#the free folk

[beyondmistland]

Even without the oncoming collapse of the Wall and arrival of the Others, wouldn’t the Free Folk south of the Wall be doomed to a similar existence various indigenous peoples, such as the Māori, Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc. experienced over history?

No for a couple of reasons.

The Free Folk share a lot in common with the northmen (such as religion and language, as implausible as that is). Furthermore, while there are cultural differences there is also cultural understanding.

Without the return of the Others providing an impetus for the Free Folk to unite under Mance and migrate south, nothing changes because the lands beyond the Wall aren't worth the effort from the perspective of the Seven Kingdoms.

Thanks for the question, anon

[ramblings-of-a-mad-cat]

I honestly can't believe the people who think Jonsa will be canon in the books when Jonrya is right there. At least Jonerys *kinda* makes sense, butJon mentally compares Arya's body to Ygrittes when they're having sex. That literally happens. Explain that away.

(So help me, if you guys use this one as an excuse to reopen the pro-shipping debate...)

Before I go any further, I will address the elephant in the room. The only one The Golden Company ferried over. I am aware that in the original outline, Martin planned to put Jon and Arya together. So it's easier to see this as leftover remnants of that could-have-been romance. Problem is, that outline also had Tyrion crushing on Arya. It had Sansa pregnant with Joffrey's child, it had Cat getting killed by The Others. See what I mean? It's not the released series, and it's certainly different enough for me to pretty much disregard what it offers.

One quick correction, if you don't mind my doing so. Technically, Jon mentally compares Ygritte's body to Arya's when he's picturing her naked, but not actually when they're doing the deed. I...realize that hardly sounds any better, but the actual lines, about how underneath her furs, she could be "as skinny as Arya" just seems innocent enough for me to take it as innocent.

Another important note. While I'm not condemning the idea of shipping half siblings (or...cousins? R + L = J isn't confirmed in the books, but even if it's true, they were raised as siblings...y'know what, it doesn't matter.) since this is ASOIAF after all, what I will condemn is shipping Jon and Arya as anything other than a "distant future" idea because...there's a considerable age-gap and while it's not quite as pronounced in the books, the character are also younger. I believe Arya is nine in AGOT, which is the last time Jon would have seen her? So uh, no. He better not be thinking about her that way.

Really, I think there's a much more logical (and non-sexual) explanation for what happened here.

Jon doesn't compare Ygritte to Arya because he has a thing for Arya. He compares them because he has literally no other frame of reference for women. No, seriously, think about it. The only women/girls that he's ever interacted with are Cat, Sansa, and Arya. Cat despised him and iced him out. Sansa was rude to him (as she was to basically everyone) and mocked him for being a bastard. Arya, on the other hand, was Jon's best friend. She was also the only girl, (again, he knew all of three, growing up) who defied gender norms, meaning that she was not just the only girl, but only person in general that Jon knew who acted like one of The Free Folk.

When Jon leaves Winterfell, he goes straight to the Night's Watch, which is exclusively men. He doesn't encounter a woman again until Ygritte. Want to know why he compares Ygritte to Arya? This is why. She reminds him of his sister, which one can take as a sign of shipping, but it could easily be platonic as well. I feel like it would have been stranger for him not to compare them. Ygritte is literally the second girl in Jon's life that he feels anything positive for, and she's also Jon's first exposure to the Free Folk, who embody a lot of qualities as a whole that Arya also has.

Ultimately, Jon loves his family, the North, and the Free Folk, and that's all interconnected. I don't think it really has much to do with shipping.

[shesmore-shoebill]

"I had choice paralysis :(" is a KILLER line.

He's such a comedic powerhouse, I'm glad more people are getting exposed to him :'D

[stil-lindigo]

Ahmed Saad or @/90-ghost's brother in law is currently doing his best to organise the evacuation of his family from Gaza. This family suffers from a combination of ailments that all require medical attention. This is the description on their GFM page:

Hello, I hope you all are doing well!

My name is Mohamed Monir Ahmad Mahmoud, I’m a hemophilia patient from Gaza. I decided to start this campaign with all the hope that you could support me in evacuating Gaza to do surgery for me and my daughter and start a fresh life with my 5 kids out of the ongoing genocide in Gaza [...] I was supposed to go out at the end of 2023 to have surgery on my knees but since 7 October, I had no chance due to the procedures on Rafah crossing, the gate of Gazans to the world. Now, my knees and elbows are bleeding with no access to any type of care and if things stand as they are in Gaza, I won’t be able to walk or make any effort because of the bleeding (currently I am barely able to set up a small fire in front of the tent to prepare food for my kids).

What I ask is 60,000, for travel costs because each one would need to pay 5,000-8,000$ to be allowed to leave Gaza through Rafah crossing and we need around 3000$ more in Egypt for our stay and to obtain visas. We will be heading to Brazil where my brother Diaa lives and there is a huge chance to do the surgeries and access health care as the health care for Hemophilia patients in Brazil is one of the most advanced in the world.

please give generously!!

[sylvaridreams]

Rips off my shirt to reveal I'm wearing another shirt that days I ❤️ CHARACTERS THAT SUCK

[defleftist]

Thrilled to see someone carrying on the tradition of protest folk music. Keep fighting the good fight!

[nobodysuspectsthebutterfly]

Always a fascinating ethics question.

(Mind you it's less of a trolley problem and more of a Cornelian dilemma, because every solution has a detrimental effect on someone - leave the wildlings and they get wighted; move them across the Wall, and they may attack the NW and the people of the north. Whereas a trolley problem only would apply if taking the Weeper (and other wildlings) out of the way of the Others thus diverts the Others onto different innocent victims. The Others being the trolley in this case; they and the wildlings can't be the trolley at the same time, ethics questions don't work that way even if you shift perspectives.)

Anyway, yeah, Jon's priorities are basically like “we need to save them - yes all of them - and we'll figure out what to do with them (and protect the innocents) afterwards.” Whereas much of the NW reluctantly accepts the saving bit, but thinks “what to do with them” should be the first priority. Especially with winter coming. Which alas brings up its own ethical dilemmas on who gets food first when stockpiles are low...

the question of Jon letting the Wildlings through is such a fantastic moral dilemma. And the argument against it, that they are dangerous, is just as brilliantly written. Is there a point at which you could decide a person is worthy of death? Because not let the Weeper through is to leave him for dead.

It’s a divided version of the classic trolley problem. From one perspective, the choice seems really easy: Jon could do nothing and let the train run over everyone north of the Wall, or he could act and let the people come south, avoiding the train.

Except there’s a second perspective to the problem layered on top of this one. From the perspective of the Northmen south of the Wall, the trolley problem looks like this: Jon could do nothing and everyone south of the Wall gets to avoid the wildlings, their hated raiding enemy, or Jon could act and send the hated Wildlings south of the Wall directly towards the people he said he would protect. Their version of the problem also looks easy, but with the reverse outcome.

So to them, it feels like Jon is choosing the wellbeing of the Wildlings over the wellbeing of the Northmen. Though Jon of course believes the two can coexist.

And their argument would go like this: the Weeper is a killer, shouldn’t we draw the line at who we let through? But of course the question really is: at what point can we decide that someone’s life is worth less than our own?

[swampybogg]

[choccy-milky]

💖🎊the end, & thank you for reading!!🎊💖

im so thankful for all the support i got on this story, and i wouldn't have finished it if not for all of you, and for the love i got for seb and clora. so thank you again for giving me the motivation to write this 600k+ monster, and to see it through to the very end. LOVE YALL💖🫶 (ao3/wattpad)

[gophergal]

Guilt tripping people does nothing but cause vulnerable folks to spiral and make folks who dont live with moral OCD feel negatively toward your cause

[beyondmistland]

Would the Thenns practice thraldom?

They might though I doubt their valley can sustain the additional numbers.

Thanks for the question, anon

[shripscapi]

Ygritte commission for @jaehaeryshater 🩵

[high-priestess-house]

𝕰𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖞𝖉𝖆𝖞 𝖂𝖎𝖙𝖈𝖍𝖈𝖗𝖆𝖋𝖙

ℌ𝔬𝔴 𝔱𝔬 𝔟𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔪𝔞𝔤𝔦𝔠 𝔦𝔫𝔱𝔬 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔶𝔡𝔞𝔶 𝔪𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔞𝔫𝔢

Daily Affirmations: Start your day with positive affirmations or spells to set your intention.

Morning Ritual: Incorporate meditation or a grounding exercise into your morning routine.

Herbal Tea: Brew herbal teas with magical correspondences for specific needs (e.g., chamomile for calm).

Crystal Carry: Keep a small crystal in your pocket or bag for daily energy boosts.

Incense and Smudging: Light incense or smudge your space to cleanse and energize it.

Moon Water: Use moon water (water charged under the moon) for washing, drinking, or watering plants.

Sigils: Draw or carry sigils for protection, luck, or other intentions.

Altar Space: Create a small altar or sacred space in your home.

Candles: Light candles with intention, choosing colors that correspond to your needs.

Tarot or Oracle Cards: Pull a daily card for guidance.

Journaling: Keep a magical journal for spells, dreams, and reflections.

Nature Walks: Spend time in nature, collecting items like stones, leaves, or feathers for your practice.

Kitchen Witchery: Infuse your cooking with intention and use magical herbs and spices.

Charmed Jewelry: Wear jewelry that has been enchanted or charged with specific intentions.

Lunar Phases: Plan activities and spells according to the lunar phases.

Weather Magic: Use the energy of different weather conditions in your spells and rituals.

Mindful Cleaning: Clean your space with intention, using magical cleaning solutions.

Bath Rituals: Take ritual baths with herbs, salts, and oils for cleansing and manifestation.

Gratitude Practice: End your day with a gratitude practice or prayer.

Sacred Music: Listen to music that uplifts your spirit or has magical significance.

Writing Spells: Incorporate spellwork into your daily writing, such as emails or notes.

Daily Offerings: Make small offerings to your deities or spirit guides.

Visualization: Use visualization techniques throughout the day to manifest your desires.

Plant Magic: Care for plants and infuse them with your magical intentions.

Energy Shielding: Practice energy shielding techniques to protect your aura.

Creative Art: Use art and creativity as a form of magic and expression.

Spiritual Reading: Read books, articles, or blogs on witchcraft to expand your knowledge.

Community Connection: Connect with other witches online or in-person for support and inspiration.

Crafting: Make your own magical tools, such as wands, sachets, or charms.

Ritual Dress: Wear clothing or accessories that have been enchanted for specific purposes.

Daily Devotions: Spend time each day in devotion or meditation with your chosen deities.

Intentional Breathing: Use breathing exercises to center and ground yourself.

Astrology: Incorporate astrology into your daily planning and decision-making.

Digital Magic: Use apps or digital tools designed for witches to keep track of moon phases, spells, and more.

Rune Work: Draw a daily rune for guidance and reflection.

Harmonize with Elements: Incorporate the four elements (earth, air, fire, water) into your daily life.

Affirmative Speaking: Speak with intention and awareness, using positive and empowering language.

Gardening: Create a magical garden with plants that have specific correspondences.

Mindful Eating: Bless and infuse your food with positive energy before eating.

Dream Work: Keep a dream journal and work with your dreams for insight and guidance.

[localratwithcowboyhat]

Made a little halloween bigender flag because i couldn’t find any online

Putting it here if anyone wants it

[grandkhan221b]

Drawing Asoiaf Characters That Have An AI Generated Image On Their Wiki Page - The Series continues ! Here's Raymun Redbeard, the famous wildling king. Characters are going to get a lot more minor from now on lol

[auroreliis]

OMGGG!! Imagine platonic yandere batfam and reader on a vacation at the beach on a privat Island. Would you like to do headcanons/or a scenario (you can decide) of it. Hope you have a good day/night!!

Aaaaa anon <333 We had the same idea <3333 Thank you so much!!!

Perhaps a little late for summer, but inspiration only struck me now!!! <33

Also, I wrote this on like 4 energy drinks so forgive any spelling errors

Also it's not edited or anything...

If reception is positive on this one, I might make a part 2 with the other characters, so let me know if you'd be interested in that :)

Platonic Yandere!Batfamily

Summary: The Batfamily takes you to their private island for summer vacation.

It was just you. Just you and the gently lapping of the waves against the shore. Finally, some alone time. You had to make the most of it, since you were convinced that it wouldn’t last long.

It was about 8 o’clock in the morning. Bruce, Damian and Stephanie had left the island for whatever reason. Dick was either at home or at main beach, looking for you. You had come here about half an hour ago, surely they would’ve noticed your absence and the fact that you had left your phone at home. They were going to chip you eventually, you had come to accept that. However, you certainly enjoyed the time you had away from them whenever they couldn’t find you.

Jason was probably inside the villa. He wasn’t particularly fond of the heat outside. Either that or he’d gone swimming to cool off. Cassandra could’ve been looking for you. Maybe she had already found you.

Instinctively, you looked around. No one was in sight. Then again, she probably wouldn’t let herself be seen anyway.

The shore surrounding the island was wider at the main beach. Here, it was only a few feet wide. Behind you laid a sparse palm forest. Cassandra could certainly hide there. Whatever. You wouldn’t find her anyway. Besides, she would have probably come to talk to you. Probably.

Where would Duke and Tim be? At the villa, right? Where else would they be? Hopefully not looking for you.

Now that you had considered it, you were probably being observed by someone. And if you weren’t, then soon, you would be.

Whatever, just take your mind off it. Think of something else, like…the beautiful beach you’re at. Yes, it is much nicer to think about the gentle breeze. How wonderful. Just you, the beach and the ocean.

You hadn’t ever been at a private beach, so this was a unique experience. All of this belonged to you. Well it actually belonged to your new family, but still, it almost belonged to you.

Your soul nearly left your body at the sound of rustling coming from behind you.

“Hi”, Tim waved nervously after you had spotted him sneaking up on you.

You didn’t feel like answering, so you just turned back to the ocean. Wanting to engage with you somehow, Tim sat down on the sand next to you.

“So…what are you doing here?”, he kept looking at you, but you tried very hard to ignore his gaze.

“Just sitting.”

“Well, I can tell that, but why here? Why not on the main beach? Dick and Jason are scrambling to find you there.”

You had thought that was the case.

“I wanted to be alone.”, you emphasized every word.

He chuckles nervously. That was it. He didn’t say anything. That told you everything you needed to know: He was only here to annoy you.

“How did you even find me?”, you turned to him, your voice tinged with frustration.

“Find you? Oh, I wasn’t looking for you, I just wanted to go somewhere alone. You know, somewhere peaceful”, he turned to the ocean, as though in deep thought,”I get it, you know. You also want to be alone sometimes.”

If he “gets it”, then why is he always right behind you?

“I think you and I have a lot more in common than you think”, he said, crossing his arms on his propped up knees and turning to you.

The audacity to say something like that made you shudder.

“I think you’re full of shit”, you wouldn’t let him think that he’s getting closer to you. You could never like someone like him.

He tried to hide his frown, but you saw right through him,”That’s pretty mean, you know. I’m just trying to connect with you.”

He didn’t say it directly, but you knew his words were a warning. Bruce had talked to you about this. You were allowed to have your opinions about them, but being overly rude was a violation of the rules—rules, which he made up. In other words, if Tim thought you were being mean, then you were being mean. Against this, there would be no arguing.

Well, you know what they say: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

“Ahem, I’m trying to connect with you…”, Tim persisted. You merely pursed your lips and nodded.

Noticing the awkward silence, he spoke again, ”So, will you go swimming?”

You shook your head.

He nodded, “Yes, it isn’t that hot yet, so there’s no need to cool off, I suppose.”

“Well”, he turned to you with a smile, his determination unwavering, “What would you like for breakfast? Alfred already started preparing something. Let’s head back and let him know what you want before he finishes.” But wouldn’t Alfred already know your preference? Perhaps this was Tim’s idea of “bonding”…

Still, his offer seemed tempting, since you hadn’t eaten yet. However, you weren’t jumping at the idea of going back only to place your order with Alfred and then get dragged off to go swimming by either Jason or Dick. Or worse, Tim.

Only now that you felt the hopelessness more intensely, did you begin to question things. Why did Tim always find you first. And how? They didn’t secretly chip you, did they?

…Did they?

Asking them wouldn’t result in an honest answer, so you didn’t really see a point in it. But how else would you figure it out?

You supposed the best person to ask was Bruce—AKA. Dad. He was likely the only person who would answer truthfully…as long as you behaved properly, that is.

“Is dad home yet?”, you turned to Tim, ignoring his previous rambling.

“Oh uh, I’m not sure. Shall we go check together?”, Tim scrambled to use every opportunity he was given, despite being caught off guard.

Perhaps it won’t get any better than this: Mediocre at best.

“Fine, let’s go.”

From the corner of your eye, after Tim grabbed your hand, you saw his smile widen remarkably.

The walk was long and awkward. Your older brother was desperately trying to talk about something, anything, that would catch your interest. Meanwhile, you were silent for the most part.

You had to admit, the villa was quite nice (if only it came without the addition of desperate, touch starved reprobates). Despite having your own room, you were forced to share a room—and often even a bed—with someone, unless you gained Bruce’s special favour for the day.

Luckily, Damian, the person you had to share the room with last night, had left very early in the morning. You weren’t sure how long ago, though, since the letter he’d written to inform you of his absence was…detailed, to say the least. Surely it would’ve taken him more than an hour to even come up with it, let alone write it. What a waster of paper. He didn’t have to say anything at all…

Entering the cool living room made you relax enough to finally engage with Tim, “Um…are Jay and Dick home, or…?”

In respone, he laughed, “Oh, no. I didn’t tell them that you’re with me. They’re probably still looking for you at the main beach. Dick went on about how we shouldn’t let you go anywhere alone in case you drowned or something like that.”

“Wait, what? But I know how to swim! Please tell Bruce that Dick’s rule is unnecessary…I already have enough restrictions, don’t I?” You panicked.

“Well…” He grinned, “That depends on what you’ll do for me in exchange.”

Even sighing was tiring for you at this point, “Fine, I’ll sleep in your room tonight.”

“Until the end of the week, or no deal.”

Holding back a groan, you responded, “Fine, whatever, just…work your magic, okay?” He nodded eagerly.

“Greeting, Masters. Breakfast is almost prepared”, Alfred appeared from the kitchen.

“Hi. Alfred, did you make-”

“Your favourite? Of course I did”, Alfred interrupted.

“…Right.” You should’ve known, to be fair, “Well, when will it be done?”

“When Master Bruce and Master Damian return”

“What about Steph? Isn’t she returning?” If she didn’t return at all, your life would improve considerably.

“Oh, Steph? She wanted to stay in the city for a bit, probably to buy you gifts or something”, Tim responds in Alfred’s stead.

“Gifts…? You don’t think she’ll, you know, make me play dress-up again, right?”, the thought sent a shiver down your spine. In this heat? There was no way you’d wear layers upon layers of clothes just because she was bored. You immediately left the living room, leaving Tim and Alfred behind.

While waiting for everyone to return to eat breakfast, you went and hid somewhere in the villa to avoid social interractions. And hopefully the heat. It was very hot.