#she was beyond gorgeous in each and every scene

[wh0reforcoriolanussnow]

Red Carpet || Tom Blyth x gf!reader

Summary: Tom takes you to your very first movie premiere and it happens to be the movie that he is the protagonist in. A sweet moment happens between the two of you which leaves fans further fangirling over your relationship.

A/n: I have been constantly asked If I will ever do a Tom Blyth x reader imagine and the answer is yes :). Btw I absolutely love @yzzart’s Tom Blyth x actress!reader imagines and you should totally go check them out!

Warnings: none :)

Wc:

Divider by @pommecita

You were beyond nervous and excited to attend the red carpet Premiere for The Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Especially since you would be attending as your boyfriend’s plus one who happens to play Coriolanus Snow in said movie.

The two of you kept your relationship as private as you could, but at some point along the way of him filming, everyone knew the two of you were together. Your public affection towards each other during the behind the scenes did not go unnoticed by fans who recorded it and took pictures.

It was bound to happen someday. "You look absolutely gorgeous, darling," Tom hugs you from behind, your exposed back flush against his outfit, as he admires your reflection in the mirror. You hold his arms that were protectively on your waist.

"Thank you, Tom. You look as handsome as ever," You giggle, turning around to place your hands on either side of his face, admiring every little detail on his face that you have already noticed about a thousand times, before placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

You two were on your way to the event, his hand never left your thigh as you lean your head against his shoulder. Your phone suddenly buzzed as you look at the caller id. It was Rachel. You immediately answered it as it went through to face time.

"Where are you guys!" She yells in the speaker, loud chatter in the background. She was already at the event. "We are literally around the corner," You say taking a look around your surroundings as Tom chuckles. "Let me see your outfits!" Rachel stares at you with a wide grin.

You laugh at her energy as you pass Tom the phone as he holds it up so that the both of you were on screen. Rachel gasps as she covers her mouth, "You guys look fucking amazing!" She squeals as you chuckle.

"Wait until you see the back of Y/n's dress," Tom lets out a whistle as you nudge him with a smile. "I can't wait to see! Oh wait, I think I see your car pulling up right now. See you soon!" She quickly says before hanging up.

Tom squeezes your thigh, his way of asking if you were alright without any words. You nod with a small smile. You arrived at the premiere and the flashlights coming from the cameras shone through the windows.

Tom steps out first before lending you his hand, aiding you as you get out of the car. He gives you an encouraging smile as you smile back at him. Everyone started screaming when they saw the two of you, causing you to smile even more.

His hand rested on the small of your back as the two of you were whisked into interviews. "Tom! It's so great to see you, we'd like to ask you a few questions if that is alright?" The woman smiles as she passes Tom a microphone.

"Of course!" Tom offers the man a smile. "What was your favourite things about filming this movie?" You stayed quiet as you look at Tom, giving him a smile. "Well, I was super grateful to be able to work with such incredible actors and actresses, Peter and Viola just to name a few, I really enjoyed the atmosphere on set, we were all like family," Your boyfriend answers.

You saw a lot of cameras pointed your directions so you wave and smile, "Would you like to explain to us and your fans who this beautiful girl is beside you Tom?" You snap your attention back to Tom and the woman. Tom smiles as you as you look at the woman. "I think you and everyone already have a pretty clear idea on who she is," Tom laughs as does the woman.

"This beautiful girl is my girlfriend. She's stuck with me during the whole filming of the movie and I'm so grateful that she's mine," He answers, his eyes not leaving yours as he pulls you closer to him. "He's just too sweet isn't he?" You chuckle at the camera making them laugh.

Tom presses a kiss on your cheek as you could feel your face heating up slightly. "You two are just too adorable! Thank you for your time, the woman smiles as Tom hands her back the microphone. "My pleasure," Tom gives her a final smile before the two of you are once again whisked into other interviews, where you would sometimes be included.

Then it was time to take pictures. Tom's hand never left yours as you both stood where they were taking the photos. Tom protectively places his hand on your waist as you both pose for the cameras. You were almost blinded by all the flashing and deaf from the shouting.

The string on the back of your dress suddenly became loose as you curse under your breath. Tom looks down at you before moving to stand in front of you in a protective manner to cover you from the cameras. "You okay?" He asks concerned. I look at him with a smile from his sweet gesture.

"The back of my dress came undone," He looks over your shoulder. He then pulls you into a hug as you were slightly taken back. You then feels his hands working on tying your dress back. You let out a chuckle as you rub his back.

The cameras directly in front of you were confused but the cameras by the side all awed at his actions. "There you go, darling," He kisses your cheek as he pulls back. You give him a grateful smile, "Thank you."

"Y/n! Tom!" You hear a feminine voice call out as Rachel and Josh make their way towards the two of you. "Hi!" You smiled, pulling Josh into a hug and then Rachel. "Oh you look stunning," Rachel holds your forearms as you couln't keep the smile of your face.

"Have you looked in a mirror? You look gorgeous Rach!" You pull her in for a second hug as you all laugh at something funny Josh had said as the four of you pose for a picture.

After the premiere, Rachel sent you so many links to nearly every single social media platform. There were a bunch of posts and tiktoks about what happened with your dress and how Tom helped you by hugging you.

You chuckle as you show Tom the posts and hundreds of tiktoks that had already been posted. "They love you," Tom chuckles, kissing your forehead as the two of you lay in each others embrace.

[andy-15-07]

Hi! I love your work. Could you maybe do a paul mescal x actress!reader, she is his love interest in gladiator and in the red carpet the announce their engament ( like zendaya in the Golden Globes)?

Golden Promises on the Red Carpet

PAIRING:Paul Mescal x reader

WORD COUNT: 3283 | requests are open (send requests, I will gladly answer them all)

Paul Mescal Masterlist

You step onto the set of Gladiator 2 with a flutter of anticipation dancing in your stomach. The early morning light filters through the ancient stone walls of the meticulously recreated Roman arena, and despite the chaos of bustling crew and costumed extras, your eyes are immediately drawn to him. Paul stands near the center of the set, his gaze warm and inviting as he practices his lines with a focus that seems to light up the very air around him. Every time your eyes meet, his smile deepens, and the energy between you crackles with something both cinematic and profoundly real.

“Hey,” he calls softly, a teasing lilt in his voice that makes your heart skip a beat. You walk over, your costume—a sleek yet battle-ready outfit that hints at your character’s strength and vulnerability—rustling quietly with each step. “Morning, gorgeous,” he says, and you can’t help but laugh at how his tone makes even the simplest greeting feel like a cherished secret.

“Morning, Paul,” you reply, a playful spark in your eyes. “I hope you’ve been rehearsing those epic monologues all night. I can’t wait to see you in action.”

Paul’s eyes twinkle with mischief. “You know me—I wouldn’t dare steal the spotlight from our leading lady.” His remark is both a compliment and a challenge, and you raise an eyebrow in amusement.

The day unfolds in a blur of rehearsals and shared moments. Between takes, you find yourselves lingering in quiet corners of the set, talking in whispers that only the ancient walls can keep secret. In one such moment, while you’re both huddled in a shadowed alcove, he leans in and says, “I was thinking… beyond the script and the scenes, there’s a story that’s even more important than any we could ever perform.”

You smile, your voice soft and curious. “And what story is that?”

His gaze holds yours with an intensity that makes the world around you fade into a comforting blur. “The story of us,” he murmurs. “Of every laugh, every line, every moment that brought us here. I never imagined that when I signed on for this film, I’d end up finding someone who could make my heart feel like it’s starring in its own epic saga.”

The sincerity in his words sends a thrill through you. “I feel the same way, Paul,” you reply, your voice trembling slightly with emotion. “Every day on this set, every shared glance between takes… it’s like we’re living in a story written just for us.”

There’s a pause as he searches your eyes, as if trying to read the truth hidden there. “You know,” he begins, a shy smile tugging at his lips, “when we’re not in front of the cameras, I dream about a day when the world gets to see us together—not just as co-stars but as something more.”

Your heart races at the implication, and you lean in, your tone playful yet earnest. “And when would that be? After we’ve vanquished our foes in the arena?”

He chuckles, and the sound is as warm as the morning sun. “Maybe sooner than that. I want everyone to know that behind these costumes and scripted lines is a love story that’s as real as it gets.”

In the midst of the creative chaos that is film production, your burgeoning relationship with Paul feels like a secret world built just for the two of you. The camaraderie among the cast and crew is palpable, and while everyone talks excitedly about dramatic battles and stirring soliloquies, you and Paul have your own whispered dialogues—exchanges of glances and half-sentences that hint at promises for the future.

One afternoon, while the director calls for a break and the set quiets to a gentle hum, you find yourself alone with Paul in a quiet corner of the studio. The space is dimly lit by the soft glow of overhead lights, and the air carries the mingled scents of aged stone and fresh paint. Paul turns to you with a look that’s both vulnerable and hopeful.

“Do you ever think about what happens when the cameras stop rolling?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

You consider his question, your fingers idly playing with the hem of your costume. “I think about a lot of things—quiet mornings, long conversations, late-night laughter. I imagine a life where every moment isn’t dictated by a script, but by our own hearts.”

His eyes soften, and he steps closer, closing the distance between you. “I’ve been imagining that too,” he confesses. “I can’t help but wonder what it would be like… to share everything with you. To write our own story, not just on set, but in every moment we’re given.”

The intensity of his gaze makes you feel as if time itself has paused, letting you savor every word. “I want that too, Paul,” you reply, your voice steady despite the rush of emotions. “I want our story to be as bold and beautiful as the characters we play, but even more real.”

Days melt into nights as filming continues, and with every passing moment, your bond grows stronger. Between scenes, you steal away for private conversations in hidden corners of the studio, sharing secrets, dreams, and gentle laughter. There’s a particular magic in those moments—the way your fingers occasionally brush, the glances that linger too long to be mere coincidence, and the promise of something extraordinary building quietly beneath the surface.

Then, as the production nears its climax, whispers of a major upcoming event begin to circulate. A red carpet gala is planned to honor the film’s debut—a glamorous night where stars shine not just for the cameras, but for the world to see. The air buzzes with anticipation, and soon you find yourself swept up in the excitement of preparations and interviews, all while your heart keeps a secret close: the thought of what the night might bring.

The gala is set at an opulent venue, draped in gold and velvet, with the echo of music and laughter spilling out onto the bustling red carpet. As you step outside, your hand finds Paul’s, and for a moment, everything feels surreal—the flashes of cameras, the murmur of excited voices, and the glittering lights of paparazzi lenses capturing every detail.

Dressed in an elegant gown that sparkles like starlight and paired with a confidence that belies the nerves fluttering in your chest, you walk alongside Paul. He looks effortlessly handsome in a tailored suit that complements the fire in his eyes, and as you approach the entrance, the world seems to slow, focusing solely on the two of you.

A reporter, microphone in hand, catches sight of your radiant smiles and asks, “You two look absolutely stunning tonight. Is there anything special you’d like to share with your fans?” His tone is curious, and you can feel the weight of the moment settling in, as if this question were more than a casual inquiry.

Paul squeezes your hand reassuringly, his gaze meeting yours with a secret understanding. “Actually, there is something we’d love to announce,” he says, his voice clear and confident amid the hum of the crowd.

The reporter’s eyes widen in anticipation. “Oh? Do tell!”

Before you can speak, Paul turns to face the cameras, his voice carrying across the red carpet. “Tonight,” he begins, a proud smile brightening his face, “I’m thrilled to share that I’m not just here to celebrate Gladiator 2, but to celebrate love—our love. And it’s with the deepest joy that I announce our engagement.”

A hush falls over the gathered press, the buzz of excitement palpable as the statement hangs in the air like a promise. The cameras flash, capturing every emotion, every glimmer of happiness on both your faces. For a heartbeat, it feels as though the world has paused, united in the magic of the moment.

You step forward, your voice steady and filled with emotion as you add, “We’ve spent the last months not only bringing history to life on screen but also discovering a love that feels timeless and extraordinary. Tonight, on this red carpet, we share with you not just a moment of glamour, but a promise for a future filled with endless possibilities.”

The applause from the gathered crowd is thunderous, and amidst the flashes of cameras and the excited murmurs of the press, Paul’s eyes never leave yours. “This is just the beginning,” he says softly, almost as if you’re the only one in the world who can hear him. “Our love story is our greatest adventure, and I can’t wait to write every chapter with you.”

The remaining hours of the evening blur into a whirlwind of congratulations, interviews, and candid moments shared with friends and fellow stars. Throughout it all, you and Paul remain side by side, a beacon of unity and genuine affection amid the glamour and spectacle of Hollywood’s most dazzling night.

Later, as the gala winds down and the red carpet lights dim, you find yourselves alone on a quiet balcony overlooking the city. The distant hum of traffic and the soft murmur of celebration provide the perfect backdrop for a conversation that feels both intimate and infinite.

Paul turns to you, his expression reflective in the gentle glow of the city lights. “Do you remember that day on set when we talked about living a life that isn’t dictated by a script?” he asks softly. “I still can’t believe how far we’ve come—from whispered promises in the shadows to declaring our love in front of the world.”

You lean into him, your voice tender. “I remember every word, every moment. It feels like we were always meant to find each other, even in a world filled with chaos and noise.”

He laughs lightly, his hand brushing a stray lock of hair from your face. “It’s like we were writing our own epic, one scene at a time. And tonight, we took one of the most important scenes—a scene that marks the beginning of our forever.”

The night air is cool and comforting, and you both stand in silence for a moment, savoring the gravity of the journey that has led you here. “Do you ever wonder,” you say after a pause, “what our future holds beyond the glitz and glamour? What kind of story we’ll continue to write together?”

Paul’s eyes search yours, and for a moment, the world outside seems to fade. “Every day,” he confesses. “I imagine mornings filled with lazy laughter, afternoons where we create memories out of the simplest moments, and nights where every whispered ‘I love you’ feels as profound as it did on that very first day we met on set. I see a future where every day is an adventure—a blend of passion, creativity, and love.”

Your heart swells with the promise of his words, and you press closer to him. “I want that future, Paul. I want a life where every moment is as genuine and beautiful as what we felt tonight.”

He smiles, a mixture of joy and relief lighting up his features. “Then let’s never let go of this feeling, of this commitment. Let’s promise to write every chapter together, no matter how unpredictable the script of life may be.”

The intimacy of the moment makes the sprawling city below feel like a secret world meant just for you. As you both stand there, wrapped in each other’s arms, it’s as if the very stars have aligned to celebrate the love you’ve nurtured on set and beyond.

In the days that follow, the news of your engagement creates ripples of joy and admiration in every interview, every headline. On set, the cast and crew share knowing smiles, and even the director, who once saw your relationship as a quiet undercurrent, now boasts about it as the heart of the film’s off-screen story. During a break between filming intense battle scenes, Paul whispers to you, “I’ve never seen anyone light up the set the way you do. You’re my muse—in every sense of the word.”

You laugh softly, the sound mingling with the distant clang of swords and the rustling of period costumes. “And you,” you reply, “make every line, every scene, feel like a promise of something extraordinary.”

Even amidst the demanding schedule of shooting elaborate fight sequences and stirring dialogues, you find moments of pure, unfiltered connection. Over late-night dinners in the quiet of the studio’s makeshift dining room, you talk about everything from your favorite childhood memories to your wildest dreams for the future. One night, as the stars peek through the studio’s skylight, Paul says, “I know we’re in the middle of creating history on screen, but the history I want to create is the one we share off screen—one filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures.”

Your eyes meet his, and you feel an overwhelming surge of gratitude. “Every day with you feels like an adventure,” you admit, your voice hushed in the intimacy of the moment. “I never imagined that stepping onto a film set would lead me to the love of my life.”

Paul’s smile is both gentle and resolute. “And I never imagined that behind every powerful monologue and every stirring scene, there’d be a quiet love story unfolding—a story that’s real, raw, and more beautiful than any script could ever capture.”

As filming wraps up and the last of the scenes are shot, you both take a quiet moment to reflect on the journey. Walking hand in hand along the now-empty set, you recall the early days of whispered promises and shared glances. “It all feels like a dream,” you say softly. “A dream that I never want to wake from.”

Paul stops and turns to you, his expression earnest. “Then let’s promise to keep dreaming together,” he says, his voice filled with the conviction of someone who knows exactly what they want. “Let’s promise to never let go of the magic we found on that set, on that red carpet, in every single moment we’ve shared.”

The weight of his words settles around you like a warm embrace, and you know that the love you’ve nurtured is something that transcends the fleeting nature of fame or the glitter of the red carpet. It’s a love rooted in shared experiences, in every laugh and every quiet tear shed in the glow of early mornings and late nights.

In the weeks that follow, as the media buzzes with stories of your engagement and the film garners accolades, you and Paul continue to find solace in each other’s arms. There’s a quiet joy in the way you both navigate the whirlwind of public attention while holding on to the intimate moments that define your relationship. During an interview on a popular late-night show, the host remarks, “You two seem to have a love that could rival any epic tale. What’s your secret?”

Paul looks at you, his eyes filled with tender amusement, and replies, “Our secret is simple. It’s that we never let go of what matters most—our hearts, our dreams, and each other.” The audience erupts in applause, and you share a knowing smile that speaks volumes about the truth behind those words.

Even in the midst of glamorous premieres and dazzling public appearances, you carve out moments just for the two of you. One particularly memorable afternoon, while the world outside buzzes with excitement over your next public appearance, you and Paul retreat to a quiet corner of a charming café. Over cups of rich, aromatic coffee, you talk about everything from the mundane to the monumental.

“I keep thinking about that night on the red carpet,” you say, stirring your coffee thoughtfully. “The way the world paused as we announced our engagement—it was like the universe was giving us its blessing.”

Paul’s eyes shine with recollection as he nods. “It was surreal. I’ve always believed that the most important moments in our lives are the ones that happen when we least expect them—when we’re just being ourselves, and the world sees that raw, unfiltered truth.”

You smile, feeling the warmth of his words wrap around you like a soft blanket. “I never imagined that behind the dazzling lights and the flashing cameras, there could be something so genuine, so heartfelt. It makes all of this—every glamorous moment—feel even more special.”

Paul reaches across the table and takes your hand, his touch gentle yet firm. “Because what we have isn’t just about fame or success. It’s about a love that’s real, a connection that goes deeper than any script or red carpet announcement. It’s our story, and it’s ours alone.”

The conversation drifts into comfortable silence, punctuated only by the soft clink of cups and the distant hum of the city. In that quiet moment, you realize that every dialogue, every whispered promise, and every shared laugh has been a stepping stone toward this very instant—a moment when the world outside might be chaotic and unpredictable, but within your little universe, everything is exactly as it should be.

Later that evening, as the glow of twilight gives way to the shimmering night, you and Paul return to your private sanctuary—a cozy apartment tucked away from the relentless buzz of Hollywood. The day’s excitement still lingers in the air, but here, in the quiet intimacy of your home, you’re free to be exactly who you are. You curl up on the couch together, the soft hum of a favorite song playing in the background, and for a few precious moments, the world outside ceases to exist.

“Do you ever think about how lucky we are?” you ask, your voice soft and reflective as you rest your head on his shoulder.

Paul’s smile is slow and thoughtful. “Every single day. I think about the moments we’ve shared—the nervous excitement on set, the rush of that red carpet announcement—and I realize that none of it would mean anything without you by my side.”

You squeeze his hand, feeling the steady warmth of his love. “I never thought that stepping into a film set would lead me to a life like this. You’ve changed everything for me, Paul.”

He leans in and kisses you gently, a kiss that speaks of promises kept and dreams yet to come. “And you, my love, have given me a story that’s more epic than any film we could ever make. Tonight, and every night, I’m grateful for you.”

In that quiet embrace, the truth of your journey unfolds—a journey of passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to a love that transcends the ordinary. The red carpet moment, the whispered dialogues on set, the stolen glances between takes—all of it has been building toward a future where every day is a celebration of the extraordinary bond you share.

As the night deepens and you both drift into a peaceful sleep, you know that the story you’re writing together is only just beginning. It’s a story of adventure, of risk and reward, of laughter and quiet moments of reflection. It’s a story that will continue to unfold long after the cameras stop rolling and the red carpet lights fade away—a story that is as timeless as the love you’ve discovered, as brilliant as the promises made on that unforgettable night.

And so, with the soft whispers of dreams mingling with the echo of your heartbeat, you rest, knowing that every new day will bring with it the promise of another beautiful chapter in the epic tale of you and Paul—a tale that the world may one day call legendary, yet for you, is simply the honest, unfiltered truth of a love that was meant to be.

[surielstea]

Move Me, Baby

Eris Week, Day Seven: Free day

Pairing: Eris Vanserra x Fem!Reader (arranged marriage)

Summary: Reader and Eris slowly fall in love with both the music and each others movements, on the dance floor and off.

Warnings: Smut | minors dni | Beron being Beron | p in v | 18+ | creampie | begging | praise | suggestive | teasing/taunting

A. Note: Last Eris Week day, and it would not be a Surielstea Eris fic without a ballroom scene, so enjoy… ;)

3.9k words.

Eris has never felt this way before. This eagerness and anticipation. But this female, his betrothed, she was changing things, stirring up feelings that he had long since thought dead. Hope, being one of them.

He stood outside my door anxiously, silently pacing back and forth as he waited for the clock to strike seven, when he was supposed to be here. He hadn't meant to come so early, but his impatience got the better of him and suddenly he was dressed and ready and meandering towards my chambers.

I was unaware of the males presence just outside my room, too busy admiring myself in the mirror. The dress Eris had gifted me this morning was exquisite. Made of the smoothest silk, the deep green shimmering fabric catching the light as it moved like water— and when I put it on I looked as beautiful as an emerald.

The cut of the dress was beyond flattering, with a low neckline and form fitting bodice that hugged me in all the right places. The skirt of the dress was long and flowing into a train that blended from emerald to a glimmering gold.

I decorated myself in golden jewelry, adorning a few rings that paired well with my engagement ring.

I looked to the clock on the wall to see it a minute past seven, when a knock sounded at the door.

I smiled slightly and strides over to the door, I took a moment— making sure my hair was still neat and my painted lips weren't smudged for the umpteenth time. Then I swung open the door and was greeted with the Heir of Autumn.

Eris froze as soon as he saw me, his eyes drinking in every inch of me. His mind went quiet and his throat dried, he had always thought I was gorgeous but tonight I was downright devastating.

I noticed how he stared particularly long at my chest, his eyes roaming over my ample cleavage on display.

Finally, he looked to my eyes and sucked in a sharp breath, understanding that he had been caught.

"You're late, Vanserra," I say and he gives me one of his signature smirks that had my knees buckling. "What's your poor excuse?"

"I know, I know," He rolled his eyes at my chiding tone. "By all of one minute." He adds and I smile up at him. He reaches forward and brushes a strand of my hair behind my ear. "You look absolutely sinful," He said as I linked my arm with his.

I smile broadly. "I know," I sent him a wink and his smirk only widened.

We walked in silence towards the ballroom, but every now and then Eris would steal glances down at me and how perfectly the dress he chose for me hugged my dips and curves. He had never seen something so worthy of worship.

He wanted to be closer, linking arms wasn't enough, he needed more than friendly contact— but he had promised a night of dancing and sparkling wine, not a night in his bed, no matter how much he fantasized about the latter.

"Act like you're in love with me," I say through a tight lipped smile as two royal guards open the large wooden doors leading into the ballroom.

He momentarily wagers how brutal my glare would be if he rolled his eyes, but decided it best to place a hand on the small of my back, bare due to the low cut of my dress.

We strode into the ballroom as one, his protective grip on me claiming me off limits to any male who thought they were good enough for me. I ease into a graceful saunter, nodding my head at bowing guests and curtsying court members. My fae ears perked up at the sound of soft music playing from the live orchestra in the center of the ballroom, filling the large hall with notes and tunes of beauty. I would've lost myself in the sound of it if Eris hadn't guided me over to the dais, where his father and mother sat in their thrones— or rather throne, the Lady of Autumn was sat in a simple, cushioned chair instead.

Eris's mask of cold calculation slipped in place as his arm left my waist in favor of bowing to his parents formally. I do the same, curtsying with a feminine grace that took years of practice.

"Father," Eris rose from his position and I did so I few moments afterwards. "Mother," He nodded his head.

The High Lord gazed at me with a sickeningly honeyed expression, as he always did, and Eris's hand slipped back into mine protectively. The movement doesn't go past either of their notices, but while Beron narrowed his eyes, his wife smiled softly.

"Our newly weds," The Highlord purrs, his eyes taking me in with feline enthusiasm. "You look absolutely delectable tonight, my dear," He hums and I nod with a soft smile.

"Thank you, my lord," I will myself to sound polite and pray it doesn't come off as sarcasm. Eris's hand squeezes mine, relaxing me slightly.

"You are quite proper compared to the last lovers my son has taken into his bed," The high lord says and Eris stiffens.

"Father, I would appreciate it if we didn't discuss past partners while in the presence of my wife." Eris said with a terse voice.

'My wife.' He had said, the words still echoing off the walls of my mind as Beron replied, "Oh c'mon, boy. I'm only teasing, surely she isn't too bothered by it. Right my girl?" His cold gaze slides back to me and my back straightens under the weight of his gaze. I try not to cringe at the nickname and the possessiveness that came with it, but Eris made his distaste clear.

"I don't mind in the slightest, My Lord," I say with a soft voice, leaning into Eris's side, telling him it was all a ruse and I was fine, that even if I was upset I didn't need his protection. But I could still feel the heat rolling off of him, he was ready to pounce and shred into him like one of his smokehounds might.

"See? Shes a perfect little obedient wife, isn't she?" Beron arched a brow, directing all his attention at his son. I wanted to reassure Eris, to tell him his father was only saying all this because he knew that when he spoke of me it got under his skin the most, but that comment, it made my stomach knot and bile threaten at the back of my throat.

Beron smirks, satisfied at the level of discomfort he had breached in both of you. "She is perfect, yes. I would have no complaints." Eris said with a cool grace that I marveled at.

Berons smile widened with amusement, to my dismay. "You've got quite the grip on my son, girl," He hums. "Wrapped around his finger." Beron leans lazily back into his throne. Neither of us supply a retort, which seemed to invoke enough boredom for him to excuse us. "Well, off you go then. The guests have come to see that happy couple dance."

We bow in a synchronized motion once more before Eris whisks me away towards the dancing aristocrats, planting his hands on my hips and holding my back to his chest as he guided me through the grand hall, as far as he could get from his father.

"You didn't have to answer that, you know," He mutters beside my ear, his lowered voice sending a shiver down my exposed spine.

"Answer what?"

"What my father said. About me being with other lovers, you didn't have to agree with him." He clarifies and I frown, my brows bunching.

"I simply didn't see the point in starting an argument with the High Lord at a ball thrown in our honor," I supply, whirling around to face him, he was much closer than I was anticipating and I had to crane my neck to look up into his gold flecked amber eyes.

"I only meant that you didn't have to go along with his teasing, I can't imagine it's very amusing to think about your husband's past partners." Eris expressed.

"Why?" I tilt my head. "I don't have an issue with you being with women prior to me, we live long lives, I don't have any right to be upset about what's happened in the past." I say while mindlessly straightening his dark green suit jacket. He let out a strained sigh and I glanced up at him, a smirk pulling at my lips.

"Don't tell me you're jealous, Vanserra," I taunt and he scoffs, looking anywhere but my eyes.

"Please. I am not, that's laughable." He shakes his head.

"Really? So my past relationships don't affect you in the slightest?" I suggest with an arched brow.

He looks down at me, it was humiliating the way he towered above me. "No, I suppose you're right that it is jealousy. My perfect little obedient wife having a history of other males certainly does not please me." He retorted and I sneered at the recall of his father's description of me.

"You're almost too easy to rile up these days, My Lord," I grin devilishly up at him.

"Oh, you're pushing it Princess," his hands return to my hips. "If it's anything, it's the dress you're wearing that is riling me up." He stated amusedly and I smirk, not falling into the flustered haze he wanted me to.

"It's only a dress," I reply innocently. "One that may end up on the floor of our bedroom tonight if you play your cards right."

"Keep talking like that and I doubt this dress will even make it to the bedroom." He remarks and I curse myself for blushing, losing the little game we had been playing as a rush of heat washes down me.

"Is that a threat, or a promise?"

"Could be both, but I'd mark it as a warning."

"Careful now or we might find ourselves skipping this ball entirely." I grin at him mischievously.

"Is that such a bad thing? I'd much rather have you to myself than watch all these people gawk at you," He smugly says.

"We must dance at least once, first." I say with a knowing certainty, pulling him closer to the dance floor, towards the rising music that I could feel thrumming through my bones.

He lets out a low grumble but obliged anyways, and took my hand in his, his other on my waist. "Alright, one dance and then I will carry you back to our rooms if I have to." He said with a defeated sigh, his eyes roving over me as I pulled him onto the tiled floor, in the center, closest to the music.

"So impatient," I tease while placing a hand on the nape of his neck.

The music flows into a new song, and like clockwork Eris and I easily slip into a graceful waltz. It came like second nature, spinning and twirling beneath the warm lighting, the gold of my dress fanning out, the other dancers giving us a wide berth at the flowing fabric.

I was far too aware of the eyes that were on us, some stealing glances between turns, others outright staring. But my husband didn't seem affected, he was too caught up in my movements to comprehend the idea of anyone else. I flash him a wide smile as he twirls me, then pulls me into his chest with enough force to invoke my crashing into him.

The music ceases and we're met with our heavy breathing, his hands tightly on my hips. "We have danced," He stated with a puff of breath. "And now I am free to be as much of a selfish ass as I wish," He hummed, slipping his hand into mine and pulling me off the dance floor before the next song could start.

I let out a soft laugh as he steers me through the throng of court ladies attempting to get our attention that he ignored, and continued to lead me towards the door. "Calm down, your highness." I purr, squeezing his hand slightly. The use of the nickname made him pause, and he turned back to look at me. "We can't just ditch halfway through a ball that was set in motion for us," I explain.

"There's nothing left for us to do here, aside from me standing here, watching as the others stare at how ravishing you look tonight." He intoned and I flashed him a lovely, innocent smile.

"And that's such a bad thing?" I bat my lashes up at him and he smirks, taking a step towards me and closing the distance between us.

He leans in closer, his voice a rolling purr as he says, "You have no idea how incredibly torturous it is to watch every one here foam at the mouth over the sights of you in that dress"

"You're being dramatic." I scoff, looking at the crowd surrounding us who quickly averted their gazes. "The looks everyone was casting our way had little to do with me." I shrug and look back to the Heir.

"My fawn, do not go shy on me now. You look like an angel tonight." He shakes his head and turns away from me again, his hand still interlaced with mine as he pulls me through the large doors which the guards closed behind us, shutting the peering eyes of the crowd out.

"An angel, hm? Careful Vanserra you're starting to sound like you have some real feelings for me." I say, bumping into him playfully.

"My 'Real Feelings' for you would be on display the moment we walked into that ballroom if I wasn't worried about ruffling our people." He makes clear and I grin. Our people. I might have been from the winter court but he was fully prepared to share his lordship with me, as his high lady.

"Oh?" I glance up at him. "And what exactly do these 'Real Feelings' consist of?" I say while continuing the journey back to our chambers.

"Would you like a demonstration?" He suggests as we reach the doors of our suite.

"I've always been a visual learner." I retort, the flirtatious hum in my voice enough to send any male wild.

"You know exactly which buttons to push to drive me mad, don't you?" He asks while throwing open the door and following in after me.

"I don't hear you complaining." I shrug, my snarky attitude sending him into a spiral. He tightened his hold on my hand and pulled me back, pressing me into the door and pushing it shut with my weight.

"No, I'm certainly not complaining." His hand comes to my waist, and the click of the lock makes my ears perk up. "Quite the opposite actually," He confesses, leaning forward and pressing a claiming kiss just below my jawline, licking, sucking, and biting at my neck. I let out a soft sigh at the feeling of his lips on my skin.

"Eris," I murmur through a hushed moan.

"Yes, love?" He voices, the sound vibrating against my neck.

"You're moving too slow, I think you've been patient enough with me." I grumble, my hand slinking into his deep red hair and tugging on it slightly as he tortures a particularity sensitive spot just below my pulse point.

"You're going to be the end of me." He grumbles, his restraint slowly slipping from his grasp. "Do you have any idea what I want to do to you?"

"Enlighten me." I smirk with lustful eyes, a challenge.

"The list of things would take us days to get through, my dear." He admits and my core heats at the idea, a wicked grin on my lips.

"Good thing we've got nothing but time." I suggest.

"You're not making it easy for me to maintain my control." He grouses against my skin.

"Who says I want that?"

"You're toeing a dangerous line, pretty girl." He narrows his eyes on me, a cold smirk playing at his lips.

"There's no line, it's just a statement." I retort, my hand tugging at his hair while the other undoes the buttons of his shirt. "Right now there is nothing I want more than for you to lose control." I admit and his teeth brush over my neck as he grins wildly.

"Have it your way love." He grabs my hips and pulls me over to the bed, practically carrying me and settling me down onto the bed.

"Please." I press my thighs together, my hands fumbling to get his shirt off.

"What do you need?" He hummed, coming to hover over me, his muscled arm mmm flexing with the movement.

"You, I need you." I murmur as he dips down, his lips sealing over that same sensitive place on my neck, biting and kissing around it, forming a group of purple marks around the area.

"Oh yeah?" He purrs, his knee coming down to press in between my legs. I gasp, gripping the sheets beneath me as he allowed me to grind down on it, friction sparking up my spine.

"Yes, oh gods, yes I need you." I sigh, my head tilting back, giving him further access to my throat.

"And what do you need me to do to you, my pretty wife?" He asks and my mind reels with possibilities. A list, he said he had. I wanted every item on that list crossed off by the end of tonight.

"Eris I can't take it anymore, please," I writhe beneath him, biting into my lower lip to stop myself from pleading with him any further.

"Keep begging and I'll consider it." He drawls, his voice low and flooded with lust.

My breath hitched as I let out a soft, "Please." My head is heavy with need and my core thrummed. "Please take me right here, right now. Do whatever you want to me Eris just, please, I need you inside of me." I whimper, pathetic, that's what I was, and I'll be full of shame in the morning when I remember how needy I am, but right now the only thing I cared about was his touch.

A resounding tear sounded through the room and I gasped, looking down to see my dress falling from my frame. "I warned you what would happen to this dress if you kept your teasing up." He growled and I grinned, showing off all my teeth.

"I've never been too mindful of warnings." I utter, hands moving to the buckle of his pants as he kisses across my collar bone.

"I'm painfully aware." He grits through his teeth, holding back his groan as I palmed him through his pants.

He pulled back to look down at me, taking in every dip and curve of my body, his hands caressing over my waist and it felt like flames licking up my side. "Gods you're beautiful." He murmured, mostly to himself.

I revel in his touch, left only in my underwear before him. He helps me with the task of his pants, thrashing them off and discarding them onto the floor to join my ruined dress.

His hard length met my clothed cunt and I gasped, my hands forming into fists at the sudden stimulation.

"Eris, please," I whine, my brows furrowing with need. He smirks and in one fluid movement he's moving my panties down my thighs, revealing how wet I was, all for him. He grunts at the sight, his eyes losing any emotion except desire, lust.

His eyes trace the outline of my body as he leans down, his lips pressing to mine and I moan as his cock pressed into my aching folds. He takes the opportunity of my open mouth to slip his tongue in, exploring with it eagerly, flicking and curling it so skillfully that it made me wonder what it could do in other places.

"You sure about this, baby?" He panted into my mouth, his words ghosting across my raw lips.

I nod, fervent to please him, to feel him.

"Words beautiful, use your words," He whispered over my lips.

"Yes, Eris, please— I'm sure," I whimper and he grins, my words all he needed to hear before aligning his head with my entrance and pushing in.

I gasp at the stretch, my hips lifting and back arching in adjustment as he continues filling me, inch after inch, seeking new unfound levels of pleasure. I move my hands to his back, muscles shifting as he leans down.

His hips meet mine, fully sheathed inside of me. I look down at where we connect, my pulse picked up as he begins to move, and I watch, stare as he pulls out only to thrust back in, stretching me wide.

He continues his brutally slow pace, groaning and panting filling the room as I grow more and more used to the pain, slowly morphing into pleasure.

“Yes, Eris, yes,” I chant, shoving my head back into the pillows, eyes rolling back as he molds my elastic walls to his cock.

“You’re doing so well, such a good girl,” He praised, leaning over me and pressing a kiss to my cheek, his touch all too innocent as one of his hands comes up to grope my breast. His touch was smoldering and burning, but I delighted in it, for it was purely him and no one else could replicate the marks he left on my skin.

“Eris,” I whimper, his name the only thing my mouth could form, everything else was an incoherent moan. “Eris,” I repeat and I realize I was praying to a god willing to answer my every request.

“I know, I know,” He said over my skin, his warm voice like embers still crackling. “You going to come, my love?” He taunts, but I was too caught up in reaching my high to pick up on his teasing tone.

I nod frantically, scratching my nails down his back.

“Go ahead, come for me.” He implored and I let out a cry of pleasure as his thumb presses to my clit, the bundle of nerves sending shockwaves up my spine.

A wave of white hot ecstasy washed down my spine, staining my cheeks, warming me down to my very bone.

His climax was quick to follow, my clamping down on him beckoned him to barrel towards his peak, his release seeping into my most untouched places.

He co tinted to guide me through my high, slowly coming down. He leaned forward and placed a supple kiss to my sweat slick forehead. “You did so good, my dear,” He murmured into my skin as he slowly pulled out, grunting softly as I milked him for all he was worth.

“Come now, let’s get you cleaned up,” He gathered me into his arms and I smiled softly at the warmth and familiarity of his embrace. And I knew then, as I found comfort as he cradled me, that it was no longer just sex, but rather what I had been craving for years and hadn’t been able to name it. This intangible thing that I had always yearned for without realizing it, love, I loved him. I knew there was no return from this point on.

Eris Week Tag List: @adharanotfound @mp-littlebit @its-me-meg @olive-main @bookwormysblog @inurus @iwishiwasaprincess @randomgurl2326 @tigerlily00 @i-know-i-can @bubybubsters @booklover0318 @lalaluch @hallabongy @paintedbyshadows @ninthcircleofprythian @chasing-autumns-chill @deepestmentalitypersona @myromanempiree @rosewood-cafe @witchmoon10 @andreperez11

[whateverisbeautiful]

Richonne in Retrospect - The 💋 List

(every Richonne kiss ranked)

#7: The 'I'm Yours' Kiss (1.05)

This scene is absolute beauty and so is the gorgeous kiss in this scene. Their kiss here brings me so much elation every time because it really is love personified and communicates Richonne's devotion and feelings for each other in its purest, most joyous form. I love how happy Rick is to be Michonne's. And how happy Michonne is to be Rick's. And I appreciate that they were already husband and wife, but they still wanted to solidify it even more in this extremely special moment that they sealed with a flawless kiss 🥰...

The words Rick says before getting down on one knee are my absolute favorite thing he's ever said to Michonne. "It's a broken world, Michonne. And you're the only thing that puts it back together. 'Til my last breath, I am yours." is forever etched in my brain because it's just a breathtakingly beautiful statement and depicts Rick's love and commitment to Michonne perfectly. It's great how Rick went from falsely telling Michonne that everything they had was broken to now being honest that it's the world that's broken but not beyond repair because the wonderful woman he's in love with puts it back together.

And I adore Michonne doing such a touching gesture by joining Rick on her knees to tell him she's his just like he declared he's hers, after also telling Rick it could only ever have been him. Richonne's love is the greatest of all time, really and truly. It's perfect. 🙌🏽 This moment feels so incredibly rewarding for them and us. Knowing how long they waited and longed to be able to have this moment and let the other know I'm 100% committed to you and in love with you forever and always. Knowing Rick and Michonne's past included several people not being loyal to them, it's meaningful that they now have a person in their life who is completely theirs through thick and thin.

Rick and Michonne operated loyally as husband and wife all this time and now they get to enjoy finally being back together as Mr. and Mrs. Grimes. And they commemorate this utterly romantic moment with a kiss that just dazzles me. I love how Michonne is really kissing Rick like he just said that she's the only one who puts the broken world back together and til his last breath he's hers. That spoke to her fr. And it's clear she feels the same as she smiles through the kiss. And honey, Rick is kissing her like he meant every word of it too. 😇

I love the way he holds her and pulls her close and the way Michonne's hands again are in his hair. I also like how the scene ends before they even stop kissing, as it seems they could happily just exist in this moment for a good while. There's something so special about seeing them on their knees in these woods as everything else fades and it's just the two of them being joyously present in their equal outpouring of love. They're not just aware they're soulmates, they're honored to be soulmates and this kiss depicts that splendidly. ♥️

[stupidlittlespirit]

You asked for some cute fun asks, so I've appeared to help!

If you've ever played (or watched someone else play) the Swooning Over Stans game, there's a scene in Stan's route where you go to a 70s dance night with him. It's very fun and flirty~

Ever since then, I've wondered if Ford would enjoy going for a dance like that with his s/o. I can definitely see him getting SUPER nervous about it beforehand because he's having flashbacks of his prom night disaster and thinking he's going to totally bomb it. But maybe his date would coax him to just have a little fun, let loose.

I agree with your thought that he'd be the kind of guy to like old classic crooner music (and now I'm swooning for real just thinking abt it), but maybe some 70s funk can get him going, too. Now every time I listen to that stuff, I can't help but picture Ford trying to teach his date how the dances really went (and possibly failing miserably but laughing over it)

GOD yes, I played Swooning when it first released and it was wonderful. I've played it through on both routes about 10 times each lol. I still can't believe we were gifted such a gorgeous game by all of those talented people for free.

I know exactly what scene you mean. That was such a nice touch.

I daydream about this fucking scenario with Ford a lot. It's so silly but I do it when I listen to that kind of music and it's really nice haha Very normal of me, I know, so expect a long answer to this under the cut:

I'm going to set this within GF, but at a function beyond the town he might struggle a little more unless he knew the people there.

I think Ford would be (naturally) nervous beforehand for the reasons you mentioned. He's not very fond of social interaction that isn't super necessary, though post portal he is definitely better at that than he was, and the thought of doing something that holds bad memories would be very daunting for him, to the point that he'd probably refuse at first. More so with the excuse that he doesn't have time or doesn't care about stuff like that than admitting he's nervous.

Mabel would definitely encourage him to go and Reader would mention that they'd enjoy having some fun/seeing him have fun as well, plus they'd certainly miss Ford if he stayed at home. They would understand his hesitation around the event but a little gentle comforting from them around the knowledge that they'd be there to support him would go a long way, I think.

"There's no pressure to stay if you get there and don't like it," and "We can just go home, you're in control of the situation and I'll be by your side no matter what," kind of thing. I think he'd find that very soothing and helpful, just to be reminded that no one will force him. Eventually, he'd give a little and agree on those terms. Plus, Mabel would guilt him a bit because she wants to see him to be included haha.

Once he got there, he'd be a wallflower to begin with. That's fine, obviously. He needs time to settle in. Maybe a drink or two, as well (I know how he feels LMAO) before he can really get comfortable. He'd look to Reader for comfort but he'd also not want to prevent them from enjoying themselves, so he wouldn't insist they stay with him all the time.

I don't think he'd refuse to engage with other people; he'd be reasonably accustomed with the townsfolk anyway so he'd know them and their demeanours a bit more than if he was at a totally new function or with people he had never met. He wouldn't start general conversation (unless it was with Fiddleford), though.

He'd definitely be more inclined to hover around the edge of the party rather than step straight in like Stan would, but if people came up to see him and say hi (and they would because the family is known and liked) then he'd be able to hold good conversation. Post-Portal!Ford is going to have developed his social skills a great deal from his time away and I think he'd be more willing to hear what other people have to say and engage with them.

When he was younger, I think he might have only really been interested in talking about the topics he knew about because they felt safer for him, they were something he was good at talking about, but obviously when you're that smart it's nigh on impossible to find that level of conversation with others so he would have considered himself a failure in terms of social ability purely because he struggled to connect on that aspect, when really he'd just be expecting a bit too much from the general populous. That, combined with general awkwardness and a lack of knowledge on how to make menial conversation would have made it really hard for him. He does talk about that in TBoB, actually, with the joke he makes about pie in the diner. It doesn't land because the waitress doesn't have that level of understanding. It's a funny joke though! He is good at talking to people, he just comes at it from a unique angle.

So, anyway, I digress. He'd be a bit shy but he'd be open to chatting to others, and eventually he'd warm up. He'd realise he's been overthinking everything a bit too much and getting in his own way, and then start to ease up without even realising.

Reader, meanwhile, would have to strike a balance on making sure he was okay and also giving him the space to bloom on his own. Maybe making eye contact with him from across the room and giving him a little thumbs up-thumbs down gesture to check in, only for him to return a thumbs up and big, warm smile, much to their relief. They'd have known he was capable of it, he just needed to remember his capability himself.

So after a bit of time and a bit of space to find his feet, he might overhear that they're playing the kind of music he used to listen to in his youth. I'm going to project here (because you guys know my affinity for 70's music) and say maybe some Baccara (Yes Sir, I can Boogie is a banger), some Bee Gees (duh), just anything fun.

Ford would know the words by heart and once you'd returned to his side, he'd be singing them under his breath or tapping his foot or whatever, and you'd ask him if he wanted to dance. He'd say no because dancing requires a level of self-humiliation and he'd be too self conscious initially, but again, you would coax him a little.

I think you could ease him into it (I think that's the trick with Ford generally anyway). Maybe Reader would take one of his hands and he'd twirl them around, just indulging them a bit because he'd think it's endearing even if he won't do it himself.

I think seeing someone else be a bit silly puts other people at ease and makes them a bit more willing to be silly themselves, so he'd kind of get a little more into it as the music went on and once things changed to those slower, crooning songs, he might just take Reader's other hand and (much to their absolute joy) slow dance with them a bit. He'd prefer to stay tucked into a corner rather than make a show of being out on the dance floor like his brother, but I think he'd be inclined to sing a little bit, just quietly, privately, and lead Reader in a dance.

He wouldn't be a practised dancer but he'd be able to keep time and count beats (it's math!) and although he'd still fuck it up, as would Reader because I doubt many of us are classically trained dancers, he'd be able to laugh along with you and have fun. He'd forget the room, as would you, and you'd be able to really have an intimate, joyful moment together.

God fuck I am so normal about this old man. This is the kind of shit they put you on medication for if you tell the therapist too much LMAO

Also shameless self plug but here is my playlist for this exact scenario. 'Misty' by Lesley Gore is my personal favourite Ford song. Don't judge me, I beg.

[ceilidho]

oohhh my good fig2 was dizzying. what a fic. what a fic. i've gone back to it thrice over already.

you have /such/ a grasp on the characters, especially when they're separated from their canon setting - i've read some fics where i tend to struggle to understand the characterisation beyond the military, but you just have it perfected; they're so startlingly human and it's gorgeous. the way little everyday things get mentioned (taxes, old trips together, school days) just make the scene so much more grounded and it's a credit to you as a writer

and the concept ahghhhh. people don't really look at gaz's youth and even though you do so so briefly in the fic, it's tantalising - the brief exploration of coming into his identity and the way it's hinted at that the reader is having the same struggle before that gets explicitly said later on is so so good; "both too old and too young for the torrent of emotion" gripped me by the neck and really set the grounds for the longing and (off-screen) slowburn that developed and i adoooore it

love the way you portray gaz and simon's friendship too - it's so underutilised by the fandom and, even though we'll get simon's entry when it's ready, you can already tell he's a fleshed out character. that's the charm in your writing, i can read and just Know there's a whole life behind each character, even if they're only there for a few paragraphs or to push the narrative along. you're so caring in the portrayal, of the comradery between two and the importance of their relationship, and it's so fantastic to read.

and uhghhhh the way every scene has its purpose. the slow buildup for the reader even though they're both (gaz & reader) yearning to get to the smut - the denial gaz goes through and how you write it, the whole section of the supply run and the park is just... wow. wow wow wow wow. i adore it. there's genuinely no way i can verbalise how much that section just gripped me in. the way reader reacts to gaz leaving, the way gaz rationalises not staying there until the heat is so intoxicating.

the smut itself toooooo oh lord. i really really am interested by the way you write omegaverse; it aligns with the most popular beliefs but you add your own spin too - the reader slowly succumbing to their heat was so well-written; "It happens gradually, your sentences slowly degenerating and fragmenting, and your eyes glazing over." dear god. chefs kiss. what a moment to imagine.

the smut. god. you always write it fantastically. i adore your voice when writing - how gaz 'snaps' and finally takes initiative with the reader but doesn't lose any of his charm or character, and sure the alpha part of him takes over but god. i don't know. i just adore the way you write gaz and everytime i get to read about him from you, i feel as though you've truly understood garrick down to his very being.

then the end, and reader can smell better after everything and it just shoots back to her earlier saying she can't properly smell - augh. chefs kiss. honestly.

loved loved loved it. loved fig1 but we'd be here even longer - your grasp of johnny not only as what is arguably a shameless pervert but as his own standing character around that is so refreshing but a treat to read. your johnny is one of my favourite johnnys, too.

this is long. i love your writing, whether it be for cod or original or some fandom i haven't the time to sink into, i read it and love it. you just embody the fiction in a way i cannot help but fall in love with. fantastic work as always, eagerly awaiting whatever else you put out xx

contemplated never even answering this so i could keep it in my inbox forever but wow this means so much to me. ily. thank you so much for taking the time to read my gaz fic and send this to me. makes all the hours i spent agonizing over word choices and sentences soooo worth it. i can't tell you how much i appreciate this, but just know i read this ask like forty times and it still warms my heart so much to reread it.

[finleycannotdraw]

yo, hi,

please rant about the use of colours/shots in dead boy detectives (if you want to), that would be amazing to read!

omg hell yeah i would love to. <3 buckle up everybody!

(there were some other people in the comments who wanted to hear more as well. for convenience's sake i'm going to keep it all in one post.)

I'm not going to talk about every single frame in the last post, because there are a lot, but I'll be sure to touch on all of the ones that have a good amount of depth beyond the dramatic lighting. (sorry, Angie shot.)

...this is going to get long.

so first, this one:

With Edwin's brown coat, Niko's green coat, the brown bushes in between them, and the trees behind Edwin, this shot is cohesive and satisfying. I drew the orange lines to sort of illustrate how your eye moves across the frame; the line of eye contact, the tree branch (dashed lines) almost parallel to that, the sidewalk/grass line, and the lapels/shadows/folds of their jackets all form a general diagonal streamlined snapshot. Then the black post behind Niko, the tree between them, and the tree trunk behind Edwin continue to divide the frame vertically and add to the additional invisible "line" created by their height difference. Finally, the sky behind Niko, as well as her hair, contrast heavily and very well with the darker colors of the tree behind Edwin, though there is still white on his side (the building) and brown on hers (tree branches). If you were to take a single diagonal line from the bottom left corner to the top right, you would get two incredibly distinctly colored sections, but they complement each other so well.

This whole scene is gorgeous because of the pale sky and water up against Niko's hair and the brown tree trunks with Edwin's jacket, but I also love it because it's so simply colored. We have the classic blue+orange color dynamic, but diluted down to very pale blue and very dark brown. This shot specifically features Edwin focused at the center (the blue lines show that he is standing mostly straight up, while the trees on the borders of the frame are all leaning inwards), with Niko crouched down to fit with the shape of the hillside (orange) AND the silhouetted rocks in the foreground. Then the hillside, the shadow on the water, the general cutoff of the tree branches, and the island in the distance (purple) frame the two of them in the middle without making a Point of it. It looks very natural, especially with the dark shadows around the border of the frame. (personally sort of brings to mind Wanderer Above The Sea of Fog).

I don't think I need to add any annotations to this one. The lighting is sharp and so are the shadows. The fog and the shine on the water, his hair, and the collar of his coat are starkly lit, while everything else, including his face, is deeply shadowed. Plus it's all an ominous, murky green. It's almost the opposite of Lilith coming out of her blood-red ocean. 10/10 frame, I have no words.

I gasped the first time I saw this shot. There are so many vertical lines (orange), which make the space feel thinner: the spike, the bulletin board(?) on the far left, both doorframes, the edges of the table and boxes, the tile on the wall on the right, Maxine herself... and then there are the diagonal lines, all sort of spreading out from Maxine, which includes the table edge, the shadows, and the wall tiles again. Then there's the fact that it's all so dark, but not quite pitch black. Once again we have a green/orange combo, and the light behind Maxine being so small in the whole frame makes it very effectively claustrophobic. We also never saw her enter this room from behind, which elevates her as threatening, because the camera work makes it seem as though we, the audience, are backing away from her as she enters, and then hiding from her as well. While I am devastated by the lack of a sapphic romance arc, I have to say I was blown away by the production of this scene.

I love this one because they're arranged so neatly around the book. I didn't draw a curve over their heads, but it's easy to visualize by following Monty's hairline up to Edwin's, and then Edwin's down to Charles' down to Crystal's. The height order is perfect. Then there's the black-brown-black-brown of Monty's jacket, Edwin's jacket, Charles' jacket, and Crystal's hair. The book itself helps frame their faces (diagonal blue lines), and their clothes fall into uniform with the vertical trees behind them, creating a satisfying, natural, unobtrusive background. This is definitely more visually appealing than a shot of them leaning over and looking down at the book/camera. It's also broken up very nicely by the greenery. Plus, none of their faces are shown from the same angle! Refreshing!

Poor Monty :( but hey, he gets a really awesome shot here! We're back to orange+blue, and the angle of this shot makes it look like the vertical trees behind him are positioned diagonally (orange) to follow the dark blue shadow behind his head. We also get two light sources: one of them is the moon, and the other one comes from the same place as the music. The moonlight (blue) sort of encircles his head and cuts off at the line of trees about halfway across the frame. Both the back of his hair and the far side of his face are illuminated, which is very effective in terms of bringing him into the foreground and making him the focus of the shot even though he's not in the middle of the frame. It's also balanced nicely by having background detail on the left, with the orange trees, but not on the right, where there's nothing but dark blue behind Monty. This is also a great shot when it comes to his hair and jacket, because the jacket is used to add to the framing of his face with the dark blue background, and his dark brown hair is lit sparingly, which ties in the left side of the frame.

Like the frame with Maxine, this one has a lot of shadow and a little bit of light, and again works with an orange/blue (or teal, really) color scheme, but this one is much friendlier. The windows are larger than the doorframe and Charles isn't actually blocking the light the way Maxine did. Instead, he's illuminated from the right by Edwin's orange lantern, and the shot is balanced by highlights (blue) that stop it from becoming cramped and stressful. There are stable vertical lines (purple) and rafters and shadows spreading out from the center (orange). Charles, though he is blocking the window, is wearing a white tank top, and his skin takes on the warmth from the lantern, so he's not in silhouette and he blends very nicely with the scene. I love that he's not at the center of the shot, but instead framed almost perfectly in the right window. (Another thing I love about this show is that the characters almost always interrupt the continuity of the background even when they're positioned to be framed by it. It makes the scenes feel much more natural even while they continue to be gorgeously directed from an artistic/stylistic point of view.)

This is one of the simpler ones, but it's perfect. The Night Nurse's hair and vest are the same brownish orange, and her shirt is the same as the walls, sticking with our tried and true brown/green (easy variation on orange/blue) color scheme. She is framed in the blackness of the doorway, but once again interrupts the white doorframe on the left side. Even the lamp and the board (?) on either side of the frame fill the negative space in a natural way. Also, the vertical lines of the board, doorframe, door, and lamp aren't perfectly spaced apart, which makes the whole shot feel more down-to-earth.

There is so much going on in this shot. The beams of light (orange) are emanating from behind Edwin in a shape sort of reminiscent of wings. The angles of light/shadow and the immediately obvious position of some of the mirrors (blue) also spreads out from behind him, reinforcing the wing imagery and focus. The background is lighter than the floor, and Edwin's clothes blend in with the floor and the reflecting highlights (green) in the mirrors. It's all balanced by shadows (purple), which aren't so much shadows as they are dark-colored mirrors and the blood on Edwin's face. This shot is an unsettling combination of chaos and order, increased by the strange phenomena of mirrors endlessly reflecting into each other, especially since Edwin doesn't show up in any of them. You'd expect him to look out of place, and he mostly does, but there's just enough immediate immersion with the color scheme and light angles to make him fit perfectly. And he wouldn't fit in this shot nearly as well if he were wearing his usual clothes. It's such a good way to introduce Despair. I love this scene.

Now I needed to include these two next to each other, because they're. They're the same scene. Maren is on the porch looking down at Crystal and the boys, but the color schemes and blocking are so starkly different. Maren is wearing black, and the house is washed-out yellow and maroon, both unfriendly colors in this scene. The windows all show the gray reflections of the dead tree instead of even a glimpse inside the house, immediately showing that Maren is hiding something. Then in the shot with Crystal and the boys, they're positioned behind her on the path. Edwin is next to the brown gate and gray stones, and Charles is sort of shadowing Crystal and framed by the green bushes. Crystal's shirt is flower-patterned to match the pink petals on the ground, and her red hair and purple jacket make the whole shot more vibrant and friendly-looking than Maren's, even though Maren is supposedly the one being helpful/friendly/hospitable. The first time I watched this episode I knew I couldn't trust Maren as soon as I saw her standing on her front porch. This scene is, as Charles would say, brills.

Okay, last one, I have to stop somewhere. (I have so many more. I have. SO many more. that i could talk about. but this post is so long already). There are three windows, evenly spaced, white light and curtains framed in them. Charles is in nearly full silhouette as he opens that chest; his head and the lid of the chest intersect with the vertical window frame, and his arm runs parallel to the middle bar. He also blocks a good portion of the leftmost window, while Edwin stands in front of the one on the right. He's fully framed by the window and standing farther back than Charles, not quite silhouetted but still very dark compared to the background. When he ducks down to inspect the cabinet, his head ends up in front of the wall between the two windows. This whole scene is an excellent display of blocking/framing/lighting, just in terms of where they end up holding any given position while they talk. Once again, there's nothing artificial or manufactured about their blocking. These aren't statement shots (all film projects have a few Really Good Shots, but they're often at extremely important, pivotal, or emotional times, instead of spread out through the storyline.), which makes them even better.

I might have to make another post and include shots with Jenny, the sprites, the Cat King, Esther, and more landscape shots. There is no shortage of stunning frames and scenes, and there's no reason not to dive into the production and hidden meanings.

TL;DR: this show is an ARTISTIC MASTERPIECE. Please watch it. :)

[iamnotawomanimagod]

The FMLT tour was so beyond my expectations. I feel very, very lucky that I got to go, and that I was at Red Rocks in particular. Halsey loves Red Rocks, and I think they made the show really special because of that.

Here's my full experience - every little bit I can remember. This will completely spoil the show, so please proceed with caution!!

It's also very, very long. Mostly for me. But feel free to read it if you want to know about my experience!

tl;dr - this show is an unreal and completely different experience live, and I take back basically all the criticisms I had about it before I saw it.

I was one of the first to complain about this tour including dancers, set changes, different costumes, etc. What a fool I was. An absolute clown.

The first half of the show is so special, it tells such an emotional and gut-wrenchingly beautiful story. The video packages do a wonderful job of adding context to what's happening on stage - they also act as a clever way to distract the audience from the set changes. The way Halsey weaves the "Alice in Wonderland" motif into the setlist is brilliant. Each scene is carefully and deliberately designed. In "alice wants to be big", the first scene, Halsey plays some of their bigger hits from their pop-iest era - "Alone" and "Bad at Love".

But it's not like I've ever seen her play them before. Halsey seems confused and put-off by this bombastic, showgirl-esque performance. At moments, the way they dance and sing seems out of their control, and you'll see this breakthrough of the "real" Halsey come out. She literally tells a camera person "will you fuck off???" at one point, and frequently asks "what is happening?" and "where am I?" It makes "Lucky" especially heart-wrenching, because you see how genuinely sad and trapped they feel by fame and performance. And that carries through into the next bit.

The next scene - with the sort of chessboard floor and BDSM gear - Halsey is chained to the floor, trapped by the performance. I changed my mind about Dog Years. When you watch it in context, with the previous bubblegum glittery scene as contrast, it's incredible. When they realized they're collared and chained to the floor, they get angry. Which is always the tone I associated with Dog Years. The interpretation that one user posted that Halsey reblogged was spot on. It's sexy, because Halsey is hot as fuck, but it's also...... not sexy at all. It's almost painful to watch.

"I am not a woman, I'm a god" had some really incredible choreography, some of my favorite in the show. I will also say - Halsey let her dancers do most of the really intricate dancing, and it paid off. They are a very talented and lovely group of women, and added so much to the show.

"Control" definitely keeps up with the theme of performance, of being trapped and hypnotized by their need to be in front of a crowd. The first bit of choreo of one of her dancers swinging the microphone in front of their face like a pendulum. Halsey can't look away. By the end, they're wrapped up in ropes that keep the microphone pinned close to their face.

The final two set pieces are gorgeous and dreamlike. The set with the forest was really lovely, and it worked so well for Angel on Fire. And putting AoF next to Lie worked out really well - it felt like "Lie" was about her fans and the audience. Same with the next set piece. The whole first half just feels like this plea to the audience for understanding and acceptance. Exposing their resentment and fear about fame and their fans while also expressing just how desperately she feels she needs us.

I ended up liking "Panic Attack" live a lot more than I would have, because there's this very lovely romantic dance with two women. I have to reiterate how good the dancers were, and how much they added to the show. "Only Living Girl in LA" feels very sweet and grounding after such a visually diverse first hour. The stage gets stripped back in front of the audience (Halsey went "where are they taking the moon??") and it's just H and their guitar.

I loved the first half so much, but of course Halsey absolutely kicked ass when doing a more free-flow show, more typical of their usual style. LITM and Gasoline were SOOOO good, and I really loved the rock version of Colors - I want a studio version of it so bad. Closer was really fun - the crowd was deafening during the Boulder line, of course. Nightmare was incredible as always.

I have been dreaming of seeing Young God live since I first heard it, so it was so amazing and perfect for it to happen last night. And then, Life of the Spider. God. I'm still not over it. I feel so lucky they chose us for it. Part of me hopes they do never play it again live, so we get to keep it, but also........ everyone should hear that song live. It's so powerful and heartbreaking. I truly sobbed.

Afterward they said something like "that was a special moment in my career. I wrote that song on my bathroom floor and just got to perform it in front of a sold-out crowd."

And I was just so overwhelmed with gratefulness and joy that they're still with us, and that she got to get back on that stage, and that I got to see it.

I was so happy I joyfully sang along to Without Me with everyone else. Me, the number one Without Me hater. I still know every word and so did all the people nearby.

I'll talk about this more in another post, because this is long enough and I wanted to focus mostly on the show itself. But I got very lucky in my place in the crowd. To be fair, I paid well for that privilege, but it was so, so worth it. Everyone around me fucking loved Halsey. Everyone knew basically every word to every song. There were moments when I just looked around at the crowd nearby and saw so many different kinds of people singing every song from Alone to Lonely is the Muse and beyond. People dancing and jumping and losing their minds. And it's just so fucking cool how Halsey plays so many different genres and shows that genre really does mean nothing at the end of the day. It's the soul of it that counts.

If you get to go to this tour, I promise you'll enjoy it. And if you don't, maybe when it's over, consider watching a full show on YouTube. It's so special. I know I'll be rewatching my show (thanks to John Gump on YouTube!) many, many times.

<3

[thewillowofveles]

For the tagged post. I know the rule is to ask about one wip but who am I to follow rules I don't like? (I'm a 🐍) So may you show us snippets of:

You will forget me my love

You made me see music

Two steps ahead yet not in the right direction

The mind web I control

I can't see light anymore

Rules are meant to be broken <3

They are more of an ideas or key scenes that I have in mind as I don't write WIPs. My sole focus is on Guarded and maybe after phase 1 I will reveal scenes that did not make it in. But as to not leave you empty handed I can share bits of dialog if that is alright or some small descriptions.

You will forget me my love

They laid on the grass. Facing the night sky above them. The only sound was the water of Lake Roccaluce with each small wave reached the shore. The peace of the moment was mere illusion as the time arrived to bring their months of planing to fruition. Tomorrow is the day, they will take over Cloud Tower and make their predecessors proud. Their heads lay next to each other, while their bodies were at opposite ends. One could say it was a sweet metaphor. Their bodies would be distance aparat but their minds would always be mere inches from one another. He gazed at her with his perfect lilac eyes. She often believed that would be the color of her Aura if she possessed the ability to see it. He looked at her as if she was a work of art. Worth remembering each and every detail.

'You won't remember this' She would cry once she goes back to their hideout.

'You will forget me my love' She would lose her her soul that very day.

You made me see music

While singing she took her hand. She was ready to pull it back when she looked at her. 'Trust me' her eyes said. She let intertwined her fingers with hers and she closed her eyes.

She could feel it. Each note, each inhale, each melody. The vibrations going though her filling her with so many feelings and emotions. Behind her closed eyes she could almost imagine the floating notes, the sound waves having the most exquisite colors.

She tightened the hold on her hand.

Never wanting the spectacle to stop.

Two steps ahead yet not in the right direction

It made sense. You couldn't outplay the mind witch. After learning that five counselors in Light Rock resigned after meeting Darcy...they should have known. With witch you didn't win by being compassionate or empathetic or by being kind to her. She was always two steps ahead of their silly games. But...was she really wining when she was the one loosing her mind?

The mind web I control

'You are socializing this is healthy' Darcy attempted to convince herself as she watched Stormy downing another shot. Her glass of white wine remained untouched.

Someone whistled.

"Hey gorgeous! Ain't you looking like a fallen angel?"

"THE FUCK YOU JUST SAID TO MY SISTER!"

"Stormy it's alright and you grabbed the chair ok."

"Hey can you keep that rabid animal of yours on a leash?"

She stood up. Her gaze spoke of vengeance and upcoming torture. Only Riven would probably found her looking like this beyond fuckable.

"DUDE YOU ARE SO FUCKED!" Exclaimed happily Stormy. Ready to see her sis in action.

She glared at her victim and in between her palms a web could be seen.

If the first twist of her hands a piercing wail could be heard. Her hands became a spinning frame. Another twist. The victim cried pathetically on the ground.

I can't see light anymore

For a second she was confused. She tried to understand. Maybe she was too exhausted and she only imagined opening her eyes but they remained closed.

She touched her eyes noticing her eyelashes brushing against her fingers. She held her hand in front of her and brought it to her face once more. Again. Again. and again.

She inhaled sharply. Somehow shocked despite knowing that her eyes were failing her. Her vision loosing the battle against the Sun and Daylight.

Yet when the moment came a single tear fell.

'I can't see'

I can't see light anymore'

Well that was fun.

<3

[evilbatmanisagatewaydrug]

Do you have thoughts on any of the other Absolute runs?

Absolutely!

I’ve been reading them all, I think this is such a good idea so beautifully done, I’ve been recommending the series’ to everyone I talk to

Absolute Wonder Woman: beautiful just beautiful, for the most part these absolute runs are my first actual runs I’ve read for these characters, so keep that in mind, but I haven’t seen anyone upset about this depiction of Diana so far. The art is absolutely gorgeous, and the story being centered around this very precarious situation of motherhood brings so much. It feels like they shifted to Diana being an underdog, accomplishing more than anyone thought she could, especially considering they straight up were going to kill this baby. The only other Wonder Woman piece I’ve seen is the modern movies, which I remember people going insane for when it came out but they seem to have aged poorly. I really enjoy this Diana not being naive in the world of man as she was shown in the movies.

This Diana knows hardship, she lives on the shit covered heel of the gods, everything tried to kill her as she grew up, and she beat them all anyway. I find the type of kindness brought out by this backstory much more compelling than a Diana born into a utopia, exploring for the sake of exploration rather than survival.

Absolute Flash: bruh bruh bruh bruh, they were not kidding this Wally is gnc as fuckkkkkk

Again, first time I’ve read a flash series, I read this book and was compelled to read the wiki and was incredibly surprised to find out Barry Allen isn’t the first flash, I mean, who would’ve thunk?

The art in this goes beyond measure in how they depict movement. I am incredibly compelled by the mixing of past present future in form of speed, especially the brief flash of the two futures: hero or monster

The idea of a monstrous flash, just completely given into the speed force and not conscious acting is so so so compelling

I’m excited to see this get its legs, and excited to see where it’s going

Absolute Superman: CHRIST I LOVE THIS BOY

The panels of Kal watching ship after ship fall off, and the months and months passing by, completely alone unable to find somewhere to land— god my heart

Each issue surprises me on where they go and the capacity they have to hurt Kal in this series

I’ve seen some people ship this Kal with absolute Bruce and this is the one time I’m really against superbat

This Kal needs a place to land, he’s been moving moving moving since his planet was destroyed, he hasn’t known a kind touch since Martha and Jon (and they both got destroyed for it) this Kal needs to kill Ra’s into the next millennium and go into intensive trauma therapy, he does NOT need a suicidal bat boyfriend in this universe (though I could see potential in this Kal having a regular canon Bruce as a sugar daddy boyfriend)

I’m so excited to see if they bring Kara into this, I fear it won’t be a tearful reunion, this Kal has so much righteous anger in him

Absolute Green Lantern: again the most context I have for this guy is the 2011 movie that I haven’t watched in a meaningful capacity probably since it came out (I did slap it on to annoy my roommates once, I did not pay attention to it at all and left to get groceries halfway through)

It’s barely begun, and the art isn’t always as stand out amazing as the others have been (though some scenes with the darkness hit fucking hard) I’m intrigued, I want to see where this goes, I didn’t know Hal wasn’t the only human lantern until like six months ago, I want to learn about these people

The fake gold situation and Jon getting raptured is so interesting to me, like is there a morality around being blasted out of this? Or was he just getting too close to finding a way out? Is this a simulation?

Extra Absolute Batman: I’m vibrating in my seat every time a new issue drops, they have me in complete suspense, absolutely gripped by the balls here

I think our bat is getting wings in Ark M and I’m excited to see if my guess is correct

[broodwoof]

I love your writing and meta so much and have burned through most of your fic already, so I trust your judgment! Do you have fic recs I should check out? Thanks in advance!

oh no i cry 😭 pls this is so sweet.....

gotta start with the recent gift i got from arlathan exchange bc it is soooo good! sweater has a gorgeous, vivid writing style that i really enjoy. this one is spicy! 🔥but seriously her writing is just So Good? i love the way they set scene and tone

hunger by @fadedsweater / sweaterghost on ao3

In the moonlit dark of Mythal's palace there is a hunger that rumbles beneath the sprawling marble floors and shakes the foundation of each gilded pillar. It is a hunger that spreads like smoke and burns like fire. Solas has known this hunger for a long, long time. Solas visits Mythal’s court, intent to sway her from her current warpath. Meanwhile, Mythal can't help but notice that he has gone far too long without feeding. Ancient Arlathan, but with vampires.

my friend jazz has been getting into da and they've written so much lovely stuff for it, always with really excellent characterization and fascinating premises. one of my personal favs from their writing is this exploration of cole and vivienne's relationship

wellspring by @jazzmckay / desiredemon on ao3

Long ago, Cole promised, "I can protect you. If templars come for you, I will kill them." Vivienne never expected such a thing to ever take place.

i still need to finish this one and this is a nice reminder to get on that, but this writer has an extraordinary style and their handling of solas is so good?? i'm in awe tbh. seriously beautiful writing.

though my language is dead (still the shapes fill my head) by @darethshirl / mafalda_157 on ao3

She gazed up at him, silent and calm, green eyes unblinking. Outwardly she was the very image of tranquility, her expression as unmoving as the surface of a vast clear lake. If any thoughts or emotions lurked somewhere in those depths there was no way to tell. - This veiled world will always feel muted. Still, Solas tries his best to communicate.

another spicy one, but playwithdinos has suchhhh a vivid style and there's just something so lovely and profound about it. my first introduction to her writing is this one, and her depiction of solas is fascinating i love it.

the switch by @playwithdinos / @dinoswrites / playswithdinos on ao3

Lavellan usually lets Solas take charge when they're alone, but she's back from slaying the Fereldan Frostback and she's not in the mood to bow to anyone. Fill for this kink meme prompt: http://dragonage-kink.livejournal.com/13696.html?thread=53207680

anddd another spicy one (anyone else sensing a theme here?), this writer is... wow. wish i knew their tumblr if they have one so they can know i'm gushing about them beyond my comment. this is a delightfully messy and complex examination of how solas/andruil/ghilan'nain might happen, and i'm absolutely enthralled by the characterization of andruil and ghilan'nain here - and solas as well!

Power, Intrigue, Danger and Sex by Hezjena on ao3

When Solas later recalled the evening, he liked to imagine it was the result of careful manipulation, a triumph of his skilled diplomacy and a delicious trickery where he allowed himself to be underestimated… rather than the result of too much ice wine and morbid curiosity. *** That time Solas accidentally-on-purpose has a threesome with Andruil and Ghilan’nain in Ancient Elvhenan.

okay, rosie's writing is So Good? i'm always super impressed by how she describes scenes and also just... the layers. seriously. the foreshadowing is always amazing. her handling of solas is sooo good and also? an extraordinary artist? too powerful tbh <3

In the Blue Morning by @rosieofcorona / rosieofcorona on ao3

He wants to stay like this forever, wants the sun to forget to rise, wants the castle to sleep and sleep in an endless dream. But the light keeps coming, every moment. The castle will wake, and they will see. And this will cost them, in the end.

i could so easily keep going tbh but this is already getting long and i might've passed the @'ing limit already lmao

[sillygoblinantics]

And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for!!!

Gobbo’s Semi-Complete Pokémon Retrospective!!!

Pt. 4 (the finale?)

The reason I’m writing this began when I first watched @agramuglia’s streams watching Lily orchard’s pokemon retrospective on YouTube. Many things I learned about the games and many things stated by Lily I loathed, but Anthony was only able to get up to 8/9 generations. So I thought I’d take it upon myself to power through her gen 9 segment. I lost my mind over it and multiple times did she make uncomfortable innuendos and made points that didn’t make sense. You can read my thoughts on her gen nine segment in my post ““Jock Imoen”” as I will be focusing on everything Lily failed to notice here.

Gen IX

Let’s get this out of the way as I know this is a big part of these games.

The glitches: yes they’re a big and many people find them ridiculously funny or obnoxiously deplorable, but many who don’t know is that they’ve been apart of the franchise for a while and can still be used to the players’ advantage as a quick rich strategy or for silly shenanigans like invisibike (see below image)

But main reason for this as well as the complete exclusion of interiors of homes was due in part to a running problem in both animation and game industry across the globe: rushed deadlines and of course the toxic and deadly Crunchtime. You can find many concepts and fully modeled spaces that we never got to see in the region of Paldea. This also includes Legends Arceus with an early cut intro scene that has our trainer beginning in their room in current day Sinnoh, some data miners (shoutout to y’all working hard and finding this stuff! You’re amazing!) found a completely modeled room that resembled the bedroom from the gen four house!

And I’m aware that there needs to be voice acting but honestly that takes away from the fun of imagining the characters’ voices based on the way they talk in the dialogue! It’s fun and meant to be fun for the children audience!

☆*.｡˚✧₊⁎⁺˳✧༚˚✧₊⁺˳✧༚★。˚✧⁎⁺˳✧༚˚✧₊⁺˳✧༚★

The world of Paldea

Region

Paldea is based on Spain but also Portugal (I still somehow struggle spelling this countries name I’m sorry TwT) and the Iberian peninsula! So while incorporating Spanish the game also has Portuguese in it! And because how Spain is geographically next to France, the inclusion to the academy teaching French or in Pokémon terms Kalosian. (Which was our hint for legends ZA and was for two years!!!) it’s a gorgeous region and on point to the real world places and towns they pull from.

Pokémon

We once again get new regional variants of old pokemon but we also get what has to be my favorite addition into the biology and ecology of the pokemon world: convergent evolutions! Pokemon that either evolved from the same ancestor but splitting off around a different point in time or pokemon who evolved in a way to resemble something or another pokemon to stay safe.

Wooper and cloddsire

Toadscool and toadscruel

Wigglett and wugtrio

We also got new evolutions for old pokemon! The gen two normal psychic giraffe: girafarig finally getting an evolution that combines the two heads in a balance union of strength but also astronaut giraffe hehe. We also got the beyond metal and gruesome revenant of an ape, Annihilape the ghost fighting type powerhouse of an evolution of Primape! And the king of the chess board evolution of Bisharp, Kingambit.

In both dlcs we get a new split evolution and third evolution of said split of applin, dipplin and hydrapple. And (forgot the name of the one building dragon)

We also get SO MANY GOOD BOIS IN GEN NINE! But not every good boi 😔… we get three new dog pokemon all good and each unique in their own respected way… I STILL DONT HAVE SHINY GREAVARD YET BUT I GOT THE OTHER TWO— sorry… got side tracked.

Something I will mention is a personal gripe over the exclusion of a specific fruit bearded pokemon from getting a new regional variant, tropius. Who if I had the chance to would make them vary based on where they can be caught by having new fruit or veggie being grown in place of the bananas! Which I did for my pokemon comic with Ripley’s tropius, Dionysus by giving him a beard of grapes! Maybe we’ll get more for tropius in generation 10!

Before I move on I’d like to to go over the game exclusive pokemon, something never mentioned or addressed how to obtain in Lily orchard’s video: let’s get this out of the way now by talking about the two forms of Paldean Tauros. In Scarlet; the past, primal, untamed gives us the fire fighting form of Tauros matching thematically with its game. In Violet; the future, technical and controlled (for the most part) gives us the water fighting form of Tauros (who can swim and his tail acts as a lil rudder to move him x3)

Lily leaves out one of the new pokemon of Paldea too, Charcadet a small fiery in the most literal sense charcoal knight who has game exclusive evolutions. Who need specific pokemon materials to obtain evolutionary items sets of armor. Lily fails to explain this so her audience is left not knowing that ceruledge is exclusive to violet while the psychic/fire evolution Armarouge, so the speculation of how she got it is left in the air and most likely not mentioned because she got it from someone else most likely lolo. So yeah.

☆*.｡˚✧₊⁎⁺˳✧༚˚✧₊⁺˳✧༚★。˚✧⁎⁺˳✧༚˚✧₊⁺˳✧༚★

Gimmicks!

I nearly forgot to mention the most impactful connective addition to these games! Union circles! A feature meant to let players connect with friends (given in range without Nintendo online or via the internet with Nintendo online) which allows for many fun shenanigans to take place especially during battles or cutscenes, but is expanded on with the indigo disk via the synchromode which…

☆*.｡˚✧₊⁎⁺˳✧༚˚✧₊⁺˳✧༚★。˚✧⁎⁺˳✧༚˚✧₊⁺˳✧༚★

Treasure

The three arc or side plots if we look at them through a tv sitcom or series structure. I’m talking about the ABC Plot system. Where the A plot is the main storyline and B and C follow different stories where by the third act we come together to face or wrap up the stories of B and C. We see this in Arven’s Titan quest, Nemona’s victory road, and Penny’s Starfall mission. Arven is the A plot as we learn that he’s trying to get to area zero to confront his parent(s) and needs two more people to join the journey that fill a specific role which is where Nemona and Penny come in! You will cry if you haven’t played yet so keep that in mind and be sure to take the classes as they provide more context into the layers these characters have! Enjoy this clip btw

Let’s head to the smallest addition and slice into the rural side of the Japanese region of the Pokémon world: Kitikami

☆*.｡˚✧₊⁎⁺˳✧༚˚✧₊⁺˳✧༚★。˚✧⁎⁺˳✧༚˚✧₊⁺˳✧༚★

But this sadly or luckily has to be split into another part as I’ve been going on for a while here but I hope you enjoyed it! So the last LAST FINAL part! Will be about the DLCs and epilogue so stay tuned for the intro of the bestest girl that is ogerpon!

[superscrub323]

Best Animators of Each Part of God Games.

Father! God King! Rarely do I ask for favors!

Yeah you mentally just sung the rest didn't you? In a musical that tells the story of Odysseus and his journey home with banger after banger of a song, one would think a brief detour into Athena convincing Zeus and 5 other Olympians to release Odysseus from Calypso's Hell away from Home wouldn't be so popular, yet here we are.

It's considered an Epic Fan Artists version of going to Mecca to do the animatic or at least have designs for the Gods participating in it and it kind of makes me wish that it was a full saga rather than just one song.

But the one thing about God Games basically being Athena duetting with 6 different Gods is that it gives us so many unique takes on each character and I'm going to list which one does each part the best. Some picks you'll see coming a mile away, others will surprise you but hopefully we all have fun.

Zeus (Intro) Tama: There's a part of me that's telling that this is cheating since it technically doesn't have Athena's full intro but the more I try to make excuses or find something better to take it's spot the more apparent it becomes that...yeah this one has the best intro.

This one has a well animated Zeus being surprisingly chill before it transitions to Zeus giving Hermes letters to all the participants with standout moments being Apollo defensive over his lyre, Hephaestus's blade legs, Hermes trying to put the mack on Aphrodite who isn't buying any of it, Ares taking offense to said offer and throwing him to Hera to deliver the final invitation...who is next to Zeus before it capstones with every God accepting the challenge and Athena pulling her spear out of a clock.

All in all it for a version that uses the older version of the song I'm very impressed with the intro and deeply wish I saw more from this animator.

Apollo (Neal Illustrator): Oh look Neal's here already? It was really between Neal's Apollo and Hera and while it was close...their Apollo won. I've written several misgivings about how Apollo, the God of Music, fails to go harder on his verse than Ares but if Apollo can't be bothered to bring either his A-Game or a compelling argument he could at least bring his bow.

And bring his bow he does, in the glorious stylings of Neal he makes up for his lackluster lyrics with a very sweet fight scene with musical notes as arrows causing Athena to deflect them smoothly before charging up a Super Light Arrow to fire to which Athena slices it in twain before convincing Apollo who gives a cheeky smile before approving of Ody's release.

Really Neal's part here is because of the fight scene and Neal's character design but unlike some Gods, sometimes that's enough.

Hephaestus (AnniFlamma): Another obvious pick here already? Hmm. Anyway Anni's Hephy, in addition to looking like one of the best looking Hephaestus's that actually give him a surprising amount of aura and presence, won me over by virtue of it having Athena do something beyond argue with him as he forges.

She actually helps him forge is sword while arguing that Ody can "still build a future with those who miss him" which is something that's kind of understated and powerful to me. Still, glad that Anni got on this list and that their Hephy made a powerful impression.

Aphrodite (Quadruplebacon): This is the primary reason I made this list. While I've went into detail on how the next entry won my heart and stuck with me. This one manages to surprise and wow me in ways that are simple yet...so Aphrodite.

First off, Aphrodite looks gorgeous which...isn't a surprise but the pink haired, full figured look works, second off the idea of Aphrodite's part in God Games being a dating sim is so inspired that I can't believe no one else thought of it.

Unfortunately for Athena however she sucks at dating sims which causes her to say the wrong thing to win Aphrodite's approval which causes her to leave triggering a game over.

Until...she uses "Quick Thought" (aka Pausing the Game to reload an old save which is...just ingenious) to get Aphrodite to "reconsider this" unfortunately for her, Ares finds that trick to be annoying and glitches her out Doki Doki Literature style before presumably bringing her into a fighting game.

I never would've expected something from Tiktok to surprise me like that but they're the reason this list got made...now let's go to why this list almost didn't get made.

Ares (SixofClover): I've talked at length at how amazing this animatic is. I've talked about how it's one of the few animatic that showcases Ares as a martial equal to Athena with him getting the edge when affected by Aphrodite's forced empathy wave, the swipe to extinguish the Six torches, Athena being able to rally but not get Ares's ichor in a straight up fight and win the grizzly token Ares demands for his approval, her then striking Aphrodite causing Ares to intercept Athena's spear but still not getting that token until Aphrodite hugs him from behind to let him know he can surrender their tokens, and the final moment of Ares taking Aphrodite's ear ring covered in his ichor and giving it to Athena's owl before they hug.

It's something that is so precious, so well executed and animated that I deeply wish that Six would do the rest or more Epic the Musical songs...but I suppose when you do one part so well you don't need to do more so props off to this animatic who's only downside is it was so good this list almost didn't get made.

Hera (Isabonny): Spring boarding off the idea of individual animators doing each part of God Games, this idea clearly paid dividends when it came to giving each of the Gods chance to properly pop and shine. And while each one (except for Ares and Aphrodite) has a chance to be on this list, Isabonny's Hera sticks out for me in a great way.

She looks gorgeous, which is something that is required when designing Hera and Aphrodite, her back up choir singers give her proper presences, seeing Athena bring up the Trojan Horse, Odysseus's War Speeches, and his sense of humor is something that is hilarious as it is snappy.

What is also well welcome is seeing Zeus's reaction to "Never once has he cheated on his wife" which is...damn I've rarely ever seen that. All in all, all of the animators brought their A-Game but Isabonny's Hera is the MVP in this collab.

Zeus (Outro) (gigi ): Alright I've saved the best...or one of the best, animators for last and gigi needed to be on here, and their Hera was close as was an argument to just group their intro and outro together. But their outro was amazing.

Seeing Zeus's pure look of rage as he shattered his throne, Ares shielding Aphrodite, the Thunder Bolt being Zeus's Eagle, the flashback of Athena meeting little Telemachus. All of it is great.

But what sticks out to me is Athena's super form where she deftly dodges Zeus's thunder as a glorious owl/goddess thing before being struck down one last time before giving one last plead before Zeus catches her.

All in all couldn't have asked for a better closer.

Alright that takes care of everyone, if anyone has any suggestions for replacements, let me know!

[freakshowtwopointoh]

the 'just watch me drive' bit gets me every time and I can't stop giggling but then it made my mind remember that movie I saw 'babydriver' and now I'm just thinking of au jordan in those scenes as a getaway driver for their wild group of friends who are all linked in some way to criminal activity with each using their powers and skillsets to get the group as a whole rich beyond belief and now I have a mighty need for this au and the chaotic adventures.

FUCKING SAME DUDE I CANT KEEP FROM GIGGLING EVERY TIME

omg that's iconic

esp bc i defo think jordan loves to drive. also i love babydriver its amazing. brain go brrrrrrrrrrr sorry not sorry

fjsdklfajk just add tthis to my list of aus

Jordan didn't outwardly complain when Brink brought new people into the fold, but they were never pleased about it either. The more people in the know, the more possible problems down the line.

At this point in the game, the others picked up on their wariness about newcomers and would not stop teasing them about it. Andre had actually created a bingo sheet of 'Jordan fucks with the newbie'. When Emma was brought on, they got a bingo in under three hours.

So when Brink told the team that he found a new recruit, Jordan ensured they kept their eyes forward, ignoring the reactions of their friends behind them.

"Alright, alright. Look - her power is weird but it's especially critical to this upcoming mission so please, don't scare her away."

Jordan forced themself not to roll their eyes - they never scared anyone away. People just couldn't handle them. There's a difference. But then Brink gave Sam a very pointed look, and they had to stifle a smile. They had forgotten about that... incident.

The metal door creaked open and in walked probably one of the most gorgeous people Jordan had ever seen. Big brown eyes, full lips, gorgeous deep skin, and long locs pulled back into a ponytail.

"Everyone, this is Marie."

Fuck. Jordan was fucked.

---

Marie was skeptical when Victoria told her about this new job. Multiple missions, little-to-no information about the group or the jobs. Just - do what these people tell you for the next few weeks, months, or even years, and then her and her sister would be set for life. To be fair, that is the deal that Victoria gave her initially when she caught her stealing on the job, but still. At least she had known Victoria for a few months beforehand. She's never met any of these people, and now she has to play nice? She just had to stay focused on Annabeth. If she could find them a good, stable place to stay...

So she went, pocketknife in tow, trench coat on, prepared for pretty much anyone when she walked into the cold conference room. Sitting around a large table were six people about her age, and the only other person in the room was a much older man with white hair and a beard. Marie presumed he was the head of whatever kind of ragtag criminal organization this was. This was confirmed when he introduced her.

"Everyone, this is Marie." She gave a small wave and the others introduced themselves. Andre, a black man with short hair and a relaxed posture, Luke, a tan blond man who looked like he had walked out of a Gap catalog, Cate, a thin and pale preppy blonde girl with piercing blue eyes, Emma, a bubbly white girl with short blonde hair, Sam, a pale muscular man with curly brown hair and puppy dog eyes, and Jordan, a small Asian girl with headphones in who seemed to have a permanent frown on her admittedly very pretty face. The leader went by "Brink", and she was sure there were a plethora of shitty puns she could come up with if he wasn't her boss. She took a seat in between Jordan and Sam, knowing Brink would likely want to begin quickly.

Taking in the group, it was clear whatever they were doing paid well. She wasn't well-versed in designer brands but the few she did recognize were scattered throughout the group.

---

The mission seemed simple enough, once Brink explained the details, but it was clear he was holding things back. Mainly because he hadn't mentioned the newbie's powers or why they needed her. I mean she was unassuming, but weren't they all? Jordan was halfway tempted to corner Brink and demand answers, but they knew they wouldn't get any information out of him he didn't want to give.

[loonarii]

my 5 favourite k-pop music videos <3

I love music videos, and in k-pop there are a lot of mildy shitty ones, but there are also some amazing ones that are just as iconic as they are aesthetically pleasing. Obviously budget will come into play here, so big 4 groups will be more prevalent on this list, but I tried to be as fair as possible, within reason. Also, I'm a girl group stan, so don't expect many boy groups. Obviously I will forget some, but maybe I'll make a part two, and you are very welcome to leave your fave mvs in the rbs or comments. This list is in no particular order, lets gaur

1. 'Feel Special' - TWICE (JYP Ent.)

This music video inspired this list, and for good reason. 'Feel Special' is in my opinion, the epitome of Twice, as they stand today. It encapsulates their more mature concept post 'Yes Or Yes', but it doesn't alienate their debut cuter concept, it rather welcomes it with open arms and celebrates it as a part of Twice's history, something their newer releases occasionally struggle with. Visually its a feast, its decadent and lavish, and positively gorgeous. Each member has her own movie-esque set, employing various genres and aesthetics, and then the members unite in the most glittery set ever concieved, the gold contrasting their raspberry and champagne outfits magnificently, while also referencing the group's official colours, as seen on their lightstick. The whole video is cinematic and opulent, and every detail, down to Sana's dip died pink hair, and Nayeon's stunning ginger curls which I wish she would bring back, is flawless. The only gripe I have is Chaeyoung's unblended foundation in her solo scene, but hey, we aren't all be perfect. My favourite scenes in this video are the afor-mentioned glittery golden arches group scene, as well as Jihyo's rainbow vintage television scene, that was surprisingly ahead of its time in terms of its retro aesthetics. It's a must-watch music video for the history books, and it's Twice's best song too - it deserves no less.

2. 'Why Not?' - LOONA (BlockBerry Creative - ew)

Note: If you would like to watch this m/v, please stream it from a non official yt channel, in accordance with the boycott. They will usually be marked with 'Boycott Ver.' in the title or something similar.

Loona has a lot of amazing music videos in their arsenal, but 'Why Not?' goes above and beyond. It's one of the most visually striking music videos I have ever seen, and its grasp on colour, composition, and rhythm is completely unparalleled. It's vibrancy is just gorgeous, full of neon lights and shining metallics. The video exists in a constant state of dichotomy: both cool and warm, metropolitan and pastoral, manmade and fantastical. You would assume this would ruin the video's visual message, but the contrast actually enhances it, as well as furthering the group's lore. it's unafraid to experiment with aspect ratio and camera movement, and along with the subversive editing, the final product is unique as well as timeless. Who cares that the last five scenes were neon and retro-futuristic? It's time for Heejin and Hyunjin's black and white minimalist mildly 1920s suited up dance break with a 4:3 aspect ratio of course! As the song itself says, why not? It's as playful as the song, as well as being visually stunning. My favourite scenes include Choerry's upside down mirror moment with the neon lights, as well as Kim Lip in the field with the funky glowing orbs, and of course the cult circle on the moon scene. Fucking iconic.

3. 'Ditto' (Sides A & B) - NewJeans (Ador)

Note: I have a full review of this song, if you are interested.

Where the other videos on this list are overwhelmingly vibrant or cinematic, 'Ditto' is understated and personal. Arguably one of the most influential k-pop music videos of all time, it breaks every rule of what a music video of this genre looks and feels like, rejecting glamour and high fashion for an unromanticized schoolgirl aesthetic surrounded with melancholy. It's heartfelt and unassumingly tragic, and truly makes the viewer yearn for a time they only half remember. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of cinema I have ever seen, and I am so happy that K-pop stans loved it to death as I did, despite how starkly different it is to most everything in k-pop before it. It does however remind me of f(x)'s '4 Walls' m/v, which isn't a shock as Min Heejin (ew) was their creative director also. It also has vibes of the cult classic (?) Japanese movie 'All About Lily Chou Chou'. It has sparked many trends in the industry, including but not limited to: b-roll interspersions, the typical schoolgirl aesthetic, and the general rejection of the polished, glitzy vibe we expect of k-pop idols. Their impact on trends is notable, but in my opinion, no one has executed this aesthetic to the standard that NewJeans has. The unassuming tragic beauty of 'Ditto' is difficult to put into words, you must go and watch the two music videos for it - they are life changing.

4. 'Kill This Love' - BLACKPINK (YG Ent.)

Say what you will about Blackpink, but they KNOW how to do a music video, and 'Kill This Love' is one of their best; it is beyond extravagant. The sets are huge and striking and insane - Jennie floats on the heads of two enormous swans and all four girls dance in the middle of a huge fucking BEAR TRAP and its ridiculously cool. The fashion and styling is amazing too - my fave looks include Jennie's Lara Croft moment with the braid, Lisa's big ass fur coat from her cereal scene, and Jennie's gorgeous eye makeup from her shopping scene with Lisa. In a word, 'Kill This Love' is extra(vagant). Even the scenes that are conceptually ordinary - Lisa's cereal aisle, Rosé crying in her car - are elevated into the extraordinary. There is no real storyline or through line between the scenes other than their saturated colour palettes and the members themselves, but who cares? The members look like fucking goddesses, the dance looks amazing, and there are MULTIPLE jaw-drop moments throughout the runtime - what more do you want? Where 'Ditto' rejects the typical k-pop visual aesthetics, 'Kill This Love' epitomizes them. If I wanted to explain to western pop stan what k-pop is about, this is the video I would show them first. My favourite scenes include: the group scene with the exploding statues and the bad bitch combat outfits, Rosé caught in the storm with beautiful lighting, and THE BEST SCENE IN A BLACKPINK MUSIC VIDEO EVERRRR... Jisoo's goddess moment with the sun and the reflections. Nobody does music videos quite like Blackpink.

5. 'What Is Love?' - TWICE (JYP Ent.)

This music video is so unbelievably special to me. It doesn't break any boundaries with camera movement, editing, or aspect ratio like 'Why Not?', and it doesn't entirely reinvent the typical k-pop music video like 'Ditto' either, but I think it is one of the best music videos ever because it is so FUN. 'What Is Love' is a music video that is a series of references to iconic movies, most of which being about love, as the title suggests. It harkens back to 'La La Land', 'La Boum', 'Pulp Fiction', 'The Princess Diaries', and many more, with the girls playing the characters, on their fictional discovery of what love truly is. It's so special to me because it reminds me of doing exactly what the girls are doing with my best friends and my big sister - trying to learn what love is from the movies is something almost everyone has experienced, and thus the whole video feels nostalgic both for its references, and for its overall concept. It's fun and lighthearted and a memory of simpler times. Oh, to be a 12 year old obsessed with 'The Princess Diaries' again, to be a tween watching 'Pulp Fiction' with your big sister when it's probably not age appropriate, to be young teen watching 'La La Land' right when it came out. What a time to be alive. That's what 'What Is Love?' is, it's a celebration of life, of growing up, of being just a little naive and knowing it. Iconic, truly.

[rawliverandgoronspice]

I wish mineru got to me an actual character because every single theme we get that has to do with her (thunder islands, spirit temple, construct factory) are so gorgeous and made me fall in love with her, the soundtrack does so much heavy lifting in this game

You're so correct about the soundtrack, it tells such a compelling tale and it really builds off itself constantly, it's genuinely one of my favorite parts of the game!!

Honestly Mineru had tons of potential. I really liked the entire quest to find her and her body, it was the part of the game that kind of sold me the most the mystery and wonder of having such a big world spanning the sky all the way to the Depths. The atmospheric mood of the Thunderhead Isles was wonderful, loved following the light all the way to the Depths (I had already stumbled upon the actual Construct Factory in them before). It was the part of the game that "felt the most zonai" to me, this sort of puzzle-like intricacy of how their influence permeate the world that their name alone was meant to invoke. I regret the lack of worldbuilding here, even a very light one (what was were the Thunderhead Isles? What significance did they have in zonai culture? What about the structures on the ground in the jungle? I would have *loved* more... anything in the Construct Factories), but it was still a treat as a gameplay experience.

(I mean I hated having to pilot the Construct Body itself, but that's more a me problem than a game problem, thankfully the boxing match was a ton of funs regardless)

The character herself though.... Like I feel like there's a lot of potential inherent to her status as one of the last zonais AND her status as the king's sister (not to mention her engineering proclivities). She feels like she should have a very unique perspective on the entire situation, insight about what caused the fall of the zonais (or their departure/refusal to engage with Hyrule), have both tenderness but also criticism towards her brother his wife might not have (as his lover and as an inherently lesser being bound to his good will, she's a priestess so she probably prays to the gods and zonais are said to descend from gods can we talk about that also), share a unique relationship with Zelda through their common love for knowledge (I think Zelda having a strong relationship with Mineru sounds more meaningful than her having one with Sonia as of now tbh, and it would have helped their scenes to be more interesting than an excuse to infodump, I almost said that it's a ship before remembering they're technically related SOMEHOW?? so mayyybe not).

But in practice, she has no desires of her own. She's but an extension of her brother's will, except softer, muted, heartbroken not for her loss (and the fact that her entire race is about to die out once she does), but for Hyrule's perdition. I am still not over the fact that when she swears her oath of fielty to Link, she *touches her brother's hand*, aka the only meaningful relationship in her life that we got to see, zonai skin touching zonai skin for... probably the last time ever? And the camera couldn't care less. No lingering, no body tension, not even one of the little sounds that BotW/TotK characters love to make in cutscenes everytime anything happens, not even any callback to the explicit motif of people touching each other's hand as a sign of support and unity (so you know what symbolism/allegory means game!!! you know this!!!!), the game doesn't seem to be aware that she should be a person with feelings that extend beyond her performative guilt about a situation that has basically nothing to do with her/she couldn't have done anything about/she did everything she could about, actually! She's just here to be a vessel for the restoration project of her brother's kingdom (Rauru being the only one allowed any emotion of genuine grief and upset, and it only lasts like half a second --which sucks!! I wish that, if Sonia was to be fridged anyway, it at least motivated him to become vengeful and furious and make a mistake that costed him his victory, which would have made him sliiightly more compelling instead of reverting back to a fancy cardbox of unquestionned perfection).

Also she's technically the last one you're supposed to get (but you can get her first??? this is such a weird choice sometimes linearity is good nintendo!!!), and after such a long quest, there should have been a narrative reward to finding her that goes harder than "and then Rauru decided to hype you up like crazy to Ganondorf, also Zelda is probably a dragon but you probably already know that" in my opinion. Some modicum of depth; a different emotional texture to the conflict. After that much build up, the payoff didn't land for me.

Yeah. Mineru. She really could have been the aqua-glue holding that ultrahand-ass of a plot together, but Alas.....