#on marriage as an act

[meowww-ffxiv]

Sure, it's a Theodore day.

.

- "Canonically", Theodore was a huge contribution to the Bozjan frontline and was important to its ultimate victory.

But he always retreated from duels, and only appeared in skirmishes and key large-scale clashes that actually pushed the campaign forward. How Theodore picked and chose which ones required his attention were between only himself and the highest leaders, which in the end only came down to Bajsaljen and his lieutenant.

- Misija judged Theodore wrongly because of his reticence, and because he didn't involve himself in duels nor did he "lead" any charges on the field, the Legion didn't have much information about him. They knew a Warrior of Light was there, and that it was probably this dragoon in silver armor that knocked out most of their aerial units, but they couldn't catch him and couldn't dig for his data after Misija departed.

Theodore's allies called him the "Singing Wyvern" for his ability to deploy buffs that sounded like very strange, eerie songs, but the Legion called him the "White Canary".

Theodore thought being known as White Canary was lame as hell, but what could he do.

- In his suit of silver armor that Mordred made for him, Theodore was memorable but also faceless. Once he went home and doffed the armor, few could link his involvement in the Bozjan campaign or in the Ghimlyt Dark to the person himself.

He was just Theodore Pentaghast, the spare Warrior of Light, at home. He was remembered as a savior of Ishgard, someone rich, and also a huge flirt. His presence seemed insignificant next to Mordred Surana, whose words and actions had shaken nations.

In this way, Mordred shielded Theodore. From the burden of fame and acclaim, and from any further heroic expectations thereof.

- Theodore's participation in any and all major battlefields was because he didn't want Mordred to be the one who had to do it.

Not that Mordred told anyone, but he still experienced panic attacks and traumatic flashbacks from Dalamud's descent during the Calamity.

So, Theodore had on his own handled:

- Omega raids (Mordred was severely wounded in the Shinryu fight and needed to rest for months)

- continued fighting in Ghimlyt Dark

- the Werlyt trials

- the Bozjan Front

He could've done without any of them, honestly. He wanted to lounge on his couch and read homoerotic poetry all day. But where force was required, Mordred would go if he thought he could save someone else. So Theodore said, let the spare go. Let me go. You, who are both our hearts -- set it instead upon the future of this star.

- Theodore didn't mind war, really. He grew up in a shroud of conflict, hollow honor, and loss. He didn't mind the hundred thousands he killed to protect his comrades or to go home. In this way, he was cold, and knew himself to not be a suitable hero.

But this was not why Theodore shielded Mordred from anything he thought would be pressing on old wounds. Hero material or not, they were what the star had to work with. So be it. He shielded Mordred because Mordred was his friend. Theodore's protectiveness was something intensely personal, and neither the world nor duty had any bearing on it.

- Mordred knew that, of course. He wanted to scold Theodore at times, for this guardianship bordered on the selfish.

But there was a reason why Mordred didn't "need" Fray, for all that he kept him along. There was already, flesh-and-blood, soul that devoted himself wholly to him. And Mordred could not scorn that devotion.

[starcurtain]

Another Phaidei Fic I Want to Read

It's the political arranged marriage AU but make it (ooooo) complicated~

Crown Prince Mydeimos of Castrum Kremnos was born under a dark star, with a prophecy of abject despair uttered at the moment of his birth: Mydeimos will be the last king of Kremnos. The city-state will fall, her people will be lost, and the glory of Strife entirely will fade into nameless oblivion. Year after year, the prophets repeat the same warnings: Mydeimos is cursed, and he will bring the downfall of their kingdom and all its inhabitants.

But no one in Kremnos knew just how cursed their prince was until the day the regent's war council convinced their king to do the unthinkable: If Mydeimos was sacrificed, perhaps their prophecy of destruction could be averted and Kremnos saved...

Only Mydei couldn't even die like he was supposed to. No matter how many times he was mortally wounded, the boy just kept standing up--not even Thanatos would take him. That glorious death in battle that all Kremnoan warriors were expected to achieve--even this most central aspect of Mydei's own culture rejected him.

This life of betrayal and total loneliness, with the promise of eventually destroying everything he knew and cared for, seemed inescapable--until one day, when Mydeimos had already passed the age of majority (and would have long since been allowed to challenge his father for the crown if it weren't for the despair prophesied to be his reign), a new vision was shared among all of their people's seers: There was a way to avert their kingdom's impending destruction and save their people. "Only the son of Aedes Elysiae can deliver Castrum Kremnos from the dark tide and restore the true king to her throne."

Aedes Elysiae is a tiny city-state with nowhere near enough military might to defend against a full onslaught from the Kremnoans. But the risk that the Elysian prince could be harmed--and all of Kremnos' future lost in the process--is too high to engage in a traditional war of conquest. Although it runs contrary to the Kremnoans' very natures, if it means securing their kingdom's future and hiding the truth of their foreseen fate forever, they will engage in any manner of subterfuge and political maneuvering necessary.

Namely, by using the threat of war to force Aedes Elysiae to surrender their crown prince to a permanent and binding political alliance. If the Elysians want to avoid obliteration by the military might of the Kremnoans, they will tie the destiny of their crown prince to the Strifewalkers' through blood and oath--a marriage to Kremnos' own Prince Mydeimos. In this way, perhaps the curse can finally be outweighed by the glory of a savior.

Enter Phainon: the pride and joy of Aedes Elysiae, the golden sun to his people, loved by everyone who knows him. Although his heart has always been soft and romantic, rebelling fiercely at the idea of marrying someone he's never met and doesn't love, there is nothing Phainon won't do to protect his people and his kingdom--even if it means sacrificing himself.

So Phainon agrees to leave his family and homeland behind, and makes the miserable journey to Castrum Kremnos to meet his destiny... as well as his new husband.

Too bad Mydei wants absolutely nothing to do with him.

Disgusted by his father's willingness to forsake Kremnos' sacred principles of pride and integrity by using underhanded tactics and falsehoods to force Aedes Elysiae's prince into compliance, Mydei refuses to even acknowledge his marriage to Phainon, let alone look in his fellow prince's direction.

Which wouldn't be a problem, honestly, if it weren't for the fact that poor Phainon is smitten within days.

When the Kremnoans were strong-arming Aedes Elysiae's king into giving up his beloved son, why had no one thought to just tell Phainon that Prince Mydeimos was so... so... upright and honest and brave and powerful and gorgeous and straightforward and humorous and quick-witted and honorable and also gorgeous? (Phainon thinks perhaps this last point should be repeated a few more times for good measure.) Truly, Phainon might have gone willingly if anyone had just thought to show him a portrait of his husband-to-be in advance!

While Phainon struggles to catch his own husband's attention and soften Mydei's seemingly unbreakable stone heart, Mydei struggles with his father's demands to keep his curse hidden, to not reveal the omen of destruction lurking behind this sham of a marriage. Though having to lie shreds every last tatter of pride Mydei has, if this prince of Aedes Elysiae discovers the truth, that he's been brought here solely to counteract Mydei's prophesied inability to reign, Kremnos' enemies will know it within the hour. A single weakness will be all the world needs to turn on the Kremnoans, to bring Mydei's terrible destiny to pass.

And... And if Phainon learns the truth about Mydeimos, about his curse, about how he is an abomination that not even death will accept, about the misery he is destined to bring, about the failures that are sure to come, about how he is hated by his country, his people, his own family--then Mydei will lose the first person who has ever smiled freely at him, ever wanted to walk beside him, ever spoke kind words in his direction...

There is no way Phainon would ever look at him the same again.

There is no way Phainon would stay.

And that would be cruelest fate of all.

(What Mydei and Castrum Kremnos don't know is that Phainon has a secret of his own: He's not royalty by blood in the slightest. He was a penniless orphan who just got lucky enough to be taken in by the castle and end up, through twists in his own destiny, to be raised by the childless rulers of Elysiae from nothing but the kindness of their hearts.

There is no son of Aedes Elysiae to save Castrum Kremnos from its fate--and the dark tide comes for all.

But visions bestowed by the gods must not be doubted. Perhaps the combined efforts of two lonely people--the one who forsook his own land for love and the one who could only be loved by someone from another land--will see the sun of Aedes Elysiae delivered to Kremnos once more...

And put a true and honest king upon her throne at last.)

[maddie-grove]

Honestly I hate the “girlboss” criticisms of feminism more and more each day. A lot of people have rightfully pointed out that feminists had/have very practical reasons to fight for women’s rights in the workplace, but I feel like there’s still an idea that a woman is deluded or morally suspect if she enjoys or takes pride in her work. It’s not just about the money; it’s about not being barred from fully participating in society just because you’re a woman. That is an unfair and degrading thing to do to someone, even if they have other means of financial support.

[akascow]

i keep thinking about the end of this post i made lmfao:

"i like that in the last battle he just accepts it: realizes hes in the same position as future jayce, but just closes his eyes... he knew the only way to get through to viktor wasnt through fighting, but talking. which has been the basis of both of their worldviews for the whole show,, which is WHY IT WORKED"

bc wow i kinda cooked with that one HAHA

(also it like totally relates to the act3 message about how killing is a cycle and the only way to stop the killing is to literally Stop The Killing lmao)

but like, to elaborate on it i just think its so significant given that jayce and viktor were always opposed to killing others or using hextech against ppl less equipped:

-jayce's anti shimmer plan crumbles the second he accidentally kills a zaunite child.

-viktor adamantly opposes the idea of building weapons the entire first season because theyre scientists, not soldiers.

-jayce throws up and almost has a panic attack seeing a bunch of enforcers stain the bridge with blood after the firelight bombs.

-viktor abandons his whole hexcore idea the moment sky dies from it, begging jayce to destroy it

-jayce completely disagrees in the use of hextech weapons even after viktor dies from the attack on the council

their goal was always to use hextech to help, not hurt.

and yes they do stray from that ideology a couple times bc of like,, moments of weakness or wtvr lol:

viktor in his Machine Herald basically killing the body and leaving the soul of everyone who joins his cult i mean harem i mean community,, ((although im pretty certain the hexcore was kinda like a virus- influencing his actions with the main goal of spreading,, and i truly believe he genuinely thought he was helping people and not like, literally killing them lol))

and jayce making some weapons for the strike team later, but you can see hes clearly distraught from breaking another promise to viktor (his wound literally reopens as a metaphor lmao)

and they try to fight each other in order to share their disagreement of the other's actions, viktor tries to make jayce see his vision, doesnt work, he tries to choke him to death. jayce tries to make viktor see that what hes doing is wrong, doesnt work, he blasts vik's puppets with his hammer lmao.

but what does work ? putting down the weapons. in the end they accomplish the mutual goal without violence. mainly because they literally cannot bring themselves to kill the other but

they never really wanted to fight, no less kill, each other in the first place. because they shared that mutual worldview, they were never in favor of violence against their enemies. both of them even show regret while trying to kill each other too. jayce's anomaly screaming trying to pull away from blasting viktor in the chest, and viktor failing to persuade jayce to his side, voicing his apology before attempting to kill him.

jayce gets to the tower and sees hes in the same position as his future self. realizing he cant beat viktor like this, and everything he saw in the future timeline is inevitable, he closes his eyes, tired from fighting. but what does viktor do? does he kill him? turn him into a puppet like the others? no, viktor lets him into his world, letting him see what he sees.

viktor shares his motivation, humanity's weaknesses causes senseless war. but instead of arguing at that, jayce just talks to him, sharing his words of affection. yes humaity has weakness, but what viktor always viewed as weakness is actually what makes people admirable. and jayce hugs him, he shows viktor the truth of what is to come continuing this path, letting viktor know what he knows.

and thats how viktor breaks free. with a hug. practically the exact opposite of violence.

and again, they fix their mistake together, holding hands and embracing each other, sharing that pain and guilt of the fact that they did hurt people, and choosing to take themselves out in pursuit of correcting that mistake.

...and isnt that just beautiful HAHA

[rystiel]

idk what we’re all calling the concept of fiddlestan working together but i’m calling my version the portal partners AU 🙏🏼

[bigeelwizard]

hc that tubbo is REALLY insecure about his missing eye, so he wears an eyepatch in new l’manberg and absolutely hates it. it’s too big and garish, it rubs up on his wounds all wrong, he hates seeing himself with it. it makes him feel weak. ranboo notices (of course he does) and thinks that tubbo deserves to feel handsome again. they set off after a cabinet meeting to see if ghostbur has any books on prosthetics.

it should be noted that ranboo has no fucking clue what they’re doing. in the weeks after the plans inception, he has amassed over fifty handcrafted glass eyes, of which exactly zero will work. they’re too big, too small, not the right color. he even managed to make one with a rectangular pupil before they thought better of it. it's a shame, too, that was his best one yet. they're tired and frustrated and the eye collection is really starting to creep him out. ranboo considers asking for help.

ranboo remembers the tumultuous political state of new l'manburg.

ranboo thinks this may be a one-man project.

it really shouldn’t be a surprise that tubbo finds out. they've been practically attached at the hip since ranboo joined, and he was never any good at keeping things from tubbo anyway. they're popping over to ranboo's to get supplies for whatever adventure they're going on today, and the little chest labeled SECRET DO NOT OPEN is too full, propped open with dozens of lumpy glass spheres. tubbo notices (of course he does) and gets halfway through a i can't believe you have an eye fetish before he realizes. ranboo thinks it's a bad sign when he goes silent and an even worse one when his eye goes all misty and aw shit he made the president cry.

he's stuttering through an apology when tubbo's one eye meets their two and he asks is this for me? did you make these for me? ranboo nods and tubbo smiles like a kid on christmas, watery and bright. they've missed that smile. before he knows what's happening, tubbo's tackled them into a hug, sending both of them careening to the ground. ranboo vows there and then to give the man anything and everything he desires now and forever, just so he can feel like this again. not a veteran, not a politician, just tubbo, carefree and kind.

yeah, that sounds like a good life.

as quickly as ranboo went down, he's being pulled back up with tubbo insisting that they try every single eye, previous adventure abandoned. they spend the day like that, going through the chest, laughing at some of ranboos earlier attempts, and screaming with excitement when one managed to fit.

he looks beautiful. more confident, brighter, somehow. they burn his eyepatch that night. ranboo had already gotten him a better one anyway.

part 1 | part 2

[loumandforyou]

[dedfly]

Girl I about to write long ass critique of weddings and marriage like I'm some mister cynical but i actually love weddings and well weddings drama

Anyway here is me getting married to smilk

Don't make his cute look and sentimental sibbing at the wedding fool you he's fucking bridezilla

[divorceblogger]

it’s yourrr problem if you don’t understand the intimacy of being involved in a marriage which is winding down. and the intimacy it further fosters when you’re both trying to convince yourselves that there’s still a way to fix it, and you’re constructing and coordinating your performances of a happy marriage. attempting to negotiate delicately with your partner to preserve what remains of your relationship until even that isn’t enough anymore to keep the marriage going is one of the most romantic acts in the world actually.

[that-weird-thing-in-the-woods]

Visiting the in-laws

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

As Danny and phantom walk ( or well float in Danny’s case ) through the keep to one of the more used drawing room where Pariah dark and Clockwork were waiting for them to arrive they would have been here earlier if Phantom didn’t drag his feet when getting ready to leave their lair and the actual getting here

“My love, Why don’t we just return back home and sleep for the rest of the day” Phantom ask to Danny in a almost pathetic voice but Danny retorts “No this is the third time you tried to get out of meeting my parents Phantom.” And that’s when Phantom knew he was in trouble

“But my Love-“ “No we are going to visit my fathers no let’s go” Danny says in a tone with little to no room for arguing

So as they walk ( float ) to the drawing room Phantom looks like a kicked puppy a few moments later they are in front of the door when Phantom goes to say something but he is interrupted by the door opening and Danny floating in and saying hello to Pariah Dark and going to sit next to Clockwork and start talking about random things

Due to there jobs as Ancients and the Ghost King it doesn’t leave much time for them to meet together like this to often and with Phantom trying not to visit them often

As Danny and Clockwork talk Pariah Dark and Phantom immediately start to bicker the other and start to quietly fight with the other while looking back at their lovers from time to time to make sure they don’t see them until a few minutes later Phantom and Pariah Dark start to fist-fight

And back to Danny and Clockwork they just talk about how funny their lovers are with soft smiles and got back to talking about flowers.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The link to the OG post!

[wwillywonka]

Can I talk to you?

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

[thaifanfests]

🏳️‍🌈Marriage Equality Act & Updates🏳️‍🌈

What we now know as the Marriage Equality Act did not begin as such. Efforts towards passing same-sex marriage in Thailand began with an attempt of legal recognition of civil partnerships in 2012-2014 when the Thai government held its first hearings on a potential civil partnership bill. Despite the support towards legalizing same sex marriage, the Civil Partnership Act, at the time, did not grant same-sex couples the same rights as their counterparts (i.e.: same-sex couples were not entitled to raise children, and the minimum age for those wishing to register a same-sex partnership would be 20 whereas heterosexual couples could register at 17.) In other words, there was an attempt at legal recognition of same-sex couples, but the bill still had the veil of discrimination and other flaws. Other factors, such as political unrest, also stalled the bill. (Prachatai)

Other significant attempts were made as well, especially with mass public support. Petitions that called for the legalization of same-sex marriage led to efforts in 2018, when the Justice Minister of Thailand began drafting a Civil Partnership Bill (Bangkok Post). Despite the support in public hearings and approval from the government, it did not pass in time. However, it’s still important to note that while there was support and tremendous push to pass the Civil Partnership Bill, many felt that recognizing same-sex couples as “legal, civil partnerships” “falls short of marriage” and therefore, could not truly be equal to heterosexual marriages (Bangkok Post).

This brings us to the Move Forward Party, which introduced the Marriage Equality Act in June 2020. This bill is significantly different from the previously mentioned bills, as it sought to amend the Civil and Commercial Code to include gender neutral language (ThaiPBSWorld). Doing so would allow any Thai citizen of any gender to seek marriage. After rewriting, redrafting, governments dissolving, and more scrutiny over a persistent exclusion of certain rights, the Thai government approved several drafts of same-sex marriage law, all of which passed with overwhelming support. The House of Representatives then approved a unified draft in March 2024, and then passed the Senate in April (Associated Press/Time). Finally, after receiving the royal endorsement from the Thai King on September 24th, 2024 and publishing the Royal Gazette, the Marriage Equality Act is slated to take effect on January 22nd, 2025. (BBC News)

Well, it was.

There’s a tiny delay. A discrepancy in the 120 day period has caused the initial January 22nd date to be pushed back to January 23rd. (Bangkok Pride)

The Marriage Equality Act is also missing an important signature. As reported by Bangkok Pride: “Currently, the process awaits the signature of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, to formally activate the law. However, as of now, Mr. Anutin has not signed the order, which may lead to continued confusion among government agencies hesitant to act without a clear and official enforcement date” (Bangkok Pride). His delay in signing the law is causing some confusion, especially for the public and those who must prepare themselves to provide registration services. 

Beyond legal frameworks, there are other challenges that the Love Foundation anticipates, such as addressing misunderstandings, lack of local government readiness as an influx of legal changes and commitments take place, and opposition from those who dissent. We urge you to take a look at their breakdown of some of these issues and their potential solutions. (LoveFoundation)

Still, even with the delay, Bangkok Pride and several other LBGTQIA+ organizations move forward with plans to celebrate. Mass wedding ceremonies are anticipated to take place across Thailand on the 23rd. Commitments in all forms are slated to continue. While we’ll be a day or two early with our festivities, we hope this was an informative rundown on the Marriage Equality Act and what to look forward to!

🏳️‍🌈 What's ThaiTheKnot2025? 🏳️‍🌈 Guidelines 🏳️‍🌈 Prompts 🏳️‍🌈 Discord & Carrd 🏳️‍🌈

[tethrawke]

What about a canon AU where Hawke needs to somehow buy her way into Kirkwall after fleeing the Blight with her family, but working for the smugglers isn't enough? What if Varric needs a wife ASAP before Bianca's family kills him and he hears about this newly washed-up refugee from a formerly well-respected noble bloodline who's been working odd jobs for questionable people to keep herself and her family afloat? What if he decides to take a look for himself and watches her for a few days and realises she's EXACTLY what he needs to deal with dwarven politics? What if he makes her an offer she can't refuse and they're married before the day is over and the Hawke family is moved into Varric's mansion? What if Dragon Age 2 becomes a green card AU?

[likethexan]

Thetis being fiercely loyal to Hera (rejecting Zeus’ romantic advances) but also being fiercely loyal to Zeus (saving Zeus from the chains that Hera and co bound him) honestly gives off child of divorce vibes (except the couple in question are eternally married)

[swordmaid]

literally we don’t talk about how brienne was comparing every man she meets to jaime. she’s literally like, well you’re NO jaime lannister unprompted like what was the reason???? she’s so down bad it’s embarrassing like get UP omg….

[thatgentlewife-deactivated]

How to Make Your Husband Feel Valued and Appreciated

Marriage is a beautiful partnership, and showing your husband how much he means to you strengthens your bond. Here are some thoughtful ways to make your husband feel loved and appreciated:

1. Speak Words of Affirmation

Compliment him often—whether it’s about his hard work, his character, or how much you love him. Simple phrases like, “I’m so proud of you” or ���You make me feel so loved” go a long way.

2. Show Gratitude

Say “thank you” for the little things he does. Whether it’s fixing something around the house, being a great listener, or helping with chores, let him know you notice and appreciate it.

3. Plan Quality Time Together

Make time for intentional one-on-one moments. Whether it’s a date night, a walk, or just sitting and talking without distractions, giving him your undivided attention makes him feel prioritized.

4. Surprise Him with Acts of Service

Do something thoughtful that shows you care, like making his favorite meal, organizing something he’s been meaning to tackle, or leaving a note in his lunch.

5. Encourage His Dreams

Support his goals and aspirations. Whether it’s a career milestone or a personal hobby, show that you believe in him and cheer him on.

6. Pray for Him

There’s no greater gift than praying for your husband. Lift him up in prayer daily, asking God to guide, protect, and bless him. Let him know you’re praying for him—it will touch his heart deeply.

7. Be His Biggest Cheerleader

Celebrate his wins, no matter how big or small. Show enthusiasm for his achievements and let him know you’re his #1 fan.

8. Be Physically Affectionate

Never underestimate the power of touch. Hold his hand, give him hugs often, or leave a kiss on his cheek—these small gestures convey warmth and love.

9. Respect and Honor Him

Speak well of him to others, especially in public. Your words and actions should reflect how much you admire and respect him.

10. Write Him a Love Note

Leave a heartfelt note for him to find, expressing your love and appreciation. It’s a simple but meaningful way to make him feel cherished. 💗

Making your husband feel valued doesn’t have to be complicated. A little intentionality and thoughtfulness can go a long way in showing him how much he means to you 🌷

With love,

Thatgentlewife