#i used a scene from pirates of the caribbean for reference

[gaiah]

With you, I forget my goddess

[clairegregoryau]

Through the Looking Glass

From fairytale in Season 1 to stark reality in Season 2 of Our Flag Means Death- meta ported across from this Twitter thread by popular demand!

This thread contains spoilers for the entirety of OFMD Season 2

First OFMD S1 rewatch since S2, and holy shit, if you haven't done that yet... do that. A thing that it made instantly clear: they told us *all along* where this was going, but there was a reason we didn't see it. Because we were living in Stede's world then. Now it's Ed's.

I know that a lot of us have felt that the tone shift at the end of S2 was... jarring, compared to what's come before. This felt like a show that wouldn't go there. One where being run through was a temporary hiccup. We've travelled all the way from this to this.

But we haven't jumped there without a journey in between. And from the minute we started hearing about Blackbeard, the show never tried to hide what Ed's world and his specific life was like. Not once. In fact they told us over and over and over.

But Season 1 told us a lot of those things through song and story and fuckery. It blended reality with fiction.

Stede met the Blackbeard he knew through books and tall tales, and the real man was even more wonderful than he'd imagined.

We, along with Stede, were comfortable thinking that all those other tales were exaggerations and misrepresentations, and a lot of them very likely were.

The Ed Stede got to know was a person who was capable of whimsy and silliness and loved soft things and doing something weird. Yep, he was also capable of violence and rage, but when he was with Stede, he didn't feel it so much.

This was a vacation from that life.

To Stede he was absolutely lovely... oh, and also a bloodthirsty killer. And Stede loved (and loves) everything about him, and both of those things can be true. This is a perfect example of a spot where (in watching Season 1 without the benefit of hindsight) I assumed that everyone else in that pub was wrong, and Stede was simply trying to protect Ed's fearsome reputation by agreeing on the bloodthirsty bits. And I think from Stede's perspective that was largely true. I think that's how they wanted us to see Ed, through his eyes. Now, after watching both seasons, I think it wasn't the whole picture.

They told us, we heard it, we saw glimpses of it. But we (and Ed) were in Stede's run-away-to-sea fairytale the whole time. It wasn't until Stede left that we saw the reality- the Ed we knew had been, to a degree, a fictional character all along. I always saw this scene as Ed putting a bit of distance between himself and reality; it always felt like the Blackbeard of Stede's storybooks was the fictional one. But now it feels like the softer Ed that Stede knew was much the same- neither of them the whole story of who Ed was and is.

The one person who refused to live in Stede's fairytale was Izzy. I've seen people say it before, but he always gave off that vibe of the only human in the Muppets movie, or the guy who was in Black Sails while everyone else was in Pirates of the Caribbean. He saw the real risks clearly.

And in that light, the end of S1 has shifted an inch to the left for me, and I'm seeing it at a slightly different angle.

Izzy ripped away the healing Ed was doing, but in some respects he did it by tearing away the fairytale we'd all been living in, shoving Ed back into the Blackbeard story.

And that's where we pick up again in Season 2.

The fairytale reference came back in S2 in two notable places, those being Jim carrying that legacy forward in the darkest times, and in Izzy invoking the wooden boy against Ricky's efforts. Stede's made himself into a real boy. Ricky, nope.

Now that I've watched both seasons together, the tone shift doesn't feel so jarring at all, actually.

It feels like sliding through the looking glass, out of Stede's world, and into Ed's- a world that existed all along; we were just seeing it, la vie en rose, through Stede's eyes.

At the beginning of S2, Stede's gone, and we're seeing it unfiltered through Ed's reality.

But Stede wasn't lying when he said he loved everything about Ed. He made a promise to come back and find him- he went down into Ed's darkest place and reminded him that no matter how bad things got, there WAS someone waiting for him, ready to love him.

The contrast between S1's fantasy and S2's reality (excluding mermaids and actual bird guys and cursed coats) is stark, but it really is that.

We have the same settings, the same people, and very different ideas and outcomes at different times.

But it was always there.

Things do come back to a state of (precarious) balance once they're all together. Apologies are made, whether they're spoken out loud or through actions. Things go right, things go wrong. Healing happens. Izzy continues to have the steadiest, most real through-line in the story as he tracks toward redemption, finds acceptance, and to an extent finds himself.

Once again, I hate that they went here with the ending and I wish they hadn't. But it got a fraction easier for me looking at it not as a continuation of Stede's fairytale, but of the grounded-in-pirate-reality arc Izzy was always on, even while we lived in Stede's world.

Where does that leave us? We're not going back to the fairytale, but we're not going to be living in Black Sails for S3, either. We've hit a fusion point where S1 ended with each of them going to separate, miserable homes, but S2 ended with them in the same place, ready and willing to make a go of it.

Season 3 is going to give us their world, together.

I LOVED the moments in this season where the deep emotions were in balance with the silliness I've always adored about this show. Eps4-6 were wonderful like that. Clearly we're not done with drama, either, but like Ed and Stede, I think we'll find a middle ground.

Anyway in conclusion, a rewatch of S1 after S2 somehow made me love the first season even more, which felt impossible? It's now gained /even more/ layers of depth than it had before. No matter how you feel about S2 I think it's worth that rewatch.

Adding one more bit of clarity for myself: I think we got a bit (intentionally) seduced in S1 by the idea that the Ed of the storybooks, the Vampire Viking Clown with the nine guns, was a version of him that others saw, when Stede saw the REAL person who 'worked' for Blackbeard.

In hindsight I think it's clear the Ed Stede go to know was also not the complete version of himself- the reality is, there's a whole spectrum between the two, and they've landed in the middle of it now. Ed intentionally leaned into the unlovable Kraken image to protect himself.

It very much didn't work, just like being just... Edward hadn't worked to protect himself, either. This season has been very much about pulling those two extremes together and finding all the parts that make up Ed overall (another thread on that here on Twitter, which I'll also shift across to Tumblr soon!)

And I think one of my favourite things in S2 has been seeing the way Stede SEES that- he knows what Ed's done, everyone's told him, but he still loves Ed. sees his trauma and how it affects him, and believes he's a good man regardless. He IS lovable; he's not forever broken.

And together, they can heal.

[insidetheravensmind]

𝐌𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝

18+ | For Mature Audiences Only

Pairing: Siren Hyunjin X AFAB Reader Genre: smut, pirate/siren AU, slight yandere themes !!WARNINGS!! yandere themes, cream pie, making out, doing it from the back, facefucking/intense blowjobs, fingering, cunnilingus, degradation/slight dumbifcation, DOM HYUNJIN, SUB READER, reader gets super fucked out. I think that's all, but I'm bad at warnings. Also, there is slight control over the mind, but everything is consensual! Word Count: 7,222 Requested: Yes! Author's Note: I used several references while writing this including Pirates of the Caribbean, H2O Just Add Water (literally only the moonpool/grotto area, that's what the scene is based on), and the faces I envision the sirens having is basically the vampire faces in "The Vampire Diaries." I also watched One Piece while writing this. Avatar (James Cameron) also inspired the mermaid/siren sex biology. (When they use their hair to touch and that's sex, yeah I did something like that). Reader is a pirate that basically only uses pirate slang around her crew, besides that she talks normal. I figured the pirate slang would get annoying to y'all, so I kept it own. I hope you like it! I'll be transparent, this fic is the only one I've ever questioned and been tempted to re-write a few times. I'd love to write something like this again, but I do need to practice. Synopsis: You're a pirate captain that's looking for sirens and mermaids, but what happens when you attack the enemies, and a beautiful siren takes you away for himself? Check out my Stray Kids Masterlist Support me by buying me a coffee ☕️

EDIT AFTER POSTING: Y'all be making me blush and shit with your feedback. I'm giggling and kicking my feet <3<3<3

For hundreds of years people have roamed the oceans. From sailors on ships to the deadliest pirates of the seven seas, the treacherous waters have taken many lives, not only to the water itself, but the unknown dangers of what lies beneath its surface.    

Stories of many kinds have stumbled their way out of survivors and drunken deadbeats. What they saw at sea or what they heard from someone else, anything was plausible in this kind of world. If it came from someone’s mouth, it was bound to be true in one or another. No one can ever be careful enough, so it was better to take everything as truth. Even the most ridiculous sounding claims shouldn’t have been taken lightly. 

You were the captain of a large pirate ship named The Corruption. You weren’t the most feared pirate known to man, but you were certainly amongst them. You were the only pirate willing to tread where others never came back from. You had faced the Kraken, not killing it, for your adventure only called to find where it rested to avoid crossing near the area at all costs. You faced several other sea monsters, whether they were larger than three ships or nearly as small as a minnow. In this place, the unknown were considered monsters until proven friendly. You and your crew were one of the reasons the unknown creatures were given names in the first place. 

People often wondered about the name of your ship, The Corruption. As far as anyone knew, you weren’t one looking for a good or quick fuck like anyone else when drunk, stressed, or just plain horny. Anyone who would have ever heard your name knew you were one of the bravest captains in the known lands, but they also knew you weren’t one to hurt. 

You were known for finding creatures but never hurting them. You never forced your crew to walk the plank or make a sacrifice. You were feared for confidence and bravery, not unjust corruption like other pirates. The name of the ship didn’t make sense. How could you, a captain so understanding, sail a ship with an unfit name? Everyone wondered. But you knew. Only you. Only you had the actual mindset to understand why it would be given such a name, and it was simple: Those who sail on it are corrupted by the wonders, those who sail on it live to tell the tales, and thus are corrupted by the truthfulness filled in the sea. They were not killed, they survived intentionally, as long as the captain had any say in it. 

Though there was no reason to fear you, people were still terrified because you were willing to explore what others wouldn’t dare go near. You didn’t take shit from anyone. Your very presence, the kind that was filled with confidence, your willingness to look anyone in the eye, and you could get anyone to tell the truth. You could read a lie from nautical miles away. 

This next voyage of yours was not the most dangerous, but somehow it scared the crew and anyone new willing to sign up. You were on the search for something that was only legend. Nothing proven, no one alive to tell the tale, and it was strictly based on sightings, no real interactions. For years there had been narratives of half fish, half humans swimming by ships quickly, like they were doing their best to not be seen. Oftentimes the quick glimpses made were described as beautiful women, long hair flowing down their backs and breasts out with no cover. The Englishmen called them “mermaids.” 

You wanted to see them for yourself. It was what you did: searched for the tales, or in this case tails, to prove they were real, and if they’re dangerous and how to avoid them. But you questioned why they were so afraid of beautiful maidens that swam along beside them. 

Annoyed by everyone’s lack of commitment, you rounded up your crew and anyone else interested in the voyage. 

“What the hell is wrong with this lily-livered crew? You wanna sail, especially on my ship, you’re gonna get the hell on and go. What happened to me swashbucklers?! You have faced the kraken and you’re all scared to go hunt for half fish half humans? Now, all hands hoay!” 

Your crew didn’t move, barely budged actually, they just blinked at you. Until one man stepped forward and spoke up. 

“Captain, we don’t mean to seem like landlubbers, but rumor has it these mermaids ain’t that friendly. Says they sing with perfect pitch and harmony to lure anyone to their deaths, then snack on them like we’re a hearty meal. We ain’t wanna die to the hands of lust, ya hear?”

In disbelief by such words and rumors you had to understand it was important to be cautious. This wasn’t the type of journey you could just set sail for, it seemed there were more obstacles. You had to come up with more of a plan than a simple aboard ship and sail off. 

“If these ‘maids are so dangerous then why is it they swim by our ships without going in for a snack, aye?”

Another mate spoke up to answer your question. 

“Captain, it’s been said that they could be related but they ain’t the same creature, savvy? Rumors been calling the ones who sing ‘Sirens’ instead of mermaids. They look the same, but they await on shores singing to lure them whereas mermaids are friendly, helpful fellows.”

“Ya sound like you’re three sheets to the wind. Where’d you hear this scuttlebutt?”

“Came from an old seadog, Captain Rattles, Captain.” 

You thought for a moment. Captain Rattles was one hell of a source, to be honest. He sailed the seas for decades, every warning he ever came about ended up to be true. Never once had he lied to crews and captains. He was a pirate to behold, really. 

“Fine. I’m gonna have a meeting with Rattles to figure out a plan. Then all of you are boarding my ship, or else you’re gonna find yourselves lovers with the hempen halter. Savvy?” 

“Aye aye, Captain!”

And the mates scurried off while you made your way to the old tavern where Rattles always seemed to be. It was time to figure out what you were gonna do with the ole hearties. It was annoying to you though. They were willing to die by a giant octopus and not a pretty girl. Typical pirates looking down on women. 

Later that night you found yourself seated next to Rattles with a notebook to take notes on anything he had to say. 

“I remember encountering them for the first time. We heard a beloved voice and heard it coming from a distance. We saw a mermaid. She turned on her back and swam while her mouth opened. The song came from her. We were all entranced. We followed through a fog until her song became a screech. Her face contorted, and her teeth became sharp fangs. The fog dissipated. Then there was a colony of them. They looked so peaceful in the water, until they all did the same thing. They began to attack. It didn’t help that the ship was smaller. I barely escaped. Only me and two others got out. Everyone else was ripped apart in front of us or dragged into the water where the carnage was hidden. We aren’t sure if there were survivors. We aren’t sure if sirens and mermaids are different or if one makes the other. There are so many things we don’t know, but no one should trust a half fish, half human. It’s not safe. We need someone to figure it out. We need you to figure it out.” 

“I know. I want to. My crew is scared.”

“Come on, Captain. Let’s figure this out.”

“Aye aye, Captain.”

That night over drinks the both of you came up with a plan. You and the crew needed to wear cloth in your ears to prevent the sound of songs from working. You needed to stack on weapons, ready to attack back. You all needed to pretend that the song was working. The plan was to sail east off the island. That’s where they accidentally found the cove they named “Libido’s Lounge.” It was noted that there weren’t just women, there were men as well. Even those who didn’t fancy men still fell under the spell, and vice versa.  

A few weeks passed by while you gathered the supplies you all needed for the voyage. It was dangerous, and those who began to board knew that. Even you, the bravest of adventurers, were slightly trembling as you boarded last. You weren’t sure why you were so nervous, but you had a gut feeling this was not going to end well. You wanted to cancel it because you’ve never had a gut feeling like this before, but it was too late. You had to go through with it. 

“Anchors aweigh! Better get your sea legs in quick because we’re in for a ride!”

“Aye aye, Captain!”

The escapade took a few weeks. The bad feeling in your stomach grew worse. Some days you could barely walk, the anxiety crumbling you. Your head had shooting pains that grew worse the closer The Corruption got to Libido’s Lounge. The crew noticed, but they refused to say anything. It's never good to doubt the captain, especially when they’re in this position of danger with no one else to lead them out. 

Dark grew over the horizon as the sun hid itself. The ship continued to sail onwards until a crew member looked over the deck and saw a beautiful face emerge from the water. She smiled at him, and he smiled at her fondly. The way her face was beautifully carved made him feel butterflies, and it wasn’t just the fact that he’d been living off of rum for a while. A crew member next to him noticed his gaze followed towards the girl. He quickly ran towards you to alert you that you’d reached the cove. 

“Alert the crew to get the cloth in their ears, now. Get Barbins over there out of that trance or he’s gonna be feeding the fishes.”

“Aye aye, Captain.”

Without a second to lose he began to round up the crew one by one to let them know the plan needed to go into full effect now. They plugged their ears with cloth. 

“Hey, Barbins.” The man whispered. 

Irritated, he turned to face him. 

“What is it?”

“Cloth, now. Captain said so. Or you’re gonna be dinner for them.” 

“Gyah, whatever!”

He stuffed his ears quickly before facing the pretty girl again. She smiled, and he smiled back. You noticed this. She began to swim away, and you quickly alerted the crew to follow her. You grabbed a hold of the wheel and spun it to change direction. Through the mist you blindly followed the girl. 

“Oi! Be ready for anything. The second her face turns ugly, start attacking!”

The mist cleared and water grew shallower. There was a clearing filled with the most beautiful faces ever seen. You glared at them as they opened their mouths and began to sing. Through the cloth, all of you could hear the song, but you were hoping it stopped the hypnotic way it enchanted the ears. They all stared at the ship while they harmonized their song. But you couldn’t see any men. Your father had told you there would be men, but there were none here. They were all beautiful girls, you could admit to that. You saw the attraction, and you understood the danger of their beauty. 

You looked to see Barbins jumping off the ship. You were stunned. What was he doing? 

“Man overboard! Start the attack, now!” 

WIth a yell the men began to shoot at the water, and the creatures became angry. Soon they lunged at the ship, managing to grab hold of the crew and dragging them down to the depths. There were way more of them than you had crew, and you knew there’d be more to come. 

Honestly, you lost your depth. Your stomach grew more knots as you watched the bloodshed. There was going to be no survivors by the look of it. Your head felt full and heavy. Your vision became blurry. Your legs felt weak. The epitome of this dreadful feeling somehow worsened when you got to the clearing, and it hurts even more now, like the source of it is getting closer. 

You began to back away from the wheel when you felt yourself hit the back of someone’s chest. You wanted to turn around, but you couldn’t move. Two arms arose to your ears on both sides of your head and pulled the cloth out of them. Then one arm wrapped around your throat and put you in a chokehold while lips quietly sung in your ear. 

“Dead men tell no tales.

Ugly men raid our seas

So we tear their sails

And hear their begging pleas.” 

A mate saw you in danger, so he began to run towards you. The figure who grasped you hissed at him while his eyes shriveled, veins protruded, and fangs threatened. The mate didn’t back down, so the stranger put you down and lunged at him. He quickly sank his fangs into his shoulder and tore a bite right through him. The mate cried before he was pushed overboard. 

You tried to flee in the distraction, but you weren’t fast enough. Furious at your attempt to escape he continued to sing as he stalked towards you. 

“Dead men tell no tales,

But you my sweet 

Are beautiful as my scales

You’ll stick around as my treat.”

He grabbed you by your arm and pulled you toward the ship’s main deck. You were confused by the man’s ability to walk if he seemed to be the same creature as the ones in the water. Your head hurt too much to fully wrap the idea in your brain. Another mate tried to go for the enemy, but he was knocked to the ground. 

“W-what is g-g-going on?” You tried to speak, but you only stuttered the words. 

“My name is Hyunjin, and you attacked my kind. That does not go without punishment.”

He pushed you overboard into the water before diving in right behind you. You swam to the surface as best as you could until you were pulled underwater by Hyunjin. His legs were gone, and they were replaced with an abstract tail. It was a warm brown color with hints of crimson red and golden yellow. Though he was a being that belonged to the sea, his tale resembled fire with its colors and extension fins like that of a betta fish. The colors felt inviting. 

He placed a kiss on your lips which then gave you the ability to breathe without worry. You tried to fight against him, but once he began to sing with his beautiful voice you were lost again. You stared blankly at him as he took your hand and swam away with you, leaving the war to finish itself without guidance. 

Hyunjin swam towards a vacant grotto where he laid your body on a rocky surface. The grotto was his secret hideaway. The only life around it were the fishes and the plants that danced in the water. Hyunjin kept his tail in the water while he laid his arms on the rock staring at your unconscious body. He couldn’t help himself. There was something about you that captivated his attention. Your breathing was calm, you felt lost. You couldn’t think proper thoughts, and you were lost in a void where there was everything and nothing at the same time. 

He wasn’t sure what it was. There was something about the way you lead your ship through the mist, thinking you were being strategic, but he stalked behind the ship the entire time. He grabbed onto the side of the ship, beginning to climb his way onto it and watching the scenes unfold. He noticed you were teetering while you ordered your crew around. He could tell you weren’t entirely there. There was a feeling in his stomach that made him want to help. He felt compelled to aid you. He wasn’t sure if it was your bravery for willingly going where every man fears or if it was because you were the most beautiful face he had ever seen. Even though he was and lived amongst a species that matched the beauty of gods on earth, no one looked as beautiful as you. 

He was supposed to be the one who lured people into his trap. That was what being a siren was about. He wouldn’t sing so beautifully if it wasn’t for that. Even before he was trapped in this cursed body, women would swoon over his artwork. Every woman would look at him lustfully, some of them were quite attractive, but no one was ever able to catch his eye. So, why are you, some pirate trying to kill off his kind, making him feel ways he has never felt before? That wasn’t fair. That defeated the point of all of this! 

He found himself caressing your head softly, staring at the way the water soaked clothes clung to your body accentuating every nook and cranny of it. His body tingled in ways it hadn’t in awhile. Excitement filled his face while he watched you breathe steadily. There was something about the way you were under his spell, under his control, that turned his brain to goo. His mouth began to water, his face felt hot, and his head started to ache at the uncontrollable feeling of wanting to touch you and make you scream his name, but instead of begging for mercy to live you’re begging to have him touch you more and more. The thought alone made him groan. 

You began to wake up from your hypnotic state, stirring slightly, eyes blurry, blinking back to reality only to be met with the high ceilings of a cave and an uncomfortable pain in your back from lying on dirt. Human nature made you want to bolt upright and run, but your pirate nature wanted you to remain calm, find a plan, and escape danger without causing a disaster. You laid there, eyes open, trying to avoid the small sounds of splashing water and the glaring gaze of your captor’s eyes digging into the side of your head attempting to read your thoughts. 

“I know you’re awake, Captain.” He taunts you with your title. “For the Captain of a ship, you’re certainly pretty inferior and weak right now.”

You grunt at his comment, starting to haul yourself up to find a way out of this mess. As you stand, you’re immediately stopped when a blissful tone reaches your ears, and once again, you don’t have control over your own body. You can feel it. You can feel yourself wanting to resist but being unable. Hyunjin speaks.

“Ah ah ah, darling. Lay back down. We are not finished here. I told you that you’d be punished.”

His words made chills sprint across your spine. Your cold, goosebumped covered body felt warm from nothing, and you felt yourself melt back to the ground. You turned your head towards his, and he lifted himself out of the water and hovered over you when his tail became two long, clothed legs. He looked at you too, and you daringly stared into his eyes. Within them you saw lust and desire, nothing more and nothing less. Well, there was something more, but you couldn’t decipher it. 

Hyunjin bent down and crouched next to you, cupping your cheek and gently caressing his thumb over reddening skin. He stared into your eyes, reading them, finding your scrambled thoughts. 

“You need to be good and listen to me. I can’t keep making you listen to me by using my voice, but if you make me, then I will. Am I understood, Captain? Nod your head if you understand, pretty girl.” 

You nodded your head. You did understand, but the nodding of your head was not on your own free will. His touch made you burn more. There was something about his over looming presence that made you feel small. One thing you always hated was the belittling you dealt with when it came to being a woman in a pirate’s life. Always trying to act above you when you know damn well it’s for their own ego. However, Hyunjin was alluring to you, equally as much as you were to him. There was something about his confidence and dominance that made you horny instead of angry. Maybe it was because it wasn’t his ego talking, it was just who he was. He knew he was in control here, and that’s why he didn’t feel nervous around you. The other men who made comments towards you always ended up being the weakest. Not Hyunjin though, nothing about him seemed submissive. 

The horrible feeling in your stomach never subsided. It grew even more in the position you laid in, and you started to wonder if the wetness in your panties is more than the wetted undergarments from being dragged through the sea like a monster’s prey. Maybe the horrible feeling in your stomach was just your gut feeling telling you to get dicked, and there was something about the nearing presence that made the feeling grow. 

Sirens, you think to yourself, are lust filled devils that overwhelm one’s desires when they approach them. Their songs do not force falsified love into someone, but overpowers their primal desires more than they can bear, weakening them, and taking them as food. But why do they want to hurt us, and the sighted mermaids want to help us?

Hyunjin sang another tune, but it made the hypnotic effect wear off, almost like an anecdote. You didn’t move, too afraid for your body to not be your own anymore. 

“Tell me, Captain, do you want me?” He asked boldly. 

You looked him deep in his eyes. You wanted to deny it, you really did, but just as they claimed, he was as beautiful as they came, more than likely the most perfect one, even beating the gods’ beauty. You wanted him in many ways, and he wanted you all the same. Like the bold pirate you were, you spoke up. 

“Yes, I do. Do you want me?”

“Yes, surprisingly I do.” He wasn’t lying. You knew it, you could read lies, and even if it was in his powers to be able to lie without getting caught, this seemed too desiring to him. His breathing was barely steady at the start. He was struggling to hold back. 

He moved to plant himself between your legs and then moved his hand to your neck and applied pressure to the sides of it carefully, taking away some air, but not a lot. You gasped, trying to take back all the air he cut off but failed. 

“It actually pisses me off how much I want you. Do you know what I’m supposed to do with invasive pests like you?” He leans in closer. 

“I’m supposed to rip you apart, limb from limb, and drag you down in the deep to eat you…”

He comes closer, grip tightening, his mouth right to yours, hovering above it just barely. 

“But something in me, something about you, makes me want to rip you apart for my own sake, and I want to hear you cry my name while I do.”

He releases your neck and puts his lips to yours. As he makes contact, you kiss back. He isn’t sweet with it, you aren’t either. His kiss is rough, teeth hooking onto your bottom lip and tongue prodding its way into your mouth while he uses one hand to hold himself up and the other to roughly massage your breast while he rolls his hips between your legs to give your clit the smallest bit of tension. He rolls over with a rhythm, enough to make you let out small, pleading whimpers. He smiled, hearing you fall apart on nothing when he’s just begun. 

He moves, and he begins to peel off the damp clothes from your body. You want to shiver, you want to be cold when your entire naked body is exposed to the elements, but it only burns. You can barely think, and it’s no longer the lack of air’s fault or Hyunjin’s songs. It’s just how horny you are for this angelically handsome devil. He takes off the rags that hide him as well. The sight of his slightly toned chest and thin stomach fills you with more desire than before. Then he removes his pants, and that makes your pussy throb the most. 

He leans back down to you, except he faces your core, and leans in for a meal. The spit from his tongue meeting your untouched folds makes you shudder, and you grab his hair and pull him closer on instinct. His tongue licks in and out of your vagina and messily makes his way to your clit where he sucks on it and nips on it slightly. Your sensitivity is so intense that you feel yourself leak a bit more over his face. He continues his assault on your clit while his hand makes his way to tease around your hole before entering one finger, and a few thrusts later adding a second. 

“Hyunjin, fuck-” You moan while he continues his actions. He takes his mouth off of your clit for a moment to say, “Good girl.” You gush at the nickname and turn your head to the side to hide from how excitedly the praise made you feel. 

The knot in your stomach was ready to be untied. Your quiet whimpers and moans got louder and increased, which signaled him to pick up the pace a little faster. 

“Whenever you’re ready. Just sail with the wind, Captain.” 

As soon as he said that, you released onto him and rode out your high as he calmed his movements before pulling away. Your eyes felt heavy, your body felt relaxed, but you didn’t want to stop there. Hyunjin didn’t either. You fell limply onto your back when Hyunjin moved himself from you. 

“Hey, there, pirate, we aren’t done with this voyage of ours yet.”

Looking down at you, he bent down and picked you up by your hips, moving you to sit in front of a rock on your knees. The rock was at your eye level. Hyunjin sat on top of the rock. He slightly flinched at the coolness of the rock against his ass, but he warmed up to it quickly. He spread his legs, leaving his dick out, and the perfect space for you to crawl in and suck him off. You stared at his long, hard dick while it waited for attention. 

“Hey, princess,” Hyunjin snapped his fingers in front of your face. “Get to it.”

You crawled to him on your knees, head bowing down in embarrassment, but Hyunjin grabbed the roots of your head and pulled you close to his dick. “Open.” And you did. You opened your mouth wide and took him in while he kept his hold on your roots for physical control. You bobbed your head up and down, moving your hand up to grab what you couldn’t reach, but Hyunjin stopped you. 

“You’re a Captain, aren’t you? Using your mouth to bark orders all day? Not to mention how much you unhinged your jaw to take me. If your pretty mouth can do those things, then you can suck my whole cock without taking a shortcut with your hands.” He pushed your head all the way on his cock, making you gag, but he ignored it. He kept this up, barely letting you breathe. All he did was assault your throat with each thrust making him groan at your warm, wet walls that felt like heaven’s touch. You could feel your throat become sore, but you honestly didn’t want to stop him. There was something about the way he sounded and his control over you that made you want to please him forever. 

Not long later, his groaning increased and became louder. He was going to cum soon, and you could tell when he pushed your head into cock faster. 

“Fuck!” He moaned when he felt cum spurt from his tip. He calmed his pushing, but he made you keep your mouth around his cock until he was fully finished, then he withdrew himself and forced you to swallow all of it. 

Drool was falling down your chin, your jaw and throat hurt, your scalp was slightly burning, but your eyes were glazed over, wanting even more of him. You felt like you were floating, the pain in your body making your pussy wetter. Even though you felt like Hyunjin was controlling your body with the way he used you like a toy, a new melody filled in your ears making the ache in your body reside. Each tune he sang seemed to do a different thing, but each of them were helpful in the situation you found yourself in. This tune didn’t put you in his control, but it rather settled you to be comfortable for what he was going to do next. 

Hyunjin stood up and looked down at you while you remained on your knees. He brought his hand underneath your chin and forced you to look into his eyes. 

“Tell me your name.” He spoke. His tone was stern. It wasn’t like the way he spoke before, this was a hard command. You weren’t sure why he was so stern about your name and not the intense oral sex you performed on him moments ago.  

“It’s Syrena.” You lie. 

Hyunjin grips your chin tighter and glares daggers at you. 

“You’re lying. Tell me your name.” 

“Ariel.” 

Hyunjin pushed your head to the side harshly before bending down and grabbing you by the base of your neck and forcing you to look at him again. This time he’s much closer. He’s more intimidating this way, and you feel your stomach jump. 

“Lie to me again, and see what happens. Tell me your name or I will leave you here to die.”

“My name is Y/N. Captain Y/N.” 

“Now was that so hard, Y/N?” You glared at him, tempted to rip out of his grasp and kill him on the spot, but you didn't. You stayed put because your sinful temptations were getting the best of you. 

“Captain, Y/N.” You corrected him. Even though he’s been calling you pet names since you got there, now you were starting to grow tired of his taunting and teasing. You let him have his fun, but now you wanted your respect back. However, you were basically willing to do anything for him to fuck you at this point, but you didn’t want to admit that. 

“No, no, no,” He paused, lifting you by your hips again and sitting himself back on the rock. “You are no captain to me.” He sat you slightly on his lap, grabbing his dick and teasing your clit. Your arms were wrapped around his neck to keep you up. The feeling made you whine loudly. He smirked, slowly pushing his head into your soaked cunt until his long length was fully inside you. Your head fell back, and your mouth opened without control as you let out of the loudest moan you could muster. He used his hand to bring you back to face him and look into his piercing gaze again. Your mouth stayed open, moaning with each small thrust he gave as he pushed himself into you, but keeping most of his dick inside you. 

“You are just a pathetic, cock-hungry, submissive, girl.” He said between his small thrusts. 

“H-h-hyunjin, please.” You plead. He gives an evil smile and lets go of your neck making it fall back again. He stood up, holding onto you, bringing you off of his cock almost entirely before harshly thrusting himself back inside. You couldn’t control your reaction, even if you tried. You screamed in pleasure, the noises echoing off the grotto’s walls. He continued to plow into you, but it was enough to ensure it was pleasurable for the both of you and not just his own selfishness. 

“Hyunjin! I can’t- Fuck!” You moaned. 

“Yes, you can. Fucking take it.” He growled, fucking into you harder. 

“Ah- I can’t, please!” The pleasure was insane, impossible to describe. Then, again, there was another new melody that rang through your brain, and you felt like you were floating. You were able to take whatever he gave you without worry, but the pleasure somehow doubled. Your eyes were oceans with the way the tears spilled from them each moment he didn’t stop. But everything was bliss. Everything was perfect. You felt more relaxed and calm than you ever had before. 

Hyunjin switched the positions you were in, lying your stomach against the rock, and your ass in the hair where he entered you from behind and held onto you by your head fucking into you even deeper. 

“My little pirate taking the cock of her enemy.” You wanted to correct him, tell him that your intention was to learn about them, not to hurt them, but that thought left your mind as soon as you had it. You couldn’t think. You were almost brain dead, only being able to feel everything he was giving you and more. 

“I’m gonna cum soon!” You managed to choke out. 

“Fuck, baby, me too.” He groaned back. 

“Ah, Hyunjin, please, I can’t hold it.” 

“Just a little bit. I’ll tell you when you can cum.” His stern voice was back, there was no choice whether you did or didn’t on your own terms. 

He moved out of you for a brief moment and turned you around to face him. Quickly and carefully he picked you up and thrusted his cock into you. You shoved your face into his neck, kissing and sucking and biting him to bare the orgasm building inside you. 

“Can I please-”

“Yes.”

As soon as you released, Hyunjin did too, fucking his cum into you while you moaned. He found your lips and kissed you while slowly walking towards the moonpool of water and allowed himself to fall in with you while you kissed him lustfully and passionately, and he did the same. 

In the water, you were lost, eyes open, but not having control. Hyunjin’s presence was not absent from you, but you still felt sexual pleasure. You weren’t sure how. 

Hyunjin was in front of you, facing you, and smirking. You looked at him, confused as to how you weren’t sinking without him holding you and without swimming. Then you realized you couldn’t feel your legs. You looked down, and your legs were replaced with a shining mermaid’s tale and extensions of a betta fish, just like Hyunjin’s, right in front of you. You noticed one betta fin of yours and his were connected. That was where the pleasure was located. 

You wanted to scream and cry. Hyunjin could tell, so he came closer to you. He held your face in his hands again, stroked your cheeks gently, and leaned in to kiss you. You happily kissed back. Within the midst of your kiss, your tails intertwined with the other, and you felt like you were floating again, but this time it wasn’t Hyunjin’s range of melodies, it was a tone that felt like love. You felt whole and safe. You didn’t freak out about the mermaid tale that now lined your body. 

Hyunjin moved away from your lips, grabbed your hand, and swam you towards the surface of the water. After breaking the surface, you began to speak, but he stopped you. “Don’t freak out. You will be fine.” 

The second his tail was entirely out of the water, he had legs again, and he helped you out of the water where the same thing happened to you. Hyunjin grabbed you again, and held you into his lap bridal style while leaning against a rock. He looked at you, and you looked at him. 

“Humans can’t have sex with mermaids or sirens without turning into one of us. It was a curse put on both humans and merfolk such as ourselves years ago when a human and a mermaid fell in love. However, a jealous sea witch grew envious of their relationship, and put a curse on mermaids that they’d become lust filled demons that killed humans that came near, and anytime a human had sex with one, their curse was to become them too.”

You looked at him dumbfounded. 

“What the fuck?” is the only thing you can muster. 

Hyunjin laughed and explained more in depth. 

“I wasn’t always like this. I was a human too. In fact I was a painter whom all the ladies fell in love over. I adored it. I adored their attention. One day, while I painted by the seaside, I heard a beautiful noise come from the water. I discovered a boy peeking out of the water. He extended his arm to me, I gave him my hand, and he pulled me in. Then, things escalated, and now I’m like this.”

“But I still don’t understand the mermaids and sirens thing. And why’d you have to do this to me? What the hell.” You felt a lot of emotions, but you weren’t as mad at being a siren than you thought you’d be. Depending on the conditions, being part fish could help yourself as a pirate captain.

“I barely understand myself, but I’ll try to explain more. It used to only be mermaids. That was it. Mermaids are beautiful creatures that swim in the sea and have beautiful voices that can do all sorts of things like lure people in and make them feel better. However, mermaids were never inherently evil. Their songs were meant to lure people in for good things, like steering life away from dangerous areas. However, the sea witch’s jealousy got the best of her. She wanted to be the one the human fell in love with, but instead it was someone else. Blinded by rage, she cursed any mermaid who dared fall into the lust trap. Oftentimes mermaids are used to resemble purity because of this, and they distract themselves from carelessly falling into anything that can change that. The sirens curse, it wasn’t just motivated sex, it was killing anyone who tried because the lust was so strong. When the mermaid was first turned into this monster, she kissed his neck, but began to rip it apart. The sexual desires began to settle after the fact, like killing someone brought down the hunger. No one has been able to find an alternative. As for me turning you… I couldn’t help myself. Ever since I saw you there was something about you I needed. It ached, in ways I couldn’t explain, and I knew you felt it too.”

You stared blankly at him in disbelief. Then you spoke up. 

“We weren’t coming to hurt you. My pirate ship is more of a learning experience. We discover things in the sea and tell others about it. We don’t harm anything, we just teach ourselves. Granted we know how to defend ourselves in an attack, but we came to study the mermaids, and we ended up in a killing trap. Now all of my men are dead.” Your voice turned cold by the end, just remembering the bloodshed of the battle you were ripped from for no reason. 

“But you began to attack, don’t deny that.” 

“It was self defense. We knew you were going to do something.” 

“I don’t doubt that. Even though I haven’t always been a siren, I can’t sit back and watch my newkind get slaughtered. I will defend them, and now you will too. You’ll learn to.” 

“Hyunjin, I didn’t want any of this.”

“But you were so beautiful, I had to have you. You’re mine; you belong to me. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be so off balance when I’m around, just like a bit ago when you lost everything the second I was completely near you. I hadn’t even started singing.”

He was right. You knew it too. He was the reason you felt off. He was the reason you were off balance and off guard and off everything. Now he’s the reason you’re part fish. 

“You can go back to being a pirate captain, if you so please, but I am so deeply infatuated with you, I couldn’t bear you to go. I don’t ever want you to leave me, Y/N.”

It was the way he stared deeply into your eyes that made you melt. There was no convincing melody of his to convince you to stay, though you must’ve had that too now if you were one of them. But his eyes, his pleading, and the slight fear you had of him kept you put on his lap. 

“Come, my treasure, explore the ocean with me.” He said, standing you up, and bringing you to the water, jumping in with you, grabbing your hand, and swimming off. 

Your tail made you swim as a pace that was hard to comprehend. You were out of the grotto and near the island you sailed off of in minutes rather than the days of voyage you spent. Hyunjin showed you all about the water, pointing out friends and foe, things to eat, ways to improve your life as a merfolk. 

Down in the water, the two of you faced the other where your betta fins touched, bringing you closer into a kiss. The two of you chased each other around, creating tiny waves in the water as you playfully messed around. 

Resurfacing from the water and staring at Hyunjin, he sang, 

“My heart is pierced by Cupid.

I disdain all glittering gold.

There is nothing can console me,

But my jolly sailor bold.” 

You smiled, happy to hear this song that he sang often. He sang it about you.

But little did you know, that song is the only reason you stayed with him.

Hyunjin found you perfect, so beautiful that he couldn’t let you go. He knew you would've left the second you had the chance, but he can’t let someone he’s besotted by go, so he’ll do what he can to keep you around a little longer. I mean, he did tell you that bullshit story about sirens and mermaids. Had he been turned into a siren by a boy with a freckled covered face? Yes. Was that witchy nonsense true? Of course not. But if you believed him, who cared? He turned you into a siren on his own, so he could keep you around forever. He was going to have you no matter what.

You are his treasure, not any of the pirates, his.

[jatsaro]

Pirates of Etheria Masterpost 🏴‍☠️✨

(aka the AU where i venture to ask the brave question of “what if i shoved SPoP and PotC into a blender and made it my whole entire personality and never shut up about it?”)

probably gonna use this post as a place to link comic updates and other silly little thoughts about it but if you’ve seen me be insufferable abt my Blorbos on Twitter you are more than welcome to see me struggle with uploading it all over again, and if you’re new you’re welcome to stick around for the Pirate Agenda wooo >:3c

FAQ i just made up on the spot:

What is PoE/What’s it about? —It stands for Pirates of Etheria, which is a play on the Pirates of the Caribbean title,,, i am not very good at titles but i was too lazy to change it so that’s what we’re sticking with atm, but basically i like SPoP and i like PotC and my brain said teehee and combined them and i have never recovered from that high, it’s self-explanatory this is just what if lesbian pirates,,, i am a clown of simple taste

Where can I read it?—it’s in comic format bc i woke up one day and chose to torture myself! so it’s still very much a work in progress but the first chapter is gonna be uploaded and linked and so is the second, which is halfway up on my twitter and will be here as well as soon as it’s finished :]

Is there an age rating/any content warnings I should know about?—My plans for PoE is for it to mostly stick along both the plotlines and the maturity rating for PotC, which is generally inclusive of some PG-13 content (not recommended for children due to suggestive scenes, violence, you get the gist). Each chapter will include a content warning for any sensitive content, though generally speaking i’d wager it will be a relatively SFW read :^]

When will you finish it?—bro i am just doing this for The Vibes idk i’m rly slow

So is it a crossover or just a pirate AU, or…?— ……yes (longer answer: it's not really a crossover AU in that you won't be seeing PotC characters gallivanting around and interacting with the SPoP crew, but there are elements from both sides of the source material that form the plotline for this one, as well as references/maybe the occasional Easter Egg,,, but yeah it's kinda just a mix!)

Why is [insert page(s)] in [language other than English]?—1) bc i'm super cool and bilingual and Latine, therefore a Latine Catra (and a couple of other characters) Truther >:^} and 2) bc it's my AU and i'm being entirely self-indulgent mostly

[maluceh]

That painel was AMAZING, thank you thank you thank you! ❤️

Sorry for missing a few references, could you share a list of all the universes?

damn ok… ummm (from top left to right and so on with every row)

brooklyn nine nine (amy and jake)

morticia and gomez

modern family (claire and phil)

tangled

they’re just drinking chescos in this one

band au

i got lazy so kissy time

dinosaurs

the last of us au

game of thrones au

10 things i hate about you

celebrity au but i tried to do the cinderella concept art cause 50s

old people

slasher

sapphic jily victorian era

mexican folklore dancers

i got lazy again and i just sketched them as spooky cartoons

deleted scene from dead poets society but it’s not them as dps characters, i just wanted a snowy scene

barbie

pirates of the caribbean

anne with an e

legos

elevator love song by BeeDaily (it’s a fic)

cowboy au

how to train your dragon (astrid and hiccup)

percy jackson (them as percabeth)

sapphic jily in the 14th? 15th? century with princess jamie and her loyal guard lily

this is just a kids drawing so you can interpret it as you want (harry drew it or little james or little lily)

vampire au

couple selfie!

sapphic jily with a reference to glee (the cheerleader uniform). so this one is kind of like cheerleader x outcast type of thing

pride and prejudice au (bingley and jane)

set it up (it’s a movie on netflix)

rocks

greys anatomy au (them as mark and lexi)

role swap (quidditch player lily/muggleborn james)

ice skater couple au

juno (reference to the intro credits from the movie where there’s like drawings and stuff, i thought it would be cool idk)

the office (them as jim and pam)

haikyuu (tanaka and kiyoko are literally jily in another font)

patronuses

genderswap jily

romeo and juliet (2013)

before sunrise (1995)

titanic movie

ferris bullers day off (i think they fit sloane and ferris A LOT)

friends (chandler and monica)

maurice (1987)

detectives au (i tried to emulate 1940s drawings but alas i’m only a girl)

mermaid au

mlm jily as Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete I BELIEVE this is Dos tipos de cuidado (1953) i wanted to draw them as homoerotic mexican actors from the golden age of mexican cinema

canon jily

sapphic jily in bly manor (as dani and jamie)

animal crossing jily

big fish (2003)

sapphic jily as pirates who got caught

idk i took it from a pinterest pic

shadowhunters jily

fantasy jily (?

sapphic jily kissing at sunset

worms

idk what movie this is, i wanted to draw them as silent actors from the 1930s i also tried to use the same art style they used in that era but alas i’m just a girl

widow victorian lily and ghost james (this is a direct reference to Anders Zorn the widow 1883 i believe)

how to lose a guy in 10 days au

shadow and bone au (them as nina and matthias)

ballet dancers au

romeo and juliet AGAIN (1996 tho)

anastasia (1997)

the princess diaries 2 (them as Mia and nicholas)

them with a cat (it’s algernon, the cat is algernon by the way)

spiderman (itsv spider-man to be exact)

i got lazy again and i just doodled them listening to music together

ants

genderswaped jily as emma and mr. knightley (2020)

mamma mia (2008) (love that movie, sophie and sky made me the bisexual i am with that one beach scene)

the hunger games mockingjay part 2 (them as katniss and peeta)

hogwarts professors

coworker rivals

mlm jily but at hogwarts

sapphic jily just vibing (heartstopper vibes??? idk i put the leaves)

shelf awarness by GhostofBambi on ao3 (one of my favorite jily fics)

and that’s it

[adarkrainbow]

So... I have watched "The Last Bogatyr"! Sorry, "The Last Knight/The Last Warrior/The Last Hero". The 2017 movie.

Due to the recent world events, I had to pause away from anything related to Russian folklore - but I still will dip my fingers into it from time to time.

If you do not know about this movie, "The Last Warrior" is a 2017 Russian movie part of the "fairytale fantasy" category, and... it is one of the rare movies produced by the Russian branch of the Disney Company (in collaboration with the Russian company "Yellow, Black and White"). The title is actually weirdly translated because the whole focus on the story is on the "bogatyr" - a type of semi-historical semi-legendary character of Russian culture who could be best compared to the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian world. They are not knights in the Western sense of the world, though they do fill their role in the traditional fairytales as the heroic military warriors that kill monster and save princesses ; and merely calling them "heroes" is a bit too vast for the very specific thing they are. Anyway...

The Last Bogatyr is a typical "portal fantasy" type of story. In modern-day Russia (there's a reference to the President, and this made me grit my teeth, because fuck Putin), lives Ivan, a famous star-magician, professional medium and dedicated scammer, who poses as "Svetozar, the wizard of light". But one day, after fleeing from the goons of a person he ended up pissing off, Ivan finds himself teleported in "Belogoria", the world of Russian fairytales.

There he is welcomed by Dobrynya Nikitich, and discovers he is not an orphan as he always believed but the son of Ilya Muromets, send to another world as a baby. (Dobrynya and Ilya are two of the most famous bogatyr of legends) However he is soon imprisoned by Dobrynya's sorcerous wife, the witch-queen Varvara, and discovers that almost all of the supernatural beings of Belogoria have been hunted down and persecuted by Varvara's crusade against all things "evil". This forced the once great villains of the land to become heroes against the tyrannical oppresor, and as such Ivan (because of course, as the main hero he has to be called Ivan) is forced to team up with Koschei the Deathless and Baba-Yaga to subvert Varvara's evil plans. Other folktales character that join the party include The Frog Princess/Vasilisa the Wise, and the Vodianoy ; and the purpose of their quest is to find the legendary "Kladenets sword" (magical sword).

This movie is... weird. Not weird in a "cult movie" type of way, no, no. This movie definitively is Russian and feels Russian, but at the same time it has Disney smeared all over it. As in: the plot and character types of this movie are all the cliches and stereotypes of Disney live-action fantasy movies. If you just take Ivan's character here - he is just a recycled version of the Wizard of Oz from Disney's "Oz The Great and Powerful". Once you understand you are in a "typical Disney movie", you can easily guess and expect what is going to happen. (Except for the very end, which has a real twist. It is the post-credit scene, if I recall well, and oh boy I did NOT see that coming, that was good) So yes, if you are used to Disney movies, in the likes of Tangled or Pirates of the Caribbean or the like, you'll know exactly where this movie is going.

Despite being very generic in terms of plot and character handling, being a very Disneyified product, this movie has the great interest of showing how Disney would handle the Russian fairytales. It is not everyday you can say "I watched the Disney version of Baba-Yaga" or "I watched Disney's take on Vasilisa the Wise". Plus the movie does look pretty, I will not lie. On the other side, this is definitively a movie for kids and all audiences. It is a semi-humoristic movie, a fantasy-comedy mostly filled with jokes (but one that won't make you "laugh out loud", and not one I would call the funniest movie). There is no gore, no brutal violence, no adult jokes. The "softening" or "Disneyification" is especially seen by the handling of Koschei and Baba-Yaga, who lose the darkness, the horror and the morbid typically associated with them and become comical side-characters, fitting more your typical Disney cast of anti-heroes and funny sidekicks... But don't get me wrong, it does not mean they are done wrong. In fact, Baba-Yaga, Vasilisa, Koschei are without a doubt the BEST parts of his movie.

Because Ivan, the protagonist, is one of the most insufferable characters I have ever met. He is a bad man (morally speaking) as much as a bad character (writing speaking). He is a jerk that has nothing pleasant to him, his moments of "goodness", "kindness" and "heroism" are SO artifical and SO forced it feels out-of-character for him. I understand he is supposed to embody the archetype of "Ivan the Fool", and they do relie in some scenes on the fact he is indeed not a hero but a cowardly, idiotic jerk... But then in other scenes he suddenly becomes this great hero hidden underneath and this kind man that just looks like a pathetic idiot and... yeah I hate this character. If the movie had been all about Koschei and Baba-Yaga and Vasilisa as their own team, it would have been such a better and great movie. The villains are good, the side-characters are good - it is just the main protagonist that is... bleh.

I know that the movie was popular enough to get not one but TWO sequels. I might watch them one day - I heard they are better. As for this movie... What I'd say is that it is not an excellent movie, nor a bad one - depending on your own taste and preferences, it ranges from a "good but not great" movie to a "neutral/middle-ground/meh" movie. It is not groundbreaking or inventive, but it is pretty, and honestly, the real interest of watching this movie is to see how Disney handles Russian folktales. This is the reason I watched this movie, and the main if not only reason I would advise people to go check it out - it is the improbable and bizarre crossover of Russian media and Disney movies, it is a Russian Disney fairytale movie, uniting the beloved folklore of the Soviet world and the traditional movie-making of American culture, and as such it is a very... weird piece that one must at least know about.

(And the character of Varvara is SUCH a good character. I love how she is presented, the visuals, how she plays out in the plot. I don't know if she is inspired by any specific folktale character - from what I have seen around she was invented for the movie and while fitting the fairytale world is not meant to represent a specific folk-character? But that's a very cool character)

[come-chaos]

Post-LOTR Marathon Thoughts

I saw LOTR EE in the cinema today. It was my first LOTR marathon ever, as well as my first time seeing FOTR in the cinema. Despite having spent a decade of my life as a devout Tolkienist and LOTR/Hobbit fan before I shifted focus to other fandoms, it was also the first time in several years that I watched a LOTR movie at all. Naturally, I was very curious about what my own reaction would be.

What follows is my attempt at summarising some of my impressions before I forget them.

Best movie: My favourite always used to be ROTK, and it’s still by far the movie that makes me the most emotional, but I can finally say that FOTR is a better movie. Everything about it is simply magical. From start to finish, it introduces the most incredible range of settings and concepts and people. Visually, I believe it has a far richer colour palette than the others. I also get the impression that it has many more subtle references to the book than the other movies do.

Best overall: The soundtrack. I have a pet peeve when it comes to singing in movies – I hate it when a movie makes no effort to convince me that the character is actually singing. It’s surprisingly common for movies to combine the most half-arsed lip sync possible with a blatantly obvious studio production that often features a ginormous and rather glittery reverb regardless of what room the scene is set in. I’ve always upheld LOTR as an example of characters singing being done well, and Eowyn’s dirge being my favourite example in particular, but this time I noticed something new about it. Something really cool. When the camera changes angle, or when an object passes in front of the camera, the acoustics of Eowyn’s voice also change. Absolutely marvellous sound mixing.

If I could change one scene: I don’t know whether I’ve matured as a movie watcher or if I’ve just gained a healthier perspective on the whole book vs movie debate, but I found myself having nearly zero issues with the ways in which the movies differ from the book, which came as a surprise to me. I even found myself thinking that several changes were, in fact, for the better – I could see now that the story really did benefit from being adapted to the medium, instead of following the book to the letter. Don’t get me wrong – I would have preferred a Gimli who isn’t the butt of every other joke, a Legolas who’s less into surfing, and a Haldir who heads to the Havens without passing Helm’s Deep. But all of that is forgivable. If I could change one scene, I’d remove the Paths of the Dead skull avalanche. As far as I’m concerned, it’s pointless, it’s not a reference to anything, the sheer number of skulls makes absolutely no sense, and if anything, it gives the entire dead army plotline even more of a Pirates of the Caribbean feel. Speaking of, I’ve always assumed POTC is the reason why the army had to be a sickly neon green instead of the more conservative ghostly grey – the latter was already taken. The green honestly never stopped annoying me, so if I could change one thing in addition to removing the skull avalanche, I’d drastically lower the saturation of the entire Army of the Dead.

Miscellaneous thoughts: Something that struck me several times during this marathon was how much I’m still in love with the overall plot and with so many of the themes. I love the characters – including Boromir, whom I discovered is far more compelling to me now than he was in the past. I love that even those with the best of intentions may struggle to do good. I love that Bilbo’s choice to show Gollum mercy made him less susceptible to the Ring throughout his whole life, whereas Sméagol’s corruption was facilitated by his murder of Déagol. I love that Sam’s love for Frodo is everything. I wasn’t prepared for the burden of the Ring to remind me so much of the struggle of living with a mental illness, which I’m going to guess is a result of my metacognition having improved considerably since I last saw the movies.

Moment that made my heart pound so hard it hurt: The Ride of the Rohirrim.

Moments that made me the most emotional: Absolutely no surprises here. In second place, as usual, came “You bow to no one”, while Frodo’s farewell at the Havens came in first place, as always.

[random-meme-bot]

WE WANT SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT OUR QUEEN ELLY >:DD

Thanks for the ask, glad to see you're enjoying my characters.💜

A few random Fun facts about Elly, some of these were mentioned on a few tags, others are one's I came up with and never posted, there's even some that I was gonna reveal on a one shot crossover with Tangle Tower i'm making that I added here because I don't know when I'm gonna have time to finish it.

Elly is a trans, she named hershelf Elishabeth as a reference to Pirates of the Caribbean. (Which yes, is actually where I got the name.

Fun behind the scenes fact: The name I originally choose for her was "Elaine" in reference to Monkey Island, but I changed it because "Elly" didn't sound quite right as a diminutive of "Elaine".

While her design and overall idea, has changed quite a bit since her original drawin, her design is inspired by "Jenny LeClue"

Her glasses being completely opaque except for the pupils are to reference how she is a middle ground between alive people who I always draw as just pupils, and ghosts who also have eyes.)

She is also aro/ace and absolutly terrible at noticing when someone has a crush on her.

She once woke up in the middle of the night only to find Trucy staring directly at her, since then she always make sure to sleep facing the wall...

While not shown in any drawings due to the long hair, she does have piercings on the ears.

She loves coffee, this is a byproduct of her always staying up longer than she should.

She sometimes falls asleep while working on the bookstore, Dan will usually just posses her to take care of the customers and leave her notes about it.

She has more than once used her ability to see ghost by asking some ghost roaming the school to give her the answers to an exam she hadn't studied for (some people ghosts would do anything just to get acknowledgement from a living person...)

She loves Jazz music and any song with trumpets, saxophone, trombone... (I have a drawing I want to make of her as the "jazz for your soul" meme)

Not gonna give any context just jet, but she does go to a psychologist.

She dosen't like the scar she got from the car accident that gave her the ability to see ghost which is why she dosen't own any clothing that would reveal the abdomen (short shirts, most swimsuits...)

Despite the fact that she isn't usually at home and when she is she stays in her room, she does have a good relationship with her parents.

Despite the fact that it has been years, she still misses her old house.

She is friends with some ghosts that roam around the school, this has resulted in every alive person in the school thinking she talks to hershelf.

Despite On account of her ability to see ghosts, she has a big fear of corpses.

She can handle pressure, but she will hyperventilate when she starts to get too overwhelmed, Dan is helping her so she can deal with it if it happens.

Her hair is uncombable, it dosen't matter what she tries it always goes back to it's messy form.

Favorite station is Autumn.

Favorite color is Purple.

[where-theres-smoak-2]

Shadow and Bone' Season 2 Soundtrack Reveals First Single "Come Sail Away"

Did you see?

(Book Spoilers!)

I did, I gave it a listen too and maybe its just me but parts of it reminded me so much of He's a Pirate (the Pirates of the Caribbean theme). I mean listen to the first like 16 secs of Come Sail Away and then the opening chords of He's a Pirate and tell me they don't sound similar. The music for shadow and bone has always been really good and this single they released is no exception. I definitely feel like its got something to do with Nikolai our swashbuckling privateer prince. My theory is this will play either when Nikolai first makes an appearance on his ship, when Alina and Mal are sailing with Nikolai for the first time searching for the sea whip or it could be when the airship takes off for the first time, kind of a play on this idea of sailing away as they are in a boat but one that sails the clouds instead of the sea. They also released the titles for the full soundtrack and it has some interesting names in there for sure:

Some of these are pretty straightforward Tolya and Tamar and Wylan are obviously the character theme songs and will likely play when we first see them or whenever they have a particularly big scene. Mattias Fights again is pretty obvious it'll be from the clip we saw in the trailer where it looks like Mattias is being forced into cage fights and Nina goes to see him.

Some of these titles definitely caught my eye though. The one titled Become The Blade I do think is in relation to Mal and that tattoo he gets so maybe we are going to see him get his tattoo this season. I do wonder though if they are going to change the wording of the tattoo to 'Become the Blade' as opposed to 'I am become a Blade'. I know alot of readers complained about the tattoo not being grammatically correct, I myself think its a bit of a mouthful and I always have to read it a few times to get the wording straight, it doesn't exactly roll smoothly off the tongue. I wonder if they might simplify it in the show to make it a bit more audience friendly?

Another two that I am excited by is Jesper's Past and Shu Han. I would love to learn more about both of these subjects. I didn't read the six of crows books so I don't know, well anything really, about those character's pasts so I am really looking forward to learning more about them. I've also always been interested in learning more about the other cultures in the grishaverse. We learnt a bit about Fjerda through Mattias so it will be interesting to learn more about Shu Han especially as our main character is part Shu Han.

Stronger Than An Emerald is yet another interesting one that I am sure has to do with Nikolai and maybe to do with his relationship with Alina. In the books his mother gives him the Lantsov Emerald which he then uses to propose to Alina with (this is mostly a political engagement). The Emerald comes into play again later after the darkling turns Nikolai into a winged beast using merzost, Nikolai manages to retain some of his mind and uses the emerald to show Alina he does still recognise her. I wouldn't be surprised if we see this play out in the show and Stronger Than An Emerald is played over the scene where Nikolai shows he still recognises Alina.

The last two that caught my attention is Let Me Be Your Monster and Hope For The Future. The latter one is actually one we had in season 1 and its what I refer to as the darklina theme as it plays during their first kiss scene, it also happens to be one of my favourite songs on season 1's soundtrack, its just so beautiful. It does make me wonder if there is going to be some big emotional moment between Alina and Aleks at some point during the season, maybe in one of their mind palace scenes? I just really hope its not that scene from the end of the third book, because I could not handle that, thanks but no thanks. As for Let Me Be Your Monster I again think this will be darklina related, it reminds me of three things for some reason, the first is Aleks' 'Fine make me your villain' line, 'Let me be your monster' just gives me very similar vibes. It also reminds me of one of the tether bond scenes, I think its in the third book but I am not 100% sure, where Aleks is kissing Alina's neck and says something like 'Let me... It isn't real, let me'. Its actually a surprisingly tender and vulnerable moment between them. The last thing it reminds me of is a couple of scenes from the books that have similar vibes, one is from the chapel scene in book 2 where Alina describes the darkling as being her monster too:

There was darkness inside me. He had put it there, and I would no longer deny it. The volcra, the nichevo’ya, they were my monsters, all of them. And he was my monster, too.

But there is also a scene in Ruin and Rising, again in the tether bond where the darkling is trying to convince Alina to be his queen and they have this exchange:

“You might make me a better man.” “And you might make me a monster.”

If I was going to guess I do think Let Me Be Your Monster might play during one of those tether/ mind palace scenes. Or it'll be from the chapel scene.

I am looking forward to the release of the soundtrack because as I said the season 1 soundtrack was so good so I am expecting good things from the season 2 soundtrack.

[bearpillowmonster]

Superman Flyby

I've read a lot of scrapped drafts of movies but I can't say that I've liked a lot of them, Resident Evil, Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales- So when I saw a video performing one as an audio drama, I figured I'd try it out that way.

This one has narration? I didn't like that, it's not in the script, it's just adapted that way to explain what's going on so I quit that and just moved over to the script, so much for that idea. This is only the second draft which for some reason in Hollywood, there needs to be draft after draft (that's not how I write, I just edit but whatever) so I don't know how 'finished' or how planned this was to go to screen, they had a cool costume for it already though (but they also had one for Superman Lives and that had script after script)

Firstly, Lex finds a crashed shuttle of one of the Kryptonian war people (not Zod or anyone else we know but one of Kata-Zor's men, Jor-El's brother). And the guy puts him in a chokehold, passing on his memories and understanding before dying, basically passing on his task to Luthor, to find Kal-El.

Then JJ, uh- has the Kent's landlord make advances toward Martha and then young Clark has to fight him off? After that we cut back to Krypton...yes, Krypton. In this draft, it's not the explosion that's making them send him away, it's the invasion/war and Lara is on the run. I didn't mention that Kata-Zor has a son...Ty-Zor and he's about Clark's age. With the minion dying earlier, he never made contact and told them where Kal-El was so they're still looking.

I'm gonna take a break and give you what I think should happen from here forth, it's not what I expect but it's constructive criticism since it's so...divisive. Instead of making it a Zod or Zor-El, at the end, I want to see them injured and replace parts to become Brainiac, a fake-out and potential overall villain that embodies all of Superman's greatest foes. It's just stupid enough to work! But I think Clark's overall mission should be to find an actual resolve on Earth to save Krypton or become strong enough with the yellow sun to take down the Zors.

Ok, back to the actual script. Clark has a roommate named Jerry Shuster which I don't even need to explain that reference. Yeah, Lana was there earlier and Clark introduced himself but that's it, he's older, never to be seen again. Lois is introduced as the freshman in his college...Clark's a senior *gulp*. Other than that, I kind of like the disposition, though different, seeing Lois firstly in this sort of awkward situation rather than the way we're used to, none of the dialogue has stood out to me though, they mention that she's just as much alien as he is but that's literally her second paragraph, SHOW ME.

Clark, has a moment where someone's making advances towards Lois and he stands up but the guy keeps pushing him. With his mom, he pushed him back but with Lois, Lois pushes him back defending Clark, I don't like the situation but like I said, I like the disposition. Aaaannnnddd we're right back at the Planet where Lois is her usual self. Why did Clark end up there though? Because he thought he'd meet Lois there again after she said that's what she wanted to do.

Luthor's running for Prez. In a way, being in a position of power or even with Law Enforcement, it'd make it easier to find Kal-El. But he shows off...Luthanium, a battery chip, made of what, hmmmm, NOPE. But Lois makes a scene and now Luthor puts a hit on her. What's strange though is that JJ has this obsession with Clark's fly being down, thinking it's funny, maybe in the movie it would've been but here, it's ironic because it's called FLYby, I wonder if that's where the title came from.

Anyways, I skimmed the rest, it wasn't holding my attention. Superman dies but Jor-El brings him back saying he's apart of the prophecy about two princes? too many things going on. There are some highlights like Lois riding a motorcycle after knocking out Lex and Superman fighting a robot but it's all context issues, those are basic ideas but the way they're presented is eh.

They did end up going with one idea I had about saving Krypton. They give him these 5 pieces which create a portal to his world but that's the literal end of the script, just as he jumps in.

And the casting they were getting...oh boy. Scarlett Johansson or Selma Blair as Lois? Ok. RDJ as Lex? Can't see it. Brendan Fraser, Henry Cavill, Josh Hartnett? Mmn. Shia LaBeouf as Jimmy...actually-that kind of makes sense for the time period.

'If you don't know what story you want then why are you telling it?' Is my mindset but then-

“The thing that I tried to emphasize in the story was that if the Kents found this boy, Kal-El, who had the power that he did, he would have most likely killed them both in short order. And the idea that these parents would see – if they were lucky to survive long enough – that they had to immediately begin teaching this kid to limit himself and to not be so fast, not be so strong, not be so powerful. The result of that, psychologically, would be fear of oneself, self-doubt and being ashamed of what you were capable of. Extrapolating that to adulthood became a fascinating psychological profile of someone who was not pretending to be Clark Kent, but who was Clark Kent. Who had become that kind of a character who is not able or willing to accept who he was and what his destiny was.

“The idea in the movie was that he became Superman because he realized he had to finally own his strength and what he’d always been."

He has an abstract version of it thought out so how did he draw his conclusion? Do I look like a mind reader sir, I don't know

At least we don't have to worry about it-

Wow. I mean, I guess he learned and has someone writing it for him now, he wanted to direct Flyby but they were more keen on him writing it. Ta-Nehisi Coates actually worked on Black Panther comics so that's cool? But at the same time, this has been in development from what I understand as a long time, at least I remember hearing about a black Clark Kent pretty far back, like it doesn't seem like it was just 2021, I remember it being rumored before then but maybe I'm wrong? And yeah, this is apparently a black Clark, not Calvin which upset everybody but as with Tron, people don't listen to feedback unless it's Sonic.

But it's still worrying that the direction is going anywhere because of when I read that James Gunn hasn't even been handed a script yet, I was kind of paused. Is it even done? Like- it just seems like someone who says they have a really cool project but refuse to show it (oh poop, is that me? (but in my case, I actually have a lot finished, it just needs made (someone help)))

[khuantru]

20/07/2023: just a quick fix and redo on this old drawing of Batman. 08/06/2018: Just recently nabbed a ticket at the 'Royal Albert Hall' for a live concert with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra playing movies greatest hits. Programme includes The Avengers ● The A-Team ● Pirates of the Caribbean ● Indiana Jones ● Harry Potter ● Independence Day ● Rocky ● Mission: Impossible ● Batman ● Sherlock ● Wonder Woman ● Superman… and much more! Hoping the superman, batman & wonderwoman tracks are the versions from Hans Zimmer. That be awesome to listen live. Reference: Batman ( Zack Synder version ) Software: Adobe Photoshop cs3 & Illustrator cs3. Tools: Intuos draw wacom pen & Penclic mouse. Listening: Blade Runner 2049 sound track 2015: Batman vs superman, my oh my.. that teaser trailer is good. If you have seen it, then I am dead certain you know which section of the trailer I was vectoring from, I wasn't able to find a high res image to use, since there isn't any.. so what I did was 'the good old fashion way' - print screen that scene from the trailer and vector it via illustrator.. the eyes, the glowing eyes, i added for this fan vector. i want to try and vector superman.. but i don't think i will, since this vector attempt of batman from that dawn of justice trailer was a bad process.. not too happy with this outcome.. but that's the best I can do from a 'print screen image' of Ben.. and also.. i'm pretty sure that everyone that did doubt Ben as batman are probably keeping quiet or eating their words.. that suit that he is in.. christ!!! suit is on roids and he probably has bulked up for the role too.  - There's hope for all DC fans. Anyway - enjoy the vector of Batman vs Superman.

[a-little-revolution]

// rating Little characters in film //

Since I enjoyed rating Little characters in animation so much, I thought I'd rate and discuss some Little characters in live action films! (These are in no particular order, nor does this list begin to be all encompassing) Here are some of my thoughts on various Little characters that come most to mind:

Lemon, Penelope (2006)

10/10

To me Lemon is a great example of naturally including someone with dwarfism in a film - he isn't belittled for his disability, and his roll feels very organic. He may not be the most likeable character, but he's taken seriously and goes through development throughout the film.

Ma Petite, American Horror Story (2011)

-10/10

Purchased for three cases of Dr. Pepper and treated as a doll by all member's of the circus, Ma Petite is an excellent example of dwarfism enslavement without revolt.

It was unsurprising in a season titled "Freak Show", in a genre with a history of horrifying and mystifying people with disabilities, but I really wished for better from a 21st century series - but then again AHS is crawling with problems when it comes to marginalized communities.

Alex Radziwill, Bones (2005-2017)

10/10

Alex is a character I find to often be forgotten, but he's probably one of my favorite characters with dwarfism to date.

The show gets a little iffy when the episode regarding "m*dget wrestling" comes around, but Alex is consistently respected in his field and by the main characters. His roll is minor but I loved seeing him naturally integrated into the world.

Mini Me, Austin Powers (1997-2002)

-100/10

First to be given this low a score, the character Mini Me is one I hate the most, not only for it's heinous representation but for it's staying power within pop culture.

He's an A+ example of pet culture within dwarf history. He is dehumanized and owned as property, abused, and made a mockery of constantly.

Not only that, but being that the Austin Powers series is so popular, the Mini Me character became a point of reference for many abled folk when it came to people with dwarfism.

This character nearly single-handedly influenced the way I was treated by my peers throughout childhood.

Oompa-Loompas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1971, 2005)

-100/10

Like Austin Powers' Mini Me, the oompa-loompas of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory have had a major staying power in the world of dwarf representation. The popularity of these characters have been used as a tool for harassment in the real world - representation matters y'all.

The Oompa-Loompas are one denominational characters, owned and enslaved by Mr. Wonka under the guise of mutual benefit - a phenomenon not dissimilar to the "m*dget villages" and tiny towns of the 60s and 70s.

The Seven Dwarfs, Mirror Mirror (2012)

5/10

I have mixed views of this particular rendition, since despite it's terrible subject material (being the classic group of one dimensional and comical small men) it actually takes a refreshingly positive approach to the Seven Dwarfs.

In this version, members Grimm, Napoleon, Butcher, Wolfie, Chuck, Grubb, and Half Pint are all named after the rolls they filled in their village before being outcast by the queen ("banish the uglies" - she decreed). They are full characters with back stories and personalities, and play a far more crucial roll in this rendition. We even see them achieve their various life goals as the credits roll.

They did, however, require an act of heroism and Snow White's use of privilege to regain their place in society.

Overall it's easily my favorite reenactment, but the bar wasn't exactly high to begin with.

Marty, Pirates of the Caribbean (2003-2017)

3/10

The anarchist in me absolutely loved seeing a little person as a member of a rebel pirate crew, but overall I don't have strong feelings any which way about this particular character, which is disappointing.

Aside from being not overly interesting, the most memorable scene from Marty is when he gets knocked back after firing a small canon - which was obviously a joke at his stature

Willow, Willow (1988)

11/10

I've spoken about this film before, but I honestly can't boost it enough. It has a huge Little cast, and was able to truly humanize it's village of little people in such a wholesome and human way which I absolutely loved.

Willow's is that of a hero's journey - he embarks on a grand quest despite the doubts of his peers and succeeds! He has a wife and children and a roll in his community, just overall a wonderfully lovable character.

I hope to do a part two soon since this just scratches the surface of Little rolls, so if you have any characters you'd like me to review please send them my way!!

-Elliot (they/them)

[sixstepsaway]

something else: I've seen people be mad that Ed is released into Izzy's custody in 1x09, and I don't... get that?

Izzy had to make a deal so airtight there was no risk to Edward. He may not be particularly manipulative, but he's smart enough to be wary of the fine print and pick wording and agreements that won't risk Edward's life

For example: "Edward goes free" I'm reminded of that scene in Pirates of the Caribbean, where they agree to let Elizabeth go free and drop her into the ocean by a tiny island.

Freedom is subjective.

"Edward is pardoned" can be interpreted in many ways. Pardoned of killing Nigel, since he confessed? Pardoned for his father? Pardoned posthumously? Also, worth noting is that I think only the king can issue a pardon? Not something Chauncey could agree to.

Which leaves us to: handed over to Izzy's custody.

Sure, the English might be assuming that this means Izzy gets his grubby little mits on Edward to do whatever nasty thing he wands with him, because that's what they'd do, because they're bastards, but in actuality 'custody' means not only imprisonment but also protection.

"the protective care or guardianship of someone or something"

The precise wording Chauncey uses is: "But a friend of the crown has prevailed upon me to remand you to his custody. You shall be released to Captain Hands, in exchange for his service to the King."

The English probably assume, being who they are and how they feel about pirates, that Izzy intends to do something icky with Edward, but I don't think that's true.

As I've said before, last time in reference to the 'namby-pamby' line: when you write, words mean something. Writers deliberately choose the terms they use when they use them. It's not like people in real life who just say whatever the heck half the time, it's deliberate.

To me, the word released is what matters here. Edward is being released back to Izzy, back to their life before. The 'Captain Hands' line is highly likely to be because the only way Izzy could convince him was to imply Edward would be his subordinate. He becomes captain of the Revenge in 1x09 because Edward isn't there, but the second Edward sets foot back on the Revenge?

Edward is captain again.

Edward knows it. Izzy knows it.

Even the rest of the crew (soon-to-be captain Oluwande, for example) know that Edward is captain.

If the plan had been to hand Edward over to be put in the brig and done fiendish things to, Edward was vulnerable enough when he came back in 1x10 that Izzy could have done that. Edward assumes that he'll be captain again and by not challenging it (something like, "You can't just come back in here and pretend our places haven't changed!" or whatever), Izzy shows that his plan the whole time was to put Edward back where he belonged: as Captain.

He just had to get that past the English first.

Izzy's tizzy in 1x10 might read solely as him bitching about not wanting to serve him anymore, but it's actually a continued confirmation that he is serving him. He might be having a problem with the Ed version of Edward Teach (as we've discussed at length in the past, so I'm not going back over it rn) but he's still saying, repeatedly, that he serves Blackbeard.

If Izzy had aaaaaany intention of retaining his captaincy once Edward was back on board, that conversation would have gone a little differently. He would have been saying Edward couldn't swan back in, acting like he is, and taking his ship out from under him.

Hell, the Revenge isn't even Edward's ship. If he had been intending on it, Izzy would be well within his rights to argue his side of possession of the Revenge, which is Stede's ship. Stede never gave custody of that ship to Ed or Izzy or anyone else. Izzy has as much a claim to it as Ed does. Potentially more, if he stole it fairly via the English. He could have argued that.

But he didn't.

Edward is his captain, Blackbeard is his captain. Izzy likes being first mate. He likes being a guiding hand and a logical voice when Edward goes too far. He is, quite literally, Edward's hands. He isn't a captain and he knows that. He excels at being a first mate, at carrying out his captain's orders.

And, more than that, if you rewatch the end of 1x04?

He doesn't actually want to take over from Ed. He's very flattered because Ed just waxed poetic about how Izzy knows his stuff, and maybe a little turned on from the back slap idk, but he isn't into the idea of Ed being elsewhere or him taking over.

He is completely torn because Ed just came up with a fantastic plan!

But he doesn't want the final steps of it.

I imagine that if Ed or Izzy had actually killed Stede, there would have been some kind of event that had Izzy staying by Ed's side. Or, maybe he figures Ed would eventually come crawling back anyway, not content in a life of boring luxury surrounded by pompous aristocrats he'll never fit in with.

He focuses on the fact Ed has a plan, and the fact when he says Ed still has it, Ed smiles and bows, because that's so good (if it wasn't a total fabrication) and Ed is seeming like himself again! Plans! Excitement!

But look

That is not the face of someone purely thrilled and looking forward to his own captaincy. Far from it.

Closing thoughts: if you think Izzy had some deep, sinister, fiendish plan beyond "get Ed away from that fucking asshole Stede Bonnet who is ruining him" (which, again, Stede agrees with the notion of) you haven't paid much attention to Izzy at all.

He may be an angry li'l fuck, but he's an angry li'l fuck who honestly wears his heart on his sleeve. I've seen people call him a liar and I'm-- not sure when he lies, actually? Maybe the part where he says Stede knew who his boss was? But even then I'm not convinced because everyone knew who his boss was so why wouldn't Stede?

But aside from that one possible moment, Izzy does nothing but yell his truth at anyone who will listen (Ed. He yells it at Ed.) and that means that at the end of the day if his plan had been to have Ed under his thumb in some kind of weird prisoner capacity or to be the captain forever even when Ed came back?

We'd know about it from his dialogue by now, because he would've bitched Ed out for coming back.

[lululawrence]

lululawrence's May 2022 Fic List

Previous Fic Lists / Lulu’s List Podcast Masterpost

May is always wild and crazy, and this year it wasn't any different. Despite that I was able to read a decent amount, and there were some great fics in there, including some very long fics that won't be able to be included until June's list because I'm not quite finished with them hehe Because of that, this month's rec has several shorter fics on it, which are a favorite of mine as well, so I hope you're ready to indulge yourself in some short and fabulous fics!

The podcast for April's list just posted last night and May's is also now available! I hope you enjoy the double new episodes.

As always, be sure to show your love and appreciation for all of the hard work our fandom authors have put into their fics with kudos, nice comments, and (when applicable) reblogging their fic posts!

portrait of a vampire by Anonymous (7k, NR, Harry/Louis, vampire Louis, artist Harry, historical fic, kind of?, it's definitely it's own universe where vampires are accepted to an extent and such but it's hard to explain, anyway there's lilo friendship that is so lovely and Louis just wants to know what he looks like and, i just loved this fic so much okay?)

you fit me better by @hershelsue / docklands (4k, E, Harry/Louis, A/B/O dynamics, alpha Harry, omega Louis, laundry, it all revolves around laundry, in both meanings of the word if any of you were around long enough ago to understand that reference lolllll, scenting, strangers to lovers, smut, all the good stuff in a perfect little quick reading package!)

She's Never Been One to Stay At Home by @becomeawendybird / QuickedWeen (3k, G, Harry/Louis, girl direction, pirates, cross dressing, historical, based on Pirates of the Caribbean, or at least one scene from the first film lollll, arranged marriage, kidnapping, lady pirates, ohhhhhh listen if all of this hasn't been enough to win you over to this fic, then just take the leap anyway because this fic was *chef's kiss* perfection)

We’ll Call This What You Like by @tommokat / tommokat (9k, M, Harry/Louis, 1D Song Fest fic, girl direction, friends with benefits, pining, mutual pining, idiots to lovers, hahaha, friends to lovers, some really really excellent WLW smut for all y'all who need that out there lol, this fic just... whew, but at the same time was so fucking cute too haha it had it all and i loved it)

us two by @wadey-wilson / wadey_wilson (4k, G, Harry/Louis, bedtime stories, mythology, kid fic, the narrative style of this fic was so incredibly unique and interesting, and in a way it was like there was a story within a story, like there literally is a frame narrative, but it's done so differently from most frame narratives, it's hard to explain but it's glorious and incredibly effective and so beautiful, it made me cry it touched me so much, it's a really beautiful and wonderful story)

Cake Date? by @sadaveniren / SadaVeniren (3k, M, Harry/Louis, soccer coach Louis, baker Harry, flirting, fluff, hand jobs, and cake, hahahaha that's the fic and it is perfectly sweet and cute and fun, it is such a nice short happy read)

About Bloody Time by Missyoualwaysyou (2k, NR, Harry/Louis, canon compliant, pining, reading fic on ao3 about themselves, friends to lovers, smut, it's one of those fics that feels so perfectly nostalgic as you read it, and it encapsulates so much of the silly headcanon fun we used to have back when i first joined the fandom, down to the idea that maybe the boys not only read fic but wrote it too, it was a lot of fun and of course ended in some smut, such a fun fic to read)

The Only Pain in Pleasure is the Pleasure of the Pain by @laynefaire / Layne Faire (HisDarlin) (11k, E, Zayn/Liam, tattoo artist/shop owner Zayn, tattoo artist/shop owner Louis, rich Liam, lilo friendship, zouis friendship, matchmaker Louis, chaotic Louis, pining, mutual pining, pain kink, smut, semi-public smut, more like it's smut in a public place but it's closed so still private-ish?, hahaha anyway, it's HOT and such a great story, i love the way it's written, omg it's just yeah it's so good lol)

Only Hate The Road When You're Missing Home by @magicalrocketships / sunsetmog (49k, M, Liam/Louis, famous/non-famous, exes to lovers, kinda... it's complicated lol, uni student Louis, non-famous Louis, famous Liam, roommates Niall and Zayn, sad Louis, making up, healing, hurt/comfort, marriage, angst, like omg holy hell so much angst, i cried a lot reading this fic, but also a happy ending!, and the healing felt so real, like they didn't just fix one thing and have it be all better, or assume it would be alright, they really had to work for it and kept apologizing, and had to keep talking it out etc, it was so incredibly perfectly done, i loved it so very much)

The Glory Hole-idays series (parts 4 and 5) by @uhoh-but-yeah-alright / yeah_alright

Hallelujah! He is Jizzin' (3k, E, Harry/Louis, Zayn/Louis, Liam/Louis, Niall/Louis, established Harry/Louis, Louis works a glory hole, this is his Easter Special and omg I about died lmaooooo, I love this entire series so much you have no idea)

Rimadan (786, E, Zayn/Louis, references to Zayn/Harry/Louis, this is a private session to allow Zayn to continue his celebrations, basically just really really sexy zouis smut lollll)

subverting expectations by @disgruntledkittenface / disgruntledkittenface (3k, M, Harry/Louis, girl direction, famous/famous, actress Louis, model Harry, met gala, semi-public sex, it's just a lot of flirting and excellent sexy times for these ladies in the bathroom, followed by the hope for something more hehe, and I loved every moment lolllll)

[horizon-verizon]

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

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

reveal why this trope came to be used so often

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

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

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

Examples of Anti-Heroes

Batman

Hamlet in Hamlet

Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights

Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind

Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye

Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby

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

Tyrion Lannister

Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart

Lestat the Lioncourt in The Vampire Chronicles

Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean

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

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

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

But we do hear that Aegon:

openly fondles servant girls (and very likely rapes them)

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

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

And we do hear of Aemond:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[made-nondescript]

HELLO here is some of my vintage disney parks stuff!!! aka what watching defunctland does to a bitch aka why im so insane about scar’s theme park

(continues below the cut!)

Disneyland Postcard Set - Post 1967

This is my FAVORITE piece I have because the art on the cover is so gorgeous. The lettering is beautiful the castle is especially beautiful and vibrant, the rendering is lovely, the doodles are ADORABLE. Select colorful scenes:

This is one of the photos I used to date. The Peoplemover opened in ‘67 so that’s the earliest this could be from. Based on the clothes in other photos I’d guess it’s a few years later than that maybe, just based on the amount of women wearing pants!

And here’s a shot of the original sale section of Pirates of the Caribbean ride! Captioned “Scurvy Buccaneers Ponder the Worth of a 300-Pound damsel.” If I remember right, they’ve changed this section to be ladies chasing their husbands with brooms to update it.

A Visit to Disneyland Book - 1965

Written by Mabel Watts and illustrated by Stan Tusan, this book is just adorable. (I hypothesize the previous item was illustrated by Tusan too, but it’s unmarked so I can’t be sure.) It look’s unassuming on the front of it it’s fully illustrated:

^^^ This is an image I want to reference for Scar Theme Park related art ;D!

LOOK HOW CUTE THIS IS!!

Also look at these kind of freaky old character costumes, especially the dwarves.

Walt Disney’s Pictorial Souvenir Book of Disneyland - 1965

VERY beautiful cover. It’s hard to see but the castle is done in a messy, almost impressionist style. Also sidenote the worst thing anyone has ever done is write dates in roman numerals. Whoever came up with that I’ll kill you again.

Naturally my favorite page spread is the It’s A Small World. Just!!! So pretty and sparkly. It was SO hard to pick which pages to show you guys because every one is really creatively laid out, with nice lettering and illustrations. on every single one!!!

LOOK AT THOSE IMAGE FRAMES

Tommorrowland has some of my favorite parks concept art because they went SO hard on the colors

mickey and minnie abominations

This is one of the most unique illustrated park maps I’ve seen!! You can see the Mule Pack Train (exactly what it sounds like) was still running (1955-73). Other now defunct rides include the Motor Boat Cruise (1957-93) and the Skyway (1956-94).

This is the back! “Disneyland is for People!” is such a weird slogan to me. Who else would it be for??? My favorite image is the smug looking kid enjoying his drink in his Disneyland hat. I want one of those.

Disneyland Summer 1959

This was promotional material for the park! Tragically mine is pretty destroyed :(( Features lots of photos of what the attractions were in the park at the time, including information about upcoming events and guest music performances. They also include information on hotels, pet services, etc. Everything you’d need to know to go to Disneyland in 1959!

Opening spread with a beautiful watercolor painting!! The blurb boasts how Disneyland represents over $5 Million of design expertise. You can see the cover has separated. It’s a few years away from being looseleaf.

THIS!! is what I intend to heavy reference for a map of Scar’s theme park, when it’s finished. Just as complicated as it needs to be, and very nice to look at :]] These are my favorite kinds of park maps because they’re more art than map, but still very functional!

i love you watercolor adverts <3 <3 GORGEOUSLY saturated. i am eating this art.

Here’s the attractions for that year, each with a cute mini illustration. This is most interesting as a study for the use of typeface, personally. AND the colors.

Tea(?) Plates - 1950s-60s

This one’s my favorite! I think I just like pink. Really lovely castle in the style of the cover of the postcard set, too. Marked made in Japan.

This one is special in that I can’t for the LIFE of me find it online ANYWHERE. It’s probably 1950s given that it’s marked made in Japan, but other than that, I can’t find it! There are ones similar, but none quite right. Potentially one of the rarest things I have.

This one’s more 60′s than the others and mine appears to be in better condition than others! Still very vibrant. One of the weirdest color palettes I’ve seen on park merch.

hi if you read this far i love you thank you. post sponsored by the increased photo limits