#now excuse me as i prepare for catherine

[dlartistanon]

I'm not gonna comment on story development, but speaking from a design standpoint, I'm just disappointed with how they chose to present a playable Mon3ter.

Other people have said it better than I can: there's no "good" reason for him to be a cute anime girl.*

It's disappointing that one of the most iconic creatures of the game had his edges filed off for the sake of lazy conventionally attractive pandering.

When was our last furry operator? (It also annoys me when people refer to AK as a "furry" game, because it's not. Most furries are relegated to background NPCs and like 5 out of 300+ playable is negligible)

They already have an in-built sprite for Mon3ter... as OG Kal'tsit's summon.

Honestly I'd be less disappointed if they made Mon3ter a guy instead. If they weren't going to commit to full-on creature, then Kal'tsit harboring elements of gender fluidity would've been awesome.

To everyone trying to counterpoint that this was unsurprising, to be expected because AK is still a gacha game, at one point in time, AK was willing to branch out from the mold. Not a lot of games would've sold Mountain or Lee as high-rarity units. And while players have a tendency to overestimate how AK did things differently, it was still notable.

And what makes it sad is that AK itself seems to agree, and has been incrementally going down the "safer" design route and taking less risks. Now that they've established themselves, they can afford to be lazy, I guess.

* If this was "foreshadowed" in preparation for Endfield, that just sours my feelings on Endfield even more. Making EF a direct sequel to AK basically limits with AK can do narratively, and the AK story itself has to be railroaded to fit Endfield. Never mind how EF has to contend with explaining inconsistencies to the original AK lore and worldbuilding.

They couldn't have made Endfield an alternate universe with a heavier focus on sci-fi? They already do that with Integrated Strategies... it just boggles me because it's like they learned nothing from trying to please different audiences at once (re Doctor being a blank slate and/or an established character). It's like they don't have any confidence that EF can stand on its own, so they have to tie it back to their more successful game.

But, as a friend so eloquently put it: "Are the type of people coming into Endfield really gonna sit and read through the original AK story?"

Anyway, I liked this video because it encapsulates the trouble that EF seems to struggle overcoming regarding which audience they're targeting (both play-wise and writing-wise), and reconciling that with the game they want to make. AK having an identity crisis is a running theme, it seems.

[celticcrossanon]

Hi Celta,

Thank you for expressing how you truly feel about Camilla. I’m glad that she’s being revealed for the person she is.

I got into a disagreement with a tarot reader on here because I called out her bias against the Wales. Her opinion was that William and Catherine were destroying the monarchy because they’re lazy, don’t want to work, are on ego trips against the King, especially Catherine all of last year, and they don’t want to take on assignments as ordered (which I suspect has a lot to do with reconciling with Harry, and bringing him back into the fold). She wanted to nitpick every decision and ongoing project the Wales have, and every single one was baaaaaad and destructive. All of this amid the worst health crisis they are facing, I thought it was highly unfair.

I challenged her to look at Charles as POW and asked what HIS plans were for the monarchy at William’s age (42), when he was newly married to Diana. Besides playing hide the sausage with Camilla at her sisters estate, ruminating about plants and architecture, I’m not aware of what his long term plans for the monarchy were. His decisions about the Duchy of Cornwall I’m sure were based on solid financial advice given to him by the best advisors. He’s had the better part of fifty years for his Princes Trust and Duchy to gain value on the stock exchange. What were his future plans for continuation of the monarchy really?? She got angry with me, and instead of answering the question, she blocked me, and called me a Wales worshipper and being delusional about William and Catherine.

Here we are in 2025, Charles is King and things are falling apart. It seems to me no one was asking Charles the same hard questions being asked of William. There was no accountability then and throughout Charles’ life, yet some people ( I strongly suspect Sussex sugars) are turning the screws on William and demanding the accountability they never asked of Charles. All of this to say, if you can turn back time, can you look at Charles when he was William’s age now, and ask what were his plans for the long lived continuation of his line?? It seems that’s the point of the monarchy, and Charles seemed only into having the best time, and not on thoughts of future. The future has now arrived with a bang, and now Charles seemed only to be interested in status quo. If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

I wish only the very best for the Wales, they have their work cut out.

Hi AnonymousRetired,

I think my main gripe with Queen Camilla is that for me, she is not acting like a queen. All the gloating and self glorifying PR is not what a Queen does, at any time, in public, and neither is showing disrespect for the country's main religion, the one of which her husband is head. It's just wrong, and it rubs me the wrong way, and then I get blunt in my assessments as I'm too irritated to be charitable.

I know a lot of people like Queen Camilla, and I am glad that she has supporters. I don't blame people for liking her. I wish I could - I wish I still had the grudging respect that I had for her before she opened her mouth and showed what she was really like - but I can't, and that is all there is too it. I wish her supporters well but I can no longer be one of them.

Some royal watchers are biased against the Prince and Princess of Wales. I have noticed that. There is no point in arguing with them as they are not open to reason or logic in that area.

They have built up their own community and their place in that community by abusing and bullying The Prince and Princess of Wales, and they are not going to change now. Part of that abuse is holding one standard for the King and Queen that is filled with excuses for their behaviour, and another, much higher standard for The Prince and Princess of Wales, where everything they do is torn apart and criticised to the nth degree, especially if there was nothing wrong with it in the first place.

What those royal watchers say about others is what they are guilty of themselves - their comments are projections of their own behaviour.

I ignore them, as what they say is of no interest to me. IMO their comments are driven by dislike, if not hatred, and/or intense envy and jealousy, and I see no reason to engage with that.

Other royal watchers prefer to focus on The King and Queen, and that is fine. I have no issue with that at all. Everyone can follow their own interests on their own blog, and others can engage or not as they wish. There is always the option of scrolling by if you don't like what another person says.

As for accountability, that I think goes back to the media. They were fine letting King Charles do whatever he wanted and covering his activities in various ways, and the closer it got to the time King Charles would ascend the throne, the more flattering their coverage became. On the other hand, the media have a definite bias and against and, in some cases, hated for Prince William and Princess Catherine, because the two of them do not play the media's games, and the media takes it out on the couple in their coverage, including holding Prince William responsible for things that were never his responsibility in the first place and comparing him unfavourably to his father. Certain royal watchers have picked up on this trend and they follow it and apply it to everything done by Prince William and his wife.

Your arguments about comparing The King to his heir make very good points. My own preference is not to compare the two but to judge each one on their own merits. So far Prince William is winning in my eyes, but that could be my bias showing (every time I think King Charles has shown that he can be a good king he stuffs it up in some way, most recently by shoving Camilla down my throat).

[spilledquinoa]

as my sibling and I have a running quotes list, I would like to add some lines that I think would be pretty fun with Sephiroth, Angeal, Genesis, Zack, and Cloud. enjoy.

Sephiroth

"All I know is MAIL"

"Who made blood?" "yes"

"one (1) singular street fight"

"so basically it's China or cancer"

"you're walking inordinately slow" (probably Zack or somethin) "WELL YOU'RE WALKING BIG WORD FAST"

"I don't discriminate" (Genesis,most likely) "but I do"

"there's a mistake" "unacceptable" "...that was yours"

"it feels like my brain is being deep-fried in acetone"

"hey, how's it going?" "terrible, thanks for asking"

"I'm like a twelve year old with dementia"

Angeal

"I'm not going to shotgun a caprisun"

"that's enough please, stop beating me with a pineapple"

"where can I put my taco??" "in your pocket" "w h a t"

"I like feeding the geese on my own terms, don't want em quacking at me"

"They're turkeys, but not cute turkeys (troublemakers) like my kids. no, these are turkeys that might get shot for thanksgiving and I'm not sorry about it"

"GET BACK HERE GERALD"

"WHO WOULD SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, IN A SCOTTISH ACCENT, AT A FUNERAL?!"

"Mr Coach A, if you wan to be formal"

"...why are you pretending to smoke a pencil?"

"I'm not a priest, I had my chance"

"you can't make a worse drink if you only have water"

Genesis

"STOP TALKING OR I'M GOING TO TAKE YOUR MOUTH"

"imagine grinding up someone's teeth! on the internet! for views!"

"my sexuality is a twister wheel"

"Heidegger likes ritz...?"

"HOJO CAN'T READ"

"are you saying that orphans are losers cause they're orphans??" "would you say they're winners then?"

"excuse you, I don't get any bitches because I have a *maiden*"

calling Catherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry the VIII a hussy

"we believe something is beautiful because it can end"

"tear me apart and make me your villain"

Zack

"nipulars"

"hypothetically, if sonic slapped a raw chicken 95,850 times in the span of 9.6 picoseconds (a picosecond is one trillionth of a second) the chicken would be cooked"

"are you about to have a breakdown or are you about to break it down?"

"gimme a spicy second"

"is it a bird? is it a plane? it's Vagina Man!"

"call me Shrek cause I'm swamped"

"prepare yourself, I'm gonna shit my pants"

"SUCK IT BOZO"

"meatghetti and spaghettballs"

"OKAY MR-I-KNOW-HOW-TO-READ"

"what's good for the goose is good for the other goose"

"they were a hero" "I didn't want them to be a hero, I wanted them to live."

"I'll fill you in on the baseball lore"

"there's a *Denny's*"

"the energy of a single banana"

Cloud

"start crying, you'll get sympathy points"

"I'M GOING TO DANCE ON YOUR BONES"

"HOW DOES WINNIE THE POOH AND TAOISM RELATE??"

"well guess what Joey; I can still punch you in the balls"

"I HOPE YOU'RE LONELY"

"you know, I didn't think I'd screw up a lot but here we go"

"we're doing ballet bitch"

"he's rich" "what else is he" "a present"

"I keep on saying prostitution instead of prosecution"

"why are we talking about Caesar like he's Regina George"

"upchuck...vomit...do the hokey pokey..."

"that REEKS of my point"

*playing video games* "I'm now bald, can rip out street lights, and use motorcycles as weapons" "and you start out with BALD?" "it's his most defining trait"

"SHUT UP YOU BITCH ASS HOBO"

there is more than enough for a part two btw

[shitpostsfromtheinvisiblelibrary]

On the tenth day for christmas fanfic gave to me mommy issues

Irene poured them a glass of wine each before hopping up to sit on the kitchen counter and watch Kai prepare their Christmas lunch. In the lounge Catherine napped beside Vale who read one of the books he had been gifted.

'So,' Kai said. 'How are you feeling?'

'It's fine,' He said nothing. 'Really. It's fine. Okay so it stings a bit that they didn't come and that they clearly don't care but it's fine. Catherine is young enough that my parents not being around won't affect her.'

'But it will affect you.'

'I am fine. Your father didn't come.'

'I celebrate Christmas for you. It doesn't mean the same thing to me,' He shrugged. 'This is all for you.'

'I want you to enjoy it to.'

'And I do, truly. I have enough new books to last a few weeks, I keep getting kisses from all of the mistletoe and did you see Catherine's face when she opened that stuffed dragon? I wouldn't change it or miss it for anything. It would mean the same to me with or without my father.'

'I am find with them not being here.'

'Okay, pass me the salt would you?'

'Fine so I am a little bit annoyed,' She said, sliding the salt over to him. Kai arched a brow. 'They shouldn't have said that they were going to try to be here and then not say anything. I know that haven't exactly been the most supportive-'

'They haven't been supportive at all.'

'But I thought this meant that they would be willing to at least try? That maybe they'd put in that effort, just for her because they wouldn't do it for me.'

'Irene.'

'Don't. We are having a good day and there is no reason for anyone to be upset, absolutely no reason,' She refilled her wineglass. 'I have got a daughter. Two loving partners, a good job, and enough books to last me until February, not that that is going to stop me from buying more. I don't need them if they don't want me.'

'But?'

'Why didn't they say anything?' Irene sighed. 'They could have just got caught up dealing with something and maybe they'll be here apologising in the morning. Or maybe they don't actually care,' Kai put the knife down and reached over to squeeze her hand.

'They do care.'

'Not enough,' Irene said. 'And not in a way that matters.'

'So what now?'

'I tell them to put in actual effort or I tell them not to bother?' Irene sighed. 'I'll let them apologise and make their excuses and see where we go from there. There could be a reasonable explanation. '

'Will you be okay if there isn't?'

'Of course, I have you and Vale and we have Catherine.'

[team-pokefriends]

[After some time of crossing the ocean, the Lapras pulls into the docks of Vivid Village, a brightly colored town whose buildings boast pretty patterns and noticeable themes based on the Pokémon that live there.]

[Lapras] "We're here!"

[Sophie stands up and hops off the Lapras's back, while Catherine slowly descends onto the docks.]

[Lapras] "Good luck on your mission. I'll see you back at Rainstorm."

[Sophie] "See ya."

[Sophie and Catherine wave to Lapras as she begins to return to the Rainstorm continent. The two then turn around and begin walking through the town.]

[Sophie] "Okay, so where's our client, again?"

[Catherine takes out the Connection Orb and looks at the mission details.]

[Catherine] "It says they're in… Eco City."

[Sophie looks at Catherine with a confused look on her face.]

[Sophie] "What now?"

[Catherine] "I don't know where that is, either."

[???] "Do you ladies need any help?"

[Catherine and Sophie look in front of them and spot a familiar Slowking looking back at them with a calm smile.]

[Cedric] "Perhaps I can take you there."

[Sophie puts her hands on her hips.]

[Sophie] "Wait, you're that guy we met back at Dewdrop!"

[Cedric] "That's right. Are you two doing another mission, by any chance?"

[Sophie] "Yeah, just give us directions to wherever this Eco place is."

[Cedric] "There's no need. I'm actually about to head there, myself. Perhaps we could travel there together."

[Sophie was about to say something before Catherine intervened.]

[Catherine, nervous] "Sure. We can… help keep you safe along the way."

[Cedric puts a hand on his chin and smiles.]

[Cedric] "Sounds like a plan. Do you two need time to prepare?"

[Catherine, nervous] "I think we're ready to go."

[Sophie] "Yeah, let's just go, now."

[Cedric] "Alright. I'll lead the way, if you'll please follow me."

[Catherine goes ahead and follows Cedric, while Sophie rolls her eyes before she catches up to them.

The group pass by a crossroads with four shops at the corners, head straight through the stone and wooden gate, and into the wilderness.

During the walk, Sophie walks close to Catherine's side.]

[Sophie, whispering] "Psst. Cath"

[Catherine looks at her friend.]

[Sophie, quietly] "Do you feel that?"

[Catherine, quietly] "Feel what?"

[Sophie, quietly] "Some kind of weird… I can't describe it. Feels like it's coming from over there."

[Sophie points to Cedric.]

[Catherine, quietly] "Sophie… Are you okay?"

[Sophie, quietly] "Yeah, I'm fine."

[Catherine, quietly] "Then… Why do you think something's wrong with him?"

[Sophie, quietly] "Come on. Just look at him."

[Sophie points her hand out towards Cedric.]

[Sophie, quietly] "He has that stupid, smug face, and the way he talks; he looks and sounds so pretentious."

[Cedric casually and calmly yawns, unaware of the conversation happening behind him.]

[Sophie, quietly] "Why do you think he's traveling by himself?"

[Catherine looks up towards the traveling Slowking. She didn't see him as suspicious or malicious in any way; instead, it was more kind and friendly. The fact he was alone did make her curious.]

[Catherine, nervous] "Excuse me."

[Cedric glances back for a second.]

[Catherine, nervous] "May I ask why you're traveling by yourself?"

[Cedric] "Well, I did ask some of my friends if they wanted to go with me, but none of them were interested."

[Catherine and Sophie look back at each other, with Sophie crossing her arms.]

[Sophie, quietly] "Gee, I wonder why."

[Catherine, quietly] "Sophie, I don't think he's a bad Pokémon."

[Sophie, quietly] "That's what it looks like, but he's definitely hiding something."

[Cedric peacefully yawns again. Sophie looks at Cedric and squints her eyes with suspicion.]

[Sophie, quietly] "I'm keepin' an eye on him."

[marmiteprinter]

"What's for dinner, Mum?"

Catherine was preparing the food and it required a bit of concentration. "Pork chops, sweetie. You'll love it. Leave me in peace for a bit and I'll call you when it's ready."

"Liv! Dinner!" called Catherine. She was plating up and Nerissa and Kieran were already at the table receiving their portions. Olivia cam into the kitchen and looked at the scene before her. She took a deep breath and came to the table, determined to make friends with Nerissa and Kieran now that it seemed they were here to stay.

They spent the evening chatting and getting to know one another better. Liv even made Nerissa laugh once or twice and she made sure to thank her mum for the delicious meal before excusing herself from the table to go and wash up before bed.

Catherine watched her go proudly. "I don't know where that all came from, but I think she's finally getting used to you!" she said to Nerissa.

"I hope so," Nerissa replied. "It's important to me that she and I get along."

Later, as Nerissa was putting Kieran to bed and kissing him goodnight, Liv was climbing into her own bed. She called over to her soon-to-be stepmum and stepbrother. "Goodnight, Nerissa! Goodnight Kieran! Sleep well!"

Nerissa smiled. "Would you like me to tuck you in as well?"

Liv considered. She wasn't quite ready for that yet. "No thank you, but can you ask Mum to come up?"

Nerissa nodded - she understood. "I'll go and get her. Night night, Liv."

[starlingsrps]

more hearts than mine.

“i’m not nervous.”

jess sighs and rolls her eyes before returning to shaping a curl at the back of dorey’s head.. “oh yes dorothea, tell me again how very not nervous you are to have a friend over for dinner. i don’t think we heard you the first 84,000 times.”

“i’m not!” dorey hates this. they spent the night in clapham last night. jessa had set her hair and they’d slept in their old bedroom and it turns her into a teenager again in the worst way. 

“tragic.”

“i am not tragic.”

jane, sprawled across the bed with a desperately trashy romance novel hums in agreement. she doesn’t need to be in here - she took over cas’ room in the attic when he moved to ireland and is supposed to only be out for meals while she revises for exams. jane has a nose for gossip that would be an old biddy to shame though and dorey is sure that she could somehow spin that regency buck somehow helpful to gross anatomy. “bit tragic.”

lieutenant halstead is coming to sunday lunch and while dorey had been happy enough when the invitation had been extended, she’s now prepared to kill her family, change her name, and flee to the bahamas. jessa is one thing - if jessa wasn’t teasing her, she’d think something was terribly wrong. her mother? fine. jane is a step too far. she’s the elder, there should be some scrap of respect there. 

(she and jessa are different, they’re nearly equals.)

“there you go, love,” jessa says, smoothing dorey’s hair with the comb a final time. “very pretty for your not at all date with with sid. pink lipstick, not red.”

dorey shoots her a dark look int he vanity mirror and reaches for the red out of petulance. she’s not the best at doing her hair and jessa is, that’s all. if jessa does it right on sunday, then it will look nice for the week. it’s simple logic. “it’s not a date. you lot are here.”

“please, as though you wouldn’t ask me to come along if it were.”

jane sits up on the edge of the bed to put on her shoes. “i wouldn’t say pie with the family is the most sensual of meals.” she comes over to the vanity, selects a perfume and spritzes her wrists. “a banana eaten extremely slowly perhaps.”

“dorey, your friend is here!”

for some reasons, jessa and jane exchange a look that has them erupting into laughter. dorey stands, bumping her on purpose. that only seems to make them laugh harder.

he does look very handsome in the uniform. he always seems a bit rumpled when they see him but he’s pressed and spit polished today. he clearly tried and the effort touches the soft, spongey part of her that knows she didn’t have jessa fix her hair just so it would look nice for the week. he’s introducing himself to mum and glances up the stairs as they come down, flashing her a quick warm smile.

perhaps she’s a bit tragic.

mum actually giggles when he calls her mrs. mason and dorey prays for the ceiling to cave in. “catherine, if you please,” she says, her cheeks flushed. “you know jessa and dorey, of course. this is my youngest daughter, jane. our cas is in ireland on business. and gregory,” she adds hastily as dad comes in from the sitting room, bringing an arctic blast with him.

“gregory, is it a wee bit chilly in there?”

“the blasted heat pump again,” dad says apologetically, as though the heat pump is within his control. 

“i can take a look at it,” sid offers. “i’m pretty handy.”

mum looks at him as though he’s offered to perform a miracle soley for their entertainment. “would you? gregory! the tools!”

she shows them to the sitting room before excusing herself and dragging jane and jessa after her to the kitchen to finish lunch. he drapes his uniform jacket over the back of a chair and unbuttons his sleeves to roll them back. dorey looks away, suddenly fascinated by the rabbit shaped crack in the ceiling. she’s not some medieval maiden, wilting at the sight of a man’s wrists. she’s an educated, modern woman. she was raised with a copy of married love on the shelves, for god’s sake, and lived through the most excruciatingly thorough explanation of sex in human history. she owns a dutch cap and can find her own damn clitoris and has no business being this bloody foolish over forearms. 

he does have very nice hands though and she’s simply noticing.

dad reappears with the box designated for tools that lives on the top shelf of the hall closet. “should be something in here, i reckon.”

sid glances in the box. “sir, do you have a wrench?” he quickly sketches out the general shape of a wrench in the air and dad furrows his brow.

“i’ll pop next door.” 

“there’s just tape and a hammer in here.” he roots a little more in the box after he leaves. “and…a lincoln log.”

“i don’t think we’ve ever needed anything else.”

he shakes his head and crouches to look at the heat pump. “i mean, you can do a lot with tape but…” he frowns and reaches out, fiddles with something on the side. “you should probably still have a wrench.”

“i know what to get him for his birthday is next month then.”

he snorts out a laugh and continues fiddling until there’s a knock at the door and the sound of jessa’s high heels clicking quickly against the floor. “is someone else coming?”

“oh, damnit,” dorey mutters at the sound of rupert’s faux velvet voice in the hall. “jessa’s…rupert. standing invitation, only comes about six point seven percent of the time.”

he gives her one of his fond looks that make her feel as sturdy as jelly. “six point seven percent exactly, right?”

though the sound of rupert’s voice sets her on edge, she still smiles in response. “exactly.”

jessa steers him into the sitting room. “dorey, look who decided to join us.”

“hello, rupert,” dorey forces out. being polite to rupert always chafes at her. he’s every boy she knew at cambridge rolled into one person, arrogant and priggish with an allergy to being kind to anyone who can’t provide him with something. what jessa sees in him, she’s yet to  determine. “nice to see you.”

he nods and peers around dorey. “and who is this?”

“sid.” he stands and wipes dust off of his hands. “you didn’t happen to bring a wrench, did you?”

“rupert darling, do you have a wrench?”

“why the hell would i have a wrench, jessamine dearest?” his arm loops possessively around jessa’s waist and he looks at sid like he might be the repairman. sid looks back at him at dorey sees a glint of steel in his eyes. their acquaintance hasn’t been long but she already knows very well that he doesn’t care to be talked down to. “rupert parke-gibbs,” he says loftily, holding out his hand for a more formal introduction. “always a pleasure to meet an american cousin.”

“lieutenant sidney halstead,” he says finally, shaking rupert’s hand. from rupert’s wince, she can tell that he did it a little harder than strictly necessary. “likewise.”

“leftenant,” rupert says. 

a muscle jumps in sid’s jaw. “never understood why you all throw an f in there when there isn’t one in the first place.”

“well, it’s proper.” rupert’s tone and smile are sticky as treacle and dorey is struck by the urge to kick him in the shins to see what accent comes out. “good that you’re here then, old chap. never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.”

jessa seems to recognize whatever tension seems to have sprung up and takes rupert by the hand. “my love, let’s go have a drink. dorey and the lieutenant seem to have it in hand.”

sid rolls his eyes up to the ceiling and takes a deep breath before looking back at her. “was he wearing three scarves?”

“oh probably.”

“he seems,” he pauses, struggling for a word.

“like a horse’s ass?”

sid smiles. “you said it, not me. c’mere, i’ll show you what’s wrong so you can show your dad.”

he’s been here ten minutes and already knows better than to explain it to dad - he’ll forget in five minutes. she joins him on the floor, tucking her dress around her thighs. he shows her where a gasket is blown, explains what the hell a gasket is and guides her hand to show her where the blasted gasket is. he does have very nice hands, strong and capable, and he’s better at explaining this than she would have expected from him. 

dad returns with the wrench from lloyd next door and presents it to him like excalibur. he seems delighted to be given the job of finding a rubber band and some foil, bringing both back before wandering away to find a glass of wine. dorey stays on the rug with sid while he takes apart the…well she still doesn’t quite know what he’s taking apart and only just learned what a gasket is but she knows where it is now. it’s oddly nice, watching him work. he’s always said that he’s better with machines and parts than much of anything else and she’s always enjoyed watching people do the things they’re best at. 

from the kitchen, she hears rupert say something smart about chocolate and stockings for the ladies. that muscle in sid’s jaw tics again. “fucker,” he mutters. he pauses in wrapping the rubber band in foil and looks at dorey. “pardon.”

“ignore him. we do for the most part.”

“all six point seven percent of the time?”

“i don’t even try. there’s no need for him to be rude to you.”

“i’m used to it.”

“he’s just mad you’ve made yourself more useful in ten minutes than he has in three years.”

“they don't find you handsome, they better find you handy.” he says, tightening something and leaning back on his heels. “there we go. jerry rigged but it’ll hold for awhile. i can see about finding a real one but it could be a bitch to replace.” he shrugs again and stands. “i’m sure there’s something.”

“thank you. god knows how long they would have waited to fix it otherwise.” she takes his hand when offered to stand herself. when she’s righted, he doesn’t immediately let go. he squeezes once and her mouth goes dry.

“how are the repairs coming along?” mum comes bustling into the room followed closely by dad. dorey has never been so thankful for an interruption to save her from saying or doing something stupid before. “was it terrible?”

“all fixed, mrs. mason,” he says, slowly releasing dorey’s hand. “it needs a new part but i’ll see if i can find it.”

“sidney, you’re a darling,” mum kisses him on the cheek and his ears turn a bit red at the tips. “we’ll not freeze to death yet.”

“no trouble, ma’am.”

“catherine, please. come along you two, time for lunch.” she takes sid by the arm and steers them towards the dining room. “do you like woolton pie?”

“i can’t say i have much of an opinion. what is it?”

dorey picks up the wrench from the carpet and hand it to dad. “don’t forget to give it back to lloyd,” she says, knowing full well that she may as well take it back herself when she and jessa leave. if they don’t, it will live on the hall table until lloyd comes round next like an awkward art piece. 

“i won’t, i won’t.” he taps it against his palm. “he seems like a nice lad. hardy.”

“he’s been a good friend for us.” she tries to emphasize the words friend and us.

dad snorts and drops a kiss on top of her head. “naturally. well, even if he’s just a friend you’ve still done better than rupert.”

[marauderundercover]

A Robin in the Making: Ethiopia

“Jay?” Marinette’s sleepy voice rings out throughout the cave. Jason curses under his breath. 

“Go back upstairs, M.” He says, trying to move to hide the screen behind him. Marinette rubs her eyes tiredly. 

“Why’re you down here? We were having a movie marathon.” She says. Jason shrugs. 

“You fell asleep, kid. Just go back up, I’ll be there soon.” He lies, hoping she won’t argue. Before he can hurry her out, her eyes wander over to the screen and widen comically. 

“Jason! Are you running away?” She asks, her voice shaky. Jason winces. 

“I- well- no. It’s not that I’m running away, but I just- Look, M, if you had the chance to meet your mom, would you?” He asks. Marinette flinches, then shrugs. 

“I dunno.” She says softly. Jason sighs. 

“I found out Catherine wasn’t my real mom, and I think I found her. My real mom, and I’m gonna go meet her. She’s the last family I have-”

“What about us?” Marinette cuts him off. “What about me, and Dickie, and Dad, and Alfred? We’re your family too.” She yells, glaring at him. Jason runs a hand across his face. 

“Yeah, Mari, you are, I just- I need to do this, kid. You understand, right?” He asks. Marinette frowns, but nods slowly. 

“I guess.” She says, before a grin slowly takes over her face. “But I’m not letting you go alone.” She declares. Jason raises an eyebrow. 

“Excuse me?” 

“That’s right. Either you take me with you, or I call Dad right now. Better yet, I’ll hit my panic button and start screaming. Your choice Jay.” She smirks. Jason’s eyes narrow. 

“You wouldn’t.” 

“Do you really want to test that?” She asks, hand moving towards her charm bracelet where the panic button was hidden. Jason groans before tossing her a domino mask. 

“Bring this just in case, you little shit.” He huffs out. Why were little sisters so annoying? Marinette grins, shoving it into the front pocket of her overalls. 

“So how do we get to Ethiopia?” She asks, trailing after him as he heads towards the jet. This was going to be a long trip. 

---

“What is this?” Jason asks, shifting his position so that he’s standing slightly in front of his little sister. The kid that had nothing to do with any of this until he’d dragged her into it. The Joker cackles, pointing a long, pale finger at Sheila. 

“She sold you out!” He says, before snorting. “Sorry birdy, looks like mommy doesn’t give a fuck about you either.” Jason shifts his weight, preparing to fight, when Joker pulls out a gun and aims it in his direction. 

“Is that supposed to scare me?” Jason taunts, and Joker grins. 

“Maybe not. But it’s definitely scared her.” He says, nodding behind Jason. Jason turns slightly, heart breaking at the sight of tears silently falling down his little sister’s face. She was tough. One of the toughest kids he knew, but she’d never been this far from home before without backup. Well, better backup than just Jason could provide. Dickhead wasn’t even on planet and B had no idea where they were. If something happened to either of them, it would be all Jason’s fault. 

“Don’t you dare touch her.” Jason hisses under his breath. Sheila frowns. 

“This wasn’t-” She starts to say, but Joker cuts her off by shooting her in the leg. Sheila shrieks and drops to the ground, hands shaking as she tries to apply pressure to her own wound. Jason twitches. Although he may want to help Sheila, he’d never leave Marinette out in the open to try and help someone who sold him out. 

“That’s better. Now, if you don’t want me to shoot the little one in the head, I suggest you let me secure you, Boy Blunder.” Joker drawls out. Jason starts to move towards him, but a small hand wrapping around his wrist stops him.

“Please don’t leave me.” Marinette whispers, her voice barely audible. Jason frowns. 

“I’m sorry kiddo. If I don’t, he’ll hurt you.” He says lowly. Gently, he tugs his wrist away from her before stepping forward quickly. She whimpers a little before going silent again. 

“Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?” Joker taunts as he binds Jason’s wrists with rope. Jason glare at the man as he ties the other end of the rope to a column near the center of the room. “That should do it. Now, dearie, come along. It’s your turn.” He says, turning to Marinette and holding a hand out. Jason immediately fights against the rope, practically snarling with anger. 

“You stay the fuck away from her, do you hear me? Don’t you fucking touch her!” He yells, trying desperately to make it to her. 

“Well, if you won’t listen…” Joker trails off, and before Jason can make a plan, something collides with his shoulder. Hard. He bites back a scream as he feels the bone crack. 

“No!” Marinette yells in horror. 

“If you don’t want Robin here to get hit again, I suggest you walk over here, sweetheart.” Joker instructs. Jason shakes his head, trying hard to ignore the shooting pain in his shoulder. 

“Don’t listen to him, kid, I’m fine.” He tries to reassure her. There’s a scraping sound, like metal against concrete, before the fire-like pain is back, this time in his abdomen. Jason can’t help but let out a shrill scream this time. 

“Stop! Please, stop!” Marinette cries, rushing forwards towards the Joker. Jason struggles against his restraints, his breaths coming quicker and quicker as he starts to panic. It can’t end like this. He’s Robin! He has to save his little sister. He can’t let the Joker hurt her. 

“That’s it sweetheart, just let me tie your hands like this.” Joker says, wrapping the rope around Mari’s wrists. Before he can pull it tight, Marinette stomps on his foot and Jason sucks in a sharp breath. The Joker turns, his eyes narrowed in a glare. “That wasn’t very nice.” He says before backhanding her. Jason sees red. 

“Get the fuck away from her! I’ll kill you!” He yells. He didn’t give a shit what happened to him, but he’d be damned if he let the bastard hurt his little sister. Joker cackles, throwing his head back with laughter before he slowly looks to Jason. 

“Not if I kill you first.”

***

@maribat-get-in @blackroserelina

[iamthenightcolormeblack]

Impressions of Bride and Prejudice (2004)

I finally watched this movie as it is currently free on YouTube! It's a really interesting "modern-day" adaptation (specifically a Bollywood musical) of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice which takes place in Amritsar, India, London, England and California, USA instead of the English countryside. It stars Aishwarya Rai as Elizabeth Bennet (now Lalita Bakshi) and Martin Henderson as Mr. Darcy (William Darcy).

Names:

Bakshis = Bennets

Jaya Bakshi = Jane Bennet

Lalita Bakshi = Elizabeth Bennet

Maya Bakshi = Mary Bennet

Lakhi Bakshi = Lydia Bennet (Kitty isn't included here)

Kholi Saab = Mr. Collins

Balraj = Bingley

Chandra Lamba = Charlotte Lucas

Kiran = Caroline Bingley

Darcy's mother (Catherine Darcy) = Lady Catherine de Bourgh

The Casting:

Aishwarya Rai as Lalita Bakshi. She's captivating and beautiful as Lalita, with intelligence and wits to match. The film understands why Elizabeth Bennet is one of literature's greatest heroines: she has a lot of self-respect, speaks her mind, and refuses to compromise on her values. What's most important is that she achieves the balance between the two clashing cultures: she cares about her family and respects Indian traditions yet is also a strong individual who keeps her dignity.

Martin Henderson as William Darcy. I don't like that Darcy is an American in this movie because (in general) Americans are usually less reserved than British people, so it takes away a key part of Darcy's character (his repressed emotions). He's much more sympathetic than book Darcy because he seems to be more open-minded towards Indian culture the more he learns about it (unlike book Darcy, who is stubborn and insists that his "good opinion once lost is lost forever"). In the book, Darcy's pride has several characteristics (belief in the correctness of his opinions, belief in his social superiority, bad treatment of others he thinks is beneath him). I don't like how the film simplified his pride into imperialism/ethnocentrism, which he lets go of pretty quickly. Plus his "rudeness" can easily be perceived as discomfort in a new cultural environment because he hasn't been exposed to Indian culture, whereas in the book it seems to be intentional (and Darcy acknowledges to Elizabeth that he was taught to treat others beyond his own social circle meanly). Overall I had rather too much sympathy for him because he's too easy to read; he's experiencing a lot of culture shocks which he isn't prepared for, and his imperialistic beliefs (which come from his mother) don't help. One of the reasons book Darcy is interesting is because he's mysterious; his emotions remain hidden and the only sign of his growing love for Elizabeth is his staring at her. This Darcy is just a typical white American boy who is in love with a woman far superior to him in terms of intellect and cultural awareness.

Nitin Ganatra as Kohli Saab. Mr. Collins is one of my favorite cringe characters ever and never fails to disappoint. In this movie, he's an accountant who lives in the Beverly Hills area in Southern California and is very arrogant because he thinks he's a big shot living close to celebrities in a one-of-a-kind colonial home (when in actuality he lives in a cookie-cutter house in a suburb). He peppers his speech with Western slang to show off how "American" (and thus wealthy) he is, yet still clings to outmoded beliefs that women should be submissive housewives. He represents the very worst of Western culture in that he's materialistic and looks down on Indian culture as beneath him. In his quest for riches he has lost his Indian identity and become greedy.

Notable Scenes:

The first dance. Balraj is happy to have fun and show off his awesome dancing skills. Darcy, meanwhile, observes that the mothers are eyeing Balraj for the marriage market and is worried that his friend may be trapped by gold-diggers. He's clearly uncomfortable and out of his element here, so Kiran helps translate the songs for him. It's interesting seeing Kiran as a translator here because it would explain why she's one of the few people Darcy hangs out with; she's a cultural intermediary here to help him acclimate to a strange new environment.

Darcy snubs Lalita. This part in the book where Darcy insults Elizabeth by proclaiming her "tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me" is significant in forming Elizabeth's hatred of Darcy. Not only is he impolite in refusing to dance with Elizabeth, he also shames her by criticizing her looks. In the movie, Darcy excuses himself from dancing with Lalita by saying that he's busy preparing for a conference (in this version, he's a rich businessman who operates luxury hotels). I wish they had kept the original insult in because without it, Lalita's dislike of Darcy has less merit. While it was impolite of him to not dance, he did use a proper excuse and didn't insult Lalita, so unlike in the book, it doesn't make sense why she would hate him so intensely after that one meeting.

A Marriage Has Come to Town song. In this song-and-dance number, Lalita and Jaya are preparing for the wedding to Balraj. The whole town is excited for the wedding and Lalita wonders if life for a woman is all about getting married to be a mere wife: "It seems they had nothing in their lives before today / and why are they so happy to give a daughter away."

Darcy and Lalita conversation #1: Lalita points out most Amritsar residents can't afford to stay at Darcy's luxury hotels; Darcy says standards are necessary, justifying the high price. Darcy says he finds arranged marriages strange and "backwards," hinting at an affinity with Lalita as they are both "romantics." Lalita, still thinking that Darcy is attempting to insult Indian culture, says that arranged marriages have evolved and may not be so evil as he thinks it is.

Lalita and Darcy "accomplished woman" scene. So they have the part from the book where they have Darcy's unrealistic list of the characteristics of his perfect woman and then it becomes a culture clash. Lalita says Darcy's whole hotel business is imperialism (the tourists visit without appreciating Indian culture and the jobs created only benefit the well-off). Darcy replies: "But I'm not British" ("American exceptionalism" is just another form of imperialism).

Dinner with Kohli Saab. I love watching all the "Dinner with Mr. Collins" scenes from all Pride and Prejudice adaptations because it reveals Collins' great arrogance in assuming himself to be of greater importance than he is, as well as his bad manners. This movie does not disappoint; Kohli Saab literally eats with his fingers, shoving rice into his mouth while talking at the same time. Meanwhile, he spews out misogynistic views of women, stating that he came to India to find a "traditional" wife who will serve and obey him; after all, there is "no life without wife." He notes that the Indian-American girls have "a conceited sort of independence" (not what he actually said in the movie, this is a quote from the book which really fits here) and that some of the Indian-American girls "have turned into the lesbian." Lalita later recalls that watching Kohli Saab eat is like observing "a Jackson Pollock painting."

"No Life Without Wife" song. An accurate reading of Kholi Saab: he's "crude and loud" and came to find a wife by flashing his "green card, new house, and big cash." The song reveals what a hypocrite he is; he's lonely and pathetic because there is "no life without wife" yet he won't respect his wife as his equal. I love the "Kohliwood" fantasy sequence where Lalita pictures herself unhappily serving Kohli as a submissive wife. After the song ends Lalita imagines herself marrying Wickham in the English countryside before it turns out Darcy is the groom; she runs away from him.

The Cobra dance. Maya shows off her dancing skills in an awkward dance. Kholi criticizes Indians for being "unsophisticated" (what an arrogant person) while Darcy, in a change of heart, praises how highly they value family.

Kholi's proposal. I love how he tries to train himself to power walk because it's trendy and before proposing stretches himself clumsily, knocking over a pot (he definitely isn't husband material). Lalita mocks Kholi's obsession with physical health, pointing out that many people are physically healthy but don't exercise their minds.

Visiting Kiran. Kiran is arrogant and takes the Bakshis over to her fancy apartment where the mother tries and fails to show some cultural knowledge. I find it interesting that the movie made Lalita and Kiran foils of each other. They are both intelligent women who are "multicultural" in that they can navigate both Indian and Western culture, but they use their cultural knowledge in different ways. Kiran uses it to belittle others and demonstrate her own superiority, while Lalita uses it as a means of gaining respect for herself and others.

Darcy ends up on the same airplane flight as Lalita. This is a cute scene where he gives the first class seat to Mrs. Bakshi just so he can sit with Lalita in economy class (he's totally in love with her!).

Kohli Saab's epic house tour. Love how he pays great attention to the jet tubs and the closets.

Meeting Darcy's mom. She's totally ethnocentric and possibly racist. The first thing she asks Lalita is "tell me about India" and she expresses her disappointment at Darcy's decision (because of Lalita, it's so obvious he's in love) not to buy the hotel in India because "everybody has their hand on India these days" (brings to mind spheres of influence/colonialism since the mother sees India as a place to make a profit). Then the mother reveals that she really isn't interested in India and only knows about its stereotypes: "well, with yoga, and spices, and...wonderful Eastern things here there's no point in traveling there anymore." Meanwhile Lalita retorts that "people haven't stopped going to Italy because Pizza Hut's around the corner."

The first proposal. Darcy's conflicted feelings for Lalita are effectively summed up (perhaps better than in the book, where he begins well but ends with a long account of the inferiority of Elizabeth's connections): "he loves her in spite of the fact that he tried to forget about her, he still wants to marry her in spite of the fact that his family (specifically his mom) will disapprove." Unfortunately, the emphasis on the social inferiority of Lalita's family is left out; Darcy doesn't say anything else until Lalita claims that he thinks her family is inferior and blames him for separating Jaya and Balraj. I don't like this because it seems like the separation of Jaya and Balraj was the only reason Elizabeth rejected Darcy. Also Elizabeth's admission that she did try to overlook her prejudice of Darcy doesn't make sense, because only after the first proposal does she do so.

Plot Changes. The major plot points are all included but the "order of events" has changed:

Lalita and Darcy become friends and she meets his family before his disastrous first proposal. There's a montage where they are traveling alone together, visiting the Grand Canyon and sharing a moment on the beach. I don't like this change because Darcy's separating Jane and Bingley wasn't the only reason Elizabeth rejected him, it was because she hated him (arrogant, proud, doesn't treat others nicely). By showing early on that Darcy is a good person, Lalita's prejudice against Darcy makes less sense because she now has a glimpse of Darcy's true character which in the book doesn't happen until the Pemberley visit.

Their early friendship disrupts Darcy's character journey because it reduces the significance of the first proposal to his character development. In the book, he doesn't start to reform himself until Elizabeth tells him that he needs to behave in a "more gentleman-like manner."

The first proposal is the consequence of all the miscommunication and false perceptions affecting Elizabeth and Darcy, and it motivates both characters to change. Elizabeth rightly scolds Darcy for being inconsiderate; he did the proposal for the selfish reason of purging his feelings so that he wouldn't have to suffer anymore and assumed that she would say yes. Elizabeth rejects him because of his rude manners and lack of consideration, and his defensiveness (where he portrays himself as the victim of feelings and implies he's such a good boy for wanting to marry her in spite of her horrid family) doesn't help. After realizing the extent to which Elizabeth hates him, Darcy writes The Letter to set things right, and Elizabeth realizes that she is not the best judge of character. Thus, giving us a fuller picture of Darcy's character and letting him charm Lalita before the first proposal reduces the significance of the event to the plot and character development.

Wickham and Lakhi have a connection early on, making Lakhi's attempted elopement inevitable. Right after the failed first proposal, Lakhi runs off with Wickham and Lalita and Darcy find out about it at the same time that Darcy comes to apologize and tell Lalita that Wickham is bad. I love that Wickham was punished really badly; after Darcy fights him, he gets slapped twice, once by Lalita and the second time by Lakhi. Even better is that Lakhi doesn't end up with Wickham.

Themes

The film uses the culture clash between India (Eastern) and Western cultures to examine what makes a good marriage.

Indian culture as presented by the film is more collectivist ("we" over "I"). It also promotes traditional gender roles, with women expected to be "meek and submissive" wives. In contrast, Western culture in the film is more individualistic and aspirational (careers and love are possible). But at its worst it condones exploitation of others for profit and cultural intolerance.

In the book, there are different kinds of "culture clashes:" traditional nobility versus new money (the Bingleys made their fortune in trade and Caroline is hoping to be an accomplished woman to make up for this), country versus city (Darcy offending Mrs. Bennet by claiming that the society is "confined and unvarying") and arranged versus romantic marriages.

The misunderstandings that propel the story (Darcy's dismissing of Elizabeth as "tolerable," him falling in love with her even though she still hates him, her belief in the legitimacy of "first impressions") are emphasized through the culture clash. Many of the conflicts in the film are a result of cultural stereotypes and conflicting beliefs.

Interestingly the film doesn't resolve the question it raises of how best to appreciate India and its culture. Lalita raises a lot of points about not oversimplifying Indian culture to a few stereotypes, but one could argue that India as represented by the film might be stereotypical. With the exception of the resort scenes and Goa beaches (which are tourist traps according to the film), the scenes in India heavily emphasize the "developing country" aspects of India with lots of pastoral scenes (cows crossing the road unharmed, farmland, dirt, shacks, dirty motorcycles fighting each other in traffic). Plus the "culture" as represented by the film's dance sequences seems to be the dominant Hindu culture with lots of elephants and saris and curry. Yes, I know this film is a romantic comedy, but the assertion that India is a complex, diverse country is contradicted by what we are presented. Presenting the rustic aspects of India would explain why the characters want to get out of India and go to the richer Western nations, but it harms the premise of the story that we shouldn't judge based on first impressions because the India scenes seem to confirm a Westerner's stereotypes of India (exotic people living in a primitive land).

Changing views on marriage: In the film, as in the book, we are presented with traditional and modern views on what makes a good marriage. Mr. Collins' marriage represents the traditional view in which marriage is a practical "economic proposition," much like a business deal where the marriage is made for the securing of material wealth and happiness comes last. Lady Catherine and other members of the aristocracy view marriage as a means of producing heirs (and bringing large amounts of money through dowries) to keep the property (source of power and wealth) in the family. The modern view of marriage is a partnership of equals who love and respect each other; happiness rather than material wealth/power is the priority. It threatens the power of the traditional nobles as it provides the potential for social climbing. Finally, it becomes another part of the culture clash, as it also ties in with the Western value of individualism, putting it at odds with the more collectivist Indian culture as presented by the film.

Elizabeth and Darcy in the book and in the film are united by their belief in a marriage based on love (the modern view). In the film, Darcy says he wants to look forward to starting each day with his wife, while Lalita says she wants a man who is a romantic and respects her for her mind. For instance, Elizabeth states that "only the deepest love will induce me into matrimony" and that Jane and Bingley should have some time to get to know each other before being rushed into marriage. To Elizabeth, mutual love and respect are essential for a marriage to succeed.

As for book Darcy, when Caroline catches him admiring Elizabeth and asks if he will marry her right away, he jokingly rebuffs her for making that assumption: "A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment. I knew you would be wishing me joy." Significantly, he mentions love needing to come before marriage, hinting that he shares the same belief about respect (admiration) and love being necessary for a good marriage. In fact, a big reason he separated Jane from Bingley was because he feared that Jane did not love Bingley in return. In short, love in marriage is just as important to Darcy as it is to Elizabeth.

Conclusion:

Bride and Prejudice, as shown by the title, focuses heavily on the theme of marriage and uses the culture clash between India and the West to emphasize the importance of first impressions in our treatment of others.

Even if you aren't into Pride and Prejudice, the movie is worth watching for the Bollywood dance sequences. I also liked the songs because they effectively developed the marriage theme.

The characters are mostly true to the book, except for Darcy, who isn't proud enough and is quick to reform his character.

Last but not least, the real villains of the story were imperialism and ethnocentrism.

Tags: @thatvermilionflycatcher @appleinducedsleep @princesssarisa

[houseofbrat]

I am glad this Princess Consort nonsense is killed off because it could effect Catherine too. But its sad to see HMTQ prepares for her son's reign when it's her Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen (QEII, just to be clear) has been through so many jubilees that I doubt she really cares. No one seems to remember that The Queen lost her mother and her sister at the beginning of her Golden Jubilee (2002), yet if you listen and read to what some people have to say, giving approval for Camilla to be queen is worse than that. I mean, really. Margaret passed away on 09 February 2002, which is three days after her ascension day (06 Feb 1952). But to read all the whining and complaining going on about how certain statements weren’t done to certain people’s liking, you’d think that what has just happened was the biggest travesty to ever happen to The Queen. And The Queen lived through the Blitz and WWII. BUT, oh, the horror. The Queen said Camilla should be queen. Cue the guillotine! 

It seems to me that so many people getting worked up over this never stop and think that the articles fuel clicks for the UK tabs, which is their primary goal. But hey, take the time to continue to get worked up over something that was always going to happen. Charles haters are always going to hate Charles. They’re just making up new excuses as far as I’m concerned. None of them will admit that they want to risk Catherine not becoming Queen because they’re only going to listen to other die-hard Cambridge fans, not members of the general public who aren’t invested in this drama. 

People whining now are not going to admit that they are willing to put Catherine’s ability to become queen at risk because they are trapped in their own fandom bubble. Will people still get worked up over Camilla being queen a year from now? Doubtful, unless you have an axe to grind. Most other people have lives they want to live rather than hold on to a meaningless grudge that literally affects nothing. 

Most of the events for the Platinum Jubilee are for other people anyway. Four-day weekend? That’s for everybody else. The Queen can take whatever vacations she wants when she wants. That’s why she’s The Queen. The Queen just wants to see her friends and family, which is normal for a 95-year-old. After she has had the family get-togethers done, will she still be sticking around? Remains to be seen but I am doubtful on that. 

[lvsksoo]

“a flowering connection”

— hunlisa au by lvsksoo

The similarity of love with a flower is uncanny.

A flower starts as a seed.

It was Lisa's first day as a transferee. She wouldn't be confused about where to go if only she wasn't half asleep when the council toured their new students in their campus.

Fortunately for her, someone looks like he was running late that day.

Lisa boldly approached the student, “Excuse me, uhm, do you know where room 417 is?”

Was that weird? Lisa asked herself because the man only stared at her.

Coming back to his senses, the man finally replied “Yeah, uh, do you want me to,” He scratched his head, “Accompany you to the room? Or you'll be okay on your own?”

For an instance, his eyes widened, and shooked his head. “Wait– that sounded weird. My class is also on the 4th floor, I can, uh, go with you?”

“Only if you want to, of course!” He panicked again.

Lisa couldn't help but chuckle “Actually, that sounds better...”

Yes, that's definitely weird.

A flower that receives enough sunlight and water turns into a sprout.

“Jen, I'll go ahead.”

Her friend, Jennie, nodded, “Take care, Lis.” and waved her goodbye.

Lisa has been preparing for this moment. The dance club was finally accepting new members; she couldn't wait to audition.

Entering St. Catherine's Hall, many auditionees are evident. Perhaps, many see the dance club as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; it's the pride and soul of their school. The club is high maintenance, competing in different tournaments and bringing the crown home— the club would only choose the best.

Lisa was patienly waiting by the side of the stage for her name to be called when she felt someone sit beside her. “Audition?”

Glancing at the person beside her, it was the same man who helped her that day. “Yeah,”

“Sehun. Nice to officially meet you.”

“Lisa.”

That sprout, then, grows a stem.

“Good job team! See you next weekend.”

Lisa was busy fixing her belongings when a random water bottle appeared in front of her. Looking up, the hand's owner was wearing a smile.

“Thanks, Seh.” She said, accepting the water bottle

“See you next weekend, Lali!”

Lisa groaned at the nickname which only made Sehun laugh before leaving the room.

For the past few months, this was Lisa's typical day. The dance club was heavy on her shoulders but what's life without sacrifices?

She also became close to Sehun, the student who helped her on her first day. Sehun was a dance club member as well, not to mention, that they quite have the synergy in dancing and off-stage.

Truth to be told, they were supposed to eat together today; just like the other days. But Lisa canceled because backlogs are officially piling up.

Ding!

Lisa was picking up her phone when another notification popped up. It was a message from Sehun.

Sehun: You did great, always did :)

Sehun: Don't forget to rest, Lali.

Time pass by so fast that we barely notice the little things that holds no relevance in our life.

Remember that stem that was once a seed turned sprout? It bloomed a flower now.

Lisa doesn't remember when nor where exactly did it happen, but she vividly remembers this one morning...

It's a normal day. Nothing out of the ordinary. The club's practice was still difficult and tiring but Lisa can handle.

“Water.” As usual, Sehun handed her bottled water while Lisa was resting.

“Are bottles of water your love language?”

“Acts of service, dumb dumb.”

Lisa rolled her eyes before accepting the bottle.

Tug dug. Tug dug. Tug dug. Tug dug.

Lisa was busy practicing her moves alone when Sehun approached her again. “You nearly got it but you need to move your legs wider so the movements look bigger...”

Sehun was showing her the proper steps but Lisa wasn't paying attention at all. All because she heard that sound once again...

Tug dug. Tug dug. Tug dug. Tug dug.

Perhaps, Lisa was wrong. She clearly remembers and it's nowhere near an ordinary day.

How do you know you've fallen in love with someone? It's not like realizing it was one click away from the search bar. Google is free but unfortunately, love wasn't something wikiHow can dictate.

Did it start with Lisa noticing the small details? Like the way Sehun would unconsciously fix his cap whenever he dances? Or the way he would always carry that bitter Iced Americano every time there's practice? Or how he'll always try to cook whenever they'll have one of those samgyupsal dinners when she wasn't looking?

Or perhaps it started when Lisa realized smiling Sehun was the best version of him... and she wants to keep it that way?

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a phone ringing.

“Hey Lis, are you going to eat dinner with Sehun tonight?”

“Yep. Don't wait for me!”

Jennie scoffs after hearing her reply, “I swear both of you act like you're dating! Anyway, schedule a dinner with me sometime soon. I miss eating with you. I need to go now. Enjoy your dinner. Bye!”

“Sure, take care, Jen.”

Lisa unintentionally glanced at the dancing figure after Jennie dropped the call.

Sehun as a lover? Lisa liked the idea.

Taking care of a flower can be a handful. It requires a lot of conditions for it to properly live.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee is lingering around the small coffee shop near their university. It's a Monday, a busy day for the both of them, yet they found time to spend with each other.

“Taemin said they'll hold auditions for the competition for the dance fest,”

Sehun is holding another iced americano, she believes it's his second for this day because he was drinking another one when he fetched her this morning.

“For sure you'll get accepted, don't you think so?”

Sehun sips his coffee, “I mean, I'm not sure? Maybe?”

“The coaches adore you because you're a great dancer, Sehun.”

It was subtle but Lisa's sure she saw a smile form from the man's lips.

“They'll pick you if that's what you're worried about.”

A smile blooms in the personification of spring, the embodiment of warmth and comfort, of life and daylight. Because with Sehun, a flowering love grows.

Their conversation continued a little bit more but was put to a halt when Sehun received a notification. What once was a beautiful spring suddenly turned into a cold winter night when Sehun's face falls.

The spring, just seconds ago– so full of warmth, briefly closed his eyes, barely holding his tears in. It was like the seasons forgot summer existed, as Sehun's tears starts to fall.

Sehun hurriedly stands up and wipes the droplets of tears, “I'll be back,”

Lisa was about to ask what happened but Sehun already left, leaving her with nothing but worried thoughts.

Seconds. Minutes had passed but Sehun hasn't come back yet. It felt like forever. Deciding to check on her friend, Lisa stood up and went to the bathroom.

“Seh? You there?” Lisa softly knocked on the door.

“Wait!”

A few minutes later, Sehun finally opens the door wearing a sad smile, “Sorry, did I worry you?”

Lisa finds something odd with how pale Sehun became– her eyes traveled down to the bathroom floor.

Flowers?

Right there, Lisa felt like a bucket of ice cold water was splashed on her whole body in the middle of a winter night when she understood why.

Sehun is coughing flowers. Sehun is in love with someone else.

A flower, no matter how much it represents love, no matter how romantic they sound. Flowers.. cannot last forever.

The similarity of love with a flower is indeed uncanny.

Flowers, they blossom. They wither. While love flourishes and after some time, it dies.

(see from apollo.)

[addictedtostorytelling]

So how do you think The Grissoms celebrated Sara’s 50th birthday? :)

hi, anon!

may i interest you in some short fic-ish?

__

assuming they're still living the "margaritaville" life at this point, i picture them greeting the day on their boat somewhere off the coast in southern california.

grissom serves sara breakfast in bed—he's perfected his vegan pancake recipe over the last few years—and presents her with his gift—the pretty gold necklace we see her wearing at various points throughout the reboot trailer. they then spend the rest of the morning lying in, enjoying each other's company, before eventually venturing landward.

they fill their afternoon doing something meaningful to sara, like cleaning up a beach or working at a marine mammal rehab center, finding some way to "give back."

then in the evening, they dock in san diego, and grissom makes a big to-do about how there's this new high-end vegetarian restaurant he wants to take sara out to, where he's gotten them "the best seat in the house" looking out over the harbor.

but the thing is, he's acting kind of ~weird~ about the whole deal, keeping mum about certain details, and the fact that he is is making sara suspicious.

she has a good idea he has some sort of surprise planned for her, but she finds it odd that he does, because, honestly, she doesn't really like surprises, and he knows she doesn't like surprises, so what is he playing at?

she keeps angling for information, and while he as a matter of policy never outright lies to her, he does dodge her questions or purposefully answer them in a roundabout way, providing little actual intel.

he tells her enough to assuage any anxiety and so that she can be prepared for the evening—in terms of how much she should dress up, whether or not she should expect to be out all night, etc.—but nothing else.

so they show up to the venue, and it's a nice place, sure, but nothing out of the ordinary, which throws sara for a loop, because based on grissom's evasiveness, she was anticipating something—well—different.

this place is just a restaurant.

but.

as they're waiting to be seated, some weird things start happening.

first, the host approaches them, acting highly apologetic, and says there must have been a mix-up with their reservation, as their table seems to have been double-booked. he explains that, unfortunately, the only place he has left to seat them is in the back of the restaurant in a high-traffic area next to the kitchen.

grissom seems uncertain, but sara assures him that it's okay, so the host leads them toward the back of the restaurant—

—only to find that this table by the kitchen is also seemingly occupied.

a man sits with his back to them.

"excuse me, sir," says the host, and the stranger turns to face them.

nick!

honestly, sara shouldn't be as surprised to see him as she is, considering how flighty grissom had been acting about this whole outing and also given that nick is "mr. america's finest city" now, but somehow she is, and it's all she can do just to keep repeating, "wait a minute. how did—? when did—? seriously?" and looking between grissom and nick like she's never seen them before.

so stunned is she that nick has to prompt her into hugging him, and they're still hugging when part #2 of the surprise arrives: i.e., catherine and greg, emerging from out of the double-doors to the restaurant kitchen, greg with about a dozen black "happy 50th birthday!" balloons in hand.

he ties them to the back of what will be sara's chair, grinning like a fiend, and announces in a loud voice, "old lady sitting here!"

"you're only four years younger than i am," sara rebuffs, rolling her eyes, but the truth is, she can't stop smiling.

lots of soppy hugs and cheek kisses and "oh my god! i still can't believe this!" remarks later, the story comes out and sara learns just how carefully grissom had to machinate to make this night happen, sending surreptitious emails behind her back whenever they happened to be in port and have wifi, booking this restaurant way in advance, coordinating with nick to get catherine and greg from the airport to the venue on time, etc., etc., etc.

sara tries not to cry too much and mostly succeeds and just keeps saying over and over again how nice it is to see everybody.

"sure is," catherine says wryly, sipping her merlot. "let's do it again sometime soon. grissom's seventieth, maybe?"

"watch it," sara warns. "he's barely older than you are."

but grissom just shrugs. "we can use our senior discount."

their little quintet shares a lovely meal together, reminiscing about old times, catching up on what's new, waxing poetic about the passage of time.

near the end of the evening, the waitstaff brings out a cake with fifty lit candles and nick gives sara hell about how much of a fire hazard she's getting to be.

sara shakes her head. "excuse me, but i'm pretty sure you turned fifty before i did, director."

"objection! irrelevant," nick shoots back, smirking. "you gonna blow those candles out before this whole place burns down or what?"

"jesus! shut up!"

and after dessert and lots more kisses and hugs, everyone disperses for the night, nick off to deal with some administrivia from his lab before tomorrow, catherine and greg with flights to catch, grissom and sara back to their boat.

on their taxi ride to the harbor, sara turns quiet, and grissom vaguely worries that he overwhelmed her, springing such a big surprise on her out of nowhere.

"are you okay?" he asks, and she nods and rests her head on his shoulder.

"this is going to sound really, uh, grim, but i don't mean it that way," she warns him. "it’s just that for a long time, i wasn’t completely sure i’d make it here—to fifty—and then i worried that even if i did, i’d have no one to share it with." she draws a breath and reaches for his hands, twining them with hers on his lap. a kiss to his cheek. "thank you for making it so that wasn't true. today was amazing, and tonight was perfect. to be here with you and with our friends—with our family—like that, it's everything. it's exactly—," and though she trails off, not finishing her sentence, grissom understands what she means.

there was a long time when he thought he'd have to celebrate his milestones alone, too. he's never been so glad to have been wrong about anything in his life.

"many happy returns," grissom says softly, kissing her hair.

"they will be," sara says, and she sounds completely sure—like it's a promise, for both of them.

and grissom understands that, too.

[realcatalina]

Catherine’s dowager years: 1503-Isabella and Ferdinand’s corespondence with their ambassadors

11 April-Isabella and Ferdinand are informed of death of Elizabeth of York. Puebla is worried about rumour going around in court, that Henry VII intends to marry Catherine of Aragon himself. Isabella finds very idea appaling and wants ambassador to make it clear she would never allow it. 

Isabella now says that while Elizabteh of York was alive, Catherine could have remained(resided) with her, as with a mother. But Isabella once again pushes for staging catherine’s return to Spain, to hasten the bethrohal. 

Dona Elvira is to be informed to prepare everything for Princess’ return and Catherine is to be informed of it as well(that she is leaving). 

Isabella asks the Estrada to hand out letters of credence to Pedro Manrique, Alonso de Esquivel and Juan de Cuero, and to inform them of circumstances princes is placed at. Also to be informed of departure.

And plenty of other details of how to best stage the departure.

Isabella accuses Henry VII of acting dishonourably, while they treated him with so much love and frankness(honesty-which is a lie), says if English princess was in their kingdom, they’d treat her better than he treats their duaghter. 

Says he doesn’t care about conenction with Spain(good relationship) but only the value(that he is greedy), accuses him of not wanting to bethrohe his son to Catherine. 

More manipulations, and repeats that marriage between Catherine and Henry VII cannot be. 

Isabella directly tells ambassador to go to Henry VII when he is still suffering from loss of his wife(and hence is in weakened state), and push on his fears to get the bethrohal done.

Isabella also says she doesn’t understand why Henry VII thinks there should be larger dowry than before, when circumstances are the same. Or rather, since late prince of wales was better suited in age to their daughter, they should give less. But they are willing to give same amount.

(she makes it sound as if they were making him favour by agreeing to pay same amount. Which is bollocks.)

To the 100,000 scudos already in England, upon marriage of their children, additional 100,000 scudos will be received by English.

(This summary doesn’t say who will send the money, somebody was saying to me that in this agreement, crown of Castile was named as the one to pay it, hence excusing Ferdinand not paying it, however here it isn’t said who pays it. So right now, I am assuming both promised to pay it.)

Isabella offers that English ships could be given special rights in Spanish ports, and be allowed to export as if they were spanish. (previously only spanish ships could export goods abroad from spain-as far as i know).

If bethrohal is set, and King of England insist on Catherine remaining in England(which would be logical, given the dangers of English channel), the plans for departure can be halted. Manner in which princess may remain where she is can be discussed later. 

If bethrohal is not settled immediately, Princess is to depart at once for Spain, without recovering the 100,000 scudos of her dowry. Which English king is bound to return. 

They say Puebla was never authorized to tell english dowry would stay in Engalnd, should God take prince of Wales. They blame Puebla, stating he never discussed such matter with them. Says that is not custom of Castile and they find it unheard of that in England it is done that way(that groom’s family keeps the dowry after he dies, not the wife(she woudl be entitled to it only if marriage contract directly specified so) and say they certainly never agreed to it. 

For no reason whatsover Isabella points out that in Spain daughters inherit, while in France they do not. (as if that applied to England too). 

She calls Henry VII’s conduct most barbarous and dishonest proceedings and say Henry VII is keeping from Catherine what is rightfully hers.(the dowry and jointure) Says that she is entitled to compensation for having to leave her parents and loss of loosing Arthur. Then she completely switches and say King of England, virtuous prince he is, surel wouldn’t act against virtue and dignity.

(Change of the tone so fast...)

Isabella wants explanation about the money and wants ambassador to provide evidence as to why Henry VII is at wrong. 

Details of what to do should Catherine really leave the England.

Letters to various spanish people in England, mostly informing them of matters mentioned above.

One however mentions Marriage of King of England to Queen of Naples(Joanna of Naples (1478–1518)-niece of Ferdinad II of Aragon. 

(Let me remaind you this is immediately after they hear Elizabeth of York died.)

They wish Queen of Naples would console and comfort King of England, by marrying him. 

Another letter from 11 April is from The Doctors of the University of Salamanca:

They expressed their opinion on the obligation of the King of England to return the 100,000 scudos paid as the first instalment of the marriage portion of the Princess Katharine.

“The marriage treaty does not mention the restitution of the marriage portion, and it is alleged that, according to the law of England, such restitution cannot be demanded.

But the imperial and canon law dispose differently of this matter, and the King of England is bound, not only to restore the 100,000 scudos given to him in payment of the marriage portion, but also to deliver to the Princess her jointure.” 

(it was translated from spanish to notably bad latin by Puebla, and imperial law has no authority whatsoever in England. Why mention it then? And why?! the jointure again?!-Clearly they already know English law doesn’t allow what they are demanding.)

Another Doctor called Angulo proclaims his opinion that King of England is obligated to return 1st instalment of dowry. 

“If the marriage treaty contain a clause stating that the marriage portion is to be given back to the wife, or to her heirs, within a certain time after the marriage has been dissolved by death, or for other reasons, the clause must be fulfilled, because it is not against law.”(the marriage treaty never had such clause)

12 of April-(I am not sure if it is also doctor Angulo, but it seems so)

“If the marriage treaty do not mention the restitution of the marriage portion, and if the wife die before her husband and without issue, the marriage portion is, according to law, to be given back to her father or his heirs, that is to say, if it be a dos profectitia, except in the following three cases :— 1. If it be understood that the wife is to have the marriage portion. 2. If the wife have committed adultery. 3. Or if it be the custom of the country that the marriage portion goes to the husband. If the husband die before his wife, the dos profectitia is to be restored to the father(of the bride), if he be living ; but in case that he is dead, the marriage portion remains the widow's, whether she have children or not. If the marriage portion be a dos adventitia, that is to say, if it be given by any other person or persons than the father or grandfather of the wife, it is, after the dissolution of the marriage, to be property of the widow, or her heirs. If the marriage portion consist in lands and other real estates, the restitution ought to take place immediately after the dissolution of the marriage ; if, on the contrary, it has been given in money and other moveable goods, the restitution cannot be enforced, according to law, until one year has elapsed after the dissolution of the marriage. “

(Basically they are telling King Henry to forget laws within his country and obey Imperial or cannon law. Cannon might have some value-imperial none, still if he forgo the laws within his country, he’d become arbitrary and it’d be clear he was just puppet in hands of others.)

12 of April-letters regarding Philip of Austria, totally not related to Catherine.

12 of April???-treaty between England and Spain seems to have been agreed upon, to be signed on 20th June 1503

4th May-1)Dispensation will be required: 

because the said Princess Katharine had on a former occasion contracted a marriage with the late Prince Arthur, brother of the present Prince of Wales, whereby she became related to Henry, Prince of Wales, in the first degree of affinity, and because her marriage with Prince Arthur was solemnised according to the rites of the Catholic Church, and afterwards consummated.

(You’ve got to be kidding me! Her own parenst told England-ok we believe your viewpoint that marriage was consumated and then acted  behind their back, requiring different wording of dispensation.)

2)Should dispensation be obtain, there should be arriage by  per verba de prœsenti(by using words of present(if I am not mistaken-they’re talking about formal bethrohal) is to be contracted within two months after treaty has been ratified by both parties.

23 of June-Details of new marriage contract(which in fact is starting with previous letters, hence continuing numbers):

3)marriage portion(dowry)-1st portion:

When the Princess Katharine contracted her marriage with Prince Arthur, agreed amount was 200,000 scudos, each scudo being worth 4s. 2d. of English money. Of this sum, 100,000 scudos were paid into the hands of King Henry VII. Ferdinand and Isabella renounce, in their name, and in the name of the Princess Katharine, all right to demand restitution of this payment.

4)dowry 2nd and 3rd portion The remaining 100,000 scudos are to be paid upon new marriage in the following manner ;

65,000 scudos in coined gold, 

15,000 scudos in plate, and vessels of gold and silver, according to the valuation of silversmiths in London, 

20,000 scudos in jewels, pearls, ornaments, according to their price in London, which is to be fixed by sworn valuers.

 All these payments are to be made in London, within ten days before or after the solemnization of the marriage. (then it contradicts itself)

The marriage is to be solemnized as soon as Prince Henry shall have completed the fourteenth year of his age(hence on his birthday in year 1505), AND as soon as Ferdinand and Isabella, or their successors, can show that the whole marriage portion is in London, ready for delivery.

(basiclaly it is saying that painment cannot be done within 10 days after solemnization of marriage, but that marriage can only proceeds AFTER all of 2nd instalment is in London-which is important detail!!! Also here, it refers to Ferdinand and Isabella both-suggesting both were supposed to pay. )

5)dowry assigned to princess fo wales

Prince Arthur had settled on the Princess of Wales her dowry, consisting of lands, manors, &c., the revenues of which amount to the third part of the revenues of Wales, Cornwall, and Chester. 

She is to give back, within ten days before or after the solemnization of her new marriage, all documents, deeds etc. ralting to that and same shall be settled upon her once she is married to new prince of Wales. The Princess Katharine renounces all other claims on the revenues of Wales, Cornwall, and Chester, and promises to be content with her dowry.

6)Dowry once she becomes Queen:

Besides dowry of princess of wales, 1/3 of all reventues of the crown of England, for life

7)Rights of succesion to crown of Spain is reserved to the Princess Katherine.

(i believe it means she gets to keep them)

8)Once Queen, during lifetime of her husband, she is to enjoy all the priviledges and revenues of Queens of England before her(hence what Elizabeth of York got should become hers)

9)If prince of Wales was to die before his father, but leave son or sons by Catherine, Henry VII promises to make his firstborn grandson into prince of Wales, and do all in his power to secure said son’s sucession to the throne, after he(henry vii) dies.

Treaty of peace and alliance is signed(and hence bethrohal is official).

23 June still-Henry VII complains to spanish ambassador duke of estrada that some spanish captains have entered harbour of Winchelsea(not a clue) and captured French vessel-which is against treaties between England and France. Request he orders immediately for the spanish captains to liberate the French vessel and never again commit similiar breech of peace.

There is some issue with merchandise exported in spanish vessels from England (something about duties imposed on cloth and captain not leaving while all other spansih ships sailed away, and give one time exception to freight his vessel with english and foreign cloths-such things usually required licence to export clothes etc.)

1 July-Isabella sends letter to Estrada that she wasn’t been able to decipher his letter, wants two keys of the cipher.

13 July-letter sent to their ambassador at Rome by Spanish:

“In the clause of the treaty which mentions the dispensation of the Pope, it is stated that the Princess Katharine consummated her marriage with Prince Arthur. 

The fact, however, is, that although they were wedded, Prince Arthur and the Princess Katharine never consummated the marriage. It is well known in England that the Princess is still a virgin. But as the English are much disposed to cavil, it has seemed to be more prudent to provide for the case as though the marriage had been consummated, and the dispensation of the Pope must be in perfect keeping with the said clause of the treaty. The right of succession depends on the undoubted legitimacy of the marriage.”

(And people wonder why Henry VII then had no sympathy for catherine-when her parents kept lying to him constantly!)

Matters related to pope(s) death fallow (very lenghtly written about), and even later on. Basically they say new pope should write the dispensation no problem.

Conclusion of marriage treaty and raticications exchanged 21st september.

24 september-seccours demand from henry VII, telling him taht French King attacked them, ask King Henry for military help. Promises to help him gain Guinne(Aquitania) and Normandy, should he wish to. Preparing for war, etc. 

24 September-informed that acts of bethohal were performed by prince and princess

24 Septmber.Henry VII informes Ferdinand and Isabella that Spanish captains daily commit acts of piracy and robbery in english ports and watters. Asks them to order them to stop it. French had done similiar thing as well, and he wrote to king louis about it too. 

I skipped several letters containing only meaningless flattery and pleasantries.

3rd of october, isabella doesnt want to drag english king into war and declare himself for them(even though she reminds him he is obligated to) until French King entered their realms(cross the border), asks for Henry VII to sent his troops  to Spain. She wants 2000 infantry to be selected, promises to pay them certain amount. Then plenty more unimportant things related to this, and then ordering spanish ambassador to use princess’ money should ambassador be not able to obtain money necessary to dispatch said troops. in another part of letter princess is instructed to arange it with diligence.

3 October-Pope Julis II has been informed that marriage between Arthur and Catherine has been perhaps consumated. But he gives dispensation for new couple.

26 of December-they promise that should Henry VII attack France, then he will gain Guienne and Normandy with their aid, without any resistance, etc. (Which is absolute nonsense)

Like can you believe the attitude of Spanish?

Yeah, you’re right!-the marriage was consumated! Oh ok, it is against all common law and you’re in wrong, but we will agree to not demand the dowry nor jointure(though rightfully you should be giving it-because you’re in wrong and us in right), so sign this treaty with us, and help us save our holdings, while we lie and do things behind your back.

Who acts like that?! Who thinks like that?! It’s not normal, imo. It is hard to get word narcissist out of my mind, while reading this, tbh. 

Also, In 1505 Catherine wrote to her father, that since she came to england, she had 0 allowance except tiny amount for food(which wasn’t enough for her household) and was forced to go into debt to get food.

Why is nobody discussing her financial situation and her suffering already?! Not even her mother! What is going on?!

What Isabella was complaining about in April was about supposed marriage between Henry VII and her daughter and big dispute about dowry, not at all about Catherine’s expences and allowance.

Like were they so preocupied with dowry and alliance, nobody checked upon her? Nobody asked about her well-being? She didn’t write about her suffering to her parents yet. Why?! It’s bizzare, also.

[sincerelytan]

Girlfriend V / S Bestfriend

Girlfriend v / s Bestfriend

Word count: 4245

Prompt: “Free Day” Day 7 of Digiweek 2021

Features Characters: Yamato, Mimi, Taichi, Sora, Takeru, Kari, Koshiro and Joe

A / N: I had written this a while back and thought I would post it during day 7 of free day. Hope you enjoy my attempt at this little humours fic.

Also Today is August 1st - Happy Odaiba Day

@digiweek

Summary: Yamato finds himself in between yet another argument of Taichi and Mimi, but this time Sora has a solution that just might solve the age old question or just make things more awkward for Yamato

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I hope we are not too late,” Sora commented as she, Yamato and Takeru were making their way to Taichi’s house.

“We are very late,” Yamato replied blandly.

“We would have been on time if you hadn’t taken so much time in picking out a gift for your girlfriend,” Sora shot back caustically. “besides, you asked us for our help.” she further pointed out.

“She’s right you know,” Takeru added; “who knew you would take so much time!” he muttered “in choosing a dress,” last part almost to himself.

“Yeah, whatever,” Yamato said rolling his eyes, clearly having heard what Takeru said.

“Thanks for helping though,” Yamato murmured after a bit of walking in silence. “I really want this date to be special.” And Takeru; Yamato said halting and turning towards his brother, “She better not find out about this surprise.” Yamato commanded Takeru in a playful warning tone, remembering how Takeru had a habit of confiding in her in just about anything and everything.

“My lips are sealed!” Takeru said enthusiastically. “Relax, she will love it! I’m sure, besides your anniversary is next week! He said beaming at a nervous Yamato.

Sensing Yamato still needed some assurance, Takeru added, “You got the black dress, the necklace, you booked the table at Il Ristorante - Luca Fantin,” he stopped and looked at Yamato, “You booked it right?”

“Yes, of course, a month ago” Yamato added.  

“And we got the limo, I know because I booked that one, Sora’s going to give you the flowers in the morning” Takeru added counting down the list on his fingers, “We have the perfect coverup story so now,” he continued as they reached Taichi’s house “let’s just hang out with the others and not let her suspect anything.” He said beaming to a somewhat confident Yamato.

Great, poker face, Yamato thought as they rang the bell to Taichi’s door.

 When they arrived at Taichi’s all 3 of them were revising their excuse as to why they turned up together and that too late. The excuse was going to be that Yamato and Takeru were held back by their mum and on the way to Taichi’s place they bumped into Sora who was going to say she came from her tennis class that was near Takeru’s place and thus they ended upcoming together.

As it turned out they didn’t really have to worry about their excuses because they could hear Taichi and Mimi arguing while they waited outside for someone to open the door.

“What’s the argument about this time?” Sora asked as Joe opened the door.

“You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you” Joe sighted back rubbing his forehead.

“Are they finally here?” Kari called out from the room.

“Yeah,” Joe shouted back.

“Tell them to come here and end this now.” they heard Koshiro say clearly sounding annoyed.

 “We have been friends forever.” They could hear Taichi claim loudly at Mimi.

“So have we! and we’ve been dating for 3 years now.” Mimi shot back.

“Ha please, you’ll didn’t even talk with each other during elementary school.” Taichi declared assuming his victory.

“So what! I know things that you would never ever know,” Mimi replied back with a smirk, “I am the one that sleeps with him.”

Yamato blushed bright red overhearing this conversation as he, Takeru, and Sora entered the room.

“Are you two fighting; over who knows Yamato better?” Sora asked with amusement.

 “Obviously I do!” Mimi smiled as she approached Yamato and gave him a quick kiss.

“Kissing someone doesn’t necessarily mean you know them,” Taichi said shrugging his shoulders. “I kissed Catherine a couple of times; didn’t know she already had a boyfriend.”

“That’s because all you guys did was kiss,” Sora commented back dryly.

“Touché!” Taichi smirked at the guys as Sora and Kari shook their heads. 

 “Anyway,” Yamato said butting in “I guess I would say, Mimi does know me better than you, sorry Taichi.”

“That’s my man,” Mimi said happily sending an air kiss in Yamato’s direction.

“Whipped” Taichi smirked as he received a glare from Yamato.

“Anyway, I know you are just saying this because you want to continue sleeping with her.” Taichi continued now rolling his eyes at Yamato. “and you know I am right, thus further proving my point that I know him better,” Taichi concluded with his hands gesturing and looking at everyone to agree with him.

As Yamato opened his mouth to argue back, “A quiz!” Sora chimed in quickly.

“I will ask both of you’ll a few questions about Yamato, and whoever answers most of them correctly is the winner.” Sora continued excitedly as Yamato, Mimi and Taichi looked at her with confusion.

“That’s a good idea but obviously Yamato will agree with Mimi and cheat,” Taichi said shooting a look at Mimi.

Before Mimi could argue back to that, “Written cards” Koshiro butted in. “Sora can ask the question, all 3 of you’ll get a card to write the answers and then everyone can reveal the answers that they wrote at the same time, so no one can cheat,” Koshiro explained.

“You can’t be serious!” Yamato said facepalming while Taichi and Mimi were giving it a serious thought.

“This is a great idea” Takeru chimed. “Although technically I am supposed to know him better than both of you’ll.” He said pointing at Mimi and Taichi, “but this way I will find out things I don’t know about you” he added with excitement.

“This is going to be so much fun” Sora smirked with gleaming eyes as she looked directly at Yamato.

“I’m sorry Yamato”, Joe added sympathetically patting Yamato on his shoulder. 

  While the others prepared the questions, Yamato, Taichi and Mimi waited in the other room.

“Better game up Tachikawa,” Taichi said stretching his neck, getting his game mode on.

“You’re going down Yagami,” Mimi said narrowing her eyes at Taichi.

“Oh Boy!” is all Yamato could mutter.

 “Okay, we are ready,” Kari giggled as Taichi, Yamato, and Mimi entered the room.

“Please sit at your assigned seats,” Joe said, pointing to the chairs that had each of their names, a bunch of empty cards, and a marker for them to write with. “This way no one can cheat,” he said as Yamato, Mimi, and Taichi took their seats.

“Rules are simple,” Koshiro continued, “Sora will host, asking you’ll questions about Yamato, you get 10 seconds to write your answers on the cards and when asked you will reveal what you have written after which Yamato reveals his answer, Kari keeps score, and we can see which one of you’ll knows Yamato best.” He finished taking his seat near Joe and Takeru as Sora stood in front of the three participants.

 “Welcome to the game of Girlfriend v/s Best friend; a game where Mimi, the girlfriend, and Taichi, the best friend or is it the other way around?” Sora spoke commanding everyone’s attention as she began the game joyfully in her best host voice.

“Anyway, where both will try and answer some questions about Yamato. The person with the most correct answers wins the game and proves to the other that they do indeed know Yamato better.” She continued gleefully.

 “Okay, let’s do this!” Mimi said with a determined look on her face. 

“Bring it on!” Taichi answered equally determinedly.

“You all are enjoying this way too much,” Yamato said annoyed.

“You have no idea,” Sora replied giggling.

  “Starting off with an easy Question, Question 1 for girlfriend vs best friend is What colour M&Ms are Yamato’s favourite?” Sora asked grinning at the three.

As soon as Sora finished asking the question Mimi, Taichi, and Yamato quickly wrote down their answers as Koshiro timed them.

And “Mimi” Sora said pointing at Mimi as Koshiro gave her the nod indicating the time was up.

Blue – Mimi’s card read. “He always snatches up the blue ones while I go for the red ones.” She said smiling broadly.

Blue – Taichi’s card also read “this is too easy.” He said lazily.

“And now for the reveal, Yamato?” Sora asked turning to Yamato.

Yamato sighed and held up his card, where it was written Blue, “remind me why I agreed to this again?” he asked in a defeated tone.

“Because it’s fun and we get to take your case,” Sora said with a bright smile. “Also, I get my revenge on you for dragging me through 20 different shops” She added the last part softly to Yamato while Mimi and Taichi were busy taunting each other. “A point to both Mimi and Taichi” She concluded loudly pointing at Kari who giving a thumbs up and wrote down the score on the board.

 “After an easy start moving on to Question 2!” Sora continued with the same enthusiasm; What is Yamato’s favourite food?”

As before all 3 of them wrote down the answer as soon as Sora asked the question and Koshiro began his timer. With a nod from Koshiro, Sora asked Taichi and Mimi to reveal their answers.

Pizza – Taichi’s card read. “obviously” he muttered while showing his card.

Onigiri/Mochi – Mimi’s card read “I know this because I cook for him.” She answered giving Yamato a sweet but dangerous look indicating his answer better be this.

Onigiri – Yamato’s card read. “I like pizza and mochi as well,” Yamato said looking at Taichi apologetically, while Mimi gave him one of her widest smiles.  

“Oo bad luck Taichi, looks like Yamato’s favourite food is Onigiri.��� Sora concluded in her host voice. “and that’s a point to Mimi." She said pointing at Kari who put another point up for Mimi.

“Whose favourite food is not Pizza!” Taichi said out loud and annoyed as he threw his answer card down.

“We all like pizza but you have an unhealthy obsession with it Taichi,” Kari said sighing. “Seriously I once saw him finish 2 large pizza’s in 1 go,” she added looking at the group.

“Hey, those pizzas were to die for,” Taichi said defending his love for pizza.

“Oh, is it the place you insisted we go for my birthday?” Koshiro asked. “Oh yeah, those pizzas were really good” he agreed, much to Taichi’s delight.

“The very same” Taichi answered happy that Koshiro was there to back him up.

 “Which reminds me, we should order some food for later,” Joe said taking out his phone to place an order. “Any suggestions?” he asked looking around.

“Pizza” Taichi answered before anyone else could. “And Yamato my Pizza is on you for not answering pizza.”

“And mine too” Mimi added. I agree with Taichi on this, she giggled much to Taichi’s delight.

“Wait, What! But Onigiri? Fine!.” Yamato said just throwing his hands up and giving up.

“Hey, I am the host, my Pizza is on you as well,” Sora added to the mix.

“I keep the score” Kari chimed in.

“and I time you guys,” Koshiro added.

“and I am your brother,” Takeru said giving his best puppy dog face.

“you guys torture me like this and expect the pizza to be on me?” “Some friends you are!” Yamato started protesting.

“Pizza is on me and Yamato,” Joe said giving Yamato an apologetic look as Yamato put his hands on his face in annoyance.

 “As Joe orders the Pizza, we move on to Question 3, What is Yamato’s preferred pizza topping?” Sora continued in her host mode.

“Was that question on the list?” Koshiro asked giving Sora a confused look.

“Well, I just thought of it” she added. “come on guys it’s a relevant question!”

Alright, muttered the three as they wrote down their answers.

“And for the reveal,” Sora said pointing towards her best friend, “Mimi”

Double Cheese – Mimi’s card read. “Yamato really loves cheese”

Double Cheese – Taichi’s card read as well; “you better not answer anything else, our friendship is literally at stake now” Taichi said dramatically.

Double Cheese – Yamato’s card read, “you know it” Yamato exclaimed as Taichi grinned chanting, “Our friendship is saved.”

 “Mimi leading by a point, we move on to Question 4,” Sora said laughing at the exchange. “Which is Yamato’s favourite band?”

“And answers,” she said as she got the nod from Koshiro.

Mimi and Taichi held up their cards at the same time

Nirvana – Mimi’s card read, “Yamato absolutely loves them, he also likes Linkin Park though.”

Nirvana – Taichi’s card also read. “Yeah, I remember this from elementary school.” He said shooting a look at Mimi.

Nirvana – Yamato’s card also read. “I think everyone knows this.”

“Apparently they do, adding a point each to Mimi and Taichi.” Sora concluded.

 “For Question 5” Sora continued; “Which sport does Yamato least suck at?”

“Thanks for putting it that way,” Yamato said rolling his eyes at Sora.

“My pleasure, and Mimi?” Sora smirked, clearly enjoying her role as the hostess.

Basketball – Mimi’s card read “He loses against Takeru every time,” she said earning a grin from Takeru and a very annoyed “hey” from Yamato.

“Taichi?”

Basketball – Taichi’s card also read. “He really sucks at soccer.” Earning a further “hey!” from Yamato.

“I can beat every one of your asses in Basketball,” Yamato stated as he showed his card that read Basketball.

“and yet somehow you always lose to me”

“Shut up Takeru.” Yamato glared at Takeru as everyone laughed.

 “Moving on to Question 6,” Sora continued. “What is Yamato’s favourite guilt trip series to binge?”

Doctor who – Taichi’s card read when Sora called out his name to reveal his answer. “I don’t know why but he loves that show.”

Glee – Mimi’s card read next.

“Mimi that’s your favourite guilt trip series, not mine” Yamato said, showing his card that read – Doctor who.

“but you always watch glee with me” Mimi pouted.

“yes, because you enjoy it, I watch it with you,” Yamato said smiling at her, at which she further pouted.

“Looks like Taichi knows Yamato’s Tv preference here better than Mimi” Sora concluded. “With a point to Taichi, he is now caught up with Mimi.”

 “And for Question 7,” Sora continued in her best hostess impression. “If Yamato could have anyone’s superpowers from the Avengers team, who’s powers would he want to have?”

“Great question!” Kari said looking at Koshiro, who had suggested the question. Blushing at Kari’s comment, Koshiro nodded to Sora as the time ended.

 “Mimi? Your answer please” Sora asked her friend.

Captain America – Mimi’s card read as she looked at Yamato with a dreamy expression.

“Oo Captain America, that would be a hot choice,” Sora giggled. “Taichi?”

Iron Man – Taichi’s card read. “Please, Yamato is more like Tony Stark, also he’s the coolest.

Thor – Yamato’s card read. As everyone gave him a bland expression. “What?” he added.

“Seriously? I thought you like Captain America, you have a keychain of his shield” Mimi squealed, somehow offended, “also he’s the hottest! and you definitely have the Ass, perhaps not America’s but definitely Japan’s Ass.” Mimi added winking to a very red Yamato.

“Hmm I don’t know, maybe; Yamato, give us a twirl now, will you?” Taichi said trying to check out Yamato.

“And deleting that image from my mind,” Takeru said making a face at Yamato.

“Yeah, but I would prefer Thor’s powers, I could fly and manipulate thunder and also not to mention I would be a God.” Yamato tried defending his answer.

“Okay, no points for anyone, looks like you guys need to buck up your game, if you wanna win who knows Japan’s Ass better,” Sora concluded laughing.

“Shudd up.” Is all Yamato could say red in his face as everyone laughed.

 “Moving on to DC, Question 8!” Sora continued as the laughter died down. “Who is Yamato’s all-time favourite DC character?”

“I actually like DC more than Marvel” Takeru added to the room.

“Nah aa, marvel all the way” Kari shot back at Takeru. “They have better movies”

“Please, who can compete against Batman?” Takeru chimed in.

“Have you read any of the comics?” Koshiro asked them both.

“some” Takeru mumbled while Kari shook her head.

“And before this gets into a Marvel vs Dc or TV vs Comics, answers please!” Sora slipped in halting that discussion.

Batman – Taichi’s card read. “obviously”

Nightwing – Mimi’s card read. “This time it’s definitely the butt," she added with a squeal.  

Nightwing – Yamato’s card read. “It's not because of the ass” Yamato added to a gleaming Mimi.

“Okay, seriously Yamato, you have got to give us a twirl!” Taichi exclaimed.

All Yamato could do was glare at Taichi as the girls giggled and the boys laughed.

 “We are just getting started on to the good questions” Sora added cheekily as the laughter subsided. “Moving on to the next question! Question 9” “What age did Yamato have his first kiss?”

Yamato and Mimi both blushed hiding their faces behind their cards as they wrote the answer.

“And Mimi?” Sora asked

13 – Mimi’s card read

16 – Taichi’s card read. “He was a late bloomer” Taichi teased

13 – Yamato’s card read as he held it up to cover his face.

“13? Really? Who?” Sora asked surprised, asking the question that was on everyone’s mind as Yamato was extremely closed off as a person that time.

“Mimi,” Yamato answered slowly “the day she was leaving for the states”

“But you guys weren’t together that time,” Koshiro asked. “or were you already secretly dating”

“Well, it was unexpected for me as well, I mean I did have a crush on him that time but didn’t think he had, so imagine my surprise when I went to tell him goodbye, he kissed me.” Mimi smiled at the memory, “And he’s really improved a lot since then in that department” she added in a teasing tone.

“I knew I saw the two of you kiss, you told me I was seeing things,” Takeru exclaimed at Yamato.

“I didn’t really want anyone to know,” Yamato said apologetically to Takeru.

“Those mood swings make so much more sense now” Takeru added laughing.

“Okay, moving on” Yamato gestured to a smiling Sora.

 “This game is just getting started,” Sora said amused at Yamato’s embarrassment.

“I am going to kill all of you,” Yamato replied pointing towards Sora and the other spectators.

“Kari, would you tell us the score please,” Sora said sticking out her tongue at Yamato.

“Taichi needs to game up, as Mimi is leading by 2 points.” Kari added with a giggle.

  “Revealing more secrets of the lone wolf, moving on to Question 10” Sora smiled “What is Yamato’s favourite alcoholic beverage?

Even before sora could ask for an answer,

Beer – Taichi’s card read. “phh please” he added with an air of confidence.

Old Fashioned – Mimi’s card read. Please, Yamato likes his classic gentleman’s whiskey drink”

Old Fashioned – Yamato’s card read.

“What old fashion? Are you kidding me!!!! We always drink beer together” Taichi bellowed.

“But I like a good whiskey, bourbon, or scotch.” Yamato tried to defend himself.

“And you don’t like the beers we drink together?” Taichi asked absolutely furious.  

“Yeah, of course I like beers but that’s not my favourite alcoholic beverage Taichi” Mat tried to explain.

“oh! So now beer isn’t sophisticated enough for you! First, you turn your back on Pizza and now Beer!” Taichi crossed his arms absolutely fuming.

“Taichi” Yamato tried to continue.

“Next boys’ night you get your own fancy-ass drink” Taichi pouted cutting Yamato off “Sora, next Question”

“Taichi” Yamato tried again.

“Next Question Sora”  

 Giving Yamato an apologetic look, Sora continued “Moving on to Question 11, What is Yamato the most afraid of?”

Ghosts – Taichi’s card red. “Remember the time when me, Takeru, and Mimi pranked Yamato” Taichi said laughing at the memory as they had spooked Yamato quite badly.

Ghosts – Mimi showed her card, smiling at the memory.

Ghosts – Yamato’s card read as well, cursing Takeru for revealing his secret.

 “With Mimi still in the lead, Question 12” Sora continued with a knowing smirk towards Yamato. “Which celebrity is on Yamato’s list? Basically, which celebrity does Yamato wish to sleep with?” she further clarified.

Mariya Nishiuchi – Taichi held up his card excitedly

Merei Kiritani – Mimi held up her card with a stoic expression.

Mariya Nishiuchi – Yamato held his card, looking anywhere except at Mimi.

“oo she is pretty” Joe let slip to everyone’s amusement.

“Didn’t she come for one of your shows?” Takeru asked with an innocent curious look, while Mimi looked surprised, and Yamato tried to signal him to shut up.

“I don’t know what you are talking about” Yamato dismissed Takeru.

“Hang on!” Mimi added looking at Yamato now. “When was this? And how do I not know about this?”

“She came backstage as well” Takeru added. “I remember it was when you were in New York for your work visit,” Takeru said looking at Mimi.

“Mimi, I swear, nothing happened. She came to meet the band and that was it, I walked out of my dressing room when she came in”

“Okay this even I didn’t know,” Takeru said amused. “I just remember she came backstage to tell you guys she really enjoyed the show.”

“Are you telling me, you had the opportunity and you chickened out?” Taichi roared with laughter.

“Excuse me?” Mimi said tartly to Taichi.

“I didn’t chicken out Taichi, I didn’t want anything to do with her.” Yamato replied just as tartly.

“Not what you said when we were watching ..” Taichi continued in a teasing tone

“Shut up Taichi” Yamato cut Taichi off. “Mimi, babe, its not ..”

“We shall talk about this later,” Mimi said narrowing her eyes.

 “Is this over yet?” Yamato asked to the room where the others were just giggling at his misery.

“no no, I want to see what else I don’t know about you.” Mimi replied in a teasing manner.

“Is it lets torture Yamato Day, today?” Yamato asked rhetorically.

“Mimi,” Joe asked cautiously, still not convinced of her mood, to which the ever bubbly girl just smiled and winked. Satisfied that Yamato won’t be in much trouble, Joe cleared his throat, “I think we have 3 more questions” to which Sora and Koshiro nodded.

The bell rung indicating the pizza was here. Joe and Yamato went to get the pizzas and pay for them, with Yamato insisting to pay for the whole thing and Joe politely but sternly telling him that they can split it amongst both of them.

 Handing everyone their food and beverages, as Yamato and Joe got back in their place, Sora continued the game.

“To continue on to Yamato’s torture, Question 13,” she asked, “What type of porn category does Yamato like?” in a very serious and calm voice.

Joe almost choked on his drink while Koshiro spat out his drink, as the remaining two roared with laughter.

 “Taichi?” Sora asked barely able to contain her laugh,

Cheerleader – Taichi’s card read. “I remember the time when he used to fantasize about Mimi in her cheerleading outfit all the time. I don’t think he’s gotten over that.” Taichi said raising his eyebrows cheekily at Yamato and Mimi.

Threesome – Mimi’s card read. “Really? You used to fantasize about me back then?” she asked amused. “And here I thought you were dropping hints for a 3way.”

Cheerleader – Yamato’s card read. “That wasn’t a hint, Mimi. I told you it was a misunderstanding.” He said blushing furiously than he ever had.

“Shame,” Mimi said casually checking her nails, “I might have been game.” She added with a wink towards him.

Taichi nearly fell off his chair, while Koshiro did fall off his chair, his mouth open with shock.

“You lucky lucky son of a gun,” Taichi added to a blushing Yamato, with a slight hint of jealousy in his voice.

“Misunderstanding?” Sora asked trying to fish for the story, while Kari just laughed and Joe looked down embarrassed.

“Okay, too much information for me,” Takeru said clearing her throat. “Next question please,” he said gesturing towards Sora.

 “So having that opportunity taken away from him, moving on to Question 14.” Sora continued still between her laughs. “What is Yamato’s safe word?”

Sora wiped the tears rolling down her cheeks and gestured for all of them to reveal their answers.

Orangutan – Taichi’s card read.

Orangutan – Mimi’s card also read.

Orangutan – Yamato’s card read as well.

Seeing the shocked look on everyone’s face, Mimi looked over to Taichi’s card and in a very loud pitch voice, almost shouting exclaimed, “What!!”

“What! No way, What! How do you even know that?” Mimi bellowed.

“Are you fucking kidding me right now?” Taichi laughed falling off his chair, as Yamato just stared at Taichi with total shock. “Dude we really are soulmates.” Taichi managed to say between laughs as he struggled to get off the floor.

“I’m done, you know what I am done. All the other questions are irrelevant now” Mimi dropped her cards, got up, and walked out the room.

“Mimi come back,” Taichi tried calling behind her. “Princess,” he called after her as he got up and ran behind her still laughing his head off at the coincidence.

Yamato just shook his head, covering his face with his hands, as the rest of the people in the room erupted in laughter that went on for quite a while.

[azuregard]

How Rhea Views Edelgard in Crimson Flower

Word Count: 2,296

I’ve been thinking about how Crimson Flower portrays the Edelgard/Rhea conflict. In the route itself, Edelgard is clearly not a fan of the archbishop, but Rhea seems much more concerned with Byleth. While I do plan on analyzing how effective this decision was, I felt like it would be a good idea to offer my two cents regarding the way Rhea views Edelgard first.

When it came down to it, I figured it would be better for me to present the less-opinionated piece first. Unlike the other piece, where I point out what works and what doesn’t, this piece is more focused on analyzing certain quotes in an attempt to make sense of this decision from an in-universe perspective.

One more thing I want to mention before I start is that the analysis is largely looked at from Rhea’s PoV. As such, the language I’m using to describe Edelgard might come across as somewhat harsh. A lot of things tend to get lost in translation on the internet, and I will admit I’m not the best at expressing myself, but I figured I’d address this now just so you know that this analysis isn’t an excuse to attack her (and as someone who likes Edelgard, I have no intention of doing so, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t think there’s any room for improvement).

With that out of the way, I hope you enjoy this dumb little analysis.

The Flame Emperor Unmasked

“You have disappointed me, Edelgard. To think that a descendant of House Hresvelg would dare betray the holy church…”

—Rhea (White Clouds Chapter 11: Throne of Knowledge, Event: Fateful Farewell)

If you chose to teach either the Black Eagles or the Golden Deer, this first quote occurs after you defeat Edelgard at the Holy Tomb. To explain the context of this quote, Edelgard has led the imperial army into the tomb to plunder the crest stones contained within. While Edelgard isn’t aware of what the crest stones are, Rhea is, and given that they’re the hearts of slain Nabateans, the archbishop is justifiably not happy about it.

That said, while Rhea is obviously furious with Edelgard in this moment, she also expresses her disappointment that a member of House Hresvelg betrayed the church in such a manner.

“Professor, kill Edelgard at once. She is a danger to all of Fódlan. Such a rebellious heart cannot be allowed to keep beating.”

—Rhea (White Clouds Chapter 11: Throne of Knowledge, Event: Fateful Farewell)

Rather than perform the task herself, Rhea orders Byleth to kill Edelgard. While this might not seem strange at a glance, anyone who has played Ashe and Catherine’s paralogue is likely familiar with the following quote:

“Lady Rhea is going to personally execute the bishop. I have been appointed as her guard. I want your help protecting her. So what do you say? Will you come?”

--Catherine (White Clouds Paralogue: Falling Short of Heaven, Before Battle)

As you can see here, Rhea is not above executing heretics herself. Unlike Lonato and the Western Church members from chapter 4 (and Seteth and Flayn’s paralogue), the bishop in Ashe and Catherine’s paralogue is the one leading the Western Church. Like that bishop, Edelgard was the one leading the charge against the church at the Holy Tomb. That, combined with her high status, would probably make one assume that Rhea would be the one to personally take her life.

Rhea ordering Byleth to kill Edelgard makes sense when looking at it from an out-of-universe perspective; what with this being the catalyst for the player choosing between the two women, at least if they chose to teach the Black Eagles. That said, when looking at it from an in-universe perspective, it seems odd considering the above Catherine quote. Rhea wasn’t hesitant to execute the western church’s bishop, but she isn’t willing to do the same with some girl who led the imperial army to defile a holy place and, in doing so, likely caused her to relive a traumatic moment in her life.

“To flee is futile, wicked girl. The Church of Seiros will raise its entire army against you, until you have been captured and punished! You have defiled the Holy Tomb, dishonored the goddess, and humiliated your brethren. That crime will never be erased, even if you burn in the eternal flames, and spill all of your blood into the goddess's soil!”

—Rhea (White Clouds Chapter 11: Throne of Knowledge, Event: Fateful Farewell, Azure Moon/Verdant Wind/Silver Snow)

Again, Rhea vows to make Edelgard pay, but she doesn’t specify that she will be the one who will punish her. In fact, she states that the church will raise its entire army against Edelgard, which seems to imply that someone in that army will be the one to perform the deed. This comes to fruition in every route where Rhea utters this particular line; Byleth ends Edelgard’s life in Verdant Wind and Silver Snow, while Dimitri is the one to strike her down in Azure Moon.

The Fall of Garreg Mach

“No matter your reasons, I cannot permit you to go on living any longer!… You must know what a fool you are! The greatest of sins is to make an enemy of the goddess herself!”

—Rhea, to Edelgard (Crimson Flower Chapter 12: Outset of a Power Struggle, Battle: The Battle of Garreg Mach)

Edelgard and Rhea’s pre-battle quote is another interesting one since it’s a lot less hostile than it ought to be. Edelgard’s actions in the previous chapter amounted to not only her defiling a holy place, but also in Rhea experiencing a pseudo-Red Canyon Tragedy. Yet despite this, Rhea and Edelgard’s pre-battle dialogue isn’t nearly as heated as the one-way dialogue Rhea has with Byleth.

“You... How dare you betray me... You worthless piece of garbage... I will punish you myself!”

—Rhea, to Byleth (Crimson Flower Chapter 12: Outset of a Power Struggle, Battle: The Battle of Garreg Mach)

Rhea’s pre-battle quote when Byleth approaches her is much more hostile compared to what you would get if Edelgard was the one to do so. She is in no mood to entertain the idea that they had a reason to turn against her, and she makes it clear that she will be the one to punish them for their decision. While she mentions that she cannot permit Edelgard to go on living, she doesn’t explicitly state that she will be the one to end Edelgard’s life the way she does with Byleth here.

“So you have sullied yourself by joining with the rebels? I hope you came prepared to breathe your last.”

—Rhea, to units who aren’t named Edelgard or Byleth (Crimson Flower Chapter 12: Outset of a Power Struggle, Battle: The Battle of Garreg Mach)

Rhea’s generic pre-battle quote is a middle ground between the two unique ones she has with your lord and avatar. She’s not as hostile as she is with Byleth, but this dialogue strikes me as her being willing to kill the unlucky unit you picked to stand against her (at least compared to Edelgard).

In addition, Rhea doesn’t point out that the unit in question has a reason to turn against the church. As such, she doesn’t distinguish characters like Ashe (whose adoptive father and brother turned against the church and paid with their lives) from characters like Annette (whose father is a devout member of the church). This lack of distinction on Rhea’s part leads me to believe that their betrayal did not sting Rhea as much as Edelgard’s or Byleth’s.

Finally, given Rhea’s status as the map’s ultimate target, she doesn’t move from her assigned position. As such, you will probably only see the pre-battle quotes if you initiate combat, or place a unit close enough to Rhea that she feels the need to defend herself. This, combined with Rhea deploying the monastery’s strongest military force when she emerges, makes me believe that she was hoping that someone else might finish the job against Edelgard and anyone not named Byleth.

Return to Tailtean

“Mother... Oddly the rain has come to fall yet again. At this place, once again... I will fight to take you back... The one who keeps me from seeing you again... I will be sure to return them to the earth from whence they came. The foolish descendant of Hresvelg who bares her fangs at me will suffer the same fate…”

—Rhea/Seiros (Crimson Flower Chapter 17, Field of Revenge, Event: Field of Revenge)

While you could argue from this quote that Rhea is no longer hesitant to kill Edelgard, I have to respectfully disagree here. Even though Rhea states that Edelgard and Byleth will suffer the same fate (that being “returning them from the earth from whence they came”), there is a moment earlier in the chapter that makes me think Rhea isn’t as keen on taking out Edelgard as she is Byleth.

Dimitri: “There is only one person I am after. I have no interest in any other prey.” Rhea: “I will take you at your word. Erasing the other child's existence is my task, and mine alone. I will get you back, Mother... I promise…”

—Crimson Flower Chapter 17, Field of Revenge, Event: Preparing for the Final Battle

While Rhea mentions that Edelgard will suffer the same fate as Byleth, she never mentions that she will personally be the one to enact that fate. Given the dialogue provided above, I would argue that she is relying on Dimitri to do the job for her.

“King Dimitri! There is no retreat for the Knights of Seiros! Fight until none are left standing! Slaughter them all and send them straight to hell!”

—Rhea/Seiros (Crimson Flower Chapter 17, Field of Revenge, Event: Field of Revenge, if not defeated before Dimitri falls, pre-v1.02)

“No... It can't be... There is no retreat for the Knights of Seiros! Fight until none are left standing! Slaughter them all and send them straight to hell!”

—Rhea/Seiros (Crimson Flower Chapter 17, Field of Revenge, Event: Field of Revenge, if not defeated before Dimitri falls, post-v1.02)

The above two quotes only appear if Dimitri is taken out before Rhea at Tailtean. As you can see, there is little difference between the two besides 2–4 words. That said, I would argue that they aren’t all that different. On the surface, they point out Dimitri’s defeat; however, if you look at them with the final quote I will be providing, they could also be Rhea realizing that it’s becoming more likely that she is going to need to take care of Edelgard herself. She realizes that there’s still a way around it, that being if one of the knights gets there first, but the odds of that happening are decreasing.

“An ancestor of the Hresvelgs, who became Adrestia's first emperor... He saved me. Supported me. Gave his all to the cause of defeating Nemesis. That I should find myself here at Tailtean, striking down his scion…”

—Rhea/Seiros, to Edelgard (Crimson Flower Chapter 17, Field of Revenge, Event: Field of Revenge)

This is easily the most important quote that I provided, as it both reiterates the previous quotes and shows us the reason Rhea seems so hesitant to be the one to take action against Edelgard. First of all, it calls back to all of the times Rhea mentioned Edelgard’s noble house. Back in the eleventh chapter, Rhea expresses disappointment in Edelgard, a member of House Hresvelg, for betraying the church. This quote clears up why: Edelgard’s ancestor was someone Rhea clearly thought highly of, and as his descendant, Rhea believed Edelgard should have known better (hence why Rhea stated that Edelgard “disappointed” her).

Unlike Edelgard, who channelled Nemesis when invading the Holy Tomb, Wilhelm gave his all to defeat the crusty old bastard. In invading the Holy Tomb, Edelgard caused Rhea’s trauma to resurface; in contrast, Wilhelm likely served as a pillar of support for Rhea after she lost everything.

Edelgard’s actions from chapter eleven onwards were the opposite of how Rhea remembered Wilhelm, and it wouldn’t surprise me if she saw them as Edelgard disrespecting the memory of someone she cared for. Yet at the same time, given her motivations and relationships, she’s obviously still bound by the past. Rhea knows that Edelgard is doing terrible things that the Wilhelm she knew would never even consider, yet she can’t bring herself to punish her like she did the other heretics because of that connection.

Like how Rhea views Byleth as the closest thing she has to her mother, you could argue that Edelgard’s ancestry makes her the closest thing Rhea has to Wilhelm. Unlike Byleth, who becomes a new Nemesis when they take Sothis’ spine and heart with them upon siding with Edelgard, Rhea doesn’t have anyone else she can project onto the tiny emperor (at least that she’s aware of).

The latter half of the above quote isn’t filled with the determination you would find when she is pitted against Byleth in this route. Instead, she seems upset by the turn of events. In her mind, Rhea knows that Edelgard needs to pay for betraying the church and disrespecting Wilhelm’s memory. At the same time, Rhea’s fondness for Wilhelm makes her unwilling to perform the act herself, at least until she feels she doesn’t have any other choice.

After everything that’s happened, Rhea finds herself facing off against Wilhelm’s descendant at Tailtean, and she’s aware that Edelgard intends to kill her. As such, Rhea knows that she has to strike down the descendant of someone she cared about if she intends to live and reclaim all she has lost.

[anne-white-star]

Brian may x reader : finding real love

Notes: reader is a dress maker for people of high status in London she even makes dresses for queen Victoria herself. one day brian may and his fiance come in to get her a dress for a upcoming ball. Unfortanetly brian isnt in a very loving relationship with his soon to be wife for she's very controling and some times straight up mean and abusive. They are in an aranged mariage. Reader and brian fall in love.       

(Late) Victorian au (1880s no exact year). Catherine Green is a random name i chose for the wife. I hope you guys enjoy reading.

Warnings : a bit of angst abuse

Words : 2829

Late victorian era, London

In the center of London was a small shop but not just any shop, it was a dress shop called y/l/n Splendour Dress and co.

It wasn't a verry big establisment but it was really special, for even queen victoria herself had comissioned dresses here, only the people of high sosity could afort these dresses.

A carriage pulled up infront of the shop, a few seconds later the bell went of to sigal someone has entered, a man and a woman walked in.

The man was pretty tall and had dark curly hair he also wore a suit (he doesn't wear a hat) the man was very handsome. The woman had blond hair and wore a elegant hat her green eyes were fierce and angry while the man his eyes were hazel and kind.

A woman came from the back about (your age) and stood behind the counter "good afternoon sir and madam how can i help you?"

"I would Like to comission a dress for my fiance"

"Alright any thing spesific, a tea gown, an walking suit, or a day dress

The woman cut her off with an angry tone "no nothing like that im here to comission a ball gown"

"Now calm down Catherine, im verry sorry about that"

"Oh don't worry its alright sir"

"May Brian may and Catherine Green"

"Ah alright mr may and missed Green" please do follow me so that i can sketch some ideas out and so that we could chose the fabric"

"Lead the way madam"

They came across an other woman in the hall "Oh Alice could you perhaps boil some water so that we can have some tea?"

"Yes of course y/n it be ready in a few"

"Thank you after you are done you can take a break" they walked further and came to a room "please do sit down , first we can chose the fabric then we can sketch a design"

"I want my dress to be red and black they are my favorite colors" she smirked

"My darling are you sure of that i mean its a ball after al you it would be beter if - " Brian was caught of

"No absolutly not i want my dress to be red and black" she folded her arms

"Alright darling as you wish"

"I want the black fabric to be made of embroyderd silk and the red fabric made of cotton."

"With or without a train madam"

"Without"

"alright, anything els?"

"Yes i want black lace on the sleeves and red little bows made of silk there as wel"

"Alright madam, is it good that we decide up on a design of the dress now?"

"Yes go ahead"

"About the bodice and the sleeves what lengt would you like them?"

"Im sorry to interupt but here is the tea"

"Ah thank you Alice, you may go take a break now" Alice walked out the room again and closed the door "where were we? Ah yes the bodice and sleeves"

"I want the sleeves at elbow lenght and the bodice low so that it shows off my figure"

"Ah Alright, what about the skirt?"

"I want the under skirt to be a flounced underskirt and the under side of the dress to be made of the red fabric with silk ribons, at the front of the dress i want black lace going down. And the over skirt i want that to be the same fabric as the bodice."

"Alright madam" y/n looked at the sketch in front of her "is this what you have in mind?"

"Yes a hundred precent "

"Alright madam i wil ask my employees to look for the fabrics we would need"

Mr may who had been listening and drinking his tea the whole time spoke up "how long will it take to make?"

About 3 months sir if everything goes as planned"

"Wonderfull you hear that darling"

"Oh yes fantastic, make sure the dress is done by then because in 3 months there will be a ball at Buckingham palace and i want to look absolutly perfect"

"Yes of course miss we will try to get it finished by then"

"Good, thil next time" Catherine stood up And walked out the room

Brian did as well and held out his hand to y/n "Thank you so mutch for your time miss y/n, please you must excuse my fiance for being so rude"

"Its alright mr may no problem at al, tell me is your relationship a aranged one?"

"Unfortanetly yes, within a year we are to get Married unless i find somone i love"

"I hope you find the right person mr may"

"I hope so to, again thank you very mutch" he grabed y/n her hand and kissed it

"My plesure mr may, i hope you have a wonderfull afternoon"

"May we meet again" he smiled and

walked out the room

*little time skip*

Y/n was looking For the fabrics she Would need " Um Alice do you have any idea where the black embroyderd silk is?"

"Yes its on the top shelf next to the purple silks "

"Thanks, oh could you grab te maroon/red coton and a flounced underskirt/petticoat as wel"

"Yeah sure who is this oder for?"

"For miss Catherine Green"

"Oh i reconise her she has come in a few times to comission dresses her sizes are noted in our book, she's truly terrible she had 3 husbands already and now she's going to get Married to that poor sir may"

"Yeah i don't think they are a good couple eiter, both are from high socity what is sir may his feeld?"

"Hes an astrophysicist of the royal court of queen victoria"

"Oh wow so hes one of the highest in that feeld how extraordinary"

"Hes smart and not looking bad eiter"

"Yeah , i really feel sorry for him.... we need to get started the dress needs to be done in 3 months"

"Are you going to the ball to y/n?"

"I don't know i mean"

"You are also of high status because you make dresses for her royal highness, you deserve to go"

"You think so?"

"I know so, but first lets get started with making misses Green her dress first"

"Alright"

*time skip to 3 months later because im lazy*

The day for the fitting came y/n and Alice hoped everything went as planned.

"Good morning sir may and miss Green"

"Good morning miss y/l/n" he took her hand and kissed it

Miss green sighed "Is my dress ready?"

"Yes its ready please do follow me to the fitting room"

"I know where it is"

"Alright miss, i'll be there in a minute"

Mr may stood next to y/n "Im so sorry about the way she acts i talked with her about it but she won't lissen"

"Its fine mr may"

"Please call me Brian its my name after all"

"Alright wel then you can call me y/n.... tell me do you love her?"

"Who? Catherine? If i could be honest with you y/n then no absolutly not"

"Are you considering breaking off the arrangement?"

"If i find the right person then yes of course"

"I really hope you do you deserve better brian"

"Thanks you y/n"

"Y/n?" Came the voice of Alice

"Yes comming!, follow me brian" both of them walked in to the fitting room "miss Green how does it fit?"

"I want the corset to be tighter"

Y/n walked behind the curtains"Are you sure miss it already looks tight enough"

"No i want it tighter"

"As you wish miss" y/n undid the lace of the corset and tugged as hard as she could "i hope this is better"

"Perfect now is Brian here?"

"Yes"

"Good, oh Brian dear what do you think" Catherine stept from behind the curtain snowing her ball gown

"what do you think?"

"I think it fits you perfectly dear"

"I take it" she went back behind the curtain to get changed again

"How mutch does it cost?"

"About a 150 pounds"

Brian grabed his wallet and drew the right amount "here you go"

"Thank you" y/n stuffed the money in her apron.

"Will you also go to the ball?"

"I would love to but unfortanetly i have work there are many dresses that have to be made"

"I can take over for you with Mary, y/n" said Alice as she was sewing some beads on to a evening coat

"Alright i will try and see, when is it?"

"About 2 weeks from now"

"I will try to make it" she smiled softly

Brian grabed her hand softly and kissed it "thill then my lady"

"Thill then"

*skip to the day of the ball*

"Have you decided what to wear?"

"No, i simply din't have the time to make anything" she sat down and sadly siged

"Oh cheer up, wait i remember something, we have some dresses that wern't colected mabey there is something in there for you"

"oh yeah thats true lets look" she stood up And walked in to the far back where a closet stood with the said dresses, she opend it up And looked at them , "i don't remember making these"

"I think your parents had been working on these last year they are pretty mutch still up to date"

"For who were these?"

"If i remember corectly these were ment for a baroness, but she and her

husband got killed before they could collect them"

"These are absolutly wonderfull "

"It should be about your size lets fit them"

So y/n did that and grabed al the dresses and tried them on, everything was exactly her size

She decided to go with dress number (insert number here) "i see that some things got lose we still have time"

Yes we do now come on we need to prepare"

About a few hours later the dress has been looked at, Alice had put y/n her hair up in a fancy evening style and added some hair accessoires.

"so how do i look?"

"Like a real princes oh before you forget these come with the dress" she held out a box y/n opend it inside were a pair of earings a necklace and tiara and a fancy hand fan

"Oh these are wonderfull" she put the necklace around her neck and put the earings in

"These were also met for the baroness" Alice placed the tiara on her head "you have to leave now a carriage is waiting"

"Alright, are you sure you can manage?"

"Don't worry to mutch it be alright me and Mary can manage just fine

"Alright" y/n put her evening coat on and picked up the train of her dress "its going to be late"

"I know dear now go and have a lovely evening"

"I will thank you for the help"y/n walked out of the back door trought the garden out of the gate, she climed in the cariage and sat down. The cariage went on its way to the palace. About 30 minuts later she arived and stept out die left her coat in the carriage. Y/n walked inside the palace up to the grand staircase to the ball room.

Music could already be heared when she walked up the staircase and once she arived the music was mutch louder.

Once y/n stept in to the ballroom a lot of people looked at her wondering who this beautyfull woman was dressed in fine fabrics and jewels.

"Miss y/l/n is that you oh how wonderfull to see you here you look extraordinary"

Y/n turned around at the mention of her name "sir Mercury its so great to see you, wearing my wonderfull suit i see" she smiled

"Oh yes its absolutly wonderfull my dear " he kissed her on the cheek "tell me why are you here?"

"Wel sir may had invited me to come along"

"Ah i see, if i remember corectly he was talking with sir taylor near the table overthere"

"Thank you"

"I have to go now my dear sir deacon needs my assistance"

Y/n smiled at him and walked to the table where sir may was indeed talking to sir taylor. Next to sir may stood miss Green, the was clinging to his arm. He looked a bit anoyed. "Sir may"

brian turned around "ah miss y/l/n so great to see you" he shook off Catherine and walked to her and softly grabed her hand "sir taylor this is y/n y/l/n the seamstress, she makes fabouls dresses, coats, shoes and suits"

"Nice to meet you miss" he said in a flirting tone, sir taylor grabed her gloved hand and put a kiss on it

"Like wise sir taylor" she smiled softly and put her hand to the side. Y/n could feel somone glaring at her when she turned around and came face to face with Catherine. " Is everything alright miss Green? "

"Yes everything is perfectly fine miss y/l/n" she said with an snarky tone.

Y/n looked down at the ground, sir taylor ofered her his hand "would you like to dance miss"

She looked up "Of course" she grabed his hand and they both walked on to the ball room floor

"You know i don't like her either"

"Who?"

"Miss green, sir may deserves better" said Roger while they both danced across the floor.

"Yes he does, they arnt the perfect fit for echoter Brian deserves somone who's kind"

"Someone like you"

"Why me?"

"The way you carry yourself very eligant yet kind and soft spoken, he really deserves you miss y/l/n". As the dance ended they both bowed to echoter and walked to the side where Brian stood alone drinking his wine

"Brian, you should dance with miss y/l/n I bet she will Enjoy your company while i go looking For my fiance"

"Alright Roger thank you," Brian held his arm out "care to dance?"

"Yes of course" she smiled and they both walked on to the ball room floor again. When they were done with the dance they walked to the doors "brian can we please go outside for a bit i need to talk to you"

"Yes of course" they walked in to the garden and dat down on a bench

"Look its probably not my place but you really should break of the arrangement Brian"

"Why?"

"She really doesn't deserve you brian she doesn't love you she will make you feel misereble"

"You are right but i can't break it off unles i found somone ells"

"Wel i know somone who would love you for ever and always"

"Who would that be?" He looked at her with a questionble look on his face

"What about me? Do you think we would be a good fit?"

"Perhaps if its really what you want"

"Im asking you brian, its important that you find somone who will help with continuing the family line"

"Yeah you are right" he sighed and put his face in his hands, his shoulders started to shake as he softly cried while you sat beside him

"Brian i really want to help you trough this"

"Y/n Im torn between an arrangement and real love" he looked up at her while the tears runed down his cheeks.

She softly whiped the tears away with her gloved hand and then placed it on his cheek "you have two choices Brian follow your heart"

"I choose real love" he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips "i love you y/n y/l/n"

"BRIAN WHAT IS THIS!!??" They both turned around to an angry Catherine running at them, they both stood up And Brian stood in between y/n and Catherine.

"Im breaking off the arrangement"

"You can't do that you have no right"

"I do because i am the hire of the family titel and you are not this is oficialy over"

She looked from Brian to y/n " You did this you took him from me!"

"No she din't i simply took love instead of money thats all"

"You know what i never ever wanted to be yours Anyway you are not good enough for me i don't know what my father saw in you" she walked away with a big huff

"Im so sorry about that"

"Its alright im not blaming you"

"I ment what i said, i really love you" he huged her close and gave her a kiss on the forehead

"I love you to"

They both went back inside to tell sir Mercury, taylor and deacon the good news about their arangement

Brian and y/n found love in eatch other and lived a long and happy life together

The end

I hope you guys enjoyed reading please let me know what you think 😊 I put a lot of time and efort in to this plus a lot of late nights so please concider rebloging if you like the story

Have a Nice day everyone♥️

Greatings from Anne