#every child deserves to see the ewoks

[climb10]

Anakin's Revenge

Scar free-handing the Death Star laser is simultaneously so unhinged and impressive.

I also love how Scar made it real. It's made in context, rather than copied exactly the way it looks in Ep. IV or VI. He chose a palette that made sense for what it would look like in the sky above the Season 10 world and placed its orientation in a direction that fit where the laser needed to point and accounted for all these different variables within the SW canon by using multiple references dynamically.

I just appreciated how much consideration went into making it real, even for a silly sand shop goof.

[tiffdawg]

On Fire For You | A Din Djarin x Reader Oneshot

Gif: @bestintheparsec

Pairing: Din Djarin x Reader (fem; no y/n)

Word Count: 2.5k

Rated: T  | Warnings: tropes galore, including but not limited to there’s only one bed, huddling for warmth, first kisses, and, of course, found family. And there’s one (1) mild reference to something spicy.

A/N: This is part of my follower giveaway! The lovely @aerolanya requested Din + “oh no there’s only one bed” and I’m only too happy to deliver on one of my favorite tropes. I hope you all enjoy!

Read on AO3 | My Masterlist

… . …

On Fire For You

It was a rare treat for you and Din to see Grogu for such an extended period of time, and you were excited to take him to an ancient temple at the Jedi Luke Skywalker’s instruction even if finding the site proved difficult but being stranded on a frozen planet in the middle of a blizzard was not how you envisioned the trip. Even with the upgraded console on Din’s new ship, it was impossible to navigate through to snowstorm raging on Polus. He’d been forced to set the ship down on the empty ice plains until it passed. Even now as you sat in the cockpit cradling Grogu, you saw nothing, but white snow and ice whipped by furious winds outside the transparisteel viewport. 

You held the small child tighter as his ears drooped at a shrieking gust of wind. You didn’t like the sound of that either. When your partner re-entered the main cabin, you quickly stood from the co-captain’s chair and faced him. “Is everything okay?” 

He nodded once as he brushed a layer of snow of his pauldrons. “Ship’s in good condition. We’ll be ready to fly as soon as the storm passes.” You nodded quietly as you processed the situation. And then he added, “as long as we’re not buried under ice in the morning.”

You didn’t like the sound of that either. “What are the chances of that happening?”

He gestured to the viewport you’d been staring out of as if to say pretty damn good, but at your worried expression, he made an effort to console you. “We’ll be fine for the night. Don’t worry.” 

You heaved a small sigh of relief as you pulled your shawl tighter around your body, making sure Grogu was securely tucked underneath the thick Bantha wool as well. If Din thought things were fine, then you’d be fine. Surely there was nothing to worry about.

… . …

As your frozen breath swirled around you with each exhale, you wondered why you ever listened to a word out of that stubborn Mandalorian’s mouth.

Bundled in your heaviest parka and wrapped in a blanket, you and Grogu watched as Din pulled apart the ship’s internal wiring and tried to put it back together. Inside the metal hull, the temperature was dropping by the minute and after nearly an hour of work, he’d had no luck powering up the ship. 

“Dank farrik.” Grumbling, Din tossed aside his pilex driver. “I can’t get the heating system back online. Hell, I can’t get anything back online. Not in these temps.”

“You’re telling me it’s colder than space?” you asked, desperately trying to hide your panic

“No,” he sighed. “I don’t know what’s wrong. I– I don’t know this ship.” His frustration was evident in the way he moved as he stood and looked around helplessly. You felt for him. He always tried his best to hide his struggles from you, but you knew losing the Razor Crest was like losing his home. Despite the cold, your heart warmed toward him. Of course, that was nothing new.

“It’s okay,” you said, even as your teeth chattered. You reached toward him, intent on offering some sense of comfort, but recoiled as soon as your hand touched his cuirass. The metal was so cold it stung. “Kriff! You’re freezing, Din.” 

“The armor is insulated. It’s only cold on the outside. I’m fine,” he assured you. Still, you eyed him skeptically. He never put much thought into his own good. More often than not, that was your job. “I wore enough layers,” he said pointedly. 

“I’m practically wearing everything I own.”

“I can tell.” You heard that hint of a smile in his voice, the one that stirred the butterflies in your stomach, but you only narrowed your eyes at him. He chuckled softly and offered you the last blanket. “According to my starmap, there’s a small settlement not far from here. If we can make it there, we might find somewhere warm to pass the storm.”

“Might?” you whispered so only Grogu heard you. As he blinked up at you, you could tell that he shared your apprehension. “Don’t worry, little one,” you said as you trailed a gentle finger down the slope of his nose. “Your father would do anything to protect you.”

… . …

Either Polus was known for its hospitality or you looked as pitiful as you felt, but by some stroke of luck, the three of you found someone willing to offer you safe lodging in the village. As he assured Din that his family would be safe and warm for the night, your cheeks burned so warm you were certain the snowflakes melted as soon as they touched your skin. Then the generous old man dashed away through the snowdrifts back to the warmth of his home and family, leaving you alone in the old cabin. Relief washed over you as soon as you stepped inside and out of the biting wind. 

“Ewoks live better than this,” you mumbled as you scowled at the sad, dark dwelling. It was well insulated but little more than a room and lacked something as basic as a refresher. The only one was in the village’s main hall which would require you to dash through the snow in the middle of the night should you wake up at some point. You would not be doing that.  You knew it was better than being out in the snow or freezing to death on the ship, but it was austere even for your nomadic lifestyle. 

“I’ve seen worse,” Din offered. 

“Oh, I’m sure you have.” You rolled your eyes behind his back, but as he craned his neck to look back at you, you thought he might’ve sensed the gesture. After a year of traveling together, the two of you could practically predict each other’s next move.

While Din lit a small fire in the hearth in the center of the room, you offered a small meal to Grogu from the meager supplies you’d been able to carry with you. Unsurprisingly, he took the tin of food eagerly and sat himself near the flames to warm up. With the roaring fire, you finally felt your limbs start to thaw. Still, you kept all but your wet outer layers on as you arranged your bedroll. Which was when you noticed a small problem.

“There’s only one bunk,” you stated dumbly. You looked around the room as if a second would appear magically.

“You take it,” Din said as he reclined against the wall across from the fire. He folded his arms across his chest as if to fall asleep like he did in his captain’s chair. 

“You won’t be comfortable like that all night,” you protested weakly.

“I’ve had worse,” he echoed. You resisted the urge to roll your eyes again.

“That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve better, Din.” You crouched next to him, trying to catch his eyes behind the visor. For all you knew, he was already asleep.

“You and the kid are all that matter,” he said softly after a moment. Your chest hollowed as the air escaped your lungs at his words. You felt the same sentiment deep in your bones. “Don’t worry about me.”

“Too late for that,” you said with a rueful little smile. You worried about the man constantly, but you couldn’t help it. Not when he carried your heart with him, and you needed him to keep it safe. Needed him safe. Even if he didn’t need to know that. You brushed the few remaining snowflakes off him even as they melted quickly in the warming room. “You shouldn’t sleep in wet clothes,” you offered pointlessly. “You’ll catch your death, and we can’t have that.”

Expecting him to gently chastise you for your concern, you didn’t wait for his response. Instead, you scooped up the baby, who’s eyes were blinking shut even as he still clutched the last of his meal in his tiny, clawed hand, and crawled into bed. 

As you arranged the blankets neatly around the two of you, you noticed Din’s stare still trained on you. You held his gaze from across the room. It was hardly the first time you’d caught him watching you, but as the flickering firelight reflected off the obsidian visor, you desperately wished you could see his true expression. 

“Goodnight, Din,” you whispered after a long moment.

“Goodnight, cyare,” he rasped quietly.

With that single word of Mando’a fluttering between your ribs, you settled in for the night.

… . ...

Perhaps an hour or two later you woke with a chill. As you all slept, the room’s only source of warmth had dwindled to smoldering embers and even as you curled up into a ball and cuddled the baby closer to your chest, it was not nearly enough to stave off the cold. 

“Din?” you called, your voice wavering as you shivered. He woke with a bit of a start before his visor turned to you. “We’re freezing,” you embellished. Maybe he’d take pity on you if he thought the kid was cold too.

Din nodded once, almost dutifully. Limbs still heavy with sleep, he moved slowly as he stood and stoked the fire, but he gave up after a minute and ignited his flamethrower with a flick of his wrist. The hot blue spark was more than enough to rekindle it and you felt the warmth flood the room immediately. 

You expected him to then return to his slumped position against the wall. Instead, he stared at you with his helmet tilted curiously. You watched with bated breath as he crossed the small room while pulling off a single leather glove. You couldn’t tear your eyes away from the sight of his tanned skin. Since that fateful night on Moff Gideon’s ship, you hadn’t seen him missing so much as a single pauldron. Din hooked a finger under your chin, tilting your face toward him, and ran the pad of his thumb across your lips. The simple action sent a shock through your system and every thought vanished from your head. All accept one. But you steadfastly resisted the urge to kiss his warm skin. 

“Take off your clothes,” he said softly. Your jaw dropped at the command. And then, if possible, even further as he started to remove his Beskar.  

“W– What?” you asked without bothering to hide your surprise. 

“You need body heat,” he answered evenly. That… that made much more sense. That was a logical, rational explanation. Although it was the opposite of what you’d been thinking. You silently scolded yourself as you stripped down to your modest underclothes. You did your best to advert your eyes while Din did the same before climbing into bed behind you. 

“Relax,” he said as he settled next to you. 

You did as he asked. Or rather, tried your best as you laid facing away from him. As you did, you heard the faint whir of his helmet’s locking mechanism disengaging. A muscular arm reached past you to set it on the floor. 

Understandably, all of the movement woke the baby. In the dim firelight, Grogu’s eyes widened as he smiled up at Din. He cooed happily as he reached for his father’s face. 

“Hey, kid.” Din greeted him as if it was the first time, he’d seen him in a while. And like this, it was. He laughed, deep and rich and real, and you cherished the sound. 

A smile pulled at your lips at the sweet exchange. But as much as you longed to see him, you kept your focus on the baby and let yourself see Din through his eyes.

“Alright, back to sleep.” For once, Grogu was tired enough to actually listen to his father. He curled up against your chest again and Din carefully tucked the blankets around the both of you. His soft snoring resumed almost instantly.

He shifted for a bit as if trying to find a comfortable position. You were acutely aware of his every move and every accidental brush of his skin against yours. At one sharp inhale, he spoke again.

“Are you okay?” Not quite trusting your voice, you nodded. Because the truth was, you were more than okay. There was no place you’d rather be than in bed with him. “Still cold?”

“A little.” 

Before you could tell him that way okay, he surprised you by wrapping a strong arm around your middle and pulling you closer until you laid with your back to his bare chest. Instantly, you felt the heat radiating off his body. The man was a furnace. 

“Any better?”

As your eyes fell shut, the words slipped out with a breath before you could stop them. “Oh my stars, you feel so good, Din.” 

His hold on you tightened. Then, in an unexpected but wholly welcomed move, his hand slid up your body to cup your cheek and turn your face toward his. You felt only a ghost of a breath on your skin before warm, chapped lips pressed against your cold ones. Scintillas of heat spread throughout your body.    

“Look at me, cyare,” he whispered as you parted.

Hesitating only for a second, you opened your eyes to find perfect, plush lips smiling back at you. Letting your eyes roam, you admired his soft brown eyes glinting in the firelight and the mess of tousled locks you wanted to run your fingers through. So you did as you pulled him back to you.

“I can’t wait to have you alone,” Din murmured against your mouth. Chills erupted across your skin that had nothing to do with the cold. But his kiss only lasted a moment before he backed away with a look of uncertainty. “Do you want that?”

You smiled at his bashfulness. It was completely unfounded, but endlessly endearing and so incredibly like him. “Yes,” you promised as you sealed your lips to his once more. Both of you fell fast asleep with soft smiles 

… . …

The storm passed overnight and the next morning the villagers set you on the right path to the ancient temple. Din got the ship up and flying in no time and the three of you were off. 

When you arrived Grogu seemed to instinctively know just what he had to do. Whatever he was meant to find in there, it was meant for him alone. With a gentle hand on his shoulder, just above the mudhorn signet that signified their bond, you held Din back as the baby toddled into the icy cave alone. You sensed his hesitation, but he stayed with you. He heaved a sigh under your touch.

“Have I ever told you that you’re a good father?” you asked as you slipped your hand into his. The gesture was new, but as he twined his fingers with yours, it felt like something the two of you had done a thousand times before. 

“All the time,” he answered.

“And do you believe me yet?”

Din was quiet for a long time before he turned to you. “You’re a good mother to him, cyare.”

Somehow, as you beamed at him, you knew your smile was returned. Finally, you could imagine it perfectly.

... . ...

Thank you for reading! 

💕Tiff

... . ...

Forever Tags: @leo-moon @readsalot73 @frietiemeloen @huliabitch @jerusomeeno @benedrylcumbersnatch @b0n-chann @scapricciatello @liadamerondjarin @pedropasscals @paintballkid711 @mistermiraclee @honeyand-roses @mxsamwilson @themilkface @mylifeliterally @mskitty79 @rosiefridayrogersunday @perropascal @giselatropicana @roxypeanut @divineangelix @sarahjkl82-blog @kylerr @aerolanya @artsymaddie @linkpk88 @antisocialshipper @toastytaurus @321-lets-go’s @kesskirata @gredandfeorgesgirl @lou-la-lou @helga1031 @ktmadden86 @lesbianlena @mtjoi @pedropascaldice @swimmingsloths @lovelyasfcuk @technicallykawaiisoul @cinewhore @ali-cide @iamskyereads @magpie-to-the-morning @stardust-galaxies @melaniermblt @jenrebloggingfics @gondowan @phoenixhalliwell @melaniermblt @mystical-934 @ellefran @filmmando @ohnomando 

Din Djarin Tags: @northernpunk @lindsaybluthforlife @michaelgaryscottismydad @witchqraft @harrys-stan @rebloogggs @valeecruz16 @hufflepuff-ophelia @bees-fart-too @stardust-fray @lazybeeches @1800-fight-me @aleishabeck @leonieb @fvriosa @the-horny-virgin @fireproofmarta @radiowallet @anella951 @callitdreamland @honey-hi @starless-eyes-remain @theoceanimade @thevoiceinyourheadx @sfr99 @frogllady @qhbr2013​ @aphr0d1te5 @waitingforbluerskies​ @strawberryperegrine 

[the-and-sign-anon]

Holiday At Home

Pairing: Finn x reader

Word count: 677

Masterlist

Finn was ecstatic about wandering through the neighborhood for the first Life Day since the end of the war. When things were settling down and the First Order fell, you and Finn agreed with a number of the Resistance fighters to set up shop on a calm forested planet. Many of the homes were high in the trees, and there was ample opportunity to decorate for the wonderful holiday.

A few months after settling down, Life Day was fast approaching and you got a first hand look at how excited the people of Mondar were to celebrate. Finn was blown away by all the decorations, so once you had a free night, you led him on a walk through the trees to take it all in.

Kids were running past, weaving through the lights and low branches while their parents ambled after them chatting amongst themselves. Rose was there too, decorating her own treehouse and talking with her neighbor. The air was warmer than usual for a deep winter night, so you each wore a warm jacket and light gloves. A group of twi’leks ran past, a few of them singing off-key Life Day carols in the wrong order.

“Are you ready for your first Life Day, Finn?”

“I hope so. Poe said he should be here in the morning.”

“He knows he could come early and stay the night, right?”

“Yeah. But he wouldn’t listen to me.” Finn let his arms swing slightly, catching your hand in his as you ducked under a stray branch.

“Yeah, that sounds like our friend. Well, at least we’ll get to see him.”

“Could you get ahold of Rey?”

“No, unfortunately. I got to Chewie on the Falcon, he says she’s off on some Jedi business. He said she’s thinking of us though.”

Finn gasped softly as you arrived in the town center. A grand tree wider than you could comprehend had been converted into a forest mansion, decked out in lights and decorations celebrating every culture present on the planet. A group of ewoks played music on the porch beside the ladder while a trio of togrutas sang beautiful carols from their old home.

“You like it here?”

“I love it.”

You spent most of the night looking at each house, occasionally catching up with old friends and new neighbors. Eventually Finn got tired, though he tried to walk half asleep to another street. You gently tugged his hand and led him back home, which he allowed with little protest. Before long, you were both curled up in bed with the gentle glow of lights shining through the slightly parted curtains.

“Thank you for walking around with me.”

“Of course, Finn. It’s nice to see you so happy. You look like you’ve finally found home.”

“I didn’t find home.” Finn hummed and nuzzled closer. “I met it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Home stopped being a place when you entered my life.”

You stifled an ‘aww’ and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. You rarely talked about it, but you were well aware of Finn’s past with the First Order. You knew he’d hated it and took the first opportunity to get away. He’d never gotten to have a home before. You had lost any idea of home yourself when the First Order attacked your planet as a child and you were forced into hiding until you were found by the Resistance. It was a true gift to have found a home with each other.

“I’m happy to be your home, Finn. And you should know you’re mine too.”

“Yay…” You could hear the love in Finn’s sleepy voice as he drifted into dreamland.

You fell asleep shortly after, dreaming of singing carols with Finn while Poe started a fire and Rose passed around mugs of a warm drink. This was home. Sitting with Finn without looking over your shoulder or listening for alarms. If anyone in the galaxy deserved a peaceful holiday at home, it was Finn. And so long as you were with him, he’d be happy.

[aerynwrites]

Liberation - VIII

Chapter 8: Lost and Found

Author’s Note: OOOOOOF, you guys I have been anxiously waiting to write this chapter since the idea popped into my head like a month ago. So, finally, it’s here and I think it’s my favorite chapter!! I seriously hope you guys enjoy this as much as I do becasue this is one of the biggest chapters of the story. Enjoy. (P.S. Thank you to my lovely beta reader who proofread this part. I’m still talking to a couple people but i think i’ve decided i may just end up having a couple readers since so many people were interested. Thank you for the overwheleming response to that post btw, meant a lot!! <3)

Word Count: 5.1k

Warnings: cursing, angst and Graphic depictions of violence, torture, blood, broken bones, and death. You have been warned.

Chapters: Prologue, One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight (You’re Here).

--------

It had been a couple more weeks since your conversation with Din near the krill pond, and pretty much every night since then, you both made it an evening routine to sit near the same pond. Sometimes you would both just sit in a comfortable silence, just enjoying each other’s presence, and other times you would talk about your pasts, the good and bad.

“No way!” you exclaimed, disbelief lacing your words as you laughed loudly.

Din let out a small chuckle, nodding his head, “Hey! In my defense there were like, a hundred of them. Ewoks may be tiny, but when they flock together, they can be deadly.”

You shook your head, another round of giggles slipping past your lips as you looked at Din once more, “well then, remind me never to get on the Ewoks’ bad side,” you joke, looking back to the water of the krill pond.

Din just nodded, a smile creeping onto his face underneath the helmet, “I will try my best.”

You smiled at the memory as you walked out of your small lodging area on Sorgen, it was late morning and you had wanted to ask Din about doing another training session with you before the day ended. You walked through the small huts towards the outskirts of the village, and as you came out towards the smattering of Krill ponds you immediately spotted Din. He was with Omera, who had her hands on the side of his helmet, moving as if to lift it off. Your eyes widened when, at first, Din made no movement to stop her.

Was he going to let her do it?

For some reason you didn’t want her too. That was something sacred to Din, his way of life, and for it to be taken away so quick was something you weren’t sure was right. But before you could step forward to say anything you saw Din’s hands come up to grasp her wrists gently, pulling them away from his helmet. You let out a small breath before turning to find the child. Omera and Din were obviously having an important conversation, so you could wait until they were finished. You looked around, searching for the child and spotted him in the middle of a group of children, playing happily.

You gave a big smile as you walked over to the group of kids, and crouched down next to them, “And what are you all up too now?” you ask kindly.

Winta, Omera’s daughter, looks to you, “We were just watching him try and catch that frog,” she says happily, pointing to a frog a few feet away.

You glance over and spot the animal hopping away from the group, seemingly happy for your interruption which drew the child’s attention from It, to you instead. The child looked up at you, big eyes squinted as he smiled, letting out a small gurgle. You opened your mouth to say something to the children once more, but a loud gunshot rang through the air. Your heart leapt into your throat as you instinctively moved yourself in front of the group of children, wrapping your arms around them protectively. Birds flew into the air cawing loudly as they fled from the source of the sound. You quickly stood up and rushed to Din once you were sure the children were okay and heard him tell Omera to get the kids inside, before he turned to you.

“Come on,” he said firmly, jogging towards the source of the sound with you hot on his heels.

When you both finally arrived, you saw Cara standing over a smoking body, blaster in hand. Din looked from her to the body before rolling the corpse over with his boot. Your mouth set into a hard frown when you saw the familiar blinking red light of a tracking fob. You leaned down to pick up the fob and looked at the other two.

“Who’s he tracking?” Cara asked.

Mando looks back towards the village, “The kid,” he says solemnly.

“So, they know he’s here. That we’re here,” you pipe up.

Mando continues to look at the village, “Yes.”

“Then they’ll keep coming,” Cara says quietly.

“Yes,” he says, and you watch as he takes the fob from your hand and drops it onto the ground before crushing it with his boot.

-------

You stuff the last of your things in your backpack, and flip the flap closed, securing it with the buckle straps and slinging it across your shoulder. You had offered to help Din pack his things as well as the small trailer that would take you back to the ship, but he had curtly told you no. In fact, he had been oddly silent since you found the hunter in the woods, not speaking to you much and if he did it was in short, cold sentences. You felt your stomach turn at this change in behavior, since it usually didn’t mean anything good. But you swallowed your worries and walked out of the small hut you had called home for the past few months and towards the crowd of villagers surrounding your transport. You saw Din climb onto the trailer, ready to leave, so you rushed the last few yards and pushed through the crown grabbing onto the large metal trailer as you finally reached it.

“Not gonna leave without me are you Mando?” you joked.

Mando didn’t say anything, and you took that as a no, before lifting a foot onto the transport to climb in. Just as you were about to haul yourself up, you felt a hand on your shoulder firmly pushing you back off of it. You looked up confusedly to see Mando had moved towards you and was pushing you away with a hand on your shoulder.

“You’re staying,” he says coolly.

Your brows furrow in confusion and you look nervously at the villagers around you, letting out an airy chuckle, “Come on Mando, quit playing around, we gotta go.”

But another firm push stopped you from boarding once more and finally you looked into the visor of Mando’s helmet as he spoke, “I’m not joking. You’re staying here, where it’s safe.”

You feel panic and fear bubble up inside you as his words finally sink in, “You’re leaving me?” you whisper, your heart felt like it was seizing in your chest as an ache spread from the center of your body to the tips of your fingers.

Mando let out a quiet sigh, “No, I’m not leaving you, I’m going to come back,” he tried to explain, but you shoved his hands from your shoulders roughly, tears pooling in your eyes as your chest seemed to ache even more and anger started to burn inside of you.

“When? When will you come back? If you even come back at all!” your voice cracked.

Mando looked around, guilt eating at him. He knew this is how you’d react, of course it was. He was basically abandoning you while he went off galivanting the universe. But, in his mind, this was the right thing to do. You deserved a happy and safe life for once, and here you could have it. He did plan to come back for you, that part was true, he just wanted the heat to die down a little more before he did.

“(y/n), please,” he whispered, “I just – you’ll be safe here, have a happy life, until I can come back,” he seemed to be pleading now.

You shook your head, tears falling steadily down your cheeks now as you clutched onto the backpack strap as if it was your only lifeline, “I’m happy with you!” you were sobbing now, “Please don’t leave me Mando, please!”

Mando felt his heart clench in his chest as your broken sobs met his ears, but he held firm, “You’re not coming with me.”

His words caused anger, white and hot, to burst within you. The only reaction you had left in you was spite and aggression, the only defense mechanism you seemed to have.

“You’re just like my parents,” you spit, noticing instantly how Din recoiled at your words and, in a twisted way, it felt good. It felt good to know that your words hurt him as much as he was hurting you now.

“Kid, it’s not-“ Din starts, but you cut him off, pushing both of your hands into his chest so hard and fast it catches him off guard and he stumbles back.

“No,” you bite, hands clenched into fists at your side, “I hate you. I fucking hate you!”

Before Din can reply you turn on your heels and shove back through the crowd of villagers. Din watches you go, your words ringing in his ears and making his entire body feel like it was filled with lead. The words hurt worse than any injury he had sustained, and these couldn’t be healed with stitches and ointment. This was not how he wanted to leave things. The last thing he wanted to do was make you feel like he was abandoning you, just like your parents did. Omera seemed to sense his emotions because she comes up to him along with Cara and rests her hand gently on his arm.

“We will take care of her,” she says softly.

Mando nods slowly, fully trusting Omera’s words but still feeling the guilt cloud his mind, “I know, I just-“ he paused, “I wish she understood why I’m doing this.”

Cara looked at him sympathetically, “She will. Just give her some time.”

Mando didn’t say anything else, except for a few goodbyes before he loaded back on the transport and it started to move. He looked at the child, who was staring sadly after the village as it disappeared behind the trees, and he couldn’t help but feel like he failed the two people who mattered most.

-------

You huffed as you walked through the village, blaster at your hip and cloak situated on your shoulders. It had been only two days since Mando had left, and as the hours passed since your more than dramatic goodbye, your anger had given way to confusion and heartache. Deep down you knew that he was only doing what he thought was best, but you were still hurt. You had told him your past, told him what your parents did to you, told him how important what you had with him was, and he still leaves you behind?

You must be horrible to be around if he left you too….

You have to swallow past the lump in your throat at the intrusive thought, as you continue to walk through the village, you had cried pretty much nonstop since he left, so you didn’t want to start again.

“Where are you off too?” you hear Cara call from behind you.

You stop your strides and turn to face her, shrugging your shoulders, “A walk. I just wanted to get some air. Get away for a few hours.”

Cara nods in understanding, “Just keep your eyes open out there, cool?”

You roll your eyes and give her a mock salute, “Yes ma’am.”

She scoffs, “Don’t be a smartass,” she chides, “And be back before dark.”

You give her a small smile, “I will be. I don’t like the dark anyway so I’ll be back before sunset.”

Cara gives you a smile and nods, seemingly happy with your answer before turning back into the dining hall, letting you continue on your way. You passed the krill ponds, trying to ignore the memories it gives you as you do so and walk into the trees. The sounds of nature envelope you as you walk deeper into the forest, planning to head to the local cantina for some food that’s not krill and possibly a drink. Maybe it would help you forget, at least for a while.

As you continue to walk through the dense trees, the sounds of insects and birds greet your ears softly, a soothing sound that makes you smile for the first time in two days. However, the snapping of a twig makes it disappear just as fast. You turn around, hand on your blaster as your eyes scan the trees around you slowly.

“Who’s there?” you call out cautiously, “Cara if that’s you I swear to the maker, I’m going to blast your ass.”

The only answer you receive is the sound of footsteps approaching rapidly behind you, and as you spin around, a fine, bitter smelling mist is sprayed into your face. You cry out in surprise and stumble back, vision already starting to glaze over as the chemical takes effect.

“What the hell,” you slur, trying to gain your footing but falling helplessly onto your ass, hands digging into the dirt, “Who are you? what-“ you try to focus on the figure in front of you as they approach but everything is blurry, “What do you want?”

“You’ll see soon enough,” a low voice rumbles, before picking you up and tossing you over their shoulder.

You try to struggle, fight back, shoot them, anything that will help you escape, but you realize you’ve dropped your blaster. And even if you didn’t your limbs felt like lead as they flopped uselessly against the figure carrying you away. You tried to stay awake, tried to call for help, but the only thing you can do is stare at the forest floor as your vision goes black.

----

Sunset comes and goes with no sign of your return, causing Cara to chew worriedly on her nails as she stands on the porch of your shared quarters. She finally glances over to Omera who looks just as worried as she is and lets out a final huff, grabbing her blaster.

“I’m going to find her. She should’ve been back hours ago.”

Omera nods, and crosses her arms, “I heard one of the villagers say that she told them she was heading to the Cantina in town. So maybe check in that direction,” She suggests.

Cara nods firmly before walking swiftly in the direction she saw you leave. The minute she enters the forest she sees the shallow imprints of your boots on the soft forest floor, and follows them. She walks for almost an hour before she finally sees your steady trail of footsteps falter, turning in different directions before they lead her to a rough patch of kicked up dirt where it seemed you had fallen. She quickly identifies another set of large and unfamiliar footprints coming from the opposite direction. She feels her heart speed up at what the tracks in from of her mean and she moves quickly as she follows the other new set of imprints. However, as she follows them, the deeper into the forest they get. The ground starts to get harder and leaves cover the earth in a thick blanket, until the footprints are no longer visible.

She had lost your trail.

She curses quietly, before turning back the way she came and messing with a few things on her arm guard before a hologram finally pops up, a familiar T-shaped visor staring back at her.

“Cara?” his modulated voice crackled through the aging speakers of her equipment, but she can still clearly hear the confusion in his voice.

“You’ve got to get back here. As soon as you can,” she says firmly, trying to hide the panic in her voice.

“What, why? I just left two days ago.”

“Dammit Mando!” she shouts, “Someone took (y/n), she went out for a walk and never showed back up. I tracked her but it looks like someone got her. And now-“

“I’m on my way, be there in a few hours,” Mando interrupted before shutting down the communication.

Mando stared out the windshield of his spaceship for a brief moment before punching in the coordinates for Sorgen. After he had done that he slammed his fist on the dashboard in frustration, startling the child in the process. He looked over at him, petting his ear lightly before returning to the ships controls.

He was coming for you.

------

It took a few moments when your consciousness finally decided to make an appearance again. At first you noticed an uncomfortable, bordering on painful, presence around your wrists, which were positioned above your head. Then your senses finally seemed to catch up with your as you opened your eyes slowly. It didn’t take anytime for your eyes to adjust to the dimly lit surroundings, immediately taking in the filthy concrete floor beneath you as well as the barred door leading out of the tiny room. The next thing you notice is how you’re positioned. Your hands are cuffed together and suspended from the ceiling above your head by a thick rope, leaving your feet on the ground; however, all of your body’s weight is mostly on your wrists above you, cramping your shoulders and making your hands numb. You start to panic at your situation, heart beating frantically in your chest and blood rushing in your ears. You start to move around trying, in vain, to free your hands from the restraints, but the cell door opened and the figure from the forest enters holding a bucket. You open your mouth to make a snarky remark but he throws the contents of the bucket towards you dousing you in frigid water, sucking the breath from your lungs.

“Now,” the man speaks turning the bucket upside down on the ground and sitting on it, “we can do this the easy way, or the hard way,” he says calmly, but not hiding the venom in his voice.

You can’t seem to form any words past the chattering of your teeth and your shivering as the cold water soaks your clothes and stick uncomfortably to your skin. So, the man takes this as his cue to continue.

“Tell us where the asset is and we’ll let you go. Simple, right?”

Your eyes widen as the words leave his mouth and you feel a shiver run down your spin, this one not caused by the cold.

“I d-don’t know wh-where t-they are,” you stutter out, your shivering making it impossible to speak properly.

The man let’s out a disappointed ‘tsk’ sound before he motions someone in the cell, “Wrong answer sweetheart.”

You watch in horror as another man steps into the cell, the air crackling with electricity as he activates a stun baton in his hand. You struggle against your bonds pushing onto your tiptoes in an attempt to put as much distance between you and the man approaching.

“No, no, no please I swear I don’t-“

Before you could finish, the man thrusts the baton into your side and you seize up, a white fire consuming your entire body as the electricity courses through you. Tears leak from your eyes but you can’t even blink them away, the pain and electricity paralyzing you, until the man pulls away. You sag against your restraints, muscles like jelly after the electric shocks and your chest heaves as you try to suck breath back into your lungs.

“Let’s try that again, shall we?” the man’s voice meets your ears through the ringing in them.

You shake your head quickly, pushing past the sobs fighting to escape your throat, “Please,” you gasp, “I really don’t know where they are, they left me here. He wouldn’t take me with him,” you plead, lifting your head to look at the man.

He just clicks his tongue and stands, taking the baton from his accomplice and stalking towards you so he was almost nose to nose with you grasping your hair roughly, “Now see,” he begins, “That just doesn’t make any sense to me. Because from what I’ve heard, you’ve become pretty important to that beskar wearing traitor, and I highly doubt he would just ‘leave you’.”

In a split moment of impulsivity you set your jaw defiantly before spitting in his face, a smirk adorning your features, “Well you can go eat shit you fu-“

Another jab with the stun baton renders you speechless once more before he is pulling away from you and wiping aggressively at his face, baring his teeth at you, “You’re going to regret that,” he threatens before walking out of your cell, the door closing with a resounding clang.

You let out heavy breaths as they leave, cringing at the aching pain in your limbs after the shocks. If this was only the beginning, what else could they possibly have in store for you? You shook the thought from your head, your only hope being that Cara would come looking for you when you didn’t come back after your walk.

Maker, you think, your head hanging low as you dangle from the ceiling, someone please come save me.

Your eyes had hardly fallen shut when the cell door was forced open again. You startled, trying to stand as straight as you could on your feet, despite your legs cramping painfully from being in this position for who knows how many hours. You see the same two men from before walk in but this time they don’t have anything with them as they approach you once more.

“Ready to talk now?” the tall one asks. He was the one that attacked you in the forest and the one conducting the interrogation from before.

“who are you anyways?” you ask tiredly.

“We’re with the guild, tasked with finding that traitor mentor of yours and the asset he stole,” he says simply.

You bristle at his words, “Mando isn’t a traitor, he saved that kids life when assholes like you-“

The mans fist connects with your side faster than you could prepare for and you cry out as you hear a painful crack come from where he hit. A sharp, agonizing pain radiates from your side down to the tips of your toes and your eyes widen as you try to take in a breath.

“Enough with this self-righteous bullshit,” he seethes gripping your chin harshly and pulling you to face him, “Tell me where they are.”

You look him dead in the eyes as you speak, “I already told you, I. don’t. know!” you emphasize each word before adding, “And even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you jackshit,” you snapped.

This obviously wasn’t the answer he wanted, and since you knew this, you were prepared for the next blow to your temple. However he seemed to hit even harder than before and pain blossomed throughout your skull, ears ringing from the impact.

It continued on like this for what felt like days. Honestly, you had no idea how much time had passed, it could have been mere hours for all you knew. No matter how many times you told them you didn’t know where Mando and the kid were they didn’t believe you. So, they continued your torture, water boarding, stun batons, beating the living shit out of you…you name it they’ve done it. And as they left your cell for what felt like the millionth time, you finally cried. You felt the tears fall down your cheeks, warming the freezing skin as they went. You could feel the crusted blood on your brows crack and spilt as you scrunched them together and sobs wracked your body.

“This is how I’m gonna die huh?” you say to no one in particular as you let out a dry laugh, “Go fucking figure. Die in a cell as a captive.” You sniffle as you feel your knees collapse beneath you, no longer able to hold your weight. Your foggy mind was instantly filled with memories of you and Din by the krill pond, as well as you and the kid playing with the other children in the village. You felt a small smile tug at your split lips at the memories. At least your last few months of life weren’t horrible, at least you had some happy memories to look back on.

The usual silence of your prison is suddenly broken by the faint sound of distant blaster fire. Your head shoots up immediately and you hear shouts from within the building.

“They’re here! They’ve found us!” a voice shouts, and you see a small group of figures run past your cell, “It’s the Mandalorian!”

Your heart rate increases as you struggle to get your footing beneath you.

He came back! he came back for you!

You hear more blaster fire, closer now, followed by the pained screams of people being shot down. However, before you can get too excited about your imminent rescue, your kidnapper bursts through your cell door and rushes towards you, a large knife in hand. You flinch instinctively, ready for him to run you through right there, but instead, he cuts the rope above your head releasing your from your binds. You fall to the ground, legs not used to holding your entire body weight, and your captor takes this moment of weakness to turn on you.

“I knew he would come for you,” he smiles triumphantly.

You narrow your eyes, and stand albeit unsteadily to your feet, facing him, “He’s going to fucking kill you.”

The man lets out a lough laugh tilting his head back as he does so, and you take this moment of distraction to run full force towards him, effectively tackling him to the ground. He lands roughly on his back, knife sliding from his hand across the floor as he tries to catch his breath that was knocked from his lungs on impact. You again take advantage of his stunned state to roll off of him and swipe the mechanism to unlock your cuffs from his belt. You unlock the metal around your wrists with a successful click before lunging for the discarded knife.

The blaster fire was in the building now.

Just as you grabbed the knife, the man pulled your feet from underneath you and you fell on the floor hard. You felt your injured ribs seem to shatter even further as you hit the cold concrete, and you were blinded momentarily by the pain that shot through your chest. You felt hands on you now, turning you over and grabbing for the knife in your hand. But you fought, you struggled underneath the weight blindly before driving the knife downwards and into the chest of the man on top of you. You finally looked into his eyes as the realization of defeat crossed his features. However, you felt an shrap intense pain shoot through your abdomen just as you rolled his limp body off of you.

You struggled to draw in any air as your eyes looked down at the knife protruding from your stomach, the bastard must’ve had a spare. On instinct you pull the knife from your body, surprised at how little it hurt, and forced yourself to stand, ignoring the rush of warm red liquid soaking your shirt. You put a hand firmly over the wound, trying to focus your vision on the path in front of you instead of the blurring edges threating to suffocate you. You feel the thick warmth rushing over your fingers as you move towards the exit of the cell.

The blaster fire was so close, you could hear it. You could see their forms as they entered your cell, hear their distant voices as they rushed to you as you collapsed into the beskar clad arms of the Mandalorian.

“Holy shit,” you hear Cara’s voice break through the fog.

“(y/n)? Kid, you gotta stay with me,” Din’s voice, usually so calm and stoic is fast and panicked as he speaks to you, adjusting you in his arms.

You bring one of your hands up to grasp desperately at his chest, hand slipping on his metal armor, leaving an opaque red streak behind as it falls back into your lap, “I didn’t tell them anything,” you gasp out, the pain finally kicking in as your adrenaline wears away, “they asked where you were-“ tears leaked from your eyes as you finally brought them up to meet the visor looking down at you, “But I didn’t tell them,” he had to know. He had to know you didn’t betray him, didn’t tell them anything. He had to know he could trust you.

“She didn’t even know where you all were anyway,” you hear Cara reason.

You shook your head, he needed to understand, “No, no,” you insist, “I wouldn’t have told them anyway. I wouldn’t have, I promise I wouldn’t have,” you whimpered.

Din feels like he wants to throw up, he hasn’t felt these kinds of emotions with such force since his parents were murdered. He couldn’t process what was happening, he couldn’t deal with the thought of losing you too. So, he ripped his cloak from his back, careful not to jostle you too much before wrapping it tightly around the wound in your abdomen, ignoring your cries of pain as he did so.

“Don’t let me die here,” you plead, head now swimming because of the blood loss.

These words spur Din into action, he stands quickly, moving with Cara towards the exit with you held tightly in his arms, “You’re not going to die, kid,” and he wasn’t sure if he said that to reassure you, or himself.

He felt you shake your head, “Don’t let me die in a prison,” you clarified, “not here.”

Din felt his heart drop to his stomach at your words and he moved even faster and finally exited the building. He needed to get you to the ship so he could get you to the village, that was your only hope.

His only hope.

You let out a small smile, as your eyes took in the blue sky past the green foliage of the trees above you as you exited the building. You could feel your vision get even fuzzier, your head was pounding and yet, you were at peace. With what little strength you had left you moved your hand up to cover Din’s, whose was grasping your upper arm tightly as he held you.

“Thank you,” you whispered, your eyes fluttering as darkness creeped at the edges of your vision, a coldness seeping into your limbs.

“Hey! (y/n), you stay the hell awake! Don’t close your eyes!”

Din’s voice sounded like it was galaxies away as he continued to shout at you to stay awake. The only thing you managed to do was smile and take in the fading blue sky as your vision faded black and your body went limp in Din’s arms.

------

Liberation Tag: @lirinchi @x-wingwarriorbbpoe8 @fucking-dip-shit @notmyspaghetti @humbleseame @riddlersfate @fandoms-equal-my-life @kaialisonflame @goth-pigeon @sinon36 @bruithel @magical-fandoms @scarlett126 @rickysbxssett @jamesdeerest @tennisislife12345 @rosey-posey141100 @forever-paramore28 @gothtechie @hollybee0987 @witheringblooddemon @katelicon @sparrows-books @twofacedbassy @crazy-obsessed-fangirl​ @eternallyvenus​ @lewismerryweather​ @doubtedbus409​ @the-dream-catch3r​ @and-i-swear-we-are-infinite​ @cinnanomwolf​

Mando Tags: @tryn25​ @igotmadskills​ @dizzydazed​ @theforceofdisney​ @jeepangel​ @maryan028​ @mandalorian-theway​

Permanent/all pedro stuff tag: @fleurdemiel145​ @sargesbestgirl​ @lustriix​ @yeah-boiiiiiiiiiii​ @lord-wolfgen @petalduck​ @sebastianstanslefteyebrow​ @stillreadingfantasy​ @longitud-de-onda​

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #343

“i slither like a viper and get you by the neck  /  i know a thousand ways to help you forget about her”

What's your favorite kind of bear? I don't really know. I just like bears. Have you ever sent a FWD because you were afraid? Ha, yup, as a little kid. Would you ever date more than one person at a time? Nooooo sir. Have you ever rebounded... or been someone's rebound? No. What’s the biggest argument you’ve ever had with a family member? Did things ever go back to how they were beforehand? My grandmother cursed me the fuuuuck out one night as a kid because I was in a mood and didn't tell my mother goodnight. I still remember being called an ungrateful bitch with her like an inch from my face, and admittedly, I was being rude because I wanted to go home, but it kinda scarred me for life. For the remainder of her life, I was always sort of on edge around her and was convinced she didn't like me. Have you ever experienced some kind of natural disaster? I've been through lots of hurricanes. None that massively affected my life, though. If you have pets, do you feed them human food or do they just get regular pet food? If they do get human food, what’s their favorite thing to have? Venus is a snake, so she obviously doesn't get food meant for humans. Roman is very well-trained to not beg or make a move for people's food; he tried once as a kitten, and giving him a pop taught him right away. Have you ever been in a physical fight? Who won? No. What’s the mode of transport that you take or use the most? The car. Mom's, specifically. Have you ever had a zoo keeper experience or anything where you’ve been able to go behind the scenes and look after/feed the animals? No, but I wish. :( Would you ever want the responsibility of being a politician or a similar position of power? NOOOOOOO. What’s something your parents do that really annoys you? Mom is *always* right, pretty much indisputably. And she WILL have the last word. Dad, meanwhile, can be pretty rude to people. I don't think he realizes it half the time, but still. It's not an excuse. What is your main source of anxiety? Social interactions. What’s your favorite 90s cartoon? Pokemon. Describe the moment you realized you were falling in love with someone. I'd rather not. What’s your favorite sparkling water brand/flavor? I've never tried sparkling water. What’s your favorite makeup brand/brands? I don't have a favorite, considering I don't wear it nearly enough and have never even bought my own. I just use whatever Mom buys. What are some female names you would name a baby? Alessandra is my favorite for sure. I also love Anneliese, Justine, Evelyn, Chloe, Evangeline, Quinn... There's a lot. What about male? Severin is my favorite, and I also like Damien, Vincent, Victor, and Luther. Do you have any subscription boxes? No. What fictional creature would you like as a pet? I want a dragon, goddammit. Idc if it can breathe fire ok I want a dragon. Ewoks are also the one and only thing I enjoy from Star Wars. What kind of dwelling do you live in? Just a one-story house. Is there anyone you work with that you don't get along with? Why? N/A Do you have an opinion on adopting/purchasing a pet? PLEASE adopt, especially with cats and dogs, given the number of strays. Purebreds tend to have so many underlying issues, and besides, it's just a LOT of money for an animal that probably wouldn't outlive a mutt. Don't feed the machine if you can. What's your favorite chain restaurant? The Cheesecake Factory or Olive Garden. Why were you last pulled over? I’ve never been pulled over before. What was the last thing you've done on the water? Just kinda swam around a bit in the ocean. It was so warm, totally like a bath. I do NOT miss that sun poisoning, though. Are you cool with swimming in a lake? I think I'd do it if someone invited me to, and the lake didn't look filthy, of course. Do you have a drone? No. What's your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant? We have this tiny, local Mexican place that's really good. I don't know the name of it, and I wouldn't share it for obvious reasons. What do you order from there? Chips and salsa of course, along with a shrimp and cheese quesadilla, and finally their cheesy rice. What's your favorite ice-cream flavor? Depending on my mood, it bounces between vanilla with chocolate syrup or just plain chocolate. Do you have any t-shirts from any local businesses? No. Do you listen to any talk shows or podcasts? I used to listen to Mark, Bob, and Wade's podcast, but I'm like... ten months behind, haha. What's something someone calls you that you find endearing? I like "love" a lot. What's your favorite children's book? I loved books like The Rainbow Fish, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Stellaluna, 10 Minutes 'til Midnight, What Makes a Rainbow?, Chrysanthemum, etc. Is there a new season for a series you're excited to come out? Meerkat Manor comes back this summer, and I am fucking HYPED. How old are you? I'm 25. What is something unique you enjoy about the one you like/love? I tease her about it all the time, but it's really cute that she keeps all of her snakes' good sheds in her room. Proud reptile mom. Are you more liberal or conservative? I'm close to the middle, but I lean towards being more liberal, and I seem to go more that way with time. Do you watch American Horror Story? I used to. I saw the entire first season and really liked it, and then I almost finished the second, but I lost interest. The story got a bit stupid imo. I'd be willing to watch other seasons, though. Does your hometown have any urban legends/scary stories? None that I’m aware of. The people there are scary enough. What's the scariest nightmare you remember having? Let's not talk about it. Are you medicated? Uh very. Are there any apps you're addicted to? Nah. Did you have a favorite stuffed animal as a child? It was initially a bunny holding a polka-dotted blanket, then it become a moose I got from Cabela's when in Ohio. Do you still collect stuffed animals? Only meerkat ones. Have you ever stolen/borrowed clothes from an ex? Haha I've worn Jason's pj pants before and they just kinda... became mine, lol. What's the last movie you watched at home? The Shining, I believe. What's the last movie you watched in theaters? The CGI remake of The Lion King. I still don't get why it was received so badly. Have you ever had eggs cooked over a campfire? I don't think so, no. If you do drink, what's your favorite alcoholic beverage? Margaritas, generally. However, Sara's dad made me this absofuckinglutely incredible chocolate drink before that tasted like a milkshake. It had like, no alcohol flavor, which worked out well for me considering I very much dislike that taste. Are there any songs you've been listening to repetitively lately? There's a new one every day lately, haha. Today it's Halocene's cover of "Love Bites (So Do I)." Cereal, granola, or oatmeal? Cereal. What TV shows did you grow up watching? You gotta gimme an age group... but I'd say the typical stuff for kids of that time. What does your phone case look like? It's just a boring purple that came with it. What were your favorite toys to play with as a child? I looooved playing with my "family" of a father crocodile, a mother deer, their two "children" (a fawn and smaller croc), and "friends" that were little Pokemon figurines. Then there was an evil t-rex with two stupid sidekicks, haha. I can't remember what dinosaurs they were. What's the most embarrassing thing you can ever remember doing? Hold on, lemme find my book. Do you remember what you dreamt about last night? I only very faintly recall dreaming about my cat Roman. Have you ever done anything embarrassing in a dream? Thank FUCK they're just dreams. Do you vape? Nah. What was a song you loved as a child? So uh. Apparently. I loved "Dookie" by Green Day. It's an undying story from Mom about how it came on once at a putt-putt place and I apparently started yelling "dookie!" and dancing. Do you enjoy the Arctic Monkeys? Yeah, I love some of their songs. Are you going to see Finding Dory? You bet your sweet ass I saw it. I've cried everytime I've watched it. Have you ever been horseback-riding? I have not, but I would love to. When was your last piercing? Whenever I got my tragus done, which I can't remember. What did your first crush look like? I don't remember my puppydog love first crush, but I can talk about my first REAL crush, Sebastian. He's a skinny dude with short, brown hair and a lip piercing... I can't remember which kind. He dressed in an emo style, and Facebook pictures at least suggest he still kind of does, I think. Is your body more curvy or flat? Well, I'm not at all skinny, so... What's your least favorite holiday? Probably Christopher Colombus Day, honestly. You didn't discover shit. Don't pretend to me it's worth celebrating in a clean conscience. if you’re having a boring day what do you usually do? If I'm rock-bottom bored, quite honestly, I normally nap, even though I know I shouldn't. Do you turn to food when you're upset? Ugh, I'm admittedly an emotional eater. I got way better about it, and then I started up again. Is your bf/gf good with your parents? I don't have an s/o. Do you think soda should be served at school? Vending machines are fine I suppose, as I don't believe they should be free seeing as they're nothing but sugar content, and I feel schools shouldn't just hand that out to kids at lunch or something. Do dogs have feelings? They sure do. Are you afraid of snakes? Oh no! I adore them. I respect snakes and am going to give wild ones their space for sure considering I don't recognize every native venomous one, but nevertheless, I'm not afraid of them. They are so vital to the ecosystem and are incredibly fascinating animals that deserve our protection. On that note, PLEASE do not kill any snake you come across in your shed or whatever. Call someone to relocate the terrified thing. Favorite snack? It depends on what I'm in the mood for, really. Ever seen The Notebook? Read the book, seen the movie plenty of times. Do you think cussing is trashy? No. Who is the most famous person you’ve met, if any? Nobody. Do you own any animals that aren’t domestic? No. Have you ever feared that you would lose a body part? No. Do you like gore? Yeah, generally. Do you like to drink water? Ugh, I really don't. I wish I did. Have you ever had a wax? I used to get my eyebrows waxed. Do you have any sets of matching bras and underwear? No. Are you any good at improv? Not at ALL.

[dracox-serdriel]

The Rise of Skywalker - A Review in Bullet Points

Under the cut for spoilers for The Rise of Skywalker, length, and sass.

At the end of The Last Jedi, there was a budding romance between Rose and Finn. But in the third movie, there was almost no shared screentime between the two, and no indication of a romantic relationship between them.

Rose doesn’t do a single cool engineering thing in this movie. Not one. Why introduce an engineer and not use her?

Hux’s subplot makes no sense. As in, like, no sense whatsoever.

The Resistance Trio spend most of the movie chasing after a Sith thingamabob which will lead them to the Super Sith Lair of Lord Palps.

This happens to be a place Kylo Ren has already been.

During one of the Force Bonds, it’s clear that Kylo has been rooting around in Rey’s memories--not recent ones, but those from her earlier years, which she struggles to recall herself.

I repeat: Kylo Ren has been to this location.

Why are they chasing after Sith Thingamabob when Rey could simply root around in Kylo’s recent memories and pluck the coordinates?

In general, it was annoying that they played the Force Bond as so much more one-sided in this movie.

EDIT: Also, Turns out Lord Palps wanted Rey to turn up at the Super Sith Lair. It was requisite to his plan.

Since neither Luke nor Snoke nor Ben/Kylo nor anyone else knew about Rey until she was age 19 in TFA, it stands to reason that Grampa Palps couldn’t find/detect/communicate with Rey when she was a child... he might also have not been able to sense her unti she was 19.

But given that Grampa Palpas was “every voice” in Ben Solo’s head, the man clearly has the means to communicate with Force User’s mind-to-mind once he can hone in on them.

Whatever the requirements arefor said honing ability (e.g., connected to Ben through Leia/Luke/Snoke/etc.) have already been replicated for Rey, given that Luke, Leia, Snoke, and Kylo have had contact with her. 

Basically, Grampa Palps can hone / contact Rey like he did with Ben Solo/Kylo Ren.

So why didn’t this asshole save us all some time and contact Rey directly with his coordinates? That would’ve freed up a huge portion of the time the movie spent on “chasing the Sith Thingamabob” plot to be used for things like character development and character interaction.

They declare Rey and Ben Solo a Force Dyad... literally, one soul split and born into two bodies. Nobody mentions the fact that Ben Solo was born a good decade before Rey. Apparently, that’s totally cool as far as a Force Dyad goes... like, half the soul is born, then ten years later, the other half is like, “Damn! I knew I was forgetting something!”

Luke’s drowned ship apparently can still fly, which essentially makes his super Force Projection moment at the end of The Last Jedi completely ridiculous.

It makes sense he’d do that knowing he’d die if he had no other way to get to Crait to assist them.

But the fact that he had a way to help the Resistance without Force Projecting himself to death makes that choice suicidal rather than heroic.

He could’ve flown to Crait and safely Force Projected from the cave or the Falcon and, you know, not died.

The Knights of Ren deserved better. They did very little menancing and almost no badassery. They had cool costumes, but that was pretty much it.

Phasma is not in this movie. Yes, I know she technically died in The Last Jedi, but I had heard that she would appear in the final film (essentially, she was “the Kenny” of Star Wars). Her absence bummed me out.

Without Phasma, the serious lack of Lady Villians in the Star Wars universe is made very, very apparent. Why aren’t there more women on the side of the Final Order/the First Order?

Ben Solo deserved some damn dialog... as in, more than like the 10 words he spoke.

There were hints at a Stormtrooper Rebellion happening. But instead of delivering on this (and possibly even given Hux a subplot that made actual sense), they introduce an entire company of Stormtroopers that did what Finn did. After this defiance, the powers that be didn’t slaughter them or blow them up, just left them to chill, apparently. And since then, they’ve been chilling... and talking a bit with some folks. Not actually joining the Resistance or anything, just, you know, thinking about it, I guess.

Lord Palps delivers his super evil plan speech to Rey... basically, she kills him, and she absorbs all the Sith (including him) and becames grand evil supreme Empress.

He changes his plan, of course, when he realizes he can resurrect himself as the the Macdaddy of evil in the galaxy again.

However, Rey still kills him.

The evil Sith ghosts of doom are all totally still there. There is no logical reason they don’t attempt to enact Lord Palps’ Plan A - cram all the Sith into the last living Palpatine, Rey. I mean, she did die a little a few seconds later, but I’ve never known Sith to be quitters. They could’ve tried.

Speaking of the Sith not being quitters... Ben Solo (very strong in the Force, strong in the Light and Dark sides alike) is also there. He didn’t kill Grampa Palps, but since their original vessel is deadsies, why not try to use Ben Solo as the new “Container of the Sith.”

EDIT: More than once, it was stated that Rey was only one-half of our protagonists, and that Ben Solo/Kylo Ren was the other half.

In the third film, they decided to make this literal: two bodies, one soul. That’s fine.

But dual protagonists should never be a literal plot point like that... dual protagonists should have equal share of the plot and equal development.

I didn’t mind Rey defeating Grampa Palps on her own. In a way, we can see this as “her demon” or “her fight.”

But where the hell is Ben Solo’s fight? Why didn’t he get a chance to face his own demon?

Having the Sith Ghosts try to tempt Ben Solo into becoming the Container of the Sith after Rey died would’ve been a great way to balance this out... Rey takes down her demon by overcoming her greatest tempation (having family who can “show her her place in all this”) and Ben likewise faces one of his greatest tempations (all the power of the dark)--but he overcomes it not by killing or defeating someone, but instead by realizing that the Sith never had anything he wanted to begin with. So here are all the Sith tempting Ben Solo with stuff he would’ve happily taken yesterday, and there’s Ben Solo basically flipping them the bird by ignoring them to heal his lady love instead.

Don’t tell me that this saga has “dual protagonists” when it is so clearly obvious that Ben Solo is not an equal part of it (in terms of what the plot afforded him).

The whole First Order spy subplot made no sense. A super Sith evil dude reappears in the universe, and neither Rey nor Leia senses that in the Force? WTF? Also, the Resistance gets word of a SUPER-FLEET in an uncharted location (read: they can’t verify it), and they’re just like... well, shit, that makes sense! Let’s go! Last battle!

Despite Luke’s last words being, “See you around, kid,” he does not, in fact, see Kylo Ren/Ben Solo at all in this film.

The last strike is agaisnt Palps’s “Final Order” ships. What about the huge fleet of First Order ships afoot in the galaxy? Well... OH LOOK SOMETHING SHINY.

The ending makes no sense. Rey ends up alone with BB-8 (like Poe would let her take his droid?), completely apart from her new family in the Resistance. Also, half her soul is dead. Or, the body that held the other half of her soul is dead. What? Why did Rey go to Tatooine alone? Surely some of her new family could’ve gone with her...

Luke and Leia were Force Ghosts together. Nice. Where the hell is Ben Solo’s Force Ghost?

Ben Solo’s death - and the subsequent absence of comment about his sacrifice during the wrap up - basically ruined the whole movie for me. Also, he lives and fights as Ben Solo but has almost no lines as Ben Solo. Tha’s bad enough... but after he lives, fights, and dies as Ben Solo, nobody fucking mentions it? Seriously, what the fuck?

EDIT: I later had a horrible thought whilst driving... specifically, that Ben Solo, only son of Han Solo, almost certainly died a virgin. Seriously, what the fuck?

Leia’s body didn’t disappear until Ben Solo’s death. This makes no sense. If Ben Solo died in the light (and therefore became one with the Force--thus, this body disappears), then he used the Light Side of the Force to heal Rey. That should not have killed him. If he used the Dark Side of the Force to heal her, then his body shouldn’t have disappeared.

REY DIDN’T HAVE A DOUBLE BLADED LIGHTSABER EXCEPT IN A VISION. NOT EVEN THE ONE SHE MADE HERSELF WAS DOUBLE BLADED. SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE FUCK?

Some Positivity:

Ewoks make a cameo.

Bickering between Rey and Poe was priceless.

Bickering between Poe and Finn was likewise priceless.

Lando and Chewie on the Falcon.

Cool alien horse thingies in action.

Even the porgs are back!

“Some Holdo moves” actually happened.

[butterflyslinky]

Star Wars Reviews and Reception

Okay, so I haven’t seen Rise of Skywalker yet. I’m seeing it Tuesday, and I want no spoilers in the notes unless they’re under a cut. Anyone who has umarked spoilers will be auto-blocked.

That said, I have seen general spoiler-free reviews coming out and so far, they’re on the negative side of okay, with several people saying it’s the worst Star Wars movie ever. Normally, that would give me pause about dropping $10.50 to see it, but...it’s Star Wars, where a negative review doesn’t mean anything.

This isn’t because I’m a giant Star Wars fan or anything. If I was, I wouldn’t be waiting five days to see it. I’m a casual fan at best--I did see all the movies, in theaters, but I didn’t get into the EU and I don’t obsess over the guy carrying an ice cream maker. Overall, I like the movies, but when I’m done watching them, I walk away and don’t think about them again.

So why am I going to see a movie that a lot of people--most of whom I respect--say is really bad?

Because EVERY new Star Wars movie is the worst one that’s ever been made.

Seriously, this goes all the way back to the start. When The Empire Strikes Back came out, everyone was saying it was the worst sequel ever, it had a horrible cliffhanger, the twist made no sense, it was too dark. But then The Return of the Jedi came out, and it was the worst sequel ever, it had a weird plot cul-de-sac at the beginning, the effects were really bad, the Ewoks were a blatant attempt to sell cute toys to kids.

It got worse with the prequels. The Phantom Menace is the worst movie ever, the plot is boring, the aliens are racist caricatures, Anikin is a terrible child actor. No wait, Attack of the Clones is worse, the story makes no sense, the dialogue is cheesy, the villains are stupid. No! Revenge of the Sith is the worst, the dialogue is even cheesier, the villain is too hammy...

Y’all see where I’m going with this, right?

This has always been the reception to any new Star Wars film, deserved or not. The fanbase is almost entirely impossible to please--if you try something new, it’s Not Star Wars, if you try the same elements, you’re just rehashing the old movies. It’s worth noting that every Star Wars film has its fans--I know people who genuinely enjoy the prequels, and I even liked the second half of Solo, unnecessary as it was.

So I’m going into this one with an open mind. Because when every film is the Worst One, it means one of them has to be the best of them. It probably won’t be this one, but can it really be the worst?

[whimsicalworldofme]

The Undying Ember

So I’ve had this character kicking around in my brain since TFA, a young Jedi named Ava. She grew up an orphan in the Resistance with Poe and Ben and eventually trained under Luke to become a Jedi. There’s nothing wholly remarkable about her other than her Force sensitivity.  

In this particular story line I’ve created (set after the events of TLJ), Rey is trying to build up a new school of Padawans and has recruited Ava to go and retrieve Force sensitive children. But her mission goes tits up when she is captured by Kylo Ren and their interconnected past is dredged up, creating serious issues for them both. I saw a prompt about one character having kept a huge secret from another and this angsty stuff is what my brain churned out.

Please be gentle with me if you feel like commenting, this is strictly for my own enjoyment and I don’t write much fic. But I hope you’ll enjoy reading it.

Word count: 2432

No triggers that I can tell. Some serious angst though.

Images of a little boy with brown eyes, a long nose, and thick black hair flashed through their minds. He giggled and laughed, running through a field of tall yellow grass, wearing a crown of amber flowers on his head.

           “Mama!” He called out with delight and pointed to a formation of X-Wings coming in for a landing. “Baba’s home!”

           Not this, Ava tried to turn Kylo onto any other track in her mind. Anything but this.

The bond broke and Kylo staggered back, gasping for air. Ava gulped for breath herself, the strain of having to fight him out of her memories put far more of a toll on her body than she’d care to admit. When he lurched back beside her, towering over her, the snarl on his lips didn’t match the brokenness in those deep brown eyes.

           “You have a son?” He didn’t sound hurt or curious but accusatory, like she’d committed a heinous crime.

           “That’s none of your concern,” Ava said. She put up more defenses around her mind to keep him out of any and all thoughts about the boy.

           “With that pilot,” he sneered and she understood now why he took on the attitude that her child was an assault against him. “It was only a matter of time before he tried breeding more Rebel brats-”

           Ava smacked him so hard across the face that the sound of it reverberated across the room and left a red imprint of her hand on his cheek. Kylo threw her with the Force and she reached out to it herself just in time to prevent her from slamming into the wall. But Kylo was stronger and he lifted her off the ground, an invisible hand around her throat. She coughed and fought, trying to worm her way into his mind to get him to let her go but it didn’t work. Ben was gone. Kylo’s eyes burned with the same rage as the night at the temple when she’d refused to go with him to Snoke.

           “When I find the new rebel base I will personally see to it that your precious pilot and his son are annihilated like the scum they are.”

           “Your son,” Ava gasped against his hold. “Yours.”

           Those three words caught him off guard enough to give Ava some air as she dropped to the ground. Her knees and the heels of her hands hit the hard floor sending reverberating pain through her whole body. She rasped for breath and sputtered out cough after cough trying to fill her lungs.

           Kylo and Ben seemed to be at war with each other as Ava stayed there on the floor, watching the emotions roil across his face like a storm at sea. She didn’t say anything. She’d already said too much but if telling him the truth might save her son, then so be it. At least he wouldn’t be likely to try to kill the boy now.

           “Liar!” Kylo snarled and she was up in the air again.

           “Ben,” Ava clutched at her throat. “Look for yourself. See the truth.”

           The bond between their minds opened once more and Ava willed herself to relive the hardest moments of her life. Seventeen years old, meant to be training as a Jedi, suddenly feeling the presence of another life emanating from her own body. They weren’t supposed to have any form of attachments. Master Luke made them swear. The old Jedi forbade attachment altogether, but Master Luke said that they should just wait until they were done with their training to form any bonds that might distract them. That hadn’t stopped Ben and Ava from sneaking away from the temple when no one would notice they were gone. She wanted to tell Luke. He always made time for her and seemed to know what to do no matter what. But the next night Ben turned.

           The look on his face made her heart wrench even now, seeing it replayed in her thoughts. He’d begged her to join him, to become one of the Knights of Ren. He hadn’t known, couldn’t sense it yet. When she refused and cried and pleaded with him, his eyes flamed with rage and he pulled her little stone hut down on top of her. The panic enveloped her again and she hoped that right now Kylo felt every terrifying fear that she had that night. Heartache over the loss of her love, broken bones and bruises and cuts all over her body, and the terrifying thought that the baby hadn’t survived even though she somehow had. She opened her eyes and watched him. He’d loosened his hold on her and let her stand on the ground, but she was still held in place. There was something of Ben there, the boy who felt others pain too deeply, who wanted nothing more than to be reassured that he was loved despite the demons he struggled against. He was broken and confused.

           Ava turned her attention back to showing him exactly what had happened. How a group of rebels had come the site of the temple at Leia’s behest to check for survivors. How she was bloody and mangled when they dug her out of the rubble. She made sure he felt the loneliness and fear when the doctor told Leia about the baby. The General had known even before the doctor said anything and she knew whose it was too. Ava wanted Ben to feel that horrible ache she and his mother had shared as they wordlessly acknowledged that Ben was gone and they didn’t know what to do about his unborn child. She showed him the way people glared at her and gossiped about her, about how she should’ve seen how evil he truly was and that might’ve saved her from winding up in that position. And then there was the pain of the people who treated her as a pitiable urchin, clicking their tongues and shaking their heads as though she’d been stupid to fall for his advances. And Poe. Sweet, selfless Poe, who told everyone the baby was his even though no one believed it. It wasn’t remotely possible, but he’d made up a story about going to visit her at the temple and if anyone spoke ill of Ava or the baby he’d charge angrily to their defense. He’d gotten more than one black eye and official reprimand from his superiors.

           “Enough!” Kylo snapped and Ava shut down the bond between them.

           He said nothing and Ava didn’t bother trying to talk to him. What could she possibly say? She never wanted Kylo to know about her son. The less he knew the safer the child would be.

           “What’s his name?”

           “You don’t deserve to know that.” Ava didn’t care what he did to her. She wouldn’t tell him anything further.

           “I am his father!” Ben slammed his fist into the wall. “This is why you shut yourself off to the Force? To keep me from him!”

           “I’ll not have my son bent and twisted into a monster that he isn’t. I will not lose him to the dark side the way I lost his father.” Ava shouted and Ben stopped short. That painful, deep look of longing brimmed in his eyes and it made her heart hurt. “I’ve lost too much already.”

           She thought of Han who had been like a father to her, how he’d taken them out flying as little kids in the Falcon. And how he’d occasionally fall into old smuggling habits to bring them candies and toys from faraway planets. She thought of Leia who, despite not being able to spend much time away from her obligations to the Resistance, would always tell them stories about cities in the clouds or treehouse villages full of Ewoks whenever she had a chance. And Luke, always patient and loving, who delighted at their triumphs as they learned how to utilize their connection to the force. They were all gone now.

           “Kylo Ren took everyone I love from me,” she murmured. “Please don’t let him take my son too.”

           There was a pause. Ben took heavy breaths, a panic and confusion about him that Ava hadn’t seen since they were children. She knew he felt the conflict, could sense the light and the dark clawing at his heart. All control he’d had on her melted away and she felt herself able to breathe again. But there was no way of knowing what he might do next. Rey had been right about one thing, there was still good in him. She could feel it like the embers in a dying fire clinging to life, burning warm and soft. All it needed was the right fuel and Ben could be brought back. Ava didn’t want to be that fuel. She didn’t want her son to be either. If Ben Solo were to come back to life it would have to be of his own accord, his own choice. But it gave her hope.

           In a flurry Kylo grabbed her by the arm and started to drag her out of the room. She couldn’t exactly resist or fight him off. He was a foot taller and quite possibly twice her size. So she went along, unsure of where he meant to take her and if she would ever return.

           I have to find a way out. I have to find a way home.

           She refused to give up hope. Other members of the Resistance had been in worse binds than this.

           “Ready my ship,” Kylo barked an order that sent a couple of lower officers of the First Order scrambling. They were all terrified of him, Ava felt it very clearly. That sent a pang through her. As a kid, Ben had only wanted everyone to love him, his parents especially, but he always sought the approval and affection of his peers and mentors. He’d been so soft and kind. A little sassy, to be sure, but good.

           How did Snoke twist you so fully into something you’re not? She watched him wince as her thoughts reverberated in his brain. His hold on her arm tightened, his fingers digging painfully into her flesh. Next thing she knew, Ava was being shoved into the tiny space behind the pilot’s seat of Kylo’s tie fighter and they were screaming off the massive star destroyer to who knew where.

           “Where are you taking me?”

           She knew he wouldn’t reply but felt the need to ask just to keep her thoughts from completely spiraling out of control. Since talking would obviously do nothing, she decided to meditate. It didn’t take long before they landed expertly on a distant planet though Ava couldn’t quite get her bearings as to where it was in relation to the ship they’d left. It wasn’t a remarkable planet. Grassy and tranquil. There were some wild cattle looking creatures in the distance whose heads rose when Kylo marched her off the ship but they were too absorbed in their grazing to care about the two bipedal aliens in the distance.

           “Why did you bring me here?” Ava asked. It didn’t make sense. If he meant to kill her he could’ve just done it on the star destroyer. Something was amiss.  

           “You want your son safe?” He jerked her a little closer, leaning down to look her in the eye. “That’s why we’re here. You go around screaming about him on that Star Destroyer, Hux gets wind of him, he’ll be worse than dead.”

           Ava wasn’t sure she understood but something about that prick of a general struck a real, genuine fear into Ben. He had a reputation for conniving and murder but surely he feared the wrath of Kylo Ren? A son though, the right pressure, that could provide leverage. It clicked and Ava nodded to show she understood what he meant.

           “He’s what, twelve now? Is he like us?” Desperation filled his voice, his brown eyes softened as he searched her face for any sign of an answer.

           “I told you everything I’m willing to tell,” Ava insisted. A rush of wind hit them and she wrapped her arms around herself trying to stay warm. She wasn’t dressed for the chill. Her mission had been to a desert planet in search of a Force sensitive child Rey wanted to bring into her new academy. Ben took off his cowl and held it out to her, unsure of how she would react. There had been a time when they were younger that he’d wrap her up in his cloak if she caught a chill. Now they were distant, he was hesitant and she was fearful. She took the offered garment and wrapped it around her shoulders.

           “Thank you,” she mumbled.

           “I’m leaving you here,” he snapped, not wanting to seem interested in her gratitude. “Your rebel friends will no doubt come looking for you. I know Rey can sense you.”

           “I will not be bait for your trap,” Ava stood firm. She could cut herself off from the Force just as easily as before.

           “It’s not a trap,” Kylo grabbed her arm and drew her in again. She didn’t like it when he brought her closer, it made her woozy and sad. He still smelled the same and it made her heart race despite her every thought screaming that she hated him.

           “It’s a warning. Your only warning. Get your son and get far away from the Resistance, far away from the First Order. Find a planet on the outer rim and disappear.”

           He pushed her so forcefully away from him that she stumbled and fell to the ground. But he didn’t see. He’d already turned his back and with those long strides re-entered his tie fighter.

           “Ben!” Ava shouted as he shut the hatch. “Ben!” She didn’t know exactly what it was she wanted to say but suddenly she didn’t want him to go. She wanted him to come with her, wanted him to run far away. They could all go together. Of course, it was selfish. Realistically she knew she could never leave the Resistance like that, could never be that heartless. But for a brief and glimmering moment she thought of how things could have been.

           The Tie shot into the atmosphere and Ava knew that Kylo hadn’t given a single backwards glance as she called his true name. Wrapping the cowl tight around her shoulders she shut her eyes against the sting of tears.

           Luke. Your son’s name is Luke.

           The light grew a little warmer before Ben’s presence faded entirely from her reach.  

Last Chapter            Master List            Next Chapter 

[robedisimo]

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi [SPOILER-FREE REVIEW]

[Disclaimer: this review is based on the Italian dub of the film. As such, all opinions on the quality of dialogues and acting are subjective and partial.]

If you were to ask me which franchises I consider myself a fan of, it would take some time for Star Wars to cross my mind. Not because I’m not a fan – trust me, I am – but because loving Star Wars just goes without saying. If you’re asked what your defining personal skills are, you don’t reply that you’re able to articulate sounds in such a way as to form meaning. It’s an incredibly specific skill and only 0.00001% of animal species on Earth possess it, but it’s kinda implicit in the fact that you’re having the interview, isn’t it?

My point is, if you’re a “fan” of any kind, you’re a fan of Star Wars. Call yourself nerd, geek or pop-culture freak, for those of us worshipping at the altar of fiction there’s probably no more widely beloved embodiment of what makes telling ourselves stories so damn enjoyable. It’s been the foundational myth of modern geekdom for three generations now, and I doubt it’s going away anytime soon.

Two years ago, writer/director J.J. Abrams tried to recapture that magic in The Force Awakens, a long-awaited seventh episode which – in my opinion – got a little more praise than it actually deserved... mostly out of everyone’s desire for it to succeed, if I had to hazard a guess. It was an entertaining nostalgia-filled romp and a fantastic technical feat of filmmaking, but it left us wondering: was there anything more to the saga’s future than just a warm cup of yesterday’s excitement, served in a shiny new packaging?

As it turns out, yes. Yes there was.

Holy crap.

Enter writer/director Rian Johnson, best known so far for the 2012 critical hit – and moderate box-office success – Looper, picking up where Abrams had left, grabbing the wheel with both hands, and leaning on the gas pedal as hard as he can. Handing what was supposed to be a cohesive trilogy arc over to a completely different author could’ve easily ended in a tailspin, but the franchise’s engines come out of it roaring. For the first time in a really long while, Star Wars is back, both narratively and creatively. And, most importantly, it’s back at the top, setting the high mark for the rest of the blockbuster field.

There’s too much to say about The Last Jedi and too little one can really touch upon without indulging in spoilers, so let’s get past the technical aspects first. Johnson’s film is a feast for the eyes, and I honestly can’t recall another Star Wars instalment so absurdly rife with stunningly iconic moments of visual creativity. I can guarantee that at least five scenes from this movie will be permanently seared into your personal mental library of great franchise-defining moments on visual merits alone, without even starting on those that are equally memorable from a narrative standpoint. Meanwhile John Williams’s score, it goes without saying, is as majestic as ever, and helps keeping things familiar even when they occasionally breach into surprisingly new territory for the franchise.

Indeed, Johnson’s almost alarming confidence in steering the ship leads to an episode that’s structured in a very unusual way for a Star Wars film. Rather than a sequence of events, The Last Jedi feels more like one single, prolonged scenario fracturing into an elaborate series of subplots, not unlike what you’d expect from an especially expansive episode of today’s long-form television. It’s an odd approach and it does result in occasionally uneven pacing, but the upside is that Episode VIII just doesn’t let up, ever: it’s a breakneck rollercoaster run from beginning to end, containing the full spectrum of what viewers can get from the Star Wars brand. It’s tense, it’s action-packed – the space battles and lightsabre fights are absolutely amazing –, it’s emotional... and often surprisingly hilarious, too.

As other reviewers have noted, The Last Jedi hits a number of comedic notes of a sort that’s pretty unfamiliar for the franchise, but the great news is that it works. All jokes land, and some of them land really hard. As a matter of fact, here’s the one “spoiler” I’m willing to throw your way: you know those “Porg” creatures we watched fill our holiday toy aisles, threatening to turn the galaxy far, far away into a Minions cartoon? Forget about those: they’re not a concern. Johnson’s Star Wars isn’t afraid to indulge in the more kid-friendly aspects of the saga, but – and here’s the catch – there’s balance to it.

A balance which seems to pervade all elements of this sprawling new chapter, 152 minutes – now the longest Star Wars ever, beating Attack of the Clones by a good ten minutes – encompassing everything about the franchise: the classic narrative archetypes and the surprise plot twists, the epic drama and the silly creatures, the practical effects and the all-you-can-eat CGI buffet. Where Abrams seemed to be looking firmly backwards to the Original Trilogy, Johnson appears to look both ways: to the old and the new, keeping the best of the classics while moving ahead at full steam.

Perhaps the most trivial but telling sign of that attitude is the almost total abandonment of classic Star Wars wipe transitions, here at the franchise’s lowest in a numbered episode – Rogue One dispensed with them entirely, along with the traditional opening crawl. This mixture of old and new breathes through every single one of the film’s structural elements, carrying forward Abrams’s work especially when it comes to the use of practical sets and – were possible – practical effects. One scene in particular – I won’t say anything more, it’s absurdly good – is actually pretty shocking in how much it serves as a defiant middle finger to Lucas’s CGI overdose in the Prequel Trilogy.

Okay, well, maybe not a middle finger per se, but certainly a conscious effort to fix what hadn’t been done so greatly before: an effort which Johnson actually delivers towards Abrams’s treatment of characters as well, retroactively making a couple of The Force Awakens’s weakest aspects more interesting for fans. There definitely is a certain desire to be in charge reflected here, culminating in the fact that The Last Jedi, long and story-packed as it is, feels more like two episodes in one... or one and a half, at worst. In a way, it’s as if this film wanted to be its own end to the trilogy, tying things up in such a way as to render future developments irrelevant to Episode VIII’s narrative.

And if you ask me? That’s a good thing. Will the next Star Wars be just an Ewok-filled appendix to a spectacular second chapter, or will it actually surprise us all with an explosive epilogue once Abrams hits us with Episode IX: Return of the J.J.? As far as I’m concerned, that not longer matters: the Sequel Trilogy has already delivered, and delivered in spades.

But I’ve kept you waiting long enough. What about the cast? Well, I’m happy to report that Daisy Ridley is a lot more convincing – and noticeably at ease – in her role as Rey than the first time around. John Boyega’s Finn is entertaining as ever, and Oscar Isaac’s Poe finally gets a lot to do in this new instalment, which is great because that man deserves a leading role in a franchise all his own. Everyone else does great in their respective roles – keep an eye out for Laura Dern in an especially hard-to-forget new addition to the saga – and both Adam Driver and motion-capture veteran Andy Serkis rise to new heights of villainy, finally freeing the Sequels from the gaping void left by Vader.

It’s the returning cast, however, that truly allows The Last Jedi to shine. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better return to major-league acting for Mark Hamill, nor of a better return to pop-culture prominence for Luke Skywalker, a legend reinvented for a whole new generation of adoring fans. Yet for all that Episode VIII devotes so much time and love to the aging Jedi Master, it finds enough in its story not to leave Carrie Fisher’s beloved Princess behind. Leia is perhaps the biggest surprise in Johnson’s film; if this is how we were fated to see her for one last time... well, what a send-off. What a wonderful send-off.

In a year that already gave us War for the Planet of the Apes and Blade Runner 2049, this is incredibly the most satisfied I’ve been upon exiting a theatre over the past twelve months. Go see The Last Jedi as soon as you can: it’s fun, it’s huge, it’s a new generation-defining classic. It’s warmly nostalgic, yet boldly new. Above all, it’s a work of love of the highest order. It’s the best Star Wars film ever made, even if it can never hope to recreate the groundbreaking impact of The Empire Strikes Back’s small-budget wizardry. If your inner child has been good this year, this is the gift it deserves for the holidays.

[Verdict: EXTREMELY POSITIVE]

[chiyohlecter]

soooooo i watched tlj last night and got home really late and felt more like sleeping rather than posting about it on here. basically here’s my thoughts:

watch the jeremy jahns spoiler review here i agree with everything he says basically

but i will break it down a little:

- poe in the beginning was ooc with the blowing up the thing, but after that he was 100% right, why the fuck didn’t purple-admiral tell everyone about her plan???? like literally when leia told poe, he was like “oh, ok good”, but when he thought there was no plan, he acted on his own to try and save everyone??? anyway yeah he was right, i love my gay son

- the finn and rose stuff. ah, i love both of those characters and i can see the bare bones of what they were trying to, but god did the execution not work. finn was made the butt of a joke at every opportunity and that was hard to watch since he was my fav new character in tfa (and dare i say the best performance) and them being made to kneel before hux and finn getting slapped was just disgusting. and rose kissing finn at the end was just??? ok w/e

- on leia, my favourite character growing up. once again she was barely in the movie, she was in a coma for most of it and aside from her reunion with luke there was nothing interesting. like her trick with flying was kinda cool, i guess, but it looked super weird, but i was fighting back tears when she was like “i know what you wanna say, my hair looks different“ (i am probably paraphrasing here, since the version accessible to me was a shitty dub)

- on luke. oh boy. first of all, him milking that sea-monster and guzzling it up will haunt my dreams, so jot that down. as i said i liked his reunion with leia. another moment i really liked was when he saw r2 and r2 showed him the recording of leia from a new hope. his opinion on the jedi was like totally right. his little astral projection trick was pretty slick. BUT do these people seriously expect me to believe that luke “i will not fight you, father“ skywalker was totally ready to murder his nephew (who at that point hasn’t even done anything bad, mind you i’m not stanning kilowatt ronald mcdonald here and i wish he died, but at that point luke would never have done that). another bad moment: luke just throwing away the lightsaber. i get why he did it, it just seemed so stupid inserting a comedic moment into something that should have been serious. like if he just didn’t take it and walked right past rey i would have been like ok cool, but he was just like “this bitch empty, yeet“. that being said i was probably the only person in the theater who actually laughed when he trolled rey with that blade of grass or w/e, so guess i just don’t have a good sense of humour or smth

- on that yoda cameo. listen the prequels ruined yoda for me. when i was a tiny child watching the original trilogy i loved him. but at this point even rewatching the ot i can’t tell if i only hate him because of the prequels or if he’s actually bad and tiny-me liked him because i thought he was cute. so anyways not a big fan of yoda, but when he called luke “young skywalker“ (i mean he did in the dub at least) i was like awww, but other than that, getting the most jedi-est jedi to burn down that tree... it should have 100% been anakin or obi wan

- on rey. wow did i not like that stuff. it felt like the whole thing was just to achieve rey and crylo teaming up in that fight. and honestly everyone is really impressed with that fight and i’m like eh, it was okay. like i liked the tfa lightsaber battle in the snow much more tbh. anyway they just didn't give her character anything really, it was all connected to kylie renner. like that scene with the infinite reys made absolutely no fucking sense whatsoever, i guess she had the one moment at the end with lifting the rocks (which was some shitty cgi btw), i just didn’t feel it, at all. and the whole thing where they set up ooo who are her parents and the answer is just, nobody? like i don’t necessarily have a problem with that, but why the setup then?

- and i guess i’ll have to talk about rylo ken sooner or later, so i’ll do it. he is still a whiny pissbaby and again he was given a chance by rey to do the right thing (as he was by han the last movie) and rejected it, again. so if i see anymore posts about redemption or if it is in episode 9 again i will fucking explode, please just stop it. he is a fucking space nazi, what’s so hard to understand about that???? his shirtless scene literally made me go blind for like 2 minutes, my gay ass didn’t deserve to see that. at least last movie he only took down his stupid mask for a limited amount of time, this movie we had to look at his ugly face the whole movie. and he was in it like a lot. and oh boy was that acting not good. like he had the same fucking expression on his face like the whole time, like srsly emilia clarke got nothing on him. the one good thing he did was force-chocking hoax and throwing him into a wall. oh and i guess killing snoke? i literally could not give a fuck about snoke...

- i guess there’s also phasma and hoax, like they are there, they are evil, there is nothing else to say about that. although i did like that finn got to end phasma and when she called him scum and he said rebel scum that was a great moment and the best one finn had in the movie

- on the porgs: literally why? at least the ewoks played into the plot. these fucked up penguins were just there to look cute, i wish chewie had actually eaten the one he roasted (if for no other reason then to make oscar isaac proud). i think the creatures on canto-bight which finn and rose rode were much cuter, if they wanted to bank on cuteness that’s where they should have went

- one thing i liked: c3po is back bitches. unlike literally everyone i ever met, i love him. and i liked luke winking at him. but: where is his red arm????

- speaking of droids, bb8. is bb8 droid jesus? like is there anything he can’t do??? like he was cute in tfa and all, but in this one he literally did everything. like why isn’t he leading the resistance???? they would win in 10 minutes???? why don’t they just make a thousand bb8s??? the first order would be obliterated instantly.

and i guess that’s it.

[grogusmum]

Thanks for tagging me @oonajaeadira ❤

First I wanna react to your confessions (cuz I love it all!)

(To keep the length under control my answers are below the cut)

1. Obi Wans beard deserves every bit of attention

2. I was not obsessed with the ewoks but that's because I was 13 and obsessed with Han...

3. You bet Han shot first!!!

4. I went to school with Matt and Ben (yes acting in high school theater together) so I am 2 degrees from Pedro (though quite uselessly) as well.

5. ABSOLUTELY the loss of the Crest is a major character death... 🥺 I love that you found a way to bring it back.

Okay on to MY CONFESSIONS:

1. I saw A New Hope (and every other SW movie) in the theater first run.

2. I crushed on Han and Luke at different times (I thought I wanted to be Leia, and I think that's still true, but I think I also crushed on her and didnt know it)

3. My sibs and I used to play Star Wars in our basement, when our parents were out (we were too loud and we used various tools from our dads workshop as blasters which was... lets just say, frowned upon my blaster of choice? The socket wrench). We played the soundtrack during the game on a record player.

4. I am not a fan of the prequels, I love the premise of them and I wouldn't trade Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan for the world and can't wait for the show, but I thought execution was poor

(I'm sorry, I know they mean a lot to many, I love you all, please don't be mad at me)

5. I didn't have Disney+ right away, we subscribed just to watch after the first season was completely out. Regardless, I was seeing my child around the internet, then only known as baby yoda, and knew

(Falling for Din was a bonus, now My Space Family is complete)

Okay my rambling is done...

Obviously anyone who wants to play- P L A Y

and no pressure tags go to: @lexi-b-writes @ohwaitimthewriter @pedro4ever

(Lots of tags going round on this sorry if I sent a duplicate)

Star Wars Confession Tapes

thanks for the tag 🥺💖 @maulpunk

Confess five things about Star Wars

oh man ill try 😅

1)anakin, padme, and leia had huge impacts on me 😂 really induced the bi panic at a young age

2)there was a period of time where i just watched revenge of the sith over and over because of anakin’s turn to the dark side 😌😂

3)now that im older and dilf’s have a major effect on me Din and Obi Wan have been on my mind A LOT

4)i havent finished the clone wars yet, i saw a spoiler for my next episode (s6 ep4) and im too sad to watch it

5)and going off that, another reason that i haven’t finished it is because anything having to do with order 66 makes me SO SAD im not prepared to handle it

no pressure tags: @buffahsoka @jehdi-knight @sam-wilsonnn @generalfoolish @katekatiehawkeyes

[asbestosmouth]

If you still do prompts- can you write me some Beric/Ramsay Halloween fluff? Please please please? (bonus points for Sansan or Lannistarth)

Author: AsbestosMouthShip(s): Beric/Ramsay, background SanSanTrigger Warning(s) if applicable: Fluffy Modern AU but with Ramsay. Not his own warning, for once.Brief Summary: Beric is new to Winterfell, and has never experienced a Hallow’een like it. It’s fun, and exhausting, but when a weird leather-clad bloke, accompanying a tiny little boy dressed as Darth Vader, turns up on his doorstep, the night get far more interesting.

A continuation of the Circle Time Universe. Thanks, Nonny, for the Beric/Ramsay prompt :D

Every year the town of Winterfell embraces Hallowe’en with an enthusiasm that southrons find adorable at best and slightly creepy at worst. It seems every house displays carved pumpkins, every owner putting on some sort of costume, every child visiting every door with a hopeful expression and the cry of ‘trick or treat!’ on their lips.

Beric has lived in Winterfell for almost eleven months. He moved up from the Storm Lands during the latest banking crisis, being ‘let go’ from his stressful and high-powered financial job for whistle blowing the whole rotten house of cards into international disrepute. The press still call him Robin Hood, still ask hopefully for interviews, but he politely shuts down every call and email and settles into this new life in the North.

He likes the North.

Winterfell was never an obvious choice, but when the shit hit the fan, it offered a thousand miles and more between him and the steaming pile of faeces of his past. Vague memories of visiting the North when he was a child, running through snowy dales and eating solid hearty food, still nestled in his head. Garlan, a friend from his army days, from before Beric ended up honorably discharged after the head injury that finished his promising career, recommended Dorne. Apparently his brother lives there, curates some museum, always needing someone trustworthy to help with ancient artifacts and, well, as Lieutenant - as he was way back when, he’s a Colonel now, and it is very well deserved - Tyrell said, who is more honest than a man who destroys a whole institution because he despises the crookedness inherent in the system?

Dorne. Too warm. Beric likes rain, and winter chill. He’s very much a child of the Storm Lands, even if he grew up near the Dornish border. Anyway, a complete break meant throwing off all ties, getting the hells out of Dodge as the cowboy films put it, and moving somewhere unknown.

He loves Winterfell.

It’s a pretty town, of grey granite and slate, narrow cobbled streets, the fortress giving the place its name lowering darkly over all. The North is massive skies. Endless walks. Nature study. Waterfalls. Basalt tors, and honestly grim people who warm up to you when you become ‘one of them.’ Providing enough amenities for never having to go anywhere larger unless very much needed, and, anyway, isn’t that what the internet is for? Winterfell is, in Beric’s opinion, pretty much perfect. He has friends. He has a community. He has a reputation for being quite eccentric, and since he doesn’t had to really work because of the pay out given by his employers for his quite illegal sacking, he’s become the wealthy oddball with a posh southern accent who gets involved with local people, and projects, and charities.

Clegane turns up with a pumpkin in hand, his small daughter in tow.

“Carve this,” he says unceremoniously as he dumps the orange vegetable - or are they fruit? Beric can never remember. He does have certain blips in his memory these days - onto the front step. “Hallowe’en’s bloody big around here, so dress up and shit.”

Sandor swears when Lyanna can’t see his mouth moving. The little girl bounces on her toes, pink-cheeked and beaming. She’s almost seven now, about to move up to junior school, and is frighteningly intelligent. Beric adores her, but then in general Beric adores kids. He’d like one of his own, one day, but he’s unsure how his single status and homosexuality would affect adopting. He lives slightly vicariously through Lyanna, who he’s learned sign language for, and the other little ones of Winterfell who turn up at the library he volunteers at on a weekly basis.

That is how he met Sansa, and then Sandor, and got himself a best friend. Not that the big oaf knows that, and their insults are very fond, but compared to the anonymity of the south, the North encourages closer relationships.

What are you wearing? Lyanna signs, small fingers like lightning. Today’s fingerless gloves, and they are as always knitted with love by Sansa, are pink and black stripes.

“I’m not sure yet, Little Bear. I’ll have a look in my wardrobe and see what I can find. If I struggle, can I come and see you, and you can help me decide?” Lyanna’s mother was a Mormont.

Daddy never dresses up because he says his face is scary. Sansa has a pretty witch dress. I am going to be a bear. Grrr. She spells the last part in letters, grey eyes so bright. Lyanna is all Sandor, though the other Mormonts they know are also dark-haired. For a man born in the Westerlands, Clegane is very Northern-looking, but then his mother came from White Harbour.

“Daddy is silly, because we both know he’s the most handsome man in Winterfell.” Beric gently flirts, because that’s what he does. He gently flirts with most people, and some inanimate objects, hence being known as that odd ginger southron with the really bloody nice cottage.

“Fuck off, you bastard.” But Sandor smiles, a glimmer of teeth, a faint redness to his unscarred side.

Sansa says they have a bromance.

Beric agrees.

In the end he doesn’t need to go and beg an almost seven year old for help. Beric drags on black jeans, a black dress shirt from his banking days, digs out his ceremonial sword and the eyepatch from when he got shot in the head, ties his hair back, and goes mad with a make up pallette from when he did amateur dramatics in military academy.

Sandor Lyanna wants a photo of what you’re wearing. Sending you one of her. Fuck. I’m not. Sansa will. Can’t work this bastard phone.

Sansa, who is more technologically aware than her fiance, does and Lyanna’s picture makes his heart tug deep in his chest. Little furry round ears, and an Ewok costume that’s been cunningly resewn by the even more cunning Sansa into a perfect little bear outfit. They’ve even painted a cute black nose and whiskers on her, and she is the most adorable child that Beric’s ever seen in his entire damned life.

He takes a quick mirror selfie of his zombie pirate effort, sends it off, and decants sweets into various bowls. Perhaps there are a few too many, but Beric will polish off the rest if any are left over.

Eight thirty, and the madness finally dies down. Any hope of leftover chocolate goes by the wayside as Beric makes an emergency shop run twice, and he’s still almost out of treats. At one point he began giving out his prized gingerbread men, to the delight of everyone, but now he’s down to a handful of Haribo packets, one gingerbread man, and three fun sized Mars Bars.

The door goes.

Beric opens it.

“I am the Zombie Pirate of Winterfell, and those who knock on my do-”

A very short and very pale man stares at him balefully.

“Oh. Hello. I thought-”“Domeric, for fuck’s sake. Say it.”

“…scary,” whimpers a tiny voice. Beric looks down even more. The pale man, and to be honest he’s never seen anyone dressed in so much black leather since that night at military academy, holds the hand of a very small child. Not that he’s particularly young, the boy, but Beric, presuming that the short leather wearing and quite sexy - he’s quite sexy with that intense pale-eyed glare and all that leather, that square-jawed face and stocky build - man is the child’s Dad, he’s not surprised that the height runs in the family.

“He’s a bloke who’s dressed up. I could kill him easily. He’s not scary.”“So tall,” the child squeaks, pressing closer to his unfairly well built and attractive Dad.

“I’d kneecap him, kick him in the balls, then rip his heart out if he tried anything,” the man says easily enough. “We can do flaying lessons on his corpse.” A pause, then the hand that isn’t being clutched at by a terrified five year old reaches out and caresses the pommel of Beric’s sword. “Real?”“Yes.”“Nice. Thought it was some stage shit, but that’s a passing-out sword.” Sexy Daddy squints - he isn’t dressed up, because to be perfectly frank he’s the sort of person who is quite terrifying to the majority - and taps the enamelling. “Sandhurst?”“For my sins. I’m Beric.”

“Ramsay.”Oh. That Ramsay.

Aware that he shouldn’t be thinking about the legendary local psychopath naked, Beric hunkers before Domeric, smiles, and holds out the bowl of sweets. “Your Dad is very sc-”“He’s not my Daddy. He’s my big brother!” Reducing the massive height difference seems to have helped the child’s confidence a little, though he still crams tight to Ramsay’s side. He’s dressed as Darth Vader, but the helmet dangles around his neck on a piece of cord.

Sexy Brother snickers at the awkwardness.

“If you’re Darth Vader, who is Ramsay?”Domeric glances up the not so considerable distance between himself and his brother. “He’s scary. He doesn’t need to dress up. Everyone’s scared of him. He’s cool!” Adoration radiates from the boy, boring into Ramsay, who shifts his weight in an oddly bashful gesture.“One day you’ll be as terrifying as me, Dom, and we’ll murder our way through the galaxy. You with a lightsabre and me with a flaying knife.”

Beric puts handfuls of sweets into the helmet, which acts as a bag, contemplates the last of the gingerbread men and then offers it up to Ramsay. The young man takes it, bites the head off with a murmur of pleasure; those pale eyes half-close and he licks crumbs off his frankly quite disturbingly nice lips.

“What d’you say, Dom?”

“Thank you. May the Force be with you. Our Blades Are Sharp.”

A nod, a gleaming evil sort of pride in Ramsay’s weird eyes, before he grins as sharp and white as any slavering hellhound. “Good look on you, by the way.”“Zombie?” They’re flirting. This is flirting. This isn’t just one-way between him and a random friend or colleague, but with someone actually responding.

“On your knees.”

Ten o’clock comes, and the doorstep has been quiet for the last hour. Unbuckling the sword, taking off the eyepatch, Beric settles down to have a beer and watch some random comedy panel show he’s taped off the telly weeks before but never got round to viewing. He’s almost at the first set of adverts when the doorbell goes.

“Bugger.”

He’s out of everything that might be construed as a treat in the entire house. Dammit.

“I am the evil Winterfell Zombie pi-”

Ramsay pretty much comes up to his nipples given the height difference and the few inches between the interior of the house and the outside ground level.

“Aren’t you going to let me in?”

“Is this like in Dany the Grumpkin Slayer, and if I willingly invite you into my house I’ll end up sucked and drained?”

Square fingers slide from thigh to throat, wrapping lightly around Beric’s neck. “Other way around, bitch, but I’m sure you’ll love it.”

The first kiss, while they’re frantically trying to strip off and Ramsay gets overexcited about the sheer scale of Beric’s scars, body, and everything else, tastes of gingerbread, beer, and something else that can’t quite be explained but is utterly, devastatingly, addictive.

The small boy with the pale eyes sits next to the small girl with the long dark hair and the forest green fingerless gloves. They’re on their bench in the playground, under the shelter. The snow drifts gently through the air, and it’s so pretty. January snow is the prettiest, definitely! They never have snow days here, because everyone is used to the snow. Later he and Lyanna are going to make a snowman with Sandor and Sansa, and Domeric’s going to have something to eat there, and then Mum’s going to come and get him, and then Ramsay’s taking him to see the new Star Wars film again because they both like it. Darth Vader is in it, and he loves Darth Vader, but Ramsay prefers Emperor Palpatine because he’s evil.

Ramsay likes evil things. Sometimes though, when no one’s around, he’ll sit and help Domeric with his schoolwork, or play, so even though everyone thinks his brother is really frightening, he can be nice. He’s just sworn to secrecy that he’s not allowed to tell anyone, on pain of flaying.

Domeric thinks Lyanna is so cool. Not cool like Ramsay, but not scary like him. She’s a bit scary because she can be grumpy like her Dad, and he’s so tall! Lyanna’s little, like him, and he likes that. She’s a year older, and is going up to big school next year, and he’ll miss her so much.

“Ramsay has a boyfriend, like Sandor has Sansa,” he says. He makes sure Lyanna can see his mouth, and understand, because he’s not good at signing yet. When they get married, when they’re bigger, he’s going to make sure he can talk to her with his hands. “He’s nice. He’s the nice man from the library, with the red hair.”

Beric is really nice. He is my friend.

The two children smile at how weird grown ups are, and Domeric, who is far more his mother’s child than his father’s, blushes. Mum blushes a lot, especially when Dad is near. Everyone says his parents are in love, and it’s so sad they can’t have another child as they’ve only got him, but they’ve got Ramsay, too! He isn’t Mum’s child, because Ramsay’s older than her, but she looks after him like he is. When Ramsay was younger, apparently he was not very nice, and had to go and live in a special school for quite a long time so he got better, but Mum said he should come home when she married Dad, and so he did.

Mum loves Ramsay, but sometimes she’s scared of him. Everyone is, apart from Domeric and Beric - even Dad! Beric makes sure Ramsay takes his tablets, and keeps him calm. They’re talking about moving into that nice house Beric lives in, and Domeric’s scared that he’ll miss his brother, but Beric told him that there will be a room for him, if he’d like to go for sleep overs, and they can paint it in whatever colour Dom wants, so he’s said yellow, because it reminds him of Mum, and sunshine, and daffodils, and spring.

Are they going to get married? Like Daddy and Sansa?

“Beric would look silly in a dress!”

He giggles, and Lyanna clamps her hands over her mouth, eyes dancing with amusement.

“When we’re big enough, can we get married? It’ll be fun! We can have a pet bear, and a dog, and we can eat loads of chocolate when we want, and go to sleep when we want, and watch telly all the time.”

Lyanna tilts her head, looking very much like her Dad, and then grins, nodding.