#i'm sure Edward loved her very much but that doesn't mean that made him a good father

[peridot-tears]

The case of Jennifer Scott

Something that has haunted me since I finished the Black Flag game and novel all those years ago is: What the fuck happened between Edward meeting Jenny and the events of AC: Forsaken?

Chronologically, AC: Forsaken came first, and then the Black Flag game and novel. We have Haytham's perspective, we are introduced to Jenny as someone who's upset that their father wouldn't train her as an assassin and, ostensibly, Edward and Tessa just want to marry off. Haytham is a bit of an unreliable narrator, because the adults try not to argue in front of him, so we don't know if getting rid of Jenny is what Edward really wanted, but the idea that she doesn't belong in the household is pretty well-established at this point.

Decades down the line, after Reginald Birch kills their father and Haytham saves his sister, Jenny says in her own words that that was the case:

"I hated him. All his talk of freedom—spiritual and intellectual freedom—didn’t extend to me, his own daughter. There was no weapons training for me, remember? No ‘Think differently’ for Jenny. There was just ‘Be a good girl and get married to Reginald Birch."

Then Black Flag the video game releases a year later in October 2013, and Black Flag the novel releases in December 2013 two months later. It's already been well-established that Edward was a flawed father to Jenny.

The Black Flag video game ends with this girl having the guts to travel across the fucking ocean all alone to meet a father she's never met. She's the milestone. She's Edward's commitment to a new life and fostering a child's view of the world.

Let's look at the Black Flag novel. This man addresses his first-person life story (the novel's narrative framing) to Jenny. Like Haytham does with Ratohnhaké:ton, he tells her his background, and is even honest with how was cast out by his own mother when he came back to Wales. Oliver Bowden wrote out Edward's adoration and willingness to stick with his daughter knowing full well of the eventual gap in their relationship.

Meta-wise, we know the writers probably wanted to make Edward as flawed as possible, and also tragedy is like candy to Ube Softee.

In-universe, what the fuck happened between the events of Black Flag and Forsaken to make Edward neglect Jenny?

Maybe while he was trying to rebuild his life, he couldn't spend as much time with her as he wanted. And when Tessa came into the picture, and then Haytham, well. Even if you still love your kids equally, the way you treat them is different. Jenny was probably neglected.

I'm not dissecting this in the context of Edward-drinks-respect-women-juice or whether or not you can call him a feminist, because I think those are really broad terms for someone who's lived in at least three different worlds with different rules all before he's 40. That deserves its own post.

But it seems wild to me that Edward -- someone who married a woman who matched his energy and stood up to drunken assholes to help other people; someone who in his own words respected Mary Read more than anything; someone who took counsel from Anne Bonny and trusted her to be his quartermaster -- wouldn't train his ballsy daughter to be an Assassin, and instead groom his son to be one instead. Where did that double-standard come from?

Did he want to protect his child from that world? Maybe he changed his mind by the time Haytham came along, but it was too late for Jenny.

It could go back to how he neglected Caroline too. He left to seek his fortune, out of selfish personal glory but also because she'd given up her inheritance to live a humble life he was ashamed to put her into. And because she eventually left him because all he could do was dream about it. He left his parents -- and in a sense, his wife -- to chase his dreams. Maybe that pattern repeated with his daughter. Once he started building a new life in England, with a new woman, there just wasn't space to consider training her anymore.

I think he decided on a certain life for her -- married, with a good reputation in high society -- and dismissed her when she wanted to become an Assassin, because he'd lived that life and didn't want it for her. Even though...that's incredibly myopic of him. Did he really think that the girl who, as a kid who'd just lost her mother, crossed a pirate-infested ocean to be with him would want to be a housewife? She said herself to Haytham:

"I once told you that our lives were mapped out for us, remember? ...I was born to serve men, and serve men is what I have done."

And did he really, truly just want her out of his life when she got older? Or was forcing marriage on her a way to ensure she lived in comfort, the way he wanted for Caroline?

And here's the part where we could comment on misogyny -- maybe he felt that he had to protect the women in his family, and couldn't wrap his head around the fact that she could decide for herself. Mary Read and Anne Bonny were pirates he met and befriended. Caroline and Jenny are his family, under his charge.

I think it's a combination of selfish and selfless reasons, of course, but I wish I could have seen what happened while Jenny grew up.

[payidaresque]

MAJOR TROP S2 FINALE SPOILERS BELOW (i'm too excited not to share my thought)

While some of the theories we made didn't prove to be true (honestly, i never believed they would) I LOVED THE FINALE SO MUCH. Cause i got everything i expected from it and more!!

Got an epic fight that didn't last 10 minutes but almost HALF OF THE EPISODE (THANK GOD)

he really didn't want to harm her at first, JUST as i expected here, he was just being defensive at first. And the rest just happened in the heat of battle (which of course doesn't justify everything sauron did but hey, what did u expect? he's evil after all)

And while i do believe he used his Halbrand form to manipulate her (again, very much expected knowing who he is), i also believe that what Sauron said here is true — the way he paused before saying it and the way he looked at her tells me that he was actually being sincere. what he would've gained from saying it, manipulation wise? Sauron is not stupid, surely he understands that Galadriel would not fall for it (and she didn't) which kinda brings me to a simple conclusion that he said it because he wanted to say it

also, this was both sexy and twisted of him omg????? totally Sauron move, i love it!! I did NOT expect that

as for "proving his love for her", i actually think he did, in his own way?

because he could end her right there and just take the ring (rip adar and brimby btw, you will be missed 😔), but he didn't? even more so, i believe that if Galadriel didn't attack him first there, he wouldn't attack her back. As fucked up as Sauron is, Galadriel is still on his mind

And goddamn it he meant what he said. And again, she knows who he is, she knows his tricks, so he wouldn't gain anything by saying it, which again means, that it is indeed his desire: not just to rule, but to rule with her. he'd make the whole world worship her (which, again, is basically his way of saying he loves her)

and again, why didn't he just kill her and take her ring? what was the need of standing and looking at her like that? why try to presuade her, when he has no problems with taking what he wants by force? the answer is: because she is Galadriel. Because they are connected to each other and he feels it with every fibre of his immortal being. His expression is not even angry her, or creepy, like a few minutes ago, he's just... gazing at her.

even more so, here

he actually got scared when she fell, he even tried to reach for her hand to stop her for falling (and before u say anything — no, i don't think it was because of the ring — he could retrieve it any other time from anyone else as no one else for him is a match for him but Galadriel — it's her he got scared for. I'm convinced of it)

As for the mataphorical "fall of Galadriel" — well i hoped for it, but i never believed it would actually happened because of how Galadriel is (Also, Brimby's monologue from 2x07 with her kinda killed all my hopes for it so). However, i think s3 has a lot to explore, so i'm leaving a little bit of hope there)

i have many other thougts i can't process right now and i might share them later, but overall, i think the episode was GREAT! Charlie and Morfydd did wonders once again, watching them on screen is such a treat. I love them both so much!! I also might make a separate post about Charlie's and Charles' Edwards scenes were phenomenal, and I will miss Brimby dearly because of Charles' breathtaking acting

To conclude: I, personally, is fed well enough for it to last for the upcooming 2 years. Oh, and also: l'oreal paris — because you're worth it. Oh, and one more thing: he used Halbrand form because he knows that Galadriel feels for him too, and her first reaction proved it (an ass move by the way).

[qdbs-writes]

Do you write fem readers?!? 😭 If so can you write some head cannons about the Cullens with a goth s/o

i proudly write for all readers, nonny! and I'm gonna assume this about about trad!goth, but I'll try and make sure this applies to most goth subcultures!

Cullen Clan x Goth!Fem!S/O

Carlisle Cullen

He's confused but supportive. Back in his day, the term 'goth' only applied to the people who sacked Rome, which he'll remind you of regularly, especially if you're visiting the Volturi (who will also assume that you are directly connected to the ancient Goths, and would fear you as a result).

He'd be interested in your genealogy, because he thinks you're connection to the goth style can't be mere coincidence or personal choice, and it wouldn't be difficult to find out either, all he'd have to do is check if you have any Germanic ancestry from the last 2000 years.

Esme Cullen

If you're happy and comfortable, she's happy and comfortable. While it probably isn't her style personally, she's quick to see the benefits. For instance, black is a very easy colour to maintain, particularly with regards to cleaning.

Her only concern is getting you clothes other than black so that you can have something to wear to events that may require specific colours, like if you two are guests at a wedding (she wouldn't want you wearing black as it's bad luck for the couple).

Edward Cullen

Edward himself is basically a diet-corporate goth, so dating you will probably help him develop his own sense of comfort in the style.

The two of you are regularly seen brooding in the Forks CVS, loitering around the hair dye section, silently terrifying all of the elderly people waiting at the pharmacy.

Edward is likely already very familiar with goth music, has absolutely been to some Bauhaus concerts in his time, and probably has a respectable collection of gothic rock records in his room.

Rosalie Hale

It'll be like a Barbie/Oppenheimer-esque clash in aesthetics. I personally see Rosalie with a very Y2K aesthetic, so the two of you walking down the street together might turn some heads.

That doesn't mean that she isn't fully supportive of your style though, and appreciates the philosophy of the aesthetic, how it's a style built on defying expectations of conformity and obedience. In her short life, all Rosalie knew was to dress properly, smile, be open, happy, a willing host, an amusing guest. In death, she's proud to be herself, and even prouder to be with someone so comfortable with dressing exactly how they want, regardless of what others might think.

Emmett Cullen

You dress scary and Emmett loves it. He has regularly compared you to a venomous snake, your black clothes and aggressive makeup mean that almost everyone in Forks steers clear of you. But not Emmett, he's never had the survival instincts to stay away from things that could kill him, in fact, your "unapproachable" style only drew him in more.

Absolutely loves wandering around Forks with you, even if you aren't particularly doing anything. He thinks it's hilarious that some people cross the street to avoid you, it's like having 'scary dog' privileges.

Alice Cullen

She'd seen you in her visions for some time, but she almost didn't recognise you when you started dressing strangely and wearing heavy makeup. At first, it disturbed her, you looked like the sleep-paralysis demons that used to haunt her in the asylum.

Once she gets the chance to meet you in real life, that fear quickly subsides. Through your relationship, Alice learns how much of a safe space goth society can be, and that she can rely on other goths to not be judgemental towards her like so many others are.

Jasper Hale

Greatly appreciates the Victorian-era elements that are incorporated into your clothes, it helps him feel less old. You'll make his day if you show any interest in his clothes and jewellery that he had in life, particularly the more morbid pieces (such as the ring made out of his mother's hair).

If you're looking particularly historical, he'll love to get in his original clothes from when he was alive (except the ""uniform"" that shan't be mentioned), and stroll about Forks with you, arm in arm, like a true Southern gentleman.

[twilightt-fantasy]

new beginnnings [garrett denali]

description: could you do a Garrett x wolf shapeshifter Irish reader where Garrett meets the reader during a visit to the Cullens during the Christmas holidays. This is after the battle to see if Renesmee is an immortal child or not. He finds out that she is a wolf shapeshifter. He thinks she is part of the pack, but Esme tells him that she just became part of their family after her grandfather (who raised the reader by himself, was a friend of the Cullens and knew of the supernatural world due to having many different kinds of shapeshifters in the family) passed away. She is very quiet during the holidays, he thinks it's because he makes her nervous but when she speaks to him on Christmas Eve, she tells him that she just misses her grandfather. He stays for a bit longer and celebrates Christmas with the Cullens and the reader.

requested by: @futurequeen2018-blog

warnings: none

thanks for requesting! merry christmas <3

"you've been staring at her for a very long time." an amused voice came up behind garrett and the vampire jumped, not used to being snuck up on. he whipped around, glaring at esme cullen's teasing expression.

"i'm not staring at anyone." he argued, though his scarlet eyes betrayed him when his gaze fell back on the irish wolf girl sitting alone by the fire.

truthfully, he had been watching her for a couple days now - since he had arrived at the cullens' house in order to witness for bella and edward's hybrid daughter. the girl was quiet, a mystery to garrett. he hadn't seen her speak much to anyone, even the boys that she had to be a part of.

"she doesn't talk much." garrett said quietly, not sure if the girl could hear him or not.

"she doesn't." esme agreed. "though, now that she's lived with us for a while, she has opened up a bit and talks quite a bit when it's just the family."

garrett snapped his attention to esme again, not quite understanding what she was meaning. "she lives here? i bet that pack of wolves love that."

"she's not in their pack." esme shook her head. "she comes from a long lines of shapeshifters and her grandfather - who was a very close friend of mine and carlisle's - raised her. we took her in once he passed."

the vampire thought for a moment, figuring it made sense. she really didn't talk to anyone outside of the cullen clan and avoided garrett like the plague - he figured it was because unknown vampires made the wolf uneasy but maybe she just didn't care for him.

seemed unlikely.

"she's a very kind girl." esme said, though her voice sounded a hint sad. "she's had a hard time since her grandfather passed, though. i think things are just now starting to look up for her."

garrett only nodded in response, his eyes still locked on the girl who'd had his attention for days now. he only wished she would pay attention to him back.

___

"you seem like you're in deep thought." it was the second time someone had snuck up on him in a matter of hours and garrett was really beginning to wonder if something was wrong with him.

this time, though, it wasn't esme. the voice was different, lighter and held a pretty accent. he turned his head, catching eyes with the shapeshifter. she smiled at him briefly, before tucking her head and joining him on a log.

"seems like i'm not the only one." garrett answered after a minute, trying to gather himself from the shock of her starting a conversation with him. "you seem like you're always lost in thought."

"hmm, sometimes i am." she hummed. the girl studied him for a moment. "the holidays are a hard time for me. with christmas just right around the corner, i always think of my family."

"i heard about your grandfather." he nodded, offering silent support.

her lips quirked a bit, almost in a wince, and she dropped her head, letting a curtain of hair fall in front of her face. "yeah, he meant a lot to me. raised me most of my life, so we were really close."

"i imagine." garrett answered. "loss can be hard and dealing with it around holidays can be even harder since you've made so many memories over the years. grieving a little more during this time makes sense."

she lifted her head then, her pretty eyes watching him in interest. it was almost like she was searching for something in him, and she must have found whatever she was looking for because she smiled at garrett, brightly.

"i've been wanting to come up and talk to you, but truthfully, you made me a bit nervous." she giggled, like the idea was absurd now. "but now i can see that there was nothing to be worried about."

a warmth filled garrett's chest as the girl next to him continued to laugh and he felt himself wanting to join along with her. "what made you decide to do it then?"

she shrugged. "it's christmas. what better time to try something new, right?"

"right." garrett answered immediately, and the pair smiled at each other again. garrett had a feeling this was going to blossom into something beautiful, and he couldn't wait to see what it formed.

[dreaming-hibi]

In this rant I will—

I read something that made me think quite a lot the other day but, if you ask me what it was, well, I wouldn't be able tell you because I forgot. What I can say is that: I'm about to rant on KHR again.

Unsurprisingly, the rant is about our dear protagonist Tsuna (my love for Tsuna is both logical and personal, so let's not go there). I don't interact enough with fandom to make statements like "Most people do" and "Most people don't" — in reality, I've barely interacted with more than 5 people who know this manga in my life. Anyway, of those people, I remember some who were frustrated with the childishness and indecisiveness of the characters, especially someone like Tsuna.

Like, what?

It is only years laters that I finally have the composure to answer this claim with calmness.

"Tsuna is indecisive and childish."

First of all, how can anyone expect a 14 year old to know exactly what they want to do with their lives? Heck, there are some people that only figure out what they want in their 30s, if not later! And some others that never do and live their life trying to make every day count. How is a 14 year old, who had never been entrusted with any kind of expectation, just supposed to know?

Oh, is it because Naruto knew he wanted to be Hokage at 12 years old? Or because Deku was firm in his conviction that he wanted to be a hero at the age of 5? Or again because Edward Elric decided he was going to be a state alchemist and achieved so at the age of 12 years old?

Well, if that's the point of reference then, actually, Tsuna is the most realistic teenager I've seen in a shonen manga with fantastical elements and Amano-sensei did a wonderful job with her teenage (and child) characters. She sure as hell hasn't forgotten what it means to be 14 years old, unlike some people.

Furthermore, Tsuna is a teenager trying to tell what is very much an adult, who has shot him on more than one occasion for trying to oppose him (granted, I know Reborn did it knowing Tsuna could overcome whatever he threw at him and he seemed ready to intervene should it ever seem like Tsuna couldn't do it, it still doesn't change the fact that beginning Tsuna was actively terrified of this baby killing him on accident), that he does not want to be the boss of a mafia family he has, realistically, no obligation towards. Tsuna, at the very least, knows what he doesn't want, and he's vocal about it to Reborn... It's just that Reborn wants to hear none of it.

[Chapter 283 "Simon Middle School", Tsuna telling Reborn that he has no intention of becoming the boss of a mafia family and that he doesn't want to be involved with the mafia anymore.]

If you see Tsuna as childish for the way he keeps insisting that he doesn't want to be part of the mafia, is because you have forgotten what it's like to be 14 years old. Tsuna is not childish in his desire to not want to be involved in the mafia.

Actually, this issue lies in the reader (apart from the whole having forgotten what it feels like to be 14 years old) and in Amano-sensei's representation of the mafia. In Katekyo Hitman Reborn, we see a mafia that has been severely toned down from what it truly is. For us, this "mafia" is interesting, fascinating and, we do not see any problems with Tsuna joining it. After all, "if this is the x, then sign me the fuck up!" right?

Well, no.

Fictional mafia or not, Tsuna shouldn't be forced to join any of it when he doesn't want. Like, it seems like Tsuna is the only one seeing KHR's mafia without the rainbow-tinted glasses. I don't know how the boy does it, because we barely ever see KHR's mafia as being anywhere near as bad as the real mafia is, but Tsuna does anyway and he's right in no wanting any part of it.

I support Tsuna not becoming Vongola Decimo. But I also admit I have no idea what that boy could become if not the boss of the strongest mafia family.

We are introduced to a Tsuna who has no particular life skill, nor any particular hobbies — in fact, that's why he cannot understand Yamamoto's suicidal act in chapter 5, because he himself admits he has NOTHING he ever felt passionate about enough to take his own life.

Though Tsuna gets trained on how to fight, by the end of the manga he still has no life skills to talk about and, that's completely normal. He fought those battles because he HAD to. Those battles did nothing to enrichen his everyday skills.

Yeah, sure, he can go into Hyper Dying Will Mode, but how is HDWM gonna help him pass his algebra exam?

Tsuna needs a hobby outside of the mafia.

[bethanydelleman]

Hey Bethany, this is in response to you saying you would like to read "Emma" from the perspective of Jane Fairfax. Do you know the book "Jane Fairfax", by English writer Joan Aiken? It tells the story of Emma from Jane's perspective, starting in her childhood, and it was published in 1993. It stood next to Emma and Pride and Prejudice on my parents' bookshelves and was actually my first contact with Jane Austen's body of work, because its language is easier to follow for a child or teenager, but as much as I love Jane Austen's other works, it made it hard for me to get through Emma because I already liked Jane Fairfax so much. It's been a few years since I last read it, so I don't remember the plot so very well, but I think it mirrors quite accurately what happens in Emma (I am not completely sure about that, though, because my view on Emma is skewed by this book, so don't quote me on that). It also made me understand better why she marries Frank Churchill and it also gives a deeper insight into the differences between Emma and Jane, both character-wise and regarding their upbringing. If you already know this book or if you ever get around reading it, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on it. I also really enjoy reading your blog and your opinions, analyses and interpretations on Austen's books. I have loved her books for a long time and your posts often open up new perspectives that I hadn't considered before, which I really appreciate. Take care!

I'm always interested to hear about someone's journey to Austen! Starting with fan fiction is probably an usual one. And thank you for the compliment!

I've been asked about this novel before... I'll quote myself: When it comes to FF of Emma, I have a cardinal rule: Mr. Dixon and Jane Fairfax cannot be in love. This FF breaks my cardinal rule and for that reason I haven't read it. This doesn't mean it's a bad book, the sample seemed fairly well-written, but it's probably not for me.

Also, from what I've read in reviews, this book ascribes to the theory that Jane Fairfax didn't love Frank Churchill and married him to escape poverty. I have toyed with that idea myself, but Jane's actions in the novel just don't fit with a mercenary marriage, mostly because when Jane thinks Frank doesn't love her anymore, she lets him go. Lucy Steele would never! She clings to Edward like gum until she has a viable and secured second option. So for me, it's unlikely that Jane wasn't also in love.

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

(don't drop the gif - I might write it) au victoria/bella prompts please

... Do you really mean AU as in Alternate Universe? Or uh... anything else.

I'm not sure I'm the idea fairy you're looking for but I can give it a shot:

Canon Divergent

That Time Victoria Got Bella and... No One Cared

New Moon happens, Bella's been dumped, the Cullens flee town and Edward forbids Alice from looking in on Bella's life. Victoria manages to get to Bella before Bella knows about the wolves/when she's real deep in depression (Bella's Port Angeles adventure ends up being Hallucination Edward telling her not to wander up to Victoria clearly watching her across a street. "Hello Darkness, my old friend" is what Bella says to that)

Victoria, delighted, prepares to kill Bella but realizes... no one's here... Revenge doesn't mean much if the person you're getting revenge on (Edward) isn't around. At first Victoria assumes he must be watching his precious human, but time passes and... he doesn't show up. The humans have accepted Bella died, where are the Cullens?

Victoria goes on a quest to find them, and there's a slow redemption arc as Victoria and Bella spend a lot of time in each other's company.

That Time the Hunt Went on Longer

Bella doesn't go to Phoenix when hunted by James. As a result, her father's murdered as is her mother and Phil. Bella lives out of hotel rooms, Edward refusing to turn her when Alice has admitted that James would have immediately stopped and gotten bored if Edward had done that. Bella realizes the rest of her life will be lived out of hotel rooms. She starts falling out of love with Edward as the situation becomes increasingly stressful and awful.

On the other side, this is getting spicy even for Victoria, as James is obsessing over this human girl and destroying her personality making it clear that Victoria's just an accessory/useful gift to him. Victoria is forced to realize James doesn't love her and is destroyed by this.

Victoria turns Bella in revenge against both the Cullens (who enabled the destruction of her life) and James (who proved he wasn't her savior after all).

Edward now has vampire Bella despite his best efforts and for all Bella tries to make it work they fall apart. During this she forms a shocking friendship then something more with Victoria.

Victoria Joined the Cullens

James never came across Victoria and hunted her down and at some point Victoria made the acquaintance of the weird hippies called the Cullens.

Desperate, Victoria trades human blood for protection and finds herself (along with Jasper) the very black sheep of the family who is a little less gung ho about this diet than the rest of them. It's cool not killing people, she guesses?

Bella finds herself first drawn to Edward in Biology but then meets his hot older sister (red hair, it's the role Victoria gets) and finds herself drawn to the mysterious black sheep of the family.

("I ate so many people with my coven that we started the witch hunting epidemic" - Victoria)

Things get extra spicy when Edward dumps Bella.

Awful AUs No One Should Ever Write

Bella's a Barista and Victoria's a customer with an awful boyfriend

It's Little Shop of Horrors and James is a plant Victoria keeps in her flat and Bella her clumsy coworker dating a questionable dentist

Victoria's a bride of Dracula (James) and Bella is a sad sad virgin sacrifice given to James to be another bride.

They're all human in high school. Edward's in orchestra, Bella's the shy wallflower who thinks he's so intellectual, Victoria is a punk delinquent with a shitty boyfriend. Aro's the principal. He's constantly accused of tyranny.

They're all working in the same company as humans. Bella doesn't know how the Xerox machine works.

Bella's a vampire now and Victoria's the human!

It's a mafia movie now. No, there's no vampires, it's just a mafia movie.

Victoria's a rock star with a secret identity and Bella's her biggest fan! There's a subplot where Bella dates Edward who is the band's pianist and Victoria hates her life.

[theliteraryluggage]

If you're still interested in the ask game, I have a few! For Edward Elric:

12. What's a headcanon you have for this character?

24. What other character from another fandom of yours reminds you of them?

26. FREEBIE QUESTION!! What animal do you associate with this character? I think I remember you mentioning something about Ed and crows once? If I'm thinking of the right blog haha

Hope you're having a good day!!

Ohhh yes thank you!!

12. What's a headcanon you have for this character?

Oh I have so many but uhmm let's see... One headcanon I have is that Ed can cook. Probably not expertly but well enough to get by. Like in those years between Trisha's death and the human transmutation, I think it's safe to assume that while Pinako made sure they knew they were always welcome in the Rockbell house, the boys wouldn't have had every meal every day with them. So the rest of the time Ed would cook. He picked up afew things from Trisha, and then he read some books (of course) and experimented a bunch (of course), because after all cooking is just chemistry/alchemy too, right? And then he and Al had to feed themselves while they were on Yock island and learned some more things and you bet Izumi involved them in chores, including cooking, when they were staying with her. So by the time they got back from training with Izumi he was pretty good at it and continued to take care of most of the cooking until the human transmutation. After they lost their bodies, he mostly stopped because a) he didn't need to feed Al anymore and b) he didn't really care about feeding himself as much beyond getting fuel so he could keep researching how to get their bodies back and c) once they started travelling it was inconvenient anyway so d) eating became just something to get out of the way as fast as possible so he could get back to researching.

I like to think that after everything he gets back to it though, his own small kind of alchemy, using raw materials to create something new through chemical processes. This goes for post-03 Ed in Germany too, with the added motivation of not being able to afford eating out a lot.

24. What character from another fandom of yours reminds you of them?

I've talked before about the parallels between Ed and Peter Parker, but lately I've also been thinking about Locke Lamora from the Gentleman Bastards books, who is also a snarky little shit with too much brains and confidence than is entirely good for him (I have a type). It's been too long since I read the books though, I'd have to go back and read them again to see if there's more similarities or if it's just vibes 😂

26. What animal do you associate with this character?

Oh, yes!! Well remembered! Making that post about MetalhEd and crows is still on my to do list lol but since you asked!

The day I first met @nino-saurier we were talking about which animals would best fit which FMA characters. And I had a hard time thinking of anything that would really fit Ed, so I said I had to think about it some more. And I did! And wrote them an essay about it later lol.

I was fairly certain Ed would be a bird, being freedom-loving, independent, never able to stay still for long. Considered migratory birds first, because even when he travels far, he always comes back home. But none quite fit. Considered owls and other birds of prey, but their temperament also wasn't quite right.

Then I thought of corvids, and my first instnct was like "no that's just because it fits his aesthetic, but that doesn't mean it actually fits his personality" but then I actually thought about it and...

Corvids are intelligent, obviously, they have an excellent memory, they can hold grudges, they are not naturally aggressive but you still don't want to get into a fight with them.

They are not exactly loners but also not the most social of animals.

They are very tough and resilient and can survive in very dire conditions.

Okay, I thought. Maybe there's something to that after all. So I went and actually looked into it in more detail and found this:

Corvids are extremely versatile and opportunistic

They usually live in mated pairs, though young birds may form a flock.

"Relationships between common ravens are often quarrelsome, yet they demonstrate considerable devotion to their families."

They are intelligent, skilled at problem-solving, young birds are extremely curious about all new things and also among the most playful bird species

Look, they are intelligent enough to be petty and spiteful: "ravens can recognise when they are given an unfair trade during reciprocal interactions with conspecifics or humans, retaining memory of the interaction for a prolonged period of time." (that's not very equivalent exchange of you!) "ravens in the wild have also been observed to stop cooperating with other ravens if they observe them cheating during group tasks"

Can we talk about the fact that ravens having a concept of cheating implies that they have morals. Like come on.

So uhhh yeah long story short, Edward Elric is a raven. And he would be thrilled about that, because ravens are badass and very metal. Now you know.

[ashintheairlikesnow]

Watching a documentary on Edward II while I work and in this doc:

1. They repeatedly call Piers Gaveston Edward's "best mate" and "close friend", then have one seven-second acknowledgement that they were probably lovers before immediately returning to calling them pals, buds, just mates being dudes, my guys, just bros like bros will be, totally normal friendship here

2. Piers is not depicted as half so pretty as he likely was. He is handsome, yes, but very... dirty compared to everyone else? And also, dude, brush your hair. Come on. Piers Gaveston was famously not only arrogant but vain!

3. The actor playing Edward is playing this documentary dramatization like he is going for the motherfucking Oscar, he is amazing. I love him, my God someone give this man jobs and money!

4. They speak French! Just like everyone actually did!

5. Hugh Despenser has perfect hair, which seems in character

6. The documentary definitely doesn't admit the simple truth that Hugh Despenser the Younger was almost certainly Pretty Man Bait to get Edward II to give the Despensers power.

7. The doc DOES do a great job of showing what an absolute disaster Edward II was at basically everything forever

8. It does contain the most excellent line, "To the people of the time, Edward could have been bedding his priest, his page boy, and his horse, so long as he was governing the kingdom properly."

9. Isabella's actress is also incredible. That woman does some impeccable face-acting.

10. Man. The moral of this documentary - and of his life - should be "This man did not deserve the wild glory inherent in his amazing wife."

11. Now Hugh Despenser needs to brush his hair! Maybe Edward just likes 'em grungy.

12. Edward is the epitome of being shown exactly what he needs to do and then doing the opposite.

13. I am genuinely impressed at how carefully they dance around admitting that Edward was definitely up in Hugh Despenser's business, too. His manly business.

14. Wait, I take it back. The real moral of this story is "take a woman's children from her arms and she will burn you to the ground and spit on your ashes."

15. Honestly, I don't blame her.

16. THEY CALLED HER THE SHE-WOLF FOR A REASON, MOTHERFUCKERS.

17. Also, hell yeah for Isabella's brother the King of France working with her on this. He absolutely knew Isabella was being underestimated and he made sure he never did.

18. Oh, so we can admit Isabella and Roger Mortimer were sleeping together, huh? We can admit that? I mean as long as it's decently hetero, sure, let's have a whole sex scene. But God forbid we admit Edward and Piers might have held hands under a tree even once.

19. THEY PUT A SEX NOISE IN EVEN

20. Honestly now I'm mad.

21. "She has a number of men closer to a moderate house party than an invading force." Okay, that line redeems you somewhat.

22. Awwwww puppies hunting the disgraced king, sweet. I love when dogs are clearly checking for cues from their trainers just off screen.

23. A FIFTY FOOT GALLOWS SEEMS EXCESSIVE. Oh holy shit they hung him without quite killing him, then de-genitaled and- god damn, Isabella. This seems like a bit much.

24. SHE MADE A POINT OF EATING WHEN THEY CUT HIS DICK OFF.

25. Isabella is terrifying. I am in wild irrational love.

26. I'm sorry they put WHAT up Edward's ass. A red hot WHAT

27. I feel like that probably didn't actually happen but honestly, I don't doubt Isabella is capable of it. And also, um, these deaths seem... To send a message.

28. "Edward's wife and her lover-" oh, are you sure they're not just best mates? Buddies? Pals? Like Edward and Gaveston?

29. Oh he probably just like... was smothered. That makes way more sense. He could be "found dead" then and it could be claimed to be natural causes.

30. Underestimate pissed off French women at your peril, English kings.

[ellena-asg]

From crossover episode (Touch of death, part II, NCIS: LA 3x21).

In one of my metas about Danny and his mental health I said that Scott perfectly showed all details of Danny's (and in general) anxiety, depression and abuse victimage. I also mentioned that Danny's body language is very clear to me (not only me here, I know from the feedback that there are more people with similar traumas *hugs*), it's like having, you know, victim radar (victim recognizes other victim, signals, something like that).

Yup. Danny's body speaks. Speaks very often. Sometimes speaks instead of Danny. Yes, Danny is strong. Damn strong. He can be bamf!Danny ♥️ He always fights. Oh yes. But he also suffers 😢 Mentally. Still. He can smile, he can joke, he can try to be brave, Mr I'm Okay and/or I'll Be Okay but the pain is still there inside him.

Sure, Danny often talks about things that make him anxious - but not about them all. So much is still inside him. And his body "knows it". His body shows it. His body "betrays" him. His body reacts - f.e. when he has anxiety attack (of any kind) and when those who mentally abused Danny are still (damn!) around him (Rachel, her mother Amanda - the cases we know from canon) or when someone mentions them (like Chin in the scene above - heh, this episode is just one of the many examples).

Yeah, here Chin mentions Amanda. Oh, he says the truth - it's a blood feud. Amanda made Danny's blood boil, living with her (and Rachel), I mean: being in this family, was a pure horror to Danny's mind. Friendly reminder: He was mentally abused, he was treated like a shit, like someone worse, someone who should meet other people's expectations/visions (his dreams? his passions? his emotions? there was no place for them - this family only played with his feelings). Who should beg. Who should feel guilty for everything. He was treated in a very unfair way (Grace too). Once he started hating himself, all what he loved (including job/saving people's lives), his own life (attempted suicide) - because of other people's (Hollander family) manipulations. He suffered as a father, as a human being and as a man too, I guess (cause Rachel's mother seems to have damn misandristic vibes 🙄 - or did she hate/humiliate "only" Danny and "only" for Danny being Danny? ehh). And he was punished for... for having enough. For wanting escape (from "sweet and kind her majesty Rachel"). For telling the truth about Rachel's toxic/manipulative/narcissistic character. For fighting for his beloved daughter and his parental rights. Huh.

Well, Steve knows well how Danny feels. What Danny says about Hollander family. Danny says it, many times and Steve listens. Danny's Stockholm syndrome, signs of it (oh, that's what Steve doesn't see in the Sarin episode) like "I should try with Rach again, it's, um, love" (plus him thinking that it's good for Gracie) are still there but mostly, thanks goodness, there's "What are you doing here, Rachel" and "I love you, Steve" (Steve is like cure, like antidote). Steve knows well that this family hurt/still hurts his Danno (and his Gracie). Well, Steve was at Rachel's (and Stan's) house and he witnessed Rachel's: "Now I'll humiliate you in front of your partner/new friend - by the way... you have friend? Someone likes you? Someone believes/protects you? It can't be!". Steve saw all her lies. Saw her games. Saw her character. Saw her war against Danny and Grace. So... Steve knows and he doesn't want Danny to be with this family again (yeah, he's jealous too but it's another topic 😉). And... Ohana of course knows too.

Chin knows. Danny trusts him. Steve trusts him. Chin knows and sees Danny's past as bloody. As painful to Danny. Blood feud 👉 Hollanders (Savage/Edwards). Exactly, Chino.

Chino, Chino, Chino. Ay, look, I love Chin very much. But he mentioned Amanda, mentioned the past and... Look at Danny. At his body (cause Danny tries to act like everything is okay), his body speaking (seriously, it's just a random example and one day I'll collect them all and write about them, I swear):

The very first reaction:

Silence. Damn silence. No smile. No laughter. No jokes. No sarcasm. Dead silence. What else? Clenched jaw. Narrowed eyes. Tension. Where's that Danny who just had fun with Chin, G and Sam?

He suffers.

I can feel his pain (Chin mentioned Amanda and bad memories came back). I can feel his frustration (cause Chin, seriously, why? and why here? why in front of non-Ohana guys? why you think they should know about Danny's trauma - and about this one caused by his ex mother-in-law?). His anger. Anxiety (panic) attack is coming.

Next reaction: Closed eyes. Mouth open.

Anxiety, anxiety attack. Breathe, he needs to breathe. Inhale, exhale, inhale... Damn, it's painful. Damn, they are there and they are watching.

Third reaction: Okay (it's not okay but it will be - Danny fights with himself, as always). Danny ignores Chin's words (safety).

He literally pretends he didn't hear that. Pretends that Chin didn't say that. He starts talking to G Cullen. He wants to talk about anything, he asks questions, he tries to draw G's (and Sam's) attention away from Chin's words, away from Amanda, from Rachel, from his old life. Chatty Williams is back. And huh, looks like boys didn't notice any change - good, thinks Danny. BUT YOUR BODY, DANNY... 😭

It was a painful moment. Chin means no harm and Danny knows it but still - bad memories (they're painful). Danny doesn't need them. Danny doesn't want to remember that he once had SUCH mother-in-law (oh, it's not just another story about a hahaha salty man and his hahaha "awful" mother-in-law and hahaha "awful" ex wife, nope - it's a sad story about a really anxious person and their really abusive "family"). SUCH past. Danny doesn't need Chin to mention it now or joke about it (Chin doesn't joke but tell it to the anxious mind). If Danny needs to rant about it - HE rants. If Chin wanted to say "Hey, I remember who hurt you and I'm with you" - it's lovely, he's a great friend and brother and Danny knows, Danny appreciates. But hell, it's not a good place, not a good situation, not... (plus: Danny is frustrated and worries now about the world/their case and especially about Steve and Steve's issues in Japan and when he thinks about his beloved one... boom! suddenly Chin summons "ghost" of cursed person).

It was a painful moment but Danny is strong. Strong again. He tries to focus on something safe. On anything not-damn-past-related. He's like "Let's talk about YOUR past instead, G". G mentioned his past earlier so it's okay to talk. And G's past is tied to their case. Damn, Danny can talk now even about the clouds outside - just no more talks about his past. Not now. Not when he doesn't need that.

Yes and no, Chin. Amanda (and Rachel) don't count - they're not Danny's family (never really were), they're not his Ohana. He doesn't need them, doesn't want them - he is forced to hear about them/to see them because of Gracie (for Gracie). But yes, they count - they count as blood feud. As those people who make Danny highly anxious and depressed. And highly angry.

His past. It still makes Danny's blood boil. He is still not safe. He still needs to heal. His body shouts. Meanwhile show writers: 😈

[melkpotter]

Okay okay, now think about the relationship between Teddy and Draco.

As we all could have guessed, the Malfoys went quiet after the war. Imagine Narcissa saying "fck this" and going to make peace with Andromeda.

They made up and everything, and Draco and Andromeda got closer too. I always think Andromeda is a mother hen person. So she always invites Draco to her place. While there, Draco meets his cousin Teddy. I don't think Draco has ever been someone who loved babies very much and played games with them that’s why he is not so close with him. But Teddy loves people, like most of the babies, and loves Draco.

Teddy’s hair color turns bright yellow when he saw Draco. When Draco look confusingly at him or rolls his eyes, he just laughs.

When Teddy 4-5 years old he hugs Draco every time when he sees him. Draco don’t like it but doesn’t complaining, he’s just patting his head.

Draco doesn't seem to like Teddy very much on the outside, but he actually cares about him a lot (“If you dare to touch my cousin, I will finish you off” Draco said to 4 years old little boy who is not doing anything wrong).

Draco -unconsciously- taught Teddy all the swear words he knew. Sometimes on purpose (D: “Call Harry a d*ckhead.” T: “What does mean d*ckhead?” D: “A nice compliment.”)

When Harry learned about this strange relationship between Draco and Teddy, he and Draco got into a "who Teddy loves more" competition. Harry always won -sorry Draco- (H: “Shut up Malfoy, of course I am his favorite, I am his god damn godfather.” D: “I am his fuking cousin, Potter. Family comes first.”)

Draco taught Teddy how to play wizard chess.

When Teddy 11 years old, few days before his first Hogwarts year. Draco and Narcissa came to Andromeda for tea. Teddy was nervous, like every 11 years old wizard/witch. He didn’t hug Draco. D: “Did you stop hugging me?” T: “I am just nervous, never mind.” Andromeda: “Calm down Teddy, everything will be okay. Didn’t you listened Harry, he said you will be an amazing student.” Teddy just smiled and Draco rolled his eyes when he heard Harry’s name. Teddy chuckled at him, “Don’t you like Harry?” D: “This is our thing, he doesn’t like me and I don’t like him.” Narcissa: “Grow up, Draco.” Draco looked his mum and winked at Teddy -I never thought Draco would wink at a kid but here we are- D: “Why are you nervous about Hogwarts, Edward?” T: “I want to be both a Gryffindor like my father and a Hufflepuff like my mother. What if I'm neither?” D: “First, Slytherin and Ravenclaw are good houses too, maybe better. Secondly, You are a Hufflepuff, everybody knows that.”

And yes, Draco calls Teddy “Edward” just for annoy him.

Long story short, they are good cousins.

(I'm not sure about the conversation few days before Hogwarts at all but let it stay)

[quinloki]

OKAY BUT IZOU IS 100% PURPOSEFULLY A LITTLE SHIT I can just picture him being amused in the beginning but then losing his patience bc NOTHING is happening the two brothers are content to play the long game and slowly win you over since they don't want to pressure you! and that's no fun to izou

so he works on sending luffy/ace/thatch at convenient times to interrupt and if it was anyone besides sabo/marco they prolly wouldn't catch on but those two are smart and sly on their own so they maybe originally think it's the other one before discussing it. It's not like they're on bad terms they're aware what the other is doing and maybe they've snuck themselves out onto a 'date' the other had but they're both mature adults so there's really no hostility there, just some brotherly competition. so they work out that it's izou somehow, maybe izou is very very subtly flirting on his own where they can see, but you're definitely oblivious bc he's VERY subtle about it

and I can picture them confonting him about it and him being like what? if you don't hurry up someone else will snatch the little flower up and arrange her beautifully

OKAY also agree that they would eavesdrop. my brain said no earlier when I said vent trope but nah, sabo would give zero shits and be at that door. imagine yall had something going on earlier with a few drinkies and you're just a littleeeee tipsy too when ace comes to ask you what's up so you maybe give him way more details than he asked for and they both hear the whole thing (and ace definitely needs another drink after that)

thatch being the oblivious tip offer is so funny bc he means well and it's so cute I can see thatch casually talking marco up to you too and it's not like them going to thatch's bar would be TOTALLYYYYY creepy like they could just play it off as they came to see thatch! no idea you were there!

yes the 'soft around me then scary dangerous around threats' is such a good trope omg I love it like you've seen all of them playfully mad at ribbing between brothers but the actual anger is blowing your mind!!! (and it's kinda hot lolol)

okay but yes to mafia au (and heheheh hotel with marco and sabo >>) but imagine they were kinda in that world to begin with (maybe not mafia but connected enough to know who's who and have strong connections/money) and another reason you're such good friends with ace besides the punch first mantra is that you're both a little dumb like he tried to bring it up at some point, thought you understood, and maybe you said something like 'i don't need to know details' (bc you thought it was something wayyyyy different) and so when you went to move in they asked ace if you were aware of whatever and he was like yes! but she doesn't want details! and they start explaining it after and it's like ????? excuse me WHAT idk just a dumb misunderstanding bc you and ace are just a little dumb together especially and you're sitting there like oh… they have a really big, nice house and oh all have nice cars and wait how did you not notice this before

lmao and imagine the hotel shower looks like the one in your dream so there goes into that train of thought as you're trying to calm down from everything else and man did they look hot when they were mad >>

quin you fed my brain and now it's going in overdrive oh my god I can't get it out of my head help I'm so sorry I typed so much at you T_______T

DO NOT APOLOGIZE - Omfg this was AMAZING to read - you are killing me in the best way. I love it. I want to write it. I want to just line up espresso shots and stay up all night and not sleep and just WRITE THIS because it is just getting more and more amazing the more we talk about it.

Mafia-ish AU - Maybe the Edward Family did start below board. Made some nice money from it now and then transitioned to actual legal activities. Sure there's still some shady connections in there, you can't shake them entirely, debts owed and all that. But legal enough that the marines who harass them aren't going to get any where.

Sabo's a lawyer, part of Dragon's firm, and half his job is dealing with the red tape the Government dogs insist on throwing at the family business, that has truly and honestly gone from Family to family.

Marco's effectively the CEO of the company, Pops stepped down and retired after shifting everything over to a legit business. Thatch had the bar as a front originally, but had effectively shifted it into a lucrative business before the rest of the family business shifted over. (Izou's the CFO, Ace works in the mail room, but he is learning the ropes for the entire business, and will spend 1-2 years in just about every role in the company so he can learn logistics hands on).

The family's not that long removed from things either, maybe five years. Maybe somewhere between 10 and five, like, just enough to be honestly legit, but not so much that they've gone soft by any stretch of the word.

Shanks is still mafia, and I think friends with enough of the Edward Boys that there's some amicable exchange of information between them. He keeps them in the loop, they set up some shell corps for him. There's real animosity with Kaido and Big Mom though, but most of that might not even come into play with the story.

I LOVE the hotel shower being like the one in the dream, and you over-shared details with Ace, so Sabo and Marco both know. Know in that "Oh what an interesting shower, wouldn't you say so?" kind of way.

Oh but man - word gets out, the Edward Boys have a weakness™ - you'd have to be hella dumb to take that risk, or crazy powerful, or just plain crazy.

At some point you learn that the brothers aren't blood related - and that's one of those "I should've known" moments, cause everyone looks so different, and it was a Family™ and not even an adopted family, and gods alive Sabo isn't even Marco's brother, he's Ace's and something about sake, and Luffy, and don't think too hard on it, how did that dream go again?

[heartofstanding]

What do you think of the relationship between Edward III, Philippa, and Alice? Edward and Philippa are a famous loving couple, and what is his ultimate opinion of Alice

Unfortunately, we really don't know a lot about Edward III's personal relationships and what we know about Alice Perrers is so marred by the outrage and scandal at her role that it's hard to assess how true it was so "what I think" will inevitably be subjective and speculative.

Edward and Philippa did seem to have a close, affectionate relationship that was loving and I do think that was the reality. Given the very public and disastrous way that the marriage of Edward's parents had broken down, it's possible that Edward and Philippa worked hard at developing a close relationship. There was likely a degree at which this was consciously projected to negate any possibility of the same criticisms made of Edward II and Isabella of France being levied at them, which largely succeeded.

There's no evidence of any conflict between them beyond Edward's accusation that the Archbishop of Canterbury "spoke separately to me of my wife, and to my wife of me, in order that if he were listen to, he might provoke us to such anger to divide us forever". We don't know what was meant and the fact that Edward placed equal weight on what was said to Philippa about him means we should probably view sceptically Ian Mortimer's claim that the Archbishop accused Philippa of adultery.* It's usually accepted that there may have been infidelity on Edward's part before his relationship with Alice Perrers began. Philippa is usually assumed to have been wounded and distressed by this relationship, but I'm not sure if there's any evidence for this claim beyond extrapolation about how Philippa "must have" felt.

There's a lot we don't know about Edward's relationship with Alice. We don't know when it began, let alone how, or how openly their affair was carried out was during Philippa's lifetime. He does seem to have been reliant upon Alice in some way, perhaps even besotted with her. We know that it the relationship dates to the last years of Philippa's life, when she was increasingly ill and dealing with chronic pain. It's probably reasonable to assume that this meant that Edward and Philippa could no longer have a physical relationship. The relationship with Alice may have begun because of this - Kathryn Warner suggests that Philippa may have even given her blessing for their relationship. It is certainly possible but what exactly went on and how Philippa felt about it (even if she did give her blessing) is not recoverable. It was probably a complex emotional situation - it was a sign

I tend to think, given the favour Edward later showed towards Alice, that there was some kind of attraction and interest that drew Edward to her.

We don't know anything about how Philippa felt about Alice. We know that Alice probably came into contact with the royal court through her husband, Janyn Perrers, who was a goldsmith who provided some service to Edward, and that Alice entered Philippa's service some point before 1366. By Christmas 1366, Alice had apparently left Philippa's service and did not return before her death. Possibly, this was due to her pregnancies (it's believed her and Edward's son, John de Southeray, was born around 1364), where her removal to a more remote location might be to give her a more private environment to give birth in, out of respect to Philippa or to attempt to negate any gossip or rumours spreading about the affair. It doesn't necessarily follow that Philippa hated Alice or was the prime motivator of Alice's removal from court during this time. It could simply be about appearances (and marital unity was a very important theme of Edward's reign) or a decision made by Edward without consultation with Philippa.**

We know pretty much nothing about what Alice felt about Edward, much less what she felt about Philippa. Chroniclers attributed her with a mercenary interest in Edward, keen to manipulate him for her own selfish agenda but these depictions tend to slot Alice into a stereotype and reveal anxieties about the way Alice appeared to be acting as an independent and transgressive woman (both in terms of class and gender) than tell us what she was really like. While it's true that Walsingham, for example, disparaged Alice as an individual while disparaging Katherine Swynford more as an appendage of Gaunt, it probably reflects the fact that Gaunt was almost universally unpopular and Edward was universally popular as well as the fact that Alice was seen to have been an independent agent "interfering" with politics.***

As I've said before, there is a tendency in narratives "unequal matches" between high-ranking men and women of lesser status to depict the man as being seduced by the woman. The reality might have been rather different. The standard revisionist take on these sorts of relationship has to be frame the relationship as a true love match - I've seen this done for Alice in a couple of novels, though not very believably. But more pointedly, Alice was considerably younger than Edward and held considerably less power.**** While we can't say that Alice was definitely coerced, we have to be aware that at the start of their relationship, he held considerable power over her and there is the possibility that their relationship was not one Alice might have necessarily chosen for herself.

Of course, their relationship wasn't static. As Edward's health began to wane, their relationship would've changed. How, we don't know but imho it's likely that the sexual element of their relationship began to lessen. We don't really know what Edward's level of mental acuity was towards the end - there have been theories of strokes and/or dementia and while he probably did have a stroke (which is suggested by his funeral effigy) we don't know how well he recovered from it, if at all, and it might be that Alice did take advantage of him, as chroniclers insisted.

(I don't know if I would necessarily blame her if she did.)

* This is one of two main pieces of evidence Mortimer supplies for his claim. The other piece is that for Edmund of Langley to have been born at full term, he must have been conceived at a time when Philippa was in Ghent and Edward was at the Siege of Tournai. For Mortimer, this has only two solutions: Edmund was born 16 days premature or was the result of an extramarital affair. Firstly, 16 days was not dangerously premature so it is entirely plausible Edmund was legitimate, just premature. Secondly, it's also entirely plausible that Philippa or Edward visited each other during the siege - Tournai is only an hour's drive away or a 14 hour walk from Ghent today - and while there appears to be no evidence of a visit, it's perfectly conceivable that the evidence wouldn't have survived.

** Much of this is drawn from the work of Laura Tompkins. Laura Tompkins suggests it may have been shortly after Alice was widowed in 1361 or 1362 that she joined Philippa's household.

*** This is not to say that Alice was therefore "better" than Katherine because she was a more independent woman but to acknowledge that Alice's behaviour was more visibly transgressive and subject to multiple forms of censure. Similarly, the idea that Katherine was the "better" mistress because her only transgression was her affair with Gaunt is flawed because it relies on upholding misogynistic standards for women's behaviour as the ideal.

**** We don't know when Alice was born. Laura Tompkins guesses it was around 1340 on the assumption that Alice was probably in her 60s at her death in 1340. This would make her around 20 when she first came into contact with Edward, who was around 30 years her senior. Alice was from a family of goldsmiths - respectable, well-off and well-connected - but certainly they held less power than the King of England.

[fizzingwizard]

So he's a fan fiction writer, but he published the book as an original work? Am I missing something here? It sounds like he tried to force Simon Tolkien to read his Lord of the Rings fanfiction, turned it into "original" fiction when he refused, published it, and then accused Rings of Power of plagiarizing... him?? It was LotR to begin with, then made into original work, but still recognizable enough as LotR for RoP to be able to dip into it... huh??

With EL James, anyone who knows Twilight fanfiction can easily believe 50 Shades began as one. But anyone who only knows Twilight and has never read fanfiction I doubt would ever notice. Because, like with a lot of fanfiction, accurately portraying the characters is sacrificed in the name of "what I find cool and sexy" - which is particularly common in AUs where fanfiction writers don't have the benefit of setting and canonical history to buoy their shallow characterization. I'm sure Edward and Bella were easy to work into Christian and Anastasia because they were hardly Edward and Bella to begin with.

What I mean is, it's much easier for me to believe EL James with her creepy bdsm Twilight AU could get away with repurposing it as original fiction, than this guy who seems to have just written Lord of the Rings lore. Obviously I haven't read it. Maybe the specific things he thinks Amazon copied from him are unique and original enough to raise suspicion. And I know that a lot of fantasy elements in LotR are just genre tropes these days that everyone uses. I just find it doubtful, given that he copyrighted it preemptively, and then went to lengths, through attorneys and by going to see Simon Tolkien himself, to force his manuscript on them. It's weird. The article says he wanted a "collaboration" with the Tolkien estate, so isn't that as good as admitting what he'd written was Lord of the Rings?? Very difficult figuring out what his basis for his argument is...

I'm super pro fan creation. The fact of the matter is art and toy making companies only ever come out with generic products they think has mass appeal, but fan created products immortalize your favorite scenes, your favorite jokes and memes. They're personal and they're fun. And I'd rather read free fanfiction written by a 15-year-old than those ghost written novelizations that plague every popular series. Most of those are, again, generic as hell, but that 15-year-old doesn't give a shit about convention. Their writing might be not great but at least it won't be boring!

But when people go out and complicate things this way it makes us all look bad. Like we're money-grubbers seeking to piggyback off the success of someone else. The article is somewhat compassionate towards this guy, but I'm finding that difficult. Defending Amazon is dead last on my to-do list, but... no one asked him for a collab and he tried to force it anyway. I'm having difficulty seeing him as anything but an opportunist. He probably truly loves Lord of the Rings and maybe got lost in a daze, mistaking his love as some kind of claim on it. Once you involve money, though, it's hard to feel the love anymore.

Althouh it will be really, really funny if it turns out that Amazon did plagiarize his book. Because Lord of the Rings does not lack lore. The whole canon is an endless treasure trove. Imagine ignoring all that "extra" stuff Tolkien himself wrote in favor of some dude's fanfiction.

Hello Mr Gaiman, I just read a reblog you put regarding sending fanfiction/ideas to the universe's authors (like sending you Good Omens fanfiction for example) and I have a question, it's probably a dumb question with an obvious answer but if I don't ask it won't go away.

So if you ever read the good omens fanfiction I'm writing you wouldn't be able to put whatever I put there but what if I explicitly stated (like in the summary) that it could be used? Would it still create legal problems? Like with payment and stuff?

I'm not going to read your fan fiction so I will never know if you gave me permission.

And if you're wondering why I have a blanket rule not to, I'd point you to this article. On something that's happening right now.

[like-rain-or-confetti]

Rogue realizes he has a crush on one of his henchmen. Just walks around to think what to do when he hears Y/N conversation with her friend.

"I am not taking dating advice from Ms. 'I have a huge crush on my boss for half of year and didn't do anything with it'"

"I have a plan! I'm just gonna keep my feelings to myself until I die."

"... You can't blame me for not listening to you."

Riddler, Scarecrow, MH, TF, BM

HELL YES. Anyone else imagining them walking by and overhearing this and being like '...wait what now?' And backtracking? I can't unsee 😂

He wanted to grab you and shake you. If you could stop plaguing his mind that would be great! Yet you didn't know. You hadn't a clue. When he headed down the hall to busy himself and try to somewhat forget that you were in the building, they overheard talking and what was said made him stop in his tracks.

The Riddler: Oh hell. You're joking right? I mean, anyone with a brain would have good sense to fall for Edward Nygma. The top specimen of humanity. But you're attracted to him at the same time he's attracted to you!? Is that why you were so jumpy a while back? He hears your plan but...if you think he isn't going to extravagantly inform you that he knows then you're wrong. You'd think the guy would just come out at say it since he's so bold. Nope. He wants to dangle it in front of your face and make you figure it out for yourself that he knows.

Scarecrow: Well in that case, he's absolutely fine with these feelings he has. If you feel the same then it can't be a bad feeling, right? He doesn't really know how to navigate this feeling but if you feel it too then perhaps he doesn't have to purge it somehow from his very being. He thought about you way too much and ignoring your existence just wasn't an option. He'd never give even a hint that he overheard anything. He walks away, more content with his situation than he was before.

Mad Hatter: He scurries off before anyone can notice him. When he was far enough away, he slammed the doors shut behind him. His eyes shifted from being wide with shock to twinkling with happiness. He giggled to himself as he slid down the door. Bringing his hands to his mouth briefly before revealing his grin. His heart pounded in his chest. "My special little rabbit...loves me." His tone held nothing but adoration. "I love you too, little rabbit." He mumbled to himself.

Two-Face: His brain stops working for a second in utter disbelief. How is that possible? You must be nuts. Wait six months!? What do you mean keep them to yourself until you die!? Surely you should tell someone!? Like a psychiatrist! The thought comes to mind about telling him and he can't help but feel like you're the forbidden fruit. That he knows better. So he won't say anything but he will be haunted by the 'what if'.

Black Mask: You're too far away to hear him chuckle lowly behind the door. But he very much enjoys this new information. He's coming up with ways to get you closer to him without any suspicion. He will be a little more flirtatious towards now. Expect lingering touches that aren't necessary but no one dares question it. Not even you, if you catch on.

[hiddens-eden]

The Last Tune (Emmett Cullen x Male!Reader) Pt 1

Paring; Emmett Cullen x Male Reader + Cullen Family x Male Reader (PLATONIC)

Warning: Cursing, Abuse, Tramua, Angst

Pronouns; He/Him

Spelling checked; No

Summary; Y/N is a quiet boy that's had his fair share of physical and emotional trauma, so he loves to keep to himself. He barely interacts with anyone unless needed and prefers to listen to music and sketch in peace. So imagine his surprise when some of the most popular kids in school want to be around him! They heard him singing along with his music and were immediately entranced. One of them in particular has his eyes set on him. Though, they are not the only ones who have an interest in Y/N.

A/N; Hello, my little Otaku's! Welcome to my first fic! I hope you enjoy, and feedback is always appreciated! Just be kind! I'm sorry if it seems at all rushed! On my next stories I do plan on switching PoV's so it'll be easier to write and more entertaining. Enjoy!

"Who are they?"a dark haired girl asked her friend that was sitting just across from their lunch table

"Those are some of the most popular people in school, the Cullen's. Not only are they hot as hell, but they're charming to boot! They do disappear for long periods of time, which gives them an air of mystery."

At the Cullen's table, they softly chuckled at the description the new girl was given. After all, it's only natural considering what they are. They are a being talked about in many fantasy tales. Known for their taste for blood. Vampires, a creature of the night that feasts on humans. However, they in particular don't drink human blood

They went back to softly talking to each other, but a few minutes later something caught their attention. A soft voice echoed in their eardrums. It was enchanting and beautiful, it was like nothing they've ever heard of. They all simultaneously started looking around for the source of the pleasant sound when the new girl asked about someone else.

"Who is that?" she asked, pointing to a table where a boy sat by himself

"Oh! That's (Y/N), (L/N)! He doesn't talk much, but when he does, you can't help but feel so tranquil and at peace!"

That caught the vampire's attention, and they whipped their heads to where the brunette was pointing. Noticing that that was where the sound is coming from.

"What do you mean?"

"His voice is so soft, like silk! But it has a sort of firmness to it! That's not the only thing, though. He is so kind, adorable, and smart as well! He even helps who ask for him to tutor them. His personality makes everyone want to be around him!"

That rose some questions in the vampires heads. If he is that well-liked, why is no one sitting near him?

"Then why is he alone?"

~The vampires will have to thank the new girl for asking so many questions~

"Well, whenever people come near him, he gets anxious and tries to get away as soon as possible. Someone grabbed him on accident, and he started having a panic attack, falling to the ground, and hyperventilating."

The Cullen's were a little shocked when they heard this. That wasn't normal for sure

"Holy shit. Was he okay?"

"Yeah, he was sent home early. But, some students saw his face as he was leaving and said that he looked terrified. We think something is going on where he lives, though we can't know for sure" she shrugged

"Once he came to school the next day, he was wearing long-sleeves. I thought it was weird considering he never wore them before, but the rest of the school shrugged it off as it being in the winter months making it reasonable. The person apologized the next day and (Y/N) just said it was fine, and he just likes being alone, so now that's what we do"

Right when the girl finished, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Making everyone get up and start to throw away their trash and head to class. All except one person...

"I don't think he heard the bell" Emmett said

"Gee, none of us would've guessed!" Rosalie responded, causing the other Cullen's to chuckle

Suddenly, Jasper's sight shifted to his wife Alice because he felt her stiffening up, a tell-tale sign of her power activating. The other vampires looked at her as well, waiting for her to relay what she saw. After a little bit she came to and, slowly, turned to Emmett grinning

"Emmett, why don't you go over and tell him class is about to start? Maybe even ask him to tutor you! We all know you need it." she remarked, still grinning

Starting to understand why she was acting like the way she was, Emmett sighed, wanting to protest, but he knew Alice's visions almost always came true, or they would end at the same conclusion.

He made his way over to where the boy was sitting

"Remember not to grab him!" Alice semi-shouted from where she was standing

Emmett waved her off, still approaching (Y/N)

He gently tapped (Y/N)'s shoulder, making the smaller boy jump in surprise and what Emmett can only assume is fear

(Y/N) turned his head around fast enough to give him whiplash and that's when he met the golden eyes of the person that startled him

He took his earbud out before speaking, "I-Is there s-something I can do for you?" (Y/N) asked shakily

Emmett stood there for a moment. He had never seen someone so hot and cute at the same time. The girl was right, too. His voice is the embodiment of angelic. Emmett took this chance to take in all the boys features, from his soft (S/C) skin that reflected the light of the cafeteria. To his intoxicating (E/C) eyes that he could get lost in over and over again. Emmett felt a small pull to (Y/N), and he knew exactly what it meant.

“H-hello? Are you alright?” (Y/N) asked

“I-I um…class is about to start…”

(Y/N) looked at the time and blushed

“So it is…” (Y/N) stood up and started collecting his things “T-thanks for letting me know” (Y/N) stood to leave but was stopped as Emmett stood in front of him

“I was wondering if you could help me study for chemistry? I’m currently failing” Emmett chuckled, rubbing the back of his head

"I-I don't mind, where should we meet?"

"How about the Library after school?"

(Y/N) smiled the slightest bit "Sounds good, now if you don't mind I need to get to class" and with that (Y/N) left the cafeteria heading to his next class. Emmett slowly rejoined his family, still in awe from the recent interaction.

Jasper grinned from the emotions Emmett was emulating

"It seems Emmett is very interested in that guy"

"Hell yeah I am! Did you see him?!"

"We did" Edward answered him, "But"

"But what?" Emmett asked

"I can't read his mind, same with the new girl"

"Does that mean they're a supernatural?" Rosalie asked

"No, they aren't. The new girl is a weird case, but (Y/N) seems to just have fantastic mental walls and barriers. Which is concerning..."

"Then I'll have to break them" Emmett smirked

The rest of the Cullen's let out a collective sigh as they made their way to their respective classes. Still wondering what was going on with the mysterious (Y/N).

The final bell rang, indicating the end of the school day. Students started to funnel out of their classes and into the hallways. Emmett was waiting outside (Y/N)'s classroom, ready to head to the library.

After waiting awhile of waiting, (Y/N) came out of the classroom books and binder in hand

"Hey"

(Y/N) jumped and turned around to see Emmett, a look of relief claimed his face

"You ready to go?"

"Y-yeah"

As they made their way to the library, they made some just talked about their interests and things of that nature, eventually arriving at their destination. After they settled in their seats with the necessary books, they started the study session.

Emmett found it cute, they way (Y/N) would nervously try and help him understand the complex formula's and equations. After a few explanations, (Y/N) sat down and started to work on his homework. Unconsciously, (Y/N) started to sing to himself, making Emmett perk up and look at him.

"You're a good singer"

(Y/N) blushed, "Thanks...but others don't think so..."

"Are you kidding me?!" Emmett stood up, causing (Y/N) to jump a little, "Your voice is amazing!"

(Y/N) blushed at the praise he was given. He'd never been complimented before, so this was new to him.

"Thank you" (Y/N) smiled, making Emmett's cold and dead heart swell with something he's never felt before

"N-no problem" Emmett said before sitting down, and starting to work again, still thinking of that cute-ass smile

Soon, the sun started to set and that was their cue to wrap things up.

"Could you tutor me again tomorrow? If you're free, that is" Emmett asked

"Sure, I should be open. Meet here after school?"

"Deal"

"Then I'll see you tomorrow" (Y/N) smiled at Emmett before walking to his place

To say Emmett was giddy is an understatement. He was over the moon. Not only did he get to be tutored by his adorable mate, but he also got him to open up and be more relaxed around him! He made his way back to his own house and entered with his head still stuck in the clouds. Unaware of the fact that the whole family was sitting in the living room

"It seems that Emmett had an amazing time" Jasper couldn't help but let out his own smile from Emmett's emotions

"Something good happen, Emmett?" Carlisle asked, intrigued by Jasper's comment

"I think he's the one"

"The One?" Esme questioned

Alice snickered, clearly happy that her vision seemed to have came true

"My mate" Emmett replied, still thinking about the fun time he had studying with (Y/N)

"Congrats!! But, make sure you claim him before anyone else!" Esme explained

"He's not an object, Esme" Carlisle chastised

"I know, but humans may not understand their feelings"

"I just have to take things slow. I don't want to scare him off"

~Next Day at School~

"Hey (Y/N)!"

"Hmm? Oh, hey Emmett!" (Y/N) smiled sweetly

As Emmett got closer to (Y/N) he noticed a very distinct smell coming from the boy. "(Y/N) are you alright?" he asked concern lacing his voice

(Y/N) visibly tensed and started to shake slightly. "U-um ye-yeah? I'm f-fine"

Emmett was less than convinced. He needed to know who or what hurt his mate, so he could end it's pitiful existence, then and there. Though, he decided not to add anymore fuel to the fire...yet.

"If you say so. We should head to to class"

"Yeah"

"Are we still on for tonight?"

"If you still want to, then yes" (Y/N) smiled at Emmett causing him to absolutely gush at his adorableness

"Yep! Totally!" (Y/N) chuckled at Emmett's response

While heading to class they just talked about whatever was on their minds. Well, mostly Emmett since (Y/N) is a closed off little bean <3. But, that didn't stop either of them from enjoying themselves. Even once they where in class they softly whispered to each other. Their teacher didn't care much because (Y/N) is a model student and Emmett is a popular kid (you know those teachers that try and get in with the cool kids? Yeah, that's their teacher). When they went their seperate way's for their second block (Y/N) though that was it, like all of the other people he's tutored. He just thought Emmett was being kind and he'd see him after school for their study session. But he was proven wrong at lunchtime.

(Y/N) was eating by himself at a table listening to music and singing along softly when he felt vibrations coming from next to him. He looked over to not only see Emmett, but the whole Cullen entourage in tow. He was shocked to say the very least.

"Can we sit here?"

Collecting himself he responded with a soft "Yeah". The Cullen's then sat down, Emmett sitting on your right and Alice on your left. She squealed and looked twoards you "I've wanted to actually talk to you for a while now! Emmett talks about you and your singing too! I hope I can hear you one day!" This, this was how (Y/N).exe has stopped working. You where an embarassed blushing mess while looking at Emmett in mock betrayal. 'He talks about me?' you thought. He just smirked enjoying your cuteness.

"Ahh!!! He's soo adorable!!" Now you were a even darker red. Only provoking Alice more as she got slightly closer to you. You were about to curl in on yourself when you felt that you were being griped by the waist and pulled into a solid chest.

"Alice, your going to make him explode" Emmett said slightly, just slightly defensive

She laughed "My my what about you then?"

"What do you mean?"

"Look down, bonehead" Rosalie butted in amused

Emmett did what she said and saw you an absolute wreck. If a cherry was a person it would be you at this point-

Now he was trying to compose himself. The sight of both of you made everyone at the table start chuckling. After that whole fiasco you got to know Emmett's family and started to enjoy their presence. Something you never really had the pleasure of experiencing...

Over the next few weeks, Emmett did everything he could to be even remotely close to (Y/N). They would do studying sessions at the library, and after they would get something to eat. Well, only (Y/N) did. He thought it was weird Emmett never ate anything, but Emmett assured (Y/N) that he was eating well. They would often go to parks and just have fun too. However, all fun things come to an end. When one day (Y/N) didn't show up to school. Emmett just thought (Y/N) got a cold, but soon days turned to weeks and he was getting worried. He didn't know where (Y/N) lived so he couldn't go to his house and see if he was alright, but one day Carlise came home a little later than usual which was not unnoticed by his family.

"You're back late" Esme commented

"Well there is a teenager in critical condition. He came in with severe lacerations all over his body and what seemed to be marks of repeated tramua as well. He came in a couple of weeks ago and was in a coma until he flatlined earlier this morning" Carlise took off his doctor coat and placed it on the chair making his way to Esme. As he stood next to her he looked over to see his "children" with wide eyes

"Is something wrong?" Carlise asked a bit worried

"When did that patient come into the hospital?" Emmett asked urgently

"(Date). Why?"

With that all of the vampires stood up and started to get ready to go to the hospital

"What's wrong? Where are you guys going?" Esme asked

"That's most likely my mate" Emmett replied, making it clear he was irritated

"Well then what are we waiting for?" Esme rushed everyone out the door and to the hospital

At the hospital, they made their way to the room (Y/N) was at. Once there, Carlisle motioned for Emmett to enter first. Emmett went in and was shocked by what he saw. (Y/N) had many tubes attached to him. His body was wrapped in bandages and his breathing was hitching. Emmett walked over to the resting (Y/N) and reached out for his hand, grasping it softly. He rubbed his thumb over the boy's knuckles in a reassuring manner, then sat down next to the bed, still holding (Y/N)'s hand. He could only think about how much he failed his mate. How could he let this happen? He knew there was something going on, but he did nothing? He turned a blind eye to it all. How can he face (Y/N) when he wakes up? Emmett's thoughts were interrupted by someone's voice

"Who are you?"

"I should be asking you that" Emmett replied

"I'm (Y/N)'s boyfriend"

With that, Emmett's world stopped. Boyfriend? How? Why? Was I to late? Emmett turned to (Y/N) conflicted, but that's when he saw the heart monitor. His heart rate was not that high a while ago.

"Can you leave me with my boyfriend?" (B/F/N) asked harshly

Emmett reluctantly stood up and made his way to the door, but not before taking one last look at (Y/N). Once he was out of the room, Emmett started walking down the hallway back to his family.

"Who was that guy that went in there?" Rosalie went up to Emmett

"Apparently, he's (Y/N)'s boyfriend"

The Cullen's looked at Emmett in sadness and pity, but they noticed something

"You don't seem that bothered about it" Jasper said

"Well, before he came in, (Y/N)'s heart rate was normal, but when he spoke his heart rate rose"

"So, you think-"

"Yeah, his 'boyfriend' must've done that to him"

"That's awful" Esme covered her mouth in shock

"We can't really do anything if we don't have proof though" Alice said irritated

"Then we'll just have to get some" Emmett smirked, making the other Cullen's nod

They made their plan's and put them on hold until you were sent home. In the meantime, Emmett came to visit whenever your 'boyfriend' was never there and if he was, Carlisle was keeping a closer eye on you than normal. He also noticed that (B/F/N) would only ever sit in the chair across the room and when he would glance at you a look of disgust would be present on his face. This further solidified his resolve to get you out of that situation.

~A few days later while Emmett is visiting you~

"We're going to help you (Y/N), Everything will be better soon" Emmett reassured the sleeping male whilst holding his hand. He then felt (Y/N) clench his hand and looked up to see those beautiful (E/C) orbs opening

"Em-"

"Shh, don't strain yourself yet" Emmett stood up and pressed the 'call' button just above (Y/N)'s head before sitting back down

"Where-"

"The hospital...can you tell me what happened to you?"

After a brief pause, (Y/N) shook his ever so slightly

"That's fine, just tell me when you're ready" Emmett smiled sweetly. He saw (Y/N)'s face contort into sadness as he started crying. "I-I'm sorry f-for worrying you" (Y/N) choked out between sobs. Emmett couldn't see him cry like this, so he started to comfort and reassure the other male. "You'll be okay...I won't let you get hurt anymore..."

A/N: I really hope you liked it! Please tell me your thoughts! Sorry it took way longer than I said! I will now be working on the requests I have gotten and a new series I've conjured up ;)By my little Otaku's!!