#i saw victorian society and was like WELL NOW I HAVE TO

[marzipanandminutiae]

would you have any reading suggestions to learn more about the earrings are evil era??? I've never heard of that aspect of fashion history and I am curious

Oh man, it was wild

you saw the first stirrings of it in the 1890s, when you started to get (mostly white and middle-to-upper-class) proto-feminists arguing that ear piercing was barbaric- keep an eye on the racist undertones there; they will come up again-and forcing women to suffer for fashion. I cannot emphasize enough that, until that point, ear piercing had been pretty much normal for this race/class/gender group. For centuries. You see criticism of the practice here and there, but nothing that really stuck.

The objections slowly increased until roughly the mid-1920s, when everything reached a tipping point and pierced ears became largely taboo for most white Americans and Brits of northern/western European descent. If that sounds HIGHLY specific, it is- communities from southern and sometimes eastern Europe retained cultural practices of ear piercing, to the point where it was often used as a point against them by mainstream society. It was also associated with Latino people, Black people, and the Romani, which. Yeah. I don't need to tell you how that went down.

It also developed associations with sexual immorality and/or backwards thinking. One newspaper letter I read came from a teen girl in the 1940s, wondering why she shouldn't pierce her ears if her very respectable grandmother had piercings. The response was something like "well, they did all sorts of things in the Bad Old Days that we shouldn't do now." True in many ways, or course, but...piercing your ears? That's the hill culture decided to die on as far as antiquated behavior that we should leave behind? Apparently yes.

Earrings themselves never went out of style, which led to the birth of clip-ons and screwbacks. Ironic that the "don't surfer for fashion" crowd was so eager to embrace screwing tiny vices onto your ears, but there we are. My own mother (born 1953) remembers her mother (born 1926) always taking off her screwback earrings immediately after getting home from a party, literally in the foyer of their house the second the door shut. There had been adaptations for unpierced ears before- Little Women, published in 1868, describes Meg March hanging earrings from a flesh-colored silk ribbon tied around the base of her ear -but they'd never caught on like this before.

However, the pendulum was soon to swing back. After just 40 years of Piercing Panic, in the 1960s, girls began piercing their ears again in droves. As piercing moved from the slumber party or summer camp back to the professional jewelers whose families had been early professional piercers in the 19th century- and to befuddled doctors who had no idea what they were doing yet still received piercing requests -cultural commentators had no idea what to make of it. Some decried the new trend while most took an air of bemused neutrality. My personal favorite article expressed surprise that "Space Age misses" were adopting these "Victorian traditions."

(In 1965, my grandmother took Mom to the anesthesiologist down the street who was offering to pierce his young daughter's friends gratis, and got it done. My grandfather had strongly disapproved of the idea, but in the end it took him a week to notice the new earrings.)

As to sources...honestly, I've just gone to Google Books, specified a time frame, and typed in "ear piercing," "pierced ears," "pierce ears," etc. Tons of primary sources at your fingertips, though I'm not always great about documenting or saving what I find. There's not much written about it formally, I've found- no books or scholarly studies. It may just be too close in history to attract much academic attention, though I find it fascinating.

This little blip where something that's been normal for most of western history suddenly became taboo for a hot second.

Also my ear piercings just turned 20 five days ago, commemorating the date that I was taken with much ceremony to Piercing Pagoda (and that horrible gun; it's a wonder I didn't get keloids) to get me out from underfoot while the Thanksgiving feast was being made. Grandma got hers pierced on the same day, at age 78. Happy Birthday, Marzi's ear piercings!

[scotianostra]

On August 15th 1771 Sir Walter Scott the poet and novelist was born in Edinburgh.

Walter survived polio as a toddler which left him with a limp and he used a cane the rest of his life. He was the first author to have international fame in his lifetime and is credited with inventing the historical novel.

Scott used the great storytelling tradition of the Highlands to help bring back the Scottish identity that had been cruelly crushed by the British. His Waverly novels were very popular in Europe and America starting Romanticism and influencing American writers such as Thoreau and Twain.

As well as popularising the historical novel, his books more or less invented tourism in Scotland. A family holiday to Loch Katrine inspired Scott to write the epic narrative poem The Lady of the Lake; a romantic, stirring tale of secret identity, love and loss. It was a publishing phenomenon and readers flocked to see the landscape Scott had described. Thus when travel entrepreneurs such as Thomas Cook began selling packaged railroad tours in the 1840s, Scotland was one of the most popular destinations. Victorians who had grown up on Scott’s Waverley novels, and now technology made it possible to reach these areas

Scott was a prolific writer, publishing two novels a year. Readers around the globe devoured his tales of historic Scotland and its noble, heroic people.

Composers in particular found inspiration in his work, among them Gaetano Donizetti who was inspired to write the tragic opera Lucia del Lammermoor based on Scott’s novel The Bride of Lammermoor.  Franz Schubert was similarly moved, setting text from The Lady of the Lake to music to create his much-loved work Ave Maria.

When King George IIII visited Edinburgh in 1822 Scott was put in charge of the festivities. This was the first time a reigning monarch had made it north of the border in over 200 years and Scott masterminded a spectacular Scottish show in his honour.

He created a romantic - and, some argued, and still do argue, an unrealistic - vision of the Highlands on the streets of the capital with parades, gatherings of clans and swathes of tartan on display. King George himself lapped up this romantic symbolism, dressing in a kilt for the occasion and, like a 19th century influencer, prompting others to wear it too. It marked a turning point in the way the world saw Scotland, and the return of tartan to fashionable society following a ban enforced by the government in the aftermath of the Jacobite rebellion.

Scott’s influence in society allowed him to lobby on causes he held dear.Sir Walter Scott got involved in a number of political issues. Particularly, his interested in issues where the government was trying to impose things on Scotland. For example, the Bank of England wanted to withdraw the right of Scottish banks to print bank notes, it's testement to the man that he features on bank notes not just today, but going back to the days of smaller nbanks, like the Linen Bank in Scotland, The Bank of Scotland range of notes still carry his portrait. Scott He stirred up such a furore that the government backed down, so you have him to thank that your not carrying English bank notes around with you, imagine a life where we Scots couldn't have a good old moan about businesses in England refusing to take our money as payment!

Scott’s popularity as a poet was cemented in 1813 when he was given the opportunity to become Poet Laureate. However, he declined and Robert Southey accepted the position instead.

Having suffered a stroke in 1831, which resulted in apoplectic paralysis, his health continued to fail and Scott died on 21st September 1832 at Abbotsford, I hope to read and post more about Sir Walter Scott in just over a months time.

[smolvenger]

Our Society At Cranford (William Buxton x fem! Reader Oneshot)

Summary: As Miss Matty's companion, you struggle to gain the attention of the handsome young Mr. Buxton. It appears you need a little help from the ladies of Cranford...

A/N: Not my best or most edited work. No stakes (unless you count marriage for women in the 1840's as stakes which back then it was) and only vibes. But I hope you enjoy it!

Warnings: Technically none other than some angst and attempts at Victorian-era accuracy. But then nothing but fluff and vibes. If I miss anything, let me know!

A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad

Taglist: @asgards-princess-of-mischief @jennyggggrrr @five-miles-over @fictive-sl0th @ladycamillewrites @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @cheekyscamp @mochie85 @fandxmslxt69 @skittslackoffilter @mischief2sarawr

You were infatuated with him since the day his dog ran into the church and urinated on the altar.

That morning, you thought you heard the sound of tapping paws and opened your eyes to see a little dog in the church. Everyone was dipping their heads down in prayer. Oblivious to a little mischief. It was everything in you not to laugh at the little dog. 

But the little dog ran right in like he owned the place, running and excited to be about. The prayer droned on, repeating the same phrases everyone said every Sunday.

In your reticule was a plain biscuit you saved from Sunday school. Slipping it out, you knelt, waving the treat to the dog. Daring not to speak to alert anyone.

The dog trotted forward and ate it, then you scooped him up into your arms. You held onto him, even though he struggled. If he got out he could run into the wilderness where all sorts of nasty ends were waiting for him. Once Mrs. Forrester’s cow was found stuck in the mud for hours and nearly died! Now the bovine was kept to wearing, for lack of a better word, pajamas all hours of the day to keep warm.

As your family opened their eyes next to you, they gasped. People smelled the urine and heads turned towards you. Surprised to see the little thing in your arm. Heads did turn and Reverend Hutton had to wave everyone’s attention back to the service.

But the scruffy white and brown dog settled and calmed down after a while. If you stroked his front legs and chest gently, he would become calm and sleepy like a charm. 

As soon as it ended, you hurried outside. The dog began barking and wiggling. The widows and spinsters of Cranford you had befriended- Mrs. Forrester, Miss Pole, and your favorite, sweet Miss Matty all gathered around. They chatted about Reverend Hutton. Their chins up and talking as fast as clucking hens. All wondering about the dog’s urine and the shock.

“The altar cloth was made by Miss Matty’s mother! We shall have to find an apothecary or-”

“Napoleon! Where are you- I’m so sorry to interrupt ladies and reverend!”

All of you turned. The women kept silent. You were struck silent.

A young man entered as handsome as a prince in a fairy tale. Tall and lean. He had beautiful curly blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a rich baritone voice that halted your every thought. 

“Master William Buxton!” whispered Miss Pole.

“I think we ought not to call him master now…” Mrs. Forrester replied you noted the flirtatious shift in her tone. “He’s so much…broader than when we saw him last.”

You noted he had broad shoulders indeed, and he was well fit beneath his waistcoat. It made you feel even warmer beneath your sun and your bonnet.

You and the ladies dipped into a curtsy and he a bow.

“I believe that is my dog, he escaped the house an hour ago and we’ve been searching for him ever since!” he explained.

You walked forward.

“Oh, thank you, Miss?” he asked.

You gave him your name, though your voice felt half of itself. “I…I only wanted him to be safe and not get hurt if he ran out.”

“That is much kind of you, miss! Could I have him?”

Walking over, you handed the dog to him. As the weight shifted, you felt his arms and hands brush against yours and as silly as it was, it nearly knocked your breath away. Young men here were few and far between to where one considered Cranford a city of Amazons. But here he could be something of a Hercules in the flesh.

“Oh, I am sorry! He is a bad dog!” he apologized again.

“Here you go” you offered.

“William Buxton!” Miss Matty gasped as she went forward and shook his hands. He grinned at her, greeting his old friend.

“We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, but we are glad you could be here!” she continued. 

“I am only here to open up the house, and attend to this bad dog,” he scolded, holding him up. Napoleon only smiled and panted in response.

“Well, we are glad you are here,” you replied.

After curtsies and bows, he scooped the dog up in his arms and continued back home. But you couldn’t help but stare at him, his curls like a halo around him.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Cranford, though a small town, was filled with all sorts of likable people. If you were feeling lonely, you had to go about and soon would find a friend. And there was no better friend in town than Miss Matty. 

She was the unmarried daughter of the previous rector and lived a life of genteel poverty- acting like she was still a lady who did not need work or seek employment… despite not being anything more than middle class. She was lonely too. Her sister, her maid, and the love of her life all died within two years. In light of this, you offered to be her companion. Not accepting a penny for her for payment. You both were lonely souls needing company, even in the guise of her feeling like a true lady again.

You enjoyed sitting and drinking tea with her. The clock ticking as she chuckled that this was always the time one expected visitors. One had to take a walk about twice a day. Both of you enjoyed looking through the windows of the shops to see what new fashions were arriving- that was the most excitement one got around town when it wasn’t Christmas!

“What do you think of this French style?” you asked, pointing to one illustration of a gown.

“Very impractical, but very pretty!” Miss Matty replied.

“It’d be nice to wear it to one of our dances here…if we had them again…” you sighed.

“I’m sure if the time comes,” she replied. “They are quite fun- there is one around Christmas Eve and another around Easter.”

“Oh, you should go too! Do you still remember the dances!”

“All of them,” she said with a smile. 

Her sister would insist on sitting in the parlor for two hours every day from noon to two to receive any visitors. Sometimes you only sat in a chair doing nothing for two hours. 

But lately, you kept staring at the window. Staring at the door. Hoping, praying…that perhaps Mr. Buxton would arrive again.

You couldn’t help but admire him. He would always tip his hat at you and smile when you passed in the street.

Everything in you was bursting when you saw him. Freezing and burning at once. Part of you wanted to run up to him and blab about anything. The other part of you wanted to run, to hide, to faint, to make yourself away when he was near. It was both at once and it was unbearable.

There was one day, as you took your second walk of the day, that a familiar sight ran forth. A high feather- only one lady in town wore such a high feather in her bonnet.

“Miss Matty! Miss Matty!” cried Miss Pole.

Both of you curtsied.

“Why, what is it?” she asked.

Miss Pole held her chin up and began to speak in a soft, but piercing tone.

“I hear Mr. Buxton plans on keeping his son here for two months, but soon he will be sent to London. Just in time for the season.”

“Oh, the season!” you gasped.

Then…the season…that was for all the well to do…but it meant…

“He wants his son to attend every ball and dinner and gathering he can- he hopes to find a nice girl from a good family who came out! And I hear Mr. Buxton is already writing some letters!”

You nearly dropped the packages in your hands. Shaking, you kept quiet.

“Why then, that is something! I only wish William well- it is not what he wants at all. But he isn’t our little Master Buxton anymore, he is a man and should find those,” replied Miss Matty.

“I can just imagine it. Our Master Buxton! Dancing the polka with some lady in silks fluent in French!” Miss Pole added.

You were silent as you returned. Your head spinning. You took off your bonnet and outer coat to go inside, but you hardly heard your footfall. It was as if the world was entrenched in water and you were just barely rambling it.

Again, you sat down from noon for calls. Miss Matty got out her needlework and sat down. But you could not do anything. Not read. Not sew. Not eat, Not drink. Anything. Your heart hammering in your ears.

After a few minutes, it became clear that no one was going to immediately arrive. Miss Matty set her things down, her gentle eyes over your face.

“Why, what is the matter, my dear?” she asked.

You looked down.

“Nothing, miss,” you replied.

“But look at you- you’re trembling. You seem a little faint even though you’re sitting…is something the matter?” she asked.

“It’s…it’s only something silly… I will get over it. I am resolved..” you said.

“I feel you wish to speak it,” she said. She stepped forward. “I may be just one 

“Whatever do you mean?”

“I….I don’t…” you had to be careful. This was a small town and gossip got around like fire to dry wood. You fidgeted and rubbed your own hands to try to remain calm, looking down at your plaid skirt as you began.

“I only feel like…there are good men out there. And I..should like to someday…someday find a way to love, to be courted, to…to know what that is like…I only hope it should happen someday…”

Perhaps that was rude. Miss Matty wasn’t married. But she only smiled and continued with a soft, compassionate tone.

“That is normal…I remember back in my day how my heart would race when there were gentlemen callers. But there isn’t a rush…and besides, many a woman has been trapped in an unhappy marriage from rushing. And I will tell you…there are worse things in life than being a spinster!”

“Yes, indeed, I agree!” you replied. For it was truly the spinsters and widows who were the ones in charge of the town.

Though, you found yourself looking out the window. Your heart leaped at the sight of a familiar bowler hat and a mop of blonde curls. William Buxton passed by in his coat and gloves. He looked about the town. 

You felt a small gasp in your throat. Behind you, there was the creaking of the floor. The timing was just too perfect.

But he only smiled and tipped his hat and you bowed down in a curtsy in turn. Oh, his smile could make rosebuds bloom! 

Then his head turned towards his path and he continued.

You felt a soft, cold hand touch your shoulder and you flinched.

“Why, what was that!”

You felt yourself tear up. “Miss Matty! It’s nothing! It truly is not!”

“Why, my dear-I see the way you’ve been acting. And now this confirms my suspicions. Do you…love William?” she asked.

Words stammered out of you and a clamminess shook your hands, you could barely form a sentence.

“I…I…let me put the kettle on for some fresh tea!” you insisted.

You turned to leave. Putting the tea kettle onto the stovetop. You merely sat, watching and waiting until steam came out of the spout. But tears were going down your face. Miss Matty followed behind.

“Do you…have feelings for him, Miss Y/L/N?” she asked again.

Looking up, you felt more tears fall down your cheeks, growing hot and tight. Then you folded your hands, reaching one to touch the counter for support. Then putting one to your face you began to cry.

Miss Matty hurried up, giving you one of her handkerchiefs. She embraced you like a daughter and let you sob.

“It’s the talk with Miss Pole today that worried you, wasn’t it?” she asked.

“Yes…yes it was…but Miss Matty…please! I need help! I don’t know who will introduce us or where to see him!”

“Don’t worry…it’s time we took another call onto the Buxtons…” she said.

The next day, your heart raced as you entered that fine house. As you got inside, servants took your bonnets and cloaks.

“Napoleon! Napoleon, come here!” cried a familiar voice.

Looking up, you saw William Buxton tumbling down. But he was undressed to a degree- he had his pants and suspenders and his white blouse open down. You could see his chest lying open. Your heart raced hard and he stopped, looking at you.

“Miss Matty! Miss…Miss Y/L/N! We weren’t expecting visitors!” he gasped.

“Well, we only hoped to surprise you! Miss Y/L/N is my companion and it seems fit we should see each other!” she said.

All of you bowed and curtsied. You tried to keep your eyes as much as you could on his face and not his chest.

“Why then- let me get dressed before Father scolds me. Then I’ll be back!” he said.

He bounded back up. And then you let yourself see more of him. You silently sent a thousand thank yous to Miss Matty.

Sitting down, you had tea and biscuits. And the promises of more meals. There was much talk of the new train station and the mobility it was going to provide for everyone. Of the great spring party that the great Lady of the town threw. Everyone got to see her manor house and be attended to by servants. There would be games and rowboats and every guest was going to be given ice cream- a rare treat. William was excited about that especially.

You paid calls almost every few days, even for at least fifteen minutes. And Miss Matty advised you to dress well. Not that you would ever dress poorly if you knew William would be around.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Walking down the street the next week, you saw that familiar high feather in her bonnet scurrying down. No doubt it was Miss Pole, hopping about and running like a rabbit. Only she was heading toward you. It was later, Miss Pole scurried down the street.

“Oh, Miss Y/L/N! Miss Y/L/N! There is such excitement! There is a Miss Ermina here and she is showing us how to order all the French styles! Wouldn’t you like that?”

“Well, I-”

You didn’t have time to answer. Miss Pole grabbed your arm.

“Oh, you must hurry! I insist you do!” 

She practically dragged you to her house. There in the kitchen sat a young woman with ivory pale skin and beautiful dark brown hair done up in curls. Her smart jacket and skirts were of fine material, but her eyes warmed as they looked up at you. She introduced herself with a smile as Ermina. Getting out a paper, she helped you and Miss Pole and Mrs. Forester all translate an order down onto paper. You looked through catalogs and showed what you could get and what to not get. Even if you weren’t spending money now, it was good to know!

Though Ermina’s eyes sparkled at you. 

“I don’t believe we’ve ran into each other, are you just moved in town?” you asked.

“I was just finishing school. And yes- with my father and brother here! Well, they aren’t family by blood but they are in my heart!”

“She is Mr. Buxton’s ward, you know!” Miss Pole interjected.

“A ward!” you cried.

She nodded. You felt the blood drain out of you. “Why, the Buxtons are neighbors and friends of ours, I am acquainted with them.”

“Miss Ermina was finishing her education in Brussels. She is also an accomplished piano player!” Mrs. Forester boasted.

Miss Pole leaned in, her eyes having a twinkle in them.

“But Miss Matty was telling us that it is important for ladies to be more varied in their education .”

“I agree!” Ermina said.

“Why, as do I!” you cut in.

Miss Pole continued, laying a hand on your shoulder.

“And as for our Miss Y’LN,- could you show her a little piano, perhaps? Help her in her accomplishments!”

You shook your head. Why, were they just stealthily insulting your piano skills? What was happening? Ermina only kept her sweet smile. 

“I fear I cannot afford lessons,” you said.

“Oh, not at all! I can show you a few simple cords and phrases! Come by, please!” Ermina replied.

Sure enough, you were having lessons at their house. Ermina herself became a dear friend to talk to. She was kind and not arrogant about her station. You found you both agreed on all sorts of matter regarding women, what they should have in their lives, and ways that things should be better, and different. She of course would tell you tips she noticed about fashion and the piano pieces she found moved her to tears. 

Her presence was enough. You felt guilty, having an agenda. But at least if you lost a potential lover, you had gained a friend.

If it meant more of a chance for William to be in your circle, you agreed. You could have sworn, there was something a little different in how he smiled at you.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Then it came to the garden party with Lady Ludlow’s. It seemed all of the town was about there enjoying themselves as much as they could allow. Her whole yard could have made up half of the town! Her mansion towering above you like a giant about to squash you all. But the locals only chatted and laughed like normal. Some of them, Miss Pole, Mrs. Forrester, and one other were gathering to sit on chairs and rest their “weary” feet. Miss Matty was making her rounds of greetings, leaving you alone.

 Sure enough, there was the promised ice cream. William, to your astonishment, brought you a cup of the dessert.

“Oh, thank you!” you replied. You took the cup from his large, white hand.

“Here you go, what do you think?” he asked.

Out of the corner of your eye, the women emerged from their chairs. They hurried about like a pack of ducks looking for crumbs in the grass.

It was cold, creamy and sweet. Though it was melting in the sun and you were tempted to eat it all at once.

“I…I never had something so delightful!” you cried.

However as you walked about, you realized there were rowboats but they were far limited. One had the Reverend’s daughter, Sophy, and her new husband smiling at each other as if no one else existed. They were already far off.  Mrs. Forrester and Miss Pole claimed one another and fought as they kept rowing, chatting about this and that to echo off to everyone. \\

And there was only a third left. Miss Matty appeared, her own ice cream cup in hand.

“Why- it’s a bright day. And there is nothing as wonderful as a rowboat! Why don’t you two enjoy it- William, do be a gentleman and row for her!” Miss Matty said.

“Oh, I couldn’t!” you shook your head. 

“Come on, it will be fun!” cried William.

He opened his hands and you accepted. You followed him. Stepping into the rowboat, you realize how close you are. 

And you were alone. Nothing but the still, navy blue river twisting around like a ribbon and the rich green trees that rippled their leaves with the breeze.

 You tried not to notice the build of his thighs, his sleeves rolled up, and his smile and cheeks glowing with the exercise. The boat moved and he grinned at you. Handsome as always, if not more.

“You’re not worried you’ll get splashed! Or fall into the water and have to swim!”

“Oh, not at all!”

You smiled at him and he at you.

“I still recall that day you caught Napoleon still. I should call you My Little Catcher.”

“I wouldn’t mind that at all a bit!”

“What’s been occupying your mind?” you asked him quietly.

“The…the…the trains,” he answered.

“Trains?”

“Yes, we are about to open our railway station. I was thinking, all of my life, I never had to work hard. To earn anything. I sat by and others did it. And I was content, but I’m no better than my own dog,” he replied.

You let out a small laugh, smiling at him.

“I would…like to try to make something of myself. Isn’t that silly for a gentleman?”

“Not at all, it’s noble. And one shouldn’t be ashamed of work.”

“I should go to the captain, and ask him for a position as we’re developing it. Then…I should think of myself as lucky, as earning something, and not letting this guilt consume me.”

“You have done nothing wrong. And there is nothing wrong with purpose. It will be a change, it will be hard…but nothing worth having is easy…” you said.

He smiled at you.

“You’re right, my little catcher,” he replied.

You grinned, then looked down for modesty's sake, as well as for your racing heart. Hope glimmering within you.

It seemed too soon when he turned around and asked if it was time to row home. You agreed.

Though he held out your hand, allowing you off. His bare hand bracing your skin- the warmth, the softness. How large they were yet so protective. Something forbidden inside you was tingling as his bare skin brushed your bare skin.

You had to let go, you were glad to let go and be on the grass. It lasted so shortly, yet you felt the world spin. You wanted him, and it both scared and thrilled you.

Soon enough, another woman hurried by. The honorable Mrs. Jamieson approached you two, with her fine dress and holding her Bischon Freise dog who was also donned up in a little blue waistcoat for today. Stifling a laugh, you greeted her. William bowed his head in goodbye and left.

“Why, I must tell you. The assembly hall will be open for spring. And there shall be a dance, will you go? We are all insisting it happens!” She announced.

Blinking fast, you caught your breath.

“Oh…that is fantastic!”

“It will need work…it’s a rather patched up dreary old place…” she clucked. The dog in her arms barked as if he agreed.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Though, then there was a dance. Just in time for Easter, as promised. You arrived in your new dress, bought with Ermina’s advice in your head. You took a deep breath- Miss Matty being your chaperone. 

“I must tell you we spent weeks all organizing and helping it. I haven’t danced one step and we haven’t danced one step!” Miss Matty said.

“Oh, it’s all paid off! It’s lovely!”

Occupying them, and trading dance cards. But Miss Matty immediately insisted William have the first with you. And he agreed.

Your heart raced. It was a more intimate dance, almost like an embrace. He looked right in your eyes. And you had to look at his. It felt warm. You felt yourself tremble a little in his arms, feeling the warmth of his breath and his eyes, bluer than the sea, the sky on you. How could you dance with anyone else after this? How could you come down to earth?

The chords of the violins finished the phrase- and the song was done. You were still looking at him and he at you.

Glancing down, he saw that his arms were still around you in the position. Hesitantly, he let go and you both bowed, your hand still in his.

But his hand remained there, And his eyes were still on you.  Leaning down, he gave it a kiss that nearly made you gasp. 

“May I have you for the next waltz then, Y/N?” he asked.

Part of you froze and you saw he did too.

He didn’t call you Miss. Not even “Little Catcher.” He called you by your first name.

Handing your card, you smiled at him.

“You may,” you answered.

You turned around to see the ladies of Cranford- Pole, Matty, Forrester, Mrs. Jamieson, and the others, smiling and nodding their heads.

This could not be coincidental. But you could never complain. 

 There would be time to thank them, but for now in a Cranford Ballroom where everyone was easily overheard, you gave them a smile in thanks.

It was next spring there was another happy event.

In the shadow of a church, you looked at William right before the Front door and he at you. He was in as nice a waistcoat as he could now afford for today as an apprentice for a railway. He lowered his hat to look at you and hold his hands in yours. Your own gown was now of white muslin with tiny pink flowers decorated on the blouse, the skirts so light and airy you felt they were made of angel wings. You had worn a bonnet, but one with a long lace veil.

The ceremony was done, and it was time to face the crowd. William cupped your face and kissed you, tasting a little of the sacramental wine and fresh cologne.

From the brightness of his eyes, from his presence- you both had the strength to face anything. 

 is lifting your veil outside the church doors of your bonnet and smiling. He squeezed your hand, and as you walked out, the bells rang over you.

Everyone tossed petals and waved their handkerchiefs, cheering and clapping in celebration, in your shared happiness. Your heart full, you handed your bouquet of roses to Miss Matty and kissed her cheek.

“Thank you,” you whispered.

She smiled at you and then handed you to William. He wrapped an arm around you and all began to gather. There would be a celebration with cake, a little ice cream, dances, games, and joy until it was time for the short honeymoon his job allowed him, and then a return to the beautiful little town of Cranford and the new phase of your life together as a man and wife. 

[lauralot89]

I thought never to write in this diary again, but the time has come.

Can you imagine what this book would be like if people didn't write down every last detail? We'd have a few vague, scattered "Shit's getting weird" entries before a huge info dump because the writer was questioning their sanity and had to get it all out on paper. Said info dump would inevitably miss things.

What I'm saying is, thank fuck all these characters are so verbose

I felt impotent

I'm an adult

But, now that I know, I am not afraid, even of the Count.

imagine if Dracula's powers were based in people's fear of him, Pennywise-style

No, you don't; you couldn't with eyebrows like yours.

incredible

I would listen to him go on praising Mina for a day

as would we all, Jonathan

He read something intently, groaning to himself: "Mein Gott! Mein Gott! So soon! so soon!"

do vampires have some sort of incubation period I was unaware of

also, sir, you KNEW she was a vampire and you KNEW where she was, why aren't you looking for news from there already, if only as a precaution?

I have an idea that Van Helsing thinks he knows, too, but he will only let out enough at a time to whet curiosity.

HE CAN'T KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH THIS

"Do you mean to tell me, friend John, that you have no suspicion as to what poor Lucy died of; not after all the hints given, not only by events, but by me?"

WHAT HINTS, YOU HAVE NOT ONLY NOT HINTED AT ANYTHING, YOU'VE JUST TALKED ABOUT CORN SECRECY WHEN PRESSED FOR DETAILS

Why was it that Methuselah lived nine hundred years, and 'Old Parr' one hundred and sixty-nine, and yet that poor Lucy, with four men's blood in her poor veins, could not live even one day?

maybe it has something to do with you leaving her unattended and not telling people things

"Good God, Professor!" I said, starting up. "Do you mean to tell me that Lucy was bitten by such a bat; and that such a thing is here in London in the nineteenth century?"

sir you saw a big bat just last month

and why the parrot never die only of bite of cat or dog or other complaint

that doesn't sound right, but I don't know enough about parrots to dispute it

and his grave sealed and corn sowed on it

no don't let him talk about corn again, he'll become too powerful to stop

Ah, you are my favourite pupil still.

oh just give into the passion

I smote the table hard

smote is such a great word

We found the child awake. It had had a sleep and taken some food, and altogether was going on well.

did children just not have a gender in Victorian society until puberty or something

or until breeching I guess

Even this poor little mite, when he woke up to-day, asked the nurse if he might go away.

oh okay so they do have a gender

I hope," said Van Helsing, "that when you are sending the child home you will caution its parents to keep strict watch over it.

and the gender is gone again

Holding his candle so that he could read the coffin plates, and so holding it that the sperm dropped in white patches which congealed as they touched the metal

the what

"I am satisfied that Lucy's body is not in that coffin; but that only proves one thing."

"And what is that, friend John?"

"That it is not there."

okay that's actually a brilliant retort, but I can't not do this

"Gee willikers. It must be Obvious Day on Camp Stupid."

He insists that I shall go with him on another expedition.

Jack wants to get off Dr. Van Helsing's Wild Ride.

[antiromanticbaby]

Roses - Lucifer

Crown Prince! Lucifer x GN!Reader

[✧] ー Just a short scenario with soft Luci <3 set in victorian era. Reader is GN because my man doesn't care about gender. Let's imagine love between the same sex wasn't taboo, alright? Danke :3

[✧] ー Reader is also innocent and of course, adhered to the society's beliefs and etiquette. (Did I use the word 'adhere' correctly? My first time doing it and it's so late already goodness me.)

Summary: Lucifer wishes to give his lovely betrothed a sweet little kiss. But it seems like they're not really up for it. Oh well, his beloved has a very endearing idea to solve this problem.

The two of you had been courting for a while now, and had yet to share any intimate moment. It was given of course. The both of you had decided to keep everything until your wedding. That way, it would be more special. It would hold much more meaning than something either of you could get anytime they wished.

Being engaged to the crown prince seemed perfect from afar, but it was harder than what it looked. Eyes were on you n matter where you went, and danger lurked around anywhere you stepped at. It was only natural for the crown to have enemies too, no matter how silent they were. But at the end of the day, the stress was worth it. Both for you, and your Lucifer.

"Is it appropriate for us to be alone like this, dearest?" You asked, gazing around at the private garden of his castle. You had heard from many of those servants just how mesmerizing the garden was, designed and cared after by Lucifer himself, but you had never seen it on your own. At least, not until now. The garden was truly a sight, with black and red flowers filling the ground, and the trees full of colorful blossoms. Even the rest of decoration, such as the marble fountain and the vases added to the garden's beauty.

Still, it was no appropriate for an engaged couple to be alone together without the supervision of an elder. You looked back at Lucifer, awaiting his reply. You didn't want to get on his nerves, but you knew that he cared about etiquette a lot too.

"Do not worry yourself, precious." He spoke calmly, putting an arm around your waist with a hint of possessiveness as he guided you to the center and near the fountain. "I just wished to have a private moment with my lovely betrothed."

You nodded, not that calmed down by his way of reassuring you. It wasn't long before you had let go of his arm and began admiring all the different and magical kinds of flowers in his garden. Of course, you didn’t expect any less of a private garden that was only for Lucifer, your beloved fiance. A certain rose caught your eyes in the midst of black roses and flowers. It had fallen down from its place, not having the natural glow of other roses but having its own kind of messages. Like a deep story hidden within those red petals. You bent down, picking it up and staring at it lovingly. 

Lucifer couldn’t help but gaze at you as you stared at the fallen rose, wondering what you were thinking that had you so deep in thought. He stepped a little closer, peering at the rose. He saw nothing special with the fallen rose, unlike you. 

“Your eyes.” You looked up from the rose and towards him, handing the rose to him. Fallen, like your fallen star. Red, like his ruby eyes. And magnifying, even at its worst.  “It is the same shade as your eyes, Lucifer.”

Lucifer’s eyebrows lifted up as he took the rose from you. Although he couldn’t help but smile when you said that. You were such a lovely little creature, always thinking of him before everything else. His eyes moved from the rose towards you, stepping even closer. Close enough to make you just slightly uncomfortable. You wouldn’t push him away, though, as you did crave his touch as much as he craved yours. “How very observant, beloved. Would you like me to speak of my own observations?” 

He then put the rose behind your ear, making sure the thorns wouldn’t hurt you. He couldn’t help but find your innocent smile lovely, in that moment.The Elegant prince cupped your cheeks, the pair of red roses residing in his eyes looking into your own gems. "You look so precious, love. Did you know that?” 

You knew where this was headed. He wanted to tease you, make you blush, and have you a stuttering mess. You then noticed his loving gaze on your lips and not your eyes. He continued. “May I kiss you, my sweet?” 

"But... it is not appropriate..." You whispered softly. But you had an idea how to do it, not to disappoint your fiance. You wanted that kiss too, after all, even if you would never admit it. You brought the rose out of your hair and put it on your lips, looking into his eyes softly. “Let us do it this way for now, until the day the bells of matrimony ring above us.” 

Lucifer opened his eyes in surprise, as he saw the red rose on your lips. It was something he never expected and he was both surprised and pleased to see that you still cared for your innocence and proper etiquette, even so much so that you wouldn't let just anyone get a taste of your lips, not even your soon to be spouse. Lucifer then smiled warmly, while still caressing your cheek. "Thank you, my beloved. You are right, this isn't appropriate, but a rose like yourself deserves a kiss nonetheless." 

Lucifer then pressed his lips gently against the rose, his hands holding yours as you held on the rose’s stem. 

A sweet and innocent kiss, for his true love. For his beloved betrothed, and the one he chose to share his life with. As soon as he pulled away, he put the rose back on your hair like a hairpin. You were truly his, and he was glad to have such a caring little betrothed on his side. He grasped both of your hands and brought them to his lips, planting a soft kiss on the back of them. 

“Until the bells of matrimony ring above us, my darling. I shall only wait and dream of that day.” 

Check it out! [cursed records] [sweet dreams] [heavenless]

[detectivereads]

New/Old Detective Manga

Hi everyone,

I hope everyone is well.

Recently I have been wanting a new manga series while I wait for the new issues of Case Closed/ Detective Conan to come out. (I love that series so much)

So, I tried finding manga that is like Conan but with their own unique twist to it. Recently I have found several and I had come across a few in the past so I thought I would make a list of interesting detective/mystery manga. I would love to hear recommendations from anyone else.

Lizzie Newton by Hey-Jin Jeon- This was one of the first detective manga that I collected. I am sad that there were only 2 volumes released, because having a Victorian lady investigating murders is perfect. Lizzie Newton is a well to do lady in high society who loves three things: reading, writing and investigating murders.

Case Closed/ Detective Conan by Gosho Aoyama- What can I say 10/10. This is one of the best mystery series I have ever read. With a big mystery that you can follow through the course of the whole series and having other mysteries to go along with the big mysteries, each case is well crafted and unique. The cast of characters to go along with the story each one has a quirky thing about them, but they work well together. This is a mystery manga series that I would recommend to any newbie mystery manga reader.

The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife by Iwatobineko- Ok this series is so cute, but it’s not super hard core in the mystery aspect like Case Closed or Ustoki Rhetoric, but the main characters are part of a detective agency, and they do go on cases. I have reviews posted in the manga section of my master list, so I won’t talk too much about it here. I really recommend this series.

Now these are the ones I found recently:

Usotoki Rhetoric by Ritsu Miyako- I don’t know why but lately I keep coming across historical type detectives lately, but I digress.  This story centers around a girl named Kanoko, who has a unique ability to hear lies, which unfortunately made her childhood very lonely growing up. So, she sets off on her own to find a place where no one knows her, and she can make a life for herself. Kanoko then runs into a detective, who is broke, and they team up to solve cases. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this series, but I started reading it and I am hooked on it. Each case that they tackled was interesting but so far, my favorite case was the Doll Murder case, this manga pulled plot that I am sure Agatha Christie would be interested in.

Garden Club Detective Squad by 52chu- This series is amazing, I found this by accident. I think I saw the trailer and I investigated it. I was hooked and I pray that this will get a physical release. We have our main character Yeon, her family is moving to the countryside. This girl embodies school life. She loves to study, and she is amazing at sports and arts. Yeon has a goal to make her academic resume for the high school she wants to go to prefect. One the things she wants to do is be a president of a club and all the other clubs turn her down (they are terrified on how good she is) but she finds the Garden Club to fit her needs. But the club holds secrets that have been long buried.

My Dear Detective by Natsumi Ito- I have only read a little of this, but I was immediately interested, main character is a female detective, and the time is back in 1930. So, the views here are that women took care of the house, but not Hoshino Mitsuko she is determined to work for a living, and she has her job as a detective locked down.

I want to save this one for more in-depth reading so I will leave this one here, but I can tell you, I am excited for this.

The Strange House by Uketsu- Horror Writer Detective, my interest has been piqued. Now I like watching jump scares and some scary movies as much as the next person. But I came across this manga series by chance. I was worried that this was going to be a horror manga that was going to be gory. But so far apart from some speculations in the manga, the story is great. (yes, there is some dark themes here)

Our main character is a horror mystery writer turn amateur detective, they are given a blueprint of the house from a client one day asking about the layout of the house and one particular room in the house which first time reading the manga, I was trying to figure out the purpose of the room as well.

Now, looking at the cover art for this manga I was thinking that this was going to be in the same league with the other great horror manga writer Jinji Ito, I love this man’s art style but boy howdy he draws some scary scenes. I thought going in this that this manga wouldn’t hold my attention, but I am now waiting on pins and needles for the new chapter I need to know what happens.

Now I know there are like a few more series out there, but these series here are what has caught my attention at the moment.

[221beloved]

A short insertion

Originally, I wanted to do this at the very end, maybe first day of november, but with every passing day, the need to do at least something to express my... thankfulness, increases.

Well... what should I say?

Thank you! Really, really thank you! For all the gentle words directed at me.

It's not the first time I wrote Sherlock fanfic, but it's the first time I participated in a challenge like angstober, the first time I published something, and it's the first time I wrote in english. (I'm sure you found all the mistakes I didn't know I've made. Well...)

The idea to do this was quite spontanious, to do it in english even more so. I was thrilled and horrified at the same time and in the progress of writing I really wanted to scream sometimes. Especially because of my choice of language.

My Tumblr account is still quite new and two weeks ago I didn't have many connections, so I wasn't expecting much by uploding my little ideas to the promts. I was doing it mostly for me anyways, I had fun thinking about possible stories and writing them down, and I was looking forward to the 4 or 5 remarks I would get. There was nothing to loose.

Well, if only I'd known...

I'll try to keep it short (funny to say this now...) But in the end I was kind of proud to have finished it, a story for every day of october, the publishing was, well, a possibility to prove i'd really done it

But half an hour after I uploaded the first fic, I already had my 4 reactions and I was kind of stunned, grinning like a fool. I suspect that everyone who saw me that day (well, this hole month if I'm honest) must have thought I've finally lost my mind. When I looked again in the evening, I nearly fell off my chair. My post had over 20 remarks, really lovely comments among them.

I was... overwhelmed. I still am.

What I'm trying to say is: thank you! For the lovely and positive feedback I would never have expected.

I knew the Sherlock community to be quite strong, lovely and supportive, and now I've experienced it myself.

I already thanked some of you directly, but I couldn't respond to everyone, and I don't think I will manage now.

Please, feel adressed if you've read a story and liked it, whether you reblogged/liked or not. Thank you, I'm honoured!

I think I just wanted you to know that...

Please text me if I forgot you

Thanks to @angstober for the prompts

@holmesianlove @missdeliadili @kettykika78 @topsyturvy-turtely @safedistancefrombeingsmart @blogstandbygo @7-percent @a-victorian-girl @lisbeth-kk @nathan-no @macgyvershe @whatsgoodmentalhealth @ninasnakie @maiaemerald @helloliriels @exasperated-society @meetinginsamarra @bs2sjh @khorazir @chinike @ace-is-undead @qiauu @nic0tinepatch @alicecoup @peanitbear @totallysilvergirl @inevitably-johnlocked @semiprofessionalmom @jobooksncoffee

I certainly overlooked some of you... I'm sorry. As I said, text me to change that

[samd1o1]

Gothic Horror HCs But Using The Penny Dreadful Versions As Well Cus I Like Them

Hello, So recently I have been really obsessed with 1800s gothic horror literature.

My favorite books are (in order);

1. Frankenstein The Modern Prometheus

2. The Picture Of Dorian Gray

3. The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde

4. Dracula

So imagine my fucking excitement when I heard there was a show that used THOSE EXACT FOUR BOOKS!!!!

Anyway I thought I'd take the time to talk about my favorite characters from the books/show and hcs I have for them all.

Now massive Trigger Warning for some ableism/sanism from the victorian era but also current day, and also queermisia.

All of these characters are canon ND I believe based off of their canon "madness" and I also believe they were all queer men.

----

Victor Frankenstein

Victor is a trans man you must understand this. He literally has postpartum depression in the book. He is also forced into an arranged marriage with a woman but has so much more chemistry with his best friend Henry Clerval. I think he's gay and his love for both Elizabeth and Lilly are just comphet. (He loves Elizabeth like a sister tho).

Victor is also disabled in the book. In Penny Dreadful he also has asthma! I also hc Victor is autistic. In the book he has a special interest in alchemy and science. He info dumps about poetry and clocks a lot in Penny Dreadful lmao. He's also just awkward like me fr fr. There was also a rlly funny scene in Penny Dreadful where everyone noticed this one character was a trans woman and made a "face" of surprise. Victor never did because honestly I don't think he fucking noticed. Which made me laugh because I didn't either.

Dorian Gray

This man is just me sometimes and I kinda hate it. Definitely has BPD. He treats life as a fantasy and has a hard time applying reality to reality. He also will love you one second and can hate you so passionately the next. Henry Wotton is most definitely his favorite person. There's also an entire chapter in the book dedicated to talking about his hyperfixations. Dorian is also bisexual! He falls in love with a few women in the book and Penny Dreadful. But also many men! Oscar Wilde was gay and put a lot of himself into Dorian lmao.

Henry Jekyll

Look the guy with daddy issues. Seriously out of all the things they chose to adapt for Penny Dreadful this made me laugh the most (in a good way). It's a random throwaway line in the book but I'm glad they kept it because his father leads to Henry's toxic mindset. Henry feels the need to be respectful in high society and not indulge his "indecent" thoughts. These thoughts include things like murder but also homosexual desires. The man is gay, love that for him. Don't let the musical fool you. I think his other violent thoughts come from OCD intrusive thoughts. As a median system I do also relate to the duality he feels. But I also would be careful ever putting a plural reading on Jekyll and Hyde for obvious reasons.

Robert Montague Renfield

Oh Renfield so much to say about you my man. (This is where that TW comes in handy)

Ok so the R.M. of his name standing for "Robert Montague" is ONLY from the new 2023 movie "Renfield". Renfield never had a first name because Bram Stoker was an ableist dick who saw Renfield as less than human for his mental illness. So out of spite of him and love for Renfield I hc his name to be Robert in all versions. This isn't to praise the new movie for its handle on mental illness though. While I absolutely adore the movie and it's camp and message I can't look past the ableism. It constantly demonizes NPD and for the topic of our discussion writes out Robert's mental illness. Robert in the book has psychosis and periods of mania and depression. Honestly I'll have to reread his sections of the book soon and see if I change my opinion because I had a hard time thinking of a label for him. Anyway I think he has Bipolar! But this is why I prefer Penny Dreadful over Renfield 2023 for the character. He gets to be mentally ill and still do a good thing and be just like everyone else in the show (not good or bad, just gray). On the topic of Renfield 2023 again I also think they (Drac and Ren) are ex lovers lmao, I mean it's literally framed like that they just don't have the balls to say it. I now just read every version like this. So yes another Bi king! Wow this ended up mainly being about Renfield whoops.

----

So yeah as you can see I really like the books and Penny Dreadful. I loved that Penny Dreadful wasn't scared to make its characters ND coded like a certain someone *cough* Renfield 2023 *cough* and be faithful to the OGs!

Anyway I'm not a medical professional lmao, I've just researched a lot of stuff trying to figure out my own problems and it's also smth I take an interest in. The queer stuff I am a professional tho /j.

Was this post messy? Oh yeah, wouldn't have it any other way.

[m0use-brained]

my (super)ordinary life!

as some might know its about two college boys renting an apartment together(by chance) and dealing with the ghost of a Victorian boy who was murdered by his nanny. the story follows the protagonist Xavier who is a "realist" and skeptic and doesnt believe in ghosts at all. his roommate on the other hand dallas is a firm believer and a medium. the little Victorian kid Arch whos trying to get the attention of xavier due to him looking so much like his best friend in life falls short in doing so through little antics. The two go through college with unexplainable things happening(well dallas tries to tell xavier its the ghost with xavier not believing him) until xavier has enough of bad things happening and finally folds and lets dallas do whatever he needed. they go through alot to finally talk to arch(buying equipment is hard when your in college) and THEN try to solve the mystery of who killed arch, to let him feel at peace and not restless anymore

-

Government kids??? no name yet- haeaawdjhnThree kids (17 yr old girl, 14 yr old boy and 10 yr old boy) who are all siblings to this last group of people with magical powers end up loosing their parents due to the new government that was implemented recently. But the world for like more then a hundred years now have passed their reign over magic. now magic is only within their brightly colored hair and eyes(bald ppl dont exist). Along with some people having animalistic qualities and other- fanstay qualities. they are still so very human in the aspects of no one has magical powers but they have some extra points towards things like strength if they were a werewolf or something. (they dont change under a full moon they are stuck in the half furry state). anyways. the three kids end up trying to not get captured by the government running all over the place. they go to highschool for a time, then make friends and go to the friends house. a friend dies. some within family drama happens and the oldest sibling fights with the middle child. the oldest gets captured first. the two other siblings go with their owl caretaker(who barely shows up within the story). the youngest seems not to happy with this and escapes to a village somehow untouched by the government and learn about his herritage(somewhat hes like 10). oldest goes through hell to escape and find the middle child and the youngest. turns out hte owl turned the middle kid into the government and winter finding out oliver isnt with the middle she saves the middle and then says a brisk apology as she is on the hunt to find her baby brother. tension between winter and rodger rise but winter is preoccupied with saving oliver. oliver makes frineds with this young girl and her dad and those two help oliver go into the biggest city to try and find winter and rodger. winter and rodger are one step behind as they get into the village. rodger finds out about their family but winter couldnt care less as she is tiredlessly trying to find oliver. its way to much i know and i left out funny goofy government villans that are clear ripoffs of team rocket but in my own funny way...

-

Super hero esk story?? idk i called it Switcheroo but thats kinda silly.the protagonist is the top villan's son who goes into the top hero school. (the mom sees how influcened he is to do crime but wants the best life for him. she wants him to choose after also being influenced by what their society deems as noble and good) Zero(protag) dorms with a girl(filing mess up) who is the daughter of number 1 heroic(hero system is different here too) bull's eye. on the news they find out the 3rd heroic on the ranking chart gets kidnapped by zero's mom??? and zero goes to talk with her about it as hes grown attached to the girl he dorms with and saw how upset she'd become. the mom denies it and says this was all a publicity stunt from bull's eye to gain more money and fame. zero says to out them. the mom cant. because no one will ever trust the villains. even if they did what would it do. strike fear into people that even hero's are corrupt and evil will always win? they needed to do something. zero tried to tell the girl but she couldnt believe him. they have a fight. zero ends up trying to do everything in his power to make it up to her. humiliating himself infront of the whole school(but he doesnt care). she accepts his apology and makes sure he isnt injured. he does get in trouble but thats not the point. she hears him out and admits to things shes seen as a kid ever since her parents divorced due to money problems. the premise is they have to take down the two top heroics from inside their ogranization or making them quit by them messing up every save. (prank them so hard they quit). (i dont know the ending yet akjwdnajkw) -

Super hero esk story?? idk i called it Switcheroo but thats kinda silly.the protagonist is the top villan's son who goes into the top hero school. (the mom sees how influcened he is to do crime but wants the best life for him. she wants him to choose after also being influenced by what their society deems as noble and good) Zero(protag) dorms with a girl(filing mess up) who is the daughter of number 1 heroic(hero system is different here too) bull's eye. on the news they find out the 3rd heroic on the ranking chart gets kidnapped by zero's mom??? and zero goes to talk with her about it as hes grown attached to the girl he dorms with and saw how upset she'd become. the mom denies it and says this was all a publicity stunt from bull's eye to gain more money and fame. zero says to out them. the mom cant. because no one will ever trust the villains. even if they did what would it do. strike fear into people that even hero's are corrupt and evil will always win? they needed to do something. zero tried to tell the girl but she couldnt believe him. they have a fight. zero ends up trying to do everything in his power to make it up to her. humiliating himself infront of the whole school(but he doesnt care). she accepts his apology and makes sure he isnt injured. he does get in trouble but thats not the point. she hears him out and admits to things shes seen as a kid ever since her parents divorced due to money problems. the premise is they have to take down the two top heroics from inside their ogranization or making them quit by them messing up every save. (prank them so hard they quit). (i dont know the ending yet akjwdnajkw)

-

The Moon's craters

a bunch of billionares go to the moon(or a planet that looks like the moon whatever man) and colonize there. hundreds of years pass and the world is sci-fi and dystopian esk?? the poor live in slums and the rich live near the sky!. people who live on the moon have adapted to look different. and the story follows one poor boy on the moon. hes loved the moon but hated the system. classic. so one day he sneaks on a ship that travel's to earth. there he's traversing through earth to see if it was better then the moon. in fact it is not. its more- kingdom esk?? ever since a war that happened long ago.(they still have tech and use alot of it they just enjoy the structural build of kingdoms) protag finds a prince(after getting a job as a servant) and tells him about the moon and stuff. the prince is grossed out but interested in the rich people's fashion sense and taste. he agrees to go with. he litterally just runs away with like a shit ton of money and buys himself a ticket to the moon. goes to the moon they find out theres a war gonna happen cause they cauiught the protag "kidnapping" a prince??? protag is wanted. best friend sidekick doesnt give a fuck????:? so they get a trip to a different planet to escape it all. find out they are super underdeveloped and the moon have been taking that planet's orphans for testing!>?!?>! they rescue one orphan from a new shipment of orphans about to be sent out. (thats all i have so far lmao) -

SpaceBoots

this follows like a ground of people going about space. spaceboots SB(hes got big ass boots), SpaceGloves SG(shes got big ass gloves), Chat(robot guy who talks like zane from lego ninjao but has the brain compacity of a twitch chat), Hat(he wears hats idfk), Shirt(wears beeeeeeg shirt. the hyper cute person of the group). Dress(guy who loves fashion) along with shirt's cat Skrible(very poorly drawn cat who uhm... cat) i forgor most of the plot but like SB uses his mom's ship to do random things through out the galazy and goes on quest. something is wrong with the spaceship i think and they have to get new parts on planets they havent ever been through. they find out more about- the mom and other family i think while getting parts from people who seem to know their parents and shit? aughh i loved their characters so much ajshdakjhwd

[eptga]

Some final drafts for my cult story as well as a story explaining why Annie first started to question her life.

The skeleton story.

It was a warm autumn morning in 2010 and two young boys about 12 years old were out on a walk with a remote control car and some stolen Halloween decorations. They decided to run into the woods where they came across a clearing and a massive house. One of the boys walked up to the massive metal gate and looked through to see young girl about 9 or 10 picking flowers near the gate. “Hello!” One of the boys said causing the auburn haired girl to jump, and cautiously walk over to the gate. “Hello sorry you scared me how did you get that side of the gate? Don't you know it's dangerous?!” The girl exclaimed. “Chillax there's nothing dangerous out here we're just out on a walk.” “My you talk funny, what does ‘chillax’ mean?” “It means you need to chill out” The other boy chimes in. “Oh no thank you I'm already a bit cold now!”

The two boys stared at each other for a second then looked back at the girl “So… do you live here?” One of the boys asked. “Well yeah everyone does” The little redhead said.” Wait I shouldn't be talking to you! I must go please don't tell anyone I said anything!” With that the girl ran off into the house leaving the two boys alone in silence.

They were just about to walk away when an old man came power walking out of the mansion. “What are you doing here this is private property! I hope you two haven't been filling Annies sweet mind up with darkness. you two need to go you're messing with the magic from the stars!” “’Magic from the stars’?” The young boy said which earned a nudge and a wink from his friend. “No way you have magic!” The boy said sarcastically. “No, the stars do, and my sister interprets it.” The old man stated back “OK then… you know we have magic as well!” the boy giggled slightly and looked at his friend trying not to laugh “Are you making a mockery of the stars!?” the old man yells now getting red in the face.

“No, no! look I can raise the dead!” the boy laughs as he activates his remote-control car where, earlier he had tied an old Halloween decoration too it , a plastic skeleton. He activated the car, and it starts driving up to the gate the wind blowing gently, moving its floppy limbs make it look as if the skeleton was running. The old man yelled in fear as he races back to the house not realising that Annie was watching the whole time and saw the small car at the bottom of the skeleton. This made her question a few things she had been taught. If that tiny moving object was a real thing, then why do they not have it in the house? How did those boys make fun of the stars and nothing happened to them?

Little did those boys know their harmless little prank would spark something in Annie to become a young Sherlock and find out the secrets father Jhonne and maybe even mother Emma held.

Cult story

My story starts off with Joan and Emma Howard's in their 20s seeing the rise of technology and its popularity. They didn't like this as they believed it was the work of God and the devil tempting humans into sin, so decided to hide away from the world and cut out all tech from their lives because of how women were 'supposed' to have children Emma started adopting children to fill her during this time she believed that she started seeing visions from the stars, telling her what to do with her children and herself on the facility.

Because of the many children in the house John and Emma were receiving cheques to help raise the children but Jhonne and Emma used this money to make their estate bigger and close it off from the world, this was years of building saving money in raising the children to obey the stars and Jhonne and Emma. Years later the cult looks just like a Victorian society no tech on site except not where the children can get to, there is a secret room that can only be opened by a simple small wax stamp, this is where john keeps track of everything and falsified documents to adopt more children and to stay hidden.

Every few years Emma holds a star reading ceremony where she will pick a few pairs of people to have children as well as still adopting from various adoption centres new paragraph ever is called mother of the stars or star reader Jhonne is called father of the house.

Everything is going well and Ryan Johnson children who questioned them two or back to an orphanage this works well until a child silently questions and discovers the truth, this girl is Annie.

[writ-in-violant]

Exactly! Or to convince themselves that it's not possible/not worth it to fight it. If you're up against something that dictates what is Law, well, you take second (or third. or fourth. anything that's not last) best and you take it happily because you can't imagine a world that isn't that.

Which is part of why I think Victorian England works well as a time to pair with this cosmology (disclaimer: it's been a while since I've done in-depth research on this. im just the kid of a victorian studies guy and ive taken a few classes on the period) bc at the time you have massive anxiety around class shifts -- the Victorian period saw the House of Commons becoming more prominent in government over the House of Lords, working-class (white, english) men had just gotten the ability to vote, and the monarchy was becoming more of a relic than a governing body. So you have a nation that historically has believed in monarchy and the Divine right of Kings (i could talk about how the chain of being in FL is lifted pretty directly from the platonic Great chain of being & the theory that the chain of being by positing the king as closest to god via the divine right of kings and thus the most perfect of humanity inherently dissuaded revolution among the devout but i'm trying and failing not to ramble) and now through various factors (working-class sentiment, bleedover from the French Revolution, the theory of evolution and similar scientific thought gaining prominence) is at a friction-point where that previous order is being questioned...

...and then you smash it into another society where questioning the primacy of the beings on top, who are the closest thing to gods, and moving in your place on the hierarchy beneath them is seen as scandalous at best and criminal at worst. So all the ideas of moving along the Chain, of (red) Science questioning divine authority, work well. & it's not surprising that London, with its own people pushing for various forms of revolution and restructuring, ran into an even bigger system of oppression and supposedly-divine dominance and some people went "no fuck that as well" & the people just trying to make the system work for them (like the Masters) are like no, wait, what the fuck. Don't throw it all into jeopardy! We don't know what that'll do but we're clinging to the idea that where we are is better than where we could be to cope! Stop questioning the oppressive structure!!!

Idk this may all be super obvious and I'm overexplaining, I just. Rotate the intersection between this time period and the greater themes the Judgements etc bring up in my head.

Also I wanna be clear: London's not like, exceptional. This is a flash point involving these issues and thus well-placed; it is far from the only place and flash-point involving these or similar issues. I feel that this is self-explanatory but London is not uniquely Good and Revolutionary and Antimonarchist by any means, at all, and they certainly didn't achieve fixing all of the problems they were starting to realize. London and England are not exceptional. I don't wanna come off like I'm saying they are bc holy shit, no.

Anyway sorry for jumping on and rambling Im just. Having thoughts.

Still on my Masterposting bullshit

These fuckers are 100% shaped by the fucked-upedness of a place directly ruled by and so close to Judgements. They need hardcore therapy. Their therapy needs therapy.

[lucifer-kane]

Looking at getting Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell and ohhh my god the description of this book is literally. It’s SO my tastes

“Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands.

Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart.

As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King.”

[nathanrm]

Alice returns to Wonderland

This idea has always been in my head ever since I started getting into the twst fandom and I just wanna talk about it, what if Alice returns to (twst) wonderland after being gone for many years?

For a bit of context though this Alice will be my own version, a mix of all types of Alice in wonderland content that I’ve seen over the years, my version will be male because 1.my blog is for male and enby readers 2. NRC is an all boys school 3. There are already a lot of female twst reader content to the point when I look up “twst x male reader” there still a shit ton of female reader content

(and yes I will keep Alices name the same despite making him a boy, I just prefer it that way, let’s just say Alice’s mom desperately wanted a girl but Alice was born a boy, so Alice’s dad let his wife let her name the baby boy Alice)

The basics of my idea for this fanfic is that Alice grew up in wonderland being able to visit it when ever he wants with the help of the white rabbit , he’s been visiting since he was young (maybe 3-4 years old) he grew up with the weirdness of wonderland and see the beloved characters as family, King and Queen of hearts are parental figures, mad hatter, the March hare and the teapot mouse as uncles and aunt, and the jabberwock as a giant house pet , and with the rest of the great seven as his other parental figures as well (yes I’m very well aware of great 7 yuu and great 7 yuu is one of my inspirations for this fanfic idea) Alice often stays in wonderland longer than he should but it doesn’t matter since time works differently in wonderland than Alice’s words, Alice can stay in wonderland for week, months or even years but in Alice’s world he’s only been gone for a couple of hours or a day (since we see in the live action, in wonderland Alice has been there for days but when she returns it’s only been a few minutes).

And Alice was somewhat involved with the making of NRC , yes i know this sounds far fetched but I saw a theory about NRC being the evil queens old castle, they even compared pictures of both NRC and pictures from the Snow White movie as proof, since that place is really really old it obviously had a lot of changes to it, and in my fanfic ramshackle was a dorm specifically for students that are from Alice’s world, normal magic less students who are more interested in things that are considered abnormal in their world, like Alice’s natural curiosity for things that aren’t the norm in the Victorian era, here’s a bit of the fanfic for context

———————————————————————————————————————————————————

“My dear do you like the idea of going to this school once it is finished?” The queen of hearts asked Alice as the boy was sitting next to her looking at a book with only pictures in it and little to no words.

-Alice looked up at his mother practically beaming with excitement ”of course mother! Night Raven College sounds like it would a wonderful school! I can’t wait for it to be finished! Meet all kinds of people from other lands, and learning new things from them just makes me excited!” The boy yelled with joy and excitement.

-The Queen couldn’t help but coo at how adorable her son was, his natural curiosity always getting the best of him “well there will be another dorm added for special students” the Queen said to grab her son’s attention

-The Queen had Alice’s full attention now, placing himself on her lap so he can listen to her with wide eyes filled with curiosity and smile on his face “this dorm will be for students like you my dear” she stated then bopping Alice’s nose making him giggle “this dorm will be for students from your worlds” she continued “students who don’t fit in with the norms of their society or government or whatever it is they have there. Magic-less students who have unique qualities of their own to make up for their lack of magic, like how your such a curious little boy, smart and a fast learner!”

-The Queen cheered and tickled Alice making the boy laugh and trying to keep his mother hands from tickling him more, the pair laughed and hugged each other in a loving embrace

-Once they’ve stopped the boy got off his mother’s lap and looked up at her to ask if he could go tell his father, the King of hearts about it, she gave a nod of approval then the boy ran off into the garden to find his father to tell him about the news

And this is the last time Alice sees his wonderland family after going back to his normal family which he regrets a lot because the white rabbit never came back to bring him back to wonderland and he’s been waiting ever since.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————

I’m still very nervous to post the stuff I write and draw on here, and I’m still nervous about my writing since I’ve mainly only written stuff for myself for a long time but I wanna share the stuff I write and draw, I’m still new to writing for other people so for those who are way better writers then me feel free to point out any mistakes I make, I wanna learn so I can be a better writer

All of my writing will be male and enby readers so please don’t ever ask for a female reader I’m begging you please just don’t, I will never do female readers, I posted my rules about request before but deleted it because I haven’t posted any of my writing about twst, I will remake it once I’ve posted more of my stuff

I’ve rambled about my version of Alice for twst on @Twisted-wonderland-but-gayer blogs and a lot of their writing inspired me to make my own about twst

Here is some art work of my version of Alice for twst

[rphelperblog]

Will Herondale Quote Rp Meme

Based on the victorian era welsh shadowhunter of famed humor, heart, and looks as well as a deep fear of ducks by Cassandra Clare- feel free to edit or change pronouns for rp purposes

“Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read.”

"Bloodthirsty little beasts. Never trust a duck.” 

"Lack of certification hardly proves intelligence,"

“No, i mean enterprising. When I mean morally deficient, I say,`Now, that is something i would have done´” 

“If love is great, then it is worth fighting for.” 

“He is my greatest sin.” 

"Dear me, massive blood loss. Death could be imminent.” 

“With God on your side, what does luck matter?” 

“I think I may be in love with you. Marriage could be in the cards.” 

“How rude. Many who have gazed upon me have compared it to gazing at the radiance of the sun.”

"Is it because I'm better-looking than you?” 

“If there is a life after this one, let me meet you in it.”

“You said I am a good man,but I am not that good a man. And I am--I am catastrophically in love with you.” 

“I thought perhaps that when you told me you did not love me that my own feelings would fall away and atrophy, but they have not. They have grown every day. I love you now more desperately, this moment, than I have ever loved you before, and in an hour I will love you more than that” 

She may be a thousand years old, but she makes an incomparable jam tart. Beauty fades, but cooking is eternal.” 

“On the contrary—in order to learn how to pretend to be inebriated, once must become inebriated at least once, as a reference point. Six-Fingered Nigel had been at the mulled cider—“ 

"That silly thing? Men going around getting their heads chopped off for love? Ridiculous."

"Clearly the word excellent means something else on this side of the Atlantic.” 

“I shall charm him with such force that when I am done, he will be left lying limply on the ground, trying to remember his own name.” 

"I have wanted to do this, every moment of every hour of every day that I have been with you since the day I met you.” 

"I had come to think i would never love anyone, but I love her.” 

“Do reasons matter when there's nothing that can be done to change things.” 

T’aint my way to turn down payment, but any man who looks like you has got no need of love potions, and that’s a fact.” 

“since you say there will be another life for me, let us both pray I do not make as colossal a mess of it as I have this one.” 

Our souls are knit. We are one person,”

“While the society disapproves of trespassers, oddly they take an even darker view of beheading and skinning people. They're peculiar that way.” 

you were the mirror of my soul. I saw the good in me in you. In your eyes alone I found grace. When you are gone from me, who will see me like that?” 

“Who knows your courage better than I?” 

“There are so many worse things than death. Not to be loved or not to be able to love: that is worse.” 

“What kind of monster could possibly hate chocolate?" 

“Is this a game? We just blurt out whatever word comes next to mind? In that case mine is ‘genuphobia’. It means an unreasonable fear of knees.”

“There's plenty of sense in nonsense sometimes, if you wish to look for it.”

“Oh, I can never get enough, which, incidentally, is what your sister said to me when-"

"You wish to marry me now?"

"Such harsh truths so early in the morning cannot be good for the digestion.” 

“I’m boasting of my investigative skills, and I would prefer to do it without interruption. Where was I?” 

“Are you implying that shreds of my reputation remain intact? Clearly I have been doing something wrong. Or not something wrong, as the case may be." 

We must away at once to the nearest brothel. I seek scandal and low companionship.”

"She is my priority!"

"I've never swum naked in the Thames before, but I know I wouldn't like it." 

“If no one cares for you at all, do you even really exist?” 

“Sometimes, when I have to do something I don't want to do, I pretend I'm a character from a book. It's easier to know what they would do.” 

“Excellent. I've been told I have a lovely, melodic reading voice." 

"You do believe everything I say, though, don't you? Do I seem unusually trustworthy to you, or are you just a naive sort?” 

"No, here you'll find all sorts of advice about how to chop off someone else's head if you need to; much more useful.” 

“It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them.” 

“having your annual ‘everyone thinks [your muse’s name] is a lunatic’ meeting, are you? “

“Sometimes,they're even supposed to blow up.” 

“What he needs now is to love and have that love returned.”

“Trains are great dirty smoky things, you won't like it." 

marry me and stay with me and never leave me, for I cannot bear another day of my life to go by that does not have you in it.” 

You are not the last dream of my soul.You are the first dream, the only dream I ever was unable to stop myself from dreaming. You are the first dream of my soul, and from that dream I hope will come all other dreams, a lifetime’s worth.”

Was there ever a more beautiful sound than your name? To speak it aloud makes my heart ring like a bell. Strange to imagine that, isn’t it – a heart ringing – but when you touch me that is what it is like: as if my heart is ringing in my chest and the sound shivers down my veins and splinters my bones with joy.”

“Dear God, I thought she was marrying your brother. I take it all back.” 

“Do you even care where I’m going? What if I were going to hell?”

'Was that before or after he tried to eat you?'”

“I hurt everyone but you. I never meant to hurt you.”

“Probably all poisoned by parsnips,”

“You made me want more than that. You showed me I was only ever cursed because I had chosen to believe myself so. You told me there was possibility, meaning. And now you would turn your back on what you created.” 

"Nice place to live, isn't it? Let's hope they left something behind other than filth. Forwarding addresses, a few severed limbs, a prostitute or two ..."

The touch was like white fire through his veins. He could not feel her skin only the cloth of her gloves, and yet it did not matter. You kindled me, heap of ashes that I am, into fire. He had wondered once why love was always phrased in terms of burning. The conflagration in his own veins, now, gave the answer.” 

“Most people are lucky to have even one great love in their life. You have found two.” 

Wherever we are, we are as one” 

“What are you doing following me around the back streets of London, you little idiot?”

“I suppose it would depend on whether they cut me a part of the profit.”

“What I do know is that if we are born again, I will meet you in another life, and if there is a river, you will wait on the shores for me to come to you, so that we can cross together.” 

“I had such plans for the evening. The pursuit of blind drunkenness and wayward women was my goal. But alas, it was not to be. No sooner had I consumed my third drink in the Devil than I was accosted by a delightful small flower-selling child who asked me for two-pence for a daisy. The price seemed steep, so I refused. When I told the girl as much, she proceeded to rob me.”

“What’s to miss? Sheep and singing,” he said. “And the ridiculous language. Fe hoffwn i fod mor feddw, fyddai ddim yn cofio fy enw.”

“It means ‘I wish to get so drunk I no longer remember my own name,’ Quite useful.” 

he loved like few ever could love, with all and everything. I see you are like that too; it burns more brightly in you than the fire of Heaven” 

“Dw i'n dy garu di am byth,” [I love you. Always.]

“Your honorable father has been impugned. Attack, attack!” 

“Meet me in the courtyard in half an hour, then,

“I’ll wake Cyril. And be prepared to swoon at my finery.” 

[3liza]

talking about flters and real beauty vs fake beauty and cultural standards etc always makes me think about all the victorian and edwardian novels i read, where the things that people thought about beauty were recorded at length. recently ive been reading a lot of Thomas Hardy (best known for Tess of the D’Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure) and there’s so much discussion of the beauty of people, particularly love interests, both men and women. and these writers, and their eras, and the culture of the eras, was of course obsessed with beauty and youth and also artificial beauty (being the eras of the really transformative corsets, not to mention some of the earliest industrialized or modernized beauty products or processes), as all human societies are to a greater or lesser extent in their own ways, but the thing that sticks out to me in reading these books is how beauty is not the singular or even the most important aspect of a person’s overall attraction. if someone has a beautiful face or figure, it is mentioned, but never to the obsessive, fixated extent that physical beauty is isolated from and elevated over all other features in modern american/western culture. there are plenty of protagonists or love interests in these books who are described as not young, or not remarkable, or not pretty, or even ugly or frightening, but nevertheless compellingly sexy and attractive, or simply interesting, or worthy in some way. 

its weird that the cultural consciousness has become seemingly ignorant of non-physical attraction. like that anon that was in my inbox talking about how they were “normal looking’ and therefore “needed” filters in order to “compete” with attractive people. it’s a weirdly mercenary and capitalist view of the social economy, first of all, which absolutely is not zero-sum no matter how badly the social networks want to convince us that it is. but there was never a single mention from that person about their ability to charm or entertain or attract using anything except a fake photo of themselves. wild. im fuckin worried about them! im worried about every young person how has brain worms

when i was about 4 and starting to become aware of how much adults were obsessed with my appearance because i was dainty and blonde and could do a passable shirley temple imitation, my parents gave me a very serious lecture about what physical beauty actually meant: i didn’t work for it (yet, i mean i do a lot of work now as an adult), it was given to me genetically. and someday, maybe sooner or more suddenly than anyone could predict, it would be gone. if accident, illness, or hardship didnt get me, old age eventually would. so with that being a certainty, i had better build a life and a personality on something other than my looks. and i said, ok. every day i get older im more grateful for that advice and the fact i decided to take it to heart instead of trying to gamble on Being Hot for long enough to get job security. which is also a valid career choice but it’s a risky one. always better to have a fallback just in case.

im of an age rn where a lot of women in my peer group are starting to get a very hunted vibe about the impending end of their youth, which is valid. theres nothing foolish about it, its not their fault, theyre not stupid or somehow lacking because this is an issue in their lives. but im noticing that i am significantly less freaked out by, idk, how long ago the 90s were or whatever, because i have been expecting to get old since i was in kindergarten. and i had adults around me who were just like “hey this is what old people look like and what bodies do over time. its not a big deal. everything on tv is fake btw”. i didnt get out unscathed, ive had eating disorders and all sort of weird brain-body problems. 

my advice i guess if i have any is to go outside and really look around you. notice how almost every single woman, and most men, has at least some cellulite, even if its just when theyre sitting down or whatever. notice how everyone has blemishes and zits. most people have some dandruff. if someone is wearing makeup, it’ll be cakey or balled up or smeared or uneven or clumpy even if it’s just a bit. everyone over the age of about 20 will have stretch marks somewhere, even if they aren’t visible except in certain light. i was under the impression i didnt have many until one time seeing a picture of my butt in FULL natural light and finally saw the entire surface of both cheeks was covered in straitions, they just were hard to see most of the time because im the color of drywall and scars tend to be light. it’s really easy to spot hair extensions and wigs and fake nails and fake tans and shapewear once you figure out how to see it. and none of these things take away from someone’s character. 

there’s a strong argument to be made that when corsetry was the norm, no woman was expected to simply be the shape of the corset unless she was actually wearing it. photographs and drawings of women in the 19th and early 20th century were retouched a bit as all photos have been, yes, but they were not retouched to make naked women appear to be corset-shaped. THAT is new. people are now getting surgery to be corset-shaped. and like, i dont think anyone should not be able to look however they want if they want to have that surgery. that is one meaning of cyborg feminism, probably. what i dont want, is for anyone to ever think that’s a normal way to look (except for veryvery tiny mathematical outliers, the Barbie Hips Georg of instagram) WITHOUT surgery or shapewear. which i see a lot now. i saw an instagram fashion designer with a very obviously surgically-altered body answer a question in her inbox about how she maintained her figure with some nonsense about diet and exercise. so now some (probably young) person out there is thinking that if they just do intermittent fasting enough, theyll look like a woman with butt and boob implants, a BBL, fillers, etc. that person probably thinks that if they arent able to diet and exercise good enough, they will fail at looking that way through their own laziness and lack of work ethic or whatever. i see that mindset constantly, especially in young women.

the surgery isnt the issue. the look itself isnt the issue. the filters themselves arent the issue. the issue is that on none of these images, is there an indication of what has been changed or how. the brain damage effect of filters would be lessened, i think, if everyone KNEW which images had been altered and how. so maybe thats the answer? mandatory labeling? i dont know. what’s terrifying is that the average adult human in america cant tell from a glance what has been altered in a photograph, no matter how clumsily, because they simply dont have a template for what a real human looks like anymore. the false images have supplanted the real images, the actual memories of alive humans that you know and have met or lived with. 

if you go into any of the shittier men’s spaces online you will find threads for posting pictures of “beautiful girls”, and it is page after page after page of teenagers in full makeup, hair extensions or wigs, circle lenses, facetuned, bodytuned, surgery, etc, and then hundreds of men yearning and fanning themselves over her “natural beauty”. dont go looking for this stuff, it will permanently fuck you up to know what a basic guy on the bus is thinking about women every day. dont do it

but i also seriously predict a backlash into “natural” looks after this current madness, similarly to how the 1960s saw the rise of the hippie girl with swingin titties, pit hair and no high heels after the consumer beauty madness of the 50s. of course the 60s beauty ideals were in some ways just as fake, but there was some authentic yearning towards a freedom from capitalist bodies as well. so when that happens send me $20: paypal.me/3liza. should be in like the next 4 years or so. thanks

[fantomette22]

Wait what is your headcanon about Maria's twin???? If I got that right?

Hm… yes you got it right. In one of my headcanons I imagined that Maria used to have a twin sister. 

This would be the short answer, but I supposed you’re looking for a more complete explanation. I will try to write it below. Even if I don’t get into too much details, I sure have a tons of others things to say about Bloodborne universe/ world building.

(About the conditions of life and the importance of the old blood in it)

So thank you for asking! You give me a good reason to share all of this x) And talking about this headcanon.

Like some might be aware I have tons of different hc & interpretations. Some who directly contradict canons and even each other. It’s more like silly AU/fic stories. 

Exception to my main big hc/story, even if I don’t believe it actually 100% happened that way. But I’m trying to make it fit as much as possible into the lore and original material. (It’s MY hc and for now, nobody is going to tell me if I’m right or wrong so…)

This ideas/stories just came in my mind, and I express most of them by just talking to myself. Not sure if everyone does that or if it’s only a neurodivergent thing. Some days I really wonder… Anyway.

Before getting back to the main subject I got to talk about two things really fast. 

One subject that I would want to express, if I ever write a story on Bloodborne it’s “how the use of the old blood really did help people and improve their life”. Why it became so much essential and when they realize it was too dangerous and should be stopped it wasn’t possible anymore.

After decades of progress and researches a lot of persons would prefer to try to find a compromised than stopped everything and just get back austerity (hello really life environmental issues struggle ?! wow I didn’t indeed this comparison at first),The risk of a big regression, a civil war perhaps and it would still be around in some kind of black market I’m sure. 

(yep all of this inspired by Laurence theme song alone…damn).

Yes, the old blood and all this mess probably killed thousands of people (especially if we addition everything until the event of the game) but it probably saves a ton of persons as well (a poisonous miracle cure…) In the begging at least/gold era at least.

Like you know Bloodborne is mostly based on the XIX/19th century (1801-1900) and the Victorian era (after 1837). A lot of people used to die of various illness we don’t have anymore. The infantility death rate was really high too. People got a lot of health-related problems. Pasteur (the guy who create the rabies vaccine), the vaccination and a lot of new medical protocols appeared at the end of the century. That’s also why at this period people and society had a different view on death. They were closer to it and have way of dealing with it that would be weird or even disturbing today. (See my post on the doll).

But this doesn’t seem match the universe of the game. Maybe they did have better quality life. It looks like it. But we know nothing about the political/ social/health context before the blood show up. We can’t be sure it was exactly like the XIX century and people could had 5 siblings, but they all died or was it more like us today or even a mixt of both.

The characters we know only seems to be only child or have like only 1 sibling. That mean advanced society who already did their demographic transition. Or all their family passed away. What’s sure is that it’s a more egalitarian society lol.

Maybe life conditions in Bloodborne were much better than actual 19thcentury but I saw a cool post (but don’t remember where) that say that in order for the church to basically lead Yharnam politically, some wars/epidemy/famine would have happened earlier. 

That’s why I thought it would be interesting to hc characters to have family members/friends/people they know, who had died before hand, of shitty illness. Or even if they didn’t know the persons, they have at least friends /relatives, who lost close people to them. That would really solidify the importance of the healing church/ old blood instead of just “oh an epidemy of ashen blood show up the church heal them”. I do believe they gained a lot of popularity/influence/ power over this. 

SO, because of this and another dumb thing, I think it would be great to made Maria had a sibling (a twin sister), who passed away when they were both really young (preschooler age?) + all the family drama that would occur. And it would serve my narratives even better. in my main hc/story. Because, guess who else I hc having a little sister who passed away as well ?? 

Gehrman (I had this one for a while now…you see what I did there ?! ).

I mean he did survive almost everyone so pretty sure he lost he’s entire family at one point…

(I have a lot of quite different interpretations of their relationship as well. Depend the au/hc but I’m not going to expand on that or I’m never going to finished lol, maybe another day). So let’s just say in my main hc, at the beginning she remind him more of that part of his life. After a few years alongside her, his view on her changed.

If you know FF7 remake dlc and Yuffie and Sonon, well at the beginning it’s kinda like them XD but of course they’re characters with really different personality. It's more about their general bond and dynamic as a duo.

There’re other characters I think/hc who may have lost relatives too.

Also, one day I thought about how Maria would react to the Doll. I believe she would have really differents & mixt reactions at the same time (I won’t go into details!). One of them would be “Oh I always wanted a sister…” And I think if they were to interact that would be the relationship they would have.

(But yep I believe the doll is a part of Maria too. In the hunter Nightmare it’s a nightmare version of herself aka the worst version of herself. I believed she was actually in between the 2 !  That the real Maria was both and neither at the same time. If that make sense. But who knows… that’s just my interpretation).

And to finish, the wildest AU that come to my mind who solidified the idea of a twin sis. Remember how the doll and the Gehrman’s apprentice were supposed to be 2 different characters originally ?? I thought : hey that would make a “funny” AU if the Doll was based on Maria’s twin sister lol. Anyway forget about it. Also some people think/thought that the doll might still be based on more than 1 person/… that’s interesting

So Hm yeah I hope that i offered an explanation on the "Maria had a twin sister headcanon" ! ^^’

I don’t even have a name for her… (if someone have ideas XD). Not even sure it it’s true or false twins as well. But I do have a preference for identical twins, I think. Don’t asked me who was born first either I don’t know. Oh… actually, Maria not being the first born would make sense… a lot of sense…