#monk deserves all the love

[mr-stottlemonk]

it's all in how monk believes, sadly and in disbelief, "how could anybody love me unconditionally?"

while stottlemeyer says, worried and hopeful, "don't break my heart"

[samuraijackenjoyer]

dude I was looking through clips for a reference image and it literally makes me sick with anger that Genndy chose to portray Africa like That. Literally racist caricatures like come onnnn man. The worst part is that I really want to LIKE that episode aside from the art direction. His mentor is a very sweet guy and I like Jack’s little rivalry with the other kid. I dislike that Jack has to save everyone and the other tribe is portrayed even worse, but at least Jack isn’t fighting by his fucking self the whole scene. there was so much potential in this episode if Genndy hadn’t been so fucking racist with his character designs. I do not fucking understand why he chose to make them absolutely pitch black in color. That’s not what humans look like. It’s like how he colors Jack straight up yellow sometimes. I know during the time this came out it was not very likely for bigotry to get called out but that had to have made some people uncomfortable. Jeeeeesus Christ. The guy portrayed China more respectfully than he portrayed literally any other culture including Japan lmao. Actually I take that back he gave quite a few Chinese characters racist accents. The man wanted a ‘multiethnic’ feel to his show but could not fucking stop being white and racist for it

[fandomsandfeminism]

Sometimes I think about how and why some people had such a *bad* reaction to the end of Steven Universe, specifically in regards to the Diamonds living.

Even though they no longer are causing harm to others and are able to actually undo some of their previous harm by living, some folks reacted as though this ending was somehow morally suspect. Morally bankrupt, even.

And I think it might be because so many of us were raised on a very specific kind of kids media trope:

They all fall to their deaths.

Disney loves chucking their bad guys off cliffs. And it makes sense- in a moral framework where villains *must* be punished (regardless of whether their death will actually prevent further harm or not), but killing of any kind is morally bad for the hero, the narrative must find a way to kill the villain without the protagonists doing a murder.

It's a moral assumption that a person can *deserve* to die, that it is cosmically just for them to die, that them dying is evidence that the story itself is morally good and correct. Scar *deserves* to die, but it would be bad for Simba to kill him. So....cliff. (edit: yes, cliff then hyenas. But cliff first. Lol.)

Steven Universe, whatever else it's faults, took a step back and said "but if killing people is bad, then people dying is bad", and instead of dropping White Diamond off a cliff, asked "what would actual *restorative*, not punitive, justice look like? What would actual reparations mean here? If the goal is to heal, not just to punish, how do we handle those who have done harm?" And then did that.

Which I think is interesting, and that there was pushback against it is interesting.

It also reminds me of the folks who get very weird about Aang not killing Ozai at the end of Avatar. And like, Ozai still gets chucked in prison, so it doesn't even push back on our cultural ideas of punitive justice *that much.* and still, I've seen people get real mad that the child monk who is the last survivor of a genocide that wiped out his entire pacifist culture didn't do a murder.

[dransnake]

Booted up Rain World for the first time in a while, since I've been getting a lot of that content on my Youtube timeline for some reason. I still have no idea what's going on, but I have enjoyed it. Might even buy downpour I dunno.

But! I was pleasantly surprised that Hunter can be unlocked by beating the game on Monk now AND I can change slugcat colors. Also apparently there's accessibility options now? Can't find em, but I have been enjoying playing as Pink Monk a lot more. Maybe these things are just part of the remixed mod part, but I'm okay with that.

[wombywoo]

do you have any ghostsoap favorite fics, perhaps?

boy do I....

I should preface this by saying that I'm pretty...particular with what types of fics I enjoy reading (I only like certain character interpretations/tropes/writing styles, etc) so bear with me...

These are all mostly canon-compliant, non-AUs, ones that I regard highly~

Seasons--by StinglessWasp: This is pretty much my go-to fic rec for anyone into CoD and ghostsoap in general. It showcases everything I love about these characters, in a setting that feels as authentic to the games as possible, while also exploring the depth and sincerity hidden under the surface. So well-written and paced--the dialogue and military references all contribute to that 'feels like a mission out of the game' experience. Plus, I just love this interpretation of our boys--the humor, the inner struggles, the intimacy--Wasp 100% *gets* these characters and it's a joy to read <3

Except You, You Can Stay--by Iravaid: While this one isn't *technically* ghostsoap until the last chapter, in my opinion, it's required reading for anyone who gives a shit about Simon Riley. This is *the* character study--an intimate dissection of Ghost's past that seems so realistic and grounded, you forget how ludicrous those comics really are. Ira takes such care in treating these heavy topics with delicacy and effectiveness. Each chapter has you going 'oh wow, this is even better than the last', but as a whole--it's a stunning, fleshed-out glimpse into Simon as the character he was always meant to be. And the final chapter which eases you into his relationship with Johnny is so authentic and sweet, it just makes perfect sense that they should be together, and that this poor poor man deserves some goddamn love <3

bleeding in the house of god--by revolvermonkcelot: This is a really great 'missing scene' fic, a perfect opportunity to explore the in-between moments that the game so carelessly chooses to gloss over. I can't praise Monk's writing enough--it's slick and crisp and very tasty; the imagery just jumps off the page and you can practically feel the sweat. Plus, the dialogue exchanges between our two boys are so well-timed and in-character--love all the slang and British references~ This whole fic reads like an addition to their mission flirting, and I'm all for it! You can truly tell this author has such deep understanding and experience with this franchise (winkwinkwink, this is a joke) Read it--it's good!

The Dead are all Living--by Kabbal: This fic blew me away when I first read it. It's such a unique take on the retirement trope, I just adore this interpretation of Simon as an aging recluse while he builds his home. I tend to lean towards more subtle, grounded characterizations of Mr Riley, and this really fits the bill. All of these glimpses and fragments into his post-military life contribute to an overarching love story; the scenes with Johnny are so poignant, it's like you're pining alongside them both. I love how not-perfect they are; flawed and difficult and real. There are some moments and lines that just....struck something in me so deeply. I'm sure I'll still be thinking about it for a long long time <3

Portrait of Taction--by a_platypus: Another Simon-centric fic that I absolutely love. The character voice in this is off the charts, I can hear him so vividly in all of his inner dialogue and stunted attempts at conversation. Simon is so endearingly dense in this fic, you're just waiting for him to finally get his act together, but the clumsy, oblivious steps he takes in his relationship with Soap are truly a treat to read. I love this version of Johnny too--confident and considerate, but still hopelessly crushing on his superior. It's comedic, well-written, and the paragraphs describing Soap's journal give some of the best insights into his character I've seen <3

come on, haunt me--by flyby2: This was a really good long fic that I took my time savoring. What could have been a typical 'on leave' fic instead took time to develop a unique spin on the backstories as well as throwing our boys into some wholesome encounters. Both Soap and Ghost felt very true to character, and I appreciate the exploration of PTSD and the subsequent struggles that come along with...all that. There was a really nice balance in having their romance spread across the chapters, and I can promise a very sweet, happy conclusion <3

in the mess of it all--by flowersferns: A lovely one-shot that exhibits some of my favorite aspects of these two characters. I'm a sucker for 'one of them is hurt, the other is freaking out, they are both idiots in love, etc'. There are some really great dialogue and character moments in this, plus the overall prose hits hard. Love this take on their romance--the mutual trust, the familiarity of their bond. And just the general theme of impermanence--the inevitability of what this relationship means for them--two soldiers, willing and ready to sacrifice their lives at a moment's notice, still clinging to each other because...god...that's all they have---big fan of this :'D <3

Lapsus--by Lisbetadair: Another really great one-shot and 'missing scene' fic. The authenticity in the writing is spot-on--it's like you can feel Soap's pain right off the bat. I love how smoothly the banter flows between the two, and the attention to detail and references all help lend to that 'hardened military man' exterior. Ghost smelling like flowers because of a face wipe is such a delightful addition, plus the scene where Soap is, ah, donald-ducking it in just a t-shirt with his jewels out is such a funny mental image, I still think of it fondly from time to time. It's funny, it's surprisingly cute, it's very in-character. Stick around for some awkward but adorable cuddles <3

I'm sure I have more to recommend, but these are the ones I can personally endorse for now~

[aleiiii]

Reborn! Wukong appreciation yesss. No one ever talks about him but that little gremlin deserves more love. Now I’m super curious to know more about that ‘Nà in a different font’ character of yours 👀

AAAAAAA HE DOES DESERVE MORE LOVE!!!

I had to dig these outta my sketchbook, so apologies for the messy format ;; they were very spur of the moment doodles

Since they were very spur of the moment, this character doesn’t have a name! Though, these were made before I had actually drew up Nà, so in a way…. She’s kinda like her predecessor lmao. There are some similarities… if you can spot them hehe

A bit of background for her though, the idea was that she’s a shrine maiden that the group come across in their journey. And of course Wukong being…well… Wukong comes and causes some issues. I WILL PREFACE THAT THIS IS PROBABLY AN ALTERNATE STORY THAT DOES NOT FOLLOW THE CANON OF JTTW, ofc it’s not very monk-like to be running around creating children. I take it as Wukong not really wanting to reach buddahhood by the time they finish their journey. All in good fun.

Conclusion: Reborn Wukong needs more love

[facultativeactivity]

Man, Star Wars has such a great lore, I wish more of it was in the movies

"the jedi don't have therapists-"

jedi philosophy, and in particular the practices and teachings that jedi were expected to implement in their everyday lives, was therapy. dialectical behavior therapy (dbt), to be exact. anyone who's familiar with dbt knows where i'm already going with this, but like genuinely look up the basic tenets of dbt and it's identical with what the jedi were doing.

dbt, to put it simply, is a specific therapy technique that was designed for ptsd and past trauma. it's pretty different from traditional talk therapy. it combines a few different environments (individual, group, etc.), recognizing that no single format of treatment can stand alone.

the key focuses of dbt include:

emotional regulation- understanding, being more aware of, and having more control over your emotions

mindfulness- regulating attention and avoiding anxious fixation on the past or future

interpersonal effectiveness- navigating interpersonal situations

distress tolerance- tolerating distress and crises without spiraling and catastrophizing

i'm sure it's already clear from that list alone how much the jedi teachings correspond with the goals of dbt. the jedi value, teach, and practice the following:

identifying and understanding emotions

mindfulness and living in the present

compassion, diplomacy, and conflict resolution (on interpersonal scales, not just planetary or galactic)

accepting and tolerating certain levels of distress or discomfort (particularly mental, such as discomfort at the thought of losing a loved one to death)

idk man seems almost as if jedi mental health practices and dbt are two sides of a completely identical coin. (fun fact: both star wars and dbt are products of the 70s.)

and guess what? dbt was specifically designed as a treatment for borderline personality disorder. remember that one? or, if you don't, maybe you remember a specific character, the one who was literally used as an example by my professor in my undergrad psych class when she was teaching us about bpd?

tldr: simply existing within the jedi community, practicing jedi teachings, surrounded by a support network of other jedi of all life stages, was the therapy for anakin. even when viewed through a modern lens. it was even, more specifically, the precise type of therapy that has developed in modern times to treat the exact types of mental issues he was struggling with.

[cressidagrey]

The Queen of Romantasy and the Race Car Prince - Epilogue (The End)

Pairing: Lando Norris x Elizabeth "Lizzie" Treshton (Original Character)

Summary:

Elizabeth Treshton—bestselling romantasy author, queen of fae heartbreak, and sworn devotee of a carefully structured routine—never expected her service dog to abandon protocol and diagnose a Formula 1 driver with something. But that’s exactly what happens when Mara the wonder-dog ditches Lizzie’s side to aggressively alert to none other than Lando Norris in the middle of a coffee shop.

Warnings and Notes: 

Mention of epilepsy and service animals. I don't myself suffer from epilepsy, so I asked my IRL friend, who thankfully was nice enough to let me ask her all the questions I could come up with. The rest I asked Reddit. So everything that's wrong...that's totally my fault and not on purpose.

And with that, we have reached the end. I could, as always, write a lot more, (And maybe eventually I will, but for right now, that's where we will leave Lando and Lizzie.)

As always big thanks to @llirawolf , who listens to me ramble

Twitch Stream Transcript – Max Fewtrell & Lando Norris

[Stream starts]

Max: Right, chat. I know we’ve been through a lot together. We’ve seen things. We’ve survived things. But I don’t think any of you are ready for what’s about to happen.

Max: Because, somehow, defying all expectations, defying all logic—Lando Norris is actually here.

Chat: 

LIAR.

NO WAY.

PROVE IT.

MAX THIS BETTER NOT BE A PRERECORDED AI CLIP.

OH SO HE DOES EXIST.

IT’S BEEN 84 YEARS.

Lando: [over voice chat, deadpan] I hate you.

Max: Gasp. He speaks. It’s real. It’s happening.

Lando: You’re so dramatic.

Max: No, mate, I’m just telling it like it is. The last time we saw you, you were escaping the internet at full speed. Thought you retired. Went off the grid. Became a monk.

Lando: Yeah, well. Things got messy.

Max: Understatement of the year.

Chat: 

YEAH NO KIDDING.

THE INTERNET WAS A NIGHTMARE.

LIZZIE DESERVED BETTER.

MARAAA OUR QUEEN.

THE ABLEISM WAS SO BAD.

LANDO DEFENDING HER >>>

Max: So, how’s Lizzie?

Lando: She’s good. Writing, mostly. And making sure I actually sleep.

Max: A saint.

Lando: Obviously.

Chat: 

PROTECT HER AT ALL COSTS.

SHE NEEDS TO KNOW WE LOVE HER.

I WANT TO SEND HER FANMAIL BUT I’M SCARED.

MARA POST WHEN??

TELL LIZZIE SHE’S A QUEEN.

Max: But mate, you really should’ve warned me before hopping on. Nearly had a heart attack.

Lando: Didn’t think it was that big of a deal.

Max: Didn’t think it was—oh my god. Chat, back me up.

Chat: 

IT IS A BIG DEAL.

HISTORIC MOMENT.

LORE DROP.

WE THOUGHT LIZZIE LOGGED YOU OUT FOREVER.

DO YOU EVEN REMEMBER YOUR TWITCH PASSWORD??

SHE PROBABLY DRAGGED HIM BACK HERE.

Lando: Actually, she’s in the kitchen right now.

Max: Oh, is she? What’s she doing?

Lando: Giving Mara peanut butter.

Max: …Oh no.

Lando: Yeah.

(And then, as if on cue, absolute chaos erupts in Lando’s mic—loud licking, snuffling, something knocking against furniture. A thump. A very happy dog making a complete racket.)

Max: WHAT IS HAPPENING.

Lando: [muffled laughter] She’s going feral.

Max: CHAT, DO YOU HEAR THIS?

Chat: 

MARAAA.

SHE’S EATING LIKE SHE HASN’T BEEN FED IN YEARS.

DOG ASMR STREAM WHEN.

THAT’S THE SOUND OF A QUEEN ENJOYING LIFE.

SHE DESERVES EVERY BIT OF THAT PEANUT BUTTER.

Max: Mate. Your dog is losing it.

Lando: She loves peanut butter.

Max: Yeah, no kidding. It sounds like she’s wrestling it.

Lando: Wouldn’t surprise me.

Max: I swear, chat’s gonna riot if you don’t post a Mara video soon.

Lando: I’ll think about it.

Max: Think about it? No, mate, you don’t understand. Mara is the people’s princess.

Chat: 

MARA FOR PRESIDENT.

SHE DESERVES THE WORLD.

THE WAY SHE’S JUST EXISTING AND WE’RE ALL LOSING IT.

THIS IS NOW A MARA FAN STREAM.

GIRLBOSS.

Max: You could literally disappear again for months, but if you drop one single Mara clip, all will be forgiven.

Lando: Huh. Good to know.

Max: Don’t even pretend like you won’t exploit that.

Lando: [grinning] Wouldn’t dream of it.

(Mara, still licking peanut butter, lets out an extremely content sigh.)

Max: Oh, that was adorable.

Lando: Yeah, she’s great.

Max: I can feel chat melting over this.

Chat: 

SHE’S SO PRECIOUS.

LIZZIE AND MARA HARD CARRYING THE CONTENT RIGHT NOW.

MARA POST WHEN.

WE DON’T DESERVE HER.

SHE’S SO REAL FOR THIS.

Max: Right. Now that we’ve all had our emotional moment over Mara’s peanut butter obsession, shall we actually play the game?

Lando: Probably.

Max: But just so we’re clear—this stream peaked the moment Mara showed up.

Lando: Yeah, I figured.

(Chat spams heart emojis as the game finally begins.)

***

The Queen of Romantasy and the Race Car PrinceBy June Shepard

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Treshton has built an empire on love stories—intoxicating, sweeping, heart-stopping love stories that have made her one of the most successful romantasy authors of the decade. Her Seasons of Fate series, a four-book saga filled with magic, intrigue, and forbidden romance, has captivated millions worldwide, cementing her place as the reigning queen of the genre.

But even her most devoted readers could never have predicted that she was living out a love story of her own. And certainly not with one of the biggest stars in motorsport.

When Lizzie Treshton walked into the Silverstone paddock in July 2025, hand-in-hand with McLaren’s Lando Norris, social media imploded.

No one had any idea they were together. No rumors, no leaks—just an earth-shattering confirmation that sent both F1 and romantasy Twitter into collective cardiac arrest.

"It wasn’t supposed to be a big thing," Treshton says now, curled up on a sofa in her Surrey flat, a steaming mug of tea in hand. "Lando was racing at Silverstone. I wanted to be there to support him. I didn’t think the world would explode."

Perhaps that was naive. Because if there’s one thing the world loves, it’s an unexpected crossover. And this? This was the ultimate crossover event.

Lando Norris has spent the last six years in the high-pressure world of Formula 1, balancing blistering lap times with an ever-growing fanbase that adores his mix of raw talent, easy charm, and chaotic humor. He’s no stranger to public scrutiny. But even he was caught off guard by the sheer scale of the reaction.

"I knew Lizzie was a big deal," he says, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish smile. "But I didn’t fully grasp it until people started calling me ‘the romantasy book boyfriend of the year.’"

He grins. "I think my sisters are still mad I didn’t tell them who I was dating."

That particular detail has only added to the legend of "Lizzie & Lando." While Norris’s family knew he had a girlfriend, they had no idea it was that Lizzie Treshton—the very same author whose books they had lined up at midnight to buy. His sisters, self-proclaimed romantasy fanatics, took approximately thirty seconds to forgive him before launching into full-scale fangirl mode.

But not everyone has been as welcoming.

Almost immediately after Silverstone, the backlash began. While plenty of fans celebrated the unexpected pairing, others turned vicious. Some called Treshton “undeserving.” Others dismissed the relationship entirely, claiming Norris would eventually move on.

And then there were the ones who went after her health.

Treshton has always been open about living with epilepsy, discussing it occasionally in interviews and social media posts. But being open about something and having it dissected by millions of strangers are two very different things.

Some reactions were cruel—questioning Norris’s commitment, making sweeping judgments about Treshton’s ability to “keep up” with the fast-paced, jet-setting lifestyle of an F1 driver. Others were outright ableist, using her condition as a reason to doubt her place at his side.

Norris, uncharacteristically sharp in his response, took to Instagram. “The way some of you have spoken about Liz—the woman I love—is disgusting. There’s no other way to put it. You’ve taken something she has no control over and used it as an excuse to dehumanize her, to insult her, to act like she isn’t worthy of me.” 

McLaren issued a formal statement condemning the backlash, while much of the grid rallied behind Treshton, with drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc publicly voicing their support.

“It was disgusting,” Treshton says bluntly. “But not surprising.”

"I’ve lost people because of my epilepsy," Treshton says quietly, her fingers tightening around her mug. "People who couldn’t handle it. People who didn’t want to try."

Her mother was one of them.

Treshton doesn’t often talk about her mother, but when she does, it’s with a detachment that speaks of wounds long since buried. "She left when I was young," she says. "Said she couldn’t deal with it. So she didn’t."

She exhales slowly. "I learned early on that some people see epilepsy as an inconvenience. Like it makes you fragile. But it doesn’t make me less. And it sure as hell doesn’t make me unlovable."

Despite the backlash, Treshton and Norris remain unfazed. Their relationship, built away from the public eye, is stronger than the noise that surrounds it.

"Lando makes me feel safe," she admits. "Not in a way that makes me feel like I need protecting, but in a way that reminds me I don’t have to do everything alone."

For Norris, it’s simple. "She’s incredible," he says. "And I’m lucky to have her. End of story."

There’s something almost cinematic about the two of them. The bestselling author who spins love stories for a living. The racing driver who defies speed and gravity every weekend. It’s the kind of pairing that shouldn’t make sense. And yet, it does.

At the end of the day, theirs isn’t just a love story. It’s a story about resilience. About belonging. About choosing each other in a world that constantly tries to tear people down.

When asked what’s next, Treshton shrugs. “I have a book to finish. He has races to win. And beyond that?” She tilts her head, thoughtful. “I think we’ll just keep surprising people.”

One thing is clear: the queen of romantasy and her race car prince are far from a fleeting fairytale.

They’re just getting started.

****

8 December 2024, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

The moment Lando stepped out of the car, the world blurred around him. The cheers, the McLaren team swarming in orange, the fireworks—none of it felt real. He had won Abu Dhabi. He had won the Constructors’ Championship for McLaren. After years of dreaming, of heartbreak, of being so close yet so far—he had done it.

His mother reached him first, arms tight around his shoulders, holding him like she never wanted to let go. “Lando,” she breathed, pulling back just enough to look him in the eyes. “You’ve made so many people happy today.”

His father clapped a firm hand on his back, pride evident in his expression. His team, his engineers, Zak Brown—everyone was celebrating around him. But Lando was already searching for someone else.

And then he saw her.

Lizzie stood off to the side, wrapped in one of his McLaren jackets, Mara sitting dutifully at her feet. She looked exhausted, and he knew why. Just last night, she had suffered a seizure. He had been with her through it, waiting for the worst to pass. He had told her she didn’t have to come today, that she should stay at the hotel and rest.

But Lizzie was nothing if not stubborn.

Her gaze found his, and her face lit up like the fireworks lighting the sky outside.

He could see how tired she was, though, in the tightness around her eyes, the way her body was still a little stiff.

But she was here.

His feet moved before his brain caught up, and suddenly, she was in front of him, her hands reaching up to his face before he could say a word.

Her fingers traced over his skin, her tired eyes taking him in with a familiar, almost reverent look. It was as if she couldn’t believe he was real. Lando knew the feeling.

“Like I ever would have missed this,” she murmured before he could scold her for being out in the chaos of the paddock. Her thumbs brushed his cheekbones, her voice thick with emotion. “Lando, you did it. You actually did it.”

"You didn't need to come," he whispered. His hands came to rest on her waist, grounding himself. “I was worried about you.”

“And I was never going to miss watching you win,” she said simply, smiling up at him. “I am so proud of you.”

Lando let out a shaky breath.

Then, with the whole world watching, he kissed her.

It was soft, careful—his hands tightening on her waist like he was terrified she might disappear, like he still wasn’t sure if any of this was real. When he pulled back, her eyes were shining, and for the first time since he crossed the finish line, it hit him.

He had everything he had ever wanted.

****

Dedications of The Seasons of Fate: 

A Spring of Secrets and Thorns

For Mara—

My steady ground, my quiet guardian, my fiercest protector.

For every unseen battle you’ve helped me fight, for every moment you’ve kept me safe, and for always being by my side—this book, like so much of my life, is possible because of you.

A Summer of Blood and Bloom

For Dad—

For every doctor’s appointment, every sleepless night, and every time you carried the weight of the world so I wouldn’t have to.

You taught me that love doesn’t walk away—it stays, it fights, and it endures. This book is a testament to that, and to you.

An Autumn of Fire and Stone

For Tasha and Aunt Lou—

For the sister I chose and the woman who made us family.

For every page read, every dream encouraged, and every time you reminded me that I was more than my worst days. I am who I am because I had you both beside me. I couldn’t have done this without you.

A Winter of Ash and Starlight

For Lando - 

Who taught me that love, like speed, can take your breath away in an instant. You’ve turned the pages of my life in the most unexpected, beautiful way. 

Thank you for showing me that sometimes the best stories are the ones you never saw coming. 

Ours is my favourite one. 

Acknowledgments – A Winter of Ash and Starlight

Writing this book, and really this entire series, has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I never imagined that a story I started one summer in my dad’s garden would turn into this, but here we are. I couldn’t have done it alone, and I wouldn’t have wanted to.

To my dad—thank you for everything. For the late-night talks, the endless encouragement, and the way you always made sure I knew I was enough, just as I am. You’ve been my rock, my biggest supporter, and the reason I never stopped believing I could do this.

To Aunt Lou—you are proof that family is about love, not blood. You didn’t have to be a mother to me, but chose to be anyway. I don’t have the words to properly thank you for that, but I hope you know how much I love you.

To Tasha—my sister in every way that matters. For always having my back, for every chaotic adventure, and for making sure I never forget who I am. You are my favorite person to cause trouble with.

To Mara—my best girl, my constant companion, my real-life guardian angel. You have been curled up beside me through every late-night writing session, every deadline panic, every high and low.  There is no version of my life, or this book, without you in it.

This book marks the end of Astrid and Ciaran’s journey—the last chapter of their love story. And in a way, it closes a chapter of my own life, too. Love has a funny way of finding you when you least expect it, and just as I was bringing Astrid and Ciaran home, someone walked into my life and changed everything.

To Lando—who came into my life just as I was closing this chapter and somehow became the best story of all. I don’t know if fate is real, but if it is, I think it was always meant to bring me to you. You walked into my world when I wasn’t sure I deserved something good, and you have never let me forget that I do. 

Thank you for every quiet moment and every inside joke. Thank you for the dino nuggets, the peanut butter and the Ferrari Dog Bandanas. Thank you for making me laugh, for making me feel safe, and for proving, every single day, that love isn’t about grand gestures, but about showing up, time and time again. 

You have been the greatest plot twist of my life. I love you. 

And finally, to the readers—thank you for taking this journey with me. Thank you for believing in Astrid and Ciaran, in fate and magic, in love that defies the odds. This world, this story, exists because of you.

Here’s to new stories, new adventures, and finding our own kind of magic. Always.

With love and endless gratitude, Elizabeth Louise Treshton

The End

[lululocomo]

I love seeing all your theories about Wukong and how he remember MK😭

I created so much chaos- now you all want to know what's happening next but here I am, with next part still not done yet, and asking you to wait dgfdgdfg

Some people got really close to the actual thing! I will not tell, but damn I'm impressed!

Anyway I thrive for chaos and I love seeing how you reacted to any new informations >:)

(Popcorns for the kiddos to enjoy the chaos)

ALSO I PRESENT TO YOU THE LIL BEBE MONKE MADE BY A FRIEND: Meihua!!! I love her so much she deserve some popcorn with MK✨

[the-golden-walls-of-heaven]

What the reception of the White Lotus S03 season finale regarding Chelsea and Rick taught me is, just how many people do not understand what a tragedy is.

Comments on how Chelsea deserved better than Rick, that their relationship was toxic, and that Mike White should have wrote this differently, are fundamentally misunderstanding the point of the story.

Walton Goggings put this wonderfully: "In the depths of our despair, there is always beauty around us. If we can sit with our pain, just sit with it ... not react ... not be defined by it ... It's there ... the love the world is constantly giving in any given moment is there."

What makes this story a tragedy is the fact that Rick knows what he has to do (he even says it himself, a man needs to know when to stop), but in the moment of confrontation, he is ultimately unable to let go, which results in the death of both him and his true love. This is a weakness of human beings that we can all relate to.

What the audience is supposed to take from this is not "Chelsea chose a bad partner, age-gap relationship bad" but "violence begets violence". Which is also something that buddhist monk explains at the very beginning of the final episode. The actions we take to find resolution to our suffering is often what causes more suffering.

Also saying that "Chelsea should have left Rick for Saxon" is as absurd as saying Antigone should have just been less principled and she would have survived. It ignores the personality of the characters and it does nothing story-wise. Please stop with this nonsence.

[angstandhappiness]

LMAO BUCK WILD YO

JTTW 1996 is a fucking ride

And I just want to say to nobody that holy shit that last arc could have been completely avoided if Wukong just said from the start “Hey how about I drop our babies at my Mountain and have my monkeys watch over our babies for the rest of the journey.”

He literally says that later only after they split up.

I can’t stop thinking like what if Wukong just… dropped them off at Flower and Fruit Mountain from the start and no demon could stop him cause he just left.

Cow Demon: “Haha! Now I finally trapped you- where are the babies?”

Wukong: “They are in Nuna.”

Cow Demon: “Nuna?”

Wukong: “Nuna business. Come on Master, let’s leave.”

Babies safe. Demon thwarted.

Like yeah I know they aren’t actually their kids and are kidnapped but like damn if that would’ve be funny.

Wukong coming in like, “Hey my monkeys, you would not believe the weekend I’ve had. Long story short you are all in charge of babysitting duty and here’s your new royalty. Anyway here the new Monkey Prince, yes he’s very cute just like his father. Make sure to feed and water him. Also teach him Budda scriptures while I’m gone, I know he’s only a month old, you got to start them young. Also his cousin the Pig Lord, no, of course he’s not cuter than my kid- look at him! He got a pig nose just like his dad. Bet he’s going to be just as annoying too. Be sure to put him to bed early, the damn thing gets cranky. Also here’s the Underwater Princess. Yes, she is the cutest, don’t tell my son I said that but be sure to give her her favorite shark toy during her baths, she cries when she doesn’t have it. Yes, she cries just as much as her father and no I don’t know how to make it stop. Lastly here the Monarch Butterfly, she is very delicate and must be protected 24/7, I mean that seriously. Look at her! She’s going to just as pretty as Master so you better damn well make sure she doesn’t get kidnapped and/or eaten. Now we are super close to being done with this journey and getting the sutras. Should take about a few months at this point. I’m leaving this up to you, be back after I’ve reached enlightenment. Bye!”

And the Monkey Demons are just like “why can’t our king have a normal journey?”

Very said to the four familys that had their children kidnapped but that’s the way the cookie crumbles.

[saphirafoxgirlspost1]

(Open Rp and NFSW Rp) My Little Pony Love Story in "Mystery Fusion Prince"

Long time ago at the Beautiful Side of the Equestria and Its a Kingdom Called "Sakutopia" Home of the Beautiful valley of Cherry blossom Forest and mountains as well. It was a Day Of the Engagement Party Of Princess Saphira and The One Troubled Pony Prince Name "Raven Quill" Who Decided to Humiliate the Princess with His spell that will made Saphira's whole life upside down and it All happened when Saphira is Having tea with her sisters and the princesses Of Equestria. while Saphira was talking to them about the wedding arrangement she heard the Loud Splat on the windows.. and Saphira said,"What in the world!?" She got out and saw Her fellow Ponies having an Orgy party as Saphira's face turns completely red with embarrassment, Then she was so angry She Shouted,"ENOUGH!!!" She slammed her hooves and her horns glows as She got them back to Normal and the orgy stopped immediately.. Everyone was embarrassed after the Spell is broken and then She Commanded,

Saph: "Who is responsible for all this Abominational actions!? I demand to know!"

Then She hears Raven Quills Laughter and She is Completely Living because She finally knows who did it, and she confronted him.

Saph: "Raven Quill, what is the meaning of this!? How could you cause this kind of Awful Mess in Our engagement Party!? Have you know Shame!?"

Raven Quill: "Oh come on saph, it was just a Prank! I'd just want to have a little fun with an orgy and the Lovely Mares."

Saph: "A PRANK!? Your Pranks just Ruined the Engagement party and your cheating on me too with those mares! I thought One day from the moment when we decided to get married You would Be Matured enough to know.. But I was Freaking wrong about this!"

Raven Quill scoffed and said Something that made Saphira's Blood Boils,

Raven Quill: "Hey It's Your Fault that Your Ex-Husband Cheated on you And Rid your Little Filly 6 years ago Because you didn't Produce a "Male Heir". "

Everyone Including Saphira was Shocked and Appalled, Then Saphira went Angry and said,

Saph: "Get out! This Engagement is Over! YOU! Raven Quill Brought Shame On my Kingdom and Dishonored Your Families name and yours!! I don't want to see you again! GUARDS Get him out! And Some Pony Clean This Horrible Semen and Juice Mess Now and get the Monks to Cleanse this Bad Spirits Out!"

Raven Quill was Escorted out of her kingdom and Saphira Profusely Apoligize to princess celestia, luna, and princess Cadence as well while Celestia felt sorry For what happen to Saphira and She can tell that Saphira was Completely hurt and Humiliated By Prince Raven Quill, So Celestia Decided To Invite Her to the Galloping Gala. Saphira was Suprised as she thanked them for the Invite and all but that Night, Saphira said,

Saph: " I don't know about going there.."

Then Her Identical twin sister said,

Ruby: "What do you mean You don't know!? It's been 6 years, SIX YEARS Since You Divorce that Rooster Claw For the Heartbreak he cause you to have! And Now you Don't know about going there!?"

Saph: "Well it's Just.. I don't want to be Hurt again.."

Ruby: "Damn it Saphira! Are you Seriously Hearing yourself!? I'm sorry, But I'm Not going to Stand there and watched you Being all Sad and Single alone! Your Going to the Galloping Gala and thats final. NO "buts". "ands." ifs, And No Ors as well Because You Deserve better than That And your a Princess, You need to be with Someone worthy For your daughters Sake.. She doesn't want you to be sad and Alone about it either, The Galloping gala is not going to start till Tomorrow Night.. So Tomorrow YOU are going Shopping In the Morning."

Saph: "Me? What about you? Are you going to join?"

Ruby: "Well I'm Having Some Royal Business To deal with.. But I'll Join you at the Royal Spa to make you look Nice after shopping for the Dress, So get to bed early so you can enjoy your dream life."

Saphira Nodded and began to Head to the bedroom While Ruby Began to wear a Black Cloak and began to Sneak out and began to head to the Hutt Home of Her Zebra Penpal friend Name Zecora. So Ruby Told Zecora about Saphira's Suitors Problem and then Zecora Had an Idea, She Pulls out the Medallion which holds 4 pieces of it so Ruby Can give 4 Princes Worthy for Saphira's Hooves in Marriage and Fuse into one.. and then Zecora said that if Saphira accepted the fusion and finds worthy of it.. Zecora pulls out the chest of Fusion Potion and told that Ruby will make it permanent For the 4 Princes.. Then Ruby accepted and thanked Zecora for the medallion and the Potion as well.. Next Morning came in Saphira Began to Head to the Boutique that Her twin sister Mentioned about it, She began to go there and got the Lovely Dresses for her and Her sisters For the Galloping Gala Tonight, Then She came back with The Dresses and had a great time at the spa with her sister and the Night has arrived, Saphira and Ruby arrives at the Ponyville Galloping Gala wearing a Most Beautiful Dresses In Equestria and other Stallions and Princes Saw Saphira's Beauty and They are all Head Over Hooves On Saphira and Ruby had a Perfect Plan For Her to make a Night Saphira Will Never forget as One of the Princes Comes to her and He said...

[hyenamurena]

BEHOLD! My xeno-OC's! <з

(and sorry for my bad eng)

Osytanis

The howling Banshee from the Shrine of Weeping Bones. Shortly after the events of Rogue Trader, she will join the ynnari.

For hundreds of years, Osytanis traveled the galaxy, honing her skills and exploring the world around her. On her long journey, she saw death and the birth of stars passing by, dispelling the darkness for a brief moment before being swallowed up by it again. The interconnectedness of all things was becoming more and more clearly felt, the threads of fate intertwining every living being in the universe were becoming stronger.

Her age is "stopped counting after the first thousand."

She has experienced many roles and paths. Each new role did not completely replace the previous one, but simply added to the accumulated experience of Osytanis. Going through these various roles, she explored many aspects of her own character. At her current age, Osytanis has already experienced many different roles and achieved a complex understanding of the universe.

Osytanis professes the ideology of forcible imposition, has an over-the-top conceit, she's an asshole of the 80 lvl and an insufferable old goat. But at the same time, she is no stranger to the concepts of politeness - she will not be rude to people just to show that she is a bitch, she knows how to say hello, she knows how to say "thank you" and "please", and in some moments she can even be quite an attentive and responsive ally. She does not touch children and she is no stranger to heroic impulses. It is more pleasant for her to solve conflicts in peace than to fight, because if she has to fight, she will not stand on ceremony.

Arzokith

How good is Arzokith? The best of the best.

Arzokith was born artificially, one of hundreds of equally Dark Ones. And just as early, he realized that he wanted something more, and, most importantly, that he deserved more. With hard and persistent work, he made his way to the cherished Obsidian temple. So, already in the first raids, he managed to prove himself as a skilled, lightning-fast and resourceful killer. The success of missions was snatched away by his clawed hand, and after several centuries he finally decided that he was ready to become an incubus. The very fact that he has endured extremely difficult and grueling training says a lot about the essence of Arzokith.

Now, not a single living soul knows about his past, before becoming an incubus. And won't know. Never.

Arzokith is endowed with serpentine grace, and in his every gesture, in every movement, there is the purest impulse to violence. With his whole appearance, he radiates danger and inspires primal animal horror.

Despite his more than dubious and formidable reputation, Arzokith himself is generally quite pleasant to interact with. He is much more cool-headed and calm, and rather resembles a kind of bloody monk.

AND THESE TWO, WELL-

Arzokith has been associated with Osytanis for thousands of years. They cooperate, then they fight, then they help each other, then they fight furiously again. She can't help but single him out and respect him for actually keeping his words and promises. Every time Osytanis and Arzokith managed to cooperate, he mercilessly tried to mock her to death. It took a while for such flirting jokes to give way to mutual sympathy, and then strong love. They were able to open their hearts to each other and finally intertwine their destinies and hearts only 160 years after the events of Rogue Trader, during the active events of the Thirteenth Black Crusade.

Once he stabbed her with a sword and almost tore out her guts, but she managed to tactically retreat. With a sword in his belly. And the next time they met, she cut through his helmet with this sword and almost pierced his skull, and then he tactically retreated. And when they had to work together on the same side… then he mercilessly trolled her, and she almost cut off his face. With that, they had a tactical sex. For the first time.

Neither Osytanis nor Arzokith took each other seriously for a very long time. Rather, as a temporary hobby, a source of entertainment and to "let off steam" when the opportunity arises.

Both Osytanis and Arzokith are warriors who live only to kill. Almost immediately after the meeting, they realized that we were made for each other, but there is… circumstances. They swear with abandon, then they fuck with abandon. Their favorite steps are dancing on each other's nerves. They compete in venomous jokes at every meeting. In a simple way, their relationship can be described by the saying: "it's bad apart, it's close together." In fact, these two just adore each other, yes, they are literally one Satan.

However, their relationship does not stop Arzokith from having multiple sexual relations on the side. Osytanis doesn't mind. Sex is not so important to them, there is a completely different level of connection between them.

[hotvintagepoll]

Will Scarlett has lost his temporary lead in the Hot Medieval and Fantasy Man Melee, so I'm back with screenshots to prove my point that Will is the Hottest Boy in the Land. I normally avoid these types of long posts but I will do anything for my Slutty Merry Boy, so buckle in.

To introduce Will Scarlett—oh by the way here's the link to his whole movie—I think it's important context to know that when we first meet him, Robin is saving a man's life and Scarlett is staring at nothing in particular. His head is empty of thoughts. He looks this way the entire scene. I'm not sure he blinks.

As soon as the danger is over (a danger he did absolutely nothing to help with) he has a chuckle with Robin! Sunshine and laughter and roses!

The next time we see him (which is soon, because this movie loves Will Scarlett too), he is bitching because Robin had them sleep in the woods (???) and he got stabbed in the back by some acorns.

Here he is falling over a log.

Here he is getting smacked with a branch.

HERE HE IS AFTER GETTING SMACKED BY THE BRANCH.

He serves cunt continuously through the entire Little John sequence, and we don't have time for all of my screenshots, so just a quick smattering:

Here he is being hot and unsupportive when Robin decides to fight the biggest guy he's ever seen. (Scarlett literally says "your skull not mine" and then just stands there.)

Here he is getting in Robin's way.

Here he is, picking the hottest pose possible so he can be the bard and play little showtunes while Robin gets his ass kicked.

Oh my goddd fuck me.

Worth mentioning that Little John does loudly identify Will Scarlett as "a pretty fellow" and nobody contradicts this. In a world where all of Robin's men have one personality trait (big, friar, or tiny), Will Scarlett's is Slut.

Once we get out of the Will's Musical Singalong chapter and Robin goes in disguise to the archery contest, Scarlett does too, except whoever told him he couldn't wear his normal Versace didn't tell him what normal people wear because he shows up looking like this.

Absolutely nobody else in the crowd looks like that. That's just what he thinks the Normies are doing.

With Robin captured, you'd think it's time for Will Scarlett to contribute something. Unfortunately he is constitutionally incapable of not serving cunt at all times to the exclusion of all else, so Maid Marian thinks of the plot while he stands by looking really hot.

Here he is serving cunt as a monk. Jesus Christ.

HERE he actually does something during the climatic battle! I had forgotten but he does swing his sword around a little bit. He doesn't actually look hot while doing this which explains why he has never done it before.

i saved this screenshot with the caption "the beatles" and i'm not wrong.

here he is doing new things with blood eyeliner. very brat.

SUCH A SERVE THERE IN THE BACKGROUND AND FOR WHAT

in conclusion, Will Scarlett is a hot hot man who is clever (by his own estimation, never proven within the story) and extremely hot (by everyone else's estimation, proven twenty-seven thousand times over). He serves several different looks in the movie, all of them incredible, and is apparently brought along by Robin just for his charming good looks and lack of thoughts because he's certainly not good at anything else. He is the hero to all of us who want to hang out in this movie but not actually work out or hold a weapon, and the bard that every Sherwood story deserves. Vote Will Scarlett, my legend, my icon, my idiot.

@medievalandfantasymelee

[iidilio]

Any opinions on a soft yandere Sesshomaru? 👀

[🌸] ay mi ciela 🦅

warnings: yanderishhh— and thoughts

characters: sesshomaru;; some character mentions  

haha :b… wHAT—

- - -

-okwy, okay, okay, okay

-hear me out… 🔥

-I know I said I wasn't going to write anything about yandere or something similira bUT—

-a Sesshomaru soft yandere…

-woman, do you think the same as me???

-like????

-that would be our sesshomaru from the first season!

-*happy noises* okay imagine a demon lord being jealous of the slightest interaction you have with human men because-

-YOU don't deserve to be with those human garbage

-yes, he knows that you are human but you are different, you know?

-You're the only human being he can stand not cutting off their head (and then Rin arrived, so there would be two... no wait; there's Kagome, Kohaku and—)

-well at least he stand others BUT

-don't think that the man who looked at you in a seductive way and wanted to touch you will go unpunished.

-sesshomaru will growl with evil intentions when he sees another demon/human approaching you

-our man is ✨wild✨

-his level of protection towards you will rise to infinity

-his level of love and adoration for you will rise to infinity

-his level of jealous will rise to infinity

-but he won't hurt you!

-of course not!

-how can you think that? You are like a delicate flower that he must protect because he decided to make an exception for you when he decided to be with you

-The touches you will receive from other people other than him to you will be few.

-rin can hug you all day without suffering consequences or an annoying growl from your grumpy man

-Kagome is fine, she can hug you... for a limited time (he's counting time)

-with jaken it's an in-between... the demon goblin can feel your touch if YOU are touching him, which happens if the little demon goblin gets hurt and needs your help. although he prefers that Rin be the one to take care of him

-As for Inuyasha... please no

-just no…

-no :)

-sesshy is going to be the type of yandere who will tell you that he's doing it for your own good while hiding you in a cave or something similar when he's feeling particularly jealous of showing you to the world

-(If it were up to him he hides you underground so that the evil of the world will never touches you... but he discovered from the annoying girl called Kagome that humans need sun. AKA: vitamin c)

-sesshy sad because his plan is not going to work

-In the end, to keep you happy and let you go out more often, he decided to put a nice cloak on you with his scent so that at least others could smell him on you BECAUSE—

-he will not share your smell either, my dearest friend

-(he almost put out the eyes of the monk who accompanies his foolish younger brother when he discovered him looking at you)

-It was worse when Naraku decided to kidnap you... he almost sent the world and human existence to hell—

-Jaken vaguely concerned about how the good of living beings depends on your life and what you want

.

.

.

-Well, I hope this has been satisfactory ✌🏼 haha

that would be me if I met sesshy from the first season— like… dude pls calm down 😭

[avocado-writing]

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

*eats your words*

no but seriously, your writing has me kicking my feet when I’m supposed to be typing an essay 😞‼️ I was wondering if you could do some headcanons for the companions x monk! Tav who, when being confessed to, Tav responds with “it’ll pass”?

basically fleabag inspired 😍‼️ please and thank you! stay safe n warm 🔫

OH GOD HEARTBREAKING i tried to make it have a happy ending tho!!! enjoy! and I'm so glad that you enjoy my writing! (mild nsfw mentions)

writing as if you're saying this because you think you wouldn't be the best option for their future, one way or another, and want to try and soften the blow for them by replying like this. you only want them to be happy and you're scared it can't be with you.

Astarion

you cup his face, and the look in your eyes is so, so sad.

you think perhaps your simple nomadic lifestyle will not be enough for him. you love him, you do, but he needs someone more modern. more cosmopolitan.

when you tell him it will pass you see a myriad of expressions cross his face: sadness, confusion, anger... but finally, resolve.

he takes your hand in his, firmly.

"my heart. I know when things will pass, and when they won't. my love for you is not some trifle, a fashion to be abandoned like it would go out of style. I mean it. I can make my own decisions, and I have decided where I want to be. It's with you."

he reaches out to embrace you. you're surprised, but let him do it anyway, and you bury your face into his neck to hide your emotions.

maybe, just maybe, you were wrong.

you hold him tighter than ever that night.

Gale

you're worried he is too smart for you. that he will get bored of you, and the idea breaks your heart.

you tell him "it'll pass" when he confesses because you're scared.

seems actually offended that you'd tell him his love for you might be fleeting.

"there are things which will span the ages. stories, gods, heroes. my love for you is one of them. I do not confess that lightly. you are a beacon of hope in my life, love... and that will never fade."

goes on for some time afterwards about how committed he is and how much he loves you, until eventually you accept that he's not going anywhere.

bloody wizards, so good with their words...

fall asleep that night after having the most intimate lovemaking session, all about feeling each other's breath and heartbeats.

he is here to stay, forever.

Wyll

wyll deserves someone amazing. someone who could handle his life if he became duke, and you're scared you'll let him down.

when you tell him 'it'll pass' he is hurt, and leaves the conversation for a moment. you think perhaps it is for the best. you don't need this to cause any more pain.

but later he comes to find you and asks if he can have a private moment. you find out he wasn't hiding from you but preparing: he has a little intimate picnic set up where you can sit and be alone.

when you're comfortable he tells you about how deep his love is, how fate has thrown you together.

"there is nothing about how i feel about you that could pass. nothing."

to prove his point, he slips to his knee, and that is when he proposes.

you're overcome with emotion. you have to accept how committed to you he is, and work out if you deserve something as fierce as his love.

there are tears in your eyes when you accept. you never think his love will pass again.

Karlach

probably the hardest one to say this too. together, your future is so uncertain. it will be easier to break it off here rather than maim both of you.

gets angry. in fact, goes into a rage. tears up the surroundings, and for a moment you're taken aback--

but then she turns and she's sobbing, stuck at the midpoint between being apoplectic and brokenhearted.

"you don't get to decide that for me! you don't! you're the first person i've loved... I've touched... I've felt anything for, for a fucking decade! when i feel this, it doesn't fade! how dare you think about yourself like that? as if you're some sort of phase?"

eventually she calms down enough but bursts into tears instead. you go to hold her and she embraces you so tightly that the wind is knocked from your body.

"i love you. i won't leave you. don't leave me." her voice is tiny.

how could you ever say no? how could you ever doubt her?

when the two of you are in Avernus, you're reminded of this moment, and so glad she fought against it. you'd trade this away for nothing.

Lae'zel

would she want someone like you? long term? she's so brave, so fierce. what if you're not good enough? what if your relationship develops only for you to let her down?

she gets angry too, but quieter.

is furious that you would question her affection.

"githyanki do not give their devotion lightly. the fact that you think my love for you could pass makes me wonder how well you know me."

it turns into an argument where you try and explain your side, and she's angry at you for thinking this way.

eventually it descends into angrily making out. some fierce lovemaking. her saying how much she loves you, possesses you, between every bite and kiss.

you lie in the afterglow. she says she will not leave, and pretty much tells you that you won't either. you agree, and tangle your hand with hers.

Shadowheart

tries to hide how hurt she is.

yes, Shar is the lady of loss, but the idea of losing you... of not having you in her life? unthinkable.

you only tried to tell her it will pass so that, if she wishes to become a dark justiciar, she will have no lingering attachment to you after.

and yet...

it is blasphemy for her, but she refuses to let you go.

"no. i won't allow it. i can't believe this will fade between us. you are the most precious thing to me. stay."

you're weak for her, end up tumbling into bed, reconfirming your love for each other.

you never quite believe that this is forever until she changes her hair, embraces selune. then your heart is full of joy. and it is full of Shadowheart.