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yzeltia · 3 months ago

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WOL/Raha Week Day 3 AU- Bridgerton

Rating: T for Tea Featuring: @ladyofvoss 's Thalia Voss Characters: G'raha Tia, Keith Summers, Fordola Lupis, Arenvald Lentinus, U'rahn Nuhn, Y'shtola Rhul, Newton, Y'zel Tia Notes: Dear Gentle Reader, I hope you enjoy

Dear Gentle Reader,

The town is abuzz once again as the society season picks up once more. Excited mamas are already setting their sights on G’raha t Gryphon, of which declared his intention to be wed this season. It’s not lost on this careful observer that last year’s talk of him being a notorious flirt for the ton’s war heroes has simply become muted. Perhaps the sizable Griffin fortune behind him helps overlook where he is wanting in poise and composure. Whatever the case, I imagine all our eyes will be on him and his prospective choices for the promise of the usual drama that comes with the season.

Speaking of potential scandal, the abandoned Lupis estate has been brought to life. Botanists have been seen cutting back jungles of weeds and staff have been seen coming and going through the back entrance with various supplies. It was reported in the Crier that the Former Duke Lupis who had spoken publicly against the peaceful policy of the King regarding foreign amnesty and was thus stripped of his title and land, died during the winter season. Our fair Queen Thalia, in her infinite wisdom, advocated against generational punishment and thus the title passed to his adopted son, one Keith Summers.

As many of you know, the former's beloved parents who supported many charities and would send off the season each year with the spectacular Summer’s End Ball. Tragically, they passed with his three brothers during a boating accident that left him orphaned. The former Duke, while lacking any of the grace or appeal of the Summer’s family, had at one point been fiercely in love with Kathrine Summers and had played for her hand and ensured the lad had the happiest remaining childhood alongside his only daughter, Fordola. Despite his exile, of course.

With the young Lord Summers returning to take up the property, it can only be assumed that he wishes to secure his adopted sister’s place in society through marriage. A bit of a late start on her part, if I dare say but with sympathetic circumstances. We shall see if her departed father’s reputation is a hindrance to the potential suitors. Hopefully the eager mamas will control their sharp wagging tongues to give her a fair chance.

In other news, Queen Thalia has declared Miss Lyse Hext as this season’s Diamond. We shall see.

Yours in anticipation,

-Lady Matoya

Fordola crossed her arms as the carriage rocked, staring daggers toward her brother as he stroked down the back of his corgi. He seemed rather calm, pleased even, to simply sit back and watch out the port on the door as the country disappeared into the towering buildings of the ton. “You are far too excited to return to a town which hates us,” she found herself huffing.

“Hate? I wouldn’t say that. Father had many friends here, even if his opinions were unpopular among them. His downfall was his pride, but I do not think that will be held against us…maybe you, though, if you are determined to hate those who were uninvolved though,” Keith replied. “Queen Thalia has already welcomed us back with open arms and was quite eager in her letter to see how you will fair this season. And I’m sure Newton will meet lots of new friends in the park.”

Fordola rolled her eyes as she watched her brother pick up his pooch and place him in his lap.“Yes, as entertainment for herself and the ton. They’re chomping at the bit for a new scandal. No doubt you’ve heard of Lady Matoya’s papers already giving us an unwelcome reintroduction.” She sighed, fishing out a biscuit from her handbag to give to Newton.

“I didn't miss it in my morning reading, no. But I think it was a good memorial to my folks and fair to our father. She must have respected him, I think,” Keith said.

Fordola raised her brow, scowling, “How so?”

“Well, she reminded us of his former title. He’s spent a greater part of a decade as Mr. Lupis. And, Lady Matoya is notorious for speaking her mind in the same fashion.”

“You speak as if she’s doing something brave. She hides behind anonymity. Father was brave, he spoke openly and freely, society be damned,” Fordola near shouted as she sat up.

Keith blinked then shook his head, “Dola, you shouldn’t swear. You’ve got to pretend to be a lady at least.”

“How about you pretend to be a lady!”

Dearest Gentle Reader,

I am absolutely stunned, in more ways than one. If you have been around as long as I, you might have remembered Fordola Lupis as a rough and tumble kind of girl that would take no qualms in mucking around with the boys in the fields, her older brother never far off trying to call her back home. If you were to have told me she’d grow up into the beauty that we’d seen last night at Ser Ement Vauban’s ball, you could have knocked me over with one of the many white feathers that decorated her dress. Her elegance and poise, not to mention the fortune put into that dress, had the mamas practically helping their sons scrawl their names across her dance card. Her fierce confidence and sharp tongue had the would-be suitors going back for seconds and those she turned out seemed to be put to tears. Or so does one rumor say.

This Dazzling Citrine of the ton far outshined this season’s Diamond. Miss Hext could be found quietly helping herself to some of the scrumptious pinwheels lovingly made by the host’s staff, an apparent favourite of our hero, the dazzling Shieldmaiden Vauban.

Of note, Lord Gryphon seemed to have left in high spirits after his dance with Miss Lupis and seemed to have been talking rather closely with Duke Summers afterward. The race has begun. Mamas to your marks.

Yours in excitement,

-Lady Matoya

“I find your disposition rather amusing, Miss Lupis. I dare say I think you left your previous partner in a near state of tears.”

Fordola rose her brow high as G’raha smiled and led her about in a dance. She wrinkled her nose and shrugged. “Would you let another incessantly talk at you in close proximity after what I can only assume was eating an onion like an apple without saying something? Or am I so removed from the life of the ton that I’m supposed to find it flattering?”

G’raha laughed then shook his head. “I suppose that would be rather unpleasant. Though; if I was afoul I would be glad to have it pointed out so I could have the chance to rectify myself in private. That was…rather public.”

“I have spared my fellow dancers the niceties of enduring him. I saw Y’mhitra’s face turn as green as her elder sister’s unflattering dress and yet she thanked him for the opportunity to have done so at the end of the song. I have little doubt every other girl in here would have done the same if I had not pointed it out,” Fordola answered, spinning for G’raha before returning to his careful embrace.

“I would be careful with your words. Lady Y’shtola has a reputation of being quite a grudge holder. She’s not taken kindly to the Queen’s ban of mourning colors at balls. I thought she looked rather striking in all that black to be honest. Ever content to be a spinster, she is, though I have heard gossip otherwise,” G’raha mused.

Fordola looked to the cross looking Miqo'te as she stayed in the shadows, glassy eyes seeming to scan through the crowd despite their apparent emptiness. “Gossip seems to be the local currency in the ton. What is her story?”

“Well, rumor has it…she was quite taken with Ser Vauban before she left for the King’s Navy. Y’shtola was fiercely against it, of course, the war and all. Thank the Twelve our Shieldmaiden has only sent news of victory and strategic retreats. Shortly after Lady Matoya’s papers started up, giving rise to the rumor that she is behind the elusive nom de plume,” G’raha whispered.

“And what do you think?”

G’raha folded his ears, thinking a moment before shaking his head. “She lost her vision during an unfortunate accident. While her wit and tongue are as sharp as any blade, there would need to be careful observations made that she simply couldn’t do without assistance of some sort. I suppose her many sisters could report to her…but I also don’t think she holds society in such a regard to be bothered with such a thing.”

Fordola pursed her lips then gave a little nod. “Alright then,” she hummed before letting her attention continue to wander the myriad of people around them, keeping up with G’raha’s footing. “Who’s the man in the chair? Standing next to the tall Miqo’te.”

G’raha turned to see who she was looking at. An imposing blond haired man laughed, reclined in a wheelchair while above him the tall Miqo’te shook at his shoulders and thrashed his hair carelessly behind him and echoed in the laughter. “That is Lord Arenvald Lentius and his good friend stuffing his face with pinwheels is none other than Lord U’rahn t Drake. He was a farmboy given a title by King Rijin after returning from saving his squadron of men from a Garlean force in the war to the east. He lost the use of his legs in the process. Despite hanging to the side, they’re both rather popular with the ladies, but only the latter has had his sights set on a proper marriage. Why, last season my mother all but forged his name on my now married sister’s dance card. Really though, he’s a good man. Would you like an introduction?”

Fordola shook her head. “If I can bother to escape the relentless pursuits of your peers, I will introduce myself. You weren’t a terrible partner. If I have to keep doing these things, I will ensure you have a spot on my dance card.”

G’raha smiled as she pulled away, bowing to her before giving a small kiss at the back of her hand, ears perking as he heard his mother make a noise of delight in the distance. “I shall endeavor to seek you out on our next meeting then, Miss Lupis.”

With that, Fordola retreated, recruited quickly by the next on her card, leaving G’raha to shuffle off to find himself some food. Finding a rather large untouched sandwich, he snatched it away then hurried behind a pillar to squat down and hide from his mother and her pending interrogation.

“Aw….I was hoping that would have still been there for me when I returned,” sounded a disappointed voice from above.

Looking up, G’raha found Fordola’s older brother frowning down at him. Wiping crumbs from his face with his sleeve, G’raha stood then broke off the unbitten half of his sandwich to hand over. “Apologies. I often find myself ravenous after a round on the floor.”

Keith lit up as he was offered the sandwich, “No worries friend! Thanks!”

Eagerly, Keith started to chomp down with the same fervent excitement for the morsel that G’raha had himself. The latter found his gaze flitting up to his meal partner, lingering a bit on his sheer joy from the small snack. Clearing his throat, G’raha wiped more crumbs from himself then gave a little bow.“You are Duke Summers, are you not? I just came from the company of your sister on the dance floor. I say, she is a change of pace around here.”

Keith seemed to go pale, recoiling a bit, bread stuck to the side of his cheek. “Hells, she did not insult you did she? She is rather abrasive, but I assure you underneath that rough exterior…somewhere deep, she is the sweetest thing!”

G’raha blinked then let out a hearty laugh, shocking Keith even further. “No, she was a delight to have paired with and a fine dancer.”

“Oh. Good. Good good good,” Keith repeated, letting out a sigh of relief. “Wait, fine dancer? My sister. I could barely escape without bruised toes during practice…Ah, hells. She was doing it on purpose wasn’t she!”

His laughter couldn’t stop, G’raha finding the other charmingly amusing. “Surely you must be popular at the gentleman’s club. Your jests are as delightful as your sister.”

“Ah, so then is it your intention to court her,” Keith asked, hopefully.

G’raha’s laughter stopped immediately, as did his breath. Straightening up, he closed his eyes, not daring to consider a fellow head-of-estate’s inquiries to be with jovial intent. “I enjoyed her company, but when it comes to marriage I would keep my thoughts to myself. It is easy to make an enemy of a friend when it comes to their sisters.”

“I suppose that’s true; but, we are not friends yet. I do not know your name,” Keith said with a thoughtful nod. “We’ve broken bread together, though, so I suppose that makes us as close as friends already. Closer maybe as I would find myself hard pressed to hand over a coveted sandwich as well prepared as what has been provided by our host.”

“That is fair,” G’raha responded before carefully reaching up to thumb away the lingering crumb on the Duke’s cheek, “And as a new friend it would be remiss of me to let you walk around with your face covered in your meal.”

Keith flushed as the other touched his cheek, emerald eyes widening as G’raha’s ruby ones looked over the stubble on his chin before flitting up to meet his gaze. His heart leaped suddenly as the other’s touch lingered, feeling trapped in an infinite moment of casual intimacy. Keith pulled away, letting out a nervous chuckle. “Thank you. That would have been rather embarrassing. Though, I do not think anyone would bother to send gossip my way when my sister seems to have the attention of the ton.”

G’raha lowered his hand, looking rather unsure what to do with himself in the wake of the moment, looking at the ground before returning to Keith after he finished his thought. “You? Are you not the Duke of The Fringes? I’d dare say you should find yourself at the mercy of more ambitious mamas than I?”

“Well, I do not have one of my own to prevent me from avoiding their intentions. I’m not here for me anyway. I want my sister to find her happiness. Hopefully with someone as kind as you,” Keith said before giving a small bow as he backed away. “I beg your pardon, but I should see that she’s not left unescorted for too long, lest I get a bad reputation as a careless big brother.”

G’raha frowned as the man retreated, “I would be the first to tell them otherwise.”

Dear Gentle Reader,

Far be it from me to question the wisdom of our Queen, but it seems her Diamond just does not seem to be able to outshine Miss Lupis. Lord Gryphon’s frequent visits to the Lupis Estate seems to have everyone waiting with bated breath for the inevitable engagement announcement. Hopefully, with that out of the way, Miss Hext will get to sparkle for the Queen the rest of the season.

Yours truly,

Lady Matoya

“Have we truly no inkling as to the identity of this vile woman,” Queen Thalia huffed, flopping back into her dress upon a lounge. “She paints me as some sort of tethering gossipmonger. I know a Diamond when I see one. We must find Miss Hext her suitor! Y'zel, coffee biscuit!”

Y'zel sighed then brought over a tray of cookies for his Queen before offering one to Y'shtola as she quietly sipped her tea.

“What harm does a small societal paper pose to you? Let Lady Matoya have her audience,” Y'shtola responded.

“She poses no harm, but to question the Crown so unabashedly…Well, it weakens us in the eyes of the people. Our good King’s peaceful disposition has long made the Crown seem docile. We must show strength in our ability to direct the flow of society. To appear that we have control in all facets of life so that everyone has no reason to not feel secure in the ton and elsewhere in the Kingdom.”

“Ah yes, the Garleans tremble in fear of your astute choice of debutant. I for one will sleep better knowing we're safe once Miss Hext has been wedded and in her marriage bed,” Y'shtola hummed.

Thalia narrowed her eyes at her friend then sat up. “There are rumors that you are Lady Matoya, you know. Your tongue is certainly as sharp.”

“Me? I don't know when I'd find the time,” Y'shtola responded dismissively. “And then to risk your ire? I would miss the delicious tea so graciously brewed for us by my cousin.”

“Thank you, Miss,” Y'zel said with a little bow.

Thalia shifted in her seat then pulled out the papers to reread Lady Matoya’s words. “Well let us hope she is right about Miss Lupis in hopes that she is out of our view as fast as she came into it. Her father was a dissenter. Perhaps it is she that is writing against me to gain favour with the ton and you make me look foolish. I shall consider calling upon Lady Griffin before her ball. I can offer my assistance and if an engagement comes from it then it will be by my generosity and not her foresight.”

Y'shtola pursed her lips and stared at the Queen silently as the woman flipped through the papers again. “Tell me, have you noticed that Lord Griffin often hurries to Duke Summer’s side after every dance?”

“If one wishes to propose, I believe one would want to court favor with whoever holds his paramore’s dowry. That is nothing strange.”

“Really? Then I shall forget it then.”

Y'zel tilted his head as his cousin seemed to stare upward at the ceiling as the Queen forced the subject elsewhere. He could not help but think the Queen had missed a well placed trap.

Dear Gentle Reader,

This very well might not even be news, as Lady Gryphon’s annual Hyacinth Ball played host to what seemed like the entire ton. Even I could not keep up with all the faces and exchanges that occurred through the evening. Regardless, nothing could of happened that was more interesting than Miss Fordola’s near total humiliation on the dance floor. Once again Ser Arenvald Lentinis proved that even with it injured, he has more spine than any man in the ton save for our good King. Lord Gryphon might very well have lost his chance with our Citrine.

Yours truly,

Lady Matoya

G'raha smiled as he held Fordola close and spun about the dance floor as hyacinth petals fluttered down about them. It was picturesque, he thought. A brilliant show of beauty and grace and in the background the Duke’s smiling face as he watched.

“This is all a bit much, isn't it? Your mama cornered me early on requesting I make myself ready at the tenth bell as she appears to have hurt her ankle and would appreciate it if I would dance with you in her place at the climax of the night.”

“Is that so,” G’raha said, a slight blush across his cheek. “I am sorry for that. If you’d like, I will go speak to her,” he offered, looking up at the clock as it inched a quarter before the bell.

“If you don’t want to dance with me-”

“That is not it at all! You just seemed to find all of this inundating,” G’raha assured her before stepping back with a bow as their song came to an end.

“I do; however, it will please my brother and I’m sure it’ll pacify your mother. If I have to be made a spectacle of, I’d at least like to do it with someone who I can tolerate,” Fordola huffed.

“Ah, well. I will consider that a high compliment then. If you’ll excuse me. I have something I’d like to discuss with the Duke.”

“Go on then,” Fordola sighed dismissively before checking her dance card to see which suitor would scoop her up next.

G’raha bowed again then removed himself from the floor, finding Keith waiting nearby. He smiled up at the other, feeling the familiar rush of his heartbeat as he drew closer. While he found Fordola to be a delightful change from the usual debutants flung at him by his mother, there was a guilty pang within him that noticed he had begun to approach her so that he might chance upon her brother. “Good evening, your Grace.”

“Not that again,” Keith laughed. “Keith, please for the love of The Twelve.”

“I wouldn’t dare do so without you announcing it. I do not want to run the risk of looking like I’m trying to be too informal with my betters,” G’raha said, grinning wide as he made his friend recoil.

“Betters? Are any of them here? Has the King deigned to join us,” Keith balked, playing along as he scanned the crowd.

“You flatter me too much, sir.”

“Throwing names at the kettle are we then?”

The two laughed, Keith soon clasping his hand onto G’raha’s shoulder a moment as he swayed. G’raha perked up, looking at Keith worried as he clutched his throat a bit. “Is something wrong?”

“My throat burns. Too many spirits I think. I should find a place to sit down,” Keith said before letting out a light cough.

“Come, my study is just down the hall,” G’raha said, taking Keith’s hand in his. As they made their way through to the inner parts of the mansion, G’raha stopped briefly to grab a flute of water before tucking into his study with Keith and sitting him down on the couch.

Keith smiled, taking the water then gratefully downing it as his friend took a seat beside him. “Thank you,” he said, clearing his throat a bit before looking about at the room, finding every wall to be littered with books.

“My father’s collection. I think I’ve read through every single one of them at least twice now. Even the dryer ones,” G’raha said, noting Keith’s wandering gaze.

“Really? That’s rather impressive. I can’t imagine what your library must be like then,” Keith marveled.

“Library?”

“Yeah? Where all the books in the house go?”

“This would be it. You have a library,” G’raha asked, eyes widening.

Keith nodded then leaned back on the couch. “Yeah. I thought all great houses did. We have one and then there’s a smaller one at the main house near Rhalgar’s Reach.”

“Oh. Oh, I would love to see it,” G’raha said, before shaking his head. “No, such collections of books are not of the norm for even the nicest of estates. Most are confined to a study like this. From what I remember of your father, his expansive library was open to the public. When I was a boy my father brought me to visit. I spent hours there poring over pages. It seems your adoptive father inherited the collection.”

“Perhaps. Wait, if you visited, where was I?” Keith asked.

G'raha sat back, shocked at the realization. “You know, I am unsure. I have a vague memory of your eldest brother there but I cannot recall meeting you. I-” G'raha stopped himself, ears sinking as he caught Keith's expression soften. “Apologies. This must be a difficult subject for you.”

“Huh? No. Go on. So few people speak of my family. What do you remember of Sammy,” Keith encouraged, taking G’raha’s hand in his own.

“Oh…,” G'raha said before looking down at where their hands met. “Um, well. As I said, it is vague. He was fascinated with the law. Said he wanted to be a lawyer. I don't remember where you were though.”

“Well, I wasn't one for books,” Keith chuckled, far lighter than normal. “I was probably out being led around on whatever adventure Fordola was on about. Sammy was definitely the smart one though…That brought me a lot of trouble. He could convince me of anything. That day…he told me that sharks could jump onto ships and eat a whole crew and I believed him. I'm kinda gullible…He saved me though, doing that. I wonder if he thought of that when the ship was lost…that he saved me.”

G'raha grunted as Keith squeezed his hand, the other’s face tense as he ground his teeth. Tears were in the corner of his eyes, and before G'raha knew it he was leaning in to brush them away with his free hand. Keith sniffled lightly, looking at him quietly before widening his eyes as G'raha closed in to kiss him.

The Duke remained still, not sure what to make of the other pawing at him. He'd never been kissed, not intimately at least. Still, he was caught in the moment, and somehow he figured to properly part his lips and invite G’raha to continue. On instinct he gripped the back of his head, holding him close as his loins stirred and he started to feel a strange tightness in his trousers. His stomach twisted, unsure whether it was his nerves or excitement, unable to tell the difference being ignorant to the realm of love making.

Still, he did not stop G’raha, finding the other purring softly into his mouth as he expertly worked open the front of his suit. Laid out on his couch, he found himself doing the same, mimicking the movements of the other’s tongue before sitting up and lowering the other onto his back. With a pant, he parted from the kiss, looking into G’raha’s nervous ruby gaze before trailing down to his neck then leaning in to give it a small nip, then a kiss, earning moans from the other under him.

Above them, a clock started to chime for the hour, serenading them as their hips met. G’raha seemed to shudder with delight as their trapped bulges found one another. As the clock reached its tenth bell, G’raha’s ear perked. Squirming, he pushed Keith away then started to pant. “The music has stopped. The dance! Your sister…I’ve abandoned your sister.”

Keith bolted to his feet, stepping back from G’raha as he stood to fix his mussed up suit before starting for the door. He turned, looking to Keith nervously who seemed to be avoiding his gaze with his hand over his mouth, cheeks stained red with embarrassment. “I am sorry,” G’raha whispered before hurrying out back into the hall.

As he returned to the ballroom, the music had started back up. G’raha peaked over the crowd then pushed his way to the front, finding Ser Lentenis wheeling around in a circle with Fordola on his lap, moving in time with the music. Stopping, he let her stand then held her hand as she moved around him. In the distance, he saw his mother wringing out her glove in her hand staring daggers at him from across the way.

“Oh buddy, you’re so lucky,” a chipper voice said from beside him.

Turning, G’raha found Lord U’rahn t Drake watching the Ser Lentenis expertly wheel Fordola about for the party before others started to join in. G’raha swallowed hard. “Yes, it seems good Arenvald came to the rescue while I was engaged elsewhere.”

“A true herrro that one,” U’rahn agreed. “Though I do not think he’ll be able to save you from your mama.”

G’raha chuckled nervously, turning to look over his shoulder as Keith wandered back into the crowd, unable to meet his gaze. His heart sank.

Dear Gentle Reader,

I bring joyous news. It seems the coveted Lord G’raha t Gryphon has formally announced his engagement to the favorite of the season, Miss Fordola Lupis. It is good, for Miss Lupis’s reputation, that Lord Gryphon had been seen so frequently engaged with Duke Summers lest the state they were found in at the time of the proposal might have sparked illicit rumors that might have ruined the poor girl’s reputation. Do not let yourself be taken in by gossip, I can attest that whatever rumor you might hear, that all parties were innocent.

Yours in excitement,

Lady Matoya

“Are you really content to sit upon the shore,” G’raha asked, adjusting Keith’s parasol so as the other sat down on his blanket, Newton crawling up into his lap soon after with a happy bark.

“He’s still scared of open water. You would have a better chance at setting a fire under the waves than getting him on the boat let alone the docks,” Fordola said, tossing Keith a paper-wrapped sandwich from their picnic basket before pulling on G’raha’s arm toward the dock, not noticing the sausage link that she’d absently left out to dangle.

“Yeah…I’m going to be fine here,” Keith said, opening the sandwich lightly, not meeting G’raha’s gaze, as he’d avoided doing ever since the Hyacinth Ball.

“Ah, Miss Lupis. Why don’t you put our lunch on the sailboat and I will be right behind you,” G’raha requested, freeing his arm.

Fordola frowned then turned. “Whatever. Just hurry up. I’m starving. And mind the planks. They’re old,” she said before making her way off the beach and toward the docks.

Once she was out of ear shot, G’raha returned his attention to Keith, squatting down as Newton suddenly started to squirm about in his arms. “Keith…will you never look me in the eye again?”

“I don’t know what you mean. I’ve looked you in the eyes plenty. You shouldn’t keep my sister waiting,” Keith said while trying to keep Newton still. “C’mon boy, chill out.”

“You have not. Not since we…since I assaulted you…”

“What? You did nothing of the sort,” Keith said, nearly losing his grip on his dog as he looked up in shock.

“I did! I forced myself on you and nearly humiliated your sister by acting out,” G’raha protested. “I could not control my feelings at the moment. I did not think about all the lines I was crossing. I just wanted to have you and you have me.”

“Did you not think I wanted the same? I gave just as much as you took; but, you are to be my sister’s happiness and nothing comes before that for me. If she wishes to keep accepting your courting, I cannot stop her,” Keith said before shaking his head and patting the struggling Newton. “She is my only family left.”

G’raha balled his fists. He wanted to tell Keith the real reason for his courting Miss Lupis, but even with the other admitting consent he could not bring himself to disappoint him by admitting his true inclinations for her brother. Men dueled for less. “Then I hope she accepts someone that will not give you cause for worry, so that way you might find your own happiness,” G’raha managed to get out, ears and tail falling limp.

Keith didn’t answer, but seemed to gaze down at his boots before feeling Newton slip from his arms and race down the beach toward the docks. “Newton! Hells! Newton!” he cried out, shifting onto his feet to give chase with G’raha.

“Slow down! Newton!” G’raha called after, hurrying with Keith to the dock.

Newton barked happily as he continued to give chase, rushing by folks until hitting the dock and chasing down Fordola and the stray sausage sticking out from her basket, only to fall through a gap in the planks. G’raha hurried to look over to find the dog paddling happily in the gentle waves below and barking. He turned, looking back at Keith who was on his knees at where the docks met the sand holding himself. Before he could go to say everything was okay, the wood under him gave and he fell, hitting his head against the opposite plank. As he hit the water, everything went dark.

When he stirred again, he felt a pair of soft lips on his own and little licks on his cheeks. Sitting up, he coughed up seawater then rubbed his eyes, finding his jacket missing and his white shirt stuck to him with seawater. Beside him on the dock, a very wet Newton sat then wagged up at him while Fordola panted on his opposite side, soaked in her dressing gown. “You idiot. I warned you,” she scolded.

“Yes,” he said, flushing at the state of her undress.

Looking to the beach, he saw Keith where he’d last seen him. Beyond people were starting to take notice, U’rahn t Drake and Ser Arenvald being among the crowd as the latter wheeled down to Keith with the former riding on the back of his chair. With Fordola’s help, they returned to shore, finding the Duke almost in tears as he shook.

“We’re fine brother, we’re fine,” Fordola said softly, lowering to her knees to hug her brother.

“Rahn, go fetch Miss Lupis’s gown. This attention will not be good,” Arenvald said, his friend giving a nod and hurrying down the docks to collect Fordola’s discarded things. “Is everything alright? I fear the sand will stall me, but my lungs are hearty enough to call for help, though a delay might be wise. Should a crowd come upon Miss Lupis undressed as she is…”

“I was saving his life,” Fordola snapped. “They can mind their own business. My dignity or virtue or whatever those gossips care about does not outweigh the life of another. My brother is the one that needs care. He’s in shock. His family was lost to the sea, y’know,” she said, arm around Keith.

G’raha shook his head then looked out as people started to gather close. “It will be your life forfeit. Your brother wants nothing more than to see you settled in a life that will keep you happy. If anyone spied us on the docks and got the wrong idea your place in society will be compromised by jealous tongue wagging and the schemes of those who wish to see you fall out. That Lady Matoya painted a rather large target upon your back. You will become untouchable,” he started before getting onto his knee, looking Keith in the eye as he picked up his hand. “Keith…I mean your Grace. Please allow me to propose to your sister…and Fordola, please do me the honor of accepting. We might not be a love match but we are good company and I can ensure you a life that you might do as you please.”

Keith gave a little nod, petting Newton as the wet dog crawled up into his lap. His family restored, he took in a deep breath then looked up at everyone. “Yes, that…that seems for the best,” he said as Fordola helped him to his feet in time for U’rahn to return with her basket and dress for her to put back on.

“I could do worse,” Fordola said in the mess of fabric before popping her head out from the top. “Fine. I accept.”

G’raha’s heart raced as he gave a nod before Arenvald turned in his chair to look back at the crowd. “Clear a path! Lord Drake and his fiance have suffered a small accident on the docks and the Duke is in a fit of shock! Get back!” he ordered, letting U’rahn help him back up the hill to part people out of the way so that the trio and Newton could advance forward behind them.

Dear Gentle Reader,

It warms my heart to see how year after year the ton doesn't cease to give us a surprise. Gentle reader, it is true what they say: True love is not selfish. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures.

Yours in love,

Lady Matoya

G’raha swallowed as he stood at the front of the church, the priest impatiently drumming his fingers upon the Enchiridion as he waited. His brothers stood behind him, occasionally reaching out to pat his back while his mother sat teary eyed up front with his sisters. Across the aisle a few people from town sat, Lord Drake and Ser Letinis up front giving him a thumbs up of encouragement. On the bride’s side, Newton sat in a little peach bow tie, wagging his little stub of a tail.

Soon the music started and through the doors Duke Summers in his cream suit and Miss Lupis in her peach dress laced with little purple flowers started their procession forward together. Arriving at the altar, Keith kissed his sister’s forehead then led her up to G’raha before taking his place to stand behind her with Newton.

“Well then, if we are finally ready to begin,” the priest said before clearing his throat to start the ceremony.

G’raha smiled, not really paying attention as the man spoke, looking at Fordola as she stared neutrally back before letting his gaze slip up toward Keith’s. Eyes locked, he inhaled nervously unable to push back the pang of loss in his heart, noting a similar expression on Keith’s face: An unspoken melancholy of a future together, but at the same time apart. G’raha’s attention returning to Fordola, he found her tracing where his attention had gone. “Oh, swive me,” she breathed out, getting a startled gasp from the audience.

“I beg your pardon Miss! This is a holy place,” the priest cut in.

“By the Twelve, you’re both such idiots,” Fordola huffed, ignoring the priest before turning to her brother. “You’re both in love aren’t you?”

The crowd murmured as G’raha was taken aback, stumbling back into one of his brothers only to be pushed forward as Keith shook his head. “F-Fordola. Please. Don’t-” the Duke protested before finding his sister putting her flowers in G’raha’s hands then pushing her brother forward.

“I am not about to sit here and be sold off and spend my days being a third wheel in my own marriage. I had my suspicions, but your Lord here cannot get through our wedding ceremony without giving you a longing stare. For once, do something for yourself and not worry about me. I can take care of myself.”

Keith gulped, looking at G’raha with the flowers then to the increasingly annoyed priest staring daggers between them. Without realizing it, he found himself reaching down to take G’raha’s in his, looking at it then up to his nervous face.

“Did we get ourselves sorted out,” the priest asked.

“I…I think so,” Keith breathed out before turning to his sister, “But- What about you?”

Fordola rolled her eyes then turned and pointed into the front row. “You. You want to spend the rest of our days getting to know one another?”

“Me,” U’rahn asked, pointing to himself as he stood up eagerly.

“No.”

“Oh,” U’rahn sounded before lowering his ears and taking a seat as he looked to Arenvald as he wheeled forward.

“Truly,” he asked, brows raised high.

“Aside from my brother’s love here you’re the only one that has been tolerable and I find you pleasing to the eyes and enjoy your humor. You could have worse offers,” Fordola huffed, cheeks turning red as she looked away.

“I accept then,” Arenvald said, wheeling forward, taking Fordola by the hand to guide her into his lap.

“Can you multitask,” Fordola asked, looking up at the priest.

“...When there is a very large, generous donation from Duke Summers on the horizon, I suppose,” the priest answered unamused, raising his brow toward Keith.

“O-Of course,” Keith breathed out before looking at G'raha and grinning.

“Very well then. Unless there’s someone else wanting to interrupt and make this day any stranger…” the priest trailed before returning to the ceremony.

Once it finished, the hall filled with music once more leaving Keith to lean in and kiss G’raha then take his hand to escort him away with Newton following behind. “Well, this was…unexpected…are dowries exchanged here? We might have to look into that. Ah, no matter. We’re starting a life together. What do we even do now?”

G’raha balked as they paused just outside the church, “Have you not given marriage any thought?”

Keith shook his head. “I wanted to get Fordola settled but beyond that I had no plans for myself. Once she was happy, I was going to continue the work my birth parents started. Y’know, charities and all that. Hey! There’s an idea, we can open up the library again and you can run it!”

“Yes, charities will be a good use of our time…and I would love to see those books…though I suppose, I will be living among them. We have so much to figure out,” G’raha breathed out.

“We do. But we can figure it out together,” Keith said before leaning down to kiss his new husband before leading him off to their happily ever after.

Inside, Fordola wrapped her arm around Arenvald and let him start wheeling after her brothers. They paused briefly as Arenvald caught U’rahn crying in the front row. “You okay,” he asked, putting a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“Yeah. It was just all so beautiful,” U’rahn said before wiping at his face and beaming up at the happy couple. “That was trrrue love!”

Dear Gentle Reader,

The Summers-Lupis Library has finally been opened to the public, promising a wealth of knowledge to a town for their perusing. While we all had a shock of seeing the Duke take up Lord Gryphon as his betrothed, it seems their union is destined to be a happy one. Even the King and Queen are said to have come to the opening of their estate to the public to congratulate them on their marriage and give their marked approval of the library.

Many have been chomping at the bit as to what will be made of the Dukedom’s line. While the happy couple has declared they will soon be looking into adopting after their newlywed phase, Duke Summers has requested to pass the title to his sister’s first eligible heir, returning the title to the family who had graciously taken him in. Speaking of Mrs. Linitus, an heir, is rumored to be on the way!

With the season coming to a close, I wish you all safe travels back to your estates and look forward to reuniting with you next summer.

Yours truly,

Lady Matoya

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jadejedi · 1 year ago

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Fantasy Book Review: The Tarot Sequence (Books 1-3) by K.D. Edwards

JJ’s rating: 4.5/5

How feral did it make me: 5/5

My book reviews

Okay, I read these kind of randomly, not really sure what I was getting into, and oh my god. Oh my god!! Okay, so most of the sci-fi/fantasy books I have read other than these were written by AFAB authors in their 20s and 30s. Which is great, and fine, but that’s a fairly limited perspective. These novels were written by an asexual man in his forties (sorry Keith, just sort of guessing on your age here lmao) and is it weird to say that it’s kind of refreshing to read a mlm romance actually written by a queer man? No, I don’t think so. These books, despite the dark topics they sometimes cover, feel like warm coziness to me. Reading these books feels like following along with a group of your beloved friends. God. I love them.

Summary time! In a world in which Atlantis was a secret society of demigods called the Arcana (all named after tarot cards) before being destroyed in a civil war with humanity, the remaining Atlantean society has relocated to the island formerly called Nantucket. Rune St. John is the last son of the Sun Court, the rest of the Sun Court destroyed in a mysterious attack that left Rune with emotional, mental, and physical scars. Rune and his Companion (think platonic soulmate meets bodyguard), Brand, hire out their work essentially as mercenaries to scrape by. When a son of Lady Justice goes missing, Rune and Brand are hired to find him. Also, they acquire an orphaned teenager? Are they fathers now? They might be fathers now.

These characters guys. Holy shit. They are perfect to me. K.D. Edwards was really out here like, what if I just… smash every toxically masculine stereotype out there? What if I make a snarky bodyguard character who unabashedly loves his best friend? What if these two men who have known each other all their lives are not afraid to be open about how important they are to each other and how much they genuinely LOVE each other? What if I make a romantic interest who is patient and kind and loving and not at all threatened by the relationship between his boyfriend and his boyfriend’s oldest and most important relationship? What if I create a relationship between these three men that blurs the lines between romantic and platonic?? What if I create an urban fantasy society in which queerness is normal and accepted, and where polyamory is normal and accepted? What if I make a group of characters who need a family and then FIND ONE WITH EACH OTHER???? WHAT. THEN????? (then we all cry, that’s what)

FUCK!

These books are fun, witty, full of monsters and villains, but also some of the most heartwarming characters and relationships I’ve ever read??? Like, god. These are some of the few books that I have bought both audio book and e-book copies because I could not put them down. I *had* to be reading them, if I were at home, or at work, or in the car. And as soon as I finished them, I picked up the first one and reread them.

This series is planned to be a trilogy of trilogies, with books 1-3 currently finished, and book 4 being written right now. I am so excited for more of this series, I can’t even tell you. Dear god.

There is some dark content covered in these books, specifically based around what happened to the Rune on the night when his father’s court was destroyed, so if you have any questions about trigger warnings, don’t hesitate to ask.

These books are an absolute DELIGHT. They are the queer fantasy I’ve always wanted to read, because Edwards understands that what makes the queer community special is the COMMUNITY. It’s about finding and CHOOSING your family, bitch!

Here’s a meme I made a while back to convince people to read these books (yes I spelled dinosaur wrong. oops):

READ THEM!!!

#the tarot sequence #fantasy book review #mlm #soulmates #guys i just finished reading these for the third time #SO GOOD #book review #urban fantasy #alternate history

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erithel · 2 years ago

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This is a different perspective but could the popularity of Keith's characterization be contributing to how Lance's is view. I swear every new show has a Keith in it but not many have a Lance. That lone wolf orphan bad boy with a heart of gold is everywhere. It's easy to write cause there's so many variations of it already written that we've read a billion times. (And I love them all)

But not Lance's characterization, it's not as common in other media. People are not as exposed to the depths that his characterization can have. This results in him being portrayed like every other character.

And the farther away we get from the show the worse it gets. People who say they haven't watched it in years or those who say they haven't watched at all are common now. They have their reasons but it makes it hard to remember details of Lance's character if you don't.

This is just how it looks to me but I'm right there with anon. So many fics leave me with an itch unscratch because Lance was not our beloved Lance.

So this is interesting.

And this could play a major role in the discourse, because yeah, if you break their characters down to the most basic level you get:

Keith the loner bad boy with a tragic backstory, and

Lance, the comic relief

In no show/movie or book that I can think of has "the comic relief" been given anything more significant in terms of development than "the loner": We always get to find out why the tragic one is tragic, but never question why the funny one is funny.

I will fully admit, Keith was my absolute favorite character in the beginning. And that was because I definitely had a "type" when it came to favorite characters, as I'm sure many people do.

Keith, Zuko, Bucky Barnes, Gaara -

And then everything changed when the fire nation attacked I watched My Hero Academia.

Because based on experience and type, my favorite character should have been Todoroki.

But nope.

My favorite character is Kirishima.

I mean, just look at him. No tragic backstory. No daddy issues (lol). Just a ball of positivity and motivation, and an honestly a really good take on manliness.

It didn't make sense to me, until we got to the part where we saw all of his personal insecurities about not being enough.

And that's when I started to view Lance differently.

Don't get me wrong, I still thrive off of the tragic backstory trope for the sake of angst. But it can also be hugely innovative if you start thinking "hey, maybe this positive/funny character is that way because it's the only way they can make it through the day."

And that leads to moments and thoughts of "hey, what if that positive/funny character slipped up one day? What if something happened that they couldn't cope with in their normal method?"

Lance is the type of character you have to sit with a little while to truly start to understand his potential, which is essentially why the way his story arc was handled was so detrimental.

(I will admit that I have not watched the show in a long time. And I do feel like the way I have been writing klance lately could also be straying away from their canon selves - so honestly these past few posts could easily come across as hypocritical... but I hope that's not the case.)

Regardless, though, there are just so many things about Lance that set his character apart from the others, and make his so interesting to write.

And with him, I think it's most interesting when he's not just seen as the comic relief, but as someone who uses humor in this weird mix of simultaneously trying to hide his true self, while also trying to be seen and noticed.

#asks #lance mcclain #voltron legendary defender #characterization #eijiro kirishima

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steelcityreviews · 11 months ago

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REVIEW: Theatre Aquarius' POLLYANNA the Musical... a heartfelt delight for the holiday season

Emily Watt as Pollyanna Photography by: Dahlia Katz

Hamilton's Theatre Aquarius takes a bold, optimistic step with introducing a beloved children's book and classic live-action Disney adaptation starring Hayley Mills (who won a special Oscar for her role) to the stage with Pollyanna. There have been other adaptations throughout the years such as Polly, featuring an all-black leading cast and the most recent adaptation from 2003 is now 20 years old. Pollyanna was overdue for a retelling and her story, reimaged for the stage, fills Theatre Aquarius with light, love and infectious joy which couldn't have come at a better time during the holiday season.

The show wastes no time introducing the astounding Emily Watt as Pollyanna. We learn quickly of her situation: she is recently orphaned and sent to live with her aunt Polly whom she is named after. The town is intrigued by this frumpy little child who seems to have an almost unrealistically optimistic outlook given all she has been through. The opening number also wastes no time ensuring that the majority of the townsfolk, and by proxy, the audience, fall instantly in love with her. Watt's vocal and acting talents are, to put it mildly, incredible and she matches the skills of her seasoned castmates with a professionalism and grace well beyond her years. Look out for her. She is a star in the making.

Equally impressive is the breathtaking Jessica Sherman as Aunt Polly who, with extremely short notice, took the opening night lead while Michelle Barsach recovers from illness. Her stern and unwavering belief in duty is the much needed juxtaposition pitted against her gleeful niece and unlike the film, is the show's only true conflict. Watching Sherman's feelings play out through song was a refreshing way of understanding her past relationships and her change of heart is satisfying.

One of the unexpected stand out performances in the show is Adam Brazier as Pendleton, a disgruntled, hermitted man who is charmed by young Pollyanna and her ragamuffin friend Jimmy Bean (a sassy and delightful Athan Giazitzidis). His song Prisms was one of the few songs that actually stuck with me after the show, was sung with soaring emotion and really demonstrates the need to see people, places and things in a different light. He acts as a fatherly figure and there are moments on the stage where you can see he guides not only the characters of Pollyanna and Jimmy but the actors playing them as well which shows a real dedication and care toward his cast mates.

If Pollyanna is the heart of the show, the ensemble is truly its soul. Incredible performances from Linda Kash as cantankerous Mrs. Snow, Keith Savage as a jaw-dropping, unexpectedly tap dancing groundskeeper William, and Kelsey Verzotti as the eager and endearing maid Nancy. I also loved every moment Charlotte Moore had on stage, stealing the scene as the gossipy delight Widow Benton. Collectively, the ensemble are vocally stunning, enthusiastic and high energy. They embody the joy Pollyanna brings to their small town and carry it through even when tragedy strikes. Wonderful work by all.

It cannot be stressed enough how creatively designed this production is. The set design is minimalistic but the designs used pay great attention to the time period and takes the audience back to much simpler times. The lighting complements these designs and enhances the scene transitions beautifully. The only slight issue I had was seeing a large, foreboding looking tree in nearly every scene. As a film fan, I knew what that tree's presence meant and yet, it is never utilized beyond it being a set piece which I was slightly let down by. Clearly, as a staged musical, elements from the film versions needed to be altered for actor safety. The injury our beloved glad girl suffers is taken from the book's source material. This is my way of saying if you expect the musical to play out like the film, you will be surprised but hopefully not disappointed by the changes.

Pollyanna the Musical is a show that will warm the heart of any cynic. It is infectiously joyful, quick paced and leaves you feeling very grateful for what you have in life. Despite the current common use of the term to mean "excessively cheerful," the concept of Pollyanna's "glad game" as a method of coping with the real difficulties and sorrows that, along with luck and joy, will ultimately shape every life. This offers the opportunity for audience members to reflect on the world's current situations and how we can find glimmers of hope to change it for the better. Go and see Pollyanna the Musical this holiday season. You'll be glad you did.

For tickets and more information, please visit: https://theatreaquarius.org/events/pollyanna/

The company of Pollyanna the Musical Photography by: Dahlia Katz

#hamiltonontheatre #theatreaquarius

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loveafterthefact · 4 years ago

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Love After the Fact Chapter 52: I Promise with my Hands, my Smile, my Lips Against His

Lance takes a moment to put things in perspective for Krolia.

First Previous Next

The serum burns like acid as it enters his veins. The feeling doesn’t dilute as it mixes with his blood, the awful burn causing his hearts to beat faster and harder, spreading fire through his system until his entire body feels like it’s aflame.

It’s been almost half a varga. And this won’t be the only time he endures this. Still, it means he’ll be able to enjoy more of his stay, teach Lance about his home.

Worth it.

Head in Lance’s lap, Keith’s curled around his spouse’s form, unable to bite back an occasional chirp. Lance murmurs softly, stroking his hair, rubbing his ear. “It’s alright, beloved. It’ll be over soon. Does it always hurt this much?”

“Difficult to say, but it’s not uncommon for them to scream.”

“Wonderful. Thank you.” the Altean glares, bottom stuck out.

Thace merely shrugs. “Pain is not so alien for my people as it is for yours.”

“Pain is not alien to my people.” Those blue and pink eyes narrow. “Much of my generation is made of orphans.”

The prince turns away from the young medic’s panicked apology, focusing on the kit curled around him, face pressed against his belly. To his surprise, Krolia sits next to him, cautiously takes over rubbing Keith’s exposed ear. The kit takes his hand, holds it against his chest.

“Breathe, beloved. Breathe.” Which Keith does, though with effort, forcing his previously shallow breaths to expand and deepen. “Good. That’s so good, beloved.”

“Don’t you baby-talk me. Save it for our kits.”

“Even now, you’re so sassy. Don’t ever stop.” Lance brushes his thumb over Keith’s knuckles. “Hey, what do you think Adam’s doing right now?”

“Making out with Shiro in some shady corner like a couple of pubescents,” Keith gasps, grateful for the distraction. “They’re so gross.”

“It’s really good for Adam, though, even if it doesn’t work out. It’s a brand new experience for him.”

“It’s new for -Fuck, that hurts!- It’s new for Shiro, too. He’s been alone for so long.”

“Did he lose somebody?”

“Not a mate. He’s been in the army in some capacity since he was a kit. He- He never really had time for someone. No one ever caught his eye.” Keith heaves a sigh as the pain fades away, leaving him comparatively cool, his muscles lax, his eyes drooping.

“You alright, beloved?” Lance strokes his hair, tugs gently on the end of his braid. Keith nods, nosing against his stomach. “Tired?” Another nod. Lance lifts their joined hands briefly to his lips. “Rest here for a bit. It’ll make it easier for Adam to find us, anyway… Go ahead and sleep, beloved.”

Keith, it seems, doesn’t need any more encouragement, slipping back into the same sound sleep he’s been in and out of for a while now as his apparently hypermetabolized body struggles to find enough energy to carry out its tasks. Thace is in the other room with his kit, so Lance takes this as an opportunity.

“You must think very little of me. I would have preferred Lanval not told you of my misbehaviour.”

“You are not what I wanted for my son. He is intersex, a blessing to our people. It should have been his gods-given right to choose his mate. His right, before anyone else’s… I thought you would force yourself upon him, engender him to you.”

“Where I come from, such an act is a crime. Unless your father is a king, it would seem.” Lance sighs. “I gave up my trick for him. I had always played up my antics, spending too much money, traipsing about with various other people on my arm. When I became king, I was going to make a grand show of putting my wild days behind me, stepping up to be the leader my people needed.”

“Power is a matter of perception.” Krolia nods. “I know this philosophy well. My mate was fond of throwing it around when he grew particularly bitter with the world... I imagine you understand.”

“ Now more than ever, yes. I am no longer certain how to make my ascension significant in the eyes of my people now that I’ve given myself up, but I couldn’t do that to him. Someone so brave, and good- I didn’t want to destroy that.”

“If you’re trying to get me to like you-”

“I don’t care whether you like me or not. Your opinion on the matter carries no weight here or on Altea. However…” Lance’s eyes stare into Krolia’s, uncharacteristically hard. “I want you to consider what turning us against each other will mean for your son. I must bed him for the sake of this marriage and alliance. I must impregnate him at least twice to assure the continuation of my culture and my family’s legacy. We must raise our children and rule our kingdom together. This alliance depends on that.

“Our lives are irretrievably intertwined. If nothing else, consider how much easier and happier his life might be if he and I are an actual couple. Keep your silence, let us be as we choose, and I promise you your son will want for nothing.”

Krolia stares at her son’s head in Lance’s lap, listens to the chiming of the ornaments in the Altean’s ears as he leans over his sleeping spouse, brushing his thumb over his cheek. Those words still hold little against the care this prince lavishes so freely over her son. In the words of Akira, actions speak louder than words, and Lance’s actions sing.

The mother sighs. “I concede your point. Make him happy.”

“All the days of my life. I swear it.”

“The word of an Altean prince isn’t worth the breath in his lungs, but I suppose it’ll have to do.”

Keith stirs. “What’s this about Lance’s words?”

“Nothing, kitten. He just doesn’t shut up.”

“Hm.” The kit adjusts his grip on Lance’s hand, smiling. “He really doesn’t- Oh.” Keith’s violet eyes go wide.

“What is it, beloved?”

“Lance. A whole phoeb. At least a phoeb without Seran and Renli!”

Lance’s laugh is like windchimes, high and clear and bright. “Ah, that does sound lovely. Say, Adam should be here soon and Allura will find us as befits her. What would you like to do today?”

“The truth?” Keith asks. Lance just smiles, strokes his hair with his free hand. “I want to go home and see BleepBloop.”

“BleepBloop?” The prince cocks his head. “What’s a BleepBloop?”

“My childhood pet. When- When I left, Shiro told me not to bring anything because it would all get taken away. I only brought my blade because I thought I could hide it.”

“I would have put the fear of the Ancients into them if they took your pet. After you terrorized them, of course.”

“I know that now, but…” Keith studies their joined hands. “I didn’t then.”

Lance opens his mouth, ready to say some sweet nothing, when Adam slips into the room. “Your Majesties. The Imperial family welcomes us with open arms and good grace. We may go where we choose and do as we like, so long as we respect the people and their customs… What did I miss?”

“Some liquid fire being injected into my body. Think I’d rather be eaten by a kronil.” Keith sits up, stretching his arms up over his head. “I for one would like to go back to my den and change into some more comfortable clothes. Then-”

“See your pet and eat something? Yes that sounds very good.” Lance coaxes his spouse to his feet.

Another, older Galra enters, smiles when he sees Keith. “Hey, little one. Have you gone and got smaller?”

“Fuck off, Ulaz.” The young Galra laughs all the same, ears perked and happy. A friend.

“Seen Thace?”

“In the other room, nursing Raj. They’re super cute by the way. Good job.”

“Pfft. Thace did all the work. I’m just lucky my mate’s a pretty one. Otherwise they’d probably all end up looking like me.”

“Yeah, they’d be born looking all old and wrinkly and gross.” Keith sticks his tongue out at the older Galra.

“All kits are born two of those things, little one. You’ll see.”

Keith scoffs, but Lance laughs. “Actually, he’s right. Brand new babies all look like little grubs with faces. Ours will be no different.”

The unimpressed look on Keith’s face has Lance, Ulaz, and even the ever-quiet Krolia laughing.

“Alright. I’d better go see if Thace needs anything. You all take care. Keith, bring that Altean of yours and join us for dinner one night. I’m telling the kits you’re coming, so don’t go making a liar out of me. They outnumber us more than two to one now, and I am super doomed if Thace sides with them.”

“We’ll come; I promise. Tell Thace thanks from me.” Keith smiles, slips his hand into Lance’s, only to skip ahead, lighter than Lance has ever seen.

Lance nods his thanks as Krolia lifts a box from the nearby table. It’s full of serum doses. He watches his spouse’s antics, bouncing with every step, smiling through the halls and out into that sunlight he’s clearly missed so very much. He already knows that leaving will be hard for both of them.

#LoveAftertheFact #LAtF #klance #galtean au #altean lance #galra keith #adashi #altean adam #galra shiro #voltron legendary defender #vld

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aletdownsquid · 5 years ago

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Comprehensive Exam Readings

My research “question”:

Many writers of U.S. fiction insert nonfiction documents into their narratives to critique how marginalized citizens are excluded from their rights to equal protection granted by the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. I’m interested in how African American authors and other writers of color have employed these strategies since the end of World War II; for example, the inclusion of real warrants for runaway slaves in Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, or passages from U.S. treaties with Native American tribes featured in Watershed by Percival Everrett. In the essay, I will identify, historicize, and examine some of these conventions, and drawing upon Assemblage Theory and Third Space theory, explore how these subversions of the fiction genre might allow authors of color to highlight historical truths, erase some of the distance between literary and political realms, and possibly affect political change.

To be completed by September 2020. (note: Strikethrough is complete / Bold means I intend to cite them in my comprehensive exam)

U.S. Fiction (Post ‘45): Major List

Guiding Questions:

How do works of geopolitical American fiction since the end of WWII explore the ways in which American exceptionalism has subjugated people of color? Specifically, how do these works examine the ways American colonial rule define U.S.–indigenous relations; and how do these works continue to engage with race in America since the Civil Rights movement?

Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. Americanah. Anchor, 2014.

Akwaeke, Emezi. Freshwater. Grove, 2018.

Alvarez, Julia. How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents. Algonquin, 2010.

Aswany, Alaa Al. Chicago. Harper, 2008

Baldwin, James. Giovanni’s Room. Vintage, 2013.

Barthleme, Donald. “Concerning the Bodyguard,” Sixty Stories. Penguin, 2003.

Beatty, Paul. The White Boy Shuffle. Picador, 2001.

Chabon, Michael. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. Random House, 2012.

Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. Vintage, 1991.

Clemmons, Zinzi. What We Lose. Viking, 2017.

Currie Jr., Ron. God is Dead: Stories. Penguin, 2008.

Diaz, Junot. The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Riverhead, 2006.

Egan, Jennifer. A Visit from the Goon Squad. Anchor, 2010.

Ellison, Ralph. Invisible Man. Vintage, 1995.

Everett, Percival. Watershed. Beacon Press, 2003.

Gay, Roxane. Ayiti. Grove Press, 2018.

Gibson, William. Pattern Recognition. Berkley, 2005.

Greene, Graham. The Quiet American. Penguin, 1980.

Habila, Helon. Travelers. W.W. Norton & Company, 2019.

Hagedorn, Jessica. Dogeaters. Pantheon, 1990.

Hamid, Mohsin. The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Harvest, 2008.

Herrera, Yuri. Signs Preceding the End of the World. And Other Stories, 2015.

James, Marlon. A Brief History of Seven Killings. Riverhead, 2015.

Jarrar, Randa. A Map of Home. Other Press, 2008.

Jen, Gish. Typical American. Harcourt, 2014.

Johnson, Adam. The Orphan Master’s Son. Random House, 2013.

Johnson, Mat. Pym. Spiegel & Grau, 2011.

Kaulfus, Ken. A Disorder Peculiar to the Country. Harper Perennial, 2006.

Kingston, Maxine Hong. The Woman Warrior. Vintage, 1989.

Kushner, Rachel. The Strange Case of Rachel K. New Directions, 2016.

Lahiri, Jhumpa. Interpreter of Maladies: Stories. Mariner, 1999.

Lapcharoensap, Rattawut. Sightseeing: Stories. Grove Press, 2005.

Le Nam. The Boat: Stories. Vintage, 2009.

Lee, Chang-rae. Native Speaker. Riverhead Books, 1996.

Luiselli, Valeria. The Story of My Teeth. Coffee House Press, 2015.

Mathews, John Joseph. Sundown. University of Oklahoma Press, 1988.

Mbue, Imbolo. Behold the Dreamers. Random House, 2017.

Mengetsu, Dinaw. How to Read the Air. Riverhead, 2011.

Momaday, N. Scott. House Made of Dawn. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2010.

Ng, Celeste. Everything I Never Told You. Penguin Books, 2015.

Nguyen, Viet Thanh. The Sympathizer. Grove Press, 2015.

Nguyen, Viet Thanh. The Refugees: Stories. Grove Press, 2018.

Okada, John. No-No Boy. University of Washington Press, 2014.

Orange, Tommy. There There. Vintage, 2018.

Otsuka, Julie. The Buddha in the Attic. Anchor, 2012.

Ozeki, Ruth. A Tale for the Time Being. Penguin Books, 2013.

Packer, ZZ. Drinking Coffee Elsewhere: Stories. Riverhead, 2004.

Pena, Daniel. Bang. Arte Publico, 2018.

Reed, Ishmael. Japanese by Spring. Scribner, 1993.

Reed, Ishmael. Mumbo Jumbo. Scribner, 1972.

Rekdal, Paisley. Intimate: An American Family Photo Album. Tupelo Press, 2012.

Salesses, Matthew. The Hundred-Year Flood. Little A, 2015.

Sebald, W.G. The Emigrants. New Directions, 2016.

Shamsie, Kamila. Burnt Shadows. Picador, 2009.

Silko, Leslie Marmon. Ceremony. Penguin Books, 2006.

Washington, Bryan. Lot: Stories. Riverhead, 2019.

Williams, John Alfred. The Man Who Cried I Am. Harry N. Abrams, 2004.

Wright, Richard. Native Son.Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2005.

Vonnegut, Kurt. Slaughterhouse Five. Dial Press, 1999.

Vonnegut, Kurt. Breakfast of Champions. Dial Press, 1999.

African-American Iconoclast Fictions: Minor List

Guiding Questions:

What methods do African-American fiction writers use to interrogate racial subjugation for people of color in the United States and across the Global South?

Adjei-Brenyah, Nana Kwame. Friday Black. Mariner Books, 2018

Baldwin, James. Go Tell it On the Mountain. Everyman’s Library, 2016.

Baldwin, James. “Sonny’s Blues.” Going to Meet the Man. Vintage, 1995.

Beatty, Paul. The Sellout. Picador, 2016.

Bell, Derrick. “Space Traders”

Brooks, Gwendolyn. Maud Martha. Third World Press, 1992.

Butler, Octavia. Dawn. Aspect, 1997.

Butler, Octavia. Kindred. Beacon Press, 2009.

Cole, Teju. Open City. Random House, 2012.

DuBois, W.E.B., “On Being Crazy.”

Dumas, Henry. Goodbye Sweetwater.

Ellis, Trey. Platitudes. Vintage, 1988.

Everett, Percival. Erasure. Graywolf Press, 2001.

Gaines, Ernest J. A Lesson Before Dying. Knopf, 1993.

Hannaham, James. Delicious Foods. Back Bay Books, 2016.

Hopkinson, Nalo. Falling in Love with Hominids: Stories. Tachyon Publications, 2015.

Hopkinson, Nalo. Midnight Robber. Grand Central Publishing, 2000.

Hughes, Langston. “One Friday Morning”

Hughes, Langston. “Salvation.”

Hurston, Zora Neale. “Sweat”

James, Marlon. The Book of Night Women. Riverhead, 2010.

Jones, Edward P. The Known World. Amistad, 2006.

Keene, John. Counternarratives: Stories and Novella. New Directions, 2015.

Kincaid, Jamaica. “Girl”

Larsen, Nella. The Complete Fiction of Nella Larsen: Passing, Quicksand and The Stories. Anchor, 2001.

Laymon, Kiese. Long Division. Agate Bolden, 2013.

Mackey, Nathaniel. Late Arcade. New Directions, 2017.

MacPherson, James Alan. Hue and Cry: Short Stories. Harper Collins, 1969.

McFarland, Jeni. The House of Deep Water. Putnam, 2020.

Miller, Keith D., Joyce Lausch and Kevin Everod Quashie. New Bones: Contemporary Black Writers in America. Prentice Hall, 2001.

Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Vintage, 2004.

Morrison, Toni. Jazz. Vintage, 2004.

Morrison, Toni. Paradise. Vintage, 2004.

Reed, Ishmael. Flight to Canada. Penguin, 1976.

Ross, Fran. Oreo. New Directions, 2015.

Scott, Rion Amilcar. The World Doesn’t Require You: Stories. Liverlight, 2018.

Senna, Danzy. New People. Riverhead, 2017.

Shuyler, George. Black No More. Penguin Classics, 2018.

Thompson-Spires, Nafissa. Heads of Colored People: Stories. 37 Ink, 2018.

Toomer, Jean. Cane. W.W. Norton & Company, 1988.

Toure. The Portable Promise Land. Back Bay Books, 2003.

Whitehead, Colson. Sag Harbor. Anchor, 2010.

Whitehead, Colson. The Underground Railroad. Doubleday, 2016.

Widerman, John Edgar. American Histories: Stories. Scribner, 2018.

Wideman, John Edgar. Phildelphia Fire. Vintage, 1991

Wideman, John Edgar. Fanon. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2008.

Theory: Assemblage & Third Space Theory

Guiding Questions:

Can fiction be used as a tool to engender a new sense of belonging while rejecting a stable state of being? If so, how can this framework of assemblage be applied in fiction to highlight the ways local identities intersect with shared global perspectives? Can an assemblage approach to fiction encourage accountability for civil rights without state sanctioned legal status?

Agamben, G., 1998. Homo Sacer: Sovereign Power and Bare Life. Translated by D. Heller-Roazen. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press.

Anzaldua, Gloria. Borderlands / La Frontera: The New Mestiza. Aunt Lute Books, 2012.

Anzaldua, Gloria. Light in the Dark/Luz en lo Oscuro: Rewriting Identity, Spirituality, Reality (Latin America Otherwise). Duke University Press Books, 2015.

Appiah, Kwame Anthony. “The Case for Contamination." The New York Times Jan. 2006. 5 Nov. 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/01/magazine/01cosmopolitan.html

Bakshi, Sandeep, Jivraj Suhraiya and Silvia Posocco. Decolonizing Sexualities: Transnational Perspectives, Critical Interventions. Counterpress, 2016.

Belletto, Steven and Joseph Keith. Neocolonial Fictions of the Global Cold War, University of Iowa Press, 2019.

Bhabha, Homi K. Nation and Narration. Routledge, 1990.

Bruynell, Kevin. Third Space of Sovereignty. University Of Minnesota Press, 2007.

DeLanda, Manuel. Assemblage Theory. Edinburgh University Press, 2016.

DeLanda, Manuel. A New Philosophy of Society: Assemblage Theory and Social Complexity. Continuum, 2006.

Dubey, Madhu. Signs and Cities: Black Literary Postmodernism. University of Chicago Press, 2003.

Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth. Grove Press, 2005.

Gates, Henry Louis. The Signifying Monkey. Oxford University Press, 1988.

Gwaltney, John Langston. Drylongso: A Self-Portrait of Black America. The New Press, 1993.

Goyal, Yogita. The Cambridge Companion to Transnational American Literature. Cambridge University Press, 2017.

Goyal, Yogita. Romance, Diaspora, and Black Atlantic Literature. Cambridge University Press, 2015.

Goyal, Yogita. Runaway Genres: The Global Afterlives of Slavery. NYU Press, 2019.

Knadler, Stephen. Remapping Citizenship and the Nation in African Literature. Routledge, 2010.

Lorde, Audre. Zami: A New Spelling of My Name: A Biomythology. The Crossing Press, 1982.

Lorde, Audre. Sister Outsider. The Crossing Press, 1984.

Machado, Carmen Maria. In the Dream House: A Memoir. Graywolf, 2019.

Madsen, Deborah L. Beyond Borders: American Literature and Post-Colonial Theory. Pluto Press, 2008.

Munoz, Jose Estaban, Disidentifications: Queers of Color and the Performance of Politics. University of Minnesota, 1999.

Okker, Patricia. Transnationalism and American Serial Fiction. Routledge, 2012.

Omi, Michael and Howard Winant. Racial Formation in the United States from the 1960s to the 1990s. Routledge, 1994.

Puar, Jasbir. “I would rather be a cyborg than a goddess: Becoming intersectional in Assemblage Theory.” philoSOPHIA, vol. 2, no. 1, 2012, pp. 49-66.

Puar, Jasbir. The Right to Maim. Duke University Press, 2017.

Puar, Jasbir. Terrorist Assemblages. Duke University Press Books, 2007.

Rosen, Jeremy. “Literary Fiction and the Genres of Genre Fiction.” Post45, Aug. 2018. http://post45.research.yale.edu/2018/08/literary-fiction-and-the-genres-of-genre-fiction/

Rutherford, Johnathan. "The Third Space Interview with Homi Bhabha." Identity: Community, Culture, Difference, Lawrence and Wishart, 1990, pp. 207-221.

Said, Edward W. Culture and Imperialism. Vintage, 1994.

Scott, James C. Weapons of the Weak. Yale University Press, 1987.

Shackleton, Mark. Diasporic Literature and Theory – Where Now? Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2008.

Shamsie, Kamila. “The Storytellers of the Empire.” Guernica, Feb. 2012. <http://www.guernicamag.com/features/3458/shamsie…>

Sharpe, Christina. In the Wake On Blackness and Being. Duke University Press. 2016

Shklovsky, Viktor. “Art, as a Device.”

Soja, Edward. Thirdspaces: Journeys to Los Angeles and Other-Real-and-Imagined Places. Blackwell Publishers, 1996.

#compslist #Readings #CurrentlyReading

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aceprosecuties · 7 years ago

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Any reason why you don't like ships like Cykesquill but ship other agencia gap ship like Sheith. I don't see the difference and Keith literally call Shiro a brother. Honestly to me it seems like fujo hypocrisy

So, nonnie, I’m only answering this once but my suggestion is to not come at me again with this anti nonsense because I legit cannot stand it and I will ignore and block it after this. I have made my stances very well known on these sorts of subjects. Besides the fact that you’re also asking me about she//ith on my AA blog, which I find incredibly frustrating.

Also, apologies if this ends up in the cykes//quill tag; I know tumblr’s whole thing with word censoring can get obnoxious.

(I also find it funny that you’re comparing those two ships instead of justi//cykes and she//ith, which have a supposedly more comparable age gap…but I enjoy justi//cykes so I guess that wouldn’t fit your narrative, I suppose.)

(cut for length)

First of all, I personally do not ship cykes//quill but I could care less if other people do. I’m not in the business of policing ships because I find ship policing to be a ridiculous waste of time and energy - once upon a time I allowed myself to get slightly sucked into that rhetoric for fear of having people be angry with me. I hated feeling like that, especially since I felt like I was becoming more accepting of bullying tactics and I spent more time hating on things I disliked rather than enjoying the things I loved. It wasn’t good for me. I wanted to focus more on what I loved (with the occasional salt because I’m only human); isn’t that what fandom is supposed to be about?

The only thing that those two ships have in common is a supposed age gap, so I find it interesting that you chose to compare them (especially because the age gap isn’t really the reason I don’t ship Athena and Simon). I say supposed, because the age discourse is all out of whack in Voltron - there are a ton of official sources saying different things, from the guidebook saying 25/18 to summaries of the show saying “five teenagers.” Then of course there is the question of how long the garrison lasts: is it a college or more like graduate school? Either way, I never saw Shiro as being 25; to me he was always around 21/22 when he finished at the garrison, making him more like Keith’s upperclassman. But that’s besides the point; even at 18 and 25 I would ship them, because an age gap does not automatically equate to terrible elements in the ship. Can it lead to it? Sure, but that’s on a case-by-case basis and based on the people involved.

Keith does not say that Shiro is literally a brother to him - he says he is like a brother to him, and this has never really impeded shipping or canon romance. Take a look at Brooklyn Nine-Nine; in s1ep19 (Tactical Village), Jake tells Charles that Amy is like a sister. By season 3, they are in a romantic relationship. Now, season 5 (spoiler alert) they are engaged. Similarly, in The Office, Pam remarks (I’m not sure what episode it is of the top of my head) at some point that Jim is like a brother to her. They get married.

My point is: saying someone is like a family member does not impede romance blossoming. It could also be said simply because you’re trying to deny romantic feelings for fear of rejection or something else.

I hate the fact that the ‘like a brother’ line, which is so deep for Shiro and Keith since Keith was orphaned and has feelings of abandonment and thus shows how deeply he cares about Shiro and how vital it is for Shiro to be with him, has been co-opted by antis to mean “these two are literal brothers.” That is not what that line is, and using it to push that racist bro//ganes agenda is frustrating. (I will not get into the racist overtones of bro//ganes; other people have explained it far better than I would be able to.)

Shiro and Keith have a much different dynamic than Athena and Simon in my eyes and again, I kind of can’t believe that you would compare them. Not because I like one and dislike the other, but because they are fundamentally two different things, even as romantic ships. Simon and Athena have playful banter that involves basically poking fun of each other underscored with a lot of history - they know how much they care about each other, but he does insult her because that is how he is…but she gives it right back to him also. In my experience, this is how siblings act, so that is how I see them. Shiro and Keith do not have this at all. They do not act in this manner - I can never see Keith nor Shiro really insulting the other even in that playful manner. They are different characters than Athena and Simon; more serious in general compared to our panda and chickadee duo. Keith and Shiro also share just…a ton of really tender and soft looks and moments, and Shiro is kind of like Keith’s trigger - when he is gone, Keith mourns him so intensely that he would have rather had no Voltron than accept that Shiro might not be returning. He goes off the rails a bit, because Shiro is Keith’s “guiding light” according to Lauren Montgomery. He gives up so much for Shiro, and Shiro trusts Keith more than anyone else as well.

To me, Athena and Simon’s relationship isn’t built on their relationship so much as it is originally built on Simon’s devotion to Metis. Not that Simon doesn’t love or care for Athena, but he specifically says that “…some things in this world are more important than your own life.” When asked to clarify, he says “[M]y honor-bound duty to protect with my life…my mentor’s most beloved treasure.” His ultimate reasoning for doing what he did relies on Metis rather than specifically Athena. Again, this is not to say that he loves Athena any less; I just think that his devotion to Metis - his mentor and essentially his lord or master (since he identifies as a samurai) is what set him down that path.

This is a big reason why I don’t really ship them.

(That and, yes, I find it personally squicky that he basically babysat her when she was a kid. I know she grows up and is an adult in the present time stuff but that squick remains for me personally.)

So, yes, I will stop now even though I can easily continue, since I never really know if people will read something this lengthy anyway. Where you interested in my actual reasoning or did you just want to say I had ‘fujo hypocrisy?’ Either way, there you go. I imagine I did not convince you, but hopefully you’ll understand me more now

#allie answers #I really dislike antis so please do not come at me with this again #also sorry @ AA people for the sheith discussion #yeah I like justi//cykes but you've conveniently ignored that #and I don't ship 'age gaps' in the sense that /that/ is the reason for shipping/not shipping #it is about the dynamic first and foremost #allie's salt #Anonymous

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dent-de-leon · 7 years ago

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Hi! Your theories got me like "daaamn these are so good" and I've been thinking about it for days but what do you think about the pre-Kerberos period of time? What about Keith and Shiro meeting each other? What about the time spent together before Keith's hopes were crushed by a "pilot error"?

Oh, I love speculating about their relationship prekerberos. It’s really interesting, because the nature of it is kept in the dark most of the time. We only ever seem to get glimpses here and there. But, from what we know: when they’re stranded together, Shiro’s surprised Keith remembered Patience yields focus–“That really stayed with you, didn’t it?” And he looks so incredibly touched by it, you can see how much it really means to him. As for Keith, his response comes easy, “You’ve given me some good advice. If it wasn’t for you, my life would have been a lot different.” So we know whatever impact Shiro had, it was incredibly significant. He’s apparently been there for Keith when no one else has, offering words of comfort and helping to guide him through hard times.

I think we can all infer “Patience yields focus,” is something from their garrison days, and probably a mantra Keith got very used to hearing. He also very much internalized this–and likely a lot of other things Shiro said. That advice Shiro gave meant something to him, the fact that he took the time to be there for Keith when no one else would quite literally changed his life.

Guidebook says Shiro and Matt graduated a few years before Kerberos, so Shiro was an officer by then. But he was still around the garrison when he wasn’t running missions. So I suppose at first, it could’ve been that Shiro was trying to mentor Keith. He saw a cadet who had a lot of promise but maybe had a hard time playing by the rules or staying focused. Or maybe he sees that Keith doesn’t have anyone in his corner–can’t seem to make friends and is always off on his own. So Shiro decides to take him under his wing.

But I really want to stress that, however Shiro’s interest in Keith started, I don’t think he by any means saw Keith as some kind of charity project. Keith isn’t someone who lets others feel sorry for him, and he sure as hell won’t play the victim. I can see him really pushing Shiro away at first, insisting he doesn’t need anyone–that he’s always been his own and he’s doing just damn fine, thank you. Keith is someone who carves his own path, and I don’t think he’d take well to whatever help Shiro offered. He doesn’t need help. Never has.

So it starts slow. Shiro tentatively joining Keith at the commissary or offering to train with him in the sim. Studying together turns into sparring together and late night sim sessions where Keith breaks record after record. He’s good, better than anyone else Shiro’s ever seen. But it’s not long before what they have isn’t just a one-way thing. Keith approaches Shiro on his own and is always eager to see him. He starts opening up bit by bit, and pretty soon everything he feels is a flooded dam and he just bursts.

Keith’s always been touch averse, but the next time Shiro goes to shake his hand Keith pulls him into a hug. He doesn’t ever want to let go. The passing touches here and there start to linger–a hand on Keith’s shoulder or a pat on the back, their hands clasped before they come together. Keith’s never known this kind of intimacy, so cloying, sweet relief. Because we know Keith freezes up at anyone else’s touch, but when Shiro reaches for him he just melts.

We know from Joaquim that, “[Keith] latches onto Shiro at times because Shiro’s sort of the only thing that can really calm him down and keep him in check.” (source). Josh has also said, “[Keith’s] constantly scared he’s gonna say or do something wrong and he’s gonna lose Shiro.” (source). So we know Shiro is very much Keith’s anchor, the one person that can truly calm him down and help him stay centered. We know that Keith latches onto him, desperately clinging to that source of comfort and reassurance, for the safety and solace Shiro provides.

We also know this is in part linked to his galran heritage, that Keith’s emotions are volatile and oppressive. Lauren has said that his emotions are, “kind of exasperated by the fact that Shiro’s gone. Like he’s having a hard time dealing with [Shiro’s loss], he doesn’t really know how to feel. And I think he just goes back to that inner part of himself where it’s just—he can’t control his emotions. And that comes from the galra side.” (source)

And we’ve seen through how Honerva “softened” Zarkon that galra tend to look for partners who can help them manage that intensity, who are able to soothe the sheer overwhelming pain of those emotions. For Keith, Shiro was that partner. The only one. And when he loses that safety? He falls apart. I’m willing to bet the same thing happened after Kerberos–considering he was kicked out, wondered off to the desert feeling “lost,” desperately searching for some new sense of purpose until–“Then you showed up.”

He’s an orphan. He hasn’t seen his parents in years. If they kick him out of the garrison, he’s got nowhere else to go. The other cadets are likely either jealous of him or hate him. The other officers won’t give him the time of day. Everyone in his life’s already written him off as a lost cause, but not you, Shiro, never you, please don’t leave me too–“Shiro is the one person who never gave up on me. I won’t give up on him.”

So, yes. Whatever Keith and Shiro had prekerberos, by the time Shiro left, they were already incredibly close. And we know this sort of affection wasn’t one-sided either. I know a lot of people tend to believe Keith’s depth of feeling for Shiro isn’t reciprocated, but that’s not the case at all. Yes, Keith latched onto Shiro, thought of him as his greatest hope–saw losing him as his deepest fear. But I believe the feeling is entirely mutual. Because, when Shiro was about to takeoff? The person he brought to the launch wasn’t his family or even another officer. It was Keith. Out of everyone at the garrison, Keith was the one he was closest to, the one he wanted to see him off.

The truth is, Shiro also has his own walls. Even after spending a 6 month mission with him and having graduated in the same year, Matt is reluctant to approach Shiro, calling him sir. You don’t see that level of casual intimacy there. And Shiro has never once expressed any desire to return to Earth or reunite with his family, even after being gone for a year. Even knowing his family and friends would’ve been told he was dead. I believe he must have been estranged from his family. And as for friends, I imagine a lot of people thought they were Shiro’s friends at the garrison, that he was beloved and revered as a hero. But I think Shiro still kept them all at a distance. Everyone except for Keith.

It’s why Shiro wanted to spend his last moments with him before he left, wanted to take the chance to properly say goodbye. It’s why Joaquim said, “Keith and Shiro have the closest relationship, so there is that kinship there,” and Lauren added that, “And I think the Black Lion probably got from Shiro what Shiro saw in Keith.” (source). It’s why Shiro has fallen into this habit of pulling Keith aside and checking in with him whenever he’s worried. It’s why Shiro’s not at all surprised to see that Keith was the one who rescued him, the reason he asked “How did you know to come save me when I crashed?” instead of “Why?” Because Shiro knew without a doubt, if anyone would chase after him, always be there for him, it was Keith.

#voltron #sheith #shiro #keith #takashi shirogane

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amateurmagic · 7 years ago

Text

Meanwhile, on Paradis...

These facts are absolutely, 100% accurate. I swear on my life becausethatclearlymeansalotinsnkuniverse lol wut?

Here’s what the dearly beloved Survey Corps (or what’s left of it) has been up to these past 4 long years

Commander Hange one day decided that the stone integrity of the walls, now that they knew the truth, was too depressing. Thus they were all painted green.

Commander Hange also went on to accidentally invent hair dye in her lab as a result of some rare free time from paperwork and a little too much coffee. It took over a month for poor Jean’s hair to go back to normal…

After an explosion of flour in the kitchens and already being in a particularly black mood, Levi managed to invent the vacuum after a little tinkering with his 3DMG rig. That poor sod of a broom was never given a second look.

As a result of his training, Eren screamed so much that he required his tonsils be removed. Armin took care to ensure that Mikasa has a significant BAC during the procedure.

Due to his new responsibilities to the corps, Jean worried about his mother being lonely and one day surprised her with a cat. That feline eats exclusively omu-rice with ketchup whiskers and has a special basket with a blanket by the hearth. That cat has got it made for its nine lives.

In the months following the missing to reclaim Shiganshina, Sasha grew especially concerned about food shortages after a particularly shitty winter. In response, our Private Braus goes on to establish the Wall Rose Potato Society where the blessings and graces of the magnificent spuds are sung every other Tuesday night. Connie is the poster child of the organization.

Despite being the Queen, Historia quickly discovered her title did not absolve her orphanage of all financial burden. When she sought advice, Connie’s answer to the problem was to sneak into the Orphanage and close-cut shave all the orphans in order to cut down on shampoo prices. I hear he might be allowed to return from his banishment up north in the coming months.

In order to earn some extra funds for the building and installation of more Titan Guillotines at all of the districts, the Survey Corps establishes the first beach resort with the aid of the Garrison. Rico Brzenska holds training classes for wannabe lifeguards every week.

After leaving the Survey Corps after his disastrous social outburst, Flocke comes to the conclusion that military life is not for him. Last I heard, he’d opened and was running a very successful ice cream stand in Mitras district and is looking to expand if you’re looking for employment.

Armin unwittingly makes a jack-o-lanturn from a fossilized squash he found in Shiganshina. Eren thought it looked a little like Mikasa waking up on the wrong side of the bed. It took a lot of coaxing to get Armin to make another.

On a particularly muggy day, Jean decided he was fed up with Levi’s nagging and decided to hide his clippers. He still has remnants of shoe polish in the vicinity of his nether regions and rectal sphincter.

In his ripening age, Keith Shadis decided to retire from military life. In response to his sudden abundance of leisure time, he started a rather-successful tabernacle choir. Coming to a tavern near you!

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pinkstarbeam · 7 years ago

Text

Pidgance royalty AU

Happy Plance day! Rewriting an old AU that was previously just a drabble

Katie became the successor to the crown when the king, her Father, and the previous successor, her brother Prince Matthew went missing after a visit into town.

It is widely speculated that their majesties were kidnapped by a group of bandits known as the Galra

Katie, unbeknownst to her already grieving Mother takes matters into her own hands and runs away from the castle in commoners clothes after cutting her long hair off and taking on the undercover name Of Pidge Gunderson, an orphan from the next town over hoping to make a new start.

Lance McClain is one of the castle guards and when he hears Princess Katie is missing he feels his stomach jump into his throat

Hunk and Keith, two of Lance’s fellow guards as well as himself go out into town to see if they can find any leads as to where the kingdoms beloved princess has gone

Katie, now going as Pidge spots the guards and quickly makes a B line for the nearest shop, her green cape secured over her caramel colored hair.

Lance quickly notices this shift behavior and chases after Katie, yelling for her to stop

Katie panics thinking if he got a good enough look at her he would immediately know, she turns and quickly ducks under him before bolting into alley ways moving as fast as her little legs can carry her.

Lance orders Keith and Hunk to stay put and chases after Katie only to find the what he thought to be shifty possible trouble maker had fled, he cussed himself out mentally and returns back to the other guards.

Panting Katie slides down the boxes she was hiding behind and starts her new undercover work as a commoner

Luckily enough for Katie, her Mother had been a commoner so she knew how to do things for herself unlike other royals she had met, the only other royal she knew that didn’t have people waiting on them hand and foot was her best friend Princess Allura from the kingdom of Altea, or well soon to Queen Allura married to soon to be King, King Takashi.

A week had passed and Katie found that in her abandoned little shack she was low on food, mumbling to herself she got out the coins she had brought with her and only took out a few as to not look suspicious being a commoner with a half years pay in her hand.

Lance was enjoying his day off in a cafe when he seen the same green cape from a week ago walk in and go up to the counter asking for one baguette and some croissants before sliding the lady a few coins.

Lance silently and quickly made his way behind the caped figure

Katie knows he is there but decides to have a little fun with him and starts running

Lance is just like “Oh no you don’t!” and runs after her

It takes Katie everything not to laugh as they keep running, once on the outskirts of town she stops

Lance stops a few feet away and puts a hand on his sword in case the stranger charges him

Katie turns to face him putting her hood down “Why are you chasing me?”

Lance, oblivious boy, doesn’t quite recognize Katie right away “Because you’re acting suspicious.”

Katie can’t help it and laughs “Buying bread is suspicious? I mean I kinda gotta eat.”

Lance glares “Okay sure, but why are you running?”

“I can’t go back to the castle yet.”

“Why would-” and realization “ARE YOU OUT OF-”

Katie slams her hand on Lance’s mouth “Wow you’re louder than I remember.”

Lance fights a blush as he pushes the princess’s hand off of his mouth “We’re going back. Now”

Katie steps back from him “I told you I can’t, I am not going back until I find Matt and our Father.”

Lance tsked as he pinched the bridge of his nose, he knew Katie was stubborn from what he heard from her old personal guard Shiro AKA Takashi, but damn was she being difficult.

Lance went to argue only to notice Katie was now gone with no sign of where she went “Oh come on!”

A month passes and Lance had managed to locate Katie, however she still refused to go back until her family was found, Lance agrees not to report his findings as long as she lets him act as her personal knight/companion for this mission. Katie agreed knowing it was the only way to keep her mission going

“So you’re found their hideout?” Lance asked while eating a day old pastry.

Katie nodded “Lotor, the leaders son is a bit careless and attracts attention to himself via a womanizer, obvious Daddy issues.”.

Lance choked back a laugh “Alright, well what is stopping us from just barging in and getting your family back?”

“How did you ever become a guard?” Katie half joked “We have to wait for an opening, I found a good galra bandit by the name of Thace and his friend Ulaz, they told me that every Friday at midnight the group goes to Haggar’s bar to drink leaving only a few men behind to guard prisoners.’

“Wow you’re really on top of this…”

“I can’t just sit by and do nothing.”

Lance looked to the window “My family lives in a Kingdom a good three days from here, I supply for them ever since my Father died in the war.”

“Lance I-”

“It’s okay Princess, i’ve come to terms with my fate, but you…I’ve never met someone so strong.” he gave a small laugh “A princess who commands not only her staff but the whole world, not for her own wants, but for the good of them all.”

Katie blushed a bit “You should go back to the castle, you need to rest up before midnight so you’re ready to fight.”

“What about you, are you actually gonna rest?”

Katie looked to the basically pile of cloth and padding she had slept on for over a month now “The best I can.”

Lance speak without thinking “Come rest at my place, my bed is comfier.”.

“Pervert!” Katie screeches blushing

Lance waves his hands frantically “No I meant you can take my bed and i’ll sleep on the couch.”

Katie gave him a look that said you better not try anything before agreeing as that way they were together and ready to fight without the meeting point.

Katie settled into Lance’s small cottage while he finished his last fer hours at the castle

When he came home around eight pm he found Katie was asleep on the couch with a book of old fairy tales in her hand

Lance can’t help but smile as he picks the sleeping girl up and moved her to his bed, but before he can will himself to go to the couch, he falls asleep in the chair by the bed.

Katie wakes up to see the sun has set then looks over to see Lance slipping out of the small wooden chair fully asleep and drooling

She giggled and gets her handkerchief from her bag before wiping the corner of his mouth

Lance smiled in his sleep and mumbles her name “Katie…”

Katie nearly jumps out of her skin “Y-Yeah?”

“I love you.”

Katie’s face goes bright red, but as she goes to ask what he said he snores signalling to Katie that he is asleep, he just sleep confessed to her, oh boy this was gonna be an interesting conversation later.

“Lance!” Katie said flicking his forehead,

“Ow!” Lance howled as he slipped fully out of the chair and onto the floor with aloud thud, a groan following

“Sorry!” You weren’t waking up to my calls.”

He rubbed his forehead as he got up “You better hope that doesn’t leave a mark.” he pouted.

Katie giggled a bit “Come on the clock chimed twelve times a few minutes ago which means our window is now open.”

Lance nodded and followed

Sneaking into the bass was pretty easy as nobody was really guarding the front seeing as the Galra truly thought they were hidden, Katie hurried to a back room that Ulaz had told her prisoners were kept in and opened it to find her brother and father chained up to a wall

“Katie!” Matt called out

Lance hurried in behind her “I have a bad feeling, there is no way they would just leave this place completely unguarded, even Thace said there would be a few guards.”

Suddenly there was a gun click behind them “No, just me.”

Lance and Katie turned to see Lotor smirking at them with a gun pointed right at Katie’s temple

“I should’ve just kidnapped you from the start princess.” he smirked “You’re the one who holds the true power.”

Katie arched an eyebrow as she glared back at him “Oh?”

Lotor continued “With kingy wingy and glasses son here that makes you the heir, and the heir will need a prince, and that prince is gonna be me,”

Katie felt her stomach flip “Hell no! Let my family go!”

Lotor shook his head “Such a disobedient little princess aren’t you?” he laughed as he put his hand on the trigger “The kingdom doesn’t need a queen like you.”

Trigger pulled and blood splatters

“LANCE!”

Lotor lays on the ground now beheaded by Lance’s quick movement with his sword, and Lance on the ground grasping his shoulder.

“I’m…I’m fine.” he winced with a smile “It just grazed me.”

Katie quickly unbuttoned Lance’s shirt and pulled it down to check the wound, luckily from her reading of medical books back in the castle’s library she knew what to do and aided him before finding the key on Lotor and setting her family free

The next day Katie and her family were back safe and sound, the Queen though upset at Katie for putting herself in danger was just thankful her family was safe

Lance laid in the castle infirmary and had just woken up as Katie walked in

“Hey you.” Katie smiled sitting down some water and food “How is the shoulder?”

“Just find thanks to you Princess.” Lance smiled taking the water and savored a few sips

“I told you that you can just call me Katie.”

“I’d rather call you mine, but Katie works.”

“I mean you already confessed to me so.”

“What!?”

“You talk in your sleep.”

Lance blushed horribly and stared down at his water

Katie kissed his cheek “Love you too, oh and don’t forget you’re my new personal knight once your shoulder fully heals.” she aid quickly hurrying out of the room

Lance touched his free hand to his cheek smiling, personal knight or not he knew he was goign to protect Katie for the rest of their lives.

#planceday #plance #pidgance #flirtyrobot shipping #lidge #pidgance au #plance au

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wp-yahoo-style-1042-yahoopa-blog · 6 years ago

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Kamala Harris takes on superheroes: All the deets on her new book plus 10 more great reads for kids right now

The best new children’s books. (Photo: Amazon)

One of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make is to read more with your children — and to encourage the ones who can read alone. Featuring ideas for babies through elementary schoolers, here are our favorite new children’s books, organized by age. All were published in the past year, and all deserve a permanent place in your family library.

Big Kid Bed by Leslie Patricelli

Big Kid Bed by Leslie Patricelli (Photo: Amazon)

Author Leslie Patricelli’s extensive series of board books for babes stars a rosy-cheeked, diaper-clad protagonist as he explores the main themes of toddler-hood—from going to the potty, to taking a tub, to snuggling with a blankie. Her latest, Big Kid Bed, has the beloved little guy making the familiar transition from a crib to a big bed. He faces the ritual with excitement, followed by a bit of trepidation, before finally settling down for a solid night’s sleep.

Shop it: Big Kid Bed by Leslie Patricelli, $8, amazon.com

Best for ages 1 to 3

My Art Book of Love by Shana Gozansky

My Art Book of Love by Shana Gozansky (Photo: Walmart)

My Art Book of Love combines two essential and mysterious concepts — art and love — into a beautiful tome that speaks to art lovers of all ages. A “gorgeous, luxurious-feeling board book ” (New York Times), it features 35 impeccably reproduced, full-page art works by the likes of Mary Cassatt, Marc Chagall, Keith Haring and Robert Indiana that explore love in all its forms. A fantastic introduction to fine art for the next generation of art lovers.

Best for ages 2 to 5

Shop it: My Art Book of Love by Shana Gozansky, $17, walmart.com

Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes by Eva Chen & Derek Desierto

Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes by Eva Chen (Photo: Walmart)

Eva Chen— magazine editor, style maven, and head of fashion partnerships at Instagram— is a buzz machine. With a million Instagram followers, she had plenty of folks waiting with bated breath for her latest project, a children’s book called Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes. Out now, this delightful book follows a little girl as she (literally) steps into the shoes of strong, powerful icons, both historic and contemporary, from Cleopatra and Frida Kahlo to Lady Gaga and Serena Williams. Who knew the multi-talented Chen is also a natural as a kid-lit author? Well, if the shoe fits…

Best for ages 3 to 6

Shop it: Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes by Eva Chen (author) and Derek Desierto (illustrator), $12, walmart.com

Superheroes are Everywhere by Kamala Harris (author) and Mechal Renee Roe (illustrator)

Superheroes are Everywhere by Kamala Harris and Mechal Renee Roe (Photo: Amazon)

Kamala Harris has two books coming out this week: her memoir and a children’s book to accompany it. The Truths We Hold: An American Journey is the story of the formidable California Senator’s upbringing and an overview of her governing principles. Superheroes Are Everywhere is a colorful and lovingly illustrated picture book that teaches little ones that superheroes don’t always wear a mask and a cape. In fact, they are all around us—in the form of the friends we play with and the grown-ups who care for us and our communities. Lest anyone misses the powerful message, there is a version of Harris’s story aimed at middle readers, which is coming out later this year.

Best for ages 3-7

Shop it: Superheroes are Everywhere by Kamala Harris (author) and Mechal Renee Roe (illustrator), $13, amazon.com

Mixed by Arree Chung

Mixed by Arree Chung (Photo: Barnes & Noble)

Once upon a time, colors lived separately: reds with reds, yellows with yellows, and blues with blues. Until one day, a yellow and a blue fell in love and decided to mix. While at first they shocked their friends and neighbors, the beautiful green they created together served as an inspiration to others. As more colors mixed and mixed and mixed, they upended the old ways of living and made a rainbow of beautiful new shades in the process. This thoroughly modern tale is beautifully illustrated, charming to read and full of deeper meaning.

Best for ages 4 to 8

Shop it: Mixed by Arree Chung, $17, barnesandnoble.com

There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach

There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach (Photo: Walmart)

When it comes to children’s books, stories featuring bears and baked goods are practically guaranteed to appeal to young readers. This one is no exception. Released just a few days ago, There are No Bears in This Bakery is told from the point of view of Muffin, a strong-minded — but ultimately sympathetic — cat charged with keeping bears out of the bakery. But when a sweet, hungry, big-eyed bear comes along with his tummy rumbling, she shows him some sweetness — in the form of a boxful of donuts and a shower of sprinkles.

Best for ages 4 to 8

Shop it: There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach, $13, walmart.com

Ocean Meets Sky by Terry Fan & Eric Fan

Ocean Meets Sky by Terry Fan & Eric Fan (Photo: Walmart)

Thanks to its mesmerizing illustrations, this new book by brothers Terry Fan and Eric Fan would be as at home on your coffee table as on the shelves of your children’s library. Ocean Meets Sky is the story of a young boy who honors his late grandfather by building a ship to sail to the place they had always talked about — the place where the ocean meets the sky. The boy’s poignant journey sends him to magical, mythical places, while teaching him that no matter where he goes, his grandfather will always be with him.

Best for ages 4 to 8

Shop it: Ocean Meets Sky by Terry Fan & Eric Fan, $15, walmart.com

Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey

Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey (Photo: Walmart)

Dog Man author Dav Pilkey, also the creator of the Captain Underpants series, always manages to embrace elementary-school humor while maintaining a smart and savvy undertone that grownups will appreciate. This highly anticipated sixth book in the ultra-popular Dog Man series has the canine hero in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Will the pup’s pals successfully prove his innocence? Expect appearances by classic Dog Man characters, including Philly (the cheesesteak who everyone thinks is a gyro), Petey the Cat and his mini-clone (and moral conscience) Little Petey, and the F.L.E.A.S. (Fuzzy Little Evil Animal Squad), in a book that is as hilarious as the five before it.

Best for ages 7 and up

Shop it: Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey, $10, walmart.com

Delish: Eat Like Every Day’s the Weekend by Joanna Saltz & the editors of Delish

Delish: Eat Like Every Day’s The Weekend, by Joanna Saltz & the Editors of Delish (Photo: Walmart)

We love to see kids in the kitchen. And if there’s any book that can get them there, it’s this one. From the editors of Delish, a food lovers’ website known for its enticing imagery and viral overhead cooking videos, comes a cookbook with equally high entertainment value. The 416-page cookbook features beautiful photos and recipes with easy-to-follow instructions for dishes like Unicorn Bark, Grilled Cheese Dippers, Cheeseburger Cups, Chicken Park Soup, and other recipes kids are guaranteed to gobble up. What the recipes lack in serious foodie appeal (S’mores bake, anyone?) they make up for in calories—and fun!

Best for ages 7 and up

Shop it: Delish: Eat Like Every Day’s The Weekend by the Editors of Delish & Joanna Saltz, $18, walmart.com

Dog Diaries by James Patterson and Steven Butler

Dog Diaries by James Patterson and Steven Butler (Photo: Walmart)

Best for ages 7 to 10

James Patterson, already one of the bestselling authors of all time, continues to reach younger and younger audiences. With Dog Diaries, written in collaboration with children’s author Steven Butler, he introduces elementary schoolers to his popular Middle School series through the eyes of Junior, the precocious pup adopted by Middle School protagonist Rafe Khatchadorian. Kids will howl with laughter over the trials and tribulations of Junior, who, after failing obedience school, must prove his worth by winning the Best Trained Dog award at a local dog show — or face getting sent back to Hills Village Dog Shelter (also known as Pooch Prison). It’s a world where a toilets are known as Emergency Water Bowls, pooches sniff the posteriors of their counterparts for the latest news, and evil comes in the form of vacuum cleaners.

Shop it: Dog Diaries by James Patterson & Steven Butler, $12, walmart.com

Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo

Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo (Photo: Walmart)

Kate DiCamillo is one of those authors whose books librarians love to recommend — and children can’t put down. This latest novel by the Newbery Medalist is the story of 12-year-old Louisiana, an orphaned girl in the care of her grandmother. At 3 a.m. one night, Louisiana’s grandmother declares that “the day of reckoning has arrived” and they must leave immediately. They flee their home in Florida and end up in rural Georgia, where Louisiana meets and befriends a host of kind and one-of-a-kind locals. This bittersweet story has been lauded for the depth of its characters and for the way DiCamillo understands and communicates the feelings and emotions of children.

Best for ages 10 and up

Shop it: Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo, $12, walmart.com