#she can't use an arrow and a bow to save her life but she will known everything there is to know about archery

[letthestorieslive]

[emeryhiro]

What Daryl and Carol mean to each other

And why France may have been the best thing for Caryl

This idea has been sitting in my drafts for about six months, but now that we're only 9 days away from the Tribeca premiere, I finally decided to flesh it out and post it.

This post can be taken as part two of my previous one on what Carol means to Daryl [here], but it can also be read independently. And just as a disclaimer, this is just my understanding and opinions on Caryl and all the scenes I mention below. So grab a nice cup of your choice beverage and get comfy 'cause I had a lot to say, and this turned out to be a long one.

I want to start by pointing out some moments where Daryl and Carol got to enjoy each other's company and talk in peace.

Yup, that's all of them... a long list of 4...

I didn't realise how rare these moments were until I started looking through season after season. Don't get me wrong; I know there are countless sweet and meaningful moments that they've shared both on screen and off screen (implied), but very few that we've seen without heartbreak, grief, or danger looming over them. And even the moments in the gifs above were still sandwiched between disasters.

I've read and received many questions, such as, "Why have we had to wait all these years and are having to continue to wait for Caryl to be canon?" and "If it was going to happen, it would have happened by now." and I feel like the above gifs answer all of that.

These two have endured unimaginable pain before and after the outbreak, and throughout it all, they have been each other's light, held each other together, helped each other heal from their past, and become the strongest versions of themselves.

However, they have never been allowed to be selfish, to take a moment to think about what they deserve, or to imagine the possibility of accepting the love they want and need; why? Because they have been so busy protecting and making sacrifices for everyone else.

For the past 13 years, they have been content as long as they have each other in their lives, accepting their current circumstances as long as the other seems happy. But during all that time, they also connected in more ways than they had realised.

The major connection I wanted to point out is that their lives depend on one another now (mutually inclusive). Whether knowingly or unknowingly, they are alive at this moment because of each other. I don't mean this just in a 'save their life when they're in danger' way but also as a 'I can't imagine my life existing beyond yours' and 'I can't distinguish between my life and yours' kind of way.

I briefly touched on this in one of my previous posts about Carol [here], and the show, in general, has been a lot more open with us regarding what Carol wants, but here are a couple of more nuanced instances from the later seasons where we see those feelings show from Daryl and Carol's perspectives:

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S10 EP3 Ghosts (Daryl)

The first scene I wanted to mentions is when Alpha confronts them about crossing her border. The moment she says, "You have to be punished," and the whisperers reach for their weapons, we see Daryl shifting on his feet as he prepares to move at a moment's notice.

And as soon as Carol talks back to Alpha, calling her words "Bullshit", Daryl is already moving.

He immediately places himself between them to shield Carol in case Alpha decides to attack her.

Then, when Carol snaps and tries to shoot Alpha, Daryl grabs and takes complete hold of her.

He's not just trying to stop her; he's using himself to shield every inch of her from any possible incoming assault from the whisperers.

Once Alpha allows them to leave, he grabs Carol and her bow and arrows without a second of hesitation (leaving behind his own crossbow) and immediately moves Carol away from the situation.

Once again, when everyone is in danger all Daryl can think about is Carol, making sure she's safe and unharmed, with no concern for himself.

I also think it's so beautiful and important to point out here that while all Daryl could think about was shielding Carol, Michonne was also there trying to protect both of them ♡

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S10 EP3 Ghosts (Daryl) - Part 2

The second one I want to mention is later in the same episode when Daryl and Michonne rush Carol back to Alexandria/Siddiq for help after she cuts her arm open badly.

We first find Daryl holding onto a column outside to steady himself while he waits to find out if she's okay.

When Siddiq comes out full of hesitation and can't find the words to answer Michone when she asks if Carol is okay, we see a look of pure fear on Daryl's face.

He freezes; he's holding his breath and won't dare move or say anything because he feels like his whole reality is hanging by a thread, and in the moment, the smallest thing or whatever Siddiq is about to say next might make it all fall apart.

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S10 EP9 Squeeze (Daryl)

The third moment I wanted to mention is when Carol is hanging off the edge of a rock in the cave, risking her life just so she can try to destroy part of Alpha's horde, but Daryl finds her and is so confused and terrified by what she's doing.

He tries to tell her, to warn her that she's gonna get herself killed if she tries to go through with what she's planning.

Look at how he flinches and instantly loses his breath when her hand slips a little... breaks my heart every time.

When she responds to him by saying, "She killed my boy", Daryl's fear is now also combined with desperation because he realised that he didn't need to warn her about the possibility of getting herself killed; he realised she knew the risk all along and was in such a low place that she was almost welcoming the consequences.

What previously was a tone of alarm in Daryl's voice turns into a whisper, and he's now pleading with her. Without saying the actual words, he's begging her to choose to live again, even if it's just for him.

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S10 EP14 Look at the Flowers (Carol)

What Caryl wants is also kind of answered in 10x14, where Carol is having an internal confrontation with herself. Subconsciously, she has chosen and manifested Alpha (who is now dead) as the face and voice of the one confronting her.

Timestamp 19:10 - 20:15

When "Alpha" says to her:

"Being out on your own... you've tried it before. They always pull you back. Always wanting more. Love. Motherhood. Death. But they don't know what you truly want. Admit it. What do you want? Say it..."

Carol responded by saying :

"I want to be alone."

To which "Alpha" says:

"Yeah. That's not it."

So the question here is, if it's not love in general, motherhood, death, or being left alone, then what does Carol actually want?

It's important here to note that Carol already knows the answer to that question. She's only asking herself this question because she hasn't accepted it; she isn't being honest with herself yet.

Timestamp 33:15 - 35:20

While Carol is stuck under the rubble and can't get out as the walker is getting closer to her, "Alpha" taunts her by saying:

"Stop fighting. No matter what you do, you lose people. Sophia, Lizzie, Mika, Henry, Ezekiel... And if you go back, Daryl could be next."

To which Carol responds:

"I could never let that happen."

This internal confrontation with herself and the realization that even when everything else in her world is dark, just having Daryl and making sure he's okay is worth living for and fighting for and that it's not too late for her to start over. The acceptance that that's who/what she truly wants gives her the strength at that moment to fight again, dislocating her shoulder to get free and killing the walker that was about to reach her.

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S10 EP16 A Certain Doom (Daryl)

Looking back at 10x01 for a second, Carol asks Daryl to run away with her, but he says no and explains that life in tiny boat cabins is not for him. Then Carol presents the idea of running away on his bike instead, and he's much more enticed by his idea; however, by the end of the episode, they both agree that they can't because they still feel responsible for the people around them and making sure that they're safe against the threat from Alpha. 

Back to 10x16, after Carol went to lead the horde off the cliff, Daryl would have almost been expecting and terrified that she wouldn't come back, that she'd take this "out" and end her own pain in a permanent and self-sacrificial way like she's tried before, but this time, he wouldn't be there to beg her to come back to him and to save her. 

Once again, we find him leaning and steadying himself against a tree, preparing for the worst possible news or, as the episode's title suggests, a certain doom.

And when he sees her again, he can't take his eyes off her.

He doesn't believe his eyes at first; he looks all over her to make sure she's not hurt, but when she speaks, asking him if he's good, he finally breathes again, letting out the breath he's been holding.

The community is safe (for now) since the horde has been dealt with, and his next immediate thought is, "You still got me" and "New Mexico is still out there." He immediately brings back the idea of running away together; why? Because he now knows that this time he got way too close to losing her forever and will not be risking that ever again. He's now ready to leave everything and everyone else he cares about behind, so he'll never risk losing her again. 

He loves her so much that, once again, all else comes second.

When he hugs her, he pulls her in tighter than ever before, making sure he's holding onto as much of her as possible because he needs to know that this is real, that he's actually holding her, that she's right there, unharmed and breathing, and not just a part of a dream of what he wants to see. 

I believe he forgives everything in that instant, including her actions that led to losing Connie, because his pain is not worth causing her any more of it. He will now carry that guilt for himself, taking as much of her burden as possible just to make living a little easier for her. Because he'd rather shoulder all the pain and guilt than lose her, and because he can live with the pain and guilt, but he can't live without her. 

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S11 EP24 Rest in Peace (Daryl & Carol)

I believe the events of the season 11 finale forced them to come to a new level of internal acceptance. Seeing the people around them lose the ones they love the most started a spark, and it started to force them to have those internal conversations.

The reality began to sink in for both of them that there had been too many close calls to keep denying themselves what they truly wanted, and It's now more true to them than ever that their tomorrow isn't guaranteed.

We all expected this to be the moment they went for what they'd wanted for so long, but we were wrong; their wounds were just too deep, and their instinct to self-sacrifice was once again too strong.

A year later, we see them once again dedicating their lives to helping others, Carol taking over Hornsby's job and helping put the commonwealth back together, and Daryl setting out to see what's left out there, hoping to find Rick and Michonne and bring them back to their family.

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TOWL S01 EP04 What We (Daryl & Carol) - A Parallel

There's a pretty important parallel that I'd like to point out as well. In episode 4 of TOWL, when Micheonne asks Rick what the CRM took from him, Rick responds to her by saying:

"When I got taken, I fought, and I fought, and not just by trying to get away, but by how I would dream. I'd meet up with Carl in my dreams. And that's how I survived in here. Kept me alive... But then I started dreaming of you [Michonne]... and it kept me going... I can't live without you. Without you, I die."

It's important here to note that Rick is speaking to his wife. When he was taken away and at his lowest, he survived because when he went to sleep, he dreamed about Carl (his son) and Michonne (his soulmate) and his happy memories with them.

So what does Daryl dream about when he's taken away and at his lowest? (TWD:DD S01 EP01)

He dreams about Judith (his surrogate daughter) and Carol (his soulmate).

He dreams about Judith telling him that he deserves a happy ending too, and his very next thought is of Carol, seeing her again and being with her again because that's the happy ending he truly wants.

And what does Carol dream about when she's at her lowest in season 10?

She dreams about Henry (her adoptive son) and Daryl (her soulmate)

She dreams about the life she's always wanted, a home, a family and a life with Daryl because that's the happy ending she truly wants.

Also, just a quick mention that even Michonne refers to Rick (her husband) as her friend when speaking to Virgil in TWD 10x08 (TS: 40:00 - 41:20)

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So why is TBOC going to be any different? And why was Daryl ending up in France the best thing that could have happened for Caryl?

Because they have finally reached a point where they almost believe they've lost the other, they have been forced to feel the dependence of their existence on the others.

They have never been truly separated before, not to this extent. And what to them was previously only a fear has now become a reality.

When they're reunited, it's going to be with a completely new perspective and total understanding of the extent of their need for one another, and the idea of just having one another in each other's lives will no longer even remotely come close to being sufficient.

I'll elaborate a little...

After all these years, we've seen them constantly save one another and be terrified of losing each other. But no matter what, nothing got them to the point where they felt they needed (more than anything) to confess to the other. So far, everything they have faced during the main show has been different shades of the same thing, and the urgency was never high enough to outweigh their self-doubt and insecurities.

What France has given us is a whole new level of steaks. Where we'll find them in season 2 is on the verge of believing that they'll never be able to see each other again; this, coupled with the fact that they don't even know if the other is even alive, and the fact that the distance and time apart has given them a true taste of how much they need the other, we now have the perfect and unique recipe for something that outweighs their self-doubts and insecurities.

It's the age-old idea of you don't know what you have until it's gone. The difference between:

Watching everyone around them lose the people they love most: they empathise with them, their heart breaks for them, they may even be devastated by that loss, and ultimately, it probably makes them cherish the ones they still have even more.

They, themselves, losing the person they love most: this is something that needs to be experienced to be understood. It's reality shifting, and the pain/loss outweighs anything else.

And now, after experiencing that loss for themselves, by some miracle, they're given another chance with that person... what a way to completely shift someone's priorities and ability to act past insecurities.

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To wrap up I wanna go back to Norman's words from the NYCC TBOC press conference:

"[Carol] feels something's wrong. They have that kind of bond, where there's a lot of unspoken things that are said... the bonds that we made in the flagship show are still very strong... [Carol] can take care of herself, of course... but the bond just keeps getting stronger and stronger..."

And David Zabel's words from his interview with Entertainment Weekly (interview link):

"The main focus of season 2 for me was always Daryl and Carol coming back together and what does that mean? And it becomes ultimately a story about how we as people can save each other. She's trying to find him, but in the process of telling that story: How are they ultimately getting to a place where they're kind of saving each other?...showing what's happening inside these characters as people in the most intimate personal way"

Daryl and Carol have loved and cared for each other so profoundly, especially when they couldn't love themselves, even to the point of sacrificing their own happiness to prioritise the others. If that is not the true meaning of soulmates, then I don't know what is. And we all know that some of the greatest loves are routed in the truest friendships.

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Thank you to everyone who read through this! I know it was an extra long one, and it could have been even longer, but I've decided to post their moments from 10C separately, as there's a lot more to break down there. I really enjoyed writing this, and I'm so happy/grateful that I have this platform to share these thoughts with you all. I'd love to know your thoughts on the things I've mentioned or missed ♡♡♡

As some of you already know, I'll be attending the Tribeca Premiere for TBOC in 9 days. After that, I'd like to write and share a spoiler-free-ish afterthought for this post, including what I've taken away from episode 1, what was said during the cast panel afterwards, and my thoughts on what's to come for Caryl. If anyone would like to be tagged when that's posted, please let me know.

I'll be posting a more detailed and spoilery analysis of Episode 1 once it's actually released.

[inamindfarfaraway]

I can’t wait to see Ezran’s reaction to Callum wanting to free Runaan, and then Runaan himself. We all know that he’s a kind, wise kid. He strives for peace, sees the best in people, prefers diplomacy over combat and applies respect and compassion to everyone he meets. He'd rather show mercy than take prisoners. He wants to avoid his father's mistakes of pursuing hatred and escalating conflict. His power is literally enhanced communication. Compared to the much more ruthless Prince Callum "Stab, stab, bye-bye, bad guy!" of Katolis, he seems pretty 'pure of heart'.

But he has anger inside him. He resents the pain and injustice he's experienced and holds grudges, like Harrow before him. He admits to his people that he is learning to forgive and move forward alongside them. And it isn’t easy.

"We are angry! I am angry. I have been hurt. ...We all want peace and we all want love, but violence tests us. In a twisted way, it converts us to its cause. Because pain and loss feel so terrible inside, you want to hate, you want to hurt someone else."

Callum would kill to save his loved ones, but not to avenge them. One of the first things he does in the show is condemn the self-perpetuating cycle of revenge as irrational, unhelpful and needlessly destructive. He forgives Rayla and Soren. He jumps on board with liberating Runaan, his father's killer, because it's what Rayla wants, even though she's actually willing to put it aside for now. When she steals Runaan's bow he used to commit the crime, he exhibits no hard feelings.

But when Ezran finds the arrow Runaan fired to inform the Dragon Queen of Harrow's death, he breaks it out of rage and spite.

So when he discovers that his dear brother is trying to free the man who murdered their father and stole his childhood, to allow him to experience life and be with his loved ones when Harrow can't? He's not gonna like it.

This arc seems wonderfully plausible in Season Six becaues this franchise adores its parallels and foil dynamics, and Claudia's most likely motivation in Season Six is "The heroes killed my dad and I'm going to make it everyone's problem!" It's telling that his speech about the cycle of pain, bitterness and vengeance I quoted is layered over Claudia fighting in the name of her own murdered father.

The beautiful symbolism of Ezran having his crown forged from the steel of Harrow’s sword... on one hand, he's destroyed a weapon because he never wants to use it. He's choosing a narrative of love over a narrative of violent strength. But on the other hand, he carries the weight of his murdered father's weapon, which did spill blood and take lives, with him all the time as a symbol of his identity, specifically his identity as a powerful authority figure and Harrow’s successor. You see how that’s a little troubling, right? In a show so concerned with generational trauma and history repeating? Ezran? Are you okay?

[thestarstoasun]

A short drabble of Will & the Apollo kids + a sprinkle of angst

PROMPT: Michael,Lee and the other apollo campers realizing the new tiny blonde kid in the hermes cabin is the son of the Naomi Solace and freaking out.

(A/N: I very loosely followed the prompt in the end)

It wasn’t surprising when the new camper, a small blonde boy with blue eyes, named Will Solace ended up in the infirmary. The first time Lee had treated Will he had been walked in by Maron, a satyr Lee knew brought back tons of demigods, covered in marks from where Stymphalian birds had attacked him. At the time, Will hadn’t said much to him, or anyone else, but he listened well. “It’s nothing too bad. Here,” Lee placed a small piece of ambrosia in Will’s hand with a gentle smile, “this will help you feel better. Just eat that and you’ll be feeling as good as new in no time.” Lee ruffled Will’s hair and walked over to check on a nasty cut that Sherman Yang of the Ares Cabin had gotten during training.

That had been two weeks ago. Will remained unclaimed by his godly parent, while it was disappointing (but unsurprising), several campers including Michael Yew did their best to cheer him up. Hermes and Apollo were at archery together, a new concept that Chiron had suggested. While two different cabins were put together for activities, all of the campers knew the real hope was that the Gods would find promise in one of their unclaimed children during an activity and claim them.

As it turned out, Will was better than other campers with a bow and arrow, though just barely above bar by Apollo standards. Michael found himself drifting over to the boy to help him more and more throughout the session. “You're stance is good, but you need to work on focusing your aim at your target. Why don't you try setting the bow down and throwing the arrow to see if that helps?” He suggested.

Will let out a huff of air and kicked at the ground beneath his feet. “What if I'm just really bad? I'm not even good at holding a sword!” His voice wavered with emotion as his eyes welled with tears. Michael couldn't help but feel bad for him. Unlike most campers, he had been claimed his first day after shooting an apple off of Luke Castellan's head. (If asked, he would swear it was an accident, but some other campers seemed to disagree.)

“Look, Will, I can't say what you'll be good at and what you won't, as your godly parent hasn't claimed you.” The younger boy sniffled and focused his attention on the ground. “But what I can say is that not every demigod is good at the same stuff. I can barely heal to save my life. Yeah, I can give someone nectar and ambrosia, watch over them, give them mortal medicine, all that jazz, but I don't have Lee or my big sister, Juliet's, skill in medicine.” This made Will's eyes widen in shock, because all of the Apollo children were so gifted. (Luke told him it was because their father was the God of a bunch of stuff.)

“My Mama says that everyone has their own skills.” Will spoke up after a few minutes of twisting the hem of his shirt in his fists.

“Your mama sounds very wise.” Michael smiled and picked up the bow Will had been using.

“She is! She's a musician!” Michael noticed how Will's blue eyes seemed to move like the sky when he mentioned his mom. He figured just because he didn't have the best relationship with his own at a young age, the same didn't have to be for all demigods.

“Oh? What's her name? Maybe I know of her.”

“Naomi Solace.” Michael almost choked at the proud tone, not that it wasn't completely appropriate. Naomi Solace was an absolute icon in the music industry. Their head counselor, Sam - a warm, ivory guy who stood at 5 '11, who would be leaving after this summer, had brought a ton of her records and CD's from home to keep in the cabin.

“Seriously? You're Naomi Solace's son!?” The other Apollo kids turned their heads in excitement and began to crowd around them. Will just nodded his head nervously, afraid he had said something wrong.

“That's fucking awesome! We all love her!” Catherine, an umber toned Apollo girl with heterochromia, spoke up.

“Will is still a child, watch your tongue, Cathy.” Sam scolded with a fond, exasperated expression. Will found himself bursting out into a fit of giggles. He had heard much worse while on the road with his mother, but he appreciated the sentiment nonetheless.

“You have totally got to introduce us one day, little buddy.” Another Apollo child, who Will had forgotten the name of, spoke up. The children of the sun God had never been anything but welcoming, so after pretending to think about it for a minute Will grinned widely. “Alright, just remember your manners.”

The rest of the day, the Apollo cabin borrowed, or rather stole, Will so he could join them in their activities. While the boy enjoyed the company of the Hermes kids, he felt a sense of belonging that he couldn't place when he was laughing alongside the talented Apollo children. That night at dinner, instead of offering his food to Hermes, he sent an offering to the God of the Sun.

Please, I don't know if I am your son or not, but I really hope I am. I know I may not be as great as Michael or Catherine, but I feel connected to them. They feel like home….like mama…like sunshine.

[byunpum]

Some Brain rot I liked to share

For " I can be a better father " series is my fave and since MC is technically the eldest out of all her siblings, I liked to think Neteyam looked up to his older sister to able to adapt and skilled with almost everything to hunting, warrior tactic ( even if she can't join in with the war party she dose strategies in aid and it mostly works as she good at planning), healing with medicine and improving it, arts like weaving and pottery, and taking care of children

Even if she is human she adapted well with her adopted brother Spider

But what make him consider the elder sibling is because as there an incident that his sister saved him but it leaves her critical injured and it made him very protective of her as she is not Na'vi liked them or the others

She and Spider will die if they are not careful enough, a fear he developed from that incident in secret

I love it, I think the incident that awakened these overprotective intents of neteyam. It was a hunt, which you and neteyam had been planning for weeks. It was a secret thing you were going to do, tsu'tey never used to let you go out hunting alone. He knew how good you are, and that you could defend yourself. But it was still too dangerous for you. And so it was, the attack of a thanator, wounded you heavily. The creature had Neteyam cornered in a log, the boy tried to defend himself but in useless. It wasn't until Y/N drew his bow, and with a single arrow he hit the creature in the head. The beast had enough time to turn around and run towards Y/N. Causing her to fall to the ground, and tearing her with its sharp claws. This left you badly injured, almost unconscious. Luckily for both of you, the creature fled through the wound Y/N had inflicted, running away and getting lost in the forest. Neteyam ran as fast as he could to his sister, he had tears coming out of his eyes, he felt so responsible for this. He was to blame for everything, he was supposed to take care of you and here you are. Neteyam held you in his arms and ran as fast as he could to the village.

From that day on, he promised to take care of you. Not only you, but spider. You might be older than him, but it was his duty to take care of you. I think after that incident he would look up to you a lot more…you saved his life. And you risked yours, you almost died. And yet you were now combing his hair, only 4 months after the attack. You were his role model, neteyam promised to be the best warrior of the clan to protect you. Because no one and nothing was going to touch his great sister.

I always talk about spider and Y/N. But I think in the lifetime of Y/N. Neteyam and Y/N would be very close, even closer than spider. This would cause stupid jealousy between siblings. But they would calm down…neteyam and y/n are so much alike. They have almost the same taste…some would say they are twins but from other species.

[raayllum]

The Coin / Moon Fam plotline: a Structural Analysis

There's been some stuff in the tags recently about people being bummed over how long the Moon Fam / coin plot line has taken, and while it's an understandable perspective (particularly with how long hiatuses can feel between seasons), when looking at TDP as one complete story... the Coin / Moon Fam plot line hasn't actually taken that long, and is one of the most consistently developed plot threads / relationships in the show - and here's why.

This meta is broken down into three subheadings labelled, "Series Layout," "Plot Relevancy," and "The Trio('s emotional arcs)".

Series Layout

First things first, the fact of the matter is that the only season that didn't continue the coin plotline at all has been S2. Every other season has had something. This is pretty unique as outside character journeys or relationship development, not much besides overarching plot carries between season to season. Callum's arc is a mage and Ezran as king is ongoing, but the coin plotline has developed more consistently per season than emphasis on Ezran and Rayla getting one-on-one scenes together (which they haven't since S2). So the official breakdown is this:

1x01-1x03: Runaan and his relationship with Rayla are developed. He is taken prisoner while she goes on the mission with the boys.

1x05: Rayla shares the backstory of her parents failing to protect the egg. This is the first and last time she talks directly about her family until S3.

1x08: The coins are introduced in relation to Aaravos and the mirror, specifically. Runaan knows something of what the mirror is. He is coined.

3x03: While Runaan is believed to be dead, it is shown to the audience that he is stuck between life and death in the Lotus pond.

3x08: We see Lain and Tiadrin. It is implied they are coined.

3x09: Viren has the coins, taunting Rayla about them. This likewise teases that her parents were coined and reminds us that Runaan is too.

4x07: We learn about the quasar diamonds, which is set up for S5. Rayla also mentions how Runaan used moon opals to create illusion spells.

4x08: Rayla offers to sacrifice her blades and explains their connection to Runaan and Ethari, and how she believes she won't ever see them again. This is pretty blatant setup for the next episode in which

4x09: Rayla tries to save and then receives the coins from Claudia. This is also when it is finally confirmed that Lain and Tiadrin were coined as well. She and Stella escape Umber Tor (this is also how Rayla learns about Stella's portal powers).

5x01: Rayla investigates the dungeons to find out what happened to Runaan / how the coins work. She finds a 'mystery human' in a 4th coin. She determines that while she wants to help her family, she can't bring herself to prioritize it while the world is still in danger and that Callum and Ezran need her.

5x02: We meet the mystery human and find out that he is Kpp'Ar, Viren's old mentor. Rayla uses Runaan's bow and Ethari's arrows (thanking the latter) to defend herself against a corrupted banther.

5x04: Rayla tells Callum the truth about the coins and her pain concerning them. He immediately wants to help her and finds a potential solution concerning the coins: quasar diamonds at the Starscraper. Callum intends to personally free them himself and risks all of their present lives to get the information.

5x05: Karim summons the Bloodmoon Huntress, Kim'Dael, to do his bidding. As we know thanks to the graphic novel of the same name, she has history with Rayla, Runaan, and Ethari.

TDP loves to set things up, add to it a little for a season, and then make it a major focus.

Think of how Claudia and Soren didn't see their dad again after 1x06 until 3x03 - that's about 14 episodes, roughly half of Arc 1! Or how nothing that Viren does in S1 or S2 affects the trio at all until his kids catch up with Callum, Ezran, and Rayla in 2x02, or his own actions until close to 3x04 and 3x08 - once again, seasons apart.

Thus, the breaks in between the Moon Fam development makes sense, even if as laid out before, Rayla's relationship with them and the coins are developed 4/5 seasons. In particular, Rayla's relationship with Runaan and Ethari are more developed and emphasized, additionally, than her relationship with her biological parents. And what's more, thanks to both the Nova Blade and the Quasar Diamonds being rumoured to be at the Starscraper, let's talk about

Plot Relevancy

As soon as we'd learned there was a fourth coin, I assumed that Kpp'Ar was imprisoned inside it, simply because 1) he's close to Viren, 2) he 'mysteriously disappears,' and 3) his name sounds like fucking copper. It is implied in the Book Two: Sky novelization that Kpp'Ar has Plot Relevant Information about Aaravos (and possibly the relic staff) as well as whatever Viren did to save Soren (and his own dark magic misdeeds).

The novelization confirms that Kpp'Ar had a box that perfectly matched the one Aaravos uses inside the mirror for the bug pal spell. Kpp'Ar is also a master of puzzles and could very well be the descendant of the Jailer, who created the now infamous puzzle of the prison, in addition to having a wide berth of magical knowledge.

This implied connection to the prison would make the most sense if Kpp'Ar gets out before Aaravos is freed, and Aaravos will have to be freed in season six. And if Kpp'Ar is getting out of his coin, then the Moon fam are also getting out of theirs before the season finale.

There's also the Kim'Dael plotline to consider. While she is a menace in S5, Janai implies that she is not at her full powers, claiming, "This is a monster you do not want unleashed." Given that Karim has the sun seed and an army, he will likely become King of Lux Aurea and able to free Kim'Dael in S6 as well. This sets up the Moon fam all working together with Rayla to defeat her in S7.

So thanks to Kpp'Ar and Kim'Dael, the Moon fam is tied to two ongoing plotlines that have to get underway sooner rather than later. They are also three of the few characters to have presumably known what the mirror was. Runaan seems to outright know something ("That mirror? You have found something worse than death") and for Lain and Tiadrin, it is implied, as it seems they stayed behind ultimately to guard the mirror > Zym's egg (given that they tried to have Hendryr take the egg with him) because they knew it falling into the wrong hands could be dangerous. This means that when the three of them do come sprawling out of the coins, they will immediately understand the stakes of Aaravos' imminent or potential release.

The "two relevant plotlines" is under the assumption as well that Callum's pursuit of Star magic in order to free them is not what ultimately leads to him 1) him being possessed (with Rayla being called upon to kill him again, generating a potential interesting conflict with Runaan) or 2) snowballs into being what releases Aaravos. In which case they'd be tethered to Three Plotlines. But in some ways, they already are, because of how Runaan in particular is going to impact each of

The Trio

or why the "Ezran short story indicating Ezran is going to have lots of big nasty feelings about Runaan's rescue and survival is the best thing that could've ever happened, thank you" section. You can read the short story here if you haven't already (and I highly recommend it).

Okay, but why is this a good thing? Well...

We know next season that Callum and Rayla are heading to the Starscraper, likely now that things with Aaravos have resolved enough and/or to get the Nova Blade because things have escalated very quickly. However, as previously discussed, while Callum might do some plot relevant snowball shit to get them out of the coins, from an emotional arc standpoint, he's more likely to struggle with Runaan once the assassin is out. As of now, Callum is wholly dedicated to helping Rayla get her parents out of the coins (as he states and reaffirms in 5x04). The fact the Starscraper also has the Nova Blade is a nice preventative bonus. But this current lack of 'big feelings' means that Rayla was our main emotional tether to how people are Feeling about the coin plotline, from a character standpoint.

Enter Ezran and his anger. Not only does it expand his character, it gives the audience another piece of emotional investment and complication in the coin plotline, even if we're still inclined to be more for freeing Runaan than not (which is where Ez may fall). And it also introduces that complication for Callum.

Rayla and Ezran, and Ezran and Callum, rarely argue. Now Ezran is going to be presumably pitted against something Callum wants to do for Rayla, being torn between the two people he loves the most, with Ezran possibly feeling betrayed by the two people he loves the most.

So now there's an emotional investment with all three of the main characters - for Ezran, his anger in contrast with his hopes for peace; for Callum, devotion to Rayla and more importantly in this vein at least, disagreement with his brother; and of course, Rayla being caught up in magic that may have a steep price to pay in order to free her family (and what Runaan may encourage her to do once he is freed, re: killing Callum).

The brothers have to resolve their conflict; Rayla has to get her family back; Runaan's responses to each of these things, and indeed being freed, opens up a lot more avenues. TDP has never taken the easy way out when it comes to character development and complicated emotion. Viren was saved from a similar fate to his former prisoner so that he could develop further - otherwise why keep a character alive? Runaan (and the others) are going to be freed by the end of S6 if not earlier than the finale by a decent margin, and have enough time to change, stumble, and grow alongside their daughter and her friends - while defeating Kim'Dael together as a family, I think. #Justformerassassinthings

Conclusion

S6 is go time and it's gonna be great, Runaan and Ethari are gonna get a good chunk of screentime together, Runaan is one of the most important driving forces within S6's setup, and they all still have places to go as characters. Thank you goodnight

[thebluemallet]

My Immediate Thoughts on the Latest Avatar: The Last Airbender Trailer

THE SHIP DESIGN FOR THE FIRE NAVY SHIPS! THAT MAST!

This must be the North Pole and leading up to the Siege of the North.

Appa soaring through the skies.

Yeah, they're really going to go and show us the attacks on the Air Temples. On the one hand, I'm excited about the new material. On the other hand, I feel like I shouldn't be excited about witnessing a genocide even if it's fiction.

IS THAT FIRE LORD SOZIN? OR IS THAT JUST A RANDOM FIRE NATION GENERAL?? I THINK IT'S SOZIN??

Aang breaking out from the iceberg seems a lot more violent than the cartoon but it also looks awesome! And if I were Sokka and Katara, I'd be scared shitless seeing that.

I think that's Monk Gyatso voice in the beginning? And he specifically says that the Fire Nation is embarking on a dark path instead of the super vague "storm clouds are gathering" like in the original cartoon. So Aang goes into that iceberg with more knowledge in this adaptation than in the cartoon.

Daniel Dae Kim looks great as Fire Lord Ozai!

Azula with a bow and arrow? Guess she's expanding her skill set.

Blink and you'll miss it, but that is JET that Katara, Sokka, and Aang are talking to before there's a big ass explosion behind them.

WE'VE GOT THE MOTHER EFFIN OSTRICH HORSES, BABY!

IT'S ZUKO COMING TO RESCUE UNCLE IROH WHEN HE GETS CAPTURED BY EARTH KINGDOM SOLDIERS!

Aang, Katara, and Sokka checking out the ruins of one of the Air Temples. Southern Air Temple, maybe, probably?

Water Tribe! Don't know if it's Northern or Southern but it could be the aftermath of Zuko coming to the Southern tribe to find Aang.

Katara coming in with her belief that Aang can save the world.

I'm in love with every shot of Appa flying!

THE AIR SCOOTER!

AND HE CRASHES INTO A STATUE LIKE HE DOES IN THE ORIGINAL OPENING CREDITS!!!!

There you go! You whiny little complainers finally got your sarcastic Sokka. And he definitely has more emotional range than the Sokka in the other project that shall not be named so I approve!

THAT'S ZUKO'S TINY LITTLE WARSHIP CRUISING AROUND THE SOUTH POLE LOOKING FOR THE AVATAR!!!

UNCLE!

That's not Zuko pinning up that picture of Aang. Maybe it's Zhao?

I fucking love the masks on the Fire Nation soldiers!!!!!!!

Zuko, you moody, angsty, traumatized teenager! I love you!

(This better get renewed so we can get awkward Zuko. I want to hear him say, "That's rough, buddy." I want to know how many takes they ruined when they eventualy film that scene.)

ZUKO AND IROH TEAM UP AGAINST THOSE EARTH KINGDOM SOLDIERS!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you know guys, maybe we should hear out what the fire nation has to say?

Nope, sorry, I was distracted by the abs. They should have had him silhouetted because I'm pretty sure this is the AGNI KAI WHERE HE BURNS HIS KID'S FACE!

Avatar "I don't want the responsibility!" Aang.

It's giving "Because I never wanted to be" and "I'm just one kid" energy.

THE FACT THAT I WILL NEVER GET TO CUDDLE APPA IN REAL LIFE IS A CRIME!

Sokka coming in and reminding Aang that he's not alone in this.

Reminds me of early on in the show when he says "Katara and I aren't going to let anything happen to you."

Momo's excellent comedic timing, there.

IT'S JUN! AND NYLA! IT LOOKS SO FREAKING GOOD!

HOLY FUCKING SHIT! IF THAT'S HEI BAI, THEN I'M GOING TO SHIT MYSELF WHEN THEY SHOW KOH!

Oh, Zuko isn't showing up to Kyoshi this time, it's ZHAO!

SOKKA AND SUKI LOOKING AMAZING FIGHTING TOGETHER!

THAT'S TEO AND AANG FLYING AROUND! THAT'S TEO AND AAANG!

I guess one of the big changes from the cartoon is that we'll see Teo and his dad in Omashu instead of the Northern Air Temple because that's DEFINITELY Omashu they're flying around.

AANG! YOU'RE SO PINT-SIZED COMPARED TO SOKKA AND KATARA! AND THE RUNNING HUG! I CAN'T HANDLE THE RUNNING HUGS! THEY'RE MY KRYPTONITE!

BLUE SPIRT! WE'RE GETTING THE BLUE SPIRIT AND AANG FIGHTING TOGETHER!

Aang ready to kick some Fire Nation butt.

I wonder if that's part of the Siege of the North? It looks like Sokka flies him in on Appa and Aang drops in.

I think the next shot is the South Pole when Zuko attacks trying to find Aang?

Aang pulling out the Matrix moves when Sokka lets his boomerang fly!

KING BUMI! They were really accurate with the costumes here.

KATARA FIGHTING OFF ZUKO AT THE NORTH POLE!!!!

Jet looking like a badass and fighting off some fire benders.

I know I've guessed this several times, but THAT WAS DEFINITELY AANG AND ZUKO AT THE SOUTH POLE!

I like we see the glow slowly going over the tattoos as Aang goes into the Avatar state instead of it just going straight to glowing.

AND THE CHANTING! I LOVE THIS MUSIC SO MUCH!!!

I think Aang's last transition to the Avatar State is definitely him at the Southern Air Temple when he finally has to face what happened to the Air Nomads, but I could be wrong.

Anyway. February 22 isn't that far away and there are not enough words to describe how excited I am for this.

[walmart-miku]

Ok finished The Boy and The Heron. And I have Thoughts.

THE THEMES!!!! THE SYMBOLISM!!!! THE INEVITABLE MARCH OF TIME BUT WE STILL GO ON. THE "IMPERFECT WORLD TAINTED WITH MALICE" "WORLD FULL OF CHAOS AND FIRE" "PURE VS IMPURE" AHHHHHHHHH

ITS ABOUT GRIEF!!! ITS ABOUT HIW MAHITO LEARNS TO NAVIGATE A WORLD WITHOUT HIS MOTHER AND HIM ACCEPTING NATSUKO AS HIS MOTHER AND THE WAY ITS DONE IS SO GRACEFUL. He starts completely impartial to her. Besides the fact that Natsuko looks like his mother, Mahito is polite but cold to her. And then Natsuko gets "taken". And Mahito decides to go save her, not for himself but for his FATHER!!! (On a side note here, I love how good of a father Mahito has. He's really trying his best here, he dropped everything to look for them and was 110% ready to fight God.) And once Mahito finally gets to her its this beautiful scene of him calling out to her for her to come home with him and hee refusing and Mahito going from calling out "NATSUKO" to "MOTHER"!!!! HE CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE ANOTHER MOTHER AND HE MIGHT HAVE FAILED THE FIRST TIME BUT HE WON'T THIS TIME AND AHHHHH!!!!

My brain will not shut up about the one scene where the heron tells Mahito that he can't fix the hole that Mahito made in his beak that's preventing him from transforming. It has to be the one who did the damage that fixes it. It has to be Mahito who fixes it. Do you see where I'm going here. How, as hard as you try, damage has been done and sometimes the damage has to be repaired by the cause.

THE REAL WORLD ATTACHMENT THAT HAYAO MIYAZAKI HAS TO THIS FILM. HE IS THE GREAT GRAND UNCLE. He created this beautiful empire of movies and has left a legacy and the movie ends with the empire/world falling l, with the potential successor turning away from the world and choosing his own path. THE MOVIE IS A LOVE LETTER TO HIS SON AND HOLY SHIT IM NOT GOING TO BE NORMAL ABOUT THIS FACT.

Little guys. A ghibli movie is not a ghibli movie until it has silly little guys. For this one we got the water water. LOOK AT THEM!!!! I WOULD DIE FOR THEM. I cried when they got eaten and then I cried some more when the old pelican died talking to Mahito. Because they didn't ask for this life where they eat the water water. But they have no choice. And their young don't know how to fly anymore.

Kiriko. Holy fucking shit Kiriko. She's managed to fulfill both the grandma and cool lesbian aunt roles in The Boy and The Heron and holy shit. First time I saw her butch form I. Also the little wood carvings to protect. How they're people from Mahitos world. How Mahito has so many people that care about him. (Look at her she's so)

Himi (Mahito's mother) ISNT AFRAID OF FIRE (how she dies) BECAUSE WHY BE AFRAID OF DEATH? WHY FEAR THE UNKNOWN AND THE END? WHY FEAR THE VERY THING THAT YOU CONTROLLED?

Mahito is super duper fucking unhinged (affectionate). The hospital is on fire, he runs against the crowd to get to his mother. The kids at his new school make fun of him. Next scene has no audio but some cheerful music and is of just Mahito fucking throwing hands. And then Mahito is still angry and full of malice afterwards that he just. Takes a rock and bangs it against his head. Mahito meets the grey heron and he decides that he's gonna kill it. He makes his won bow and arrow. He uses the herons own feather for the arrow. He also reflects his name perfectly. "Mahito" meaning "sincere one". He just says whatever the fuck he's thinking. He does not pull punches.

The book. "How Do You Live?" I Will Be Thinking About This Book So Much. (She left him a book, she left him a book about how to live because she knew that she wouldn't be there to watch him learn how to live but she still wanted to teach him how to live even if it was just beyond the grave through a book)

[silviakundera]

Lust Love in the Desert, ep 12 liveblogging

Have I mentioned the opening song? Because it's fantastic. I normally fast forward opening songs after the first episode but I let this one play more often than not.

(great translations as ever from peachey blossom)

We pick up where we left off, with General Wu having discovered the escape. Ruo Wen happens to be on scene with his silly hat.. will he help?

maybe? tbh I'm not certain if toppling that bookcase was intended to help or hinder

ML is shot with an arrow and it's all very tense and exciting! The Lord and guards are combing the grounds! ML is incapacitated, poisioned and seizing! FL has to hide him as the Lord prowls suspiciously in her rooms!

She cleverly slices open her palm to explain the blood smears on the cabinet. This woman really thinks on her feet.

FL is tending to the gaping arrow-sized hole in her beau's back

"Such a little injury is nothing" ML says as his eyes fill with tears, torso shuddering. Ok tough guy.

This hurt/comfort routine is happening on her bed, I'm fairly certain

Now she's wiping his brow and he wants to care for her hand. He's feeling very angsty about her risking her life to save him and unfortunately she can't understand why he's so adamant about being 'not a nice guy'

Yunpei Lord still plotting but sorry bro, I still think you're smart yet 50% less smart than you think you are.

But he's at least not an idiot so he's highly suspicious of FL

FL ruminating on if ML is impervious to poision, which I would dismiss as ridiculous but we're playing by wuxia rules

He wasn't wearing her armor for guilt reasons. Now she makes him swear to do so.

Every time we see Ruo Wen in his silly bowed hat I'm

Once again ML is healed and spruced up after being at death's door

He claims this extra special wine is like poision and he's been drinking it since a child, because everyone is always trying to kill him

More backstory flashback: he was handed over to the north lord to pose as his illegitimate son. lol so actually both he and the current Yunpei Lord are fake heirs.

FL is all 😔 both of us are orphans. Don't say sorry, it's not your fault ❤

ML: ... 😬

Perhaps out of guilt, for the first time he actually tells her actual true things about himself: he's an orphan and he's planning to rescue Rong Huo (though not why)

Ok so ML does think Ruo Wen was helping. 🤔🤔🤔

"I take you as my confidant," he says while still mostly sharing nothing about himself

She's incredibly wasted by this point. Babbling about rice cakes and wanting to cuddle

drunk!silvia also feels an overwhelming urge to cuddle, so I deeply sympathize

She admits missing him terribly when he's not around and it's very tender to see her lying in his embrace

She's lamenting that everyone who cared about her & protected her is gone, but at least destiny sent him to her. While we and ML know that he's at least partially responsible for her mom and nanny ending up dead. (the nanny wasn't skewered by his guys but if he'd let them in the gates, no one would have been kidnapped by bandits)

Princess #2 is taking over the brothel and turning it into a restaurant-front, backend bandit hideway. Of course she's ego bound to prove to Ruo Wen she can handle this business.

idk though... guys... The more I think about it, I just don't know how this is gonna work out. I could be very off-base on this, but I have the feeling that on some level she's too... 'mainstream' for Ruo Wen's lifestyle. She was up for the wild spring break times (adventure! excitement! no rules!) but sometimes I think there might end up a rude awakening between how she thinks this is gonna play out and Bandit Leader's plans. Like in this case, she's turning a brothel into a restaurant and releasing the girls from being sex workers. And she wants to send the madam to prison instead of the bandits' instinct just to kill her. None of that is very Desert Rankers, formerly of The Dead Zone. Is this gang actually going to go "straight"? Can 2ML truly withstand a leash? And if they don't, how long is she going to be able to vibe with it?

(This isn't a criticism of her subplot - the unpredictability of how this storyline will play out is what makes it interesting.)

Ruo Wen lying on a bed in the royal mansion, right under Loser Lord's nose, and ruminating on FL and if she'll truly come with him willingly or was just bluffing

But he is simply not made for thinking or playing indoor housecat - he's reactionary & impulsive, so he makes some sort of decision and bounds off the bed to stop the fake chef games

He rips off the mask and terrorizes Other Concubine for a while. Serve me, dance for me, do as I say or I'll scar you and you can be my wife. The usual. (I presume, as a powerplay to feel in control again).

[matteosilly]

SL GEM + SCOTT POV SPOILERS

I can never be normal about the ends of these series. If you think this is cringe go away 😊 [NOT A SHIP]

"Scott? Where are you?" Gem calls out to her last ally left, dread and desperation seep into her voice. Impulse had just died, she'd been too late. She couldn't be late again. "Where is everyone..." She mutters, eyes scanning over the battle torn terrain. A speck of telltale light blue peaks through the savannah trees, the faint sound of shouting and arrows following him as he runs in her direction.

The relief fades immediately as the bloody image of one of her best friends inches closer. "Scott!?" She shouts, rushing towards him and past the secret keeper.

"Gem you need to kill me!" He says, rushing towards her. He repeats himself over and over as if it's the only logical choice left.

"No- Why do I need to kill you?!" She says, helping him walk over to the secret keeper. His blood stains her hands a dark red. He sits down on a patch of moss, still breathing heavily. The air feels still here, like the secret keeper is granting them one last moment together. She can't kill him, he's her last Scott, her last friend left alive.

"I'm on two and a half hearts, if they kill me and get the ten-" Panicked tears prick in his eyes. Several patches of his hair have been stained an ugly greyish blue with his own blood. There are arrows sticking out of angry red wounds. Gemini hates the color red right now. Hates how it's taken over every valuable thing in this life. "I don't think I can do it. I think- I think you're gonna need to do it." Scott heaves. His gaze settles on her seriously, he knows exactly how she'd feel in this situation. He's had to kill his own allies before. He hates it, but it's better than the alternative.

"Scott-" Gemini says, on the verge of tears. This was not how this was supposed to end.

"Wait, before you do— here, take these." He says, pulling things out of his bag. An end crystal, his entire stash of ender pearls, the rest of his food, zombie eggs, and his power four bow. All of this stuff that he should be using to fight lays at her feet. She wants to refuse it. She wants to force him to fight, but at this point, that'd be crueler than death.

"Go on, gem, go. You got this." He says, nudging the sword clutched in her right hand. Tears pour down her cheeks like the raging river surrounding their home, she wishes for a moment that this was all one horrible nightmare. One terrifying dream. She wants to wake up back in those pink walls of her base with her two closest friends.

She settles for a pathetic "Thank you, Scott." as she tucks the items into her bag, save for the bow, which she replaces her near broken one with.

Gemini lifts her sword, if she has to kill him, she wants to make it quick. Her blade slices through his skin and bone, snuffing out the last candles of hope. Lightning strikes down in front of her. She gains ten hearts, but hers breaks as her best friend's body lies, cooling rapidly and lifeless. She cuts a layer of moss off of the secret keeper and covers his body in it. It's an unmarked grave, sure, but it's the most she has time for. He deserves this much. Fire tipped arrows rain down around her. An unmarked grave is better than no grave, and that's quite a lot more than what most people have after the last few days. She hopes he's at peace, or at least cheering her on from the other side.

The world around her seems to gray out around the edges. Her will to fight has been snuffed out. Three players remain. "Hey secret keeper..." She mumbles as she scrambles to the top of it for leverage. She starts raining down arrow fire at her enemy with Scott's bow. Every arrow should be his. The damage she deals is in his stead. It should've been her. Her heart's not in it anymore. Gemini takes a deep breath, before

"You wanna fight? Let's fight." She says, under her breath to no one in particular. Maybe it's to her opponents, maybe it's to the secret keeper. This game of dodgeball isn't going anywhere, she slides off the back of the secret keeper, landing in a roll.

"I don't think I can fight Pearl..." She says to herself. Shes already killed one ally, or now, ex-ally. "I think pearl wins this." Because if anyone has to win, maybe the person she'd fought alongside at one point could win for the both of them. She'd never liked Scar much anyway.

"Gem... Don't make me do this, Gem." Pearl says from atop a foothill.

"I don't know!" Pearl shouts back, desperation clinging to her voice. An arrow strikes Gemini through the side. She doesn't cry out. She ender-pearls away from her ex-ally as more arrows wizz by. She takes in a breath right as she's dumped into ice cold water surrounding the disheveled heart foundation. Her blood mixes with the water, yet the feeling of blood on her skin never leaves.

"I'm not making you do anything!" Gem shouts exasperatedly. "Pearl, what are you doing?!" She dodges under an arrow, sliding behind a tree.

She exits the water, just to see Scar rounding the pass. "Hi, Gem!" He says, all too sweetly. She slashes at him with her sword instead of returning the gesture. Pearl follows up close behind him, as she and scar exchange sword swipes.

"Two versus one? You guys are so gross!" Gemini snarks. She slashes and stabs at Scar, who dips away so Pearl can land another strike. Maybe she can wear Scar down at least. Secure the victory for someone else. Scar swings at her again and again as Pearl watches on, cheering her ally along.

"D'ya wanna sword this out with me Gem, or with Scar?" Pearl says, grazing Gemini across the face.

Gemini's blood splatters on the soft grass staining what was once green, red. She hates red.

A peaceful smile graces her face. She thinks she can hear Impulse and Scott somewhere, cheering her on.

Images of her old life flash before her eyes. Pink walls, easy laughter, the joy of existence, those first days of peace. She wants that again.

Lightning strikes.

[arofili]

Elladan + Elrohir, #21 break or be broken, winter

You can spin it however you like but I'm obsessed with the 'chose who lives/dies' trope being somehow spun with this prompt.

The one and only thing I can't cope with, with these characters, is when they choose different fates , one Human and one Elf. I hate that so much. Otherwise anything goes.

(AO3 is Elladan_E)

“Break or be broken?” snarled the wraith in its foul tongue.

Elladan cast aside his sword, not watching as it skittered across the ground and off into the chasm below. His gaze was fixed on his foe, and his brother in the spirit’s grasp.

“Break me,” he declared. “I will never harm him.”

The Nazgûl laughed, a wretched, breathless sound. Casually as one might toss aside the husk of nut, it flung Elrohir aside. Elladan tensed at the dull impact his brother made as he hit the ground, but he dared not look away from the wraith.

He thought he heard Elrohir whimper. That had to be enough. It had to be. If Elrohir had died...

“He lives,” the Nazgûl growled. “For now. But you, half-breed, shall live no longer.”

Elladan stood firm as the spirit approached. He had no more weapons; his bow was broken, his arrows spent, his sword swallowed by the depths of the wicked forest below. He held his head high as the Nazgûl lifted its scythe, ready to bring it down and sever life from limb—

El! No! El!

He flinched. Damn him, he flinched. How could he remain still and stoic when his twin’s voice rang panicked in his mind?

Don’t—El, please—

I will see you again, Elladan promised, bracing himself for the inevitable blow. They’d talked about their Choices, but hadn’t made them; it never seemed pressing. But now, with the end so near...

Well. So long as they made the same Choice, they’d never be alone.

And if Arwen Chose mortality...

Elladan! Elrohir screamed in his mind.

See you in Valinor, Elladan said, then shoved his brother out of his mind.

The scythe lowered. Elladan closed his eyes.

A great blow knocked the wind out of him, and he heard the Nazgûl scream—but it was too late. Elladan crumpled to the ground, and everything went dark.

~~~

“Don’t ever do that to me again!” Elrohir sobbed, clinging to him so tight Elladan thought he might stop breathing (again).

He was awake—he was alive. He was home, in Imladris, and his father was watching him with an exhausted smile. Arwen stood behind him, her hands on his shoulders, sorrow in her eyes.

“El,” he croaked. “I’m...what happened?”

“Grandfather Celeborn saved you,” Arwen murmured. “And Grandmama and King Thranduil drove the Nazgûl away. You’ve been asleep for...weeks. But you’re awake now. It’s going to be okay.”

“Your fëa is strong,” his father said quietly. “It...you healed faster than I anticipated. It is as if...”

Elladan swallowed. “I—I think...”

Arwen nodded sadly. “I thought so.”

Elrond wiped away a tear. “I cannot say I am not relieved,” he admitted. “But with our Choice comes sorrow, no matter the decision.”

“I just...I thought I was dying,” Elladan murmured. “And I knew...you would sail eventually, Ada, and Naneth already has, and...and...” He looked helplessly at Elrohir. “I wanted to see you again. All of you. But...El, I’m sorry. We always said we would Choose together...”

“We did,” Elrohir croaked, his face half-buried in Elladan’s shoulder. “I Chose, too, the moment you did. You’d have known if you hadn’t shoved me out of our twin-bond—”

“I didn’t want you to feel me die—!”

“And you think I wanted you to die for me?” Elrohir cried.

“None of us is dead,” Ada said firmly. He very purposefully did not look up at Arwen. “We are all together still. And we will be for a very long while yet. The Quest succeeded! As soon as you are well, Elladan, we will travel to Minas Tirith, and Arwen...”

“My Choice was made years ago,” Arwen said softly. “But soon I shall begin to live it.” She walked over to Elladan’s bedside and kissed both her brothers on the brow. “El. And El. I love you. I suspected you would Choose this way...it is good that Naneth will see her boys again, even if she and I are forever sundered.”

“Arwen,” Elrohir whispered.

“We love you too,” Elladan echoed, and meant it fully. “And no matter our Choices, we will always be family.”

[clxudyxuan]

|| A Tale from Times Long Past.

The term " Crystal Clear " refers to something unclouded, unambiguous. It refers to something being absolutely understood.

Name: Crystal Aveline Uniole- but that's way too fancy. Or posh or whatever. Call me Crystal!

Titles: Princess, Second Heir to the Crown of Aveline, Lady Royal, Savior of the Astro Kingdom, etc...

Age: I'm 20 so far! Hah... I've never imagined I made it all the way to twenty.

Pronouns: She / Her.

Species: I'm a human, lol. But for some reason, me and my sister can use magic and all that. Neat, eh?

( Human, Subsection Witch. )

Text Color: Purple! It's my favorite color, hehe.

Notes:

#past!crystal refers to 20 year old Crystal, before the whole story goes off rails.

#crystal refers to 21 year old Crystal after the story does go off rails.

================================================

Height: 5'7.

Unfortunately, Hannah is taller than me. By 3 inches! 3. Whole. Inches. Can you believe it!?

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral.

Date Of Birth: 30th of July, Year XXI.

Place Of Birth: Weeelll... I was born in a hospital over here, so I guess my own Kingdom?

Religion: My mom is Catholic, so I guess I am too? I dunno.

( She's an Atheist unironically. )

Family Member(s): Oh! I have my sister Hannah; she's the best! She can do like... everything. Anything!! She's gonna be Queen someday so I guess that'd be expected... I also have my mom. We don't spend much time together, but she's also great!

Criminal Record: Erm... I guess destroying buildings? Look, some damage is gonna get caused if we're gonna save our Kingdom.

Skeletons In The Closet: Uhhh, I don't think I have skeletons in my closet. Hopefully.

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Language: English. Just English, because Miss Crystal here did not pay attention in all her language classes.

HEY! You don't have to expose me like that!

Usage of Gestures and Expressions: It's more expressions than gestures. Crystal has very expressive eyes even if she's not pouting or furrowing her eyebrows.

Verbal Expression: Nothing noteworthy, although she does sound a bit bored all the time.

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Physical Abilities: Crystal is not very capable at fighting despite her fiery spirit. She's awfully reckless with a weapon, and should never be trusted with a overly powerful artifact.

Eventually, she does come to a resolve with her sister that she'd use a bow and arrow rather than a lance. Although sometimes she does straight up use the bow as a sword than it's intended usage...

Magical Abilities:

Before she met Hannah (<16):

Crystal was not aware she was able to use magic, so there was nothing to be done about it.

After she met Hannah (>17):

Crystal eventually found out, like her sister, that she was a magic user. She doesn't specifically know she's a witch, so she doesn't really do much potion-making or hexing.

Her powers include Telekinesis, Gravity Control and Ice / Snow powers. Basic magic usages are also included.

Weapon(s): Bow and arrow, the occasional hammer ( For a certain bastard. ) .

Weakness(es): Basic human weaknesses.

Side Effect(s): Her mana specifically comes from her own stamina, and while her stamina isn't particularly bad, it still uses up a lot of her energy. As a result, she straight up can't use her abilities or her body will experience chronic pain.

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Voice Claim: Marceline ( Adventure Time )

Moodboard: +

Songs: Good Time + Back to December ( Sped Up )

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Personality: Particularly stubborn. Extremely insistent. May be a smidge manipulative. Is very cheerful and a hint juvenile, but… has very strong opinions on… certain things.

She knows exactly what she wants: and will do whatever to get it. Who cares about what the consequences could be: it's not like it'd effect her life anyway.

She's a princess. She had all the freedom and control she could've wanted, even without the powers. She loved being hailed as a hero, her name travelled wide and far. That rush of excitement was intoxicating.

When you are young, you never appreciate anything or anyone. In the heat of the moment, you never properly acknowledge all the work and hope people put into you. You never think of being in other's shoes. Afterall, why bother thinking of the future? How would that matter in the slightest?

However, beauty, youth, power, wealth: all these things only last for so long. You chase them for so long that when you turn your head back: the people behind you, supporting you were long gone. And yet... in the end, they left the best for you.

They loved you. Dearly. Sincerely. With all their heart.

Maybe it was all doomed from the very beginning.

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Lore // Backstory:

Crystal’s earliest memories were of a dark alley, the shadows stretching, practically yearning for her to come in as a sweet yet haunting tune played. From where this tune originated, she had no clue.

She followed it blindly, her mind blank. Before she could even process what had happened, she had been swept away from the hall as she felt someone, carrying her over their shoulder, as they ran out the door.

Hundreds, maybe thousands of screams pierced through her ears, her eyes widening, slowly but steadily realising what was going on before bursting into tears, screaming alongside the crowd for her mother.

Yet wailing and crying was of no use, as she was forcefully loaded into some conspicuous cart, her mouth chewing on a piece of rope.

Out of fatigue, fear and despair, she had collapsed.

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The next time she woke up, she was in… nowhere. The forests looked unfamiliar, there were no castles, guards or even a townsfolk in sight.

Crawling up on her knees, she wandered aimlessly. She had resorted to eating dry roots and berries to survive, as much as they were a complete downgrade from her usual meals.

Perhaps at a certain point in life, she knew no one was going to come and rescue her. To know that she was alone in the world, and that she had no one but herself to rely on.

Eventually, over the years, Crystal grew, her dreams of finally being rescued back to her home fading.

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Almost twelve years went by since that day. It had been very tiring and long these past years. Resorting to various gigs to get by, her hands certainly weren’t… clean. Crystal didn’t even know if she’d make it past twenty really.

It was lonely, isolating and quite exhausting. Crystal knew, somewhere deep down, that perhaps in this life of hers, she was going to die alone. Maybe on a job. Or in some side alley.

But she didn’t want to. She wanted more than this. She deserved more than whatever the hell it is she’s doing now.

And yet. It was almost baffling and mocking how many turns life could give you.

…

On one faithful day, while strolling down a street with no particular aim, Crystal accidentally rammed into someone. Both their heads colliding with one another.

“Oh, oh my god. I’m so so so sorry! Here, uh, let me help you..”

Crystal was still rubbing her head on her forehead, her ankle throbbing. She was about to yell at the girl when she felt… familiarity with those blue eyes.

The girl seemed close in age to her, though she was clearly more well-kept than Crystal. In more ways than one. Her long hair was tied back in a braid with a large pink bow, her summer dress bellowed in the wind. Even she perhaps felt something off, her eyes piercing into Crystal’s, an eyebrow raised.

Crystal snapped back to reality, taking the girl’s outstretched hand and pulling herself up. She felt something near her ankle, but her brain was too clouded to realise it.

An awkward silence was followed. The girl tilted her head and analysed Crystal. She looked away.

“Do I… have we met before?”

“…no, no.”

Another silence was followed before it was cut through by a gasp. Crystal looked around, trying to figure out where the sound cane from before realising who it came from: the girl right in front of her, hands clasped to her mouth, her eyes looking down.

Crystal’s gaze followed hers, and took a second to realise her ankle had a blooming bruise. Oh so conveniently, the pain finally blasted through her daze as she felt a harsh sting in her ankle. Crystal suddenly fell to the floor, clutching her ankle wincing.

The girl panicked, taking out her purse and searching through for something. She pulled out a roll of bandages, hastily threw off Crystal’s shoe and wrapped them around her ankle and foot.

Crystal’s brain could not process what was going on as fast as what was happening. Some time in the future, she still couldn’t. Though… there was one thing she remembered fondly about the whole ordeal.

The feeling of her feet leaving the ground, as she felt a warm hands carrying her, their breath panicked, urgent. Despite the pain and pretty stupid predicament: Crystal felt a odd sense of comfort and deja vu looking at the older girl.

Like she knew her somewhere.

Crystal pushed it out of her mind as the girl, introducing herself as ‘Hannah’ to the doctors as they all showed some weird expression on their face.

Hannah. Hannah?? Ha… huh.

How odd.

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[mzannthropy]

Sam Claflin as Romantic Hero (Linda's Version)

So I thought I'd do a post (posts?) on the topic of Sam playing romantic heroes, bc this is what I disagree with the entire planet most about.

What I mean by "romantic hero" here is someone who I see would make a good partner. Let's go. (Under a cut as got long, no major spoilers.)

William (Snow White and the Huntsman)

A son of a duke and childhood friend of Snow White. When Ravenna, the Evil Queen, takes over their kingdom, the duke and his young son escape to safety. William grows up believing Snow White to be dead. When he hears she is still alive, he doesn't waste a second and goes off to rescue her, as she is being held in prison by her stepmother. His father tries to persuade him not to go, the quest is full of perils and would lead him through the dark forest, but William is determined. He feels he let her down, even though he had no control over the events, being a child himself. He joins the band of Bad Guys, led by Queen Ravenna's brother (who has an unfortunate haircut, but that's for another day) so that he can get to Snow White--this is the "do you need a bowman" scene. Oh yes, William is very skilled with a bow and arrow!

William is loyal, dependable, honourable, a skilled archer and of noble blood, and doesn't hesitate to engage his darker side when necessary--and what is more romantic hero than that?

Philip (Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides)

Philip is a missionary, a sole survivor of a ship that got captured by Blackbeard. Blackbeard's daughter Angelica persuaded her father to spare the young priest, believing she could save Blackbeard's soul. Philip believes everyone's soul can be saved, even someone as cruel and bad as Blackbeard's. Philip is not afraid to stand up to Blackbeard and even calls him a 'coward'.

The pirates are on a hunt for a tear of a mermaid, on their quest to find the Fountain of Youth. However, they soon discover mermaids are not to be messed around with. Philip manages to catch one (not realising this very same mermaid earlier saved him from falling debris by pulling him into the water). He stabs her tail with sword, but when their eyes meet and sees her, he instantly changes his mind. It's too late, though, the pirates turn up and capture her in a net. Philip regrets his action and spends the rest of the film doing his best to protect her. When she is being carried in a glass box, she starts choking bc she can't breathe, he insist they let some air in. When they don't listen, he grabs a sword from Blackbeard's quartermaster (who is a scary character), breaks the lock, pries the box open, and uses his Bible in to create an opening, so that the mermaid can have air. When the glass box breaks and she turns human on dry land (has legs instead of tail), she can't walk and Philip carries her. He takes off his shirt and wraps her in it, as she is exposed, after her scales turns to human skin. (This also means we get a shirtless Sam!) Philip and the mermaid, whom he names Syrena, talk and he finds out she saved his life, when Jack blew up a lighthouse. She could see he was different from the others, that he protects.

A clergyman might not be perhaps everyone's choice of a romantic hero, well not mine anyway (I grew up without religion), but it's incredible how brave Philip is. He is the only one who cares about Syrena's welfare and protects her. And he has unshakable faith. A man of principles--certainly a romantic hero to me!

Richard Sharp (Adrift)

Richard is based on a real life person, but for the purposes of this post, I will treat him as a fictional guy. Also I should add that Richard is a sailor and so your relationship would only be possible if you were also a sailor, or at least wanted to sail the seas. (I think those type of people drift together; lol a pun.) It's just a big part of who he is. But it is, of course, possible to imagine him in a different environment, of the same character.

Richard makes it known to Tami that he is interested in her, no fucking around, they have a date aboard his boat. He is certainly helped a lot by the gorgeous backdrop of Tahiti. When he gets an offer to sail his friends' yacht to San Diego, he immediately includes Tami in his plans. During their voyage, he proposes to her with a ring he made himself (he would buy an actual ring of precious stone once they landed). Skilled at what he does and committed to you--a good choice for a romantic hero, I'd say.

Henry Copper (Book of Love)

A point against Henry right from the start is that he is a rather unsuccessful writer. However, this is only bc the film has to be about something (so that he can team up with Maria), but it doesn't mean he is bad at writing.

Why I think he is a romantic hero is that he is most courteous to Maria, even after he finds out she changed his book while translating it. He agrees to work with her without complaining and takes her seriously. He asks what she's writing one night when they're staying at a hotel while on book tour, she tells him she wants to write her own book. She's a single mum and he does his best to bond with her son, attempting to speak Spanish. While they're out on a night walk, he has no problem admitting that he got scared when he heard a monkey scream--Maria remarks that none of the men she knows would ever admit to any such thing. When the book they're working on is ready for publishing, he makes sure her name, too, appears on the cover, so they share the credit. I also like the hot professor look Sam sports here.

There is some romcom-typical angst where he gets jealous of her ex-bf/baby daddy, but it doesn't last long. At the end, Maria publishes a book of her own, and Henry is backstage during an interview she does for a talk show, supporting her.

A man who respects you and takes you seriously and is your biggest supporter--easily spells a romantic hero to me!

[mywittingislobotomy]

Genshin sagau impostor au

Rewritten Chapter 3. If you wish to read the original, it is lower in this post.

Beware, the original has grammer mistakes and some things are different plot wise and pasing wise.

....

Original chapter 3 after the line

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(had to write this 3 times becacuse it didn't save to my drafts😭)

part [1] [2] [3](you are here) [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] ...there will be more in the future

As Mia woke up on a beach Narakumi island she stared panicking for what she is going to do. She managed to force herself to calm down with a deep breath and syarted to look around. She saw a labender melon tree. She always wanted to taste lavender melons to with a lot of excitement she climbed up the tree and got one of the fruit. But in her excitement the branch, she was holding onto broke and she fell. Luckily the tree was not that tall so she only scraped her knee a little. When she got up much to her horror her blood was golden. She started panicking again since she taught that it was infected "Oh no, no,no,no my blood is infected. I'm going to die beofre i even get to live" Mia soon relised rhat her blood wasn't infected but it had turned gold. She couldn't decide wich option was worse.

She sat on a rock and she streted to use the sea aater to wash her knee and she ripped some of her T-shirt so that she could bandage herself. Mia was lost deep in taught but all taughts sttoped when she saw that her eyes were gold. She stumbled back in panick but at this point she wasn't as panicked as before. She knew she hand to cover her eyes so she stared brainstorming ideas "Hm i can maybe give myself bags to hide my eyes...? No, they require high maintenance and i can't do that and they would block my vision and u don't even know with what i can cut them since, I'm not sure if there are scissors in Teyvat. Maybe i can wear a mask...? No that attracts too much attention and if it didn't where would i even get the mask form? Myabe i can just keep my eyes closed... but again i need to see and with closed eyes... that isn't possible..." she taught. As she lost hope she closed her eyes so she could think of something else and realized...

She could scence what is going on with closed eyes. Happy she found a say to hide her eyes she closed them, and kept them closed as she felt somone comming.

It was Kyojo Sara. Mis tried not to panick and run away but as Sara pointed her bow at her and said "In the name of Her Grace don't move!" she couldn't help but want to run. Run far, far away and go back to Earth.

But she didn't. "I think you've got the wrong person ma'am..." She was hoping, praying that Sara would leave her alone, but life doesn't always go our way. Sara raised her bow and pointed an arrow at 'the impostor' "In the name of Her Grace and The Shogun you will be brought to justice for impersonating Her Grace!"

As soon as Mia heard that she turned around and stared running, and running, running,running...running fatser than she ever has...running fatser than she was capable to... running impossibly fast... her legs felt light, she didn't loose any stamina, she even discovered she didn't need to breathe... but everything pointed to a single question "What am I?"

[Kyojo Sara POV]

I charged my arrow preparing to shoot the impostor as she turned around and started running... running very fast..."she has good stamina" I made myself a mental note. Soon i had lost her. It was like she was never here...but i knowdhe was and so I went to The Shogun and told her everything. "Bring me the impostor, at once!" she ordered. I sent out troops all round Inazuma in hope to find her but no one did.

[3rd POV]

Soon news of the impostor spread all around the world. Every visail of the Creator santed to enter Inazuma to hunt the impostor but Inazuma's boarders were still closed...so thats why Her Grace's most divoted followers went in Inazuma Iligaly. But no one could find her... it was like she was gone.

Only if thwy knew that Mia had left Inazuma days ago, right after she met Sara. And how did she manage to do that?

Teleporter waypoints.

Even though she hasn't unlocken any of them she could use them. She was sitting on the peak of Dragonspine thinking about her situation. "Okay so, I was playing Genshin one day and I fell to the title screen and I ended up in Teyvat, and apperantly there is some craetor that looks like me and so now everyone wants me dead. Perfect, just perfect. But at least the world seem to be on my side... I have bean here for two days but i haven't felt hungry nor tired nor am I feeling cold right now... also the enemies seem to want to help me.But again what on Earth am I?" she taught as she leaned back enjoying the beautiful view of Dragonspine when she released...

She had her phone on her...

(i will continue the story today after my English exam)

[janedoeswriting]

The Way The Wind Blows (Stiles x OC) Chapter Eight

Description: Rhiannon finds herself trapped within her guilty pleasure tv show— Teen Wolf. Now, she must choose which path to take… one that leads back home, and another that follows uncertain adventure.

Tags: extreme slow burn, frienemies to lovers, fix it fic, canon change, actions have consequences.

TW: angst, fluff, sexual harassment, anxiety, depression, obsession, domestic violence, manipulation, etc. Just please do not read if you are sensitive to difficult subjects.

It took a week to convince the Sheriff that Lydia Martin was a trustworthy chauffeur. It took a lot of groveling, and convincing. In the end, it took Lydia showing up to the house to help Rhiannon convince him. She was very good at debates. In the end, he gave in. "Fine. But only because you're on the," he waved his hands around, "homecoming.. committee thing. When you don't have that after school, you come straight. here. When Stiles and Scott aren't at practice, you ride with Stiles, got it?" He firmly said. Rhiannon nodded, but couldn't help the grin that had blossomed on her face.

Sheriff Stilinski had seemingly permanently developed dark circles under his eyes. He seemed to have aged years within the past few weeks. Of course, Rhiannon's return had helped. But with her bringing no useful information about her kidnapping back with her, he reverted back to the endlessly distracted and exhausted man with the weight of the town on his shoulders.

She had felt so guilty about this that everyday after Stiles had finally finished his practices and Lydia and Rhi had finished with Homecoming committee, Rhi would force Stiles to drive her to the Sheriff's station so she could deliver a hot meal to him while he finished up his work. The FBI agents lingering around the station always eyed her with a hungry sort of interest. None of them, thankfully, suspected her. She was ever-the-dutiful foster daughter who had seemingly gotten lucky beyond belief after escaping a serial kidnapper.

"Maybe you could teach me self defense," she offered one day as she was dropping off chicken parmesan. "I'm sure it would make you feel better." Of course, this was all chipping away at that stony determination of his to protect Rhi. He had a right to as well, so Rhi couldn't even blame him. As her sole guardian and everything they had gone through with her disappearance, he must have felt the full gravity of what had happened to her.

"I'm sure that would." he chuckled, unwrapping the aluminum foil with a sort of greed. "But, I don't have much time."

"Allison is on the archery team," Rhiannon offered. The truth was, she had also grown deeply interested in Allison and her father. They were immensely skilled, and if Rhiannon managed to learn a thing or two from them it could be the difference between life and death. The wendigo was sheer luck. She couldn't allow herself to be put in a position again that would require someone else to come and save her.

The sheriff had laughed. "Archery? Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Rhiannon shrugged, but laughed too. "No, I guess I can't be carrying around a bow and arrow everywhere to ward off kidnappers."

They had slowly grown easier around the subject. Mr. Stilinski still didn't make jokes, but he didn't stiffen or grow cold when Rhiannon lightheartedly made light jabs here and there. "You should try out anyway, huh? Get more involved in different things. Allison is a good girl."

This implied he thought Lydia was not as good of a girl as Allison. Which wasn't wrong. "And it would be good to have a sport on your college applications." he added. Rhiannon shrugged. She had voiced no interest in attending college, but she also hadn't brought herself to express this. She could tell it was the sort of household that expected college, or at least some sort of plan. He didn't know that she did have a plan. One that didn't involve staying in this world, much less attending college there.

So she kept silent and nodded. "I can try it out. Its after school Tuesdays and Thursdays." She explained.

"Good! The days you don't have homecoming stuff. If you make the team you won't have to wait around for Stiles to finish practice." This was true, but Rhiannon attempted to breach the subject as she always did.

"I wouldn't have to wait around if-," she started, but as always he shut it down.

Eventually she give up the gig after a bit of back and forth and said her farewells.

"Tell me when you get home," Rhiannon always added. Lately with the Sheriff's late nights and early mornings, she asked him to knock on her door when he got home so she knew he was safe. She couldn't help but be apprehensive with the darach on the loose and the unpredictability of her next movements. Rhiannon had no clue when she would strike next, or to whom. She couldn't remember details-- just knew that they had to keep an eye on "healers". She had at least managed to scare Scott into bringing his mother dinner every night and keeping a close watch on her as well.

At the very least Mrs. McCall was safe.

"Thank you!!" Rhiannon exclaimed the day the Sheriff had finally given in to her berading. She hugged him in the kitchen. When Rhiannon pulled away he pointed a stern finger at Lydia, who smiled innocently. "Straight home. No detours, no shopping, no parties." "Of course, sheriff." Lydia said.

It was a Friday night and Rhiannon was stuck inside the house. Stiles and Scott were as well, of course, but that was their own choice. Rhiannon wished she could be a normal teenager. Lydia and her went to Rhiannon's room and she sighed. "I wish we could go to parties," Rhiannon longingly said. "Nah, they're barely any fun aways." Lydia said, picking up and beginning to solve a rubix cube Rhiannon had stolen from Stiles. "I know you're lying." Rhiannon responded, collapsing on her bed and hugging her pillows before rolling on her side. She picked up a magazine and began flipping through it unenthusiastically. It was one Isaac had lent her, depicting cool pictures of rockstars and recent news about them.

"Well why don't I host one?" Lydia offered. Rhiannon looked at her. Lydia chuckled. "I've never even been to your house because I'm 'not allowed'." Rhiannon said glumly and mimicked his stern voice. "Well what if I invited him too? We can keep it family friendly, invite all our friend's parents." "He wouldn't go he doesn't have time for anything fun. Plus, while they think we're on our best behavior we can sneak a little something into our cups," Lydia said suggestively. "He wont agree to go to party while people are getting kidnapped left and right." "Tell him it'll be a good way to unite the community. He could lecture parents on keeping close eyes on their children."

Rhiannon hummed, unconvinced.

"Besides, he could let loose. He looks terrible." Rhiannon moaned. "I know," she said as she rolled onto her back. "I feel so bad." "It's not your fault."

Rhiannon knew better than that, but before she could get another word out her door burst open. "Rhi-," he started, but saw Lydia and stopped in his tracks and fumbled around, coughing. "Lydia! Didn't know you were here." he squeaked out.

He was holding an old acoustic guitar in one hand while wearing burnt oven mits, a helmet from world war II, his boxer shorts, a frilly apron, and aviator goggles. "Rooting around the attic?" Rhiannon asked with a raised brow. It was just like Stiles to get distracted while looking for something. He was wearing the evidence all over himself. Lydia turned with an exasperated expression and returned to the rubix cube. "Y-yeah. This was my granddad's," he said, setting the dusty guitar on Rhi's bed. He looked ready to run out, but Scott appeared in the doorway, who must have just returned from giving his mother dinner.

"Playing dress up?" Scott asked. Stiles let out a frustrated grunt and flicked the oven mits onto the floor before stomping out. Scott turned and met Rhiannon's eyes. They both held equally amused expressions and broke into laughter.

"Arn't you guys going to your house?" Rhiannon asked Scott. Scott leaned against the doorframe with crossed arms. Lydia turned back around and set the the finished rubix cube on the desk.

"No, my mom is working the night shift. She said we're grounded from having sleepovers without her there." "What, break a priceless heirloom?" Lydia asked sarcastically. It must have been something similar though, because Scott laughed guiltily and scratched the back of his neck.

Lydia rolled her eyes. "You can't stay here. We're having a sleepover tonight." "You two?" Scott asked. "Us three." Another voice joined in. Allison appeared in the threshold holding her duffle bag and an easy smile.

Scott blinked and opened and closed his mouth. Allison smiled at him.

"I already told da-, er- Mr. Stilinski that we're having a sleepover tonight." Rhiannon said. Scott seemed to struggle to tear his eyes away from Allison, but when he did he looked like a confused puppy.

Allison let herself in and set her bag down next to Lydia's. Rhiannon got up out of bed and stormed out to the living room. The sheriff was cracking open a beer and sitting on the couch with his feet up.

"Stiles and Scott are staying here tonight?" She asked. "Melissa asked me if they could and I said yes." he said. "But you said Allison and Lydia could sleepover." Rhiannon whined. "They can." "You're letting them sleepover while my friends are here?" Rhiannon asked in disbelief. "Oh come on, Rhiannon. I thought you liked Scott and Stiles." he said. "I do, when they aren't annoying my friends." "Do Scott and Stiles annoy you?" the sheriff asked, leaning back. Allison, Scott, and Lydia had followed her to the living room and were standing at the edge of the hallway. Allison shook her head with a pleasant smile. "No."

"Yes." Lydia said, crossing her arms. "Oh, you'll be fine." the sheriff responded, turning back to the game and turning up the volume. "But-," she started. There was a crash behind them. Stiles was on the floor in the hallway and everyone stepped aside to look at him. Rhiannon turned with her hand outstretched as this was explanation enough. The sheriff looked sympathetic, but said, "I'm sure it'll be fine."

Rhiannon groaned. Stiles had collected himself and was now standing next to Rhiannon.

"Yup! It'll be great!" he exclaimed and turned to Rhiannon. "The whole gang's all here. Hangin' out, havin' a sleepover." he said excitedly. Rhiannon punched his arm. He slapped her upside the head. She was about to leap on him when the sheriff stepped in and caught her around the stomach and Stiles staggered back.

"Girls in Rhiannon's room, boys in Stiles'. Move out."

Rhiannon swiftly marched to her room and waited on the girls. Before she slammed the door shut she peeked her head out and sent Stiles a middle finger when the sheriff wasn't looking. He tried to do it back but ran face-first into the threshold.

"Ugh I can't stand him!" She exclaimed to her friends. Allison was digging through her bag and Lydia was back at Rhiannon's desk. Lydia had taken to inspecting her perfect hair in the mirror and Allison pulled out a gun.

"WHA-t is that?!" Rhiannon exclaimed loudly at first and then softened her voice to a hushed whisper as she stepped forward as if to hide the weapon from prying eyes.

"You said you wanted some protection." Allison said innocently, as if this were the most obvious course of action. She was referring back to when Rhiannon had a conversation with Allison while she was attempting to learn archery at the school. She had sucked so badly, Rhiannon had completely given up the skill entirely.

"Yeah not a gun. I don't even know how to use it!" She bit out. Allison smirked and disarmed it, catching the amo with her other hand and pressing them separately into each one of Rhiannon's hands.

"This is the magazine," she instructed, "and this is the pistol. Safety off," she clicked a switch, "and on. Never point a weapon at anyone. Even as a joke, even if it's unarmed, and even with safety on."

Rhiannon absorbed the information like a sponge, tentatively alert as she took in Allison's words. Her heart had started to pound the moment the weapon was laid in her hands. Lydia was leaning forward too, pretending to be nonchilantly filing her nails but she had a spark of curiosity in her eyes.

"The barrel, trigger, magazine release. Put it in." Allison gestured to each part. Rhiannon took the magazine and attempted to shove it in. Allison turned it around in her hand. Rhiannon blushed and smiled awkwardly, and then shoved it hard inside. It clicked into place. "Slide stop. Go ahead and click it."

Rhiannon did. The top of the pistol slid back. "See this empty space? A bullet would normally sit here. Push it back and lock it again." Rhiannon did. She moved slower and clumsier than Allison, and the gun was harder to operate than how it looked on tv.

"Click the mag release button." Rhianon did and caught the magazine the same way Allison had. "Good. Hold it up and look down the sight." Rhiannon pointed it at the floor and extended her arms. Allison adjusted her hand's position and pointed to the groove at the top. "This is the back sight and this is the front. Always keep a firm frame when aiming. When you fire, plant your feet, lean back slightly, and stand up straight."

Rhiannon relaxed and handed the weapon back into Allison's open palms. She pressed them into a padded case and locked it shut. "The code is 0000. Change it so only you know the password. It's important to keep your weapons safe and hidden." Rhiannon nodded, taking the black case from her friend and staring down at it as if she was holding a bomb. She swiftly made her way to her closet and shoved it on the top shelf underneath piles of blankets and pillows.

"I'll take you to the range soon. It's easier to learn when you're actually shooting." Allison said. "No kidding." Lydia commented.

Rhiannon turned back. Her heart swelled. "Thank you, Allison." It was sincere, and soft. Allison laughed. "Of course, Rhiannon. It's nothing."

The door slammed open.

Scott barreled in alert as ever. Stiles was hot at his heels. Scott looked around the room like he’d expected to run into a hideous beast attacking his friends.

“What’s happening? Why was there—,” he hesitated to a low whisper, “gunpowder.”

There was an awkward moment of silence. Rhiannon looked at them with a murderous glare.

“Get. OUT!” She yelled and slammed the door in their faces.

—

[feliciadraws]

Been on a DnD kick lately and now that she has a proper updated design I thought I would introduce my main DnD girl, wood elf thief rogue Kaiyla! A little info about Kaiyla under the cut-

Kaiyla, the last daughter of the Ravenfallow clan, is an ace thief and archer who has been surviving on her own for as long as she can remember; when she was still but a small child, her clan, the Ravenfallow clan, a peaceful collective of forest-dwelling wood elves, was savagely attacked by a bloodthirsty band of barbarian orcs, and while many of the stronger members of her clan were slaughtered and others, namely the women and children, were taken hostage, her own family among them, poor little Kaiyla was abandoned in the woods and left to die, the orcs having deemed her too small and weak to be of any use to them. But she didn't die; she hid among the forest, and learned to survive on her own, utilising and honing the skills she learned from her family and the clan elders, and grew up among the trees as a toughened, hardened survivalist and a prodigy with a bow and arrow, eventually learning the ways of the thief, but also functions as a mercenary, helping others who can't help themselves...for a price of course. As a result of her hard, bloody life, she grew up a hardened, pragmatically minded survivalist who cares most about self preservation and saving her own skin; she's a prickly, standoffish, lone wolf type who is distrustful of others and doesn't really get on well with larger groups or parties of people and prefers to work alone, but she does have a secret softer side that pities others, namely those who can't help themselves, since she herself was once lost and helpless- she says her mercenary work is only for the money but secretly she loves helping those in whom she sees herself, who she once was. Deep down she still deeply mourns the loss of her clan and her people, but was too busy trying to keep herself alive to think about seeking revenge and by now has given up all hope of finding any other Ravenfallows who might have survived or gotten away. Oh, and as a result of her unresolved past trauma, she has a very venomous hatred of orcs, believing them all to be little more than bloodthirsty beasts, she can't stand even being around them (it's something she needs to work on).