#that's a better ending than sad woman wants to die and dies just so others can live!

[imunbreakabledude]

last reblog has me thinkin about maeve being self-loathing, and suicidal, i been thinking about that a lot lately. how maeve is canonically suicidal. like in the show. it's not just subtext. several lines indicate it. which is why it was always bizarre to me to see some people reacting to the s3 ending saying it would've been a better ending if she died because... how is it a good character arc for someone to be suicidal and then, yknow, die. anyways...

anyways... what i was gonna say is... that last post just made maeve's lil confrontation with homelander from episode 305 pop into my head. which i hadn't thought about in a while. and i remember seeing some varying takes on her being like 'from the start, i always hated you...' to him. i personally don't believe this is true. and i generally read it as maeve lying to try to hurt homelander. since she is already "caught."

but tbh, slightly new/different reading... realizing there's no wiggling out of it maeve says that not just to hurt him but to try to piss him off so much he will physically attack. so that. he might. yknow. kill her. because she wants to die. very badly. and homelander killing her might be the only way to make that happen. (unfortunately he's too much of a #coward and has noir there ready to #subdue but not #harm her.) (thinkin abot how disappointed she is when she's like 'why are you letting me live'.) (also thinkin about how the whole 'i'm gonna harvest your eggs, maybe' threat was weirdly unnecessary if it wasn't going to be built upon - and to clarify, i'm very glad it went no further than that - but they really could've just had him say something like, 'i know you want to die, that's too easy, i'm not giving you the satisfaction'. and then it would've still hit emotionally, and wouldn't have led to a buncha people theorizing that maeve has to be pregnant or something just because she had sex with a man and had her reproductive capabilities mentioned again, in the same season, whoa!!)

[creedslove]

BABE JOELLL PLEASEEEE JOEEEELLL. If you can maybe post-outbreak!Joel (?). Like he’s been with reader on the road with Ellie before they came to Jackson and they had like a thing going on. Once they settled down they decided that they would’ve been better off as just friends and Joel finds another woman (like closer to his age ecct) but Joel and reader were still close to each other and Joel’s new woman is jealous and asks him to chose between her and the reader

Post outbreak!Joel Miller x f!reader

A/N: love this anon, this idea is genius!

• life on the road trying to survive wasn't easy for anybody, not since the world ended and the ones who hadn't died had to fight unimaginable horrors to survive so it was common for people to get cozy with each other, looking for some comfort, warmth and maybe a little pleasure

• and that was exactly what happened between you and Joel while the two of you plus Ellie crossed the country in order to find Tommy and settle in Jackson

• Joel wasn't the warmest guy nor the most friendly you'd met, but he was loyal, protective and he was a fine damn lover for someone who'd been striving with the basics for twenty years into the apocalypse, however, getting to know this side of Joel took time, as he didn't want to open up to you or let you get closer, but once it happened, he felt he needed you on a daily basis

• you didn't actually label your relationship with him, of course you slept together, you kissed and cuddled and you would die and kill for each other without a second thought but you wouldn't dare calling Joel your boyfriend and he would rather have someone holding him at gunpoint than to acknowledge exactly what nature of feelings he felt for you, let out word them out

• but it worked through all the excruciating crusade you shared until you reached your final destination, there wasn't a day Joel hadn't had his arms wrapped around you, keeping your warm when fires weren't a safe option out in the open, or when your body gave him the release he craved, intoxicated in your embraced, giving Joel what he needed but refused to admit

• when you three got to Jackson, a couple of days went by while Joel was getting acquainted with his brother again and you and Ellie were catching up on much needed sleep and skipped meals after all that time on the road

• so when Joel finally saw you again without being in a rush, his heart skipped a beat: you were so beautiful, too beautiful, the kind of beautiful that made his chest tighten

• of course he knew you were beautiful, he was attracted to you after all, but seeing you looking so carefree, happy, well-fed, cleaned up and wearing fresh new clothes made him realize how way out of his league you really were; not only that, he could also see how other men looked at you and he felt so guilty

• guilty because you were way too pretty and young for him, guilty because you were full of life and you deserved to have a chance of living a happy life now you found a place where life could be almost normal, guilty because he felt it would be a matter of time until one of those young men would sweep you off your feet because they could offer you something Joel couldn't: stability and a possibility of having a family

• so he made up his mind and when you tried sneaking into his bed at night, to finally manage to spend time with him in a comfortable mattress, where you didn't need to hump each other in your jeans in fear of having to escape, he stopped you and took your hand

• those sad cow eyes of his being honest as he told you you would be better off as friends, assuring you he would always care for you, protect you and keep you in his heart forever and it shattered his heart when he saw how bad you were holding back your tears not to cry in front of him, but eventually you agreed, there was nothing you could do, you couldn't force Joel to stay in a relationship with you, it was madness so you thanked him for your time together and promised you wouldn't push him away

• as you moved into your own place, you missed Joel so much, Ellie was still hoovering over you all the time, which was great, you were so thankful for that, and even Joel who tried making some kind of distance would stop by regularly to check on you, have a cup of coffee and grab a meal together

• until you found out Joel was seeing another woman; at first you chuckled to yourself, it sounded crazy to you, but when Ellie arrived at your place complaining about the "annoying cunt" - her words, not yours - Joel started to see, your heart sank in your chest

• you swallowed hard and felt yourself so lost at that moment, it was so difficult to keep pretending you didn't have deeper feelings for Joel, but as long as he was still visiting and you shared that same tension, you still had hopes, but learning he was seeing someone else, was like an ice bucket poured over you, it meant it was over because if he liked her, it meant he didn't like you

• so you decided to look for more information on her and you found out her name was Heather, she had been part of the community since the beginning and she was closer in age to Joel, which made you upset, as you were convinced he didn't want you anymore

• Joel, on the other hand, didn't actually want to meet nor date anyone but Tommy insisted he should go out and meet someone and preferably get laid. He also didn't understand why his brother had decided to break up with you,but since it was done, he knew Heather would be a good fit for Joel

• Heather was... Alright. They were almost the same age which was nice to be able to talk to someone who actually lived a life before the outbreak, remembered the same things and used to watch the same movies and shows, he was also good looking and gentle, but she wasn't you

• she wasn't as beautiful as you were, she wasn't as patient and funny, she didn't have the same corky sense of humor you did or how you could simply overlook all the bad things Joel had done, truth to be told, he wasn't in love with her as he was in love with you

• and as much as he tried to bury deep those feelings, it seemed more and more difficult, and he caught himself unable to simply stay away from you, he couldn't, he was just around you all the time

• it was uncommon to see you walking alongside the streets, Joel often walked you to your job, or picked you up even if it was perfectly safe and he didn't actually need to do this, not to mention the evenings he would either go to your porch and play some guitar just to enjoy your company or invite you to his so you would watch Ellie having her guitar lessons

• and as much as Heather tried being understanding about it, she simply couldn't. She could tell her boyfriend wasn't that her, but then him being in love with another woman was a whole other level

• so she waited for Ellie to go to bed and for you to leave his porch and knocked on his door

"Joel, you and I aren't kids anymore, what are we really doing? Because I started dating you thinking that maybe we would hit off, but this is clearly not working, you gotta make up your mind, Joel!"

"what do you mean?!"

"you know exactly what I mean, Joel! It's either her or me, you gotta decide, because I'm not gonna be here watching you going back to her every time"

• Heather finally says and Joel lowers his head, he looks around then back at her, he couldn't lie anymore, not to her, not to you and mostly not to himself

"I'm sorry Heather, it's her, it's always been her, there's no way I could choose anyone else but her"

• he said and left, he wanted to see you as soon as possible hoping he could still make things right with the woman he truly loved, you 💞

____

[daenerystargaryen06]

Reasons Why Daenerys Sacrificing Herself is Stupid

So, I have seen from the fandom points on that while people might not believe Daenerys will be killed, she will die sacrificing herself for the good of humanity against the Others in the books. Thus ending her arc in a 'better' manner. Yet this STILL includes harping on a female characters death, even if it is 'heroic', it's still just as bad as contemplating Dany dying by being killed by anything else. Some reasonings based on this theory vary:

-Some say Dany sacrificing herself will be a 'redemption' after she goes mad in the books and burns shit down (which is as ooc as it is and stems off of misogyny).

-Some say it is better for Dany to die sacrificing herself as a hero to rid/atone of the 'sins' of her ancestors (also misogynistic, and stupid.)

-Some say they'd rather see Dany die through self-sacrifice than any other way (but why see Dany die at all? Why not want for her to live happily instead, either as Queen or in a home of her own choosing?)

-Some say Dany will sacrifice herself to Jon as Nissa Nissa for the good of humanity (also misogynistic. Reduces Dany as a character. Dany is Azor Ahai, not Nissa Nissa).

The issue within Dany sacrificing herself overall, is it is an inherently misogynistic act within itself perturbed by those who want it to happen. Either way Dany sacrificing herself makes her a plot device, no matter how it happens. It strips away her character and what she represents.

-Dany sacrificing herself as Nissa Nissa is misogynistic in the way it strips Dany down from her character and simply makes her a tool. A vessel used for 'man pain' and only given a role for the man to be the hero. The woman dies so the man can continue on. She dies for the man and that is her only role in this portrayal. Even if Dany 'willingly' made herself Nissa Nissa and allowed it, overall it leaves a bad taste. It paints a narrative that her only use was for another man. A narrative that she was only useful for being a man's 'lover' and murdered in the end. A piece to be used and tossed away once done with.

Let's face the truth here, Dany is Azor Ahai. Her dragons Lightbringer. Dany does not need to be Nissa Nissa, because she already fulfilled the prophecy. Drogo was the sacrifice in this situation instead of Dany. The roles were reversed.

-Dany sacrificing herself (through battle or other means) also paints a misogynistic narrative. Her being a piece for sacrifice strips her of all her qualities; her intelligence, her ability and skill, her overall character arc and what she has done and achieved. It paints a picture that she is only of use to die. It makes everything she has ever achieved and accomplished and learned wasted on nothing. What is the point of her arc and all that she has learned and done if it's all just going to be wasted on her death in the end? Her apparently 'sacrificing' herself?

I do not see anyone discussed more of sacrificing themselves than Dany. And it's sad how people cannot enjoy a deeply written and amazing character without speculating on how they're going to die. It's sad people cannot enjoy Dany just for what she is without needing to make up theories just for how she will die. Why must she die? Why can't she live and have an accomplished and complete arc that results in her eventual happiness?

-The theory that Dany sacrificing herself for redemption after burning a city (like KL) is gross. Season 8 isn't canon, it isn't a part of G.R.R.M's ending. I highly doubt Dany is just gonna go crazy and start massacring people, when that has never been the point of her character and arc. G.R.R.M paints Dany as a HERO. Her narrative arc overall is that of a heroic one (but that doesn't have to include self-sacrifice done as a 'heroic' or 'redeemable act' either). G.R.R.M has also already denied a theory speculating Dany burning down the Water Gardens, why would he have her burn down KL instead? It makes no sense and would be a very ooc thing for Dany to do (no matter the circumstances). It is again, misogyny, to believe that Dany would just suddenly go crazy and burn shit, only to be able to 'redeem' her actions later by sacrificing herself and getting killed. If I needed that shit of an idea as an arc for Dany in the books, I might as well just ring up D&D and ask them to finish the books instead.

-Dany sacrificing herself to atone for the 'sins' of her ancestors/bloodline is also just as bad. What sins have her ancestors committed that she needs to atone for? I'd say most of her blood already atoned for their own sins given the tragedy that befell many Targs throughout the years. It does NOT fall on Dany to 'atone' for what her ancestors have done by sacrificing herself. There is the saying 'not to judge a person by the sins of their family'. Dany is not her family. She does not need to 'atone' for any sins. I'd say she's already doing a pretty good damn job of it already by upending the slavery economy, and being the person that she is- kind, compassionate, etc.

-As for theorizing she will sacrifice herself because there is no other vision for her death- again, I ask the question: why does she need to die at all?

Dany doesn't need to sacrifice herself. I doubt her arc will lead to that for her end. She is TPTWP, Azor Ahai. Her role against the Others will be one of triumph, not death. Dany is fire, she is life, she is Mother. There would be no point in her entire narrative arc, or even her written existence for that matter being raised up as such a large role, just for her to die in the end through 'self sacrifice'. I am sure many sacrifices will be needed during the Long Night, but Dany won't be one of them.

Let's not forget that Dany is the only person to

-First learn of the Song of Ice and Fire within the books

-Bring dragons back from extinction into the world

-Upend the slave trade/economy to help those enslaved

-Walk through fire to hatch dragons from stone

It is not her role to simply be used and traded off as some pawn for sacrifice. Her role is much bigger than just that. Dany is one of the main central characters within ASOIAF, she is the Fire in the title: A Song of Ice and Fire. Her role is not to sacrifice herself to the Others, but to end the coming darkness and bring Spring.

Dany is a hero, and she will continue to slay. Stay mad about it.

[ashsirens]

Now that Oshi No Ko is over and the fandom is slowly starting to die down, here are three of my controversial opinions:

Aqua's ending is no surprise.

I know many were disappointed with Aqua's ending, but honestly it didn't really surprise me. I've seen a lot of revenge plots in the media, so when Aqua said he wanted to avenge Ai in episode 1, I immediately understood how this story was going to end.

Also, there were some foreshadowings in the season 1 ending and in some manga panels that showed how Aqua would end up. Of course, that doesn't mean the ending is well written, I just mean that the ending wasn't completely unexpected.

However, it remains cliché with the sadness pushed to the extreme that it is difficult to feel bad for the characters.

Kana's stans ruined her character for me.

Long story short, I knew a bit about ONK's plot before watching the anime via TikTok edits. I knew there was a love triangle and that Kana was the most popular character, but when I looked at edits about the other girls, especially Akane and Ruby's edits, there wasn't a single comment that said "Kana is better".

Then I watched season 1 and honestly her character didn't really appeal to me. Even after finishing the entire series, I never understood what was so great about her, other than the fact that her abandonment issues and insecurities were relatable.

The more I looked at the fandom, the more I felt like this Kana hype was cult-like. In fact, Kana fans on Twitter and TikTok are the biggest condescending gaslighters I've ever seen.

Always saying: "I feel like I'm the only one who likes Kana", "Kana is underrated", "She doesn't deserve all this hate", "Kana haters don't understand the story"... WHILE ABSOLUTELY NOBODY HATES KANA! On the contrary, you say a single wrong word about the best girl in ONK and you get blasted by @kanasolourfav who will write you paving stones about why you are wrong, how much he understood the story unlike you and how much Aqua loves Kana (when that is not even the subject).

This kind of behavior made me end up liking all the girls in the series except Kana. Plus, I absolutely hated how the fandom excused or even admired her despicable behavior at times.

I understand that her bitchy attitude is part of her charm, it made me laugh sometimes, but there are still times when Kana was really a bitch with a capital B for nothing.

Like that scene where she makes fun of Akane in front of the entire theater troupe. As someone who has already experienced public humiliation in front of my class, I really found that moment disgusting on Kana's part.

What I also find ironic is that Kana fans have often called Akane a pick me for imitating Ai, yet the time Kana made fun of Akane in front of everyone and bragged to Aqua that her relationship with him is special while reducing Akane's worth, is much more pick me behavior than simply imitating someone to survive on a reality show.

Because yes, today we use the term pick me to designate a woman we don't like, but the real definition of a pick me is a woman who pulls other women down so that men understand that she's better.

(if that's not pick me behavior, then I don't know what is)

In short, aside from the fact that her attitude is sometimes borderline, objectively Kana's character is interesting and relatable, but this girl really deserved a better fanbase.

In Ruby’s defense.

I know that after the reveal between Aqua and Ruby that they are Goro and Sarina, there was a massive surge of hatred for Ruby's character as she started to see Aqua in a more romantic light.

But I think many have forgotten that in her first life, Ruby died at the age of 12. Which is very young, and it is reflected in her attitude throughout the series. For example Aqua read complex books while he was still in kindergarten because he was an adult in his old life, so he has the mentality of an adult. Same thing for Ruby, need I remind you that she literally rolled around on the floor stamping her feet so that Miyako would pressure the music producer to give them a song.

Because that's what Ruby is: a child.

Also, since she was seriously ill to the point of not being able to move, her former family literally abandoned her and she found herself isolated with no one. Isolation causes great mental damage, so imagine in someone young.

With Goro being the only person who cared about her at the time, hinting that she might have a chance with him when she's 16, and promising her that he'll be her #1 supporter when she's an idol, I understand why Ruby changed her attitude when she realized that Goro was still alive through Aqua.

Ruby, in both of her lives, never grew out of childhood. Childish immaturity combined with Ai's death must not have helped her be reasonable about her feelings towards Aqua.

There's also this: a lot of people underestimated the impact Ai's death had on Ruby. Now, it's understandable because the show didn't explore Ruby's trauma as much as Aqua's, but Ruby also hadn't moved on from Ai, hence her obsession with becoming an idol. Also, Ai was the only person who gave Ruby some joy when she was lying in her hospital bed, she gave her a purpose to accomplish in life, gave her love and affection by being her daughter, she helped her surpass herself (the scene where Ai and Ruby dance together). Ruby lost all of that.

Imagine: your family abandoned you because you were sick, you died at 12 without having been able to realize your dreams, you reincarnate in the child of the idol who gave you hope when you were at your lowest but who ends up dying before your eyes, you try to find the only person who gave you affection in your life but you learned he is dead, but in fact no he is not dead he was your twin brother from the beginning, who ends up sacrificing himself to save you from your psychopathic father who wanted to kill you.

So yes it's true, we can blame Ruby for a lot of things, but I don't think she deserves so much hate, because in the end she's the one who suffered the most in this story.

[novaursa]

Part 3

- Note: This work was fully published on AO3, so expect steady updates. I'll post regularly to engage more readers.

- Title: zōbrie ānogar

- Rating: Explicit (18+)

- Romance: (Aegon II/OFC)

- Warning: All flags are up for this work. Aegon is also a warning on his own.

- Summary: It was written by Archmaester Gyldayn that on the day Princess Vaella Targaryen was born she was supposed to die. Until she fed upon her twin, Baelon. And when she turned one and five, she sought her end in the lair of Cannibal, in Dragonmont. But instead of feasting upon her, the dragon wept with her. And Archmaester had written a lengthy thesis on how wild dragon recognized a kindred soul in the Princess, as they both dined on their kin.

- Word count: 9 000+

- Parts: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, Final

The next day dawned as tense and solemn as the last. The atmosphere in Driftmark was heavy with grief and unease. After the official breakfast, Vaella felt the need to escape the oppressive air inside the castle. She wanted to find some fresh air before Aegon decided to monopolize her entire day or Alicent sought them out for the inevitable talk about their previous night’s actions.

As Vaella made her way through the castle, she passed Princess Rhaenys. Her chest tugged with pain for the woman, knowing how the funeral of her daughter Laena had been overshadowed by the violent events of the night. Rhaenys’ face was a mask of sorrow, her eyes distant as she moved through the halls like a ghost.

Vaella continued her walk, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She needed space to think, to process everything that had happened. She found herself outside, the cool sea breeze washing over her, bringing a sense of calm. As she walked along the shore, she saw Laenor standing by the water, staring emptily out to sea as if he could call Laena back from the depths.

Laenor had always been kind to her when he lived in the Red Keep with Rhaenyra, and she felt a pull to join him. She approached quietly and stood beside him for some time, offering silent companionship. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore filled the silence between them.

Eventually, Laenor spoke, his voice low and filled with pain. "How do you live with it, Vaella? Knowing that part of your soul is forever ripped out of you?"

Vaella replied just as softly, her words tinged with sorrow. "I don't. It feels strange just existing."

Laenor sighed, his eyes still fixed on the horizon. "Baelon was next to you in his crib when he died. My sister was on the other side of the sea. I wasn’t there."

Vaella's eyes filled with empathy as she placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Perhaps it's better this way, to never be so close to the other part of you dying. There is a part of me that is always hungry for love I will never know and now will never be sated. I was there to see the Stranger when he took my brother, although I don't remember it. It doesn't make it any better than being miles away."

Laenor turned to look at her, his eyes reflecting the depth of his sorrow. "It’s as if there’s a void inside me, a piece that will always be missing."

Vaella nodded, understanding his pain all too well. "I feel it too. A part of me is always missing, and nothing can fill that void."

They stood together in shared silence, the bond of their grief connecting them in a way that words could not. After a while, Vaella gently embraced Laenor, offering what little comfort she could. He returned the hug, holding on as if afraid to let go.

As they parted, Vaella noticed Ser Harrold Westerling approaching. She frowned, knowing why he was there. He had come to bring her to Alicent.

"Princess Vaella," Ser Harrold said respectfully, "the Queen requests your presence."

Vaella sighed, her moment of peace shattered. She turned to Laenor, giving him a sad smile. "Take care, Laenor. If you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me."

Laenor nodded, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Vaella. And you, take care as well."

With a final, reassuring squeeze of his hand, Vaella followed Ser Harrold, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the difficult conversation that awaited her with Alicent. As they walked back towards the castle, Vaella took one last look at the sea, the waves reflecting the turmoil within her. She steeled herself for what was to come, knowing that she had to face it with strength and grace.

…

When Vaella arrived at the private chamber, she saw Aegon already there, his gaze cast down as he stood opposite their mother, Alicent. The same pained expression Alicent had worn when Ser Harrold informed her of the situation was etched deeply on her face. Vaella moved to stand next to Aegon, both drawing silent support from one another.

As Ser Harrold left, Alicent's gaze shifted between them, her disappointment evident. She began to address the situation, her voice trembling with controlled anger. "You both made a promise to me. A promise to stop this... behavior," she said, her eyes flicking accusingly between them. "And yet, here we are."

Aegon started to protest, "Mother, we—"

But Alicent sharply cut him off, her voice rising with frustration. "You are betrothed to Helaena, Aegon! You should at least have some decency and respect towards her."

She then turned to Vaella, her disappointment clear. "And you, Vaella, I expected better of you."

Vaella felt the weight of her stepmother's words like a physical blow. She could feel Aegon clenching his fists beside her, his jaw tightening in response to the scolding.

Suddenly, Aegon spoke up, his voice firm. "Mother, I can't marry Helaena. I must marry Vaella... because I have sullied her."

Vaella felt her blood run cold, her face paling at his words. Alicent's expression shifted from anger to horror, her hands trembling as she brought them to her face, drawing strength from her faith. "What have you done?" she whispered, more to herself than to them.

Vaella turned to Aegon, her eyes wide with shock and betrayal. "Aegon, what are you saying?" she whispered, horrified.

Aegon, his face set with determination, met her gaze. "It's the only way, Vaella. They have to understand."

Alicent slowly lowered her hands, her face pale and drawn. She took a deep breath and turned back to them, her voice barely above a whisper. "Leave. Both of you. I need to speak with your father about this."

Vaella felt a surge of panic as she and Aegon were dismissed. As they turned to leave, Aegon reached for her hand, but she snatched it away, her eyes filled with hurt and anger. They walked down the corridor in silence, the tension between them thick and oppressive.

"Aegon, why did you say that?" Vaella finally demanded, her voice shaking with emotion. "You've ruined my honor with that lie."

Aegon stopped and turned to her, his eyes filled with a mix of regret and determination. "Vaella, it's the only way to be together. They won't let us unless they believe there's no other choice."

Vaella shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "You don't understand what you've done. This will change everything."

Aegon reached out to her again, his voice pleading. "Vaella, please. Trust me."

But Vaella took a step back, her heart breaking. "I can't, Aegon. Not after this."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Aegon standing alone in the corridor, his shoulders slumped in defeat. The weight of their actions and the uncertainty of their future pressed heavily on both of them.

As Vaella continued down the hallway, she felt a mix of fear, anger, and sorrow. Her relationship with Aegon had always been complicated, but now it felt irrevocably damaged. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew that the consequences of Aegon's lie would ripple through their lives in ways neither of them could yet understand.

…

Aegon stood alone in the corridor, his world crashing down around him. Vaella's reaction had been worse than he had anticipated, and now he felt an overwhelming sense of loss and regret. Despite their intentions the other night, that almost did end with something different, he knew he had lied. But he had done it to bring them together, hoping Vaella would understand.

He leaned against the cold stone wall, trying to steady his breathing. The weight of what he had done pressed heavily on his chest. His thoughts were a whirlwind of guilt and longing. He needed to find a way to make things right with Vaella.

Aegon spent the rest of the morning in a daze, trying to find Vaella to explain himself. Each time he approached her, she would slip away, avoiding his gaze and his presence. He caught glimpses of her in the corridors, in the gardens, and even at the breakfast table, but every time he got close, she would leave, her expression set and distant.

In the afternoon, Aegon found himself wandering aimlessly through the castle grounds, his heart heavy with the pain of Vaella's rejection. He stopped by the edge of the gardens, staring blankly at the flowers, their vibrant colors contrasting sharply with his bleak mood.

Aemond approached him, his one remaining eye observing his older brother with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Aegon, you look like you've seen a ghost. What's going on?"

Aegon sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "It's Vaella. She's avoiding me. I... I told Mother something, hoping it would bring us together, but it only made things worse."

Aemond raised an eyebrow. "What did you tell her?"

"I told her that I... that I sullied Vaella," Aegon admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aemond's eye widened in surprise. "Why would you do that? You know how Mother is about these things."

"I thought it would force their hand," Aegon said, his voice trembling. "I thought if they believed we had no choice, they would let us be together."

Aemond shook his head, his expression stern. "That was a foolish thing to do, Aegon. Now you've hurt Vaella and complicated things even more."

Aegon nodded miserably, feeling the weight of his brother's words. "I know. But I didn't know what else to do. I can't lose her, Aemond."

Aemond placed a hand on Aegon's shoulder, his grip firm. "You need to give her time. Let her come to terms with this on her own. Chasing after her will only push her further away."

Aegon nodded, his heart heavy with regret. "I just hope she forgives me."

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Aegon tried to keep himself occupied, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Vaella. He saw her once more in the afternoon, speaking quietly with Rhaenyra in the courtyard. He watched from a distance, his heart aching with the longing to be near her, to explain himself, to make things right.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the castle grounds, Aegon retreated to his chambers. He sat by the window, staring out at the darkening sky. The sense of loss and isolation weighed heavily on him, and he felt a tear slip down his cheek.

"Vaella," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with sorrow. "Please forgive me."

…

Alicent Hightower moved through the corridors of the royal chambers in Driftmark, her expression a mask of controlled fury. The sea air brought little comfort as she approached the room where her husband, King Viserys I Targaryen, rested. The events of the previous day still weighed heavily on her mind, but the fresh scandal demanded immediate attention.

As she entered the chamber, she found Viserys slouched in a chair, his face pallid and drawn with pain and sickness. The room smelled of medicinal herbs, a stark contrast to the salty breeze outside. His eyes, cloudy with fever, struggled to focus on her.

"Viserys," she began, her voice sharp. "We need to talk."

He looked up, a weary frown creasing his brow. "Alicent? What is it now?"

"Aegon and Vaella," she snapped, not bothering with pleasantries. "They've finally done it. They've crossed the line."

Viserys blinked, trying to comprehend. "Crossed the line? What do you mean?"

Alicent's patience snapped. "They fucked, Viserys. Is that clear enough for you?"

The king's face went pale, and he shook his head in disbelief. "No. Vaella would never allow such a thing to happen."

Alicent's lips curled in a bitter smile. "Just like you didn't believe it with Rhaenyra either. And look how that turned out."

Viserys recoiled as if struck, his hand clenching the armrest of his chair. "Do not speak aloud of such things," he warned, his voice trembling with anger.

"You always protect them," Alicent continued, her voice rising. "Rhaenyra, Vaella—they never face the consequences of their actions. You turn a blind eye, and now look where we are."

Viserys glared at her, his anger momentarily clearing the fog of his illness. "And you think Aegon bears no blame? He has always been the one to act on his base desires without thought of the consequences."

Alicent's eyes blazed with fury. "You would claim Aemond took his own eye out, as well, if you could sweep all this under the rug for Aemma's children. You always have."

Viserys surged to his feet, his face flushed with rage. "Enough, Alicent! You speak of things you do not understand. Vaella—she has faced her own share of pain and loss. Do not presume to judge her so harshly."

"Pain and loss?" Alicent sneered. "You think that excuses her? You think that excuses any of them? You've coddled them, Viserys, and now we're paying the price."

The king took a step forward, his body shaking with emotion. "You forget your place, wife. I will not have you speak of my daughters this way."

Alicent's voice lowered, cold and venomous. "And you forget yours, husband. You are the king, yet you let your children run wild, and now we are on the brink of disaster because of your weakness."

Viserys, his strength failing, sank back into his chair, his face a mask of anguish. "What would you have me do, Alicent? What would you have me do?"

"Bethroth them," she hissed. "Bethroth Aegon and Vaella before this scandal tears our family apart. It's the only way to salvage this mess."

The king looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of despair and reluctant understanding. "And if your father and my other advisors refuse? Otto already started making arrangements for your brother’s betrothal to Vaella."

Alicent's smile was devoid of warmth. "Then make them understand they have no choice. For once, Viserys, be a king to your children, not just a father."

Viserys closed his eyes, the weight of his sickness and the burden of his choices pressing down on him. The room was silent except for the distant crash of waves against the Driftmark shore. The decision was his to make, and the consequences, for better or worse, would be borne by them all.

…

Vaella Targaryen sat in her chambers, the evening light casting a soft glow through the windows. Across from her, Rhaenyra, her older sister, watched her with a mixture of concern and affection. The tension in the air was palpable, and Vaella could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she recounted the events that had transpired.

"Aegon told Alicent he sullied me last night," Vaella said, her voice trembling with indignation. "As Ser Harrold came to bring us after the incident with Aemond."

Rhaenyra's eyes widened, but her voice remained gentle. "Is it true, Vaella?" she asked, her tone devoid of judgment, merely seeking the truth.

"No," Vaella replied firmly, shaking her head. "It's not true. Aegon lied."

Rhaenyra gave her a searching look, one that made Vaella feel both understood and scrutinized at the same time. Vaella felt the need to insist on her innocence. "We were close," she admitted, "but nothing happened. Ser Harrold interrupted us before anything could."

Rhaenyra reached out and placed her hand over Vaella's, squeezing it reassuringly. "I believe you, Vaella," she said softly. "I always will."

Vaella felt a wave of relief wash over her, but she couldn't ignore the strain in Rhaenyra's eyes, the unspoken words that lingered between them. "You look troubled, sister," Vaella observed. "Is there something you wish to tell me?"

Rhaenyra hesitated, then sighed. "I missed you, Vaella. My isolation on Dragonstone has been heavy on my mind. Being away from you, from our family, it's been... difficult. I want to convince Father to allow us to return to Dragonstone together after Driftmark."

Vaella smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through her. "I would like that, Rhaenyra. Truly."

But even as she spoke, Vaella felt a knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach. "But you know Alicent will detest that," she added softly. "More incidents could loom between her children and yours."

Rhaenyra's expression darkened slightly, but she nodded in agreement. "I am aware. But our bond, our family, it must come first. We need to stand united, especially now."

Vaella's thoughts drifted to the recent tensions, the arguments, and the looming threat of more conflict. "Do you think Father will agree?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Rhaenyra squeezed her hand again. "I will make him see reason. Our place is together, Vaella. We are stronger when we are not divided."

The sisters sat in silence for a moment, drawing strength from each other's presence. 

…

The next day, the tension in the royal chambers of Driftmark was almost tangible. Aegon paced back and forth in a room, his anxiety and frustration evident in every step. His platinum blonde hair was disheveled, and his usually carefree demeanor was replaced by a palpable sense of desperation. Vaella had been avoiding him since the incident, and it gnawed at him incessantly.

In the same room, Aemond sat stoically, his face a mask of indifference as the Maester carefully cleaned the stitches around his missing eye. His remaining eye followed Aegon's restless movements with thinly veiled annoyance.

"Aegon, you’re wearing a path into the floor," Aemond finally said, his voice edged with irritation.

Aegon stopped and turned to face his younger brother. "I can't help it, Aemond. Vaella won't speak to me. She won't even look at me."

Aemond raised an eyebrow. "And why do you think that is? Perhaps because you told our mother a blatant lie about defiling her? A lie that could ruin her?"

Aegon’s face twisted in frustration. "I had to do something. Father’s been ignoring our closeness for too long. I thought... I thought if I said that, he’d have no choice but to betroth us. It was a risk, but one that had to be taken."

Aemond's expression hardened. "Your 'risk' might cost you everything, Aegon. Including Vaella. She’s not like the other girls you’ve toyed with. She’s our sister. Our blood."

Aegon’s eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and desperation. "I know that, Aemond! Don’t you think I know that? But she’s always been mine. Ever since we were babes, we’ve been inseparable. I need her."

Aemond let out a slow, measured breath, his voice lowering to a more serious tone. "Need her or possess her? There’s a difference, brother."

Aegon’s shoulders slumped, the weight of Aemond’s words settling on him. "I just want her to see the wisdom behind my lie. To understand that it was for us."

Aemond's gaze was unwavering. "And what if she doesn’t? What if she never forgives you?"

Aegon shook his head, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and hope. "She will. She has to. Once Father announces our betrothal, she’ll see that it’s the only way. She’ll understand."

Aemond sighed, a note of exasperation in his voice. "You’re a fool if you think she’ll simply forgive and forget. Vaella has a strong spirit, stronger than you give her credit for. You’ve wounded her pride, her honor. Those aren’t easily mended."

The Maester finished tending to Aemond’s stitches and quietly packed away his supplies. Aemond barely noticed, his attention still fixed on his brother.

"Aegon, you need to think carefully about your next steps," Aemond continued, his tone more measured. "This isn’t one of your usual escapades. This is our family. Our legacy. You’ve set events in motion that can’t be easily controlled."

Aegon ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "I know, Aemond. I know. But I can’t just let her go. I won’t."

Aemond’s eye softened slightly, a rare moment of sympathy. "Then you’d best be prepared to fight for her forgiveness. Not with lies, but with truth. And pray that it’s enough."

The room fell silent as Aegon considered his brother’s words. The weight of his actions hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the fragile balance between desire and duty. Aegon could only hope that his gamble would pay off, and that Vaella would see the sincerity behind his desperate lie.

As the Maester left the room, the brothers were left in a contemplative silence, each lost in their thoughts. 

…

The next morning, Rhaenyra stood outside her father’s chambers, her heart heavy with the weight of the past few days. She knocked gently, and a servant opened the door, allowing her to enter. Inside, King Viserys sat by the window, the morning light casting a pallor over his already wan features. Beside him stood Alicent, her expression unreadable but her presence unmistakably stern.

"Father," Rhaenyra began softly, stepping into the room. "I need to speak with you."

Viserys turned his gaze towards his daughter, his eyes softening at the sight of her. "Rhaenyra, my dear. What is it?"

Rhaenyra took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "I was hoping you might consider coming to Dragonstone with the rest of the family before returning to King’s Landing. Perhaps... to mend what has happened between us."

Alicent scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "My son’s eye won’t grow back from your attempt to reconcile, Rhaenyra."

Rhaenyra ignored her stepmother, focusing solely on her father. "I’ve missed you, Father. And Vaella. I wish to spend a little more time together before we are parted again. It would mean so much to me."

Viserys looked at his daughter, his expression a mixture of pain and longing. He had missed his daughters dearly, the rifts in the family tearing at his heart. His gaze softened further, and he sighed, nodding slowly. "Perhaps you are right, Rhaenyra. My health fails more every day, and I wish to visit our family home before I no longer can."

Alicent’s face hardened, her eyes flashing with anger. "Viserys, you cannot be serious! This is not the time for such a trip. We have responsibilities—"

Viserys cut her off, his tone firm despite his frailty. "Enough, Alicent. I have made my decision. We will visit Dragonstone after we disembark."

He stood slowly, leaning heavily on his cane. With a final, weary glance at Alicent, he left the room, leaving the two women standing in tense silence.

As the door closed behind him, Alicent turned to Rhaenyra, her eyes blazing with fury. "What are you doing, Rhaenyra? What is your game?"

Rhaenyra met her gaze evenly, her voice steady. "I wish to spend more time with my sister and father. Nothing more."

Alicent’s lips curled into a sneer. "You expect me to believe that? After everything that has happened? You are trying to drive a wedge further between us."

Rhaenyra’s eyes flashed with anger. "You think I am plotting against you, Alicent? All I want is to be with my family, to heal the wounds that have been inflicted. You see plots and schemes everywhere, but perhaps the truth is much simpler."

Alicent stepped closer, her voice low and venomous. "You always were the favored one, the one who could do no wrong in his eyes. You think I don’t see through your manipulations?"

Rhaenyra’s expression hardened. "This isn’t about favoritism or manipulation. It’s about family, something you seem to forget in your quest for power."

Alicent’s eyes narrowed. "Be careful, Rhaenyra. You may find that the price of your so-called reconciliation is higher than you expect."

Rhaenyra stood her ground, her voice resolute. "I will take that risk, if it means mending the rifts in our family. You can either stand with us or against us, but I will not be deterred."

Alicent stared at her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she turned on her heel and left the room, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Rhaenyra took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. The battle lines had been drawn, but she knew that the path she had chosen was the only way forward. She only hoped that her father’s decision would be the first step towards healing the wounds that had torn their family apart.

…

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows along the shores of Driftmark as Vaella Targaryen strolled with her oldest nephew, Jacaerys Velaryon. The distant roars of dragons echoed through the air, a reminder of their ever-present guardianship. The tranquil setting contrasted sharply with the tension Vaella felt within, the turmoil of the past days weighing heavily on her mind.

"How are you and your brothers holding up, Jace?" Vaella asked, her voice soft and concerned. They had barely had a moment to speak since arriving for Laena's funeral.

Jace glanced at her, his youthful face marked by a maturity beyond his years. "We’re good, Aunt Vaella. Life has been pleasant since we left King’s Landing. There’s no judgment on Dragonstone, no whispers behind our backs."

Vaella nodded, relieved to hear that at least part of her family found some solace away from the political machinations of the capital. "I’m glad to hear that," she said sincerely.

Jace’s expression grew serious, and he turned to her, about to broach the subject of the incident with Aemond. "Aunt Vaella, about what happened with Aemond—"

Before he could continue, a sharp voice cut through the air. "Vaella!"

Vaella’s frown deepened as she turned to see Aegon approaching them, his face a mix of desperation and determination. The sight of him brought back the pain of his betrayal, a wound still fresh and raw. She had loved Aegon, but his actions had the potential to ruin her life forever.

Jace stepped closer to his aunt, his stance protective. Aegon's pleading gaze soured as he noticed Jace’s proximity. "Don’t you have your betrothed to bother, Jacaerys?" he snapped.

Vaella, her voice cold and controlled, addressed Aegon before Jace could respond. "What do you want, Aegon?"

Aegon turned to her, his expression earnest, almost frantic. "Vaella, please understand why I said what I did. I love you. Now Father has no choice but to wed us and annul my engagement to Helaena."

Vaella’s eyes narrowed with a mix of hurt and anger. "Do you think this is something I can forgive easily? You lied, Aegon. A lie that could ruin a princess's life."

Aegon, now panicking, reached for her hands. She flinched, pulling back, but he clung to her desperately. "You must forgive me, Vaella. Because you love me too, and we almost did it anyway if not for Ser Harrold."

Jace, confused but seeing Vaella’s distress, stepped in to push Aegon back. "Enough, Aegon. Leave her alone."

Aegon’s demeanor shifted abruptly. His face twisted with anger, and he shoved Jace back. "Stay away from us, you bastard."

Vaella’s voice rose in anger and desperation. "Stop it, Aegon! This isn’t helping!"

The boys began to shove each other, the tension escalating, until a commanding voice interrupted them. "That’s enough!"

Ser Criston Cole rushed towards them, his presence a stern reminder of their responsibilities and the eyes that always watched. The boys stopped immediately, stepping back from each other.

"You must return to the castle at once," Ser Criston said, his tone urgent. "Your presence is required urgently."

Vaella, still reeling from the confrontation, nodded numbly. She glanced at Jace, who gave her a reassuring look, before turning to follow Ser Criston. Aegon trailed behind, his expression a mix of regret and defiance. The unresolved tension hung heavy in the air as they made their way back, each step fraught with the weight of unspoken words and unhealed wounds.

…

The news of Laenor Velaryon's death spread through Driftmark like wildfire, casting a heavy pall over the already grief-stricken island. Princess Rhaenys had found her son, his body charred and unrecognizable, lying near the hearth where he had met his tragic end. The once vibrant halls of Driftmark were now filled with mournful wails and the somber preparations for yet another funeral. The mood was bleak, with every corner of the castle steeped in sorrow.

A few days later, the family gathered once more by the sea, their faces drawn and eyes red from weeping. Laenor was laid to rest beside his sister Laena, their bodies committed to the deep waters as the waves lapped gently at the shore. The salt of the sea mingled with the salt of their tears, and the sound of dragons keening in the distance added a haunting note to the solemn ceremony.

The day after the funeral, the royal family prepared to depart for Dragonstone. King Viserys had granted Rhaenyra’s wish, hoping that time together away from court would help heal their fractured family. The dragon riders readied their mounts, the massive beasts shifting restlessly as their riders made final preparations. Those who were not riding dragons, including Vaella, prepared to board the ships that would take them to Dragonstone.

As Vaella stood on the docks, overseeing the loading of supplies and ensuring all was in order, she heard a familiar voice call her name. She turned and saw Aegon approaching, his expression earnest. She sighed, feeling a mixture of exasperation and resignation. 

"Aegon, what is it now?" she asked, her voice weary.

Aegon slowed his pace as he neared her, his eyes reflecting a mixture of hope and desperation. "Vaella, I was hoping you might ride with me on Sunfyre. It would be faster and... we could talk."

Vaella frowned, the pain of his recent betrayal still fresh in her heart. "I don’t think that’s a good idea, Aegon. Too much has happened."

Aegon stepped closer, his tone softening. "Please, Vaella. I know I’ve hurt you, but I want to make it right. Let me prove to you that I meant well, even if my actions were misguided."

Vaella looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. Despite everything, the bond they shared was strong, forged over years of closeness. She felt her resolve waver. "I still haven’t forgiven you, Aegon," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aegon reached out and gently took her hand, his touch warm and familiar. "I understand, and I’ll do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness. Just give me a chance."

She hesitated for a moment longer, then nodded reluctantly. "Alright. But this doesn’t mean everything is forgiven."

Aegon smiled, relief flooding his features. "Thank you, Vaella. I promise, I’ll make it right."

With that, he led her towards Sunfyre, the magnificent golden dragon waiting patiently. Vaella climbed onto the saddle behind Aegon, her heart a tumult of emotions. As Sunfyre took to the skies, the wind whipping through her hair, she held on tight, hoping that this journey would bring some semblance of peace to their troubled family.

…

The evening sky was painted with the last hues of sunset as the royal family arrived on Dragonstone. Sunfyre, Aegon’s majestic golden dragon, landed in Dragonmont, the great volcanic mountain that housed the island’s dragons. The dragon’s arrival was met with the usual flurry of activity from the Dragonkeepers, who rushed to tend to Sunfyre and ensure the safe dismounting of Prince Aegon and Princess Vaella.

Aegon helped Vaella down from the saddle, his hands lingering on her hips longer than necessary. Vaella shot him a look, a mix of exasperation and warning, but Aegon only shrugged it off with a smirk.

The evening was tense as they gathered for dinner, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved tensions. Conversations were stilted, and the family members were all too aware of the delicate balance they were trying to maintain. After the meal, they each retreated to their chambers, seeking a moment of peace in the midst of their turmoil.

In her chambers, Vaella allowed the servants to draw her a hot bath. She slipped into the warm water, feeling her muscles relax for the first time in days. The scent of lavender and rose petals filled the air, soothing her troubled mind. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth wash away her worries.

But her peace was abruptly shattered when Aegon entered the room without knocking. The servants tending to Vaella gasped in alarm, but Aegon waved them away with an imperious gesture. He approached the bath, kneeling beside it with a wishful smile on his lips, his fingers playing with the water.

Vaella opened her eyes, startled and annoyed. "Did you want something, Aegon?"

Aegon’s smile widened. "I wanted to spend more time with you. I’ve slept little ever since you started avoiding me. I’m staying with you tonight, like before we always did."

Vaella started to protest, her voice rising in frustration. "Aegon, you can’t just—"

He cut her off, his tone firm and unyielding. "Everyone already talks about us, even before I lied to Mother. I don’t care, and neither should you."

Vaella sighed, feeling the weight of his words. "It’s not that simple. I’m a woman, Aegon."

Aegon’s smirk returned as he reached into the bath, pulling her out with a possessive grip. "You’re my woman."

She stood there, dripping and vulnerable, as Aegon’s eyes roamed over her. His admiration was evident, but Vaella felt a knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach. She knew he believed his actions were driven by love, but she feared how far that love would push him.

Realizing she had little choice, Vaella sighed and reached for a towel, drying herself off. She dressed in her nightgown, the silk clinging to her damp skin. Aegon watched her every move, his eyes never leaving her. She took his hand, the weight of resignation heavy in her heart, and they proceeded to retire for the night together.

As they settled into the large bed, Vaella couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. She felt the warmth of Aegon’s body beside her, his arms wrapping around her protectively. She believed him when he said he loved her, but the intensity of that love frightened her. How far would he go? How much would she have to sacrifice?

Aegon’s voice broke the silence, soft and earnest. "I know I’ve made mistakes, Vaella. But I promise, I’ll do whatever it takes to make things right."

Vaella turned to look at him, searching his eyes for sincerity. "I hope you do, Aegon. Because this... this isn’t easy for me."

He nodded, his expression serious. "I know. And I’ll prove to you that we belong together."

Vaella sighed again, nestling into his embrace. But for now, she allowed herself to find a moment of solace in his arms, hoping that somehow, they would find a way through the storm that lay ahead.

…

The next morning, the sun cast a pale light over Dragonstone, casting long shadows through the ancient stone halls. Vaella and Aegon walked hand in hand towards the chamber where their father had summoned them. The tension between them was palpable, a mix of anxiety and anticipation. As they entered the room, they found King Viserys seated at the head of a long table, his expression stern. Otto Hightower stood nearby, his face a mask of irritation, while Alicent sat beside him, her expression tight and unreadable.

Viserys looked up as they approached, his gaze moving from Aegon to Vaella. He began slowly, his voice heavy with disappointment. "Alicent has told me what occurred on Driftmark."

Vaella felt a chill run down her spine as she met her father's disapproving gaze. Aegon's grip on her hand tightened, a silent reassurance. 

"I hope you both understand the gravity of your actions," Viserys continued, his tone stern. "This is not something that can be easily overlooked or forgiven."

Aegon swallowed hard but kept his head high. "We understand, Father. We regret the distress we've caused."

Viserys sighed, his eyes softening momentarily before he continued. "In light of these events, I have decided to annul Aegon's betrothal to Helaena. It is clear that the bond between the two of you is strong, and for the sake of the court and Vaella's dignity, you will be betrothed to one another."

Aegon's face lit up with relief and triumph, his plan having worked. He pulled Vaella closer, his heart pounding with excitement. "Thank you, Father. We will do our best to uphold the honor of our house."

Otto Hightower suddenly spoke up, his voice sharp with alarm. "Your Grace, I must ask you to reconsider. My son was looking forward to his betrothal announcement to the Princess. Even if Vaella's honor is in question, this decision—"

Aegon’s expression darkened, his annoyance growing. "Grandsire, with all due respect, this is a matter between the King and his children."

Vaella remained silent, her eyes fixed on the floor. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on her, and she could feel the intensity of Otto’s stare.

Viserys raised a hand to silence the room. "I have made my decision, Otto. This union will help maintain the stability of our house and protect Vaella’s reputation."

Otto nodded reluctantly, his defeat evident in his posture. "As you wish, Your Grace."

Before turning away, Otto sent a cold, calculating stare toward Alicent, who looked down, guilt and frustration etched on her face. It was clear that he blamed her for allowing the bond between Aegon and Vaella to develop unchecked.

Viserys turned his attention back to Aegon and Vaella. "I expect you both to conduct yourselves with the utmost propriety from now on. This union is not just a matter of love, but of duty and honor to our house."

Aegon nodded, his grip on Vaella’s hand tightening reassuringly. "We understand, Father. We will not disappoint you."

Vaella finally found her voice, her tone steady despite the turmoil within her. "Thank you, Father. We will do our best to honor your decision."

Viserys nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Very well. You are dismissed."

As they left the chamber, Aegon’s excitement was palpable. He pulled Vaella into a tight embrace, whispering in her ear, "We did it, Vaella. I told you it would work. We’re going to be together."

Vaella forced a smile, her mind racing with the implications of their father's decision. She believed Aegon loved her, but the fear of what that love might drive him to do still lingered in her heart. As they walked back to their chambers, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them and their house.

…

As the royal family dispersed from the council chamber, Otto Hightower and his daughter Alicent walked the dimly lit hallways of Dragonstone, their footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls. Ser Criston Cole trailed a few paces behind, his keen eyes ever-watchful, ensuring the Queen’s safety.

Otto’s face was a mask of barely restrained anger, his lips pressed into a thin line. He waited until they were out of earshot of any servants before he rounded on Alicent, his voice low but laced with venom. "This is your doing, Alicent. You pushed for Aegon to wed Vaella, and now look where we are. Securing Vaella’s hand to Gwayne would have cemented our House’s claim to the throne, and Aegon marrying Helaena would have garnered the favor of the smallfolk, invoking the legacy of Aegon the Conqueror. But now, everything is jeopardized."

Alicent’s eyes flashed with frustration and defensiveness. "Father, you know as well as I do that Aegon and Vaella have always shared a strange bond. They’ve shared a bed since they were babes, and no matter how much I tried to keep them apart, they always found a way to sneak behind my back. This was inevitable."

Otto grimaced, his hand clenched into a fist. He opened his mouth to reprimand her further, but Alicent cut him off, her voice firm and resolute. "This can still be used to our advantage. Aegon listens to Vaella more than anyone else. If we guide her, direct her to control his urges and ambitions, it could still work in our favor."

Otto's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "And what makes you think Vaella will bend to our will? She’s as headstrong as her sister Rhaenyra. There is no guarantee she won’t betray Aegon for her sister."

Alicent met her father’s gaze, her expression determined. "Vaella may be strong-willed, but she is also deeply loyal to those she loves. If we handle this carefully, she will see the benefits of aligning with us. Besides, Aegon’s influence over her is significant. If he believes in our cause, so will she."

Otto sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration. "I hope you’re right, Alicent. But tread carefully. This alliance is fragile, and one misstep could bring everything crashing down. We must ensure Vaella’s loyalty, or this entire plan will be for naught."

Alicent nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I understand, Father. I will speak to Vaella and make her see the importance of our cause. Aegon’s love for her can be our greatest weapon, but only if we wield it wisely."

Otto looked at her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers. Finally, he nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Very well. But remember, one wrong move and we lose everything. Keep Criston close, and make sure he watches over both Aegon and Vaella. We cannot afford any more surprises."

With that, they continued down the hallway, their minds filled with the complex web of plans and contingencies that lay ahead. Ser Criston Cole followed silently, his eyes sharp and his hand never far from his sword. The future of their House hung in the balance, and every step they took would either secure their power or lead to their downfall.

…

Rhaenyra and Daemon strode through the corridors of Dragonstone, their faces set with determination and anger. They had just heard the news about Viserys's decision to wed Aegon to Vaella, a decision that had ignited a firestorm of emotions within them. Rhaenyra had always opposed this idea, having seen firsthand Aegon's obsessive behavior towards her little sister. Now, she was furious.

As they entered Viserys's chambers, they found him sitting by the window, his cane leaning against his chair, his face a mask of weariness. The burden of his illness and the endless turmoil within his family weighed heavily on him.

"Father," Rhaenyra began, her voice tight with controlled anger. "Why have you decided to wed Aegon to Vaella? After all the discussions we've had, you know this is a bad idea. Aegon is unsuited for her."

Daemon, standing beside her, added with his characteristic bluntness, "Giving Vaella to the Hightowers is dangerous and stupid. You know this, Viserys."

Viserys looked up at them, his eyes filled with a mix of regret and exhaustion. He sighed heavily, leaning on his cane for support as he spoke. "I had no choice."

Rhaenyra's eyes flashed with sarcasm and disbelief. "No choice? Because Aegon claimed he slept with Vaella? A lie that he and Alicent concocted."

Viserys's expression hardened slightly, but the weariness remained. "Both Alicent and Aegon were adamant about it. Aegon confessed himself. What was I to do?"

Rhaenyra's voice rose, her frustration evident. "You could have talked to Vaella about the matter! You took their word without even consulting her."

Viserys, looking even more fatigued, slowly sat down. He ran a hand over his face, the lines of age and illness more pronounced than ever. "It's done, Rhaenyra. I only hope that Vaella can temper Aegon's nature. Perhaps this decision will help bridge the divide between our families."

Daemon's expression was one of thinly veiled contempt. "You expect Vaella to fix Aegon's flaws? That's a heavy burden to place on her, Viserys."

Viserys met his brother-in-law's gaze, his own eyes weary but resolute. "What would you have me do, Daemon? The realm is already fraught with tension and division. If this marriage can bring some semblance of unity, then it's a risk I must take."

Rhaenyra shook her head, her heart aching for her sister. "Vaella deserves better than this. She deserves a choice."

Viserys's voice softened, his tone almost pleading. "I know, Rhaenyra. But the realm must come first. Always."

Rhaenyra and Daemon exchanged a look, their mutual frustration and helplessness clear. They knew that arguing further would yield no different result. Viserys was set in his decision, driven by a hope for unity that seemed increasingly out of reach.

As they left the chamber, Rhaenyra’s heart was heavy with worry for her sister. She resolved to keep a close watch on Vaella, to protect her as best as she could from the storm that was sure to come. The corridors of Dragonstone felt colder and darker, the weight of impending conflict pressing down on them all.

…

Aegon stood in the courtyard of Dragonstone, the sea breeze tousling his platinum blonde hair. His mood was unusually buoyant, a stark contrast to the tension that had gripped the royal family in recent days. Nearby, his sister Helaena sat on a low stone wall, absorbed in her world of bugs and spiders, her delicate fingers carefully handling a beetle. Aemond, ever vigilant, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze sharp and assessing as he watched his siblings.

Noticing Aegon's unusually good mood, Aemond raised an eyebrow. "You seem particularly cheerful today, Aegon. Ever since Father decided to wed you to Vaella."

Aegon's smirk widened, and he leaned against a nearby pillar, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Why wouldn't I be? Father finally saw reason. Now, Vaella will be only mine."

Helaena glanced up from her insects, a faint smile playing on her lips. The news of her annulled engagement had brought a rare sense of peace to her. She returned to her bugs, murmuring softly to herself, her words cryptic as always. "The dragon of gold binds the silver heart, but shadows loom, whispering secrets in the dark."

Aemond shook his head slightly at his sister's words before turning his attention back to Aegon. "Your irresponsible plan worked, Aegon. But now what? What happens next?"

Aegon scoffed, pushing off the pillar and pacing slightly. "Now, I finally have Vaella. She's everything to me."

Aemond's expression grew serious, his remaining eye narrowing. "Vaella is not a toy, Aegon. She's a person, with her own will and desires."

Aegon stopped and turned to face his brother, irritation flickering across his features. "I never said she was a toy, Aemond. Vaella is everything to me. I love her."

Aemond stepped closer, his voice low and intense. "If you truly love her, you'll treat her with the respect she deserves. Not as a prize you've won, but as a partner, an equal."

Aegon met his brother's gaze, the seriousness of Aemond's words sinking in. For a moment, the arrogance faded from Aegon's face, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. He nodded slowly, though the smirk soon returned. "I understand, Aemond. But don't worry, Vaella will see that this is what's best for both of us."

Aemond sighed, his skepticism clear. "Just remember, Aegon, that a relationship built on lies and manipulation won't last. You'll need more than just determination to keep her by your side."

Aegon waved off Aemond's concerns with a dismissive gesture. "She'll come around. You'll see."

Helaena, still playing with her insects, spoke up again, her voice distant and ethereal. "The web we weave, so fragile yet strong, secrets and lies, won't hold for long."

Both brothers turned to look at her, but Helaena seemed lost in her own world, her cryptic words hanging in the air like an ominous warning.

Aegon shook his head and turned back to Aemond. "Helaena's riddles aside, I'm confident. Vaella will understand why this is best."

Aemond crossed his arms, his expression still stern. "Just don't forget that Vaella is her own person. Respect her, and maybe, just maybe, this will work out."

Aegon nodded, though his thoughts were already drifting to the future he envisioned with Vaella. "I won't forget. Thank you, Aemond."

With that, Aegon turned and walked away, his steps light with newfound purpose. Aemond watched him go, his own heart heavy with concern for both his brother and Vaella. Helaena, now cradling a spider in her hands, looked up at Aemond, her eyes clear for a moment.

"The dragon's bond is forged in fire, but shadows linger, and hearts conspire," she whispered, before turning back to her quiet contemplation.

Aemond sighed, running a hand through his hair. The days ahead were uncertain, and he could only hope that his brother's determination would not lead to further strife. He turned his gaze to the distant horizon, where the sea met the sky, and a sense of foreboding settled over him.

As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the courtyard, Aemond resolved to keep a close watch on Aegon and Vaella. The web of intrigue and emotion surrounding them was intricate and fragile, and one wrong move could bring it all crashing down.

…

Vaella finally found a quiet corner of Dragonstone, a secluded alcove overlooking the sea. The waves crashed against the rocks below, their rhythmic sound providing a temporary solace from the storm of her emotions. She sank onto a weathered bench, the weight of her worries, expectations, and the lingering emptiness left by Baelon's death pressing down on her. 

She loved Aegon—despite his flaws and the turmoil he often brought into her life. The idea of marriage had rarely crossed her mind, and when it did, it felt distant and abstract. She had suitors, of course, but she felt no affection for any of them. Aegon had always been her rock, her confidant, and their relationship had grown more complex as they aged. She closed her eyes and let herself drift back to the moment when their innocent bed-sharing had turned into something more.

---

It was a warm summer night in King's Landing, and the air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers. Vaella and Aegon, both on the cusp of adolescence, had spent the day exploring the gardens and playing in the palace courtyards. As night fell, they had returned to her chambers, as they often did, seeking comfort in each other's presence.

"Aegon, do you ever think about what it'll be like when we're older?" Vaella asked, her voice barely above a whisper as they lay side by side in her bed.

Aegon turned to face her, his silver hair shimmering in the moonlight. "Sometimes. But I know one thing for sure—I always want to be with you, Vaella."

His words warmed her heart, and she smiled softly. "I feel the same way."

There was a moment of silence, filled only by the gentle rustling of the curtains. Then Aegon reached out, his hand lightly touching her cheek. "Vaella, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," she replied, her curiosity piqued.

"Have you ever wondered what it would be like to... to kiss someone?" Aegon's voice was hesitant, unsure.

Vaella's heart skipped a beat. She had thought about it, but never dared to voice it. "I have," she admitted, her cheeks flushing.

Aegon shifted closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Can I kiss you, Vaella? Just to see what it's like?"

Her pulse quickened, a mix of anticipation and nervousness flooding her. "Yes, Aegon. You can kiss me."

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers gently at first, then with more confidence. The kiss was soft and tentative, a shared exploration of unfamiliar territory. Vaella felt a rush of emotions—excitement, affection, and a deep, growing bond with Aegon that she had never felt with anyone else.

As they pulled away, their foreheads resting against each other, Aegon smiled. "That was... amazing."

Vaella nodded, her heart still racing. "Yes, it was."

From that night on, their bed-sharing took on a new dimension. They explored each other intimately, their bond deepening with each secret touch and whispered confession. Their relationship became their private world, a sanctuary from the expectations and duties that awaited them outside their shared space.

---

Vaella opened her eyes, the memory lingering like a bittersweet echo. She loved Aegon, but the idea of marriage—to anyone—felt overwhelming. She had always sought solace in their shared bond, but now that bond was being formalized into something public, something scrutinized by the entire realm. She feared what that might do to the delicate balance they had maintained for so long.

A single tear rolled down her cheek as she stared out at the sea, the horizon blurred by her emotions. She could only hope that their love, which had weathered so many storms, would endure the challenges ahead. For now, she would take solace in the memory of their first kiss and the innocent intimacy that had blossomed into a love both beautiful and complicated.

…

Vaella wandered aimlessly across the island of Dragonstone, her heart heavy with grief and confusion. The distant roars of dragons offered a small comfort, a reminder of the ancient bond her family shared with these magnificent creatures. The caves of Dragonmont loomed above her, dark and foreboding, yet strangely inviting. As she walked along a particular path, a sudden wave of grief washed over her, more intense than any she had felt before.

Baelon.

Her twin, her other half. The void his death left in her soul was something she could never fully cry out, no matter how hard she tried. She often wondered what kind of life she would have had if he had lived. This sudden, overwhelming sadness propelled her to seek out one particular lair, Cannibal's. It was as if she was called there, urged by a loneliness she could barely comprehend.

The entrance to Cannibal's lair was wide and jagged, the air thick with the scent of death and decay. Bones and half-eaten carcasses littered the ground, a testament to the dragon's ferocity. The walls were blackened with soot and dragonfire, and the light barely penetrated the gloom within. Vaella felt a chill run down her spine as she stepped inside, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down on her.

In the darkness, she saw him. Cannibal, the wild dragon, black as coal with menacing green eyes that glowed eerily in the dim light. He lay atop a heap of bones, his massive form coiled in a protective stance. The partly devoured carcass of another dragon lay beneath him, a grisly reminder of his savage nature. Cannibal's eyes locked onto Vaella, observing her with an intensity that made her heart pound.

A sudden wave of sadness washed over her again, stronger this time, threatening to overwhelm her. She had felt alone for so long, but this... this was different. It was as if the dragon's own loneliness resonated with hers, a sorrow she could feel deep in her bones.

Suddenly, Cannibal launched himself at her with a terrifying roar. Vaella backed up, tripping over a loose rock and falling to the ground. She lay there, frozen in terror, as the dragon advanced. He stopped just a few meters away, his breath hot and foul, his eyes boring into hers.

Propelled by a strange mix of sorrow, loneliness, and an odd sensation of being called here, Vaella screamed at the dragon. "You think I'm afraid of you? You ugly beast! Eat me if you want, just do it! I don't care anymore!"

Cannibal shrieked, his cries echoing off the walls of the cave. He seemed ready to indulge her, his jaws opening wide. But instead of closing them around her, he stopped, his massive head just inches from her. His green eyes stared into her indigo ones, and for a moment, it felt as if their souls connected. Vaella felt another wave of loneliness, but as she began to realize it was not her own, a thunderous pain shot through her body. Her vision blurred, and she could hear Cannibal's cries turning to something almost mournful as everything went black.

---

History would record this moment as Princess Vaella’s desperate attempt to take her own life, consumed by the remorse she felt for surviving while her twin did not. Yet, it would forever be debated if Cannibal had called her to his lair of his own accord, having finally found a kindred spirit in the princess. The fierce dragon and the sorrowful girl, both creatures of loss and loneliness, had met in a moment that transcended the mortal understanding of dragon and rider.

[noa-de-cajou]

Day 23 : A mystery / Being old together / Take a drink / judgement

_____

“... So.”

“... Yep.”

“Here we are.”

“We sure are here.”

“It wasn’t easy, to try and find some time to talk face-to-face. You’re always surrounded by other people.”

I smile and pick up the piping hot cup of tea on the table.

“So it's gonna be my fault?”

“I'm merely stating facts, Ether, that's all.”

Ha! Reminds me of someone I knew.

“So. You're married to an empress now. An a half angel, half demon queen. And a werewolf. That’s certainly something.”

“Sure is! I got really lucky. But what about you, miss Director? How’d you even manage all of this?”

“I got some help. From Dal and Demetria, mainly.”

“Demetria… Like Demetria Camarra-Pharos? Oh shit, talk about a trip down memory lane. I was getting weird ass vibes from her back when we were classmates.”

“And you were right. When she learned she was going to become blind eventually, she decided to just lose her sight as soon as she could and managed to get artificial aura vision somehow.”

“What the hell.”

“I know. But she was an excellent diplomat. And I mean excellent. So I got her help despite the “weird vibes” as you’d call it.”

“Was it, uh, worth it?”

“Honestly, I'm not sure. She never specified how she got the intel she gave me, kept bumping into every furniture despite her cane, I always got complaints from everyone in the School about her behavior, she was loud, wouldn't respect my privacy, asked the most intrusive questions, and I had to clean up after her all the time. To the very end. This idiot died attempting a lichification ritual. She gave us so much trouble with all the blood, it was horrendous.”

Hm. I smile, a little.

“... Is that all?”

Nenia averts her eyes away from mine. We’re both more than a century old but her mannerisms are still the same.

“... Well. Something’s different now.”

“What is?”

“I don’t know, exactly. It’s just, sometimes I hold out my hand expecting her to slap papers into it. Or I catch myself wondering why she’s talking so long to come back from her mission. And it feels… wrong, to not hear her voice shout my name anymore. It's strange. She’s been gone more than forty years and I'm still not used to it. She reminded me of some kind of snake and I got Horus some time after, without thinking about it.”

She looks at the vivarium where her snake is sleeping, curled onto itself.

“Do you miss her?” I ask.

“I… don’t know. Dal does, I think. Sometimes he just looks at her old office door with a lost face. He knows better than me what missing people feels like.”

Yeah. I bet he does.

“It doesn’t really matter now, does it? I could never understand her. Maybe I didn't try hard enough, but I had other things on my mind, and… I don’t know. The ritual was sudden. I don't know what was going through her head, to do such a thing.”

“She liked you, didn’t she?”

“I… suppose, yes.”

“Then maybe she wanted to witness the results of what you were building. Or to spend more time with you.”

Nenia looks thrown off guard. Like, fully. She grips her cup tighter and I can actually see her face twist into a weird expression. A childish anger. Maybe some kind of sadness.

“That's the stupidest reason for a ritual I’ve ever heard.”

“Yeah, to you, maybe. But humans experience it differently.”

My eyes land on my wedding ring. The one on my artificial hand.

“This isn’t my first time marrying a human woman, you know. The first one died at fifty. Before her time.”

“Then why marry another? Even if the Empress lives to the maximum of a human lifespan, she'll probably die before you. You just set yourself up for more pain. Why would you go through this again?”

“Because it's worth it.”

I didn't hesitate. Not even for a second. Nenia stares at me intently, then smiles a little.

“You’ve changed, Lani.”

I wince a little. Haven’t heard that nickname in a while.

“Obviously? So did you. Like, you're taller than me now and your hair has gotten longer…”

“‘No, that's not what I mean. You look… well. If not for the ears and your age, I could swear that I have a human in front of me.”

She says that like it’s something to be sad about.

I understand, somehow.

I’ve lived too many years and too many things to be a human. Yet I tend to forget that I'm an elf, and not, like, three humans stacked upon each other.

“But I'm not human.”

“No. But you understand them.”

She chuckles and takes a sip of her tea.

“I envy you.”

… Is it really something to be envious about?

Maybe it is. Maybe Nenia would have liked to understand Demetria before she died.

But the way she says it… it’s like she doesn't even know how I do it. How to even apprehend me at all. Maybe we’ve been apart for too long.

Maybe we can't understand each other.

…

“This is the worst tea I've ever drank, Nia.”

“Well, you’ll brew it yourself next time, Lani, I have priorities.”

“Like what, ruling a country?”

“You're the worst consort I've ever met. Worse than my tea.”

“My wife does most of the ruling for a reason!"

Eh. I guess we’re okay like this.

[apompkwrites]

So imagine Leona and his older brother Falena having an older sibling that is like Dehya BUT it turns out they are adopted but they don't know about that until their father's death and they find his letter to them, but until then they think that Dehya!Kingscholar is an illiginament child he had in his wilder days before becoming king.

Their relationship with their father (Leona and Falena's father) is strained due to him being still young and childish when they were growing up and he only because a better father figure once Falena was born though they don't blame him or Leona for that but are just frustrated that they, the illiginament child of the king, didn't have that growing up.

Dehya!Kingscholar left the royal life because how the advisers and other nobles weren't willing to help the poorer people of the Sunset Savanna and wanted to actually help them without having to deal with all the protests or blockage of them getting into their way.

They start working as a mercenary to make money to help people since they aren't able to use the royal funds they once had. And would occasionally write letters to their brothers but don't really see them too much due to how to focus on the work they are doing.

It's only when their father dies that they all end up meeting together again and sorting out their father's will and everything.

Dehya!Kingscholar finds their father's old chest that he left to them and found their old toy weapon as well as other stuff but it's mainly junk like old drinking bottles, expired candy he would be for them but then take for himself, and other stuff.

Dehya!Kingscholar looks at their brothers: “Tell me you guys, are these the sort of stuff a normal person would leave behind?”

And then they find a letter that their father left for Dehya!Kingscholar that says on it about his final days and Dehya!Kingscholar growing up and no longer being cute along with how they shouldn't be sad for him since they aren't even their father.

He explain how in their wilder days as a prince they had done their usual thing and snuck out an gone exploring but came across a baby Dehya!Kingscholar all alone and helpless in the wilderness of the Sunset Savanna just left there to die.

His letter continues to say that he decided to adopt them and tell everyone he slipped with a woman and got her pregnant, which everyone at the time believed because of how he was at the time.

The letter finishes with that Dehya!Kingscholar has a sort of kindness and bravery that few people can ever have and then says that they should live their life the way they wish to.

That's all I got.

- 🍣

dehya!kingscholar !!!!!!!!!!!

love the idea of dehya!kingscholar wanting to help the poorer side of the sunset savanna and running away in order to do so? bc they know the elders won't let them do it so they might as well do it themselves.

they're tough and a bit intimidating at first, but the children they visit in the outskirts are more than willing to jump on them when they visit, talking their ears off about some game they wanted to play.

[which-hospital]

Earlier I was thinking about Sandra to distract from being sad about Teddy but then I rewatched her and Andy’s scenes from the Shades of Love/Cry for Help/Anaconda/Lifelines set of episodes and now I’m sad about her too.

They foreshadowed her death the episode before, they bring in a young woman who dies (killed by her boyfriend's wife) and she gets very stuck on it and tells Andy that she's wondering whether she'd leave behind anything worth remembering about her. Cry for Help says that 'yes, there are things worth remembering about Sandra Mute' but Anaconda and Lifelines follow that with 'it's easier for the people who knew her to keep going if they choose not to remember'. People are already moving on in Anaconda. By the goodbye party for Andy at the end of Lifelines, she's been forgotten.

The main person who remembers her in those episodes is Andy but she's remembered in faceless young women he doesn't have it in him to treat because they all look like Sandra to him. Even he's moving on, he just has to choose to, while everyone else seems to be able to do it naturally. He chooses to leave the job, he chooses to try and fix things with his wife again. There's a really sad moment after her memorial where he just stands outside the church, looking at the ambulance station while all the other paramedics go back to work.

Another moment that got me after the memorial is when Duffy asks Susie to go shopping to cheer them up - Sandra had been their friend and now they will have to get on with the rest of their lives and she can't.

When people do remember her so much of it is about her relationship with Andy, which she had finally decided she didn't want anymore right before she was stabbed :( At the same time, I can't stop thinking about how the first thing we ever see Andy say to his wife is "darling" and then, for the first and only time, he also says it to Sandra while they're bringing her into the hospital (but she's already unconscious by then).

Sandra had to die, not even because the plot demanded it, just... Casualty required it to keep things moving. I don't think it's entirely her death that allowed Casualty to last longer than two series, the writing did start to get better around when she died and that's definitely the main thing that kept it going. But her death was a sign of that good writing - Cry for Help's Sandra/Andy scenes are entirely brilliant, 'Casualty at it's best' scenes. She had to die, but it's still so sad to me how quickly she disappeared.

Ugh, Casualty, stop making me miserable with your paramedics.

[isdalinarhot]

i need to like. write down what opinions each of the War Crimes 6 had about each other that we know canonically. its 4 am i dont have anything better to do. note that this is strictly canonical which means all shipping except canon pairings gets left at the door sorry. we all know sadeas and dalinar want to fuck each other nasty but this isnt what this post is about

gavilar's opinion on:

dalinar: this is my brother. he is useful to me. he is very stupid and easily manipulated. keep the wool over his eyes and keep him pointed at anything and anyone i want dead. he is a tool of mine above all else

sadeas: he is my buddy :)

navani: bitch wife

ialai: [missing data]

evi: [missing data]

dalinar's opinion on:

gavilar: this is my brother. he is the most important person in my life. with parents that were absent at best and abusive at worst he is the one who raised me. i care for him extremely deeply. i would do anything for him. when i played a part in causing his death i turned my entire life around, as he surely would have wanted. he was everything to me.

sadeas: once he was my best friend in the world. i always found him a little silly, a little too intellectual for my meathead self, but i also cared deeply for him. he was extremely important to me, perhaps less so than gavilar, but still an incredibly large part of my life. a trusted ally and close friend. when gavilar died our friendship fell apart as we both blamed each other for gavilar's death and in addition he began treating me coldly when i started following the codes. he betrayed me time and time again until i lost all fondness for him. when he died i felt regret that we could never return to the way things once were, but also a sense of relief, due to his negative presence in my life near the end

navani: i n eed to fuck ehr

ialai: we were buddies back in the blackthorn days! we used to banter sometimes. we were never particularly close but i enjoyed spending time with her. nowadays i don't really talk to her due to the whole complicated situation i have with her husband but she was fun :)

evi: in the blackthorn days i tried so hard to love her but could not muster attraction to her. my heart lay... elsewhere, and her personality and life ethos was not compatible with mine. our marriage was miserable, i hated her at times, but her death wrecked me, less because i was devastated to lose her as a person but more because of what the death represented. spent 6 years forgetting everything about her, got my memories of her back, felt weird about it, had a fun character arc about it, but nowadays when i think about her she is more of a symbol than a flesh and blood woman i had flesh and blood woman feelings for

sadeas's opinion on:

gavilar: most important person in my life. no question. he took me under his wing when i was not even a full adult yet. he built this kingdom. he is the most powerful man i know and because of that i am latched to him like a little wood tick. i "loved" him, whatever the fuck love means when youre sadeas

dalinar: used to be lots of fun but then he got sober and boring and now he has to DIE!!!!!!!!!!! but i did "love" him once, whatever the fuck love means when youre sadeas

navani: [missing data]

ialai: she may be ugly but she is DANGEROUS! which is hot. 10/10 only woman i respect. she gets torol privileges

evi: [missing data]

navani's opinion on:

gavilar: fuck this dude. when i was very young i was attracted to him, but that faded very fast

dalinar: i n eed to fuck h;im

sadeas: oh i never liked this guy. i trust him provisionally but his personality is absolutely rancid.

ialai: we were friends during the blackthorn era :) we are no longer friends after gavilar's death however. missing data on if im sad about this or not

evi: god i tried to hate her. i tried to hate her because she was fucking my man. but shes so stupid and so nice that you just cant hate her. and she was in a miserable marriage and i relate even though if *i* was in her place *i* would be having the time of my life #skillissue. so we did form a semi-close friendship

ialai's opinion on:

gavilar: [missing data]

dalinar: LMAOOOOOO THIS BITCH IS HILARIOUS. hes so dumb and because of that i like teasing him when we get the opportunity to talk. of course once torol wants him dead its like well i am going to help to kill him immediately

sadeas: my husband my bestie my confidant the guy who scratches my back the guy who i can sit on his lap and eat his shrimp poppers my partner in war crime LOVE YOU TOROL!!!!!!!!! MWAH

navani: we were friends during the blackthorn era <3 we schemed together. we are NOT friends now though #FuckDalinarLives

evi: SLUT from rira

evi's opinion on:

gavilar: [missing data]

dalinar: oh dalinar. you are so wonderful and honorable but you kill so much and i wish you would not be brutal and war criminalish. am i attracted to you? honestly speaking not really. you just were politically important to me. but i will bear our horrible marriage where you break my heart once a week because it is my duty as a woman or something idk

sadeas: [missing data]

navani and ialai (they go together because the opinion is pretty much identical): i wish i could be as smart as them, or as cunning as them, but i am a sweet little flower who cannot cook up a single scheme and because of that i feel alienated from them :( we are friends i suppose but its not really equal

[mirimangarecs]

kill the villainess - haegi & wol-saeng sa

being suddenly reincarnated as a hated villainess, a normal woman is desperate to die in order to return to the real world, but the price of escaping might be more than anyone expected

the couple: it’s a slow development with a mature tone. he’s plain, loyal, and calm; she’s cruel, calculating, and extremely traumatized. he’s the only one who respects her boundaries and loves her for who she is

story & setting: the world itself is very detailed with a magic system that gives just enough information to intrigue you without overexplaining. the tone takes a sharp turn about halfway through to remind you that you are in fact reading a tragedy. even though it was emotionally awful, watching the pieces slowly come together was extremely satisfying

the art: gorgeous from start to finish

cw: attempted suicide, rape, misogyny

(spoilery rambling and analysis)

i finished reading like 10mins ago and raced over here this is Not gonna be organized or make sense

i think it’s ultimately another harem subversion story with a dark, even cynical bent, but i can’t say it’s wholly unearned. both within the genre and reality, the consequences of men hating and desiring you are oftentimes devastating, with little recourse to reclaim agency outside of drastic, self-injurious measures. on a meta level, there’s a huge emphasis on how much agency she or anyone can have as characters. eris turns down every attempt, goes through legal and social channels to separate herself from the various men that pursue her, tells everyone her feelings extremely bluntly, and begins seeing a different man, but they ignore these signals to the point of irrational self-delusion. they covet her even after her death, to the point where she orders her corpse to be burned to prevent them from getting their hands on her, and she’s correct to do it! it’s an extremely dark take on the “i’m the villainess, but suddenly all the male leads are in love with ME instead??” trope. everyone suffers because of this redirected attraction, and eris is to blame for exactly Zero of it, but it also serves to demonstrate how the supposed “happy ending” story where the rightful fl is adored and cared for by all also had the same capacity for obsessive cruelty under the veneer.

initially i had a little chuckle at her name literally being “eris misery” because it seemed a little edgy, and while that might be true, it turns out it is extremely apt. she sows discord over love with an almost supernatural quality, through no fault of her own because that’s just what eris was written to be, and now the person who became eris is being perpetually victim-blamed by the entire reality around her. it feels disempowering and incredibly frustrating for both her and for the reader.

i mentioned the tonal shift about halfway through and it really is dramatic, but it ultimately didn’t come out of nowhere. eris tells the reader who she hates, who she thinks will harm her, and that she wants to escape this world very early on, and it’s your fault if you don’t listen to her. the audience falls into the same traps as the men in assuming that she really will want to stay in that world after all, that it’s not so bad, that she’ll end up with one of the men who pursue her, and other isekai/fantasy romance conventions. the events halfway through are just a rude reminder that things really Are that bad.

the ending is brutal. the fact that like, almost everyone literally dies could come off as shock value but for me it felt more like a natural conclusion because dear god, this world is unloveable and no one can make it out alive. even original fl, though it was horribly sad, is better off dead having made her peace than being forced to be a plot object in the proximity of the men who are honestly incapable of respecting her as a person and have currently gone completely off the deep end. also, the political theatre surrounding these events is really masterfully done and brought a level of deep gravity to the situation. and technically the main couple is happy so like. it’s not all soul-destroyingly awful. thank god she got out and went to therapy

[fancyfeathers]

@zainiscompletelydone333 asked a question

honestly...i'd rather clementine just die instead of hyacinth or madeline or eloise. i think it's a more fitting end to her story? she lives and breathes violence in her daily life, she will be targeted by rival groups all the time. and with the hate she has for her father, and the fear that if he goes back she will be broken permanently, i won't be surprised if she just...kills herself. like once she realises he's closing in on her, she would just take a bullet, or even cause an explosion, destroying important infrastructre as a last "fuck you" to her father. sorry if i'm being too dark or insistent lol it's just that i think mycroft's darling and daughter are dealt the worst possible hand compared to most darlings, so it makes sense as to why she would choose a bear over a man lol. kinda sad that for someone like her, death is better than living a life of force and isolation. so much has been taken from her at every turn, so she will tear away everything from them too, even her own life. i love spiteful charas <3

Wait here me out, faking her death like Irene Alder/James Bonde

Nathanial, Eloise’s husband, knows that Clementine could be useful to the organization he runs with Andrei, which essentially is vigilante/good aligned mafia (think Aristocrats of Evil from Black Butler or Spina di Rosula from Genshin Impact) and he knows that she is not to different from his wife, their childhoods and relationships with their fathers, she was not born this way but grew up to be like this.

When she is getting more and more cornered, Nathanial reaches out to her. They meet at an art gallery that Nathanial owns, which he leaves open to the public, he is already sitting there and waiting for her when she arrives. He is staring at a piece that was painted by his wife when she was working on a serial killer case in Venice which she brought Andrei along to act as her assistant, he tells her that he has many allies overseas in other European nations but he could always use more. Clementine is no fool, she knows he is asking her to work for him and she knows she does not have many choices, but why should she work with him since his wife is the woman who she keeps on getting in conflict with one another.

“We are not enemies, conflict is not fighting. Unlike us, we have both have fought with the government, they cannot stand what either of us do, so what is that saying? Ah yes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, so would you say we could be friends, Miss Holmes?”

Nathanial had a power that the government and the MI6 does not have, he has friends abroad, actual friendships that are old not just purely beneficial but people who he cares about and care about him. The MI6 only really has that here in Britain, minus Henry Antrim but one person would not even compare to everyone Nathanial has in his vast network. The work they do is things that the government may or may not approve of, but it is morally good, they protect people, give them a second chance, like the one he is offering Clementine.

At first she does not believe him, that is until he reaches into his jacket to hand her a folder that is jammed full of photos, letters, and reports of the people Nathaniel has helped and works with, his friends…

A composer at the Paris Opera House…

A doctor who owns a charity hospital in Germany…

A doll maker in Denmark…

A seamstress in Italy…

A historian in Romania…

An author in Russia…

And the list goes on…

Some of them Nathanial has helped out of the kindness of his heart and in return they help him, others are close friends of his and help found this organization, but in the end they all just want the same thing, a good life.

“So what is your answer to my proposal?”

The next day in the early morning, an officer at Scotland Yard has to go to the door of the household of Mycroft Holmes to report that the body of his daughter was found in building that caught fire that they suspected was one of the safe houses of her crime work. He knows that it was not her, he remembers how the death of Irene Alder was faked, but without any evidence on what actually happened he is stuck at a stalemate, if he says something and says he is not actually dead people will ask for the evidence which was destroyed by Nathanial to get rid of any path that would lead to them as the culprit, but if he does not do anything Clementine is free to do as she wishes…

Meanwhile after a trip on a ship across the English Channel and a train ride across the French countryside, a young lady steps off the train into the station in Paris where a friend of Nathaniel waits for her with new identification papers and to help her start her new life.

(I think Clementine would be a huge fan of anagrams so I think she would rearrange her name to make a new name unlike James Bonde picking a whole new name. Also got to love the secret agent vibes in Paris with her, she would have so much fun with her work there.)

[teamkenbaby]

k i’ve been trying to articulate this in the right way for a while. but i feel like after last episode, i’m going to try.

a recurring theme of succession is the cyclical nature of abuse and history and with that comes the popular fan theory that the ending for the three youngest roy siblings following the pattern of logan and his siblings, rose and ewan.

so with that, i’ve been trying to decide if that were to happen, who would be who. and i’ve come up with multiple scenarios:

kendall as rose - death

the easiest option for a sibling to die is ken. not saying i want this (DEFINITELY NOT) nor believe it (i think it might be too easy)

with that you get two options:

shiv as logan and roman as ewan or

shiv as ewan and roman as logan

HOWEVER ANOTHER SCENARIO THAT I THINK WOULD BE ALMOST MORE TRAGIC IS

roman as rose - death

i think roman presents as an interesting case to be the sibling that dies because it would be the end result of logan’s lifelong abuse towards him and even noah’s abuse of logan. roman’s death would also complete kendall’s and shiv’s arcs. hear me out, if roman dies (out of guilt for his dad, sadness, or something else), it would destroy both ken and shiv, but in different ways. roman’s death would serve almost as a catalyst for both: kendall to fully leave waystar behind and become a cynic of the world for taking away his little brother, someone who he wanted to protect. and for shiv, it would reaffirm her drive to be the ceo because she wouldn’t be able to focus on roman’s death without it destroying her. rather she would put that energy into work and being the best. so with kendall’s arc throughout the series, we see him struggle with being the chosen son, juggling his family’s wants versus his needs. but with roman’s death and his dad gone, he would finally be able to walk away. to get out. while shiv’s arc, on the other hand, has been her struggle to gain power as a woman. she is as good, maybe even better, than logan at waystar but people don’t respect her because she is logan’s daughter rather than son. but with her brothers out of the picture, that clears the path for her reign to begin.

so all together, there is only one way it goes if roman dies:

shiv as logan and kendall as ewan

in no situation do i see shiv being rose or kendall being logan because that’s not in their character. shiv is too much of a dynamic character rather than a tragic one for me to see her as rose. and with kendall, the whole reason he hasn’t been able to become (permanent) CEO is because he isn’t like logan. those self hating and self destructive tendencies make it incredibly difficult for ken to become like logan.

ultimately, i think this next episode is CRUCIAL for predictions on the rest of the season. and in reality, i want none of them to die and instead, for them to all be happy running waystar and i guess pierce?? together. with romangerri and shiv in her satisfied, content single era and kenstewy.

ps i might be completely wrong in everything i just wrote but just my thoughts

[anthropwashere]

I've gotten two letters from my mom since my aunt died last month and they've both been just. So, so aggressively manipulative. Y'all can skip this post. I'm not looking for sympathy likes/replies. I just need a good rant and sometimes it does pay to yell into the Tumblr void.

Still—still!—she insists I have never told her why I refuse to speak to her anymore. She has the receipts on this, going all the way back over a decade ago to my early 20s when I conceded to communicate to her solely through e-mails. That avenue of communication ended with me blocking her pretty much everywhere online after she called me a sociopathic bitch on a public platform family, friends, and coworkers followed me on. Very cool of her, very mature.

(If memory serves she was arrested shortly thereafter. Pity it wasn't for something more serious than, jeez, I can't be assed to remember. Something to do with her driver's license? I know she asked me for a couple grand about it and cussed me out when I told her my baby Airman ass literally did not have the money even if I were inclined to help her.)

Every single letter she sends me includes a brief tangent about how she's been watching YouTube videos about estranged families (both sides! she always includes the both sides!). She always says she wants to understand but she can't because I've never told her why I refuse to talk to her anymore.

How many phonecalls, how many HOURS, have I wasted crying in rage and despair as I try to tell her all the ways she hurt me, physically and emotionally and mentally, before I realized she'd never accept it? That she would always, always try to gaslight me like this? That she'd give me that guileless, wide-eyed and furrowed brow anxious stare and that high, plaintive goddamn voice. That she'd convince me time and time and time and time again that maybe, maybe I'm overreacting?

This most recent letter was a real treat. She went out of her way to say she wasn't trying to guilt trip me, really, but she's JUST lost both her sisters AND her parents in the last year and she's terrified she might die soon next so WHY won't her ONLY DAUGHTER just TALK to her? 😭

So, firstly. I can only speak for myself and my interpretations of what my extended family will feel, but I'm pretty goddamn sure we're all gonna CHEER when she finally fucking kicks the bucket. Ain't nobody gonna miss her when she croaks. Even if her sisters outlived her that'd be the same. My only complaint when she does die is that I'm gonna insist on paying for all of the funerary expenses because she's already leeched too goddamn much from the rest of the family. No way is anyone gonna pay for her bullshit one last time, even if that means paying folks back with interest after I fly back to California. And you can be sure I'm gonna go out of my way to take the cheapest route possible at every opportunity out of spite. This woman doesn't deserve better than the bare minimum. That's all she's ever given everyone else after all.

Secondly, I will concede the fact that yes, she's lost both her sisters in the last year, not even a full year apart from each other. And that sucks! It's extremely fucking sad! My aunts raised me as much as she did, and they both sure as hell paid for more of my childhood needs than she ever did. I was able to afford to go to my younger aunt's funeral last year, but even with the surprise disability backpay I got this year I've been dealing with a lot of owning-a-100+-year-old house expenses (such as replacing the entire goddamn original roof) this year, so I genuinely couldn't make the trip for my older aunt's funeral. Two family members offered to pay for my flight and I just couldn't accept that kindness because I grew up watching my mom take and take and take and take from the family.

THIRDLY HOWEVER.

Her mom, my maternal grandma, died TWENTY YEARS AGO. Her dad, my maternal grandpa, died THIRTY YEARS AGO. And she hated her parents! She fucking loathed them! I spent more of my childhood being her psychologist instead of her goddamn child; ALL I HEARD ABOUT was how much she hated and resented her parents. This is THE first time I've heard her trot them out since I lived with her back in the 00s, and it might damn well be the first halfway-positive mention of them since long before that? This is so transparent an act I can't help but be insulted that she'd think I'd take the bait? Using the LITERAL DEATHS of others to try to goad me into talking to her?

Like. Jesus. Last year at my younger aunt's funeral just about every single member of the California-centric family pulled me aside to ask if my mom was being too much. My aunt's CHILDREN, damn near non-functional with grief, asked if I needed help handling my mom. And there were a couple occasions where I damn near admitted yeah! She's being too much! She won't stop fucking touching me! She won't stop making her sister's death about herself! And here she is, a year later, doing the same goddamn thing again with her other sister's death!

She's a manipulative, gaslighting abuser who refuses to grow up and accept responsibility and/or repercussions for her actions despite being in her late-60s. She gleefully twists the knife into whoever she can get her hands on and acts SO distraught and SO betrayed when people find fault with her actions and behavior. I don't know a single person who knows her to like her anymore once she's shown her true colors, and somehow she's still convinced she isn't the problem.

What a waste. What a fucking waste.

[khepiari]

Why Kuina’s Death Still Unsettles Us?

TW: mention of suicide, references teen/child suicide.

[I read a post about "falling down the stairs" might actually imply death by suicide. Kuina's death always bothered me a bit, and when Shimotsuki Koushiro said to Zoro, humans are fragile, did he really mean our bodies or our hearts? I still wonder. A few months back I had written a fic, a retelling of the events which led to Kuina's fall from the stairs, and I had done a lot of thinking while writing the fic. So all those ideas and thoughts I had then, have been rearranged and put here today.]

I remember watching the Kuina episode like 19 years back. So for an 11-year-old me, that was it. I was sad that she was gone too soon.

But over the years as I grew up, read the manga and then kept rereading it over and over. I did feel her death was surprisingly given the off-stage treatment that was given to Lady Macbeth! Only an announcement was made of her death, and her face is covered in a piece of cloth! That was too sudden, unlike so many other deaths that followed in the story.

I did brainstorm this over the years, it really felt odd, she was a physically strong 12-year-old girl and as far as I know swordswoman/man have to be good at balancing and footwork, because the art of the sword is about full body movement so her falling down is really really really iffy.

Image from chapter 5

And if we look at the Dojo architecture, there were no visible storeys to the building, I am sure she didn’t fall off a library step-stool or carpenter’s ladder. Then I found this Tumblr post, by Heeheemugee which said, falling down the stairs is a euphemism for suicide. Which makes sense! Like it totally connects in my head.

Though, sadly, I didn’t find any source to confirm this, as everyone on the internet told me it's untrue. But, you see, “falling down the stairs” is a euphemism which has been used for domestic violence victims, like in my mother tongue, when it's hard to explain to a child what happened to someone who died, we say the person has gone somewhere far, so may be falling down the stairs is more of an undocumented euphemism or an old reference Odachii picked from somewhere— he is known for this!

Image from chapter 5

Another thing we should remember Kuina was onset of puberty, the stress of future, her father’s general view of female body being weaker, and changing bodily features might have plagued her more than we think— since after 1000 chapters we know Zoro’s teacher is likely from Wano, I think internalized and cultural misogyny was at play too.

Teenage and puberty is a vulnerable time, one misstep can lead to drastic actions, so Kuina taking her own life is not farfetched. Because we have young children who are so stressed or vulnerable or suffering that they think ending it is better than enduring it.

Image from chapter 5

What has bothered me the most, is the offstage treatment of her death. I mean—we have seen most of the “characters whose death impacted the main characters' life decisions” die on stage in backstories so far, or we got a proper explanation of why someone is dead. We know Banchina died after an illness, Bellemere was killed by Arlong, Hililuk was poisoned and blew himself up. Only Kuina’s death we didn’t see, and it immediately happened just after both Zoro and Kuina had a heartfelt conversation about becoming the best swordsman/woman in the world!

I guess Oda chose “fell down the stairs” as the series was like 15 chapters till then. Or it maybe as simple as Odachii wanted to wrap Zoro’s backstory fast with typical “dead girl-friend of the grumpy emotionally suppressed lone wolf” to establish Zoro’s narrative as the one who carries the will of others!

Image from chapter 5

Otherwise, we know Eiichiro Oda doesn’t shy away from depicting gruesome, terrifying or horrible deaths which parallels real life issues, he sneaked in a little panel of a grandmother praying and a mother holding a knife with an infant in her arms in Wano arc, because they were starving for days!

Image from chapter 918

Or a pirate in human auction house biting his tongue to escape the humiliation of being sold as a slave!

Images from chapter 502

Hence, I think Kuina’s death doesn’t seem like an accident and feel like something sadder and heavier than we were led to believe.

[cubixrubington]

I needed to pull up music for this it goes so hard but I'm so unfocused HASBHSADHA

I love calm characters going off the rails for a few minutes. Like. Iiro and Daneiris? Did not know of that friendship until I woke up yesterday and realized that they've worked together for YEARS and they're a good fit for each other.

Extreme empath man who's like. A little guy. But he's not a little guy that fox mask is the spirit of his dead friend AND hides the truth of what happened to him when he was younger.

Then we have a woman who group up loving creatures that are like. Yk. Illegal to have in Charington. Literally anything other than humans. Like after her father died she was so distraught and upset and was so easy to manipulate and that's how the man got his hands on her, the man she claims to love and cherish and that she claims as her partner when he is literally so. Just. BAD. AAHHHHHH. Like I don't think I could talk about it all it's pretty fucking disturbing but you can assume what kind of boyfriend he is. The worst kind. This is NOT an edgar mike relationship this is worse.

So anyways. I realized that they're pretty good friends. Like I think Iiro trusts her second most out of the ring which is odd considering I never thought about the two of them but now that I am wowee. I think like. I dunno where in the timeline this is mind you, but def before Iiro's death, maybe after Aurum's since he's the first to go, but Daneiris is just so distraught and stressed.

Like Daneiris and Aurum? Great friends. Even considered them a cursed ship in my head but she would never escape and it would just end in anguish. Yk. So his death affects her so much that she begins to shut down a little, especially towards her partner, who like. Sees this. And sees her rejecting him somewhat. And you KNOW that makes it worse.

Iiro being an empath has kinda like. Known. Yk? It's like how when you've been hurt and abused as a kid you can see it when you're older. But he feels so much and knows so much and he's so in tune with people that at this point in the timeline, he feels so helpless.

So when he realizes just how helpless Daneiris is too, it makes him so ungodly angry. He gets so fucking mad and wishes he could change it, change something, anything, make it better in some way he just wants to protect ONE person, one person in this stupid city, because he's surrounded by people who are so fucked up that it toils away at his mental state and outside of them he feels nothing. He literally can't even feel the need to eat, to live, but the goes back and no matter how crushing the feeling is, it's better than nothing.

ALL OF THIS TO SAY. I think one day Daneiris comes into work and has just had enough. She's hurting and tired and literally every small thing is able to set her off, the creatures she works so diligently to care for hurt her so much. The things she does for people mean nothing when it makes no difference. And. And. And. Just.

FUCK I can't even build up to it. The idea of her just angry, sad, in pain, wanting to let everything go, and instead just Breaking Down:tm: in Iiro's arms while he just. Swears. To actually kill a man.

Like the idea of the calmest, kindest people in the ring (except mia hi mia :3) just getting so ungodly mad together. The idea that Iiro might die when he's trying to make a difference for himself because he wants to protect the people around him. The fact that if he EVER got his boney little hands on that man he'd actually fucking kill him. Like. Beating the fuck out of him wouldn't be enough. He needs to beat the fuck out him, scream, scream some more, grab his gun and shoot like 20 bullets into him. He needs his closest companions to take a good look at what he's capable of. Because. He loves them.

It wouldn't haunt him. I think Iiro really needs an arc where he's set off and everyone realizes what kind of person he can be. He needs to be seen as a bomb by most people except for his closest friends. He needs an arc where he starts to grow and get over himself. He needs to do better for himself only to die in the end.

mwah mwah mwah I love them kisses everywhere

[therealvikingstrash]

I really like vikings, but it makes me sad to see all this man abusing women. Of course it was surely normal, but it make me feel strange to see it. Bjorn surely rape some woman but it wasn't in the show as an explicit scene. And I think also ubbe is guilty of rape, because at the beginning margrethe was a slay so she couldn't say no. Siggurd himself say 'she belong to us' imply that there was no necessary of ask her if she want to fuck ivar

Well, men still abuse women to this day. And some women abuse men. It is what it is. Ignoring that it happens won't make it go away. Showing a sanitized version of a story would make a quite boring and unrealistic show. The Vikings era was a dangerous time for everyone. Women, men, children, elders - doesn't matter, they were all at risk.

The root problem is Hirst's misogynistic self who honestly believes he wrote a feminist show 🤣 that is just hilarious. He thinks because he let some of the female characters play with the weapons and said they were badass fighters, he is suddenly a feminist for it 😂 please, I'm in stitches just thinking about it. He really thought putting women in the (in his eyes) "male" role was feminist, while not changing anything else. He didn't make them equal, that's the problem. Feminism means equality for all genders. That wasn't the case in the show though.

Just because it wasn't an explicit scene, it makes it okay? In the end credits of that episode with the Algeciras raid the crying woman at the end is listed as "Bjorn's victim" so, tell me, is it less explicit to see her crying and broken as she's put in line in chains to become a slave who'll be abused until she dies? It's enough for me to put two and two together. He also went on far more raids than the boys did, which means more potential victims.

No. Ubbe didn't rape anyone. Did you forget that he insisted that Margrethe was a human being that needs to be asked if she wants to have sex? I doubt that mindset went away. He didn't see her as a slave, but a person. Does that make her a free woman? No. But she had the option to say no, even though she probably was too afraid to speak her mind. Sigurd's opinion on that doesn't matter to me, tbh. He was basically a 16yo teenager. They usually don't have smart ideas and talk shit all the time.

Those boys were raised to believe they were better than others just because they were the son's of Ragnar Lothbrok and their mother the Queen of Kattegat, Aslaug (whose parents were also well known). They were raised as royals who stood above commoners and surely above slaves. They were entitled little shits, let's be real. To them it was normal to use a person if that person was a slave. Modern society recognizes that slavery is wrong and that you can't own a human being. Those weren't modern times though. They had entirely different values. Heck, their biggest goal was to die young in battle to get to Valhalla. I think it's safe to say their ideas of a good life and what's right and wrong differ a lot to what our society thinks today. It's okay to hate those parts (slavery) in the show, it would be weird to agree with and tolerize it. You can both understand why and that it happened and still hate it.