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cosette141 · 2 months ago

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You, Me, and Who You Used to Be | CS Fic (CSSS 2024 Gift for BelovedCreation)

Merry Christmas!!

I'm your Santa this year!! :) 🎄🎄

Using your prompts of pining, Enchanted Forest, and angst with a happy ending, I give you:

Summary: (CS movie divergence) After getting her parents back on track, Emma’s magic returns. But before she can conjure a portal home, Killian is abducted. Alone in a world she knows nothing about and with no idea how to find Killian, Emma enlists the only person—or rather, pirate—who would be as motivated to save Killian as she is. However… Killian’s past may just be what destroys the future. CS

AO3

Words (so far): 5k+

NOTE: This is currently only the first chapter of this fic - long story short, the fic I spent weeks on just was not coming together, so I last minute changed to this one. It was an idea I had written the beginning of years ago that I remembered when I was trying to find something to align with the prompts you gave me :D so I knew it would be perfect to write for your gift!! I spent the past week working super hard on this trying to get it finished for you in time, but it was getting so rushed and you do not deserve a rushed gift!! So I decided to give you the first 5k words now, and I'll be updating it with the rest over the coming weeks! :)

Chapter One (under the cut!)

A/N: Story context: This is a canon divergence of the CS movie, which begins right after Emma gets the wand from Rumplestiltskin. (He does not send him to his vault of do-not-touch things in this version tho. We’ll pretend Elsa gets to Storybrooke some other way lol. I’ll also be ignoring Marian, which, the show pretty much did when it just ended up being Zelena anyway lol.

Emma smiled at the faintly glowing wand in her fingers, feeling the warmth of the return of her magic, lighting a glow in the vast dining room of Rumplestiltskin’s castle.

Everything was back on track.

Including herself.

Perhaps she had been trying to take the easy way out, blocking her magic from returning so she could go back to New York with no ties left behind.

But more than anything, it was Killian’s smile now that made the warmth inside her grow even more, and if it wasn’t her imagination, made the wand spark a little brighter.

“It works,” whispered Emma, staring at the wand in awe, eyes snapping to Killian. “My magic is back!”

“I knew you could do it, love.” said Killian softly, a relief in his eyes, like it was for both the possibility of getting back home, and for the fact that he still blamed himself for her powers being taken in the first place.

“Ah, the Savior, of course,” murmured Rumplestiltskin from his perch on the edge of his dining table. “I should have known you would have magic of your own.”

Emma suddenly realized just how much Rumplestiltskin knew. “Is it a problem that you know…?”

“It would be,” he agreed, but lifted his hand, where a potion bottle materialized. “However, I have spent the past few hours mixing myself a Forgetting Potion.”

Emma smiled. “Good. Well, let’s do this, then.” She then lifted the wand, about to attempt to bring forth the time portal.

“Wait, wait, wait,” said Rumplestiltskin, jumping down and pushing her hand with the wand down. “Not in here. You might bring any number of my possessions with you.”

Emma winced, eyes finding the myriad of scary-looking things in the castle, wondering just how catastrophic that could be.

She looked from Killian’s raised eyebrow to Rumplestiltskin. “So where do we—“

But not a second later, Rumplestiltskin’s castle was gone, and suddenly they were outside. Trees, greenery and blue sky replaced the walls of the Dark One’s abode. They weren’t too far from the town below, and not far off was the sea. But they were in an empty enough area of the forest that no one should see anything, and nothing should come with them.

“Well,” said Killian, giving her another smile, “ready, there, Swan?”

Emma nodded. She lifted the wand again, concentrating on her magic, on the emotion in her chest, bright and raw. The tiny flicker of a portal, like a zipper drawn in the very fabric of the air, appeared before them.

Killian grinned. “That’s it, lo—”

He was cut off with a grunt, and Emma’s eyes snapped to him, her concentration broken and the tiny beginnings of the portal fizzled back out of existence.

Emma’s heart stopped.

They were no longer alone.

A burly, muscled man had his arm around Killian’s neck in a chokehold, his other arm pinning Killian’s left arm to his side. Killian let out an angry, surprised snarl, jerking hard against the grip.

“Hook!” cried Emma, jamming the wand in her back pocket to hide it and running toward him, only skidding to a stop when three other thugs suddenly flanked the first.

“Sw—“ began Killian, his right hand scrabbling at the hold around his neck, but his airway was quickly cut off. Red rushed to his face, and Emma’s heart froze.

“Sorry, darlin’,” said the man’s raspy voice. “We got direct orders to bring Captain Hook in. He stole from us last night, and now he gon’ pay. Pretty stupid to show yer face in the open like this, without yer crew, no less.” A dark chuckle. “Shoulda sailed away when he had the chance.” To someone behind him, he shouted, “Lucky catch, men!”

Killian struggled against them, something angry and feral, landing a blow to the man's gut. The man growled and stumbled, and Killian reared back to hit him again until the man snapped, “Stop fightin’ or the wench dies!” That made Killian freeze, staring at her with icy horror.

For a moment, Emma and Killian stared at each other, and it felt like time stood still.

Panic rushed through Emma's chest.

Magic.

But she had no idea how to use her magic.

And if she took even a step forward, she'd get a sword through her in seconds.

Killian grunted as a second thug grabbed him on his other side, ripping Killian's sword from his sheath.

Panic rose even sharper in Emma's chest.

Killian swallowed, eyes locked onto her. “Go—home,” Killian managed, his eyes pleading and broken, with something in them that looked like goodbye, only making Emma’s eyes burn.

“Hook—!” breathed Emma, running for him, but froze when three swords pointed in her direction, so close to her it made her stumble back, falling to the ground.

And by the time she made it back to her feet, they were gone.

-.-.-.

Dark had fallen.

The air had chilled.

But none of it gave her the cold dread inside her chest.

She’d searched for hours.

But those men obviously knew this forest better than she did, and it was easy to get lost in it.

Too easy.

She let them take him.

Emma kicked herself.

She should have done something.

She should have been spending all the time back in Storybrooke learning magic instead of shoving it away.

Because now Killian was gone, and it was all her fault.

She got them stuck in the past.

She was the reason Killian stopped trying to free himself from those bastards.

She was the reason that they may never see each other again.

Emma couldn’t stop seeing his eyes.

The resignation.

The defeat.

The horrible, utter sadness.

She was now alone, and she’d never felt this alone in her entire life.

It was one thing to grow up being alone.

And it was another thing entirely to find people, to fall for people, and to have them ripped from you.

It was an entirely different thing to know what it felt like to not be alone.

And ever since meeting Killian, more or less after he decided to become a part of something , he’d been practically glued to her side. He’d voluntarily gone back to the land he hated more than anywhere, he’d given up his revenge, he’d found her in freaking New York City —an endeavor Emma still didn’t know how he managed to do—and how he managed to find her in a world he knew hardly anything about?

Emma stopped on the path, feeling the chill of the air.

Even the air felt different in the Enchanted Forest. It felt… unearthly, which, wasn’t exactly off point. The magic in the land seemed to crackle like a charged atmosphere. The animal sounds, the nightly coos and caws were different, and all this different was unsettling and…

She really, really didn’t want to admit she was scared.

But Emma didn’t have Mary Margaret with her this time. She didn’t have a princess squad to help her through. And, she didn’t have Hook.

Killian, who was god knew where.

He might even already be—

No , said a firm voice in her head, trying to quell the hair that raised on the back of her neck at the thought. They wouldn’t have kidnapped him if they were going to be quick about it.

The idea of him suffering at all…

Emma swallowed, hard, trying to shove down the rush of panic that shook her fingers.

How the hell was she supposed to find him?

She was a complete outsider.

She not only wasn’t from this town, she wasn’t from this world , and she wasn’t from this time, not by a long shot.

She was trapped thirty years in the past, and Killian could be anywhere.

“Go home.”

Emma shut her eyes at Killian’s echo.

Go home.

He wanted her to go home.

He wanted her to leave him here, conjure the portal, and go home.

The very fact that he thought she would made her chest hurt, because how could he think she’d leave him here?

But…

“You really thought I’d let you drown?”

“Given our history, can you blame me for being uncertain? ”

Here she was thinking how he could possibly think she didn’t care about him, when…

“Do you even care about them? Or anyone in this town?”

He said anyone.

He meant me.

And replaying it all, how could she think he’d know she did?

All she’s done since he saved her in New York, was walk away from him.

But she did care.

She more than cared.

And now, she may never —

No.

Emma opened her eyes, ignoring the burn in them.

Determination set into her face, Emma made up her mind without hesitation.

There was no way she was leaving here without Killian.

The thought of returning to life without him, living without him…

It felt wrong.

Something about him in her life just made sense. Even now, she felt like something was missing, and suddenly she was wondering how she ever considered leaving her family, leaving him, to go back to New York.

“Go home.”

She couldn’t go home when he already became her home.

But…

How on earth—or, how in the Enchanted Forest—was she supposed to find him?

And before they did something terrible and irreversible to him?

“He stole from us last night. Now he’s gon' pay.”

Emma blinked.

Killian didn’t steal anything from anyone; she knew he hadn’t. He’d been too concerned with messing up the time continuum.

He hadn’t stolen.

But Emma had a pretty good feeling who had.

And Killian was currently paying for his crime.

Emma smiled grimly, a plan unfolding in her head.

She started walking, faster this time.

She just hoped the Jolly Roger was still in port.

-.-.-.

Emma clung to the shadows when she entered the town.

Thanks to Rumplestiltskin returning her clothes, she was no longer wearing the ragged dress and cloak that they had stolen, and was back in her jeans and leather jacket. Something that, Killian’s voice reminded her, hasn’t come into vogue, ever. So… she had to be careful. They just fixed the timeline; they cannot ruin it all over again.

But Killian was worth that risk.

As she clung to the dark areas of town, Emma was reminded of a younger her, living on the streets, dodging shadowy corners to pitch black alleyways. It was evening, the sky blackening with an array of stars, but the town still bustled with life, mostly around the taverns.

Emma passed the tavern she and Killian had found his past-self in, and Emma risked a look inside, but he wasn’t there.

Her heart quickening, Emma suddenly worried he wasn’t even in town.

She picked up her pace, following the path past-Hook had led her down when he’d been her inebriated guide.

Emma emerged from the cover of an alley, looking up to see the sea, and ships of all sizes moored at the docks. And among them—

Emma felt relief flood her.

The Jolly Roger.

She smiled despite herself, picking up her pace. As she got closer, she could see the crew retracting the anchor—

They were leaving.

Her heart pounding, Emma began to sprint.

With grunts of heaving, two members of the Jolly’s crew were lifting the gangplank.

It was halfway up when Emma got to it, flinging herself off the dock and onto it, barely making the jump. She slid down the wood, landing in a heap on the deck.

“What in the blazes—?!”

The two men nearly dropped the gangplank, but managed to finish shutting it, faster, as if worrying that someone else was going to attempt Emma’s jump.

Her entire body throbbing from the mistreatment, Emma slowly picked herself up from the deck. She quickly noticed at least a dozen pirates were staring at her in shock.

But a voice broke through the din, and Emma would recognize it anywhere.

“Well, you don’t bloody see something like that every day.”

-.-.-.

Despite her protests, Emma had been manhandled by two of the crew members and dragged into the Captain’s Quarters a moment after she’d seen him. He’d witnessed her reckless jump onto his ship, but hadn’t said a word to her yet.

She was currently in the chair opposite his desk, two burly hands on her shoulders keeping her pinned down, and Hook was in his chair behind the desk, staring at her in silence.

“What are you doing aboard my ship?” he said finally.

Emma flicked her eyes to the pirate holding her down, then back to Hook. “I’ll tell you, but only you.”

Hook sighed, then flicked his eyes to the man behind her, giving a minute nod and a slight roll of his eyes. Then, when the door clicked shut, he gave her a pointed look.

Emma let out a breath, her heart beating in a frenzy. This Hook was not half as drunk as he was when they last met. His gaze on her was cold and measured and there was no trace of the softness Killian had now. It unnerved her, this air of danger he held, sitting before her. Waiting.

But Emma swallowed, trying to remember, this is still Killian. Just… buried under two hundred years of pain and resentment.

It didn’t make her feel better.

“I need your help.” said Emma at last, holding his gaze.

His brow lifted, like that was the last thing he’d expected her to say. “My help?” he echoed, lips twisting a little in amusement. “I’m a pirate captain, lass. You’ve mistaken me for someone who gives. Pirates take.”

Emma resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the irony that all he’s done the past two years was give.

Worry fluttered in her stomach, suddenly wondering if her Killian was all right.

And when did he start being ‘her’ Killian?

Emma let out another breath. “Yeah, that’s actually what brings me here. All I need to know,” said Emma slowly, “is who you stole from last night.”

She’d thought it through; if she could just get the name or the place of the person who he’d stolen from, she could go find Killian without Hook ever needing to know she was from the future.

Hook paused.

Suspicion suddenly gleamed in his eyes.

He stood, and rounded his desk until he was standing before her.

The suspicion only deepened in his eyes.

Emma could feel the danger radiate off him like a cologne.

She was trying not to shrink under his intense gaze when he leaned even closer, his face inches from hers. He searched her eyes.

“You,” he whispered. “I remember you.”

Emma’s heart skipped. “You do?” she breathed.

She should have known it was irrational to think he meant he remembered knowing her.

Because his eyes narrowed, coldness in the blue. “You owe me a nightcap, love.”

Emma froze. “Oh,” she said, biting her lip. “Didn’t blame the rum, huh?”

He leaned back slightly, but looked no less predatory. “I’m guessing this is from you as well,” he said, brushing the metal of his hook to his cheek where Killian had hit him.

Emma winced. “Not exactly—“

He was suddenly in her face again, eyes narrowed, colder than ice. “You were trying to get me drunk. To get on my ship,” he muttered. “Why?”

Oops.

Emma tried to think fast.

She did not like a version of Killian that scared her, and this one did exactly that.

As if to prove the point, he raised his hook, tracing her jaw until the tip was underneath her chin, forcing her head up. Emma gasped reflexively, suddenly realizing how bad of an idea this had been. “Tell me,” he hissed, “or this will be rather unpleasant.”

Emma swallowed, trying to stem the rush of fear. To hell with the timeline. “I’m from the future.”

His brow rose sharply, surprise and a little confusion slipping into that cold expression. Clearly time travel was not one of the things he’d expected her to say.

It was the second time she’d surprised him, and Emma knew he wasn’t an easily surprised man.

Before he could interrupt, she went on, wincing as the sharp tip of his hook stung. “I’m telling you the truth,” she said quickly, fear sending a shiver down her spine. “I’m from… about thirty years in the future. I think. It’s really hard to keep track with all the curses," she finished, which even to her ears sounded like she was crazy.

“Time travel is unheard of.” said Hook, dismissing her whole story.

"You spend two hundred years on an island where time doesn't even exist and this is too crazy for you to imagine?" snapped Emma exasperatedly.

He ignored her. “Now, what are you really doing on my ship? Clearly if you’d gotten what you wanted, you wouldn’t have been daft enough to return.” His eyes looked her up and down, his brow lifting when his eyes reached hers, and Emma glared at him. “And if I had gotten what I wanted, that night would not have ended with you injuring me.” A cold smile. “Well, not in the traditional way, anyway.”

Emma huffed out a breath, almost forgetting just how innuendo-clad he once was. “Look, I’m telling the truth . I need your help to—“ She gasped, the tip of his hook digging slightly deeper.

“You will tell me what I want to know,” said Hook quietly. He removed his namesake, and Emma winced. “I’ll give you the night to think it over. Lie to me again," his voice lowering, dipping into the personification of danger as his gaze bored into hers, and she tried not to shrink under it, "you’ll be walking the plank in the morning.” He moved away from her, and Emma realized she'd forgotten how to breathe.

“Hook—“ began Emma, but Hook simply barked, “Jenkins!”

The door opened, and one of the men who had dragged her down here walked inside.

“Take her to the brig.”

Emma’s heart pounded. “No— Hook,” she said quickly as he sat nonchalantly back at his desk. “I need—“

Emma was grabbed from behind and forced out.

He didn’t look up as they took her.

But when he thought she was out of sight, she saw him briefly touch his fingers to his lips, something unreadable stirring in his eyes.

-.-.-.-.

Emma waited until she was left alone, and the ship had quieted down enough to suggest the crew was asleep.

They’d bound her hands in front of her, which was their first mistake.

Feeling a sense of deja vu, Emma felt along the ground until she found something useful. Finding something sharp and thin enough to work, she quickly got to work on the lock to the cage.

The trouble was opening the door without it creaking, which took her plenty of precious minutes.

Once free, she left the brig, and quietly made her way to the armory.

It was good that she was familiar with the ship after Neverland. Plenty of hours on the water had her nervous energy getting the better of herself and she’d done some extensive exploring. She’d paced the ship enough to know where its creaky boards were, so she was inside the armory in silence quickly.

Emma grabbed the first blade she could find—a knife—and freed her hands, then took the gag from her mouth.

Gripping the knife in her shaking hands, Emma left the armory, walking down the hallway to the door at the very end.

The Captain’s Quarters.

Feeling plenty of uncertainty, but needing to know where Killian was, Emma slowly reached for the door handle, glad the ridiculously loud chorus of snoring from the crew covered much of the noise she made.

Slowly and without breathing, she opened his door.

Emma shut it just as quietly, and the noise of the snoring was muted.

Emma turned.

The cabin was dark.

And there, lying on his bed, was Hook. Asleep.

She could see him breathe beneath the blanket.

Carefully, and avoiding every creak in the floor she knew of, Emma crept up to his bed.

Then, she held the knife an inch from his throat, opening her mouth to wake him.

“Do I need to explain what a nightcap is to you?”

Emma jumped a mile in her skin.

Hook’s eyes were open, and he looked from the knife at his throat to Emma. A raised brow, he deadpanned, “You escaped.”

“You underestimated me.” she countered. He lifted his brow as Emma continued firmly, “I need you to help me.”

“Help me?” he echoed. His eyes flicked from the knife to her eyes. “You’re taking your life in your hands threatening me, lass.” he said dangerously.

“I’m trying to save your life!” snapped Emma.

His brow hitched higher, again flicking his eyes pointedly to the blade, then back at her.

Emma sighed, removing the knife from his throat.

He still didn’t move, eyeing her still suspiciously. “How is it you think you’re saving me?” he asked.

Emma sighed shortly. “Look. I told you I was from the future. I am. I’m from your future. And I didn’t get sent to the past alone.” She took a breath, hoping telling him wouldn’t implode the timeline. But she was scared, she was alone, and without his information, she would never be able to find Killian. She could only hope that after she saved Killian, he’d still exist when they returned to their time.

Emma sighed. “When I got sent here, you came with me.” she said finally.

Confusion kneaded his brows with honest puzzlement, and for the first time he looked almost like her Killian. “I… what?” he managed.

Emma sighed shortly. “You— future you,” clarified Emma. “You’re here, in the past, too.”

Hook looked lost in thought for a second. Then— “That was bloody real?”

“What was?” asked Emma.

He sat up, regarding her with both suspicion and shock. “The dream I thought I had of you, up until you foolishly returned.” Emma glared at him flatly as he went on, “I saw…”

“Yourself,” finished Emma impatiently. “Yeah. You punched yourself.” At his very perplexed expression, she went on, “I told him—you—it was a bad idea. So, blame yourself.” He blinked in utter confusion. But, at least, he seemed to believe her story. “Look,” said Emma, “we were on our way back to the future when some huge guys kidnapped him because they said he stole something and he needed to ‘pay for it’.” she finished in a bad facsimile of Killian’s abductor’s voice. Her eyes burning into Hook’s, she said, “What did you steal? Who are they and where did they take him?”

“You’re telling me,” said Hook slowly, “that there is a future version of me out here?”

“Yes,” said Emma through gritted teeth. “Now what did you—“

“Tell me, love,” said Hook casually enough, though the coldness in his words was back. “What is my future?”

“I can’t tell you that,” she said exasperatedly. “Already I need to get you a Forgetting Potion to make sure you get to that future.”

He stared at her for a long moment, a million things happening behind guarded eyes. But finally, his brow lifted a fraction. “And I’m just supposed to believe this?"

Emma groaned. “What proof do you want?” she said impatiently. “Your father abandoned you and Liam; you used to be in the Royal Navy; you became a pirate after what happened to Liam in Neverland; you’re currently on a suicidal mission to kill Rumplestiltskin for taking your hand and Mila—“

“Stop!”

Emma froze, having been angrily ticking off the trivia on her fingers, to see Hook’s eyes with more emotion than she’s seen from this version of him yet.

“How do you know all that?” he breathed. For once, his voice lost Hook’s edge, and he sounded like Killian. The danger evaporated from him in seconds, replaced with something almost... lost. “It’s—it's been centuries since—"

“You told me.” said Emma simply.

“I… told you,” repeated Hook flatly, words rolling off his tongue like something foreign. The edge in his voice swiftly returned as he demanded angrily, “And why the bloody hell would I do that?”

“How should I know?” snapped Emma, her anxiety getting to her and sharpening her own tone.

He rose to his feet, and Emma did not like the feeling that he was attempting to use his height over hers to intimidate her. He leveled a look at her, with something different in his eyes, something dangerous in a new way. “Tell me one thing, lass," he began, voice casual-sounding, but underlined with something that sent a shiver down her spine, "and maybe I help you.”

“Why wouldn’t you help me?” exclaimed Emma, standing her ground. “You’d be helping you!”

“That remains to be seen.” He stepped toward her, and damn it he didn’t even need the hook to be imposing. “Tell me, lass.” Another step, and Emma felt her back hit the wall, not even realizing she’d been retreating. His gaze bored into hers. “Do I get my revenge?”

Emma swallowed, suddenly feeling a familiar sense of dread as to when the past version of Rumplestiltskin had asked about whether or not he found Neal.

When the silence spread a little too long, she whispered, “Hook—”

“Do I, or not?” he demanded, voice clipped. Cold.

Dangerous.

Emma felt paralyzed.

The Hook—the Killian —standing before her was completely hellbent on getting his revenge. He’s been at it for centuries, and the anger and pain in his eyes overpowered the blue in them, so much so it was hard to remember that Killian and Hook were the same person.

And here, Hook was his vengeance right now.

There was hardly a spark of him.

If she told him the truth, that he not only doesn’t kill his crocodile, but chooses to live peacefully in the same town as the monster? Gives up not only his quest for vengeance, but turns into a hero?

And worse yet, that he lets go of Milah?

For her?

From the amount of anger she’s eliciting from him right now, she doubted he’d be happy to know that information in particular.

So, she decided to tell him the truth.

Or…

Part of it.

“No,” she said finally, watching his brow shift dangerously. “Not yet.”

He searched her eyes, his face like stone. “Not yet?” he repeated, voice low, almost threatening.

Emma swallowed the fear slipping down her spine, hoping she was still as good of a liar as she once was. “Not yet,” she confirmed, which, still, wasn’t a complete lie. She took a breath, holding his gaze, preparing herself.

And she lied.

“I’m helping you get your revenge in the future,” she said smoothly. “The Dark One is currently living in a realm without magic. He’s vulnerable. I’m helping you get there.” She swallowed, her entire body rigid. Hook was pin-silent as Emma finished, “We accidentally got sent to the past on our way there. That’s why I need you to help me. If you don’t, you will never get your revenge.”

Emma fell quiet, holding her head high, clinging onto confidence she didn’t feel in the slightest.

Killian could read her like an open book.

If this version of him was as perceptive as he comes to be…

If he found her lying to him…

Again …

Emma tried to ignore the fear prickling in her veins.

He held her gaze, pinning her to the spot with his eyes alone. Watching her eyes carefully, his narrowed.

Finally, he said, “Why are you helping me?”

Emma tried not to flinch at the obvious distaste in his voice. She thought fast, and found something that held nothing but truth. “Because,” she said, “you did me a favor. I’m repaying a debt.”

His brow lifted. “Quite the debt.”

Emma felt something stir in her chest, thinking of all that Killian has done for her. “It was quite the favor,” she said quietly.

His brows kneaded with question, like he wasn’t sure why he would bother to do her a favor.

Emma was quickly becoming irritated with this version of Hook.

“How are you helping me?” he asked then, gaze boring into hers, almost as if he was trying to poke holes into her story to see if it would leak. “Why do I need you?”

It was spoken so carelessly.

And it hurt.

Emma was surprised at the sudden burn behind her eyes.

She’d brushed off Killian’s affections, his obvious devotion to her, more times than she could count.

And here he was, looking at her like he couldn’t have cared about her less.

How could she have wasted all the time she had with him?

Getting him back now was the longest of long shots, for—and it made sharp fear race down her spine— he could already be dead.

Blinking away the emotion, Emma huffed out a breath, trying not to appear as hurt by his words as she was. “I’ve got Light Magic,” she snapped, making surprise lift his brow. “You’re trying to kill the Dark One. Do the math.”

He stared at her for a long moment, eyes narrowed, danger rolling off him in waves.

Finally, he spoke.

“I help you, and, him,” he muttered, uneasily over what to call his future self, “get back to your time,” he said slowly, “and then I will get what I want most?”

Emma felt the ghost of a smile touch her lips, for she didn’t have to lie for this one. “Yes.”

He most definitely will.

-.-.-.-. TBC

@belovedcreation-kitr-headcanon @cssecretsanta2020 @belovedcreation

#csss2024 #captain swan #secret santa #emma swan #killian jones #captain hook #emma and hook #cs #cs ff #cs fic #fanfic #fanfiction #once upon a time #ouat

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seigephoenix · 6 months ago

Note

Welcome to DADWC! I thought I would combine the prompts “Don’t you have to be stupid somewhere else?” “Not until four.” and fumbling, laughing sex! Maybe for Bull/your inquisitor, or f!Hawke/Isabela?

Happy Friday!! For @dadrunkwriting I couldn't quite fit the dialogue prompt in there for these two, but I can fit it in with Adelaide/Bull so I'll do that separate. I just loved the idea of giggly sex for Isabela and Marian. They're meant for this.

Content Warning: smut, fingering, slight possessive talk (but she loves it) Length: ~1.1k

Marian Hawke was nothing if not resourceful. Varric warned her about what she was attempting to do, that this would end in disaster if she was caught. When did Marian ever listen to sound advice? Varric threw up his hands and let her suffer the consequences. She grinned as she pulled on the sturdy rope until Isabela stepped into her quarters in Skyhold.

“Quite the fancy digs here Hawke. Moving up in the world?” Isabela straightened and looked around at the luxurious room. They certainly spared no expense here in the Inquisition, and Isabela was glad she accepted the proposition to work for them. Marian grinned at her and held out her arms. Isabela chuckled and stepped closer until those arms closed around her in a comforting hug.

“I’ve missed you.” Hawke pressed her nose into the thick strands of Isabela’s hair, smelling the sea and that sultry perfume that was all Isabela. Marian remembered when she’d gifted it to the pirate queen, and Isabela always wore it whenever they were together. Her fingers tangled in Isabela’s shirt. “So much.”

“Have you now?” The purr had Hawke’s heart kicking up a notch. Only Isabela could do that to her with just her voice. Marian shivered when her lips trailed under her jaw to her ear. “Missing me this bad that you’re already soaked through Hawke?” Her hand trailed up Marian’s thigh before settling between her thighs, pressed up against her aching core.

“You know I have.” Marian chuckled as she ran her fingers through Isabela’s hair. “Just as you’ve missed me if those letters you send are any indication.” They both grinned before Marian leaned in and covered her lips in a hungry kiss. Marian slowly backed them until Isabela’s knees hit the bed and with a slight push from Marian, she collapsed onto the soft comforter.

Marian paused to drink in the view, a view she’d sorely missed these last few months since leaving Kirkwall. There was no replacing Isabela in her life, it had been as if a very vital piece of her was missing. Loving Isabela was never boring, and Marian craved that giddy feeling every day she was gone. Isabela arched her back and touched her top lip with her tongue as she noticed Hawke staring.

“Why just look when you can touch Hawke?” She leaned forward and grabbed Marian’s wrist before pulling her down onto the mattress as well. Hawke landed with a laugh that was cut short as Isabela twisted and wound up sitting on top of her. “This reminds me of that first night we had together.” Marian trailed her hands up Isabela’s sides before coming back to rest on her hips. “I was shocked that you were able to hold me up like that.”

“I quite enjoyed that expression on your face.” Isabela huffed at the grin on Marian’s face. She truly had been shocked the mage had been able to hold her up so easily, that was when Isabela realized that there were more sides to Hawke than she knew about. It was that thought that had her coming back for more and more until she realized she was addicted to Hawke herself. Hawke drew Isabela to her but Marian made her stay.

Isabela jumped when she felt the spark of electricity dance across her skin, followed by the languid warmth that was Marian’s magic. “You little imp.” Isabela laughed at the mischievous grin on Marian’s face. Isabela never took for granted the fact Marian was just as adventurous as she in the bedroom. Their appetites matched and pushed each other towards more and more, but there was always a line Marian never crossed. Isabela remembered that day. I don’t wish to introduce new partners to our bedroom. I am an inherently selfish bitch and I’m not about to change. The sounds you make, your back arching, and the name spilling out of your lips will be mine and mine alone. Isabela had never been into the whole jealousy and being possessive over your partner bit, she loved a too freely for that to factor into her life. Until Marian said those words in that voice as low as a growl. A switch flipped in her that night.

“You look distracted.” Marian’s grin told Isabela all she needed to know. She leaned down and brushed her lips across Marian’s. Lightly and just enough to tantalize before she pulled back. “Now who’s the imp?” Her fingers tightened on Isabela’s hips when she shifted just slightly. Just enough to send a little spark of heat through her body.

“But you do so love it when I’m like this Marian.” Isabela trailed her lips up her jaw until her teeth tugged at Marian’s earlobe. “How do you want it tonight Marian? Fast or slow? Tender or feral?” Marian shuddered and her hands squeezed at the thought.

“Neither.” Isabela turned to her in surprise before Hawke expertly flipped them over and she was looking up at Marian. Her hand rested low on her belly, with the heel of Marian’s palm just above where she ached for her touch. Isabela groaned when Marian’s fingers swiftly tugged the buttons and buckles free until her shirt pooled on the floor beside the bed. Marian leaned down and closed her lips over her nipple, earning a cry from the pirate queen. Her teeth tugged until Isabela’s nails bit through her shirt into Hawke’s back. She sucked hard just next to her nipple, leaving a mark forming already.

“You do so love to leave marks on me don’t you?” Isabela chuckled as Marian soothed the sting with her tongue. Marian’s fingers slipped beneath her panties to softly tease around her clit. “I forgot what a big tease you are.” Marian grinned and leaned down until her teeth nipped the shell of her ear.

“No you didn’t.” Isabela swallowed as the heat burned in a hot throbbing mess between her legs. She claimed Marian had been soaked but there was no saving her smalls anymore. Her head fell back at the little zap against her clit, just enough to tease and torment her.

“You cheat using your magic like that.” Isabela’s breaths came in choppy pants as her body tensed with pleasure. “I love it.”

Marian chuckled as she ground her palm against her. Isabela’s sharp cry bounced off the walls as she warmed her hand up. Her lips pulled back in a smug smile when she felt Isabela clench hard around her, her walls fluttering around her fingers as she came down from her orgasm. Marian’s body ached for her but she always made sure Isabela found her pleasure first. She enjoyed seeing her come apart, crying her name out, nails carving marks into her back, and no one else’s.

Isabela pulled her down for a sweaty, clumsy kiss full of giggling when they heard a knock at the door. Both women paused and Marian turned towards it. “Yes?” She glared at Isabela when the pirate queen giggled at how her voice cracked.

“Hawke.” They both recognized Cullen’s voice and Marian grinned at how uncomfortable he sounded. “The Inquisitor asked me to relay the message that Isabela is more than welcome to go in through the front door. Please don’t scale up the castle walls.” Marian burst out into laughter at how uncomfortable he sounded.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Commander.”

“Hawke please. You scandalized one of the Orlesian nobles. They thought someone was breaking into their room. Just.” Cullen paused. “Just don’t do it again.”

“Fine, fine.” They heard his footsteps retreat and broke into a fit of giggles. Marian collapsed onto the bed next to Isabela as she held her sides from how hard she was laughing.

“I wonder which noble it was?” Isabela asked as they stared up at the ceiling after winding down.

“I’m sure the Inquisitor will let me know tomorrow.” Hawke grinned and rolled. Her elbows rested on either side of Isabela’s head. “But I’m not done with you yet.”

“Such a charming seduction.” Isabela grinned as Hawke leaned down to brush her lips against hers. “I can’t wait.”

#dadwc #isabela x hawke #oc: marian hawke #f!hawke x isabela #smut

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mermaidsirennikita · 1 year ago

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Hi, love your blog! What would you say are your favorite meet cutes or hate at first sight in historical romance?

Thanks so much!!

I think one of the best meet cutes I've read in a historical ever is in Dreaming of You. Derek is very literally get his face slashed by a group of attackers paid by his ex lover (to ruin his looks of course) and Sara just walks up and shoots the guy attacking him in the throat and kills him. And as soon as she realizes who Derek is, as she's supporting him on the walk to the club, she's like "OH HELLO MR. CRAVEN MAY I SHADOW YOU FOR MY BOOK???" And he's like "... Jesus Christ".

Secrets of a Summer Night has a good one too, with Simon Hunt immediately getting under Annabelle's skin with that stolen kiss. Which Lisa has cut from recent editions, ugh. Lillian and Westcliff sorta have their meet cute in this one too. I believe they know each other beforehand, but him walking in on her playing rounders in her underwear and deciding to hate her Because Lust is so pivotal.

Something Spectacular by Alexis Hall has an amazing one for Peggy and Orfeo. Peggy is planning on trying to help her friend/ex get Orfeo's attention, and when she goes with said friend to an opera performance, Orfeo notices Peggy instead and zeroes in on her. And Peggy's friend had just said she'd heard Orfeo's singing voice made people come, and Peggy literally fainted when Orfeo sang because their voice was so beautiful. So when they're like "Hey I noticed you fainted" Peggy goes "I DIDN'T COME THO". It's definitely not a hate moment, but it's just such a good meet cute and I love this book so much.

Laura Kinsale writes really good meet cutes. in For My Lady's Heart, the hero and heroine meet when he's dropping his wife off at a convent (it's a lot) and the heroine, a married princess, sees him, accuses him of looking at her lustfully (he was) and then saves his ass and earns his blind devotion. Shadowheart features a heroine who gets ensnared by a seductive pirate guy and then he goes "LMAO FORCED MARRIAGE TIME". Flowers from the Storm has a Quaker heroine who meets a rake hero who does this whole seductive thing where he's like "let me describe your sexy face to your blind father". It's great.

Gotta love Lisa Valdez's Passion, where the hero and heroine meet and immediately have sex behind a screen at like, a world's fair.

Hotel of Secrets by Anna Biller has a great meet cute where the hero saves the heroine from getting hit by a carriage, and then they immediately annoy each other.

The Duke Gets Even is so so so good on this meet cute/hate thing. Nellie and Lockwood meet when he's swimming (for his health) in the ocean and she's swimming (naked) also in the ocean. He thinks she's a sexy mermaid, she flirts, they make out, she grabs his hair and realizes he's into giving and receiving pain, he tries to get her to have sex with him, she's like "meet me tomorrow night" and then the day after it's revealed that he's about to propose to hER BEST FRIEND. And then they loathe each other. The Bride Goes Rogue has this hate at first meeting thing too--the hero and heroine have been betrothed for years but never interact until she asks him when they're actually going to get married and he says NEVER ACTUALLY.

A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera has this. The heroine is a rum heiress who goes to sell her wares in Paris, and the hero is a Scottish whiskey guy. It's immediately like "competitive sparks" vibes, which turns into sexual tension, which turns into an orgasm on the Eiffel Tower.

The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian--the hero and heroine actually meet over letter when he's trying to blackmail her. And then he falls in love with her over the verbal sparring, while she thinks he ain't shit. SO GOOD.

After Dark with the Duke by Julie Anne Long has a great setup where the stiff, war hero guy meets the scandalous much younger opera singer girl and looks down on her, leading to mutual enmity (and tension).

The Viscount and the Vixen by Lorraine Heath, where the hero marries the scammer heroine right after meeting her to save his dad from being scammed (it's a thing) so now they're legally bound and he hates her.

Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt, where Isabel saves Winter while he's in a full vigilante outfit and is bleeding from a stab wound and he still manages to get visibly turned on by her wound care lmao.

#romance novel blogging #book recs

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mediaevalmusereads · 1 year ago

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A True Account: Hannah Masury's Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written By Herself. By Katherine Howe. Henry Holt, 2023.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Genre: historical fiction

Series: N/A

Summary: In Boston, as the Golden Age of Piracy comes to a bloody close, Hannah Masury – bound out to service at a waterfront inn since childhood – is ready to take her life into her own hands. When a man is hanged for piracy in the town square and whispers of a treasure in the Caribbean spread, Hannah is forced to flee for her life, disguising herself as a cabin boy in the pitiless crew of the notorious pirate Edward "Ned" Low. To earn the freedom to choose a path for herself, Hannah must hunt down the treasure and change the tides.

Meanwhile, professor Marian Beresford pieces Hannah’s story together in 1930, seeing her own lack of freedom reflected back at her as she watches Hannah's transformation. At the center of Hannah Masury’s account, however, lies a centuries-old mystery that Marian is determined to solve, just as Hannah may have been determined to take it to her grave.

Content Warnings: violence, reference to disordered eating, blood, gore

Overview: This book was on a "most anticipated" list for 2023 historical fiction. I love a good pirate story, so I figured I'd go ahead and grab a copy. There were some things that I found fun about this book, but I ultimately felt I couldn't give it a higher rating because A.) the 1930s storyline didn't feel purposeful, and B.) there wasn't much about Hannah's story that made it feel fresh. Still, if you're looking for a swashbuckling treasure hunt, you may like this book; personally, I just wanted something a little meatier.

Writing: Howe's prose is fairly literary and full of evocative description. I wouldn't call it lyrical or purple, but it does have some lovely atmospheric passages and apt metaphors. The prose also flows fairly well and appropriately balances showing and telling. Occasionally, I felt like there was some overuse of questions to further the suspense, but that's probably personal preference - I'm not a fan of the technique.

My main complaint, however, is that I didn't feel like Howe incorporated her themes well, and a lot of her potential commentary or messaging got lost. If this book was supposed to be about (queer) women living life on their own terms, it really didn't feel like Howe gave her characters much drive to do that. Hannah was bound by secrecy in order to protect herself, and Marian felt like she was constantly seeking approval from her father. If the book was supposed to be about something else, well... I think Howe could have worked in her themes a little better, and doing so would have created a stronger link between Hannah and Marian.

Plot: The plot of this book follows two timelines: 1.) In the 18th century, tavern maid Hannah Masury disguises herself as a boy and sets sail with notorious pirate Ned Lowe after getting caught up in a murder; 2.) In the 1930s, Professor Marian Beresford combs through Hannah's account for clues as to the location of a pirate treasure in the Caribbean.

Hannah's adventure was fun, hitting all the beats one would expect from a pirate story. There wasn't much about it that set it apart from other pirate tales I've read, but even so, I had a good time reading it. I do wish that the treasure hunt had been a little more symbolic or was a means to a different end; looking for treasure in itself because it is treasure is a little dull unless you're playing around with themes such as greed and ambition, but Hannah's story didn't feel like it was doing that.

Characters: Hannah, our 18th century protagonist, is fun to follow and fairly easy to root for, but I think I would have liked her better if she had shown more agency. I was very sympathetic to her plight and hoped she would do well aboard the pirate ship, but I was also a little frustrated because Hannah didn't seem to have any particular desires or skills. As a result, I didn't feel like she was making her own way in the world, just reacting to it. She didn't seem to have a strong desire for freedom, and her attitude towards sea life was rather neutral. I couldn't tell if she wanted to help find the treasure because she had a strong desire to live independently or if she went along with the hunt because she was pulled along on the adventure.

Marian's narrative was altogether different. While I had a lot of fun with Hannah, Marian's story felt slow and without purpose. I couldn't determine why it mattered so much that Hannah's account was real or made up (as a lit PhD, I see value in studying fiction from the past), and I had a hard time believing that a checked out professor would agree to take an undergraduate on a treasure hunt. I also didn't hold much affection for Marian herself, so that might have influenced my attitude as well.

Above all, I found the ending something of an anti-climax. When we learn about Marian's student and her motivations, I couldn't help but feel it was a little contrived. It also reflected badly on Marian and made me think even less of her as a supposed academic and historian.

Marian, our 1930s protagonist, is a little hard to like because she seems disconnected and sometimes callous. While I could get invested in an arc where she starts out disconnected and becomes more engaged, Marian didn't really seem to "come alive" with academic enthusiasm once she read Hannah's account. Oh, she wanted to find the treasure, but I didn't believe that she cared one way or the other about it as it related to her work. Marian also didn't use the treasure hunt as an opportunity to escape from the oppressive aspects of academia, and even if academia was supposed to be oppressive, we aren't shown how (other than maybe it being boring). Thus, Marian's reasoning for wanting to pursue the treasure was unclear; at times, she seemed to have a mild curiosity, and at others, she seemed to want to boost her reputation. She does say that she wants to prove herself to her father, but I wasn't sure what she was trying to prove since she didn't seem to care about her historical work or her teaching. Not even her queer subplot feels high stakes because she doesn't really seem to care about her job (and thus, losing it by being outed wouldn't be the worst thing in the world), nor did I get the sense that her queerness was what caused the rift with her father. Marian also feels somewhat hypocritical in that she criticizes her student, Kay, for divulging information about their treasure hunt to the press, but Marian herself blabs about all kinds of details when confronted with 2 reporters.

Supporting characters were perfectly fine, though my opinion of them varies. I very much liked Seneca, the quartermaster, whose backstory hints at being an escaped slave and who takes Hannah under his wing. Seneca's motivations are mysterious, but it's evident that he's a good man, even if he's a pirate. I disnt quite buy his relationship with Hannah towards the end of the story, but its such a small part that I dont think i can complain too much.

Ned Low, on the other hand, didn't strike a very imposing figure. He was capricious and violent, but rather than make him stand out, such changeability only made it hard to get a handle on him. As a result, I felt like he was something of a non-entity, just a vehicle for senseless violence. The same was true of Will Fly; while his hanging supposedly has a bug impact on Hannah, it didn't have much of an impact on me, the reader, so I wasn't convinced that he was important.

TL;DR: A True Account is a rather middling pirate story with a fun yet surface-level adventure at the heart. Despite one POV character being unlikable and the 1930s plot being rather empty, the swashbuckling story was enjoyable enough, and it may appeal to lovers of pirate tales.

The 1930s supporting characters were also somewhat varied. Kay, Marian's student, was initially likeable for her enthusiasm and her desire for adventure. Over time, however, she became ridiculous. She grated on me when she blabbed to the press, and her motivations for seeking adventure felt a little far-fetched (surely there are better ways and why would the Press care so much about a random student anyway?).

Marian's father also didn't feel like much of a person. He's a famous explorer, but there wasn't much about his characterization that made me sympathize with Marian's desire to earn his approval. I wasn't dazzled by his exploits or by his knowledge of pirate history, and there weren't any anecdotes that hinted at an emotional rift between father and daughter. He just kind of seemed to be there, and he was only important because he was funding the expedition.

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gay-ghostwriter · 1 year ago

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Alright, since @insomnia-vixen was nice enough to ask, I'm gonna list off five facts about the four OCs I'm currently obsessed with

Roddy Usher: (Nevermore)

-Based on Fall Of The House Of Usher

-He was the sheltered gay son of an aristocrat who died of a heart attack when his father found the love letters he was writing to another boy

-His Specter form is a gargoyle! He has wings, super strength, and earth bending powers. He looks like a big stone demon, like Goliath from Gargoyles but pointier.

-Crybaby, doesn't like conflict. Would probably avoid making friends with either Annabel Lee or Lenore because of this. Gun to my head, he'd probably go with Annabel, he's very easy to manipulate.

-The first memory he regained was of his sister, Madeline. He took one look at his dorm room and had a flashback to sharing a room with her while they were growing up. Still misses her.

Caraway, a.k.a. Renard Ruse, a.k.a. Marian Drew, a.k.a. Prince Lagrys: (Dungeons & Dragons 5e)

-Changeling Arcane Trickster, Caraway is his real name and the others are just aliases

-Renard Ruse is a phantom thief with a French accent. It's a title passed down from father to son, kind of like Dread Pirate Roberts. Caraway is the first changeling to ever inherit this title, the others have been humans.

-He grew up as an orphan living on the streets of Neverwinter. The previous Renard caught him trying to pick his pocket and decided to adopt him.

-Has extreme daddy issues, imposter syndrome and species dysphoria. Desperately wants to be a "real boy" and for someone to love him.

-He has an unrequited crush on my boyfriend's D&D character from the same campaign, Drazna the Elf Wizard.

Faris Bazuzi: (Percy Jackson/Riordanverse)

-Son of Aphrodite, 18 years old. Stars in a hanahaki fanfic I'm gonna write one day.

-Fat and hairy/bear, has body image issues

-Can charmspeak people into confessing things to him, kind of like Lucifer from the Lucifer show (yes I'm that cringe)

-Deeply in love with his boyfriend, Duke, a son of Hephaestus who keeps trying to impress him with new weapons he forged.

-Loves romance movies, cries easily

Rashid Al-Hashim: (Castlevania Nocturne)

-Sorcerer and vampire hunter from the Ottoman Empire

-His mother is a jinniyah, a female genie, while his father was a human. This has given him magical powers, including a prolonged lifespan. He's much older than he looks.

-Can fly, turn invisible and control fire. He cannot grant wishes, and gets annoyed when people ask.

-Stubborn and often comes off as rude because he speaks overly formal. This is just how he learned english.

-Made friends with Alucard during a long and crazy adventure I haven't though of yet

#my ocs #shut up andy

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neon-knights-mercenary-company · 7 months ago

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For the ask game:

🔵🔴🟠🟣💛💳💰🌼🔫🛸

( via @is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not )

Draggin in Ags to answer these with me, sinca ya didnt specify and i feel like annoyin her

🔵 What factions (that you do not belong to) do you respect? Why?

R: I respect the fuck outta House Arano. They were my first employers, and Lady Arano was as fine a leader as a monarch could ever be- and I don't mean that as an insult like i usually do . She treated us right and made sure we not only got paid well but were rewarded for shinin' in the field.

A: I fought briefly alongside the 2nd Sword of Light before I left the DCMS. They were consumate professionals and were gracious enough to teach me some of the old tricks they used to keep up with the SLDF Gunslingers.

🔴 What factions (that you do not belong to) do you disrespect? Why?

R: Fuck the Marian Hegemony. I aint elaboratin.

A: Forgive Rowan, her past from before she joined the company isn't something she enjoys speaking on.

As for myself, I hold no respect for the Clans... of my time, Rowan insists I add. The Clans of today... The jury is out until I get back home to Rasalhague.

🟠 Is there an extinct faction you wish to see brought back in some form? Why?

R: The St. Ives Compact. I fought like hell to help Candace get them off the ground, and I aint gonna lie it hurts a bit that they didn't last.

A: The Free Rasalhague Republic. And I aim to see it happen in my lifetime.

🟣 What are your top 3 favorite planets you have visited, if you have visited multiple worlds?

R: sure, firstly is Canopus- 's where i got my tits, 'nuff said. Zwei? Gonna say Herotitus. The 'Knights based outta there for a while after the Arano Restoration, and its where i'd say i really went from being a regular mechjock to someone with a real modicum of talent. More importantly, its where i picked up a good bit of periphery merc culture and pride. Three, is Coromodir. Aside from being a beautiful planet, its where I made 'mech ace of aces in a single day. I've also got a *lot* of good memories there celebratin' our victory with Fursona's Fusiliers. Just ask @is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

A: To engage with the spirit of the question, I will leave out Rasalhague's worlds. The deserts of Vega are beautiful, in a harsh and unforgiving way. Solaris is a thrill, and I'd like to return one day to compete again. Lastly, Terra herself. All that there is to love in the galaxy can be found in some manner on Terra. Also, she has the most beautiful moon in the universe.

💛 What do you currently pilot?

R: Haters will call it a frankenmech, but I call it a sweet fuckin' rig. These Boots is a Marauder MAD-3D at base, but one of her arms were shot off and replaced with a Mad Cat's, another with... some other clan mech? I honestly don't know. She's got TSM, a supercharger, and enough jump juice to help me live up to my callsign Kingfisher. Also, talons baybe!

A: I pilot a Highlander HGN-732, with many parts upgrades to bring it closer in line with the -732b. It's name is Deadeye Dancer, and it lives up to it.

💳 If you are/were a mercenary, who is/was your most and least favorite client?

R: I'd say House Arano, but honestly... It's whatever little two-bit periphery settlement that needs to fend off pirate or dipshit vulture lord raids, and barely have the cash to pay for the scorched armor. If i could somehow keep my company going, only working for them, I would do so with zero regrets.

A: Back in 30...30? We took a contract in the Taurian Concordat, and I did not expect to enjoy my time working with them as much as I did. They are consummate professionals, and will give you wild discounts on equipment if you promise to kill some Davions with it.

💰What was your dumbest and/or smartest purchase?

R: I once bought an industrial mech on a dare- bet a prick on Solaris that I could win about in the Class Six arena with one. I came in second, which still was a lost bet. And there went *way* too many C-Bills... For my best purchase? An old "pile of junk" Shadow Hawk SHD-2H. Turns out, someone way back when put in some aftermarket upgrades, and we ended up pulling an LB-10X and a few Freezers out of it. A pretty Big Fuckin' Deal for 3027.

A: I once got a.... very unfortunate tattoo while out drinking with the other officers of the unit on Canopus. My best purchase was bottle of genuine tequila from Terra that I managed to expense to Hanse Davion's personal bank account. Though, I do suppose that means I was not the one who purchased it.

🌼 For Inner Sphere characters, what do you think of the Clans, in whole or in part?

R: Spoke with Melissa about this, but long story short? The Clans were awful ugly before I misjumped, but Melissa promises me they've mellowed out and are getting better, and I trust her. Still gonna have some biases, though, so please do call me out on them when you see it.

A: The last I saw of my homeworld, we were retreating after Clan Wolf invaded. It is a moment etched into my heart in fire. The continued occupation of my people is a matter I will address to my own personal satisfaction. But the SLDF we have encountered thus far have been surprisingly tolerable. I find myself willing to give the benefit of the doubt, with the express exception to those whom occupy the free people of Rasalhague.

🔫 If you can fight in non-vehicular combat, what weapons do you favor?

R: You can't go wrong with a bog-standard ballistic assault rifle of any era. Well, you can- they're kinda shit compared to some of what else is out there. But I love them for it. They're like the Urbanmech of small arms.

A: I favor submachine guns, but I prefer to fight only long enough to get to a mech or a tank.

🛸 Is there a "canon rumor" theory (e.g. hyperspace weirdness, aliens, Phantom 'Mech Ability, time travel, alternate universes, the Lost Cameron) that you believe in? Or perhaps have experienced?

R: it's ridiculous, really, but there's this rumor goin' around that I fucked The Last Cameron- [MUFFLED THUDS]

A: No. Bad Rowan.

As for myself, I have seen the Phantom Mech phenomenon in action. I fought alongside Yorinaga Kurita in several skirmishes, and whatever boon or curse he bears... It is real.

#battletech #mechwarrior #neon knights mercenary company #operation touchdown

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magecrashout · 2 months ago

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it could've been the two of them somewhere under the sun, arms wrapped about one another. instead, it had been a thousand miles and bitter heartbreak separating them. only isabela's honesty was mending the damage. years from now, hawke would worship her for it, and remember that it made them move forward. her pirate queen, the one who hid her feelings behind humor and a light demeanor, bared herself first. she would treasure this for as long as she lived. hawke was partially aware of this right there, drinking in isabela at this moment of distress. she was a blessing from the maker.

marian knew she would have come. she knew she would've said yes even if it took her a year to write back a reply. she would've waited for isabela at the port and perhaps when they met, they'd hug each other tightly. the nasty words she had said to isabela ever since the door closed behind her today echoed in her mind. maker, she was a bitch.

and yet... isabela was baring her heart out for her. hawke wouldn't bite it this time, this time she'd take it and caress it. she could see how much pain she had caused. it was written in isabela's golden eyes. that is how isabela had looked when she left kirkwall, and yet hawke hadn't realized what was at stake. it didn't stop her from spitting more poison out or from pushing her far away.

no more.

hawke's eyes were watery. behind them replayed moments that she had to make up for. the words she had to apologize for. and before her — the person who loved her unconditionally. the only one who did not care for who she was — champion, apostate, viscountess, or a blood mage.

❝ isabela — ❞ marian tried to speak but her throat closed. if only she had said something years back they might have been standing somewhere different and both a great deal happier with their lives. if only hawke had known that their crashes into each other were not as casual as she assumed them... but she couldn't always ask and demand and take from her. no, she had to give.

before she knew it, her back lay against the mattress and isabela atop her. she blinked in confusion but caught the clear signal of hesitation in the face above her. her breath hitched as hawke realized what could be next. her inner self screamed in favor of pushing isabella away and remaining in control, but she put it out. she ignored it and with forged soft breaths stared at her rivaini pirate.

isabela had always been gorgeous to hawke. the years had barely seeped into her appearance, except for a few wrinkles on her face. her hair was exquisite as ever, more and more threatening to fall over her shoulder as she loomed. with her captain hat on she'd be a fearsome but just as exciting sight... and one that swept her breath away. hawke couldn't recall the last time someone had made her feel like this. her stomach twisted — is this how the butterflies authors spoke about in novels felt?

isabela's forehead touched hers and hawke let out a sigh. she was afraid and yet she expected... she expected to be kissed. no, she wanted to be kissed by isabela. to seal all of those meaningful words her companion had managed to let out, just so hawke could show her that she felt similar. she saw through her own stupidity and what it had made impossible. her life as it was now was a miserable excuse of who she used to be and the risks she used to jump headfirst into. now that her heart was rebelling against its quiet routine, hawke wanted her old self back.

her head tilted, nose brushing gently against isabela's, and her lips parted — an invitation. her old self would've rushed into the kiss already but for the viscountess, this was foreign terrain. she had a taste of isabela's kisses before but these emotions were distant adversaries.

lips were upon hers — hands were cupping her face — she felt adored, her burdens began to melt and soon she was kissing her back, moving her mouth in the rhythm isabela set. hawke tasted her love and longing and she responded with her own — apologies and warmth. she had never been kissed like this. isabela's lips were soft and the way they pressed against hers — a delicate moan made it past her mouth. embarrassment instantly washed over her. she froze for a moment then her arm blindly draping over isabela's shoulders.

eyes like lyrium found isabela's when they broke apart. inside she was warm and suddenly the room was terribly cold. it felt like waking up from a dream — yet isabela was still right there. hawke's heart was threatening to jump in her ears. she was wide-eyed, partially petrified, but she had never felt fuller.

hawke pressed into the second kiss, eager to show everything she requited.

❝ ... i've needed that for years, ❞ she whispered back. and for the first time in forever, hawke knew what she had to say to make it right. her fingers gladly took isabela's, clasping them together but her head turned to the side. she bit her lower lip, which was beginning to quiver.

a tear undoubtedly rolled from her eye to the bedding. then another and another followed, hawke tried to hide, but there was no way to. a shaky breath in. ❝ i'm... so s-sorry for all that i said to you. ❞ she choked out the apology and it was broken by sobs. ❝ all i wanted was for you to stay. but you had the... you had the right — ❞ voice breaking and the tears continued to run, few crossing the bridge that was her nose to fall onto the sheets. her hands squeezed isabela's, not bothering to try to wipe away the rivers of vulnerability.

in what felt a miniscule forever, she forced her eyes open. her chest filled with air, ❝ i missed you, isabela. ❞ hawke admitted with more silent tears. she could taste the salty drops on her lips but she wanted to kiss isabela if she'd have her.

hawke pushed her knee up and wiggled one hand out of their clasp to touch isabela's jaw. her fingers caressed it while her eyes searched for any hint of regret or repulsion. they found none and hawke braced herself — then brought isabela down, right beside her. they lay facing one another and she slid fingertips to her throat. hawke leaned in, kissing her with the most love she could muster. a slow, hushed kiss, spinning her errorless tales of how her heart beat for her now. a promise to treat her right if she was allowed to. a reminder of who they used to be.

❝ if you'll have me — ❞ marian wasn't sure what she was to say but a quiet sob broke anyway. she tried to swallow it and hoped isabela didn't taste doom on her lips because she kept kissing her.

isabela braced for a blow—half expecting it, half hoping for it. some small, twisted part of her wanted the strike, needed the sting to confirm hawke was truly gone, to anchor her bitterness and fan the flames of her hatred. but when hawke spoke, the sound of her voice stole the breath from isabela’s lips, a gasp slipping out before she could stop it.

she had clung so tightly to the idea of hating her, wearing that hatred like armor. but now, as the walls she’d built started to crack, the feelings she’d buried—those maddening, tender things—came rushing back, too sharp and too sudden. overwhelming. overstimulating. it left her reeling, unsure if she should fight, flee, or fall.

isabela chose the latter.

overwhelmed, the reason of rationality crumbled beneath the weight of her emotion. sharp pangs of loss, aches of love long since buried — they overwhelmed her. drowned her. she'd fought this emotion as long as she'd regained her fleet, bit at them until they were hollow and silent. now, letting them surface again, she felt a strange ache of relief — composure.

instinctively, she embraces it, those same biting tears stinging at the corners of her eyes. as she clung to marian's arm, there was a tremble in her stance, in the voice that came. " i…i can't remember all of them. maker there were so many. i know it sounds like i'm bullshitting — but the letters were always suggestions… a plead to just come with me. "

the chuckle that came was muffled beneath the weight of her trembling lips, her grip tightening on the mage before she shifted in her spot, kneeling in front of hawke with that same heartbroken look she left the city with.

the chuckle that followed was muffled, unsteady beneath the weight of her trembling lips. her grip on hawke tightened as if letting go would shatter her. slowly, she shifted, kneeling before hawke, her heart breaking all over again as she gazed up at her with the same longing, the same devastation she’d left kirkwall with.

her voice faltered, barely more than a whisper. " i always wanted to say it, but i was scared you’d laugh, or tell me it was a bad joke. " isabela swallowed hard, her fingers brushing over marian's. " before you and fenris, i thought— " she cut herself off, her voice cracking under the weight of unsaid words.

she holds her ground, eyes mocking her intentions with sonorous pangs of fleeting emotion. isabela felt herself slipping from that usual standoffishness, and found herself shifting closer, faster than her mind interpret, but within seconds, she descent closer to hawke, hands shoving the mage against the bed. her heart, beating through her chest saw to that panicked look in her eyes.

thump- thump- thump … the noise was deafening.

for once, she didn't know how to proceed.

she freezes, unsure of what brought her forward. her gaze flickers across hawke's face, admiring those features that made marian stand out in her mind. her friend -- her partner … her beloved. parting her lips as if to speak, she presses her forehead into the others own, but nothing came. there was no choir to back the rhythm of her heartbeat. this feeling felt unnatural. pressing her forehead against marian's, she sighs, drinking in the shallow but warm breaths from the mages lips, the warmth of their closeness grounding her. there she lingers, caught between desperation and hesitation as her nose brushes against hawke's in a silent plea.

" … the wording doesn't matter. how about a bit of intent? "

and then, before she could talk herself out of it, before she could hide behind another joke or a smirk, isabela surged forward. her hands cupped hawke’s face, her touch firm but trembling as she pulled her down into a kiss that encompased all of her feelings at once-- like it had been held back for far too long. there wasn't practice in this moment ; she thought it would never come. raw and unrestrained, the captains carelessness melts away to bare the full burden of her heart, her eyes softening to that same pool of concern she'd held throughout hawke's recovery.

her lips part, moving against marian's own, attempting to steal away breaths of lost time ; each second drawing out for every year she'd spent in exiled anguish. for once, and only for a moment, she was isabela. not the pirate queen of the eastern seas — not a leader in the lords of fortune — just … a woman burdened by the weight of her own emotional toil.

when the kiss finally broke, her forehead remains pressed into hawke's, stealing away at breaths from the mage's lips before stealing another kiss.

her voice finally breaks, flitting the edge of a whisper. " i've wanted to do that for years. "

in the heat of the moment, a glisten seizes behind isabela's gaze, a realization laddened by excess guilt and memory. she'd never been more vulnerable, more afraid, or more alive. as she holds the gaze, her words slip away as years of uncertaintly melt in their shared space, her fingers entwining with the others own as her chest tightened with the pressure of years in unspoken denial. the world felt feather light now. something she could bare.

she was done hiding.

#🪶. 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗥 𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 [ threads ]#🪶. fvrtvne [ i wish you didn't leave this way i wish we could've ruled again ]#hawkebela nation we won....#my barbie is crying maker she needs it

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lurking-latinist · 3 years ago

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It's time... for me to start listening to Big Finish. So, of course, I have come to you. Suggestions for where to start? Sixth Doctor stuff preferred, of course? Do you have favorites? Do Tell!

:D !!! this is the best ask ever!

(I assume then that you have finished Trial of a Time Lord and that I can safely recommend audios that spoil it?)

I can't remember whether you said you have Spotify. If you do, Big Finish on Spotify is a good (and free!) place to start; the first 50 entries in the "Main Range" (Doctors 5-7, and 8 before he got his own range) and some extras are available. (Be careful you don't accidentally have it on shuffle, though--ask me how I know!) See this useful article by @circular-time for a guide to who's in what and what order they go in, e.g. if you want to follow a particular character or a particular arc: http://vhswhovian.com/2017/11/index-of-free-big-finish-on-spotify/ On the other hand, many Big Finish audios are more or less standalone, especially the ones that fill in gaps in TV continuity.

Recs below the cut!

Of the Sixth Doctor audios available for free on Spotify, these are some top picks:

The Marian Conspiracy. Introduces new companion Evelyn, a middle-aged history professor whom I love very dearly. She's a delight, the historical setting is used to good effect, and Six's dark side and kindness are both well handled.

All of Evelyn's audios are good, and you can definitely have a good time just following her story! Other standout Evelyn stories that are free: The Apocalypse Element is a big sci-fi blockbuster (well, in audio form), although I'm not sure how impactful it would be if you haven't watched Romana's TV stories as well--she's a major character in it.

Jubilee is possibly, still, Big Finish's masterpiece, the story that inspired the new series' Dalek. Dark but not despairing, it finds the Doctor and Evelyn in an alternate, dystopian 20th-century England created by a Dalek invasion. A failed Dalek invasion.

Doctor Who and the Pirates is a hilarious and heartbreaking, extremely meta story. It's about the power of art and storytelling to help us cope with guilt and grief. And pirates. It's also a Gilbert and Sullivan pastiche: Colin Baker sings I Am the Very Model of a Gallifreyan Buccaneer. And he can sing!

Those are my Six and Evelyn top picks, and the Evelyn stories are a great place to start with Big Finish. But if you've been watching the TV series, you're probably thinking that you miss Peri and/or want to know more about Mel. So here are some recommendations with the TV companions:

The One Doctor is pure comedy: in a distant future where everything is banal, Six and Mel meet a conman impersonating the Doctor and his beautiful assistant Sally-Anne, who assume they're running the same con--only for the bickering pairs to encounter a quite genuine alien menace who needs them to build IKEA furniture, win a trivia competition, and visit a very lonely Jelloid. Bonnie Langford has a knack for comedy that really shines here.

...Ish is a Six and Peri story, and it's the audio that got me into Big Finish and in fact into Six at all. @circular-time describes it as "a little esoteric" and she's not wrong; suffice it to say that the villain in this story attacks a conference of lexicographers through the medium of words, quite literally. Intrigued? Then you'll probably like it.

Some of the Lost Stories are interesting: audio versions of TV stories that never actually got made, including Six and Peri stories that were replaced by Trial. I remember enjoying Paradise 5 (infiltrating a space resort) and Point of Entry (Christopher Marlowe), but I don't remember all that much about them, unfortunately.

The Destiny of the Doctor boxset is a series of stories, one for each Doctor, that all connect up at the end. They're in what's called the "Companion Chronicle" format, which is to say that unlike most Big Finish audios, they're not full-cast but instead read like audiobooks by a single performer, in this case Nicola Bryant (Peri). She reads beautifully and the story stands well on its own.

Big Finish has also made a few, mainly short stories available for totally free on their Soundcloud. Of these, Urgent Calls is by far my favorite--a wonderful solo story for Six that uses the audio medium to great effect. I think The Ratings War, which is quite funny, is also there.

If you decide to spend money, the first 100 of the Main Range are very cheap downloads. Highlights include:

The rest of Evelyn's stories: Arrangements for War is deservedly beloved, The Nowhere Place is a particular favorite of mine, and 100, a collection of four short stories, is worth getting if only for the delightfully meta "The 100 Days of the Doctor."

The Wormery brings Six, struggling to find himself after his trial, together with Iris Wildthyme, a character who started as a parody of the Doctor and knows it perfectly well. Iris has her own audio series, but you don't need to know much about her to enjoy The Wormery. She drinks like a fish, her TARDIS is a red London bus (and it's smaller on the inside), and her fabulous sense of style runs to leopard print and big hats: everything else, she'll explain herself!

Her Final Flight is the first of several excellent outlets for your Six and Peri post-Trial feels. I won't spoil it, but it's very good.

The Juggernauts is a good one for Mel's character. Separated from the Doctor, she finds purpose helping with a space colony's research program--but it may not be quite what she thinks...

I personally like Year of the Pig, which features a talking pig, Turkish steam baths, the Doctor's tipsy quarrel with Marcel Proust, and the looming shadow of WWI, but... well, that was probably enough for you to tell whether you'll like it or not!

The Wishing Beast is another great Six and Mel story. It's actually a three-parter, The Wishing Beast, which comes with a connected one-parter, The Vanity Box; they're set in different times and places but are narratively connected!

Beyond the first 100 stories of the Main Range, prices go up, so I tend to just buy things that sound up my alley. I really enjoyed the Six and Charley audios (starting with The Condemned) but they won't make much sense unless you've also listened to the Eight and Charley audios (which you should, if you want to branch out from Six; the early ones are on Spotify, starting with Storm Warning).

Recorded Time and Other Stories is an excellent anthology of Six and Peri stories. My favorite is "A Most Excellent Match": Peri gets trapped inside a VR Jane Austen simulator game, and the Doctor has to rescue her within the terms of the literary genre!

The Wrong Doctors is Mel's introduction episode! Sort of. It gets complicated. Anyway, it contains a version or versions of how Six and Mel might have met, and it's a very good story.

The Widow's Assassin, similarly, contains a version of what might have happened to Peri after Trial. It will give you all the feelings the show left unspoken--but not everything is what it seems!

Trial of the Valeyard is particularly enjoyable if you liked the courtroom aspect of Trial: featuring returns of Michael Jayston (the Valeyard) and Lynda Bellingham (the Inquisitor), but now the Valeyard is the one being inquired into....

I haven't listened to The Last Adventure yet, but I'm told it's incredible. It's the full story of the Sixth Doctor's regeneration: it's not just falling over!

If you like River Song, I have to recommend The Diary of River Song series 2. (It's not necessary to have heard series 1.) She meets Six and Seven, and her audio with Six made me ship it. They're adorable.

The Behemoth features Six with recent audio companions Flip and Constance, but you don't need to know them to enjoy the story, which is a pure historical set in 18th century Bath. There's no alien menace here--instead, the villains are slave traders. The audio has some very memorably funny parts (comedy of manners, I would say), but treats its subject with deserved seriousness.

If you like Flip and Constance, The Middle is also really good--set in a sci-fi society that's segregated based on age. Which is really unfortunate, given that it's Constance's birthday.

I know this is a lot--I got a bit carried away! I love a lot of Sixth Doctor audios, some probably more than they deserve, and there are probably others that I haven't given their due here at all. But I hope this is a helpful starting point to get oriented to what types of audio stories are available, where you can get them, and which ones you might enjoy. Honestly, though, you can't go wrong!

Have a wonderful time--and, if you have the inclination to share some reviews or thoughts, I'd love to know what you think of them!

#doctor who #big finish #sixth doctor #peri brown #mel bush #evelyn smythe #fandom manifesto? is that what this is?#ok to reblog

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rachelbethhines · 3 years ago

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Robin Hood and His Merry Band

list of characters for an original series I’m working on

Alan-a-Dale - the gloomy and cynical bard, the grumpy voice of reason who doesn’t give a fuck, wonders why he hangs out with these crazies, knows it’s cause they’re family to him but won’t admit it out loud, besties with Friar Tuck even though they never agree on anything, is clearly a bi disaster

The Archdeacon of Canterbury - The aging head cleric of the church of England. He supports King Richard but is becoming increasingly impotent because of his failing health. Still holds a lot of political power because of his title though.

The Azure Assassin - A deadly mercenary and rival to Robin Hood. Orphaned at a young age Azure had to steal to survive. She stowed away on a pirate ship at the age of ten and has spent the pass eight years studying fighting techniques the world over. They call her the Azure Assassin because her blue eyes are the last thing you’ll see before dying. She’s gained a modest fortune and fame as a spy and assassin, however she can never stay in one play too long due to her reputation getting out. Prince John has offered her a pardon and a place in high society if she brings in Robin Hood’s head. Shame she’s fallen in love with his brother Will Scarlet, as that complicates matters.

The Bishop of Hereford - Conservative asshole who supports Prince John’s rule and shares his beliefs on ‘bringing order to the kingdom’. Wants to usurp the Archdeacon as the head of the church. Is Friar Tuck’s and Sister Clara’s arch nemesis.

Dame Brianna DuBois - Also known as the The Black Knight, DuBois is loyal to the throne of England and whoever sits upon it. She’s Prince John’s personal bodyguard and unbeknownst to all a double agent for King Richard who is in hiding. However she is conflicted when her duty places her lover Yua in jeopardy. Yes, she’s totally a butch lesbian.

The Duke of Essex - Prince John’s adviser and right hand man. He only cares for power for power’s sake but is sneaky and conniving and willing to play the long game to get it. He prefers poison to swords, but is surprisingly good at hand to hand combat when cornered. Has a pet snake. It’s the only living thing that he loves.

Elenore of England - Prince John and King Richard’s sister and Maid Marian’s mother. She died when negotiations during a worker dispute turned violent. Unable to quell the people’s rage, she was stuck down during a riot. Richard, blaming himself for losing his temper and causing things to escalate has since tried to follow in her footsteps and become peacemaker. Prince John went the opposite route and blamed the ungrateful peasants (criminals in his mind) and resented Richard for even bothering to negotiating in the first place.

Friar Tuck - The jovial and optimistic heart of the team. He tries to keep everyone’s spirits up and believes that helping people is the ultimate expression of god’s love. Is a hopeless romantic and also very, very gay. He butts heads with more traditional leaders of the church often. He also has a not so secret crush on his best friend Alan.

Guy of Gisbourne - From pauper to nobleman, Guy is Robin’s opposite in everyway. He crawled up from the bottom rung by using and stepping on others and he’s always looking for the opportunity to climb the ranks. Don’t let his foppish ways fool you though, he is both a cunning and ruthless foe and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. His latest scheme however is to marry Maid Maiden and become next in line for the throne as Prince John has no other heirs save his ward.

King Richard - Good Richard the Lionhearted is no longer a bloodthirsty crusader in this alternate universe but a peacemaker. He wishes to end wars, not start them, however his more abrasive, uncouth, and impulsive nature can often clash with his loftier goals. Many feel the king would do better to stay at home and tend to domestic matters instead of concerning himself with the conflicts of other far off lands. At the start of the story he has disappeared on one of his diplomatic visits. In reality Prince John has stuck a deal with the king’s enemies and he is currently on the run.

Lady Tiffany - Little John’s little wife and the daughter of the Sherriff of Nottingham. She acts as the gang’s ‘man on the inside’ helping Robin Hood sneak in and out of places and feeding the team needed information. She’s stubborn and spoiled but also very kind hearted. She usually can get her father to give into her demands with just a pout and when that doesn’t work a full on tantum will do. She a woman who knows what she wants and what she wants is her man. Unfortunately daddy dreariest would never approve of their union and so Friar Tuck marries them in secret.

Little John - Robin’s best friend and right hand man. He’s a simple man who loves life’s simple pleasures, good food, good friends, and a good brawl from time to time. He adores his partner, Tiffany and would like nothing more than to marry her for real, in a real church, in front of the whole world. However their relationship must remained hidden from her father, the Sheriff, since the violent lawman would sooner see him hanged then have a thief for a son-in-law.

Lord Locksley - Robin’s and Will’s father. He is arrested for ‘not paying taxes’ but in reality it’s for supporting King Richard and secretly helping the displaced monarch. His arrest leads to Robin and Will becoming outlaws and the series kicks off two years later.

Maid Marian - Prince John’s ward and niece. Her mother died when she was young and her beloved uncle adopted her. Prince John is the only parent she’s ever known and she at first believes him to be a kind and just man. She’s completely oblivious of Prince’s John’s underhanded dealings and oppression of the poor and at first is skeptical of Robin Hood. However as the two grow closer, Marian learns how harsh the real world is and just how much her father figure has lied to her.

Miss Yua - Maid Marian’s lady-in-waiting and best friend. She’s the daughter of Sir Ivanhoe and longs to be a knight as well. She’s a stickler for rules and doesn’t trust Robin Hood and his gang of thieves. At first anyways, over time she too learns of Prince John’s cruelty and even becomes a victim of the tyrant’s schemes. Which puts her in direct conflict with her love, Brianna DuBois.

Much the Miller's Son - born as Midge the miller’s daughter, the young Much longs to be accepted as a boy. As such he’s ditched his dresses, cut his hair, and ran away to Sherwood Forrest in order to be free from society’s expectations. The rest of the merry band accepts Much for who he really is, but at only 13 won’t let him join their gang. He still winds up caught up in their misadventures anyways due to his refusal to listen to anybody, and his determination to get away from his overbearing mother.

Nurse Agnes - Maid Marian’s wet nurse and the closest thing to a mother that she has. Agnes believes in the ‘old ways’ and is very superstitious. She’s also very critical of royalty in general, but is smart enough not to say so out loud. She’s tried to raise Marian into a better person than Prince John, but eventually was dismissed once Marian had come of age. Since leaving the court Agnes has become the witch of the woods and a healer for the poor.

Prince John - The main antagonist. Prince John believes that he needs to bring order to the kingdom of England and feels like his brother King Richard has neglected his duties as ruler and placed the kingdom in danger. He'll do whatever it takes to protect the country including subjecting it’s undesirables.

Robin Hood - Leader of the Merry Band and archer extraordinaire, Robin Hood had to go on the lam when his father was arrest for ‘treason’. While his first priority was to keep his baby brother, Will, safe, the two of them met other outcasts in need over the years have built up an underwound network of rebels who fight against Prince John’s rule. Seemingly suave and cool at first, Robin is actually a bundle of nerves as he tries desperately to keep his friends and family safe...even if it’s mostly from themselves. His world is turned upside down though when he meets the lovely Maid Marian.

Sheriff of Nottingham - The spiteful and cruel sheriff tries to keep the small town of Nottingham under his thumb. He hates Robin Hood and his Merry Band with a passion and sees their continued exitance as a personal insult. The only thing that will deter him from his goal of putting those outlaws in their place is his devotion to his beloved daughters Tiffany. Who distracts him with her seemingly impulsive and shallow whims.

Sir Ivanhoe - A respected knight who once served under King Richard has returned home only to find that his king has not made the journey back as planned. He suspects that Prince John is up to no good, but is afraid to make any risky moves so long as his daughter Yua lives among the court. Her safety is the most important thing in the world to him.

Sister Clara - The resident nerd of Sherwood Forrest and the brains of the team. Clara had joined a convent in order to receive an education and to study science, however her experiments were frowned upon by more traditional leaders of the church, like the Bishop of Hereford. She’s since renounced her monastic vows and has joined Robin Hood’s Merry Band in the pursuit of science! She’s allowed free rein on the sole condition that she doesn’t blow up the camp. She still manages to blow up the camp, at least once a month. Still her inventions are invaluable to the team and she’s absolutely feral with her chim-bombs.

The Trapper - A mysterious hermit who sometimes visits the local pub. He’ll often corner patrons with crazy drunken ramblings and loves to give Robin cryptic prophecies and disjoined ‘clues’ whenever they run into each other. (turns out this is an act and he’s really a spy for King Richard)

Will Scarlett - Robin’s younger brother. Will was 15 when they lost their father and now at 17 wants revenge. He’s a hothead and is constantly picking fights with everyone and anyone. While he is dismissive of Robin’s overprotectiveness, he both loves and admires his brother. Even tries to emulate him in some ways. He also would like to think of himself as a smooth talking clever con artist and ladies man but more often then not his temper gets the better of him. Like most teens he’s obsessed with the latest fashion tends and loves to wear fancy clothes (that he’s usually stolen) He’s favorite article of clothing is his impractical red feathered hat. He’s in love with Azure and is best friends with Much.

#robin hood #robin hood and his merry band

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tending-the-hearth · 1 year ago

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alright, continuing on with the next four stories!! i'm officially halfway through, and hopefully i'll be finishing the book this weekend (tbh i absolutely will be finishing it lmao)

once again, spoilers lie ahead for the next four short stories!

"a new dawn": what if mufasa gave up his throne?

SUCH a fantastic concept of mufasa surviving the fall, but having lasting injuries. i love that simba is still himself, even without going off with timon and pumbaa, but the hero worship of his father was faded, because he's his own person. they continued the "i'm not like you" throughline of scar and simba in the story, but with the added bit about simba not being like his uncle OR his father, and figuring out his own path in life as king.

"rattle the stars": what if jim hawkins joined the pirates? (special tag for my lovely bestie @queen-with-the-quill bc i know you love the silly emo space boy)

sobbing. my. eyes. out. violently. getting jim's internal monologue while hearing what silver says about not meaning his whole speech? getting silver described as being paternal towards jim? jim joining the pirates just so he can help his mom? absolute perfection. also jim's last spoken words in the story are the lyrics of "i'm still here" so i fucking bawled my eyes out. just... jim finding his own path, and not just folding into the box that he would best fit based on whoever cares about him most 😭😭😭

"a royal game of chess": what if history wasn't quite right about the legend of robin hood?

YEAHHHHHH MARIAN AS ROBIN IS A FUCKING FANTASTIC THING!!! But also the fact that they didn't do away with the romance, red is still there, he and marian are still so so in love and sweet with each other. marian's constant frustration at the assumption that robin hood saved her made me laugh, but also just... i adore the fact that she was a hero, but she had her team, she had her love, she was living her best life.

"a secret exchange": what if eric met ariel after she rescued him?

giggling and kicking my feet this was the cutest story. i absolutely love ariel and eric meeting and just slowly falling in love with each other and each other's worlds, and ariel teaching triton about the human world after ursula's death, and eric becoming a merman, and him and ariel just being so excited to learn about each other's worlds, and the fact that they're able to be together is just UGH fantastic

@wuekka because you were asking about when i'd be continuing this!!

i got my copy of the twisted tales anthology today, and i've already read through the first four stories, and i have THOUGHTS

(slight spoilers ahead)

"cast out": what if snow white learned magic?

i feel like this story REALLY gave the feeling that snow white was only fourteen when her story happened. her thought process is just so innocent, the first time casting a spell she's just having fun, i just loved it. and the little moment between her and the dwarves, where grumpy just is kind of >:( but is trying not to smile?? literally adorable

"a first mission": what if mulan became the emperor's advisor?

LITERALLY SO GOOD!!!! "reflection" is one of my favorite twisted tales, and this was absolutely fantastic. the soft/flirty mulan and shang moments were everything to me, and the little girls who kept running up to mulan and looking at her with stars in their eyes were my favorite parts. also the emperor being mulan's #1 fan is so valid.

"et voila": what if remy had met colette first?

tbh i was kind of hesitant on this one at first, but i really enjoyed it, and it made so much sense! they're both chefs, and colette knows how to cook, so it was more-so remy teaching colette how to look at cooking a different way! colette being ??????? half the time also made me laugh, because that's just the most real way to act when a rat suddenly starts cooking.

"the envelope": what if anastasia had a change of heart?

listen, cinderella 3 is my favorite disney sequel, and overall one of my favorite disney movies, and i am an absolute SUCKER for anastasia getting her little redemption, so this story was beautiful. the way anastasia talked about her father, how she realizes what she and her family put cinderella through, her and benoit???? cuties???? absolutely fantastic, 10/10.

i'll probably be updating this post as i read more of the short stories! there are sixteen short stories, and i can't wait to read the rest of them!

#disney #twisted tales #a twisted tale anthology #twisted tales anthology #the lion king #treasure planet #robin hood #the little mermaid

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killiansprincss · 4 years ago

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We Found Wonderland

Summary: Trapped in the past after the S3 finale, Killian and Emma are forced to fade into the background as a newly married couple in a village while Rumplestilskin works on the portal to send them back to the future. (No Marian)

What challenges will they face, after all it’s only pretending to be married after all right?

Inspired by Taylor Swift ‘Wonderland’

Read on AO3

Huge thanks to @captain-emmajones for reading this over for me as I was going insane after editing it for weeks

Happy New Year to all! They say to start the year off as you mean to go on, and my goal for 2021 is to write more so I really hope you enjoy it!

Set just after the CS movie, no Marian.

We found Wonderland

You and I got lost in it

And we pretended it could last forever

________

Emma had realised on this trip that Storybrooke was her home. Not Boston or New York. Yes things were messy and dangerous in Storybrooke. But it was home. It was where her family was.

She had longed for a family for 28 years especially after the foster system failed her and after Neal abandoned her. But when the boy she gave up for adoption asked her to come home with her, it changed her life. Even if she didn’t believe in the curse at first, she knew it was a place she could eventually call home.

She wasn’t scared anymore. For once, she was excited about the future and what it would bring. And Hook.

This trip had shown a side to him she hadn’t seen before. She knew he had feelings for her, and as much as she tried to suppress her own feelings for him, he was different this trip. He wasn’t pining for her or making his usual stupid flirty jokes. It was clear he cared about her family, he wasn’t selfish.

Kissing Other Hook was an adventure. But seeing her Hook get jealous and punch the other him was even better. She could see in his eyes it was killing him that she was flirting with the other him, way more than she had with him. And she wasn’t going to deny that she enjoyed it.

“You alright love?” Hook's voice pulled her away from her thoughts.

She smiles at him as they walk into Rumple’s Castle, “Yeah. Just excited to get home.”

“Well dearie it’s gonna be awhile before you can do that.” Rumples voice cuts through as they walk into the great hall.

“What the bloody hell does that mean Crocodile?” Hook asks, anger in his voice.

Rumple just laughs, “well it’s not just a portal that I could do easily for you. Time travel has never been done before, except for you two. It’ll take me around a year to create that portal for you two.”

“IM SORRY-A YEAR?”

“A YEAR?”

Both Emma and Hook's voices respond to this sudden realisation.

“You’re telling me, it’s gonna be a year, until we can go home to the future?” Emma asks, hoping she heard wrong.

“Were you not listening?” Rumple asks.

“So we have to stay here for a year while you figure out the stupid portal?” Hook looks angry, like he could use the dagger on Rumple so quickly.

“W-what about preserving the future?” Emma asks, she can’t stay here for a year. She can’t.

“Well you’ve already messed up your parents timeline and they’re still on track. I have no use for you in my castle, so I’ll place you two under a glamour spell in a small little village where hopefully you’ll make little impact. After you’re gone, I can erase the minds of the villagers.” Rumple explains while Emma is still trying to wrap her head around staying here for a whole year.

“My parents just met and are on track to get married and have me. It’s around 2 years before I’m born and the curse strikes. The portal will be ready by then right?”

Rumple just rolls his eyes at Emma. “I’m not an idiot. I say it’ll be a year, it’ll be a year.”

“Then what the bloody hell do we do?” Hook slams his hand down on the table.

Rumple looks as though he could kill him, but he just laughs. “Well I considered keeping you here in my dungeon. But alas I already have my help. You two will be a newly married couple that just moved to this part of the land. You can work at the tavern or something, I don’t really care. I’ll be in touch when the portal is ready.”

“Married?” The two exclaim at the same time.

“Are you two having trouble hearing?” Rumple asks, rolling his eyes.

—————

After probably an hour quarrelling with the Dark One about their arrangement, they’re transported to a small village and a hut that they guess they would have to call home for the next year. It had one large room, with one bed in the corner, a fireplace and what seemed like a stove to the left of the door and a few chairs by the table. It was small alright, and she had no clue how they were going to last a year in this place.

“You have got to be kidding me.” Emma says as she looks around.

Rumple laughs, “I'll be in touch when your portal is ready.” And vanishes a second later.

The pair look around at their home. Seeing the one bed Killian quickly offers, “You take the bed, I’ll sleep on the floor or somewhere it’s fine.”

Emma shakes her head, “no way, you take the bed. I have slept in my car and much worse places before. You take it.”

Hook just laughs, “you really are a stubborn lass. Look, it’s big enough for the both of us. It’ll be fine as long as we stay on our respective sides, no use arguing. We’re going to be here a while, no use one of us being uncomfortable.”

Emma reluctantly agrees.

The first night is the hardest, knowing she won’t see her family, Henry, for a whole year was a lot to wrap her head around. She had really enjoyed this trip when she wasn’t scared for her life, she had seen her parents fall in love and it made her finally understand what that meant, to be born of true love, the true love they had just witnessed.

And Hook. Or rather Killian, she should get used to saying his real name. She couldn’t quite admit to herself that she was falling for him before this trip. It would be a lot simpler if they were going back to Storybrooke, she probably would’ve given him a chance, a date perhaps, and see where it ends up. But this wasn’t Storybrooke. It wasn't even her time. She couldn’t risk whatever they had, not when they had to rely on each other to get home.

The next morning, Emma wakes to find they hadn’t exactly stuck to their respective sides. Killian’s arm was around her waist and she had tucked her head into his chest. It looked very cosy, and to an outsider it would seem they were truly a happy couple. But they weren’t.

Killian luckily wakes around the same time and, noticing the situation they’ve found themselves in, removes his arm and the two don’t say anything about the situation.

Except it keeps happening.

Every. Single. Night.

____

The next few days were spent discussing what their story would be. They had decided that Killian had been discharged from the Royal Navy because of the accident where lost his hand, and they were used to travelling but now had to find somewhere to settle down as a newly married couple.

They found jobs, Emma as the barmaid in the local tavern, similar to the one where she flirted with Other Hook. Killian found a job working by the docks so that he was still close to the water, it was mainly cleaning and anchoring the boats, very different to his pirate days. But it allowed them to slip into the background, not being noticed by anybody and not making any drastic changes to the future.

“How was your day, love?” Killian asks as Emma comes through the door after a long day working in the bar.

Untying her corset, trying to get out of the horrible clothes she tells him,“Horrible. I hate it here.”

Killian looks up at his ‘wife’, “that bad?”

Emma sits down on the chair. “I had 3 separate men try to buy me a drink whilst I was working. I told them I was working, and that I was married and they still tried to touch me up.”

Killian chuckles, “I’m guessing they aren’t going to do that again.”

Emma smiles, “of course not. I hope they won’t be needing their fingers for a while. How was your day?”

“It wasn’t bad. Can’t say I don’t love being by the water but it’s not the same. Although Cassian said he and his wife want to invite us over for dinner one night this week. Said that he wants to see the wife I don’t talk about enough.” He explains, he knows how Emma feels about getting too close with the other villagers, but if they avoid them for too long it could end up much worse.

“You mean you don't talk about your incredible and very hot wife, all day every day? Why did I marry you?” Emma teases. Their relationship has been like this ever since they got stuck, flirting and teasing but never going any further. “I know we can’t avoid other people forever, it’ll only cause more suspicion, so I guess we can meet them for dinner this time.”

“If this dinner goes well, I will start to talk about my incredible wife some more.” Killian teases back, “about how she’s messy and violent and she snores loudly when she sleeps.”

This earns a laugh from Emma, but also a pillow thrown at his head as she changes out of her corset. She’s never complaining about fitting into jeans again.

~~~

A week passes, more shifts at the tavern and more sleazy drunk men who probably have wives and children at their homes.

Emma earns 10 silvers and 15 bronze a week, Killain, 1 gold 9 silver and 12 bronze a week, which Killian told her is decent money, it allows them to feed themselves with food bought from the market, and buy more clothes which are not comfortable in the slightest. She hates the corsets. Luckily. She only has to wear them at work, the clothes she wears outside of work, whilst ugly and plain, are much more comfortable.

Emma wonders if she’s ever seen any of these villagers in Storybrooke, maybe they’re teachers or shop workers. Did they currently have a horrible life, and even though they’re cursed for 28 years, does it get better for them once they’re in Storybrooke?

The day finally arrived that the two of them have to go to dinner with one of the guys Killian works with. And Emma is petrified, it was fine just the two of them going about their days and telling their story to those around, separately. But telling their story together, they’d never done this. Would they know something was up? Would they know they were lying?

Killian can tell she’s tense, so he takes her hand in his and brushes his thumb over hers over and over. He knows her, he can tell when she’s stressed and knows that this calms her.

“It’s gonna be fine,” he whispers to her as they approach their friends home.

“Killian! So good to see you!” A blonde man opens the door, Cassian, Emma assumes. “Welcome, please come on in.”

Killain smiles and takes Emma’s hand in his as they walk through the door.

“May I introduce my beautiful wife, Emma.” Killian says gesturing to Emma who holds out her hand to shake, assured by Killian this was still the proper greeting in the Enchanted Forest.

“Emma. You are as beautiful as Killian has described. May I introduce my wife, Maeve.” Cassian smiles gesturing to a heavily pregnant woman beside him.

“It’s so kind of you to invite us into your lovely home.” Emma smiles, trying to keep her cool composure.

——

The night is pretty simple, they go over the story of how long they’ve been here, Killians time in the Navy, mostly true stories of his actual time, just a fabricated truth to fit the time and their fake timeline. The food was pretty good for the Enchanted Forest, some type of meat, pork or beef maybe, with rice, beans and vegetables. It was okay, but Emma was really missing grilled cheese.

Cassian and Maeve are really lovely people. They discover Maeve normally works at the market, but picks up extra shifts at the Tavern that Emma works at to make extra money, but is taking time off due to her pregnancy. Emma wouldn’t call it Maternity Leave as she was pretty sure it wasn’t a thing in the Enchanted Forest. Maeve said she was convinced it was a boy, but Cassian was sure it was a girl.

“Have you two thought about children yet?” Maeve asks.

Emma almost spits out her water. “Um great question. Um.” She decides to tell a fabricated truth, make it more believable. “I had a son, when I was younger, before I met Killian. I lost him, and I don’t know if I will ever see him again.” Truthfully, she didn’t want to make up a lie about her and Killian, they were not married, they were not together.

“It's a cruel fate to fall pregnant when young and unmarried. I’m sorry to hear that. I wish you the best for the future.” Cassian tells her. She smiles, thanking that they didn’t ask any more questions on the subject.

But there was one story, one question that really fucked Emma up. It was asked by Maeve when she wanted to know more about their marriage.

“So how did you decide you wanted to marry Emma, Killian? I can tell you two married for love, did you plan a romantic proposal or was it a spur of the moment type thing? Cassian proposed to me with his mother’s ring, he took me to the market stall where we first met. I was selling grain and he kept coming back every day for more grain. After weeks of coming to the stall he admitted the truth. A few months later, he took me back to the spot we first met and said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. Of course I said yes!”

Emma looks over at Killian, hoping he has something to say. “You tell it so well Killian! He’s such a romantic my Killian!”

Killain looks at Emma and smiles. “So I lost my brother at sea years ago, and the only thing I have left of him is his ring. It’s kept me safe all these years, and when I met Emma I knew she was special. She didn’t like me very much at first, but I wore her down. She’s stubborn like my brother, so I knew I had to give her his ring. I took her down to the water, it’s not where we first met but it's where we both come when the world feels on top of us. Not much in my life has felt right since losing my brother, but Emma came into my life and she filled that void. So I took her to the water, got down on one knee and told her I couldn’t imagine my life without her. We don’t have much in terms of money, but we have each other and I think that’s enough.”

Was he serious right now? Emma thought he would maybe change up the story of how he wanted to marry Milah or something, but that was far too descriptive and emotional for it to be a lie or a fabrication. He had clearly thought about it, a little too much, Emma thinks.

Maeve was practically crying. “That is a beautiful story. You two are lucky to have found one another.”

She was going to murder him.

I’m sorry this is all that the Tumblr limit will let me post, check out part 2 here

#captain swan #cs ff #cs fanfic #writing #Emma swan #killian jones #my writing

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veorlian · 4 years ago

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honey tongue

The stories will tell you that falling in love with your best friend is as easy as breathing, that it's the height of romance. Varric Tethras had written far too many stories to believe that crock of nonsense.

my submissions for @hightown-funk are up!! here’s the first one <3

read it on ao3 here

The Hanged Man was legendary for two things: bar fights, and ale that was at least 50% vinegar. There were also the suspiciously sticky floors, the rooms you could rent by the hour, and enterprising individuals keen on relieving you of all that burdensome coin you had on you. It was what people had come to expect. The barkeep had offered a higher-quality ale once, and the regulars had stormed out in protest. And Maker have mercy if they ever decide to clean the place up a bit. There’d be riots in the streets.

Well. More riots than usual, at least.

Marian Hawke spent most evenings in the Hanged Man. The petty crime and general chaos faded into the periphery as she played Wicked Grace with her friends. It was replaced with a different kind of petty crime and chaos, but at least this was hers.

And speaking of chaos, at the moment Varric was regaling the crowd with the tale of their most recent trip to the Bone Pit. There was a rough semi-circle of regulars standing around Varric, with the kind of slack-jawed, wide-eyed expressions that normally accompanied one of his particularly tall tales.

He was in fine form. Marian had never quite figured out how he could look so laid back and engaged at the same time. She’d tried it once. Carver had just said that she looked constipated. Varric made it look easy. He made most things look easy.

“And then Hawke raised her sword and leaped through the air, landing on the dragon’s back, killing it in a single blow—”

“It was already mostly dead,” Garrett called. Marian flipped him off. A few of the stragglers towards the back of Varric’s audience turned to face the two of them.

“It was not,” Marian tossed back.

“Was too."

Marian rolled her eyes at her brother and leaned forward on the pitted table.

“Hey Varric, tell them about the part where I did a sick back-flip off of the dragon—”

“And fell on your ass—” Garrett interrupted. More of Varric’s audience turned now, their eyes bouncing back and forth between the twins like a tennis match.

“And landed perfectly and took a little bow,” Marian finished, pointedly ignoring Garrett. She kept her eyes fixed on Varric’s face, and the wry little twist of his lips.

“Of course! How could I forget,” he said, his eyes dancing. “As she struck the killing blow, the dragon came crashing down to the ground. Hawke gracefully leapt off of its back, landing neatly on the ground.”

“I can’t believe this,” Garrett complained. Varric continued to regale the audience with tales of the twins’ exploits. Marian patted Garrett on the arm in a way expertly calculated to be both patronizing and comforting.

“Sorry little brother, it’s just not very dramatic when you wave your fancy baton around,” Marian replied. “Doesn’t have the same impact as a bigass sword.”

“Last I checked, fireball has a hell of an impact,” Garrett shot back.

“Potato, potahto,” Marian said dismissively.

“There’s only one way to settle this,” he said. He rolled up his sleeves and set an elbow down on the table, his hand open. Marian smiled crookedly and did the same. Varric lost his audience again, as they formed a loose circle around the table. There was the clink of coin changing hands, and an exaggerated sigh and eye roll from Carver.

“My money’s on Hawke,” Isabela called.

“Which one?” Garrett and Marian asked in unison.

“Whichever one wins,” Isabela said cheerfully.

“I’m not sure that’s how that works,” Merrill murmured anxiously. Isabela waved her away airily and tossed a few coins on the table.

“Have you seen how ripped I am? Of course I’m gonna win,” Garrett said. Marian snorted and shook her head.

“Bigass sword. Fancy baton,” she said. She gripped Garrett’s hand, and the arm wrestling began. It was evenly matched, as most things were with the twins. But not for nothing did Marian swing around a giant hunk of metal nearly the same height as herself.

She slammed Garrett’s hand down into the table, grinning widely.

“Best two out of three,” he said immediately. She laughed and shook her head.

“You lost fair and square,” she said cheerfully. Garrett flipped her off and went to refill his drink. Marian glanced up to find Varric making his way over to the table, settling in his customary spot at her side.

“You couldn’t wait until I was done?” Varric asked agreeably. Marian shrugged nonchalantly.

“Not my fault your admirers couldn’t resist the lure of my rippling muscles,” she said. “You’ll just need to make me sound even cooler. What if I had a sword for a hand?”

“No good,” Varric replied, shaking his head, “it’d interfere too much with the romance scenes.”

“Varric, I’m not exactly seeing a lot of that kind of action at the moment,” Marian said dryly. “Let me have a giant sword for a hand. It’d be cool as hell.”

“C’mon Hawke, a romance plot is always more compelling. Why not ask the pirate?” he said, gesturing to Isabela. Isabela caught the motion and winked broadly at them. “I can see it now; a daring love story, set against the backdrop of a ship tossed at sea. Readers love that stuff.” Marian snorted derisively and shook her head.

“I’ve got enough going on trying to stop this city from going to hell,” she complained. There was a deep ache in her chest that she couldn’t quite place. Fortunately, she didn’t have to think about it for very long, because Garrett arrived back at the table, his arms full of terrible beer.

“How come I never get the big dramatic retellings?” he griped.

“Because you keep heckling me,” Varric said dryly. “Plus, you’re not as good-looking.”

Marian’s heart stuttered and fully came to a stop. She ducked her head to hide the blush that threatened to set her face on fire. What the hell…?

“Nonsense, I’m the prettiest person in Kirkwall,” Garrett said primly.

“C’mon, we all know that’s Merrill,” Marian said, swallowing down her embarrassment. A crooked grin spread across her face. “At least, that’s what Carver always says.”

“Hey—” Carver began.

The ensuing chaos and overlapping voices covered up the weird and alarming thoughts floating through Marian’s head.

Plus, you’re not as good-looking.

Did Varric think she was good-looking?

Andraste’s sacred knickers, did that actually matter to her? Marian tossed back her drink in one go and stumbled to the bar to grab another.

Somewhere between the witching hours of 2am and 4am, the others traipsed out. Now, Marian was good at traipsing. She’d elevated it from a science to an art. She could traipse with the best of them. But when 4am rolled around, she didn’t.

It was a weekly ritual at this point, and it happened more often now that she was in that stuffy old mansion. Such a big place, but it felt like the walls were constantly creeping in on her. More than a few hours there and she felt like she couldn’t breathe.

And so.

“Varric, don’t make me walk all the way back to Hightown,” she would groan, and he would chuckle that warm chuckle that brought the blood rushing to her ears. Probably just the alcohol, she always thought.

“Alright, you can stay just this once,” he would say, and she would flash him a crooked grin.

“You’re my favourite.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, serrah,” he’d say. She’d generally waggle her eyebrows at him suggestively, and they’d both laugh.

She didn’t remember when the flirting had started. A few minutes after they’d met, she figured. It was just a part of them, both of them. An easy way to keep everyone at arm’s reach. If they both agreed that it didn’t mean anything, then there was no harm no foul.

After all, it’s not like anything was ever going to come of it. Varric was happily married to a crossbow, and he’d repeatedly told her that he wasn’t into humans. So that was that. Marian was perfectly happy being Varric’s best friend and partner-in-crime.

And if she couldn’t sleep these days without hearing the gentle scritching of his quill on parchment, well, no one needed to know that. … Varric Tethras was a storyteller, most comfortable staying unobtrusively on the sidelines of a tale. It was safest that way really. Fewer people shooting at you, for one.

He couldn’t remember when it had started, becoming a part of Hawke’s story. He hadn’t been, at first. He’d been a plot device, a quest-giver just tagging along.

“You won’t even notice I’m here,” he’d told her. Varric Tethras: such a gifted liar that sometimes he almost convinced himself.

It had shifted by inches, their friendship. They’d gotten along almost instantly, like they’d just been waiting for the other to come along. So it was natural for them to spend most of their time together. And then it was natural for her to sleep on his couch when she was too drunk to walk home. His palatial suite at the Hanged Man was her palatial suite. That was all perfectly natural and normal and fine.

Until it wasn’t.

He couldn’t fall asleep these days until he heard her snoring (she and Dog seemed to be in a competition for who could be the loudest. On occasion it shook the dilapidated rafters).

She’d slipped into his life as easy as breathing. Easier, in some ways. So many little rituals. Like putting extra jokes into his manuscripts, just for her.

“Hey Hawke, you think you could give this a read for me?” he asked. She glanced up from where she was lounging on one of his chairs. She arched an eyebrow, a slow grin spreading across her face.

“Am I going to blush?” she asked. He chuckled and shook his head.

“I just want to make sure that I’ve got the character right,” he replied.

“Aw, you’re no fun,” she said cheerfully, already on her feet and moving to lean over his shoulder. She rested an elbow on top of his head, like he was an armrest. He cleared his throat pointedly.

“Problem, serah Tethras?” she asked innocently.

“Hands off the merchandise,” he said easily. She leaned down to meet his eyes, her haphazardly cut bangs flopping in her face.

“I think you’ll find it’s my elbow on the merchandise. Very different part of the body,” she pointed out. To prove her point, she shifted her arm and rested her hand on his shoulder instead. He rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t quite keep the smile off of his face.

“Just read the damn passage,” he said. She shrugged and turned her attention to the page. She hadn’t moved her hand, and the warmth slowly seeped into him. He realized with a start that he was leaning into her touch. What the hell?

The smell of cinnamon and honey drifted through the room. Not that that was unusual either. It clung to every part of the room. Even his trademark leather coat smelled permanently of cinnamon and honey, from that tea she drank at all hours of the day and night.

He missed it, when it wasn’t there.

He knew she’d gotten to the unflattering description of the Knight-Captain when she began to laugh. He thought her laugh was the best thing he’d ever heard. It wasn’t graceful by any means, caught somewhere between a cackle and a snort. But she laughed with her full body, like it was the funniest thing she’d heard in her life. Joyful, reckless abandon.

It was beautiful. She was beautiful.

Oh.

With Hawke’s hand digging into his shoulder, her laughter ringing in his ears, the smell of cinnamon and honey on the air, Varric Tethras realized that he was in love.

Shit. … The stories will have you believe that revelations of love are dramatic, that they’re accompanied by flights of angels or some other shit like that. Marian Hawke had heard too many love stories to believe in them anymore.

She was sprawled along the couch leafing through Varric’s latest draft of The Tale of the Champion. She liked to leave little notes and doodles in the margins. It drove Varric’s editor up the wall. She heard Varric’s familiar footfalls coming up the stairs.

“Hey, you forgot to mention the bit where I single-handedly took down a chimera,” she called, not looking up. Varric hummed noncommittally in response. She glanced up from the page to study him. He was swaying slightly on his feet, eyes a little unfocused as he leaned against the doorframe.

“You okay?” she asked. “Merchant’s Guild crap?”

A ghost of a smile flickered across his face and he shook his head, running a hand through his graying hair.

“No, it’s not that,” he said. Marian’s eyebrows knitted together, and she shifted on the couch to make room for him. When he didn’t move, she pointedly patted the space next to her. When he still didn’t move, she made her way across the room to meet him.

“Then what is it, Varric? Crossbow troubles?” she asked. He looked away and his hand came up to rub at the back of his neck.

“Marian, I—” Record scratch, freeze frame. Varric never called her Marian. Never anything than Hawke, actually. He’d never even given her a nickname, like he had all the others. She was just Hawke.

“Didn’t realize you knew my name,” she managed. Another faint smile, only barely reaching his eyes. It was gone as soon as it came.

“Shit, I’m not good at this kind of thing,�� he said. The smell of cheap ale and whiskey clung to him like a second skin.

“What kind of thing? You’re freaking me out, Varric.”

His warm amber eyes turned up to meet hers. Carefully, seemingly giving her every opportunity to move away, he reached up a hand on her face. Distantly, she realized he must be standing on his tip-toes. She might have laughed, if he hadn’t gently tugged her face down towards him.

His lips were softer than she’d imagined they’d be. His calloused hands tangled in her short hair, bringing her closer. She could taste the faint touch of alcohol on his tongue as her mouth slanted over his.

She looped an arm around his waist and easily lifted him up into the air.

“Hawke, put me down,” he said indignantly. She laughed breathlessly against his mouth.

“My shoulders were getting sore from bending over,” she said. She wound her free hand through his hair and tugged him back to kiss her again. She realized suddenly that she would be quite happy staying right here, like this, for the rest of her life. Well, maybe with a stool. She was strong, but Varric was sturdy. He’d probably whack her on the arm if she told him that though.

She set Varric down on the table, standing between his legs and bringing both hands up to cup his face.

“Better?” she whispered. He grumbled something indistinct and unflattering that was abruptly cut off as she began to trail kisses down to his neck.

“Would you believe that I’ve wanted to do this for years?” he rasped. Hawke stilled. And then, she began to laugh, resting her forehead against Varric’s.

“Well, there’s no call to be rude,” he said. She pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, still chuckling.

“I have as well,” she said at last.

“Ah,” Varric managed. And then, “So, what now?”

“You in a rush, Tethras?” Marian asked. She gently tipped his chin up to face her. “Seems to me we’ve got all the time in the world.”

“So we do,” he said, and he kissed her again.

#this was such a joy to write #da2 #hawke #varric tethras #varric x hawke #hightown funk

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andreycoded · 3 years ago

Note

i saw your dark angel ask request and have come to ask you what you think everyone would dress as for halloween

YELL. BESTIE THANK YOU MWAH I LOVE YOU

I’m literally so bad with character asks like this skejbgseg but here’s my two cents anyway thank you sooo much <33

It’s actually really interesting to think what the possibilities would even be in the d*rk angel world of 2020. Like. Obviously animal themed costumes are out: it would be easy to imagine any of the X5 in cat costumes but i don’t think they would, it would hit too close to home. (Alec maayybe. Ironically.) Something like Frankenstein’s monster would also be in bad taste. Nothing with guns. I can’t remember if there’s ever any indication that movies are still being made in the post-pulse world, I think they only reference pre-pulse stuff? And then neither Max or Alec know what Star Wars is (I vaguely remember Alec asking if one Star Wars movie is the one with Captain Kirk and Max answering ”I guess” or something ajsdhrvrv. That used to baffle me and I’m still a little?? Did they mean to show us how distant those movies and things are in that world?) So idk if pop culture stuff is possible.

Max would obviously try and skip dressing up. Depending on where in the show this happens though - somewhere early season 1 I think she might say/think some lame line about how she feels like enough of a freak most of the time anyway. But later if she’s going with Logan she might commit and go with a costume. Thematically the costume being some kind of a d*rk angel would be sooo easy but when did they ever slot the name into the show in any way. (If you know the answer to this please share. Maybe I’m just not seeing the forest from the trees or whatever.) She might do a couples costume with Logan. Logan I could see doing something like Robin Hood (which. hmm.) but Max wouldn’t be Maid Marian so. Hmmm. No, I can’t come up with anything so I’m gonna say Max goes with a low effort cat suit and cat ears and Logan goes as Robin Hood. Then they smile a bit seeing each other and exchange lines like ”Power to the people, huh?” ”Something like that. Catsuit?” ”*shrug* Figured I’d use what I already had.” (I’m bad with dialogue but you get it.)

For Original Cindy, she’d either go as celebrity or character that’s queer. Someone from Xena because she references it (idk Xena unfortunately idk what the options are) or idk I’m thinking Prince. I think she may have had a Prince costume actually in the season 2 Halloween ep. Unfortunately I’ve only ever seen it once and I don’t intend to watch it ever again, it was sooooo bad, so I can’t really remember but that’s the vibes.

Alec?? We forgive him for not knowing Star Wars because he was brought up in a government facility, common verbal usage courses etc don’t cover all of pop culture and he doesn’t have Metatron to beam it into his brain but. Idk. Unfortunately he’s written in a way that he’d pick something that made him look attractive (due to recent events I want to say a cowboy outfit á la jenny thunder but that’s out of character.) Something generic, like a zombie or a doctor or a boxer which would be. very low effort. (Monty Cora.) Mayyybe a thief.

I think Joshua should’ve been allowed to dress up in the halloween ep. He could be a pirate or a character from one of the books he’s read. Or an astronaut, something that hides his face so that his face isn’t a part of the costume - if we assume that it’s a party with outside people. A ghost!!! With a sheet over him!!

Asha would probably know a little bit more about pop culture. Maybe Princess Leia or some other strong female character. Ben I’m not even going to try and vision. I think Sketchy was a vampire in the halloween ep so eh, he’d be something very generic.

I think that's all I've got for now skjbgskjegb mwah mwah kisses for sending this ask. And please weigh in if you have ideas, I want to hear them <33

#dark angel posting #literally screamed seeing this <33 #ask #dark angel ask

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alistonjdrake · 4 years ago

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All Of My Projects

A rundown of everything I’m working on/plan to work on in no particular order but just so I can keep track and I have some base idea of how far along I am with each wip.

The Saints’ Song

A series of four books detailing the political intrigue of the Escana Empire and her allies as well as the forever scandalous Prince Argus and his relationship with Leo, a pirate.

Currently working on the second draft of Of Blood and Stone, the third book in the series after having rewritten the first two. I have some planned minor edits I still want to make to ORG for the purposes of self publishing and to just make myself overall happier with the finished product. I have OBS mostly outlined I’m still just making plans for how I want this book to go given the plot changes I’ve made in the first two and the added characters who will make appearances as well as now debating to add in a fifth POV sooner. Obviously this is the work I’ve worked on the longest and is has the benefit of having the most world building as anyone who browses my page for more than a minute can tell you.

The Night Court

A standalone that takes place in the same world as The Saints’ Song only some 50ish years later (an early 19th century setting instead of a late 18th century setting) and in a different country. The story of a courtesan named Mikolaj with a secret past and his romance with two other sex workers. Marian does not get an honorable mention.

Cautiously calling this the second draft or I’m almost done with draft one and a half as I did restart and change earlier chapters several times before getting to this point. I’m on chapter thirty-five out of a planned thirty-seven. I’ve already taken some minor notes for things to look at for a rewrite but I do plan to take a break from this piece before I dive back into editing and rewriting. I have my insecurities about how the plot flows and the copious amount of sex scenes but we’ll see how I feel about it in a few months. I AM really happy with my culture building for Gegra (the setting) though. It’s clearly distinct enough from Escan even without the time period changes. In my humble opinion, of course.

The Saints Are Drowning

I believe I wanted this to be a novella. A renaissance inspired era “prequel” or TSS that takes place in the often mentioned holy capital of the world, the city of Mignola and follows the election of a new Justice as the city is thrown into chaos.

I have it outlined, all characters named and vaguely fleshed out with their wants and needs, and since it takes place in the same world as the previously mentioned works most of the world building is clearly done (except for any changes that need to be made to fit a new time period). I haven’t started writing it.

Someone Will Die

Taking place in a reimagining 1930s America on a college campus where one can enroll to briefly avoid the possibility of being torn apart by monsters. A popular student is murdered and a professor with something to hide is chosen as the most likely suspect.

This one has been dropped a lot due to the fact that I decided to write it out of chronological order and in alternating POVs of a small group of the related characters. I’ve been working on another outline and the timeline of all the events as they happen instead of the mixed up order that the story is told. I have some minor debates with myself to just get rid of the fact that it takes place in “America” (very loosely) and just make up a setting completely. All the locations are already fictional and the history completely different but this might be something I save for another draft just because I don’t think it would be helpful for me to start tearing into the other chapters with a mind to start changing things. I really want to finish a draft.

We Heard the Devil

Cults and boarding schools. 28 year old Chris “Gopher” Vernon reflects back on his last year of high school back in 2007-2008 where he was a victim but also on his relationship with the strange student who lived across the hall.

It’s not fantasy. It’s a bit out of my comfort zone but a piece I can see myself being really proud of when I finish as it’s the most personal due to the setting being my home state of Connecticut and deals with a lot of my own frustrations just with a “horror” twist. I have it fully outlined and I’m easing into the first draft. I don’t mind that this one will take a long time to write just because writing close first person POV is also difficult for me among the other differences from other works.

These Trees Do Talk

Softly planned “sequel” to the above. Not with any related characters but I like the idea of having a series of black, New England horror stories that are loosely connected by the thread of my own traumas from my upbringing. And I like the title but it’s otherwise not planned.

The Sorcerei of Cokumpoint

A mid-Victorian setting with illegal magic gangs and family feuds. Ethel starts the book on the search for her presumed dead twin brother and instead finds a witch and a villain whose been terrorizing the city.

While this is actually a fantasy rewrite an a complete redo of a story I wrote in my teen years (as well as the standalone version of a trilogy) I’m considering this a first draft. I don’t have it outlined and I should start cracking into some notes. I’ve had it on pause for a few months for this exact reason which is a shame I really love the setting and I haven’t gotten to the gangs yet. I also do not mind how goofy the title is.

Before picking this up I would like to flesh out an outline first and really organize my thoughts for how I want this story to go.

Harem Wip

Obviously unnamed. The story of an eunuch helping a concubine climb the ranks of a harem in order to get close to an emperor he wants to seduce and murder for his own political gains. I have it more or less outlined but I am held back because I haven’t picked a name for the main character and I’m still in the early stages of building the world it will take place in. I have vague ideas rolling around a map currently and I’d like to flesh out the setting more before going forward as that will likely inform the plot choices I make.

Cruise liner Wip

There’s nothing here than my love of Edwardian cruise liners and I want to go back to writing about gay things happening on boats. This is in the earliest stages of me tacking ideas onto a board and hoping they stick.

#june trash #my wips #my writing #I think this is everything #long post #I just needed to get it all down so it's not floating around my head and so I can properly layout my backburner #I think this also encourages me not to think so much about my completely unplanned and unnamed projects until I'm a bit further #and it seems super obvious now what I need to do the most for anything is outline #also love after TSS I silently vowed to never write another series

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guinevere-beck-fanboy · 5 years ago

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Another OUAT Rant

So I thought the way I put my previous OUAT rant could have been improved, so I’m rewriting it here, also with more info and more rant material. Hope you enjoy!

___________________

The four most popular characters on this show are all crap characters and people. They are: Regina Mills, Rumplestilstkin, Captain Hook/Killian Jones and Zelena Mills. All four of them are garbage. And what’s so ironic is that a lot of fans of one character will always hit off on another one of those characters. All four of them are absolute garbage, and for fairly similar reasons.

1. Killian Jones/Captain Hook

Soooo in the first season this character appeared in (season 2) Killian was actually a good character. He did horrible things but he was a villain, so that’s ok. He also had a fairly tragic backstory, so despite how horrible he was, you had sympathy with him.

And then they gave him a redemption arc and made him a hero... Now this redemption arc... Doesn’t work. Like at all.

The reason for this, is that Killian managed to stay alive for hundreds of years. And even then, after the first hundred he was still a terrible person. If Killian lived an average long life like the rest of us he would have lived and died a terrible villain. If you only manage to become a better man because you get to live 200 years.... Then you aren’t a good person.

On top of this, Killian is seriously glamorized. He is portrayed as some selfless hero after all those centuries. Which I think it just.... Not ok...

I mean here is what our apparent righteous and pure hero Killian has done:

1. Was a pirate (the implications of that are clear... stealing, plundering etc)

2. Homewrecked Rumple and Milah’s marriage

3. Assisted Milah in abandoning Baelfire, her son

4. Led Rumple to believe he had kidnapped Milah and was going to sail off with her and rape her. Then said if Rumple could defeat Killian in a sword fight to the death he could go and save her to goad him into said fight despite the fact that Rumple’s death combined with Milah’s abandonment would leave Bae an orphan.

5. He explains when Emma is the Dark One and saves him from falling off a building to his death that he wears two rings on his finger. One of them belonged to a man named Barnabee, who insulted him and so he killed him in front of his wife. The other ring belonged to a man named Egbar, he caught him drinking the Captain’s wine and drowned him.

6. Murdered his father and left his half brother an orphan

7. Murdered two royal guards and then murdered Prince Charming’s father (when Charming was a CHILD, thus leaving him fatherless)

8. Refused to set Belle free from being held captive by Regina and instead tried to murder her

9. Raped multiple women (When Emma travels back in time and talks to Killian’s past self, and flirts with him leaving him with the impression she wants to have sex with him, Killian responds with “if I didn’t know any better I’d say you were trying to get me drunk... *which is usually my tactic*”. Getting someone drunk and then having sex with them is RAPE.)

10. Shot Belle and had all her memories erased

So a serial killer and rapist is being glamorized as some kind of hero. Killian like Regina is not a hero, he is well and truly an evil person. It took him 200 years to stop being a murderer and a rapist. What a great redemption arc!

2. Captain Swan

Killian is shipped with Emma and this ship is canon. The way I see it though, this is a nightmare relationship.

Killian murdered Emma’s grandfather and ruined his father's childhood. And now... they end up married? That’s.... That’s not a healthy relationship, like at all.

3. Charming is held to the standard that he MUST forgive Hook and is not allowed not to

When Emma finds out Killian murdered Charming’s father, she isn’t mad about it. Nope! She’s just mad Killian couldn’t tell her!

In what world should a woman look past her boyfriend being the murderer of her grandfather? Seriously?

Also when Charming begins being unsatisfied with all proposed venues for Emma and Hook’s wedding, Snow suspects he is not fine with Emma marrying him, and she says to him “that ship is sailed deal with it!”. How disgusting is that? “Your daughter is GOING to marry your father’s murderer! Deal with it!”.

4. Regina Mills

This character is like the fan favorite, but she is complete trash.

In the first 2 seasons she was actually a very well written character. She was a villain, and the writers did a great job at making her dislikeable, as a villain should be (well not always, but it’s great to have a dislikeable villain).

But then in the next four seasons of the show, they really began to glamorize her. And I think that’s ridiculous. They act like she has a heart of gold and is an amazing person and refer to her as a hero multiple times.

So Regina this “great hero” has:

1. Tried to murder Snow White

2. Slaughtered an entire village for supporting Snow White (they literally show the thousands of bodies scattered in one area in the woods)

3. Tried to kill Emma Swan when she was a baby

4. Cast a curse on The Enchanted Forest that sent them to a town on Earth with false identities and memories where they would live miserable repetitive lives

5. When Henry, her adoptive son, realizes that the truth about Storybrooke, the curse and all that she tries to persuade him he is delusional even going as far as to book him therapy appointments

6. When Henry’s birth mother, Emma, arrives in town, rather than let Henry have the chance to get to know her, she tries to bully her out of town

7. Raped and murdered Graham

8. Kidnapped Belle and locked her up in a tower for 20 years

9. Trapped Jefferson in Wonderland thus separating him from his daughter and knowingly causing him to break a promise to his daughter that he would return to her

10. Cast a curse on the Enchanted Forest implanting false memories and identities into them and sending them to a town where they would be miserable and separated from their loved ones

11. Tried to murder Emma Swan by giving her a poisoned apple pie

12. Found a man who wanted to kill Prince Charming and turned him into a giant to help him do so

13. Colluded with her mother to murder Emma, Snow and Charming

14. Tried to use this spell on Henry to make him think he loved her out of fear of losing him

15. Tried to murder Marian, Robin Hood’s wife so that she could date Robin Hood (this one in particular I find quite problematic, because a lot of people in the fanbase were sympathizing with Regina here... Why? Yes, Marian was very judgmental to Regina, but Regina had already tried once to MURDER HER! Of course she isn’t going to see her as a saint?)

And that’s only from the top of my memory.

5. Swan Queen

Emma Swan and Regina Mills are shipped. And this is a hugely popular ship... Like... Why??

Regina tried to murder Emma like three times? She tried to murder her parents, and tried to prevent her ever seeing her son again? Why on Earth would you want this person to be with Emma?

6. Regina/Evil Queen serum

In the fifth season, Regina begins being tempted to be evil again. So her solution to the problem? Separate “the Evil Queen” (all the evil in her) from her and then kill her evil self. And then she will be a good person without her evil side.

This is just... What? No. You don’t just rip all your less moral attributes out of yourself and destroy them and suddenly you’re a good person. If you have to do that in order to not be a terrible person, *then you ARE a terrible person!*.

It’s just a really dumb plotline and I hate it.

7. Rumplestilstkin

Onto Rumple. Like the others, he was a fairly decent character throughout the first five seasons. He did crappy stuff, but he was a villain so that’s ok. They did give him decent moral moments at times but that’s just making an interesting character. He’s overall a douche but can do some great stuff.

Then in seasons 6 and 7 they gave him a redemption arc. It fails for the same reason as Killian. *It took him hundreds of years to get there*. You can’t claim someone is a good person if it takes them hundreds of years to stop doing terrible things.

And here is a list of what I mean by bad deeds:

1. Rumple denies a dehydrated seer water as he is offended by the prophecy she gives

2. Rumple murders a bunch of warriors who have come to enlist his son (Baelfire) in a war, despite the fact he had just gained more than enough power to stop them doing so in less harmful ways.

3. Rumple abandons Baelfire and sends him through a portal to an unknown world. Father of the year everyone!

4. Rumple murders Milah, the (albeit terrible) mother of his son.

5. Rumple kidnaps Belle and makes her his slave.

6. Rumple creates the Dark Curse and has Regina cast it

7. Rumple tries to steal Cinderella’s baby

8. Tries to prevent Belle reuniting with her father by tearing down posters she has set up all around town of him and throwing them in the trash. Despite the fact that HE is the REASON Belle is separated from her father in the first place.

9. Makes the residents of Storybrooke part of a storybook (lol that was fun to say/type) where they have fake memories and identities and are separated from their loved ones AGAIN

10. Prevents the Dark One Curse (Which has caused death, destruction and suffering for CENTURIES) from being destroyed

11. Throws Milah into the River of Souls

12. Tries to throw Gaston (albeit he is Gaston but still a human being) into the River of Souls

So like Killian it takes Rumple centuries to not be a serial killer any more.. So I don’t think either of them truly have redeemed themselves.

8. Rumbelle

Remember how I said that Rumple kidnapped Belle and enslaved her? And how he tried to prevent her reuniting with her father after he separated them in the first place? Well Rumple and Belle are a married couple and this is portrayed as a positive relationship.

9. Zelena Mills

Regina’s sister. Shouldn’t be a surprise then that she is also a terrible person, which like all the others is fine until they decide to start glamorizing her.

Zelena murdered Baelfire, who is Henry’s FATHER. She then murders Marian and takes on her form and has sex with Robin Hood. This is RAPE. She has gained Robin’s consent by taking on a deceitful form, consent gained through deceit is not consent.

But hey! Zelena Mills is a badass hero! Forget about the raping and the murdering, she’s actually a pretty decent person!

#once upon a time #ouat #anti regina mills #anti regina #anti hook #anti killian jones #anti killian #anti rumple #anti rumbelle #anti captain swan #anti zelena #anti swan queen

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