#ofprevioustimes

[nectaric]

@ofprevioustimes asked: someone else made these decisions for me. - Helen @ papa Zeus

it is cruel to be king and a father. crueler still to to know that those professions were not just difficult to reconcile - but indeed, at war with one another. to be king was to be just and fair, to be impartial when necessary, to think of the greater good. being a father meant wanting to put your child first every single time, and damn the consequences.

every course of action he could fathom seemed to betray one position or the other, father or king. zeus wished he knew how best to comfort helen, how to help her without scorning his duty.

"decisions are made for all of us. it is an unpleasant fact of life," zeus began slowly, sinking onto the bench beside his daughter with a sad smile. "but you and i share more in common than you think. you see, i had many decisions made for me when i was just an infant. a rebel, a general, and a king, they said. that's what i would be. never mind that i didn't want any of it."

zeus sighed. would that be of any comfort to her? "it all seems to end up the same. our lives pre-determined, manipulated by those greater than ourselves. those decisions all led to the same place - war, and suffering."

it was not wholly the same. zeus knew that - and so did she, he was sure. zeus' path had been moving towards a better world. where had the hope been for helen?

"here is what i do know," zeus continued. "you still have decisions you can make. there is still agency for you, there is still power. you have to claim it. you cannot be afraid. you are my daughter, and just as i found the bravery to forge a new path for myself, so must you."

[mvndrvke]

@ofprevioustimes : i sleep better when you're next to me. ( Helen @ Menelaus)

It's been odd since Helen's returned, but Menelaus is glad that they're not estranged as he worried they might be. They've had distance before, of course-- any couple has-- but it's not a distance that lasts when they're reunited.

He rolls over when she speaks, brows slightly furrowed as he looks at her. "I do too," he murmurs. He wraps an arm around her waist so he can pull her closer, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. "I missed this."

[dynastymusesarchive]

@ofprevioustimes​  liked this post for a starter {{aramis&anne}}

❝it is just a scratch your majesty❞  his eyes locked with hers, but quickly looked away. 

[thomashxmilton]

@ofprevioustimes - for Miranda

He had noticed the young woman when she came into the parlor, he knew most people who attended his talks, but he didn’t recognize her. After he spoke and everyone was drinking and partaking in his offered food. She was quite a striking woman, she wasn’t dainty and soft like so many other women that would join their husbands at his parties. 

Walking over towards her, he grabbed a couple of glasses of punch and gave her a soft smile, “good evening, would you like a refreshment?” 

[andessence]

What is the most meaningful memory that Mary has and why is it so?

Mary's most meaningful memory is of the first day that Dr. Kreizler told her about American Sign Language. At that time, she was still institutionalized, in the asylum on Blackwell's Island, and living in a constant state of bleak grief, punishment, and the inability to express herself to or communicate with anyone. The loneliness was acutely painful, and knowing that everyone assumed her a mad and senseless murderer was a source of perpetual misery. She was told one day that there was a visitor in to see her (to her great surprise, given that no member of her family had ever come to see her) and she was introduced to one Laszlo Kreizler, a bright young doctor who had taken an interest in her case. Early sessions with Dr. Kreizler were nearly as bleak as the rest of her time in the institute because even if he seemed to care about her condition, it was just long hours of nodding and shaking her head to statements about the nature of her condition and the inability to communicate anything further. She was still trapped inside her own mind with the thoughts that she could never tell. But the more he saw Mary, the more Dr. Kreizler came to note the absence of symptoms of her diagnosed dementia praecox, and the more curious he became about the truth.

The listless grey of her days was broken through finally when on one visit, Kreizler told her they would try a new activity. The doctor was generally a stolid man, very still while he spoke, but on this day he drew up his hands (yes, even the weak one she noticed he rarely used) and he moved them, making rough signals in the air to accompany his speech. And he said this was a sign language, often used by the deaf who could not speak. He said that they would learn it together, and then she would be able to have a real conversation. While it might have been expected that she be taught the alphabet first, he'd recognized that Mary had never been taught to read or write, and so spelling out words would not work just yet. He showed her the signs [[ My name is M-A-R-Y" ]] and suddenly the interview wasn't just another thing happening to Mary, beyond her control, but something she was taking part in. The fog of distance and isolation lifted and in that first moment when she signed back to him and he answered her with his voice: "Hello Mary, it's good to finally meet you," she felt a world open up that she thought was dead to her. It was the first time in her life that she ever felt she could truly be understood and seen and maybe even helped. They began to practice the foundational signs they would need to start talking: yes, no, stop, I, you, know, don't know, please, think, feel ... father, which she hesitated to repeat. The doctor was only meant to stay for an hour, but when he get up to leave, she signed over and over [[ no, stop. ]] And the incredible thing was that he did. He sat back down, and he bargained with her for another hour before he would absolutely have to go, and Mary was amazed in spite of herself that he listened and did as she asked. Not only could she be understood this way, but she could make things happen — she could change what happened to her, at least with him.

That day is certainly the most important memory Mary has. It changed the course of her life, was the start of her campaign for freedom, and bonded her and the doctor together forever. It was the day she stopped feeling that she was a thing subjected to people's wills, but a person with a way to communicate a will of her own.

[west1rosi]

He   had   thought   marriage   would   reach   him   later   in   life.   Responsabilities   never   lay   with   him   first   for   he   was   not   a   first   son.   And   yet,   here   he   is,   now   with   a   wife   that   had   meant   to   be   his   older   brother,   now   dead.   Catelyn   Tully   was   a   beauty   and   he   does   the   honorable   thing   to   marry   her   for   that's   what   his   family   promised   hers.   She   was   not   meek   and   spoke   openly   and   Ned   found   himself   enjoying   her   way   of   speaking.  

He   can   grow   to   love   her,   if   war   ends   soon.   If   he   returns   home.   "You   must   remain   in   Winterfell,   Cat.   You   know   this."   His   own   sister   was   an   expert   rider   and   practiced   with   all   weapons,   he   is   not   against   a   woman   in   battle   or   a   woman   in   the   fields.   But   the   thought   is   dreadful,   if   they   found   her   and   take   her.   Ed   breathes   in,   his   hands   on   hers.   He   is   not   Brandon,   he   is   not   who   she   was   promised,   but   he   will   do   his   duty   and   love   her   with   everything.   "The   Maesters   think   you   could   be   with   child.   And   if   that   such   a   thing   is   possible,   then   I   need   you   safe."  

A   child   of   a   wedding   night,   not   a   rare   thing,   but   he   can't   help   but   to   offer   a   small   smile.   "I'll   return   to   you   and   if   that's   not   the   case,   then   we   can   keep   on   trying.   Winterfell   would   look   lovely   with   some   of   your   hair   color."   Little   children   running   around   with   auburn   red   hair,   kissed   by   fire.   Yes.   He   can   imagine   himself   growing   old   there,   with   many   children.   And   her.   "Promise   me   you   will   stay."

@ofprevioustimes asked: ❝ by your side is where i'm meant to be. ❞ (cat @ Ned?) in case you didn't know .

[audaciiaearchive]

" use him. but never allow him to use you. " (Mion @ Pyrrhus. Probably about his grandpa lol)

The Serpent & the Wings of Night || Accepting

"I am not worried about Peleus, and you should not be, either. I do not really have any intentions of using him...Phthia is not my concern. I have my kingdom here, and I do think that that is enough."

Pyrrhus shrugs, absently plucking at the lyre in his lap. Helenus has been kind enough to teach him the things he never got to learn as a boy, but he finds himself too preoccupied some days to really focus on it. So he sighs, looking over at Hermione and tilting his head, inviting her to sit down next to him.

"Is there something on your mind, Hermione? You know that you are more than welcome to speak freely to me. I always want to hear what you have to say."

[vyrulent]

starter call || @ofprevioustimes ( helen )

Rare was it that the lord of the Underworld made his appearance within the mortal realm, but curiosity had gathered the best of him. Someone was responsible for the onslaught of visitors to his realm.

Slipping from the shadows, Hades revealed himself with a clearing of his throat before he spoke up, voice graveled.

"So you're the one that's keeping my men working overtime..."

[takesheart]

EACH STEP IS EASIER THAN THE LAST ; THE FEELING OF PEACE FINALLY RUSHING IN . for many days now , perhaps a week , the air has been quieter . no sign of bloodshed or the stench of battle . for this , uhtred is grateful ; though serpent's breath and wasp sting still remain close . he's convinced the rivers will once again run with blood in his own lifetime . hand comes to rest on his sword's hilt , the amber jewel set there , just above the cross hild gifted to him so many years ago now . he misses her but as uhtred reaches the top of the steps , he knows she'll be gazing upon the same sky as he for morning prayers .

THE NIGHT IS LIGHTENING ; THE SUN RISING PINK ON THE HORIZON . a handful of stars remain but uhtred knows they will soon fade . he still wants stiorra to see them , to know them as he does , from the battlements of his hard - won home . BEBBANBURG . he stands , proud as no man has ever been , surveying the lands that have been belonged to him for most of his life . lands that have claimed so many of his dearest friends and loved ones . " daughter , " he begins , hearing footsteps behind but not turning to see if it is , indeed , stiorra approaching as he bade . " come . stand beside me . survey the land that will , one day , be yours . "

starter for stiorra ; @ofprevioustimes

[fornassau]

classics (vane/eleanor?)

Charles Vane was stretched out on a sofa that he seemed far too large to even be laying upon and he’d been completely unconscious. It took a lot to knock the great pirate captain down in a fight but that’s exactly what sometimes happened when you choose to get in all out brawl with more than one, and in his case, several men at once. He had a horrible temper and it usually took more than just a few words for him to pop off and get into a fight, but this had been different. Those men had been insulting Eleanor and that wasn’t something he just stood and let happen. It didn’t matter if they were together or not, you just didn’t insult the woman he had been so desperately in love with.

And whether or not she could handle their cat calling and insults hadn’t made a difference. “ — ow.. “ Finally a sound came from him, feeling a burning sensation that was so intense it knocked him back to an awake. How he’d made it from the bar to wherever the two of them were was beyond his understanding. He hissed a bit, looking down to see the blonde was tending to some of his wounds, using alcohol to clean them. He groaned in protest. It didn’t matter how bad of a beating he may have just received which was a rarity of itself, Charles hates receiving help of any kind. She damn well knew that.

“ I can take care of myself.. “ Low voice grumbled from his throat as he reached out and took a firm grip of the hand that had been cleaning the wound on his abdomen. Apparently she’d already taken the liberty of removing his shirt.

[nectaric]

@ofprevioustimes liked !

zeus paced the length of the balcony, thunder clouds brewing in the distance. he had half a mind to barge into the room and demand answers immediately, his worry eating away at him like mice. only, before zeus could make the decision, the doors to leda's room opened, and she was the one who walked out to greet him.

uninjured. walking. alive and well.

"are you alright?" zeus demanded, taking three large steps to meet her. he tugged her into an embrace, breathing deeply. "i heard something terrible had happened, and i came as quickly as i could."

a rumour. perhaps that was all this had been. still, zeus would take no chances. "please tell me you are going to be fine."

[mvndrvke]

@ofprevioustimes gets a starter! helen + menelaus ( pre-marriage )

"Your cousin keeps giving me judgmental looks," Menelaus says as he hands Helen a goblet of wine, casting his gaze back towards Penelope where she's halfheartedly paying attention to a conversation with Helen's brothers. "Have you been telling her all of my secrets?"

[lovehurried]

“Have a wonderful day!” Midge tells the customer she’s been serving, before promptly addressing the next - not looking at her just yet, as she tidies away the testers she’d used on the departing brunette. “Is there anything I can help you--”

Customer-service-smile freezes into a look of mildly horrified surprises as she straightens and turns her attention to the woman she’s speaking to; she’d know her anywhere. From the halls of Bryn Mawr - when they’d been Miriam Weissman and Elizabeth Hofstadt - to sitting by their husbands’ sides in restaurants and excusing themselves so that they could gossip in front of the bathroom mirror, new names and diamond rings in tow... She’s always considered Betty a friend.

A friend that, she now realises, she hasn’t seen since Joel detonated the bomb which had led to her sleeping in her childhood bed again after spending her days working at B. Altman.

“Betty! I-- How are you?”

@ofprevioustimes​​​​​ gets a short starter for Betty, from Midge

[sinnhelmingr]

pre-established meme thing, from whatever muse you think would click w urs! // @ofprevioustimes​

send me a  ✿  and i’ll fill out the template below. bold for things i could definitely see or want, italics for things i could see or am unsure of and striked out for things i don’t want or cannot see.

// going with aslaug for this one as she’s my underrated disrespected queen tbh and i get excited whenever i see her on your muse list.

FRIENDSHIP.     childhood friends  /  work buddies or coworkers  /  family friends  /  friends with benefits  /  smoking buddies  /  adventure buddies  /  fake friends  /  recently friends  /  party buddies  /  friendship of need  /  dying friendship  /  circumstantial friendship  /  partners in crime  /  old friendship  /  [ your muse ] is the good influence  /  [ your muse ] is the bad influence  /  [ my muse ] is the good influence  /  [ my muse ] is the bad influence  /  opposites attract  /  ride or die  /  frenemies  /  roommates or flatmates  /  penpals  /  exes to friends  /  enemies to friends  /  other

ROMANCE.     childhood sweethearts  /  [ your muse is mines ] childhood crush  /  [ my muse is yours ] childhood crush  /  exes  /  exes to lovers  /  forbidden lovers  /  highschool sweethearts  /  secret relationship  /  opposites attract  /  long distance  /  unrequited [ from your muses side ]  /  unrequited [ from my muses side ]  /  unrequited [ from both sides ]  /  skinny love  /  friends to lovers  /  enemies to lovers  /  spurious relationship  /  power couple  /  newly entered  /  soulmates [ metaphorical ]  /  soulmates  [ literal ]  /  awkward  /  turning toxic  /  toxic love  /  cheating [ on your muse ]  /  cheating [ with your muse ]  /  other

FAMILIAL.     siblings [ half ]  /  siblings [ step ]  /  [ my muse ] is an older sibling figure to your younger sibling figure  /  [ my muse ] is a younger sibling figure to your older sibling figure muse  /  [ my muse ] is a parental figure to yours  /  [ my muse ] is a child figure to your muse  /  guardian figure  /  legal guardian  /  adoptive child  /  foster child  /  [ your muse ] is taken under mines wing  /  [ my muse ] is taken under yours wing  /  other

ANTAGONISTIC.     dangerous to each other  /  dangerous to others  /  unpredictable  /  rivals  /  petty  /  developing into sexual or romantic tension  /  based off family matters  /  based of off circumstance  /  based of professional matters  /  based off misunderstanding or lies  /  conflict of ideology  /  betrayal  /  hero - villain dynamic  /  enemies  /  fight club  /  friends turned enemies  /  lovers turned enemies  /  exes turned enemies  /  other

[west1rosi]

"In   a   better   world?   We   would   probably   stab   each   other   at   the   time   and   end   it   all."   Perhaps   that   would   be   the   better   outcome.   He   thinks   himself   smarter   than   that.   And   under   all   of   her   beauty,   Cersei   was   perhaps   smarter   than   both   of   them   (   but   he   is   King,   and   his   word   is   law,   once   death   comes   then   it   shall   be   on   the   Gods   will   ).   Then   of   course,   Robert   is   tempted   to   tell   her   he   is   already   half   dead,   the   moment   Ned   informed   him   that   Lyanna   had   been   taken   and   died   of   sickness.   The   future   he   had   wished   for   now   taken   another   shape.   He   wanted   a   she-wolf   and   he   got   the   she-lion   of   casterly   rock.   Now   his   Queen.   It   could   be   worse.   "Alas,   I   think   that   will   remain   a   mystery.   Can't   wait   to   find   out."  

@ofprevioustimes asked: “Which of us will survive the other?” [cersei @ robert?]

[storyuntrue]

@ofprevioustimes / continued.

Though   there   is   nothing   entirely   elaborate   about   her   three-sentence-reply,   Matthew   still   needs   a   moment   to   dissect   it   and   find   the   words   to   respond.   “I   wanted   to   refuse   Downton   because   it   made   me   feel   like   the   only   thing   special   about   me   was   my   blood   and   where   it   came   from.”   Going   for   blunt   honesty   might   not   have   been   the   wisest   choice,   but   he   knew   that   he   and   Sybil   in   a   way   were   peas   in   a   pod.   That   she   could   understand   his   point   of   view,   at   least   in   some   matters.   

He   spares   a   glance   over   his   shoulder   to   the   hospital   behind   them,   housing   only   too   many   injured   soldiers.   Some   of   them   are   better   off,   while   the   others   are   counting   their   last   breaths.   A   tale   as   old   as   time   itself;   men   battling   it   out   to   the   death   for   the   greedy   wishes   of   those   in   control.   “I   don’t   believe   it to be so.   But   I   do   believe   that   it’s   starting   a   new   cycle.   Things   will   change   after   the   war,   I   am   sure   of   it.   Hopefully,   they   will   change   for   the   better.”