really shaped out to fence one, and got the six done easily in the turn. We caught that nice enough I was able to get eight down to the next oxer, and I think everybody else did nine. Then he actually grabbed a shoe landing, and I wasn’t sure what was happening, but for three or four strides he was scrambling. By the time everything cleared, the next oxer was going to be really long, but I had to win the class, so I took it. Then I was able to be patient to the combination, and after we landed that, I could just let his speed do the rest.”

Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) & Loukas de La Noue

Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) and Oakridge Farm’s 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Loukas de La Noue (Malito de Reve x Mr Blue) clinched second place with a time of 39.96 seconds. Ashe Cawley praised the crowd at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “Whenever I come here, I am always blown away by the crowd. They are always into it, and they really have become educated about the sport,” she shared. “I can’t thank MARS Equestrian and the Roberts family enough for what they’ve done for our sport. They’ve really made an impact with this incredible facility, and I think there is nothing but amazing things to come from it.”

Aaron Vale (USA) & Prescott during the awards ceremony

Bridgett McIntosh, Director of MARS Equestrian spoke about the thrilling night, “Congratulations and thank you to the athletes and four-legged friends for joining us on this spectacular evening of equestrian sport. We are so proud to be a Founding Partner of World Equestrian Center and this venue truly embodies our vision: to create a better world for horses, pets and people. Our love for animals and the sport is evident, and we sincerely appreciate the entire equestrian community’s essential role in making it all possible.”

Final Results – $100,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix CSI 3*

1) Aaron Vale (USA) & Prescott: 2012 Holsteiner gelding by Lordanos x Bb Carvallo, Thinkslikeahorse: 0 / 0 / 37.30

2) Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) & Loukas de La Noue: 2011 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Malito De Reve x Mr Blue, Oakridge Farm: 0 / 0 / 39.96

3) Samantha Schaefer (USA) & James Bond HX: 2014 KWPN gelding by Douglas x Cash, Bonne Chance LLC: 0 / 0 / 41.33

4) Summer Hill (USA) & Olympic van de Noordheuvel: 2014 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Zambesi Tn x Darco, Tal Milstein: 0/0/42.46

5) Caelinn Leahy (USA) & The Gray Man: 2008 KWPN gelding by Tjungske x Calando I, Steve Schaefer: 0 / 0 / 43.22

6) Anna Dryden (USA) & Gipsy Love: 2014 Warmblood mare by Guidam Sohn x L’esprit, Double Meadows Farm, LLC: 0/0/44.93

7) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Legacy: 2010 Zangersheide mare by Chippendale Z x Bon Ami, Ariel Grange: 0 / 4 / 36.70

8) Lillie Keenan (USA) & Chili Pepper H M Z: 2015 Zangersheide stallion by Cornet Obolensky x Caretano Z, Chansonette Farm LLC: 0 / 4 / 40.84

9) Anna Dryden (USA) & Night van de KwakkelhoekNIGHT: 2013 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Jilbert Van’t Ruytershof, Double Meadows G LLC: 0 / 4 / 43.99

10) Lillie Keenan (USA) & Kick ON: 2014 Warmblood stallion by Warrior x Caretino Glory, Chansonette Farm LLC:0 / 4 / 45.51

11) Paul O’Shea (IRL) & Hellcat: 2011 Belgian Warmblood mare by Cassander Van Het Bremhof x Conan Team Eye Candy: 0/8/39.21

12) Aaron Vale (USA) & I. Adermie R 4: 2013 KWPN mare by Den Ham Blue R x Namelus R, Thinkslikeahorse: 4/69.76

Source: Press Release from the World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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catherinek-g · 1 year ago

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Research: Secret Societies and Cults

Children of Atom (Fallout):

The "Church of the Children of the Atom" is a religious movment which worships Atom, a deity personifying nuclear weapons and is heavily influence by christianity. The members of this community don't see the weapons as being something capable of mass destruction but instead view them as being holy tools of creation because they believe the world was created when an atom split meaning every nuclear detonation creates a many new universes. Most of the groups members put little importance in worldly possession so they tend to have low quality weapons (like makeshift gamma guns) and dress in rags decorated with electrical wires and metal items (representing the atom's nucleus). The main practice of the cult is to spread radiation as far as possible in order to show people how "his glow" can transform and create, even going as far as living life irradiated and dying of radiation illnesses.

Midsommar (2019 film):

This films plot is based around a celebration organised by a cult at a commune called (the Hårga) for the Midsummer festival. The main character, Dani, and her friends get invited to this festival with the idea that nothing too out of the ordinary will happen there but they soon realise nothing is as it seems as they get given psychedelic drugs and get made to perform in the cults unethical ceremonies. The member of this cult can be seen wearing uniforms with complex traditional Swedish embroidery on it, relating to the heritage of this celebration. One of the last ceremonies done by the cult involved members of the commune offering 9 human sacrifices in order to purge evil, with Dani (being the May Queen) having to pick who the last sacrifice was. The sacrifices were then given drugs to make the death "painless" and put in a barn which was then set alight whilst the rest of the members mimic the screams of those burning alive.

The Wicker Man (1973 film):

In this film, main character Howie (a police officer) is sent to an island to investigate into a missing persons case of a girl called Rowan. When he gets there, he's disturbed by the locals paying homage to pagan Celtic gods and there ancestors as he is a devout Christian. The children in this society also take part in the practises as they are involved in May day celebrations. Under further inspection, Howie finds out that Rowan isn't actually dead but is going to be sacrificed due to the islanders having a bad harvest that year (and her being crowned May Queen) so he stops them and releases her but it's later reviled that she was never going to be sacrificed and the sacrifice was going to be Howie as he fit the criteria for their god. He is then force by the islanders into a giant statue of the "Wicker Man" along with animals and then the structure is set on fire.

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odishadetails · 1 year ago

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Dhoop Dani

A "Dhoop Dani" is a traditional Indian incense holder used during religious ceremonies and puja rituals. It is designed to hold and burn dhoop (incense) sticks or cones. The Dhoop Dani typically consists of a small metal or ceramic container with holes or vents for the smoke to escape.

HERE DHOOP DANI ALSO AVAILABLE

To use a Dhoop Dani forja, follow these steps:

Place the Dhoop Dani on a heat-resistant surface or puja altar.

Open the lid or remove any covering from the Dhoop Dani.

Light the tip of the dhoop stick or cone using a matchstick or lighter until it catches fire.

Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then gently blow it out, leaving the dhoop stick or cone smoldering.

Insert the smoldering end of the dhoop stick or cone into the holes or vents of the Dhoop Dani.

Ensure that the Dhoop Dani is stable and secure.

Let the dhoop stick or cone continue to burn, releasing fragrant smoke.

Offer prayers, perform rituals, or meditate in the presence of the aromatic smoke.

Remember to exercise caution while handling fire and hot objects. Always place the Dhoop Dani on a heat-resistant surface and keep it away from flammable materials. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation in the room to avoid excessive smoke buildup.

It's worth noting that while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, cultural practices and traditions may vary. It's always a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable person or refer specific religious texts for precise instructions regarding puja rituals.

#Odisha #Dhoop Dani

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krishna21blog · 1 year ago

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Lotus Design Brass Agarbatti Stand

The Lotus Design of the Brass Agarbatti Stand adds an element of elegance and symbolism to your space. The lotus flower is revered in many cultures for its purity and spiritual significance, making this incense stick holder a meaningful addition to your puja room or meditation corner.Not only does this dhoop dani enhance the visual aesthetics of your surroundings, but it also serves a practical purpose. The carefully designed holes on the stand securely hold your incense sticks, allowing them to burn safely and evenly. The brass material ensures that the holder remains stable and heat-resistant.

Whether you're performing a religious ceremony or simply creating a soothing atmosphere, the Brass Agarbatti Stand Incense Stick Holder Dhoop Dani with Lotus Design is the perfect choice. Immerse yourself in the calming fragrance of incense while enjoying the beauty of this exquisite piece of art. Elevate your spiritual practices and add a touch of serenity to your home with this enchanting incense stick holder.

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sergeant-angels-trashcan · 4 years ago

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The Winchesters+Castiel stumble into an Ambiguous Portal and land themselves in the war camp of one Daenerys Targaryen, currently on campaign to free more enslaved peoples. Nobody speaks the same language so all translations have to go through the Literal Angel. Discuss.

Cas spends most of the time talking to the actual literal dragons before anyone realizes what's going on, so jot that down, and Sam and Dean are like FUCK it's a DRAGON DRAGON not like a person dragon what the fuck what the FUCK

sometimes Cas asks the dragons for clarification on something Dany has said, or vice versa

i don't think Cas has to. mentally go through a translation process. he's never struggling to find the right word because Angel.

but sometimes he doesn't understand that something is an expression so he'll translate it really literally, or he won't know how to convey something is an expression so Dany is just like WHAT

he somehow comes up with gestures or exaggerated expressions, basically the irl version of emojis, to denote tone when they have the third mix up that winds up with weapons drawn

wings he does something with wings. his wings. cas has wings.

Dean hits on Dany at some point and Dany just hits him

Sam's book nerding eventually finds them a common language.

also Dany pretends not to speak Westerosi which is English just to see what they do. Because she DOES that, it's a THING SHE DOES and she and Missandei and cracking tf up

we're gonna go with show!jorah because he's superior to book!jorah and he's like khaleesi would you like their heads

no i'd like to GIVE them head *high fives missandei* jk i'll feed them to my babies but thank you

and Dean's like oh no he's hot. older knight guy is HOT.

but anyway the boys being in armor etc, Dean makes friends with the Dothraki in a day and a half even though they don't speak the same language because. He's Dean. that's how he do.

Dean and Sam immediately come to the attention of the House of Black and White

and Dean is probably like "this is my sister now" when Arya gets sent to investigate/potentially kill them

Sam may or may not fall in love with her. because the HEIGHT DIFFERENCE. is absurd. looks like a cinnamon roll but could actually kill you and looks like they could kill you and could actually kill you

also they are both compassionate theatre nerds who just HAPPEN to be deadly. my babies.

Sam has magic powers? Arya can mind meld with a wolf. whatever man.

Charlie winds up with them and she and Daenerys absolutely fall for each other and they're morons about it

CAS IN ARMOR CAS IN ARMOR WITH A FLAMING SWORD CAS IN UR STORY RUININ UR PROPHECIES

cas in armor. cas. in. armor. with. wings.

the dragons can see his true form without pain

the dragons love Dany SO MUCH and they tell Cas this all the time and Cas tells her and she DOESN'T cry, thank you very much.

anyway Team Free Will is very much like. let's free the slaves. and Sam is a smartypants so he helps figure out economic shit that people always bitch at Dany for? like you freed slaves and now a place is in economic turmoil, so she's the bad guy now??? He/they Sam is like, wow, that's sexist, and Dany's all what's sexism

FEMINISM!

Dany teaches Sam Valerian so they can talk shit about people in public

Sam is going to bring social justice to Westeros etc

Dean and Jorah bond over being heart eyes about Dany

Cas is still talking to the dragons. He explains why it's bad to eat people and steal goats.

they're all in appropriate clothing for the setting and Dean is having a constant bisexual crisis. I cannot imagine him meeting Daario.

Dean bonds with Viserion my beloved

they do NOT ride the dragons

the dragons are simultaneously very intelligent and like giant puppies

Dany comes to have this reputation because not only does she have dragons but shadowy protectors from another realm??

also with Sam's help, and Samwell Tarley's help, she's the last monarch of the Seven Kingdoms. Democracy!

also like. every deadly little girl they come across is immediately part of their family now. yes i mean Lyanna

also. not at all where you were going. but Dean. who was taught to torture by literal demons. getting his hands on that psychopath ramsay. just. just give that idea a minute to percolate.

Dean using Arya's head as an armrest

Jon and Dean meeting is PURE gay panic

i wasn't joking when I said it's a bisexual panic for Dean. Imagine him meeting Brienne, a woman who could bench him??? He and Charlie are UTTERLY USELESS after meeting her

Sam gets super magicky the farther north they go

also who better to deal with zombies???

YOU MADE ME MISS ASOIAF AND YOU DON'T EVEN GO HERE.

#supernatural #sam winchester #dean winchester #castiel #asoiaf #daenerys targaryen #arya stark #game of thrones #jorah mormont #charlie bradbury #my stuff #dean meeting jaime is uhhh. not this au #we all know why #every man dean meets sends him into a gay panic #and then he realizes he's in love with cas #dany performs the ceremony :#:')

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aikoiya · 2 years ago

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DP AU - Monsters & Ghostly Marriages

Dude, I just had an idea for a story.

Like, does anyone know about Ghost Marriages. It's commonly a Chinese tradition, but not entirely.

Anyway, imagine if Danny Phantom's world had always had supernatural creatures freely roaming the earth. I'm not just talking ghosts, vampires, werewolves, & all that, but also cultural supernatural beings such as yōkai in Japan?

Each continent has at least one permanent portal. For instance, Asia's Kamui, Japan has a lake at the foot of Ezofuji where the Ark of Yamato once was. (Okami reference.) The lake acts as a portal to the Makai, or the yōkai realm (it also hosts the Chinese yaoguai & Hindu yaksha; all 3 are basically different words for the same overall species). Now, despite what Inuyasha & Yu Yu Hakusho would have you believe, yōkai aren't demons as demons are a Judeo-Christian concept.

That's a mistranslation. Rather, they are more in-line with something called daemon which are nature spirits. Though, not in the literal sense. I know, similar words, different meanings. The closest thing the Japanese have to actual demons would be akuma, which means devil.

Europe & America also have several portals to the fae realm, one being Stonehenge as well as any ring of mushrooms, as well as an entrance to the different worlds of Yggdrasil in Norway. There's also the mist which hides the Greek monsters from view by mortals. Not to mention the doorway to Lalotai in Hawaii.

All except North America, until the Fentons began their research into the Ghost Zone on scientific terms.

Anyway, in this au, Tutelary spirits are a well-known concept, both as Earthbound spirits & Hereafter ghosts (a.k.a. GZ ghosts).

These Tutelaries are one way by which towns can be shielded from certain threats.

In a world like this, smaller towns have their own version of Ghost Marriages where in order to forge a stronger bond between community & Tutelary, a young member of the town will be selected to marry their guardian. According to tradition, that young individual is supposed to take a vow of celibacy, because, ya know, humans & ghosts aren't supposed to mix like that & you're only supposed to do those things with your spouse, but when your spouse is a ghost... So, this role is similar in prestige to becoming the miko of Shinto religion or a monk/nun of Catholic tradition in that you are expected to serve your patron as you would a spouse. If the human is sexually unfaithful, then the Tutelary looses the power given to him or her by the bond.

Rape of said spouse does not count as being unfaithful as ghosts & spirits work on a spiritual, mental, & emotional level & rape takes the choice from the victim. It only counts if the spouse chooses to lay with someone else.

The actual ceremony to marry them is sort of a ritual that acts as both a marriage & a funeral to honor the Tutelary, to bind the 2 together & give the town spirit the power to fight off various supernatural creatures & other threats both foreign & domestic based on the bond between husband & wife.

In some ways, you could say that the Tutelary becomes their new spouse's familiar.

In Amity's case, Danny is their town Tutelary & no one but Team Phantom, Dani, Vlad, (potentially Dan in the case of AGIT) the ghosts, & the Fentons (provided the reveal has taken place) know about Danny being Halfa & a Psychopomp for the Fenton's Ghost Portal. Psychopomps being spirits that ferry souls from the world of the living to the world of the dead & a subcategory of Gatekeeper Ghost which are ghosts that died in the creation of a portal from one plane of existence to another. They guard the portal between worlds. Psychopomps are specifically Gatekeeper Ghosts that guard portals to the Infinite Realms.

So, someone, probably Paulina, brings up the idea of performing a Ghost Marriage for Phantom to make him more powerful. That it should be the prettiest & bestest girl in town.

However, instead of Paulina instantly being chosen to be Phantom's bride like she had thought would happen, her father & the council elect to do something else. Something similar to when Aragon was scouting out wives happens. A pageant where every unwed female from 13 up is forced to attend with Phantom (not Fenton) as the judge, but no one but Paulina & the higher ups in town know the actual stakes. So, when Phantom selects either Sam or Valerie as the winner this time, they are all surprised when the mayor shouts, "Phantom has chosen! Time to begin planning!" (In the case of it being after AGIT, it'd likely be Sam.)

Phantom & whichever girl he chose is swept away & ceremony plans are made.

For that matter, Valerie still hates Phantom because the accident that cost her dad his job happens. But it gets even worse when she learns from one of her mom's old notebooks that she's from a hunter clan.

Her clan actually used to have an alliance with the Fentons & Amity was their home base.

Once uncivil & rogue supernaturals start showing up to make trouble, she begins to study her mom's work to try & help protect the town.

Anyway, I'm thinking that the monsters & supernaturals are like a mix of the ones in a Monster High, Supernatural, & Wizarding World xover, but one that focuses on Amity's Monster Underground of Calamity Park.

In this version, something happened to reveal the supernatural world to mortals. Not to mention, Chuck from Supernatural is actually Yaldabaoth, a very powerful pagan deity of gnosticism, & every angel & demon that appeared in the show was an attempt by him to gain worshipers piggybacking off the growing momentum of Christianity. Like, these people didn't know this. He was playing them as much as he played everyone else. Not to mention the fact that he created the system of human souls being tortured until they became demons.

The truth of the matter is that his fabricated 'heaven' & 'hell' were keeping these souls from making their way to natural portals to begin their Journey of the Soul(TM) to the center of the GZ where the Doorway to The End lay.

If you wanna know more about that, see this:

Also, that scene where Chuck died & the sun went out was a fabrication to trick those around him into believing his hoax. For one, if the sun did go out, it'd take a long time for us to notice because light would still be traveling to the Earth. Plus, if he did die & he was the actual God, everyone & everything would've ceased to exist with him. However, that would've been counterproductive as he needed the Winchesters to believe he was something he wasn't. This is all aside from the fact that God can't die, nor can he lose.

Now, anyway, there are civilized monsters which makes up the majority of the Monster High cast. However, there are also uncivilized monsters which are like what monkeys are to humans in the evolutionary sense, as well as rogue supernaturals which are basically criminals of the supernatural persuasion & no one is okay with either of those. These make up most of the Supernatural rogue's gallery.

Uncivil & rogue supernaturals are generally what causes trouble with humans. However, because most civil supernaturals hide, this results in fear & xenophobia. The illustrious, now infamous, Nightingales are known to be a clan to believe as such.

The Fentons were once Fenton-Nightingales, when in the 1600s, a witch hunter broke off from them & reinstated the Fenton line, asserting that maybe not all supernaturals were purely evil. Except for ghosts, of course! Meanwhile, the other half of the Fenton-Nightingales retook the Nightingale name & remained general supernatural hunters.

Here's a couple links to my concepts of the character's legacies:

Anyway, I kinda wanna see this be a situation where the humans & civilized supernaturals are still trying to get used to each other in Amity & Calamity. Like, Danny ended up being the first publically known supernatural being all over the world after some accident or other, whether it be the Disasteroid or something else that happened after AGIT. Before all that, monsters were a myth, but now, more & more of the supernatural underground is slowly coming out to show themselves. Suddenly the Mansons are coming out as legacy vampires like in my version of the Supernatural Trio AU & it's sorta insane.

Like in my version of Supernatural Trio, I'd make Tucker a cyborg, but then it turns out that he has a dormant werewolf gene & when he transforms, he ends up looking more jackel-like & someday takes on an Egyptian cyberpunk look.

At the same time, Vlad turns out to be half-lugat with some strigoi tendencies. As in, when he died, he was then revived as half-lugat, half-ghost, but he's descended from a strigoi. So, he has a mix of their powers, but all this monsters & magic stuff is just as much news to him as anyone else, so he doesn't know anything about his vampiric abilities or nature having figured that his need to feed on both blood & core-plasm was an aspect of being half-ghost.

Anyway, the marriage/funeral ritual is complete with whichever girl was chosen & now Danny is married & it's hella awkward.

Like, if the Disasteroid/AGIT happened, either it's Sam & they're still dating which makes the situation easier but too fast & awkward for them. Or it turned out that, in a heel-face turn to how the show portrayed it, Sam still had a lot of growing to do before she could be a good girlfriend. So, they decided to break it off.

Also, something interesting, if the Disasteroid did happen, but not AGIT, maybe only certain members of Amity that went to build the towers know that Fenton is Phantom (not including Valerie to add drama), while the rest of the world only knows that Phantom saved the world? That could be something.

Like, only a handful of adults know, like Lancer & the Fentons & so on.

Also, in the case of the Disasteroid, but not AGIT, Vlad was smart enough to use a duplicate to make it look like he overshadowed 'Vlad Masters,' but during the ride with Jack to the Disasteroid, he revealed himself to the other man, surprising him & laying into the orange-clad oaf.

So, only Jack knows about Vlad being Plasmius until he tells his wife. This would create tension between the 3 later where Vlad throws Maddie under the bus by coyly speaking about Colorado. Asking if she'd even told the man about his schemes there, which ends up causing a bit of a rift between the Fenton parents. Not because Jack thinks she cheated, because he doesn't. He knows her, sometimes better than he knows himself, & he knows she wouldn't do that.

No, what makes him angry was that she never told him that Vlad came onto her. If she had, he would've broken his supposed 'friendship' with Vlad long ago.

Not to mention, the Fentons are against their still teenaged son getting married no matter who it's to, because they feel like it's too soon.

It's a lot of chaos & I'll probably polish this up later, but yeah.

All I know is that, it's eventually discovered that because Danny is a Halfa, this means that his wife is free to have sexual relations with him as a result (after they've turned at least 18) & that the spell binding them even grants boons for it.

Not only that, but because of both Sam & Valerie slowly becoming Ecto-Liminal, they are both compatible with Danny. Sam more so due to Vlad giving her ecto-herpies & her being given powers by Undergrowth & this eventually leading to her dying & being revived as a Halfa herself.

This means that in either case, they can eventually have kids. Though that's years down the line after they'd grown up.

The only reason the Mansons allowed this to happen was because they knew that it'd keep their daughter celibate, at least until they'd moved out of Amity.

For more, go to my full Ghost Zone Masterlist.

#danny phantom #dp #tutelary #ghost lore #ghost marriage #sam manson #valerie gray #amethyst ocean #gray ghost #monster high crossover #aikoiya au #writing prompt

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small-soft-nobody · 3 years ago

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Since we won’t be getting that season three, these are my hc for the rest of their life:

- Elena and Emilio tied. They would be offered the chance to do a run off election where it would just be them running against each other but they ask if they can just be co presidents and they work together.

- Elena and Emilio eventually date and are cute politics and history nerds together.

- Bobby and Cj date for about 8 months. They date through the fall of the next year and bobby goes to his soccer games and CJ goes to his tennis matches.

-Bobby and CJ break up when CJ gets accepted into college and they realize there is a big age difference between them.

-Bobby confides in Liam about the breakup, much like Liam did with Bobby, and Liam is a good friend and is there for him despite secretly being very happy that Bobby is now single.

- Liam waits 2 months for Bobby to get over the break up and then he shoots his shot. It’s the spring and their playing tennis. Bobby drove them to the court and is dropping Liam off at home. Liam doesn’t want to get out of the car and then tells Bobby about his crush on him. Bobby tells Liam that he still likes him and then they hold hands. Bobby leans in and kisses him, something he’s been wanting to do for years.

- Liam is Bobbys date to Camila and Dani’s wedding and Elena is a junior bridesmaid. The ceremony is on the beach and it’s perfect weather.

- A month after the wedding Sam proposes to Gabi and they get a court house wedding with Bobby, Elena, Camila and Dani, and Abuela attending. They had plans for a big wedding but thought this would be easier and sweeter.

- Bobby and Liam go to the same college, some state school where they are both on the tennis team. They experience homophobia from some of the team members but ultimately find their people at the school.

- Elena and Emilio both apply to Yale and Elena gets in but Emilio doesn’t. He goes to brown though. They’re off and on through high school and college.

- Sasha goes to a performing art high school in Miami but still stays good friends with everyone.

#doafp #diary of a future president #disney+#tennis boyfriends #cartero

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lazyprincetheorist · 3 years ago

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As much as I ship Dani with Pelle, what remains unchanged is the fact that Pelle for a long time wanted to indoctrine Dani into the Hårga community.

He knew that Dani was in an extremely vulnerable position after the death of her parents and her sister, and took this opportunity to manipulate her.

At the end of day, the Hårgas are a bunch of murderers. Them chosing Dani as the May Queen, was a tactic to make her feel loved and wanted. Also Ari Aster said that the Hårgas are white supremists. And Dani's physical features, blond hair white skin, is something they were primarily looking for in their candidate. Dani was their Perfect Candidate.

Pelle on the first hand brought all the guys to get sacrificed except for Dani. Oviously the Hårgas would've never allowed anyone to write a thesis on them.

Pelle knew that Dani and Christian's relationship was already over (even tho Dani was in the denial stage and Christian was with her out of guilty conscience) and he capitalized on their situation. That is why the minute they reached Hälsingland, he started to make her doubt her relationship with Christian (asking her questions like whether Christian feels like home to her).

The Hårgas probably plotted about the entire thing for a long time and what we saw in the movie was, how the community manipulated everything and everyone for their gains.

Suicide, drugs, murder, incest and rape are a part of the community's daily life and they have been luring in victims for their Midsummer festival for a long time.

By the end of the movie we see that Dani is no longer herself, she is fully under the control of the cult. Her sacrificing Christian was basically her cutting off ties with her previous life. Her new life is now with the cult and Pelle (the Hårgas believe that Pelle and her are astrologically compatible) and when she turns 72, she will be performing the Åttestupa ceremony. The elderly couple performing the åttestupa was a foreshadowing of what Dani's life will be in the future.

The entire story was a fairy tale from Dani's pov since a family was what she always wanted. She craved love & acceptance and the Hårgas made her feel loved and wanted. Pelle was her Prince Charming who saved her from her previous wretched life and his family welcomed her with open arms.

But in reality, Dani got brainwashed by the cult. They preyed on her fragile state of mind and in the end, she willingly took part in a murder ritual along with the cult. The movie should've ended with her finding herself but on the contrary she lost herself completely. The Dani at the end of the movie, is a naive girl controlled by the whims of a maniacal cult.

#midsommer #i loved this movie so much #Ari Aster is a genius #this movie is not about girl power #its about how cults in real life work

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storiesforallfandoms · 5 years ago

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Masterlist!

Here’s the masterlist of all my imagines and preferences! Imagines marked as * are smutty imagines! Imagines marked as ` are requests!

IMAGINES

CRIMINAL MINDS the runner ~ aaron hotchner` punishment ~ aaron hotchner`

LUCIFER make you a believer ~ ella lopez silence ~ lucifer morningstar

HEMLOCK GROVE get away ~ roman godfrey (part one) midnight drive ~ roman godfrey (part two)

AMERICAN HORROR STORY freak ~ xavier plympton (part one) protecting you ~ xavier plympton (part two)` a surprise by the lake ~ xavier Plympton` taken care of ~ michael langdon don’t worry ~ michael langdon` loopholes ~ michael langdon*` change in plans ~ michael langdon` revenge ~ montana duke

RIVERDALE grief ~ archie andrews the new queen ~ fp jones (part one) seducing the queen ~ fp jones (part two) the list ~ jason blossom something more than just points ~ jason blossom’ no one will hurt you` ~ sweet pea

THE BODYGUARD new assignment ~ david budd (part one) nightmares ~ david budd (part two) the photoshoot ~ david budd (part three) take away and beer ~ david budd (part four) art ~ david budd (part five) threats ~ david budd (part six) getting her things ~ david budd (part seven)

PEAKY BLINDERS not part of the deal ~ thomas shelby private ceremony ~ thomas shelby superstar ~ thomas shelby` too good ~ thomas shelby` can’t lose you ~ thomas shelby crossfire ~ john shelby an accidental addition ~ thomas shelby family ~ shelby family the enemy’s sister ~ thomas shelby (part one)` a dangerous love affair ~ alfie solomons a woman leader ~ john shelby disapprove ~ thomas shelby (part two) no one’s whore ~ thomas shelby* daddy’s girl ~ thomas shelby take a break ~ thomas shelby

THE WITCHER dance partner ~ geralt of rivia (part one) company ~ geralt of rivia (part two)* stay the night ~ geralt of rivia*` some sort of miracle ~ geralt of rivia same problem ~ yennefer of vengerberg my lady ~ geralt of rivia*` imperfections ~ geralt of rivia`

DOCTOR WHO always loved you ~ thirteen

GAME OF THRONES betrothed ~ robb stark (part one) riding alone ~ robb stark (part two)

Z NATION facing it alone ~ 10k’ let me go ~ 10k what are we gonna do? ~ 10k

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY love and drugs ~ klaus hargreeves the horror~ ben hargreeves’ no one helps but you ~ klaus hargreeves` and they were roommates ~ klaus hargreeves` lock the door ~ ben hargreeves*`

VICTORIOUS a little too good at acting ~ beck oliver faint ~ beck oliver`

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES living dead ~ damon salvatore eternity ~ damon salvatore*`

HANNIBAL are you going to hurt me? ~ hannibal lecter his type ~ hannibal lecter

BARRY what they do in the movies ~ barry berkman

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY i have no one ~ freddie mercury

K-12 don’t send me home ~ leo` jealousy ~ angelita`

BREAKING BAD/EL CAMINO hideaway ~ jesse pinkman* project partner ~ jesse pinkman

DCEU the new intern ~ clark kent rescue mission ~ harley quinn man’s world ~ harley quinn

SCREAM scary movies ~ billy loomis talk me down ~ stu macher`

HARRY POTTER tutor ~ draco malfoy stood up ~ draco malfoy

MCU see you again ~ loki my hero ~ mysterio delivery boy ~ peter parker locked up ~ clint barton`

KINGSMAN not a damn damsel ~ eggsy

A QUIET PLACE keep quiet ~ emmett no time for love ~ emmett’

MIDSOMMAR get out of here ~ mark` may queen ~ mark` little sister ~ mark*` secret thrills ~ mark*` don’t go ~ mark’ sacred ~ mark’ seven minutes in heaven ~ mark*` friendship necklace ~ mark` it meant nothing ~ mark` awful ~ dani ardor` something’s wrong ~ mark` whoops ~ mark` enemies to lovers ~ mark`

1917 not the same ~ will schofield

DIVERGENT recruit ~ eric coulter’ rookie ~ eric coulter (part two) don’t belong ~ eric coulter`

8 MILE embarrassed ~ jimmy smith jr.

TWILIGHT soulmates ~ paul lahote`

THE DIRT glorified groupie ~ tommy lee maybe i should ~ tommy lee` be like daddy ~ nikki sixx` normal family christmas ~ nikki sixx`

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID done pretending ~ rodrick heffley the girl next door ~ rodrick heffley`

IT: CHAPTER TWO picking up the kids ~ richie tozier

LES MIS for the revolution ~ enjolras

CHRIS EVANS set ups

BEN HARDY doing him proud

MACHINE GUN KELLY not so bad (part one) remember me` secret meeting (part two) surprise` awkward family dinner (part three) staying the night (part four) out on the town (part five) a very special meeting (part six) feeling used` christmas in cleveland (part seven) lady killer*` we’ll be okay (part eight) the one` getting caught* sweet revenge` get off my girl` can’t do it anymore seeing it all` hear your voice*` do you love me?` one and only (part nine) photographs` why are you here?` happiest i've been` trying` i believe` welcome home*` killshot (part ten) i think i’m okay` it’s not over (part eleven) mistake` drunk fun (w/yungblud)*` reunited (part two of photograph)` bad girl*` fixed` meeting the family (part twelve) good enough` the question (part thirteen) kissing lessons` the wedding (part fourteen) too rough*` teach me` sneaking you out` red carpet` on beat` what if i can’t` role reversal*` massage*` secrets` celebrating*` almost caught` back off*` first time*` trying something new*` missing` not yours` hurting mommy` sweet disaster` loved you first` running lines’

DANIEL WEBBER nothing happened` misunderstanding` advice` loving father` beach day`

TARON EGERTON take me to the pilot*

RICHARD MADDEN lost`

YUNGBLUD not a rebound (part one) a great team` no hope (au)` cuffed, literally (part two)` sick baby` coming home` kisses` drunk fun*` (w/machine gun kelly) lessons` struggling` father to be` coachella` the song’ front row` love you as you are’ cliche`

HARRY STYLES saved (au part one) always a winner` exploring eroda (au part two) picnic (au part three) awkward

KENDALL SCHMIT just us`

CODY FERN distance`

ANDREW SIWICKI secret first date a regular guy` beautiful to me wear my hoodie`

DAVID DOBRIK only yours science experiment bon appetit`

DYLAN GARDNER surprise date`

JEFF WITTEK busy my oh my! passing the time* in trouble a fun game six feet apart you won’t be able to`

EMINEM surprise performance age gap’ private` chains`

ROOK pretty picture` love on tour` protective` toxic love` why are you like this?’ keep it down*` taking care` sick` you’re cute when you’re jealous`*

CILLIAN MURPHY proud`

GEORGE MACKAY medic (au)’

ARIANA GRANDE done with boys

SCOTTY SIRE stuck together

SEBASTIAN STAN the boss’ girl (au)

G-EAZY unimaginable pain` bad reputation` hate*` i do`

CORPSE proposition (part one) caught feelings (part two) actually excited

ZAC EFRON fatherhood`

HENRY CAVILL you deserve better`

AARON TVEIT i thought it’d be happy` a baby next christmas

PREFERENCES

tiktok trends that they participate in with you ~ the vlog squad who walks in on the two of you ~ the umbrella academy

#masterlist #imagines #imagine #requests #request #reader #x reader

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phoenixfeatherquill · 5 years ago

Text

Midwinter (2/5)

They changed her dress from white to black.

The white dress was lined in bright blues and reds; every color of spring. She was bedecked in flowers until she looked like some unholy nymph. But now the black dress was embroidered in deep golds and silvers. A crown of holly was placed on her head and ash was smeared on her cheeks. The women cried as they dressed Dani; so deep was their grief that she suddenly wondered if Pelle had lied to her. Perhaps they were dressing her for her funeral.

At sundown, Hannah, one of her “handmaids” whispered to her that they would light the torches while she waited in one of the preparation rooms. Once the torches were lit, they would carry her on their shoulders, singing songs of lament to her new quarters. And there she would stay.

It seemed like imprisonment.

There was a knock at the door. Pelle cautiously entered and brightened when he saw her.

“You look…” He paused for a moment. “Like a goddess.”

Dani’s lips twisted. He was exaggerating, obviously. But on the other hand, Pelle wasn’t prone to exaggeration. He was relatively straight with her, something she appreciated among the secretive community. He wouldn’t tell her something like that unless he meant it.

“I wanted to see you,” Pelle cleared his throat. “Before the ceremony begins. I will…miss our time together.”

Dani twisted a lock of hair. “It’s not like I’m dying.”

He chuckled. “It is to us. This is our farewell to our May Queen, our farewell to the sun. We won’t see her again for a long while. And I…will miss her very much.”

Her mouth went dry. She couldn’t think of anything to say. She was saved from responding by another knock at the door.

Dani looked towards the door and as though anticipating her assent, it opened and Siv stepped into the room. Her eyebrows rose when she noticed Pelle, but she did not acknowledge him. Instead, she sized Dani up in her queenly way and smiled in approval.

“How beautiful our May Queen looks! And how we will miss her when she departs.” Siv took Dani’s face in her hands and kissed her forehead. There was nothing but deep love and compassion in the older woman’s face and Dani felt a lump rise in her throat, suddenly missing her mother intensely.

“Are you ready to begin?” She asked Dani seriously. She cast a quick glance at Pelle. “Still here? You should be getting ready with the others.”

Pelle nodded briskly and started towards the door. Something like panic rose in Dani as she watched him step away from her. All winter…I won’t see him all winter. I’ll be alone all winter!

“Um—wait!”

Pelle stopped short. Siv looked at her curiously.

“Um—I’m—I’m allowed to choose a consort?” She wasn’t imagining it. Pelle beamed at her in pure delight. Siv smiled too.

“You may, but Pelle said you were not interested. Have you changed your mind?”

“Um…” Dani cleared her throat. “I—well—I’d like to choose…Pelle. As my consort. If he—if he wants.”

She stared at her feet. She just didn’t want to be alone. It was pathetic, but being locked away for three months all by herself, even if the community spoiled her, sounded awful. She’d make it clear to Pelle that she didn’t expect anything from him but company. He wouldn’t have to force himself.

“Pelle, do you accept?” Siv asked indulgently, though it was clear from her expression she knew the answer.

“Ja.” He provided no follow-up, but he continued to grin at Dani unashamedly. She tried to avoid looking at him directly. She was already red as a tomato.

“All right. You’d better get ready anyhow. We’ll see you in front of our May Queen’s quarters.”

****

It started to snow when the ceremony begun.

Pelle had been correct. Winter had arrived with no introduction, regardless of whether they were to perform this ceremony or not. Snow blanketed the village thickly and Dani shivered as she stared out the window.

Siv wrapped her up in a thick dark fur-lined cloak. She slipped warm boots ont o Dani’s feet, gave her a rabbit fur muff, and with two fingers, traced ash streaks on Dani’s face. She hummed something in Swedish and tilted her chin upwards.

“Our beautiful, tragic queen,” She murmured pleased. “We shall miss you, Dani. Our sun. Our warmth. Our May Queen.”

The sincerity in the elder woman’s tone made Dani swallow hard. A chorus of voices began to sing outside the cabin. Siv and Dani turned towards the haunting song, just out of doors.

“It is time.”

She bowed her head. The village’s song rose through the rafters in an eerie crescendo and the doors to the cabin opened. The doors opened and Dani met the gaze of the singing village.

They held candles aloft and their voices became hushed whispers as she stepped into the snow. The snow crushed under her feet as the cold bit her cheeks. A path had been laid before her, a path of holly branches and golden leaves. She walked forward, following the path of lit candles, bolstered by the eerie harmonies surrounding her. The snow tickled her hair and she realized Pelle was now walking with her. She looked up at him but he did not look back at her; his eyes remained downcast. She detected a small smile form on his features as she stared up at him but he kept his head bowed respectfully.

They made their way through the woods as the snow fell more thickly. Even wrapped up in her furs, Dani felt cold. She shuddered a little and felt dampness on her cheeks—tears or snow? She wasn’t sure. Did it make a difference?

The caravan stopped abruptly. Dani found herself looking up at a magnificent cabin, decorated with runes, multicolored glass ornaments chiming softly in the breeze. It looked like a medieval hunting lodge, the kind kings and queens would use on their journeys.

“I shall speak English so you understand,” Siv whispered to her gently. She then turned to the crowd.

“We say goodbye to our sun, our warmth, our Midsommar—our May Queen. Let us be reminded of the sunshine she brought us, let us think of her in the winter’s chill, let her face be our inspiration in the dark.”

The doors to the cabin opened. A chorus of wailing started all around Dani as she slowly made her way into the cabin. She turned to give one last glance at the people, her people. They were all on their knees, grieving her like she was dead.

Siv staggered to the doors, her face shining with tears, and closed them. Dani was embraced by darkness.

For a long moment, she did nothing but stare at the closed doors. She stood there for so long, she actually jumped with lights came on behind her.

She whipped around to see Pelle look slightly abashed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I just didn’t want you standing in the dark.”

Dani shivered. “It’s cold in here.”

“I’ll light a fire.”

She watched him walk across the room towards an ornate fireplace. She took a few hesitant steps, noting the cabin’s intricate decorations. There were illustrations all over the walls and ceiling, just like the community house. But as she looked more closely, the drawings and paintings were more…lurid.

May queens, in various throes of ecstasy, with men, women, everyone in between. She gaped at one painting, which included seven consorts, all pleasuring the queen in ways Dani hadn’t even imagined before.

She looked towards Pelle who had successfully built a roaring fire. He glanced at her and noticed she was staring at the walls.

“They’re very old,” He said cheerfully, as though he was blissfully ignorant of the pornographic images all around them. “Hundreds and hundreds of years old.”

“You can choose more than one consort?” Dani asked, gesturing towards one of the paintings.

“Of course,” Pelle replied. “Did you…did you want—”

“No!” Dani said quickly. “No. One’s enough. I just—I was just surprised, that’s all.”

“You’re sweating,” Pelle noted. He went to her and gently helped her shrug off her furs. She started to jerk off her boots but Pelle led her to a settee and sat her down. He knelt before her and very carefully took off both of her boots, as though she were Cinderella.

Dani looked about her. “Why haven’t I seen this place before?”

“It’s just for queens,” Pelle explained. “It is a sacred place, designed for her comfort.”

It did seem cozy. Blankets and furs stacked in the corner, a roaring fire, bookshelves lined with books, some even in English. She could see a little hallway with a narrow stairway; presumably that led to the bedroom.

She couldn’t help but shiver again. Pelle’s palms were warm on her bare feet and the coziness of the fire was starting to make her…she didn’t know what.

“Have you, um,” Dani cleared her throat. “Have you ever—been a consort before?”

He grinned at her. “No. Why?”

“I was just wondering if you’d been here before.”

“It’s new to me too.” He frowned when she noticed her shiver again. “Cold still? I’ll make you some hot chocolate.”

Pelle swooped around towards a cabinet across from her and pulled out a glass jar and mug. For someone who had never been here, he certainly seemed to know his way around. She watched as he opened up what looked like a trap door and pulled another glass quart of milk.

“You know—” She cleared her throat. “You don’t have to do anything.”

He looked at her curiously. “Hot chocolate would warm you up. Would you prefer tea or coffee?”

“No, I mean—hot chocolate is fine. I meant—you don’t have to do anything. With me. I don’t expect that of you.” She nodded at the walls to make her point.

Pelle’s mouth curved a little. “Ah. Now I see.”

She tucked her knees under her and looked away. Pelle did not make any move towards her, instead poured the milk into a saucepan and began to stir the chocolate in. He went towards the fire and began to heat the concoction.

“Dani,” He kept his eyes on the chocolate. “If I didn’t want to be here, I wouldn’t be.”

She swallowed. “I already told you. With Christian—”

“We spoke of this. I don’t think you were the problem.”

His gaze remained intent on the chocolate—thank God. Dani couldn’t exactly look at him in the eye. She exhaled slowly.

“I just don’t think you understand,” She swallowed. “How bad it was. It’s not fair to blame Christian. It was really me. I never wanted to, it was uncomfortable at best and painful at worst. And I know this. His exes never had a problem with him.”

Pelle snorted. “Did they discuss it with you?”

Of course not. Christian had two exes, one in the anthropology department he was still somewhat friendly with, another from the English department. Dani had seen Anthropology major in passing and had read a few of the English major’s short stories in the literature magazine. The relationship with the English major had ended badly, but Dani didn’t know the details. But Christian had felt no reservations telling her that they’d never had a problem in bed with him.

“You heard this from Christian,” Pelle correctly read Dani’s expression. He looked skeptical, as though he didn’t consider this a reliable source.

“He never lied to me,” Dani tried to argue than stopped herself. That wasn’t true. Christian had lied to her. He’d lied about his trip to Sweden and when Dani confronted him about, it had been her fault. The realization hit her deeply and she stared into the fireplace, at a loss.

“Has it occurred to you,” Pelle said to her hot chocolate, stirring it carefully. “That perhaps I wanted this?”

She gaped at him. He did not meet her gaze, simply kept stirring the chocolate intently.

He wanted this? How could he? Who could want to be stuck in a cabin with her for three to six months? A brief flitting thought came, suggesting that perhaps he…perhaps he wanted her. The idea seemed ridiculous. She wasn’t anything special.

Pelle came to her and handed her the mug. “Here.”

She took the mug gratefully, her thoughts swirling. Wasn’t that how Pelle always treated her, though? As if…she was special? But then again, who could trust Pelle? His kindness to others depended solely on how it affected his home. Where did she fall into that?

She raised the mug to her lips and sipped. She expected it to burn her tongue, but she was surprised to find the chocolate was the perfect temperature, warm and inviting. She drank a little more deeply, enjoying the way it warmed her toes.

“Does it taste all right?” He asked her, joining her on the settee.

“Yeah,” She gave him a half smile. “It could use some marshmallows.”

“We’ll get you marshmallows, first thing in the morning,” He promised her, very seriously. She laughed at his solemn tone and took another long sip.

She noticed he was staring at her intently and offered him the mug. “Are you cold too? Do you want some?”

Pelle smiled a little and shook his head. “I’m fine. But you have a little…” He motioned towards his upper lip.

Dani wrinkled. Had she gotten chocolate on her mouth like a child? She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She looked at Pelle again.

“Gone?”

“Ah…” He moved towards her. “Here.”

His thumb brushed the corner of her lip. She watched, transfixed, as he brought his thumb to his mouth and sucked the chocolate away. She swallowed hard, her stomach flipping at the intensity in his gaze.

“Is it…gone now?” Her voice came out a whisper. It was the only thing she could think of saying.

Pelle’s eyes heated. “Not quite.”

And that was when he kissed her.

Her first kiss with Pelle had been under the influence of a drug haze, right after she had been crowned May Queen. It had been brief, but too passionate a kiss to simply write off as an overzealous European congratulating her. It had lasted far too long and she remembered seeing Christian’s face afterwards—irritated with her that she’d won the competition and the focus was no longer on him, irritated that he was left out, irritated about the kiss…

Pelle’s kiss had lingered with her, even when she tried not to think about it.

But this was different. She had taken no drugs, hadn’t even had a glass of wine with supper. The only thing loosening her inhibitions was hot chocolate, but Dani felt completely intoxicated. Dani always thought she preferred kissing to sex, but this was a whole other level for her. He tasted like dark chocolate and perhaps berries? She found that she liked the feel of his beard against her chin.

He broke away from her for just a minute, to gaze at her and brush a strand of blonde from her face. Her heart was beating so rapidly and his gaze was just so intense—God.

“I forgot to ask my May Queen,” He said softly and to her surprise, his voice was shaking. “If that was all right.”

How had she affected him so much?

She had forgotten how to use language. She nodded mutely and Pelle tilted her head towards him and kissed her again. But this time, she wanted to taste more.

Dani found herself leaning towards him. He fell back against the soft cushions of the settee and boldly, she pushed herself onto him and straddled his lap. His kisses became more impassioned at this, and he knocked the crown of hollies off her in order to card her hair between his fingers. She moaned a little at that (her scalp had always been deliciously sensitive) and mirrored the action herself. She wanted to feel his own gentle curls, the color of hay in the sunlight.

He paused the kisses in order to taste along her jawline, down the soft places of her neck. She looked up at the ceiling and actually cried out when she felt his teeth against her earlobe—who knew that was such a sensitive spot? His lips traveled all the way down to her collarbone and shoulders.

She felt his hands shift over her skirt. But when his fingers touched the skin of her thighs, she froze.

Pelle noticed immediately. “Dani?”

She swallowed. She was going to fuck it up again. It had been so nice kissing him, feeling desired, adored. How long had it been since she’d had a good long makeout session on a couch, anyway? Christian always expected sex afterwards and seeing as how she always bungled that…of course Pelle would expect it too, and once he realized how bad she was—

“Dani, Dani,” Pelle brushed her cheek and kissed her soundly. “You flew away from me.”

“I-I’m sorry,” She stammered. “I just—”

“Remember,” He cupped her cheeks with his hands. “You are the May Queen. Tonight is about what you desire. Tonight and every night. I am your consort. I will do whatever you wish.”

The earnestness in his voice relieved her. He was right. She was the May Queen.

“If I wanted to go to bed,” Dani cleared her throat. “By myself—you wouldn’t be mad?”

“Of course not,” He smiled at her and kissed her lips, sweetly and gently. “I hope you’d let me tuck you in.”

She took a deep breath. “If I just wanted to kiss you…not do anything but kiss…”

“How blessed I would be,” Pelle murmured and leaned his forehead against hers.

She tugged a lock of his hair anxiously. “You really wouldn’t be…disappointed?”

“Disappointed, hmm…” Pelle considered the word and Dani’s stomach dropped. “I will do whatever you wish, Dani, happily and joyfully. But I think Christian has been unfair to you—I know you don’t believe that. I would be disappointed if I didn’t get a chance to prove that.”

She let the tips of her fingers brush against his beard. “How?”

He smiled at her languidly. He said nothing. He didn’t need to. The male pride in his gaze almost made her falter in her thinking. But she’d never been able to come with another person before…

“Pelle…” She averted her gaze. “Christian said it took too long.”

For the first time, Pelle did look angry, though she was fairly certain it wasn’t directed towards her. He looked towards the blazing fireplace, the bear rug in front of it, and something like satisfaction altered his expression.

“Well,” He said finally. “We’re here all winter.”

That made her laugh. She needed to laugh for a moment. It was embarrassing to admit all this and the fact that Pelle hadn’t argued with her about it, perhaps to avoid her digging her heels into the idea, made her feel marvelous. It was such a delicious idea, spending the night with him, and it made her feel more relaxed that she could stop at any moment and he wouldn’t be angry with her. Hell, she was fully straddling his lap and she could feel his desire for her quite plainly through their linen clothes. If it were Christian, he’d be complaining about blue balls by now…

Something stirred in her chest, a weird strain of courage. “Show me.”

His eyes lit up and he was kissing her fiercely again, chocolate and berries, and she moaned at how addictive he tasted. She fumbled with the strings on her dress and it fell down her shoulders, revealing a thin cotton slip. Pelle’s mouth went down to her breast, pulling the straps down, suckling her nipple. His tongue laved against her and she hissed through her teeth at how good it felt. He turned his attention to her other breast and hummed against her skin in pleasure.

Pelle returned to her mouth with his consuming kisses. At her nod, he pulled the rest of her dress off, leaving her only in the shift. He then lay her down on the settee and kissed her inner wrist. He pulled off his own shirt and Dani’s eyes widened at his golden skin.

“May I…” He fingered the fabric of her slip.

“Um—yeah—” She sat up and he helped her slide it off of her. Now she was completely exposed before him.

She didn’t hate her body—not really. She just thought it was sort of…average. She wasn’t incredibly skinny, she didn’t have amazing curves, she was small and compact and a Swedish diet of dairy, meat, and pastries hadn’t exactly toned her figure. But as Pelle traced his hands down her chest, between her breasts, there was nothing but admiration and reverence in his gaze—as though he really was staring at a goddess.

He looked down at her, his dark blue eyes filled with wonder. “Dani, you’re so small,” He murmured. “And so powerful…”

Powerful? What on earth did he mean? But it didn’t matter, because now he was kissing down her belly, his hot tongue dawdling at her bellybutton, and finally reaching her inner thighs.

She shivered for a moment and Pelle paused. His eyes, ordinarily the color of the winter sky, were dark as a summer storm. He really…wanted this?

“Dani,” His voice was soft and pleading. “May I?”

Her breathing hitched. Christian had never done this—never even offered. It was not something she ever asked for; the idea of laying herself so starkly vulnerable, before Christian who criticized her for everything from her relationship to her sister to what she was wearing—it wasn’t appealing. But the abject desire in Pelle’s voice, the soft plea, and the certainty that if she didn’t like it, he would stop—all of this led to her whispering her assent.

The heat of his tongue surprised her, not unpleasantly. She tensed but he moved slowly, letting his lips caress her inner skin, rubbing his nose in her dark curls. She almost felt embarrassed—it had been a while since she shaved—but Pelle didn’t seem to care.

“Ah, Dani,” Pelle moaned into her curls. “You taste like…summer…”

His tongue curled into her and Dani gasped. Pelle’s mouth moved faster now and she was shocked to discover how good it felt, how his tongue seemed to spark electricity into her blood and fire into her skin. He alternated his pace, quick to slow, slow to quick, his tongue circling and sucking her clit. She felt the pleasure rise and rise, more intensely than anything she’d ever tried to do herself.

“Pelle,” She gasped, her fingers grasping his hair. He hummed against her and lifted her leg over his shoulder. He probed more deeply, exploring her folds, dragging his tongue against her in long sensuous strokes.

“My queen,” Pelle’s voice was near a growl. “My Dani…” He said something else in Swedish, something dark and husky that turned her bones to water.

Dani was panting now, her body screaming for release. But Pelle was taking his time, drawing out each exquisite moment of pleasure. He had wanted to prove to her that she wasn’t “frigid” or whatever else Christian had told his buddies…and fuck if he wasn’t succeeding…

After another sweetly agonizing swipe of his tongue, Dani cried out. Responding to her harmony, he sucked her clit gently yet fiercely, and Dani came undone. She shuddered and moaned, pulling so hard at his hair that it must��ve hurt, but Pelle said nothing, not a thing, just lapped her like a cat, prolonging every single moment of pleasure for as long as he could.

When the white hot fire receded from her eyes, she came to her senses and deep exhaustion fell over her like a blanket. She was still trembling and Pelle gathered her in his arms.

“Let me take you to bed, my queen,” He said quietly. A part of her wondered if he wasn’t annoyed—he’d spent all this time servicing her, asking nothing in return…and God had she loved it. The lack of expectation, the insistence, for once it had been selfishly about her and—and—

He hadn’t lied. He tucked her into an ebony framed bed, covering her sated body with a down blanket. She snatched his wrist and pulled him into bed with her—not for anything else, just to…just to…

Just to be held.

And Pelle did so, all night long.

#Midsommar #Dani x Pelle

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moon-ruled-rising · 4 years ago

Text

as the rain hides the stars | xiv

Read the full story here...

xiv: we can’t make any promises

This ain’t for the best,

my reputation’s never been worse so,

he must like me for me.

We can’t make any promises

now can we babe?

But you can make me a drink.

-Taylor Swift, “Delicate”

When Dany was younger, she planned her future wedding with as much fever and gusto as a young princess with every resource at her disposal could. It would take place in the Great Sept of Baelor, obviously, as that was where all royal weddings took place. She would marry a wealthy foreign diplomat, or even better, a foreign prince. The guest list would be a mile long, with even more people attending the reception afterwards. Above all else, she remembered wanting one of those ridiculous many-tiered cakes and a hideous confection of tulle and lace for a dress.

Of course, as Dany got older, the wedding day dreams were replaced with visions of a career and increasingly less domesticality. If nuptials ever presented themselves, she would go the quick and easy route of elopement. Anything else was frilly fantasy.

Except now, those things were tangible and real. And the only thing that survived of her childhood wedding plans was the foreign prince, the only thing she didn’t have a say in.

The Queen commandeered an old study near Dany’s guest room to be their official wedding planning headquarters. The whole space transformed and lost in the madness of planning two royal weddings in the span of a month.

In order for all the kinks to be worked out on the paperwork and numbers part of the treaty, Dany and Jon needed to be married as soon as possible. On top of that, both families were convinced they could sell the out-of-the-blue engagement as a whirlwind, love at first sight romance. Which meant they were stuck with a very limited window to get everything planned to the high expectations of the most important wedding of the decade. Maybe even the century.

Catelyn sat opposite of her with Elia and the Palace Event Planner, their electronic forms attentive on the screens. The Royal Event Planner from the Stark side was going over more options for color schemes.

They’d ruled out Targaryen red and black unanimously and Dany shot down both the mauve and dusty pink options. She’d had enough of those colors in her youth. Varys always insisted she wear pink to everything important, as all unmarried Targaryen ladies did for centuries. The last thing Dany wanted was to deal with it on an already stressful, terrifying day.

The planner pressed a button on her little remote and another color palette appeared.

“This one consists of laurel green, timberwolf, and a neutral grey,” she reported before continuing on about the reasoning behind the colors.

“Too much green,” Dany said with only slight disinterest, reaching for a ring of fabric swatches near her.

“The ceremony is taking place in Godswood, the last thing we need is more green.” Catelyn agreed.

As Dany ran her hands over the pieces of cloth, she noticed a familiar color.

“What about this one?”

She held the burgundy swatch up so everyone in the meeting room could see, including the two virtual guests. Deeper than Targaryen red and verging on purple, it was the same color as the heart-shaped leaves of the Weirwood tree.

“Oh, that’s lovely,” Catelyn cooed.

Elia voiced her approval at the same time.

“Could you create a palette around this and bring it tomorrow?”

“I can have it to you tonight, Your Highness.” She collected the sample and made a note.

“Thank you. And there’s no rush,” Dany smiled.

Once the meetings were over she hoped to avoid anything marriage related. She looked at the long list they still needed to cover. At least we’re getting somewhere.

“Next item of business is wedding party assignments,” the planner continued.

“Since this marriage involves someone who is first in line for the throne, candidates for bridesmaids and page boys are selected by proximity to the royal family as well as status within the court. Here is a list of possible candidates.”

A list of potential bridal attendants landed in front of her. Rhaenys and Aegon were at the top of their respective categories along with Sansa, Arya, and Bran but the rest of the list was names she was unfamiliar with.

“Lyanna Mormont would be a good choice. The Mormont’s have always been strong supporters of House Stark and her grandfather, Jeor Mormont, is currently Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Choosing her would be a statement about your commitment to the Night’s Watch, who defend our Northern Borders.” Catelyn suggested.

Dany made a star by the name and surveyed the rest; Karstark, Maderley, Tallheart. She wanted Missandei as her maid of honor but knew better than to suggest it. It wasn’t her wedding. Technically, it was a transaction between the heir and the useful spare. Everything had to follow tradition.

She expected there to be limits on what liberties could be taken. Rhaegar and Elia’s wedding was much the same way, everything decided for them and all they had to do was show up and say the words. It all looked sparkling and magical to fourteen year old Dany as she watched from the audience with the other bridesmaids.

Another list was set in front of her but this time she knew the names. They were the great houses of Baratheon, Tyrell, Arryn, and Tully. There would be at least one bridal attendant from each region and with the wedding between Cersei Lannister and Robert Baratheon, there was a spot open. Dany marked another star by Myrcella’s name and continued to survey them.

“We don’t have to have them all decided today, but within the next few days is preferable. We still have to send out the invitations and notify the choices for bridal attendants,” the planner reminded the room as Dany placed the selective list into the binder holding all of the wedding plans.

The mockup of the new couple’s cypher was tucked inside the cover, an intertwined D and J with a crown over it. It was strange to see her initials with someone else’s.

According to Catelyn, a traditional Northern royal wedding ceremony included a processional, presentation of a sword, exchanging of vows and rings, changing of the bride's cloak, and recessional.

“I’m sure we have a maiden’s cloak somewhere in this palace. They were in fashion once,” Elai stated, “I’ll have someone start looking as soon possible. Unless, Dany wants to commission a new one but that would tie up the seamstresses.”

“I was actually thinking we could exclude the changing of the cloak,” Dany spoke up.

The look she gained from the room wasn’t what she would describe as pleased.

“It’s been performed at wedding’s for centuries,” Catelyn argued.

“Well, then, what if we altered it. A veil, cloak, and dress is a lot of layers but if we substituted something else. Like…”

To be honest, Dany hadn’t thought her suggestion through and as she frantically racked her brain for an example, she remembered Sansa’s festival outfit and the particular piece of sparkle that caught her eye.

“A brooch.”

“A brooch, Your Highness?” the planner questioned.

“Yes.”

“I think it’s a lovely idea. There are certainly more dragon pins in our collection than cloaks,” Elia offered, being the only obvious supporter of Dany in the room at the moment.

“We would need to discuss it further,” Catlyn sighed, writing something down.

It was the first time one of Dany’s suggestions garnered such a reaction from Catelyn and she was especially grateful she hadn’t suggested Missandei be in the wedding party.

“Now, there is one more tradition that we would like to keep. The first dance is always performed as a choreographed reel.”

“Choreography?” Dany bleated.

“Dany, you’ve taken dance lessons,” Elia tried to reassure her.

“When I was twelve. And something tells me this is a completely different wheelhouse than ballet and ballroom.”

Catlyn spoke up, “Not entirely but it does require a few sessions to get everything smooth. Unless you want to do away with that too.”

The way the Queen’s eyes settled on her was a warning and a challenge. As if speaking against her would bring the whole wrath of the North upon Dany.

She straightened and tilted her chin a fraction, “I haven’t made my mind up yet.”

The wedding planner cleared her throat. Dany took that as her sign to let the moment pass and return to the task at hand.

“We usually broadcast the ceremony but given the circumstances we’ve decided against it,” the planner informed, “but there will be a photographer there to capture everything.”

At least she wouldn’t have to deal with bloggers analysing every angle and glance.

Her phone buzzed next to her and she turned it over out of curiosity. The notification expanded even though Dany didn’t want it to, revealing the news headline about her engagement. Her throat tightened and she squeezed her eyes shut as she took a deep breath. For most of the morning she’d been able to sit through the planning session with a detached sense of reality, like she was watching someone else flip through books of swatches and check items off lists.

“Your Highness, are you alright?”

“Could you all excuse me for a moment?”

Dany stood and walked from the room with as much control as she could. As soon as the door closed her pace quickened. She wasn’t sure where she was headed but the more distance she put between herself and the wedding business the better she would feel. It took a flight of stairs and several turns before she was satisfied, only to realize she was absolutely lost.

With only one tour of a place as massive as Winterfell, there was no way Dany wasn’t going to get turned around. The sounds of a conversation came from a room down the hall. As she approached the details of the exchange became clear.

“I mean, this woman hasn’t had a single long term relationship in her life and suddenly she’s up and engaged to a man with a much higher rank after a week.”

She knew at once what they were talking about and rolled her eyes. Jon wasn’t that much higher ranked.

The door was open when she reached the room, so she leaned against the frame. It was a smoking lounge and the conversation was coming from an old radio. Jon sat in one of the leather chairs, engaging in the act that the room was meant for.

“I’ll tell you what it is, it’s southern imperialism.”

The second person laughed.

“You shouldn’t listen to this shit,” she warned, a hint of teasing in her voice, “It’ll rot your brain.”

When Jon looked up, she stepped into the room, crossing to sit next to the radio as well. The room had a masculine energy about it that Dany was smitten with. Dark wood and leather, the stone around the fireplace and the sleek bear pelt on the shining wood floor, just one of the many hunting trophies on display with old weapons.

“A King should always listen to what his people have to say,” he remarked.

“To genuine criticism, but this is just conspiracy and gross speculation.”

The radio personality continued, “We’re allowing this foreign woman access to the ear of the most important person in our country. Now, what do you think she’s gonna do with that kind of power?”

“Push her own agenda.”

“Exactly, her southern agenda. She may have had people fooled at the Midsummer festival with that traditional dress stunt, but I was not impressed.”

She scoffed. The outfit wasn’t meant to be a PR stunt. Sansa suggested it and Dany agreed but they failed to consider that Dany was actually a nice person who wasn’t putting on a front.

And as for pushing her southern agenda, Dany wished they knew how much she loathed her brother and refused to impart his plans on anyone. Especially after the text message she’d received from him the other night, demanding her to hurry up and seal the deal. It was then she figured out how to work the whole ugly mess to her advantage.

No matter where in the world she ran, she still had to answer to her brother and the Crown. And renouncing her titles was a hassle with too many negative repercussions, including Rhaegar’s thinly veiled threat of black listing her if she did. But in his desperate attempt to settle her down, he was handing her an escape plan on a silver platter.

It wasn’t the sort of liberation Dany was looking for but it was the only kind she was going to get. And if it weren’t for the hysteria surrounding the weddings, she might have counted down the days like she did before her departure to university, with giddy anticipation.

As she brought her attention back to the radio personalities and their outlandish theories, she let herself sink down into the club chair. It was much more comfortable than the wooden one she sat in all morning and she was past caring if she wrinkled her business casual ensemble.

“While I’m with you on imperialism, I think there is a more obvious reason they’re engaged so soon and that is Princess Daenerys’ wardrobe. If you didn’t know, the Targaryen’s hosted their annual charity gala and the dress she wore was … putting a lot on display, to put it delicately.”

“I know what you’re talking about. Is there not a dress code at that court? Not that it matters, I mean, we all know about her nip slip-”

We’re still on that? She supposed the news cycle in the North was slower, allowing people like the two morons on the radio to focus their attention on something the South already considered old news. That would take some getting used to.

“You know, they said that picture was doctored,”

“Yeah right. At least Prince Jon knows what he’s getting in bed because there is a popular interview with her ex-lover Khal Drogo, he compared her to-”

“Could you turn it off, please,” Dany asked, not wanting to hear what came next.

“Gladly,” Jon answered.

She reached for the cigarette case without a second thought and slid one free, Jon lit it for her.

“So, tell me the truth. Are you really a spy for your brother?”

“What?” she choked on her laugh, not expecting that particular statement.

“The seductress of the south sent her to infiltrate the royal family and sell our secrets to foreign enemies,” he said with humor in his voice.

“I can assure you I’m not. Whatever nefarious plans my brother has at work, he hasn’t included me in them. Not that I’d want to be a part of his scheming.”

“How do I know you’re not lying?”

“I’m not,” Dany laughed.

“Promise?”

“I, Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, first of her name, Princess Royal of the United Kingdoms of Westeros, and Lady of Dragonstone, promise that I am telling the truth. And when I make promises, I don’t break them.”

She lifted her cigarette back to her lips.

“I thought you were supposed to be in top secret wedding meetings all day.”

“We were in the middle of discussing the ceremonies and I needed to take a breather.”

“Let me guess, tradition?”

Dany groaned, “I’m going to be sick of that word by the time this is all over.”

“You get used to it.”

She wasn’t so sure. Her whole life was dictated by that word, and it wasn’t going to change anytime soon. But while the Northern traditions were a thorn in her side at the moment,

She considered him for a moment, “You should come to them.”

“I don’t think I’d be of any help.”

“Yes you would. Right now, it’s me against Her Majesty and as much as we both dread it, it’s still our wedding.”

“What did you do to make Catelyn dislike you?”

“I merely suggested we re-evaluate a certain element of the ceremony and she acted like I insulted her entire life’s work.”

“As far as she’s concerned you did. Besides, if I showed up, there would be two people in the room she hates.”

“Exactly! Maybe she won’t even come. But it’s not her fault. There are so many rules about these weddings and she’s just trying to make sure everything goes smoothly. Now that I’m thinking about it, it would be more helpful if you weren’t first in line for the throne.”

“Not fair. That is all I have going for me,” he complained.

“Oh, whatever.” exclaimed Dany as she rearranged herself in the chair, folding her legs underneath her so she could lean on the arm and face Jon full on.

“You expect me to believe that you’re oblivious to the goo-goo eyes that get thrown at you everywhere you go?”

He threw up his hands in surrender.

“Oh my gods.” Dany shook her head.

“Okay, answer me this, if I wasn’t heir to a vast country who you happened to be engaged to and you met me at a bar, what would you do?”

Dany looked him up and down, trying to look like she was seriously considering his question. She already knew her answer, she’d admitted it to herself that night in the greenhouse. I wouldn’t hesitate to add you to my list. But hookups and marriage were different things with a common denominator and she didn’t want her answer misunderstood.

“Well?” he asked.

“Now I don’t want to answer it,”

It was his turn to roll his eyes at her.

A voice from the doorway called, “Your Highness”.

They both turned their heads. It was Ser Jorah and Dany sighed in relief even though she knew she was being dragged back into the wedding fray.

“Her Majesty wanted me to let you know the florist is here.”

Dany nodded and snuffed the butt of her cigarette into the ashtray. When she stood, she saw that her pants and blouse weren’t wrinkled and was relieved.

“Have fun,” Jon said as she headed for the door.

Despite her best efforts, a chuckle and smile escaped her.

“I’ll try.”

#jonerys #jon snow x daenerys targaryen #jonerysfanfic #jonerys fanfiction #ao3 #ao3 link

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wormmomma · 5 years ago

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MIDSOMMAR SPOILER REVIEW: this movie fucking broke me

CW:RAPE, ABUSE, PEDOPHILLIA

“Midsommar” is a grimm fairytale of sorts. A fairly different homage to the cult film the “wicker man”. “The wicker man” is about a european cult being investigated by a british christian cop, “midsommar” avoids the christian indictment of pagan/occult religious practices. midsommar attempts to be an out and out horror film unlike the a genre bending murder mystery/horror/thriller roots of “The wicker man”. Director ari aster obviously wanted to add to the annals of folk horror by creating an ambitious beautifully horrific and sometimes downright psychedelic film. Ari aster wanted to make a film where you can’t hide from the horror as it all happens in front of you. It's also a breakup movie for some reason? As someone who has seen the theatrical cut twice and the director's cut once I can assure you it misses the mark when taking both concepts. If you're wondering whether not to watch the film i think that on a technical level “midsommar” is beautiful and has amazing cinematography, but the answer is yes, but no. Jordan Peele was shown an advance copy of the film and told Aster "I think you’ve made the most idyllic horror film of all time" that high praise. But that being said for personal reasons this will be my final time seeing the film. I think the director's cut is a gorgeous and amazing three hour film. But as someone personally affected by rape, pedophillia, and the victimization mentally or physically handicapped people i cant reccomend this film wholeheartedly. I'm far from squeamish and love films that revel in shock, horror and extremity but I cannot in good conscious recommend a film I almost walked out on. I think Ari Aster has backpedaled immensely in his ability to create horror that exhibits empathy for his characters and the triumphs and tragedies that he subjects them too. “Hereditary” had an amount of emotional pathos for its characters that was almost completely removed from “Midsomer”. The fim feels unreasonably cruel even for a horror movie. Although enjoyable, proceed with caution “Midsommar” is a beautiful, slow, horrific but ultimately controversial mess of a film. 8/10

(the rest of this review is a plot synopsis and a meditation on the more controversial passages in the movie and is to be read for those who have actually seen midsommar. Spoilers abound!)

So what’s it about?

Midsommar is about Dani, an anxious and vulnerable young woman dating an emotionally abusive and reserved boyfriend named christian. After her bipolar sister commits suicide and murders both there parents, Dani goes on a european excursion with cristian with his anthropologist friends as they study a swedish cults midsommar summer solstice tradition. Dani reeling not only from having her parents taken from her by their favorite child, but also from the lack of any real emotional support goes on a gorgeous, psychedelia, induced nightmare of the cult horror variety. Immediately after touching down on the swedish cult's beautiful grassy commune christian manipulates dani into taking psychedelics. Christian although quite emotionally stunted and quite meek at his core is very sly and amazing at working people. Watching Christian make Dani do psychedelic drugs (mushrooms i believe) to make her clear refusal to take them into something that not only affects christian but also his friends and everyone around them is almost scary in its hilariously methodical toxicity. This leads to dani having a panic attack and from there the hits just keep on coming. Dani then has to watch as two cultist commit ritual suicide. This traumatic incident further escalated when one jumped off the mountain on his leg and needed to have his head crushed by cult members till it turns to meat and dust. To make a long three hour story with icelandic pacing short lets race to the finish line:

Christian begins to be pursued by a cult member named maja. Dani still reeling from seeing two people commit suicide has her worries invalidated by christian and all of his anthropologist bros. The anthropology bro argues about who deserves to break basically every rule of basic anthropology as they try to see who gets PAID for perverting a culture they were invited to study not disturb. Christian eats one of majas pubes. After pissing on a ceremonial tree for the dead, and taking photos of the forbidden religious text (written by an inbred autistic oracle boy) our two american secondary characters are chopped off. Dani and christian are the final outsiders left standing. Dani joins a dance competition (yes really) and becomes this year's may queen. forever to be immortalized in the annals of white female faces shown in portraits plastered in the sleeping quarters of this matriarchal cult commune. Christian is then raped as we discover how all the bodies of our other character are disposed of. Dani, inebriated and vulnerable, discovers christian being raped by the cult and forced to sleep with the 16 year old maja. Disgusted dani vomits and syncs her cries of pain with the cult sister and finally has her trauma validated. She is given the choice to then murder christian as hes trapped in a paralyzed state. Dani decides to burn christian alive in the body of a bear, finally defeating and overcoming her emotional abuser. Dani smiles as the cult writhes in pain from the death of the cult members burning alive with christian.Dani is happy. She has family. She is home.

So lets (finally) talk about maja

“Look at it from an academic perspective it would provide a unique glimpse into our sexual rights.”

“Can i not have a unique glimpse without participating?”

This is a conversation that is awkwardly cut from the theatrical version of midsommar. Christian is being offered to have sex with maja. Maja is a sixteen year old girl. The closest aster ever comes to revealing this fact is offhandedly mentioning maja having her first period. Christian refuses sex and is raped by maja, and the cult while a fourteen year old disabled child watches. There's a lot wrong with this scene. I’ll be honest for personal reasons I was really disgusted by this scene. I feel like im projecting but rape and pedophellia are really delicate topics and should be treated sensitivity. Ive seen alot of extreme very difficult horror films, i've seen rape, pedophillia, and violence explored in meaningful interesting and empathetic ways even ari asters own work like “meet the johnsons”. But watching maja rape christian with what i would assume are her older siblings, aunts, grandmothers, mother and other cult members as a 14 year old boy watches just made me feel fucking dirty. The weird part: it isn't horrific. While cristian was being raped, the audience I was watching it with were laughing. It wasn't scary. it was funny. It's a cognitive dissonance. The audience isn't aware of christians being raped or majas age. Most people assume he's cheating and deserves to be burned alive by dani. Making christian the bad guy of his own a rape is horrific but i shouldn’t need to hunt down that information and watch the film three times to understand that. It makes the movie feel as if its really bad at relaying basic information, at worst it's dishonestly hiding it to make the film more palatable. After putting all the pieces together I was disgusted. Ari aster crossed a line. I felt queasy and never wanted to see this film ever again. The fact ari aster could have made maja of age, or take the disabled 14 year old out the scene entirely, or not have had christian be raped in the first place while reaching a more understandable and tragic ending annoys me to know end, it feel like i watched these characters be used and mistreated for no reason. Just to shock me. It lacks value, it’s gross and uninteresting. much like christian and everyone involved i feel violated and it's really hard for me to enjoy watching what is an otherwise (although flawed) very interesting and compelling work or art. I’m still morbidly curious of the next film ari aster makes but i really hope he learns for this mistake and doesn't objectify children in another weird fetishistic male rape comedy routine. It just leaves me confused, disgusted and only makes it more challenging to analyze the more interesting implications of the film. I really appreciated hereditary as someone who has a very emotionally abusive family and has a very hard time processing death. I found hereditary horrific as it is cathartic. As someone who had to quite recently confront a pedophile, midsommar just left me hurt, and trapped. I was reliving some of the worst parts of my trauma as an audience sits around and laughs at it. It all felt so tragic and meaningless. I want to actually give ari asters work an honest critique but he's produced the only work of film that really hurt me and left me feeling violated. I really love his work and I know I'm exaggerating but I hope art never has such a negative effect on my mental health or anyone else’s ever again. I don't blame Maja or christian or the actor who portrayed them. I respect their performances although I have zero respect for how utterly tasteless midsommar ended up being for me. I think I need to learn how not to take art so seriously and try not to invest myself in other people's work. It's a difficult habit to kick. Needless to say, I cannot recommend this movie. If you're able to separate art from the artist and read this whole review without watching the film you're not a bad person for watching it, midsommar is a compelling, difficult experience.

I hope you enjoyed this review and I'm sorry if it got wayyy too personal in the end there. The movie clearly struck a raw nerve for me. if you enjoy this or any review i've dones let me know. I may reveiw hereditary in the future.if your also having issues with death, rape, abuse or mental health i hope this review didnt make it worse. Everyone is deserving of love, family, community and I hope everyone can find that. Have a good day, and have a safe quarantine.

#movie #reveiw #horror #cults #ari aster #midsommer spoilers #midso #midsommer #film #jordan peele #bear #analysis #critque #hot take #problematic

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jmsa1287 · 5 years ago

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A Year in Review: The 25 Best Films of 2019

This list may seem a few months late from the rest of the media, but I consider the movie season to stretch 14 months, from the start of the Sundance Film Festival in January through the end of the Oscars ceremony in February. This year's movie season was shortened as the 92nd Academy Awards were held about three weeks earlier than usual, commencing on Feb. 9. Of course, South Korean director Bong Jon-ho's "Parasite" took home the Best Picture prize making history as the Academy's first-ever non-English language film to take home the top award.

Now that the Oscars have officially wrapped up, and the 2020 movie season is revving up (to a weak start), I feel comfortable with sharing my favorite 25 films of 2019. From box office hits to smaller gems, below is a breakdown of the top films that debuted last year.

25. “The Beach Bum,” directed by Harmony Korine

24. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” directed by Marielle Heller

23. “Toy Story 4,” directed Josh Cooley

22. “Alita: Battle Angel,” directed by Robert Rodriguez

21. “The Lighthouse,” directed by Robert Eggers

20. “A Long Day’s Journey into Night,” directed by Bi Gan

19. “Doctor Sleep,” directed by Mike Flanagan

18. “6 Underground,” directed by Michael Bay

17. “Uncut Gems,” directed by Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie

16. “The Nightingale,” directed by Jennifer Kent

15. “Hustlers,” directed by Lorene Scafaria

Lorene Scafaria's "Hustlers" might be the most fun film of 2019, composed of brilliant shots and serving as a spotlight to showcase Jennifer Lopez's talents. Mostly set during the 2008 recession, the film is a condemnation of late stage capitalism while following a group of strippers, played by Lopez as well as Constance Wu, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart and more, who drug wealthy men and steal from them — until their crimes catch up with them.

14. “The Farewell,” directed by Lulu Wang

An impressive debut feature from Lulu Wang, "The Farewell" is a special kind of family tale, featuring a breakout performance from comedian Awkwafina. Rooted from Wang's true story (which was first turned into an episode of "This American Life"), "The Farewell" is unlike any kind of family drama you've seen; a deeply personal, sad but ultimately uplifting film about the things we choose to tell (and not tell) those closest to us.

13. "Asako I & II," directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi

Following up his six-hour film "Happy Hour," Japanese filmmaker Ryusuke Hamaguchi's "Asako I & II" clocks in at just two hours but still manages to pack in a number of the same themes. Here, a young woman named Asako (Erika Karata) briefly falls in love with a handsome boy named Baku (Masahiro Higashide) in her hometown in rural Japan before he suddenly vanishes. After moving to Tokyo a few years later, Asako spots Baku — but he tells her his name is Ryohei (also played by Higashide). From there, a relationship blooms and unravels. Similar to "Happy Hour," Hamaguchi's effortless ability to draw an emotional response from the ebbs and flows of deep, personal relationships (between friends, family, lovers) is unparalleled.

12. "Climax," directed by Gasper Noé

Gasper Noé is often hit-or-miss with most movie audiences. His films are always provocative and his latest feature "Climax" is no exception. Set in the 90s, a French dance troupe rehearses a routine ("Climax" opens with the single best scene of 2019) before celebrating for the night with some snacks and sangria — which someone has spiked with LSD. The rest of the film plays out like a perverse whodunnit while the group, led by Sofia Boutella, tries to figure out what's going on before losing their minds and allowing deep secrets ruin their lives.

11. "The Irishman," directed by Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese's long-awaited return to the gangster flick resulted in a three-and-a-half-hour epic. "The Irishman," which reunites Marty with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, also stars Al Pacino (the first time the actor appeared in a film by the acclaimed director), as Jimmy Hoffa. The film is Scorsese's most meditative work outside his films about religion. There is as much subtext to the film as there is text, making "The Irishman" a dazzling feat of filmmaking and storytelling, featuring outstanding performances from its three leads.

10. "Gloria Bell," directed by Sebastián Lelio

Since his 2017 breakout film "A Fantastic Woman," Sebastián Lelio's career has been quite quiet. Nevertheless, the English-language remake of his own Chilean-Spanish film "Gloria," re-titled "Gloria Bell," is a stunning piece of filmmaking. Starring Julianne Moore as the titular character, the film follows the middle age single woman through the ups and downs of her dating and family life. It's an unassumingly beautiful film that is gorgeous and features one of Moore's best performances to date.

09. "Her Smell," directed by Alex Ross Perry

Alex Ross Perry's career has dramatically shifted since working with Elisabeth Moss on the 2015 thriller "Queen of Earth." Instead of making quirky New York City centric love stories (a la Noah Baumbach and Woody Allen before him), Perry once again teams up with Moss for "Her Smell." Structured like a five-act play, the film follows Becky Something (Moss), the leader of an all-girl punk group. In what is Moss's best performance to date, Becky is an addict and downright evil at times as she manipulates those around her. It's a dizzying feat of filmmaking that puts Moss to the test.

08. "Ad Astra," directed by James Gray

Brad Pitt won the Oscar for his performance in "Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood," but "Ad Astra" was his best performance in 2019. Following up his 2016 masterpiece "The Lost City of Z," director James Gray continues on his path of making ambitious epics, moving from the Amazon to the depths of our solar system. Here Pitt's Roy McBride is on a mission to find his father (Tommy Lee Jones), who is literally lost in space. Roy has to confront his issues with his father as he battles moon pirates, rabid baboons and his inner demons. "Ad Astra" is not only an impressive film for Grey, but Pitt's turn as the sad spaceman is nuanced and shows how much range the Hollywood icon actually has.

07. "Honeyland," directed by Ljubomir Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska

"Honeyland" made Oscars history when it became the first film to be nominated in both Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature — and for good reason. Clocking in at just 85 minutes, Ljubomir Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska's stunningly beautiful film follows Hatidže Muratova, a beekeeper living in a remote village in North Macedonia. But "Honeyland" is so much more than that; it's a universal story about our delicate ecosystem, fickle Mother Nature, taking care of our family and having bad neighbors. In what may seem like a specific tale turns out to be incredibly relatable, with Stefanov and Kotevska achieving some of the best nonfiction filmmaking in years.

06. "Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood," directed by Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino's penultimate film "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" is a love letter to Tinseltown. Here, he honors the summer of 1969 as the film industry is thriving with newcomers like Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and aging stars like Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio in his best performance ever). Rick is a TV villain and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) is along for the ride. "OUATIH" is more of a hangout movie than something one would expect from QT; it's more in line with the sophistication of "Jackie Brown" than the over-the-top cartoon violence found in "Django Unchained." Like Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman," "OUATIH" is a contemplative and meditative look at aging, youth culture and America through the prism that is Tarantino.

05. "Midsommar," directed by Ari Aster

Following up his horror masterpiece "Hereditary" just one year later, Ari Aster returned with the daylight gonzo vacation nightmare "Midsommar." Like with "Hereditary" and its star Toni Collette, Ari gets a stunning performance out of rising star Florence Pugh, who plays Dani. She just suffered a major tragedy and is decides to go on a trip to a remote village in Sweden with her aloof boyfriend (Jack Reynor) and his college pals. The trip, of course, is worse than anyone could have imagined and plays out in complete sunlight, making Aster's daytime nightmare incredibly upsetting and one of the most vibrant horror films ever made.

04. "Pain and Glory," directed by Pedro Almodóvar

Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar returned last year with "Pain and Glory," unlike any movie he's made in his nearly 40-year career. It's a deeply personal film and one of his most quiet and contemplative. It also reunites the filmmaker with Antonio Banderas — in his best role ever — who starred in Almodóvar's earlier films and his 2011 horror film "The Skin I Live in." Despite it being far removed from Almodóvar's oeuvre, it still fits in snugly with his work, resulting in a beautiful and self-reflexive film about age, lost love and the past.

03. "Little Women," directed by Greta Gerwig

On paper, remaking "Little Women" in 2019 might have seemed like a fool's errand. But Greta Gerwig's take on the classic story, and her follow up to her breakthrough film "Lady Bird," gave a new purpose to Louisa May Alcott's centuries old story about the March sisters living in Concord, Mass. During the Civil War. Here, Gerwig assembles the hottest cast of 2019 (Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Eliza Scanlen, Bob Odenkirk, Louis Garrel, Chris Cooper and Meryl Streep), enlists Alexander Displat for the score and Yorick Le Saux to carry out luscious cinematography. But it's Gerwig's breakdown of the story and her daring changes to the novel that make her rendition of "Little Women" vital and beautiful. She manages to retain the Alcott's tone and vibrance while bringing something wholly original to a story we've seen time and time again, proving Gerwig is a master storyteller.

02. "Parasite," directed by Bong Joon-ho

Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" took the world by storm. A true tour de force, the South Korean film started hot out of the gate, winning the Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival, blazing its way to win Best Picture at the Oscars earlier this month. And rightfully so — "Parasite" is a relatable tale about class struggle unlike any other film in its genre. Joon-ho, who has other masterpieces under his belt ("Mother," "Memories of Murder"), is in total control of his film; a true craftsman and storyteller, who knows how to build tension, introduce bits of comedy and create compelling characters. The film is complex yet fully understandable; a truly accomplished piece of filmmaking that will become a gateway for world cinema.

01. "Marriage Story," directed by Noah Baumbach

Noah Baumbach's "Marriage Story" is his most sophisticated and considered film to date. Following a couple (Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson) going through a divorce, Baumbach crafts a personal story with a raw script that is executed by astonishing performances from its two leads and its wonderful supporting cast (Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Merritt Wever). For so many films about finding love, there are few that are directly about the end of a relationship or divorce and Baumbach's intimate tale is a dazzling feat of not only writing, but acting and understanding of how all the moving pieces of a movie can coalesce into a breathtaking piece of art.

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