#king rolland II

[majoresca]

A gift, a souvenir.

A headcanon of mine is that Rolland II and Cedric wear the yellow scarf around their necks, because that was Queen Lorelei's favorite color. As a souvenir.

Maybe she herself helped put them around his neck, in an affectionate gesture of adjusting her colleague's accessories, you know?

And also, despite being the same color, it's not the same tone.

The tone of the Rolland II bow is more vivid, as if it were a reminder of happy things.

Cedric's is more desaturated, as if his joy was faded.

Furthermore, the fact that it is an accessory around the neck is like a representation. When we are hurt, we say we have a knot in our neck. Perhaps the queen was one of the few people who had faith in Cedric's abilities, which makes her loss due to a magical error even more painful. Because no one could save her.

[jade0716]

Manon and Dorian are Mates: A Thesis

Now that we have more info on mates from CC, and with the speculation that the novel after the next acotar is a TOG one, I wanted to make a master post with all the evidence that I compiled that Manon and Dorian are mates. I even added dissenting opinions for the potential ones that could have other explanations because why not be thorough and impartial. AND I highlighted the ones in red that I felt like are absolutely evidence of mateness.

Here's hoping Sarah was dropping hints for a manorian spin off!!

TOG: 

I. Pg. 8 “On his black doublet, an emblazoned gold rendering a wyvern occupied the entirety of the chest. His red cloak fell gracefully around him and his throne”. 

the Adarlan colors being red (and gold) and the symbol being a Wyvern. This may be coincidence since in the beginning SJM was planning a Celeana/Dorian end game but I think SJM chose to make the Crochan capes red to parallel the first time we see Dorian in TOG . Manon then bonding with Abraxos who is a wyvern is the icing on the cake.).

Also keep in mind the Adarlan colors are crimson and gold. The Crochan color is red (crimsons is a shade of red) and manon is canonically known for her gold eyes. She radiates Adarlan’s colors.

Bonus: Dorian’s favorite color is white re Kaltain in TOG and she has white hair and alabaster skin. Not really mate evidence but definitely soulmate evidence.

Dissenting Opinion: The red cape was just a coincidence and red feels like the obvious color for witches given it is the color of blood. And the King of Adarlan/Erawan chose to breed wyverns because it was the symbol of house Havilliard.

QoS:

I. I know that the Valg eyes are why Manon was able to scare the Valg prince away in Dorian and pull him out of the possession. What interests me is:

Pg. 420, Roland was only able to regain control for a second after speaking to Manon before the demon took back over. I’m not going to quote this cause it’s the whole scene but go reread if you want. Dorian is able to beat the demon down and essentially say screw off while talking to Manon. Is it possible Dorian was able to regain control for a longer period of time because of a bond with Manon?

Pg. 463 “step away, get away. The demon prince inside him yanked so hard he took a step. But not away. Toward the white-haired witch”. Are we sure it’s the demon that was yanking him?? Especially since he was yanked towards her instead of away from her even though the demon wanted him away???

her name continued to ring in his head even after the demon took back over:

Pg. 469 “the words soon faded, swallowed up by screaming and blood and the demon’s cold fingers running over his mind. But those eyes lingered- and that name. Manon. Manon”

Pg. 518 “he could not remember a time when the demon had not been there inside of him. And yet- Manon.”

Is this a classic SJM easter egg similar to how we thought the bargain between Rhys and Feyre was the reason for the pull between them? Could she be trying to mislead the reader?

Dissenting Opinion: Manon's valg eyes and his want to be killed is why he remembers her name. He regained control longer because Dorian is stronger willed than Rolland.

II. Pg. 463, Dorian seeing Manon for the first time: “He’d never seen anyone so beautiful”. 

Sarah uses the “most beautiful person ever seen” repeatedly for her mated couples when they first meet. This could be writing style but it seems like a pattern in how she writes her mates meeting. I read ACOTAR and CC before TOG and when I read this line I was like yep they are mates seen this before.

Pg. 188 ACOTAR “standing before me was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen” - Feyre when seeing Rhysand for the first time 

Pg. 536 ACOMAF “you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I thought it from the first moment I saw you on Calanmai” Rhys about seeing Feyre the first time

In ACOWAR Lucien about Elain “she was the most beautiful female he had ever seen”.

Pg. 346 HOSAB “Ruhn found himself staring at the most beautiful female he’d ever seen” Ruhn seeing Lidia the first time.

Dissenting Opinion: Manon is canonically one of the most beautiful females in the world, especially because she is a witch designed to attract men.

III. pg. 492 “She stepped closer to the prince’s horse. ‘Dorian’… Sapphire eyes snapped to hers”..he remembered his name when she said it without looking into her Valg eyes. interesting.

IV. pg. 511 “Manon couldn’t tell why that thread kept yanking, why it felt so urgent, but she pushed them hard, all the way to Rifthold”. A thread is pulling her urgently towards Rifthold to save Dorian. Using the terms thread and Manon not knowing why it feels so important is so incredibly mate for shadowing.

Pg. 184 ACOTAR “go, a voice said, tugging at me. Go see.”

Pg. 412 ACOTAR “I was pulled from sleep by something tugging at my middle, a thread deep inside”. A THREAD.

Dissenting Opinion: Sarah does multiple times in TOG reference a tug pulling her main heroines to do things so this could just be the gods/fates pulling the thread.

V. pg. 640 “Dorian didn’t know what awoke him”. Some force awakens Dorian, he then goes out to his balcony and sees Manon outside.

Similar to Feyre being pulled to Rhys, Pg. 412 ACOTAR “I was pulled from sleep by something tugging at my middle, a thread deep inside"

Pg. 640 Manon says “she didn’t know why she’d bothered to go; why she’d been curious”. Manon Blackbeak, maneating witch, for no apparent reason, decides to go check up on a human man. Need I see more?

And again, her name echoes in his head (pg. 641) “through the darkness of his memories, through the pain and despair and terror he tried to forget, a name echoed in his head”. 

EOS:

I. Manon saving Dorian from the yellow legs (duh). She says her “instincts took over her” when she saw someone “taking her kill” ... then proceeds to rescue said kill. 

Pg. 44: “I have no doubt the Yellowlegs will try to claim his head. Stop any one of them who dares take it.”

Pg. 84: “And when Manon had spied that Yellowlegs sentinel perched inside the tower, readying to claim this kill for herself... a century of training and instinct had barreled into Manon. All it had taken was one swipe of Wind-Cleaver as Abraxos flew by, and Iskra's sentinel was dead.” WHAT INSTINCT? THE INSTINCT TO CLAIM YOUR KILL? Cause you actually rescued him afterwards not killed him sweetheart.

Clearly it wasn’t to claim the kill for herself. So what was it? Instinct? Helping the witches? She didn’t know of Dorian’s magic at this time, so how would saving Dorian help the witches? Seems like the instinct was from something else.

Pg. 85: “Some ancient, predatory part of her awoke at the half smile. It sat up, cocking its ears toward him”. Ancient and predatory? Mates.

II. The one million times Dorian protects her even though she starts off on Erawan’s side and he has no reason to be so protective:

Pg. 87: “Manon crashed to her knees. The king was instantly at her side, studying her for a heartbeat before he roared down the stairs, “NO!”” 

Pg. 369: ““No.” The word ripped from Dorian’s lips before he could think. But then it came out, over and over, as the wyvern and rider sailed closer to the ship. The witch was unconscious, her body leaning to the side because she was not awake, because that was blue blood all over her. Don’t shoot; don’t shoot— Dorian was roaring the order as he hurtled for where Fenrys had drawn his longbow, a black-tipped arrow aimed at the witch’s exposed neck. His words were swallowed by the shouting of the sailors and their captain. Dorian’s magic swelled as he unsheathed Damaris— “. This lowkey makes me chuckle like what is he gonna do with Damaris against a bunch of fae warriors lol.

Pg. 395: “Dorian didn’t feel like mentioning that he’d been the one who’d jumped into the water. He’d just … acted, as Manon had acted when she’d saved him in his tower. He owed her nothing less”.

Pg. 438: “Ice danced at Dorian’s fingertips as he slid beside Manon, still chained by the bed” when the bloodhound shows up on the ship.

Pg. 574: "That hunger shifted into something icy and vicious: 'You once asked me where I stand on the line between killing to protect and killing for pleasure'. His fingers grazed the seam of the scar across her abdomen. 'I'll stand on the other side of the line when I find your grandmother". Earlier in EOS Manon asks him why he didn’t make the bloodhound suffer, that there is a line even when it comes to their enemies. Apparently not when someone harms Manon.

III. Dorian’s magic reacting every time she is in danger or threatened:

Pg. 369: “His magic felt it before he did. A sense of awareness, of warning and awakening” when she comes in injured on Abraxos.

Pg. 369: “His words were swallowed by the shouting of the sailors and their captain. Dorian’s magic swelled as he unsheathed Damaris—“

Pg. 396: “Manon’s voice was flat and cold as death. “Tell Aelin Galathynius not to bother using me for negotiations. The Blackbeak Matron will not acknowledge me, either as heir or witch, and all you will get out of it is revealing your precise location.” His magic flickered. “What happened after Rifthold?”

Pg. 438: “Ice danced at Dorian’s fingertips as he slid beside Manon, still chained by the bed” when the bloodhound shows up on the ship.

Pg. 441: “Manon froze entirely. And didn’t particularly care as the Bloodhound lunged for her throat, teeth bared. It was not flame or wind that snapped the Bloodhound’s neck. But invisible hands. The crunch echoed through the room, and Manon whirled on Dorian Havilliard. His sapphire eyes were utterly merciless.”.

Pg. 457 ““If you were me,” Aelin murmured in a tone that had Dorian’s magic rising, ice cooling his fingertips. Aedion’s hand slid to his sword. “If you were me.” His magic flickering when Aelin RAISES HER VOICE at Manon (like come on this is mates shit).

Pg. 498-499: “ "As far as I recall,” Dorian went on with a sly grin, “you two—” The attack happened so fast that Aelin didn’t sense or see it until it was over. One moment, Manon was seated at the edge of the fire, the marshes a dark sprawl behind her. The next, scales and flashing white teeth were snapping for her, erupting from the brush on the bank. And then—stillness and silence as the enormous marsh beast froze in place. Halted by invisible hands—strong ones.” The fact that Dorian was mid sentence, not paying attention, and doesn’t even move a finger to protect her.

Even Aelin comments on it, Pg. 499: “But Dorian’s magic held the beast still, frozen with no ice to be seen. The same power as the one he’d wielded against the Bloodhound. Aelin surveyed him for any tether, any gleaming thread of power, and found none. He hadn’t even lifted a hand to direct it. Interesting.” IT IS INTERESTING AELIN. I also find it interesting that Aelin says the same power he wielded against the bloodhound, which was also to protect Manon. Granted I know Aelin is observing him bc his raw magic is so different from other forms of magic, but I still think it’s interesting that Sarah had Aelin comment on how he didn’t even react or move and his magic protected her.

Dorian about his magic sensing Rowan and Aelin’s bond, pg. 131, “His magic had felt the bond between Aelin and Rowan—the bond that went deeper than blood, than their magic, and he’d assumed it was just that they were mates, and hadn’t announced it to anyone.” Obviously later we find out it was because Aelin and Rowan were mates. So his magic canonically can sense a mating bond.

Also Rowan on Pg. 357 “I wanted to chuck you off a cliff, yet I bit you before I knew what I was doing. I think my body knew, my magic knew." His magic knew when he tasted her they were mates. Similar to how Dorian's magic has been acting? Like it knows something he doesn't?

VI. Pg. 575 “Manon thought the king tasted like the sea, like a winter morning, something so foreign and yet familiar it at last dragged that moan from deep in her.” The so foreign yet so familiar is so mate coded. Especially bc...

in HOF the Wastes are described as having winter mountains and near the western sea

Pg. 71: “To take our host to reclaim the Wastes from the mortal pigs who now dwell there." A fierce, wild thrill pierced Manon's chest, sharp as a knife. Following the Matron's gaze, Manon looked to the horizon, where the mountains were still blanketed with winter.”

Pg. 68: “Manon herself had never set foot in the former Witch Kingdom, had never seen the ruins or the flat, green expanse that stretched to the western sea.”

So it makes sense that the Wastes would smell of winter morning and the sea. They also call the wastes the “Frozen Wastes”, further implying a wintery sent.

VII. Pg. 577 “ Wondered what he’d say if she told him she’d wanted to sink her teeth into his neck and find out what he tasted like”.

Rowan on Pg. 357 “I wanted to chuck you off a cliff, yet I bit you before I knew what I was doing. I think my body knew, my magic knew. And you tasted …” Rowan loosed a jagged breath. “So good…” 

Manon in HOF Pg. 33: “The common, watery taste of the man, laced with violence and fear, coated her tongue, and she spat onto the wooden floorboards.”

Manon in QoS Pg. 463 “I’ve been with plenty of men. You’re all the same. Taste the same”. 

Manon has not shown to be particularly interested or intrigued by the blood of men aside from just to hunt and feed until Dorian. We also have Rowan describing how good Aelin tasted when he bit her and how he thinks "his magic knew". Is her attraction to Dorian’s blood because of this similar mating bond logic?

Dissenting Opinion: She just wants to taste Dorian's blood because she's attracted to him and so his blood is more enticing to her. She does say that the blood of the men at the Ferrian Gap distracts her in HOF, so obviously she sometimes does crave man blood.

KOA:

I. Again, we see Dorian’s magic reacting to her in a way instinctually

Cyrene attacks, pg. 78 “As Manon whirled, Dorian’s magic surged, already lashing at the unforeseen foe”

Pg. 130: “Despite who walked ahead of them, behind them, Manon smiled slightly. He surprised her further by saying,"I've been tunneling into my power since they appeared. One wrong move from them, and I'll blast them into nothing." This is so touch her and you die vibes I love it. This isn’t his magic acting instinctively I just wanted to include as another instance of him being protective of her using his magic.

Pg. 227: “ “I care.” His temper rose to meet hers. And he decided to hell with it—decided to let go of that leash he’d put on himself. Let go of that restraint. “I care about more than I should. I even care about you.” 

Same scene: Pg. 228: “Dorian smiled slightly, and fell asleep once more, letting his magic warm them both. When they awoke, something sharp in his chest had dulled—just a fraction…Where that edge had dulled in his chest, his magic now flowed freer. As if it, too, had been freed from those inner restraints he’d loosened slightly last night. What he’d opened up, revealed to her. A sort of freedom, that letting go."

This is right after he says he’s been trying with Vesta for days to get his eyes to change color and it hasn’t worked but one time with Manon and she warms his heart enough to let his magic go free.

Pg. 143, Dorian goes to Cyrene to learn how she shifts…

“Is that what you do to summon the change: first think of what you want to become?” “With limits. I need a clear image within my mind, or else it will not work at all.”

Followed by Pg. 286 when Dorian is trying to shift… “Who do you wish to be? “Someone worthy of my friends,” he said into the quiet night. “A king worthy of his kingdom.” For a heartbeat, snow-white hair and golden eyes flashed into his mind. “Happy,” he whispered, and wrapped a hand around Damaris’s hilt. Let go of that lingering scrap of terror. The ancient sword warmed in his hand, a friendly and swift heat. It flowed up through his fingers, his wrist. To that place within him where all those truths had dwelled, where it became warmth edged with sharpest pain. And then the world grew… He made to touch his face, but found he had no hands. Only soot-black wings. Only an ebony beak that allowed no words past it. A raven.” In this scene Dorian thinks of Manon, which makes him think of happiness and very similar to the scene where she made his magic flow before, his magic begins to flow through him and he shifts, for the second time due to Manon warming his heart, into not just a bird, but a black beaked bird. I repeat, BLACKBEAK bird. It’s safe to assume this is because he pictured Manon, and as the spider said you have to have the picture in your head when you will the shift for it to happen. The image he had in his mind was Manon. This one I honestly think is crazy and such strong evidence of mateism , especially bc it happened TWICE in this book.

Manon fighting the Matrons, pg. 474 “Dorian’s magic writhed, seeking a way out, to stop this.”

When Maeve glamours as Manon to seduce Erawan, Pg. 639: “icy rage, pure and undiluted tore through Dorian as Manon stood before the Valg king.. Dorian focused upon his breathing, on the stones beneath him, anything to keep his magic from erupting at the desire on Erawan’s face” (also important bc when she glamoured as Aelin his magic didn’t do this!!!)

II. Pg. 225 ““Which do you like the best?”… “I like the ice best,” Dorian admitted at last, realizing he’d let the silence drip on. “It was the first element that came out of me—I don’t know why.” I know why!!

HOF pg. 230 “If Manon was ice and Asterin was fire, then Sorrel was rock.”

QOS pg. 68 “Asterin had always been that way—and that wildness was exactly why Manon had chosen her as her Second a century ago. The flame to Sorrel’s stone … and to Manon’s ice.”

III. Dorian refers to Manon as his equal, pg. 536 “she would be his wife, his queen. She was already his equal, his match, his mirror in so many ways”.

SJM is very consistent about mates being equals and being mirrors of each.

Quote from Tampon in ACOTAR: “High Fae mostly marry,' he said, his golden skin flushing a bit. 'But if they’re blessed, they’ll find their mate—their equal, their match in every way.” This is almost verbatim what Dorian said about Manon. Also want to note that ACOTAR (2015) ,where the idea that mates are equals really starting being engrained in the reader, came out 3 years prior to KOA (2018). Sarah was writing the ACOTAR trilogy concurrent with the later half of TOG. So for her to have Dorian use those words to describe Manon, she had to have known what she was doing. When KOA was released there were already three acotar books out that beat this idea into our head so i can’t believe this is a coincidence. I think Sarah would notice how that phrasing sounds exactly like how she describes mates considering how important the bond is in her books.

Feyre to the Suriel: “How can I possibly be his mate?' Mates were equals- matched, at least in some ways. '

Rowan about discovering Aelin is his mate pg. 678 EOS "His equal. His friend. His lover. His Wife. His mate."

Dissenting Opinion: This is just SJM's writing style, and I’ve also noticed SJM reusing some phrases for her couples across the series *ehem* nessian and sartaq/nesryn “I wish we had time”

IV. Also in this scene Dorian talks about wanting to “claim her” as his wife/queen... Pg. 538 “the temptation that his every instinct roared to claim. Not the body, but what she had offered…” This could just be SJM writing style (fair argument), but nevertheless "his every instinct to claim" is VERY matey especially with the instinct part and because "the claiming" is a thing. Some examples:

HOF Pg. 158: “the bite so strong and claiming that she was too stunned to move”

EOS Pg. 352: “You are mine,” Rowan breathed, and she felt the claiming in her bones, her soul.

EOS Pg. 422: “A claiming, mighty and true, that she understood he so desperately needed.”

Dissenting Opinion: This is just SJM's writing style. Just because the word claim is used doesn't mean they are mates.

V. Manon screaming his name when he almost dies pg. 133 "Manon bellowed his name, and Crochan arrows fired... Manon screamed his name again, but he couldn't move... Then there were iron-tipped hands gripping his shoulders, and gold eyes glaring into his own".

This reminds me of in HOF when Manon shoots Rowan with an arrow and Aelin screams his name

Pg. 477 QoS... "Aelin's scream echoed down the Ravine" when Rowan is shot.

Pg. 655 EOS Aelin admits to Maeve she knew Rowan was her mate, "The moment the arrow when through his shoulder. Months ago"

This is also parallelled by Dorian screaming for Manon when she is in danger in EOS:

Pg. 87: “Manon crashed to her knees. The king was instantly at her side, studying her for a heartbeat before he roared down the stairs, “NO!”” 

Pg. 369: ““No.” The word ripped from Dorian’s lips before he could think. But then it came out, over and over, as the wyvern and rider sailed closer to the ship. The witch was unconscious, her body leaning to the side because she was not awake, because that was blue blood all over her. Don’t shoot; don’t shoot— Dorian was roaring the order as he hurtled for where Fenrys had drawn his longbow, a black-tipped arrow aimed at the witch’s exposed neck."

Dissenting Opinion: Aelin tells Rowan she saved Manon because Asterin screamed her name the same way she screamed Rowan. So technically by this logic Asterin and Manon could be platonic mates. And maybe Manon just screams Dorian's name because she cares about him not anything to do with being mates. (Counter Argument- but then why did Dorian scream her name in EOS so aggressively when he didn’t even know her then??)

Edit:

Also want to comment on Manon being the scariest individual in the world, and yet repeatedly both Dorian and Manon comment about how he is not afraid of her. Across the SJM universes this is seen as a huge mating bond sign (“Aelin terrifies everyone, but not him [rowan]” ; Feyre not being afraid of Rhys).

ALSO want to mention that Manon had “never allowed another male atop her” during sex before Dorian. To me this is incredibly telling bc it indicates that Manon sees Dorian as an equal by allowing him to dominate her. Yes, Manon is attracted to his domineering manor, but you’re telling me never in 116 years she’s done anything but ridden a male, and Dorian walks in and she’s like yea tie me up and get on top of me… I mean I would to but you see my point. Additionally, them being incredibly attracted to each other could be a mate indicator as mates are obviously aggressively attracted to each other bc of the “animalisticness” of the mating bond.

Lastly, you’ll see above that there are lots of times where their “instincts” cause them to act or are pushing at them to act in relation to each other. Instinct is mate coded af, especially when they’ve had that instinct since they first met. It wasn’t something that grew over time they always had it.

Debunking arguments against them being mates:

I. Mates are only fae.

Manon is part fae, so she could have a mate.

E.g. Bryce is half fae half human also and mated with Hunt (who confirmed in HOFAS is the product of two angels and not fae); Lorcan is a demi fae and can have a mate (believed to be Elide who is human but unconfirmed); Aelin is demi fae prior to forging the lock and is mated with Rowan.

I also cannot find anywhere there is a rule that you must have XYZ amount of fae blood to have a fae-like mate, just have to have some fae blood. But we don't really know what percentage of Manon is fae vs Valg. Given she is half Ironteeth and half Crochan, she likely falls around that 50% fae line which is just as much fae blood as Lorcan, Bryce, Aelin, etc.

II. The Crochans believe in Mates

It’s not confirmed whether the Crochans do or don't have the traditional fae mating bonds, however we learned in CC2 it was proved that you can have a “true” mating bond as long as one person has fae blood, E.g. Bryce (half fae/human) and Hunt (Angel).

pg. 139 EOS the Crochans "... had adopted the Fae habit of selecting mates- if not a true mating bond, then in spirit".

pg. 139, EOS Manon's grandmother says about her father "But he did not love her- not with your mother as his true mate, the song of his soul". This sounds to me like her parents were believed to be a true fae mating bond not just "in spirit".

Pg. 316 HOSAB "Angels have mates. Not as.. soul-magicky as Fae, but we call life partners mates in lieu of husbands or wives". Sounds like the Angels have a mating bond "in spirit" similar to the Crochans. Except that Hunt then truly "fae mated" Bryce, and he doesn't have any fae blood.

When then find out Hunt and Bryce are "true mates"; Pg.492 HOSAB "It means that he's going ballistic in the way that only mates can when the other is threatened. It's what happened then and happened now. You're true mates- the way Fae are mates, in your bodies and souls".

III. Fae can have non fae mates.

We see Bryce/Hunt in CC that are different species and have a traditional fae mating bond.

Rhys/Feyre and Nesta/Cassian feel a pull to each other when Feyre and Nesta are human, which then clicks into place as a true mating bond.

There is also Elide/Lorcan and Gavin/Elena in TOG that are “mates” (unconfirmed since the humans never became fae). Fae queens Mab and Mora also give up immortality for their human "mates".

So it is canon that you can have inter species mates or human mates, it just may never "click" into place if they are human.

via Hunt and Bryce, we do know the bond can completely click (souls and scents merging, etc.) between "magical" species once it is accepted, but we do not have this evidence with fae and human bonds.

I also don’t believe Dorian is entirely human. But that is completely my speculation

Pg. 933 KOA " 'I am human.' It warmed in his hand... 'I am human," he repeated, to the stars now visible above the city. The sword didn't answer again. As if it knew he no longer needed it." Yes he is human but he can be other things too. Similar to Aelin's quote about being a human in a fae body below. They identify and choose their human moral side, but that does not mean there are parts of them that are not human.

Aelin KOA Pg. 723: "I am human, deep down, Faerie Queen nonsense aside. I had human parents, and their parents were human, mostly, and even with Mab's line running true... I'm a human who can turn into Fae. A human who wears a Fae body".

On par with the theme of "Be grateful for your human heart" (Rhys, ACOTAR)

Also curious as to whether he does or does not have valg blood from his father. Because he could also have fae blood (distantly) from Elena/Brannon/Mala (Valg + Fae= Witch?)

IV. The mating bond would have clicked when they fucked… I think we all know this ain’t true anymore (cough cough Nesta and Cassian). You can have sex but if you do not accept the bond it will not click.

Rowan also says on pg 396 HOF "Sometimes, mates can be together intimately before the actual bond snaps into place"

V. Wyrd/Urd/the Mother/Fate (aka Sarah) gets to decide whose mates and who isn't

The only thing Sarah has been clear about is that she can basically make anyone mates that she wants as long as one person has fae blood. And even then, there is very much a "fate like force" aka Wyrd/Urd/The Mother that is working to pull the strings of fate and make people mates.

Hellas speaks to Lorcan and Hellas's consort, the goddess Annieth, speaks to Elide. Lorcan and Elide are never confirmed mates as Elide remains human and yet there are still signs she is his mate even as a human.

Rhys's mind has able to find Feyre's when she was still human years before they met. Yes he has demati abilities but finding Feyre's mind is because they were fated to be mates.

Adias says about Hunt and Bryce mating bond HOFAS, Pg. 551 "I think that was left to higher powers. Whatever they might be".

There is no special "biological formula" proven necessary for a mating bond. To the best of our knowledge so far, the only thing we can be sure of is it happens when fate demands (and when one person has at least some fae blood). Therefore it logically makes sense why the Mother/Wyrd/Urd would manipulate fate to ensure that Dorian and Manon were mates because they needed Manon to get into the witch mirror and raise the witch forces. They needed Manon to unite with Brannon's heir to defeat Erawan and destroy the keys, whether that be Aelin or Dorian. A mating bond would ensure that.

Also Wyrd/Urd means fate/personal destiny in nors mythology —> https://www.mimisbrunnr.info/ksd-web-of-wyrd and https://norse-mythology.org/concepts/destiny-wyrd-urd/ (read these if you want to theorize about acotar)

In conclusion, I think they could be mates but it won't fully snap into place (they won't fully merge souls, scents, etc.) unless Dorian is somehow Made. The only evidence of interspecies true confirmed fae mating bonds is Bryce and Hunt, and while they were able to fully "click" without Hunt being fae, it is very unclear why this is other than "high powers". We do know though that human Elide was very likely Lorcan's true mate, but we were never told of any clicking between them on that fae physiological level. So it is safe to assume that for a mating bond between a human and fae it will not "click" into place unless that human is turned fae.

HOWEVER, I do think it is possible because of Dorian's raw magic, he could be a rare exception to this rule similar to Hunt. So maybe it just has not clicked because Manon and Dorian have not accepted it. Which would also make sense given the nature of their relationship through most of the series, them denying their feelings to each due to their emotional unavailability.

Dissenting Opinion: But we also don't know how the angels were created by the Asteri, so maybe Hunt is "made" and not actually an exception.

Anyway, there's my evidence. There was some more evidence that I had and then removed because even though I think it is proof of a deeper connection I didn't think it was mate related (e.g. Abraxos taking Manon to Dorian when she says take me somewhere safe, I came to the conclusion that that showed Abraxos's awareness in protecting Manon).

Here are the links to some other tumblr posts on them being mates. I did look at these when putting this together so full credit to those individuals :)

[cordoleo]

hear ye hear ye — the riverlands welcomes the commander of the king's landing city watch, ruling lord royce caron of nightsong. king matthos baratheon is glad that the thirty - seven year old appears to be steadfast and he shall overlook that it’s said they are also obtuse, as long as they are glad to celebrate peace in the seven kingdoms. fortunately for them, matthos remains oblivious that they are happy with his reign.

i. background.

full name: royce caron ( previously storm ).

commonly goes by: roy.

epitaph: the bastard of nightsong.

official title: knight of the seven kingdoms (c. 279), ruling lord of nightsong and lord of the marches (c. 284), commander of the king's landing city watch (c. 293).

age: thirty seven.

birth date: tba !

gender + pronouns: cis man + he/him.

orientation: unfortunately heterosexual.

allegiance: house baratheon, house caron.

spoken language: the common tongue.

religion: the faith of the seven; particularly faithful to the smith and the warrior.

ii. appearance.

faceclaim: kingsley ben-adir.

eye color: black.

hair color: black, with plenty of gray peeking in around the curls, hair is always kept short, near buzzed; his beard is scruffy, and trimmed weekly so it does not grow further.

remarkable markings: he has several scars from his time in the battlefield, besides one on his shoulder from when he got knicked by a sword during the greyjoy rebellion, and a few facial scars ( more notably, one just under the side of his left eye and one hook-shaped on his right cheek, remaints of a bad jousting injury in his youth ).

dominant hand: right.

height: 6'3"

build: muscular.

iii. personality.

virtues: x

vices: x

weapon of choice: long sword, has yielded a war hammer in his days.

moral alignment: x

inspired by: rolland storm; owain, jasper and henry tudor; charles brandon, duke of suffolk, tba.

common tropes: tba.

iv. relationships.

parents: ronnet caron + maris.

siblings: renyse and utp caron ( younger half - sisters ).

relationship status: widowed; utp utp ( c. 285 / w. 292 ).

children: name (13), name (10), name (8).

previous relations: n/a.

v. biography.

trigger warning : infertility discussion, cheating, parental neglect, death, arranged marriage, implied stillbirth/child death, illness.

once a lordling known for his beautiful voice, ronnet caron settled into the role of ruling lord and all the beauty he carried vanishing, reveal of his unkindness shining through even towards his own wife, whose only sin had been the inability to carry a child to term. fueled by spite more than the need to raise children, he sought out women whom he had dalliances with and put word that he would take in their bastards born from him.

three would be brought to nightsong — roy was the first. born to a lady's maid that was made to live under the roof of her mistress despite the betrayal enacted by them, maris did not last long. roy grew by himself, knowing to keep only to himself and out of both stepmother and father's way, until the second bastard would arrive. renyse would akin herself to a moon, but roy found her light to be one he very much needed. together, they yet took care of the third bastard brought to nightsong.

that was until matthos baratheon's war was won, and opportunity arose for kids of the stormlands to follow their liege to king's landing. roy half volunteered, half was offered by ronnet to be sent as a squire — a knighthood would serve to at least give him a prospect better than just the bastard of nightsong, whose father held little interest on after the affront was made. while he may have thought of the possibility of joining the kingsguard or the city watch when he'd become of age, the king instead took him under his wing, favoring the boy above most of the others. under matthos' guidance, he grew bold, strong and capable, seeing in the king a father he had never had; the sentiment would become one of the pinnacles of his life from then on, and his loyalty would belong to matthos above all.

when the greyjoy rebellion came, both roy, just entering adulthood, and his father, graying and bitter, joined the war efforts for the stormlands. while roy prevailed, finding his calling on the battlefield, his father fell; he'd be sent to nightsong with an infection that would be fatal, nothing to be done. nothing but to sign papers for legitimacy for roy and his two half-sisters, who would rise to the position of actual nobility and granted the opportunity to mingle, take official positions and marry just as well as any noble born.

roy's marriage, however, would only come to happen for necessity, from the ruined coffers of nightsong, left ravaged by war and his father's spending. from his wealthy, high-born bride, he found harmony, a competent ruling lady, and a mother to three of his children — would be four, had she not been taken by illness before the babe was to come. the offer of another marriage was refused, and, instead, the king saw to give him distraction in the form of a new position: the head of the city watch from king's landing.

for a good while, it was a good distraction but, unfortunately, it also exposes him to the worst of mathos' reign — attempted briberies, people stealing so they will not starve and getting punished for it, watching the lannisters taking over the city, even within his own men's ranks. though his position has grown to be enviable enough that people only refer to him as the bastard out of jealousy rather than disdain, he has begun to wonder if it is best to continue to remain blissfully ignorant and loyal to his liege or speak and suffer the consequences for it.

[majoresca]

In fact, Roland II can be very insensitive, especially towards the treatment of his childhood friend Cedric. Which leaves me in doubt: if the two had always been friends since childhood, what happened in the relationship between the two?

Headcanon:

In the past, during the reign of Roland I and his royal sorcerer Goodwin the Great.

King Roland I was not a man to tolerate mistakes, and demanded the best from his royal sorcerer Goodwin.

( That's why Goodwin refers to the king who served in such an impersonal way, they weren't friends, they were boss and employee.

Since he exalts how many times he saved the king,not in a way that shows any feeling of relief in saving his friend, but rather pride in having performed his service with excellence.)

Young Prince Roland II saw the rigidity of his father's rule, and decided to be different.

And since Rolland II and Cedric were childhood friends, he decided that he would not repeat the same treatment as his father with the royal sorcerer.

When Roland II took over, he wanted to make Cedric's life easier by leaving him less demanding work, because he knew that his friend wasn't good at working under pressure.

And that if he demanded too much of him, he would end up pushing his best friend away.

So Roland II avoided situations that put his life at risk, and delegated lighter tasks to Cedric, such as entertainment and simple spells.

However, his decision did the opposite, because it gave Cedric the impression that the king did not fully trust him. And when Cedric began to disdain simple work, it bothered Roland.

Then Roland II began to think that Cedric was abusing the "diplomatic immunity" of being the son of the royal sorcerer.

In King Roland II's mind, Cedric would be thinking the following:

– Because of our parents' "lifetime contract", I can't be fired. So, I don't feel like I have to make an effort, since the king will protect me more than others, as I have also been his best friend since childhood. I can do whatever I want!

Which would make Roland II very unhappy, as he thinks that Cedric makes mistakes out of laziness and disregard.

Because for Roland, the fact that he was prepared from birth to be king, puts him in a position where mistakes are intolerable,because his decisions would affect all of Enchancia. And that Cedric would be abusing the freedom that Roland gave him, of not demanding so much from his friend.

And if the royal sorcerer did not feel obliged to obey the king himself, and the king himself let it go, what would happen if everyone followed his example?

If Roland didn't make his disapproval clear, the others would say he was too soft for his own good with his childhood friend .

And that if he cannot make the crown's own servants obey, then he would be a king who is not respected.

So, he takes out his frustration with his friend through mean comments, since he himself has an obligation to keep his word.

In honor of the agreement between the royal family of Enchancia and the family of the royal sorcerers, who have served the lineage for generations.

Which clearly generates a vicious and abusive cycle of distrust and disrespect between Roland and Cedric:

�� Cedric is given a simple task, he complains about the task.

• Roland hears his complaint, and thinks he is lazy and criticizes him.

• Cedric listens to Roland's comments, what makes him nervous , and makes him fail the task.

• Roland sees him fail, and thinks Cedric is incompetent.

And so on.

I watched the second episode and Roland did something that made me understand a lot of the angry feeling Cedric has over everyone.

I'm watching all the episodes dubbed to my language, but I think the context of the sentences doesn't change that much.

First Roland and Miranda go to Cedric's workshop

Miranda speaks gently asking if Cedric could do a magic show for the princesses at their sleepover

Then Cedric asks, "The royal sorcerer having to entertain children?"

I mean was your father Goodwyn obligated to do this sort of thing too? lol

Then came the part that made me angry! Roland was an idiot in the early episodes of the show. Roland replies to Cedric that in reality they wanted the jester, but unfortunately he was ill. I mean in Roland's mind the jester and Cedric are almost the same thing. I think how offensive that must have been for Cedric.

In my opinion Cedric's job is to serve the king, but apparently for Roland Cedric doesn't serve him as a sorcerer but as a jester perhaps because he always makes mistakes and is clumsy.

I don't know how the lines were said in the original audio, maybe I'll look it up later, but I really felt sorry for Cedric in this scene.

[asongofsilks]

ASOIAF FANCASTING –> EVERY NAMED FEMALE CHARACTER ABOVE THE AGE OF FIVE, PART XXIV

Gwyneth Yronwood (b. 287 AC): Youngest daughter of Lord Anders Yronwood of Yronwood. She hopes to marry Quentyn Martell, son of the Prince of Dorne, once she has flowered. Fancast: Willow Shields.

Gysella Goodbrother (b. approx. 278 AC): One of the twelve daughters of Lord Gorold Goodbrother of Hammerhorn in the Iron Islands. Fancast: Maisy McLeod-Riera.

Hali (d. 298 AC): Spearwife who accosts Bran Stark in the godswood along with Osha and two deserters from the Night's Watch. She is slain by Bran's direwolf, Summer. Fancast: Natasha Culzac.

Hanna Harroway (d. 44 AC): Sister of Queen Alys Harroway, one of the wives of Maegor the Cruel. She was slain by Maegor's Kingsguard trying to protect her sister from Maegor's wrath following accusations of the queen's infidelity. Fancast: Sezgi Sena Akay.

Harma Dogshead (d. 300 AC): One of the captains in Mance Rayder's army, she is known for hating dogs and kills one every fortnight for a new banner. She is killed in the battle against Stannis Baratheon's forces at the Wall. Fancast: Natalia Tena.

Goodwife Harra (d. 299 AC): One of the servants of Lady Shella Whent's household in Harrenhal. She is later executed by Roose Bolton after he takes Harrenhal during the War of the Five Kings, for telling the other servants to serve the Lannister forces. Fancast: Donogh Rees.

Hazel Harte (c. 110-132 AC): Wife of Daeron Velaryon, grandnephew of Corlys Velaryon of Driftmark. Her only child, Daenaera Velaryon, married King Aegon III following her appearance at the Maiden's Day Ball of 133 AC. Fancast: Elizabeth Lail.

Helaena Targaryen (109-130 AC): Only daughter of King Viserys I and his second wife, Alicent Hightower. She was married to her older brother, who later seized the throne as Aegon II, and had three children with him. Both of her sons were cruelly slaughtered during the Dance of the Dragons, and she committed suicide by jumping from her window in Maegor's Holdfast. The very night she died, the smallfolk of King's Landing rose in riot against Queen Rhaenyra and the "black" faction of the Dance, thinking that she had been murdered and demanding justice for her and her sons. Fancast: Holliday Granger.

Helicent Uffering (b. approx. 171 AC): Sister of Ser Rolland Uffering, who was the fourth husband of Lady Rohanne Webber of Coldmoat. She came with him to Coldmoat and remained there after his death. Fancast: Nicola Coughlan.

Helly (main series era): A serving girl at the Peach in Stoney Sept in the Riverlands. Fancast: Szandra Asztalos.

Previous

[the-paintrist]

Claude Lefèbvre - Self-portrait - ca. 1683

Claude Lefèbvre (12 September 1632 (baptised) - 25 April 1675) was a French painter and engraver.

Lefèbvre was born at Fontainebleau, the son of the painter Jean Lefèbvre (1600–1675), and became a member of the workshop of Claude d'Hoey (1585–1660) at Fontainebleau. In 1654 he studied with Eustache Le Sueur in Paris, and after Le Sueur's death in 1655, with Charles Le Brun. Under Le Brun he probably assisted in the preparation of cartoons (untraced) for the tapestry series History of the King (Château of Versailles) and painted a Nativity (untraced) for Louis XIV, but Le Brun found Lefèbvre's compositions poor and encouraged him to specialize in portraiture.

Lefèbvre soon established himself as a leading portrait artist, and in 1663, at the age of thirty, he was received (reçu) as a member of the Académie Royale de peinture et de sculpture in anticipation of his portrait of Jean-Baptiste Colbert (Château of Versailles). Lefèbvre spent several years creating the portrait and finally presented it on 30 October 1666. He was an assistant professor at the Académie beginning in 1664. Among his students were François de Troy and Jean Cotelle, le jeune.

Lefebvre visited England, where he appears to have been influenced by the work of Anthony van Dyck. In London he was invited to paint at the court of King Charles II of England. His work is included in major collections such as the National Portrait Gallery, London, and the Louvre.

At the peak of his career, at the Salon of 1673, he presented ten pictures, of which nine were portraits. Few of Lefèbvre's paintings have survived, and many are known only from engravings by artists such as Gérard Edelinck, Nicolas de Poilly and Pieter van Schuppen. Based on the evidence from engravings, several paintings have been attributed to Lefèbvre, including the portrait of Charles Couperin with the Artist's Daughter (Château of Versailles).

Lefèbvre was also an engraver. His engravings include a Self-portrait and a portrait of Alexandre Boudan.

Claude Lefèbvre died in Paris. He is sometimes confused with Rolland Lefèbvre, a portrait painter who died in London in 1677.

[thea-wb]

When the Power of Words Fail

Date: February 13, 3509 AT Time: Late evening Location: The Pearl Plaza, Arx, Hegaehend

Open!

When Thea first heard of the conflict, she was taken aback and heartbroken at the news. Kaivras and her queen, Thea’s countrymen, had struck at Arx, the biggest port city in Hegaehend. First Llyn, now this. It made her sick to her stomach, not just for the further suffering of many, but the thought of just how many innocents were caught up in this yet again.

Thea had laid low since she arrived in the city earlier that day, slipping through a broken entrance of the wall by using her small size to her advantage. She knew this was stupid. It was ridiculous, risky, such a mistake on her side. As soon as the twins had heard the news, Ewin had warned her not to do any reckless, but he also knew she couldn’t simply stand by and watch. So, when King Rolland II’s call came for brave people who could assist his soldiers in getting the city ready for the true response, she had been quick to volunteer herself.

A voice reached her ears in the midst of the eerie silence and the background sound of shouts and clashing weapons. “Come out, come out, wherever you are.” From her position, she could see a soldier searching a few of the windows nearby. 

No doubt he was looking for civilians.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see a group of them on the opposite side of the plaza, shivering in fear and trying to keep quiet. She clutched her holy symbol, took a deep breath and kept an eye on him as he spied the area. Such a close eye, in fact, that she failed to notice that she was leaning on a loose plank, which promptly buckled under her weight and crashed to the ground. She withheld a gasp, but it wasn’t enough.

The soldier, an older human man, turned to look in her direction. “Well, who do we have here?”

“We don’t have to do this,” Thea responded. “You don’t have to do this.”

She glanced back at the alleyway, where the people were staring in confusion and wonder. “J-just go!” she exclaimed.

He grinned, having clearly made up his mind from the get-go. “I don’t think so, little one. You should’ve run with the rest if you were smarter ‘bout it.”

Her eyes flittered back to the alley, and the soldier raised a brow at her. As he turned to look that way, she shouted out loud, “Hey! By the Morninglord, face me!” 

He appeared confused at that for a mere second before his grin increased even further. She could see the way her words compelled him. “It would be my pleasure,” he responded, branishing his longsword.

Thea swallowed loudly, raising her shield and readying her mace. There was no hope for words here. Only violence seemed to reign here. At least she hoped the civilians would get away in time.

He lunged at her, quicker than she expected, and managed to get a solid cut into a soft part between her pauldron and her chainmail, slashing across and slightly into her shoulder. It hurt a lot, and she took a step back instinctively at the sensation. As he switched directions to get a second attack in, she managed to lift her shield in time to block it, feeling the clashing of metal on metal, the sound piercing to her ears.

“Stronger than you look, I see,” he said gleefully.

She said nothing, just gave him a hard, cold stare.

[romera-rp]

Conflict and resentment simmered on all sides after months of bitter stalemate and ceasefire. In the wee hours of the morning on February 6th, a massive fleet of ships appeared on Arx’s horizon. As the sun rose higher, the dawn revealed the dreadful colors of Queen Ivana of Kaivras. The few fisherman out on open water were the first witnesses of her assault, her flags raised high like the blade of a guillotine. Ivana’s navy was always the strongest of the four nations and little could have prepared Arx for just how immense those numbers were. The ships set upon them mere hours later, cannons primed and swords drawn and itching for violence. Despite her withdrawal from Llyn, it is now clear that Ivana has her sights set on much larger targets. Arx being the biggest port Hegaehend has to offer and one of its greatest wellsprings of education is one such target. Even if she is unsuccessful in taking Arx for good, the staggering blow to Hegaehend and her brother, King Rolland II, will never be forgotten. 

IN CHARACTER DETAILS

This event will take place between February 6th to February 29th 3509 AT and your threads may take place at any point during those in-game days. 

TIMELINE

THE MORNING OF (February 6th) The attack comes without warning and there were few soldiers stationed in Arx. Many were kept on the land borders where skirmishes are more likely. The local government has no choice but to surrender to the overwhelming number of Ivana’s forces. The nobility and wealthy merchants of the city held a max exodus just before Ivana’s ships reached port, but most ordinary citizens, without funds or resources to flee, are left to fend for themselves. The invaders are quick to take control of the city borders and lock them down. 

THE DAYS FOLLOWING (February 7th to 10th)  The invasion of Arx was a brutal show of force and power. Mere months ago there were joyous celebrations in the streets and raucous festivals, but now there are numerous bodies of those who tried to fight back against Ivana’s soldiers. Where sweet wine was once spilled in merriment, there is now fresh blood. Without mercy, her men fired into the port, targeting what few military vessels were stationed there first. Buildings in the Pearl Plaza are set aflame, the last merchant boats in Whale Water Port are looted and sunk. The last bastion of resistance, The Siang Institute of Circumstance, has closed its doors as acolytes and scholars try to hold out against the forces that threaten to overwhelm them. Some citizens have taken to hiding behind the walls of the University and Archives, but it is only a matter of time before they are overrun. The citizens left out, unprotected, band together in their homes, waiting and hoping for relief. 

A KING’S RESPONSE (February 11th to February 15th)  King Rolland delivers a swift response and moves his attention away from the border with Kaivras where most battles have taken place prior to this attack. He sends his forces towards Arx across land and sea. His few other military vessels race towards the conflict. The city will be difficult to recapture, and it has been suggested by some council members that it may be easier to infiltrate the city in small numbers before the full force of Rolland’s army arrives. It is with this in mind that any seeking to gain access to Arx are advised to be extremely cautious. Ivana’s soldiers are everywhere and they are merciless. It has been emphasized that Ivana takes no prisoners. 

THE BATTLE FOR ARX (February 16th to February 20th)  The city of Arx, razed nearly to the ground and trampled below the feet of Ivana, is awash with new conflict. When the primary mass of King Rolland’s forces arrive, aided by the brave few who had infiltrated the city borders previously, a brutal and bitter battle ensues. Within a week, the chokehold that Ivana’s forces held on movement in and out of the city is broken. Citizens desperate to flee the prison of the city are finally provided a way out, but it also brings further chaos to the streets of Arx as the battle is brought within city limits. 

BITTER VICTORY (February 21st to February 28th) After weeks of terror, bloodshed, and brutality, King Rolland’s forces are able to push Ivana’s thugs back. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, but no pain or loss is felt more strongly than those native to Arx. Homes are destroyed and ransacked, businesses gutted, and too many lives have been cut short. As the last glimmer of Ivana’s retreating forces flicker and disappear back over the horizon from where they came, there is a feeling in the air not of a battle hard won, but of having been taunted. Ivana’s soldiers were near gleeful to leave the smoldering, trampled remnants of Arx. They’d had their fun, it seemed. The message is clear: Ivana will chip away at Hagaegend’s defenses until there is nothing left. 

WHAT REMAINS (February 29th) While most of Arx has been destroyed, there are still some of its people that remain. The Siang Institute of Circumstance still stands, battered but whole, its contents protected. Council member Isidora Siang has opened the campus to victims of the attack and Rolland’s forces have set up medical tents and temporary housing for those who survived the brutality. There are those who wander the streets trying to salvage what remains from the rubble, searching for survivors and salvageable goods, and in the following weeks there will be a concentrated rebuilding effort. For now, however, the city of Arx is cloaked in a heavy shadow of grief. The buildings are little more than rubble and so are the people of Arx. For now, at least. 

OOC DETAILS

This event will last from February 6th to February 29th. Feel free to have your character react to the news of this attack in any way you see fit. As always, feel free to continue non-event related threads throughout. 

The news will have spread very quickly across Hegaehend and has created panic and dread in each of its inhabitants. Many will be wondering if their city, their town, or their forgotten village will be next. 

You are also more than welcome to have your character be present for the initial attack or the following days of fallout, though be aware that normal life in Arx has come screeching to a halt and if your character chooses to fight within the city, they would likely quickly become overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of Ivana’s forces if not done tactfully. 

The worldbuilding post for Arx can be found here. 

Any soldiers your character might encounter will have this stat block. 

THREAD IDEAS

When the fighting started, you were there. Did you choose to fight, to help others, or did you flee? Who was with you in that moment of chaos? Loved ones, strangers, and enemies were equal in the eyes of Ivana’s soldiers that day. 

When the city was taken, many became trapped, but one or two people might be able to slip through the cracks to find an escape route for survivors. They must be quiet or willing to cut down Ivana’s soldiers. 

In an attempt to flee, or escape after the capture, you’re getting pursued through the crumbling streets by ruthless soldiers. Better find a place to hide or fight back. 

The Siang Institute of Circumstance and its University and Archives are the crown jewel of Arx. You find yourself either voluntarily or involuntarily locked within its walls with the other survivors. 

Ivana’s ships are numerous, but as her soldiers sack the city, that leaves them at port. The anchored ships of Ivana are awfully vulnerable aren’t they? They surely won’t mind a few cut-free anchors or torched sails. Will you risk your chance at escape for some revenge?

You aren’t in Arx when the news spreads of its fate. Instead of a visceral experience, the battle taking place is out of your reach unless you decide to intervene. How do you react to news of yet another disaster? Does the King’s response satisfy you? 

Was one of your loved ones inside Arx at the time of the attack? Maybe you’ve come to see if they’ve survived.

Perhaps you were too late. The dust has settled, the enemies have left laughing, and you’ve arrived to survey the shattered pieces of a once proud city. 

[majoresca]

Headcanon: Yellow and Green.

When Lorelei and Roland II were expecting the baby, they had agreed on the colors of the clothes:

Yellow if it was a girl, green if it was a boy.

Yellow because it was her mother's favorite color, green because it was a mix of his father's and mother's colors, as Roland II didn't want to pressure his son to be like him.

Lorelei wanted if it was a boy, that he would look like his father. And Roland wanted if he was a girl, to look like her mother.

When Aunt Tilly and Lorelei were preparing baby shower layette, they were talking about whether the baby would be born a boy or a girl, in addition to speculating on each one's personality. Cedric was with the king, when he realized his magic wand was missing.

He realized that he had picked up a knitting needle by mistake, and that the wand could have gotten one of them by mistake, and that he should get it back before some dangerous accident happens.

When Cedric went to meet them, he noticed that they had their wand, using it as a knitting needle.

When both started knitting, they noticed that the baby clothes and blankets changed color each time they said their guesses.

They liked the result so much that Lorelei asked him to place the same spell on the rest of the balls of yarn, so that they would also have the magic of changing color.

And to this day, the signature color between the twins remains, as a reminder of their mother.

[half-elfdisaster]

Aelen Panterra

Age: 188

Race: Wood Elf

Alignment: Lawful Good

Class: Level 6 College of Swords Bard / Level 3 Oath of Devotion Paladin

Height: 5”10

Appearance: Aelen has tanned, coppery skin with bright green eyes and dirty blonde hair which he has mastered the “just got out of bed”, perfectly tousled look with. He has a short beard of neatly trimmed stubble. He wears the commanders armour of the Order of the Ruby Rose which is a set of intricate detailed rose gold plate armour. He wears a cream sash over it embroidered with the symbol of the Ruby Rose, a red rose. He wields a singing great sword, an item specially made for him.

Aelen was born in 3341 AT under the rule of Queen Ivana II, however living in the small forest village of Oak Vale he grew up with little concern for the politics of the outside world. Aelen was born to Erendriel and Maylin Panterra who were two of several rangers who protected the village from the wilderness surrounding it. He grew up admiring his parents and looking up to them as his heroes, one day wanting to be able to fight to protect like they did.

When he was 52 his younger sister Artemyste was born, and although the pair got on tremendously, he regretted having to be stuck on babysitting duty a lot as he parents went off into the forests to deal with threats. As he grew up he pestered his parents to bring him along on their scouting missions as he had been training to become a ranger when he was old enough too. However, more often than not, he would be left behind with Artemyste. In their time alone the pair would very often sneak into the woods where Aelen would practice and Artemyste would enjoy the surrounding nature.

They were returning from one of these trips when they heard a commotion in town. While their parents were out on a scouting mission they had encountered a group of pillagers and engaged in battle. The other rangers had run in to help them, however the battle was hard and they were too late. Erendriel and Maylin, as well as a couple other rangers, had been killed, and due to the remainder having to retreat they were unable to recover the bodies. This devastated Aelen and Artemyste as the people they looked up to the most were killed. However, after being taken in by Erendriel’s brother, Petnan, who owned the local bakery, and the town preformed a memorial for the fallen rangers, honoring them as heroes who protected their people to their last breath, Aelen came to the realisation that he was privileged to be the son of such people and knew he must honor their memory.

Still underage at 91, Aelen became one of the towns rangers. He served the town for 38 years, protecting it with the others from anything that may threaten his remaining family. However, he still made time for those trips into the forest with Artemyste. After all those years Aelen felt his ambitions had grown bigger then the town of Oak Vale and he longed to journey to the closest city where he hoped to be trained as a true knight. Although, he loved his uncle and sister and wanted to be there for them, he knew that there were other people out their that needed help and he wanted to push himself to do anything in his power to aid them, just like his parents used to.

With the help of his uncle he wrote to an authority figure at the closest town of Halivaara who informed him that any citizens wanting to be trained as guards must travel to the House of Tolerance, a fortress temple of Dol Dorn and Dol Arrah to the southwest of Oak Vale. Knowing that when elves leave home it can be many years before they ever think of returning due to their long lives, he said his farewells to Artemyste and Petnan, who wished him the best on his journey.

At the temple he was trained with a large group of men and women from surrounding towns such as Halivaara, Alverton and Queenstown. Coming from a small town Aelen had never been surrounded by so many new people, however found that he could thrive in such situations. Being the trainee with the most experience, having served as his towns ranger, he quickly got to showing off and became quite popular, always able to enthrall a crowd with tales of the things he had faced in the wilderness around Oak Vale. A travelling aasimar bard of Dol Arrah, who was currently at the temple, noticed his growing confidence. She introduced herself as Marsih, and told him she wanted to mentor him to use his spirit to further his training. Aelen soon learned how to use magic and how he could inspire others and himself to push themselves beyond their limits.

At the age of 133, he decided to leave the temple with Marsih and join her on her travels across the continent, working as a guard in various towns and cities as they went. They spent many years together, however after so long they felt their feelings were getting too mixed up and complicated as emotions were getting hurt. They had worked well as friends however the second it started to go further, differences came to the surface. They parted ways after 28 years travelling together.

Aelen thought it would be best to travel to another Dol temple where he would hopefully be placed in a more permanent position within a city. As such, Aelen found himself at the House of Honor when King Rolland II came into power in Hegeahend upon the death of his father and the split of the nations. The King, wanting to clean up and improve the nation, asked for the best guards from the temple Aelen to move into the capital, Khaggon. Aelen, gratefully for the opportunity, quickly settled into his new home within the mountain city where he was placed as a guardsman in the Sune district.

After Dol Dorn and Dol Arrah opened his eyes to the religions of the world, Aelen had been increasingly interested about learning as much as he could about as many as he could. Unfortunately, until now he hadn’t felt like he could connect with one as he did with Sune over the next few years. Believing what she taught of cherishing the people around you and the value each of them can bring to the world.

Outside of the mountain however, war raged on as the four rulers pushed against each other, and although Aelen loved his job for all the new people he met within the massive city, the feeling of being trapped only increasingly grew as the war got worse outside. He couldn’t help thinking that his talents were being wasted when he could be out fighting to protect people in smaller towns, like his sister or uncle. His frustrations grew until one day he learnt that Marsih had been killed in one of the battles. Struck by grief and guilt he planned to approach his superiors about being repositioned outside of the capital, however he was too late, as before he could the disappearance of the king finally reached the public.

Aelen saw it happen as the priests from the Truesilver temple ran out and started to spread the rumour, the panic washing over the city like a wave as the public started to turn on the guards for not protecting their ruler. For the next three days of the riot, Aelen tried his best to stay hidden while helping as many people he could who were in danger or injured. On the last day he witnessed a priestess of Sune, a girl by the name of Faymer, get trapped by a cart on fire. Wanting to do all he could, he freed her before escorting her and her sister, Orala, to the temple of Sune to be healed. Not wanting any further harm to come to them Aelen stood guard overnight within the temple. This act of bravery drew the attention of the Goddess Sune who granted him a vision, appointing him as her champion.

The council of priests, now in charge after the disappearance of the King, recognised this great gift and their need for a true policing force after the events of the riot, decided to designate Aelen as the new commander of a specialised force of Sune champions called the Order of the Ruby Rose. In his new position of authority, he swore he would never let the devastations of the riots happen again to his people.

Now with the war on pause Aelen asked for one thing as his reward for service; to visit his sister and uncle, hoping they’re safe after the 48 years he was gone. Unfortunately, he arrived in Oak Vale only to find it in ruins with his sister and uncle nowhere to be found. He asked round at the neighbouring towns hoping someone would know what happened to the people of his hometown, however most said the town had been gone for over 30 years now. Feeling like he had failed his parents by not protecting Oak Vale only made him more determined to do good by succeeding in his new job within Khaggon, defending an entire city and its people to make up for the losts he’d endured throughout his life.

[garrus-vakkarian]

A Really Long List of Recommended Music

I have been asked in the past to recommend Video Game OSTs, Movie OSTs, et cetera so I decided to make a huge masterpost of the songs I listen to when trying to study/relax/et cetera.

About This List:

It contains exactly 193 songs of varying background/styles. The vast majority of them are from video games and are thusly classical/orchestral. A few of them contain lyrics, some are 8-bit, some are a bit more techno. My goal was to provide a wide variety of songs that many may not know about.

I have included the composers, but not where the song is featured, simply because: a) the video linked will include it’s source  b) I didn’t want to make the list any more ridiculously long than it is. 

Please let me know if any of the links are broken!!!

The YouTube Playlist

Dedicated to: @pathfindersara <3 <3

Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 - Samuel Barber The Adventure Begins - Christopher Héral Alas, The Dragon Shall Break - Brad Derrick Alexius - Trevor Morris All of My Birds - Jessica Curry Almost Home - Thomas Newman "American" Suite in A Major, Op. 98b, B 190: II. Allegro - Antonín Dvorák "American" Suite in A Major, Op. 98b, B 190: Moderato -  Antonín Dvorák "American" Suite in A Major, Op. 98b, B 190: V. Allegro -  Antonín Dvorák Apotheosis - Austin Wintory Aragami - Two Feathers The Arc - Dynamedion Atonement - Austin Wintory Aurora - Jeremy Soule Aurora - Jessica Curry Aztec Theme - Roland Rizzo

Baba Yetu - Christopher Tin Balaenoptera Musculus - Austin Wintory Ballad of the Goddess -  Hajime Wakai & Takeshi Hama Balmorra - Multiple Composers Barrow Hills - Tilman Sillescu Betus Blues - Danny Baranowsky Bicameral Mind - Ramin Djawadi Bóg Się Rodzi - Geoff Knorr Bohemian Street Jam - Jerry Martin Born Unto Trouble - Bill Elm & Woody Jackson Bowerstone - Russel Shaw Brazil Medieval Theme - Geoff Knorr The British Empire - Brian Tyler Bundle of Joy - Michael Giacchino A Bunny Can Go Savage - Michael Giacchino Business Office - Jarred-Emerson Johnson

Can O’ Salt - Danny Baranowsky Caranx Ignobilis - Austin Wintory Carnival of the Animals, Finale -  Camille Saint-Saëns Carnival Overture - Antonín Dvorák Carry Me Back to Her Arms - Jessica Curry Chapter 6 Menus - Danny Baranowsky Time’s Scar -  Yasunori Mitsuda The Citadel - Richard Jacques & Jack Wall City of Jerusalem - Jesper Kyd City of Rome - Jesper Kyd Civil (Explore) - Ben Prunty Colette Shows Him Le Ropes - Michael Giacchino Comrades in Arms - Brad Derrick Corprate Ruins - Inon Zur Czech Suite, Op. 39- V Finale -  Antonín Dvorák

The Dalish - Inon Zur The Dalish Encampment - Inon Zur Dancers on a String - Garry Schyman The Dark World - Arata Iiyoshi Darla Filth Offramp - Thomas Newman <- one of my favorite songs ever Dead End Alley - Bill Elm & Woody Jackson Delphinus Delphis - Austin Wintory Detroit City Ambient - Michael McCann Devil N’ Bass - Danny Baranowsky Dragon Age Inquisition Theme - Trevor Morris

An Early Harvest - Jessica Curry Edge & Flight - Solar Fields Elizabeth - Garry Schyman Elves at the Mercy of Men - Inon Zur Enchanted Forest Pursuit - Christopher Héral Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears and Fears, arranged by Scott Bradlee   Evil Reawakened - Russel Brower & Glen Stafford Exit Music (For a Film) - Ramin Djawadi Ezio’s Family - Jesper Kyd

Factory (Vivid Transparency) - Various Fast Track to Browntown - Danny Baranowsky Fearful Odds - Anthony Gonzalez & Joseph Trapenese Finding the Pattern - Jessica Curry Firebird Suite (1919 Version) - Igor Stravinsky <- song makes me cry First Day - Thomas Newman The First Hunter - Ryan Amon, Tsukasa Saitoh, Michael Wandmacher, Yuka Kitamura, Cris Velasco, Nobuyoshi Suzuki For Ever - Jessica Curry Forest Funk - Danny Baranowsky Forgotten Vale - Jeremy Soule From the Wreckage - Sam Hulick

Gao Shan Liu Shui - Geoff Knorr Geralt of Rivia -  Marcin Przybyłowicz Germany Theme (Industrial Era) - Geoff Knorr The Glasshouse with the Butterfly - Tomas Dvorak Global Union Anthem - Dynamedion Greed - Danny Baranowsky Guardians of the Past - Trevor Morris

Helium-3 - Dynamedion Hengsha Daylight - Michael McCann The High Seas - Brian Tyler Home - Michael McCann Hungarian Dance No. 1 - Johannes Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 2 - Johannes Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 4 in F Sharp-Minor - Johannes Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5 - Johannes Brahms   Hungarian Dance No. 16 - Johannes Brahms

I Was Born for This - Austin Wintory Icarus - Michael McCann Illusive Suite - Jack Wall The Imperial Legion - Brad Derrick In Case of Trouble - Darren Korb Introduction - Solar Fields

Jacknife - Solar Fields The Jedi Steps and Finale - John Williams

Kaer Morhen -  Marcin Przybyłowicz Khi Tasira - John Praesano King’s Row - Derek Duke Klayman’s Theme - Terry Scott Taylor

Land of the Sun - Tilman Sillescu The Last Mariner - Inon Zur The Last of Us - Gustavo Santaolalla Light of Nibel - Gareth Corker &  Aeralie Brighton Losing Control - Michael Giacchino Lutece - Garry Schyman

Main Theme - Andrew Hale Main Title & Theme - Ramin Djawadi Mall Rat - Jerry Martin Manny & Meche - Peter McConnell March of the Resistance - John Williams Medieval Theme - Christopher Héral Memories - John Paesano Metallic Monks - Mark Morgan Minstrel’s Lament - Jeremy Soule Moving Ground -  Christopher Héral Myliobatis Aquila - Austin Wintory

Naru Embracing the Light -  Gareth Corker & Rachel Mellis New Beginning Part 1 - Andrew Hale New Beginning Part 3 - Andrew Hale New Eden - Solar Fields New Tristram - Russell Brower & Laurence Juber Nilin the Memory Hunter - Oliver Deriviere Norway Theme (Atomic Era) - Rolland Rizzo & Phil Boucher Numbani - Derek Duke

Of the People, for the People - Inon Zur Opened Way - Kou Otani Opening Credits - Michael McCannn Ori, Lost in the Storm - Gareth Corker &  Aeralie Brighton Orlais Theme - Trevor Morris L'Oscurita dell'Ignot -  Yoko Shimomura, Ishimoto Takeharu,Tsuyoshi Sekito Osteoglossum Bicirrhosum - Austin Wintory

The Path of Shadows - Twin Feathers Pines of Rome - Ottorino Respighi The Planets: Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity - Gustav Holst The Planets: Uranus, the Magician - Gustav Holst

Reaper Chase Suite - Clint Mansell Reconstructing Science - Mike Morasky Reunited - Geoff Knorr Road Most Traveled - Jeremy Soule The Road of Trials - Austin Wintory Russia Theme (Medieval Era) - Geoff Knorr

Sacrificial - Danny Baranowski Sanctuary - Utada Hikaru Sea Theme - Paul Romero Secret of the Forest -  Yasunori Mitsuda &  Nobuo Uematsu Secrets of the Louvre - Inon Zur The Secret of Monkey Island - Michael Land (Orchestral Version) Selassie’s National Theme - Geoff Knorr Senya, the Enforcer - Multiple Composers Seriola Lalandi - Austin Wintory Set Sail, Coming Home - Darren Korb Seven Hunters - Dam Mantle Mix - Hidden Orchestra Shaded Woods - Twin Feather Shoshone Sun Dance Songs - Geoff Knorr Silver For Monsters - Percival Schuttenbach Snake Eater - Cynthia Harrell Some Place We Call Home - Piotr Musial Sovngarde - Jeremy Soule Special Order - Michael Giacchino Spike in a Rail - Darren Korb Spikeroog - Mikolai Stroinski Still Alive - Lisa Miskovsky Streets of Venice - Peter McConnell Sweetwater - Ramin Djawadi

A Tale of Sim Cities - Chris Tilton Team Building - Michael Giacchino Temptation Part 2 (Burglary) - Andrew Hale Terminal March - Darren Korb This World - Ramin Djawadi Three Banners: Fanfare - Brad Derrick Through the Valley - Jeremy Soule The Time Has Come -  Peter McConnell & Daniel Teper To Glory - Two Steps from Hell A Trail of Hope - John Paesano Trespasser: Dark Solas Theme - Trevor Morris

Uncharted Worlds - Sam Hulick Under an Ancient Sun - Jeremy Soule Undiscovered - John Paesano Upon the Expanse - Geoff Knorr

Volskaya Industries - Derek Duke

Wake Up, Ciri - Mikolai Stroinksi Wall Rat - Michael Giacchino We Will Not Be Forgotten - Austin Wintory Welcome to Bright Falls - Petri Alanko The Western Approach - Trevor Morris Will the Circle Be Unbroken (Choral) -  Marc Lacuesta Whispers of Oxenfurt (Instrumental) - Mikolai Stroinski Window Washer’s Dream - Robi Kauker The Wonderful Star’s Walk Is Wonderful - Yuri Misumi Woodlands - Jarred-Emerson Johnson Wow - Thomas Newman

[eamon-keppel]

“Don’t worry about it, son. I’m not offended in the slightest,” Eamon reassured him with a soft chuckle. He listened as Efrain talked about his general experience in the field of academia, especially with the recent atrocities taking place. The abjurist would be lying if he said he’d never encountered similar people in his time. “Your caution is not unwarranted, young man, but your outlook might prove difficult over time. While every interaction should be handled with both caution and bravery, it is very easy to overthrow this balance.”

He couldn’t blame Sir Efrain for his general point of view. The man was a veteran of war, an individual of high status and standing, someone who likely dealt with deception and backstabbings on a much more regular basis than most people. Not that he would ever presume such a thing about King Rolland II’s court out loud, but no court was without its intrigues. Some were simply more open and ill-willed about it than others. He did hope that Efrain had people around him who he did trust and feel comfortable -- a relative term, really -- around.

Eamon gave Efrain a smile. Some might’ve seen it as an attempt of smoothing things over, but he had the feeling that Efrain was not overly apologetic about his way of thinking or concerned about making amends if it wasn’t genuine. He found himself liking this man. He could use some more pillows and clouds in his life, though, not just hard rock and stormy seas.

“If you would be willing to offer such a commodity, Sir Efrain, I would be most grateful,” he replied. It was a genuine statement. “I have a couple of students -- refugees from the south -- who might prove helpful in return. They’re very eager, believe me. And please, call me Eamon. Mr. Cleartide is my son.”

That jest never got old, in his humble opinion.

A Meeting of Minds

[triistifier]

A History of Kings | House Arryn | Mountain & Vale

King Roland I, ‘the Falcon Knight’ (Reigned; Before Conquest—12 A.C.)

Nephew of Oswin III, who served as King of the Mountain & Vale in the years immediately preceding Aegon’s unsuccessful conquest of Westeros. Roland was the first King of the Vale to participate in the peace meetings held in the Riverlands and swore an oath before the monarchs of Westeros that his descendants would attend in perpetuity.

King Alester I, ‘the Hopeful’ (Reigned; 12 A.C.—64 A.C.)

Eldest son of King Roland I and Queen Lyessa of House Royce. Alester I successfully brokered a fragile peace between the Vale and the Kingdom of the North in an everlasting feud over sovereignty of the Three Sisters.

King Mathos I, ‘the Mad Falcon’ (Reigned; 64 A.C.—73 A.C.)

Younger brother of King Alester I, who died without issue. Rumoured to possess an insatiable lust for battle that led Mathos to agitate the Kingdom of the North into War, once more, over sovereignty of the Bite. Frequently led charges against the Mountain Clans that plagued the high road of the Vale—said to have fallen in battle with the Burned Men after a short nine-year reign.

King Osgood I, ‘the Merry’ (Reigned; 73 A.C.—97 A.C.)

Eldest son of King Mathos I and Queen Elenei of House Frey; storied as a weak King controlled by the Lords he favored within his Court, who convinced him to prolong the War with the North to retain control of the Three Sisters. There is a song of the Vale entitled, ‘Merry King Osgood,’ depicting his great love of ceremonies, pomp and circumstance. The Maesters have long quarreled the rumour that Osgood I took a male lover, Ser Donnel of House Shett.

King Roland II, ‘the Fat’ (Reigned; 97 A.C.—116 A.C.)

Eldest son of King Osgood I and Queen Donella of House Hightower. Roland II’s marriage to Sharra Blackwood saved the Arryn coffers from the brink of ruin, for his father Osgood I spent copious amounts of gold on finery, wine, a war he did not supervise and food in excesses. The Lords of the Vale prolonged the War with the North during Roland II’s reign. It is said that he was born a round, pudgy man and died prematurely of a tumor in his belly.

Queen Regent Sharra, ‘the Lady Falcon’ [of House Blackwood] (Reigned; 116 A.C.—125 A.C.)

Upon Roland II’s death in 116 A.C., his lady wife and consort, Queen Sharra of House Blackwood, presumed the Regency during the minority of her eldest son, the future King Roland III. Known as the Lady Falcon for the cunning tactics she employed to halt the War with the North and limit the influence upon the Crown held by the Lords of the Vale.

King Roland III, ‘the Half-Wit’ (Reigned; 125 A.C.—153 A.C.)

Upon his sixteenth nameday in 125 A.C. began to rule in his own right; married Sybelle of House Celtigar and passed without issue. The histories report Sharra ruling through Rolland III after his sixteenth nameday due to a crippling of the mind; upon Sharra’s death in 147 A.C., Queen Sybelle is said to have ruled through him.

King Osgood II, ‘the Kinslayer’ (Reigned; 153 A.C.—169 A.C.)

Ascended to the Crown upon his brother’s death in 153 A.C. To become King of the Vale, Osgood poisoned Roland and feigned innocence, earning him the reputation of Kinslayer throughout his sixteen-year reign.

King Alester II, ‘the Dour’ (Reigned; 169 A.C.—190 A.C.)

Sole son of King Osgood II and Queen Marya of House Donniger; passed without issue.

Lords Declarant of the Vale (Reigned 190 A.C.—191 A.C.)

The Lords Declarant of the Vale, comprised of Houses Belmore, Corbray, Melcolm, Royce, Sunderland, and Waynwood, presumed the Crown of the Vale until a male descendant of House Arryn was found. King Rolland III died without issue and his younger brother, King Osgood II, had one son, Alester II, who also passed without issue. In 192 A.C., the Lords Declarant scrutinized and decreed Triston Arryn, the second-son of King Osgood I’s fourth-son, as King of the Mountain & Vale—formally invested as Triston I.

King Triston I, ‘the Talon’ (Reigned; 192. A.C.—221 A.C.)

Youngest nephew of King Alester II, who passed without issue. Triston married Queen Arwen of House Velaryon and produced one son. Known for capturing the Paps, an island off the coast of the Fingers, and annexing it to the Kingdom of Mountain and Vale.

Queen Regent Arwen, ‘the Maiden of the Vale’ [of House Velaryon] (Reigned; 221 A.C.—227 A.C.)

King Triston II (Reigned; 227 A.C.—259 A.C.)

Upon his sixteenth nameday in 227 A.C. began to rule in his own right. Known for completing his father’s vision of expansion in capturing the Pebble and annexing to the Kingdom of Mountain and Vale.

King Robin I, ‘the King Who Flew’ (Reigned; 259 A.C.—266 A.C.)

Eldest son of King Triston II and Queen Melara of House Sunderland. Said to have been a ‘Mad’ King; many believe Robin’s madness stemmed from the noxious history of inbreeding associated with the House Velaryon. Because he believed he could fly as a true Falcon, Robin leapt from the Moon Door of the Eyrie to his death.

King Roland IV, ‘the Full Moon’ (Reigned; 266 A.C.—289 A.C.)

Younger brother of King Robin I, who passed without issue;

King Triston III, ‘the Mountain Peak’ (Reigned; 289 A.C.—303 A.C.)

Eldest son of King Roland IV and Queen Rhea of House Durrandon

King Rodrick I, ‘the Old Falcon’ (Reigned; 303 A.C.—335 A.C.)

Eldest son of King Triston III and Queen Marsella of House Waynwood

King Alester III, ‘the Sailmaker’ (Reigned; 335 A.C.—362 A.C.)

Eldest son of King Rodrick I and Queen Amarei of House Darklyn. Known for commissioning a Fleet for the Vale comprised of thirty-one hundred-oar dromonds, eleven double-masted swann ships, and five triple-decked galleas ships in the Spring of 337 A.C., to be completed five years later. In 342 A.C., with a decree unprecedented by the Kings of the Vale, Alester III sent the bulk of the Fleet to the Braavosian coastlands to enlist the Golden Company with the assistance of the Iron Bank. Much of the fleet was destroyed in a storm that wrecked the Narrow Sea.

King Triston IV, ‘the Cunning’ (Reigned; 362 A.C.—)

Eldest son of King Alester III and Queen Jyana of House Blackwood;

Future King Godric I (Crowned Prince)

Eldest son of King Triston IV and Queen Alysanne of House Tully;

[biofunmy]

The Fate of a Brooklyn ‘Palace’

On a recent Saturday, 25 members of the Philadelphia Church of Universal Brotherhood, an African American Seventh-day Adventist congregation, gathered in the ornate lobby of a 95-year-old former movie palace in Brooklyn for their weekly Sabbath service.

Surrounded by columns and a gold-painted plaster frieze of griffins and vases, the attendees sang exuberant, hip-swaying hymns, accompanied by drums, a synthesizer, tambourines and even a cowbell. The fellowship was palpable, and the voices so strong that the force of their collective music seemed to belie the congregation’s meager numbers. But when the collection baskets were handed around, the limited number of hands to pitch in for badly needed building repairs was manifest.

“The lack of funds has really kept us back, because we’re not rich,” said D. Liendra Jeffries, the church’s octogenarian senior pastor. “We’re trying to negotiate a deal so we can do something with the building.”

The building in question, the church’s home since 1975, is the former Loew’s Kameo on Eastern Parkway near Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights, a 1,400-seat theater with a snazzy, Egyptian-inflected Art Deco facade of vibrant, multicolored terra cotta. Pieces of that facade and other masonry have fallen off the building in the past few years, prompting the church to erect a sidewalk shed to protect pedestrians. And in a peculiar example of life imitating art, real plants are growing out of a decorative band of terra-cotta leaves on the structure’s cornice.

Whether the building, which the church consecrated as the Philadelphian Sabbath Cathedral, will survive at all is very much up in the air. The church has been besieged by developers and builders, according to F.E. Roy Jeffries II, the institution’s leader and son of its senior pastor. Church leadership is now weighing whether to repair the building or tear it down and build something larger, such as a six-story apartment house.

“We might do a land lease that includes the air space,” said Pastor Jeffries, a dapper 69-year-old with a salt-and-pepper beard. “But we’re not going to sell.” In any scenario, he insisted, the church would continue its ministry at that location.

Originally known as the Cameo, the buff-brick theater was built in 1924 on land that Samuel Wolfman, a developer, had purchased from the city, which had obtained the property for construction of the subway beneath it. To design the cinema, Wolfman’s company chose Harrison Wiseman, a prolific, Manhattan-based theater architect.

An Ohio native, Wiseman would soon design two noteworthy theaters on the thriving Yiddish Rialto of Manhattan’s lower Second Avenue: the stunning Moorish Revival-style structure on East 12th Street now known as the Louis N. Jaffe Art Theater, a landmark, and the 2,800-seat Commodore Theatre, near Sixth Street. (In 1968, the Commodore became the legendary rock venue the Fillmore East, which for three boisterous years hosted the likes of Jimi Hendrix and the Who.)

Wiseman’s Cameo facade was an exotic film-world fantasy with an Egyptian flavor, probably influenced by Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, which had set off a wave of Egyptomania in the design world. Running along the top was a terra-cotta band of stylized Art Deco women’s faces, suggestive of theatrical masks or muses, each one sporting a smart Cleopatra hairdo. From their eyes shot angular beams of green light evocative of film projections.

The Cameo opened on Feb. 9, 1924, with the melodrama “The Lullaby,” starring silent-film beauty Jane Novak. In June, the cinema began showing movies under the open sky in a 1,500-seat roof garden.

The theater was one of two — along with the Rolland, a neo-Moorish-style Yiddish stage venue at St. John’s Place — that Wiseman designed on Eastern Parkway. The two have had similar histories. Both were built in the 1920s for owners who themselves lived on Eastern Parkway. Both have vividly colorful, terra-cotta Wiseman facades. And both were repurposed for religious use, when churches scrambled into the theatrical shells like hermit crabs and made themselves right at home. Since the 1950s, the former Rolland Theatre has been the Holy House of Prayer for All People.

In its first year the Cameo was purchased by Marcus Loew’s theater chain and rechristened the Loew’s Kameo. At the star-studded opening gala, fans swarmed the playhouse to ogle Johnny Hines and other screen idols; hundreds were turned away. Among the celebrities, noted The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, was Ernest Hilliard, who, though “one of the most despicable villains in screendom,” looked “as harmless as the kitten who sat licking its lips in the lobby.”

By the 1950s the Kameo had grown tatty, but its showy interior still held substantial allure. “It had a skyline of minarets and fake Moorish stuff,” recalled Mark Jacobson, who used to watch movies like “Creature From the Black Lagoon” there with his granduncle Gus, a projectionist at the theater. “And the artifice was set in front of the fake sky in a way that gave you the sense that there was a vast city surrounding you set against the twilight of this other world that probably never existed.”

Mr. Jacobson also got a look behind the theater’s artifice. “I would climb up this little catwalk, and the booth would open up and my uncle would be up there reading The Daily News with a half-eaten chicken sandwich lying around,” he said. “It kind of shot the fantasy.”

When the church purchased the property from Loew’s in 1975, the theater was a mess. “We were in love with that building, oh man, because we bought it with our hard-earned money,” said Liendra Jeffries, the senior pastor. The church paid $110,000 in cash, she said, because racially discriminatory redlining by banks made obtaining a loan impossible.

Cleaning the building was grueling. “Loew’s had guard dogs they let run free in here, and they defecated,” said Pastor Jeffries. “We had to wear boots and overalls and masks and use bleach to clean the whole sanctuary.”

The church reupholstered the seats, whitewashed the plum-colored tapestries in the recessed wall arches and — as the senior pastor said — “we hired a Greek painter who painted over all the naked ladies in the ceiling and turned them into angels.”

Today, the sky-blue-and-gold auditorium is in decent shape, although the ceiling has collapsed in an upstairs stairwell landing, another area has mold, and the building needs repointing. High above the auditorium, the projection booth serves as a breathtakingly untouched time capsule. A rusted cabinet for film reels remains in place, one door marked “Sat Nite.” A vintage spotlight points out a square hole in the wall. And a midcentury Norge icebox bears a message in Magic Marker: “This Refrigerator Is the Personal Property of Men in Booth.”

The building’s terra-cotta facade also remains mostly intact, at least for now. Susan Tunick, author of “Terra-Cotta Skyline,” a history of architectural terra-cotta in New York, said that few city theaters with such vivid polychromatic decoration survive. “It’s unusual for this period to have that much color and a hybrid architectural style,” she said. “It’s very quirky, so it would be very sad to lose such a richly colored terra-cotta building.”

But the structure is not a landmark and can be demolished as of right. Indeed, only one Brooklyn theater with multicolored terra-cotta facade ornament — the 1908 Peter Jay Sharp Building at BAM — enjoys landmark protection.

Even if the church does not raze the former cinema, the Art Deco faces may be stripped from its facade. “If we can change them into angels or replace them with figures that are spiritual, we might go that route,” said Pastor Jeffries. Art Deco is worth big bucks, he has been told, and movie industry people have offered to buy that row of terra-cotta visages. “Anytime we’re ready to get rid of it,” he said, “they’ve left their cards.”

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Sahred From Source link Real Estate

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[red-cheesecakes-blog]

Every Godzilla Movie in a Nutshell

Godzilla (1954): This is a really good movie! Go see it!

Godzilla Raids Again: And this is a really lame sequel.

King Kong vs. Godzilla: The original Death Battle.

Mothra vs. Godzilla: How the hell did a giant moth beat Godzilla?! Still good though.

Ghidorah The Three-Headed Monster: A lame spy movie featuring kaiju.

Invasion of Astro-Monster: A decent alien invasion movie featuring kaiju.

Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster: The Deadliest catch.

Son of Godzilla: So how does Godzilla reproduction work?

Destory All Monsters: Proto-Monsterverse.

Godzilla's Revenge: A very lame Godzilla clipshow in an annoying brat's disturbed mind.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah: Godzilla! He's our hero! He's going take pollution down to zero!

Godzilla vs. Gigan: Tell me? Do you bleed? You will!

Godzilla vs. Megalon: Who ordered extra cheesiness with their Godzilla movie?

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla: The Kaijunator

Terror of Mechagodzilla: The Kaijunator II: Judgement Day.

Godzilla 1985: I want a Dr. Pepper now.

Godzilla vs. Biollante: Feed me Seymour!

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah: Where's the Doctor when you need him?!

Godzilla and Mothra The Battle for Earth: Battra must be going through an Emo phase right now?

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II: The Kaijunator III: Rise of the Machines

Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla: SPPPPAAAAAACCCCCCEEEEEEE!!!

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah: Godzilla basically has heartburn in this.

Godzilla (1998): *crickets cherps*

Godzilla 2000: This is Toho's middle finger to Rolland Emmerich.

Godzilla vs. Megaguirus: Let's be honest, we forget that this film exists.

Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah Giant Monsters All-Out Attack: Godzilla's an asshole in this movie.

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla: Kaijunator Salvation

Godzilla Tokyo S.O.S.: Kaijunator: Genisys

Godzilla Final Wars: Super Smash Kaiju

Godzilla (2014): Both Godzilla and Heisenberg needed more screentime. Still pretty damn good.

Shin Godzilla: This is an Anno film. So it was going to be strange but awesome!

Godzilla Monster Planet: Feed me Sey-oh right I already made that joke.