#issa tragedy

[islamjamel]

Dear supporters...and our sympathetic supporters...no one can deny that writing about Gaza is painful and promising at the same time. We rely on our hope in you, and your giving makes the flowers of our dreams, which were forcibly and unjustly picked in the tragedy of October 7,

[velvette-creations]

In a vision or in none

House of the Dragon: Helaena + fem!reader (platonic) 

Rating: Teen 

WC: 1.5 k 

Prompt: Art Therapy for @sweetspicybingo (Hurt/Comfort Bingo Collection)

Warnings: Mentions of the death, angst, hurt/comfort

Summary: You seek to assist your queen when she becomes burdened with her visions

The chalk leaves a powdery residue on Helaena’s fingertips as she silently moves through her chambers, caught in an invisible dance. Jaehaera sits beside you on the floor, both of you watching in awe as the queen brings the images only she can see in her mind to life. The wolf-headed figure, a source of unexplained fear, sends a chill down your spine. Helaena reaches for a piece of yellow-hued chalk and begins to sketch the shape of a dragon’s egg on the wall, a testament to her unique ability. One that many seem to ignore entirely.

“An egg!” Jaehaera squeaks, pointing at the image before giggling.

“Very good, princess,” you smile, smoothing a hand down her silvery hair. Today, she wears it braided neatly down her back, no longer wearing the style she oft shared with her twin, Jaehaerys. She was always such a shy young girl, seemingly trapped in her own mind, much like her mother. It breaks your heart to watch how they’ve adjusted to Jaehaerys’s death, but the ghost of the boy still looms in the castle—a tragedy to take one so young. You go to bed many nights with guilt gnawing in your stomach for trading the night shift with another maid, perhaps if you had been there…though there is no use pondering such thoughts. What’s done is done.

She trades the yellow chalk for a green one, creating a second egg, then makes a third of reddish hue before creating flames to surround them. The chalk falls from her hand, clattering to the floor as she steps away from the wall before slowly rocking back and forth on her feet.

“Ziry kivio dārilaros issa, se zȳhon suvio perzō vāedar issa. (He is the prince that was promised, and his is the song of ice and fire),” she murmurs, her voice dropping an octave, speaking as if caught in a trance. The words roll off her tongue expertly, and you realize this is the first time you’ve heard her speak in the ancient Valyrian tongue.

She steps back over to the wall and creates the form of a naked woman being consumed by flames. Your eyes widen, and you glance down at Jaehaera, whose attention is now occupied by a wooden toy. You did not wish to interrupt the queen, so you swallow down your inquiry. You can ask at a later time. Septa Alyane comes to collect the small girl for her lessons.

“Mama, Mama!” Jaehaera smiles, scurrying over to hug her mother’s legs before being taken away.

Helaena reaches her hand down, letting it rest gently on her daughter’s head before the small girl peels away from her. Helaena hums as she places the chalk down, walking over to the basin to clean her hands before dropping to her knees in front of the tiny wooden cages that house her crickets.

“Your Grace, may I ask what you said earlier?” you ask softly as you watch the insect crawl onto her finger.

“I do not always know what they mean. I only heard it in my head and felt compelled to utter them out loud,” she answers softly, her eyes flickering up to meet your gaze before quickly adverting them.

“Oh, I see,” you reply, looking down at the needlepoint in your hands.

“I wish I knew how to explain them better,” she admits.

“It seems a heavy burden to be cursed with a sight you cannot understand,” you say sympathetically.

“I suppose we all have our burdens.”

“There was a dreamer in your familiar line….Daenys, I believe. She is the one who saved the Targaryens from the Doom. Mayhaps your father’s books might hold some answers for you,” you suggest.

“Aegon had them removed.”

“Which means they must be somewhere. They did not just disappear,” you smile.

She returns the soft gesture before placing the chirping cricket back in the cage. “Would you help me…to find them?”

“I would like that very much, Your Grace.”

~~

The days proceed as thus: waking in the morning and breaking your fast before readying Queen Helaena and Princess Jaehaera for the day with the assistance of other handmaidens, playing the small princess on the floor until it is time for her lessons. Helaena marks her visions on the walls, and the afternoon is spent pouring over the histories in the library in the hope of answers. When Helaena reaches a certain level of frustration, moving her jaw and clenching her fists, you indicate that it’s time for a break and spend time walking through the gardens with her. It brings her peace as she points at the crawling bugs, informing you of their names and purposes.

“We all have a purpose in this world,” she hums.

“I suppose you are correct in that manner, Your Grace,” you smile.

“I fear I may never find answers to my visions,” she admits as an eight-legged spider crawls across her splayed palm.

“Do not give up hope just yet, Your Grace,” you encourage, though you fear much had been lost in the Doom and answers may never be found.

~~

You find her one morning, still in her night shift, hugging her knees to her chest as she rocks back and forth. Jaehaera peers out through the curtain surrounding her bed, purple eyes wide and worried as she watches her mother.

“It is alright, princess. Come to me,” you coo, opening your arms to the young girl. She hurries into them, and you hug her close, rubbing her back before placing her in another handmaiden’s arms. “Tend to her, and I will see to the queen. Please make sure no one disturbs us.”

She nods her understanding before leaving with Jaehaera. You sink to your knees behind Helaena, placing your hands on her shoulders. She digs the heels of her hands against her eyes.

“Make them stop, make them stop,” she wails, and it becomes clear she is overburdened with these visions she cannot figure out. You are unsure if they have grown more intense or if she has simply hit her limit with them.

“Shhh, take a deep breath,” you whisper.

She gulps for her air as she lifts her head, cheeks sticky with tears. You gently smooth your fingers through her mussy hair, tugging it away from her face. “I don’t want them anymore!” Her voice warbles through the air, and your heart breaks. Why have the Gods cursed her so? Why bestow a gift upon her that she can not comprehend? It seems unusually cruel, and you're reminded these are the same Gods who claimed the lives of two young princes. She clings to you, pressing her face into your chest. In the moment, she reminds you of a distraught child turning to their mother for comfort.

You hold her silently in your arms, stroking her hair and hoping you are providing her some relief. Her ragged breathing slows, and she glances up at you. “I am…better now.”

You give her a half smile. “Are you? You needn’t lie to me, Your Grace.”

Her lower lip wobbles. “I want them out of my head.”

You think momentarily, tucking a strand of silver hair behind her ear. “I may have an idea, Your Grace.”

“What is it?” Her voice is soft and curious.

“Come, you must stand with me,” you smile, helping her to stand before walking over to her desk and taking a piece of chalk into your hand before placing it in hers. She gives you a curious look, head tilting to the side. “Instead of drawing what you see in your head, draw what you wish to see. Not what plagues you, but what inspires you or what you wish to come true.”

Helaena moves over to a blank space before lifting her quivering hand. She begins to create, moving with dedication instead of a phantom force controlling her. You recognize the silhouette of Dreamfyre with Helaena and two other figures perched on her back.

“Who is with you?” you inquire.

“You and Jaehaera,” she smiles, turning to face you. Her cheeks are rosy, “We are flying across Blackwater Bay!” There is joy in her voice, and she turns to continue her drawing—a picnic in the Kingswood, the three of you holding hands while walking along the beaches of Dragonstone and climbing the Dragonmont in search of dragon eggs.

“Lovely ideas, Your Grace, and I know of one we can make come true.”

~~

The day proceeds as thus: waking in the morning and breaking your fast before readying Queen Helaena and Princess Jaehaera for the day before making way to the dragonpit with intertwined hands. The three of you easily fit on the large blue and silver dragon, with you behind Helaena and Jaehaera in front of her. The wind whips your cheeks, and laughter peels through the air. Jaehaera picks wildflowers while Helaena lays her head on your lap while you feed her fresh raspberries. She has come alive again and is no longer chained to her visions for now. You hold on to hope that this peace will last.

“You have set me free,” she smiles, her graceful voice carrying in the warm breeze.

[matan4il]

Daily update post:

Remember how I mentioned yesterday that Hezbollah had attacked the Northern Command base? It was announced that Ali Hussein, the commander of that aerial strike on the IDF base, has been eliminated.

Hey, remember how the anti-Israel crowd kept insisting that Israel has turned Gaza into a concentration camp, before this war? The IDF has arrived at the summer home (!) of Marwan Issa, the deputy military commander of Hamas in Gaza, and I am trying to remember a single Jewish slave laborer in Dachau, who had a summer home that looks like this, inside the camp...

(screenshots from a vid in Hebrew here, discussing Marwan Issa, his home, and the way Hamas leaders built their wealth)

This is vital: UN Watch have published a report about the Telegram group of UNRWA teachers, who celebrated the massacre of Oct 7, and prided themselves that this was thanks to the education that the terrorists got...

In the US, Jewish stars have signed a letter addressed to the Academy for Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences, protesting the fact that Jews are not on the list for includion, as one of the marginalized groups that suffer from underrepresentation. I've written way before the war about Jewish representation, and how it has never been good enough. But more than that, Most people are incredibly ignorant about Jews, Judaism, Jewish identity, Jewish history, and even some very basic related facts, such as Jews being native to Israel, or that Jews aren't just white people with a less popular religion. Jews have suffered the longest streak of persecution in human history, the most extreme genocide, and yet we're not even recognized as marginalized and discriminated, which means we're discriminated against even among marginalized groups. It's unfathomable, and it has to change, if the west wants to fight antisemitism, and it has to change NOW.

Idan Amedi's condition, which I posted about in my update post yesterday, is said to have improved, he's regained consciousness, can breathe on his own, and even talked a bit to his family.

This is 62 years old Aviva Siegel.

She's one of the hostages that were released. Yesterday, she went to the Knesset (Israel's parliament), and I got to hear her testimony about the sexual abuse and torture of the young women in captivity in Gaza, which she had witnessed firsthand. Aviva recounted that one young hostage asked to go to the bathroom. When she returned, Aviva could tell something was off. The young woman confirmed to her that the terrorist molested her. Aviva went to comfort the girl, but the Hamas terrorist rapist stopped her with gun threats. "He wouldn't even let me hug her after he raped her," Aviva said. She also shared that there was another young woman who was physically tortured based on the suspicion that she was an IDF officer. Aviva's husband is still held in captivity, for 96 days now.

This is Ronen Engel, with his daughters Mika and Yuval.

On Oct 7, Ronen was murdered, his body is still held hostage in Gaza. Yuval and Mika were kidnapped together with their mother Karina, and the three were released during the hostage deal. Two days ago, during the tragedy with the explosives truck in Gaza in which many soldiers were killed and injured 2 days ago, the Engel's family adopted son, 25 years old Amit Shachar, was killed.

May Ronen and Amit's memories be a blessing.

This was just SO sweet, I had to share. Since the fighting in Gaza started, and some soldiers have been away for months at a time, when they do get to come home, people have shared vids of the reunion joy, and this has to be my personal fave so far:

(for all of my updates and ask replies regarding Israel, click here)

[cjriles]

For all the fans of Fourth Wing and GOT/ASOIAF/HOTD:

“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.”

translates in high valyrian to:

Zaldrīzes kipti jāhon mijiot mundāzma issa. Kiptys zaldrīzī pōja mijiot morghe issa.

[kckt88]

Three Breaths, One Heart.

Summary:

Vaeryna and Aemond continue to enjoy their 'monthly arrangment' with Aegon, until tragedy strikes.

Warning(s): Language, Exploring, Questionable use of the Iron Throne, Kissing, Incest, Smut - F/M/M, Oral Sex (M Receiving), P in V Sex, Cuts, Blood, After Care.

T.W - Miscarriage, Grief, Mouring!!!

A. N - I wanted to try something a little different with my writing.

Word Count: - 3279

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!!!

SEQUEL ONE-SHOT TO THREE HEARTS, ONE BREATH.

AEMOND X O.C & AEGON X O.C

“I’m not entirely sure of your loyalty” mused Aegon.

“Oh, Your Grace I’m loyal-I-I swear” gasped Vaeryna.

“I see you already on your knees my sweet-but I have yet to be convinced” replied Aegon.

“P-Please, l-let me s-show you” moaned Vaeryna.

“-And how are you going to do that?” asked Aegon pursing his lips.

“M-My m-mouth on your cock” panted Vaeryna screwing her eyes shut.

“A most unusual way of pledging one’s loyalty, but I shall allow it” said Aegon.

“A-Aemond, gods-“ moaned Vaeryna.

“Please your King and suck his cock ābrazȳrys” breathed Aemond (Wife).

Vaeryna moved her hands from the floor and reached forward, quickly undoing the laces on Aegon’s breeches, his cock already straining against the fabric.

“Y-Yes Aemond-please” whimpered Vaeryna as she pressed her face against Aegon’s leg.

“I won’t tell you again Issa byka perzys” ordered Aemond (My little fire).

Vaeryna took a deep breath and took Aegon’s cock from his breeches and wrapped her warm, wet mouth over the already glistening head.

“Fuck-that’s it” moaned Aegon quietly his fingers digging painfully into the metal of the Iron Throne.

“Good girl-“ exclaimed Aemond his large hands grasping her hips.

Vaeryna moaned loudly around Aegon’s cock, as Aemond began to thrust in and out of her in deep achingly slow thrusts.

“Your cunt is dripping, it's so beautiful” sighed Aemond.

“Gods” groaned Aegon, his head thrown back in ecstasy.

“Hm” muttered Aemond as he slowly thrust back and forth.

Over and over, withdrawing further each time, until his cock entirely withdrew from Vaeryna’s warm wet entrance. He marvelled at her perfect mother’s body.

Such a beautiful, delicious thing his wife was. Allowing him and his brother entry into the most sacred parts of her body.

Aemond began to fuck her in earnest, plunging his cock into her cunny over and over, thrilling to hear Vaeryna’s moans of need echoing around the throne room.

Bracing her hands against Aegon’s thighs, she pushed against Aemond so he could shove his cock in. Harder and faster.

“J-Just a little more” moaned Aegon, his eyes rolling into the back of head.

The pleasure was indescribable, Vaeryna’s mouth around his cock as his brother fucked her from behind.

Gods this arrangement between them was better than anything he’d ever imagined.

Aemond felt his stones draw in; his peak was approaching. He snaked a hand around Vaeryna’s body and played with her clitoris, plucking it with his fingers.

“Oh gods” moaned Vaeryna as her whole-body began to shake.

“Come for me, love” breathed Aemond, his thrusts starting to jerk.

He was close. So very close.

Vaeryna screamed as her desperately needed peak exploded from her body, making every limb tremble as her body bucked around Aemond’s cock.

Aemond’s own peak nearly took him off his feet. The sensation took over his body as he spilled rope after rope of his seed, he had no recollection of what he did or said for the good minute it took for his peak to crest, then subside.

Seeing his brother reach his peak was enough to send Aegon over the edge, as he thrust his hips forward and spilled his seed in Vaeryna’s mouth.

His naughty little dragon gazed up at him, her eyes locked with his as she swallowed every drop.

“Issa gevie nūmio” muttered Aegon as he withdrew his softened cock from Vaeryna’s mouth and tucked it back inside his breeches (My beautiful pearl).

“Rather bold to suggest doing this in the throne room Your Grace” said Aemond as he withdrew from Vaeryna and pulled her skirts over her exposed lower half.

“I have my moments” replied Aegon as he gently ran his fingers through Vaeryna’s messy silver tresses.

“I just hope mother doesn’t find out-“ muttered Aemond as he tucked himself back inside his breeches and then stood up.

“What’s the worst she could say, I’ve always been a disappointment to her-so it would be like water off a ducks back” said Aegon shrugging.

“Your not a disappointment” whispered Vaeryna wincing as she tried to stand up.

“I-Is everything ok my love?” asked Aemond reaching out to grasp Vaeryna gently.

“I cut my knees on the floor” said Vaeryna.

“Let me see” muttered Aemond as he helped his wife slowly manoeuvre into a sitting position.

“It’s really not that bad” said Vaeryna as she pulled up her skirts.

“Knees cut open and covered in blood but it’s not that bad she says” muttered Aemond.

“Are you in pain?” asked Aegon as Vaeryna leaned back against his legs.

“Just stings a little” replied Vaeryna.

“You should have told me-If I knew you were hurt, I wouldn’t have carried on” mumbled Aemond his cheeks tinged pink.

“A little pain enhances the pleasure, besides it’s not that bad and it was totally worth it”.

“My wife-always the optimist” said Aemond smiling.

“Mayhaps we should head back to your chambers; the guards will be back soon” said Aegon.

“Ready to stand up?” asked Aemond.

“As I’ll ever be” laughed Vaeryna.

Aemond looped his arms around his wife’s smaller body and quickly pulled her to her feet, his heart clenching at the sound of her gasping in pain.

“Maybe we should rethink this whole Iron Throne sex thing” mused Aegon.

“What? No-just get cushions” replied Vaeryna smiling.

Aegon and Aemond looked at one another before they burst out laughing.

Vaeryna was truly a gift from the gods.

“He hit me-“

“-No he hit me first”

“Mama play-“

“If you could just wait a moment my sweet” replied Vaeryna.

“-But mama, look” said Aegar clapping his tiny hands together.

“Stop sitting near me-“

“-You stop looking at me”

“Both of you stop this falling out” said Vaeryna grimacing slightly as a dull aching sensation radiated across her stomach.

“But mama-“

“Saeryna, I hope you’re not collecting spiders to put in your grandmothers tea” said Vaeryna.

“No mother” replied Saeryna innocently.

“Stop pushing your brother’s face into the mud” urged Vaeryna placing a hand on her stomach.

“Oh, gross-Mama Caelee is trying to eat worms”.

“P-please just-all of you-” exclaimed Vaeryna as she collapsed to the ground.

“MAMA”

“Get father-“

“MAMA-WAKE UP”

“DADDY”

Vaeryna wanted to reassure her children that she was fine, but she couldn’t the stabbing pain in her stomach was unlike anything she’d ever felt before.

“VAERYNA”

Suddenly there was a flurry activity and soon the children were huddled together looking fearful as their father bent down towards their mother who was still laying face first on the ground.

“Mama fell down” said Caelee.

“Ryna-my love” whispered Aemond as he gently rolled her over onto her back.

“Is she going to be ok?” asked Aerys nervously.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine” whispered Daenerys.

“Mayhaps we should get the children inside” mused Aegon the Younger.

“Ser Colton-will you escort the children to my mother”.

“Yes, Your Grace-come along children” said Ser Colton firmly.

“I don’t want to leave mama” sobbed Caelee.

“You heard the King-let the Maester’s help your mother” said Jaehaera.

“S-She kept holding her tummy-“ muttered Aerys.

“Mama poorly-“ said Aegar.

“I-Is that blood?” asked Aemond as Vaeryna began whimpering.

“Get the children inside. NOW” roared Aegon.

“WHERE THE FUCK IS MUNKUN” shouted Aemond.

“He’s on his way-“ replied Aegon.

Vaeryna couldn’t think of anything except the pain, gods it was like her insides were being twisted upon themselves, she felt a warm wetness between her legs and began sobbing.

“A-Aemond” cried Vaeryna grasping mindlessly in the air for her husband.

“I’m here-it’s ok” replied Aemond softly as he took her hand.

“Hurts” exclaimed Vaeryna.

“Where Issa dōna?” asked Aemond (My sweet).

“M-My stomach-“ cried Vaeryna as another sharp pain shot across her stomach.

“Aemond-the Maester’s here” said Aegon.

“It’s about fucking time” snarled Aemond.

Vaeryna opened her eye’s slightly and saw Aegon talking in rapid hushed tones with the Maester, he kept looking over his shoulder and Aemond refused to let go of her hand.

“Let’s get her moved inside, my Prince, could you perhaps carry her to your chambers”.

“I’m going to lift you up now Ryna. Can you put your arms around my neck-that’s it, hold on” urged Aemond softly.

Vaeryna’s head lolled against Aemond’s shoulder as he carried her though the corridors of the Red Keep.

The mattress was soft beneath her, the candle lights flickered and the fire crackled.

Aemond was pacing the chambers with Aegon hovering quietly in the corner. The Maester was doing something between her legs, it didn’t feel good, but she couldn’t make sense of it, every sensation was dull, voices were muffled, and her eyes were heavy.

Vaeryna couldn’t feel her legs, but she could feel her fingers, she wanted Aemond. She wanted her husband.

“A-A-Aemond” whispered Vaeryna.

“I’m here my sweet-I’m here” said Aemond as he knelt beside the bed and took her hand.

“What happened?” asked Vaeryna, her voice small and weak.

“The Maester is just trying to figure that out my love-just rest now”.

“My Prince” said Maester Munkun.

“I’ll be back in a second-“ whispered Aemond as he pressed a kiss to Vaeryna’s hand and slowly rose from her bedside.

“-The Princess was with child”.

“Was?” asked Aegon quietly.

“Unfortunately, she has suffered a miscarriage” replied Maester Munkun.

“What caused it?” asked Aemond.

“We don’t know the exact causes of such things my Prince” replied Maester Munkun.

“H-How far was she?” asked Aemond quietly.

“It was early my Prince” whispered Maester Munkun.

“W-Will she be ok?” asked Aemond.

“Physically yes, she’s in good health and there’s no reason why she shouldn’t be able to carry another child in the future but mentally-that will come with time, I’ve given her some milk of the poppy to help with the pain, it should lull her too sleep, but call me if she needs more” replied the Maester.

Vaeryna turned to look at Aemond and Aegon who were talking to the Maester, their voices still muffled but she heard the word ‘miscarriage’, she slowly moved a hand to her stomach and quietly sobbed, her heart breaking for the lost babe.

As Vaeryna closed her eyes, she saw a glimpse of silver and amethyst, a son with his father’s sharp features and her smile, fading into darkness.

“Jurnegon tolī zirȳla muña” whispered Vaeryna (Look after him mother).

“I’ll come back on the morrow to check on her, but she needs to rest and drink plenty of water” urged Maester Munkun.

“Sōvegon issa byka zaldrīzes” (Fly my little dragon).

“Thank you Maester” muttered Aemond.

“I’m sorry for your loss my Prince”.

Aemond gave a sharp nod as the Maester left his chambers, leaving him, Aegon and Vaeryna alone.

“Aemond” muttered Vaeryna, her hand running along the empty space on the bed.

“I’m here” replied Aemond.

“I-I didn’t even know that I was with child” muttered Vaeryna.

“It’s ok my love-just rest” urged Aemond as he once again knelt beside the bed.

“W-Will you hold me?” asked Vaeryna.

“Always” whispered Aemond as he quickly removed his leather jerkin and his boots and climbed onto the bed.

Vaeryna immediately sought comfort in his arms, as she pressed her face against his chest and began sobbing.

“I’ll leave you two alone” muttered Aegon.

“N-Not yet-will you hold me too-just until I fall asleep”

“Of course,” replied Aegon as he laid on the bed behind Vaeryna and placed an arm across her waist.

“I-I didn’t know” muttered Vaeryna.

“It’s ok my love-just rest” urged Aemond.

“I-I’m sorry” whimpered Vaeryna.

“It’s not your fault Issa dōna” (My sweet).

“M-my tummy hurts” muttered Vaeryna.

“Shhhh-sleep now” whispered Aemond.

“Aerion-“

“What?” asked Aemond.

“The babes name” replied Vaeryna closing her eyes as sleep finally claimed her.

After what seemed like an eternity, Aemond finally asked the question that had been lingering in the back of his mind, since the Maester had told them that Vaeryna had been with child.

“Who’s do you think?” asked Aemond.

“Don’t even think it-the babe was yours, I cannot sire children remember” replied Aegon.

“But what if-“

“No-brother, the babe wasn’t mine. I know it, deep in my heart. Although I do grieve this loss with you” muttered Aegon.

“Do you think she’ll be ok?”

“She’s stronger than she thinks-but what about you“ replied Aegon.

“Me?” asked Aemond.

“You lost a babe too-the loss is not hers alone” said Aegon as he took hold of his brother’s hand and squeezed it gently.

“But she is the one in pain-and bleeding and-“ muttered Aemond his voice wobbling.

“Physical pain and emotional pain are as equal as they need to be” said Aegon.

“I-I just-how can I feel sad for something I didn’t even know I had until it lost it”

“Even though you’re a massive twat, you’re not made of stone-you can grieve the loss too” said Aegon.

Aemond hesitated for a moment, before he broke into silent sobs. His face pressed into Vaeryna’s neck.

“You are relieved of your duties for the next few days-take the time to be there for one another” said Aegon quietly.

“But-“ argued Aemond.

“No-it’s by order of the King and you will do as commanded” replied Aegon.

“Thank you-brother” replied Aemond.

Eventually Aemond too succumbed to sleep, his arms still wrapped around his wife.

Aegon pressed a gentle kiss to Vaeryna’s shoulder and then gracefully retreated, closing the door with a soft click.

“No one is to disturb them unless it’s absolutely necessary, only the children and my mother are to visit” ordered Aegon.

“Yes, Your Grace” replied the guard.

“I mean it-anyone who defies me will find themselves a head shorter” said Aegon firmly before he turned on his heel and disappeared down the corridor, the tears rolling down his pale cheeks.

For the next few days Vaeryna slept, lulled into the world of dreams by milk of the poppy.

Her children would visit often, Saeryna picked her flowers and Vharla read her favourite book, Aerys stood mute by his mother’s bedside staring at her sleeping form unable to form words, so he took her hand and held it gently. Caelee pressed a wet kiss to her mother cheek and Aegar fell asleep with his face pressed into her neck.

Jaehaeryn also wasn’t able to form words, the normally brash and talkative boy had been struck silent by his mother’s anguish. Jaehaera and Daenerys each took turns to comb her silver hair and Rhaegar spent hours sitting by his mother’s bedside.

Alicent would visit, clutching her seven pointed star necklace and muttering words of comfort and prayer.

Aegon drowned himself in wine and Aemond never left his wife’s side.

Maester Munkun made regular visits and assured Aemond repeatedly that his wife was healing as predicted, so he began lowering the dosage of milk of the poppy and Vaeryna slowly came back to the world.

Granted her mind was a little fuzzy at first, which according to the Maester was a common side effect of milk of the poppy but slowly the mind fog cleared, and she remembered.

The emotional pain of losing their babe, came in waves. But Aemond was there, he was always there. His hand never leaving hers, his arms always a comfort.

It was Aemond and their children who dulled the pain, it was their care, it was their love, and it was their existence.

Aegon eventually resurfaced from his wine, albeit reluctantly but what else was he supposed to do when Vaeryna had charged into his chambers one day with a crazed look in her eyes and slapped the shit out of him.

“I wanted you there, why weren’t you there?” screamed Vaeryna.

“The babe was Aemond’s, you didn’t need me” replied Aegon.

“Your wrong, I did need you and so did Aemond, I thought you loved us”.

“I do love you” muttered Aegon.

“Got a funny way of showing it-Did you call for your whores?”

“No-I haven’t been with them since before our arrangement began” replied Aegon.

“Aemond is my husband, I love him with every piece of my heart and soul, but I love you too, and when I woke up, everyone was there but you” muttered Vaeryna.

“I’m sorry-I didn’t mean to upset you”.

“Aside from kicking the shit out of you, there was another reason for my visit” said Vaeryna.

“Ok-“ replied Aegon as he slumped backwards on the sofa.

“I-I thought I was done having children-but losing the babe has evoked a longing deep within me” said Vaeryna firmly.

“-Right?” questioned Aegon.

“I wish to have another babe-not right now, mayhaps in half a year I’ll be ready, but I just thought you should know” replied Vaeryna.

“Have you spoke to Aemond?”

“Yes, we talked at length last night. Once were both ready to start trying, we would need to adjust our arrangement” said Vaeryna.

“So, were not going to be together anymore?”

“Well, I know you were told you can’t sire anymore children but I don’t want to risk it, and obviously I can’t take moontea so it’s probably for the best that you-“

Aegon could feel his heart breaking at Vaeryna’s words, with his brother or his good sister he wasn’t sure how he was going to cope.

“-Avoid my cunny-at least for a while” said Vaeryna.

“Wait. What?”

“Don’t stick your cock in my cunny, as I’ll need Aemond’s seed to take root” said Vaeryna.

“You do remember how scarily fertile my brother is right? His seed should have no trouble planting itself within you” muttered Aegon.

“Either that or we’re just very compatible when it comes to being fruitful” retorted Vaeryna.

“So, no cunny just other places?” asked Aegon.

“Other places” nodded Vaeryna.

“I’m sorry for making you think I didn’t care about you or Aemond and what you went through”.

“You’re here now and maybe I’m sorry for slapping you” muttered Vaeryna.

“Don’t be-I like it” said Aegon smirking.

“Well, now that I’ve told you our plans for the future, how about you drag your arse into the gardens and spend time with your niece” suggested Vaeryna.

“You know me and Saeryna are a dangerous combination, right? That girls a bad influence on me” said Aegon.

“Right because it was her idea to put spiders in your mothers tea, or manure in Ser Criston’s boots, and surely your not suggesting that my daughter is capable of setting frogs lose in the kitchens” snarked Vaeryna.

“What can I say, the girl has a creative mind-Of course she needs the right person to nurture such a thing” said Aegon.

“-And that person, is you?”

“If the boot fits” replied Aegon smiling.

“Gods the realm is defiantly doomed” muttered Vaeryna.

“I heard that-“

“-I meant you too” huffed Vaeryna as she turned on her heel and left Aegon standing in the middle of his chambers with a stinging left cheek and a need to cause mischief.

Good job Saeryna was already in the gardens, perhaps the target of today’s mischief could either be his mother or Ser Criston.

Smiling to himself Aegon made his way to the gardens, the sounds of laughter echoing around the corridor.

“Uncle” shrieked Saeryna.

“Up for some fun little one?” asked Aegon.

“Yes” nodded Saeryna.

“Good-your grandmother has been quite miserable lately, let’s cheer her up” said Aegon.

“What are you two planning?” asked Aemond.

“N-Nothing” replied Aegon trying to hide his smile.

“Make sure you keep it that way” quipped Aemond.

“Now where’s the best place for worms?”

As Aegon helped Saeryna look for worms, he caught sight of Vaeryna looking at him, her eyes narrowed slightly but a small smile graced her features.

These past few weeks had been difficult for everyone, but they would come through it together, as a family.

[alicentive]

Aōhe muñe imassitas līr mundāzma istas, yn kesy mundāzmo vŷs issa. What happened to your mother was a tragedy, but this is a tragic world.  (translation from here.)

[m1ndbrand]

ānogar hen issa ānogar - blood of my blood

Summary: What happens when you betray your family - your kin? Genevere Targaryen was about to find out.

Warning(s): pure angst, tragedy, death of essential characters, Shakespearian-like(warning in itself) kinda gothic ngl; i'm sorry

The sounds of metal clashing mixed with screams and wails echoed from the walls of the Red Keep, women, men, children, no one spared, the gods weren't merciful tonight.

The soldiers run to each chamber in the castle, entering without any ceremony and killing anyone in sight. One of those soldiers was different.

Silver hair glistened and moved like liquid in the moonlight, some trails of red ran free down his sword and armour. His face was hidden of emotion like he was made of marble, a statue, calm and serene without any flaw, but he did borough one flaw, at least for him - his eye, or the insistence of it, slashed with brutality, the maimed prince, the One Eye prince in all his glory.

This eye, however, showed everything his face didn't - a beautiful violet, burning with hatred and rage.

If not for the slaughter happening, this would be considered an ethereal scene fit for a Renaissance painting, a beautiful knight, with white hair and purple eyes, the perfect picture of a pure Valyrian, dressed with ornamented armour showing his blood and status.

He did not stop to look around, his steps firm and direct, his eye never moving from its target - locked in - he knew where to find her.

And he did. 

Standing still without making any noise he looks at her through the slightly open door, hugging her children that were bawling their eyes out. If looking close enough there was possible to see the sadness emerging from within his eye, but it was short-lived.

She rose away from the children and quickly, without him noticing, gives behind her back a goblet filled with some liquid to the children that were hiding them behind her form.

"Aemond"

He immediately looks into her eyes - he swears to the seven gods that he could still feel the summer wind on his face, a trace of a smile, trying not to giggle as they flew together, their tiny bodies glued together.

"Genavene"

She purses her lips together and feels her heart race, this time was different than the others, it was racing because of the fear of the inevitable, fear for her children. He takes a step forward and she shrinks a little but still stands tall.

Looking back at her children with glassy eyes she faces the silver-haired man again, with more posture, and her back straightens.

She could see the disgust on his face when he looked at the two children. The brown-haired little girl held her brother's hand like it was the last strawberry cake on the tray she loved so much like her mother, and the silver-haired little boy just kept crying as he finished the drink his mother gave him.

"You really think you could get away, sister" His words spat like pure venom. "He isn't even here, left you and your spawn at our mercy".

Toying with his sword back and forth he looks at the children that hide crying louder behind the woman. "let me just tell you dear sister - I'm no god, I have no mercy."

"Brother...please listen I-" his eye twitch and he lashes "Brother? Brother?! You don't even have the right to call me that!" The children start to cry even louder, scared by their uncle's wrath, they grab their mother's dress for dear life.

"You thought you could get away with betraying your family - your kin like that, bloody witch" he comes closer to the woman that just stares at him without moving an inch, his hand draws closer to her face and she gets ready for a slap. Instead, she feels his hand on her brown hair.

"Where did that child get the Targaryen hair, uh?" he twirls the lock on his finger "", it wasn't from your dear husband that - I'm sure of" snorting he looks at the little boy that still holds his mother's dress. Purple meets purple and for a second it's like he's looking at the past, in his chamber, trying new robes his mother made one of the best tailors on Essos to make for him, his reflection of complete boredom reflected on the mirror stares back at him.

His eye widened for a second as he finally understood.

Horrified, he looks at his sister and she is not meeting his eye, instead, she's looking at the empty goblet on the ground. He drops his sword and moves quickly to pick the goblet up. Smelling it just a little makes him immediately throw it away smashing something in its way.

Grabbing his sister's shoulders he desperately tries to meet her eyes, but she continues to look away from him, head down and defeated.

"No, Genavere please," he moves to catch her face, trying to catch her attention "please talk to me" his hands move to her face holding her to him, she finally meets his face, her eyes falling like she's about to fall asleep.

He's met with a minute of silence, waiting for her, for something, he didn't want to believe, he couldn't. The silence was too loud now and he finally looks at the twins. Both were on the ground, apparently sleeping, with their hands still united, the shock made him not listen to anything at all, not even the screams outside the room.

Kneeling he grabs the face of Visenya, he comes closer to hear her breathing - but there is none.

Swallowing a whimper that threatens to escape his mouth he goes to Baelon and checks for the boys breathing and nothing. The children were gone.

He stares at the two children, Visenya even as a child, could be seen that she was, in fact, her mother's child, the only difference was her purple eyes, Targaryen's eyes - definitely not that man's child - Baelon, the spitting image of him when he was little, even to the cry baby nature of him "no"

"Genavere" Aemond was kneeling close to the children, their children, looking at the woman he loved for so many years, waiting for at least a word from her.

She turns to him, agonizingly slow, and he screams for her to say something - anything! That it was a lie, that she did in fact betray their family, she betrayed him, that he was right to have done all those things to her and her children, that he didn't make her kill their children.

The only thing she did was close her eyes one final time and fall to the ground, a tiny whisper of his name went unnoticed.

Minutes passed and he was still looking at where her form was supposed to be standing. His face felt cold with stray tears, his eye unfocused looking at everything and at anything at the same time. Not thinking and thinking too much. His mind was in shambles.

He looks at their children and then finally at the mother of his children and he breaks down. Crawling to her he held her head carefully with his hands and got her body close to his, hugging her one last time, wailing at her hair, his face hidden, he looks at their children dead on the floor and he feels like the Stranger was at the window, waiting for him.

It is said that the place after all that massacre was cursed, the wails, and screams of Aemond Targaryen could be heard even after 100 years have passed, his soul trapped in the walls, fated to relieve that cursed day over and over again. He, calling his dragon Vhagar, screams Dracarys, killing himself as he burns the bodies of his family, as is the tradition of old Valyria.

There were whispers that Genevere was a witch, and before she took her last breath, she cursed his soul for all eternity. Their story is now a myth and a ghost story for all the little children in Westeros, of a father who, without knowing, kills his children and the woman he loved so deeply.

[workersolidarity]

[ 📹 Israeli occupation fighter jets bomb a residential building in the Nuseirat Refugee Camp, located in the central Gaza Strip, today, resulting in a number of casualties. The Nuseirat Camp has been a central target of the IOF air forces for six consecutive days now, killing dozens of civilians and wounding far more.]

🇮🇱⚔️🇵🇸 🚀🏘️💥🚑 🚨

CONTINUED CARNAGE AND CIVILIAN DEATHS ON DAY 193 OF ISRAELI OCCUPATION'S GENOCIDAL WAR

On the 193rd day of "Israel's" special genocide operation in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) committed a total of 5 new massacres of Palestinian families, resulting in the deaths of no less than 46 Palestinian civilians, mostly women and children, while another 110 others have been wounded over the previous 24-hours.

According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, large numbers of civilians remain missing, likely trapped under the rubble of their homes, while local civil defense and paramedic crews remain unable to reach victims due to the continued bombing and shelling of the IOF.

The Israeli occupation intensified its bombing and shelling campaign of civilian targets in Gaza over the last day, with dozens of dead and wounded reported in bombings throughout various sectors of the enclave.

On Monday evening, the Israeli occupation army launched four separate airstrikes on four Palestinian residences, killing two children and wounding dozens of others to the north and west of the Nuseirat Refugee Camp.

In one example, an occupation drone fired a missile into civilian home in the as-Sawarha area, west of the Nuseirat Camp, killing a woman and wounding several others.

Over the last day in Khan Yunis, in the south of Gaza, Iocal civil defense crews managed to recover the bodies of 15 Palestinians from under the rubble of their homes, while at least 9 corpses were recovered from the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in the Al-Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City. The bodies of the hundreds killed at Al-Shifa during "Israel's" raid and massacre at the hospital continue to be discovered and recovered from the area.

Occupation Forces also detonated several Palestinian homes near the Wadi Gaza area, north of the Nuseirat Camp, while occupation air forces hammered the city of Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, as well as bombarding Street 5 in the city of Khan Yunis.

Bombings were also recorded in Gaza City, with a particular focus on the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, in addition to the neighborhoods east of Gaza City.

Moreover, the bombings continued into Monday night when IOF aircraft bombed the Al-Fakhoura Mosque, west of the Jabalia Refugee Camp, in the northern Gaza Strip, resulting in multiple deaths, as well as dozens of casualties, while Palestinian homes in the surrounding neighborhood were all largely destroyed.

Zionist bombing raids were also concentrated on the Nuseirat Camp, in the central Gaza Strip, for the sixth consecutive day, resulting in at least 5 casualties, as well as dealing significant damage to local property.

In a few examples, IOF warplanes targeted the Nuseirat Joint School, as well as the Nuseirat Girl's School and the Nuseirat Preparatory Boy's School, while also pummeling residential homes belonging to the Ashour, Nassar, Al-Taweel and Qashlan families, in addition to the concentration of artillery fire onto several other Palestinian homes.

The intense bombing and shelling of the Nuseirat Camp area resulted in several deaths and even more casualties who were later transported to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah.

Similarly, occupation air forces bombarded a multitude of Palestinian homes in the Al-Mughraqa and Al-Zahra'a areas in the central Gaza Strip, while intense Zionist artillery fire concentrated on the western neighborhoods of Deir al-Balah.

In another tragedy, Sheikh Issa Miqdad was martyred at dawn following the launch of an Israeli missile in front of the Al-Hasayna area, west of the Nuseirat Camp in central Gaza.

Another bombing of the Arabi family home killed three family members and wounded several others in the New Camp area of the Nuseirat Camp.

Later Monday night, Zionist forces in Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip, kidnapped and detained dozens of young Palestinian men after assaulting them, according to familial witnesses, after which, IOF soldiers further displaced the women and children from two shelters where they had been seeking refuge from the constant shelling of surrounding areas, forcing them to leave the area while under direct artillery fire.

IOF artillery detatchments renewed its shelling of the Khan Yunis governate, bombing a multitude of neighborhoods across the city, including the eastern sector of the city, as well as the Abasan, Bani Suhaila, and Khuza'a neighborhoods, dealing massive destruction to Palestinian properties and shattering local infrastructure.

Elsewhere, Zionist warplanes bombed a residential home belonging to the Abu Libda family in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, west of the city of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, murdering four displaced Palestinian civilians and wounding a number of others.

IOF fighter jets went on the bomb tracts of agricultural land in both the Al-Zuhur and Khirbet al-Adas neighborhoods, north of Rafah.

Beginning at roughly 9pm local time, Israeli occupation forces continued their crimes with a limited incursion launched into the Abu Safiya area, east of the Jabalia Camp, in the north of the Gaza Strip, while artillery detatchments shelled several areas east of Jabalia, Beit Hanoun and west of Beit Lahia.

As a result of "Israel's" ongoing special genocide operation in the Gaza Strip, the death toll among the Palestinian population has risen once again to now exceed 33'843 Palestinians killed, including over 14'560 children and 9'582 women, while another 76'575 others have been wounded since the start of the current round of Zionist aggression, beginning with the events of October 7th, 2023.

April 16th, 2023

#source1

#source2

#source3

#source4

#source5

#source6

#source7

#videosource

@WorkerSolidarityNews

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

OC questionnaire

Thanks to @elsie-writes here, @mysticstarlightduck here, @riverkaplan here, and @somethingclevermahogony here!

My previous questionnaires:

Robbie, Gwen, Maddie, Noelle, Jedi, and Kelsey here.

Carmen, George, Akash, Sam, Lexi, and Ash here.

Gabriel, Carla, Parker, Rose, Alex, and Ewan here.

Liam, Hye-Jin, Wendy, Wade, Issa, and CJ here.

Below the cut I will do: Teo, Niri, Jazlyn, Anathi!

#1- Teo

Do you believe in the paranormal?

“Sis, my boyfriend literally can heal a broken arm in seconds. You would not believe the shit I've seen Parker do just because Wade can heal him. Oh yeah, and Parker literally is an airbender. How can I not? If a vampire walked into the school I wouldn't blink.”

What oddly-specific T-shirt would you wear?

“This shirt that says ‘born to shit, forced to wipe,’ I want it so much you don't understand.”

Do you usually cry at sad moments or happy moments or both?

“Definitely sad moments. I mean, I would not put it past me to cry when happy, but I can't make it through sad movies, man. Not at all.”

#2- Niri

Where is your favorite place in the world?

“I have an easy answer to this. Carla and George have a quiet room in their house. I can go there if I feel too overwhelmed or if I want to be alone for a bit. The room also has good lighting. I like it if someone joins me, though usually just a few people at the same time. Otherwise my reason for going into the room is ruined. [He smiles slightly.] I like everyone in the Aequales. Although there is a lot of people.”

What food do you hate the most?

“I dislike pasta. Pasta is not bad. It tastes good. But the texture really bothers me. I cannot eat spaghetti.”

Do you like watching sunsets or sunrises?

“Yes. I 100-percent love sunsets and sunrises. I am an artist. Maybe that's the reason. I feel inspired. New day, too.”

#3- Jazlyn

If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“I would wear a tank top and shorts, easily. Why? Well, I think it would be fun, definitely make me stick out among the modest Utahns I'm forced to interact with. But also they show off how good of shape I'm in. And girl, I'm in good shape. It's hard to find pants for me, since I'm mostly legs. So why not show them off? I'd probably wear cute sandals, the necklace Ewan gave me, and my gorgeous hoop earrings.”

Who's the person you trust more than anyone else in the world?

“Obviously, Ewan. He is the kindest person I know. He would never do anything wrong.”

What's your dream job?

“I would actually find sales fun. I plan to get a marketing degree when I go to college next year. It seems fun to convince people what to buy.”

More Jazlyn: OC interview

#4- Anathi

Who in this world do you trust most, and why?

“... I guess Tyler. Kinda by default. He actually listens to me. Always kept promises, too. I relied on him for many reasons.”

What was your favorite place in the world when you were young

“The park. Where I could hang out with other kids. Before my powers kicked in.”

What is your favorite memory?

“When Tyler and I first met, we talked for hours. I would like to experience that feeling again.”

I haven't written for Anathi yet so this was probably only okay. Shorter responses are intentional tho

Your questions:

Tagging @writernopal @aziz-reads @mk-writes-stuff @romances-not-tragedies @little-peril-stories

@evilgabe29 @maggiekwest @chauceryfairytales @pluppsauthor @willtheweaver

@winterandwords @melpomene-grey @i-can-even-burn-salad @mysticstarlightduck @talesofsorrowandofruin

+ ANYONE ELSE WHO WANTS TO DO THIS

How do you make decisions? Long deliberation, or impulse? Logic or emotions?

What is the best thing that could happen within five minutes after waking up? Does it signal that the entire day will be good?

Is there anything that you find difficult that you feel should be easy?

TSP intro

TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites

@nebula--nix @literarynecromancy

[obraveyouth]

How often do you take time to rest?

rest  was  not  something  that  came  easy  to  the  hero  of  twilight     ,     in  fact     ,     what  was  resting  when  an  entire  kingdom's  salvation  was  placed  on  your  back  before  you  even had  a  say  for  or  against  such  a  burden?     it  was  a  luxury  that  was  not  afford  to  one  such  as  he.     light  and  shadow  had  mixed  to  bath  the  world  in  a  orange  haze  that  afflicted  both  sets  of  denizens. there  where  very  few  places  that  link could  go  to  get  rest  without  being  too  onguard  (  because  on high  alert  would  he  always  be  from  the  shadow  beasts  ):     transfigured  into  the  guise  of  a  blue  eyed  beast  under  the  veil  of  dusk  and  yet     ,     the  hunter  was  seemingly  turned  into  prey.     he  would  stay  up  for  hours  on  end  until  his  body  physically  could  not  handle  being  awake  anymore  and  how  much  of  a  hero  could  he  be  if  link  miscalculated  even  for  a  moment  due  to  sleep  deprivation  psychosis?     not  one  worthy of  the  title  ---     even  if  he  did  not  wish  for  it.

still     ,     he  ponders  the  question  on  his  tongue  before  answering.     link  can  recall  with  much  vivid  detail  every  moment  when  he'd  reached  the  point  of  exhaustion  a  decade  ago     ---     sometimes  he  still  suffered  from  sleepless  nights  (  habits  where  harder  to  break  than  form  ):    the  ordonain  also  knew  the  places  that  gave  him  reprise  from  the  journey  (  a  light  spirit's  spring     ,     the  cave  of  ordeals     ---     under  the  watch  of  the  fairy  queen     ---     or  telma  at  her  bar  ):     resting  at  his  home  in  ordon  had  become  less  so     ,     as  to  not  run  the  risk  of  bringing  harm  to  those  who  had  watched  him  grow  and  helped  link  become  strong  enough  to  even  take  on  the  task  thrusted  upon  him  (  weather  he  wanted  it  or  not  ):     ordon  was  not  apart  of  hyrule  but  had  suffered  by association  of  him  being  apart  of  the  village  and  link  would  rather  get  lost  in  the  blizzards  of  snow  peak  or  the  gerudo  desert  than  take  the  risk  of  anything  happening  to  ordon's  community.

❝  not  often     ,     wheneva  my  mind  lets  me  i  suppos'.  ❞     and  those  where  far  too  true.     even  now     ,     link  wonders  if returning  to  ordon  was  the  best  decision     ---     did  the  pros  of  him  being  surrounded  by  those  he  cherished  outweigh  the  cons  of  another  tragedy  befalling  ordon  by  proxy  of  being  so  close  to  hyrule  (  and  him  being  the  gods  chosen  hero     ---     him  carrying  the  spirit  of  the  former  hero  be  damned  ):     ❝ i  rest  in  spirit  spring's  a  lot  or  wheneva  i  visit  auntie  telma  at  her  bar  but     ,     sleepin'  issa  lot  harda  and  i  gotta pass  out  ta  like  do  it.  ❞    

[islamjamel]

Dear supporters...and our sympathetic supporters...no one can deny that writing about Gaza is painful and promising at the same time. We rely on our hope in you, and your giving makes the flowers of our dreams, which were forcibly and unjustly picked in the tragedy of October 7,

@humansofnewyork

@tyleroakley

@quotemadness

@yesterdaysprint @free-universe

@cilekliborek @mitarbeiter @medewerkers @mohtz

[shadowmaat]

Mischief and Misinformation, part 3

(part 1) (part 2)

Obi-Wan desperately needed a caf. It seemed like everywhere he went in the Temple there were whispers of his "tragic" padawanship with Qui-Gon or stories of him having crippling insecurities and an inability to take basic care of himself. It was ridiculous! And frustrating. If one more person expressed surprise at seeing him eat a full meal in the cafeteria, he was going to scream.

He was, in fact, on his way to get some lunch for himself and some Healer-recommended snacks for Ani. His impulsive padawan had recovered from eating too much blue custard, but had brought himself to the attention of Master Che, who was, in his words, "punishing" him for his "mistake" by making him eat a healthier diet. For a whole week.

Obi-Wan was pulled from his musing by the excited chatter and galloping feet of some younglings on fast approach. He stepped to the side to give them room to pass, but as the first of them, a young selonian, came careening around the corner on all fours, he spotted Obi-Wan and somersaulted to a stop.

"Master Bee!"

"Initiate Zip." Obi-Wan smiled in recognition. Three more figures came around the corner and piled up, wild flickers of the Force keeping them from landing in a pile on top of Zip.

"Master Bee!" the others echoed.

He recognized them, too. He'd done a few stints in the creches, though it had been a while since he'd had time to visit.

"Good afternoon, Archix Clan." He bowed to them, and they hastily bowed back. "You seem to be in a hurry today. Off to your interdimensional mathematics lesson?" He asked it with as much solemnity as he could muster.

"We're going swimming in the Sesid Falls!" Zip chirped. "You wanna come-"

"No!"

Issa, a blue-skinned nautolan lurched forward, clapping a hand over Zip's mouth and staring at Obi-Wan with wide eyes.

"Sorry, Master! Zip wasn't thinking! Again." She whispered something to Zip, whose eyes also widened, his ears flattening into his fur.

"Srry Mfr!" he said around Issa's hand.

Behind them, Molly had her hands over her own mouth and Plansa was tugging at her ear flaps. A prickling sense of foreboding had him suspecting he knew what this was about.

Had everyone been reading these spacer stories about him? Even crechelings? He'd tried looking them up after his bout with Kit, but hadn't found anything amiss in the mission archives. Or the wider archives, for that matter.

"Hesa jes' excited for da paddlewompy," Plansa said, her distress obvious from her reversion to Gunganese Basic. "No be sads, Massa Bee!"

Molly nodded agreement, her pigtails flapping against her shoulders.

Knowing he was going to regret it, he couldn't help asking anyway. "And why would I be sad, Plansa?"

Four pairs of eyes stared at him, stricken. Plansa squealed, clamping her hands down on her beak as she tried to hide behind the much-smaller Molly.

"No reason!" Issa began dragging Zip down the hall, the selonian half-crouched to accommodate her. "No reason at all! Sorry! We gotta go!"

She, Zip, and Plansa dashed away, but Molly hesitated, looking conflicted. She was human- or near enough- and the quietest of the group, but now she stepped closer, reaching out to grasp his hand.

A burst of comfort washed through him.

"It wasn't your fault, Master Bee," she said. "He fell. And anyway, he'd kidnapped your friend and was gonna let her die."

A chill prickled between his shoulders. Who fell? Who'd been kidnapped?

Molly released his hand and stepped back, bowing. "You did the right thing. Bye!"

She took off running to join her friends.

Obi-Wan stared after them, trying to piece together what stories he'd heard to see if he could figure out where this one fit in. Other than it presumably being Qui-Gon's fault, which seemed to be the common theme.

"A great tragedy, it was," spoke a familiar voice.

He looked over to see Master Yaddle floating around the corner in her chair.

"Yes, a tragedy indeed when challenge you, Bruck Chun did, and fall to his death, he did, in the Temple gardens."

"Master." Obi-Wan bowed deep. "We both know that never happened. Didn't he join the Temple Guard a few years back?"

Yaddle chuckled, her ears waggling back and forth.

"Find his path, he did. And not over the falls, it was."

She sounded amused. Obi-Wan pinched the bridge of his nose.

"These rumors are getting out of hand. Please tell me the Council is doing something about it."

"Doing many things, the Council is," Yaddle said, levitating her chair higher. "Always busy, we are. A distraction these rumors have been, but the trail we have found."

He straightened. "Do you know who's doing this? And why?"

That was the thing he couldn't figure out. The whole debacle was strange enough, but why him? Why this?

Yaddle hummed, starting her chair back down the hall. He moved to keep pace with her.

"Years ago it was done," she said. "Discovered the slice only now, we did."

"Someone sliced the Temple records??"

It wasn't unheard of, but it was extremely rare; moreso since Jocasta Nu took over the Archives.

"Displeased, the Master of the Archives was," she said, as if that wasn't an incredible understatement. "Corrected, the security flaw was.

"I imagine that Madame Nu had quite a lot to say about that," he said.

Yaddle laughed. "Protective, she is. Correct she is, also. Lost we would be, without knowledge. And led astray, we can be, when misrepresented our history is."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Do you know who did it?"

Her ears flicked in acknowledgement. "Know him, we do. And know him as well, do you."

If he didn't know better he'd say the look she gave him was sly. He slowed, frowning. She slowed her chair to match him.

"A great dislike someone had for Master Jinn. An equally great affection he had for you."

Obi-Wan wasn't sure "affection" was the right word for the pitiful life the stories had depicted, but he could feel the pieces start to click together in his head.

"Affection, yes. Skilled, he is, in deception, and inclined, he is, to, hrmm... mischief."

It hit him like a rock to the head.

"Quinlan."

Yaddle snorted, her ears pricked forward in blatant amusement.

"Much to answer for, your friend has," she said. "And arrive soon, he should, at hangar 8-Kresh.

"Thank you, Master." He bowed to her. "I believe I'm needed elsewhere right now."

It had been a while since he'd spoken with his dear old friend. Now seemed like a good time to catch up. He turned, heading for the hangars.

"With you, the Force is," Yaddle called after him. "And need that, your friend will, when find him, Jocasta does."

Obi-Wan picked up his pace.

[roskirambles]

Horror Movie of the Day: Tigers are not Afraid (Vuelven, 2017)

"We forget we're princes, warriors, tigers... when the things out there come for us."

Estrella is your average ten years old girl in a Mexican city. She’s writing about a prince who wants to be a tiger, for they are fearless. Shortly after a shootout near her school though, she’s given three pieces of chalk that can grant her a wish each. When she goes back home, it turns out her mother has gone missing: she's yet another victim of the Cartel known as the Huascas, run by a local politician nicknamed el Chino.

Using her first wish to get her back only brings haunting images of her bloody ghost, however, and a warning of things to come. So joining with a gang of street urchins who lost their families to the same fate, they soon find themselves trapped into a spiral of tragedy.

Directed by Issa López, this one can hit very close to home. If you know about the history of poverty and delinquency in Mexico (the cartels, gang violence, police corruption, violence against women, human and organ trafficking, etc), the images here are going to look disturbingly familiar, it’s portrait of children robbed of their innocence so sincere and heartbreaking. If anything, the magic realism element provides somewhat of an empowering fantasy by giving the means to even have a chance to do something against organized crime despite the Monkey’s paw scenario.

Some people might find it’s mixture of magical elements and fairy tale motifs with the grit of the suburban slums to be mistmatching, as well as a climax that lacks some punch to be underwhelming. But if there’s something that has to be said is that the film is earnest and fearless in it’s own choices, just like tigers are. It's bold, it's heartwrenching and addresses a nightmare that seems to have no end head on. In all fronts a gem of modern Mexican cinema.

[kevrocksicehouse]

American Fiction.

D: Cord Jefferson (2023).

American Fiction, like the great Percival Everett novel that it adapts (Erasure, buy it), grounds an outraged literary satire in an utterly prosaic family drama. Jeffrey Wright (In a peerless performance of bemusement underlaid with bitterness) plays Thelonious “Monk” Ellison a professor (on enforced sabbatical over his refusal to teach Flannery O'Connor without using racial epithets) and novelist whose latest book (“The Phoenicians”) is being rejected for not being “black” enough. While at a literary seminar in Boston he walks into a reading by Sintara Golden (Issa Rae) whose novel “We’s Lives in Da Ghetto” (“YO! Sharonda! Girl you be pregnant again?”) has become a best-seller by pandering to urban black stereotypes. Affronted, he writes his own novella, (under the name Stagg R. Leigh) called first “My Pafology” then “FUCK” (“just to rub their noses in it”) which to his even greater disgust becomes a publishing sensation. 

 At the same time a family tragedy leaves him a caregiver for his elderly mother (Leslie Uggams) who is sinking into dementia, without much help from his brother Clifford who has recently come out as gay, and even more recently went through a nasty divorce (Sterling K. Brown balancing hilarious fecklessness with pathos). Cord Jefferson’s script and direction is able to merge the can-you-top-this escalation of Monk’s hoax with the quieter story of his struggle to reconcile with his family (the kind of universal struggle, it is implied, that literary culture denies to “black” characters). I wish the film was longer so as to contain more of the book’s ironies (a few more dramatizations from Monk’s parody book might have helped – the one we see is a pip). And some of the depictions of (white) literary mavens skirt their own easy-target stereotypes (though a member of a literary panel talking about connecting with black culture while ignoring the only black panelists brings one of the film’s biggest laughs). At it’s best, the movie suggests a William Baldwin determined to beat Preston Sturges at his own game. Recommended.

[silveragelovechild]

I just saw Miles Morales2. The animation is dazzling and dizzying. But like all modern movies, I think it’s too long. 

In case you haven’t heard, the is NO end credit scene. And this is Part 1 - Part 2 will be released March 2024.  

I liked Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Spider Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld). Oscar Issac in back as Miguel O'Hara. I also enjoyed several of the new Spider-People introduced like Jessica Drew (Issa Rae), Pavitr Prabhakar (Karan Soni), and especially Hobie/Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya).

One character I didn’t like so much the second time around - Peter B Parker (Jake Johnson). All Spider-Men have a specific character flaw - they make very stupid decisions (just look at Tom Holland’s version is all 3 of his movies). Peter B takes the cake. He brings his infant daughter along with him into very dangerous situations. If all Spider-Men are cursed with personal tragedies and bad luck, that baby won’t survive into her teens!

Mild spoiler: There are nods that the Macguire movies and Garfield movies are part of the multiverse (through very brief archival footage). Holland too but he does not actually appear. 

[ratasum]

Little piece from a post-Maguuma ficlet. Family, fear, and misplaced guilt. Featuring @wall-legion's Rissia.

“Hold it right there like that, Zigg! Perfect.”

The ALERT Krewe had never been busier. Probably not surprising- between Scarlet Briar and all the new dangers Tyrians had faced in Maguuma, a medical krewe of good standing found itself with plenty to do to keep itself busy. He knew his daughter Issa was just as loaded with work these days, and to know so much advancement could come from such a harrowing situation?

Well. It did an old asura good to know some good could come of all the tragedy.

He’d been in the middle of securing a bolt when a messenger all but came crashing into the lab, and he lifted his head before adjusting his glasses, listening as one of his team settled the poor runner.

“Easy- easy! Deep breaths. By the pinion gears, did you run the whole way here? Here’s some water. There. Gears, Gerre, you’d think someone was dying.”

The asura wheezed a bit, taking a long gulp of the offered glass of water before letting out a breath, her ears high and alert. “I know, I know- sorry, this was listed as Very Urgent and to deliver immediately to Pazz of Sworra.”

Pazz felt his heart clench. He knew he shouldn’t jump to conclusions, but both Rissia and Qirri had been in Maguuma fighting the dragon… and he hadn’t heard from either of them. “I’m Pazz of Sworra. Gerre, is it? What’s going on?”

“Word from Maguuma, sir,” she replied. “There’s an airship set to come in down at the docks. One of your daughters. She’s sick, very sick. They’re bringing her here for urgent medical attention.”

It was the worst thing he could’ve heard. “Did… did the message say which of my daughters?”

Gerre nodded slightly. “It was Qirri, sir.”

Qirri. His little spark. He’d worried so much since she’d left home again, and now it felt like all his worst nightmares were coming true. Zigg’s hand gripped his arm, snapping him out of his shock. “Pazz, go. Qiqi needs you. We’ll close up shop here.”

It took him a moment to nod, but he did, and he immediately hopped down from the ladder. “Gerre, I need you to take a message to Tixzi of Zeorri, my wife. Tell her Qirri’s sick and I need her to meet me at the docks.”

She popped off a salute as he was tossing his work apron aside. “Yes sir!”

He nodded, taking a moment to flip her a silver before tearing off out the door. He could only hope this wasn’t as bad as it seemed.

----------

The Rata Sum docks were buzzing with activity, especially with an airship lowering to dock in the water as close as it possibly could. There was movement on deck, a Dynamics medical krewe already in motion once the gangplank had been secured. The asura they were tending to was bundled in blankets, wheezing thickly, her eyes shut tight, beads of sweat rolling down her pale face.

And Rissia, tears in her eyes and staining her cheeks, holding tightly to her hand until they made her let go, Vezz standing quietly behind her. “Oh… oh, sacred geometry keep her, did you hear her? She could barely breathe!”

A dark hand rested on her shoulder as Vezz pulled her a little closer. “She’s where she’ll be able to get the help she needs, Rissi. It’s in the alchemy’s design now.”

She immediately shook her head, pushing her hands back through her hair. “I should’ve been paying more attention! How long- how long had she been sick to have gotten this bad? Vezz, what if I’ve killed her-”

“Absolutely not. Rissia, listen to me.” Vezz’s hands were cradling her face in a heartbeat, focusing her wide, wet turquoise eyes up at him, brushing away tears with his thumbs. “You’ve not killed Qirri. This is a terrible accident. We were all stressed, a lot was happening, and she was going out of her way to hide it from us. This is not your fault, Riss. Not yours, not Garrus’s. Hell, not even Qirri’s. All right?”

Rissia sniffled, pressing her face into his hands, but she did nod, hands coming up to grip his sleeves. She would have said something, then, but another voice joined the fray, this one from down on the docks. “Riss! Rissi, is that you? Down here, sparkler!”

Her head lifted, ears perking slightly. “Dad…?” Turning her head, her shoulders dropped and she choked out a sob. “Dad!”

He was up the gangplank in an instant, throwing his arms wide for his daughter as she tore away from Vezz to fling herself into a hug. One he immediately reciprocated, pulling her in tight. “I’ve got you, sparkler. It’s okay. You and Qiqi are home now. Everything’ll be okay.” He paused, then, lifting his head to look towards Vezz. “...thank you, for seeing them home. Did Garrus come with you?”

“He stayed with Aurene. I think he believes Qirri’s mad at him.” Shifting his weight a bit awkwardly, he folded his hands behind his back. “Which… I very much doubt she is. She’s not well, and she was upset at having had to leave at all. Once the dust clears, I’m certain it’ll be fine.”

Pazz gave a soft, mirthless chuckle, kissing the top of his daughter’s head before letting out a sigh. “I’m sure. Here, come with me, both of you. Tixzi will be here soon. They’ll need time to get Qirri settled, so we’ll want to get some food into all of us.”

“I’m not really hungry,” Rissia mumbled against his shoulder.

Chuckling again, Pazz patted her back gently. “I know, sparkler. But you’ll be more miserable if you don’t eat.”

Vezz glanced between the two of them, then cleared his throat. “We could go to my mother’s restaurant, in Soren Draa. The Omnomnomicon. I’ll send a bird ahead, let her know we’re coming.”

“Oh, your mother owns that place? Zigg gets us lunch there sometimes. Great food, if unconventional. Sounds like a perfect idea.” Pulling Rissia back slightly, he tipped her chin up gently with his finger. “What say you, sparkler? That sound like a plan for now?”

Rissia pursed her lips for a moment, but finally she sighed, nodding faintly. “That sounds good for now.”

“Then that’ll be our plan. Come on, let’s go meet with your mother. Then we’ll have a sit while we wait for some word.”