#omid door

[terranovathemust]

It's too painful

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

If the relationship is over and they’re divorced, I think we’ll see Meghan try to release whatever dirt she has on Kate to knock her down a peg.

Or perhaps create dirt like what she and Omid did, name Catherine as one of the 'royal racists' because I swear, I may not have an evidence but I know Catherine isn't there as allude to what originally they were saying before.

Patience does not exist in her dictionary, if she has any dirt on her, she would've aired it already when the world still listens to her.

Catherine has been in the public eye for two decades, I still have yet to see a legitimate person coming out to say that she's not really the person the public sees.

Well, Mike Tindall said Kate (and William) is *much* more reserved in public than she is behind closed doors at home.

But no, you’re right. In all the years Kate has been a public and popular figure, no one has been able to find any dirt on her.

It’s the biggest factor that debunks people’s claims that Kate doesn’t really love William, that the marriage is a sham, and it’s all an act. No one is that good of an actor to spend 20 years in the public eye without even a drip of what she’s really like leaking out, not even when Meghan was at the top of her game throwing Kate under the bus.

[farsi-calligraphy]

This poem by the Persian Sufi Poet Abū Saʿīd Abū'l-Khayr or Abusa'id Abolkhayr

(Persian: ابوسعید ابوالخیر)  (December 7, 967 - January 12, 1049)

is inscribed on the tomb of Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī

and is often incorrectly attributed to him.

باز‌ آ باز‌ آ، هر آن چه هستی باز‌ آ

گر کافر و گبر و بت‌پرستی باز‌ آ

این درگهِ ما، درگهِ نومیدی نیست

صد بار اگر توبه شکستی باز‌ آ

___________

Transliteration:

bāz ā bāz ā, har ān keh hastee bāz ā

gar kāfer o gabr o bot parastee bāz ā

een dargeh-ye mā, dargeh-ye nomeedee neest

sad bār agar tobeh shekastee bāz-ā

___________

I provide three translations. The first, by Barks, is the most famous rendering into English. Barks captures the simplicity of the sentiment. Gamart more accurately translates the verse. My own version is meant to be literal, rather than poetic. None of the English translations capture the repugnance that  the words infidel, heretic, pagan, unbeliever or idolater carry in the original. Please read the note for further insight into this poem.

___________

Translation by Coleman Barks:

Come, come, whoever you are.

Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn't matter.

Ours is not a caravan of despair.

Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again, come, come.

___________

Translation by Sidi Ibrahim Gamart:

Come again, please, come again, Whoever you are. Religious, infidel, heretic or pagan. Even if you promised a hundred times And a hundred times you broke your promise, This door is not the door Of hopelessness and frustration. This door is open for everybody. Come, come as you are.

___________

My own more literal translation:

Come, come, whoever you are, come again

Be you faithless, unbeliever or idolater, come again

This doorway of ours, it is not the entry to despair

If you’ve broken your repentance a hundred times, come again.

___________

Notes:

bāz ā = come again; welcome (bāz  means both “again” and “open”; both meanings are relevant here)

kāfer = usually translated as infidel, the basic meaning of the word in Arabic (kufr) is someone who is ungrateful [for God’s blessings], or who has no faith; by extension, someone who does not believe in the tenants of Islam, who is a pagan, non-believer, or member of a non-Muslim religion. It is commonly used as a pejorative term.

gebr or gabr = the word originally referred to someone who was a Zoroastrian but came to have a pejorative meaning referring to any non-Muslim, or sometimes to any unbeliever The word continues to be used as a slur against Christians in some former areas of the Ottoman Empire.

Bot parasti = idol worshiper (again, a pejorative term)

All three of the phrases used have the sting of extremely insulting, pejorative terms. All three place the person being referred to as the most outcast or outside categories in Islamic society. To say they are welcome is to go against all expectations.

* Note that the word Dargah has many meanings, several of which are indicated directly in this line: portal, door, threshold, the site of the saint’s tomb. The royal court (dargah) was also where the king dispensed legal rulings and justice, which also plays into the poem: no matter how many transgressions you have made, this is not the place for having no hope. Baz A, means, come, come again, welcome.

* درگاه (درگهِ) dargāh (dar=door; gāh or gah=place): Portal, door; location of the door [into a house or building]; threshold; a royal court, a palace; a mosque; shrine or tomb (of some reputed saint}; place of pilgrimage.

** nomidi: no hope (na=no; omid=hope)

tobeh (Arabic “tawbeh”) = repentance. In Islam repentance is an individual matter between an individual and the Divine. By using this word the poet transfers the point of view from society’s vantage point (someone who is outside the fold of society), to the personal (what is my relationship to the Divine).

Persian (Farsi) Calligraphy by S J Thomas  www.palmstone.com

[royal-confessions]

“People would tell me I'm indulging in the trope of white woman tears, but I think Harry really did Kate foul and that set off William. Regardless of what one thinks about W&K's marriage, she's still the mother of his kids. I can see him not being able to forgive him for implying he didn't marry Kate for love, for being upset Kate didn't do more to help Meghan (never mind Kate had a difficult pregnancy, and was less than one month postpartum when H&M got married), for putting in the lip gloss comment and other shit in about Kate in Spare. Not to mention Harry publicly saying in an interview that he worried about how W&K were raising the kids who are the 'spares' (e.g. he basically said they're shitty parents). Also, I even recall some critics who read Finding Freedom, the Omid Scoobie book, writing that they thought it was bizarrely harsh on Kate. I know people think Harry & Kate were friends, but it made me remember that allegedly Harry was one of the main forces behind the 'doors to handle' thing mocking Carole, even after the others allegedly stopped after Wills chewed them out. Kate could very well be mean. But if someone got huffy with me for not letting them borrow my lip gloss, insisted I drive over an hour away in the morning for a fitting TWO weeks after I gave birth (not even offering to send the tailor to me), told me I had baby brain, wouldn't let my kid wear tights even though it's not that hot and kids get blisters easily without tights, etc… I would not be inclined to step in if the paper wrongly accused them of making me cry. Not to mention if I had HG (it's hell, my friend had it) and said people were mad I wasn't doing more to help them… even though I was having a difficult pregnancy. I would be upset. I still think Kate should have stepped in, but it feels like H&M never considered that 'they' were unfair to her too. And I think Kate must have thought it rich for Harry to preach about bullying considering the shit he said about her mom.” - Submitted by Anonymous

[sassyfrassboss]

Everyone is wondering why King Charles has been so silent over the racist row. Well... My theory is that Harry's returning to the royal fold in some form or the other. Behind the scenes, deals have been struck between the couple and the BRF. And Harry has been accepted back, albeit with some conditions, but Meghan has not (obviously). So this is Meghan going scorched Earth on Harry as well as the BRF. I'm still on divorce watch and I think we may be closer to the separation announcement now. I'm guessing sometime next year. So meghan now also wants to burn Harry's bridges back home.

She has been targeting Catherine for ages now, with any public reaaction from her or William. So makes me wonder, why is she still on it? Surely she must have some new slights to obsess over, newer grievances to address, new accusations. And if Catherine isn't engaging then who would be her new target? Harry is the only one now left. He is in no way innocent, infact he is pretty much to blame.

So what purpose does Charles's silence serve, who is it serving? My ony logical guess is that the is the BRf long game towards keeping the door open for Harry. The same way they acknowledged the kids' titles just before the coronation in return for njust Harry to attend without Meghan. The nastier Meghan gets, the closer we are to a divorce (in my opinion)

Charles would demand Harry come out against the accusations before he would allow Harry back.

Harry not denying these recent stories or coming out against Omid and this new book means he agrees with everything and Charles won't allow him back until Harry makes a denial.

At the end of the day Charles cares more about his reputation than he does Harry and being accused of being a racist is not something he will be quick to forgive.

[anonymoushouseplantfan]

I wonder if the Dutch accidental on purpose reveal might start to cause a rift between H&M, if H can start to wake up and smell the coffee, because he knows all he has left is military projects and he's homesick (been for a Xmas invitation). But M sharing the letter with Omid and ok'ing the Dutch leaking pretty much slams the door for good on any of Harry's return plans.

Could be.

[connorswhisk]

doodlebug - autistic!clementine, seasons 1&2

for @lonlonmilck - i hope you enjoy! i absolutely LOVED writing this one :)

if you'd like to request a twdg fic, shoot me an ask!

also on my ao3

After they leave Lilly behind, Clementine sort of…shuts down, for a minute. Kenny, Katjaa, and Duck all stay up front in the RV, and Lee goes to speak with them. While he’s gone, Clem considers joining Ben at the table and seeing how he is, but something tells her Ben doesn’t want to talk to anyone right now.

She wishes Carley were still here. Carley was always nice to hang around, she used to find leaves around the motor inn for Clementine to do her rubbings with. Clem longs to feel a pencil beneath her fingers again, a piece of powdery pink chalk in her hands, but her body doesn’t seem to want to cooperate on that front.

She’s scared. She’s been scared this whole time. But right now, she feels the most terrified she’s ever been. Worse than Sandra, and the walkers at the drugstore, and even worse than when she’d crawled out of the vent in the St. Johns’ barn and seen the horrible room full of blood and blades waiting for her. This, somehow, is so much worse than any of that.

When Lee tells her Duck’s been bitten, Clem gets angry.

“I thought he was just tired, and that’s why he didn’t want to talk to me today.” She scowls. “I didn’t know he was stupid enough to get bit. ”

“Clem,” Lee says. Concern laces his tone. “You know it isn’t anyone’s fault. These things…they happen, now. It’s how the world is.”

“But he’s my friend, ” says Clem, and suddenly she’s crying just like the whiny little baby she is, hot tears splashing out and down her cheeks. “I don’t want him to go…”

“We don’t know everything about these yet,” Lee reassures her, a hand on her shoulder. If it were anyone other than Lee touching her, Clem would recoil; but it is Lee, so she leans into it, not away. “Duck could bounce back. We could still find a way to help him.”

But the way he talks makes it sound like Duck is already dead.

I wouldn’t have let your friend get bit, says the stranger on the walkie talkie. If I were there, he’d still be alive and playing with you.

The worst part is that Clem has no idea whether or not to believe him.

– – –

Lee dies, and Clementine nearly doesn’t make it out of Savannah. Not after him, not after the stranger and his bowling bag, not after her Mom and Dad - she leaves Lee, because she has to, but she gets stuck at the door and can’t bring herself to open it.

Because if she opens it, he’s really gone. And all the walkers outside - they’re loud, moaning and groaning and wailing all over the place, the swarm they brought down with them when they took the train. Before it had been easier; Lee had smeared the guts on her, Lee had held her hand and kept her close as they moved through the crowded, jostling pack. Now, she’s alone. She has to freshen the entrails herself, and the smell and the feeling of them all slippery and warm beneath Clem’s fingers nearly makes her puke. She has no hand to hold, and for one fleeting moment, she thinks it might be easier to just stay here. With him.

But that’s not what Lee would have wanted. And Christa and Omid are out there somewhere, waiting for her. She has to find them.

She has to find them.

So she opens the door, and she holds her palms against her ears.

– – – 

“Do you blame me?” Clem asks. “It’s my fault he’s gone.”

“I don’t blame you,” Christa tells her, and Clem knows that she lies.

– – – 

“I think you’ll get along well with Sarah,” Pete tells her, even though they’re still convinced it’s a walker bite and Luke refuses to carry her any longer.

“Who’s Sarah,” asks Clem, rather dully. Her arm hurts like a motherfucker; she can still hear Sam’s dying whine from when she slid the knife beneath his matted yellow fur.

“She’s another girl,” Luke tells her. “Bit older than you, but sweet. You guys might have some things in common.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Clementine demands, and Luke blanches. 

“I didn’t mean - only that - “

Pete saves him. “She could just really use a friend closer to her own age,” he says kindly. “I bet you could, too.”

The last age-appropriate friend Clem had was Duck, and Duck got bit. She doesn’t exactly have high hopes for this Sarah kid, either. Really, she shouldn’t be making any friends, because they’ll all just leave her eventually, and then she’ll be alone again. 

Maybe she’s the common denominator. Maybe, if she lets people be, no one else will have to die. 

But she knows on her own, she wouldn’t survive.

Sarah is sweet, it’s true, and nice enough, but she doesn’t get it. She’s never killed a walker and when Clem tries to teach her how to use a gun, Sarah nearly shoots her right between the eyes.

“Don’t point that at me!” Clementine exclaims. “You never, ever point a gun at someone, even if you know it’s not loaded! If you keep doing that, you’re going to get someone killed.”

Sarah shrinks in on herself. She lowers the pistol, embarrassed. “Ok,” she whispers, the grimy lenses of her crimson glasses fogging up with unshed tears. “I’m sorry. Just…please don’t shout at me.”

Clem hadn’t even realized she’d been yelling. She hadn’t meant to hurt Sarah’s feelings, it’s only that she has to know these things. If Lee hadn’t taught Clem everything he had, she wouldn’t still be alive. She knows that.

And Sarah is sweet, even if she’s naive. Clementine doesn’t want her to die. “Why can’t you tell me who that guy at the door was?!” Clem demands, and Sarah wilts and bites her fingernails and says, “I’m sorry I’m sorry I just - I can’t remember!”

Clem sighs; she pulls Sarah into a hug and holds her there until she calms down again.

Jane is blunt, like her. Jane knows how hard it is to lose the ones you care about, to be left all by your lonesome. Clem likes her, likes that she’s smart enough to use the guts as a disguise and flirt with Troy ‘til the walkers get him. She admires Jane’s poker face, and her short-chopped hair, and how she teaches Clem to take them out at the knee so it’s easier to reach their skulls.

But then Jane wants to leave Sarah in the trailer home. And Clem understands - more than anyone bar Carlos, and Carlos is gone - that Sarah can be difficult, but Jane’s so quick to abandon her for dead that Clementine starts to worry, and not just for her friend.

If Jane hates Sarah, and Sarah and Clementine are alike, at least a little bit…does that mean Jane hates Clementine, too?

“I’m sorry,” Jane tells her, after Sarah’s screams stop and all Clem can hear from below is the wet sounds of feasting on flesh. “I tried to save her, I really did, I know she was your friend…I tried to save her, Clementine.”

And Clem knows that she lies.

– – – 

The first time she ever holds AJ in her arms, he stops his fussing and stares up at her with such innocent, big brown eyes that Clem nearly chokes on her own tongue right then and there. She passes him back to Rebecca and wonders what the hell a look like that is supposed to mean, from a new-born baby who’ll never know the way things used to be before the dead started walking.

At Wellington, alone in their room, he is all she has. Jane is dead, Kenny left them behind to stay safe. AJ doesn’t talk yet. He barely even gurgles. All he seems to do is cry - when he’s hungry, when he needs his diaper changed, when he’s tired and he can’t fall asleep. Clem stays up with him in the night, loses her own sleep to make sure he gets his. She shushes him and rocks him in her arms and hums him little songs until those brown eyes flutter shut and he finally drifts off to bed.

She’s exhausted, and she’s almost as lonely as she was before. She looks down at the baby in her arms and feels…nothing. Nothing except for the guilt, and that she can’t do anything about.

Then one night, AJ hands her a doodle, balled up and crumpled in his meaty little fist. It’s nothing more than a few scribbles, mixtures of yellow and green crayon that blend to make a muddy brown. The colors of the leaves right at the end of summertime. He doesn’t make a sound as he gives it to her, but when she takes it in her hands, she knows it’s hers and hers alone.

“Thank you,” she tells him, softly, feeling more vulnerable than she has in months, and her tears catch in his tiny curls as she presses the first of many, many kisses to her goofball’s forehead.

[mysteriouslytransparentwitch]

mini reading tarot british royal 28/11

Charles 3: ok, the 1st chakra and the 3rd chakra are activated in Charles, power of action and personal power accompanied by strength, he is ready but above all he is aware of Meghan's need for money too (her worst default) I don't know what's happening in the brf currently but they are all focused on the beginning of abundance and also towards happiness (charles, william and catherine)

william: this is not a joke, as usual, wililam and catherien agree, it's jealousy and they observe that harry and meghan are lacking in abundance. Otherwise William comes with the card of strength and rest so…. I don't know why, they are waiting for something because there is a victory for it, a door to happiness.

catherine: lol lol, she sees a lot of jealousy from omid scobie, meghan and harry, she feels calm currently, she is focused on changing the world and creating new projects, she is quite calm about her financial status and from the heart (the public, family and brf) so there you go!!! (this is not a joke, it really is his feeling!!!)

merghan: she is happy with the damage at the brf (don't forget that everything is amplified in meghan's mind) at the same time, she is very stressed because these stories could have an impact on her finances and her link with Harry. She hopes for even more chaos.

harry: he feels in victorious mode in his mind, he hopes to create a new dynamic with his family. He really hopes that his family will open their doors to him (lots of financial difficulties)

[the-delta-42]

Returns 4

[First] [Previous] [Next]

Returns 4

Louis quietly groaned as he entered his and Clementine’s shared dorm, he quietly noted that Clementine was already asleep, with Rosie curled up on the foot of the bed. Shedding his coat, Louis climbed into the bed and wrapped himself around Clementine and let sleep claim him.

Meanwhile, down in the grounds, Lee looked over the ground.

“It surprising how much she’s grown.” Said Kenny, getting Lee’s attention.

“I wanted her to be with you.” Confessed Lee, “We didn’t know Omid and Christa, and, well, I think we all saw Christa’s reaction to Clementine.”

Kenny grunted, before looking over at a Walker head, “What do ya think of that Louis boy?”

“I think he’s nice.” Answered Lee, getting a huff from Kenny.

“I think he looks a little gay.” Said Kenny, crossing his arms, “But, if he makes her happy.”

Lee let out a laugh, before sighing, “And all that shit with Lilly and her faction. What do you think Clem plans on doing with her?”

“Fuck if I know.” Answered Kenny, glancing back towards the gym, “I still need to talk to Duck. I, I’m not sure if he’ll cope.”

“Going by how he was talking that girl’s ear off,” Remarked Lee, sending Kenny a smirk, “I think he’ll adapt.”

Kenny frowned, but nodded, “I was hoping Kat or Sarita would’ve been with him.”

“Doug, Mark and Chuck aren’t back either,” Said Lee, “I don’t now about Molly or that Jane character Clem mentioned.”

“I hope not.” Snorted Kenny, “The bitch told Clem and me that AJ was dead and tried to frame herself as a victim.”

“What about Luke’s reaction?” Asked Lee, “He didn’t seem to take it well.”

“He and Jane decided to knock boots while Alvie was being born.” Scoffed Kenny, “I’m glad Clem only saw them after they’d finished.”

Lee hummed, spotting Carley walking around the perimeter with Violet, before he looked up at the stars.

R

Clementine yawned, before gagging. Hastily clambering over Louis, Clementine grabbed a bin and threw up into it.

“Ooh,” Groaned Clementine, as Louis shifted himself into a sitting position, “this fucking sucks.”

“I heard the end is far worse.” Commented Louis, getting a glare from Clementine.

“Why am I attracted to you?”

“Because I’m irresistible.”

Clementine was prevented from retorting by throwing up again. The door burst open, with Violet holding a broken lamp above her head.

“I heard something fall.”

“It’s just Clem’s condition.” Said Louis, as Clementine retched.

“Oh.” Violet lowered the lamp, “Right. I’m going to bed now.”

Louis frowned as Violet left, “It’s morning.”

“She had the nightshift.” Said Clementine, her voice echoing in the bin.

“Oh, right.” Louis groaned, “Do you want a hand with your leg or are you okay?”

“I’ll be fine.” Clementine waved him off, “Can you watch the new guys, please?”

“Okay.” Louis nodded, before grabbing his coat, “Do you want AJ to give em a tour?”

Clementine gave him a thumbs up as she dry-heaved.

Wincing as he stepped outside, Louis hopped down the steps and walked towards the Gym, he saw the girl a little older than AJ running around, as Willy opened the gate for a small group of survivors. Groaning, Louis redirected himself towards the gate.

“Thank you,” Said a red hair woman, “we were travelling for months and we were attacked. It’s a miracle we found this place.”

“Who’re you?” Asked Louis, silently kicking himself for not picking up Chair-les.

“Oh,” A brunette turned to him, “Are you the leader here?”

“Not quite,” Louis looked over them, he counted seven of them, “but I talk with her regularly.”

The group glanced at each other, before a man in glasses spoke in a thick Russian accent, “We are travellers.”

“Yeah, I gathered.” Dismissed Louis, glaring at them, “Names. Now.”

“Right, I’m Shel,” Said the brunette, “this is my sister, Becca,” she pointed at a woman with black hair around his age, “Vince,” an Asian man, “Wyatt,” A white man with a thick beard, “Russell,” A black man, “Mike,” another black man with part of his left ear missing, “Bonnie,” the woman with red hair, “and Arvo.” The Russian man.

Louis eyed them, “Okay, I’ll speak with some people and put you up in the Gym.”

“We can help.” Said Bonnie, eagerly.

“Yeah, but we need to check all of you for bites.” Dismissed Louis, turning around, “AJ!”

Bonnie and Mike froze as Louis called for AJ.

“Yeah?” Asked a Ten-year-old, appearing from a bush.

“Take them to the Hospital,” Instructed Louis, “I’ve got to check on some things.”

AJ nodded, before looking at the group, “You need to leave your weapons here.”

“Why?” Demanded Becca, glaring at AJ.

“Because we don’t trust you.”

Bonnie carefully put her rifle on the ground, slowly followed by the others. Arvo looked around the community, he glared at some of the people, just as Bonnie gasped.

“Luke!” Mike stared at Bonnie ran over to the man they’d seen drown, “How?”

“I don’t know.” Answered Luke, “I’m sorry, but I’m a little busy right now.”

Bonnie watched as Luke walked away and pick up an axe.

“You done?” The group looked at AJ, who didn’t seem impressed, “Because you all need to be checked.”

R

Clementine looked at the new arrivals, she didn’t care for most of them, but she kept her eyes on Arvo, Bonnie and Mike.

“Aren’t these the guys that left you and AJ to die?” Asked Louis, glaring at them.

“Yeah,” Said Clementine, her eyes fixed on Arvo, “my only issue is that cunt.”

“Why?” Asked Violet, looking away from the new arrivals.

“Because,” Clementine pulled the collar of her shirt to the side, revealing a circular bullet scar, “he fucking shot me.”

Violet glanced as Arvo, putting her hand on her knife when she saw Arvo take a step forwards. AJ was less subtle in his warning, opting to point a gun at Arvo. Arvo gave Clementine a hate filled glare, his face contorting into a sneer.

“Put him in the basement.” Said Clementine, as Louis grabbed the Russian, she turned and looked at Bonnie’s group, “Have you been checked for bites?”

“Duh.” Responded Becca, Clementine looked them over.

“Go to the Gym, we’ll talk with everyone there.” Clementine got up and walked out the door.

“This way.” Said Violet, gesturing for them to follow her.

R

Lilly looked up as someone was shoved into the basement. It was a Russian man, since he was screaming at the doors as they shut. She heard her Dad grumble about the man.

“I KILL YOU!” Screamed the Russian, “I KILL YOU, CLEMENTINE!”

The doors opened and someone threw a violin at him, before the doors closed again. The Russian screamed himself hoarse, before collapsing to the ground. The doors opened, and Lilly saw Clementine limp down the stairs. She didn’t spare the Russian a glance and instead looked at Lilly and Larry.

“So,” Her voice was neutral, “we’re trying to figure out what to do with you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Demanded Larry, glaring at Clementine.

“Lilly,” Clementine nodded at the woman, “attacked, abducted and killed members of the community here. Some, myself included, aren’t sure if she can be trusted.”

“So,” Sneered Larry, stomping up to Clementine, “Lee can be trusted, but my daughter can’t?!”

Clementine glared up at Larry, “You’re a walking liability, if I were you, I’d watch my temper.”

Larry sneered, as Clementine looked at Lilly, “When you’re let out of here, you will be watched at all times, you won’t be allowed weapons and any tools you use will be done under the supervision of senior members of the community.”

Lilly huffed, before nodding. Clementine sighed, before gesturing for them to follow her, “Thankfully, one of the people that came back was a doctor, so we might have your medication.”

Neither said anything, as Clementine stepped over the breathless Russian.

“What did he do?” Asked Lilly, looking at the back of Clementine’s head.

“He shot me.”

R

“Deep breath.” Instructed Clarissa, listening to Larry’s heart, “You said you’ve got angina?”

“Yeah.” Grunted Larry, as Carlos checked Lilly over.

“Cough.” Lilly followed Carlos’s instruction, “Hmm.”

“What’s wrong?” Asked Clarissa, looking over at them.

Carlos readjusted his stethoscope and repeated his command, frowning, “It sounds like she has the beginnings of a chest infection.”

“Hold on.” Clarissa glanced at Larry, before going over to Carlos and Lilly and repeated Carlos’s tests, “Do you smoke?”

“No.”

“Have you been around people who’ve smoked?”

“No.”

“Your lungs have a slight wheeze to them,” Said Carlos, after a moment, “It might be nothing, but I’m going to try and run some tests.”

“Thank god for the Commonwealth and their scientists.” Muttered Clarissa, going back to Larry.

Outside, Clementine watched as wall extension was lifted up, she thought she heard Pete yelling at Nick, before she spotted Luke walking towards the Admin building, she knew he wasn’t happy about Jane, given the stink eye he’d been giving Kenny.

“Ooh.” Clementine looked down and frowned as Omid and Christa’s daughter, Kenlee, was looking over the edge of the balcony, “Can I help?”

“You’re three weeks old,” it didn't escape Clementine how weird it sounded, “once you’ve learnt to look after yourself, I’ll bring it up with your mother.”

“Can I help dig the hole?”

“No.”

[houseofbrat]

The Royal Foibles dude on Arrivalgate:

But getting back to Omid's coverage of what caused the Wales family's mysterious delay in their arrival to the coronation, the whispers out of Buckingham and Kensington Palace corridors emanating out of London entirely contradict Scobie's unwritten, but nefariously implied, indictment of George, Charlotte, and Louis's behavior behind closed doors. Instead, the explanation's quite simple and understandable: just before departing Kensington Palace for the Abbey, Louis had to go to the bathroom. Given he's five years old, and there was no way he could be expected to hold it in during the duration an hours long ceremony consisting of certain rituals that date back a thousand years, his parents decided then and there that their youngest better run to the bathroom and relieve himself of his burden before they departed for Westminster. It's rumored once the King was appraised of what happened, he more than understood, and laughed it off.

[juno-box]

Hoi! anon again!! so i wanted to ask something abt Dotwd this time. i wanted to ask if you had any "what-ifs" abt twdg & Dotwd. like what if lee & clem went with lilly during episode 3?

Ooooh you don't know WHAT you just asked me o(〃＾▽＾〃)o

[None of this is canon to DoTWD, by the by]

So on a Discord call with my friend, I remember he asked me this SPECIFICALLY. Because we were watching a TWDG "What If" vids on YouTube and one vid was what if Lee went with Lilly. So he asked me, in the context of DoTWD, how would that play out if it were to happen.

Well, not-really-spoilers-anymore but Ben is written to be Rachel's brother. And personally, I can't see Ray leaving Ben permanently in any scenario, that's just not her. Not to mention Lilly doesn't trust Ben at fucking all. So how would that work out?

Lee would have to lie to her. But the minute she realizes, and Clem does, she'd be piiiised. I don't think she'd talk to him for a minute. Hard snub him. Personally, I believe Ray would abuse any opportunity to get back to him.

But the one I wrote for is Lee leaving her with Kenny, Ben, Travis and Chuck. Since Lee isn’t there, neither is Clem. She’d be crushed along with Kenny who’d rightfully feel betrayed. The train would take longer w/o him, meaning they’d put Duck down before leaving, and Katjaa would die just the same as in canon. This also means they missed Christa and Omid.

I think Ben would confide in Travis about what happened, and Travis would be the one to tell him to keep that shit quiet.

They get to Savannah. Molly tolls the bells and they get to the manor. Since there’s only 4 of them, they’d all go together down to River Street and see no boats. They find Molly (after Kenny gets his ass folded) and she helps them get back to the manor with Ray’s convincing. Meaning no Vernon.

So, they’re herd and stuck moping the boat situation. Ray wanders outside to be alone. I should to mention that Ray would be really quiet and reserved since Lee took Clem and left with Lilly. I mean, seeing your father figure literally abandon you and take your surrogate sister with him for someone who tried to kill your brother and killed another member of the group is a lot for a now 9-year-old to fully process. I think like she would feel confused and hurt more than anything. As to how she’d find the boat; she’d probably just open it for no reason, she’s naturally curious. When she finds it, she runs inside and gets the guys (Molly sticks around still).

Kenny inspects it and says all it needs is gas and a battery. Travis suggests Crawford, they go to Crawford. Minus Brie and Vernon, Molly would handle the role of where everything is but it’ll take long due to less people. Ben doesn’t do that dumb thing Telltale made him do for comedic effect but let’s say the walkers banging on the door causes the axe to slip from the handles and it’s go time. Ben, thinking it’s the end of the line, confesses, and Travis has to stop Kenny’s (big) ass from mauling Ben. Kenny says he’s not getting on that boat with them, but Ra says she’s not leaving anywhere without Ben, and Travis is more on the lines of “I know he fucked up royally but we can discuss this when we aren’t about to die”.

They get through to the armory and Kenny gets that shotgun and covers them from behind. The get to the window leading out. Molly, Chuck, Kenny go first.

***

That bell goes off next to Ben and he gets snatched by Oberson like in canon. Travis would be the one to grab him, but he’s struggling. Ben tells him to let go, but Travis won’t hear it. Ray calls for Kenny to help them. Kenny comes back, but the look he gives Ben, it’s full of contempt, malice and disregard as he looks away and descends the ladder.

Travis isn’t strong enough to hold onto him alone. And Ben eventually slips from his grasp, and lands on the bottom of the bell tower. Crack.

Travis just stares until he hears Chuck hurry them from the ladder. Having to drown out Rachel’s gut turning screaming, he grabs her and escapes the tower.

The way home was awful. The time there was worse. Travis could get the girl to calm down even for a second. Throwing every object she could pick up at the fisherman, screaming any insult she could conjure at him until Molly told Travis all the noise was going to draw attention. Travis had to drag the poor child upstairs and lock her in the office until she just stopped. She did, after and hour. When she ran out of projectiles to throw at him, and energy to throw them. After a while, she just wanted to hide, and wanted Travis to go away.

Travis obliges, and he leaves her. He sits at the top of the stairs and just… thinks. He can still feel Ben’s grip around his hand.

He keeps replaying it, over and over. The sound of him screaming as he plummeted to his death, the sickening crack as his body collided with the wood, Rachel’s mortified screeching, and Kenny. Watching. Ignoring. Complicit.

Travis sees Kenny come near the stairs.

T: “Don’t. Don’t you fucking come near us.”

The older man doesn’t argue, and returns to the bottom of the stairs.

Eventually, it was time to leave. The boat was repaired. The choice of who was coming was to be made there and now. Kenny didn’t want to in Savannah any longer.

Molly opted to go on her own. She was always better on her own anyways.

Chuck was still displeased with what happened at the bell tower, but seeing as he had no other plans. He chose to go.

Travis, on the other hand, didn’t know what the fuck to do. It hasn’t been three hours and he’s being forced to chose between staying behind in a dead city or going with the asshole who was complicit in his best friend’s death. At that point, he retreated back into the office with Ray, who’d bawled herself into a restless sleep. He had to think of them; himself and Ray. She’d have another meltdown if he chose to tag along with Kenny in that stupid, fucking boat. Hell, he’d have to make sure she didn’t murder the man or toss him overboard in his sleep. On the other hand, staying in Savannah with no chance to make it out alone was a death sentence.

Travis shook the girl awake. Tiredly, she looked at him, silent.

T: “… he fixed the boat.” R: “…” T: “He said—” R: “I don’t care.” T: “…” R: “…” T: “We can just get on. Ride until we dock somewhere, and go our own way. How’s that sound?” R: “…on our own?” T: “On out own. Anywhere you want.” R: “Anywhere?” T: “Mhm.” R: “… we can’t stay?”

Travis shook his head.

T: “This city’s tapped dry. And it’s full of walkers. I’m not gonna promise anywhere else is safer, but Savannah’s dead. I’m sorry.” R: “… Then mama’s dead, too, isn’t she?” T: “…” Rachel sat up, slumped. R: “…I don’t really care… I’ll wherever you go… just don’t leave me too, okay?”

Travis realized, he hadn't even fully processed that they'd both been abandoned at the same time. Just, discarded. Not even an after thought.

T: “Promise.”

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

As a non-native speaker of English, would reading “Endgame” and summarizing the key points for be a good example to explain the meaning of “taking one for the team”?

Yes!

You've got it but just in case there are others - "taking one for the team" is an idiom that generally means to do something that's unpleasant for the whole group's benefit.

Another example, using the British royal family, would be when William and Kate hosted Harry and Meghan at Anmer Hall for Christmas the one time, so Charles and The Queen didn't have to deal with them.

I know I complained about reading Endgame, but that's only because it was Omid Scobie, and I find him odious. I actually really enjoy reading these kind of books - memoirs, nonfiction, biographies. I like learning how things are made and what happens behind closed doors, so I don't mind doing it. My copy of Robert Hardman's new book on Charles just came this week so I'll read that soon.

(And I don't usually write these long essays on the royal biographies I do read. Scobie is just so ridiculous that I couldn't stop myself from doing a point-by-point takedown. Mostly it's just 'hey, I read this, it was good, these are the parts I thought were interesting.')

[the-empress-7]

Relations between Harry, his father and Prince William are at an all-time low following 'Spare': "The King, supported by William, is determined not to jump to judgement but there is no appetite at this moment in time to engage in dialogue whatsoever" Robert Jobson of Evening Standard

Jobson is well known to be a pro Clarence House journalist. So if he's saying that KC and PW don't have any appetite to engage in any dialogue with the Sussexes then it's as close to the palace officially commenting as possible. This is the second leak in two days from the Palace saying that the door is shut on any reconcilation. This is in case the Sun leak goes over their heads. They need the Sussexes to know that there is absolutely no thought or plan to even consider. Maybe that's why they had to resort to sending blinds to deux moi saying how awesome Meg is.

Meanwhile have you read Omids piece? He's basically saying if the RF doesn't reconcile, Harry may be harmed.

Don’t you love being right? The reconciliation talk was indeed coming from Harry. Even if Charles had briefly considered presenting a softer stance to maintain an image of a loving father, that flew out of the window as soon as the vehement public reaction came through.

As for Omid. Not surprised at all. Over the next weeks Harry will do everything under the sun to play the self harm card. It’s how he got his way to begin with, and it’s how this will end. Narcs rarely harm themselves, they use the threat to manipulate loved ones.

[yellowsugarwords]

Hi! Welcome back, it's nice you're feeling better and y'know can write again (I missed your writing so much). I do have a request for the walking dead tho!

The parental figures (Lee, Kenny, Rebecca, Alvin, Cristina, omid, Kate, Javi and David pls) overhear reader singing a rock song, it's the first time they heard them sing at all (and also know their taste in music) and their voice blows them away. (I imagine they sounded like this YouTube cover of "my understandings" by of mice and men. The cover is done by Lauren Babic)

https://youtu.be/BsfOWMtzDbU?si=54y2NM9cOpqMCJj3

(hope you enjoy, I can't wait to read their reactions!)

omg friend this is so fun. also, thank you for missing me!! it means so much to have my writing appreciated :') I so deeply missed how inspired twdg makes me feel and how much I missed the love that always entered my life whenever I was active here. it feels SO GOOD to be back. I haven't felt this happy in a long time :)

enjoy!!!

Lee: While the Motor Inn was large, it didn't stop sound from vibrating throughout the complex. Lee heard something muffled and wandered from door to door, attempting to locate the source. By the time he located the room and creaked the door open, he was stunned into silence. Y/N stood there, belting their soul out, mimicking holding a microphone. When they turned around, almost finished with their make-shift solo, they yelped. Their response caused Lee's shock to fade into joy. "You sound great," he said, voice low and gruff. "It's just something to do for fun. To kill time." Lee nodded, not wanting to embarrass them any more than they already were. "Well, I think you should keep at it." He chuckled to himself as he went to close the door. "But I'd like front-row seats next time." Y/N rolled their eyes playfully and waved him away. Their imaginary concert was still waiting.

Kenny: Kenny could feel his jaw clench at the faint sound of singing and humming. They needed to keep it down if they wanted to avoid walkers or travelers. As he rounded the corner, entering the bedroom the noise was coming from, the sounds abruptly ended. Y/N turned around, cheeks red and flushed, having been caught in their imaginary paradise. Kenny's eyes widened. "Y/N, was that you?" At first, Y/N was horrified they were in trouble, it wasn't until Kenny's shocked expression melted into one of understanding. "I'm impressed. It's been a long time since I've heard anyone sing." Y/N, cautiously, allowed their shoulders to relax. "And I've never heard you sing." "I've never been happy enough to sing." While heartbreaking, it gave Kenny some comfort that he was providing an environment where Y/N felt safe. He nodded and went to close the door, heart full and warm. "I can't wait to hear more." Y/N knew he meant it.

Rebecca: Rebecca, pregnant and in pain, could hear faint singing from one of the ski lodge bedrooms upstairs. Groaning, she made her way up the stairs and towards the noise. Without a knock, she pushed the door open. "Who's singing at-" she cut herself off, spotting YN flip around from where they had been brushing their hair in the mirror. "Oh, sorry," they said softly. "I didn't realize I was singing that loud." Rebecca paused, suddenly self-reflecting. Y/N was a child, singing while brushing their hair. Rebecca remembered when she used to do that as a little girl. She remembered doing it for her sisters' too. "No no," she began, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize." Meekly, she gave a smile, starting to enjoy the notion of music in their bleak world. "Keep singing." She paused. "It's really uplifting." Y/N smiled warmly, watching as Rebecca pulled their door and clicked it closed.

Alvin: "Go tell them to stop," Rebecca begged, both hands placed on either side of her stomach. "They're being loud." As much as Rebecca wished noise could bring her comfort, she was in so much pain given her pregnancy that she didn't care. Not even slightly. By the time Alvin reached the room where the noises were coming from, he creaked open the door and saw Y/N. They suddenly went silent and flipped around to face him. "Oh no," they said, voice soft and low. "Am I bothering her?" Alvin hesitated, just amazed at the sight: someone singing. There was joy in their lives again, and someone to bring that joy to them. He meekly smiled. "Just a little quieter. But don't stop." His heart grew warm at the thought that they were enjoying themselves. "Please, don't stop."

Christa: Christa wasn't a huge fan of singing, but this felt different. She could hear faint humming and singing and admittedly was curious. When she noticed it was Y/N, fake singing into a hairbrush as a microphone, she placed a hand over her mouth to stifle her giggles. It didn't work, as Y/N flipped around and squeaked. "Oh God, I'm so sorry." Christa waved her hand passively. "You act as though it wasn't good." She said through a chuckle. "It was great. You should keep doing it." "Really?" Y/N sounded unsure. Christa nodded. "The second Omid catches wind of this, he'll demand a full show. Just you wait." "You're making me not want to sing." The two laughed, momentarily filled with the joy that music could bring. "Don't stop. You're talented." Christa said, leaving them alone to their make-believe concert.

Omid: Omid was a fairly positive person despite the world they were living in. So, when he heard gentle singing coming from nearby, he deeply wanted to explore. By the time he turned the corner, he saw Y/N singing and swaying as they mindlessly cleaned. He smiled and leaned against the wall, watching in awe. By the time they turned around and noticed him, they froze. Their face turned a deep shade of pink. "Shit," they said softly. Omid chuckled. "When's the concert?" Y/N rolled their eyes and continued cleaning. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bother you." "It isn't a bother," he insisted. "I loved it. Keep going." Y/N turned, confused, and smiled warmly seeing the genuine joy in his eyes. "If you insist," Y/N teased, starting off by humming again. Somehow, it reminded Omid of the days before the apocalypse. The days when singing was common.

Kate: Kate hadn't heard singing in what felt like decades. As she peeked her way through the Garcia's make-shift home, she heard the humming grow louder, suddenly hearing words strike a chord through their hallway. Knocking on Y/N's door caused the sound to stop. The instant Y/N opened the door, their cheeks were bright red. "I'm so sorry, I'll keep it down-" "What were you singing?" Kate asked quietly, genuinely. "That was beautiful." Y/N hesitated. "Really?" "I haven't heard anyone sing in ages." Pleasantly, she sat down, grinning from ear to ear. "Please continue." Sheepishly, Y/N fiddled with their hands. They weren't expecting an audience.

Javier: Javi was doing his usual night rounds - bored out of his skull - until he heard what started as humming. As far as he could tell, it was coming from the playground nearby. As he drew closer, the humming grew louder until he heard words. Lyrics. Someone was actually singing. By the time he turned the corner, Y/N was belting - as noise-appropriately as possible - with one of the prettiest voices Javier had ever heard. "Wow," he said softly, snapping them out of their imaginary concert. He beamed. "Y/N, that was amazing." He wandered closer to the clearly embarrassed teen. "You've gotta start singing more." Y/N was mortified that they got caught but admired how much praise they received. "Thanks, Javi." "Only the truth." He ruffled their hair and turned away. "Don't go performing without me, now." He teased. Y/N only smiled, pride and confidence flowing.

David: David could hear Y/N, but couldn't locate them. He knew they were in one of the nearby buildings, but which one was a mystery. That was until he reached the supply building. The door was propped open a crack, and as he poked his head in, his furrowed brow began a smug, sly grin. Y/N was belting out the lyrics to one of the few rock vinyls New Richmond managed to find for their communal record player. Y/N sang their heart out, completely oblivious to David. Once they finished, Y/N nearly jumped out of their skin as David began to clap. "Amazing," he said. At first, Y/N thought ht was teasing, but he seemed genuine. Real. Honest. His gleeful smirk melted to a smile of genuine joy. "I hope you keep singing." He said sweetly. "Maybe one day we'll have a talent show and you can show that off?" Smirking again, and not wanting to embarrass them, David excused himself and closed the door behind him. He was never amazing at compliments but hoped Y/N knew, deep down, that he was being genuine.

━━━━━━

𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜!! ₊˚⊹ 𝐭𝐢𝐩 𝐣𝐚𝐫   ♡    𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐢 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫

[sassyfrassboss]

Omid is a raging misogynist. He really hates women, except his boss. He’s written or spread gossip and lies about women in the royal family he’s either had very little to no involvement with. He’s ruining these translators careers and refusing to apologize. There are probably more we don’t even know about. I don’t know what hold MM has over him but he definitely allowed himself to get Markled.

Yes he is but I think that lot of his anger had been building over the years before Meghan ever entered the scene.

Camilla Tominey wrote an article yesterday where she stated that Omid was a celebrity gossip writer prior to becoming a royal reporter and that he followed around the veteran royal reporters like a puppy dog and begged her to reveal who her palace sources were.

He was very much an outsider in what is a very small segment of journalists, and he knew it which had to build animosity. Not only toward other royal reporters but also the royals themselves because he was probably never able to find reliable sources on his own...until Meghan entered the picture.

Once she was on the scene and was connected to him through mutual friends, Omid was all of a sudden a fountain of information.

Doesn't take a genius to put two and two together.

More than likely Omid believed this would get his foot in the door to build up more sources and establish himself as a leading royal reporter. Instead all it did was make William and KP distance themselves from Omid because he could not be trusted.

I think that once Omid started leaking on behalf of Meghan, William did what he could to limit Omid. Which is a reason for his hatred.

Plus, I guarantee you that Omid is fully aware of how much William loves Catherine and how protective he is over his wife and children so it stands to reason that Omid is attacked Catherine, not only for Meghan, but also to get back at any perceived slights he feels he had from William.

[anonymoushouseplantfan]

I wonder if the Dutch accidental on purpose reveal might start to cause a rift between H&M, if H can start to wake up and smell the coffee, because he knows all he has left is military projects and he's homesick (been for a Xmas invitation). But M sharing the letter with Omid and ok'ing the Dutch leaking pretty much slams the door for good on any of Harry's return plans.

It won't. I hope Charles does not think what happened in Dutch was an accident

I hope so too.