#that’s unimportant but i love that he plays sea battle with me

[bittertoast]

ngl the way i giggle at my phone when this boy texts me is unreal i have the biggest crush and its so goofy

[redriotinggg]

I need anyone who genuinely dislikes Usopp to take a long look in the mirror because yeah, he can be a bit annoying at times but he is honestly a good and interesting character!!

He is just as loyal as any other member of the crew and fights the strongest when he’s fighting on someone else’s behalf. (See: him fighting for Sanji in Skypeia, fighting for Robin at Eneis Lobby, fighting for Luffy in Dressrosa, fighting for Tama and Nami in Wano.) He is a major player in so many of the battles in the series that it baffles me that people can think of him as an unimportant member of the crew.

And Usopp is a fucking genius??? Hello???? He’s able to make weapons powerful enough to create storms and tornadoes. He is canonically a jack-of-all trades that supports the crew in their daily lives and in battle. The Going Merry only lasted as long as she did because Usopp was around to care for her. He was the only one to see her Klabauterman!! Usopp is not only creative and fun but is able to bring those creations to life, whether it be his drawings or his gadgets, and I think that’s so beautiful. I miss pre-TS because of all his inventions we got to see.

Let’s not forget that Usopp is so, so kind!! He made friends with the kids in his village and told stories to Kaya to help her feel better when she was ill. He fought to protect her and Syrup Village from Kuro. Personally, I will never get over filler ep on Fireworks Island (ep. 134) where he cheered up Kodoma and encouraged her to continue her pyrotechnics, assuring that her parents were proud of her. Knowing he also lost his parents at a young age makes the scene hit that much harder. (And again, he showed his genius by figuring out a way to launch the firework that killed Kodoma’s parents!!) It may not be canon to the manga but but I think that episode is super accurate to his character.

What I think makes him the most interesting is that we see his flaws and mistakes more than any of the other Straw Hats. We see his insecurities in Water 7 and his fear in Dressrosa. But we also see him growing and learning and being encouraged by his crewmates. Aside from Robin, I think Usopp has changed and grown the most out of the Straw Hats. With his goal to become a brave warrior of the sea he has so much potential for even more growth!!

Like I said earlier, some people think Usopp is annoying which he can be sometimes, but that’s also because he’s literally comic relief. And he does so well at it bc he’s actually so damn funny?? He makes me laugh out loud all the time. One Piece wouldn’t be even half as funny without Usopp.

I also appreciate that as an individual he has so many moments with the other Straw Hats. There are a lot of relationships that don’t get explored as much as we’d like, but I think we get to see Usopp’s friendships with the crew pretty often. He fights for Luffy, plays around with Chopper, teases Zoro, is teased by Robin, gossips with Nami, hangs around Sanji, and his whole relationship with Franky has so many layers to it.

Aaahh, I have so many hopes for Usopp in the series that I pray will be fulfilled!! I want him to have a badass arc in Elbaf full of character growth. I want to see him develop and continue to use his Haki (which he gained when trying to save Luffy are you KIDDING me). I want his reunion with Yasopp to be emotional and bittersweet. If he could personally beat Yasopp in a fight I would ascend to the heavens.

Usopp is such an important, complex, and interesting character and I absolutely hate to see him reduced to being a gag character or the weakest member of the Straw Hats. He may not be a monster but he is amazing and I love him.

TLDR; if you disrespect Usopp I wish you a very Die.

[moss-sprout]

Prinxiety week day 7: music

flooded with fondness (ao3)

(fic under cut)

Roman was spacing off as he stood in the swaying ship, staring off into the sea as the ship swayed. He was almost regretting his decision from when he wanted to become a pirate months ago, starry eyed and full of adventure and travel. He loved being able to travel around the seas and going on raids (those were the fun days). He almost grinned at the memory of his former self who admired piracy and would daydream about fighting sea monsters and being a known beloved pirate.

“Oy! Get yer head out of the clouds, Princey. Finish up those dishes.” he almost winced at the sound of his fellow crewmember’s shout. He nodded to them and they made their exit. He huffed as he stared back down at his current ‘pirate’ task, his arms almost elbow deep in cheap soap and dishwater with a stack of plates. Well, being a pirate wasn’t exactly what he hoped it’d be, but everything had its ups and downs, he supposed.

He got back to it, humming a melody from before he joined the crew as he continued scrubbing the dishes.

He was just starting to get back into his rhythm again when SPLASH, the ship jerked hard and caused the dirty dishwater all over him.

He groaned, “this shirt is just washed!” he huffed and dropped the plate back into the sink. He grabbed a dry rag nearby and was about to dry off what he could before he heard shouts from above deck.

Curiosity and concern rattled through him and he climbed the steps to get above board where the crew was bickering and running about, not providing any sort of explanation for what just happened.

There weren't any other ships nearby, so at least there wasn’t going to be another battle, he shivered remembering the last one from 2 months prior; that was a hard one to forget. 

Surveying his surroundings again to distract himself, he finally noticed the collection of trees around a small island that was very close by. It was just then he noticed the ship wasn’t moving anymore, and Roman thinks he’s got the picture.

“Princey!” he heard another pirate shout for him. He set his teeth at the sound of that nickname again; he turned, about to give an annoyed glare before noticing it was the captain. Instantly, he straightened his posture and stared expectantly at him.

“Sir! Um, is there anything-”

“How about you play a song for us?” he grinned wolfishly at Roman.

Roman blinked a few times, “uh, but the ship? Sir, don’t you need hands-”

“Nah, nah.” the captain waved him off, “we already got most crew trying everything to get this baby back off the ground. I could really use some tunes though. Play something for me” he repeated to him, clapping his large hand a little too roughly on Roman’s shoulder, causing him to stumble a bit before abandoning him where he stood.

He huffed before striding over to where his guitar hung on the wall of a small closet that was on deck. Roman knew he should’ve known better by now. Might as well call him “Roman the Unimportant Bard” because that’s all he seems to be good for anyways.

Regardless, he liked to play; it was the one thing he’s always been really good at (and what got him on this ship as a crewmember in the first place). He figured there were worse things he could be doing right now.

After a few moments he got his hands situated on the guitar and started plucking the strings, going for a familiar tune that his fingers have played a couple hundred times before. He closed his eyes, and leaned back onto the railing of the deck. He tried to tune out the cursing and bickering of the other pirates as they rummaged around on deck and instead focused on the melody and the sounds of the sea. He began humming the tune, accompanying the music idly with a relaxed posture. 

That was before he heard a loud splash in the water below him, causing him to startle, the guitar making an ugly strained sound as he tried to regain his grip on it – his distraction causing his balance to be thrown off, sending him to the floor with an ‘oof’.

_ _ _ 

Virgil scrunched his nose in confusion and slight disgust at the sight. What in the bottom of the sea was he even looking at right now? It was big and brown and was currently sitting on his island, the place where he kept all of his stuff. But this… Thing, wasn’t his, and he didn’t want it here. He swam closer to it, trying to get a better look at the weirdly shaped object, trying his best to decipher it.

It wasn’t long before he began hearing voices. He gasped and quickly dove under water, finding refuge behind a big rock that stuck out of the water before re-emerging. He perked his ears upward and stared toward the big thing that was immiting voices. Slowly, he swam closer to it, the voices a little louder now, but still muffled and difficult to decipher. 

Suddenly, his tail froze in place at a different sound he heard. It was like noise but it sounded..  good? Not like singing though, it was different. Suddenly he was moving without realizing it, his body bringing him closer to the Thing, curiosity striking him in the moment on what it could be.

He got right up to it and stared upward where the noise was coming from. Quickly, he used his claws to grip onto the material and began climbing slowly, starting to realize this was probably a bad idea, but before he could change his mind he was already up toward the top, and was able to see– gah! A person!

His mind went into panicked overdrive and he quickly dove back down toward the water, making a loud splashing noise that caused the noise to stop and a yelp could be heard; likely by the person who was making the noise.

He scrambled for a spot to hide and ended up behind the side of the Thing. “Hello?” he heard them call out. It stayed silent for a few moments.

“Princey! Get back to it!” 

Princey, huh? Virgil cocked his head toward the man and this time he could see someone peering out from the top before turning back around and continued making that pretty noise.

Virgil, stubborn as he was, slowly and silently swam back to the Thing and listened again. He stayed like that for about a minute but got impatient as he couldn’t hear it as clearly as he would’ve liked. He figured that getting a little closer probably couldn’t hurt.

He slowly repeated his climbing and ducked down, folding his big floppy ears down to his head to potentially make himself smaller as he watched the man.

He didn’t get to really see him before, only getting a glimpse. Now it was revealed that he was a human. Virgil’s ear twitched nervously at this, he hadn’t seen many humans, much less actually met any of them. He’d only heard stories from merfolk who’d encountered them, and the warnings given to him as a pup about how he should avoid humans. 

This one hadn’t seemed to notice him yet, too focused on the strange object in his arms – what was it with humans and oddly shaped things? He stared, watching the man play; he’d look so content and relaxed while doing it, almost like it was the one thing he was made to do.

Unfortunately, it seemed like he could feel Virgil’s eyes on him, and it wasn’t long before he saw the dark brown eyes snap to his own. Virgil wanted to retreat again but felt frozen, almost like there were invisible chains keeping him there.

“Uhmm, hello? Can I help you?” he heard the man ask sheepishly.

Virgil rose a little more in curiosity, his ears automatically unfolding and he could see the exact moment in the other’s face when he realized he wasn’t speaking to another human.

_ _ _

Roman gulped at the sight. He had never seen a mer before, only heard rumors and stories of them. Being the fantastical man he was, he’d always believed in them and yearned to see one, but now that he was faced with a potential mer he felt he couldn’t believe his eyes. It almost resembled a human, by the pale skin could pass for a similar shade of beige of humans, or by the dark mop of wet hair stuck to its head. But the eyes were dark and big, almost like a cat who had its pupils dilated to the max, and not even to mention the huge gill-like purple ears that stuck out of its head, currently titling toward him.

He opened his mouth wordlessly as his brain tried to scramble for what to say when the other spoke up first.

“What are you doing?”

“Pardon? I don’t think I catch you..” Roman said breathlessly.

Instead of replying, the mer lifted its hand– claw, and pointed to his guitar.

“Oh,” he looked back down at the guitar he forgot he was holding, “this is my guitar. It plays music.”

The mer titled its head curiously, and furrowed its eyebrows. “huh?”

Without thinking, he stepped forward toward the creature, “I can show you.” he placed his fingers on the guitar and started plucking another tune as the creature watched in wonder, eyes almost comically wide as it watched Roman play silently.

Once he was finished he glanced back at the mer who seemed to be still entranced by the instrument. Roman's mouth twitched into a grin despite himself.

“Princey! How ya doing?” Both he and the mer below jumped at the sudden voice. He turned, a sheepish expression on his face.

“Captain, how are we fairing?”

He sighed, “no closer than we were before. Play me… a symphony. I think I need one.”

Roman nodded obediently and started robotically plucking at the strings, watching his boss stride off to some other crewmates on the other side of the deck.

“So.. Princey.” Virgil said, “what a name.”

The man above him sighed, “that’s not my name.”

“Then why did he call you that?”

“Because,” he sighed again, resuming to the symphony to give his hands something to do other than fidget, “it’s just a nickname, I suppose. I’m sure they don’t mean any harm from it, it’s just to represent my status. They were more reluctant to accept me into their crew because I was from a higher class.”

“Then what is your name?”

“Roman.” he replied; Virgil thought the name suited him, with his boisterous colored shirt and very neat hair.

 “Um, aren’t you going to tell me yours?” He heard Roman ask him, a confused look on his face and Virgil quickly realized he was staring at him silently like a creep.

He quickly glanced away, trying to hide his embarrassment, “and why should I tell you that?”

Roman gasped in offense, “because it’s the polite thing to do!”

“Oh yeah?” he replied, his voice soaked in sarcasm, “and is parking your.. Thing on someone else's island also ‘polite’?”

“Uhh, you mean the boat?” Roman asked before the full sentence registered in his brain; his expression blown into surprise, “wait, wait, this is your island?”

He huffed, “yeah, that’s why I came over here. I’m not too fond of strangers you know..” he didn’t mention it was more the music that lured him. He glared at the boat that was parked right on the sand, thinking about how he’d have to fix that spot later.

“Apologies, we actually just crashed and are trying to get back off.”

The mer seemed more relaxed now, “oh.”

“Alright folks! Let’s call it a night for now!” Roman heard his captain yell to all his crewmates, and immediately all the other pirates began retreating towards the inside of the boat, presumably for dinner.

Roman turned back around to inform the mer that he had to go, but when he faced the water, he was gone; not anything sticking out of the water for as far as the eye could see. He blinked rapidly and began wondering if the mer even existed. He’s got to though, right? Roman never experienced hallucinations before and he can recall everything that happened perfectly. He once again scanned the empty waters again with no luck, before turning back to the deck and following his crewmates into the dining hall.

_ _ _

Virgil didn’t feel like admitting to himself – or anyone for that matter – that he was intrigued by the Roman, but he did have to be cautious around the boat; as there were other passengers aboard and Virgil had no idea who they were or how dangerous they were. Hell, for all he knows, mister guitar man could be a mer hunter and just trying to lure him with a false sense of safety. 

Despite his anxieties, he wanted to go back. So after the sun set and his senses were heightened, he returned to the spot to seek out the bard. He waited by the silent boat for what felt like ages in silent hope he’d come back out, but the deck remained empty. After a while, he began to feel quite silly, and Virgil felt his face heat with humiliation. What is he even doing right now, out looking for a human? Especially a human who has their boat on his island. He shouldn’t be even allowing this. He should be tearing up the boat and using his siren call to lure every man onboard straight down to his death. How would–

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps on the deck. Virgil froze for a moment, realizing he could be spotted by anybody, but his shoulders relaxed when he saw he recognized the silhouette. He saw Roman holding the guitar again before seating himself quietly against the railing and began playing. Virgil’s tail swam him closer to the sound and he vaguely wondered if humans had a siren song of their own.

Before he knew it, he had once again climbed the ship again, but this time he was much closer to the bard. It didn’t take more than a few moments for him to become spotted, and Roman yelped before dropping his guitar in sheer surprise.

“O–oh, it's you again,” he relaxed, “Couldn’t stay away, sunshine?”

Virgil pretended not to feel the heat rise in his face, “yeah right, maybe I just wanted to take your… thingyamabob.”

“My guitar?” he looked amused, “but you don’t even know how to play it.”

“Maybe I’ll learn. It can’t be too hard.”

Roman hummed thoughtfully, “perhaps, but all the saltwater will damage the instrument and make the strings rusty.”

Virgil chose not to reply and opted to watch his fingers pluck the strings with ease and surely practiced grace. The way his hand could move up and down the neck of the guitar was almost hypnotic. 

"You could be going all around the world with your thingymabob"

"It's called a guitar," Roman repeated annoyedly, "besides; there's not a chance I'd be able to do that. I don't play that well, there are many many others who play far better than I do..."

“So is that why you travel as a pirate?" he raised his eyebrow.

"I wanted adventure! To see all there was to see and do all there was to do outside of my city! I thought I could see the world and grasp it into my palms, and I chose to join a crew," he beamed nostalgically, before it dimmed, "well, it's actually not all I ever wanted it to be.."

"Did you get to see the world?" Virgil's eyes widened, he wouldn't even be able to imagine what that would be like.

But Roman grimaced, "yeah, the world of ocean. We've traveled for hundreds of miles throughout the last few months and yet it feels like all I've ever seen is emptiness of blue ocean waves."

"I mean," Virgil flicked his tail, "it isn't so bad once you get used to it."

That startled a snicker out of Roman, crinkling his sad eyes into something more curious and amused. It made his lips twitch happily seeing that he was able to cheer him up.

"What about you? Surely as a– er– sea... person... you must have seen all sorts of sights from around the world, right?”

Virgil scoffed, averting his gaze. "not really."

"Really? I highly doubt that somehow. I feel like if I were a creature like you I'd freely travel wherever I could dream of.."

"Uhm," Virgil murmured, scratching the back of his neck, "I've uh... never left this island..."

"What was that? Sorry, you gone soft for a moment."

"I said I've never left my island." he repeated, louder this time. It took him a few seconds to realize that Roman had stopped playing, so he risked a questioning glance over at him. 

Roman was staring at him in shock, like he told him he had to cut off his arm instead of just being an isolated guy. It made the easy air turn slightly tense; his tail flicked in discomfort.

“What? But why wouldn’t you?!”

“Well why would I?” he retorted as Roman just sputtered at him.

“Be-because there’s so much to see! So much to do! Surely, this little island isn’t all you know of life?!”

It was so ironic, how different the two were; Virgil would’ve laughed if the moment between them didn’t feel so tense. Here Virgil was faced with a man who wanted nothing more than to wander the earth’s surface and leave his print everywhere he went; and there’s Virgil who preferred being at home more than anything else. He didn’t mention that he was actually too afraid of what would happen if he did leave, his family raised him here and it was all he’s ever known.

_ _ _

The late morning sun beamed unforgivingly onto their boat, causing Roman to sweat from the humidity; it wasn’t even noon yet for the stars' sake! Now it was day two of trying to get off the island, and it turns out the ship is stuck on something below the surface, making it near impossible to just push it off without much trouble. 

Roman was trying to help out on deck as much as he could, but he was more in the way than anything. Currently, he was trying to help one of his crewmates heft a heavy barrel to the other side of the ship; they were trying to make the ship lighter so that it would be easier to maneuver it. So far, no one has reported any sightings of a mermaid, so that would mean the mer was staying hidden from everyone else for now. The thought eased Roman’s nerves somewhat.

Another crewmate, Kevin, if Roman recalls, walks up behind them. “Alright, the captain is looking for people to go out on the island to find resources, any of you wanna come?” 

“I’ll go!” Roman piped up before he could stop himself. Kevin eyed him for a second before rolling his eyes and nodding his head toward another end of the ship, “alright, meet over there then.”

There were about three other people heading out with him; he really only volunteered to go because he wanted to see the mer again. The island itself was actually pretty muddy and was filled with mostly plants and the occasional random item; like a rusty spoon or a broken piece of wood, but nothing actually of use. 

He heard rustling and halted to a stop, were there animals on this island? Surely it felt too small and deserted enough that it wouldn’t be able to sustain much life, except maybe a frog. He stayed quiet and still, and nothing came; maybe it was the wind, he thought to himself. But right as he was about to continue, there was another rustle, followed by a hissing sound. That time he definitely heard something, and crept toward where he heard it from. 

Roman couldn’t help the surprised gasp that he made when he finally reached the sound. It was the mermaid again, but he seemed to be tangled in some rope. He was thrashing his tail anxiously but the net was clung on tight.

“How did you get stuck in this?” Roman asked as he approached. The other whipped around to face him, fear and panic in his expression before it relaxed slightly at the sight of the familiar pirate.

He scoffed, “seems your crew are littering their trash on my island; got stuck.”

Roman knelt down and reached a hand out but the mer hissed at him, backing away.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” he assured, “I am going to remove it.”

The other eyed him suspiciously and Roman chafed offendedly, “I can be good for something y’know, playing isn’t my only talent actually.”

The mermaid stared at him for another moment before slowly inching closer and revealing the most tangled part of the net. Carefully, Roman untangled it from the mer’s body.

“Do you like this?” He asked, and Roman blinked, turning his gaze upward to the mer; his ears were down and he was staring at Roman with an expression he couldn’t place.

“Uh,” Roman said dumbly, “untying the net..?”

“No, moron.” He huffed, “like, being a pirate and stuff. Is it fun?” Roman thought about this, “sometimes. It’s not bad. I like… traveling to new places, and being able to explore.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“Not quite; you can explore just about anything whether it's new or not. For example, I have yet to explore the entirety of the ship, and I’ve been aboard for months! Its just about natural curiosity intertwined with intrinsic motivation I suppose.” He finally got the biggest knot of the net untied, so he moved down to a smaller knot as he explained himself.

Now noticing the still silence, Roman chose to fill it up by repeating his words back to him; “what about you? How's life as a sea creature? Is it fun?”

“Oh! Uhm..” He said, seemingly taken off guard by the question; “well.. kinda, sometimes. Not really.”

“Y’know those three statements are different from each other.”

“There’s my island, of course.” Virgil started, choosing to ignore the pirate’s teasing, “I like it, and everything I find that I like I put on my island I guess– I don’t really know why I do it. Just something to… motivate me, or something.”

Roman hummed in acknowledgment, that definitely explained the random miscellaneous items he encountered. “What about family? Friends?”

Roman didn’t immediately notice the way the mer stiffened at his question, too focused on his task to comprehend the reaction.

Virgil did a fake cough to make the situation less tense, “uhm…. I only ever knew my mom and she died a few years ago… And all my old friends, well, they moved to different waters.”

Roman paused his project for a moment, finally realizing the insensitivity of his question and flushing in embarrassment, “oh– oh I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have—”

“You’re good, dude; don’t make a thing of it.” he tried to shrug it off. “Uhm– this is really dumb but, sometimes, on clear nights I’ll float on the water and stare at the stars in the sky.”

“I do that too,” he grinned, “not floating in the water, but sometimes I’ll lay out on the deck and watch the stars.”

“Yeah?” he asked timidly.

“Yeah, but sometimes I bring my guitar out and play some tunes from when I was younger.” Roman’s eyes softened at the memories of his father playing some songs as his mother sang along to. It wouldn’t be often, and they happened less and less frequently as he got older, but he still cherished those memories.

With one last tug, the entire net went loose and draped over the mer’s body lazily, slipping down slowly as it no longer hugged his body. Carefully, he began to remove the net that still was string around him; and the moment the net was completely removed from the mer’s body, he dove right back into the sea.

Roman frowned, trying not to be upset. He thought that with every interaction proving Roman wasn’t some mindless hunter out to kill him, but also wanted to recognize that humans were likely unfamiliar to him. It was just so confusing with his head and his heart fighting over the reign of his feelings.

_ _ _

Virgil proceeded to stay close to the boat for another few hours. He could hear his mother’s voice in his head lecturing him about straying too far and putting himself into danger, but those thoughts were soon overpowered by the sound of strings ringing through the air into a dazzling rhythm as the sun set and stars colored the sky beautifully, the world pitched in silence other than the sound of small, lapping waves and the instrument ringing through the salty air.

Virgil repeated his trail of climbing the ship, once again finding Roman positioned against the railing of the ship, strumming the instrument in his hands as it played a soft melody.

His eyes peeked open and over to Virgil’s before a smile broke onto his face. “Can’t say I wasn’t expecting you, o dark lake of the night.”

He scrunched his nose, “are you trying to be a poet?”

“Depends,” Roman said in a teasing voice, “is it working?”

Virgil scoffed, avoiding his gaze, “you’re ridiculous.”

“Oh but it’s like the saying goes: ‘The fool may be foolish for trying, but at least he tried’.”

“I’m… pretty sure that’s not a saying.”

“And you’re the expert on phrases and sayings in the world, hermit?” Roman asked him teasingly, causing Virgil to roll his eyes as a silent response. He did make a good point though, seeing as he has seen very little compared to Roman. He was tempted to bite back with a snarky response, but before he could think of what to say, Roman began playing again, distracting him from his thoughts into the soothing harmony that moved intrinsically throughout the air. 

He didn’t know how to describe it exactly; it was soft strumming that formed with other notes and all together formed a plethora of pleasant noise that somehow made him.. relax, sort of. He cannot recall many other times where he’s felt the same sensation after his mother’s death. The crashing of the ocean waves sounded like crunching metal and the echoes underwater was his only company; having a change actually wasn’t too bad.

“It’s too bad you’ll be gone soon.”

Roman’s playing slowed, “what do you mean?”

Virgil then realized he said that out loud– the inside thoughts suddenly becoming outside ones. He wanted to bash his head into the deck but that would just startle Roman; so he just kept his head still.

“I mean, you’re gonna be gone, yeah? You’re obviously not considering making this island your home.”

A slow, sly grin slid its way onto Roman’s face as he watched him, “Are you saying you’re gonna miss me?”

“What– no.” he lied through his teeth, “that would be stupid. I barely know you.”

“That’s a shame then,” Roman said with a smile in his voice, “because we won’t be coming back this way for another two months once we leave.”

Virgil chewed on his tongue as he watched Roman, “so.. I can see you again in two months?”

“Perhaps. Or, I have another solution.”

“What?” Virgil asked skeptically.

Roman’s grin grew, becoming almost blinding, “You could always just tag along, come with us for two months.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Why not?” He simply answered, choosing not to face Virgil anymore as he stares down at his guitar.

“Why not? Because… because I just don’t wanna leave. What’s even out there for me anyways? I got my island, I don’t need anything else.”

Roman hummed, “Exactly, you don’t know what’s out there; but that’s the point of exploration.”

“But – what if it’s dangerous?”

“What if it’s not? Surely you know your way around the waters at this point. It’s not like there are many sea monsters that we encounter.”

“No I mean – your crew, if they spot me they might try to kill me,”

Roman startled him but a burst of laughter, “please, they can barely catch normal fish. Even if they try, I doubt they would succeed.”

Virgil felt conflicted and felt stupid for it. Surely this should be an easy no; he swims back to his island and the boat leaves and him and Roman never meet again. Simple. But what he didn’t want to admit, or even think about, was the fact that he didn’t want that to happen at all. The dumb pirate was growing on him and Roman had actually tempted him for the first time since he was a pup, to want to venture outside of his familiar territory. If he left, he wouldn’t be back for another two months; two months away from his familiar, safe, lonely, boring home.

“Well– what makes you think I would even want to go with you?”

“Oh, besides how you’ve been visiting me every night since we’ve docked here?” he asked coyly, the false innocence causing Virgil to blush in embarrassment; because yes, he has been doing that.

“Ok well,” Virgil coughs, “hypothetically, what would you be gaining out of this? Me tagging along on your boat.”

Roman looked half crestfallen at the question, “oh, uh, well… you see, days and nights are often boring. It would be nice to have a change up, to have something else to look forward to.”

Virgil chewed his lip, staying silent as he sat in deep thought. He couldn’t even believe he was about to do this. “Ok. I’ll… go.”

“Really?!” Roman asked, baffled.

“--On one condition.”

“Uh, sure. What is it?”

He narrowed his eyes at him, “by the time your boat docks back here. You will have made up your mind about whether you actually wanna be a pirate or not. Deal?”

Roman stared at Virgil for a moment before nodding, “ok, deal.”

Virgil knew that this was going to be so sudden and new; that the journey ahead of him was probably going to cause him to want to bite Roman’s arm off, but at the moment, he was slightly giddy with adrenaline and oddly looking forward to how this was going to play out.

[childrenofthenightt]

spellbound

pairing: jimmy page x fem!reader

warnings: mentions of substances, one (1) swear and a little nsfw at the end

words: 3k

summary: when in new orleans, there’s always something new and exciting to experience. when the boys take shelter in a quaint jazz lounge, they discover a hidden gem.

author’s note: this was an idea born from @timetraveller4 and her lovely mind, so thank you for that ash <3 no beta as always, and i really hope you enjoy :)

masterlist

It was Bonzo’s idea, originally.

The drummer had proposed that the band, accompanied, of course, by the infamous Richard Cole, go to a lounge for the night. See what the music scene was like, outside of their little bubble.

Touring had become almost monotonous, the endless flow of groupies blending into a hazy background of alcohol and drugs. They were in New Orleans for the night, and needed a release from the antics; a release of pressure.

Walking along the cobbled streets, lit only by tall, blinding streetlights, the hunt for the perfect spot continued. Rain twinkled like stardust upon them, landing in their hair and falling down their backs. Jimmy shivered, burrowing further into his coat, a rich navy blue, butterflies made of sparkling sequins fluttering across his shoulders. Cigarette dangling from lush, pink lips, he sighed out a faint white cloud of smoke. His long, dark hair stuck to his face and neck, and a swear burst past his lips. His curls hid emerald eyes from view like a curtain of darkness, and he shook his head.

It’ll be fun, he said. Don’t worry about it, he said. Just relax.

Robert, unaware of the glare the raven-haired guitarist was sporting, strolled ahead, eyes catching on a glowing sign, slick with rain and slightly weather-beaten. The place must be old, he thought.

Sliding closer, he gazed up at it, ocean eyes squinting against the rain that seemed to pour harder, faster, the further they ventured from their hotel. The sign, neon lights blurring into haloes of colour, read ‘The Whispering Wind’. Underneath sat a truly artistic rendition of wispy winds fading into a cloud, the pure ivory of its light cascading across the damp sidewalk like a graceful stream. You could almost feel the warmth and hospitality behind the closed doors, and Robert, whose smile seemed to light the path better than any streetlamp could, turned to his companions.

“This looks like a fine place, doesn't it?”

“Let’s go inside. Better than staying out here,” Jonesy replied, slipping past the singer to grasp at the ornate golden handle of the mahogany door. The bassist pulled the door open and stepped through, and almost immediately, he was enveloped by the comforting heat that seemed to settle into his chilled bones. “Definitely better.”

One by one, the boys stepped into the lounge, smiling as they took in the atmosphere. By the door sat a long bar, maple wood shining in the dim light filtering out from the fixtures hanging from above. Paintings of old Hollywood royalty decorated the taupe walls, while a spotlight affixed to the ceiling bathed the wooden surface of the stage against the wall in faint yellow light. The ruby red of the curtains complimented the exposed maroon brick of the opposite wall, and booths, with scarlet upholstery streaked through with pristine gold, littered the floor.

It was cramped and dimly lit, certainly not fit for the rock gods it sheltered. It was perfect.

Jimmy stood just outside the door, taking a final drag of the cigarette burning between his lips. Glancing around the cove of the entryway, his eyes locked onto a poster plastered across the wet brick of the building. The silhouette of a woman stood against a simple black background, gripping a microphone stand in manicured hands, mystery and class in the subtle curve of her lips. Half of her body was painted in a silvery light, and Jimmy stared at the long crimson dress she was wearing. Tantalizingly long legs are just visible from the slit that splits the gown.

In bold white lettering, a collection of dates are scrawled across its surface, but it’s the name that rippled across the paper that caught his eye.

“Y/N Y/L/N. Hm…”

Must be tonight’s performer, he thought. She’s gorgeous, from what Jimmy could tell; the sultry gaze, the teasing uptick of her rosy lips. The guitarist just hoped that she’s as talented as she is beautiful.

Jimmy let the cigarette in his hands drop to the floor, crushing it under his heel, smoky ash mingling with the scent of petrichor. Grasping the frigid metal of the door handle, the man’s ebony curls flew in every direction as he shivered once more. Slipping through the open door, a wave of comfort rushed over him, warmth settling into his core. The light din of unimportant conversation settled over him like a plush blanket, calming his perpetually racing mind.

Jimmy, spotting his friends at a table far back from the stage, sidled up to the bar, signalling for attention. Ordering his favourite of gin and tonic, the dark-haired guitarist walked back over to join the group, sitting down right next to Robert. The blond glanced over at him and grinned, wrapping a tanned arm around his shoulders.

“It’s a wonder you’ve stopped frowning, Pagey.”

“I was warned I’d get stuck like that, you see,” Jimmy grumbled, the hint of a smile that graced his lips shattering the image of dissatisfaction. “Hasn’t happened yet, but who knows what the future holds.”

“Ah. If it weren’t for your sunny disposition, we’d be in trouble.”

“You—”

The retort died on his tongue, and his mossy green eyes went impossibly wide.

An alluring voice, smooth and rich, rang clear and sharp through the air, charming the patrons of the lounge. The rasping tone made Jimmy’s mind go utterly blank, too entranced to react. Mingling with the droplets that danced from the black grand piano, the performer made his heart pound in his chest like a bass drum. Shaking Robert’s arm off, he turned to face the stage, and promptly forgot how to breathe.

“I put a spell on you, because you're mine. Oh, mine…”

Up on the stage, stood the most beautiful woman Jimmy had ever seen. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, a lovely contrast to the skin of her exposed shoulder. The woman fluttered around the stage, her dress, the colour of a midnight sky, swaying as she moved. She was full to the brim with restrained confidence: she knew she could dazzle the audience, but really, she didn't need to. They were already eating out of her palm.

Jaws hit the floor and every eye in the room was firmly trained on her, and the graceful smirk painting her features served as proof. She was a siren, and the audience her doomed admirers. Jimmy couldn't tear his eyes away through the whole performance, and his distracted clapping as she curtsied alerted his bandmates.

“You okay, Jim? Looks to me like,” Bonzo started, glancing over at Robert with mischief shining in his dark eyes, “You’ve got yourself a little crush, no?”

“I’m… She’s just—”

“Perfect? Gorgeous, talented,” Jonesy interrupted, catching the guitarist’s attention. A smug grin at home on his lips, the bassist shrugged, turning to face his friend. “And… standing right over there.”

Following the path pointed out by Jonesy’s outstretched finger, Jimmy’s eyes locked on a familiar figure, floor-length gown shimmering in the dim light. Stood at the bar, she rested her arms on the surface as she leaned closer to talk to the bartender. Throwing her head back in a genuine laugh, she bares her throat, and Jimmy’s mouth goes dry. The performer takes the drink offered to her, a glass filled with what looks to be whiskey in her manicured hands. A finger lazily traced the rim. The beautiful woman turned towards them then, locking eyes with the guitarist over her shoulder. She winked, and walked away, a ring of condensation on the tabletop all that was left of her.

“Hey, Cole,” Jimmy whispered into the silence that had fallen over the table, and turned to the man, whose only response was a telling smirk. “Would you… Could you, uh…”

“On it, boss.”

In a split second, the man shuffled away from the table, his parting gift a wink at the sable-haired guitarist.

------

As you step on stage, the crowd’s chatter continues, and you smile to yourself. Nights at The Whispering Wind were always like this: the snippets of conversation fading into a symphony of white noise. It calms you, being so used to the bustling New Orleans streets. This is a little slice of paradise, in your eyes.

You flatten down your dress, velvet soft against your hand, and gaze over to your pianist. Nodding back, he launches in, soft at first, but crescendoing soon after. His hand raised in the air, he looks over to you.

Your cue.

You take a deep breath, lungs filling with smoky air, and sing your heart out. Light and shade battle for dominance as you play the audience like a fiddle. Your voice, full of lust and desire, floats around the room, and you smirk to yourself, looking at the sea of faces in front of you. Everything is hazy, the spotlights blurring your vision, but you can swear someone is staring at you. A man, it looks like. His dark hair shines in the faded light, and his eyes sparkle with intelligence and, interestingly enough, appreciation. It takes effort to tear your eyes away from him, but you succeed, and belt out the last line. Your smile rivals the bright lights shining down on you, and you curtsy. The cheers of the audience serves as your soundtrack, as you step off stage, scurrying over to the bar. It takes a special effort not to gaze at the mystery man as you pass.

“Lovely evening for a drink, isn’t it? I’ll have whiskey, neat.”

“Coming right up, Madam,” The bartender winks at you, a smile blossoming on your face. He sets the drink into your waiting hands, and leans against the counter, smirking at you kindly. “Wonderful show, tonight. You’re a talent, my dear.”

“Well, thank you,” you reply, cheeks flushing a pretty pink. Your smile grows brighter, and your giggle is featherlight as it floats past your lips, “It’s what I love to do.”

Your conversation is interrupted by the sounds of whispers from behind you, and you look over your shoulder. Those eyes, the bright shade of green you had seen from the stage, were looking right back at you. He looks shy, nervous even, almost hiding behind his tawny-haired friend. From your spot at the bar, you can tell, now, just how handsome he truly is. His dark hair falls in tastefully mussed curls, and his skin looks clear, almost like porcelain. His lips are petal-pink, and look soft. His jaw is sharp, and he’s rather thin; scrawny even, but he’s still gorgeous.

Holding his gaze, you wink, and his eyes go impossibly wider. You tip the bartender and walk away, a “thank you” thrown over your shoulder. A safe distance away from the mystery man and his posse, you chance a look back, and spot a man standing from the table, patting the black-haired beauty on the back. To your surprise, he weaves through the crowd towards you.

“Excuse me, Miss,” he says, catching up to you. He smooths down his button-up shirt, and sends a charming grin your way, holding out a hand to shake. “May I ask your name?”

“It’s Y/N. And yours, if I may?”

“Richard Cole.”

“What can I do for you, Mr. Cole?” This is met by a chuckle from the man, his hand going up to stroke his dark beard.

“Well, lovely, do you see that man over there, with the black hair?” You follow his outstretched hand, and your eyes fall upon your mystery man. He’s looking back at you, hands fiddling with each other. His gaze finally drops from yours, and the tell-tale blush rising on his cheeks makes you laugh softly. “He’d love to have a chat with you.”

“If he wants to talk to me, he can come over here himself and tell me that.”

Cole chuckles, and shakes his head fondly. Glancing over at the mystery man, he waves him over. From your spot, you can see the way he approaches on shaky legs, and you smile, recognizing him instantly. With a pat on the back of the curly-haired man, Mr. Cole is gone, and you're alone together. This is going to be fun.

“What’s your name, darling?” You ask, though you already know the answer. It’s not every day that a world-famous musician stops by ‘The Whispering Wind’, after all.

“I-it’s Jimmy… uh, Page.” His hands, you notice, are clenched into fists, and he shuffles from foot to foot. You press closer to him, and he blushes harder, cheeks almost aflame.

“Pleasure to meet you, Jimmy. I’m—”

“You’re Y/N, aren't you? I saw the poster outside, and I thought you were beautiful,” Breath hitching as he realizes what he just said, Jimmy slaps a hand over his mouth. His emerald eyes signal that he’s embarrassed, but you can only giggle. “I only meant that—”

“Don’t worry about it. You’re not too bad yourself.”

Jimmy’s thin hand flies up to scratch the top of his head, and his hair falls in his face, effectively blocking him from view. You can see the beginnings of a smile on his lips.

“Thank you. I, uh… you’re an amazing vocalist. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you, your stage presence was… arresting.”

“So you admit to staring at me?”

“Well, I… You…”

I’m just playing, Jimmy,” Your laugh twinkles as it fills the silence, and Jimmy’s lips quirk up in a small smile upon hearing it. “If anything, I should be the one staring. Led Zeppelin’s a big deal, y’know.”

“You… you recognized me?”

“You boys aren't exactly rising stars. Being as famous as you are, I didn’t think you’d be this humble.”

He chuckles under his breath, and looks up at you through his eyelashes. It seems he’s grown more confident now, and you smile, gaze drifting down to his mouth. If you leaned in, just a little, your lips would meet, and you could finally know if his are as soft as they look.

“We’re in New Orleans for another day, uh… I was wondering if, well… God, I’m terrible at this.”

“Jimmy—”

“Could I… take you out, sometime?” His halting, nervous speech only makes him more endearing, and you gaze into his eyes as he squirms. Jimmy sputters, trying to take his words back, but you silence him with a hand on his bicep. Lean muscle ripples under your hand, and you smile at him.

“Jimmy.”

“Oh God, I’ve fucked it all up, haven’t I? J-just forget what I said, I don’t know what—”

“It’s—”

“Seriously, it was probably a mistake to ask you that. I mean,” Jimmy’s head droops, hair shielding him once more, and you can’t help the fondness that rushes through you. Unaware of the smile that nearly splits your cheeks, he presses on, hands flying back and forth to prove his point, “You’re absolutely divine, and I’m just— Uh...”

Close enough that you could almost feel the heat radiating off of him, you put a hand to his shoulder, wiping off imaginary dust from his coat. Your fingers catch slightly on the bedazzled butterflies that adorn it. His eyes follow your hands as they dance and twirl across the fabric, and you can hear his sharp intake of breath echo in the slight space between the two of you. A lone finger finally finds his chin, and you lift his head to look at you.

“Eyes on me, chéri.”

His gorgeous green eyes meet yours from under his curly fringe, and you push a stray lock to rest behind his ear. His cheeks redden even more, something you hadn’t thought possible, as he stares into your eyes.

Pressing close to him, his scent surrounds you, and your lips brush against the curve of his ear.

“Tu veux un rendez-vous? Tu dois travailler pour cela, chéri.”

You pull away, and he is left with the ghost of soft lips against his cheek, the scent of your perfume floating after you as you walk away. Jimmy stands in place, too stunned to even react, until a hand at his back makes him jump. Glancing over his shoulder, he spots his bandmates, smirks at home on their faces. Jonesy pipes up, looking him up and down.

“You okay, Page? You’re looking pretty red…”

“It seems, and correct me if I’m wrong,” interjects Bonzo, as he slips an arm around Jimmy, guiding him back to their table. Jimmy slumps into a chair, stunned into silence, a hand raising to his cheek. Bonzo chuckles, and continues, “Like your crush just got a lot more serious.”

------

Safe behind the door of his hotel room, Jimmy trudges to the bathroom to turn on the shower. Slipping out of his clothes, that he folds neatly on the bed, the guitarist steps in. Steam curls in tendrils around the small bathroom, and Jimmy takes a deep breath. Hand settling on his cock, he begins stroking it slowly; experimentally. The pleasure feels incredible, euphoric even, as his mind drifts to the intriguing woman he had met just an hour ago. Her image is seared into his mind, and every touch she had given him felt like a wildfire licking at his skin. His groans match the speed of his hand as he speeds up, gripping the tiled wall for support.

The scent of her perfume, something floral, unplaceable, lingered in his nose, and he wishes to see her again. To have that scent invade all of his senses, again. Jimmy’s whimpers, quiet, yet keening, echo off the walls, as he reaches his peak. He imagines her there with him, raking a hand roughly through his hair, her hands roaming every inch of skin they could reach.

His muscles twitch as warmth spills over his hand, a soft grunt slipping past his gritted teeth. He’s in ecstasy, something better than any drug. Something he doesn’t ever want to come down from.

As he recovers from the high he had just experienced, his gasping breaths fill the space. Knees trembling from exertion, he grips onto the slippery shower wall, and whispers into the steam that fills the room.

“Y/N…”

------

(the french sentence: you want a date? you have to work for that, darling)

taglist: @jimmys-zeppelin @salixfragilis @timetraveller4 @earthfire-75 @thatiloveyouso @jonesyjonesyjonesy @jimmypages (let me know if you want to be added!)

[tealtoedtoots]

Two Super Vampires Walk Into a Bar...

“To me, immortality was something utterly unimportant and trivial. All that has ever mattered to me was living up to my code.”

Wamuu and Esidisi go out on the town and have a little heart to heart about the future.

     Wamuu wasn’t usually one for drinking. Not often, anyway. He’d partake on  occasion, but ultimately, he had decided that this particular diversion was not for him. He didn’t like the idea of not being in complete control over his emotions. 

So it was with some reluctance, one night, that he agreed to go out drinking with Master Esidisi. 

It was not long after they crossed the sea. They had been traveling for some time until they found themselves in a magnificent coastal city, marked with gorgeous architecture and bustling with life. Esidisi, ever lively, found himself with just enough spare energy to fancy a drink or two somewhere in this exciting new place. Kars did not share his enthusiasm. By the time they found a place to stay, the red-eyed man, perhaps a tad more red-eyed than usual, was ready for a rest. 

So it was up to the dutiful Wamuu to accompany his master for the night. Truthfully, it wasn’t just his aversion to alcohol that made him wary of sharing a drink with Esidisi. He had much on his mind. The voyage had been quite unsettling for all of them, and Wamuu was left wondering if this grand quest for complete immortality was worth such risks. Or if he wanted such a thing at all. Ordinarily, he’d keep such doubts to himself, but he was terrified of the liquor loosening his tongue. And, shrewd as Esidisi was, it wouldn’t take much to see right through him. 

Still, his master wanted to go out, and he couldn’t just let him go alone. So, with some good-humored advice from Kars, (“Make sure he behaves.” “Yes, Lord.” “Don’t let him start anything.” “Yes, Lord.” “Don’t get stuck somewhere before sunrise.” “Yes, Lord.”) they were off on their little tour around town. 

Even at so late an hour, the city was fluttering with people, between and around such grandiose structures the likes neither of them had ever seen. They walked under several beautiful arches made of limestone and marble with impressive friezes. They passed by a large nymphaeum, covered in mosaic with a particularly striking fountain. And then there was the theater, so enormous the two found it hard to believe there was any spectacle that could draw a large enough crowd to fill it even half full. They finally settled at a tavern of sorts. A cozy little place with a lovely view of the city. They sat in contended silence for a while, Esidisi’s cup already half-empty, Wamuu’s untouched. It was a truly beautiful night, and Wamuu was quite taken with the view.

“So, what’s troubling you, Wamuu?”

Wamuu flinched at the suddenness. What?? How could he know? He hadn’t even drunk anything yet! Had he been obvious? 

“Oh…” He wasn’t ready to have this talk. Leave it to Master to charge headfirst into a potentially difficult conversation. He thought quickly. “I was merely wondering...what happens after we obtain the red stone.” 

“Ah.” he seemed satisfied with the answer. “Well, I’d imagine once we’ve achieved our goal and are made properly invincible, Kars and I will travel at our leisure. See the world in a new light. Maybe take an overseas trip that isn’t miserable.” he winked at Wamuu over his cup before taking a sip. “You and Santana are welcome to join us of course, but ultimately, your eternity is yours to spend as you see fit.”

The two went quiet again, a little less comfortable this time. The last part of his reply seemed to hold some weight to it, a certain melancholy. They were both already missing Santana, which made the possibility of parting ways sting more than it normally would have. In the silence, Wamuu was surprised to find himself compelled to speak truthfully after all. He still hadn’t touched his drink, and yet whether it was the ambience of the place or his master’s subtle change in expression, he couldn’t fight the urge to confess. 

“Master...what if I didn’t want to be an immortal being?”

Esidisi looked at him in surprise, and immediately Wamuu regretted not keeping his mouth shut. He had to be livid, how could he not be? He just admitted that he didn’t want the glorious life they were working so hard to achieve, and partially for his sake. He must seem so selfish. He tried to backpedal.

“H-hypothetically.” Nice save.

Esidisi looked intently at the man beside him for a time, then relaxed his face. “Of course he doesn’t.” he thinks. “This earnest and honorable fool would never have an earnest and honorable battle again. It would utterly take the wind out of his sails.” As a warrior, he understood. Esidisi had had countless battles over his long life, some of them exciting and perilous, most of them far too easily won. And though he still enjoyed the thrill of combat, he’d long made his peace that there were few of this world that could measure up.

But Wamuu was still young, and had done most of his living by their side. No doubt, he’d need to have many more encounters before he could be satisfied. He put aside his disappointment and spoke evenly.

“Well, Wamuu,” he turned forward again and took another sip. “It’s as I’ve said. Once the stone is ours, you may live your life as you please.” 

Esidisi didn’t seem upset, but Wamuu was still uneasy. “And...Lord Kars?”

Esidisi stilled. Ah. That might be a different matter. Kars wouldn’t be too thrilled to hear this. Esidisi knew it came from a place of love, of course he wanted Wamuu to live forever with no threats or fears to burden him. They both did. It would be giving him everything. It would be giving him the whole world. He wouldn’t understand why he would reject such a gift, just so he can play around with some lesser beings, and at the possible cost of his life at that. 

“Hmm. I won’t lie to you, Kars will likely be furious.” Wamuu knew the answer, but his heart sank anyway. 

“But don’t let it torment you. You know how he can be. He’ll come to accept it in due time, and sooner rather than later. He cares for you deeply, after all.” he claps a warm hand on his back. “And anyway, knowing Kars, it won’t be long after conquering the sun before he needs something new to obsess over. Maybe his next mission will be building you the perfect opponent.” he grinned. 

Wamuu smiled. He didn’t know whether the older man was joking or not, and he had a suspicion he wasn’t so sure himself, but his words cheered him considerably. He was glad that he came out tonight.

“You know, Master, I’m somewhat surprised a fierce warrior such as yourself would be so willing to give up his combative lifestyle for an eternity of peace and tranquility. With all due respect, it doesn’t seem like you.”

Esidisi chuckled. “Who said anything about peace and tranquility? Believe me Wamuu, even in paradise, if there’s trouble, I’ll find it.” His voice and his smile soften. “Besides, even if I’ve already fought my very last battle, a whole lifetime of them can only pale in comparison to an infinity with my mate.” Wamuu made a commendable effort to keep his nose from wrinkling. “Maybe someday you’ll find someone for whom you feel the same.”

He wasn’t so sure about that. He thought for a second. “Honestly, I think I’d rather spend the remainder of my time with you and Lord Kars.”

Esidisi barked a hearty laugh. “Don’t be so quick to decide that, Wamuu! That’s a long time, you may very well be sick of us by then.” He smiled at him warmly.

Wamuu smiled back. He doubted it.

It was then that Esidisi noticed Wamuu’s cup, still filled to the top. With an exaggerated sigh, he held out his hand. “Alright Wamuu, give me the drink. You haven’t touched it all night.”

Wamuu looked at the cup, then back to his master. An impish smile formed on his usually serious face. Suddenly, on a whim of rare playfulness, he jerked his head back and gulped the whole thing down in mere seconds! It was not a small drink. 

Esidisi was stunned for the second time that night. He stared at him in disbelief before erupting into a fit of raucous laughter. “‘Atta boy! ‘Atta boy!! Let’s have another!” he shouted while slapping him vigorously on the back. “Maybe you can taste it this time!”

Wamuu wasn’t usually one for drinking, but he had a wonderful time that night.

EXTRA

The door opened with a loud bang, and Esidisi entered with a flourish. He found Kars in the middle of the room, comfortably laying on some blankets and looking over some scroll he managed to get his hands on.

“Why! Is that Kars, the brilliant and gorgeous love of my near-immortal life? Or is that simply the most exquisite and oddly colored mop I have ever seen?”

Kars huffed a laugh and looked at him with a sly smile. 

“It’s Kars.” Esidisi said simply, kissing his cheek and making himself comfortable against Kars’ back.

“Your flattery needs work.” he turned back to his reading, still smiling.

“Really? I thought that was pretty good for me.”

“You’ve had better.” he glanced behind him. “Where’s Wamuu?”

Oh. That was a good question. Esidisi opened his eyes in realization. “Huh...he was right behind me…”

Kars sat up in alarm just before hearing a thud at the entrance. There he was, perfectly safe and completely hammered, lying right in the doorway. 

“...Wamuu? Are you alright?”

Wamuu giggled drowsily in response. He raised his arm in the air and swung it in a circle a few times before giving a thumbs up, before dropping it over his face.

Kars gave Esidisi a look. “What?? There was no stopping him Kars, the boy practically drank the whole place dry!” 

Kars got up with a sigh. “Oh, no he didn’t Esidisi, don’t fib.

“He did!”

Kars crossed the floor and leaned down, giving Wamuu a shake. “Wamuu.”

Wamuu opened one eye and looked at Kars. He gave him a broad and goofy smile. 

“Luvff you Daahd…”

That’s both masters he’s stunned tonight. Kars’ eyes widened and he pressed his lips together in shock. He was certainly not expecting that. “O-oh!” was all he managed. Wammu didn’t hear his master’s uncharacteristically inelegant reply, he was out again almost immediately. Kars could feel Esidisi beaming at him from across the room, and he was sure he could tell he was fighting a silly smile of his own.

“You both are incorrigible.”

[cryptidax]

Fallen Aliases

-DISCLAIMER: This is my first attempt in angst so please remember that as you read!!

-Word Count: around 1,605 words

-The reader here is, once again, NOT the traveler. They are a high-ranking member of the Liyue Qixing and have a personality based on Xingqiu and Rosaria but share the same hunger for battle as Tartaglia. They also use a polearm as a weapon and have a vision. :)

NAMES, such a common thing, yet it holds such significance to even the immortals. Cursing one's name might result in you breathing your last; Praising someone else's title might flatter them; Falling for another's alias might result in your end. The people of Teyvat hold names in such high regard, yet. Why, why did you love someone when you didn't even know their name?

Ah yes. The truth is as clear as day now. It was because you were blind. As the elders would call it, You were a fool in love. Despite that, why do you hold all the memories with him in such a fond manner? The day when you met can still be remembered as clear as the water in the ponds of Qingce Village.

The feeling of your polearm in your hand and your vision hanging from your belt is something that exhilarated you. Especially now, with several new foes for you to beat in front of you.

"This is much more interesting than doing boring paperwork, don't you think?"

From an outsider's perspective, seeing a Qixing member speaking to some Ruin machinations in the middle of the night would make them think they are going crazy. After all, all the Qixing members are dignified and elegant people who have enough ambition and power to uphold the will of Rex Lapis despite being mortal. People who are as clear and transparent of their ways just like Morax. (Y/N) is the hidden spear of the Qixing, a weapon with dangerous potential yet remains covered to the public. One minute they could be speaking in front of the Milileth about their new plans for defense; next, they could be slicing down several Ruin hunters by the coast of Liyue and laughing as if they are playing with toys while doing so.

"It's a shame such ancient machinations must be shut down.. oh well, Night Night little robots.~"

Using their elemental burst to enhance their weapon, (Y/N) swings it in a clockwise motion to finish the ruin hunters and watch as they fall only to disintegrate into blue dust. Hearing the ruffling of the bushes beside them, they ready their weapon once again and turn around to meet a new foe.

"Whoever you are, come out now, and I might be merciful tonight."

Anticipating a new fight, the Qixing member was let down as they see an orange mop of hair instead of a beast or machination to face.

"Well, you are disappointing." (Y/N) bluntly said as they stared down the newcomer. The (h/c)-haired person observed the hydro vision hanging framed in a Sneznayan designed border from the blue-eyed stranger and readied their vision for combat once again.

"I never knew the Liyue Qixing were so hospitable to others." the newcomer stated in a playfully sarcastic manner. "Anyways, You can call me Childe, (Y/-"

Cutting him off as he was about to say their name, (Y/N) hostility asked many questions towards Childe, Each question containing less friendliness as the last. The Sneznayan answered all these questions without fail, yet (Y/N) never let down their guard.

"Master Childe!!"

The duo turns to the noise to see a female fatui member loudly calling out for superior while forcefully making her way through several large faunas.

"Well, that's my call to go Mx. Bigshot. See you next time!"

Childe childishly says as he quickly goes towards the fatui member. You could hear him loudly playfully shouting back at her by repeating her name. Shaking their head in a joking manner, the (h/c)-nette heads their way back to the office, dreading the paperwork they have to write as a report of what they had done for the night.

This schedule goes on every night for several weeks. (Y/N) goes to clear out monsters, Childe appears out of nowhere and helps out with destroying them, talks a bit, says goodbyes, and repeats the next night. (Y/N) has tried to stop him, but he keeps insisting to the point where he would keep his arms around them unless they allow him to stay.

A blind man could see how in love they were, from the way they looked at each other when they slay monsters in the night, to the way each would hold each other's gaze for more than one would consider professional.

They were in love.

The elders called it beautiful. Singles held jealous looks to their relationship yet congratulated them nonetheless. Children fawned to their parents on how they wanted to grow up to have what they had. The two held hope that despite who they are, what they do for a living. They hoped that they at least can have this one thing that can share.

But oh, What fools were they to believe that two mortals can forever ignore reality.

The day started so pure as if the archons all agreed to give humanity one good day, A pair of lovers waking up to gaze at each other lovingly as they murmured random and insignificant news to each other sweetly. To others, this may be unimportant considering how much influence these two people have over their respective nations, but these two moments like these mean the world to them. Sadly, they must head up and attend to their duties. Giving a goodbye kiss to each other, both get ready for their work before going out to each work locations. If (Y/N) bothered to look back to awhile longer when they gave each other a goodbye, they would see underlying melancholy in the eyes of their lover. Maybe that would have been the key to keeping their relationship.

It truly is sad how relationships take so long to build up. Yet be shattered in just the snap of one's fingers.

Hearing the closing of the front door, (Y/N) looks up to see the tired and beaten form of their lover bandaged up. It honestly broke their heart to go and comfort him, But what needs to be done is more important. Not only for them but for their co-workers who care for them, and for the citizens of Liyue who were affected by the awakening of the ancient sea god.

"Childe."

His name. A name that flowed out of their mouth with a tone sweet as honey. Now felt like they were eating sandpaper as they said it.

Looking up to see the blank yet hurt look from his lover, Childe, the eleventh fatui harbinger, felt something that he has not gotten for several years from someone that does not share his blood. Guilt.

"(Y/N) I can explai-"

"Save it."

Giving a sad smile to the fatui in front of them, they blankly say how they know how he caused the disaster. Each word seems to be like another arrow being shot towards the Sneznayan as his lover said it in such a way that it was impossible not to question his actions. Maybe this would've been more bearable if his lover was angry and was rapidly throwing insults, but they said it in an accepting way. Like they anticipated that this would happen, and that. That somehow made him feel more hurt than if the latter happened.

"Childe, or should I call you Tartaglia,"

People say that second chances are the cultivators of a better relationship,

"I believed we could've made this work in a way that we can pretend we are not two opposing people."

They say that hardships like these would blossom into a memory that they could recount with a nostalgic smile.

"I promised that we would get through this together,"

But love is a battlefield and in the relationship of (Y/N), the sword of the qixing, and Childe, a warrior of Sneznaya. That statement quite too literal.

"Ha... I apologize, but that promise is one I cannot keep, not after that disaster you have summoned..."

There are no second chances in battle,

"I loved you, but now... I see that I do not even know who you are."

For once you swing your weapon,

"Goodbye Childe, For our sake, I hope we never see each other again."

You have no chance to take it back.

Hiding their tears as they walk out of their old abode, never looking back in fear that they will not stand firm in their decision. (Y/N)'s heart cracks each step they take, mind plagued by scenarios of what else they could've done. Walking turns to jogging and jogging to running, the Qixing member rushes to their new residence, an apartment in Liyue Harbor, and opens then shuts the door quickly. They slump down on the floor, wanting to cry. Time seems to stop as (Y/N) reaches up to touch their face.

"Why can't I cry?"

It seems like the archons won't even give them the comfort of tears.

Seeing the fading silhouette of his ex-lover as they walk away, Childe solemnly walks to their, now only his, room and opens his drawer to get out a small velvet box. With a sad look and teary eyes, he opens the box to reveal a beautiful Varunada Lazurite ring. A ring that he hoped would've been placed on the finger of who he loves. The young lord holds the item close to his chest and quietly whispers through choked sobs,

"But I love you (Y/N).."

After so many years, the eleventh harbinger, an instrument of war, the big brother of several siblings, the annoying co-worker of the harbingers. Childe, Tartaglia, Ajax... Cries. At this moment, all the sides of one man weep.

Fate must be satisfied. They just punished a catalyst of death, A being who gets excitement from a battle, a person that should be victim to the full wrath of the archons. No matter how good a person acts, blood will forever stain their hands. By this law, Childe, Tartaglia, Ajax is a wicked being. He is an evil man... right?

[wildcreativemastermind]

Which KOTOR Game is Better? (Petty Opinion Version)

(If you want a version where I put the slightest effort into being fair and objective, I might do another post on this topic like that)

The KOTOR games, I love them. I’ve played both of them multiple times. They are even among my favorite games ever. The story, the characters, and the gameplay are all super fun.

But there’s these little things about each of them that, while probably being super unimportant, do effect my enjoyment of the games. Sometimes these things improve my enjoyment, others do not.

I’ll be covering the stuff I dislike first, because I like to end my posts on a positive note.

KOTOR 2: the not-good

The prologue, do not enjoy the prologue. I’ve tried playing it once and have opted for the skip option ever since.

Peragus. It is super boring. It’s like if the Endar Spire in KOTOR 1 was 10x longer with about the same amount of stuff to do. It doesn’t go on for super long, but it feels like it goes on longer than it actually does. And unlike the prologue, you can’t skip it.

Telos Restoration Zone. It’s also kinda boring. The saving grace about it is that it has Bao-Dur

lack of light. This one I can kinda understand, but I don’t like it. The game doesn’t look bad by any means, especially considering how old it is, but I don’t like the darker lighting. Especially with the Ebon Hawk, I’d like to be able to see in every room when I’m playing. I just feel so happy every time I get to Iziz because there’s light!

KOTOR 2: the good

no. more. stupid. fucking. space. battles. I did not like these in the first game, where I just find them annoying, especially on the PC. I’m glad KOTOR 2 didn’t do them.

Kreia’s voice sounds really nice. I like how it sounds.

The Force actually has a central role, and some of the powers you can get are better than the ones in the first game. Like, you can get the ability to see people’s alignment, which is super cool, and I use it all the time.

you can see conversations between party members without the Exile

Polar Jedi Academy!

KOTOR 1: the not-good

space battles. They’re annoying, especially on PC. I don’t know if it’s a glitch or what, but I can’t move the gun and shoot at the same time, which I was able to do on the Xbox version. This makes the space battles even more annoying than they were on xbox, where I had already found them annoying. I just spend time saving and reloading to avoid them as much as possible

the game pushing you into talking to your party members. I like talking to the party members. I do not like moving somewhere to do something and being stopped by the game telling me to talk to them.

the dune sea. It takes forever to walk through. Especially if you’re dumb like me and didn’t give yourself the speed power before going through it.

speak backwards, the yoda-creature Jedi should. Odd, it is, that speak backwards he does not.

KOTOR 1: the good

light. I can actually see without issue anywhere!

the Rakata world place is pretty

blue Jedi robes are a thing

krayt dragon pearl

Jedi Academy! And there’s actually Jedi you can talk to! fuck you, Malak

party dynamics

Winner: KOTOR 1, largely because there aren’t such long stretches of the game I don’t like.

[gondorosi]

The gradual separation of show!Jon from book!Jon - Part II

Magic

The showrunners deciding that magic is an unimportant part of the saga and to be relegated to the background is utter horseshit. There’s a bloody REASON direwolves and dragons reappeared in the world when they did, more or less at the same time. There’s a fucking reason why in Martin’s version Dany’s fireproof nature was a one-time thing, the dormant magic in her reawakening as needed BECAUSE dragons needed to be brought back into the world. Dany, Jon and Bran are the three most magic-sensitive characters in the whole story - and only one of them have anything to do with it in a significant manner (though significant might be stretching it). With Dany, her magical nature is only sporadically referred to (the dragons are the be all and end all) and Jon has nothing.

Show!Jon is a mortal man on every level, without a drop of magic in him. Book!Jon is no Bran, but there are three fundamental factors which show how deeply he is connected to the land.

Ghost: Removing Ghost's importance to Jon is akin to removing part of his soul. He isn't just 'big, white fluffy doggo'. Ghost is part of him, his familiar. Ghost is the physical personification of the magic running in Jon's blood, the proof of the Old Gods awareness running through Stark children's veins. Direwolves have a deeper, subtler and less apparent magic than dragons, but no less potent, and no less essential to Jon than her dragons are to Dany. Out of all the Stark siblings, Jon’s connection with Ghost and Bran’s connection with Summer seem to be the most symbiotic. All the siblings have strong bonds with their direwolves, molded to their own personality - Arya’s connection with Nymeria persists even across the sea in Essos, all legends of Robb in battle are accompanied by legends of Grey Wind and poor Rickon becomes so enmeshed in Shaggydog’s mind that there’s little to distinguish between boy and beast. However, perhaps due to the nature of their POVs and story arcs, none of the Starks save Bran and Jon have their journeys so closely aligned to their wolves. Which is why it’s nigh impossible to even consider Jon’s story moving forward without Ghost, especially post resurrection. The show omitted the obvious implication that Jon warged into Ghost before he died, had no role for him in the BoB, completely erased him in S7 and relegated him to a damn stray in S8. On the other hand, the show AMPED up the Dragon Queen part of Dany to the detriment of all other aspects of her character.

Warging: In a universe where Martin has tried his best to weave in strong magic with actual medieval politics, concentrating all Northern magic into one single character (whose surface they barely scratched) is utterly lazy storytelling. Jon's warging abilities are mighty and second perhaps only to Bran, though I hold the belief Arya is as powerful a warg. But unlike both of them, Jon seems to actively resist exploring his warging possibilities. Some of the resistance may be explained by his environment - with both the NW and the Freefolk considering warging to be something of a ‘black’ art or dark magic. Sure, the Free Folk are more open about it, with Varamyr envying Jon’s gift with Ghost in his thoughts:

“He had known what Snow was the moment he saw that great white direwolf stalking silent at his side. One skinchanger can always sense another. Mance should have let me take the direwolf. There would be a second life worthy of a king. He could have done it, he did not doubt. The gift was strong in Snow, but the youth was untaught, still fighting his nature when he should have gloried in it.”

The show makes NO mention of it. Jon being considered a warg is a major reason behind half the NW hating and fearing him. I don’t remember the show ever bringing up the fact that Jon was feared - they seemed to make Thorne and Slynt’s animosity out of sheer spite and disgust at his bastardy. 

The Lord Commander's Raven: This is a favourite obsession of mine. Old Mormont’s raven pops out at Jon at seemingly random moments, but for the reader bursting with conspiracy theories, the raven is just another nod to the fact that Jon has a far greater role to play in the story than is visible to the eye. There's a popular theory that Bloodraven wargs him from time to time, since Jon is the secondary piece on his chessboard. The raven has come to Jon’s aid atleast twice that I can remember:

When Mormont is attacked by the wight:

Jon tried to shout, but his voice was gone. Staggering to his feet, he kicked the arm away and snatched the lamp from the Old Bear's fingers. The flame flickered and almost died. "Burn!" the raven cawed. "Burn, burn, burn!"

Spinning, Jon saw the drapes he'd ripped from the window. He flung the lamp into the puddled cloth with both hands.

During the election for Lord Commander when Mormont’s raven flying to his shoulder is used as a sign by Sam to argue for Mormont’s approval of Jon as the choice.

Bastardy

Jon's entire sense of self is centered around two things:

Ned Stark is his father

He's a bastard

His entire character arc is trying live up to one of those and distance himself from the connotations of the other. His bastardy is the formative lodestone of his character and moral compass but in the EXACT opposite of how Catelyn and Westerosi society as a whole expect it to be.

However, there's a twist to that. Jon's inner desire is EXACTLY what Catelyn feared. He DOES want to be Lord of Winterfell. He DOES harbour resentment that Robb (seemingly) has everything handed to him while the best Jon can hope for is to die at his post, unknown and unsung. He DOES want glory and power and to exact some kind of revenge on a society which deemed him vile and detestable for no fault of his. All the elements for him to become the Starks' own Daemon Blackfyre is already present.

But there's one difference - Ned Stark is no Aegon the Unworthy. Even more than all of the above heart's desires, Jon wants to be like his father. He wants to do what is right. He wants his father to be proud of him. He wants to be nothing like the greedy, vengeful and lusty creature he's always been told he is. He wants to help people and stand up for the weak because that's who he is. At the very heart of it, he just wants to be loved by Ned as much as his trueborn sons. And thus he takes Tyrion's words to heart and wears his bastardy like impenetrable armour.

In show!Jon, ALL of this inner struggle is lost. Jon's bastardy is rarely affixed other than as a side. Show!Jon is a 'good' man. Yes, undoubtedly. But what makes book!Jon a great man is that he masters his baser desires to focus on what's more important. THAT'S what Jeor, Mance and Stannis all saw in him. That's why the Free Folk follow him. That's why half the NW will die for him (yes I know the other half will kill him).

When you have spent most of the show without anywhere referencing how vital the armour of bastardy, and being Ned Stark’s son is to Jon's psyche and sense of self, even the best directors will not be able to depict WHY the news of his parentage will have ripped out the ground from under him. Dany's quest for the throne is out there glaring at us thus atleast on paper making sense that having her undeniable right threatened will rattle her (I personally hate hate HATE the creative decision that Dany's immediate reaction to find out Jon's a Targaryen will be paranoia and concern for HER throne but I digress).

Intelligence, ability and cunning

Up until S4 and most of S5, show!Jon and book!Jon exhibited similar levels of intelligence and cunning. One of my favourite scenes is Sam trying to stop Jon from marching into Mance's camp to try and assassinate him. Jon gets in his face with his frustration and despair boiling and asks if he has any better ideas. At this point he's done a superb job commanding the defence of Castle Black but has also just lost Ygritte, Pyp and Grenn all in one night, a significant portion of the meagre Castle Black forces and is fully aware that they cannot survive another charge. He's beyond desperate and aware that his efforts are likely suicidal but he can't just retreat, lick his wounds and do nothing. 

The show labours under the popular delusion that truly good guys can't be really smart, as being smart means preserving yourself and truly good guys will always jump into danger first to protect other people. Politics is bad so if you're a good strategist then you can't be a good person. 

Both book and show characterizations of Jon have been criticized for being examples of the ‘Chosen One’ the ‘reluctant hero’ who turns out to be the right man for the job, and for painting ambition and the quest for power as negative pursuits. In the book however, Jon’s ambitions never really had a chance to form. He’s prideful enough in his abilities to believe he would be an immediate select into the elite Ranger ranks and is devastated when that doesn’t work out. By the time he’s come to terms with the fact that being Mormont’s steward means being groomed for command, the truth of the White Walkers is in front of him and that becomes his sole consideration.

To many readers, Jon’s election to Lord Commander was ‘contrived’ though I do believe Sam played the long political game as he believed his friend being in a position of power would lead to an easier path for him. However, Jon doesn’t crumple under the weight of the responsibility - his actions as Lord Commander are revolutionary enough to completely destabilize his support. The show entirely omits all the strategic parts of his negotiations with both Stannis and the Freefolk. Unlike show!Jon, book!Jon does not allow the Freefolk through the Wall only on the account of goodwill and the fear of a common enemy. He takes their children hostage to ensure compliance. He negotiates with the Iron Bank for a loan to stave off starvation come winter. He repopulates the Gift with Free Folk. He shelters, counsels and aids Stannis. He addresses almost every logistical and material issue he can think except for the most fundamental - his people. 

On the other hand, there’s no strategic and political angle to Show!Jon in S6 and S7, instead being posited only as warrior extraordinaire.

'The greatest swordsman in the North' - but too naive to not keep the sister who tricked him almost to his death at arm's length. Brave, loyal and courageous beyond belief - but completely befuddled by politicking. Immediately trusting a sister he’s never been close to and who has been Littlefinger’s pupil for a considerable time. 

Book!Jon's abilities as a leader are sorely underappreciated, especially considering that his tenure as Lord Commander saw the status quo of almost every aspect of NW life upended. The previous LC is killed in a mutiny. The Wildling army launch an attack. The Others finally rise. A King/King Claimant FINALLY takes the NW's warnings seriously. The Wildlings are brought south of the Wall.

Despite being a new beginning for all recruits, the Night's Watch is the one order in Westeros whose traditions and rules have not changed in millennia. Understaffed, under-resourced and facing a threat the likes of which people would struggle to comprehend, Jon does the best he can. His major mistake is one most young leaders make, and that is assume all of those under automatically understand his reasons for doing what he does. 

Relationships

Brother:

If there's one role Jon takes more seriously than 'Ned Stark's son, it's that of brother. Book!Jon is pretty much the pinnacle of brotherly love - Robb's right hand, Arya's champion and dutiful protector to both Bran and Rickon. There's a subtle tragedy in this too - despite how much his siblings love him, all of them, including Arya, have othered him. He's brother, but only half. Snow, not a Stark. The last in the list. 'The last brother left to me' - as felt by both Robb and Sansa.

Book!Jon and Show!Jon are both shown to be loving, dutiful brothers but once again the show is incapable of portraying more than one character at a time in a certain way. Thus all of Jon's brotherly love is concentrated on Sansa, the sibling he was least close to. Show!Jon never mentions Robb after his death mentions Arya not at all when book!Jon never stops thinking about the two of them.

Maybe, maybe if the show had bothered to flesh out Jon Snow's emotional attachment to his home and siblings, his dilemma between his family and Dany wouldn't have been so shoddy.

Friend:

Book!Jon, despite his aloof demeanour attracts fast friends. His staunchest supporters in the NW are those who he befriended when he first stepped within the gates. He's the only one to ever have stood up for many of them. And it's his NW friends who do become truly brothers, as they see and stand beside him during his rise to leadership.

Show!Jon is no different - he's got his loyal friends but there was no apparent discord after him being elected LC. Which is surprising considering that this is the moment that Jon effectively decides to ‘Kill the boy.’ The Gilly baby switch storyline is completely done away with, probably because it is the one decision that very clearly paints Jon as grey. The book Sam struggles to understand this decision - in his mind his best friend would never have done that. Maester Aemon is the one who sets him straight - Jon is no longer just a brother of the Watch, he’s the Lord Commander now. He can no longer be taking decisions just as Sam’s friend.

The show never really dwelt on the chasm Jon’s position as a leader would have created with his brothers who till them were his equals. Book!Jon knowingly starts distancing himself and this is a flaw that comes back to stab him in the chest - again a misstep in one raised to leadership at a young age.

Lover:

This part will be a bit of a cop-out since at this point the only common love interest between the books and the show is Ygritte. The show axed Val, who’s one of my favourite secondary characters and my main preference for a Jon pairing pre-Dany. And of course, there’s far too much plot to cover before Jon and Dany even meet in the book (if they’re ever finished).

There are factions of the fandom who don’t think the Jon and Dany romance in S7 was set up convincingly. Admittedly that’s going to be hard for me to judge fairly as I’ve been in the Jonerys camp ever since ADWD made it clear how Jon was growing as a leader and as a magical touchstone in direct parallels to Dany. It definitely helped that Kit’s portrayal of Jon had FINALLY started to appeal to me once The Watchers of the Wall aired. I’d been one of the many fans who had been waiting for these two to meet on the show - and though I personally found the Jon-Dany relationship progression to be one of the few good things about S7, I can perhaps get why many neutral fans (i.e not commited to any rival ships for either Jon or Dany) think its out of character for them to be so involved so soon.

There are plenty of popular assumptions perpetuated by the show which have no backup in the original material - one of them is ‘dumb, lovable idiot’ Jon paired with the ‘awkward and oblivious as fuck with women’ Jon. Now, I’ll not deny that the latter portrayal works QUITE well with show!Jon (Kit’s face is the perfect cast for this characterization) but I just don’t see it working with book!Jon. The boy isn’t seeking out women but its not like he’s not around them. Alys Karstark was quite obviously taken with him, and I doubt Jon missed it, but there were far greater things of import to consider for both of them - I saw no awkwardness in the text. Jon dislikes Selyse and manages to be both cordial and deferential as required. Melisandre makes no secret of her fascination with him - there’s no bumbling awkwardness there either. And Val - he’s quite smitten and there’s some awkwardness there, sure but its hardly the bumbling variety.

As for Dany - considering that at this point the 7 seasons of the show is all we will ever have, I somehow think the softer show!Jon makes a much better pairing with the more hardened show!Dany. Its as if certain aspects of their personalities were flipped in the show - book!Dany is definitely much softer and gentle without her power and strength being diminished, whereas book!Jon is far more calculated and ruthless without compromising on his honour and integrity. 

[spam-monster]

Helsaweek 2020 Day 1: Swap

(or tumblr’s apparently being a butt but idgaf i’mma post this and head out)

I’ve done things like power swaps or gender swaps or kingdom swaps before (at least in my head), and I wanted to do something different this time, sooooo...introducing amount-of-siblings swap!

-----

In the beautiful kingdom of Arendelle, there were once thirteen fair princesses; although the kingdom had only ever seen two of them, for around the time the third was being carried the king and queen had suddenly closed the gates to the castle without warning. Stories were told, by the servants and traders who went in and out, of a group of perfectly normal, lovely girls. Yes, they all had their quirks, but none seemed to have any affliction that would justify hiding them away. Rumors were spread as well: questions of parentage, a hidden 14th child born with some terrible curse and locked away, a secret illness that affected only royalty…or perhaps something to do with the eldest child, Elsa, since she was almost never seen outside of her rooms.

But surely she was just engrossed in her studies, preparing herself to become the new queen after her parents had been lost. After all, the older townsfolk had met Elsa when she was younger, and she had been a perfectly normal, sweet young girl. Whatever had caused her parents cut themselves off from the kingdom, it surely had nothing to do with her…

---

“Alright, that’s enough! Dina, don’t play huntress with Frida’s Mr. Deer! Ingrid, stop trying to give Cathrine a makeover! Gunda, Hilda, stop fighting! Jorunn, we can go see the horses later! Klara, Linda…”

“You’re fine.” Brigitta says from behind her. “Now let’s all get ready for bed, we have a big day tomorrow.”

Anna sighs in relief, and mentally thanks Brigitta. At least one of her little sisters is acting responsible tonight.

“We want to make a good first impression on the peasants, after all.”

…Or maybe not.

“Yeah, c’mon. You don’t want them to get mad at us and rebel and drag us all to the guillotine.”

“Cathrine, no one is being guillotined tomorrow.”

“I’d like to see ‘em try!”

“Hilda, please don’t try to fight anyone.”

“…Will they even like us?”

“Linda, of course they will.”

“Why should we even care about Elsa’s coronation?”

Anna turned to Mathilde, the youngest of the thirteen sisters of Arendelle, slumped over on a couch looking bored. “Because she’s your big sister, and she’s going to be queen! We’ve all been waiting for this day for years, we need to support her-”

“Why should I care about someone I barely know?”

Anna flinched. “It’s true, that…Elsa hasn’t been around much lately…or spent much time with us…but I’m sure she’s just been…very busy! With…studying to be queen! And all!”

Mathilde glared. “That’s a lame excuse. She always ignores us.”

“She’s not…a bad person, really…”

“Yeah, I know, you always say you used to be “best friends” or whatever. But you’re the only one of us who’s ever seen her act like a real sister!”

Anna looked around, panicked, as most of the other girls began to nod and whisper in agreement.  

“She never talks to us.”

“She’s never played with us.”

“She rarely even comes down for dinner.”

“She left you alone.”

Anna turned to Klara, confused. “Left me alone?”

Klara looked at her sadly. “After mom and dad died. She left you to raise us all on your own.”

And Anna had no answer for that.

 -------

In the small kingdom known as the Southern Isles, there were once two princes. Although you might not have remembered at first, because the elder brother was so boisterous and dazzling that it was easy to forget the younger one even existed. Prince Torvald was remarkable; an accomplished hunter, a spectacular storyteller, able to charm even the most aloof noble, and sure he could be a bit boorish and egotistical at times, but he was a prince! It was to be expected, right?

“We should be grateful we even have a prince at all, let alone two.” People would whisper. “The poor queen had been trying for decades to bear the king a worthy heir, rest her soul.”

“Not sure the other one was worth her effort, though.” Others would grumble. “What’s his name…Hans? What has that one ever done that Prince Torvald didn’t do better? Well, at least we have a spare…”

---

“Is it not a fine day at sea, little brother? Clear skies, calm waters…and across the ocean, the quaint, little, unimportant country of Arendelle awaits the blessed presence of future King Torvald the Mighty!”

Hans tried very hard to suppress a sigh. *Arendelle is bigger than the Southern Isles* he grumbled under his breath.

“What was that?”

“If…Arendelle is so “unimportant”, as you say…why did you bother to come with me?”

“A King never passes up an opportunity to impress other rulers with his might! That’s a lesson you should remember…or not, I suppose.”

*Since I’ll never be a king, you mean*

“Also, I have heard tell that the future queen is quite beauteous. Perhaps she shall prove worthy of the honor of becoming my bride.”

*That was my plan, damn it!*

Torvald laughs obnoxiously and slaps Hans on the back, almost knocking him off his feet. “Fear not, little brother! I have also heard that she has many younger sisters! Perhaps one of them shall take pity on you!”

Sitron knickers at him in concern. Hans shakes it off. “Yes…perhaps. I – um, should go…check on the horses.”

Torvald laughs again and sends him off with another hearty slap. Hans sighs heavily as he tends to Sitron.

“I’m alright, boy.” He murmurs to the horse. “And who knows? Maybe the queen will be smart enough to see my brother for what he really is, and…who am I kidding? She’ll never look at me.”

-----

 (I imagine how this goes is that:

- Hans still meets and bonds with Anna but Torvald swoops in and grabs her attention away since Elsa is ignoring him (and he’s jealous Hans is getting attention for once)

- Elsa still freaks out and runs, Anna still goes after her by herself and leaves Torvald and Hans in charge, Torvald spends most of the time posturing and giving grandiose speeches while Hans actually works to take care of the people and ends up bonding with the other princesses as well

- at the castle Torvald makes Hans go in first and he actually has a conversation with Elsa and bonds with her

- in the end Torvald talks Hans into killing Elsa (because he doesn’t want to dirty his hands, plus then he can make Hans take the blame if things go bad), but Hans hesitates so Torvald tries to do it himself but Anna stops him

- Torvald gets sent back but Hans decides to stay (and clean up his brother’s mess), the sisters all basically adopt him as their new unofficial big brother alongside Kristoff, the end)

 Might expand on this later (like designing the new siblings, or maybe WRITING SOME ACTUAL HELSA IN INSTEAD OF JUST HINTING AT IT.)

Bios for the au siblings under the cut:

I basically just ran down the list of Norwegian girl names for this one (one from each of the first 13 letters that aren’t “a” or “e”), so let me throw out some basic entomology/character stuff for the swap siblings:

Brigitta: 3rd child, in this ‘verse Idunn was probably pregnant with her when the accident happened. Goes between helping Anna keep the younger ones in line and causing problems herself. Has a bit of a superiority complex regarding her status as a princess - acts like she must be better than everyone outside the gates, but really it’s a coping mechanism to help her deal with the isolation she feels. Name means “resolute, strength”.

Cathrine: Name possibly derives from the goddess of witchcraft Hectate, so she’s the spooky, playfully morbid one. Level-headed when she’s not creeping the younger ones out by joking about death. Dina is her younger twin.

Dina: Name comes from the goddess Diana; Roman equivalent to Artemis, goddess of the moon and hunts. She picked up her love of hunting from the hunters who would come and sell fresh meat to the castle cooks, and spend her time stalking the other girls (and their stuffed animals) and sneak-attacking them with her toy bow and arrows.

Frida: Name means “peace”.  A quiet nature-lover who hates conflict, which is ironic because she’s one of a set of triplets and the other two are the most aggressive of the bunch. Ends up being the target of the more aggressive girls a lot because she doesn’t want to fight back, and she’d rather they pick on her than one of the younger girls.

Gunda and Hilda: Names mean “war” and “battle” respectively, and they live up to them. The typical red-headed identical twin duo that’s always causing trouble (except they’re triplets and the other one doesn’t want to play along). Dina can either be their ally or their rival depending on the situation.

Ingrid: Name means “beautiful”- basically she’s the one obsessed with fancy clothes and trying to do everyone’s makeup.

Jorunn: Name means “horse lover” …yeah. Obsessed with horses, spends way too much time in the stables and comes back kinda smelly, biggest dream is to ride freely through the fields of Arendelle, possibly has headcanons of what breed of horse each of her family members would be (with accompanying fanart).

Klara: Name means “clear, bright”. Intelligent and honest, sometimes to a fault. Although she doesn’t like upsetting people, she won’t shy away from telling hard truths. Linda is her twin.

Linda: The most gentle and sensitive of the girls, easily stressed and has a hard time objecting to others because she doesn’t want to hurt their feelings. Gets along best with Frida, who tries to protect her from the more rambunctious girls. Name means “soft, mild”.

Mathilde: The youngest of the bunch. Acts out a lot because she knows she can get away with it. Her name means “battle strength”, and she lives up to it by being the most strong-willed and stubborn of the bunch.

 As for Hans’ older brother, he had to be really obnoxious to make up for the fact that there’s only one of him instead of twelve. Torvald means “Thor’s ruler”, and I basically based him off Thor at the beginning of his first movie (minus any of the good traits) – he’s brash, egotistical, and takes his little brother for granted. Unlike Thor, he’s also an emotionally abusive dirty coward with no respect for women or anyone he deems “weaker” than himself (which is pretty much everyone except his father).

(Even though Hans stays in Arendelle in this ‘verse, I think he might end up going back and becoming king of the Southern Isles someday just because I can easily see the kingdom deciding its sick of Torvald’s shit and kicking him out. Maybe he and Elsa end up in a long-distance thing, or they unite their kingdoms or something idk how this works.)

[rmfantasysetpieces1]

Many people seem shocked that my colcheneros, Atletico MAdrid's defense is not last season or before. But I try to explain to non atleti fans, that simeone has slowly massaged this team. Look at the lineup. Now trippier who was a key player in the modulation between defense and attack is playing for newcastle now. llorente who was a key assist and goal scorer did not start. Carrasco who played at the left back is now in llorente's position. Carrasco I remember before his second stint, he played a similar role. I still think carrasco's better at left back in the simeone system. One of my players, Angel Correa isn't starting for the long term project joao felix, next to Luis suarez who isa poacher. So... Hermoso isn't a left back. Yes, players can be pushed into positions but hermoso to me is a center back. Lodi's problem is, like vrsaliko, is neither are good in the modulation from attack to defense like a trippier or juan fran or felipe luis or.. carrasco. So, Atleti is battling through a complex situation of absences/injuries/transfers/a coach trying to make the team a more attacking side. This will be difficult, I said it last season and I repeat. It will take time, but I see what simeone's trying to do. But it will take time.

COMMENTS ELSEWHERE //////////////////////// Yes, but that is the plan. The problem I have when people assess atleti is the idea that becoming an offensive side means your defense doesn't change. Atleti scored first, how often does atleti score first under ten minutes. Simeone has slowly changed atleti, it will take(1/2) time to get the defense right when you have a more attacking edge about you. BArca let in a goal first. That is not unimportant. And the irreplaceability of trippier is not little Vrsaliko is good but he isn't trippier(2/2) https://twitter.com/davidjaca/status/1490356373728731140 yes, but the absence of trippier, if people remember trippier when he was forced to leave was clearly absent in defense, vrsaliko is good in attack but he isn't trippier in defense and we haven't had a felipe luis since he left. so, atleti is geared more for attack not(1/2) defense, joao felix is playing, atleti last year dropped points every time joao started, so simeone is determined to get atleti to be a more attacking side but seasons have to be played out, so this will happen. as an atleti fan my point is long term project , top 4 will be reached(2/2) https://twitter.com/SemraHunter/status/1490355969141972993 Es justo, todo lo que puedo decir es que Simeone está tratando de descubrir cómo hacer que el Atleti sea un lado más ofensivo. Marcamos primero hoy en menos de diez minutos. eso también dice algo. https://twitter.com/CrazyXFootball/status/1490357335860129798 y mira a los equipos :) algunos de los lados de ataque más potentes colectivamente. https://twitter.com/Jaimefmacias/status/1490363050179842058 well you have to trust players don't you. I think simeone has done well. he has trusted, joao and joao has time, remember carrasco took time to be the player he is now. I disagree with how you look at simeone rearing joao , he will come good https://twitter.com/433Gary/status/1490364550360743937 not at all, I am not bored at all, I love simeone and my club for being concious enough to keep him and see a long term project properly https://twitter.com/bykehlani/status/1490366791537020929

[fyrapartnersearch]

Seeking Literate and Active Partners

Introduction

Hello there, my name is Serenity, but feel free to call me Ren. Okay, so here are the basics and all that, no fun but very much so needed. I am a female in the central time zone and I am 18. I am currently a student but even so I'm on and reply daily (if I won't be able to I will tell you ahead of time I promise). I have been writing for about six years and over time I have come to prefer literate partners, I'm able to write maybe up to six or seven paragraphs, I ask for one minimum and unless I have an exceptional muse I match length because that's likely what I can only go off of. Now, I understand sometimes posts will be shorter, just MOSTLY I want one paragraph minimum. I strongly prefer MxF couplings, but I am open to try MxM and FxF, I promise I won't be any good at it and I'll be shy about it at first but hopefully I'll come around, I need to broaden my horizons anyway. I like my smut when I'm in the mood so I ask that my partner is also 18+, thank you. I absolutely love to double up, doubling adds more options and variety to an rp as far as I'm concerned. I am able to play up to four major characters no problem and still add in side characters, though if I'm doing that much I promise I expect the same from you. I'm perfectly fine with playing male or female, but if we're doing more than one character each I don't want to play ONLY the males. I like using POC in my roleplays just as much as the stereotypical beautiful blonde, I like a little variety. When it comes to fandoms I only ever do OC's in the fandom world, personal preference.

Fandoms

- Maximum Ride

- Shadowhunters/The Mortal Instruments

- Percy Jackson (Anything I freaking love this man)

- Wolves of the Beyond

- Warriors

- Guardians of Ga'Hoole

- Hunger Games

Interests

- Romance in general

- Fantasy

- Boarding School

- Pregnancy

- Realistic Wolf Pack

- Medieval Kingdom

- Furry

- Brothel

- Vampires, Werewolves, anything really

- Arranged Marriage

Iffy But Open To

- Incest

- Animal play?

- Age play

Limits

- Scat

- Watersports

Pet Peeves

- Bad Grammar (Like just competently blatantly horrible, a little comma missing or something is fine but do not rp with me like "r u sure?" unless it's a text a character is sending)

My Prompts: Inquire for more.

Tearmunn:

A beautiful, large, and magical kingdom known as Tearmunn is nestled along the coastline of the sea of Tamron. This amazing kingdom is led by tyrannical King Johnathon O'Dair. The king is very conservative and does not approve of all the supernaturals in his kingdom. He wants them all gone, even going through the trouble to send guards out to murder them. Little does the evil king know his son and daughter, Ansel and Arabella, are both not human. His late wife, Queen Isadora, was a wolf shifter. She passed only a few years ago, the death took a great toll on the young Prince and Princess. The King issued a period of mourning for the entire kingdom, which in that time is when the young royals started to go against their father. The duo loved their father, that was undeniable, but they both hated how he ruled. They knew something had to be done about it. Ansel and Arabella started harbouring 'Undesireables' on their private island of Theo first and soon after began helping them out by finding jobs and homes for them on the mainland. The young royals have continued to help the 'Undesireables' in their land and now Tearmunn is even more rich than it was before, although the king still wants them gone. Lately, more and more 'Undesireables' have been coming up dead or missing. The very beings Ansel and Arabella invited, promising safety, were now dying off. What are they to do? It's not only their father now, there is something worse…something darker out there at work. How will they ever find out? Will it be too late? Come join us all in the amazing, magical land of Tearmunn and find out for yourself.

Into the Wild:

As a pampered, city dog could you survive out in the wild? Could you find your own food, keep yourself warm without the comfortable heat of a home, remain alive in the forest? Could you live peacefully alongside the wolves you’ve heard so many terrifying things about? With recent changes you've been forced to do just those things. Will you remain a stray or will you join this dog pack that has risen? The choice is yours, Into the Wild you go.

Wild, fierce, and cunning. You as a wolf have lived in this forest and with this pack since your birth. You're loyal to your pack and defend it with your life if necessary. With the new threat to your prey the dogs are how will you be towards them? Most wolves in the pack hate the dogs, but do you? The choice is yours, but remember to keep your head low and never disobey the alpha.

This is WAR:

In the forest of Oudéteros the two packs Nekrá and Anésti have resided beside one another at an uneasy peace for many, many moons. The territories were not always peaceful, though. Generations back the two had war, blood was spilled, relentless murders for no reason, all this and more, but, one small group of wolves came along and decided constant battle and war were not the answers. The group of four, two from each pack of varying ranks, received a message from the alphas of the past, the message was carved in a slab of stone and it read:

 You four, the Healer, the Negotiator, the Dauntless, and the Leader. It will be you four to end this war. The war must end for if not, all of wolf kind in the amazing land will cease to exist. Of course the four wolves found this insane, not only were they paired with enemies, but how would THEY end the war? They were only ordinary wolves. The four parted, two heading to one pack and the other two to the other. None would admit it, but the words hung heavy on their hearts for nights to come. The leader will lead, not only you four, but the new world as well. That wolf will become known as the chieftain after the war. He or she will reset order, deal out punishments, and declare the new packs and the new alphas. The Dauntless, is the brawn of the operation. This wolf is the strongest of you four and will be the lead warrior in any battle that comes your way, because, as we all know…this will not be an easy trek to peace. The Negotiator, or the peacemaking brains of the operation. It is up to this wolf to try and talk some sense into the wolves of each pack. Warn them, tell them that if peace does not come death for all will. This wolf, though they may seem unimportant is VERY vital. This wolf will not only calm the packs but he or she will bring the four of you together. The Negotiator has a kind heart, a happy attitude, and will always bring happiness in suit of wherever he or she goes. This wolf is the sticky sap used to hold you together. And finally, the healer. But, aha! Not only is this wolf trained in healing cuts and bruises, this loveless medicine wolf will heal the rivalry, while they search for their love, though it is forbidden. This wolf will mend the broken bones and spirits of everything that is to come. There will be heartbreak, betrayal, death, and much more that will take its toll on the wolves. The question is…Who Will Support The Right Cause? And Who Will Die? All That Is Up To You Four, You Must Fix It All.

This message was sent to those wolves millennia ago, now the packs' alliance is shaking…shifting even. The Nekrá and the Anésti are both forgetting the ways the world was. Dark and chaotic with death around every bend. No one remembers those days any longer and the wolves that saved them? Long gone and long forgotten. Both alphas are head strong and want more land. The wolves slip over borders daily, stealing prey and causing conflict. This went on for a while, a long while indeed, but…the prey started dropping and the day grew warmer and the rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes grew smaller. Now, with the oncoming drought the wolves are even snappier and angrier. Blood is spilled at nearly every watering hole over drinking water, the boundaries remain still, but the Anésti, always having had better prey, land, and water are currently better off than the dark, ruthless, Nekrá. Both packs suffer, both packs break laws, but it takes only four wolves to fix a world, and everywolf knows history repeats itself.

Contact

Tumblr: sparklebix666-blog

Email: rpmenot@outlook.com

Discord: sink.tink#2325

Other: I would LOVE to make a rp group on discord if anyone would be interested in one for any of my plots or prompts!

[hiraeth-doux]

I was thinking of making this one super sad but I think we’ve all suffered enough, so... here comes the bonus prompt for the @wondertrevnet drabble-thon week.

Fandom: Wonder Woman Pairing: Steve Trevor/Diana Prince

October 16: Dreamer

Themyscira

The first time, he had a shape but not a face, the outline of his body a dark form against the blue sky, so close to the edge of the cliff that one step, and there would be nothing but free fall until the cool turquoise waters swallowed him, a much-needed relief on a hot day. No face, but Diana knew that he was smiling, her skin prickling with the sensation as palpable as a touch.

“Who are you?” She asked, the world bending around her, folding into a cocoon that held only the two of them.

Without saying a word, the man turned and stepped off the outcropping of rocks, his laugher bouncing off the cliffs and scattering along the water.

She paused for just a moment, long enough to make a decision, but not to consider its consequences. She knew this island like the back of her hand, better even. And she needed to know. She needed—

Diana ran, pushing away from the rough rocks, and then she was flying, the wind tugging at her hair and roaring in her ears, the smell of seaweed and water growing stronger with every moment. She smiled despite herself, welcoming the touch of the water to her skin as she dove into the depths of the sea, her body making a wide arc underneath the waves as her eyes scanned the clear waters around her, looking for the man who was nowhere to be found.

Her lungs started to burn. Diana kicked her legs, pushing up toward the surface, gasping hungrily for air. The man disappeared without a trace, and she turned on her back, allowing the waves to cradle her body under the bright sun that coloured the sand a hundred feet ahead of her white.

She closed her eyes and let her lips stretch into a smile, suddenly overcome with a sense to deep, consuming contentment.

When the early-morning wake-up call pulled her out of her slumber, the remnants of the dream were nothing but a cobweb clinging to her brain, too thin, incorporeal, the images of it blurring as Diana reached for her armour, fastening the bracelets of her wrists on autopilot. The smell of the ocean was wafting into her room from the open window, sparkling something in her memory for a fleeting moment, but soon it was gone, too.

“Slept well?” Antiope greeted her when Diana stepped onto the field, a sword in her hand and a shield behind her back – the only life she’d ever known.

Diana nodded and made a purposeful effort not to look at the water far below them, the cool touch of it still fresh on her skin.

---

He came back again, his face never seen in the bright light or deep shadow, but the sound of his voice was rising goosebumps along her skin, his laughter making her heart race faster. In the coming years, he became a frequent guest in her dreams, evasive and constant all at once.

“Why are you coming here?” Diana asked him one night, watching the moonlight gleam on his bare arms, his pants rolled up to his knees as he stood in the surf, just outside of the reach of the waves that raced against one another to lick at his toes. Not for long though, she thought absently. The tide was coming. Soon the beach would be nothing but a thin strip of sand. “What do you want?”

He turned to her, his face concealed by the darkness, out of reach of the moonlight. “You know.”

He was teasing her, she could hear it in his voice, and Diana was equally intrigued and frustrated.

“No, I don’t,” she shook her head.

“Look in the sky,” he offered softly.

She did, finding herself standing under the stars that winked at her from the vast blackness of the space. Transfixed, she followed the invisible lines that formed constellations, the stories and legends of their battles and love and victories that earned them a place above the world, grand and significant and just as mysteries as it always was filling her mind.

Yet there was nothing there that she hadn’t seen before, no new clues, no answers.

“I don’t…” She started, turning to the man again, adamant to demand an explanation this time, but he was gone.

---

He had to be a god, Diana figured eventually, a memory from the childhood when she devoured the tales of their ancestors and legends the likes of which did not exist outside of her imagination with the dedication of the Queen’s daughter that she was.

She searched the books then, looking for the familiar line of his shoulders, the tilt of his head when he was amused, the defined muscles of his arms and the sunshine that she saw in him in her dreams, but there was nothing. The faces looking back at her from the familiar pages were grim, often reproachful, sometimes thoughtful but almost never joyful.

“What are you doing?” Hippolyta asked her, confused, when she found her daughter in the library, a handful of books spread around her on the marble floor. 

“Wading through memories,” Diana whispered, closing the last volume, uncertain yet as to why it mattered so much that she found him, and scared of getting the answers.

Her mother didn’t press.

---

His eyes were bright blue, like the sea around them, and confused, his chest heaving, lungs hungry for air.

“Wow,” he whispered, surprised and disoriented, and blinked, trying to get a better look at her face hovering above him.

“You’re a man,” Diana smiled. 

You’re him, she wanted to say. You’re real.

---  

Veld, Belgium

“Are you cold?” Steve asked, his voice a soft whisper.

The room was starting to cool down, the dying ambers in the hearth glowing red in the dark but offering no warmth, and the chilly air was making their heated bodies prickle with goosebumps. Without waiting for Diana’s response, he pulled the covers over them and tugged her closed to him. They were lying face to face with just enough space between them for their chests to rise and fall as they breathed, their legs tangled together and their noses almost touching as the snow swirled and danced outside, a veil between them and the rest of the universe.

It was late, Diana’s body humming with equal parts of elation and exhaustion. She wasn’t cold, not with Steve being so close that she could hear his heartbeat without even touching him, but she loved the closeness, couldn’t get enough of him, her eyes roaming over his features, as if she still couldn’t believe he was real.

“Angel.” The word came out in a whoosh of breath.

Diana let out a small laugh. “Hardly.” She traced her finger along a thin scar on his chin. “The training camp,” she murmured, more to herself than to Steve. “Barb wire. You tripped in the mud.”

His eyebrow quirked. “How do you know? I never told you that.”

“You did,” she smiled, her voice dropping like she was telling him a secret. In a way, she was. “In my dream. A long time ago.” She’d stopped counting. “I knew you before I even met you, Steve Trevor.”

Steve caught her hand, kissed her fingers. Couldn’t stop touching her. “What else did I say?” It was hard to tell if he believed her or if her was just playing along, but right now, it didn’t matter. She knew the truth.

Diana’s palm curled over his jaw, her thumb running slowly, lazily over his unshaven cheek, trying to memorize the texture of his prickly stubble with her hand. “You weren’t much of a talker.”

He swallowed, his stomach turning hollow as he hoped against all hope that this night would never end. 

“Diana… whatever happens tomorrow--”

She freed her arms from between their bodies and slipped them around her neck, tilting her face to brush her mouth to his. “Nothing will happen. Nothing bad. That’s the deal.” Her lips tugged up at the corners, forming into a small smile, and she shifted, nestling more comfortably into him, curve for curve, their lips meeting in slow, gentle curses. “You didn’t say much but you always came back to me.”

---

She watched him hobble toward her across the base, dust and soot clinging to his skin, and for a long moment, all she could do was stare at him, her ears still ringing, her knees weak in the post-adrenaline-rush way, and her heart lodged in her throat.

Steve paused for only a moment, slipping in and out of her sight as the people between them moved, trying to understand what had happened, and what was becoming of their world, and gave her a small wave. He was too far away but she thought she could see him smile.

And then Diana was running – despite the pain, despite everything, until she flung herself at him, shaking and laughing and crying, and his face was in her hair, whispering something softly, the words lost and unimportant. He smelled of sweat and fire and acrid smoke, and she was holding on to him like letting go would make her fall apart, her throat tight. And nothing mattered, and no one mattered, and it was a very long time before her breathing evened out and the world shifted into place around them.

“If you’re trying to strangle me, it’s working,” Steve murmured, kissing her temple.

A laugh bubbled up in her throat, morphing into a sob. “I thought you… I thought…” She tucked her face into his neck, his skin wet with her tears. “You came back.”

“Always.”

[xpuriity]

(Do the rest of the headcanon memes that you haven't answered yet if it isn't too much~~)

SEND ME A FACE FOR A HEADCANON ABOUT MY MUSE! ( ♫ )

( Thank you for sending this nonnie — since they are quite a lot, I’m going to be putting this under a read more~ )

(`･ω･´) : What does your muse completely gush over?

Everything and nothing~ Rosa is very excitable, in an almost childlike manner than there is quite a lot that leaves her enthusiastic. However, there are of course, always things in particular that spark a more intense reaction from her.

Her family and friends, being one of those things — Rosa, while is too shy to speak about herself, has no qualms whatsoever going on and on about the people she admires and cares for. She is very affectionate and caring in that sense. A lot of her music revolves around them and they are what make her happiest, after all.

Next is quite simple stuff, such as the beautiful colors of the sky, birds soaring the clouds, an eye catching feather found, a pretty sea shell on the beach, or even the bright colors of a rainbow after the rain.

All in all, the hummingbird is someone who chooses to see the beauty in all the small things in life and enjoy them and as such it is not unusual to find her gushing over things, that may be deemed by others unimportant. 

＿|￣|○ : What situation would your muse give up in?

Rosa is naturally an optimistic person, but that in no way eliminates the idea she is very much prone to melancholy. A situation Rosa had come very close to giving up in, is post marine-ford — losing her father figure and the love of her life in one fated day took a huge toll on the hummingbird’s mental state. 

The events and tragedy of it all had impacted her in a way that she would almost take her own life, unwilling to walk an earth where they no longer walk by her.

Thus, to answer to question, one situation she would give up would be the loss of the people she cares for — Rosa is quite dependent in the sense she sees no meaning to life if not shared with loved ones. She is a loving person by nature and needs people around to share that with; if you take that away then instead she becomes no more than a vacant hopeless shell.

When it comes to battle, Rosa is not opposed to retreating if it keeps her crewmates and herself safe — however, a situation she would give up in, is if they had been threatened and putting her weapons down is the only way to protect them.

(｀-´)> : Who does your muse honor the most?

Her father figure and captain — Whitebeard.

For a long time, Rosa had no recollection of her parents as they existed as no more than a vague memory in her mind, but it had been the man who protected her home island who she would grow to consider her true parental figure.

Since then she had held a huge admiration and respect for him and his ideals, longing to become a part of his family, her positive feelings for him only growing once she did. 

(´；ω；`): What brings your muse into a state of depression? 

Rosa has a quite dependent personality; she is sensitive to her own emotions as well as the emotions of others, thus a majority of the time, such a state for her would be caused by feelings related to other people than herself. 

For example, if she is left alone for too long then she is likely to fall into depressive thoughts as a result of loneliness, craving affection and communication. Other triggers to such a state would include, feelings of deep fear related to losing the people she loves, whether to death or simply losing them as part of her life. 

ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ : What irritates your muse the most? (╬ ಠ益ಠ): What infuriates your muse to the point they may kill whatever it is?

There isn’t really much that gets to the pianist, she tends to be at most, quite calm and laid back; however, there are matters which quite hit a nerve within her sensitive heart. The first which comes to mind is unnecessary bloodshed; as in Rosa is not quite tolerable to people taking other lives without cause or reason — especially if innocent lives are hurt in the process.

Another factor which irritates the musician is one linked to herself rather than a general cause, and it is when people tend to underestimate her for her size or gender. Being a petite female among the strongest pirate crew (consisting if not fully then mostly of males), naturally, comes with a few provoking remarks — be it from allies or enemies; it irritates Rosa but also brings about a constant need within her to prove herself worthy. 

She is unlikely to kill anyone at all; regardless of how infuriated she is — the one situation where Rosa does merely consider murder, is revenge; she wishes to make Blackbeard pay for all the harm he bestowed upon her family.

（　ﾟДﾟ） : What does your muse do when surprised?(ﾟдﾟ): When your muse didn’t expect something, what do they do?

It highly depends on the situation and source of her surprise.

If it’s merely something as a jump scare or so, you can expect the musician to elicit a very loud and very child like squeal of sorts; she jumps back, yells and once the realization sinks in would proceed to pout in protest.

However, in more serious, situations; if the source of her surprise is rather more emotional, being a pleasant or unpleasant surprise, it is very likely for her to be at a loss of words. Lips parted in shock, eyes widened and posture frozen. Her initial reaction is almost always speechlessness, taking a moment to process the reality — the next reaction would depend on the nature of the surprise. 

( ﾟヮﾟ) : When is your muse happiest?d(*⌒▽⌒*)b : What makes your muse the happiest they could ever be?

Rosa is at her happiest when surrounded by her family, preferably when she is in front of her piano, playing melodies — be it background music to their noise or having them actually pay attention and sing along to her tunes doesn’t make much difference — so long as they are all happy together.

She is happy during the early hours of the day; when the sun begins to rise across the horizon and the birds are chirping loudly greeting the morning air.

As well as when in the presence of a specific raven haired male with freckles adorning his skin ( @xpyre​ ). No other individual could make her smile the way he does or feel as safe as when around him, whether she is by his side or watching him go about his day from a distance; there’s no doubt Rosa is at her happiest when Ace is within sight. 

⊂二二二（　＾ω＾）二⊃ : Does your muse like to cuddle?

Rosa appreciates any and all forms of closeness and affection, and cuddling being a rather more intimate form of hugging is one she does like; however, the act, like most such displays is not one she randomly participates in; rather the gesture is savored for a very few beloved individuals aka her best of friends and her love interest only.

To her, being in the warm embrace of a loved oneis considered a pleasant form of providing love and most importantly, safety — in their arms, she can find a little sanctuary away from the dangers plaguing her mind; thus it would make sense she, naturally, only cuddles with people who she does feel safe around. 

(((( ；ﾟДﾟ))): What is your muse terrified of? 

Rosa is terrified of losing her loved ones ones most — That fear is split into quite a few fears as well; she is scared of being alone again, scared of being taken back to the years of isolation and loneliness before finding a family, she is also scared of any harm befalling these she loves, scared of witnessing them in pain or having to see them / learn of them getting hurt again.

Before marine-ford, that fear was dismissed to the back of her mind; the hummingbird being young and naive, believed her family had been untouchable — the strongest crew alive, too powerful to be defeated. However, past the war and their losses, that belief, obviously, changed. 

In her main verse, Rosa is so much more fearful of losing any more loved ones; particularly she is very terrified of losing Ace again — having only recently gotten him back after experiencing firsthand the bitter taste of his loss, she has become so much more protective of him, desperate to keep him safe.

Σ(ﾟДﾟ): What would your muse be most shocked to obtain? 

Rosa does not care much for materialistic objects — there is nothing specific I can think of which she would be shocked to obtain — being a pirate, she does have a certain mentality she is free to obtain anything she wants, whether she steals it or travels for it.  

However, she is often shocked and caught off guard when receiving special forms of gifts, particularly any with a sentimental and deep meaning behind it. 

( ﾟдﾟ): What amazes your muse? 

Anything and everything — as stated above, Rosa tends to get excited rather easily; the simplest of matters can catch her attention; someone’s talents or skills can amaze her, as much as little things like the color of the sky, a beautifully shaped seashell, a blossoming rare flower, a one of a kind feather to add to her collection, etc. 

(´ー`)y-~~ : Does your muse do any drugs? Smoke?

She doesn’t. However, due to her insomnia, post-marine-ford war, Rosa had been prescribed some sleep medication. She doesn’t consume it daily and rarely does, but when the night feels too long and difficult to get through, it is not unlikely for her to down a pill or two. 

（ ^_^）o自自o（^_^ ） : How often does your muse drink?

Not too often. Rosa is rather a lightweight and she also doesn’t really enjoy the taste of alcohol, however on special occasions and celebrations, she would join her family for a couple of drinks.

ヽ(´ー`)人(´∇｀)人(`Д´)ノ: How friendly is your muse around new people? 

Rosa, despite her shy nature, is actually also very friendly. Her timidness is not one which causes her to appear intimidating or distant in the slightest and while she may not be one to talk much or make the first move to approach, when actually spoken to, she displays utter kindness in the form of a warm smile, an offer to help, etc. 

(‘A`) : What does your muse do when they’re alone?

Generally, when alone, the musician can be found either bird watching or more likely, working on some songs — she would use the alone time to relax and play a few soft tunes or if she’s feeling up to it, vent her emotions into her journal of lyrics.

（´-`）.｡oO( … ) : What does your muse think about a lot?

Rosa’s thoughts, more often than not, tend to revolve around her loved ones rather than herself; she’s either thinking of their safety, their happiness or even sharing something with them, like a song she’s been working on she can’t wait to play for them, an item she found she’s eager to show them, a story she wishes to tell them, etc.

The rest of her thoughts are just lyrics and music buzzing in her heart and mind, waiting to be released on paper or the keys of her piano.

(ﾟДﾟ;≡;ﾟДﾟ): Is your muse impatient? 

Not at all, but on the contrary, Rosa is rather very patient. She is usually rather calm and doesn’t mind waiting at all — she is most likely to be the most un-bothered person by a long crowded queue. 

( ´д)ﾋｿ(´Д｀)ﾋｿ(Д｀ ): Does your muse enjoy gossiping? 

Not really; she enjoys hearing what her friends have been up to and stories involving them directly — however, random gossip regarding people she is not on close terms with is not of interest to her.

Rosa doesn’t care to know who did what or any of that; in fact, she deems it rather none of her concern to get into people’s business and is bothered by anyone who speaks behind others’ back; deeming it a sign of betrayal. 

（･∀･)つ⑩ : Does your muse enjoy saving or spending money? Or are they indifferent?

She is kind of indifferent. Rosa does not really care for saving money or spending it — however, she also does not believe in hoarding money and sees no point to it if it’s not to be spent on things people love.

For example, if she sees an item she likes or believes a loved one would favor, she has no qualms whatsoever, spending amounts of money on it. You won’t witness her thinking twice about whether an item is necessary or not.

Likewise also, she is not likely to go out of her way spending money just for the sake of it.

（・∀・） : Does your muse like to tease people?

She’s not a very good tease, being quite innocent and shy — and is mostly likely to have it backfire at her in a few situations; but Rosa is generally very playful in nature and when around people she trusts / is comfortable around, will try to tease them a little.

（・Ａ・） : What does your muse consider to be bad?

Rosa is not really one to judge people on what they do with their own life, for example in terms of relationships or religious beliefs, etc. However, what she does consider bad, is when people’s actions bring harm to innocent people, even if the one being hurt is the person in question themselves. 

Being a pirate she is quite tolerable to petty crimes, however, as mentioned above, she does not, not will ever, approve of crimes which bring harm to others such as murder, assault, etc. 

（ つ Д ｀） : When your muse is sad, what do they do?

When she can put on a smile and conceal of her feelings, Rosa would do just that; she would not wish to worry her loved ones for her and would put their feelings above her own. However, in some cases, it becomes too much for her to put on a false pretense, being hyper emotional and sensitive, it’s not always easy to fake a smile. 

That is when the hummingbird would seek Isolation —retreating away into her own nest where she can cry without burdening anyone; she becomes distant, quieter and is more likely to just isolate herself away in her room or if they are docked, even seek privacy off the ship.

Occasionally, after retreating, she may pour out her feelings into a song, either playing some melodies and losing herself in the music or through venting in the form of writing some lyrics.

♪┏(・o･)┛♪ : Can your muse dance well?

Yes. While Rosa is no expert dancer, she does know how to move her body quite gracefully and rhythmically to the music; her love of dance is influenced by her love of music itself and her own understanding of the melodies and tunes is reflected through her movement to the beat.

(ΘεΘ;): How much of a tsundere is your muse? 

Not at all. Rosa isn’t one to appear hostile in the slightest or deny her true feelings. Instead of hiding behind a cold exterior, the hummingbird does the exact opposite, she displays of a very warm front and where her feelings are concerned, usually has no qualms admitting to them.

┌(；`～,)┐ : What discombobulates your muse?

( I wasn’t sure what the word meant |— but the dictionary says: emotionally confused / distressed; so I will try to answer accordingly. )

The thing about Rosa is that she is to an extent very honest with herself about her feelings; initially she would be emotionally confused about her feelings for Ace — she knows he’s her best friend but she also realizes her heart beats so much quicker around him; she would struggle with her emotions not as a result of not realizing she loves him, but because she is fearful these feelings may be out of place.

Rosa is also definitely distressed by any form of rejection — she has spent a lifetime feeling rejected, even by the man she deems to be a father figure initially, thus to deal with that, tends to cause her to question her self worth and point of living.

The last thing which comes to mind is mind games and manipulations; Rosa isn’t down for any of that. She is very confused by people who say something and mean something else and being a very sincere and honest person herself, she really feels uncomfortable and saddened as well, having to question people’s motives.

ε=ε=ε=┌(;*´Д`)ﾉ : How does your muse run?

Rather than run, when Rosa is in a rush, she tends to use her wind devil fruit abilities to fly as it is so much quicker and effortless than running. However, when she is on her feet, her running would also partly resemble tiptoe-ing and skipping, except at a much faster rate, due to her default method of walking. 

ヽ(´▽`)/ : What does your muse look like when happy?

When Rosa is happy, her eyes tend to glisten — one could witness the euphoria shining so brightly within her eyes; her smile, though is often always visible, when she is happy, appears different, full of life, and oozing warmth and joy. Her cheeks would tint in color and her giggles could be easily heard. She also tends to skip joyfully rather than walk when happy, 

Her happiness, like much of her emotions would be worn on her sleeves, visible for everyone to see so clearly. 

ヽ(ｏ`皿′ｏ)ﾉ : Is your muse violent when angry?

Not unless her safety or the safety of her loved ones / innocent people is threatened. Rosa doesn’t believe violence to be a solution to anything and thus would opt not to rely on it to solve her matters, regardless of how angry she is.The only cases she does turn to violence is when its a mean to protect rather than harm.

She tries to maintain her calm, particularly when angry, because she recalls all the damage violence has caused to her childhood. The day she allows her anger to consume her and lead her to violence would be the day she had completely lost herself to no return; the day she would never forgive herself.

[mikaey43]

#15 Percy Jackson & the Olympians:

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Rating: 4.5/5

Pages: 381 (with a brief excerpt from the first book of Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero)

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Books (an imprint of Disney Book Group)

I'm glad to say that this story is definitely one of those you hope won't end. Let's start with the part where I needed to savor the ending as long as I could. I forcefully read this book in about five days—about 1.5 to 2 hours a day—because I didn’t want to finish it too quickly. I forcefully stopped myself reading. And wow. Just wow. I am posting this review so late in the year because I wanted to take time to really think about this last book. (Okay, I have been very busy and lost this file a few times.) I'm going to try and put all this information as best I can on paper. I've been trying to mull this last piece of Percy Jackson over in my mind. I tried to let my thoughts settle as much as possible but only one word comes to mind to describe this adventure: wow. Of course, I'm talking about the fifth and final book in the series: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan.

(WARNING: Reader discretion is advised. Spoilers up ahead of PJO.)

My journey into the world of Percy Jackson started the day I saw the teaser trailer for The Lightning Thief  during the previews of the latest Harry Potter movie. At that time I didn't know it was a book. I began to wonder where I had seen that title before. Only until I became a bit more interested did I begin to see the dull glow of the burnt orange of the cyclops's eye following me around; the havoc of the lightning storm of the first installment as I passed it by heading to the saturated table of Harry Potter merchandise. But I never reached for it. That is until the oldest of my twin brothers became interested in reading this series. That helped me to finally read it a full five years after they both finished reading the series plus Heroes of Olympus.

As I said in my review of The Battle of the Labyrinth I wasn't expecting anything extraordinary, just a satisfying conclusion to this great series. But wow, did Riordan deliver beyond my meager expectations. He saved the best adventure for last. There isn't much to the plot that won't give something away. We're already five books immersed into this story so everything said is a spoiler. (I have my disclaimer at the beginning, if you haven't been spoiled already.)

Although this series has been compared to Harry Potter, it shouldn't be. They do have similarities, such as: their middle grade audience (yet most adults enjoy it too). The magical elements. They can be classified under the urban fantasy subgenre. And of course, the ultimate evil; but, that can be said for any book in the fantasy genre. That is mostly where the similarities end. What makes Percy Jackson different is in the most obvious details: the use of mythology with the participation of the Greek pantheon, where there is nothing of the sort in Harry Potter. The gods mate and leave it all to the mortal parents (male or female). The half-bloods educations is also different, it is a camp. The story is told during the summer months (and one winter) as opposed to the whole year around. Yes, there is a “trio,” but one is a satyr, another the daughter of Athena who is born out of (one can only hope) her mother's forehead. The most glaring difference is, of course, the characters themselves who make up this world. And while you may have similar “stock characters” in each story, just as with real people, it's the experiences of each one that makes them uniquely different from the other. These are just a few points I think are pretty obvious that show the comparison of both stories is unnecessary to them and the authors. It is very apple and oranges.

This adventure is a fast-paced read with an immense amount of action as the previous installments. The setting of this story takes place in New York City as Kronos's forces close in on Mount Olympus (located on the 600th floor of the Empire State Building). This is a strong point of the series: the sheer amount of traveling, exploration and “world building” in each book of the mythological world of the gods and the real world. Amazingly, we still travel before the major battles. Percy goes to a few places before returning to NYC. First, we travel to Long Island on a secret mission out on the Hudson River, then dive into the depths of the ocean and then back to camp Half-Blood. There's a pit stop in Connecticut (to visit Luke's mother) and then we journey to Percy's home for a blessing. Unbeknownst of Nico's intentions, we travel to the underworld and finally to the battleground. Lots of traveling until the very end. Even through dreams Percy travels with Rachel to her vacation on a Caribbean island. I like it. Exhausting at time, but really like it.

Usually when the reader is taken on an adventure there is a period of at least a chapter or so where he or she is reacquainted with the story and the world. In this adventure Percy takes off from the get-go without really taking a moment to breathe. Technically, he did since he had about a “year” to rest. But  the reader—especially if you binge read the series—doesn't have time to take that figurative breath before diving headfirst into the story. There might be a tiny breath but that's about it until you come up for air during the moments of exposition.

Most of the characters mentioned in my previous reviews (The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters) where either mortal or half-bloods. I would like to focus on the reason theses adventures have taken place. Although there are other gods mentioned, to me these stood out for their involvement in the overall scheme of the “prophecy” of this tale. On the outskirts of Connecticut we meet Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, who proclaims herself to be the “last Olympian.” We find out that she has been present at Camp Half-Blood in the form of a girl as the sons and daughters of the pantheon offer up the best portions of their meals to their respective mothers and fathers before they eat. There is Percy's father, the god of the sea, Poseidon. He can be considered the middle child in his importance and demeanor in more ways than just the order of birth of the “big three.” He is more relaxed than his older brother Zeus but less rebellious than his younger brother, Hades. Speaking of Hades, we know that he is Nico's father and god of the underworld. He is ironically linked to the self-fulling prophecy because he cursed the oracle when she reveals that his children's fates (Nico and Bianca) are involved in the prophecy. And finally there is Hermes. Besides being messenger of the gods, we know that he is Luke's father and was May's lover. He carries with him the burden of knowing the destiny of May and Luke and the knowledge of what was to come.

I like that this book was dramatic (like ancient Greek literature) and not melodramatic (like a soap opera) filled with endless unnecessary theatrics of cat fights just for the sake of causing a commotion. Although, in my opinion, Annabeth was being too catty at times for my taste. As highbrow as it may sound, the loves stories between characters in classics seldom have over-the-top obstacles and have legitimate concerns. And when it comes to “love triangles” it also has relatable choices with reasons why the protagonist would choose either the love interest or the “obstacle.” Rarely did any of the protagonists lead the “obstacle” on. If there was a pair, the “obstacle” could pine (if they wanted) but the protagonist would not play with anyone's emotions for the sake of drama (unless it was a “coquettish” drama and even those had consequences for doing so). Romance (in today's definition and not the early 19th century artistic movement) are novels with melodrama (again changed from their early definition). Melodrama now is a work that has sensational and an exaggerated plot with sensational and exaggerated characters. It's what, I believe can be compared with soap operas. For some, these are considered “guilty pleasures”  for stress relief and enjoyment, but for me, as good stories go, I like that the “romance” of this series is the minutest of details because there is so much more then the attraction between Annabeth and Percy. So much more. There were hints of the budding romance and it wasn't spoken of or made concrete until the end of this series. I think that gives young readers a great message: everything in due course.

Another thing that I like very much is the parting of Rachel and Percy. It ended not because they didn't share a mutual attraction, it just wasn't in the cards. And that's fine. They have different paths in life. There is no reason to lead someone on or have this incessant drama of an unnecessary “love triangle.” I really liked the importance Riordan gives Rachel. I applaud how Riordan handled the relationship between them. I like that Rachel is given a bigger role in the story and not just seen as an obstacle. I'm glad Riordan gave her something more than the role of an obstacle to the main romantic pair—if you want to call them that. And that's more to the relationship Rachel is given a bigger overall arc in the story and Percy is a gateway rather than the object. One downside is Annabeth's coldness and cattiness towards Rachel. It was a bit unnerving at times throughout the series. It was annoying how it melted once she saw that Rachel wasn’t a “threat” anymore. I remembered back in the The Battle of the Labyrinth Annabeth treated Rachel as if she was stupid or unimportant because she was a mortal girl who might have the slightest interest in Percy. I don't think Riordan was successful there.

Speaking of battles, which may be the climax of adventures series, but for me, reading them is always a challenge. They make better visual than they do written experiences. So much happens during that moment that I feel that written storytelling can be a bit restrictive because I don’t think that it can envelope all the chaos. It may be written with short sentences to make it fast paced; or with longer, more detailed sentences to make it slow paced and perhaps focus on a scene or a moment. These things make combat scenes a miss for me since I get apathetic or too zealous and I don't absorb the necessary details of something important. I am either overflowing with too much information or none at all. However, these battle scenes made me feel as everyone else. I was low in spirits, high on adrenaline and yet emotionally exhausted as the battles raged past the “climatic” fight of one moment/day. And bonus: I was always worried about the characters I cared about, hoping they wouldn’t die. I'm glad Tyson didn't. (phew!) Riordan did what few authors have done (and usually the setting is historical battle.) Wow.

Another downside is that I didn't find Silena's reason to become a spy for Kronos justifiable. I understand why she stayed a spy. I mean, once you're in a clandestine organization it's hard to get out and that was the consequence. For Silena to make things right again she had to sacrifice herself wether she lived or died. It seemed too much of a “shock value” factor. It appeared awkward, forced, and seemed to me used for the sole purpose to have Kronos be one step ahead. It appeared very much like a “deus ex machina” as Silena then becomes the “hero” as she usurps Clarisse's place to have all of Ares's children go to battle. It could be seen a hundred miles away.

I gave this last book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. This has been a great book and definitely a great series. I am immensely happy that I finally read it and discovered this awesome world of mythology come to life. There were times when I have questioned that half star. But the couple of points I mentioned had me take away half of that 5th star. I appreciated Riordan's imagination and the work it took to bring all of this world to us. Hopefully soon, we can get a series or reboot of the movies because it's a shame that this series has not been optioned again. I would love to see it as a live-action anything. On any screen. (Maybe Netflix!) I am going to miss it very much. I plan on reading the follow-up series Heroes of Olympus soon. Until next time.

Thanks for reading!

[boystownbirdie]

LMWTV4U: GOT S7E1

Welcome back to let me watch TV 4 U (LMWTV4U) where I watch TV shows so you don’t have to! If you’re not a GoT-watcher or you just need a review, check out my pre-season-6-GoT primer here or you can just check out the review/recap of the last ep of season 6 here

It’s GoT season 7 y’all- WHO’S EXCITED?

As always, spoiler alert. Also, I’m introducing a new segment of this blog called WHY DOES THIS SCENE EVEN MATTER or (WDTSEM?) to help us decipher when some seemingly unimportant or otherwise boring scenes actually do kind of matter. So watch for that. Now let’s get into it! 

Over in Frey-ville/ Riverlands...

So we open on Walder Frey (aka Argus Filch from Harry Potter) giving a toast to a bunch of his people, all of whom have to wear inexplicably weird hats that seem to serve no purpose. Off the bat we know something is up because Arya Stark, fresh from the face-swapping-assassin-training academy, definitely killed Filch in the last ep of season 6. He’s gathered up all of his hat-wearing friends and family and is like hey guys, here’s some NOT POISONED wine let’s have a toast. It’s pretty obvious it’s Arya doing a really good impersonation of Filch/ wearing his face, especially when he doesn’t even pretend to take a sip of his wine. He’s all, hey remember when we killed all those Stark people, especially the mom and the hottie son, Robb and his preggers wife? That was fun, right? And all the poisoned guys are like yep murder is fun you are correct. Then he’s like too bad you didn’t kill all the Starks cuz one is still alive and…. It’s ME BITCHES. 

And she rips off Filches’ face/body and is like SURPRISE! And because this is the season of the woman, she doesn’t let any of the poor servant girls (who were like 15 years old and all forced to marry Filch) drink any of wine but she’s like, I know this is confusing, because I was just wearing the face and body of your former husband but it’s me, a fellow 15-year old girl and please tell everyone THE NORTH REMEMBERS. (If you’ll recall the Stark fam is from the North and a bunch of them died at the red wedding which was FOREVER AGO)

Later in the ep, we catch up with Arya who is riding around on a horse like a boss when she happens upon ED SHEERAN. SERIOUSLY ED SHEERAN IS IN THIS EPISODE WHY? I DON’T KNOW. And he’s singing a song with some soldier bros, duh. And I guess they’re from the Lannister army (if you’ll recall the Lannisters are the incest twins) because they’re wearing their colors and they’re like ugh King’s Landing (where Queen Pixie Cut aka QPC is currently ruling after blowing up most of the city) is the worst. And Arya is like umm ya it sucks, last time I was there I saw my dad get his head chopped off, BUMMER. She doesn’t say that actually but she does listen to them talk about how they wished they were home with their family instead of fighting for QPC. 

WHY DOES THIS SCENE EVEN MATTER (WDTSEM)? This scene is pretty clearly a setup to get Arya to consider meeting up with her bro (well actually uncle) and sis in Winterfell rather than her current single-minded pursuit of killing QPC. Anyway, the strangest thing about this scene is that one of the bros is like ya my mom always said to be kind to others and they’ll be kind to you and also none of the bros say anything murder-y or even slightly assault-y for that matter toward this young girl traveling alone WHAT SHOW IS THIS? On any other season of GoT this scene would have been a literal bloodbath.

Sidenote: when the opening credits run we FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER only see Westeros rather than both sides of the globe (or is it a globe? Idk. g.r.r.r.r.r. Martin plz advise) cuz our Khween Khaleesi is no longer residing there.

Next, let’s check in up North with Bran and his pal Meera who recently narrowly escaped a zombie attack only to be rescued by his zombie-uncle.

Bran is having a vision, as he is wont to do, of the “Night King” (zombie leader guy) plus thousands of zombies marching toward the non-zombie world. Some of them are even zombie giants which is super spooky. He’s like let’s GTFO and get south of this giant ice wall so they coming a-knocking on the ice-wall-door which, if you’ll recall is manned by all those moody celibate dudes that Bae was briefly murdered by before coming back from the dead. Bae’s friend who is in charge now is like umm new phone who dis cuz IDK what “Brandon Stark” looks like but it’s probably not you. And he and his friend Meera are like we promise, we’re cool and they let them in.

WDTSEM? Bran and Meera’s next stop after passing through TSA security is probably to see his sis and bro at his home, Winterfell. Last time that poor boi was there he was paralyzed, briefly made leader, ousted, forced to watch the whole place burn down and then had to escape before he was killed. So needless to say he’ll be happy to see that it’s not only rebuilt and no longer a torture dungeon, but being ruled by his fam! AND he’s the only one who knows the truth about Bae the R+L=J theory so he needs to drop that bomb on erry’body that basically means that Bae is kind of a rightful ruler and also Khaleesi’s nephew?!?

Speaking of his home, let’s check in with Winterfell...

Bae (Jon Snow) is like wow being in charge is hard no wonder Obama turned gray lol-is-this-thing-on? And Sansa is like eye-roll and they have a little tiff in front of everyone which is EMBARRASSING. A few important things happen here: 

Bae tells everyone to dig for dragonglass cuz it’s the only way to kill the zombies. He’s like hey bois, gurls, gender-non-comforming-individuals, EVERYONE needs to get to work and dig and learn to fight

Everyone’s favorite pint-sized-ruler-of-Bear-Island, Lyanna Mormont, is all about that lyfe, as shown in gif above

Bae is like wow little kids are pretty good at being in charge so let’s put these other 2 lil’ squirts in charge over at their houses

Bae sends hottie-ginger-wildling-bae to guard part of the wall where the zombies are probably heading first. Goodbye ginger-bae. 

Sansa does not agree with the putting-kids-in-charge bit which is what they argue about but he does it anyway. They kind of makeup and then they talk about how Cersei (aka Queen Pixie Cut aka QPC) is in charge now and Sansa is like she cray but also a BAMF. 

Later we get a scene of Brienne, everyone’s fave lady-knight, training her squire how to fight and are reminded that ginger-bae has the hots for her. As Sansa watches this all play out, Littlefinger (ugh he is the WORST) comes over to tell Sansa for the 80th time that he loves her and wants to rule the world with her. And as she has done 80 times, she’s like NO THANKS DUDE. 

Speaking of Queen Pixie Cut (QPC) let’s check in on her over at King’s Landing…

QPC is ruling whatever is left of her people after she blew most of them up. She commissioned this giant map/painting on the ground and is stompin’ all around like she owns the place, which, to be fair, she does. Her twin bro/lover, Jamie, comes over and is like ummm… what’s the tea? Remember how our last living kid jumped out of a building and died last season… can we discuss? And she’s literally like yolo we gotta rule this place FOR US. And he’s like but we don’t have any heirs anymore, like who’s gonna take over after that you can’t #liveforever this ain’t the high school cafeteria in the film version of Fame. She’s like dontcha worry, I gotta plan.

So Theon’s crazy uncle shows up to see them. If you’ll recall last season, he killed his bro and then tried to become king of the wet-rock-pile by throwing up a bunch of sea water even though his niece, Theon’s sis, was totes supposed to become kween of her peeps. While he was performing his water-gagging-magic-trick, Theon and his sis ran away with a bunch of the peeps and all of the ships. Again, their entire island seemed to have about 20 people so WHO IS ON THOSE SHIPS? IDK. And he was like NBD I’ll make a bunch more ships AGAIN WHO IS BUILDING AND THEN RIDING ON THESE SHIPS IDK. So I guess the ships are built and people must be on them because they show up to QPC’s shores and she’s like whatup. Jamie is NOT HAVING IT mostly because he is jelly since Theon’s crazy uncle (TCU) is hittin on his sis. TCU manages to squeeze in a really sick burn when he’s like well at least I have 2 working hands (Jamie got one chopped off 3 seasons ago) and then he asks QPC to get with him. She’s like naw dawg so he’s like NBD I’ll be back with a “very special present” and heads off. They also banter about how his niece and nephew and Khaleesi and QPC’s other bro (Tyrion) have all teamed up and are headed that way.

WDTSEM? In the books, apparently TCU has some sort of magic horn that can call dragons? I think this might be the gift he’s going to get and bring back to QPC which would be CLUTCH because in the upcoming battle against Khaleesi, the ability to control those dragons would be really helpful.

Next, let’s see how Sam is doing over in “Oldtown” where all the maesters live...

If you’ll recall, Maesters are like doctors/librarians/historians, each of whom is assigned to either a place (like the ice wall) or a family, I guess (like the Starks). Sam wants to be one but he also is NAUGHTY and brought his gf and her bb with him (Maesters are also supposed to be celibate like the ice wall guys). He’s in maester-training-camp which includes a lot of diarrhea, apparently. He’s like cleaning bedpans, putting back library books, and doing autopsies on the reg. JIM BROADBENT aka Prof. Slughorn from HP aka Harold from Moulin Rouge shows up and is like DON’T GO IN THE RESTRICTED SECTION OF THE LIBRARY, SAM (flashes of Harry Potter, amirightladies?) so of course Sam does. He sneaks some books home and finds out that “Dragonstone” which is a castle near King’s Landing that Khaleesi is heading towards, is built on top of heaps of “dragonglass” (which, I mean, could have guessed) so he’s like I gotta tell Bae since I know bb boi is trying to stock up on that. Also, there’s a brief scene when Khaleesi’s friend who had the turning-to-stone-disease (Stoney) is like in a hospital where Sam is working and is pops his stone-hand out and is like IS SHE HERE YET? Aka Stoney wants to know if Khaleesi has made it to Dragonstone yet, which WAIT TIL THE END OF THE EPISODE, DUDE.

WDTSEM? Especially the scene with Jim Broadbent (JB) is important because he talks about how the ice wall has always held up after centuries of zombie attacks and how empires rise and fall and just like go with the flow, Sam. My guess is that they’re bringing up how strong the ice wall is and how unlikely a zombie-attack really is because this is something that may actually happen now so we can really grasp how high the stakes are nowadays.

Before we get to Khaleesi, we have to check in on “The Hound” who’s walking around with those fire-worshipping dudes these days…

Is it just me or is man-bun guy kinda hot? So he and “The Hound” come across this farm house which the Hound is having some guilt about b/c last time he was in the hood he killed the girl and her dad who lived there. They find their bodies and everyone is like IDK who killed them but ugh… that’s life. And then the fire-worshipper-guys are like here look at this fire and remember the Hound hates fire because he got half of his face burned off as a kid. But he does look at the fire and has like a premonition of zombies going around the ice wall and attacking all the living people. Then he and hottie man bun bury the dead girl and her dad outside because the Hound feels #guilty for killing them I guess?

WDTSEM? Well the Hound used to be really murder-y but then he was saved by Ian McShane and his group of like Amish people (much like Harrison Ford in the film Witness) and decided to renounce violence. He used to work for QPC’s family and then kind of kidnapped Arya but also was not the worst to her (or to her sister for that matter) so if shit’s going down he could potentially be on the Stark side of things now. 

Lastly, we check in with everyone’s fave kween and co, Khaleesi, who rolls up on Dragonstone with all her pals…

She hasn’t been to this side of the world since she was a wee babe so when she steps foot on the sand, she’s like give me a minute y’all. Then she walks into the castle and looks at the throne, which is NOT made of a bunch of swords but rather a slab of rock and is still pretty baller and walks right past it to head to the room with the giant map on it. Previously, Stannis and his friends lived there including sweet ole’ no-knuckles who is currently #teambae and he spent a lot of time strategizing and having sex with witches to produce demon babies on that table. Khaleesi looks around and then is like, let’s get it started in here #blackeyedpeas.  

WDTSEM? Well, duh, cuz Khaleesi is in it and she is basically the Beyonce of GoT. But also because she has had this single-minded pursuit on the iron throne (chair made of swords where QPC is currently sitting) so you’d think she’d like take a minute to sit on this rock-slab-throne and savor the moment, but she (unlike QPC) knows that a true kween not only sits there, but also gets shit done. And I think this scene is supposed to contrast how #woke Khaleesi is compared to QPC. Both have giant maps and thrones now, but QPC is so out of touch that she has no time for strategy or listening to other people’s advice. 

Final thoughts:

This ep was what the TV people call a “table setting” episode and it did just that. The drawback is that it was pretty boring. We just check in on all of our key players/places and see how everyone is doing which is normally quite helpful in GoT world. But the season 6 finale already did that for us, so it seems to be just an extension of that episode rather than something new and exciting. Now on to our superlatives...

Biggest surprise this ep: Sam is interning for JIM BROADBENT these days, which is pretty great. Also Ed Sheeran lives in GoT-world I guess which actually explains a lot.

Biggest letdown: We only get THREE WHOLE WORDS from Khaleesi in the entire ep!

Important fashion moments: Sansa’s new lacefront is NOT working for her. With this budget you’d think they could afford better wigs! Also, while I won’t miss the Mereen subplot, I will miss Khaleesi and co being in a warmer climate because she and her friends had some killer crop tops/ cut out dresses/ bright colors . Now that everyone is on the cold side of the world, we have much less #fashun.

Who died this ep? A bunch of Walder Frey’s main cronies

Check in next week when we’re promised someone will finally be strangling littlefinger so we may be rid of his creepy soliloquies soon! Thanks for reading tell your friends!

CORRECTION: After checking my sources, it seems like the Hound maybe didn’t kill the farmer dude and his daughter but instead stole their shit and so they were forced into the dire circumstances that led them to their death. So while it sounds like he didn’t kill them, he still feels guilty that he basically caused their deaths.

Also, I incorrectly ID’ed Bae as Khaleesi’s uncle a few times but actually she is his aunt I guess? Sorry to lead you astray! 

[deanodaniel]

Dean O'Gorman: Remaking Goodbye Pork Pie, why LA is over-rated and turning 40

8:30 PM Saturday Jan 14, 2017

SC:http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11780520

Actor Dean O’Gorman is in a new movie but more importantly, as he tells Greg Bruce, he’s in a good place. 

He looks so boyish and was rendered basically immortal by playing a central role in The Hobbit films but Dean O'Gorman married last year and turned 40 last month and now he has to face up to the realities of middle age.

So it's probably appropriate that in Pork Pie, the upcoming remake of the legendary New Zealand film of basically the same name from 1981, he plays Jon, a middle-aged dude who refuses to age: you're boyish until you aren't.

An actor's life, maybe more than any other, is about finding yourself, and that's something O'Gorman has had to do many times, growing up on screen, in real life and, briefly, as a 30-year-old working at Photo Warehouse.

The new Pork Pie is not a great movie but it's a likeable movie, and the main reason for that is O'Gorman and the ease with which he occupies his misguided middle-aged idiot character Jon.

He says he wanted to play a version of a New Zealand man he understood - not a black singlet-wearing, No. 8-wire type of guy, but a creative person living a life of great uncertainty. It is, he says, the sort of artistic person he's been surrounded by most of his life.

"A lot of these people get lost and they struggle because it can be very inconsistent and it's very vulnerable because you're putting projects out there all the time and everyone feels they have an opinion on acting - people will tell me what they think about my acting and I don't even f---ing know them."

His first acting role came as a 13-year-old, in the appallingly named genre known as "kidult", with a six-part drama called Raiders of the South Seas, which also starred a young Martin Henderson.

O'Gorman worked as an actor consistently through his teens and early 20s, including substantial spells on Shortland Street, Hercules, Young Hercules and Xena. Then, in 2002, he starred in a New Zealand movie called Toy Love, a highly touted film that was slated by critics.

"I'm not saying it was a perfect film," he says, "but I really enjoyed it and I just felt a bit hurt by that."

No longer feeling inspired by what he was doing here, he moved to Australia, got some odd jobs, did a year long spell on McLeod's Daughters, then moved to America.

He spent a few years there, determined to make it, but he didn't. Just before his 30th birthday, he was cast in a pilot, but says that instead of feeling excited, he just felt homesick. He came home for his birthday and when he went back to Los Angeles, he knew he'd had enough.

"I had this idea that I couldn't go home until I'd achieved something overseas but then I got so homesick, I thought, 'F--- that', and I came home and it was like the greatest decision."

He moved into a place in Ponsonby and became a frequenter of Grey Lynn's photographic retail specialists Photo Warehouse.

"I would go there and buy photographic stuff, so I knew the people and I said, 'Can I work here?' They said sure, and I was terrible at it."

"I was always like 'I don't think I'll be here long because I'll either get fired or give up', you know, but I just think it's good to have that diversity."

He left Photo Warehouse after he was cast to play a god on New Zealand television series The Almighty Johnsons, and then he was in New Zealand telemovie Tangiwai, then he got a major role in The Hobbit.

"I just kept thinking, 'When this job finishes, I should go back to the Photo Warehouse'," he says, but he never has.

He has a sort of side career in photography, having exhibited both here and internationally, including at Frankfurt's B3 Biennale in 2015 and the first result after his Wikipedia entry when you google him is his photography website, which includes many striking portraits of his actor friends.

Asked how he's changed as an actor over the years, O'Gorman says, "I probably give some less f---s."

It's a surprising comment because he has had some international success in the last few years, not just in The Hobbit but also playing Kirk Douglas in the critically lauded 2015 Hollywood movie Trumbo, alongside big names like Helen Mirren, Bryan Cranston and Louis C.K. It's possible to argue that he should be giving an exponentially increasing number of f---s.

"I think you need to enjoy your life," he says, "and I spent probably a lot of my mid-20s not really enjoying the projects, or struggling hard to do a job and I think I've learned to do a job because I want to do it and not necessarily look as much at the peripheral, 'What will this do for my career? Where will it take me?'"

I ask O'Gorman what a typical day now looks like for him. "Oh, God," he says, "it's pretty relaxed in a way. You get auditions and you have to prepare for that but it's a town full of actors so everyone just sits around and drinks coffee."

Realising he thought I was asking about Los Angeles, where he no longer lives, but usually spends at least a couple of months a year, I say, "Sorry, I meant here."

"Same thing!" he says. "A typical day is pretty much that, meeting up with some friends or, because we live a bit further out I tend to stay home and work on my own projects a bit more or just relax. The greatest time for me is knowing there's a job coming up and so that is, say two months before that job, I'm not unemployed, I'm on holiday, so I can do whatever."

"I guess at some point when does it tip over from being downtime to being unemployed? I guess there's some boundary."

In Pork Pie, O'Gorman's character ends up riding the length of New Zealand in a car stolen by a character played by James Rolleston. The pair are an odd couple who become buddies, and they pick up a young woman along the way, in what is a fairly faithful replica of the events of the original.

In many ways, the gang is going nowhere, directionless, but in another way, the direction is unimportant. What matters is the journey.

O'Gorman says he wants to be remembered not for being a good actor but for being a good person.

"I really like it when people enjoy jobs that I've also enjoyed making," he says, "but I think on your deathbed you want your mates around you, not people who might have seen a job you did once and liked it."

He says that a good person, as he conceives it, is not the same things as being nice, but is more about trying "not to spread any more hate, which is quite rife at the moment, isn't it?"

A couple of minutes later though, he had second thoughts.

"I think what I was trying to say was that I don't feel pressure to be a good samaritan; just knowing what's important. So work is important but family is important and finding the balance between the two. When I was younger, I didn't have as much of that balance and it can be quite empty."

Asked if there was a moment where he came to that realisation, he says: "Yeah - when I came back to New Zealand and I didn't have any work or immediate projects I could use to bolster my appearance of success. I wasn't, like, name-dropping that I was at the Photo Warehouse."

Last January, he married his long-term girlfriend, makeup artist Sarah Wilson: "I felt different when I proposed," he says. "I just felt different. I don't know why. I Just felt very grounded and very, I don't know, I just felt like a man."

Pork Pie is, on some level, the story of O'Gorman's character battling to grow up, or maybe battling against it, but then what is life but an eternal struggle to grow up, and to find a place in this ever-changing world?

"I read this interview, with Alan Rickman I think," O'Gorman says. "He said he spent his whole life trying to work out how to act and then when he figured it out, he didn't want to do it anymore."

I ask O'Gorman if he identifies with that.

"I don't know," he says. "I'm not at that point."