#define elope marriage

[moonsapprentice]

𝔗𝔬𝔯𝔡 ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔠𝔞𝔫𝔫𝔬𝔫𝔰

𝔄𝔭𝔭𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔵𝔢

✩ like every single fanfiction author on the face of tumblr and wattpad would describe, Tord has caramel brown hair. It can really easily get staticky which is funny as fuck when he works on his robots. You’ll walk in and it’s all over the place.

✩ I see people describing his hair as ‘hair horns’ which isn’t wrong per-say, but a better word for it is cowlicks. He literally cannot control them. When he was a teenager he tried so hard to gel them back just to have them spring right back up. Despite that, his hair is actually really silky. He doesn’t like having body hair so he shaves all of it off. Sometimes he leaves a happy trail though.

✩ his eyes are a very striking grey. Depending on lighting they look wildly different. They can look almost white and icy in the light But in the dark they can look menacing and deep.

✩ Tords skin is pretty pale. His skin has warm-neutral undertones. He mostly prefers to be indoors, especially when he’s deep into a project. However when it isn’t above 70 degrees he loves to go out into the woods.

✩ He’s around 6’3 and lean. He’s not very visibly muscular but you can tell he works out. when he’s just out in a t shirt you might catch a glimpse of bicep.

✩ very warm body temperature. Norway is cold, so his body probably just got used to producing heat.

✩ I don’t mean this in a weird way, but he has a pretty face. Just generally nice to look at.

✩ he wears a lot of comfy, casual things. I imagine him as a bit of a gym guy, so sweatpants and T shirts are his go to. And obviously, hoodies.

✩ Tord has scars all over his body.

ℜ𝔬𝔪𝔞𝔫𝔱𝔦𝔠

✩ very romantic

✩ his love languages are physical touch and words of affirmation, with acts of service sprinkled in

✩ Tord never does it infront of people but spews the sweetest most poetic shit you’ve ever heard. Literally pure honey straight out of his mouth. It’s mostly things about your appearance. He has trouble defining his emotions, so instead of opening up and trying to deal with it he says ‘I love you’ a million times a day. It’s the only emotion he truely can explain. He just loves you.

✩ even if he can’t say his emotions, he can sure as hell show them with touch. He can’t say ‘I’m feeling down today’ but he can wrap his arms around your waist from behind and look at you with droopy eyes. He can’t say ‘I feel happy’ so he hugs you tightly and peppers kisses all over your face.

✩ big big big snuggler. Happy to be small or big spoon, whatever it takes to have you close by

✩ a bit random but if you’re into skincare he’d really want you to put a face mask on him. Girl dad style.

✩ loves to kiss on your neck, especially your pulse point. He likes to be reminded you’re alive and always around.

✩ Tord loves receiving kisses on the corner of his mouth and on his neck.

✩ likes a healthy amount of pda. Hugging, kissing, and hand holding are all on the table. As long as the kisses are under five seconds.

✩ gets jealous easily. He trusts you to not do anything but he doesn’t trust other people.

✩ it’s corny, but gun range dates. I CAN’T DENY IT. HE WOULD.

✩ rough and long kisses are his shit. He likes feeling connected to you

✩ 90% of the time has his arm around your waist.

✩ love love loves touching your hair. he’ll touch it at any given chance.

✩ I feel like he’d have a strong sense of smell, so he recognizes your perfume, shampoo, body wash. Everything.

✩ He dates you with the intent of staying together for a long time. He sees you as a spouse rather than just a partner.

✩ loves going to theme parks with you

✩ gives AMAZING massages

✩ would be very happy at the thought of marriage. He doesn’t need a big wedding if you don’t want one, you could even elope. He just wants to feel connected to you.

✩ very tight hugs. Like he’s scared you’ll float away

✩ might want kids to continue his legacy, but a bit iffy on it due to his ‘secret occupation’.

✩ HE WILL GIVE YOU FLOWERS EVERY WEEK NO MATTER WHATT ‼️‼️ NO MATTER IF YOU’RE FIGHTING, HES BUSY, WHATEVER. NOTHING WILL STOP HIM

✩ terrified of losing you

ℜ𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔬𝔪

✩ light sleeper, if he gets any sleep

✩ stays up until 2 - 3am on most nights

✩ despite this, also likes the morning? Both a morning and a night person. Probably gets up around 8 or 9am. Late at night and early in the morning are his most productive hours. During the day he mostly lounges.

✩ smells like smoke, wood, and cologne.

✩ smokes weed very often

✩ loves energy drinks, SEPCIFICALLY white monster.

✩ sweet tooth

✩ but can’t bake for shit.

✩ bites his nails very badly

✩ furrows his brows when he’s focused

✩ crack his back please he needs it.

✩ likes bbq sauce

✩ salmon enjoyer. Specifically smoked

✩ used to dye his hair that dark brown color because he thought it made him look cooler.

✩ mostly listens to metal music and punk rock, but secretly has a vocaloid obsession

✩ his favorite anime is sailor moon because I said so.

✩ would I be wrong if I say he probably has a hatsune miku body pillow

✩ I don’t really think he has a canon family but in my mind I have a whole life story for him. I think that his dad is the OG red army leader, and the main base is in Norway. I don’t think they have a good relationship. His dad often went way to far in teaching him lessons in combat, survival, strategy, etc but they both kind of bonded over engineering. Bonding maybe isn’t the right word because tord definitely does not love his dad, but his father saw that Tord had strengths in robotics and let him persue that. Then bla bla bla Tords the red leader now. If you want you can just ignore this Hc ^^ it just helps me see him as more of a person than a 2D character. I have mini life stories in my head for all the EW characters but Tords is the one I can see the most clearly.

✩ Pau and pat are like brothers to him

✩ wears boxers with hearts on them

✩ also wears Minecraft boxers

𝔑𝔰𝔣𝔴

✩ Any sex position with you in his lap is his favorite. He puts his head in your boobs and holds you still, thrusting up into you. Sometimes he likes to do mating press though.

✩ Tord gets so focused on your pleasure that sometimes he forgets about his own. He’ll go round after round with his head between your thighs.

✩ 100% a switch. He could be on top of you with your legs over his shoulders, or sinking back into the mattress with his eyes rolling back into his head.

✩ lowk a brat

✩ 7 inches when hard. Bends upwards. Shaved

✩ A big kink for dry humping. If you’re in his lap he’ll start grinding on you. He’ll press little kisses on your neck too

✩ goes crazy for some titties

✩ has a lot of crazy ideas, and would love to try them on you if you consent

✩ pretty much has no turn offs. He’s open to try anything you want as long as you’re happy. The only thing he’d never do is hurt you. The other aspects of his life are so violent he doesn’t want to take it to the bedroom

✩ massive oral fixation. He likes having your thumb in his mouth or vice versa depending who’s the top.

✩ he’s very very perverted and very very horny, but he also loves the connection that sex provides. Like yes, he likes boobies at face value. But when he gets into it he really gets into it. Sex is when most of his emotions come out. If he’s had a hard week he may be a bit rougher (obviously with consent). I could also see him as the type to cry a little when he finishes. It’s very rare though.

✩ a high libido. If you’re down he’s down.

✩ if no one else is home he will do it ANYWHERE with you.

✩ will give hickies anywhere. And if you give him one he will show it off proudly

✩ can go about 3-4 rounds average

✩ Lowkey has a breeding kink I can’t lie.

This has been in my drafts for like 3 months so sorry if some parts are a bit ass 🫶 xoxo

[imustbenuts]

nuts reads trigun in jp 14 - trimax' vol 1 theme is big on family

i mean, thats obvious, but it didn't ping on my radar as much until im sitting here chewing on what im reading.

ive written in part 7 with the first hint of filial piety, 12 with a lost in translation bit about vash calling sheryl and lina his family, and 13 where wolfwood comes across as a guy who is taking someone's child(daughter) away to elope for marriage. the tl;dr of all of this is that trimax' vol 1 seems to be a set up for exploring themes and what "family" can be defined as.

i uh, suspect japanese idea of 内外 uchi-soto is at play here. (ie in-group and out-group but family) it seems to be lowkey tied to that and the themes of 'otherism'. the kanjis for them means, in 内, and out 外.

the uchi 内 is the 'us', and it is most commonly used in the context of home and family.

the soto 外 is the others, the ones who aren't part of the family.

there's absolutely more ways uchi-soto can be used than just family. village, organization, etc.

so while i dont have a concrete answer of how fucked family dynamics exactly are in japan, i can say its at least pretty fucked in a lot of asian countries affected by ww2. this is further compounded by a lot of classism, traditionalism, trauma, shit mental healthcare, absurd rapid economic growth, the whole turd rainbow, that its not uncommon for many born in say 1900s to 1980s to be... pretty messed up.

i mean, the long term results of gunboat diplomacy, opium wars and colonialism will do all of that, yeah.

i think its why knives here vaguely gives me that abusive old asian turd vibe:

domestic abuse is... not exactly uncommon, honestly. again, dont live in japan so i wont pretend to know for sure, but similar culture and the same capitalism trajectory makes me think its got similar trends. also a lot of these DVs can rooted in toxic masculinity, power trips, ego, and anxiety surrounding productiveness/money.

yeehaw:

(quick note: another reading of 内 uchi can be nai. is that why studio orange named him nai....??? 🤔 and gave him a onesies pajamas and made him a hikkikomori?)

so thats knives. he kicks and slaps his little brother around and even cuts off his arm to the point that a lot of vash's behavior can come across as an abuse victim survivor. he shares the uchi with vash and their sister plants, while everyone else alive on NML is the soto. the outsiders.

and then vash seems to define his own 'uchi' as... the entirety of humanity, or at least an uchi with no 'soto'. no outsiders than maybe himself. its debatable if you want to read this as a result of his abuse, if vash inherently leans towards this, or a mix of the two. like how things are depicted in stampede.

i think the characters that highlight these themes nicely are Sensei/Doc and Brad. im skipping and not rehashing stuff from my prev post, but yeah its. all there.

.... Of course I would We're family (身内). And it's all the same to him. Vash The Stampede's concept of "family (身内)" is absurdly wide.

i mean, check out brad's bubble in here where the Family is expressed as 身内 miuchi. more in the tone of "one of ours". nightow could have just used a bunch of other words like 家族 kazoku, 親身 shinmi, 親戚 shinseki that leans closer to blood family, but nah. nightow just picks 身内, with the 内 to highlight the in group out group family culture dynamic going on.

this is then followed up with this panel

man.

i wanna whack knives with a steel chair.

[deathlessathanasia]

According to Plutarch’s account (fr.157.42–53), young Hera was kidnapped by Zeus from Euboea and hidden in a “shadednook” (µυχὸς ἐπίσκιος) of Mount Cithaeron, which became a “natural chamber” (θάλαµος αὐτοφυής) for the lovers;54 when Hera’s nurse, Macris,55 came looking for the goddess, Cithaeron protected the couple by deceiving the nurse and telling her that Zeus was living here with Leto; the grateful Hera gave Leto a share in her altar and temple, which is why the first sacrifice is made to Leto “of the Nook” (Μυχία) or Leto “of the Night” (Νυχία). The purpose of this myth—as Plutarch himself makes clear—is to explain the genesis of marriage as a sociallyacceptable institution. Thus, as Plutarch further elucidates (53–56), the epithets of Leto (Μυχία and Νυχία) signify “clandestineness” (κρύφιον) as well as “absconding” (διαλεληθός), and Hera herself was referred to as Λητὼ Νυχία so long as she lived “secretly” (λάθρᾳ) and “surreptitiously” (λανθάνουσα) with Zeus.56

While these appellations convey an unequivocally negative evaluation of elopement (darkness, concealment, etc.), Hera’s change of lifestyle is reflected in her new names: when their marriage became “public” (φανερός)57 and their association was “revealed” (ἀνακαλυφθεῖσα), the goddess, Plutarch drives home the point (56–60), was worshipped as Teleia and Gamelia. In line with these topics, Plutarch introduces his myth to show how the law and order of marriage were invented by the gods. In his account, the emergence of the noble rite of γάµοςwas preceded by various illegal acts (abduction, seduction, elopement), but eventually the gods’ illicit love affair was superseded by a legal relationship. The former was characterized by unconstrained pursuit of sexual pleasures, whereas the latter is defined by moderation, responsibility, and procreation. The myth shows then Hera’s transformation from a mistress to a wife, and this metamorphosis is reflected in the goddess’s new epithets. - Plutarch’s Fragment 157 and Epideictic

[dragonshavenomasters]

sympathy for Criston Cole

okay so maybe my biggest house of the dragon (tv show only) headcanon is that noone on the kingsguard actually makes that big of a deal of the celibacy thing except for Criston Cole

in my mind they all have lovers amongst the smallfolk (or each other) and as long as they keep it discrete and understand that they can't get married it gets overlooked

i mean look at Ser Harrold Westerling

you're telling me this man hasn't had sex in 20 years?

there's just no way that's true this man fucks (and if they didn't want to signal that they shouldn't have hired Graham McTavish because just like Dakota Johnson has a face that knows what an iphone is, Graham absolutely has the face of a man who fucks) ((don't even get me started on how hot the Cargyll twins are))

a defining characteristic of Criston's personality for me is that he sees himself as a hero in a story rather than a normal fallible human and holds himself and others to ridiculous heroic standards

(examples are the marriage proposal to Rhaenyra and the weird 'all women are the mother' line to Aemond, plus how he spent the evening strategising war with Aemond but doesn't do the basics of his job like assign Helaena and kids a guard)

this makes him both personally miserable and perennially disappointed, but most importantly impossible to be around, thus removing any possibility of developing real friendships with his peers

community is the only thing that can save you from the perils of self mythology and he has NONE the only people he pursues the company of are his employers

so he screws the whole thing up and sleeps with a princess and asks her to elope and loses his shit and kills a dude and makes a scene of killing himself because he just read way too much into it and that's why he sends Arryk to Dragonstone

I really think these rules like enforced celibacy are there so if the royal family turns on you they can execute you without fuss and that even if you aren't having sex they would lie about it and hang you anyway they're not real or necessary or strictly enforced, and it's only Criston who doesn't get it and that is the cause of tragedy for himself and so many around him

!!this is only for the show I don't deal with the book at all!!

[horizon-verizon]

May I ask why you don’t like Jace and Sara Snow? I wouldn’t say it’s the same as Rhaegar and Lyanna, but the situation does have some similarities. Maybe it’s even closer to Robb and Jeyne/Talisa (though I’m not sure if you like that pairing). Personally, I think Sara isn’t real, but let’s pretend she is for a moment. What about their dynamic doesn’t work for you?

Anon is either talking about all the Sara Snow posts I've done or this post.

Rhaegar failed bc he was way too idealistic that he let ideas of heroism carry him away from observing issues with is own acrions or how e implemented a lot of them. So he was both irresponsible in one sense and was obsessed w/fufilling an ultimate level of "responsibility" through a prophecy I think he took as way to justify/redeem te corruption around him. Yes, he wanted to be "authentic", but went about it unfairly & disastrously under that inevitable weight. Jace didn't have this issue.

A)

I explain why Jace and Sara vs Rhaegar and Lyanna aren't similar enough to warrant the pairing people put them in the link above.

Other than what I wrote there, it's also bc Rhaegar did not abandon Elia (at least not to die; is fault, yeah, but people make as if he went out of his way tomake sure is family were in danger for p*ssy; Jace did not ave te same problem of yper-idealism as Rhaegar to beleive that things would work out & thus put is family at risk), like Jace would be doing to Baela and Rhaenyra IF Sara Snow and him were a thing and married AND to be like what people think Rhaegar did, Jace would have had to run off somewhere else entirely with Sara and trigger another problem for himself and the whole black team...which doesn't happen.

Even if Sara were real, nothing came of it. She's still at Winterfell. He quite clearly came back and resumed his duties. None of it goes anywhere. So what exactly is the point or true motivation/inspiration, I wonder, to shipping him and Sara, and nothing major or plot-defining comes from them beign together or trying to be? When with Lyanna and Rhaegar, their relationship triggered a war and had purpose and definitively shaped the entire country for years to come--to induce another critical event in the story? RobbxJeyne: Robb broke his betrothal and was unfairly murdered in a forever historical event that brought the War of the Fiver kings to a close and opened a new "wound" in the society similar bec the punishment did not fit the crime, even went too far. He may not have been in love with Jeyne like some imagine Rhaegar-Lyanna and Daemyra to be, but there is a nobility in his decision, too...I don't see the same for the SaraxJace ship.

Second, unlike Robb, Jace in this scenario is never described as "doing right" by Sara by marrying her after impregnating her. Both bec she is a known bastard who could never really marry him (remember Ellaria and Oberyn, Aemond and Alys) in this hypothetical where she is real and she we hear nothing about her being pregnant in the first place. In every single scenario that I have seen Sara SnowxJace shipping, these two fall in love and oftentimes just elope just because they are in love and Jace is motivated to stop shouldering the pressures of his own birth and obligations. that might be attractive to people, but there are other things that contextualize my dislike and suspicion of it actually being about "love for love's sake" or "love is the relief of duty".

Third, unlike Rhaegar and Elia (which GRRM describes as a marriage of "tragedy", and I while I do think it was clearly more a tragedy for Elia than Rhaegar [Rhaegar not loving her when it was possible that she would have tried to love him, her illness on top of pushing herself to birth his heirs, Rhaegar having given Lyanna the crown publicly, then her horrific death and the murder of her kids]), Jace and Baela showed no unreciprocated reluctance or hesitation or lack of chemistry/compatibility nor was there testimony of such. For Rhaegar-Lyanna, the narrative tells us that it was never something that was going to be emotionally fufilling for either person through Barristan Selmy and Rhaegar's own actions and much symbolism written into several parts of AWoIaF, the main series etc. about blue roses and such--no such thing exists for Rhaegar and Elia. He may not have "hated" her, but their's was not a marriage of "love" of a certain kind. And for JacexBAela, while we don't see any hint of passion or love from him towards Baela in the same degree that would be a match as much as something can be for a book like F&B's section of the Dance, again, we still do not see any hint of his reluctance/non-attraction towards her that some SaraxJace shippers may try to argue. This matters, too, bc the passion that some argue makes Rhaegar risk it all for Lyanna & then ruin the realm is at least admirable in the sense of agency for Lyanna.

Fourthly, what dynamic? We literally know nothing about Sara Snow. Just that she is a bastard of the Starks, Cregan's sister, and possibly a figment of Mushroom's desire for attention and drama. And because we know nothing about her for certain (and for real this time, unlike stuff we know about Alicent, Rhaenyra, Daemon, etc. even though this is a history book), there's no reliable material to give reality to Sara Snow even if I wanted to pretend she was real. I have to do independent work to create a personality for me to even be able to ship her with anyone, much less a young boy who's narrative purpose leaned on opposing the Westerosi understanding of bastardry like his brothers and Addam/Alyn Velaryon all did. Jace can't do that by just deciding to break his betrothal or dishonor his betrothal to Baela (and we don't even see or have any suggestion of his supposed discomfort to being married to her in the first place, this is another thing people made up and projected into canon!) because he fell for her. Again, Robb married Jeyne not just because he liked her, but because she got pregnant.

This is a dynamic(?) that, like a lot of ships, tends to take one aspect the shippers like a lot, they see some aspects of that narrative-of-a-ship they like or created in a canon circumstance (Rhaegar-elia-Lyanna) or what they think happened, and then they mash it together to give more credit to the new ship they have. I find it disengnuous. Especially when my biggest issue I have with this ship is it has gotten so much more support or relevance only after HotD came on and Baela "became" Black. I've tried searching for this ship prior to the show, and only a miniscule amount of desire for it existed then in comparison to all other ships, canon or not. And it parallels people saying Baela should be Lady of Driftmark while Helaena is queen, esp in lieu of the show making Rhaenyra offer this marriage arrnagement...bookwise, Baela and Jace were betrothed since both were tiny kids bc Rhaenyra and Laena had been best friends AND it made sure to bind Corlys/the Velaryons more to Rhaenyra's side/make sure Luke could have a better chance of being the future Lord of Driftmark--as he was betrothed to Rhaena since very young as well. The betrothals were a matched set, one came with the other.

Canon!Baela was happiest betrothed to Jace, growing up with Jace, growing up a Targaryen under Daemyra's "roof" even as she was obviously loved by her Velaryon grandfather and likely visited him often. Because she seemed to have developed a relationship with Jace, they would have made a good ruling couple and Baela would have been the most prestigious, highest ranking woman in the realm, with as much influence as maybe Alysanne since I don't see any suggestion of her being shunted to the side once he rules. Involved and shaping decisions that involve the ENTIRE realm, not just a small area like Driftmark. There's even a healthier degree of remove because she is still connected to the Velaryons, has her father and sister and her other stepbrothers anc vice versa. Both individuals preoccupied with other things in away that Jaehaerys and Laysanne were not while they had to hide away from Maegor and were confined relatively to each other alone. So it's possible the pitfalls of intramarriages is mitigated a little bit here despite them clearly growing both together and separate enough to be themselves, Baela having some practical agency, and not so dependent on each other. So, again, why is it that people are so eager to make Jace disatisfied with her or them not devoted to each other or Baela being "better off" being a mere Lady when the white!Helaena gets to be queen...I'd even say Helaena needs to be away from her family and marry out more than Baela does, as the latter in canon had more protections with her relatives than show!Helaena did.

This JacexSara ship is only as popular as it is bc it entirely depends on a rejection of Baela AND Laena AND Rhaenyra's canon female bonds and possible politicking apart from Alicent. Or against Alicent or just for Rhaenyra herself. Laena's relationship with Rhaenyra is erased for Rhaenicent, which gives way to that Helaena-Jace idea that only gets thrown back in Rhaenyra's face. Contrast that with her successful and satisfying arrangement (satisfying to the kids themsleves) between her sons and Laena's daughters--now instead we have this weird back and forth that makes no sense.

I'm usually not one to hurl on ships; in this case, my disdain comes from fans taking and misunderstanding "death of the author" and then hypocritically transposing their own ideas onto the canon by sheer force of will. It comes from the show amplifying people's biases and misunderstandings of the text. It encourages willful reading before comprehensive reading, which is dangerous; one example of why is people say Aegon would have been happiest or most powerful and safe still married to Jaehaera, or that this entire story should have ended with them together bc "both sides bad, marriage makes good, it ends the war"...the disabled child forced to be impregnated...sure. And it that why Jaehaera gets killed by another guy who wants to put his own daughter on the thoen so he could have descendants as Otto did...while having been on the green side? That guy that perpetuates the violent disposal of girls/women like Rhaenyra? Sure, it's just about "both sides bad" because Rhaenyra was not a "good" queen. Gotcha.

Contrast this situation to people shipping Jayce and Viktor of the League of Legends show; in that case, no people are well within their rights to ship them and even to believe that it was textual that they had romantic feelings or a soul connection that outstrips mere friendship.

Why?

there is strong SUGGESTION in the mannerims and dialouge that could easily lend to romance or high-feeling many times throughout the series, where the two share an understanding or faith and devotion in the other while they try--in their own disjointed ways--to make their society a better place through Hextech, their shared "creation", which brought them close.

that suggestiveness was deliberately played into by the voice actors and animators and writers themselves even though a few writers didn't see it that way

(This is not me saying Jayce didn't care nor didn't love Mel, this is me saying that Jayce and Viktor discover the real meaning and value of life through each other when they forgot that they should have questioned the ethics of their development of Hextech and its effects on humanity's greed and fight to survive just in the classism of their society. The reason why this inspires people sometimes more than Jayce's love for Mel or their perception of Mel at all is because this entire story's center ond direction is coming from the characters' desire to "fix" humanity and that going wrong because of things utterly out of their control they never should have or just couldn't get a handle on...and lots of grief. Mel was a big part of all that, but she has her own story and Piltover seems more like a "stop" in her story more than anything.)

I said once shipping is or can't be detatched from how people view politics AND can often be a political act -- I don't like what I'm seeing in this particular ship's politics. Or the fans' quiet motive behind it.

B)

I actually like Robb and Jeyne (not Talisa, bc the show tweaked that in a way that was...weird), much better than Jace x Sara Snow. Robb marries Jeyne both because he genuinely likes her and wishes to preserve her "honor", thinking it is honorable for him to go out of his way and risk his own political advantage so that he will not produce a suffering bastard or have Jeyne's life ruined for having extramarital sex. In this world, men get to have all these affairs and produce children who would have it much tougher and even be in danger from their other kids or wives or others who wish to destroy possible competition or just out of pain/jealousy/pride.

Meanwhile, the women--whether raped or having had conseneual sex with him--almost always have their lives ruined. Society thinks them as "spoiled goods" and they cannot have more stable economic means through the prime way women can such--potential husbands, who again would not want "spoiled goods"...or their relatives arranging any marriage for them. And if they have illegitmate kids, they're left with little means of future security or protection for them or themselves. sure some might have families who keep them till they are older, but again, their lives as "proper" people who can go out with their head held high or unaccosted by other degradations is done. Here Robb takes responsibility by marrying his lover and making sure his child comes out legitmate--he's extending his socially granted protection when he has all the space and ability not to do so and still be seen as "trustworthy" by his peers and other potential allies or whatever. Because "men have needs".

A lot of people say he was stupid for doing that, but the point was not to berate the person doing the right, moral thing; it was to point out how mush it costs to to the right thing, how that potnetial cost is innately unfair and life-destroying. How it even destroys the better men who in any way divert from what the system tries to compel its beneficiaries to do. It's about exploring the human cost of power and the ethics inherently connected to it all. You were not supposed to treat this story as a stats-session, who's "smarter", or "better" at politics for the sake of seeing who is the "best" at the cost of forgoing human worth.

Walder Frey is rather the "stupid" party, morally AND politically, so in any way you slice it, WALDER is actually the "stupid" one. why? He broke one of the biggest social rules of Westeros, espe for the northmen: the guest rights, where the host must give complete shelter to anyone he/she provides food and shelter to. Walder basically shut himself in to only ever be allied "faithfully" with the Lannisters and the Boltons, because we know that if he does later, he's basically opened himself up to others doing similar or worse to him, or run the risk of them betraying him quickly once they get the chance. He killed a young man and a pregnant woman and his mother (a scion of another great hous, the Tullys, his own great lord paramount). Nothing he did in retaliation to Robb breaking the betrothal was "normal" nor justifiable, it was an extreme, amoral, very prideful action that he did partly bec he thought copying Tywin was his go to for power by both showing that he'd "go the mile" for this man we wanted an alliance with and become another "big dog".

It is reflective of exactly how this feudalist patriarchy compels people to seek for self gratifying power above all else and imitate the "mightiest" above all else, to "fall in line" with/behind the biggest fish/man and reap the benefits for yourself. Tywin, who got his way by also having a mother killed with her kids), who how we all know ended up. Killed by his own abused child.

Walder Frey is also a "predator" of young girls barely out of their preteens, almost always marrying them very obviously for sex since he has no need at all for more heirs. Contrast that with Robb, who merely broke a betrothal AND did right by the girl he chose to have sex with nearer to his own age and who he very clearly respected. Robb deserves no flack at all for what he did, Walder does.

In order to criticize Robb, many people thought it was in good taste to let Walder Frey off the hook entirely, bc they've accepted the status quo and even have decided that such should be the case. they've grown morally complacent or were never truly ethical to begin with.

This narrow-minded, jaded fandom prizes instant power gratification and "playing smart" to miss the bigger picture and what's actually being written and "advocated" for, what this entire series is really about just as they refuse to understand Daenerys:

[dragonseeds] The Existentialism of ASoIaF Leadership and Heroism in a Violent, Exploitative World

[nobodysuspectsthebutterfly] What is "Heroic" and MOST Meaningful is to be willing to fight for What's Right despite Mistakes, Controversy, or Disadvantage

[rainahadaenerys] Quote from Frederick Douglass on GRRM's Blog

[jozor-johai] LoTR and ASoIaF, the Orcs and the Meereenes Slaver Kid Hostages

[cerseiandjaime] Human Heart in Conflict with Itself

Dragon Fire as Deterrents

Jon & Gilly, Male Violence vs Female Violence

[astrobiscuits]

Hii I want to know about Boda opp sun , Jupiter and Boda sextile Pluto

Thanks

🪿 Boda opposite Sun - you could be either against the idea of marriage or the idea of having a wedding. This depends on the house placements of both asteroid Boda (1487) and the Sun planet.

For ex, if Sun is in 7th house and Boda is in 1th house, you'd probably be against the idea of having a wedding. Partnership matters to you a great deal, but you don't want to be defined in the eyes of others by how big/small your wedding was, what you wore as the bride or how the decorations looked. You believe those things are superficial, so you might as well elope or get married at court. You want something just between you and your future spouse.

If you are against the idea of having a wedding, you most likely have: Sun in 2nd house and Boda in 8th house (you're just stingy with your money and you don't want to spend money on your wedding/you don't want to wake up one morning with half of your assets gone), Sun in 4th house and Boda in 10th house ("we live together and that's enough! i don't want to get the gov involved in our relationship"/ it can point to a very small wedding only with family and close friends though), Sun in 5th house and Boda in 11th house (you want your wedding guests to live in the moment, not film you and your spouse and then post it on social media), Sun in 6th house and Boda in 12th house (marriage is about sharing daily responsabilities with your spouse, not a special day; you have a practical mindset and don't see the point of planning for a wedding just to get a headache lol), Sun in 9th house and Boda in 3rd house (you'd rather spend your wedding money on travelling the world with your partner), Sun in 12th house and Boda in 6th house (you don't like attention; heavyy elopement vibes with this one)

If you are against the idea of marriage, you most likely have: Sun in 1st house and Boda in 7th house (you like your independence and don't want to feel legally stuck), Sun in 3rd house and Boda in 9th house (honestly, with this one, i think you're just very indecisive if you'd like to have a marriage or not, which is why i don't think it's a good idea to go for it), Sun in 8th house and Boda in 2nd house (you're likely coming from a background of divorced parents/family members or most of your friends have divorced, which instills a sense of impending doom regarding marriage), Sun in 10th house and Boda in 4th house (you're too focused on your career and reputation), Sun in 11th house and Boda in 5th house (you're an eccentric, unique individual and marriage isn't on your agenda, because you'd rather just have a squish or live with your best friend)

🦪 Boda opposite Jupiter - surprise, surprise, your future husband (if you are a girl) doesn't want to have a wedding or marriage either. You're both on the same page when it comes to this topic. If you do choose to get married, you're probably going to have a minimalist wedding, where food is in moderation and the music isn't too loud. You might choose to have your wedding in your homecountry, but if you choose to have your wedding in another country, there are likely going to be issues involved

🦋 Boda sextile Pluto - your wedding will have a deep, profound impact on your psyche. It will likely change the way you see yourself, but in a good way! The change might be more subtle or you'll only notice after time has passed. You'll compare yourself in 5 years to who you were before you got married and you'll notice that you changed as a person (maybe you lost weight or your mental health has got considerably better)

[yandere-yearnings]

On top of my last ask I also have a question geared to your sillies

We all know both Sunny and Dice have a serious jealousy problem but I was wondering why exactly that's the case? Like did anything happen in their past to make them respond so aggressively when the threat of potentially losing reader arises?

If you're planning to go into this further in their main stories then you can ignore this ask ofc :)

-Gnawing on your latest posts, 🦢

i do intend to delve into their backstories and why they are the way they are later on down the line in their main stories, but bc i'm being a bit slow with releasing new chapters, i figured it'd be nice to just explain it. also, i'm glad you enjoyed my latest posts swan nonnie🥺 gonna try and answer more asks soon so hopefully that means more content too🥰

major spoilers for sun's and dice's backstories under the cut!

warnings for mentions of cheating, alcoholism, child abuse and neglect❗❗

so, originally sun and dice had a fairly normal life, if not a really happy one — they were in what would be considered a standard family, with a mother and father who seemed to love each other loads and dote on their children. in actuality, their parents' marriage was going stale and their mother ended up having an affair with another woman, soon eloping with her and abandoning them.

that in itself was a point of trauma for both of them, sun especially, bc he was older and had spent more time with her. neither of them really understood how someone could say they loved them one day, only to have left them all alone within 24 hours, not even a note or message to explain.

then, they were forced to take the repercussions of their mother's actions in the form of verbal and physical abuse from their father, who had steadily become an alcoholic. all of the household income was used to fuel his addiction and own living expenses, and sun and dice were neglected for a long time before their aunt came to take them away.

somewhere, they kinda expected their father to at least fight for them, but when he gave them up so quickly — not wanting to see their faces anymore bc they looked so much like her, the feeling of abandonment they had been experiencing prior finally reached a point where it started to define them.

they had a lot bottled up from then; feeling wronged, feeling like they had so much left to say, questioning why. a lot of anger and bitterness and desperation to just feel wanted again fueled them into becoming who they did. sun would fight a lot as a teen, bc he felt constantly frustrated and it was easy to push him over the edge. dice was really passive, and he'd let himself get picked on bc he didn't feel like he was worth enough to speak up against it.

their respective darlings meet them at a time where they've just begun to establish a sense of self-importance, and it's bc they're clinging to that little confidence they finally have, that they're both adamant nothing takes it away from them ever again. sun doesn't ever want to be tossed aside like his mother had done to him all those years ago, and dice doesn't want betrayal to turn him into the monster his father had become.

for those reasons, they'll do whatever it takes to make sure they don't lose you. whenever they see you with someone else, they can just imagine you building a relationship with that person and leaving them behind to suffer in the end. just the thought has every bad memory flooding back. it makes them murderous.

for what felt like forever, all they had was each other and the resigned understanding between them. now they have their darlings, that desire to be seen again has reignited, and they rely to a dangerous extent on the promise that love could make up for all the pain they didn't deserve.

[jadelotusflower]

"And so we are left - as Ptolemy's curious list suggests - with an array of Helens, none of whom seem quite real, and all of whom seem to represent the desire of their creators. Look at the certainty with which Achilles is drawn - his speed, his anger, his love for Patroclus, his commitment to honour and immortality through fame: he is defined by what he wants, and strives for, and loses. And then we think of Helen, and how much harder she is to pin down: her confused parentage, her contested childhood, her multiple marriages. One of our earliest narrative traditions states the most notorious facts about her - that she elopes with Paris - is actually a lie: the real Helen is elsewhere, while a war is fought over an unreal creature, an image. In fact, the more we try to understand her, the more she eludes us: Helen of Troy, Helen of Sparta, Helen of joy, Helen of slaughter." - Natalie Haynes, Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths

[neverhangd]

Anne Bonny in Baldur’s Gate

Since the brainrot is in full swing and there will likely be more forthcoming, here’s some assorted verse info! Character sheet to follow later.

Anne is still a pirate. She was adventuring out in the Sea of Swords, serving as boatswain (mate) of the Ranger; shortly before everything went to shit, she and Jack had a final row and agreed to part ways when they docked in Baldur’s Gate. The ship never quite made it to dock, though, and Anne ended up abducted by the mindflayers. Anne’s primary motivation sans-tadpole is to make a name for herself apart from Jack, as it so often is with her; unlike usual, however, she’s open to making that name for herself through any means possible (rather than exclusively through piracy).

The nitties and gritties are below the cut, for convenience’s sake!

Race: Human (half-elf but the dumbass doesn’t know it)

Class: Barbarian

Subclass: Wildheart (bg3) or Totem Warrior (5e)

Background: Folk Hero Legend (if you know bg3 more) or Sailor/Pirate (if you know 5e more)

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral to Good, depending current company

Appearance: 6’2”/186.96 cm, well-defined but not built-out; long red hair; freckled, sunburned, and scarred - mostly old bucks and bruises; there is a J branded into her back left side near the shoulder blade; pale green eyes.

Age: 24-28

Questline: The Dread Pirate. Highlights include a quest to find and kill (or at least maim) her ex-husband (could be either one tbh), find a way to get her a captaincy (which is A Route but not the preferred one) or otherwise help her establish herself as her own living legend (her ultimate goal and one achievable through a number of routes!). There are several romantic scenes as well, including one early on when your character can overhear another party member loudly saying a drawing “looks nothing like [pronoun],” and on choosing to investigate will find a flustered Anne trying to hide an open journal from the party member and now you. She will loudly complain that she “just don’t know how to feckin draw” and it’s “a way to practice for better cartography,” but it’s definitely supposed to be you. There’s a cute sidebar to this scene where if Astarion is in the party, even if as the romanced party, he’ll see a sketch of himself and may comment on it without realizing it’s a sketch of himself. When triggered, Anne will use that as proof that she’s an incredibly bad artist and this is all just practice for something practical and not her working through her feels at all.

In The Past

Anne’s (5e, pirate variant) background is that she served as the second in command to a pirate captain, her ex-husband Jack Rackham. She is a capable sailor, but ultimately a much better fighter.

Her (bg3) background is that she served specifically on the Ranger, and was Calico Jack’s right hand woman. Few people realize/know they were married, but most assume they were “bunking together.” Anne’s questline goal as The Dread Pirate is to find a way to recapture her folk hlegend status, this time for herself.

Going further back, Anne was the daughter of a minor lord from a kingdom in Laerakond, which they fled for Faerûn when Anne was quite young. She grew up a wealthy attorney’s daughter before eloping with her first husband, James Bonny, and trying her luck at sea. Their marriage…ended poorly. Despite his threats, Anne’s father never disowned her, and now lives in Baldur’s Gate—facts which Anne is unaware of.

This is around the time where it’s revealed that Anne’s genuinely a half-elf, her father’s bastard child, instead of just being a human with some weird but ultimately explainable similarities to elves (which is just some yada yada tbh). This can and will break Anne’s heart, who’s always believed and behaved like a human and who will now realize the likelihood of outliving all of this and who will probably break for a little bit at this juncture. H/C at its angstiest. Depending on your party makeup, this could ultimately serve as the less-tragic conclusion, as it ultimately allows Anne more time alive to pursue her/your/the party’s goals.

Anne is “surprisingly smart for a barbarian” largely because her youth was spent independently studying as a clerk in her father’s law firm.

In The Party

Anne is a wildheart/totem warrior (way of the bear) barbarian. Despite this—and because of her snobby upbringing—Anne trained for some time before going to sea as a fighter. It never fully suited her, for obvious reasons.

Anne is a reckless idiot and will fling herself bodily between you and danger if she decides you’re someone worth fighting for. If you’re someone worth fighting with, don’t worry: she’ll smack whatever caused the danger real hard for you later. She’s the first one in the fight and the last one out, given her way.

She has a dry, snarky manner about her that trends towards the hurtful and the obscene; charisma is her dump stat, and it shows. In spite of this, getting to know Anne is well worth the struggle, as she is a loyal, reliable, hardworking person at her core and only needs to be set upon some new direction to power through even the worst of circumstances.

Anne approves of decisions honoring free will and autonomy, favoring risky or violent behavior, and being insulted in return/being taken inoffensively when she says something in her less-than-congenial way. Anne disapproves of decisions honoring any form of forced servitude or action taken without prior permission/consent, favoring passive or deceptive behavior (with disadvantage if she has to act and her approval isn’t won first), and people being offended by her blunt and vulgar manner.

Thanks to years of backstory abuse you don’t need to worry about, Anne’s perception and insight are exceptional, and thanks to piracy she rolls with advantage on intimidation despite her low charisma.

Anne will refuse to be the “face” of the party as often as possible, as she prefers to lead fights, not conversations. (Despite this, it’s advantageous to have Anne in your party when having run-ins with most legal entities—she’s good in a fight, verbal and physical.)

In Play

Anne favors two-handed axes. (-insert swings both ways joke here-) She favors an unarmored/lightly armored approach and likes to throw things that’ll really mess up someone’s day—an unexpected weapon, a heavy item, an AOE thrown weapon, whatever.

Dexterity is Anne’s second lowest stat. Whenever possible, she’ll rely on brute strength or snap observations to get out of trouble.

[kamreadsandrecs]

Title: The Seduction of the Crimson Rose (Pink Carnation #4) Author: Lauren Willig Genres: romance, historical, Regency romance, adventure Content/Trigger Warnings: period-accurate misogyny, attempted murder, bloody injuries Summary (from author’s website): Determined to secure another London season without assistance from her new brother-in-law, Mary Alsworthy accepts a secret assignment from Lord Vaughn on behalf of the Pink Carnation. She must infiltrate the ranks of the dreaded French spy, the Black Tulip, before he and his master can stage their planned invasion of England. Every spy has a weakness and for the Black Tulip that weakness is beautiful black-haired women-his 'petals' of the Tulip. A natural at the art of seduction, Mary easily catches the attention of the French spy, but Lord Vaughn never anticipated that his own heart would be caught as well. Fighting their growing attraction, impediments from their past, and, of course, the French, Mary and Vaughn find themselves lost in a treacherous garden of lies. And as our modern-day heroine, Eloise Kelly, digs deeper into England's Napoleonic-era espionage, she becomes even more entwined with Colin Selwick, the descendant of her spy subjects. Buy Here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-seduction-of-the-crimson-rose-lauren-willig/11092454 Spoiler-Free Review: So after the disappointment of Deception of the Emerald Ring, I went into this book hoping it’d hold up to my memories of it better than the book that preceded it, and I’m glad to say that: it actually did! Well, sort of. As expected, it was the romance between Mary and Lord Vaughn that actually carried this book for me. I know I said I liked Letty and Geoffrey as a couple, and that I empathized a lot with Letty, but I think I like Mary and Vaughn’s romance more than Letty and Geoffrey’s. A lot of that has to do with what Mary and Vaughn are like as characters: they’re both jaded and cynical, and both have an edge of arrogance handfasted to cruelty. Would I want them as friends IRL? No, because I strongly suspect that if they were real they wouldn’t be very good people. But as characters? They are VERY interesting to read about - especially their dynamic when they’re around each other. Speaking of Mary, there’s a thread here about the general misogyny of the era that was really put in the forefront in this book. The misogyny’s an undercurrent that runs throughout the books thus far, but in this book Mary has this conversation with Vaughn that lays the whole thing out in the open. She basically says that a man like Vaughn can make whatever choices he wants in life because his future is, for the most part, secure. A woman, on the other hand, has to marry well in order to ensure her future is stable. This is something Mary has known most of her life, and basically defined most of her actions - including her attempt to elope with Geoffrey in the previous novel, that was foiled by her sister Letty. She’s not HAPPY with it of course (she’d much rather have the freedoms of a man than be restricted by marriage), but she knows how society works and how the game is played, and her goal has been to play that game in such a way that she manages to gain some power over herself, instead of constantly being in the power of someone else. There’s also a passing reference to Mary Wollstonecraft - yes, Mary Shelley’s mother, whose work A Vindication on the Rights of Women is considered one of the earliest works of feminist politics and philosophy in the West. Mary observes that she agrees with the ideas put forward by Wollstonecraft and other feminists (though she doesn’t call them that; she calls them bluestockings instead), but doesn’t align with them in public because of the damage it would do to her desirability as a potential bride - plus, they’re not very fashionable. Speaking of romance, Eloise and Colin’s romance actually moves forward in this novel! Unlike the last two books where I was only peripherally interested in what was going on with them, in THIS go round they actually go on a date! Other things happen around that date too that I won’t get into because of spoilers, but it’s nice to see them finally moving their relationship into “officially seeing each other” territory. I’m sure their romance will continue in the other books, so I’m looking forward to reading about how they get along with each other. So overall, this was a read that held up to the time since I last read it, at least for the most part. Mary and Vaughn are an intriguing couple who stand in almost direct contrast to the other couples in the previous novels, and they make for a very refreshing read - more along the lines of a Bronte couple than an Austen one, in a way. The only spots of tarnish on the overall shiny package of this book occur in the latter part of the novel. Won’t say much more on that because of spoilers, but: Outlander fans may find something to pique their interest in that regard. Rating: four roses

[cariantha]

Did E&S have the marriage/babies/long term talk? Who initiated it? How did it go?

Hi there!

First of all, thank you so much for this question. I've spent a crazy amount of time thinking about it. And even if only two people read this response, it really helped me work out some HC for fics that I want to eventually write.😊

E&S have conversations here and there throughout their relationship. Then near the end of Sawyer's third year something unexpected happens that requires them to revisit those topics. Ethan initiates that conversation and everything goes extremely well.😉

Below the cut is HC for some of those earlier conversations. And as I always say, I may change my mind later, so don't hold me to it.

On the topic of babies...

I HC that Dolores' baby stays in the hospital for a couple months before he's ready to go home. Ethan and Sawyer visit him in the NICU regularly. She sees how great Ethan is with the baby and how wonderful he is with other kids, whether they are peds patients or the children of patients they are treating.

The day to discharge baby Hudson comes and Ethan is saying his goodbyes. Sawyer mentions something like "You really don't see yourself with kids one day? Because you are so good and sweet with him." And Ethan clarifies, "I haven't completely shut the door on the idea. With the right partner, maybe." In return he asks her, "Do you see kids in your future?" To which she responds, "I'd like to have a small family one day... if it's in the cards."

On the topic of long-term commitment...

I will definitely write the fic for this one eventually. It's been swirling around in my brain for quite some time.

The long-term talk happens around the time the hospital is closing. Sawyer has applied for transfer to other residency programs and gets a call from Cedars-Sinai in L.A. Given her ties to L.A. and the notoriety of Cedar's residency program, Ethan realizes there is a very real possibility of her moving back to the west coast.

Sawyer is invited to L.A. to meet with the residency program coordinator and check out the hospital. She's nervous to tell Ethan because she doesn't know what a move like that would mean for their relationship. Ethan picks up on her nervousness and it starts to worry him. He wonders if maybe she's want to move on but just doesn't know how to tell him.

Sawyer goes to L.A. a couple days later. After thinking long and hard about their future, Ethan gets on a plane the next day and follows her. Things get a little angsty due to some further misunderstandings. Basically, Sawyer thinks he's pulling strings to help her get into the program as a way to push her away again. Needless to say, they clear everything up. They have a serious conversation in which Ethan is open about his intentions, they define their relationship status, and discuss their future together.

On the topic of marriage...

The "M" word comes up on the flight to Hawaii. They start talking about the pros and cons of destination weddings. Sawyer tells him more about growing up with an opinionated mother who's a professional wedding planner. And there is a lot to unpack there. She tells him that she's been very clear with her family since high school that if she were to get married, she would elope. Not only would be it far less stress and family drama, but she thinks it would be so much more romantic and memorable.

Ethan responds, "I'm relieved to hear you say that."

Sawyer is a bit shocked, "Ethan, you... you've thought about us getting married?"

Ethan nods affirmatively, "The thought has crossed my mind a time or two."

"Does that mean you finally believe in soulmates?" she teased.

"I suppose over time you've convinced me."

As they enjoy the wedding festivities in Hawaii, they lightly circle around the topic a few more times, both open to the possibility.

[caffaelatte]

Lottie Beaumont

(full bio under the cut )

Biographical Information

Full name: Charlotte Marie Beaumont

Nicknames: Lottie, little Lottie, Lotte

Birthdate: March 13th, 18xx

Deathdate: November 17th, 1970

Blood status: Halfblood

Nationality: British/Norwegian/French

Home: Brighton

Personality: Lottie is incredibly vivacious and mischievous, known for having a shit eating grin on her face most times during the day. She frequently enjoys messing with others, especially when it comes to telling stories about the muggle world. Lottie has a big heart, and she's capable of taking herself and others seriously. She's incredibly emotional. In short, she has an almost mercurial personality; both girlish and mature at the same time.

Physical Appearance

Hair: Brown with a reddish tint. Lottie keeps her hair in a short, wavy bob after a potions related incident. Initially long.

Eyes: Green doe eyes

Skin: Lottie is a little bit paler, with a scar across her nosebridge and freckles on her face.

Body: Lottie is thin and willowy, standing at 5’4. She has freckles all over her body and considers her hands to be one of her most defining features.

Hogwarts Information

House: Slytherin

Patronus: Fox

Wand: Cedar, Dragon Heartstring core, 10 1/4”, Brittle Flexibility

Best classes: DaDA, Potions

Worst classes: Divination, Herbology

Extracurriculars: Slytherin seeker, ran DaDA study club

Amortentia Scent: Vanilla, fresh lilies, dirt after the rain

History Born to Luciel and Runa Beaumont (nee. Årud) in Brighton, Lottie Beaumont is an only child. Her father was a pureblood wizard who had previously studied at Beauxbatons, now living in Brighton for a personal study of his own. Her mother, Runa, was a muggle girl on vacation to England after graduating from school. The pair engaged in some illicit activities and were forced to wed soon after. Runa was completely unaware of her now husband's status as a wizard.

Luciel, after being present in Lottie's life for a short time, ended up disappearing. His wherabouts are unknown, though Runa fully believes he went off to elope with his old sweetheart from school. Nevertheless, Runa raised Lottie in the estate he had left behind, however Runa raised her purely as a muggle. Runa went as far as destroying any evidence of Lottie being a witch, including destroying her Hogwarts letters. By the time Lottie was 14, however, it became increasingly difficult to hide from her own daughter that she was a witch, and unwillingly let her go to Hogwarts.

Trivia/Notes

I based Lottie heavily off of the poem "A Child's First Sorrow", and Christine Daae as a character. While Lottie herself doesn't have that sort of girlish, innocent personality, I wanted her to still have some hold on a childhood innocence when attending Hogwarts, only for it to be destroyed as the year goes on My entire story for her ends with her marriage to Sebastian, and a huge family down the line. In that family is my Hogwarts Mystery character: Cordelia Sallow, along with her siblings.. Cordelia is her great-great grandmother, and a pretty important person in her character arc. One of Lottie's great great grandchildren and Cordelia's older brother, Victor, inherits that sort of ancient magic that she has. She's overall still a HUUUGE WIP, but I'm very satisfied with her character as of right now

[mountphoenixrp]

We have a new citizen in Mount Phoenix:

           He Xi, a 25 year old son of Hundun.            He is a firefighter at Mount Phoenix Fire Department.

IN CHARACTER

FC NAME/GROUP: lin yi, actor.

CHARACTER NAME: he xi ( 何夕 ), dashiell.

AGE/DATE OF BIRTH: 25 / 1st april, 1999.

PLACE OF BIRTH: hebei, china.

OCCUPATION: firefighter @ mpfd ( fire department ).

HEIGHT: 190cm

WEIGHT: 70kg

DEFINING FEATURES: a port-wine stain birthmark on the heel of his right palm.

PERSONALITY: seriously unserious. absolute thrill seeker at everyone else’s expense, he doesn’t always willingly put himself into a situation where he doesn’t think he’ll get away unscathed. looks like a trouble maker, is definitely a trouble maker. he loves to stick himself in crowds or loud places where he’s able to stir chaos from the shadows without being implicated. could come off as childish, but he’s quick on his feet and generally very good at making decisions in split-second windows. doesn’t feel very trustworthy but his loyalty can be bought pretty easily; other times it depends on how he feels. if there’s a connection he values, he’ll likely be a great loyal friend. struggles with empathy despite the nature of his job, essentially doesn’t understand why he has to lose sleep over someone else’s messed up life.

HISTORY:

it was the wedding scandal of the century. there had never been anything like this for the past few generations : to turn down an arranged marriage between two powerful families three days before the wedding. a union that would’ve empowered both sides and brought forth a new monopolised power in their province. the cherry on top : the bride had foolishly chosen love above all else. she was cut out entirely from the inheritance and eloped to south korea. there were several versions of the story that circulated, but the one that her parents settled on was simply : she didn’t know better.

love was sweet, but it was hardly practical; love was companionship, but even that was taken. once hundun left without a trace, she was stranded with a lonely struggle and a handful of odd jobs that filled the clock. her parents reached out at some point, words of concern as a disguise for a blatant objective : let them have the grandson and he’ll be made the heir. the thing is : despite the odds stacked against her, she’s been hopeful and at ease with the freedom. this little life she’s built for her and dash is her purpose, her drive.

unknown to her, hundun has been making unannounced visits when dash is alone. nothing like starting your first fire with an adult who seems to understand the mangled impulse that lives within your chest. it’s a series of pranks that leaves a mark one way or another. dash has his suspicions, but he’ll rather leave the questions unanswered. after all, this is a relationship that could likely only thrive in the grey zone. once he’s eighteen, hundun’s stopped visiting entirely.

growing up, he’s rotated through countless odd jobs in a bid to help his mother out. except none of those jobs lasted for too long — not with his tendencies to break peace. by chance, a flash flood that affected his mother’s laundromat changes the trajectory of his graduation plans. it’s a win-win : picking an acclaimed career that allows him easy access to the most chaotic situations, feeding directly into the part of him that craves discord that ripples the surface enough to cause a shipwreck somewhere.

PANTHEON: chinese

CHILD OF: hundun, god of chaos & creation.

POWERS: energy is fuelled by chaos, essentially feeds off of it.

chaotic energy : he’s able to release chaotic energy over a specific targeted area. generally tends to be better fitted within his direct vicinity or for a small group. targets will feel a heightened sense of negative feelings ( doubt, anger, insecurity, displease, etc ) depending on their state of mind.

chaos infusion : able to absorb, amplify & infuse chaos energy into inanimate objects, animating them for a short period of time to do his bidding. depending on the amount of energy required, it’s generally limited to short, simple tasks. more complicated tasks would require his full concentration and is limited to one object at any given time.

STRENGTHS: adaptable, observant, decisive.

WEAKNESSES: volatile, cynical, manipulative.

[mymbios]

Farah McAllister, born Farah Thompson, came into the world on June 3, 1992, in the small town of Ephraim, Wisconsin. The youngest of three children, Farah grew up in a tight-knit, religious family with deep roots in their community. Her father, Mark Thompson (67), worked long hours in a local machine factory, a man of few words but endless dedication to his family. Her mother, Janet Thompson (65), was a science teacher at the local high school, known for her strict demeanor and no-nonsense approach both in the classroom and at home.

Farah’s childhood was defined by her mother’s high expectations, particularly for her. While her two older brothers, Evan Thompson (37) and Lucas Thompson (35), were given a bit more freedom, Janet placed an impossible standard on her only daughter, often critiquing her grades, her appearance, and her choices. Their relationship was tense, and Farah often felt suffocated under the weight of her mother’s expectations. Raised in a devoutly religious household, Farah struggled to find her own identity under the rigid structure her family held dear.

At the age of 18, eager to escape the constant scrutiny and find independence, Farah took a job as a waitress in Milwaukee, the nearest city. It was there, at a small restaurant downtown, that she met Andrew McAllister, a 30-year-old businessman who exuded charm and confidence. Andrew swept Farah off her feet with promises of a glamorous life, and after just three whirlwind weeks of knowing each other, they eloped. Andrew, whose family came from wealth and influence, convinced Farah to move back to his hometown of Lake Forest, Illinois shortly after their marriage, providing her with the life of luxury that her modest upbringing had never afforded.

Andrew’s job as a real estate developer in upscale areas allowed them to live comfortably—lavishly even. They settled into a life of grand homes, elegant dinner parties, and expensive vacations. But the sudden shift from a small-town life to one of wealth and status came with its own set of challenges. Farah’s parents, particularly her mother, disapproved of the rushed marriage and Andrew’s significantly older age. Their strained relationship worsened as Farah distanced herself from her family in favor of her new life.

Over the years, Andrew’s charming exterior gave way to a more controlling nature. Farah, once captivated by his confidence, slowly began to feel trapped in a marriage that left her with little room for her own desires or identity. By the time she turned 30, the power dynamic had shifted fully in Andrew’s favor. Their relationship, once passionate, had grown cold, and Farah found herself more isolated than ever.

The final blow came when Andrew revealed he had been having an affair with a younger woman and asked Farah for a divorce. Stunned and heartbroken, she faced the unraveling of the life she had built for the past 12 years. The man who had promised her the world had left her feeling empty and discarded, and now she was forced to rebuild her life from the ground up.

[destinationweddingblog]

What Is A Destination Wedding : A Journey of Love and Adventure

In the world of matrimony, where dreams and reality intertwine, destination weddings stand as a beacon of love, offering couples an enchanting blend of adventure, romance, and cultural exploration. These extraordinary celebrations transcend traditional boundaries, beckoning betrothed pairs and their loved ones to embark on a journey of a lifetime, weaving together the threads of love amidst stunning landscapes and foreign cultures. 

This discourse endeavors to delve deep into the essence of destination weddings, unraveling the tapestry of emotions, logistics, and rewards that define these remarkable occasions.

Characteristics of Destination Weddings:

At the heart of a destination wedding lies the decision to exchange vows in a location far from home, amidst breathtaking scenery that captures the essence of the couple's love story. Whether it's the tranquil shores of a secluded beach, the majestic backdrop of a historic castle, or the ethereal charm of a mountaintop sanctuary, the choice of venue sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration. 

It is this fusion of natural beauty, cultural richness, and personal significance that distinguishes destination weddings as a mesmerizing experience unlike any other.

The Allure of Destination Weddings:

The appeal of destination weddings lies not only in their scenic splendor but also in the promise of adventure and exploration. For couples with a shared passion for travel, saying "I do" in a far-flung locale is an exhilarating prospect, a celebration of love intertwined with the discovery of new cultures, cuisines, and customs. 

From immersing themselves in vibrant street markets to indulging in local delicacies and traditions, each moment becomes a cherished memory, weaving together the tapestry of their love story in the most unexpected of settings.

Moreover, destination weddings offer couples unparalleled creative freedom, allowing them to design an event that is as unique and personalized as their love. Freed from the constraints of tradition, they can curate every aspect of their celebration, from the ceremony backdrop to the reception decor, infusing it with their personalities and aspirations. Whether it's an intimate elopement beneath a canopy of stars or a grand affair surrounded by family and friends, the possibilities are as limitless as the horizon itself.

Navigating Logistical Challenges:

However, amidst the allure and excitement, destination weddings present a myriad of logistical challenges that require meticulous planning and coordination. From navigating legal requirements and obtaining marriage licenses in foreign countries to coordinating travel arrangements for guests, couples must enlist the expertise of experienced professionals to ensure a seamless celebration. 

Wedding planners, travel agents, and local vendors play a crucial role in orchestrating every detail, from venue selection and accommodations to transportation and guest logistics, ensuring that the couple's vision is brought to life without a hitch.

The Rewards and Benefits:

Despite the challenges, the rewards of a destination wedding are immeasurable. For couples and their guests alike, it's an opportunity to forge deeper connections, create cherished memories, and embark on an adventure that will be etched in their hearts forever. Each moment becomes a testament to the enduring power of love and the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the horizon. 

As couples exchange vows in far-flung corners of the world, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of loved ones, they realize that the true destination was never a place but the journey they embarked on together.

10 Tips On Destination Wedding:

Choose the Perfect Location: 

Select a destination that holds personal significance or resonates with your vision for the wedding. Consider factors like climate, accessibility, and local amenities when making your decision.

Research Legal Requirements: 

Understand the legal requirements for getting married in your chosen destination. This may include obtaining marriage licenses, fulfilling residency requirements, or arranging for translations of documents.

Start Planning Early: 

Begin planning your destination wedding well in advance to secure the best venues, vendors, and accommodations. This is especially important for popular destination wedding locations that may book up quickly.

Work with Local Vendors: 

Hire local vendors who are familiar with the destination and can provide valuable insight and expertise. This includes photographers, florists, caterers, and wedding planners who can help bring your vision to life.

Consider Guest Accommodations: 

Take into account the needs and preferences of your guests when choosing accommodations. Look for options that offer a range of prices and amenities to suit different budgets and preferences.

Provide Clear Travel Information: 

Make travel arrangements as seamless as possible for your guests by providing clear and detailed information about transportation options, accommodation bookings, and any special activities or events planned around the wedding.

Plan for the Weather: 

Be prepared for the weather conditions in your destination, especially if you're planning an outdoor wedding. Have backup plans in place in case of inclement weather, and consider providing amenities like fans, umbrellas, or blankets to keep guests comfortable.

Communicate Frequently: 

Keep your guests informed throughout the planning process by sending regular updates and reminders. Provide information about travel arrangements, accommodations, and any pre- or post-wedding activities they may want to participate in.

Embrace the Local Culture: 

Incorporate elements of the local culture into your wedding celebrations to add authenticity and create a memorable experience for you and your guests. This could include traditional cuisine, music, or customs that reflect the destination's heritage.

Enjoy the Experience: 

Above all, remember to enjoy the experience of planning your destination wedding. Embrace the adventure, savor the special moments with your loved ones, and cherish the memories you'll create in a beautiful and meaningful setting.

Conclusion:

Destination weddings represent the epitome of love's journey, an enchanting odyssey that transcends borders and defies convention. As couples stand hand in hand, amidst the splendor of nature and the embrace of loved ones, they affirm their commitment to each other and embark on a shared voyage of discovery. 

In the end, it's not merely about the destination but the journey itself—the moments shared, the memories created, and the love that binds them together for eternity. Indeed, destination weddings are more than just celebrations; they are declarations of love, woven into the fabric of time, forever etched in the hearts of all who partake in their magic.

[itsraineyday]

Elopement Stage 1: Reality/Budget Wedding

These are the wedding theme inspirations I have pinned through the years to plan my dream wedding. This helps me to curate my own collections of ideas on virtual boards. So it's easy for me to gather and organise various pieces I like, helping me to refine and define my wedding theme over time.

But being an Australian migrant originally from the Philippines, it's undeniable that settling in a new country often means having fewer family members and relatives around. This situation is further pronounced when accompanied by a migrant partner with no family members in the same country.

While I once envisioned a grand wedding with lush green-orangey aesthetics, a sizeable guest list of 60+, beautiful card invitations, favourite photographers and videographers, and meticulously arranged flowers, reality has set in.

As one matures and considers their life status, priorities, and responsibilities, the dream wedding takes on a new perspective. Despite the initial desire for a lavish celebration, practical considerations, convenience, and a desire to minimise stress become more important.

In preparing for my wedding now, the belief that "it's only once in a lifetime, let's make the best out of it" seems less relevant. Instead, I find myself more willing to compromise for the sake of comfort and to avoid unnecessary stress and expenses. While the notion of an extravagant celebration is exciting and makes you feel VIP, the realisation dawns that a wedding is not merely a spectacle for entertainment or the satisfaction of hundreds of guests.

It is about the union of two individuals, the bride and groom, surrounded by their essential loved ones—family and close friends. Though the guest list may be small, the significance of these relationships truly matters.

Going back to the true essence of a wedding as a sacred event, not just a celebration or a gathering with abundant food and people, we have opted for an elopement. In this context, elopement allows up to 30 chosen guests to witness the ceremony in an intimate setting, emphasising the privacy we both desire.

How to Elope in Australia?

The main requirement for eloping in Australia is to hire an authorised marriage celebrant to conduct your wedding and take care of the essential legal documentation. Besides that, everything is flexible, allowing you to add your personal touches to make this day, weekend, or week unique. 

The good thing is Eloping has no strict rules, so you can customise your celebration as per your preferences, including deciding when to exchange the "I do" vows. However, to make your marriage official, you must address three legal aspects. 

To legally elope in Australia,

You must complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding date,

Provide the necessary identification as requested by your celebrant and

Attend your wedding ceremony, where you'll repeat the necessary vows and sign the marriage register.

We have yet to do all of these - we aim to do the wedding around September to mid-October, as these are the best seasons (Spring) in Australia to have it.

2. Presently, I am considering two options, both located far from the bustling city: Mountain View Farm in Tilba Tilba, NSW and Chapel Hill Retreat. Both venues offer generous packages that align well with our budget constraints. I have already sent an email to them inquiring about their services. In the meantime, these are their offers that really captured my eye.

A. Mountain View Farm in Tilba Tilba NSW - Everlasting Daisies Wedding Package

What I love - All inclusive elopement packages are available from $8,000 including a celebration for up to 25 guests with: - Celebrant - Photography - Wedding Singer - Flowers - Gourmet grazing table & drinks - Limited mid-week & weekend dates - Accommodation available

What I take consider - The venue is a 5-hour journey, and it's strongly advised that guests stay overnight. While accommodations are provided for 14 guests, with 25 guests attending, some may need to return home the same day, and others may need to check into a nearby hotel for the night.

B. Chapel Hill Retreat

What I love is that Chapel Hill Retreat in Berambing is the top wedding reception venue in the region, offering a stunning setting amidst lush greenery and picturesque views. It takes 1.5 hours journey and Ideal for Sydneysiders seeking a country wedding or an elopement. It is also very flexible, having accommodation that can cater to more than 25 guests.

What I need to consider is that I have to find my own celebrant, photographer, and live music, which adds up to the cost, whereas, in Tilba Tilba, NSW that already includes in $8,000AUD.

Below are the Elopement Packages they have. I like the Elopement Two Package, but I'm curious how much that would be. They still need to post the prices of each package, and I am keen to know so I can determine how much of the budget we should have ready in case.

...Planning my dream wedding has evolved from a vision of grandeur to a more practical and meaningful approach. My current location and support system available have influenced my decision to opt for a smaller, more intimate elopement.

The journey has just begun!!! and with inquiries sent and considerations in progress, I eagerly anticipate the next steps in planning this practical yet memorable wedding. As the details unfold, this is just the initial phase in a journey that bounds to reach its destination and the significant moments and choices that will shape the beginning of our lifelong journey together.