#or perhaps….Thrass’s?

[blazingstar24]

Thranto Pokemon AU

You know I love characters when I start making pokemon teams for them, so here’s Thrawn and Eli’s pokemon teams! The fun part about these guys is I built two teams, one for their time spent in the Ascendancy and one for their time in the Empire:

Thrawn (Ascendancy team):

Glaceon- An ice type is a must for a Chiss and Glaceon’s elegant nature fits Thrawn.

Corviknight- In a Pokemon filled world, I’d say that the Corviknight line is the standard CEDF pokemon. Every cadet gets a Rookidee and must train it up into a Corviknight. (The aesthetic of Corviknight just feels very CEDF like imo)

Armarouge- In a similar vein, Armarouge is the pokemon of the Mitth house. (Solrock was too easy and I think it’s ugly lmao) Charcadets are given to merit-adoptives and they are expected to train them up into Armarouge, the fierce and loyal warriors to represent the family.

Lucario- A pokemon to reflect Thrawn’s martial prowess and also calm and collected nature. Not to mention Lucario are drawn to those with certain auras, so naturally Thrawn would attract a Lucario to him.

Smeargle- I mean I gotta. Also Smeargle’s Sketch move does allow it to learn the moves of it’s enemies. Smeargles canoncially tend to get sold off to people due to the special marks they can make, so I think Thrawn got his Smeargle early on and saved it from some kind of pokemon smuggling ring. It’s not a pokemon one would expect from an Ace Trainer but nevertheless it never leaves his side.

Dragonair- Finding a pokemon to represent the Chimaera symbol and his relationship with Uingali was hard! But I settled on Dragonair, it was more elegant than Hydregion. With the ring he receives at the end of LE, he also gets a Dratini egg. Thrawn raises it during his exile and it’s a Dragonair by the time the Empire finds him.

Eli Vanto: (Imperial Team)

Cyndaquil- A starter pokemon for Eli because oh boy ihas he unknowingly started his pokemon journey. Cyndaquil is a bit of a timid pokemon, but as it grows, it becomes quite a fierce protector into Typhlosion. It was a gift from his parents when he left home.

Eevee- A pokemon that truly represents potential. Also I like to have my ships have paired eeveelutions. Eli catches Eevee the day he meets Thrawn.

Rockruff- Another pokemon with potential, but one that changes based on the trials and tribulations of it and it’s trainer. What form will Eli’s Rockruff take?

Joltik- This one was purely aesthetics. There is no math type pokemon, but Electric types seem to fit him as well. And the image of Joltik sitting on Eli’s head and shoulders while he’s running numbers on the datapad was too cute. Also quick charges his datapad too~

Mudsdale- Cowboy. That’s it. (But actually Mudsdale are sought after due to the mud they create to help with pottery(art) so it pairs nicely with how Eli pairs very well with Thrawn and helps out a lot) This is the one pokemon Eli keeps from his days in Lysatra. Raised it himself from a Mudbray.

Shroomish- It’s face looks like Eli’s ☹️ face. Also it has short king vibes. It’s small but will fuck you up in ways you didn’t see coming.

Thrawn (Imperial Team):

For the most part, Thrawn’s team stays the same. He still has his Glaceon, Dragonair, Lucario, and Smeargle. But upon exile, his Corviknight and Armarouge were taken from him. (Ar’alani takes care of his Corviknight and Thalias took his Armarouge but secretly gave it to Borika to look after on her ranch) His two new pokepartners are:

Salandit- Had to give him his ysalmiri pokemon. I know scraggy would match the color more but Salandit looked more lizard like and easier for having on one’s lap or shoulders. Thrawn’s definitely used Salazzle phremones to lure a bunch of Salandits onto the Chimaera.

Crobat- Crobat was to represent the TIE defenders, but also isn’t Crobat the standard pokemon villain poke? Yes. But to get a Crobat, one needs high friendship. And I think that in the Empire, the standard Imp pokemon is a Honchkrow, big bird that bosses around underling Murkrows to serves itself. But Thrawn commands and teaches through loyalty and respect so he would be the one Imp without a Honchkrow and instead a Crobat (high friendship).

Eli Vanto (Ascendancy Team):

Eli’s team does go through a bit of change, evolution wise and new pokemon. He keeps Mudsdale and his Cyndaquil is now Typhlosion.

Glaceon- Eli’s had plenty of opportunities to evolve his Eevee into anything else, but nothing felt right. He wanted to let Eevee decide what to be. It wasn’t until Thalias, interested in seeing just who Thrawn sent back home was, invited Eli back to the Mitth estate. It was there his Eevee walked up to an icy rock and evolved into a Glaceon. Said Glaceon also popped out of its ball during the GDLV moment causing Thrawn’s Glaceon to pop out of its ball and they properly greeted each other. Giving these two idiots time for a less formal exchange.

Lycanrock (dusk form)- Eli has truly been through the fucking wringer. And Dusk form Lycanrocks are supposed to the hardest to raise. Yet even so, they are said to be seemingly docile yet when it comes time to battle, they are the fiercest protectors. And that matches Eli perfectly, everyone(apart from Thrawn) tends to underestimate him, but he’s actually so fucking deadly.

Corvisquire- Since he’s now in the CEDF, Eli too gets a Rookidee to train. Not yet at Corviknight but working his way up there. (His Corvisquire likes to hang out with the Corviknight that Ar’alani keeps out of its ball, it teaches all the Rookidees and Corvisquires on her ship. Yes, it’s Thrawn’s.)

Togetic- To represent Eli’s work on the sky-walker program. A caretaker pokemon but also one that will appear before kind people. After rescuing a bunch of sky-walkers from Grysk, Togetic appeared before him and it was also how the captured girls trusted Eli and came with him. From then on, Togetic has stayed by his side.

[fallenrepublick]

Thrass content please? Maybe something about being newly weds??

Newlywed content???? Oh man oh man he is THE character for this!!

Yknow that thing that people say, how being married doesn't change anything, how you go home at the end, both still the same person, knowing each other just as strongly as you did the day before? It's the for Thrass... mostly.

There's something else to it, though. Something light and gentle, something relieved. It's present in everything he does from the moment the two of you are declared married. From his grin never before present in such a public space, to the way he guides you to your home, decorated and prepared to welcome you once more as if you ever left, from gentle kisses and kind words, to tracing paths on your arm in the early morning sunrise.

He needed no coercion to shut off anything meant to communicate with work, save for Ar'alani on speed dial in case of emergency. He knew she had no desire to bother him.

Thus, his attention, undivided and unbroken, lay on you. You and him. He's happy to be unencumbered these days, holding you, dancing you around the small, remote places he's found as you travel. The only additional weight was the new ring on his finger, the one he insisted on wearing despite it not adhering to Chiss tradition. Perhaps he wasn't one prone to attachment towards objects, but the gold in place of the small pieces of red string you'd used when everything was still a secret... it always brought him a smile. Proper jewelry on your hand, the way things were always supposed to be. He made a promise to you when you both were younger, and in moments of doubt, it was something he held himself to. With the means to follow through on the promise, he accepted the possibility of forfeiting his inheritance and proceeded with the plans. Regret never manages to hit him.

The moments of music he takes now have a recurring motif, a tiny melody carried throughout that you only began hearing after admitting feelings to him.

"It... feels like you," he explains one day, "It's the same feeling as when you touch my shoulder. Like waking up in the middle of a snow storm and knowing you have all the time in the world to enjoy the warmth."

You're not sure you understand. Or maybe you do. Either way, your presence remains in everything he does and everything he makes.

Even married, he never changes, not in the way some do. It's often expected that people change, become "boring" or dull, at least, even more so than they already are. Regardless of Thrass's outward unamusement towards everyone and everything that doesn't interest him personally, you find him most fun just the way he's always been. He doesn't "mature" in the way many expect, doesn't change himself. Even now, he gossips, snickers at other Syndics for their struggles or attempts at showing him up. At the first sign of drama, the communicator goes to speaker mode, and if the other party listens closely (which they never do), they'll hear hurried shuffling in the background as he brings you over to listen to the newest family drama.

Married life begins melding your minds, if only a bit. Socially, he relaxes, able to better interact with other people without hating them instantly. You find yourself sliding your sunglasses down your nose upon hearing anything close to an attitude from a conversation partner, something you've watched him do too many times to count. You often say the same phrases at the same time, picking up each other's slang. He swears in basic, you swear in Cheunh.

Magic.

[rosheendubh]

Appealing to Thrawn/BlueManHot society: what is this exchange hinting at in younger Thrawn’s background, which causes him a moment of pain, whilst he chats with bro’Thrass…??

“I can understand that,” Thrawn said. “An artist of such skill and self-awareness might well have seen how the scars of memory had affected her inspiration and resolved to put her artwork aside until she could regain her former tranquility.”

Thrass winced. “Only she never did,” he murmured.

“No,” Thrawn said softly. “Some losses run too deep to ever fully heal.”

Thrass studied his face, noting the fresh tension lines in his cheeks and throat. “You sound like you’ve had experi­ence.”

Thrawn shrugged slightly. “No more than many others in the Ascendancy have suffered,” he said, the tension lines smoothing out.

Though it took a conscious effort, Thrass saw. Whatever pain was lurking behind those eyes, it wasn’t going away anytime soon.

But that sort of ache wasn’t for public display. It cer­tainly wasn’t for a new acquaintance to casually poke at. If life had taught Thrass anything, it was to respect others’ privacy. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he said, gesturing toward the door. “Perhaps a discussion for another day. Let me show you to your room. Dinner’s in three hours, and you may want to practice your part of the ceremony.”

Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil 

Seeking expert advises on evilB’ue stud😜 I humbly beseech thou “Chiss-pertise”…

[owlpartytime]

Days of Thranto Past Appreciation Post Day 20

Rather than writing new this Thrantovember, I am featuring the works of others that I love. Most of these are probably well known already, but it's always someone's first time seeing a fic! Rules were: 1. Story must be completed, and 2. Thranto must be the primary focus of the story. I'm featuring 3 a day (because I couldn't cut the list down) at random - I'd love to hear your thoughts on the selections (and please give the authors some love, too!)

Today's featured stories:

Married to a Ghost by dinluke

"your what?" thrass says softly, "i hope you don't believe i would buy that you throw this fit of jealousy about your aide. he's your lover, isn't he? or at least he used to be."

thrawn suddenly looked stricken. thrass may as well have backhanded him, but he didn't know how he could have said it any gentler.

"no," thrawn said, settling on the floor, leaning against the shelf, "he was not. it would have been inappropriate, given our ranks."

thrass snorted, "the first rule you choose to follow in life is to not kiss the man you love? how very on brand of you, to sacrifice your happiness for no reason."

Short and sweet and full of reunions, misunderstandings, and affection.

--

Everything Love by salvage

“Tell me, Eli,” Thrawn said, “how did you feel when you wore it?”

“Nervous. About the mission.” Eli prevaricated. He knew it was the wrong answer as soon as he said it, and he winced.

“No,” Thrawn said in a similar tone to the didactic one he used when trying to draw from Eli an answer to a question about strategy.

Eli looked at Thrawn’s knees, spread apart, pulling the fabric of his uniform taut across his thighs.

“Small.”

Thrawn waited.

“It smelled… like you,” Eli finally said, voice weak. “And it was—” his throat clicked as he swallowed “—warm, from your body.”

“And how did that make you feel?”

Thrawn's tunic from the Horatio Fig mission leads to a smutty, loving encounter.

--

Lysatran cryptids by @diamonddove and bextia

"Why are you helping me?" Thrawn asked, his voice raspy from the lack of use.

"I am returning a favor"

"How?" he walked up to the nearby tree and sat with his back against it, pulling his rain poncho over his knees.

"I cannot leave until I've left you safe. Until you have all the tools you need to survive."

"Leave to where? Leave this planet?"

The man smiled and shrugged, "Perhaps."

Lightning blinded Thrawn and when he opened his eyes, he was alone in there under the rain.

A bittersweet (more sweet than bitter) story about the bond between Thrawn and Eli, and how they help each other more than they realize.

[thrawns-backrest]

I'd also like to add:

“Obviously, the aliens didn’t know much about you,” Ba’kif commented. “No, their knowledge of the Chiss was quite limited,” Thrawn said, apparently missing the subtle compliment completely.

“Perhaps,” Thrawn said. “But I believe you were suggesting a shift to turbolaser fire?” “A shift to—?” Ronan’s nose twitched [...]“Oh. No, actually, I was being facetious.” “Ah,” Thrawn said.

“I wasn’t put out, Thrass,” he said quietly. “I was disappointed. People who can’t see things that are right in front of them…�� He shook his head. “This may come as a shock to you,” Thrass warned, “but most people don’t see things nearly as quickly or as clearly as you do.” “I know,” Thrawn said. “I just wish…it’s not important.”

certified Thrawn Autism Moments

"If I could write all this down, I certainly would." "I know," Ba'kif said, "It would be a lot easier for all of us if you could."

"If there was one thing the man enjoyed, it was chasing down enigmas and working through puzzles."

"The point was that, as usual, Thrawn had seen only the surface situation and completely missed the political subtleties."

"I assumed they were intended to stop nonmilitary personnel. As a cadet, I thought I would be exempt."

"He'd explained his tactics to the board at least twice, and they still didn't believe him. Now, with nothing left for him to say, he had taken refuge in silence."

"Or maybe it was just that space and combat were a more comfortable environment for him than a courtroom filled with officers, regulations, and family politics."

"You brought me to an art gallery." "Of course," he said, giving her a puzzled look, "Where did you think we were going?"

"Whatever spark of insight or genius-- or insanity--"

"And his political shrewdness?" "Poor to nonexistant." "Agreed," Ba'kif said, "He's going to need a steady hand to guide him and prevent him from grabbing the wrong end of the fire stick."

Thrawn gave a little snort. "There's no need to be sarcastic." "Who says that was sarcasm?"

[elivanto]

everyone who draws thrass not skinny. lemme give you a lil kiss on the forehead 💙✨

[doctorwenqing]

okay i’m jumping on the “jixtus is a chiss” theory train. i feel like the gloves are there to hide the blue skin and the veil is needed to hide his eyes. plus this:

it reminds me a lot about how eli thought of the chiss (plus myth/mitth? 👀). also a few paragraphs later, it’s actually compared with the way the chiss are viewed.

PLUS, in chaos rising he refused to give qilori his name, and instead said “you may call me jixtus.” perhaps jixtus is his core name and he gave that one to cover up the fact that he has a name that fits the the chiss naming conventions??

[hydr0phius]

@thearcaneuniversity

I'd forgotten I'd even added those tags on my reblog of this lmao. I'm all for a discussion so long as it's respectful (which it has been, so no worries there).

I definitely do agree that a lot of his art stuff is a bit of a stretch. That date with Ziara and his first time meeting Thrass at the Mitth family dinner for the new adoptees were definitely times where us as readers and Thrawn, Thrass, and Ziara had no clue how to either explain or comprehend it. Given Borika's sky-walking abilities, I don't fully believe Thrawn isn't at least a little bit Force sensitive. He has that "you're just going to have to trust me, I can't explain it but I know it'll work" vibe that a lot of Jedi have (that I've seen, anyway) and it's the only thing I can think of right now other than perhaps struggling to put his analysis into words (which is understandable).

On the Gary Stu comment: Fandom does portray him as this, but there's also a lot of work that doesn't (and seeing as I've only just gotten back into this side of Star Wars after 3 years, it's probably changed a lot since I last went deep into the ao3 tags). I do think it's alright for him to be the best of the best seeing as he is. But he can't be the best of the best if his team isn't willing to trust and work with him. He can have the best battle plan in the galaxy, but it's not going to work if people can't do their jobs properly. Imo he's put the work in to become the best at what he does because he understands that he has to be if he wants to protect his people from the Grysks. He knows he has to be the best asset and will attempt to raise his subordinates to that same level of usefulness so that those plans can work how he wants them to. Idk, but his "I see them as enemies, allies, assets," comment in Chaos Rising seems to apply to him as well, I think. But yeah, if you're writing Thrawn it's definitely an exercise that needs a lot of thinking and an understanding of him as well as what would sound believable once explained properly but makes no sense as it's unfolding.

With the evil/not evil debate, I don't think we should be assigning him to one single box. He's not black and he's not white, but he is on the grey scale (which fluctuates with every action) and I think that's what a lot of people have issues with understanding. Yes, Star Wars is overall a fight between good and evil with Thrawn on the evil side, but Andor and Rogue One (and other things, I'm sure) have shown what's had to be done by the good side to win against the evil side and it's not pretty. The Rebellion is not purely white/good and nor is the Empire purely black/evil.

And maybe that's why I'm a bit salty when it comes to him sometimes. I want to get to know him better as a character

I think the Ascendancy trilogy expanded on him more and adds to the Imperial era trilogy, but honestly Zahn's writing needs a bit more juice with character descriptions and how they move throughout their environments. I don't think it could have hurt to have Thrawn's pov in the Ascendancy trilogy either seeing as he was under the pump for most of it. Seeing his inner thoughts when the Mitth left him high and dry while Ziara swooped in to save him at Taharim would have been interesting (as would seeing his thought processes for all those other times where he ended up in trouble). It's just a bit more legwork trying to understand him as he sees himself, but in both trilogies we only really understand him via other characters' impressions of him and the smidgeon of his own pov that we got. He is not unknowable though. He's loyal to his people, he's willing to do the dirty work for the greater good, he cares far too much for the Ascendancy's liking, he wants to make sure that everyone reaches their full potential, he's good with kids (which lives in my head rent free lmao), he won't stop until he's achieved his goals, he's not there to play politics and waste time; he's there to do his job and do it well. You can draw your own conclusions and theories as to what he's like from that. Fandom adds more, and you can pick and choose as you like.

And you're right, he does have a lot of potential!! Most of which Ahsoka screwed up (and that's all I'll say on that until I've rewatched his episodes and compared with the books that I've just finished lol).

Anyway, I think I've said all I can think of right now. Please know that in future I'm fine with you pulling my tags from the tags and reblogging with an answer :3

I think I managed to pin down what has been irritating me about Thrawn as a character.

Often there are issue with showcasing intelligence and genius in media. It's hard to do, especially as most of us are not as intelligent as the genius characters or plots we create. Which is fine.

The thing about Thrawn, however, is that his brilliant thinking is not really explained - sometimes it is, and sometimes all we're left with is that we're not as intelligente or insane as Thrawn to understand him. The latter happens when he explaines his art theories - which are, in fact, impossible to do; it is guess work.

(Looking back at the post I think my main issue is with the magical art reading theories)

I don't think you have to explain everything - you can show that someone is intelligent without delving deeply into their reasoning - for example, showing us the actions and results of those actions, their accomplishments, etc.

And therein lies the issue (for me at least)... when you look at real life geniuses, you would be able to understand their inventions and discoveries (well, people who study in a particular field would be able to do it). They are geniuses because they have a unique way of thinking, or are capable of noticing specific patterns, most often much quicker and easier than the rest of us.

But at the end of the day, many people can get them. Because their genius has helped push forward scientific research or technological advancement or any other sphere of our lives... it has helped people less brilliant to become more knowledgeable.

Even though Thrawn is said to have no Force abilities and is said to be just a regular, although brilliant, character... I think I'll have to headcanon in my head that he has some small Force connection...

Again, to each their own. I know most people don't have such issues with Thrawn and he has many fans that love him - I'm not trying to say that my view is better in any way. Maybe it is flawed in a way I'm not able to objectively see. It just irked me and I needed to voice it in some way.

[thech1mxera]

Somehow I managed to cry 4 times reading Lesser Evil. Yes, 4 times, FOUR FREAKING TIMES.

I don't know if I got issues with my mental health or everyone else feels similar or both but anyways

SPOILERS AHEAD

I repeat

SPOILERS AHEAD

1. When Borika says 'I don't remember him'

It gives me pure pain because of the fact that Thrawn misses her so much as mentioned in Chaos Rising and we all know how much pain the separation between him and Borika gives him. From that one sentence I realised the truth is, Thrawn would never be able to see his sister that his misses so much and to be honest I just lost it that time.

2. The moment before Thrass' disappearance/ death

And if not on theirs, he added silently, perhaps warrior's fortune would smile on Thrawn.

The man who was, and who had truly always been, his brother.

Reading through Lesser Evil, we got to see things Thrawn and Thrass had gone through and how close they are. To me, their brotherhood is something I always wanted in life and to be honest, I get so attached to them. Seeing the way Thrass honourably went out and him thinking of Thrawn before his death brought me so much pain.

3. Thrawn's sentence

"No, Supreme Admiral," Thrawn said. His voice was even, almost calm.

But Ba'kif could hear the pain there, the frustration and weariness. He'd fought so long and so hard in the Ascendancy's defense, only to have his dedication turned against him.

Honestly I feel like it's my problem because I got so frustrated I actually randomly started crying and it's so weird but nonetheless the way he's written is quite emotional to me because seeing Thrawn emotional makes me emotional as well. Of course if turns out things are different than it appears but it still got me.

4. My brother would have been proud

Yes, that's it. I'm not sure if it's just me but it hits so hard. I got no other comments on it.

Lesser Evil is such an awesome book and imo it's been such an emotional journey to me and I love almost every single second of it.

[blazingstar24]

Well it was Pacific Rim’s tenth anniversary so time for more Thranto PacRim AU Notes that no one asked for! Part 1 notes: here

Drifting and Drift Partners: Imperial Regulations

All potential pilots must be able to achieve at least a 50% neural handshake in the drift simulator tests with at least 2 other cadets.

“Following the Rabit” is a sign of a failed pilot. All pilots are subject to the 3 strike system.

Solo piloting is strictly prohibited unless one is of Admiral rank or higher. Only in the extreme circumstances i.e. the of loss of drift partner in combat will solo piloting be allowed.

Drift partners are found through: a. Combat trial, b. Consistent results on the simulator, c. Extraneous proof of compatibility

All requests to switch drift partners must be cleared and approved by one’s CO.

Fraternization between drift partners is not strictly prohibited but not advised.

-Thrawn and Eli’s initial run on the drift simulator was and still is the closest to being perfect compatibility upon first run. Thrawn chalked it up to his prior experience as a pilot. Eli saw it as a sign that the universe hated him and really did not want him to achieve his goal of staying far away from the action.

-As they become closer, they start ghost drifting a lot more. At the height of their time in the Empire, they achieved a near constant state of ghost drifting. It was a bit jarring at first for Eli, especially when he experienced what the world looks like through the infrared. (Likewise, that opened up a whole new color spectrum for Thrawn and increased his interest in art.) On very rare occasions, when sleeping, they end up sharing a memory. They noticed how strong it was when Eli began to give Thrawn the words he needed before Thrawn even asked, Eli has also stopped so many near political blunders by Thrawn due to this. Faro and Hammerly have to remind them both constantly to say the plan of attack out loud for the rest of the crew.

-While Thrawn can solo pilot, and has solo piloted a jaeger that is meant for two (see Thrass’s death) he prefers dual piloting. Perhaps before Thrass’s death, he would have endeavored to be a solo pilot. (Read that as he’s got ✨trauma✨….thrauma)

-Eli can also solo pilot….in theory. He’s achieved it in simulations, but has never actually done it in a real Jaeger. (He’s also experienced it through Thrawn’s memory of Thrass’s death and the fact that Thrawn had to pilot their broken Jaeger back to the Ascendancy as no one was coming back for them. Eli’s distaste for solo piloting starts after this experience)

-Eli being great with numbers and originally on track to be someone who predicts attacks, still runs the data. Thrawn plans around Eli’s data as it often ends up being way more accurate data than what the ISB give out. This in turn also leads them to figuring out the “Death Star”, like in canon. (The Death Star being a level 6 kaiju that Palpatine has been breeding.)

(Been playing around with the idea that Palpatine has actually been working with the Grysk and both are also involved the Kaiju hive mind. And having both Thrawn and Eli ditch the Empire and go back to the Ascendancy.)

-In the Ascendancy, the jaegers are painted a standard black, with only an Admiral’s jaeger being able to be painted how they see fit. In the Empire, they let the pilots decal the jaegers, within certain regulations. Eli let Thrawn pick how their jaeger would look and as such their jaeger is painted much like the Chimera. (Thrawn left a decent sized spot for Eli to paint something on as it is their jaeger not his. Eli went with a Lystrarian(?) sunset)

More to come soon!

[navigator-vahnya]

Lesser Evil bingo!! Template made by the hilarious and talented @macncheeseable !!

21 days, people!! GET HYPED!

My thoughts/ramblings that no one asked for are below: 😁

I really do think Starflash is going to have something to do with why hyperspace travel is so jacked up in the Unknown Regions.

Qilori. Maaaaaybe he’s going to get a redemption? In the first book, I originally thought he was going to be Thrawn’s newest BFF before his punkass went and linked up with Jixtus.

Speaking of Jixtus, someone on here (I think @macncheeseable ?) suggested he may be a Chiss? AND that Chiss might be Thrass?? Blew my mind. I’m sold.

Okay, the exile. I go back and forth. On one hand, I’m pretty sure Thrawn is going to push his luck too far with the pre-emptive strike thing. But on the other hand, would the Ascendancy have taken Vanto into their military if he’d been sent to them by an exile?? 🤔

I also go back and forth on Thurfian and Zistalmu. Is the power couple going to stay together or implode??

I feel confident that somehow the Magys’ involvement will lead to Che’ri retaining her Sight OR (wishful thinking on my part) Thalias will use the force! Perhaps this will cause Palpatine’s to rear his ugly head. I’m thinking we’ll see him in this book.

Also I’m pretty sure Thrawn’s not going to know how to politics, and he’s going to say “I see” when it’s pretty clear that he, in fact, does not see.

If we see Yoponek again, I hope someone dunks on him for being shiny-eyed and idealistic on his gap year 😂 I loved that part in GG.

Thrawn is definitely going to have an Art Moment. Wutroow is definitely going to be her funny, sassy self. Thrawn is definitely going to drive Samakro crazy at some point. But as others have suggested, I do hope Thalias and Samakro will become BFFs!

Lakinda is joining the Irizi. It’s her best move considering the Xodlak are pissed at her.

Will Thrawn get “-odo” added to his name? At this point, it’s just “nuru,” right? I can’t remember. Maybe -odo means “exile?” 😭

The Styyyyyblaaaaa. They’re behind the scenes cooking something... Idk what it is.

And then Lysatra/Eli. I put that in because I was inspired by @elivanto. God I hope that happens but I’ll probably just have to get my fix reading about it in fic instead!

[Spoilers for the Lesser Evil excerpt!!] I know it said Thrass is a cousin in the Mitth, but maaaybe that’s a rank one can achieve without actually being genetically related? If so, I think it’s still possible Thrass and Thrawn could be blood related! Also in the excerpt, Thrawn says “some losses run too deep to ever fully heal.” I think he was talking about his sister and we will see her in a Memories flashback!

[fallenrepublick]

I just….

I just wanna lie under Thrass and have his hair frame my face like it’s one of those cinematic “love at first sight” meet cute moments

And have him probably laugh at it he’s dumb 🫠😭

Oh my god like those ones where you trip over each other and you both fall, where he catches himself, hands on either side of you, his loose hair almost pooling beside you.

And though we very frequently forget it, he's very standoffish to those he doesn't know. Not a fan of unfamiliarity, you and everyone else wonders if the reason he's never really had a relationship for that very reason. It almost convinces you. Almost.

But when he's here, over you, caught entirely off guard. Once your shock has subsided, you're left... simply staring up. You never truly noticed just how attractive he is... despite his look of annoyed-surprise. He's got a gentle curve to his nose, proud and promiment, and a narrow cleverness in his eyes that try and try and try to hide all of what he feels. If only, you think, you could see behind them.

He's got no clue why he's still over you... whoever you might be... but he accepts that the situation could most certainly be a lot worse. Still, you're staring... almost... starstruck... He can just feel his face growing hotter by the second, much to his chagrin.

He pushes himself upright quickly upon realizing it, pressing the back of his hand over his mouth and turning his face from you, trying to hide something that is far too late to hide.

"My... apologies," he says tightly, brushing off his clothes and finally looking at you sideways, extending a hand for you. One might see his expressions as terribly bitter, and perhaps they would be right. But there's a gentleness you see despite it all, an ease designed specifically for you. Already, your face has been committed to his memory, as has the feeling of your hand.

He smiles at you, the first genuine one he's really given to any stranger, before taking a small, polite bow and turning away. He leaves, despite his heart's curious protests. No, he tells himself, he can't afford to be so distracted... At least not for now.

[spectres-fulcrum]

I started Lesser Evil today. :( I'm really torn. I cannot wait to see how this story goes and how the exile/"exile/mission and on what terms Thrawn leaves Thalias and Samakro(And Che'ri). And just the politics. And the plot. Oh! And I FINALLY get to meet Thrass. And Borika.I am so excited for Lesser Evil.

But after it ends, it's over. Until Ahsoka, there's no more for any of these characters. No more Thrawn or Ar'alani or Eli or any of the chiss. And deep down...

But how am I supposed to be okay with the Imperial books now that I've seen Thrawn in his element, among his people? Where yes, people are plotting against him, but he's ignorant to it. He has his inner circle of Thalias, Ar'alani, and Samakro on guard against the threats from Csilla and he doesn't have to see it. And then he loses them all-and has to face the xenophobia of Lesser Space. And they don't target him, they can't target him. They go for Eli, his one inner circle protector. And he's powerless to even realize it.

(Short answer: Of course I'm supposed to be okay with it because in the death of everything, he gains Eli)

(This is just a lot of rambles)

That idiot. Of course they used Eli against him. Coruscant didn't realize how much they won. Csilla could never win by using Ar'alani or Thalias or even Samakro against Thrawn but Coruscant did briefly bring lingering anger between Thrawn and Eli.

But like, it's weird. How am I supposed to be okay with watching Thrawn lose everything he knows and start back at the academy when he's had everything on the Springhawk. He has to lose everything to start all over in a human centric military.

But in the death of everything he's ever known, he meets a young man who speaks Sy Bisti. And neither of them know it, but their lives are changed when they realize their two cultures share a past and their futures are entwined, perhaps one day their bodies literally.

How can I be okay seeing Thrawn lose everything? Because once this ends, it begins with Eli and the way they were meant to meet, to struggle until they find comfort in their wavelength. For Thrawn to trust Eli, with his words, then with his projects, and then with the Chiss skywalkers, having to let Eli go as everyone from his inner circle once had to let him go. And Eli had to let go of his preplanned career, follow Thrawn into a crazy life and act content, until one day, finally, he was, and he woke up and realized his entire life was meant to be right here, by Thrawn's side.

As if there was some invisible string connecting them to each other all their lives. And so it's worth losing everything, because Thrawn gains a new everything. (And yes, that invisible string refence is a nod to Invisible String by Taylor Swift. I think it fits Thranto very well)

But I have to finish Lesser Evil before Midnights by Taylor Swift comes out so... I have to read it. No option there.

[owlpartytime]

Days of Thranto Past Appreciation Post Day 9

Rather than writing new this Thrantovember, I am featuring the works of others that I love. Most of these are probably well known already, but it's always someone's first time seeing a fic! Rules were: 1. Story must be completed, and 2. Thranto must be the primary focus of the story. I'm featuring 3 a day (because I couldn't cut the list down) at random - I'd love to hear your thoughts on the selections (and please give the authors some love, too!)

Today's featured stories:

"Good Day, Lieutenant Vanto": A Thranto Tale by @wantonwhale

If Admiral Ar’alani was to be believed, each moment with his erstwhile brother that was not immediately occupied by battle was spent interrogating her on the condition of his former aide:

How was he sleeping?

Was he taking to the food alright?

Was he being kept warm enough?

Was he properly appreciated by his comrades?

Was he given sufficient opportunities for advancement?

Was he being allowed the extended sleep cycle required by his species to thrive?

Was his delicate human skin having any adverse reactions to the energy-absorbing fabric of the CDF uniforms? Was it itchy? Was Eli itchy?

Was he experiencing any nutritional deficiencies? Should he be sent back with supplements? Vitamin D, perhaps?

Should I procure a sunlamp for him? Stay here, I am going to go get a sunlamp from medical.

And, according to a very peeved (though reluctantly amused) Admiral, that had just been her first day aboard the ISD Chimaera.

Random decided it was time for more Whale, and I'm not complaining. This was my first Thrass fic and I fell in love with their version of him. This whole longfic is very funny, clever, and creative, and one can't help but feel for Thrawn and Eli as Thrass makes them both dance to his tune for their own benefit.

--

Beginning by DistantStorm

Thrawn has planned for this interaction, knows that of all the others, he perhaps owes this man the most by way of explanation. He will lead off with a traditional greeting, the handshake used by the Chiss to indicate close personal friendship, and then, time permitting, will finally speak candidly with his protégé. He has had his mission, his purpose, and he does not regret it, but honor demands he recognize Eli Vanto’s contributions and sacrifices, as well as Thrawn’s treatment of him.

He is not good at expressing himself. He has little doubt his attempt at explanation will be disastrous, but Vanto deserves to hear it anyway.

Of course, very few plans survive the opening salvo of battle.

Thrawn goes home to the Ascendency and reunites with his friends and associates. Brief but well crafted, a minimum of words expresses a maximum of emotion.

--

Contingencies. by DistantStorm

Thrawn is obsessed with Ivant. Obsessed in a suspicious kind of way, not a curious, inquisitive kind of way like Thrawn gets about most things.

He insists that Ezra introduce them.

Ezra does.

As far as introductions go, it's weirdly normal.

Ivant is, as far as Ezra can tell, an honest person. He's from a planet in Wild Space. His family owns a shipping company. Ar'alani keeps him around because of his skills with numbers.

Thrawn pushes him. Wants to know what makes him tick. Wants to know why he is trusted with the Navigators, why he is conducting all this research. Why is he so special?

An excellent story that shows the consequences of dealing with Palpatine, even for someone as capable as Thrawn, and how it affects Eli and the rest of his former comrades told through the eyes of Ezra. This story directly inspired one of my own Halloween horror stories; clearly it stuck with me long after I read it.

[fictionkinfessions]

this is - perhaps unprecedented for me. i have many kintypes, and from many different sources. some are even from the same source. that's not strange to me at all.

but i have never had another kintype from star wars. as far as i'm aware, though i have questioned in the past, i am only luke skywalker.

... until now. until mitth'ras'safis. i'm still questioning, don't get me wrong, this very well could be another case of the fictionflickers. but this feels almost different from the rest, in a way. this feels like "hey. finally! you found the other one." and every time there's a chapter from his POV, i feel... pained. i feel happy. i feel so much grief and sadness and longing, and it's strange to feel this way about someone who i literally could not have possibly ever met as luke.

thrass feels familiar in the same way that looking in a mirror after a very long time feels familiar, there's that moment of "wait, hold on, that's what i look like now? that's me?" and it's so - jarring, i guess, because i never expected to find another star wars kintype.

once again! not 100% positive that he's a kintype. but i have been struggling with these feelings for a little while now and they certainly aren't getting weaker.

- 💚 luke (or perhaps? 🔴〰️🔴 thrass)

[lilac-vode]

more thrass headcanons (:

he plays the harp! he’s happy to duet with someone on another instrument or just play it solo

he’s also REALLY into theatre...dramas, musicals, pretty much anything

he has some chronic pain issues, so for Bad Leg Days he has an exquisitely jeweled cane to use. it’s functional AND elegant and it might perhaps have a sword inside in case of a combat emergency. who knows :)

idk how realistic this is but i love to imagine that a lot of the syndics will just have sauna hangout sessions where they chill and talk smack about other houses. thrass relays EVERYTHING he hears to thrawn because thrawn will 1. never tell anyone any of it and 2. not even fully grasp 95% of the political implications of anything being said to him

thrass doing his nails in thrawn’s office: dear brother you are not going to BELIEVE what i heard about the plikh speaker today (20 minute detailed rundown of juicy gossip)

thrawn listening intently even though he doesn’t understand a word of it: oh wow :)

he loves floral teas, especially whatever the ascendancy-space equivalents are of hibiscus, rose, and jasmine

(part 1 here!)