#gurl this role was made for you gosh!!!

[kiwiwinjindouche]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard ...save me..

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

save me Dragon Age: The Veilguard

[ariannjs]

ROLE PLAY | A SasuSaku FanFic One Shot

Late for these! But here’s my fic for SasuSakuSara Weekend 2020 Day 2 (In Another World/Connected Feelings) and #SasuSakuTwitFest2020 Day 6 (Marriage / "Idiot! We're married.") | @sasusakusara2020

Here's a maaaajor revision of one of my first fictions back in 2009 for a different ship. Ya gurl cringed on her old way of writing, HAHAHAHAHAHA.

Hope you enjoy this!

-A

–––

“Come on, dear. Please stop..."

She just wouldn't.

"Papa! P-papa!" She would just repeat that all over again.

Sakura paced towards Sarada’s crib, planning to carry her with the hopes that her tantrum would subside. But the moment she reached out to her—

“I want Papa now! Please, Mama!" She croaked with her tiny voice. "I miss Papa!" 

The Uchiha matriarch almost fell on her knees as her daughter continued to cry out.

She sat on the bed beside her crib and leaned near her. If only an explanation of many words would be understood by a three year old. "Sarada, sweetie...Papa isn't coming home."

"Why, Mama? Why?" Little Sarada paused, but her tears were nonstop.

Sakura looked away. She struggled to find the right words, trying to think of an excuse about the rash decisions that led to their current situation now. She pinched the bridge of her nose. It shouldn’t have come to this, to the point that their daughter would be affected.

“Sweetie, just...calm down, please."

Sarada stared at her with glassy charcoal eyes, tears still streaming down her cheeks, and then she cried, “Mama, I want Papa here! Here! Here!"

Her heart clenched at the sight, she had never seen her baby this hurt. And what pains her the most was the fact that it was because of her and Sasuke. 

Then, the idea finally settled in...

“Okay, okay. Calm down."

Sakura got her phone from the table on the other side of the bed. Her hands were shaking; her tears almost coming out. I didn't have to do this...

She didn't have to go to her list of contacts anymore just to look at his number, besides she memorized it, just like how she memorized every single detail about him.

She took a deep breath before pressing the call button. One ring, two rings, three rings...no answer. She cancelled, and then called again, with much conviction this time. It was actually difficult for her to concentrate as Sarada's muffled cry continued to fill the room.

"Ssh..." She told her, as if that would make sense.

"Hello?" Oh, gosh. What am I going to say? Sasuke finally answered his cell phone. It was apparent that his voice was serious, angry even, because who in their right mind would call someone at 2AM?

"Uhmm...good morning, Sasuke. Sorry." She paused. "But this is...this is about Sarada."

"Huh? What happened to her?" There was a noticeable change in his voice, from an angry husband to a concerned father. And it was enough to calm Sakura's nerves as she continued to speak with him.

"She just wouldn't stop. She—"

"P-papa!" Sarada screamed.

Sakura’s head fell on her hand. There was no point hesitating now. "She wants you to be here, Sasuke." Tears trickled down her face, but she kept her composure for she didn't want to sound like she’s crying. I didn't want to see him yet...

There was silence on both lines aside from the ringing cries of their daughter. Sakura didn't know if Sasuke's still on the phone. Every tick of the clock increased her anxiety about what Sasuke might be thinking at the moment, for she didn’t want him to think that she was using their child to force him to come back. They both needed this space after all.

She heard him sigh after a moment, "Okay. I'm coming over."

"T-thanks," she muttered, and then hung up.

A sigh escaped her lips as she turned to check on Sarada again, whose cries have finally subsided into hiccups. "I'm sorry, baby. Just wait a little longer."

Sakura stared at her, realizing for the millionth time that she and Sasuke were able to create such a beautiful human being. Sarada’s face resembles hers, but her hair and her eyes were the same as Sasuke’s, making her the spitting image of her handsome father. There was no question to that. Never will she be able to forget her husband after all, whatever the circumstances would be. Besides, she didn’t want to forget.

Moments later, she then heard a familiar sound of an engine stopping in front of their house.

"Wait here, Honey," she said as she made sure Sarada’s crib was locked. The kid was still in tears, but she had high hopes that it would change in a little while.

Sakura went downstairs to open the door, but before that, she glanced at the mini monitor of the CCTV camera for their front porch, just to make sure it was Sasuke.

"Thanks for coming," she said, avoiding his face as she opened the door. There was no response. "She's in the bedroom."

Sasuke went straight to their bedroom with her following suit. It didn't matter anymore if her anxiety about what Sasuke might be thinking was reaching its peak right now, as long as her baby would finally be happy after crying her heart out for hours.

"Sarada?"

"Papa? It's you! Papa, it's you!" Sakura finally felt relief at the sight of the apparent joy on her daughter's face. Sarada was standing on her crib now, with her arms raised expectantly towards her approaching father.

"Aa. It’s me." Sasuke instantly carried and embraced her tightly. "I missed you, Sarada." Well, it's been more than a week.

Tears streamed down Sakura's face once more, but much thanks to Sarada's bib that she was holding, she was able to wipe it away before Sasuke even noticed. Ever since Sarada was born, it always warms her heart seeing Sasuke with their child. There was no doubt that Sarada was precious to him, that’s why it hit differently seeing him with her again after what transpired weeks ago.

Sarada has completely stopped crying now, but her face was still wet with tears so she went near her, with her face towards Sakura as she wrapped her small arms around Sasuke’s neck. Her father soothingly patted her back.

With the bib on her hand, Sakura wiped her face and smiled at her, relieved that her baby is now relaxed in her father’s secure arms. 

The young Uchiha returned the smile before slightly pulling away to face Sasuke, she said, "Papa, please stay..."

Stunned, Sakura took a step back and waited for her husband’s response. She couldn’t see Sasuke’s reaction for his back was towards her, but she did notice the halt of his hand’s movements.

Sasuke remained silent, causing Sarada to start tearing up again as she stared at him. "I don't want you to go again, Papa." 

"Sssh. Don’t make that face." He wiped Sarada’s tears through his thumb. "Your mama's here, there's no need for you to worry."

Sakura almost scoffed. There is, Sasuke! If I were the baby, I would really tell you that I need you for you are my father!

Then the hissy fit began again. "But...but papa...I want Papa here! I want Mama here! I need papa and mama here!" She exclaimed, catching both her parents off guard.

Sakura noticed that Sasuke tilted his head to glance at her. But her gaze fell to the floor, knowing that it’s still up to Sasuke if he would finally decide to go back home. He already got the space that he needed, but Sakura wasn’t sure if the kind of space he really wanted was long term. Her heart constricted at that thought.

Sasuke sighed after a moment. "Ssh. Okay, okay, don’t cry, Sarada...we'll be here for you," he whispered.

Whether that was true or it was just a trick, it was thankfully effective in calming Sarada.

Sakura went outside the room and proceeded downstairs to give the father and daughter their time with each other; when suddenly – Oh, God. Thank God Sasuke is here! – she saw from the bottom of the staircase that the knob of their front door was visibly shaking.

She silently walked towards the locked door and glanced at the mini monitor by the wall which she has left turned on when Sasuke came. She then gasped. A guy in black was on the other side of the door, with his face covered with black cloth too. As he continued to try opening the door with whatever tool in his hand, Sakura darted to the bedroom, totally terrified.

She took a deep breath before she spoke, "Sasuke..."

The head of the family glanced at her with confusion written on his face. When he noticed how Sakura's face turned even paler while she pointed downstairs, he gave Sarada to her and instantly went to their first floor.

Sakura then talked to Sarada, "Honey, I need you to keep quiet now, okay?" The little girl nodded as she embraced her much tightly. "Mama and Papa's gonna be here."

With Sarada secure in her arms, she followed her husband downstairs. "I-is he still there, Sasuke? I'll call the police now."

She received a nod. "Are the windows all locked?"

"Yeah."

"How about the back door?"

Did I lock it? Oh my, did I? There was a moment of silence until—

"Sakura!" Sasuke grabbed her hand in an instant and pulled her beside him.

Gasping, Sakura breathed heavily upon realizing that there were already three men inside their house, one of them was able to go through the front door. Thank God Sasuke's here!

"M-mama…" Sarada was already noticing the commotion. She then buried her face onto her mother's chest as the Uchiha matriarch hugged her tighter.

"It's fine, baby. It's fine."

"Papa's here, Sarada," Sasuke whispered. That statement assured even Sakura that she almost forgot that they were not exactly in good terms with each other.

Clearing his throat, Sasuke then spoke to the three strangers, "What do you want?" He paused. "Please...not my family. Not them, please," he added, now standing protectively in front of his wife and daughter.

"I asked you, what do you want?" Sasuke asked more firmly this time. And yet again, he only received silence from the other party.

Sakura's eyes softened as she stared at his back. To hear that he cares so much about them despite the tensions they've had made her heart full, as if it's been waiting to hear those words after a long time. But it wasn't the right time to be sentimental with the situation they're in now.

Only then did she notice that the invaders were carrying weapons. One of them was holding a long piece of wood, the other one had a big knife, and the last guy who was from the front door had none; maybe his primary job was to open its lock.

"Mam–"

"Yes, Sarada…" There was a crack in Sakura’s voice but she wanted to be firm in front of her daughter. "Everything will be fine." 

One of the strangers stepped forward, the one carrying a piece of wood.

Sasuke tensed at this, mentally blaming himself for not having his phone with him. He also saw Sakura's phone on their bed, so they couldn't contact the police right now. As he calculated possible scenarios, he noted that it was too risky to move or attack, especially with the fact that the strangers could harm his wife and daughter. He clutched his fists as he turned to Sakura, eyes telling him things that he knew his wife would understand.

And indeed, she did. A stray tear escaped from her eyes as she shut them and shook her head. No. This won't be the end. This won't be the—

"Sasuke!" Sakura flashed her eyes open upon hearing a loud groan. Gasping at the sight, she was frozen in place as she watched her husband writhe in pain after being hit with the long piece of wood by one of the invaders. She didn't know what to do now.

"Pa–pa!" Sarada squirmed and began crying in her arms but she held her in place.

This time, Sakura faced the men. "What do you want from us?!" She forced her voice to not waver. "If you wanted to take something, you didn't have to hurt my husband like that! We don't even have much here! And you are scaring our baby!"

Sarada cried even harder despite not understanding what was going on.

Then, to her utter surprise, she heard them laugh…

The three invaders suddenly guffawed as they one by one removed their black masks.

With widened green eyes, Sakura felt as if a vein popped in her head when she finally realized who the men were. "What the—How dare the three of you!" 

Sarada stopped crying when she saw what made her mother shout. "Uncles!"

Sakura put her down and minded herself for a while, recalling the past few minutes that made her feel like her heart was going to explode. She was sure these three were their friends, but she wasn't quite sure now.

"Hey, Sara-chan!"

Gleefully, Sarada ran with her tiny feet. "Uncle Naruto!"

Naruto carried his niece as if nothing had happened. "You okay now?"

The little girl bounced in his arms.

Confused and still in pain, Sasuke tried to stand and welcomed Sakura's assistance to him. "What?! What's going on here?"

"Oops...by the way, sorry, Teme. I think that was pretty hard."

"Naruto Uzumaki! That did hurt!" He groaned. 

The three idiot visitors – invaders – continued laughing.

"Anyway, maybe you should change your door knob now," Sai said as he laughed, "and choose a better one, huh? I think that one is way too easy to open."

"This is not funny, Sai!" Sasuke exclaimed as he gave them a glare, trying his best to not punch anyone in the face tonight.

"Calm down, children," Kakashi instructed, still chuckling with a shake of his head. 

"Stop it! You scared us!"

"Too bad I did nothing, though," their former sensei added, not minding what the Uchiha matriarch said.

"Haha! But you did well in holding the knife, Kakashi-san!" Now Sai, who was usually emotionless, was losing control.

"What is this damn role play all about, huh? Didn't you even think that you might scare Sarada?" Sasuke interrogated, feeling a bit better but still assisting his lower back.

"Hmm...I think it's just that I want you to get out of my house already. A week with a married guy felt irritating." Naruto grinned and then turned to Sarada, "You want Papa here, right?"

"Yep, yep, Uncle!" She chuckled. And Sakura couldn't help but smile as she saw the corners of Sasuke's lips twitch upwards.

"This is actually for her, Sasuke, Sakura-chan," Naruto explained as he embraced his adorable niece.

"So what's the plan now?" Sai asked. 

Then the three of them stared at the couple, grinning like Cheshire cats.

Sakura met Sasuke's confused gaze.

"Remember your daughter, you're not kids anymore. Go, talk," Kakashi uttered seriously this time, pointing upstairs as if grounding Sasuke and Sakura due to an offense.

The husband and wife were frozen in place upon realizing that everything was planned behind their backs.

"Oh, come on. We're giving Mr. and Mrs. Uchiha their time of privacy. Go!" Sai nudged them to go upstairs. There was no escape now.

To her surprise, Sasuke began walking upstairs before looking at her with a smile. "I think they're right."

She smiled back after a few moments and followed suit, unsure of what was going to happen now that they were finally going to confront their situation.

They proceeded to their bedroom, leaving Sarada with her uncles so they didn't mind closing the door. They were finally on their own after a week. And for a moment, they were tacit as they drank each other's presence, uncertain about how to begin settling what they should have decided to settle on the same day their argument sparked.

It was rather awkward until they met each other's gazes, and then, they both laughed.

"Silly, right?" Sasuke commented while chuckling.

"Yeah. That whole thing was a mess!" 

When their laughter subsided, Sakura was finally at ease. Knowing that Sasuke was there all along was relieving. He never left them as he stood his ground to protect their family, that's all that stuck into her mind.

"Sakura," Sasuke soon paused and then held her hand, making her realize that she missed him so much more than she thought. "I'm...I'm so sorry."

Tears began brimming Sakura's eyes as she stared at her husband.

"I've been selfish. I knew I hurt you with my words but all that mattered to me was my own frustrations at work that day, to the point that I chose to have my space and leave the two most important persons to me." His dark orbs now focused on her seafoam ones. "Please forgive me, Sakura. I've been a stupid husband and father."

"No, Sasuke." Sakura squeezed his hand and smiled. "I had my own mistakes too. I shouldn't have nagged you and blamed everything to you knowing that you were already feeling so low about yourself that day. I should've been your number one supporter, but I failed in becoming that. I'm sorry. And I forgive you." She beamed once more.

"Thank you, Sakura, for everything. I forgive you as well." The corners of his lips moved upwards. "This would never happen again. Should we have another argument, I'm not going to let a long time pass and we'll deal with it immediately. Because damn it, I missed you." He squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. "I missed you and Sarada. I'm really sorry."

Sakura's hand moved to his cheek, she blushed when he leaned into her touch and slowly opened his eyes. "You're here now, Sasuke...that's all that matters."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

"Will you take me back?" He then pouted, causing Sakura to chuckle. Seeing that made him feel accomplished and gave his heart the warmth that he hadn't felt for a week.

"Idiot! We're married." She pinched his cheek this time, making him grin despite wincing slightly. "We just needed some space to cool down but that didn't change the fact that you're my husband and I'm your wife."

"Hn. Say that again."

"Eh? What?"

"That you're my wife." He now pulled her closer to him.

"I-i'm your wife…" Sakura bit her lip as a tinge of pink appeared on her cheeks.

Sasuke smirked at the sight. "This is what I missed the most." And then he closed the distance between them to meet her lips with his.

Moments later, they heard footsteps from the stairs.

"Whoa......" Three people, including their baby, were now in front of their room.

"Don't mind them," Sasuke whispered and then slammed the door of their bedroom as he kissed his wife again, making Sakura chuckle against his lips.

"Yay! Mama and Papa will both be here again!" Their Sarada shouted for joy on the other side of the door.

Her parents felt the gladness as much as she did.

So the role play was effective after all.

–––

May 2020 © AriannJS

–––

Sorry for the mess, lol. But your reviews would be appreciated! Check out my other fics also and let me know what you think :) Hope the SSS Weekend and SS Twit Fest are helping you cope better during this tough time! SS is here for you, and so am I!❤️

-A

[randomahjummafan]

Rich Man

So I started watching this because I was about to go back to the office and it was the perfect target time. But took me more than a week because I stopped for a week because I wasn't feeling well. Enough of this, let's go to the drama.

Rich Man is a 2018 drama about, okay let's take it literally again, a rich man. An IT genius with his own company. This is not your typical rich boy meets a poor girl. No. This is not it. No sort of thing like that. And no hateful mothers lol

I'll name our two main characters, Lee Yoo Chan and Kim Bo Ra. Lee Yoo Chan is the CEO of Next In, an IT company that has a really good reputation. Kim Bo Ra is on a recent job hunt and her memory is amazing because she can memorize a page to page book. Anyway, these two are the main characters but I'll include Min Tae Ra and Min Tae Joon because these two also did an important role to our main characters. SPOILERS UP AHEAD

Well this drama, I don't think it should be taken lightly. I MEAN, THERE'S TOO MANY PROBLEMS. UGH! But before I say those, let me say what I love about the drama too. I like how Lee Yoo Chan randomly gives the boyfriend vibe and suddenly the CEO vibe. To be honest, even Min Tae Joo has a boyfriend vibe. He's so perfect (at the start but he'll be back at the end). I also like those small scenes, sleeping on the shoulder, small hugs, small talks. I also like the part wherein they're having a party and Yoo Chan recognizes Bo Ra and everyone was like, hey the ceo knows Bo Ra or something. I also like the part where Bo Ra and Yoo Chan went to Namhae and they lived in Bo Ra's house. I think that part is cute as well. I also find the part funny when they started the Dancing Whale company. It's like a group of friends made their company. I also like the wedding and the ending wherein couples would kiss and everyone was like, WAAAHHH. Lol, it somehow turned like everyone's just friends. No difference in position. I also like how Min Tae Joo changed his attitude. Because who wouldn't after all? Then I find it also funny whenever Yoo Chan can't recognize the people around him. I know it's a sickness but somehow it turned comedy in the drama.

My rating would be 7/10. It's not that I don't recommend it but this is just a rating from me. Yes, I get turned off a lot when there are too many problems. I mean, that would be the purpose of the drama right? But then I also want something chill. Like I didn't like the stuff when Bo Ra had to lie about her name. Well, she use it to get the attention, okay, I understand, but then Bo Ra using the necklace, GIRL WHY WOULD YOU USE IT? TO CONFUSE THE VIEWERS? Okay I was but gurl, the necklace wasn't even yours and you're not even Kim Boon Hong. And then I was lowkey hoping that Min Tae Ra and Lee Yoo Chan could end up together. Because Bo Ra wasn't even helping Yoo Chan with the Boon Hong issue. I don't want to be bias at all because I'm a huge exo stan and Suho's my bias but I just didn't like most of the drama. Again, no bias judgments but before I even watch the drama I had a feeling that I might not like the drama because the actress who played Bo Ra, I watched her before and she has an annoying character there. But I give this a chance. At the start, I thought she was still annoying, but then I understood her character but then, she's really annoying. Especially on the ending when she kept on moving her feelings from north to south. It was super annoying like girl make up your mind. But atleast she was consistent about how inconsistent she can be. My gosh I think you can feel how annoyed I am. Any, there are a few parts that were predictable, like when they get down from the bus and you saw the amusement park. Who wouldn't think that it's connected to Yoo Chan?

Anyway, here are some stills from the drama. Of course I will post what parts I like. 

Ahjumma

P.S. I HAD A HARD TIME CHOOSING PHOTOS BECAUSE SOME CAN'T BE GOOGLED AND I'M TOO LAZY TO SCREENCAP. I'M SO SORRY.

[quarterfromcanon]

2019 Fic Writing Roundup

I was tagged by my lovely friend @catty-words.

Total 2019 Word Count: 58,159

Total 2019 Hits: Asdfghjkl; Oh gosh, it’s much harder to tell when the work is only on Tumblr!  I’ll tally up the notes from there to get the closest approximation I can. It looks like there are 174 total (a mix of likes and comments) on the pieces that I posted from this past year.

Other 2019 AO3 Stats: N/A, although I did finally join AO3 *this* year, so next time around there’ll actually be things to put here! :)

Total 2018 Word Count: Published? None. I think I might have tried writing a little bit of something for myself somewhere in there, but I didn’t get back to any kind of public fandom writing until 2019.

Total 2018 Hits: None. What a difference a year can make! I look forward to comparing 2019 to whatever’s yet to come in 2020!

Other 2018 AO3 Stats: N/A

links and titles to 2019 works

Oooh, this is actually a good opportunity to list them chronologically rather than in publication sequence. Let me see if I can get them sorted. (If, however, you’d prefer to read them in the order that they were published, you can click here and simply open the installments in reverse, since Tumblr displays things oldest-to-newest.) All of the following were written for the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend fandom and feature Heather x Valencia as their central pairing.

1. Barrier  [1,385 words] - Following where we last saw them in 1.09, Josh and his friends continue their beach day now sans Rebecca’s presence. Consequently, Valencia’s critical eye falls on the only other woman in their company - Heather.

2. Unexpected [3,003 words] - The conclusion of 1.18 leaves Valencia with a lot of emotional baggage to unpack. As one of West Covina’s most frequented locales, Home Base is the first place that springs to mind where she might chase away her sorrows (or perhaps just air them out verbally while all other involved parties are away at Jayma’s wedding). Heather finds herself pulled into comfort and commiseration despite her efforts to avoid involvement.

3. Lost Control and Tumbled Overboard Gladly [3,265 words] - Heather goes to her parents’ home for the first holiday visit since moving out on her own. She has her new friend Valencia in tow. Sincere conversation and the rare allowance of vulnerability break down Heather’s walls with an ease that takes her by surprise.

4. Such Sweet Nothing [1,362 words] - Valencia and Heather return to V’s apartment after their Labor Day afternoon of story-swapping and quality time together. Valencia revels in the joyful acquirement of the second gal pal of her adult life. Heather contends with the dawning realization that her interest in Valencia may not be purely for friendship.

5. There’s A Reason Not to Want This (But I Forgot) [2,418 words] - Internet sleuthing with Rebecca pulls Valencia right back into a Josh fixation spiral. Heather must also face some unresolved feelings: namely, a crush now so intense it can no longer be denied.

6. Habits [3,599 words] - The desire to protect Valencia’s heart overrides the instinct to shield her own, and so Heather ends the self-imposed avoidance of her company. She arrives on V’s doorstep with a helpful cover story and some unfortunate news that needs to be broken gently.

7. I Want Not to Want Anything [1,314 words] - Heather Davis gets Santa Ana Winded.

8. Breathless [3,673 words] - A talk with Heather about Rebecca’s impending marriage to Josh leads Valencia to reassess what matters to her. A rosé-fueled jaunt to a local green space gives rise to the persistent inkling that what - or rather who - she really wants may be a lot closer to her than she’s ready to admit.

9. No One’s Really Got It Figured Out Just Yet [3,289 words] - Valencia throws the bachelorette party for Rebecca. Gurl Group antics and H+V flirting tactics set to hits from the mid ’90s and 2000s ensue. 

10. Evading [2,207 words] - In the wake of events from 3.05 and 3.06, Heather and Valencia have a much needed heart-to-heart. They put some important truths into words while treading lightly around a few unspoken facts so delicate they’re best left in the margins.

11. How Long Do You Plan to Keep Me at the Back of Your Mind? [2,442 words] - An evening welcoming Valencia’s girlfriend Beth to be an honorary member of the Gurl Group doesn’t go quite as smoothly as planned when Heather has a difficult time harnessing her lingering feelings.

12. You and Me, Always Between the Lines [1,828 words] - Now that she has spoken with all of her immediate family members and closest friends, Valencia is prepared to announce her first romantic relationship with a woman on social media. In Beth’s absence, she seeks the moral support of her best friend. Heather is readily by her side for this next big step in Valencia’s coming out journey.

13. Gradation [2,503 words] - Valencia’s time with Beth is at an end and, in her hour of heartbreak, she returns to the same place for comfort as the previous occasion when she found herself suddenly single: across the bar from Heather.

14. Rough Draft [2,625 words] - Valencia and Heather FINALLY get together. Valencia experiences her own “Oh My God, I Think I Like You” freak out.

15. Strategy [1,212 words] - Heather and Valencia have a stay-at-home date night featuring deliberately cringey pick up lines and tangled limbs on a couch in the dark.

16. Verity [3,834 words] - Heather temporarily resumes her role as Valencia’s assistant coordinator when they plan a vow renewal celebration for Paula and Scott. On this night, the recently remarried couple may not be the only two pouring out their hearts in a room full of loved ones...

17. Different and the Same [1,035 words] - Valencia and Heather just moved into their own place. They spend their first morning there together and make good use of the privacy and freedom this new residence affords.

18. Finishing Touches [1,157 words] - Heather and Valencia personalize the interior of their new living space. The situation soon devolves into paint-splattered hijinks.

19. Patterns in the Light [1,058 words] - Despite the fact that they are literally cohabitating and have professed their feelings for each other, Valencia remains a clumsily flirty nerd and I love her for it. Heather does, too.

20. Sage [1,324 words] - After being trapped in a car with someone she didn’t want to be trapped in a car with, Heather returns covered in a dead woman’s ashes. Valencia’s time as a ghost-beleaguered home energy cleanser has arrived at last. She is uniquely qualified to save the day.

21. Portage [1,707 words] - Heather has plans for a couple’s trip with Valencia. The only obstacle is keeping it a secret between the two of them.

22. The Courage and the Strength I Need [1,957 words] - Valencia struggles during Heather’s business trip because it is their first time apart since becoming a couple. They FaceTime to ease the pain of distance and talk about their future.

23. Wanna Be With You All Alone [1,237 words] - Heather comes back from the aforementioned work travel to find that Valencia has made special welcome home arrangements.

24. Midnight, Fright and Candlelight [1,426 words] - A quiet evening is interrupted by a power outage. Heather and Valencia find a surprisingly wholesome and G-rated way to pass the time. 

25. Next to You [1,550 words] - The big yearly Davis Family Reunion quickly approaches. Valencia prepares to accompany Heather to this event and be introduced to many members of her extended family.

26. Warm Whispers [1,683 words] - Heather and Valencia just want to be all cute and domestic and spend the morning fooling around. Their cats disrupt these pursuits in typical feline fashion.

27. “When We’re Together, Darling, Every Night Is Halloween.” [1,228 words] - Heather and Valencia get ready to attend a Gurl Group Halloween party. Their second annual couple’s costume? Gomez and Morticia Addams. 

28. #afewofmyfavoritethings [2,838 words] - Nathaniel, Rebecca, Valencia, Heather, Paula, Scott, and Tommy all rent a cabin for vacation. This piece follows them through a day of wintertime fun. Pure fluffiness here and I had the best time writing every second of it.

Favorite Fic: Probably #afewofmyfavoritethings. I packed it with elements I personally love and moments I was hoping my new friends in the fandom would like. Plus, it was honestly just so good for my soul to write these characters in a soft world where they could engage in classic snow day activities and enjoy each other’s company.

Hardest Fic: I knew there were a few installments of Femslash February where I wrote whole paragraphs or even pages I didn’t keep/decided to revise, but I was pretty sure I also remembered at least one where I wrote an entire separate piece. My sleep schedule was, shall we say, not advisable during February but it was also easily the most exhilarating month of my year. I tracked down the evidence of that rewrite and it turns out the incident I recalled was for Unusual Kiss (the prompt for Day 4 of FF). The original involved something to do with butterfly kisses because, evidently, my inclination to link Valencia to winged beings knows no bounds. I’ve got to admit that I’m still fond of the concept of Valencia giving Heather a subtle “kiss” during a hug in that painfully frightening time before Beth when she was afraid to outright kiss a woman in any way that couldn’t be dismissed as platonic. There’s a good chance an interaction of that nature could appear somewhere in the full story. I am notoriously drawn to that angst period of undisclosed pining so the temptation is quite strong. Still, I’m glad I used the version I actually posted and saved elements of the first draft for later. Fragments of their conversation from the original will probably make it into the final tale, but I think I prefer to sprinkle them across several exchanges instead of divulging them all at once.

Do You Plan to Take Prompts in 2020? Sort of yes and sort of no. I am participating in the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Valentine Exchange, which involves a prompt-esque note from the participant each of us were assigned as our guide to spark inspiration for the gift. It’s also possible that there’ll be some writing prompt list posted somewhere along the way just like Femslash February was last year, and I’ll end up wanting to join the fun. Other than that, though, I’ll mainly stick to the one writing project in an effort to hone my focus.

What was the best thing about 2019? I’d definitely say the bonding and interactions with other members of the fandom. The encouragement and support I received from them remains the primary motivation for me to keep writing and chasing after the ongoing goals I set for myself.

What was the worst thing about 2019? The most honest answer that my mind immediately supplied is death of a close relative. While that isn’t the sole reason for the dip in my creative output (especially since there were multiple months between my last published fic and the passing in question), I know it could certainly be counted among the contributing factors to an overarching writing problem I had. Even before my family’s loss, there was a shift in my thought process that only got worse once there was more on my plate in my personal life. There were many times I sat down wanting to write again but it felt too difficult and intimidating to commit words to the page. I couldn’t seem to transfer them from my mind to the keyboard and I’d invariably switch to doing something else. I developed this terrible internal conviction that insisted the larger fic I wanted to write wouldn’t work as well as the shorter installments. That gnawing insecurity would have me believe one month’s worth of well-received efforts was already such a marvel that anything beyond that point was somehow pushing my luck. Where did the mental voice originate and why couldn’t I shake it? It’s difficult to parse out but what I do know is that I’ve firmly decided 2020 is going to be a year I put it on silent. I know what it’ll mean to me for everything that’s been floating in my head to finally be told in one cohesive format, and to have the satisfaction of giving my favorite characters the ending my heart says they deserve. It’s a sense of closure that’s worth the pursuit.

Any last thoughts for 2019? The bad parts of the last twelve months made me want to essentially say “good riddance” to the year, but the good parts were far too treasured to wish all of 2019 away. I am so grateful for the new people I met and friendships that solidified during that time. I especially owe my most heartfelt appreciation to @catty-words, @notbang, and @monaiargancoconutsoy. Thank you for everything. <3

Goals for 2020

Finish. The. Fic.

I believe everyone I know who writes fanfic has already been tagged but, if you haven’t gotten the chance to look back over your writing year, by all means, use these questions to give it a go! :)

[marshmallowgoop]

Goop Plays Kill la Kill the Game: IF (Satsuki Episodes 1-4)

For those playing Kill la Kill the Game: IF on the PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch, you might be blissfully unaware of the many numerous glitches and bugs present in the Steam port of the game.

Some folks certainly had it better than others, but I was definitely one of the unluckier ones. I bought and downloaded IF the moment I could, but it always ended up crashing before I could even play. There was a lot of uninstalling, reinstalling, program closing, and joking about how my not-even-a-year-old, $1,500 gaming laptop can’t handle even one game, but finally, I found my way! 

rhys000lightning, you are a lifesaver. The feeling that I could finally experience the story mode, for real, is just, like. Indescribable, y’all.

Things aren’t perfect, of course, which is why this post’ll have some pretty low-quality images. But simply being able to play is more than good enough for someone who’s been as hungry for new Kill la Kill content as I have.

Anyway, I plan on making a few of these posts as I play through! Major spoilers ahead!

Episode 1

I already wrote about my thoughts on episode 1 right over here!

Episode 2

From early reviews and comments about the story mode, I kinda got the impression that the game is mostly a rehash of the anime from Satsuki’s point of view and that there are minimal differences until the end.

But, um. Just seconds into episode 2, and there is already a huge change.

Ragyo: The naked fools never showed up. Pity.

Satsuki: We raided the areas we believed to be their bases, but they had already fled.

I mean. The whole purpose of Satsuki’s Raid Trip failed?? How did Nudist Beach anticipate the attack and flee?? Is this explained in Ryuko’s story?? We totally miss that big fight in episode 15 between Ryuko and Satsuki?? And Ryuko isn’t interrupting the raids to put Senketsu back together because he hasn’t been torn apart, right? Because she didn’t go berserk after the Naturals Election because she didn’t find out there that Nui killed her dad?

When I saw this, I was just, jeez! We are going fast through this story!

But also, I wondered what Satsuki’s reaction to the Raid Trip failure is, for real, when her mother’s not around. Since the game was promoted as Satsuki’s story, I really wanted to see more of her inner thoughts and what she doesn’t show the world. But I guess this is only episode 2.

I also have to say that I was a little disappointed at the lack of new world building information in this episode. Ever since the first trailer at Anime Expo last year, I’ve been so interested in possible Life Fiber and Kamui history because of Satsuki’s proclamation to Ryuko that she “hold[s] all the secrets, behind the Life Fibers and the Kamui legacy.” But... we just get stuff we already knew here.

Ragyo: That is where the Kiryuins come in. We are the spokespersons for the COVERS’ will.

Just. I’m really curious about how the Kiryuins found the Original Life Fiber and why they’re so down with the Life Fibers’ goal. C’mon, the glossary even teases about the history here....

But anyway, early disappointments aside, I couldn’t stop smiling while watching this story play out. Ragyo giving her speech here is just so over-the-top and ridiculous.

And my brother watched me play this episode, and now I can’t look at Rei’s reaction to Satsuki’s backstab without thinking about the Surprised Pikachu meme.

I do have to admit that the backstab isn’t nearly as shocking and powerful as it is in the anime, but it’s satisfying to actually fight Ragyo. I’ve seen some reviews say that they’d rather just watch the scenes and not interact, but I’m in complete disagreement. I love being able to engage in the story.

And, you know, I’ve only played Satsuki like once in the demo because I’ve been focusing on Ryuko, and I’d maybe played her a handful of times at conventions, so I think I did pretty hot on three-star difficulty, lol.

One thing that is really interesting about the episode, however, is what it implies about Satsuki’s past. How does she know what Mind Stitching is, for example?

Seriously, I’m scared for the poor girl. Ragyo and Nui both use Mind Stitching, after all....

On a lighter (?) note, though, Satsuki getting defensive about her Elite Four is really, really sweet.

Nui: Tee-hee! I’ve never seen you freak out before, Lady Satsuki! Were these kids really that important to you?

Yes they are Nui shut your face.

But I was kinda surprised at having to fight the Elite Four as Satsuki, which is maybe a bit silly in retrospect. It took me a sec to figure out exactly how the battle worked, but I think it says a lot that Satsuki can just take on all the Elite Four at once. Ryuko at least had breaks!

(Well, at once in theory, anyway. I wanted to fight them all at once!)

This was also the first time I looked at Satsuki’s command list, and I gotta say: I appreciate the justification behind Satsuki having the lowest HP in the game:

Episode 3

The Elite Four are really cute in how they hated that they were forced to hurt Satsuki. I kinda wish we got a similar reaction from Ryuko after she takes off Junketsu in the anime, but at the same time, I can’t complain that much about the most romantic moment in Kill la Kill.

But, um, my ridiculous biases aside, the Elites lost their uniforms? Do they get identical ones made, since they seem to be wearing the same uniforms later, or...?

Also, this line struck me as quite intriguing:

Houka: She can stitch Life Fibers into the brains of anyone wearing a Goku uniform. How terrifying.

So, people have to be wearing Goku uniforms to be Mind Stitched? And Satsuki knew this, which is why she knew to destroy their uniforms?

Hmmmmm.....

Speaking of “Hmmmmm,” Ryuko’s storyline with Nui in this game still makes no sense to me at all. As I’ve written in the past, “[W]hy would Ryuko be willing to trust Nui? She would have to know—or at least be able to easily find out—that Nui is the Grand Couturier of REVOCS. Will Nui disguise herself as she does in the anime? Is the possible training image simply an actual fight between Ryuko and Nui? Or is there some more severe trickery at foot?”

Here, it’s clear from Ryuko’s reaction that there ain’t disguises happening. Ryuko knows Nui on a personal level—personal enough to use her first name rather than the “Harime” that Ryuko tends to use in the anime.

Ryuko: What in the blue hell’s going on, Nui?!

I think Ryuko asks a good question, too. What in the blue hell is going on? Nudist Beach still wants to stop the Festival, right? So Ryuko would presumably be on their side, maybe? But then again, can we be sure that she got the info dump from Nudist Beach that would convince her to be on their side and storm the Festival? After all, Aikuro only spills the beans once he sees Ryuko “beat” Satsuki in battle, and that doesn’t seem to happen here....

Gosh, I’m sorry, but claims that this is just a simple rehash of the anime are totally unfounded.

I’m sure Ryuko’s story will get into everything I asked, but I’m just... wow, watching this. What in the blue hell’s going on?

I do feel really bad for Ryuko, though. Maybe she considered Nui a friend. And, just. Especially when Maiko and the Mankanshokus have already betrayed her, assuming episodes 4 and 7 still happen here, which I presume they do based on info in the glossary...

Ouch.

And speaking of “ouch”...

Nui: Your dad was way tougher than you.

OUCH!!!!!

Now, I did admittedly find Ryuko’s decision to fight both Nui and Satsuki kind of strange. Like, gurl, didn’t you just see Satsuki chop her mom’s head off? Didn’t you just see Satsuki about to kill the chick who killed your dad? What do you think you’ll accomplish by fighting Satsuki as well, exactly? Isn’t it kinda clear that she’s not really against you anymore? I know you want answers, but maybe you’ll have a better chance of getting answers if you don’t try to beat up the person who’s actually on your side?

I know you’re probably not gonna make the best decisions when you’re that upset, but my goodness. Senketsu, I hope you’re at least trying to talk some sense into this girl.

Ryuko: Nui Harime and Satsuki Kiryuin... I’m gonna take both your asses down!

And speaking of talking sense, I really liked Satsuki playing the Senketsu role here, telling Ryuko to calm down.

Satsuki: Calm down, or you’ll be possessed by the Life Fibers’ urge to destroy!

Sniff... they are so alike, y’all. Can they be friends? Can they please be friends?

More seriously, “the Life Fibers’ urge to destroy” is mentioned in the anime as well, I’m pretty sure, but I’d love some more exploration of that later in this game.

Episode 4

I’m a sap for my kids, so I gotta say it hurts to see them lose. 

I also main Ryuko, so in these battles, I keep looking to her as if I’m playing her. Whoops.

But it makes sense. Ryuko and Senketsu probably haven’t done a lot of bonding yet without the Raid Trip developments, and Ryuko’s obviously not in the best state of mind.

And while it was already implied in a screenshot on the game’s official website that Satsuki is the one who tears up Senketsu rather than Nui, seeing this actually happen opened up so many possibilities in my mind.

Senketsu still gets torn up due to a failing on Ryuko’s part, but it’s far from the same situation as the anime. There, Ryuko becomes afraid of her power after she loses control and hurts Senketsu, and so she struggles to fight again later, ultimately hurting him even more. Here, Ryuko also loses control and hurts Senketsu... but this hurt has the intensity of the second hurt in the anime. This time, Ryuko can’t mope about how she’s no good for Senketsu and how they shouldn’t be together. Senketsu probably can’t save himself, so if she wants to make it up to him, she has to act, not retreat. It’s a much different approach—and one that most folks will probably like better, given some reactions I’ve seen to episode 13 of the show.

I’m also (of course) curious about Senketsu and Satsuki’s relationship after this. If the two end up working together, will Senketsu still be sore about how she kinda, uh, tore him up?

And on that note...

What is Ragyo gonna do with Senketsu’s piece??? Use him to power up Shinra-Kouketsu??? Does Senketsu play a part in the final boss?! Is that why the final boss has been described as “cute and grotesque”?! 

What is this story.

Anyway, it’s kinda sloppy to me that it takes Ragyo forever to regenerate here when she’s very quick in the anime...

Ragyo: Finish what you start... for as long as a single strand of thread connects my head to my body, I can always regenerate.

I mean, obviously this is just for plot convenience. It’s not a big deal to me, but it definitely... yeah. 

But I was literally cracking up about how Ragyo seemed like she was just gonna walk away from Satsuki. Like Sats just a little kid throwing a tantrum.

Ragyo: I’m sorry, Satsuki. You were saying...?

...Actually, this is really horrible.

But what’s not horrible is that Satsuki gives a “My friends are my power!” speech. For real. Legitimately. I never thought I’d see such a thing. I am at a loss for words.

Satsuki: Junketsu and I did not defeat you with our power alone. Gamagoori, Sanageyama, Jakuzure, and Inumuta are in Junketsu. They are the reason I have the strength to beat you now!

I guess I just have to ask... are you speaking metaphorically or literally about other people being in Junketsu, Satsuki.

I really, honestly can’t tell with this series.

Like, I mean:

Ragyo: Actually, the Life Fibers can transcend space.

I always say, “Life Fibers: ain’t gotta explain shit!” as a joke, but it’s kinda totally true.

I dig it, though.

Glossary

This post is already long enough, but me being me, I of course couldn’t resist reading every dang entry in the gallery like as soon as I could. I have a lot I could say, but just some standouts:

✄ Senketsu is in both the “Characters” and “Clothes” sections!

✄ I don’t like that he’s referred to as an “it” in the “Clothes” section, though.

✄ The “Kinki King” trophy makes a lot more sense now.

✄ Dat last line.

✄ And this one...

✄ “He is one of only a few people that Satsuki opens her heart to.” My heart.

✄ Wait what. “He was in the process of inventing a weapon that could withstand the Life Fiber weapons like the Scissor Blades and Senketsu”???

✄ I think Mako has the longest entry LOL. Trigger, your favoritism is showing.

✄ WHAT TRAGIC WOUND WHAT.

✄ LOL. Does this actually come up in the plot.

✄ What the what when has Guts ever saved anyone. Citation needed.

✄ Tsumugu is definitely like the over-protective big brother who wants to “save” Ryuko from a “bad” boyfriend.

✄ It sounds mean, I know, but I really didn’t want Junketsu suddenly having a personality in this game. I’d love for that to happen in a reboot or something of that nature, but I just don’t think there’s time to pull that off well here. It doesn’t seem like Junketsu’s getting any of that, so I hope that development goes more towards our already established characters instead.

In Sum...

I’m not sure where things are going, but I’m enjoying it so far! All this new Kill la Kill content... I still can’t believe it....

[sillygurl1021]

Dissecting Voltron S8 Trailers

Guys! You all know I just had to!!!

I'm so hyped and I'm basically going to show what I noticed, hope happens / think might happen based on how voltron has been so far.

I hope I remember everything I noticed as I write because man. I'm so excited!!! I tried to fit as many photos as I could but it stopped me at 10 😒 lol

OKAY!

So Honerva/Haggar is back (obviously) and Oh boy! She seems to have been through hell and back and is just creating a hell of her own! Looks to me as if she is trying to harness as much quintessence as possible to power up her Mecha.

What's interesting to me though is the Altean Colony. Looks like she has them fooled to think that maybe Voltron is being controlled by paladins who are ready to destroy them maybe? I can't think of any other reason for the Alteans to attack Voltron.

On the left is the Altean they had extracted from the Mecha they defeated and she looks... Sad? Maybe trying to take in that they arent the bad guys or maybe that her colony is in danger.

On the right you can see the Altean Colony with the Mechas out in the open and what looks like Haggar... Being able to use a portal? That would explain how the paladins can't find them. They are maybe too far away.

Speaking of the Alteans! Oh look! Some snuck into Atlas and tried taking the Crystal only to get whiplashed by it! From the trailer it looked like their eyes started glowing. Maybe because of the power/intensity of the Crystal.

Anyways, to me it looked like they needed the power of the Crystal to get something. What exactly that is, I don't know but it looks like something that creates a portal... Maybe like a Teleduv? To the Astral Plane? Wouldn't that be something else!

I'm going to get back to that point but it looks like only Hunk, Allura, Pidge, and Lance go to thr Astral Plane to defeat whatever Mecha Monster went inside because it sure as heck looks different than Honerva in her Mecha!

And Pidge! My Green Gurl! She's going to Eye Glow with her Lion but what connection does that Galra looking thing have with her???? Ugh!

Another thing. This is the monster they look to be fighting in the Astral Plane. Pidge and Hunk look like their kicking its butt! But where is Lance!?.

Which brings me back to Keith not being in the Astral Plane. It looks like he's fighting her or distracting her as the others try and defeat the other monster. This leaves me very worried for Keith! How can. He handle Haggar alone unless Atlas is helping him but then Atlas wouldn't be there because they would have taken the Crystal!?.

WHO. IS. THIS!?.

Idk who this can be because it sure isn't Shiro. Maybe that Female Character the cast said would be very significant tk S8? But who!?. Axca maybe? Romelle? Crolia!?. Gosh...

Here is Pidge and Allura looking to be fighting something. Maybe they defeated that monster and are helping Keith now? What I'm wondering is, where is this? What does it do? And also.

WHERE THE F IS LANCE!?.

So from what we see with the Astral Plane and the teleduv looking thing, seems like a good amount of episodes will be just of all that!

I didn't have enough room for pictures but Lotor! I knew he wasn't dead! (but didn't we all? Lol) but.... Right behind Allura?...

Maybe it's just me being hopeful but it feels as though Lotor is doing a full turn and being a good guy. He always seemed to despise Haggar so maybe he's going to help the paladins to defeat her because to him, that is no longer his mother and although Honerva seems to still be in Haggar, she can never really be there anymore.

So maybe since Lotor was gone, Haggar became leader of the Alteans (or maybe she has been)..... Oh shoot! I just had a thought! What if Haggar told the Altean Colony that Voltron killed Lotor and that's where their resentment began because Lotor was like their Emporer.! I'm not sure but that seems more of what may have happened to me.

I'm not sure. There is so much to look into that it's almost too hard to explain. Like why would they make the Mechas then?

Do you guys think that if Haggar acquires enough quintessence then it would give her passage to the Astral Plane through that portal thing, that kinda looks like a Teleduv, giving her infitine power since the Astral Plane is like just quintessence itself???

Ugh I don't know and I want to know so bad!!!!!!

And last! But not least! This!

It shows the Paladins from when they first started till now.

Shiro from Black to White because he has Atlas now.

Keith from Red to Black.

Hunk Yellow as he is.

Lance from Blue to Red.

And Pidge stays Green, of course, but there is a green nebula after her with an image?

Alot havr dissected is to look like Pidge on the left and Lance on the right. My Plance heart wants this to be true considering the dynamic of their relationship.

The fact that Lance's Lion hasn't been seen in that single trailer makes me think he's in trouble. Maybe that scene where Allura and Pidge are maneuvering around some blasts is them on their way to save him and maybe, JUST MAYBE, it ends up being Pidge to go and save Lance because if you all saw that scene where therr were two of the paladins (One crouched and the other standing), many already seen that its clearly Pidge and Allura. Im thinking that maybe Pidge reveals to Allura there that she has feelings for Lance.

And maybe just as Pidge is trying to save him she has her eye glow and Lance gets his last.

Now. Im DEFINITELY not saying that Lance is a sitting duck in this because like ive pointed out before in another post, he's been mentioned twice that he's destined for greatness! So he has a BIG role in whatever is happening in S8 and that's why they didn't really show anything of him.

GoshDangIt!!!!!!

Im so excited you guys that I can't contain myself! I already made it clear to my husband that were going to binge watch while pigging out because man. I'm not going to be able to stop watching. Its also great that my 3 yr old loves it haha.

Let me know what you guys think!!! Sorry I couldn't add more images!!!!

Please don't hate me btw! These are just metad im thinking but I'm not saying IT WILL happen because ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!!!

P. S. - Sorry if there are any typos. Hard to type good as fast as I could with two kids lol

[apenapaperandadoofus]

AIGHT SO I’m like super high on caffeine and chocolate rn so I mighty write a lil Christmas one shot (it’s still December let me be pft)

But first a lil song I found a few days ago and has been stuck in my head ñon stop!

It’s from a musical called 35MM, they make up songs and stories from photos this one guy took, they’re amazing!

The song of called “Leave Luannne”

Warnings! There are mentions of abuse, r*pe, and such! So if you feel uncomfortable by that please don’t read this!

Now on to the song;:

Luanne's fat lip is drying, The bastard's bacon frying, The shiner on her eye's gone bust and bleeding. He shouts, "Girl, set the table!" But he knows she ain't able. Her arm's done broke, Hung limp like yolk,

AHHH we get the picture pretty clear from the beginning. i can always imagine Luanne on the floor, all bruised up and close to tears....

And softly she's repeating...

"Leave, Luanne. Why don't you march out that door? Southern woman, he ain't no good to you. Leave, Luanne. Louisiana wants war, But it's you dying on her ruby plains."

And yet, loyal Luanne remains. Ever since he got him laid off, His sanity's just made off. No, he was never nice, but now he's cruel.

So first, ahhhhfhrjehrn THE VIOLINS ARE AMAZING AND THE VOCALS TOO also we can see why Luanne doesnt leave the dude. I can see her internal debate, telling herself to leave but not being able to.

He rapes her, and he beats her, She don't 'fess how he treats her, 'Cause a Bible verse Says it won't get worse, And she won't be a fool. "You won't never leave, Luanne,

And then theres this part about the bible, i dont exactly know what verse theyre talking about, but we see that Luanne is super religious, which makes her internal debate even harder. Should she leave or stay? She has been taught probably her whole life with that idea, and probably doesnt want to end up in hell due to her beliefs and what she’s been told.

'Cause if you walk out that door His truck will be gunning for you.

No, you won't leave, Luanne, Or he'll give you 'What for?' You got heart where you should have had brains."

This part always makes me sad bc Luanne may still love that asshole, which sucks, but she still does and is pretty loyal to him makes it even harder for her to make a decision too

And so, loyal Luanne remains. Someone's howling, Screams like sighing with battered breath Grating, growling, Never dying In a fate worse than death. But months of such conditions Turn laymen to logicians And tonight the bastard's sleeping like a log. So she plucks the kitchen cleaver,

Creeps up toward his roped-up lab retriever,

DUDE I THOUGHT SHE WAS GONNA KILL THE DOG AND I ALMOST CRIEDD AHHH

AND THE VIOLINS MAKE THE TENSION AMAZING. It makes you so nervous about whats going to happen. You can imagine Luanne finally making a decision, tired of everything. Its dark at night and she slowly makes her way to the kitchen, trying so quietly to not wake him up.

And she cuts the rope, And hope on hope, She starts to shout, "Your dog's got out!" She's got her chance. With no back glance She runs out to the bog, Screaming, screaming: "Leave, Luanne!" "Leave, Luanne. You've got a life left to live In a house hanging off the Golden Coast! Leave, Luanne. You won't forget nor forgive, " And she don't feel the stings, the rips, and scrapes As finally Luanne escapes.

And the way you can FEEL the tension, the way you can see her running and your heart starts speeding up, wishing she can escape, that she can lead a better and happier life, shes doing her best, not feeling the pain. You can tell how desperate she is. You can see her running through the woods, leaves and branches getting tangled in her hair, sometimes cutting her, but she still keeps going due through sheer determination, ignoring how her feet hurt and how much shes running out of breath. All the way through shes making a promise to herself, that she will NEVER let go what the asshole did to her.

Swim, Luanne! Swim, Luanne! And in the swamp of beeches, Oh, as the preacher preaches, As the light In the night Holds through the marsh and brushes As the blood inside you rushes Left and right, Hold on tight—

And then you can feel the hope, the relief that she has managed to get out, the violins making a sort of country dancey song (?) pft and youre like YAS GIRL RUN AND LIVDE YOUR LIFE its amazing, its so happy from the depressing music we heard before, Luanne gets out of the place, some people help her, she becomes happy again, meeting people and dancing all night at parties, maybe she even finds someone new and starts dating them, having a new life with someone who loves her....but then....

—Until you reach the bank And you crawl onto the bank, 'Til you feel a little yank on your hair And, stricken, stare at the bastard Who beat you there.

DUDE THIS PART. THIS. PART. I CANNOT EXPRESS THE WAY MY HEART BROKE. YOU JUST START FEELING THAT EVERYTHING IS ALRUGHT, THAT SHES MADE IT, ONLY TO FIND THT THE BASTARD FUCKING MADE IT BEFORE HER. AH DUDE. THE INSTRUMENTS. THE WAY YOU CAN FEEL THE SADNESS IN THE SINGERS VOICE. AND THE WAY IT GETS SET UP, OH BOY I DIDNT, I LITERALLY SCREECHED THE FIRST TIME I HEARD IT. I SERIOUSLY CANT EXPLAIN HOW GENIUS THIS IS SO FREAKING AHH THE GUITAR, THE VIOLINS JESUS CHRIST

the guy just yanks her hair and gives her a horrible smirk, and Luanna can only look in horror, her heart breaking and all her dreams vanishing as she realizes that she...she didnt make it.

The bastard lies in bed now, Half-sad his wife is dead now. She drowned herself in a swamp in wild despair.

I actually want to know wether if he killed her, or if she killed herself. To make it more angsty i like to think she actually drowned herlsef, because its so heartbreaking to see how her hopes die and she just...gives up. Gosh its so friggen, ahhhh. Once Luanne sees the guy she shrieks and tries to pull away, falling backwards. Either the bastard hit her, or something but she ends up  being paralyzed and unable to move. She reacts desperatly but the bastard refuses to help, and then she slowly gives up, letting the water fill her lungs, and slowly closing her eyes and accepting her faith.

He thinks he used to love her, But push it came to shove her, A wife disposed, A wife case closed, And no one seems to care,

DUDE THIS GUY AGHHH

And the violins are amazing. He doesnt care. No one knows shes dead. Luanne is left without no one there to remember her, to grieve her. Its just....so heartbreaking.

To grieve Luanne. Now no one's on his shoulder, But his mattress don't feel colder,

And in fact, it's hellish hot, and the air is dank and steaming. Yet his body starts to shiver When the window cracks a sliver And a fiery fog From the miry bog Pours in the room In a sticky gloom And there the man Sees dead Luanne.

DUUUUDE DUDE LISTEN TO THE VIOLINS HOLY DIDDLY FUCK GODDAMN THIS IS AMAZING LUANNE GO GET HIM GIRL. 

Luanne makes her way to the house, fulfilling her promise of getting her revenge, of not forgiving the asshole for everything he did. And then, when she gets there, dripping, the bastard only stares.

He's terrified, But he keeps his pride, 'Cause he knows that he ain't dreaming. And he starts screaming, "Leave, Luanne. Hell sent you back here for more, 'Cause ain't no one ever loved you."

THIS, THISSSSS. ITS BY FAR MY FAVORITE PART. When hes the one telling her to leave, when its HIM. Just- the nerve of this man. And i know i keep saying this byt LISTEN TO THE VIOLINS. They are perfect, the tension, the way they just- the way they make you feel, the way they always give you shivers and make you go oh fuck shits about to go down.

He is just cockily smirking trying to act as if hes not afraid. And then he has the audacity to tell her to LEAVE. The thing shes been trying to do for so long, but now...its too late. Her eyes widen in rage and she stands straight, lifting her chin and glaring at him.

But said Luanne, "I've come to settle a score, " And she shows him her feet are bound in chains.

Shes stuck there. But this time, the roles are reversed. This time Luanne will be the one feared. She will now hold the power.

And loyal Luanne remains And remains And remains And remains!

AND THE REMAINS. GOD ITS AMAZING, NOW INSTEAD OF LEAVING SHE JUST STAYS WHEN SHE WANTED TO LEAVE AND I- THE REMAINS MAKE IT SOUND SO FUCKING GOOD, IT SAYS SHE IS STILL LOYAL AHHH

I like to think that shes also got it stuck in her head that she cant leave, and shes now torturing the bastard by STAYING, the way it just changes fro, what it was at the beginning, HOLY SHIT AHH. And as the remains get louder she gets angrier and the room start getting hotter and hotter, and Luanne just smiles and you see the bastard cowering more and more in fear.

Someone's howling, Screams like sighing With battered breath. Grating, growling, Never dying In a fate worse than death. Luanne, She cries her miserable wail So the bastards will never sleep again!

And she is CRYING. Tears make their way down her face, crying and asking how dare he, why would he, all she wanted was to be happy.

No, no reprieve, Luanne, She brings their souls down to hell, A caution to the cruelest of men: God loves Luanne! Praised be! Amen!

The ending is so good, she gets her revenge, makes the guy regret what shes done. i always imagine the whole place setting in fire and Luanne getting angrier and angrier, thr bastard finally realizing what the hell hes actually done. This is amazing, i love this song so much. Not only the story but also the way you can imagine and feel everything. this song is so freaking good istg

Theyre in HELL. She used to be so religious, and thats the fate she didnt want. She never wanted to be in hell, yet there she is, getting her revenge. I dont know if God went like aight here ya go gurl, get your revenge, or smth like DAMN, so good.

In conclusion, amazing song, so good, i swearrr. This musical is amazing, they have other amazing songs like Sarah Berry, or Piece of Me.

Some of them range from being depressing, to adorable, to HILAROUS like Caralee lmfao that one is amazing lol

I really hope yall take a listen hehe, im sorry for rambling so much, im just trying to keep myself distracted from everything going on at home and with my dog. Hope yall have a good day and ill write more things, I promise!

[flutistplayer-archived]

“Kindness... That’s something not everyone has, but I believe there is goodness in everyone’s heart.” 

200+ Followers... Which might include some ancient blogs from 3+ years ago that are inactive, cries. Either way, no matter if people forgot to unfollow me, stopped coming back to that specific RP blog, or honestly followed me because they... wanted to follow me, I really want to thank you all for sticking with this Deuce I’ve created. (Or maybe this might serve as a reminder to unfollow me, rofl. Understandable as how surreal and random this can be!)

SO, a little background about this Deuce! (You may all skip this horrendous essay so you can pat yourself on the back for being an awesome RPer, bless your heart and soul.) 

I actually started RPing as her back in 2012. It sprouted in the Twitter platform after some encouragement from my friends. It kicked off till... around 2013 (I think?) when I got serious in RPing the cutie pie. I doubt many would know about it, but this @fftype0deuce is where it all began. As you can tell, I don’t even know how to role play on Tumblr at that time, lol. She really went through changes over the years... and I’m hoping it’s for the best. 

No matter who I run to RP... I’ve always returned back to this account. From my first RP account outside of Final Fantasy (Mary from Shikkoku no Sharnoth @maryclarissachristiekitty-blog ) to a fandom I have literally no idea what I’m getting myself into (Admiral OC from Kantai Collection @admiralyoriemiko ), I’ve always run back to Deuce. An obsession? Perhaps. Passion? Well, I’m not sure. Maybe... I’m not the best Deuce RPer as I’ve seen plenty who role play her 20000000x better than me over the years. However, I can at least say I contributed to some part of the community by RPing as this character just like everyone with their muse(s)! I think...

Enough about my blabbers, FINALLY, the one you’ve all been waiting for...

FRIENDS

@fallen-saint / @invictus-classemque

Honestly, I’m grateful that we got to RP on here, Nomad! Truly, I want to thank you for giving my muse a chance, even if it does seem unlikely for our muses to interact with one another. Insert incoherent yelling here????!!? A Fate series mixed with a Final Fantasy title, let alone one that not many knew about? It seems impossible, but we made it work, especially you! You’re an awesome person and I have a feeling that no matter who I role play as... until the time comes to where I put the towel down, you’ll always give me a chance. So thank you for being so open-minded. I also want to thank you for being a good friend. ;-; Seriously, you’re one of those few RPers I would not hesitate to drop and run over if you need help or anything. (Or fanboy & fangirl together, hAH) To others, I recommend following this guy! He RPs Jeanne Alter and does an awesomesauce interpretation of her. Just a;lskdjf;lakjsf QUALITY A++ NICE MUN NICE PERSON OVERALL CRIES

@fudcshin / @ofortitudo

BAEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, you are so awesome, awesome is literally an understatement. (and yer of course one of the only people that I can comfortable squeal and fangirl with omg) I’m really happy that you are willing to RP with me since the first day we’ve interacted all the way to present time! Bruh, 3+ years. a;skjfd;akjsf TIME FLIES WHERE IS OUR YOUTH??? I’m so excited to RP Type-0 stuff with you, especially when I returned to my homey account from Kantai Collection, rofl. You’re also a sweet person that, frankly, should get a big giant hug and sweets and-- u r just awesomesauce, ok? But seriously, you’re someone that not only RP amazing stuff, but you really followed me wherever I went. I cry. I CRY BECAUSE YOU ARE SO SWEET AND LOYAL, IT HURTS :A; <3 You’ll always be in my hearto as a good friendo, doki doki ;u; ;akjsd;lfkja

@culpritouswildcat

I swear to god, time flew by FASTER THAN AN AIRPLANE JESUS CHRIST-- anyway, seriously, you’re one of the few old RPers that are willing to remain as my RP partner from years ago (LOL 3 YEARS OR SOMETHING??? TIME FLIES) and it just brings tears to my eyes and my heart going doki doki. You’re an awesome RPer and I really REALLY LOVE your writing style, gosh. (No exaggeration) I find it funny that we first interacted through your Dlanor account and eventually shifted to this lovable wildcat... what a transition! Either way, thank you for giving my account a chance once again! I hope we can RP together more so into the future! ;; <3 (P.S. Gimme that Nitocris)

@inkstainedjade

omg, gurl, u r like the precious diamond in the sand. SO PRECIOUS. I’m seriously glad we met and you’re so nice, it makes my heart go doki doki. I mean, you are the all time Divine Sadist and Harem Queen??? That even Lucifer would bless your Holy existence into one of pure gold??? Simply AMAZING <3 But jokes aside, seriously, even though you are going through some hardships (sounds like an understatement sob), you really trudge through with your optimistic personality to others! It breaks my heart, CRIES. Just know that I’m always here for you ! Plus, you RP on a godLY LEVEL like jesus christ, I know we just interacted a bit in one thread and a;lskjdf;lkajsf plan some amazing plots and relationship between your muse and mine, but you’re so cool ;; To be frank, when you first followed me, I almost died because you know, how can this RPer who details her OC so well follow someone like me? I am a mere peasant. Love ya lots bae and let’s continue our friendship! 

@queen-yggdrasil

Man, you are one loyal RPer and I’m so glad we interacted with each other! For you to be open to whatever muse I have and not be afraid to try something, that's pretty awesome! ( Not to mention we over analyze and complain about everything, we are PROS, rofl!) Living in the same state, I’m almost amazed that we’ve constantly missed each other?! We’ll definitely hit each other up in person one day! But seriously, thank YOU for being such a great RPer, cRIES. Even if we don’t RP, I really enjoy seeing you on my dashboard! 

@notavampirehere

Onii-sama! <3 Ever since we first met when I was exploring the RP zone, you really stuck with me till the end... Dang, you’re honestly the only person that I can admit that stayed with me from the very beginning. I’m a little shocked that you’re too kind and sweet to keep in contact with me on a daily basis no matter if I reply or not with a;lksjdf;lajsf adorable messages that make my heart scream in glee. Thank you for being who you are! Always remember that I’m here for you no matter what! <3 And seriously, you’re someone precious to me in my heart. ;A; <3 aHHHHHHHH -huggies-

CADETS

@adelicatefleur || @whirlwhip || @fightforastar || @snowdyedred || @scytheofhatred || @ephemeral-twilight || @jurina-andthediamonds || @notturnomelodico || @talion-greyling || @balestralunge || @snakedevourer || @sacred-one-vanille || @thekeybladehero || @defenderspledge || @problem-free || @perpetua-anima || @xroppy || @ablazc || @lunaliee || @burmecianblackmage || @lockedfighter || @mollisxcorde || @reminiscentiae || @caiiius || @facadeofanagito || @requiemxsonata || @gopinkglasses || @accxcedrinum || @skystriked || @sora-pugnxre-mxlum || @blindingstrike || @edenslostwallflower || @themalefleet || @montrosethefrigate || @freshholeinthewall || @finalhxaven || @eviqhet || @triggerxhappy || @forgottencruisers || @linearcrxsh || @innocentiapuerili-archive || @theobscuracamera || @candentiia || @shurdo || @septemx-blog || @ace-of-war-blog || @wielderofcards || @deckopen || @turkwitharod || @osakansax || @deadlylegacy || @wayfinderxcharms || @cinqueyto-blog || @imitation-liegeman-blog-blog || @missmagicalremski || @lethaeux || @nxtzero || @optimisticblade || @digeanta || @fujxn || @ariansaith-blog || @summoningballad || @cinquey || @caterstrophe || @7thwhipofagito || @eyesofnightstars-blog || @diviinus-blog || @zero-ace-blog || @thirdarcher || @xflamboyant-blog || @etamarella || @type-nine || @bishoujominatsuchi-blog || @rxik || @yuroxio-blog || @celestialvectors-blog-blog-blog || @oursongofhealing || @fey-archive || @relaxingslumber || @diabxlicx || @anordinarymagician || @hanahxru || @cardavem || @glitterdealer || @artemisxbow-archive-blog || @angelsknightleonhart || @rustiiica || @tezcatlipoca-embodied-blog || @alterluce-archive || @moombaliberator-archive || @valysta-blog || @gxnowritxr || @kaz-oo-blog || @sanctum-flore || @ankokuseiun || @eternalcalms || @aeristelle || @marksmanagito || @vautrien || @blessedbycrystal || @adhortemur || @themisfitvestigationclub || @swordglassesquick || @quiverandsong || @drakania-archive || @scindeva || @phantomxce || @rapusodosu || @humiles-corde-blog || @imperialrosenkingarchive || @draconiseffigiem || @ceruleanpapilio || @void-earth-archive || @kujabutterfly || @gemini-cannon-blog || @goldentailedthief-archive-blog || @mothermullet || @chiyuuarmy || @rubyobscura || @sanguinetempo || @thescionoflegend || @xflamboyant-archive || @void-of-muses || @ailenifflam || @xyojimbo || @beautifulcrow-archive-blog || @riotxblade || @persuadedbyboko || @serpentsofthegreatsun || @musculartactician || @stealingyourbeer-blog || @faithfulfriar || @wandereroftime || @transientblade-blog || @vitriss || @majisukaxookabuki || @black-concerto || @femaletitxn || @whitesorceroroffynn-archive || @whispersinthedark14-rp || @requiemsoldier || @helmdivide || @sxcrifie || @rembies || @rappapaqueenofrage || @claireveriearchive || @kiryuinlasatsuki-blog || @dxgitalheroine || @forgottencrystalization || @maceprincess || @albhedgreen-archive || @hurricanewhipseven || @nevrospastxs-archive || @braverhero || @whorxifying || @angelwingprincess || @impossibleloves || @last-crown-of-lucis || @zeronoesu || @odiumstulte || @senarius

THANK YOU FOR BEING AWESOME! 

[arthoure]

FE7 lord squad for the meme if you're still at it?

Pick a character I’ve written and I will explain the top ~three to five ideas/concepts/etc I keep in mind while writing that character that I believe are essential to accurately depicting them.

Gosh it’s been so long since I’ve written any of them. I’ll try not to ramble…

Lyn:

THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP. She was completely isolated for so long after the Lorca were killed, and though I know she goes back at the end of the game unless she marries Eliwood or Hector, I seriously doubt she returns alone. Rath and Kent both go with her in their endings. (Do she and Florina get an ending? I can’t remember but you CAN’T tell me Florina wouldn’t go with Lyn.) Anyway, Lyn’s friends are like family to her and she’s always eager to make new ones. They are such a huge part of her character motivations. 

She’s from a different race and culture. After Marquess Araphen making some racist comment about Sacaeans at the beginning of the game, that whole thing is like…never brought up again, even though it’s something Lyn will have to deal with her entire life. I want her cultural and ethnic differences to be brought up more. And exploring her mixed heritage and balancing the two halves and oh gosh. I think it’s so important to her character. I don’t think this happened enough in my old writing for her.

Kindhearted. I feel like this part of Lyn is often overlooked because it’s so easy to latch onto her fierceness and her hot temper and just jump on that train like “YASS GURL YAAASS”, but she really can be quite soft. Nils barely even had to bat his eyelashes to make her abandon her own quest and help him save Ninian. She’s an extremely thoughtful person. 

Hector:

@julystorms used to ask me “how do u write such a good hector” and I told her the same thing every time: remove the filter.

Remove the filter. Hector is unfettered by manners and decorum. He talks first and thinks later. Honestly when I write Hector I just write down the first thing that comes to mind, as bluntly as I can. It made me realize that in our daily lives, there is always a split-second of thinking over how you say something before you say it. He doesn’t do that.

Responsibility. Hector never gets respect for this! He’s always brash, hotheaded, reckless, dumb ol’ hector. This guy finds out his brother’s death was hidden from him and that he’ll have to take a throne he’s not prepared for the second he gets home from war, in addition to taking up an axe that guarantees he’ll die in battle (and since they’re in a war, he’s probably thinking SOON). So what does he do? He grieves alone and keeps Uther’s death a secret so as to not add any burdens to Eliwood, he swears himself privately to Uther’s spirit on the Ostian throne to do the best job he can do, and then he comes home and takes the job with zero complaints. He doesn’t hesitate about Armads. He doesn’t hesitate about anything. He just does what needs to be done. Maybe he’s not the best man for the job, but damn, he tries with everything he has. Credit where credit is due.

Protectiveness/Worth in Service: Nobody thinks super highly of Hector, Hector included. What he’s good at is smashing things and loving his friends, and that’s about it, as far as he’s ever been told -- but he works with it. He’s both quick to love and then fiercely protective of his loved ones (he’s polishing the metaphorical shotgun on the metaphorical porch before Roy and Lilina are even born, which makes me laugh every time). His recklessness is, I would venture, in some part calculated. If he can throw himself into the line of fire to prevent someone else from being hurt, he’ll do it. As far as he sees it, that’s what he’s there for.

Eliwood

Gentle but firm. I remember him always getting a lot of flack about the former (oh, god forbid, a gentle man with emotions in the hero role, we don’t need any of those), and pretty much no recognition of the latter, but Eliwood can be pretty severe when necessary. He calls Hector on his bullshit, he doesn’t accept sass from his enemies, and though he hates killing so much that he literally makes himself sick over it, he keeps doing it. Gentleness does not immediately equal some weakness of character or wishy-washy quality. When there’s a line that needs to be drawn, Eliwood draws it, clearly and without hesitation. 

Pure-hearted. Obviously all three of the golden trio are good people, and Eliwood arguably is no better or more meritorious than Hector and Lyn. But they have bitternesses and have already encountered a lot of awful things about the world that helped them to develop a healthy distrust of humankind, and -- perhaps because of Eliwood’s sheltered upbringing -- he just doesn’t get it. Even though he goes through a lot, he seriously can’t wrap his head around the horrible things that people are capable of doing, and seems continuously surprised by it. In my opinion it’s a flaw in his leadership as much as it is a mark of his kindness. He’s naive and doesn’t learn lessons about people quickly.

Gallant. He’s a Prince Charming type and he can be pretty forward! I think he’s aware of it, too. He’s cute and good-mannered and has a lot of both practical and noble skills (swordfighting, horse-riding) and did well in his studies. He’s humble but not bashful, and he’s not opposed to a little bit of limelight if he saves the day.   

[eternaleve]

Hello, costume fiends! Things are heating up in the show, and I might start getting into a few legal discussions, matters of theology, stuff like that. It’s been a while since my studies into the Henrican Reformation, but it’s truly fascinating stuff. The legal battle surrounding Henry’s annulment, and later the supremacy of English law, formed the basis for English parliament and the founding principles of many notions of government and self-rulership that still play an important role in the governments of many countries around the world.

It’s serious stuff, yo.

Look to God First

The legatine trial on the legitimacy of King Henry’s marriage to Katherine continues despite the queen’s refusal to attend, but the papal envoy receives notice to return to Rome and place the evidence to the judgement of the Curia. The Pope procrastinates and Henry, goaded by the conspirators Thomas Boleyn, the Duke of Norfolk and Charles Brandon, strips Wolsey of his temporal power and properties, bans him from court and instructs him to resume his now sole role as Archbishop of York. Thomas More reluctantly succeeds Wolsey as Chancellor of the realm. Anne Boleyn, encouraged by her ally Thomas Cromwell (the King’s secretary), subtly and opportunely asks the king to reacquaint himself with the subject of Lutheranism. Margaret Tudor dies of tuberculosis, and her widower Charles Brandon shows repentance for his infidelity at her deathbed.

In the Criminal Justice System, There are Two Distinct Branches – The King and the Cardinals. These are Their Stories.

In a classy fashion, the trial is now debating whether or not Arthur (Henry’s deceased elder brother who had been married to Katherine) and Katherine had sex.

Ha, ha, sex. Let’s ignore the fact that Henry’s case was based on scriptural arguments and theology and make it all a thing of hilarity. Speaking of historiography, historians are divided on whether or not Katherine and Arthur had sex. Speaking as a historian myself, I think they probably didn’t. Katherine was a pious woman and she swore that they didn’t. I’m not someone who likes to doubt a woman’s word, if I’m honest. She said she was a virgin, and I believe her. Arthur and her were two sheltered fifteen year olds who could barely speak to each other and he died very quickly. I doubt that they had sex, even if I think that Henry probably had a valid case under canon law (in more friendly times).

Henry is confident that he’ll win the case and he just wants to show Anne off to everyone. He wants everyone to look at her and just want to fuck her but they can’t because she’s Henry’s.

Henry is so unpleasant in this show. He is just characterised in an incredibly unpleasant way, a sleazy, selfish, childish way that I think is unbecoming of the real life king. There are many bad things about Henry, true, but portraying him as a gross, stupid, slimeball was a bad choice all round.

Meanwhile, at Blackfriars, Bishop Fisher says he will put his life on the line to defend the marriage of Henry and Katherine. Like John the Baptist protesting against the tyrant Herod. So, you know, go big or go home.

Henry responds to this like a mature adult.

Lol, jokes, he screams in Katherine’s face and has a temper tantrum at Anne.

I’M THE KING OF ENGLAND! I’M THE KING OF ENGLAND! the powerless child keeps screaming.

Henry then decides to threaten Campeggio.

‘God forbid the Pope should ever turn his back on me.’

Henry, look at his face. I really don’t think cheap threats are really going to help you here.

Campeggio, who was under orders to delay the trial anyway, decides to put it into recess until October. Pope Clement has heard of Katherine’s plea and he’s now pulled authority of the case back to Rome. I’m sure that Henry’s blatant threats didn’t really help matters.

Uh uh. No go show. You don’t get to throw around a word that carries such weight so casually. Not only would an educated and refined renaissance man not use this insult so casually in a public arena to a fellow member of the church, I don’t like words like this getting thrown around for simple shock value. It adds nothing but just makes me dislike the showrunner and creator even more.

Anne, while dressed in a truly hideous riding habit, suggests that Henry looks to Luther and his followers who advocate that Kings have more power in their realm than the Pope.

Okay. There are issues with this. For a start, Luther did not advocate anything of the sort. Martin Luther thought that Henry was just assuming the authority of the Pope and did not approve of anything. It is true that royal supremacy developed from the writings of Tyndale and Simon Fish, but they did not approve of Henry’s actions either. It is wrong, and highly teleological, to suppose that Henry’s ideas of royal supremacy come from evangelical religious ideas. Many of Henry’s ideas developed from renaissance humanism and from studies conducted by scholars such as Erasmus into the original Hebrew and Greek writings of the Old Testament. And further to this, Henry didn’t start publicly advocating for royal supremacy over church matters in England until late 1530 and 1531.

And I’m guessing that the show isn’t going to depict anything to do with the Reformation Parliament, which would be in session until 1536 and lay out much of the documentation and laws that supported the break from Rome.

TLDR; Henry was a Catholic Humanist, so his critiques of Papal authority were longstanding and didn’t have much to do with Martin Luther. The show is using ‘Lutheranism’ (which wasn’t officially a positive term or religion until the very last years of the sixteenth century) as a catch all for evangelical thought, which is the more accurate term for the new thinking sweeping Europe at this time.

Henry has a DRAMATIC REVELATION while reading this… book in the middle of a conveniently dramatic thunderstorm. Oh my gosh, this line of thought that I already knew about is so shocking to me!

The Fall of Wolsey

This goes hand in hand with the fall of Wolsey, which is full of needless dramatic extras.

Wolsey is desperate to find an easy solution to the King’s Great Matter. Katherine won’t buy it because Wolsey caused this annulment all because Charles V stood against him and wouldn’t make him Pope.

Gurl, what you on? It was the French cardinals who turned on Wolsey, not Charles. Henry’s been discussing leaving you since 1519/1520 so don’t act like it’s all Wolsey’s doing.

Wolsey is still working on securing England’s position in Europe, so he’s sending Thomas More to peace talks between France, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Pope. Thomas More should remind them of their obligations to England and make sure that no accords are reached, as that would put England in a really terrible position.

The failure of the Blackfriars trial has put Wolsey in a tenuous position. Charles ‘The Idiot’ Brandon steps forward and hisses that ‘good has never been done in England while there are cardinals’ and I call nonsense. Charles, because of Wolsey’s intervention you weren’t punished by Henry for sleeping with his sister, and historically, you supported Henry’s ecclesiastical policy. Like many English nobles, Brandon did not agree with Papal authority, so that animosity is true, but there is no benefit to attacking Wolsey for a matter that is out of his hands.

Meanwhile, More was a smug asshole and ruined the peace talks. So now England is vulnerable but I guess his precious principles are intact.

I don’t like Thomas More. I don’t know whether you can tell.

And Henry rejects Wolsey. In the show, it’s presented as a win for the Boleyn faction and as if Henry personally detests Wolsey. This is not so; Henry did not bear any animosity for Wolsey personally. This is a political message, not a win for Anne. Wolsey is the representation of the Pope in England – by casting him down and making him powerless, it’s a clear symbol of Henry’s distaste for the Pope’s judgement and slowness in responding to the trial. It’s also a sign of Wolsey as a servant to Henry, not a grand manipulator and twister of events. He’s failed Henry, so Henry has effectively fired him.

This is political. It’s not personal. It’s about the Pope, not about the rise and fall of factions.

Wolsey is arrested on charges of praemunire (and the pronunciation makes me wince) which is a uniquely English law. It’s about prohibiting an alien jurisdiction of supremacy in England, so it’s pretty much another way of attacking the Pope (and it’s always been used as such since it’s introduction in 1392). But the chuckleheads at court are laughing at him so HAHA WOLSEY.

Wolsey begs Cromwell for help, only for him to reject. Even though Cromwell worked for Wolsey, not Henry, at this point.

And now More is chancellor and highest man in England. Prepare to fail with this guy, Henry.

Keeping Up with the Brandons

Mary is dying because she has the bloody cough o’death. Yes, that old staple. It’s amazing how this is the first sign she’s noticed, considering all the other symptoms that TB has. She’s not had: weight loss, fever, night sweats, extreme tiredness, pain, dizziness, or confusion. She’s managed to bypass all those symptoms, and go for the only one that is best for a show made by people who don’t seem to understand subtlety.

I’m fairly sure that people with TB don’t die having a fit in a pool of their own blood. I’m also confused as to how Mary contracted TB. It’s a disease of poverty, overcrowding, and malnutrition, things that Mary is certainly not a victim of. She also isn’t meant to die for another four years, but the show didn’t really have any plans for this character because she meant nothing and added nothing to the ongoing plot.

Charles announces Mary’s death of ‘consumption’, which is a Victorian term for the disease. He also attends the funeral, even though spouses didn’t attend funerals at this point in time and they were often same-gender affairs. But, hey, drama, stuff. I guess Charles will feel bad for being an awful person now.

Let Your Body Move to the Music 

I hate your high collars Henry, especially when your courtiers are dressed better than you.

Mantillas won’t exist until the end of the sixteenth century, and peineta will not exist until the nineteenth century. They’re famously Spanish, but they really don’t exist as part of Spanish national culture until they’re popularised by Isabella II. 

I hate that dress and headdress, and Henry’s outfit is pure Elizabethan. That wouldn’t be out of place in the 1580s and 1590s. It is so not 1520s.

Add some brighter colours and a few more jewels, and this is what they should really look like.

What’s with all that super obvious stitching? Look, Tudor clothing was tied together, but not like this. The bodice, skirt, and sleeves of elaborate court dresses were separate items brought together, but no high-fashion woman would walk around with their ties out like this. It looks cheap and peasanty, and I hate that it’s used as a visual sign of ‘HISTORYNESS’ in cheap period dramas. It looks awful.

NO PRINTED FABRICS.

hey look Henry is now in with the evil faction so i guess he’s wearing all black now. Such meaning such symbolism. Also, Anne, your dress is awful. It’s nothing to do with the times, it’s just a generic period dress that comes from no time and says nothing.

Good looking Tudor dresses aren’t hard, if you put effort and funding into your costume department.

And that’s it for this week. Next week is the last episode of the season, and I expect that the show will come to a satisfying ending with the maturity and depth I’ve come to anticipate from this show.

Spoilers; I’m sure something insulting happens to Wolsey.

Unpicking the Tudors; S1 E9 Hello, costume fiends! Things are heating up in the show, and I might start getting into a few legal discussions, matters of theology, stuff like that.