#ships ultimately aren't that important. i don't care which ships/characters you like or dislike

[lady-phasma]

Do you believe Aemond is a Valyrian Supremacist? He models Daemon so much in his focus on Valyrian history, dragons, Targaryen blood etc, that to me I feel as though he must to some extent believe Targaryen's to be superior? I see alot of people defending him on the basis he isn't, but... I just don't see why Aemond of all characters wouldn't have feelings of superiority based on his blood? Extending from that, do you think he would have preferred to wed a Targaryen woman? We get a glimpse he feels that way from the TV show, but in the circumstances he had another sister instead of Helaena, surely he would have been betrothed to her/wanted to be? I just truly cannot see him as being free of "bigotry" in regards to seeing non- Valyrians as below him. Like? Isn't that the point of him hating Rhaneyra's sons? Because they are bastards from a lower House?

This is a really great ask, anon. Thank you for asking me. But of course, you asked me, so it’s no surprise that I will give a very me answer.

First, I really dislike having that phrase Valyrian Supremacist on my blog. I only have it one other time that I can remember and that was also an ask. Briefly, I’ll tell you why: it is a 20th-21st century Earth term that may not have been present in Westeros. If we are discussing in-universe theory and not literary/film theory then I choose to avoid it.

This may get long but I want to be as clear as possible: I only slightly agree with you. If we grant the premise, that he models parts of his personality after Daemon (which is a difficulty premise to grant in its entirety), then I would say that his Targaryen side would value that heritage to a degree. However, he cares deeply for his entire family and that includes the Hightowers. His last name is Targaryen, but let’s not forget he is also a Hightower. I think great houses/names are very important to royalty in Westeros, Aemond included. Hightowers are certainly not lowborn.

Trying to go in the same order as your questions, I would say next that all descendants of Valyria may feel superior because of history and dragon lore. I can never overlook House Velaryon in these discussions. They also have immense pride in their heritage and name. However, when you say “Aemond of all characters” I wonder exactly why he stands out as someone for whom this pride seems more important. If we examine his actions in season one and in the book, I think we can see that his character is no more or less concerned with it than the average character.

If he were more concerned with Targaryen blood and that pride fueled his decisions, what would that say about Alys Rivers? I think most fans who haven’t read the book know a little about her, but for those who don’t she was a bastard Aemond took as a “war bride.” Regardless of whether or not she bewitched him, we can’t talk about his life as a whole without mentioning her and their relationship. If she did, we aren't told at exactly what point that happened. He wasn't above sex with non-Targaryens.

Since it was first uttered, I have been obsessed with his line “I would perform my duty, if mother had only betrothed us.” Leo Ashton delivered it with such sincerity and commitment that it is hard to argue against Aemond’s devotion to his family (not discussing any specific romantic ships here). As we know, royalty and aristocracy in Westeros get very little choice in who they wed. The hypothetical “if he had another sister” is interesting because that marriage would, ultimately, be decided by Viserys and Alicent.

Such a betrothal would have been seen as a duty and honorable, so I have no doubt that Aemond would have agreed. I don’t know that anyone would disagree that Aemond puts his family above everything else. Thus, I have yet to see in the series direct bigotry from him. Factually, with no nuance, the issue with Rhaneyra’s sons is illegitimacy. Every character may have a different interpretation as to how this effects the line of succession and only a few state it explicitly in the series. I would argue that Aemond doesn’t care that their father isn’t Laenor Velaryon when he first calls them bastards. Children at that age might not really comprehend the ramifications of that accusation (I think we see clearly that Aegon doesn’t). Aemond first dislikes his nephews because they were cruel to him. Yes, his brother was as well. The Pink Dread was seemingly almost entirely Aegon’s idea, but siblings often forgive each other more readily than they may forgive outsiders.

In Fire & Blood we get a clear picture of how much his animosity and resentment fuel his actions:

One by one, every man and boy with Strong blood in his veins was dragged forth and put to death, until the heap made of their heads stood three feet tall.

I do not think this action was about bloodlines or heritage. I believe this was entirely revenge. By this point in the Dance, Aemond is furious and nearly crazed by his need to avenge the wrongs done to his family. I don’t think it was an attempt to annihilate the Strong bloodline, but a show of force and power. Aemond is formidable, rash, and still young enough to not care about consequences. Perhaps you have noticed I skipped over the direct slight against him. Lucerys altered Aemond’s life irrevocably. Had this same mutilation happened to a low born boy, he would have had no future at all in Westeros. Aemond’s lifestyle was only salvaged because he is royalty and through determination of will.

Would the loss of an eye, the murder of one’s young nephew (Prince Jaehaerys), and the maiming of one’s brother cause a young prince to go nearly mad with rage and the need for revenge? I believe so. By this point in the Dance, further along than I think you asked about, Targaryen heritage is probably the last thing on Aemond’s mind. I have no doubt that he was raised to believe that dragons, the throne, and many other things make Targaryens better. But we should never discount his mother’s influence. This man loves her dearly and Alicent may provide some balance in his understanding of things. My headcanon about his religion (not particularly relevant here) comes from the canon that Alicent has a strong faith in the Seven. I think this has a deep effect on Aemond and could influence whether or not Targaryen blood is paramount to him.

Lastly, I wanted to address this statement:

I see a lot of people defending him on the basis he isn’t

I assume that you use “defending” in the sense that these fans attempt to separate him as somehow immune to this pride or better than other Targaryens. I don’t know that I have read exactly the defenses you’re referencing, but I will be clear: this is not a discussion of fanfiction. If that is an element of a work of fanfiction, then by all means, go for it. It doesn’t seem plausible, however, that anyone of Valyrian descent is immune to this type of indoctrination.

[cartoonscientist]

this has probably been touched on before but so much of fionna and cake ties into the theme of self-value and self care by making references to (what is traditionally viewed as female-centered) fan culture and specifically the debate around whether fanfiction should have “some basic level of quality” or whether it should be considered an unbridled form of self expression closer to art therapy than writing a professional novel (it obviously comes down on the side of the latter)

the theme of Simon not wanting to discuss his “old stuff” that he finds embarrassing and painful because he wrote it in a very bad place mentally, what he sees as mediocre, emotionally masturbatory wish fulfillment that says way too much about his psyche, although it’s shown that other people get a lot out of the Fionna and Cake series, suggesting that it’s a versatile work of fiction which readers can interpret to fit their own emotional needs even if it’s not exactly “high art”

or Scarab’s ultimately self-destructive obsession with wiping out what he considers a “mediocre” “abomination”, even though everyone around him is telling him to chill and let it go and focus on more important things because it doesn't really matter. for years, and even today, fandom has been plagued with (usually cishet male these days, but women used to make up a far larger portion of the snark/anti-fan community) fans who don't only dislike shipping and original characters, they actively seek out creators who do enjoy these things to harass them. or, I'm sure you've seen those people on twitter who get really mad about the fact that leaving long critical notes on ao3 fics (when not prompted or specifically requested not to) is widely considered Pretty Fucking Mean

both Simon and Scarab are basically being told by the narrative to take it easy, to not care so hard about like, the ontological definitions of "art" and "quality". Simon learns to value Fionna and her world, realizing that they have a life beyond the circumstances he believed he created them under. (but when he again tries to assume control, to sacrifice his own well-being for people he feels are more deserving of love than him, his space god girlfriend basically slaps him and says "you are so special and amazing on your own simon, you don't need to hurt yourself, you don't need to try to handle everything by yourself, and actually sacrificing yourself when you don't need to is kind of a dick move, and yes I know from experience because I'm omniscient now" [which ties into what's kind of the thesis statement of the show, Simon and Fionna both feeling like they're not special and don't deserve to exist or receive care and affection because they aren't exceptional, ie don't have magical abilities/live in an adventurous fantasy world; basically, you don't NEED to be super talented and amazing and saintlike to deserve to be happy, you just need to BE, and do your best as a human])

FOOTNOTE: when Scarab told Fionna that what she did wrong was exist, it was painfully reminiscent of transphobic (and anti-ND) harassment (and ultimately added another layer of satisfaction and validation to his defeat) and tbh it's hard for me to believe the writers didn't intend that at least subconsciously

[onigiri-dorkk]

Hi I'm new to the fandom and not gonna lie for a long time I was confused about why would anyone ship Rivamika because it always seemed like Levi was barely aware of Mikasa and Mikasa hated Levi or disliked him. I started reading the manga last week and I'm honestly surprised by how little changes made a huge different. WIT always made it seem like Mikasa didn't care about anyone other than Ereh and I believe they are the reason why everyone makes fun of Mikasa for being obsessed. I genuinely thought "I love her but she's very ungrateful and rude sometimes, their strongest soldier hurt his ankle when they needed him the most because of her and all she cared about is Ereh" but it's not like that in the manga. She actually feels guilty and responsible which is a great panel to show how character development. A 3 seconds scene would do so much good to Mikasa's character but WIT somehow didn't want to include that scene. Even in S3 it seemed like they would like to keep them apart and don't let them interact even though there was a huge reveal about them. And I think it's not only WIT. Even Isayama himself is almost afraid to let them interact and I'm not talking about shipping here. Imagine finding out that someone experienced the same things as you did, have this weird mysterious power thing going on and that person is your Captain whom you made it clear that you trust and respect now. It's crazy to me that they don't even talk and compare their experiences etc???? Again, it's not even about shipping, it pisse me off because it feels like Mikasa isn't allowed to have anything of her own, the reason why Mikasa ships aren't popular isn't because she's not loved, it's because Isayama, WIT and even Mappa didn't let her have many meaningful interactions. Hell, even with Armin (they are supposed to be a trio) it sometimes feel like they were just hanging out for Eren. Ughhh they could at least let Mikasa have Ackermans for her own. She could interact more with Levi and even with Kenny for a sec. So disappointing :(

Wow!! Anon, welcome to the fandom and thanks for sending this! I never get asks and it’s always exciting 😂 We’re glad you’re here!

The “I didn’t get how people shipped rivamika” thing is common tbh, don’t worry! I was on that train too until I stopped to think about everything implied between the lines—most of it being in the manga, as you said. I know people say things like we ‘grasp at straws’ but there is realistically fantastic depth we can assume from their closeness as comrades alone. The magic of Rivamika as a ship is it takes more deep knowledge of the characters to understand why it WORKS so well. And when you get it, gosh, it’s amazing!

We definitely agree too, that WIT cut such crucial scenes to Mikasa’s character. I will never understand their choices… And I’ll forever grieve it 😭 That scene of self-reflection and guilt over Levi’s injury/absence is important because it’s the first time she finally thought outside of her tunnel vision of Eren. Ultimately, she learns to care about what happens to others as a result of her actions, which quite literally starts with Levi.

I also agree, it seems like Yams started the Ackerman reveal + arc but decided midway not to commit to it or develop it. It explained their strength, but that was it. It’s strange that even in the anime they chose not to explain that Ackerman’s are Titan DNA hybrids. That seems like a crucial piece but I wonder why they didn’t think it was important. Because then the whole “Ackerman’s are immune to x and x” has no narrative proof at all.

I like to think Ackertalk happened behind the scenes. I like reading everyone’s versions of it—but always a shame we never got that in canon. It’s even strange because they both lost their entire families, so finding out you’re from the same people should at least create a sense of bonding or they’d take on a slightly familial role, or SOMETHING. (Though I’m glad it didn’t go that route because people would REALLY think they’re cOuSiNs lol) But it’s just strange Yams introduced these things that ended up really having not much purpose, or none at all. (Don’t get me started on the Azumabito shit)

I still hope and manifest for some sort of Ackerman spin off that explores this. Can you imagine? Levi and Mikasa (the cash cows of AOT, we say!) venturing off post-war to discover more about the Ackerman’s? Or to retrace and find surviving Ackerman’s outside the world?

[accursedthing]

If u make a post about why you don't like a character or a ship, that's fine. U can have ur opinion and u can put it on your own page to your hearts content.

If u tag that post with the character/ship that you're talking shit about, die

[isnt-it-pretty]

Thank you for spreading the Tighnari-caring-for-Cyno agenda I am so so tired of every ship with 2 (or more) characters of different skin tones having the darker one turned into the "big strong but goofy himbo protector one" and the lighter into the "small weak uwu but smart damsel one". And most people don't even notice the racist undertones they just think it's a common fanfic trope and totally acceptable and it drives me up the walls because if you try and bring it up you're "overthinking" and "It's just fic"... I get that but it's almost every fic in almost every interracial ship in almost every fandom I've ever been in and...I'm tired

I don't think that liking the dynamic is inherently racist (which I know you aren't stating it is! I just want people to know I'm not calling them racist over a ship), but it is telling when every similar ship has the same dynamic. It definitely isn't malicious, but, you know, internalized biases. It's something worth exploring because we all have them; I'm certainly not immune to them. The fact Cyno is often depicted as less intelligent than Tighnari is definitely something people should question, though, because racism and colourism play a massive role in perceived intelligence. I made a post on it that people can read here if they haven't already. That said, I'm also white, so I can't exactly speak to racial biases the way a BIPOC can, and I always welcome their voices and opinions on the topic.

As for my agenda of Tighnari taking care of Cyno, I'm really passionate about it (probably too passionate). We see how much pressure Cyno is constantly under. He even says that he has to weigh every choice he makes carefully because of the consequences. When Nilou asks if he's happy, he dodges the question and says it doesn't matter. Tighnari says he looks lonely.

I think people like that need somebody to take care of them. They need somebody to put a hand on their shoulder and tell them to stop running themselves into the ground, because Cyno will go until he breaks (looking at his story quest, where he takes down 300 people in four days after losing somebody very important to him and just doesn't talk about it.) He deserves to be loved, and he deserves to be vulnerable and hurt. He is allowed and should show weakness sometimes. He should be held and wrapped in blankets, or bathed, or comforted, or whatever, instead of always being the strong, comforting presence. It's okay to be that, but he deserves some vulnerability, too.

It's why all my fics focus on Hurt!Cyno, and why my other secret agenda is that a lot of people love him. I refuse to write a BIPOC who everybody is threatened by and dislikes. I strongly headcanon that he's adored by the matra and has close friends like Tighnari and Kaveh. The other forest watchers may be wary of him, but they ultimately like him and welcome him to Gandharva Ville.

I want to balance the scales a little instead of always having Cyno comfort Tighnari. I want it to be the other way around, because it's okay to be vulnerable. I also love every fic where Cyno is injured or sick and goes to Tighnari because Tighnari is his safe person, and I endlessly wish there was more of them.

(I just want to reiterate that writing Tighnari as vulnerable/hurt, and Cyno as protective doesn't make anybody a bad person, or racist, or homophobic, or whatever, but it might be worth trying out dynamics different from the mainstream! You might find that you enjoy them.)

Hopefully, this response makes sense! I'm a little scattered today, so I can never tell. Thank you so much for the ask; I really appreciate it, and I'm glad you find my headcanons refreshing ❤❤❤

[anghraine]

Jyn and Cassian?

Hah, I got this right before queuing a Jyn/Cassian gifset, and I was just slightly revising (>_>) a chapter of Jyn/Cassian fic. I do indeed ship it.

1- What made you ship it?

It sounded like my kind of thing from before the movie even came out, but the reality of the tension between them, the underlying (and later overlying!) rapport, and the mixture of very profound, mirrored(heh) similarities/parallels with high-contrast oppositions is pure distilled brain candy for me. They overreact very quickly given the circumstances (they both jeopardize themselves for each other in situations where there is zero practical need to!), which is always fun, and they're always drawing physically near to each other (there's the justly beloved elevator scene, though the circling and leaning in the "welcome home" scene is my personal favorite), which is also extremely fun. :D

There's the whole concept of them as people who have been denied homes by the Empire and find it in each other, without rejection of the very important allegiances and ties they do have. And they're very pretty, haha. Also, I enjoy (for a certain value of enjoy) that their dynamic is quite blatantly romantic IMO but the way it's cut short through an almost random act of Imperial cruelty is ... it's awful but it also a) makes sense and b) makes me feel even more about them. They deserved so much better. :(

2- What are you favorite things about this ship?

That mixture of close parallels and sharp contrasts + tension/rapport + UST you could cut with a knife are probably my favorites, honestly. I don't want my faves to be too similar, but I like parallels a lot and I don't like losing sight of the ways in which paralleled people are similar, which is a fine line to walk that Rogue One walked extremely well.

In that, it reminds me a lot of my ship of ultimate destiny, book!Darcy/Elizabeth, where they don't have to be basically the same—and aren't—to have a strong and important fundamental affinity that ultimately pulls them together.

3- Is there an unpopular opinion you have on the ship?

Many, as usual! I dislike the hyper-sexualization of Cassian with all my soul—it's not something I care for in general and I often imagine my faves as grey-ace, but it is something I stick to more stubbornly with him as a reaction to the sexy Latino stereotypes with a character who gave zero indication of having them is pretty gross to me.

I think Jyn was more justified in the circumstances of the Eadu fight and that Cassian was more correct, which basically ensured my annoyance at every conceivable iteration of discourse around the fight.

Also, in AU-land, I'm agnostic (as usual :P) on them having children. I don't think they're likely to have unplanned children, but I can see planned pregnancy or adoptions once the galaxy is more stable. I can also see them not choosing that and having full lives regardless. The likelihood of it just depends on the scenario and the writing for me, really.

[electricprincess96]

Rich it coming from you who used to defend Chrom x Sumia and in bad faith liked horribly written women like Ninian and Sumia even arguing that no one can dislike Sumia or Ninian because she is awesome and not problematic trying to make the anons shut up because you want so, dictating what anons should or not criticise. Everytime someone criticise someone you like or defend a character you dislike it's "in bad faith" . A lot of people have reasons to like or dislike a character. Honestly go to hell you hypocrital piece of crap.

I never claimed no one can dislike Sumia or Ninian but most of the reasons people use for disliking them is just that they aren't "kickass action girls". Also they aren't badly written they just aren't to your taste, that's not the same thing, Sumia wasn't helped by the localisation butchering her Chrom supports. It's also sexist to hate on traditionally feminine characters purely because they are traditionally feminine you know.

If you just said "I don't like them" that's fine it's the fact fans of these characters often get harassed by antis for not liking the "right sort of female character". THATS what I always pushed back on. There's plenty of my mutuals who don't care for Sumia. And Ninian, her games that old that if people still get mad about her at this point I'd rather they just deal with their own sad lives cause she's literally not even that important anymore, no one cares about Elibe enough anymore to argue ships in that game.

I don't dislike Sully, in fact I like her and her supports with Chrom are actually great in my opinion I just pointed out that the reason they gave for her pairing with Chrom being the least popular (they basically painted every shipper of Chrom x anyone else as hating women who aren't conventionally attractive) was in bad faith to everyone who ships him with someone else because ultimately Sully is the worst mother for Lucina gameplay wise because of no Galeforce, some people won't care about that but plenty of people do and it wouldn't be a big deal if she wasn't THE ONLY mother who doesn't give her Galeforce but she is which makes her the least desirable option. Most fans of the other Chrom ships don't dislike Sully as a character (and if they do its her personality over her design 9 times out of 10) or her design, they just prefer him with other characters and like Lucina having Galeforce access.

Also you really think you've got the moral high ground when coming in and calling me a names and telling me to go to hell? Anon you're the moral degenerate here not me. At least I put my face behind my takes, don't be a coward and come show me your name next time you call me names and tell me to go to hell, have the conviction to put your face to your horrible personality.

@whitediamondfairy the fact this shit is still going on all these years later eh? I remember when we used to get these sort of asks daily