#i only want Daemon to fall; I hate that guy

[iambecomeafangirl]

My poor bby Alicent 💔

[nicksolemnlyswears]

HOTD S2 EP2 THOUGHTS

SPOILERS AHEAD

I need to start this by the very strange scene at the brothel. It took me so much by surprise I had to pause it. Like we all know these boys have mommy issues but I always thought it was more Aegon than Aemond. Like wow. I was left like this

It was the intimate position, his hair was down, the lack of clothes. He was completely vulnerable. Aemond wanted to be coddled and to be told reassuring words.

I didn’t understand well the part where she tries to kiss him and he says “not here” like sure man. you’re just naked and telling the keeps secret but go off [ngl i was waiting for her to pop a boob out and breast feed him]

that woman is a dangerous woman. she had scheming eyes. we’ll see where that goes.

Following up with the mommy issues I am so disappointed in Alicent. Aegon is clearly not her favorite child I do not know how she can bear seeing him weep as he seeks her out and she just nopes out. WTF. No wonder your other son is seeking refuge elsewhere. Also forcing Haelena to do the funeral proceeding. What sort of mother are you? The Greens think they’re so high and mighty but they barely resemble a family. They are not a united front.

The funeral proceedings almost had me in tears. I didn’t think they’d show the poor child with its head sewn back together. I thought he’d be covered. Now more so than ever I curse Alicent. You are forcing your daughter who had to witness his death relieve this scene. You forced her to watch her son be paraded around the city.

Daemon fucked up and it’s because of him that a child is dead and yet I can’t bring myself to hate the Blacks. The Greens are terrible people.

Aegon is falling apart and mourning and he has no one to come to. He doesn’t know how to control his emotions and I can’t blame him for it when his mother and grandfather only use him as a puppet and not a real human being. I pity the Hightower children.

That being said WTF was that? Making Ser Criston Cole the hand to the king? Disgusting. He was projecting so hard during this episode. Bitching about Arryks dirty cloak and blaming him for Jaeherys death.

BITCH IT WAS YOUR FAULT FOR GETTING YOUR COCK WET. FUCKING CRISTON COLE I CANT FUCKING STAND HIM. I CANT EVEN SAY IM HAPPY ALICENT SLAPPED HIM CAUSE HE PROBABLY ENJOYED IT.

I’ve got more to say regarding the Greens but my blood pressure is going up. Let me recap I hate them and I pity them all at the same time because the three children are only products of Alicent and Otto’s parenting (Viserys up to some point to)

Oh and let’s not forget Otto’s kind words for Viserys. He probably just misses how easy he was to control.

MOVING ONTO THE BLACKS

Baby Jace and Baela I love that little moment and yet I fear it because she’s out there on cute little Moondancer and it sounds like trouble.

Love the Ser Harwin talk. They acknowledge it and they accept it. Talk about being progressive.

But also so sad that Baela feels that way towards Daemon. I had high hopes for their relationship considering that deleted scene in season 1.

RHAENYS HAVING RHAENYRAS BACK TALK ABOUT FEMINISM. HELL YEAH! I fully want Rhaenys to be Rhaenyras ride or die!!

Daemon fucked up, yes. Will we ever know what he told Blood and Cheese? No. Still I can’t blame Rhaenyra for doubting him. He’s a sketchy man who puts on his little cloak to commit war crimes.

Don’t get me wrong I’m a Daemon stan but if he didn’t act so sketchy maybe we would trust him more.

He’s a dramatic guy he’s out commuting yet another big declaration of love for Rhaenyra. Like “look i’ve got harrenhal for you” I think idk we’ll see next episode.

Ser Arryk and Ser Erryk how fucking tragic. and whose fault is it? FUCKING CRISTON COLE PIECE OF SHIT

breathe nikki breathe

a part of me thinks he killed himself because he knew they would live in doubt if he’s really sir erryk. but in reality they believed they share a soul so that was probably why. he killed his other fucking half. they might be divided by believes but they still love each other.

ELINDA IS A REAL HANDMAID. SHE FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS AND LOOKED FOR A GUARD. Haelenas maid could never.

I have so many more thoughts so if anyone wants to talk please feel free to hit me up. I’ll probably rewatch the episode tomorrow again to process

[mhsdatgo]

Coming from a Team Green stan, people using the term "bastards" to refer to Luke, Jace and Joff as if that was an excuse to hate them makes me fucking snort. Yes we know they're bastards, so what. It's what they've heard and been told all their life. If that is enough reason for you to think they deserve shit thrown on them then Imma need you to take off your Westerosi lord "they're born of lesser flesh" whore's best friend heart shaped sunglasses real quick and see them as actual characters because you sound no less blood purity obsessed than TB thinking that "Hightower blood" is enough reason to hate anything regarding Alicent's children.

To think that they aren't deserving of lands and titles is perfectly fine when you look at it from Westerosi people's point of view, but that's no reason to hate them at all? (This also applies to some TB stans who storm the posts of maybe a guy who's chilling reading a book and make it their LIFE MISSION to protect them like they're their mama anytime someone barely mentions it.)

One may find various reasons to like or dislike them. You may dislike Luke for slicing Aemond's eye and never feeling a shred of remorse about it, you may like Luke because you think he did what he thought was best in order to protect his brother (although they could've escaped to their mom the moment he was blinded by dirt, but at least they spared themselves a scolding for being up and about at 3 AM going for someone's throat with a real dagger).

You may dislike Jace because he picked after his mother's "who cares what others think we rule lmao" ass line. You may like Jace because when he said that, he was trying to uplift his little brother who was growing self-conscious about the way other lords and ladies were staring at him. It's understandable. They aren't 2D characters everyone must either love or hate.

If you really want someone to blame for how things turned out, why don't you blame Rhaenyra for thrusting them into failure and sending her 13 year old out knowing the Greens would've sought allegiances as well? I don't know, at least send someone who would've been able to outrun Aemond, idk. You call yourself Queen, girl. Choose someone else, that ain't my job. Why don't you blame Daemon for wanting to send kids as envoys when they've got no experience whatsoever and their dragons are literally just babies?

Remember they were never part of a war until their mother pushed them in. They weren't "thieves" for "stealing" Driftmark. Luke didn't even WANT Driftmark. They just wanted to beef with their uncles in peace for the love of God. That they grew up spoiled brats is another story, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

Personally I don't love or hate Jace or Luke. We've been given wayyy too little scenes for them to look anything else other than Aemond's and Aegon's punching bags, respectively. Except for Jace who got me cheering and screaming for him when he was literally THE ONLY ONE WHO STOOD UP FOR RHAENYRA IN EP.10 but yeah, that was the end of it.

Find new reasons to like and dislike characters. Anything that doesn't involve sounding like an aryan race supporter, thank you.

[damnknoxandothernonsense]

a place to call home<3

The quality of Freelancer and Gavin’s shared apartment was on par with some of the abandoned facilities throughout Dahlia

And that was the understatement of the year

It was a miracle if they went more than a week without one of their utilities suddenly needing to be fixed

It had pushed them to the point where they wanted their own place

It was when they were trying to come up with a list of necessities that they realized something

They needed a place for Caelum

For as much time as he spends with Freelancer and Gavin alike the magically inclined couple knew that when they were touring different houses that a second bedroom was nonnegotiable

They saw how exhausting it was to not have a place on this plane to call his

You could see the fact that he wanted to stay, but he would always leave without giving either of them the chance to invite him to stay

It wasn’t hard to see that Caelum hated “inviting himself” into their home without actually living there

There was times where the small daemon would accidentally fall asleep on the couch, waking up and continuously apologizing for “invading” their space

It was not a secret to the young daemon that they were in the process of moving out

However they had not informed them about getting a space all for him

After all, Gavin was a fan of dramatic flare

After what felt like ages, they finally found a two bedroom place that would work perfectly for the unofficial family of three

Once all the paperwork was finalized, the two had decided that it was time to reveal their little secret to the sweet kid

So the next time that he stopped in they planned a date/time to meet at their new house and give him a tour

The youthful, multicolor-haired daemon ran around the modest house without a care in the world

They slowly walked around, hand in hand as they announced each and every room that they were going into

“This is the living room, we are thinking about maybe having a picture collage over here. What do you think Caelum?”

“This is the kitchen, we think we are going to paint the cabinets something a little more colorful, instead of scuffed up white.”

And last but not least they arrived in his room

“And this, this room is for you.”

The small daemon stopped in his tracks, turning to look at them in confusion

“What?”

“It’s for you bud, for you and you only.”

Gavin let go of his deviant’s hand, moving to kneel in front of Caelum to be at eye level with the wide eyed empath

“Well, we figured that you might want a place to call home. Caelum, we know how important it is to have a place to just exist as is. To be you, without any expectations. And, well- we love you just as you are. As the sweet, compassionate, goofy little guy that you are. We want you to feel at home here- with us. Freelancer and I wanted to show you that you are welcome to be here whenever you want.”

Both demons eyes welled with tears, Freelancer’s hand resting on Gavin’s shoulder out of solidarity of what he was saying

Caelum looked between the two

As if he was silently asking if this was real

“Are you- are you sure?”

They both nodded, not a moment of hesitation

The young daemon immediately ran at the two of them, holding them with an ironclad grasp

And the couple held on just as tight, a silent promise to be a steady place for the empathy daemon no matter what

Not only were they offering a place in their home, but a piece of themselves along with it

if you want to read more of what I’ve written, you can find my masterlist here!

if you want to ask for something to be written, you can find my guidelines here!

[bohemian-nights]

Happy holidays from Italy! I want to give you some snippets to read and to make you smile.

THE TWINS BECAUSE THEY DESERVE BETTER.

My personal headcannon is not only that Rhaena has his father's face and eyes, and she's very cunning and petty when she wants but she's more subtle about it(she married a Hightower out of love and maybe out of spite to her father)

She was going to marry Luke? Well at least she'll have a piece, a reminder of her mother, she will manipulate Luke to make him give her the reigns over Driftmark🤭

She will be legally the wife of the lord but indoors she's the lord of Driftmark;

She cares about Luke but she cares more about her position in society...AS SHE SHOULD.

Baela instead? She wanted to be queen, her bethrothed doesn't look so bad; she can't become queen? Well at least she will get Driftmark, running off to avoid a unhappy marriage with an older man; marry a bastard to get Driftmark and then clarify to your cheating hubby that he needs to get his shit together.

The motto"You aren't a fool, you need to be respected"

Also Dettles children? Nettles wanting to be out of the drama after the eye accident? I don't blame her at all🤣😭

Everyone: constantly reminds her she's a bastard

Her: yeah yeah of course of course, WHERE THE HECK ARE THE CHILDREN!?DAEMON HELP ME FOR GODS SAKE INSTEAD TO STAND THERE LIKE AN IDIOT

People here are loving her and hating her in the fandom🤣(why are they so stressed? I don't see anyone getting so fed up with Alys..oh right!😙 wonder why? Mhhh maybe they are in love with her well who wouldn't? I want to be as cool as her😁)

Happy holidays and a happy New Year to you too!

I love these headcanons 🙌🏽 Baela taking her own life into her hands is who she is. People write off Rhaena, but both girls inherited their mother’s spunk, she’s just more diplomatic than her sister.

Nettles can’t say she feels bad for those boys when she’s sneered at for her status as a bastard. She’s here for her kids only and keeping Daemon away from the drama🤣

Alys receives her share of hate(mainly from Hellmann’s stans, though I suspect most of them will come around when the show airs), but yeah, Nettles is the most (if not second most) disrespected character in this fandom.

Sadly she greatly suffers from not looking like most of the readers/watchers so it’s even harder for them to relate even though she’s typically the type of character one would root for.

The underdog who comes from nothing, rises above her station using her smarts/skills, gets the main guy to fall in love with her, and survives to tell the tale, what more could someone want?

Jealousy definitely plays a role cause I haven’t seen any other character in this fandom receive so much hate yet everyone wants a piece of her arc for their faves, but we aren’t supposed to say that. For a character so irrelevant she sure is living rent-free in a lot of people's heads 💅🏽

[lemonhemlock]

I don't see why we as green fans can't complain or say anything at all about Aemond's characterization and the overuse of certain tropes in fics when black fans do it all the time also?? Be it Aemond/OC, Aemond/Rhaena, Aegon fics paired with OCs or team black characters like Baela, Daemon/Alicent or even pure time travelling crackships like Aemond/Sansa or Sansa paired with any team green guy (yes some of them have complained about this as well because allegedly if Sansa were to time travel back in the Dance era she would only fall in love with Jace! Fine! But guess what no team black stan who has complained about this aspect has written or comissioned a fic with her and their guy, they just complain that the already existing ones aren't about what they want) and they will always find time to lash out on their accounts about how the evil green authors are mischaracterizing the team black OCs or already existing characters. At least we are not leaving hate comments or criticism that nobody asked for (or I hope no one does this! Please don't!) on the fics we read and were disappointed by (and didn't even mention them as examples in these asks).

Anonymous asked: okay i’m game for some anti-lucemond inbox antagonism. while op did indeed make some good points regarding the formulaic nature of aemond x OC i still contend they do not know the difference between a minor character and a plot device. helaena is a minor character, the cargyll twins are minor characters, laenor is a minor character, heck with a bit of massaging and extrapolating harwin could be consider a minor character. Unlike strong boy #2 at least I can say what they were doing between their respective time jumps. helaena — having babies, enjoying her bugs cargylls — aegon watch + introspection which results on them being on different sides laenor — fighting in wars, hanging with his boyfriend, parenting (?) harwin — bangin’ rhaenyra, being a goldcloak, preparing to take on a lordship (just cause harrenhall is practically unliveable doesn’t mean they don’t have peasants in the vicinity to tax I suppose idk) These are characters. They have jobs and hobbies, actual relationships. lucerys in contrast, what has he being doing for the 6 years during the time skip. training? possibly, all we know about him is that he gets his ass handed to him in a fight and gets seasick. what are his hobbies? does he have any responsibilities? friends? anything? I will grant he seems to have a decent grasp of HV. during the incident Aemond in his anxiety starts giving his command in English whereas Luke maintains HV when commanding Arrax, for all the good that it did. maybe there is something there, but I don’t want to read into it too much it because it was likely more for the audience than a way to develop the characters because those are commands not sentences, like jace was working on. Speaking of Jace, even he has something going for him, minor though it was — he trains, attends meetings, is not doing so good in his LOTE classes, really doesn’t like his stepdad, still cannot take a joke. Jace has some serious emotional problems which could be worth exploring, but Lucerys? Nothing, nada, zilch. Who is this person It seems Lucerys only role was to gas up rhaenyra; just so we in the audience know she is in fact perfect, make this face ☹️ in the background of scenes, smirk one time like a asshole, and then die. he is not a character, and while I initially had no problem with him, beyond a mild distaste because he hurt aemond (I actually put more blame on Jace) the way TB started riding this non entity so hard for the last year just made me loathe lucerys. Lucemond can occasionally be fun. I like the fics which are just absurd AUs but anyone who actually takes it seriously. The folks who insist on ‘Fated Feud’ or whatever it’s called, are reaching so hard they might tear something, pretending there is any chemistry or motivation for this relationship. And don’t get me started on the ones who call Luke the pearl of driftmark, that makes me want vom. But people need to quit pretending Lucerys is something other than a plot device, first blood in the DoD, that is all. I hope him and this ship goes away soon. [anyway sorry you’ve got to be the repository for this nonsense. How do you like your aegond? The thing which should have been the main mlm ship for this ridiculous fandom.]

ironically this is probably exactly the type of content the previous anon wanted to avoid 😂 but you can't expect to go in someone's inbox looking for drama, stirring the hornets' nest so to speak, and not expect a reaction. surely everyone can deal with their inbox messages whichever way they want, on the spectrum of not bothering to react at all vs ranting about it. i don't subscribe to this idea that you should hold your mouth shut and refrain from any kind of critical diatribe bc the other side might see it and might be up in their feelings about it.

absolutely not referring to vitriolic hateposting or other forms of bullying, but the institution of the Rant is sacred and must be protected. you can be annoyed at some fandom stuff and simply want a space to air out those thoughts - ofc you're going to be posting in designated fandom platforms, bc it looks deranged to complain about this IRL. i feel that people need to accept that users should have their own barbie playground, but, equally, there should be some spaces (keeping a respectful distance ofc) where criticism or just random rants about that thing can happen, undoubtedly respecting the parameters of decency and not resorting to crazy insults

i agree (and this is a v important caveat) that it becomes bizarre when it's the same people doing it every day, bc then it turns into an unhealthy hyperfixation which you might want to interrogate, but once in a while it can be cathartic, like shooting the shit with your bffs. moderation is key to everything, we can all co-exist and get along without taking everything to heart

this isn't even about lucemond, honestly, it's more of a general fandom criticism, because this is not the first time i've encountered people who simply refuse to mute the tags, willingly read the anti posts, find themselves irked by something, then vent their frustrations on OP

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

as for luke being a plot device vs a minor character, i can't say i''m too bothered about that distinction to argue either way. minor characters can also be plot devices and he is effectively fridged for rhaenyra's and jace's) pain. i do think he has more going for him in the show, like they really tried to give him more screen time towards the end and focus a little on his supposedly conflicting feelings about inheriting driftmark & his bastardy

anyway the "how do you like your aegond" sent me 🤣 i'm really drawn to modern setting AUs for some reason! the constraints of modern society are like a breeding ground for angst

[thephantomcasebook]

Dude, I saw your rant on another site about how much stuff got changed in the "Dance of the Dragons" canon from the last time you read it.

Bro ...

BRO!

You're mad now at all the shit that got changed? You should see "Rise of the Dragon" illustrated book that just came out.

He changed it again!

Now, not only does Criston not die trying to rescue Alicent. But he changed it so now Aemond and Helaena don't even die on the same day.

What the fuck?!

Why can't he just stick to what he wrote the first time?

Ugh, that's it.

You got me started!

I'm started now!

Batten Down the Hatches!

CONTEXT!

After a deluge of people accusing me of 'making stuff up' and 'writing fanfiction' ... finally some old trusted friends from the "Game of Thrones" fandom days messaged me and said simply:

"Matt, you're not wrong. But neither are the douches ... that shit isn't in there anymore."

And I was confused.

So your boy went down to the rich people's "Target" and purchased the updated, tie in, version of "Fire & Blood" to see what got changed.

...

turns out ... EVERYTHING!

Everything's fucking different now.

First of all, now there's no ambiguity of if Alicent was actually in love with Criston. There isn't a mystery of if Criston was really Rhaenyra's friend or if he was just doing his job. No more rumors of a secret Criston and Alicent affair on the side (Yes - fuck you - that shit was in there! I ain't crazy!)

The entire relationship is now boiled down to Pro Rhaenyra maester said that Ser Criston wanted to runaway and Rhaenyra said gross! And Mushroom said that Criston said 'Begone thot!' and Rhaeynra immediately went and jumped Ser Strong till she break boned.

The whole - Queen Alicent brought Ser Criston back into her confidence with open arms and he was forever seen with the Queen's favor in Tourney and Battle - is fucking nowhere to be found anymore.

There's now almost an entire page defending Daemon's creepy relationship with Nettles and if he did or didn't fuck her. When, in the original it just says that - yeah, he probably fucked her - Rhaenyra was big mad, he didn't care. Now, Martin has gone back and wrote some meta lawyer shit about the philosophy of their relationship and how she was some perfect fucking successor to Daemon's coolness and that, no, their relationship was actually beautiful.

Also, Nettles was fourteen fucking years old! Now she's at the age of consent in most countries and states in America.

The timeline is all fucked up. There was a rhyme and structure to the war! Now, it's all weirdly mixed up and things happen at the same time for no reason. like King's Landing now falls to the rioters ... before the second Battle of Tumblestone? The moment that Rhaenyra abandoned the city and the dragons died - Daeron would be racing in to take the city and rescue Alicent! He wouldn't even think about it, he'd just go!

Oh and, don't even get me started on the retroactive Daeron retcon!

They not only took out the whole bit about Daeron being Alicent's sworn shield and his rivalry with Larys Strong. But now they legitimized what was clearly the Maester taking liberties with his history in which the subtext was clear that Daeron was the commander of the Southern Army. Now, there's only the part about him being young and indecisive as a leader. When in the original text it was obvious that the Maester was simply retroactively rewriting history to biggen-up the Hightowers who were loyal to Aerys when the book was being written .

Gone now is the passages where no one wanted Daeron Targaryen smoke. That he was an incredibly dangerous fighter and extremely brave. Not only that but with removing his beef with Larys and tampering down of his hated rivalry with Hugh Hammer there also goes the biggest part of his character. He was the readers' evil detector. All the people that Daeron had feuds with were genuinely evil people - some of the most evil in the entire book. Which was supposed to show you that this guy was the best of both sides.

Listen, if two of the evillest people in the book - Hugh Hammer and Larys Strong - hated Daeron's guts and were afraid of him ... what the fuck does that say about Daeron as a character and who he is as a person?

There's entire scene where Daeron and Hugh Hammer - the biggest and baddest dude in all of the Seven Kingdoms with the biggest dragon in the world - are arguing. And Daeron throws a goblet in the dude's face for claiming that Aegon ain't shit and that he - being a Targaryen Bastard and rider of Vermithor - should be king instead. Hugh Hammer, bodybuilder physic, goes at him for the bloody nose. And Daeron doesn't back down, he squares up to this giant ass mutha'fucker and looks him dead-ass in the eye without flinching.

Hugh Hammer, rider of "The Bronze Terror" actually backs down when going eye to eye with Daeron "The Daring" Targaryen. Imagine a dude as big as a professional wrestler - like "The Rock" sized dude - with roid rages issues and is a brutal rapist and murderer and he blinks first at this seventeen year old Knight who just wants his mommy back?

That's straight Alpha shit right there!

Now, in the new tie in version, Daeron just throws wine in his face, they take out the straight alpha shit of backing Hulk Hogan down, and basically just cut to the part where Hugh Hammer storms out. Then, they cut out the anticipation and build up of this coming duel between them and instead sub in this secret Illuminati murder meeting that Daeron wasn't even at.

Now, you're telling me there's a new book out and he's changed it again?! That they're even changing Aemond and Helaena dying on the same day? And Criston isn't even dying to rescue Alicent anymore? That was crucial to his entire character arc! He dies for his queen! The woman he loves and worships as a saint!

Criston Cole is the opposite of Daemon! When Alys tempts him, he says no and stays true to his vows and Alicent! When Daemon is tempted by Nettles, he can't bend her over fast enough! Daemon abandons his wife and children to run off with an underage girl! Criston dies trying to get back to the woman he loves!

That's the contrast!

Rhaenyra ignored all the rules, got everything she wanted, and it turned out to be empty!

Alicent sacrificed everything for duty and she found loyalty, devotion, and love from those around her!

Ugh ...

I'm so annoyed.

What the fuck is point in reading any of this shit if Martin is just gonna continue to change it?

At this point, I'm just gonna wait for Season 2 ... that'll be the only canon I'm gonna adhere by.

[unohanabbygirl]

Re; my last ask

Aemond not having any romantic partners pre or post Luke so when Luke randomly drops “oh my ex boyfriend (not Owen) used to steal my socks all the time drove me crazy” “me and this girl I dated once did a readathon for the local charity at my foster organisation”. Just little things for Aemond to be like 💔💔 because these little interactions really would’ve been heartbreaking to Aemond who really wants their little inside jokes and domesticity back. Those little moments he treasured more than anything.

Aemond hating horror movies but pretending to love them to get involved in Luke’s new hobbies. 🥺👉🏻👈🏻

Also when Luke casually drops on them at dinner he fucking hates romance books/movies (maybe his life disillusioned them to him and made them painful?? Or the less traumatic he grew out of them and prefers mysteries and thrillers and fantasy (which happened to me from like 14-22 lol) ) everyone just stops really eerily and Rhaenyra starts crying

Luke’s like

Aemond is stuck in a horrible place between being slightly jealous/heartbroken that he’s no longer the only love Luke’s experienced just as Luke is the only love he’s experienced, yet completely understanding because he knows how much of a privilege it is to be loved by someone like Luke. I can almost picture how much he wants to fall back into that domestic routine that he’s waited years to relive once again but being unable because it’s something that has to be built from the ground up all over again. Though its very bittersweet because though he misses their old way of life as husbands.

They end up creating a new routine with one another whether Luke has truly caught on or not. Its not until they both realize they have a sort of inside joke going on about something silly or embarrassing one of them did and now Aemond can’t help but truly feel at home 🥹

Aemond showing major interest in whatever Luke enjoys even though he may not like it much himself is just so beautiful. Especially when you realize Luke can easily catch on when someone isn’t that big of a fan of his favorite media so he suggests they find hobbies that they both enjoy, just the two of them.

Ugh, these two who are literally in their prime partying years and spending their Saturday nights crocheting on the couch together. Aemond is so terrible at it that Luke is beginning to wonder why the guy seems to enjoy it so much. Little does he know they used to do the same thing in the later years of their marriage all the time. Old and gray, Aemond watching Luke through his single eye lens since his sight slightly worsened once he hit his 60��s. Helping Luke with all the gentleness in the world as he fiddled with the embroidery needle because his hands were beginning to shake from arthritis and writing his journal entries were causing him horrible pain more often then not. I cry…

No, but why is Luke slowly but surely loosing his love for romance media as he grows and learns that real love is nothing like the novels a canon event!!!?

His announcement is such a shock to everyone because they all remember how deeply he loved those books. Especially Rhaenyra since she was the main person who made sure to get her baby a new novel every other week. Luke is supposed to be a hopeless romantic and now he’s going on about how such media paints an image of love that he isn’t too fond of.

Now Harwin, Laena, Laenor and Daemon are all trying to hush her tears and Luke is just looking towards to Jace for some help like “did I…say something wrong?”

[queen--kenobi]

Congrats on the Duke win!! 🥰💙🏀 Been very MIA lately, but I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. Playing some serious catch up. 😘 I know you've got an OC for HoT/HotD but tell me more!!

Welcome back!!!

Hell yeah!!! I didn't end up watching it because I had to get up way too early for work, but I'm happy with the results sfsgsh

Okay so this might get long, I hope you're okay with that. I have a shit ton of lore. Not even just for Elayna but for the Reynes. They're my OCs now

I've got two because they're stories are intertwined but not in a "we will always find each other way" (romantic) but in a "we will always find each other" (hateful) way

My main one is Elayna Reyne! She's the only daughter and third child of Lord Alon Reyne. She has one surviving older brother, Seban, and a younger brother, Ryman. Her other older brother, Reynard, died in a mine collapse that killed him and Seban's mom. Alon got remarried, so Elayna and Seban are half-siblings (or are they? Dun dun dun). Elayna is absolutely a Daddy's girl and Alon's favorite whoops

Alon gets really sick when she's a preteen, and Seban sends Elayna to be a Ward of the Lannisters. Now, Elayna doesn't necessarily like the Lannisters but it's not full on hate at this point. It's more like "oh. Them"

Enter Tymon Lannister

Tymon is a fuckhead to end all fuckheads. It's canon in a modern AU Tymon is the played lacrosse in high school (probably even competitively in college), khakis and a polo, legacy family at Harvard and Yale, "it's not pink it's Nantucket Red", "I'm a nice guy just give me a chance", top honors frat boy kind of guy

Anyway. Elayna gets warded to the Lannisters, and Tymon sees Elayna and is just like "She's mine. I'm gonna marry her some day, and she's gonna have my kids and be my wife. She was made for me." Elayna doesn't hate him at first, and even gets a tiny bit of a crush on him, because he is legitimately nice to her. It's just when she starts noticing how he treats literally everyone else she's just like "mmmmhhhmmmm. No." Unfortunately Tymon is the only Lannister that's been halfway decent with her, and when Tymon feels like Elayna is pulling away, he starts to get. Unpleasant

Eventually, Alon recovers. Alon asks Elayna is sent home if only for a few weeks because he's missed his daughter. The Lannisters let Elayna go back to Castamere. Alon takes one look at Elayna and realizes oh, she is miserable. It's been about 3 or 4 years of her with the Lannisters, and Elayna is clearly not doing well. Also Elayna ABSOLUTELY hates the Lannisters at this point and has decided her purpose in life is to bring that whole fucking family down to the ground

Alon, being a loving father and the GOAT, says fuck that and instead of sending Elayna back to Casterly Rock, sends Elayna to the Red Keep. Alon was at Court for a bit in his preteen and teenage years and was actually fairly decent friends with Viserys and had friendly rivalry going on with Daemon. Alon knows Viserys will find a place for Elayna, and he does. I'm leaning towards Elayna being one of Helaena's ladies in waiting, but I'm not sure

Elayna ends up befriending Helaena! She and Helaena end up very good friends. Elayna also meets Aemond and phew boy. Elayna falls hard and fast. Thankfully for her, Aemond does too. Unfortunately Aegon also kind of falls for Elayna. Yes Elayna has three of Alicent's children wrapped around her finger ssssshhhhh

Now. Remember how I mentioned Tymon has decided Elayna is his? Yeah, uh, he pops up at Court. He tries to claim it's so he can learn from Tyland blah blah blah, but it's blatantly obvious Tymon has no interest in that. Tymon is just there to persuade Elayna to "come home" and "come to her sense". And Tymon is a Lannister which means he's decided Elayna will be "back where she belongs, with who she belongs", and he will do anything to make that happen

I don't want to say too much more because I don't want to spoil what's coming. I will say this, though. Elayna's story is a tragedy because, ultimately, she is the reason the Reynes are massacred. Obviously she's not the inciting incident, but she sets everything up, if that makes sense? It's obviously not her intention but Elayna's actions ultimately doom future generations and her entire family/bloodline

Canon is not a happy story. I have a bunch of other AUs that are happy but. Canon is an absolute tragedy

[casspurrjoybell-28]

Alpha's Temptation - Chapter 39 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

My cell-phone lights up with a message from my mate from where it lies on the counter as I walk into my room.

I smile, setting down the bouquet of flowers I got for him to answer the text.

Shortcake: What time are you coming?

Daemon: 5 p.m. Is that okay?

Shortcake: Yes. What are you gonna wear?

Daemon: Not telling.

Shortcake: Hmph. Why not. 😡

I grin to myself, leaning over the counter.

How are even his text messages cute as hell?

Daemon: You'll see me soon enough.

Shortcake: I bet you'll be wearing what you always wear. Black shirt and jeans.

Daemon: Hey. I was planning to wear my special white shirt.

Shortcake:Your white sleeping shirt? Cuz that's the only non-black piece of clothing you own.

Daemon: We can't all wear cute little outfits every day.

Shortcake: I'll take that as a compliment. You think my outfits are cute?

Daemon: You are cute.

Shortcake: STAHP & It ;3

God, I must look like an idiot just laughing and grinning at my phone.

Tristan would probably tell me how much just looking at me makes him want to barf.

I try not to make my relationship obvious in front of the guy because I know how much he wants a mate but last month when I saw my mate curled up in fear from the movie Tristan put on, I couldn't stop myself from lashing out.

Having a mate changes you.

I know that more than anyone else.

When Ash first came here, I was lost.

Because I found this little wolf from the enemy pack stranded out in the forest and suddenly I had a mate.

I smelled his heavenly scent from a mile away and couldn't help myself from finding him in his hiding spot, all scared and trembling.

The second I saw him I knew.

My wolf went crazy, overjoyed with the fact that we'd finally found our mate.

I tried to ignore it.

I didn't want a mate but there was no way I could leave him out there alone and injured.

I brought him to the pack hospital and planned to just stay away.

And when I got word Ash was from Dark Moon, I used that as an excuse to further justify my cruelty towards him.

When the reality was I was scared.

Scared because a single touch from Ash would send sparks through me.

And when he got close... Oh, I'd lose my breath just looking at him.

His pretty white hair and rosy freckled cheeks and the way he looked like he'd fit right into my arms.

And when he gazed up at me with those big, green eyes of his, I'd instantly turn into a lovesick mess.

I never let him see it, though.

I was good at masking it.

But when I drove him in my car to school every morning all I could think about was the fact that my beautiful mate was sitting not a foot away from me and I could never have him.

That was my rule.

Because I felt I didn't deserve or need a mate, I was never going to let myself have him.

But even still, he needed to be protected.

He was small and fragile and the idea of anything happening to him sent terror coursing through my veins.

I wanted no one to touch him.

Only me.

I hated when that Alpha from his school walked him to the car that day and Ash told me what a gentleman he was.

I wanted to say that I could be a gentleman for him, if that's what he liked.

I could be anything he wanted me to be.

But of course, I didn't say that.

Instead, I got jealous like a kid.

When he got curious and started asking about mates, it hit a nerve in me.

I told myself I would never give into us being mates but at the same time absolutely hated the idea of him seeking out an Alpha other than me.

The thought of my naive Omega falling for some guy who'd trick him that they were mates made me so angry.

He was timid and shy but could also rile me up with his stubbornness.

He cared for me when I didn't care for myself.

He was sweet to me when I didn't deserve it but he also called me out when he deemed my behavior rude.

It was all new to me and frankly, the way he made me feel was intoxicating and I couldn't get enough.

Me, who had always felt pretty self-assured, was being shaken up by this little five-foot-four Omega with an M&M obsession.

And I could've easily avoided him, as I'd originally planned to but I didn't.

I wanted to see him all the time and tease him and see him get all worked up and for him to challenge me in return.

Ash unlocked a side of me I never knew I had.

A side of myself that allowed me to properly mourn my mother's death and share myself with another person.

And as he shared himself with me in return, I felt a knew pain.

The pain of my mate's suffering, for all he went through.

I had felt it from the very start, through our connection.

How he was hurting inside.

I was worried sick.

He was already so frail when he came here and always looked exhausted.

And when I finally found out what had happened to him, I hated that I could not protect him from what had already been done to him.

Once again, I was put in a situation where I had no control.

My mate had this deep, horrendous trauma that infiltrated every fiber of his being and there was no way I could erase it.

Knowing he was permanently changed by it did not change how I felt about him.

Instead, the pain he felt, I felt and I wanted to do anything I could to make it better.

And if that meant having a shoulder to cry on when he was hurting, holding him through a nightmare or doing anything I could to make him feel safe... I wanted to do it.

I still do.

That will never change.

I'll do anything to keep him protected and happy.

That's why I swore to kill those who harmed him and never let anything like what his stepfather put him through happen to him ever again.

I close my cell-phone, going to the closet to fetch my jacket.

It'll be five soon.

I grab my keys and the bouquet of flowers and head out.

I can't keep my shortcake waiting.

********

Since Ash wanted to get ready separately and I had to go get the bouquet, we agreed that I'd go to my place while he stayed at the house.

I hate leaving him alone but he'd said the redhead would come over during the day so that gave me some relief.

I drive up the road, thinking about what Tristan and I found the other day.

Some strange underground garden in the catacombs under the city.

There's definitely some type of drug being grown from the plant and I took a sample home as evidence.

Tristan and I's plan is to get Theo on trial with the council once we gather up enough evidence that would connect this all back to him.

I used to question whether he was actually involved in this but now I have no doubt.

He has secretive meetings with other Alphas of the pack and tries to hide it all from me.

What a fucking prick.

I'm approaching the turn that would take me up to my father's house when I spot something in the road.

I slow to a stop when I realize it's a child wolf.

It's bleeding.

It must've been a hit and run.

I quickly get out of the car and run over to it, ready to put it into my car and drive to the hospital.

As I'm kneeling over it, I feel a prick in my back.

The child wolf jumps up and trots off, seemingly fine despite its injuries.

And that's when I recognize the sweet, starchy smell of fake blood and realize this is a trap.

I attempt to stand up but feel woozy, pain erupting in my back.

I feel another prick in my arm and my hand clamps over it, realizing I've been shot by dart.

My vision swims before me as I see a few figures approaching in the distance.

I only recognize one of them.

Theo.

[horizon-verizon]

Also, I'm seeing people misunderstand recognizable and "often-used trope" for "bad writing". This is the type of shit that got us "useless, stupid bitch" Alicent in this show. This refusal to see tropes as devices that, as a writer, you still:

can make special meaning from it using a special stakes/context/environment surrounding and shaping the character

reveal why this trope came to be used so often

Alicent-as-the-evil-stepmother was thrown away partly because the writers thought that this was too sexist as a trope....as if women can't attack each other and work/conform with patriarchy, however, they can to reap the immediate benefits for themselves and those they seek to protect while actually being very hypocritical and abusive (ainomica). Ahem...Cersei. (And did we not think her to be the perfect villain? One that many of us can even see and feel for...at times?)

The evil stepmother trope came from somewhere, after all. It's just how one chooses to use the trope or justify its character that can become the problem.

What makes a trope truly "tired" or cliche (don't know how to put the little mark over "e") is when the story is boring and/or the settings shaping it repeats itself from other popular examples. But because GRRM set up this man to be so uncaring of most people (other than Viserys and Rhaenyra), it both justifies and assures people to see that unhesitant violence comes from a protectiveness/desire to essentially wall up against the world.

Examples of Anti-Heroes

Batman

Hamlet in Hamlet

Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights

Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind

Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye

Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby

Sandor Clegane (violent, yet not as trashed as Daemon)

Tyrion Lannister

Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart

Lestat the Lioncourt in The Vampire Chronicles

Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean

If we were to go by the types of anti-heroes 🔗 this article points out, Daemon would be the "Unscrupulous Anti-Hero" or the "Hero-in-name Only". I also write what anti-heroes are HERE.

Rather, it seems the anon was either hateful of that "man violently protects loved ones [not just Rhaneyra, this guy put up a band of fighters to protect Viserys' claim to the throne before the Great Council happened]" trope OR doesn't really understand this is Daemon's prime motivation.

Because, again, if it is so that a man cannot ever cede power to a woman/his female partner....why do we see book! and show!Rhaenyra makes decisions without his leave or approval, never feels unsafe around him in the book -- even in the show before he grabbed her throat (this scene will go down as the least sensible scene ever) -- even command him, expecting obedience? And he stays with her for years, with no incident of abuse or disobedience in political/decision-making contexts (cause she would have ruled Dragonstone) that Otto DEFINITELY would have used against Daemon?! None.

But we do hear that Aegon:

openly fondles servant girls (and very likely rapes them)

was with a 12-year-old girl (maybe even younger) when Alicent sent people to find him (Septon Eustace doesn't even deny this)

that he wanted to immediately kill Rhaenyra when she refused to give up the throne after he was crowned and had to be persuaded by Alicent AND Helaena to not pursue Rhaneyra (while Rhaenyra gave the warning that if he stepped away, she wouldn't kill him because kinslaying is extremely taboo)

And we do hear of Aemond:

refer to Rhaenyra's motherhood as her inherent, womanly weakness

take a woman as a literal war prize -- Alys Rivers -- doesn't matter her age, he had an army, military training, and a dragon and she had no complex powers she could use against him

use other misogynist language against her that shows his disgust and taught misogyny

openly challenge Simon Strong knowing he couldn't actually fight him and then proceeded to kill every male Strong -- adult and child -- and does it because he suspected Larys Strong, a guy who'd been team green from the very beginning, of treachery just because Harwin was the alleged father fo the nephews he hates...

Really, all the writers did was make their female main characters far less impressive and strong-boned than their original ones in order to make them passive pacifists that aren't really pacifists in Alicent's case...you know, since she started this war by putting her rapist son on the throne despite this coming from an addled old man who before she totally ignored when he explicitly told her not to rock the boat when it came to the parentage of Rhaenyra's children.

It can't get any stupider than this, honestly.

Honestly why do people want a character that operates like a fairytale love interest 'I'm dark and brooding and I'll kill anyone but never hurt my love interest uwu' that's bad writing. You've been show countless times that Daemon is violent and violent people don't have an on/off switch for violence. It always simmers under the surface, even if they have good qualities, even if they love their families

Hi there, please reread my post about out of character behaviour. Nowhere did I write, that he is a prince charming. In the context of the season and this scene particular, in my opinion, his action were far-fetched and unnecessary, for the shock value only. And personally for me, it is bad writing. I have my opinion and you can have yours.

[low-budget-korra]

Comments on House of The Dragon s01e05

-Rhea Royce was fine af what's is your problem Daemon? I hate u for killing her. U better murder Aemond in a spectacular fashion so I forgive u for this, ops, spoiler alert.

-Otto my dear, the war happened much because of YOU. You and your selfish interests.

And damn, poor Alicent. First Otto and now Larys Strong. And we can see how the lie messed with Alicent, those lil bits adds to the "we kinda made them be in love with each other" thing that both Emily and Milly talked about.

And maybe, the heart broken for the lie will be a fuel to Alicent way more than power hunger. And damn you could see the pain on Alicent's face when Criston tell everything.

I saw some people saying it was her being envy because Rhaenyra was making her own choices while Alicent was forced by her father to do things she def didn't wanted to. Which is valid, but I rather be blind here and stick with the gay interpretation of Rhaenyra and Alicent relationship

- Rheanyra and Laenor talking about their "food" preferences was amazing. Can't wait to see the blonde and the gay duo striking again.

It's nice and important to have representation in such a main show as House of The Dragon and the world of Westeros.

- Rhaenys is talking by experience when she said that the lord's won't accept Rhaenyra as queen, not with Alicent baby boys standing along the way. And sadly, she is right.

- So, Criston Cole fell in love with Rhaenyra and simply wanted her to drop everything and runaway with him and because she refused he will be bitter about it and ally's with the Greens?

And also, what a snitch. How can a person be so honorable yet so not honorable at the same time? That's sor Criston Cole ladies and gentlemen

-I thought that Otto would murder Viserys but for as we see, Viserys can die on his own. Poor guy is falling apart

-What should I've said about the royal wedding? Drinks, music, people beating each other up, deaths... The Dothrakis would say that more 2 deaths on that count and it would be a great sign.

Gotta say, Alicent wearing that green dress instead of Targaryen's color clothes was fire. That's probably the only complement I will make to her since I'm part of the Blacks.

Viserys face after see Daemon go talk with Rhaenyra was like "seriously mf?"

I bet that sor Criston started that fight. But c'mom, Joffrey was really dumb to have that talk with him. Poor Laenor tho

- Best episode so far. The episodes prior everything felt like a Volcano ready to explode at anytime and damn tonight was the night.

A great ending to this first part of the show. Next week we will start from zero, but with the backstory that we now saw. We saw everything that was crucial to what led to the Dance in those five episodes. I gonna say, I will miss Emily and Milly, and I hope to see them more in more main stream and main character roles, those two basically carried this first half. Matt Smith is a great actor with tons of charisma but Milly and Emily were the stars.

[delusionalwritingsofagay]

New beginnings - One-shot

pairing : Klaus Mikaelson x Male reader, past Damon Salvatore x Male reader tags: Moving on , pre relationship , family , angst , hopeful ending Word count : 1202 Edited - 20/06/2024 Y/N : Your name L/N: Last name

Y/N stood  in the middle of the living room of the Salvatore boarding House glaring at the eldest Salvatore brother whilst Elena and Stefan sat looking at both of them confused.

“you want me to do what now?” Y/N's asked, his  voice dripped with anger, its intensity palpable.

“I want you to help us protect Elena for the mikaelson” Damon responded sounding bored taking a drink from his glass of bourbon

“right that what I though you said I’m just confused on why the fuck you called me of all people “ Y/N sneered

Damon rolled his eyes “because you’re the only witch I know that doesn’t want to actively kill me”

Y/N scoffed his hated for Damon clear as day “ Says who”

Damon snorted a laugh, “ please you could never kill me we have to much history”

 “That's exactly why I’d want to kill you after what you did” Y/n said coldly, his jaw clenching tightly. Pity flashes on Damon face before he could cover it up with a look of annoyance

“this isn’t about us , this is about Elena she’s in danger and we need your help”

Y/N glance over at the gilbert girl before looking back at Damon with twisted smirk "wow she looks exactly like her Damon, I see why'd  you want her” The young witch said mockingly

Damon tensed any smugness he had disappeared replaced with irritation and anger he glared "shut it witch” he warned

Y/N smirked coldly “oh but the question is does she fuck you both or just Stefan” Y/N taunted 

Y/N saw Damon's next move coming before he even moved so Y/N had raised his  hand in front of him and uttered an incantation which caused daemon to grab his head in pain , Stefan moved to stop Y/N when glare at him.

“move I kill him “ Y/N warned and to prove his point he  increased the strength of his spell which caused Damon to fall to his knees and moan in pain Stefan looks at his brother with worry before doing as Y/N said  Y/N move closer to Damon to look at him coldly.

“Damon you might be faster but I’m stronger you ever try that shit again I’ll rip out your heart and eat it” Y/N threatened before walking to the front door and opening it before turning to face Damon again “ oh and Damon you ever ask me for help again and you won't just have the Mikaelson

after you”  he gave a small condescending wave before walking out dropping his spell on him.

*Time skip at a bar*

Y/N sat at the bar nursing his drink and his thoughts when he was interrupted by the bartender sliding him another drink he looked down at the drink confused “I didn’t order anything” 

“ It's from that guy there, “ The bartender said pointing behind Y/N. Y/N turned around to see a guy sitting grinning  at him. Y/N recognized him and rolled his eyes as he saw Klaus  walking towards him.

“is this seat taken “ he asks with a charming smile sitting down one the stool beside Y/N and not waiting for his answer

 “Help yourself” Y/N said sarcastically as he took a drink from his glass “ What could a Mikaelson possibly want for me?” He asked sarcastically 

A look of surprise flickers across his face then he just looked amused “How did you know?”

“any witch worth their pointy hat knows to stay away from the mikaelson family if they want to live” Y/N reply sarcastically “ now the question is which one are you for what I’ve heard you  can’t be Elijah No suit and I doubt you’re Kol because you didn’t use a sleazy pick up line on me so that leaves Nicklaus am I right ?”

Klaus looks at him in amusement and nods as he takes a drink  “ you would be correct love”

Y/N takes another drink before turning back to look at him “ look Klaus I’ve had enough of people lying and using me so if you could just tell me what you want that would be great” Y/N tell him annoyed and irritated.

“ I don’t want anything” he insisted .Y/N raised his eyebrow and looked at him with doubt and mistrust 

Klaus rolled his eyes and sighed “fine I wanted to  know how you  know Damon, happy?”

Y/N nodded sarcastically  “yes I am”

Klaus looked at him and gestured for him to carry on and explain his and Damon's history.

“I am not drunk enough for this yet” Y/N groaned annoyed and drinking the rest of his drink

Klaus smirked “Well then let’s drink “ he bangs his hand on the bar counter and compels the bartender to bring them two bottles of bourbon

He looks at Y/N when they arrive “well”  he fills both glasses and pushes one to the witch. Y/N looked at it then he raised his eyebrow at it then thought what the hell and  picked up his glass clinking it against Klaus's before bringing it to his lips and down it in one before  banging  it down against the bar  “ another”

Several bottles in Y/N told Klaus everything that happened between him and Damon how he came to  him when Y/N was  eighteen and alone in the world and convinced Y/N he was in love with Y/N only to find out he was using Y/N to bring back his ex, Elena’s doppelganger Katherine.

Klaus listened as they drank shot after shot drink after drink “ and he just left you?”  Klaus asked in disbelief 

“ yep can you believe it? , I’m hot as hell he should be so lucky” Y/N shouted very obviously drunk and pissed off Klaus nodded

“ and powerful “ he adds weaving his hands to insinuate Y/n magic causing the witch to laugh loudly

“Have You ever been in love Klaus “ The young witch asked  looking at him drunk and curious waiting for the hybrid to answer, klaus looked surprised at the question before he shrugged drinking from his glass as he answered  “I don’t think so”

Y/N nod in understanding  “ I thought I was once but now I think I just wanted someone to love me and to not be alone again”

Klaus paused mid drink as if contemplating something before he spoke “You  don’t have to be alone, you could  come with me “ Klaus offered

Y/N laugh and raised a brow at him “ I don’t think so Klaus ,Witches don’t live long around you and your family”

He couldn't argue with that but he tried again  “ come on You’ll be family we protect our own “ he reassures holding his hand out to the young witch with a smirk as Y/n just looked at it unconvinced he sighed exaggeratingly “ it come with revenge on one Damon Salvatore  if that peaks your interest”

Y/n raised a brow and thought about it, he sighed and took another shot before shaking Klaus’s hand “ Deal” 

Klaus smirked his grip tight on the witches hand “ Welcome to the family love”

[minetteskvareninova]

#you know  “a face only a mother can love”#not true since his face is the one good thing he got#and mom does not exactly love him#also none of this justifies Baghra of course#she is a certified POS and made him that way#after literal centuries that stops being an absolving factor tho#ESPECIALLY given that Kirigan is cringeworthy in a specifically “insecure whiny teenager” way#in the body of freaking Ben Barnes

Well, I guess, to each their own. Still hard disagree, but oh well. I guess you mollified me by your hatred of Baghra. (First her then Ayşe Hafsa, lol, am I just prejudiced against old women?)

It’s really funny you should mention the guy you mentioned, because I also have seen Death Note anime. And lemme tell ya, my opinion of Light Yagami was always extremely low - I never vibed with him, I thought his philosophy was dumb and honestly, that was probably the writers’ intention at any case. I am not even sure if I hate him in a “love-to-hate” way, because while his schemes were entertaining, he was also extremely annoying and, well, cringe. Yes, I think your fave is pathetic, ackchully, checkmate, bro! Seriously, it’s wild how bad your choice of a counterexample is, but it does make me understand your feelings towards Darkles just a little.

Maybe it’s just that both of us can relate to a different kind of antagonist, y’know? Myself, I can relate to an immortal who in, like, five centuries of his life has crossed the line between a terrorist and freedom fighter so thoroughly he can’t even see it, but he still imagines it is there, because there is nothing and noone to really fight this fight and simultaneously give him a vibe check about his methods. His unrequited love to the most mediocre gal around just because she’s also immortal is just an icing on the cake. Like, he wants to use her, but he also has feelings for her, and absolutely cannot handle it. Also, funny you should mention Ben Barnes, because I actually love his performance? Like he gives the character a legit menace, charisma, vulnerability, just everything to make my brain go brrr. But... Okay, TL;DR I guess I can’t blame you it none of this appeals to you personally. Feel free to make me in turn suffer trough a rant on why Light Yagami is cool, actually!

(Also, is Alina a teenager, like in the show? I thought so at first, because she is in the books, but they never say what her actual age is. Also, she’s a cartographer, a position that necessitates at least some training, which is why I now lean more towards her being in her early twenties. Mind you, not a very MATURE twenty-something, so it’s still a bit hillarious when the world-weary immortal like Darkles falls for her. Like, I can’t deny he is pathetic sometimes, it’s just that I find it more endearing than anything. What can I say, I love clowning on old men who fall in unrequited love with much younger women - see my Daemon Targaryen takes.)

Last random thing before sleep

I have noticed at least ONE overlap with Shadow and Bone fandom since I'm here so maybe I will comment on that too soon enough.

I just have to decide whether it is on main, one post here, or a separate blog.

I might post sporadic multifandom non MC/dizi stuff on main unless I wanna say so much about it that it warrants a blog.

However IF enough people here are into that show I might just post here at least ONCE.

We'll see.

[fromtheboundlesssea]

Thoughts on episode 9

I like how solemn the opening is.

Who’s the blind kid? Aegon’s bastard?

Good lord. Olivia’s acting. Beautiful.

I sort of think it would have been fine to have Alicent lie and pretend that Viserys named Aegon heir instead of the stupid prophecy.

I still don’t understand the marble things at the small council.

I would feel horrible for the guy making a joke and then learns that the king is dead.

But good lord, I have no idea who all these people on the council are.

They are making Alicent look more innocent in all this.

The king was well? The king was well? He was falling apart?

The actual heck? I really don’t understand the Beesbury death. Was it in the books? I hardly know him as a character.

We don’t even get to see any of the council members politicaling. At all.

The thing is that even though Alicent truly thinks Aegon has been named heir, she still doesn’t want Rhaenyra dead.

Can we talk about how Alicent actually worries about Rhaenyra when it comes to what it would mean for the safety of Rhaenyra and her family’s safety while Rhaenyra has shown no actual forethought.

I don’t understand Westerling either. Like he seems loyal to Rhaenyra but he seemed kind to Alicent.

And Helaena’s words were definitely about the children arguing over a toy, but the squabbles of children is what the Dance is.

I saw people complain about how looking for Aegon takes too much of the episode and I can already imagine that it does. Although I suppose it separates the greens into factions loyal to Otto and loyal to Alicent.

Okay, but why is Rhaenys still in the Red Keep? Why is Baela not with her?

Alicole is actually the softest and greatest thing in this. Like it’s beautiful. Sansa would have swooned at a song made about them.

I wish the women were allowed more agency. Truly.

I love how Aemond felt like he could be vulnerable with Cole. 😭

Question, was Daemon formally placed as Prince of Dragonstone? So did they switch allegiances then as well.

Why are they loyal to Rhaenyra anyway, other then swearing vows? She hasn’t done any ruling at any point. Otto and Alicent have been active members of court.

I hate that they introduce twins and. Have I idea how to tell them apart.

I agree with Tom (Aegon’s actor) they don’t allow him to have any nuance. Any nuance he gets is thanks to Tom’s acting from the gifs I have seen.

I think I heard the fighting pits are only from Mushroom’s account, who was not in King’s Landing at the time.

Y’all realize that Mysaria implied that Daemon preferred young girls as well. Y’all remember that right?

This already taking too long. This should be more about politics than finding Aegon.

I hate Larys. I don’t understand why Otto didn’t have him taken care of. Or Criston.

The fact that I’m guessing we won’t see Alicent destroy the model of Valyria is a CRIME.

Olivia deserves all the awards. But my gosh he was her ABUSER. Why can’t the writers acknowledge that?

Rhaenys’ son wasn’t just cuckholded. They think he was MURDERED

Why are they concerned about Rhaenys’ dragon? They have Vhagar? VHAGAR! And then Aegon and Helaena are riders too? They really kept Rhaenys here to kill smallfolk huh.

Also, I love Alicent being the one to offer Baela getting the Driftwood throne.

Rhaenys, you have no room to talk. You did the same thing. You let your husband try to sell your twelve year old daughter to the king.

And of course Alicent never imagined herself on the throne. She’s not a Targaryen by blood. She has no right to it.

Did they bring back Mysaria so we could remember she was a character that will be important next season?

Mysaria, girly, you were ready to give Daemon young girls. And the gold cloaks were emboldened by Daemon.

They really do make these characters we haven’t noted or haven’t Ben highlighted all season and make them randomly important.

Aegon wanting his mother immediately. Lol

But I’m pretty sure Aegon was found under the candles Alicent and Rhaenyra lit for their mothers. The candle Rhaenyra prayed that her father would see her. 😭 can’t tell if that was on purpose.

Aegon literally went for the one she his brother has. Most realistic brotherly relationship in this entire series.

We should have gotten more of Alicent and her father being on opposite sides of the Greens.

I hate when Otto brings up his wife to Alicent and comparing her to him because we don’t know who she is. I honestly thought Viserys was in love with her and that is why he had her wear her mother’s dress when she went to Viserys

I hate that they have the crippled man a foot fetish. Imagine if they gave fan favorite Tyrion a height fetish. And good lord they really did not know what to do with Larys. I truly think they wanted to avoid him being too much like how Littlefinger was with Sansa.

Can we have ONE feminine woman in the showverse with a nice sex scene? All we have is Cat and Ned but that was barely a scene.

Those twin Kingsguard just make no sense. They weren’t characters in the show prior to this moment. At least with Harwin we got to see him.

Did they kill Aegon’s bastard too?

Sir. You are dressed as a Kingsguard. People will freaking notice you. You should have changed when you decided to help Rhaenys

The way Aegon started to tear up when he saw his father’s dagger 😭

So I’m betting some of those people Rhaenys was jostled with will be some of the people she murders. And she won’t care.

What throne is that in the coronation? It was the one during the great council in the prologue. But what throne is that?

And we don’t actually see any of the people needing to be encouraged to clap. They just did it on their own. They don’t care.

Ugh. Tom’s acting. I’m sorry, but Team Green as a whole has such great acting. Team Black got the short end of the stick because the writers just assumed they would be liked.

Lol, the random extra that coughed in the background.

Do you think Helaena looked away because she knows this crown will kill her family?

Gosh, Tom hearing the bells and the crowd cheer. It’s like this switch. The opposite of what happened with D.

And it truly shows the people don’t care. And tbh, the people probably know Aegon more than the other royals.

So, did Rhaenyra put on that armor all by herself because that would have taken time.

And so Team Black are now the first ones to draw blood in the Dance. I don’t think the writing team realized or understood that.

And you have OTTO falling for the doors to be open for the sake of the people. Good lord.

And Alicent telling Criston to get to Helaena. And Alicent standing in front of a dragon to protect her son.

Looked kick butt, but ultimately a stupid final scene.

If the writers had any sense they would point out that Rhaenys murdering a bunch of smallfolk is the death nail in the Blacks getting any love from the people they wish more directly to rule.

If the writers had any wisdom, they would let rumors spread amongst the smallfolk about Alicent facing a dragon for the sake of their king.

In the promo for the next episode, it has Rhaenys call the Targaryen-Hightowers “he Greens” but have they actually been called that in the show at all?

[tar-oh]

Pick a Pile: What do you need to hear right now?

Good news, folks! My semester is over! So, hopefully, this means my stress levels will not be as high and I'll have more energy to do more pick-a-piles! Today we're going to look at what you need to hear. Gonna be honest, all the piles seem related. It could be that they all hold a message for one person, or they're continuations of the others? Or they could be messages for people in situations that are related to one another? I'm not sure, but there's some connection between all three tbh. However, only read what you're feeling called to read. That means you can have more than one pile. I also have to put my normal disclaimer here: This is a general reading. Not all of it is going to apply to you. In addition to this, this is current energy and it can change by tomorrow. There is such a thing as free will, and we all need to remember that. If you do find that you resonate heavily with one (or two or all) of these piles and you want to know more, I am available for readings. Just DM me about it and I'll get back to you ASAP. I also have my cashapp and Paypal listed in my bio if you feel the need to tip (but it's not required) So, for the piles, pick an outfit worn by Fran Fine in season 1 of The Nanny!

Pile 1:

Cards: Cat, Eclipse, Saturday morning cartoons, Picollus, Alastor, Voices, Flying Without Wings, 7 of Cups, 6 of Wands, Wheel of Fortune, Full Moon in Scorpio, Friendliness, Joy, Page of Wands, The Emperor, The Hierophant

Oof I just got REALLY warm. I'm not sure what that means, but I think some are you are furious at someone. Well, you're asked to release the negativity (Full Moon in Scorpio), and also the bottom of the deck of the Moonology cards was Bring Love Into the Situation. The song on currently is Are You on Your Way by Middle Class Rut, and I take this to mean...are you coming home? Like, to yourself. I think some of you have allowed others to influence who you are, losing sight of who you are. There's something coming, or maybe this has already happened, but it's good. Possibly an achievement? However, there are underlying issues within this or around you. I take this more as outside voices, that part about being influenced by others again. I think the Voices card is one thing to look at about this. From this, I get two things. The first being that you need to listen to your own voice, your own judgment. The second is that you should ignore any voices on the outside. By this I mean, like family or friends. I really get that some of you have family or friends around you that are giving you their advice, but that it's no good. The Picollus card talks about long-standing feuds (specifically family feuds) and the Alastor card talks about not being vengeful. So I think maybe there are some not-so-kind things that are being said, either about you or others and you're being asked to not listen to them.

But, with the 6 of wands, wheel of fortune and Flying without wings, I see that there's something you're about to achieve or have just done. The bottom of the deck for the tarot was the tower, so for some, this is sudden. Maybe a promotion? Or, graduation, so a culmination of things leading up to something. But, I'm seeing that this can only be good if you're careful with where you get advice from and how you act. I'm not saying to ignore all advice, but I think when you hear advice, you're aware of what's good for you/will work for you and what won't. With the eclipse card, I can see that there are some things that may be unknown to you right now, and maybe this tower card on the bottom is coming energy (or past, depending on where you are at). The energy of this pile is NOT bad. It's more cautionary. There's a lot here about your shadow side, and I really want to stress that your shadow side isn't something to hate. It's a part of you. So I think you're being asked to be mindful of your actions towards others but also other's actions towards you, while also being kind to yourself?

Moving Along by 5sos came on. I was going to say that it feels like some of you are moving on from something, and maybe it's a breakup or a past failure, but now you're moving into better times like you're succeeding with something else. Moving on. But, I think there's a bit of fear here. For a few, there's resentment. I'm not saying you don't have the right to be resentful, but in the cards, there is a warning to be careful not to allow that to overtake you. The bottom of the Witches Oracle is Greet the Darkness, and this tells me that if you are feeling that resentment, you're being called to feel it. I don't think you can just ignore it, because it will eat away at you. However, you're being asked to feel it and then let it pass. So, again, kind of goes back to moving along, right? You also are being asked to find your voice and not use other's voices to dominate your thoughts/actions.

You know, it's not even a song that came on, but I was thinking about Harry Styles' song, Treat People with Kindness and I kind of am getting that message here? Like, I think overall, this is just a call to be good. Like, to discern what you hear, but also to be the best you can be. Do not to give in to the temptation of being a less than stellar person. I think it's a warning to be careful. Like, an ego thing?

I feel like there's something missing though? Like, I'm at the edge of what the overall message of this pile is, and they all seem to connect, but it's on the tip of my tongue and it won't come out? So, I wonder if there's also a need to speak up? We did get Voices. Also 7 of Cups can be about having too many choices that you're stuck trying to decide. It can also be about being stuck in the clouds. So, maybe there's a need to figure out what you want to say and say it? As concise as possible, but not too blunt? I had to go back and pull a couple more cards from some other decks (so, the Moonology cards are part of that). The other two cards I pulled from my Affirmators! deck and they were Joy and Friendliness. So!!! Yes, please treat people with kindness! But I also think this is kind of a treat people the way you'd want to be treated, so like, greeting meanness with a smile? Don't Take the Money came on, and I'm really noticing the line: "Buy back the secrets". This song is ultimately about not giving in to greed. Like, not choosing greed over love, and I think that's part of this message. I can see this resentment bubbling under the surface and I sound like a broken record by now, but? I think you're not really meant to allow it to bubble.

Also, I think you guys are my music group because I got SO many songs for you? I also was all ready to wrap this up, thinking "Well, there's that, I think I'm done." But again, I was still feeling like I was missing something and then a song called Something Left To Give by The Starting Line came on, so here I am pulling more cards. We got Page of Wands, The Emperor, and The Hierophant. But then...the bottom of the deck was The Tower again? So, first off. I think a lot of you are definitely ignoring something, like a lesson you're meant to be learning? And I think it has a lot to do with surrounding your ego and maybe reaching into the shadows. But I also think it has to do with holding grudges while also holding onto toxic things, such as thoughts or people? I think, with the Emperor and the Hierophant here, you have the ability to be kind while also upholding your boundaries, but I think this is less about how you are and more about how you need to be. And sometimes...that's about upholding boundaries with yourself, whether it be letting go of certain behaviors or thoughts, or making sure other people do not cross those boundaries. Another thing I'm getting is that there may be certain beliefs you hold about yourself or others, or even the world, that need to be changed. I get this "My way or the high-way" feeling from the Hierophant and the emperor, and I think that if you have this attitude, you're being asked to really rethink that. It's okay to not be right all the time, and it's also okay to make mistakes. It's also okay to change your mind. To find that what you once believe doesn't really hold up anymore. I just think it's SOMETHING to get the tower on the bottom of two different decks, and I think this is about well, I'm getting shipwreck imagery in my mind. Crashing those beliefs? Wrecking them? Burning them down and starting over. Saying to yourself: "Hey, I don't really need this anymore. It doesn't match who I am now and where I want to go. I can let this go now." And, this can apply to more than just beliefs. I am using the Daemon tarot and the bottom deck energy was brooms which has the same meaning as the Witches Oracle Brooms card: Cleaning. It can mean physical cleaning (and it IS spring. I know I need to clean lol), but it also can talk about purification. So, purging those beliefs that do not fit anymore and getting rid of what does not serve you. What is not working for you anymore? What isn't helping you be the best person you can be? It's not about quitting things cold turkey one morning. It's about slowly allowing those things to fall away. So I'm not saying you need to get up and both physically and metaphorically clean your life. I'm just saying, to start that process. Ya know? Getting a garbage bag ready and filling it as you go.

I really think there is something good happening for you but I think you need to keep yourself grounded in reality and to be the best you can be while this is happening. I also think you need to not allow others (or your own self) to get to you. I don't see anything in here saying you are a bad person, I just see that there's a reminder being made to be good and be the best you can be, which also includes making sure that what you have in your life is good for you. Nothing drastic has to happen (if you don't want that), but mindfulness is needed.

YIKES, that was long lol Also, side note, the bottom card for my Dreams deck was Animals, and I think if you've been having a lot of dreams involving animals, this was meant for you especially. I could barely fit all the cards in this picture, so I didn't take a pic of the animal card, but if you're dying to see it lmk lol The bottom of the Affirmators! deck as Trust. It just talks about how you know you'll be okay. Personally, when I'm having really bad days, I usually write in my journal "I am okay. I will be okay." Idk, just something I do that helps me. It's small, but it gives me hope. Songs: Kamikaze - WALK THE MOON Moving Along - 5 Seconds of Summer (the bass in this song is honestly top-tier :) ) Are you on your way - Middle Class Rut Treat People With Kindness - Harry Styles Don't Take the Money - Bleachers (Specifically the version Ft Lorde) Funny Business - Alice Merton The Abyss - DBMK

Pile 2:

Cards: Full moon in Gemini, Beauty, 5 of Cups, 9 of Cups, 6 of Cups, Murder, Pineapple, Confetti Rainbow, Money Green, Passing Notes, Nature Spirits reversed, Lamia, Astaroth, Cali, Knight of Pentacles reversed, 4 of Wands, King of pentacles

This group has a very specific message that comes out. It took a bit to get there, but I wanted to say that this is a specific situation. If you were called to it, then by all means carry on reading. However, if you find that you do not vibe with what this is saying, then this might not be your pile. However, I think there also might be a few bits here and there for some people, and not the whole message, so maybe try it out first.

First off, I get similar vibes to pile 1, but this pile seems more to be in a victim mentality. I'm not saying you don't have a right to feel that way, but I'm getting that there's a line and that you're either already past it, or you're near it. That line draws a boundary between feeling sorry for yourself and on the other side: feeling sorry for yourself that you play victim, never taking responsibility for yourself/actions. Get a defensive energy (I wouldn't be surprised if you were reading this and thinking that it may not be your pile because you're denying it? Hey, I do that all the time. I'm pretty guilty of this). I think a lot of you have had a tough time recently, or are still in the thick of it. I'm here to say that it will pass, but that you can't allow this to turn you bitter. Nor can you use this to take it out on other people. There's a strong message about making sure you don't do that. Also, not to manipulate others? I think there's a possibility of falling into this mentality that you're the victim and may be manipulating people into feeling sorry for you. I just get a weird manipulative vibe and I think maybe some of you can have the tendency of doing this, possibly even without being aware of it.

There's also a message of lightening up, allowing yourself to have fun. To stop focusing on the negative aspects of a situation, and find the humor in it. It may be something hard to do right now, but I think you'll find that maybe one day soon, you'll be able to do so.

Also, there's another side note about someone else? This can be a father figure, a boss/ceo figure? This could just be someone who embodies the King of Pentacles (he's the CEO type, has his shit together, is stable, more on the materialistic side of things, etc.). Whether this is you (could be!) or someone else you know/will know, I don't get bad vibes. I mean, I pulled the 4 of wands with that card, so I think it's kind of this stable energy whoever this is. However, there also is the Knight of Pentacles reversed, which can represent carelessness. The Full Moon in Gemini talks about being careful with one's words, like that whole "Less is more" idea when communicating. I think these two go together, and I think it just is someone who is a little too direct and blunt. I get work vibes tbh, so I think this could involve your workplace, so possibly a boss? Passing Notes talks about gossip/rumors, so I think this is like...A warning not to gossip or even to not believe everything you hear? I don't get any romance vibes but I think this could involve something that never took off? Oh, I was going to delete that, but I actually listened to what the song I was hearing was saying, Contagious by Boys Like Girls. This has sent me down a whole other path for another message lol

So, this might apply to some of you, but I think you may be involved with someone (or want to be?) who is the King of Pentacles, but they're kind of horrible at communication (or one of you is). I think they're more money-focused, and maybe they hear shit about you that has shaped their opinion about you (or vice-versa). But despite this, they like you. I think they don't quite know how to express themselves, and maybe you're feeling down about this because maybe you don't think they're into you? I still think this is work-related though. That, or this is someone who is just super focused on their work. But, I have 9 of cups and 6 of cups, so I think you're kind of what they're looking for and maybe they feel at home with you.

For some, you're being warned about this person. They can be manipulative/play the victim. For others, maybe they do that, but I think it's something being worked on. Either way, someone in this situation is having a lot of trouble expressing themselves. There is anxiety surrounding this situation. I get it on both sides. But I think for some there is some communication coming. Or at least an action that will communicate things. It seems like something practical if it is an action, but friendly. OMG what kind of relationship is this? Like what kind of a dynamic do you have? Because Drug by Simple Creatures came on after and it just feels like the song Contagious. Like this idea of being addicted to the way someone makes them feel? I think this is someone that can compartmentalize their feelings...but I think with you...it's harder? Okay, now I'm just getting nosey...I want to explore whatever the fuck THIS is further, so I'm going to pull some more cards.

SHHH Don't tell the other piles I got really fucking nosey and pulled more cards. :/ So, what I get about this King of Pentacles person is that they may already be pretty established in their life? I got Ten of Pentacles, which talks about that happy family, but like. More-so, the material aspect, like needs being met. This could just mean someone who's got their own place and a good position in their job. With the Knight and Page showing up, I think that if this is work-related, you're under them in terms of position? I get this message a lot actually, about a boss/employer relationship? So, I think this is an ongoing thing. Who is this for? Lemme know if this is you lol bc this comes up so much and like. I don't think it's me because I don't have a love life to speak about. Just crushes on unavailable men. Anyway, I think that whoever this is, they can't express their emotions. This could be because of someone else in the picture. There are a lot of court cards here, also, bottom of the deck for this is The Empress. So a mother, either there is or the mother of their kids if they have kids? Or someone who they see/saw as the mother of their future kids? Could be roles reversed, and that this is the father. Take whatever resonates doesn't have to be a woman and the king does not have to be a man. But, I think this burdens them. Like, they have a lot of responsibilities that rest on them, and they're unable to express what they want to express to you because they're "chained" to these feelings. You know, I almost get like...Less another relationship and more a social standard, or company issue because in both the Page of Hazards (pentacles) and the Empress, there are kids being chained to something (They ARE zombies but...interesting that two cards that have chains are pulled...). Even more interesting is that the kid in the page of hazards is chained to a mailbox with cobwebs, so I get communication issues with that. I think it's both hard to express their feelings because they're not someone who does so openly or easily. But also, they just cannot because of external circumstances. So, like If you came here because of some work/love situation...Then. There ya go...The feelings are there, but cannot be expressed. At least, not at this time. And maybe that's where that victim mentality comes in? Like, a "Why me?" or "Why can't it be easier?" Because I kind of relate to this pile, and I get how fucking annoying it is to hear "The feelings are there but can't be expressed". It hurts, I know.

But. Here I am to remind you that you got that Beauty card, right? I wasn't sure how it really factored into all of it, and was just going to use it as a reminder of your beauty, and I guess I am doing that now. But I'm also going to tell you something someone once told me: You deserve someone that will give you their time. By that, you deserve someone who feels for you and can openly express how they feel for you. I'm not saying this King of Pentacles person is a bad person, or that they're not for you, but it just seems like right now is not the time for this to work out. I don't see anything that says it won't work out, but on the other hand, I don't see anything that says it will. I think its just one of those things where you're going to have to be patient with. The song I ended your reading on is Space Travel by Yellowcard. It's about getting lost in someone and loosing who your are within this other person. Like, loosing your personality. I'm not sure where you are with this person, but I think this is reminding you to take care of yourself first. Whoever this person is, they have other things they need to take care of first, too. I also think they're putting themselves first. I don't want to say move on entirely, because that can be hard. It can seem impossible some days. I do want to say, however, that you need to make sure you're not waiting around on this person. There are so many other people in this world, and I find it impossible that you only find "it" (whatever "it" is that you found within this person) with this one person. Which, again, sounds like an impossible thing to say. Like that saying "there's other fish in the sea". I personally hate when people tell me that. But, one day you're going to have a memory of this situation and it's not going to ache as much. I can't guarantee there won't be a sting, but I can guarantee that with time, it feels better. Songs:

Slow Burn - Kacey Musgraves Contagious - Boys Like Girls Drug - Simple Creatures Space Travel - Yellowcard

Pile 3:

Cards: 4 of Pentacles, the Empress, the Emperor, Hanging at the Mall, Clouds, Gel Pens, Lamia, Andras, Pumpkin, Being Lost/Losing Something, Ideal Partnership, New Moon in Sagittarius, New Moon in Libra, King of Wands, 9 of Wands, Wheel of Fortune This pile seems related to the other two? I'm not sure why but all the piles had this weird "Spring cleaning" theme, about clearing what isn't working. But this pile seems to specifically be about love. So, I think if you're trying to move on from something/someone, this is a sign that things will be turning in your favor. Firstly, we pulled the emperor AND the empress. However, similar to how in Pile 2, where I felt the King of Pentacles in that pile was someone unable to express their emotions (its so odd that I got that, because I also got an emperor vibe but didn't pull it, but here it is in this pile?), I get that...this could be you? Because the New Moon in Libra suggests that someone is coming into your life that CAN express their emotions, but in one of the songs that came on, Headphones by WALK THE MOON, there's a line where he sings: "I wanna open my heart, but you won't open the door." Similarly, there's a part in Eyes are Red (Don't be Afraid) by Deep Sea Diver, where she sings "Don't be afraid". I kind of read into this song is about expressing one's feelings. But, we have the 4 of pentacles here, and it can be about hoarding. And in this sense, I'm getting...hoarding feelings? Like, keeping them in. But, they're there, at the tip of your tongue, they just can't get out. I think for some of you, this comes from past hurt. You closed your heart and you're afraid to express yourself, but I think you're being asked to allow yourself to heal while being open about your feelings. I think there is someone coming in (King of Wands), who is going to want to know about you and you're going to be a little worried to open up? But, these cards say it's okay to open up. You have two cards that indicate luck, and also you have a card indicating that you're protected (Pumpkin talks about being protected). I think this "Spring cleaning" is more about clearing out your emotions...letting them out? I think once you open up more, you're going to find that there are a lot of opportunities for you, you just need to be open to them. I think you're getting there, though, and with the Empress, I can see that you're healing from something. I always get that "nurturing" vibe from that card, but I definitely am reading this as you nurturing yourself, but maybe this involves you keeping things inside? Nevertheless, we got a pair, the Empress and the Emperor, so I could also read this as counterparts. I'm reading them as mostly you but I also can see this as you and someone else. One interesting thing is that I see the guy on the 9 of wands following the King of Wands. Not sure if that makes you feel of anything, but I read 9 of wands as persistence. This makes me think of the song Ends of the Earth by Lord Huron (which came on during this reading). The idea of following someone to the ends of the earth (let's hope they're not a flat earther...). I think this is someone really dedicated to you if you let them be. This song is also really beautiful and gives off this certain vibe that I can't really explain. It's like...One you need to experience? But I think this person could give off that vibe to be honest. I don't even know how to word this. Omg, there's a part in this song where he sings "I was a-ready to die for you baby, doesn't mean I was ready to stay." A SAGITTARIUS VIBE THAT WAS WHAT I WAS SEARCHING FOR! I've read that people with prominent Sagittarius placements need to have room. So, I wonder if this is someone (or even you) that needs to have that space? That's what that song feels like to me, though! I also kind of am thinking about that Ideal Partnership card and how it says that what your looking for is looking for you. There's a song that came on called First Grade by Max Leone, and he sings "I think about working out something with someone like you. I've looked

around, never found something or someone like you." I think that this is a person that definitely wants to pursue something and I think that this is telling you that you need to be open to it if you want something like this to happen. I think this song also highlights the need for action but being afraid to take action. I don't really see too many action-oriented things, but I see that being social is kind of something that needs to happen? I do get a Fool vibe from this, though. Like, taking a leap/risk? I don't know what kind of a risk, but I can see that you're being called to action in some way. In Pile 2, one of the messages was this need to not allow a victim mentality to take over. I could see that in here as well. I think it's like, whatever you went through in the past to make it hard for you to open up, happened. You have the right to feel that pain. But, then, you also have to move on at some point and heal? The Couds card talks about shifting and adapting. I don't have too many other cards about adaption, outside of maybe the 9 of wands being about persistence (and by this, I mean persisting change within?). I could take the 4 of pentacles, though, and say that this idea about not budging and "hoarding" your feelings definitely needs to be gone. I think this also is more than just about love. This can also be about making friends, in general. I think there's a sense of loneliness in this group that I didn't really feel for the last two groups. I almost wonder if this group is...the other end of group 2? Because there was someone else within that energy, and I could see you being that other person lol Whatever the case is, the big message of this group is to open up and not hold your emotions in. Songs: The Scientist - Coldplay (this has nothing to do with this reading, but I found out today that Chris Martin had to learn how to sing this song backward so that they could film the video in reverse so now it's extra weird watching it) No News is Good News - New Found Glory Ends of the Earth - Lord Huron First Grade - Max Leone