#theme: births marriages funerals

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

Am I the asshole for not letting my husband have a say for the guest list of our baby shower?

I (21 f) and my husband (25 m) moved very quickly in our relationship, much to the judgement of my sister. We moved in with each other after a month of dating and she basically told me it was a stupid idea. We also got eloped with no family or friends there four months after that. When I texted my sister we got married (yes, I texted everyone instead of called) she asked if it was a joke and when I said yes then sent a picture of marriage license as proof, she didn’t respond for days. She called me later which I sent to voicemail, which was basically her crying saying she always imagined she’d be at my wedding and was hurt. I was upset because no one was invited or even told about the engagement; that was the point of eloping. The rest of my family was pretty happy for us though and I focused on that.

We didn’t talk for months because I wanted an apology, or at least a congratulations on getting married. She texted me a few times about nothing important (she sent a few memes). An apology never happened, but I started to text her again because I found out I was pregnant and wanted her to know about it. I called her about it eventually and she was supportive.

Before the Not Talking stage happened, her and my husband didn’t get along. She has made multiple passive aggressive comments about our relationship in the past. There was one time she visited us that made my husband upset because she showed up with little notice and also insisted on visiting again when our cat gave birth to her litter of kittens. She talked about helping and I didn’t really think anything of it. My husband later said he was upset she acted like she knew our cat better than us based off a couple of other comments she made and didn’t like how she invited herself over. I don’t think she meant anything negative about it, but it was annoying she insisted on one specific cat thing we told her we had under control and didn’t stop pestering until my mom called the vet to ask for advise and the vet agreed with my husband and I about how we handled the cat situation. I’m not sure if I explained that well but I honestly don’t know how to describe it without going into too much detail. This is just background info.

My husband and I wanted to do a gender reveal for the baby. We agreed on the theme and had a general date in mind. I invited my immediate family, best friend, and his immediate family that he talked to (which only consisted of three people). He said he didn’t want my sister at the gender reveal and this caused a huge fight. He said if she was there then he wouldn’t show up and I could tell him the babies gender on the phone. I cancelled the gender reveal because I didn’t want to uninvite my sister when she hasn’t made any bad comments in months and also wasn’t about to have my husband not be there. In my mind, there’s zero point in having one if both parents aren’t there. We found out gender by having our doctor write it down on a paper and we opened it later by ourselves. We told everyone over the phone what we are having.

Now, I am pretty far along in my pregnancy and my family wanted to set up a baby shower for me. I let them and we set up a date for it. My husband and I talked about the baby shower multiple times and looked forward to it. I Facebook invited the same people I invited to the gender reveal to the baby shower and he wasn’t happy when he saw my sister was again on that list. Him and my sister has only seen each other one time during these months, which was at a funeral. My sister initiated a handshake which he accepted and asked how he was. He answered fine and that was the end of it.

The baby shower argument was the same for gender reveal. He didn’t want her there and he didn’t want to come if she was there. He said I shouldn’t want someone who has done nothing but disrespect both of us in the past year to be at this event and should get a say in who comes and who doesn’t. There’s no excuse for the things my sister has done and said but it felt wrong to exclude her. If she wasn’t going to be invited to the baby shower, then what was his opinion on our son’s birthdays and other events? We couldn’t do this forever. She hasn’t been rude in months but we never got an apology. I’m also a little bitter about it but I’m trying to not be harsh. At this point, I didn’t say much when my husband said she couldn’t be there. This is because we just got done with a different argument about something completely different and he said he was done about certain things. I said ‘like what?’ and he told me he didn’t want my sister at the baby shower.

He said he wouldn’t have invited anyone that has disrespected me and I shouldn’t either. It sounds fair but it also sounds very black and white. I get along with the family he talks to outside of family events. I don’t get along with a couple of extended family members but he doesn’t get a say in who was invited to those events and never talks to them outside of those family events even before we were together. I didn’t really say anything for my argument because I knew he wouldn’t agree with it anyway. This sounds calm but he was very angry and I was crying pretty hard. He asked over and over again if she was coming to the baby shower and I refused to respond. If I say she’s not coming then I’ll have to follow my word and uninvite her, probably causing arguments within my family. If I say she is then he won’t come. (I’m not sure if this is relevant but my husband and I are both autistic and have been known to shut down and stim when we’re upset). He said he’s tired of being disrespected when I refused to answer for 30+ minutes and wanted a divorce. He crumbled up our marriage license and took my wedding ring off my finger.

He didn’t say anything about the baby shower and started asking questions about the divorce. ‘How much do you want in child support? When do you want to do visitation? Etc.’ I refused to answer for a while but he kept asking and I mostly gave vague answers like ‘whatever you want’ all while still crying. I didn’t say much except to say he was staying and we weren’t getting a divorce.

I don’t remember what happened next and what I said, but he eventually said that I had one more chance to choose him because he’s always chosen me. This is true because he has put me first. He works a lot while I’m not working this pregnancy and always makes sure I eat and everything. I’m not sure what’s going on with baby shower. I think he said that she can come if I put up boundaries about being nice otherwise she can’t come. I think this will start an unnecessary fight because she hasn’t done anything in many months so it seems insulting. I didn’t say anything though. We fell asleep and cuddled and he apologized the next morning before he left for work. He said he was more mad that I refused to talk. I, personally, was more upset about the marriage license he crumpled up. I still didn’t say anything but ok. He still hates my sister and expects me to tell her to be respectful.

I don’t know what to think really. I sound like a jerk for not letting him have a say for baby shower. It is his kid too. I also don’t want to divide my family by not inviting my sister, but he’s also my family. I know he acted like a jerk for the argument but that doesn’t necessarily means he’s wrong about the guest list and having a say. So would I be TA?

What are these acronyms?

[jeannereames]

Hello again, Dr. Reames. This post about the hero's journey across world cultures but especially in Ancient Greece has been going viral on tumblr. As both a writer of fiction set in the ancient world and an academic, do you think the hero's journey holds any merit? Especially in regards to the Illiad?

So first, thank you for that link and sorry for the delayed reply. I enjoyed reading the post, and agree with her for the most part, but there is a very useful comment (I’m not sure I’d quite call it a rebutting) from Ian Robinson in the notes. His reply offers several useful points about, et al., masterplots and correctives to her take on Campbell, which is a bit narrow, although the Frazier/Campbell/Jung approach to myth has long been recognized as problematic, beginning with Levi-Strauss. So I’d suggest that those who read her post also read his comment, as he gives some good additional bibliography. There are some other good comments, but I’d specifically point to that one. Unless I really misremember Campbell, I don’t think he’s suggesting the Hero’s Journey is the only sort of myth out there. That would be oversimplifying him and creating a stick-man argument, which is where I might ding her analysis.

Walter Burkert (and his students, et al.) have noted that similarity in myths may owe more than a bit to some basic similarities in human experience due to human biology. So, we get a goodly number of coming-of-age stories/myths and accompanying rites of passage. Similarly, marriage is another commonality. There’s only one culture that doesn’t have marriage (if my anthro class memories serves); but what “marriage” entails, and who may marry whom, varies quite a lot over cultures. Death and funerals/mourning are another commonality strongly hedged by culture-specific details, along with birth and fertility rites. We can include also anniversary and commemorative rites, feasting and fasting, even water rituals. These all cross the globe in myth and religion. Thus, our very humanness produces similarities of experience, although details are shaped by culture.

Additionally, throughout history, human beings have tended to look for points of commonality when facing difference—a purchase to grab onto, if you like. We’ve been doing this for millennia, right down to: “Your god seems like my god, just with a different name.” Difference is occluded to focus on the similarity.

I don’t think that’s a bad thing. It promotes connection…and empathy. It’s only problematic when difference is not just ignored but erased and replaced. That happens too. The Greeks (and later Romans) were notorious for ignoring other people’s names and categories in favor of their own… but so were the Egyptians, and the Chinese. This is not simply a white Western/European fault. It’s a Center-Periphery phenomenon. And it may be the height of white Western/European privilege to assume they’re the only ones guilty of doing it!

All that said, we do find some common … themes? ... across myths. Trickster figures, for instance—perhaps because they make us laugh. But a culture that doesn’t have one isn’t “lacking,” nor do all tricksters look/act the same. Humor can be a very cultural thing. That’s just one example of a “semi-universal” mythical motif.

So, in short, I don’t see a problem with utilizing the Hero’s Journey as a useful frame in storytelling. But I would say that we may need to learn new stories too, as writers.

My current WIP (work-in-progress) is a 6-volume epic fantasy that turns the conquest narrative on its head. One (of the two) main characters transforms from “Master of Battles” to “Mother of Peace.”

Writing it has presented me with some narrative-arc struggles, most notably writing “battles that aren’t.” E.g., an expected battle that doesn’t come to pass/is short-circuited in some way. I mean to challenge the notion that “glorious conflict/combat” is a necessary conclusion for a story arc. Yet that runs the risk of annoying readers who complain of bait-and-switch. Nonetheless, the point IS that a peaceful solution may be the true victory. How to do that involves maintaining enough narrative TENSION even if battle isn’t the resolution of that tension.

That’s a different sort of story, and entails bucking millennia of narrative expectations. Of course there are other forms of story (metaplots) that don’t even involve a (big) battle at all, but I’m specifically trying to subvert that one. That means I must rethink dramatic tension. (Hopefully successfully.)

In any case, I offer it as an example of the struggle any storyteller faces when swimming against the current of reader/listener/viewer expectations. Especially when those expectations are formed by the freight of human storytelling tradition. We are “programmed,” if you will, to expect certain things out of any given plot arc. One ignores that—or in my case, deliberately flaunts it—to one’s peril.

[fanficapologist]

Of Dragons and Maelstroms

Themes and Warnings: slow burn, enemies to lovers, blood, violence, explicit language, sexual violence, period-typical misogyny, sexual themes, smut, tension, marriage, jealousy, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, attempted sexual assault, breastfeeding, major character death, divergent timelines

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood/Game of Thrones characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Chapter Fifty-Nine

“No. No, that cannot be right.”

As the news of her pregnancy sank in, Maera's initial shock gave way to a sense of denial, almost as if she were trying to resist the reality of the situation. Uncertainty clouded her features, and her mind raced with conflicting emotions. The ongoing war cast a dark shadow over her thoughts, and the unsettling prophecies of Helaena added an additional layer of worry.

The specter of death in childbirth loomed large, a heavy concern that intertwined with the complexities of the world around her. In the midst of this emotional whirlwind, Maera found herself grappling with the profound implications of bringing a child into such turbulent times.

The maester maintained his composure and explained, “I am quite certain, Princess. The babe will likely arrive in seven moons.”

Maera, still grappling with the revelation, attempted to find reason. “But what about the bleeding?” she asked, standing up from the bed.

Maester Orwyle reassured her, “Sometimes, when a babe is forming in the womb and nestles into its place, it can cause some bleeding. It is usually nothing to worry about, but I will monitor it closely to ensure your health and the babe’s.”

Despite the Maester's reassurance, Maera found her mind continuing to race with anxious thoughts. As she rose from the examination bed, she couldn't help but pick at the golden and sapphire ring on her left hand, something precious that Aemond had previously gifted her.

Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror, Maera took in the image reflected back at her. Her hair, dark brown with the distinctive silver streak, was braided and adorned with a golden headpiece. Widened green eyes stared back, framed by the mourning attire she wore—a black dress with embroidered golden dragons on the collar. She contemplated how her body might change as the pregnancy developed, adding another layer to the uncertainty that had taken hold.

A sobering thought crossed Maera's mind as she processed the news of her pregnancy. While the birth of a new child into House Targaryen would typically be celebrated as a blessing, the recent tragedies weighed heavily on her. The brutal murder of four-year-old Jaehaerys and Helaena's heartbreaking loss had cast a somber pallor over the household. In the wake of such sorrow, Maera couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the right time for the joyous news of a new life to be shared. The timing seemed almost cruel against the backdrop of recent events, adding a layer of complexity to the emotions surrounding the revelation.

Turning to the maester, Maera expressed, "Tomorrow is Jaehaerys' funeral, and news of a new baby would be a massive blow to the Queen. Can I count on your discretion until at least after the funeral?"

The maester nodded understandingly and replied, "You have my word, Princess. However, you should consider informing your husband as soon as possible." Maera nodded in acknowledgment, recognizing the wisdom in involving Aemond before anyone else. The weight of both grief and unexpected joy pressed upon her as she contemplated the delicate balance she needed to maintain during such trying times.

After leaving the Maester's rooms, Maera chose to avoid her own chambers, finding solace in the temporary refuge of denial. Facing Aemond would mean confronting the reality of the pregnancy, a reality she wished to postpone just a little while longer. Instead, she sought out Helaena's chambers, longing for the comfort of her friend's presence. However, her attempt to enter was thwarted by the vigilant guards, denying her access as Helaena was still not accepting visitors. Desperation to see her friend warred with the understanding that Helaena's mind remained deeply troubled, leaving Maera caught between a longing for connection and the harsh reality of the present.

Attempting to seek comfort in another manner, Maera hesitated to face the Grand Sept, haunted by the painful reminders of little Jaehaerys and Helaena's unborn child. Opting for a more intimate space, she made her way to the smaller Royal Sept, situated across the courtyard from the stables. In contrast to the grandeur of the main Sept, this smaller place of worship exuded a humble tranquility. Marble altars dedicated to each of the Seven Gods adorned the space, enveloped in the comforting scent of incense and the flickering glow of numerous candles. Kneeling before a small statue of the Mother, Maera sought solace in prayer as her mind began reeling with troubling and worrying thoughts.

Closing her verdant eyes, Maera pleaded for guidance and mercy as she grappled with the unexpected news. In the sacred silence of the Royal Sept, her thoughts unraveled like fragile threads. The looming prospect and expectation of delivering a son to further the Targaryen legacy, felt like an unspoken demand echoing through the corridors of her thoughts.

Her body, once a vessel of her own, now became a subject of scrutiny, a canvas on which the eyes of the court would fixate and criticise. In the hallowed silence, Maera’s thoughts involuntarily turned to the woman whose memory lingered as both a beacon and a phantom—her mother, Lady Gael. In the solitude of prayer, Maera silently wondered how Lady Gael navigated the complexities of carrying an heir. Her mother had weathered the trials of three pregnancies, the final one claiming her life. The untold tales of Lady Gael's experiences, the joys, and perhaps the fears, now hung in the air like a sacred whisper.

“Maera?” A voice echoed in the sacred space. Turning slowly, she found herself facing her mother-in-law, the Dowager Queen.

Alicent, clad in black mourning attire adorned with deep green detailing, stood before Maera with a demeanor of surprise. Her auburn hair was meticulously pinned atop her head, veiled as if to shield her grief. Brown eyes widened as they met Maera's, forming a silent connection in the quiet expanse of the sept.

As Maera rose from her prayer, the weight of her recent news settled heavily on her shoulders. Without conscious thought, she moved swiftly toward Alicent, her steps a mixture of fear and confusion. Abruptly reaching out, Maera initiated a desperate hug, as if seeking refuge from the storm of emotions within.

In that moment, vulnerability painted across Maera's face, she didn't disclose the cause of her turmoil. Alicent, perceptive to the unspoken distress, responded after a moment with a tender embrace. Though it wasn't the exact solace Maera had yearned for, the warmth of Alicent's arms provided a lifeline through the turbulent sea of emotions that defined the remainder of that challenging day.

After another prayer shared with Alicent and a brief apology for her emotional outburst, Maera resorted to yet another tactic of evasion. Seeking refuge in her father's quarters, she requested to dine with him, a request Lord Jasper willingly granted.

As they sat at the dining table, Maera played with the food on her plate using her fork, her gaze fixed on her father. She abstained from consuming a single mouthful, her mind preoccupied. Lord Jasper, with his distinguished appearance—dark hair and piercing grey-green eyes—engaged in lively discourse about his duties as the Master of Laws. Despite his animated prattle, Maera's attention wavered, consumed by thoughts she struggled to voice.

Observing Maera's distracted demeanor, Lord Jasper tactfully shifted the conversation, taking a mouthful of potatoes before saying, “You know, I have received a number of letters from our House via raven over the last few weeks.”

This piqued Maera’s interest, and she looked up from her plate. “What news do they bring?” she inquired.

Lord Jasper, sensing her need for a lighter topic, smiled and replied, “Well, your eldest brother, Guston, wrote. Seems his new baby girl is thriving. He also mentioned that he is completely wrapped around her little finger.”

A chuckle escaped Maera’s lips. “Really? I thought Guston wanted another son.”

Lord Jasper nodded, sipping his wine. “Indeed, he did. But you know how it goes. Daughters have a way with their fathers when they’re tiny and cute.”

As Lord Jasper shared more family news, Maera sipped chamomile tea from a nearby cup, absorbing the updates. Her father mentioned, "Cedric has been officially invited to the Citadel to train as a Maester."

A bright smile lit up Maera's face. "That's wonderful news, Father. I am sure he'll make us proud."

Lord Jasper nodded, expressing gratitude to the Gods. "Yes, thank the Gods. It is a way for him to honor House Wylde. I had low hopes for him with his quiet nature, but this opportunity is a blessing."

Sensing her father's veiled criticism, Maera cleared her throat, silently conveying her disapproval of bashing her brother. Lord Jasper, understanding the unspoken message, shifted the conversation. Taking a sip of his wine, he continued, "Dermot sent his congratulations for your wedding and expressed concerns about the war with Princess Rhaenyra. He stated if he could offer aid, he would, but I am unsure how he would plan on doing that." Maera nodded, a hint of discomfort crossing her features at the mention of the impending war.

Lord Jasper, picking up on the pause, smoothly transitioned to a more neutral topic, “And it seems our family to be blessed with more weddings very soon.”

“Oh?” Maera replied intriguingly, leaning in, prompting Lord Jasper to reveal further news.

“Gwyn is now betrothed to the younger sister of Lord Edwin of Tarth.” Maera cocked her head, absorbing the information. Lord Jasper elaborated, “It’s a strategic match, further allying Tarth to the Greens cause.”

Nodding in understanding, Maera encouraged him to continue. Lord Jasper revealed, “Luthor has now been matched with Lady Cassandra of House Baratheon. He will soon depart from Rain House to wed her and will remain at Storm’s End during his marriage.”

A smile played on Maera’s lips. “I hope Luthor finds happiness in his match to her,” she remarked, genuinely wishing well for her older brother.

Lord Jasper continued, "Happy or not, Luthor will do his duty, and produce as many heirs as possible."

The mention of heirs rekindled nerves within Maera, a silent reminder of her own pregnancy. Lost in her thoughts, she went quiet, unknowingly prompting her father to share more. Lord Jasper revealed, "Lord Borros still lacks an heir. If Luthor and Lady Cassandra were to produce a boy, the child could be named Lord Paramount of the Stormlands."

Maera, suddenly feeling overwhelmed, stood abruptly, the sound of cutlery jingling as she knocked against the wooden table. Lord Jasper, concerned, asked, "Are you well, daughter?"

Claiming to have lost track of time, Maera stated, "I should return to my chambers." With a polite bid for a good night, she departed, the urgency of the impending conversation with Aemond now impossible to ignore. She knew she would have to face the reality of her pregnancy and share the news with her husband, a task that seemed daunting in the wake of the recent emotionally turbulent events.

As Maera stepped into the chamber, the familiar sight transformed into an unsettling tableau. Shadows clung to the edges, rendering corners obscure and accentuating the silence that hung in the air like a heavy veil. The eerie quiet heightened Maera's awareness, each footstep echoing with a gravity that matched the weight of the news she was about to share.

The unlit candles, their wicks whispering traces of smoke, stood as silent witnesses to the unspoken tension within the chamber. It was a stark departure from the usual ambiance, setting the stage for a conversation that promised to alter the very fabric of their shared existence. And yet Maera knew only one reason why the room would be this dark and quiet so early into the night- Aemond was struggling with his lost eye, the throbbing and piercing pain of it being dulled by the darkness and silence.

With the subtle chime of a bell, Maera's maid, Thena, materialized in the quiet chamber, ready to attend to the princess for the evening. The room, shrouded in a solemn atmosphere, seemed to come to life as Thena approached her duties. With practiced hands, the maid delicately removed her golden headpiece and unpinned Maera's hair from its intricate updo. Cascading in a blend of brown and a striking silver streak, the locks tumbled down, framing Maera's face. Next, Thena carefully unlaced Maera's dress, the fabric surrendering and pooling at her feet. Left in her shift after Thena's assistance, Maera dismissed her maid with gratitude.

Alone in the quiet chamber, she approached the four-poster bed, revealing the figure of her silver-haired husband beneath the covers. Aemond lay on his side, the moonlight outlining his toned arms and torso. Silver strands of hair glinted in the dimness, and the brief silhouette of his jaw hinted at his rugged charm. In the darkness, Maera discerned that his eyepatch and the sapphire usually nestled in his eye socket, had been placed in a golden dish on the bedside table.

As Maera removed her shift, she revealed herself entirely, a curvaceous silhouette in the moonlit room. Aemond, a man who favored the intimacy of constant skin-on-skin contact, had an aversion to her wearing clothing during sleep. It brought a sense of vulnerability, to be so bare before one another consistently. Maera knew her husband was not a man of many romantic gestures or poetic words of devotion, yet she knew being able to feel each other brought him great comfort, as it did her.

With a deliberate gentleness, Maera lifted the sheets and slid into bed, ensuring minimal disturbance to Aemond's rest. The weight of the impending revelation about her pregnancy could wait until the morning. As she lay back, head touching the pillow, preparing to close her eyes, she sensed a subtle movement behind her. Maera felt his warm torso press against her back, one arm sliding under her pillow and another snaking around her waist, pulling her closer.

In the hushed tones of sleep coating his voice, Aemond gently spoke to her. “You’ve been gone a long time.”

Consumed by her own thoughts and reluctant to burden him with her news, Maera kept her response brief. “I had duties to attend to, my Prince.”

A hum was Aemond’s only response. Molding his body to hers like a warm cocoon, he offered a silent reassurance. Attuned to her tension, began to run his fingers up and down her bare arm, eliciting subtle goosebumps. Maera, appreciating the comfort, found solace in the rhythmic movement of his fingers and the warmth that encapsulated her.

After a moment, he spoke again, “I assume all is well? After your visit to the Maester?”

Not wanting to disclose the news of her pregnancy just yet, Maera simply replied, “Mm-hmm.” Before Aemond could delve further, she redirected the conversation, asking, “How is your head?”

Aemond, propping himself up on his elbow, allowed the sheet to slide further down his toned torso as he continued the rhythmic motion of running his fingers up and down Maera's bare arm. A subtle smile graced her face, a silent acknowledgment of the comforting touch.

Leaning down, Aemond whispered into her ear with a seductive edge, his warm breath sending a shudder down her spine,“It is better now that you have returned to our bed.” With gentle care, he moved a strand of her brown hair and pressed a light kiss to the delicate shell of her ear.

The Prince’s lips then descended and pressed firmer to just at the start of her neck, a small smile gracing her face at the feeling. Where her neck met her shoulder, Aemond’s kisses became wetter and more urgent, sucking on the skin so it began to to turn a pale shade of purple. Maera revelled in the feeling, her body reacting on its own as she tilted head back against his shoulder to allow him greater access.

She could feel that familiar ache in her core as he nipped and licked at her shoulder, desperate to forget about the news she had been told and wanted to surrender to the pleasure her husband could give her. Maera’s could feel his now hardened cock digging into her backside and experimentally titled and rolled her hips into him, causing a gasp to leave both of their mouths.

Aemond emitted a silent chuckle before the hand on her arm disappeared beneath the sheets, and made its way to her breast, kneading the flesh and pinching the hardened nipple between his thumb and forefinger. The sensation had Maera rubbing her thighs together in an attempt to find some relief, a noticeable slick of arousal starting to form.

She almost scolded Aemond when he removed his hand from her hardened peak, only for it to drift south and press flat against her stomach. A kiss onto Maera’s shoulder turned into another bite, causing her to gasp once again and arch her back into him. Aemond took full advantage of this, grinding against her once more, harder this time, his cock now slipping between her legs.

Her body was aching with desire, so she began to rock back against him, his length gathering her slick as it glided between her folds. A sleepy moan left the Prince’s lips as he slid the hand on her stomach to rest firmly on her hip, grasping at it as he matched her grinding, a rhythm becoming established. The tip of his cock brushed against her sensitive bundle of nerves, a squeak leaving Maera’s lips as a blush began to coat her cheeks.

Seemingly done with torturing her, Maera felt Aemond grab his length and line it up with her now dripping entrance. Once in place, his hand returned to her hip, and with a swift movement, he pushed himself entirely inside her, a low rumble leaving his chest as he did. The stretch she felt from his cock at this angle was incredible, the familiar sensation of pleasure beginning to bloom as she felt every part of his length nudging against her walls.

Aemond pulled out slowly before immediately thrusting back in, filling her to the hilt, the fingers on her hip digging in so harshly that they were sure to leave bruises. Maera could not help but cry out as his cock hit that spongey spot within her over and over again, the sensation causing her to throw her head back against his shoulder, her eyes closed and jaws slack as she completely surrendered to him, as she always did.

The fucking was deep definitely, thanks to his generously sized manhood, but it was not the usual hard fast pace that Maera was used to. It was slow, steady, almost sensual if you could call it that. It was the type of sex that the poets wrote about; to feel completely at one with the other person, to be so in tune with them that your connection goes beyond mere words. It was beautiful, and although not her preferred type of fucking, it just what she needed at this time.

She was snapped back to the moment when she felt Aemond’s hand move from her hip and dip between her thighs as he continued to thrust deeply into her. The Prince’s long, skilled fingers quickly found her pearl, and began swirling gently around it, causing her to cry out as pleasure began to build in the pit of her stomach. The intensity of the feeling grew as Aemond continued his ministrations and Maera rocked desperately against him, chasing her high. She felt his sweat-covered forehead press against her shoulder, the sound of sighs and soft groans leaving his lips filling her with a sense of pride and excitement.

As the coil wound tighter and tighter in her stomach, her hips began to stutter in their movements, causing Aemond to thrust upwards with greater intensity. After hitting the sensitive spot within her once more, the coil finally snapped with her, causing her to cry out in ecstasy as he fucked her through her peak, her own arousal coating her inner thighs, his cock and his skilled fingers that continued to rub against her bundle of nerves.

The Prince found his release shortly after, letting out a low, contented groan as he spilled his seed within her, ropes of hot white liquid painting the inside of her walls. After a moment of basking in the afterglow of sex, their ragged breaths of exhaustion beginning to slow, Maera felt her chin being grasped by Aemond’s thumb and forefinger. He slowly turned her head and captured her lips on a searing his, their mouths moving in tandem and hearts racing as the fuzzy warmth of pleasure encapsulated them both.

When he pulled away from the kiss, Aemond withdrew his cock, a hiss leaving Maera’s lips as she felt him pull out, a mixture of his seed and her own slick now coating the sheet beneath them. Aemond lay on his back and Maera followed suit, lying flat against the mattress as her bare breasts moved up and down as she took some steadying breaths. She turned her head to look at her husband with a soft smile, who also seemed to be recovering from their passionate encounter, a sheen of sweating covering his body.

With a gentle gesture, she lifted her arm and coaxed him toward her. “Come here,” she whispered gently. Aemond, his furrowed brow revealing a hint of confusion, hesitated. Maera spome once more, a sterner yet playful edge to her voice. “Do not make your Princess ask you again.” After a brief pause, Aemond relented, laying his head against her chest and allowing his hand to come up and cup her breast, causing her to giggle.

As she pressed her nose to his silver head, the scent of leather and dragon smoke, formed a sensory tapestry that spoke of familiarity, comfort, and shared history. In this intimate moment, every worry, including the weight of her pregnancy news, seemed to momentarily dissolve. And Maera was able to recognise a profound connection—one that extended beyond the complexities of royalty, duty, and impending challenges. The rare sight of Aemond laying his head on her chest, exposed a side of the prince not known to anyone else. It stirred a deep affection within Maera, an affection she remembered she had for him when they were young.

She marveled at the strength and warmth emanating from him, and the realization of what she felt for Aemond dawned upon her. This marriage was not merely duty, their past, or even just the lust they shared for each other, but a genuine and profound love. Maera was aware that this made her entirely vulnerable to him, but in this moment she did not care.

Tomorrow's concerns—the looming funeral, the war, her pregnancy, the vulnerability of her affections —all faded into insignificance. In the quiet of the present, the only thing that mattered was the warmth of Aemond against her, the rhythmic rise and fall of his breath, and the simple joy of holding each other. It was a moment suspended in time, where the weight of the world momentarily lifted, allowing them to find solace as they were both pulled into sleep.

Notes: Fuck me, I find smut so challenging to write. After editing it so much, it��s not even sexy to me anymore 😅 oh well, I hope y’all enjoy it at least 🖤

Tags: @abecerra611 @blue-serendipity @marvelescvpe @watercolorskyy

Thank you so much for reading! Comments, feedback, likes, and reblogs are greatly appreciated 🖤

[tokoyamisstuff]

Breaking Bonds Ch. 1

Glossu Rabban "The Beast" Harkonnen x F! Reader

Synopsis: Many were involved in the forced union of you and the Count of your homeworld - how will you cope; on a foreign planet and trapped with a literal beast? Notes: Arranged Marriage, Lankiveili! Reader, Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn Chapter Warnings: Slight Angst A/N: My new friend @cinnamon-mey inspired me to finally start this fic that's been sitting in my draft for an eternity. If you search for a good Rabban short, check out her work right -> Here! ❤

"Amour, amour, everyone wants to tame you. Amour, amour, in the end we're caught between your fangs. Love is a wild beast! You fall straight into her trap. She stares right into youe eyes. Enchanted when her gaze meets yours." - Rammstein

Rabban's voice cut like thunder through the strained silence, his shouts being followed by what you could only decipher as the wreckage of furniture.

"WHY WOULD MY UNCLE MAKE ME WED THIS LOWLIFE? WHY?!"

You were in the room next to his, both you and the slaves flinching with every sound. Still, they wordlessly continued preparing you for the ceremony, harshly tugging on your hair that was so foreign for them to maintain.

His voice was just as you imagined, you thought: As frightening as the man himself, and dripping with intense hate and rage.

There was no way he had only now been informed about this arrangement.

Maybe he did simply hope there'd be another way around, who knows? That'd make two of you.

Reality began to dawn on you as you watched the Harkonnen maids work on you in the mirror. According to their tradition, you were dressed in all black - a fitting theme, for it truly felt like a funeral more than anything.

Another clash from your fiancé's room, followed by screams and someone calling out for a medic.

This man's fury could direct itself against anyone or anything, even if absolutely unprovoked. It was enough to be in his vicinity at the wrong moment...

...the place you were destined to be from now on.

Tears dwelled in your eyes and even though you did not understand their language, they gesticulated for you that the time had come.

You were led to the altar like a lamb to the slaughter, aware of your fate but unable to prevent the inevitable.

Never before had a walk had felt this long yet also agonizingly short.

As you walked down the aisle, your glance wandered aimlessly through the hall avoiding to look at Rabban for as long as humanly possible at any cost.

A pityful attempt to prevent yourself from breaking down right then and there - at least not futile until now.

You couldn't help but notice the lack of anything that might indicate the current celebration. There was no decoration, no music, nothing.

Something to get used to, living with those people from now on.

Many eyes were locked on you, most of them unfamiliar. They were observing you warily, degrading even.

Some of them you had never met before, and still they had decided over your fate - or rather doom - without any remorse, only ever having their own benefit in mind.

Of course your own family was not allowed to attend - the fact that you roamed these halls freely was proof of their desperate measurements.

But in the end, you were just another slave.

A cruel tactic, marrying you off to the man that was tormenting your entire homeworld for decades already.

Well, toying with other people's lives if the end justified the means - that was the fundament the whole Empire was build on.

For a sheer moment, you locked eyes with the Reverend Mother - another player to whom you were nothing more than a mere pawn.

They had raised their hopes of you birthing a gifted daughter, fit to join the ranks of the Bene Gesserit. While you had no connection to the order whatsoever, Rabban's mother had been one of them. So it was not completely impossible for your offsprings to carry huge potential.

Even though being forced to reciprocate with one of this monstrous race terrified you beyond belief, so did the thought of your child being robbed from you right after birth.

Maybe it was better this way - the abomination you'd bring forth with the Beast would grow up to become just as evil as the rest of them.

You also spotted Baron Vladimir among the crowd, first row of course and seemingly very proud of himself. Of course he'd attend, being the one to suggest this alliance in the first place.

The Baron was not particulary fond of the idea that inferior genes would once again taint the Harkonnen bloodline, though he thought of Rabban just as lowy. Most important, it might end the uproars on your home planet and assure them safe trade of the precious whale fur once again.

He couldn't care less about Rabban's future, let alone a heir of his lends. If anything, it would be a nuisance for the Baron's initial conspiracy to help his favoured nephew Feyd take over the lead of House Harkonnen.

Because by law, the firstborn Rabban and his bloodline would be first in order of reign, no matter how much your inferior blood might taint it.

However, the unison between the self-proclaimed Count of Lankiveil and the last remaining native royal house of the planet would hopefully bring about permanent peace.

Settling things like this would spare him the expenses and resources of wiping the rebels out through force.

This was also the reason your family had given you - their only marriageable daughter - away voluntarily, knowing very well what unspeakable terrors the Harkonnens could otherwise unleash onto the remaining populace.

In the end, the Baron was satisfied with the outcome. You were composed and intelligent, yet knew your place. A fitting counterpart for the dull and erratic Rabban, possibly even keeping him from poor decisions that'd be bad for their business.

After knowing what the Harkonnens were capable of, you were sheer too terrified to become an actual threat. You'd gladly accept your role and sacrifice for your people without daring to ever strive for more, he was sure of it.

Everything else could be dealt with later, Vladimir thought.

"Remain as still as a corpse" you reminded yourself as you had reached the destination besides your soon-to-be husband. "Thus is the virtue of a lady."

You gulped harshly, desperate to make your body obey even in the face of fear - in contradiction to your own survival instincts.

However, when Rabban finally lifted your veil you were unable to keep your body from shaking, strangled sobs escaping your throat ever so frequent.

No one seemed to mind your current state of being, though you were certain even the last one among the audience could notice your very obvious distress.

After all, it was no secret that this marriage was fake. A trade in exchange for peace...

...and all consequence that came along with it you alone had to bear.

A firm grip under your chin forced you to look up to the man, and when you ultimatively saw this frightening man eye to eye, the last bit of your resolve disappeared.

You did not care anymore - anything would be salvation compared to whatever awaited you with the monster that was the man you had been promised to.

The Count himself however seemed rather unimpressed by this whole scenario.

In the end he was nothing but the shell of a man with no own will. Even this marriage was just another order for him to follow.

Not even the Emperor would know what kind of inhumane measurements were necessary to break this literal beast into utter submission like that.

Rabban had never cared about politics of some sort - whether he was to be here or slaughter himself through the rows of your people, it did not matter the same...

...though admittedly, he'd enjoy the latter option way more.

It was sheer impossible to know what he was thinking as he scanned your face, keeping an indifferent expression - and yet his stare was burning holes into you.

Even while doing nothing spectacular, his vile aura alone was making you shrink down in fear.

An embassador of the emperor was in charge of the ceremony, however both of you did not pay his speech any mind. You were still frozen on spot, gaze glued on each other like hunter and prey - expecting one to strike as soon as you'd be inattentive.

"I do" he spoke, his relentless eyes still fixated on your face - and only when those words reached your ears you realized that the ceremony was already in full swing.

In huge contrast to earlier, Rabban's demeanour was now all calm and collected - at least on the outside...

...and yet his voice was still boiling with anger underneath. A deep almost-growl, sending a chill down your spine as it echoed against the walls.

"And you, Y/N Årud: Do you take Glossu Rabban Harkonnen to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Cold dread dropped to your stomach like lead, and it took everything inside of you to not faint from the horrifying anticipation.

Remembering the reason you were chosen - the fact that your sacrifice would ease the burden of your folk - gave you just enough strenght to continue this farce.

There was no escaping it either way - this was your cruel, cruel destiny.

You blinked away the burning tears on the rim of your eyes, ramming your nails into your palm to level yourself. Refusing to do so much as look at him again, you took a deep breath and finally wrung out the words everyone expected of you:

"I-I...yes, I do."

----

Årud is a Norwegian reference, meaning something like "river's clearing"

[Chapter 2]

[irunevenus]

Hinduism: The World’s Oldest Religion.

Hinduism is often considered the world’s oldest religion still in practice, with its roots deeply intertwined with the history, culture and philosophy of India. With a rich tapestry of myths, rituals and traditions, Hinduism offers a glimpse into one of the most enduring and complex spiritual traditions in human history. This article explores the origins, evolution and practices of Hinduism, highlighting its global influence and its role in contemporary life.

Origins and Development

Ancient Roots:

Hinduism has its origins in the ancient Vedic traditions of India, dating back to around 1500 BCE. The earliest sacred scriptures, the Vedas, were composed during this period and form the basis of Hindu philosophy and practice. These scriptures are a collection of hymns, rituals and teachings that address themes such as creation, duty and morality.

Influences of the Upanishads:

Between 800 and 400 BCE, the Upanishads emerged, philosophical texts that expanded on the ideas of the Vedas and introduced central concepts such as Brahman (absolute reality) and Atman (the spiritual self). This period marked the transition from Vedic ritualism to a more philosophical and spiritual emphasis.

Epics and Puranas:

The epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, composed between 400 BCE and 400 CE, are central to Hindu mythology and narrative. These works describe heroes, gods, and morality through complex and detailed stories. The Puranas, compilations of myths and sacred stories, also played a crucial role in shaping Hindu traditions and practices.

Principles and Philosophy

Concept of Dharma:

Dharma, or moral duty, is a central concept in Hinduism. It refers to individual ethics and responsibilities according to social status, stage of life and personal context. The pursuit of living in accordance with dharma is seen as essential to achieving spiritual progress.

Belief in Karma and Reincarnation:

Hinduism teaches that a person's actions (karma) influence his or her future, both in this life and in subsequent lives. Reincarnation (samsara) is the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth, in which the ultimate goal is to attain spiritual liberation (moksha) and escape from this cycle.

Three Paths to Salvation:

Hinduism proposes several paths to attain salvation. These include the path of knowledge (jnana yoga), the path of devotion (bhakti yoga) and the path of action (karma yoga). Each path offers a different approach to spiritual fulfillment and union with the divine.

Practices and Rituals

Worship and Worship:

Hindu worship can take place in temples or at home, and can include offerings to gods and goddesses, chanting, meditation, and rituals. Hinduism is notably pluralistic in its approach to the divine, allowing for a wide range of deities and forms of worship.

Festivals and Celebrations:

Hinduism is known for its vibrant and varied festivals. Among the most important are Diwali (the festival of lights), Holi (the festival of colors), and Navaratri (a nine-night celebration dedicated to the goddess Durga). These festivals combine spiritual, ritualistic, and social celebration.

Life Rituals:

Hinduism values ​​a series of rites of passage, known as samskaras, that mark the stages of life from birth to death. These rituals include marriage ceremonies, initiation ceremonies, and funeral rites.

Global Influence and Presence

Presence in India and the World:

Hinduism continues to be the predominant religion in India, where it exerts a profound influence on culture, politics and daily life. In addition, the Hindu diaspora has taken the religion to many parts of the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, where Hindu communities have established temples and cultural centers.

[thisisarcanereverie]

Should’ve Known Chapter 14

A/N:  FINAL TIME SKIP. Also we are reaching the point now where there are only maybe 3 chapters left in this series but res assured I will be doing asks and will be writing small side shots to this series. Because I did leave a bunch of detail to the imagination. Also PLEASE INTERACT IT GIVES ME LIFE. Like seriously hearing active feedback on chapters really helps motivate writers like me to write. 

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own Wanda or Steve they are owned by Marvel, I don’t own the gif either.

WARNINGS:Angst, Swearing, loss, dark themes, 18 + from here on out. 

WORDS : 3,113

SUMMARY: Months turn into years and now the twins are six years old. Unexpected visitors arrive and things take an unexpected turn. 

In case you missed last chapter

series masterlist

ULTIMATE MASTERLIST

Sunlight danced through the crack in the sheer curtains in your shared bedroom and glinted off of the ring on your finger. 

Wanda couldn’t help but stare at you, appreciating every detail of your face, the way your nose twitches occasionally, the sound of soft breathing coming from you, and the rise and fall of your chest as you simply existed in this moment. She thanked every star she could that you existed. You changed her life for the better and she dreads to think of what life would have been like without you and the two beautiful children you gave birth to six years ago. 

You kept her grounded, you and the kids made her feel loved like she hadn’t felt since Pietro was taken from her. 

Wanda would be damned if she let anything take her family away from her again. 

Wanda still had her nightmares, the scars left behind from Vision and from Pietro, her parents, and Agatha were still there. But thanks to you those scars became simply that, scars. Scars that were faded but would forever remain there. 

However, as her old fears started to fade, new fears came to light. 

Some nights she dreams that Agatha had been right, that Wanda only brought chaos and death. She dreams that you and the kids died horrifically like everyone else she had ever loved. 

Other nights she dreams that she is the one who killed you. On those nights you spend hours combing your fingers through her hair and rubbing those familiar comforting circles on her back. Bringing her back to where she was now, that you and the kids were still alive. 

Then there were those special nights when her dreams were sweet and full of love. Sometimes she’s reliving a happy memory with her family before the bombing, sometimes she dreams of Vision and sometimes it’s with two boys that she doesn’t recognize but she knows she loves. However, if she’s really lucky, she dreams of you. Wanda dreams of sitting on the porch with you, sipping steaming tea with honey, grey and white in your hair, but your eyes are as youthful and as full of love as ever. Wanda dreams that her hair is peppered in grey and white as well, wrinkles of time written on her face, and that in the end she had never been what Agatha claimed she was. the Scarlet Witch, the Harbinger of Chaos, the Destroyer of the World. She dreams that all of that was just myth and that in the end all Wanda was, was Wanda Maximoff. 

Your wife. 

Wanda feels the corners of her lips curl upward as she remembers proposing to you. She did it at home, she hid it in the popcorn and you nearly choked on the damn thing. After spitting the ring out Wanda had the worst case of butterflies she ever felt. Wanda knew that marriage was an off subject for you and you weren’t quite sure how you felt about it and Wanda respected that greatly. However, she wanted to let you know that if you ever change your mind, Wanda would gladly marry you whenever you wanted, be it fifty years or an hour. So long as she got to be with you in the end. 

Wanda’s patience with you and the respect that she held for you and vice versa. You didn’t know you could fall even more in love with her. 

You and Wanda had been happily married for three years now and it was safe to say this was the happiest either of you had ever been. 

“Staring’s rude babe.” You muttered under your breath as your lashes fluttered before you fully opened your eyes. Taking in a brand new day in the same old world. 

“Stop being so beautiful in the morning then I’ll stop.” 

“Am I not beautiful any other time in the day?” You teased her. 

“No,” Wanda said before starting to litter your face in soft kisses. 

“You’re gorgeous in the afternoon,” Wanda whispered as she kissed your neck, nipping it slightly causing you to giggle. “You’re exquisite in the evening,” Wanda’s lips trails up your throat, her talented hands wandering as she did, “and you’re downright divine at midnight when the moonlight peaks through our curtains and bathes you in this silvery light.” Wanda’s lips are at the corner of your mouth now, your breathing now becoming hitched as Wanda’s lips are so far yet so close to your lips, “It’s at that time of day that I stare at you the longest.” Finally Wanda’s lips place a gentle but loving kiss on your lips. Her lips on yours never failed to make your heart flutter like it was the first time, fireworks and electricity running through you like wildfire. 

Just as you were about to deepen the kiss you heard the door to your shared room slam open, tearing your lips from Wanda’s to see two small figures rush and jump on your and Wanda’s bed. 

“Good Morning Mama and Mommy!” You heard the excited voices of your twins say. You and Wanda scooted aside to make room for the two already rambunctious twins in between you. 

Steve immediately went to cuddle by your side while Scarlet went to Wanda. Even when the twins were infants they had a preferred parent that they naturally drifted to. For Scarlet it had been Wanda and for Steve it was you. 

You looked at Wanda who looked at Scarlet like she was the world, in fairness she looked like that at Steve and you as well. And instead of scaring you, it felt nice. It warmed your heart to know that Wanda felt the same way, that the people in that room right there were your entire world.

Once the twins settled in between you, you and Wanda kissed the tops of their heads to which Steve giggled as you kissed raspberries on his cheeks.

“What’s on the agenda today little ones?” Wanda asked, Wanda often missed out on most of the day due to training with Strange. She’s gotten very proficient over the years at controlling her powers, Wanda’s learned more about herself and what she could do over the past six years and the more she learned the more frightened and amazed she was. 

“We’re going to go pick raspberries to make jam and pies!” Scarlet said excitedly. 

“Don’t forget,” You chimed in, booping your daughter's nose lightly with your index finger, causing her to giggle her bell like laughter, “that’s only after we finished our classwork today.” 

Steve let out a groan while Scarlet seemed to buzz with excitement. Scarlet loved learning, and Steve did too although not as much as his sister.

You had been homeschooling them, for fear of the worst. You knew that they were young and the likeliness of their powers showing themselves when they were really young were slim. However, you knew that their existence alone would cause a tsunami of reporters and agents ready to probe them. You knew there was a chance that their powers may never come, however until you were certain you and Wanda thought it best to homeschool them. 

It wasn’t bad, you took them to the park for them to play with kids their own age. After all, Nat did teach you the best way of hiding was in plain sight and acting naturally. 

---

You and the kids had just got done with school work for the day when you grabbed three baskets and headed to the raspberry bushes in the garden. Wanda had cast a spell on the bushes to make them grow raspberries anytime in the year. 

You laughed and watched lovingly as the kids ran around the yard playing tag. You counted your blessings that they got along with each other, maybe all the Sokovian whispers to your belly had done something after all. 

You gathered the three baskets of raspberries and brought them back inside. You washed the raspberries at the sink and occasionally checked outside the kitchen window to make sure that they were alright. 

After cleaning the raspberries you fixed them with a snack of apple slices and celery. You went on the porch to call them in when a vision of red, white and blue caught your eye. 

the Shield. 

It brings you back to Steve, his baby blues and his smiles and Tony’s funeral. 

You had heard what happened in New York with the Flagsmashers all those years ago and you would have gotten involved had you not been heavily pregnant at the time. 

You're brought back to the present when the Star Spangled Man with a Plan (now upgraded with wings) asks your twins where their mom was. 

“Sam...” You say, the tall man turned to you and it was then you see that he wasn’t alone. You don’t know how you could have missed the roaring of the motorcycle in the yard and the other tall man. “Bucky....”

The men walked toward you while the twins ran. 

“Mommy! Mommy! There are people here to see you.” They say at the same time, it wasn’t very often that you had company, much less unexpected company. 

“I see that,” You said evenly, keeping your face straight as the two men in front of you widened their eyes in realization. You tear your eyes away from them and to the two children in front of you and you knelt down to their height. “Why don’t you two go inside and play while Mommy talks to these gentlemen for a second.”

“Do you know who they are?” Lettie asked curiously, her eyes scanning the men. 

“Do we get to meet them?” Steve asked excitedly, looking amazed at Bucky’s metal arm. 

“I’ll let you know that in a second, but for right now go inside and play.” You said firmly, the twins waved goodbye to the men before heading inside. You waited until you heard the door close behind them to walk toward the men in front of you. 

“Boys,” You greeted motioning the porch chairs on the other side, “take a seat.”

Sam and Bucky listened and sat down. 

“Do you want a drink?” You asked, arms crossed. 

“Got anything strong?” Bucky asked. His eyes are not meeting yours. 

“It’s Scotland and I am a mom to twins,” You pointed out, “of course I do.” 

“I’ll take that then.” Bucky said, you looked at Sam who simply shook his head. You went in and grabbed the only bottle of Whiskey and a glass. 

By the time you gave Bucky the whiskey they seemed to have processed what they just saw. Sam looked at you with pity and concern, meanwhile Bucky looked off in the distance, anger radiated off of him in waves. 

“Are they Steve’s?” Sam asked. You simply nodded. 

“I only found out a month or so after the funeral,” You revealed, “I didn’t even know I was going to go through with the pregnancy until the events of Westview happened.” 

“Why didn’t you tell us?” 

“The less people that know the safer they are,” You explained, “I wanted to tell you.”

“But you didn’t” Bucky chimed in, his voice was shaky and his grip on the glass tightened. 

“They’re the children of the former Captain America and Sargent Steel,” You said, “I have to keep the people who know about them tight and few.”

“Who all knows?” Sam asked. 

“Director Fury, Director Rambaue, Pepper, Strange, Wong-”

“Does your husband know?” Bucky interrupted. Sam looked confused before he noticed the subtle wedding ring on your left hand. 

“Holy shit you got married.” Sam said, astonished. 

“Yes I am,” You confirmed feeling slightly awkward since it only took you this long to realize that you never officially came out to them. 

“My wife knows.” You said vaguely, you see both of the men's eyes widen in shock. Sam recovered faster than Bucky who took another drink from his whiskey. 

“Who’s the lucky girl?” Sam asked.

“That would be me.” 

You all turn your heads to your wife, still clad in her Scarlet Witch form. If it wasn’t for the fact that you had company you know your lips would be all over her by now. 

She winks your way and you flush. Wanda didn’t need to read your mind to know exactly what you were thinking. 

“Hold up,” Sam said, “You married her?!” 

“Yup.” You confirmed as her form sat down next to you and grasped your hand. 

“How long has this been a thing?” Bucky spoke for the first time in a while. 

“Why do you need to know?” Wanda asked, her hand firmly holding yours. Bucky held his hands up in surrender before taking one last swig from his glass. 

“The bottom line is, only Wanda and the rest know, and I guess now you two do as well.” You said. There was a long pause of silence, before Sam spoke. 

“I won’t say anything.” Sam said finally, before nudging Bucky out of his staring spell. 

“Boys,” You call out as you see that they’re about to leave. 

“I truly am sorry you had to find out this way, but I was only doing what I thought would keep them safe, and now that you know you’re free to visit them anytime.... It would be good for them to finally meet their fathers old friends.” You said. You see Sam and Bucky nod, you reach out for a handshake only to be pulled into a firm hug by Sam. 

“I understand Sarg, you only did what you thought was best.” Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as you returned the hug. Bucky still couldn’t look at you. 

You knew that you had broken his trust and you would work on getting it back. You just hoped that whatever grudges he had against you wouldn’t stop him from forming a bond with the kids. 

After Sam lets you go Bucky surprises you with a hug as well, his beefy arms encasing you firmly. 

“We’ll be visiting again soon.” Bucky promises as he lets you go and shakes goes to shake Wanda’s hand. 

“Wait,” You say as Bucky already is making his way to his motorcycle and Sam prepares for flight. 

“Yeah?” Sam replies. 

“There’s one thing I don’t get,” you said, “what brought you guys here?”

Sam paused for a second before replying. 

“I was just flying overhead, Bucky and I got word that there might’ve been an abandoned HYDRA base here but, turned out to be a faulty tip.” Sam said before saying his final goodbyes as he lifts off into the air and Bucky peels out of the driveway. 

“He was lying.” Wanda says, her eyes giving off a faint red glow. 

“I know.” You say, Sam’s pulse jumped when he spoke about the abandoned HYDRA base. You softly grab her hand and bring it to your lips, planting a small peck to the back of it. 

Wordlessly you walked hand in hand with Wanda through the front doors and continued with the regular evening schedule. 

You and Wanda made dinner as the kids helped set the table and talked about the day. The kids asked questions about who the men were and you and Wanda answered as best as you could without giving them the full truth. Which was surprisingly more difficult. Eventually dinner ended and while Wanda got the kids ready for bed it was your turn for dishes. After dishes were washed and rinsed you let them air dry in the rack and went to tuck in the twins with Wanda. 

Wanda and you kissed their heads goodnight and then proceeded to the couch.

Just as you made your way to the couch you noticed Wanda standing still. 

“Wands, what's wrong?” You asked, reaching out to her. 

“Nothing it’s just,” Wanda started as she played with her hands, “I have a bad feeling, like something is about to happen.”

“Come sit on the couch and talk me through it.” You say as you lead her to the well loved couch. You and Wanda sit and immediately fall into the position you always do, her leaning into you and your arm swung around her shoulders. Wanda had long since transformed out of her Scarlet Witch form but she still looked magical to you. Her fiery locks cascading down her dainty shoulders and just a hint of sparkle on her cheeks remained. You felt Wanda give a deep sigh before speaking. 

“I don’t know what it is, it’s not anything deadly but it fills me with dread just the same.” Wanda said with her green hues giving off a faraway look, “something is about to happen and I don’t know what it is.” 

“Whatever happens,” you say, maneuvering her so that way she faces you, “we’ll face it like we’ve done most things. Together.” You press your forehead to hers and let your eyelids flutter shut and Wanda follows suit. 

“Together.” Wanda whispers back as she finally closes the gap between you in a promise like kiss. 

---

---

---

“Buck don’t do this,” Sam tried to stop the centurion. Over the course of six years the two men had grown close and eventually Sam had earned the privilege of calling the taller man Buck. 

“He has the right to know.” Bucky responded, icy eyes focused solely on the communicator that their mutual friend gave them for ‘universe level threat emergencies only’ 

“We promised her we wouldn’t tell anyone Buck.” 

“No,” the Brooklyn man gruffed, “you promised her you wouldn’t tell anyone. I didn’t promise shit. So don’t worry your pretty little head about breaking your promises.” 

“First off thank you for finally admitting that I’m pretty,” Sam said before attempting to snatch the communicator and failing. “Second off, we should’ve told her the truth from the start. Instead of leaving puzzle pieces to put together.” 

“She had plenty of puzzle pieces. It's not our fault she didn’t put them together.” Bucky said not looking the man in the eye, “He left her a message on the phone and a message in the personal notebook. It’s not ou-” 

“If you’re going to say not our fault again I’m going to slap you.” Sam interrupted. “You know damn well that (Y/n) was as strong as steel, but Nat and Tony’s deaths wore her down, but HE was the breaking point. HE fucked up man, HE has to live with that and THAT’S NOT our job to help him make up for that.” 

Just when Bucky starts to reconsider, the communicator beeped. 

MESSAGE SENT - - - MESSAGE RECEIVED  - - - MESSAGE INBOX (1) 

- ON MY WAY_CSGR

[imissthembutitwasntadisaster]

 I need you all to know this is a highschool essay dug out from the bowels of my computer and as such it’s structured like a highschool essay.  Very point A point B.  So please don’t expect it structurally to be good, or to be very sophisticated analysis. 

Nobody truly loves in Hamlet

Love is a significant theme in Hamlet, with many characters seemingly acting out of love, or claiming to act out of love.  Indeed, the very act of revenge the play centres around, the act of Hamlet killing Claudius, arises from his love of Old Hamlet.  Within the play, there is some familial love found. However, all of this is ultimately twisted and corrupted, until there is little good left in it.  Furthermore, almost all romantic and platonic love is stripped from the world within the play – there may have been some before, but by this point there is little.  The only true and uncorrupted love is shown by Ophelia and Horatio, but neither of them with this love are able to continue utterly within the play’s Elsinore which is so utterly emptied of love.  As such, both must find exits: Ophelia leaves this world through suicide, Horatio by transcending his role merely as a character at the end, and taking on the exterior role of the narrator.  

Familial love is clearly crucial in the play, as the inciting incident itself is Old Hamlet calling on his son’s love (“if thou didst ever thy dear father love”) to avenge his “foul and most unnatural murder.”  Hamlet does clearly love him, as for one, he takes up the role of avenger, and for another, when we are introduced to him he is still mourning in his “nighted colour,” suggesting he is still wearing funeral clothes. Laertes shows concern for his sister in Act 1, where he advises his sister, albeit unwisely, to “keep you in the rear of your affection,” and his act of leaping into the grave highlights his grief.  However, ultimately the love in both these relationships is twisted.  Old Hamlet by asking for revenge is asking Hamlet to commit an act that, in the eyes of the Elizabethans, would have caused him to go to Hell, a demand which surely a truly loving father would not have asked for, and Hamlet’s acceptance of this demand borders on real madness, with his “wild and whirling words.”  Equally, Laertes’ love for his sister leads to him berating her to break off her relationship with Hamlet, which eventually she does, which causes grief to both her and Hamlet.  Polonius, too, loves his children, but it manifests as him spying on Laertes and attempting to mildly slander his name to see if he has been behaving correctly, and forcing Ophelia ultimately to break it off with Hamlet and then lie to him. This love is corrupted.  In Gertrude and Hamlet, too, we see this. Beatty says that Hamlet “trusted implicitly” his mother, and that her betrayal of his father shook him to his very core.  Certainly it is true that his shock at the marriage leads to utter misogyny in the claim he makes in his very first soliloquy: “frailty thy name is woman,” which suggests that Beatty is right, as this is too great a hatred to be birthed from anything but the breaking of a great trust and love.  Thus, it is likely Hamlet did care for Gertrude, yet his cruelty in his insults in Act 4, claiming she is merely driven by lust and carnal desire, shows that this love has been broken.  Gertrude’s feelings towards Hamlet are debated, but her early insistence that he move on from his grief suggests a lack of care for his feelings. Ultimately, then, familial love is found throughout Hamlet.  However, all this familial love is in some way twisted and darkened in the atmosphere of deceit and suspicion created throughout the narrative.

              Romantic love, on the other hand, though previously found at Elsinore before the beginning of the narrative, is ultimately lacking in all but one heart – that of Ophelia.  Claudius’ love of Gertrude has been heavily debated for centuries, but in truth it is not necessarily shown in the play.  When he describes the things he has gained in the chapel, he lists “the crown, mine own ambition and my queen.”  The positioning of Gertrude at the end of the list suggests that the crown, gained through marrying her, is more important to him, and calling her “my queen” instead of anything more intimate or her name suggests that he cares more about her title and the role with which she provided him than about her as a person.  As such, Coleridge’s claim that Claudius fundamentally wanted to gain “the power, the throne, royalty” seemed more accurate than other scholars’ claims that he truly did love her.  Gertrude also, in her love of Old Hamlet, appears to have been false, given the speed with which she married Claudius with her husband “not two months dead.” She may have loved him, but she clearly does not by the time of the play.  It is generally agreed that Hamlet did love Ophelia before the play, but his cruelty towards her does not seem indicative of love.  His fickleness in the nunnery scene where he taunts her, saying “I did love you once” and then “I loved you not,” his insults to her as all women who “make your wantonness your ignorance,” and his repeated demands that she “get thee to a nunnery” which in most productions are accompanied with physical violence of some sort.  Ophelia’s own words about how Hamlet “hath made many tenders of his affection” to her suggest certainly that he did love her, but his brutality during the play, as Bradley says, suggests this love has been twisted by “suspicion and resentment” when she lies about Polonius being at home.  

Ophelia, then is the only character in the play whose romantic love remains true and good throughout.  All others have lost any romantic love they may once have had. However, even in her madness, the first thing Ophelia asks is “where is the beauteous majesty of Denmark,” which has enough similarity to her act 3 description of Hamlet as “the glass of fashion and the mould of form” to suggest she is talking of Hamlet instead of Claudius – clearly she loved him throughout and did not waver.  Indeed, it was been suggested that Hamlet’s cruelty and rejection is ultimately that which unbalanced her.  However, within the loveless environment at Elsinore, Ophelia cannot live.  Love cannot survive in a vacuum of love, and so she dies in order to escape from this corrupted world created within the play.

She shares this escape with Horatio, the other character in the play who consistently shows pure love, although in this case it is platonic love.  The other example of platonic love could have been between Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, but it is soon clear there is no real love here.  Rosencrantz and Guildenstern both agree to spy on Hamlet for Claudius, and Hamlet arranges their deaths.  Hamlet and Horatio, however, do truly love each other, to such an extent that there is a more modern reading that suggests Horatio felt romantic love for Hamlet.  Hamlet trusts Horatio enough that he does not pretend to be mad in front of him in Act 3, speaking in poetry again in front of Horatio while only speaking prose, which in this case represents his madness, in front of everyone else. Horatio too, as Spaeth says, “remans loyal at the close,” and indeed is the only character who does remain utterly loyal throughout.  That being said, again, like Ophelia, the act of maintaining this true and untwisted love means he cannot survive solely within the play, and so he must transcend the Elsinore within the narrative.  He does this by outliving all the other characters, and by becoming in a roundabout way the narrator of the story.  His continued existence so that he “can truly deliver” the story of the play to Fortinbras gives him the role of both audience, who saw the play and as such is able to recount its events, and writer, who can shape and form the play as he pleases.  This act of telling, then, removes Horatio from being solely confined within the world of the play.  Like Ophelia, he escapes, although using a more hopeful method.  

Thus we see that, fundamentally, some characters do truly love in Hamlet, but their familial love is twisted and warped into something negative.  Furthermore, almost all romantic and platonic love becomes utterly wiped out of existence. That being said, Horatio and Ophelia do continue to show uncorrupted love.  However, this means they are unable to continue to exist in the dark and loveless world of the play, and so they must find escapes.  Ophelia exits through death, Horatio by transcending his place as a character, surviving, and essentially taking on the role of playwright, by dedicating himself to retelling the story. 

@called-kept you were interested in seeing this I think

[avengershumanresources]

blood 4 - Strange/Stark!Reader

Relationship: Dr. Strange/Princess!Stark!Reader

Rating: M

Warnings: Adult Themes, eventual smut, adult language, implied sexual violence, general violence

Synopsis: Reader is the daughter of the legendary King Anthony Stark, Uniter of Lands, The Iron Defender, and leader of the realm. When the king disappears during battle, hope is lost and he is presumed dead.

When the late king’s uncle, Obadiah, takes the throne until your brother Peter is of age, he quickly arranges a marriage for you with a wicked king in a neighboring kingdom.

With the realms politics in question, and rumors of an upcoming siege to overthrow Peter’s rule before it starts, you quickly learn who is loyal to the crown and who is not.

part 3 - part 5

Masterlist

Chapter Playlist

4 - a reign

It was the middle of the night by the time Stephen returned to the observatory. He’d only meant to stop for a few minutes to grab a book Wong had asked for, before retreating to his quarters for some much needed sleep. 

That was, until he saw you sleeping soundly, sprawled over the cot he kept in the corner for those late nights he spent tinkering with spells and potions. A book on the mystic properties of herbs was open on your chest, lifting and falling with each gentle breath you took. 

By Vishanti, you looked so peaceful, a far cry from how you’d held yourself since the funeral. His chest gave a throb when you shifted slightly, snuggling deeper into the pillow under your head, a small shiver that made him wish more than anything to crawl in next to you and cradle your form in his arms. 

It was almost unbearable sometimes. 

He had his vows and duties, his status as a council to the king, your tutor, and a protector of the castle, while you were the eldest princess of this important kingdom. 

Though he’d been born of decent lineage, there wasn’t a world where he could feasibly see a long term future by your side. 

Instead, he settled on what he could have for now. Stephen would cherish these moments until some prince (probably Loki, as much as the thought disgusted him), whisked you out of his reach. 

“You’re thinking too loudly,” you voiced, opening your eyes and shifting the book off of your chest with a sleepy blink.  

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” he explained, lifting the book he’d come for off a nearby table. “Wong needed a reference for shields at the border.”

You stretched your shoulders, slowly rising and sitting at the edge of the cot. You were still wearing your gown from dinner, suggesting you’d been reading there for quite some time. 

“How was the council meeting?” you asked.

He made a noise of disgust, crossing his arms and dropping into a nearby seat by the fire.

“Dreadful,” he confided in her. “I’m not sure where I can draw the line at my ethics as a sorcerer and stating clearly that this man is a maniac.”

Your expression darkened at his words. 

“What is he proposing?” 

“He wants to invite Rumlow to the castle to discuss a peace treaty during the coronation celebrations,” he explained, pinching the bridge of his noise. “No matter how many times Steve, Wong, and myself went over why that was a dangerous and reckless idea, he would remind us who is king. I thought perhaps he’d be more amendable to reason, but I was wrong.”

Listening intently, you looked down at your lap. Something else was on your mind and Stephen was afraid his words had confirmed some unspoken fear within you. 

“Peter was right not to trust him then,” you stated with a glance up at him. “Why would he bring that monster within these walls? To stand him where our father once stood?” 

That was the question Stephen kept asking himself while the other councilors and the king argued around in circles. What benefit did Obadiah get from such a conversation with King Brock? Perhaps it would yield some answers, but not any they couldn’t get from a more secluded, neutral location. 

“Was a final decision made?” you pressed when he fell silent. 

“Not yet,” he heard you let out a breath of relief. “We’re adjourned until tomorrow afternoon.”

“The ball is tomorrow night,” you jumped on the same point he’d made when Obadiah had dismissed the councilors. 

“Rumlow has a new Master Sorcerer at his castle,” Stephen grunted. “A lot of changes for a kingdom that pleaded innocence during our first inquiry into your father’s death.”

“What happened to Mordo?”

“No one knows,” Stephen sighed. It was the very reason he’d returned to Kamar-Taj. After news of Master Mordo’s replacement with the Enchantress from Asgard, rumors had circulated and a number of masters had approached him confessing they were nervous about what that meant. 

It wasn’t unusual to change Masters within a castle. Your father had done it enough after quite a few had resigned or been scared off by your ferocity before he’d arrived.

The problem was that the Enchantress had a reputation of her own, having been exiled of her homeland and banished from Kamar-Taj for abusing dark magic. Appointing her to such an important and influential role within a kingdom was beyond concerning, it was downright dangerous. 

It would be impossible to tell where Rumlow’s own ideas converged with Amora’s mystic control. He knew Mordo, while flawed, still had the good sense to provide sound council. From the beginning, Stephen had a feeling that the sorcerer hadn’t been involved in the invasion and attack on the kingdom that killed your father.

“Now what?” you queried softly.

“We stand on the defensive,” he admitted, taking your hand when he saw it shaking in your lap. Running a thumb over your palm, he met your gaze. You still looked uneasy and he didn’t blame you. This wasn’t a usual transition of power and he feared more deception was hidden under the layers. “This kingdom is resilient, and Peter is strong. Whatever arises, I’m more than confident we can stand against it.”

You pursed your lips, probably about to argue against him, but a quick sweep of his face and you let the issue die. He must have looked terrible to silence you so abruptly. 

“I should probably get back to my quarters,” you reasoned with a murmur, letting him guide you to your feet, hands still connected. The two of you stood silently, his hand wrapped around yours, waiting for the other to make the first move.

And Gods if he wasn’t so exhausted, he would have stood there an eternity.

“I can-,” he cleared his throat, withdrawing his hand and drew up a portal to your room. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw you flex the hand he’d touched before you stepped through, a small smile playing on your lips. 

“Sweetest dreams, Stephen,” you hummed with a small wave goodbye. 

“You too, princess.”

The portal closed and he froze, his heart beating ferociously against his sternum. 

In another life, you could have been his. 

Hell, if your father had returned from battle, there could have been a tiny flicker of hope. 

Tony had trusted him after all, requested him to the castle personally after you’d scared off the previous few Masters. 

There could have been a chance. 

Now? Peter would eventually need to marry you off to secure the future of the kingdom. It was your duty after all, your birth obligation as a female royal. 

You’d carry some other man’s child and, maybe, he would see you from a distance at a ball or royal visit. 

And Stephen would live the rest of his days in solitude. 

His heart aching for the princess just at his fingertips but never allowed to touch.

(—)

Natalia Romanov reasoned herself a fair woman. Sure, she killed for money and ran illicit goods across borders, but she considered herself just and never acted with true malice against the innocent. 

She had a personal set of rules that she held above any amount of gold, and those rules included keeping your name off of her or anyone else’s list of targets. 

Since the two of you had been young girls, only a little older than Princess Morgan now, you’d proven time and again that you were not only a trusted ally, but a dear friend. 

From the first time you caught her trying to steal some apples from the kitchens, you’d ensured her safety until she had been old enough to take care of herself. Even then, you were always more than happy to share your coin, a meal, or a jug of wine with the infamous assassin. 

So, when a threat on your life had been attempted, Natalia had taken that personally. 

The lead from the cook at the pub had been more than enough for her and James to work off of. Within a day they were on the mystery assailant’s trail and by nightfall on the second day, they’d traced him to an inn at the border of your kingdom and Asgard. 

She’d detailed the plan carefully with James earlier in the day. Wait for him to settle into his room for the night, bribe the innkeeper, and steal him away before anyone was the wiser. She had a cottage a few miles into the woods where they could interrogate him and dispose of a body, if needed. 

It was a nearly perfect plan, and Natalia was quite proud of it, until certain unpredictable circumstances had stepped in their way. 

Those circumstances being the younger Asgardian prince, Loki.

“I thought they’d closed the border,” James had grumbled, hood pulled over his face while they surveyed the inn from the street. “What is he doing here?”

“Maybe he fancied a drink?” Natalia joked dryly, watching the dark haired prince try to blend in with the crowd. To the untrained eye, he did quite well, slipping between the villagers as they fussed about, readying themselves for the evening.

Natalia and James, however, spotted him almost immediately. 

“I’ve never been fond of ale,” a voice noted casually over their shoulders. 

James instinctively threw a protective arm over Natalia, a knife spinning up from his fingers menacingly. As if that would be a threat against someone as powerful as the prince.

“I come as a friend,” Loki held up his hands, amusement at their reaction clear on his face. “Though I have to say, the more friends of the princess I meet, the better insight I’ve gained. Did you know she befriended a bard two towns over? How she does that will always be a mystery to me.”

“Scott?” James quirked a brow. “He’s great.”

“Quite the entertainer,” Loki agreed with a nod. “Shall we retreat to somewhere more private?” 

Natalia bobbed her chin toward the inn, and the men followed in suit, taking a seat in the back of the pub inside. She made a point of positioning herself in such a manner that she had full sight of the entrance and exit, ready to intercept the cook if need be. 

“This man you’re after, what do you know of him?” Loki asked, waving a hand and muffling the sounds of the crowd around them. Natalia was sure it was some kind of sound cloaking spell to the surrounding patrons. 

“How do you know we are after him?” Natalia challenged.

“I’ve been following you over the last few days,” he admitted casually. “When I heard of the attack on the princess and saw the sorcerer at the pub, I put two and two together. It wasn’t particularly difficult.”

“You’re supposed to be in Asgard,” James pointed out. “They’ve sealed the borders. It’s been hell trying to move anything around.”

“I am-,” his eyes glowing green. “In a way. The incident with the king was far too intriguing to ignore. Not to mention, there’s now this situation you two have stumbled your way into.”

“We don’t stumble into anything,” James countered sharply, leaning on the table with a glare. 

“You stumbled into the princess’ life and became attached,” he clarified, waving over a barmaid and ordering a jug of wine. “Don’t blame yourselves, it’s nearly impossible to avoid.”

“What do you want?” Natalia cut straight to the point. The man hadn’t come down from his room or tried to leave the inn just yet, but she wasn’t going to miss him because the trickster decided this was how he wanted to amuse himself. 

“To help of course,” he threw a charming smile in her direction. “This man isn’t a mere commoner.”

“Is he also a barkeep?” James guessed sarcastically, but Loki ignored him and continued. 

“He possesses significant magical energy within him,” he explained. “He has hidden it well, it was no wonder the sorcerer couldn’t detect him before. Fortunately, he’s lowering his guard now that he’s further away.”

That was certainly a challenge. Natalia and James had experience bringing in or even killing magic users in the past, but they’d been warned ahead of time. Without being able to prepare the necessary potions and restraints, capturing the elusive assassin would prove difficult. 

The barmaid placed the jug on the table and lit up when Loki pressed a gold coin in her hand. Her words were muffled to Natalia, but Loki seemed to have no trouble communicating with her until she stepped away. 

“As far as anyone is concerned, I’m drinking alone,” he explained. “The assailant has a meeting with someone this evening, I assume regarding the failed attempt on the princess’ life. I propose we follow him and find out who is behind this plot.”

“You think there’s someone else?” Natalia questioned. 

“He’s trying to break up his trail,” Loki stated. “Otherwise his route makes no sense. You did hear a magic user tried to kill the prince as well?”

“No, we hadn’t,” James exchanged a look with Natalia. 

Another complication. 

“I’m not a betting man, but I would wager it’s the same man. The timing between the attacks aligns perfectly.”

“How do you know about the attack on the prince?” Nat asked suspiciously. 

“Now Natalia, would you so willingly divulge your own secrets?” he smirked up at her. “Rest assured, my information is reliable.”

Despite this, Natalia was still suspicious of his intentions. Loki had a reputation for not only acting in his own self interest, but also toying with those in his association for the fun of it. The offer to help almost seemed too good to be true. 

“What do you gain from this?” she asked directly, narrowing her gaze. 

“You were too young to know during the last major war,” he replied quietly. “My people have long lives, and I saw the devastation and misery that brought upon the kingdoms. It is to everyone’s benefit that Prince Peter secures the throne and the royal family remains safe.”

“So you can marry the princess?” James asked stubbornly.

“The thought never crossed my mind.”

“Don’t act like I didn’t see you at the last ball-,” he started but Natalia held up a hand to quiet him. 

“You truly think this will lead to war?” she questioned seriously. 

“My queen mother has foreseen a number of possibilities,” Loki’s expression fell from its usual amusement to something far more somber. “Some happy, but far too many end in grief. It is an added benefit that I can help someone I consider a dear companion.”

“How noble,” James rolled his eyes. 

Natalia considered his explanation. They didn’t have much of a choice, especially if the man was a magic user. If she and James charged in like they’d planned, it would have ended badly. 

Loki, from the stories you’d told her, was a formidable magic wielder himself, having been trained by his mother and studied throughout the realm under the best magic teachers. 

Aside from the concern of betrayal, an issue they could address after they secured the man or his employer, she could see no downside to the alliance.

“Fine,” she stated with a nod. “We will work together until we have a better idea of what this man is capable of.”

(—)

For a kingdom nearing war, Obadiah had made sure his coronation was the grandest event in all the land. 

While it had been planned in haste, the ceremonies had been well decorated, the feasts extravagant and the ball- it was like you’d been transported to another world. 

The ballroom was draped in fresh spring florals, the table dressings matching in freshly pressed and cleaned pastel linens. The entire royal court had apparently found time to go to the seamstresses as almost everyone within sight was sporting some new dress or tunic in matching pastels.

And the masks.

In the spirit of revelry, renewal, and spring, the ball had ended up being a masquerade. The challenge to the guests had been to come up with clever interpretations of the theme. Many ladies and lords sported masks covered in fresh blooms, others used bright colors or exorbitant feathers that shot up in the air. 

Your own outfit had been something relatively conservative compared to the finest dressed of the ladies. You’d elected to pull out a lavender dress that had belonged to your mother and with the help of your maid, Violet (the irony was not lost), sewn violets, springs of lavender, and other color appropriate flowers through a simple silk mask.

All in all, it was a sunning event, even if it was in terrible taste. Though it seemed the esteemed of the land didn’t seem to care that there were villages that didn’t have a crop to prepare that season as they grazed the massive offerings.

You found Peter toward the edge of the ballroom, his hands folded behind his back and speaking with Lady Michelle. 

“Has he been behaving?” you asked the lady, appearing from behind your younger brother. 

“A perfect gentleman, your highness,” she curtsied with a light laugh. “We were just discussing the intricacies of poisons versus venoms. The prince seems to think they’re the same thing.”

“Are they not?” he exclaimed, looking to you for support. “They both kill. A snake can poison you.”

“A snake injects venom, not poison,” you clarified, earning a smirk of approval from the young lady. “You ingest poison, you inject venom.”

“You hang out too much with the sorcerers,” he complained with a scowl. “No normal person knows that.”

“Why, Lady Michelle knew that, is she not normal?” you asked playfully, watching in amusement while the prince tried to apologize profusely to the sniggering woman between you. 

It was almost as if you could look up at the front of the room and expect to see your father whispering something into the queen’s ear to make her blush. 

Instead, Obadiah sat on that throne, laughing at something a visiting Kree ambassador had said, guzzling at a massive goblet of wine. 

“I’ve never seen someone look so miserable at a ball,” Stephen commented, approaching from a conversation with Wong. 

You glanced around you, noticing that Peter and Michelle had stolen off out of sight, leaving you standing and staring around the room, alone. 

“That’s not true,” you chimed back. “Remember the first night we met? I was equally, if not more, miserable then.”

“Was that before or after Thor had trampled on your feet?” he asked, amusement in his eyes. 

“That was well before,” you stated with a chuckle. “I was expecting some stuffy old man. Low and behold I find a sorcerer who actually knew a thing or two about what he was teaching.”

“But am I a stuffy old man?” he challenged wit ha quirked brow. 

“Oh, definitely you are now,” you grinned back, noting the apparel he had chosen for the evening. 

Instead of his usual worn robes, he’d changed into the maroon colors of your house. The robes looked newer, seldom used, an he clearly taken time in picking his belts and other accessories, though his mask looked like it’d been selected at the last minute.

As if reading your thoughts, he thoughtfully touched the simple black mask around his eyes. 

“I borrowed it from Wanda,” he confessed quietly. “I’d nearly forgotten it was a masquerade and by the time I realized, the shops had all closed for the festivities.”

“I think it looks nice,” you assured him, the dark material making the icy blue of his eyes even more impressive in the glowing candle light of the ballroom.

“I’m amazed you found time to craft your own,” he commented, reaching and tussling one of the dangling strands of wisteria. “You do look lovely, by the way.”

Your voice caught in your throat, his expression was so earnest with the compliment. And you didn’t miss the way his hand lingered just close enough to cradle your cheek if you so inclined. 

Heart racing you did you best to regain your composure from the momentary brain hiccup.

“You look very gallant yourself, are those new robes?” you asked. His hand dropped and he flattened out one of the folds in his clothes proudly. 

“New in that they’ve barely been used,” he explained. “I wore them… once at Kamar-Taj and another occasion before coming here.”

“And here I thought you picked our colors on purpose,” you smirked up at him, tugging at his sleeve.

“Maybe I did? Someone has to show a little loyalty around here,” he huffed, catching your hand and pulling you out of the way of a drunken lord stumbling around the room. 

Pressed against him in the corner, your heart raced even faster (a feat you would have thought impossible). Eyes meeting, hands intertwined, his expression softened as he looked down at you. 

There was something about it all; the music, the lighting, the masks and intrigue, that made you want to fill the small gap between you. To see if his lips were truly as soft as they looked.

“Get a room,” Wong complained, breaking the spell. 

You ripped yourself away, remembering you were in public and being caught in such a vulnerable position would have been a scandal in its own. 

“Wong,” Stephen greeted, voice tense from the interruption. 

“The king wishes to see the princess,” the Master reported, obviously annoyed that he’d been reduced to the level of a lowly messenger. 

Exchanging identical looks of confusion, you bowed your head to the men and exceed yourself, moving toward where Obadiah waited at the far end of the room. He was in the middle of eating a massive leg of turkey when he spied you and dropped the food, opening his arms for an embrace.

“My dear, I feel we haven’t had an opportunity to speak since my arrival,” he stood up and pulled you in, his breath smelling of wine and mead. “Let me get a good look at you.”

He lifted your hand and made you give a small twirl, the way his eyes searched up and down your body made your stomach churn. 

“You’ve grown,” he stated when you returned to face him. “How old are you now? Twenty and five?”

“Twenty and seven,” you clarified. 

“And still unmarried?” he looked positively bewildered at the thought. “My late wife, gods bless her, was betrothed to me at her first blood.”

“My father didn’t feel the need to secure alliances with marriage contracts,” you stated, your adrenaline suddenly picking up at the direction of the conversation. “In that, I was able to make my own decisions regarding marriage.”

“And no suitors then?” he continued, reaching for his goblet and taking another large swallow. “What about the Asgardian prince?”

“Thor is betrothed to Lady Sif,” you explained patiently.

“No, the other one, Loki,” he asked, watching you for a reaction. 

Fortunately your mask hid any negative emotions that may have arisen from the suggestion. The idea had been tossed around between Odin and your father, especially given you’d practically shared a childhood between the two kingdoms. 

Unfortunately, despite the closeness between you and the prince, it wasn’t a love match and the kings had ultimately respected the decision. It was a fortunate outcome, given the power the two men had maintained respectively, even you could recognize and heir of a Stark and an Odinson would yield favorable means.

“It was decided we would focus on other endeavors,” you answered firmly. He nodded his head, considering your words.

“Then there is no one waiting for your hand? No secret rendezvous in the moonlight?” he laughed but you did not miss the way his eyes trailed to the back of the room where you knew Wong and Stephen to be standing.

“Why do you ask?” you questioned before giving a firm answer.

“A proposal has come up that I was considering on your behalf,” he explained briskly. “I wanted to see if it would be an issue. I wasn’t certain of arrangements your father may have made, so I figured I would ask you directly.”

A proposal? 

Your head spun at the idea. 

Right now? Just after your father’s death? 

You couldn’t imagine leaving your home, leaving behind your family, your siblings and your mother… and in this tumultuous time? 

“Is a wedding in the best interest of the kingdom, your majesty?” you asked sheepishly, all nerve and confidence draining quickly from your body as you realized that your fate rested in the easily agitated man before you. 

“I think that’s for me to decide,” he replied, throwing on a smile and laughing at your reaction. “I believe it’d be a wonderful match.”

“Do I know him?” you tried a different approach. Perhaps, if you were familiar with the gentlemen in question, you could offer reason as to why it would be a bad idea. 

“You know of him,” Obadiah replied, keeping his answers vague. “He’s agreed to meet with you in the morning, so enjoy your evening and we can discuss this more in the morrow.”

He returned to his conversation with the ambassador, ignoring your existence as quietly as he’d destroyed it.

Your whole body felt like it was drifting along a churning sea as you walked back toward your companions. Laughing partygoers danced and twirled around you. What had felt like a warm spell had fallen into a devastating curse.

Sensing something amiss, Wong excused himself, leaving you and Stephen alone, the latter suggesting you step outside to get some fresh air. 

Part of you felt foolish. You knew that you wouldn’t be able to spend your life as a spinster, not when you had been born into such a role of privilege and importance. Perhaps you should have married Loki when you had the opportunity. You knew him, he was safe and familiar.

There was no lust there, and to that, you didn’t mind. He could have had his mistresses. You…

“Your highness?” 

Stephen.

He looked to you with genuine concern, waiting for something- an explanation, a reassurance of your well being, and you had nothing. Your heart felt like it had shattered in your chest, the emotions so overwhelming and consuming all at once.

“I’m betrothed,” you finally choked out after leaning on the balcony for support. You watched him for a reaction. Anything. If he could give you a reason, convince you that this was something you should fight for yourself or even for him. 

“To who?” he barked out the question, his voice strained.

“I don’t know, Obadiah arranged it,” you explained with a frustrated wave of your hand. Taking a breath you shook your head, ripping your mask off and holding your head up in an attempt to blink back the hot tears that threatened to spill over. Stephen moved to your side, his own mask coming off. 

“Fight it,” he stated, taking your hands. “If you don’t want to wed, then push back against this madness.”

“He’s the king Stephen,” you reminded him in a harsh whisper. It went unspoken the fate that could await you if you went against Obadiah’s wishes. His grip tightened and he bowed his head into your knuckles. He was shaking. 

Please, you mentally begged. This was it. This was his last chance.

You’d known. 

Gods you’d known for so long and had done your best to push your own feelings aside. You’d hoped, deep down, that if the right time came your father would have given his blessing. It was the reason why you’d stepped away from Loki, and why he’d backed away. 

It’d been this unspoken affection you’d shared for one another that had seemed so innocent until now. Until you had to stare him in the eye and tell him that you belonged to a stranger.

“Regardless of who it is,” he started, looking up at you desperately. “Would you-? Would you marry willingly?”

“Say it,” you challenged instead. Say you don’t can’t lose me. Say you oppose this.

“Is that what you want?” he searched your face for direction, but the decision was with him.

Dropping his hands in frustration, you grabbed the front of his robes and pulled him toward you in a frantic kiss. If that didn’t make your intentions clear, you didn’t know what else would. 

He returned in a fervor, hands moving to pull you closer, taking the moment to taste fully what the two of you had danced around for nearly a decade. He took his time and you relished every moment of it, your soul wishing it could be bound in his embrace forever. 

When he pulled away, his hand lingered on the back of your neck and he pressed his forehead against yours.

“Then we stop this.”

And even if the promise fell through, or the world crumbled around you, in that moment- that perfect moment- you didn’t care so long as he remained by your side.

(—)

5 - a gift for the princess 

TAG LIST (message to be added!):

@ayamenimthiriel  @ladynothing @im-a-bi-disaster-help @idkwhatthisislol

[notapaladin]

Obsidian and Blood, an overview

Do you like fantasy? Do you like mysteries? Do you like Mesoamerican mythology? Do you like ALL OF THOSE THINGS TOGETHER, set against the lush backdrop of Tenochtitlan in 1480? (Or maybe you just want to know more about the series I have been going feral over since August.) Then buckle up, because oh boy have I got a series for you!

*drumroll, please*

OBSIDIAN AND BLOOD, written by Aliette de Bodard (better known for her Xuya and Dominion of the Fallen series)

There are two kinds of people: Those who see the words “Aztec fantasy/murder mysteries set in very well-researched 1480s Tenochtitlan BUT WITH MAGIC, investigated by the HIGH PRIEST OF THE GOD OF DEATH” and immediately ran off to buy them, and those who clearly need convincing. So here I am, shamelessly plugging my new hyperfixation!

Obsidian and Blood consists of three semi-standalone novels and three (free!) prequel short stories, all featuring 30-year-old Acatl as our first-person POV mystery solver. Acatl is not, however, your average historical detective; aside from being set firmly in Tenochtitlan in 1480 with all that implies re. the acceptability of slavery and human sacrifice, he also is the High Priest of Mictlantecuhtli in a universe where the gods regularly meddle in mortal affairs and magic spells are powered largely by rituals and blood—animal, human, or your own. You’d think this would make Acatl really, really good at solving murders, but you’d be wrong. He is the least of the Triple Alliance’s three High Priests, and his god doesn’t come at his servant’s beck and call. Not to mention the other gods, who have their own deadly agendas. That’s not even getting into the people around him, who might be the most dangerous of all. Luckily, he has more allies than he thinks—if he has the strength to actually reach out to them and admit he could use the help!

(He doesn’t need to reach out to his student Teomitl. Teomitl, a confident young warrior of imperial blood, keeps volunteering. This gives Acatl roughly one heart attack per book.)

You will like them if…

I did just say “magic murder mysteries in 1480s Tenochtitlan,” right? It’s real Precolumbian Mexico hours up in here! The history of the Aztec Empire and their Triple Alliance actually forms multiple key plot points throughout the series!

you’re into Aztec history/culture in general

if a DnD fan, you are REALLY into the Raven Queen

you think blood magic is super cool and wish it wasn’t treated as the realm of The Bad Guys

you get incredibly hyped over lesser-known mythologies treated respectfully but also very awesomely (the thing where the Aztecs thought human sacrifice kept the sun in the sky? Yeah, in this universe it is literally true and plot-relevant)

you are big into chaste heroes, lots of snarky asides, highly opinionated narrators who let their own prejudices destroy them, “from an outside perspective this is cosmic horror but for the characters it is a Tuesday,” mysteries with twists you will NOT see coming, and themes of trauma/memories/family legacies

you love reading about dysfunctional family relationships in various states of repair/further destruction

you’ve ever thought “hey this historical mystery is cool but what if there was MAGIC”

you like noir detective stories but want them with magic

you like urban fantasy but want them to have historical settings instead of vaguely modern-day ones

Plot/character summaries below!

SHORT STORIES (prequels to the novels, blurbs by me)

Obsidian Shards

Warriors have been found dead in the town of Colhuacan, obsidian shards embedded in their hearts. Acatl, priest of Mictlantecuhtli, suspects a creature of the Underworld—one he already calls a foe, for it slew his first and last apprentice.

Beneath the Mask

In the Tenochtitlan suburb of Coyoacan, Acatl’s childhood friend Huchimitl begs him to save her only son’s war captive; the man whose sacrifice will make the boy a proper warrior is paralyzed from an unknown curse, unable even to rise from the floor. But who could have cursed him, and is it connected to the mask Huchimitl now wears?

Safe, Child, Safe

A toddler is slowly wasting away, the mark of the Underworld on him, and Acatl is tasked with finding the cause. But no creature of the Underworld kills so slowly, and so Acatl must turn his investigation to the living.

THE BOOKS (blurbs taken directly from the book listings, you don’t HAVE to read them in order but I do recommend it)

Servant of the Underworld

Year One-Knife, Tenochtitlan; the capital of the Mexica Empire. Human sacrifice and the magic of living blood are the only things keeping the sun in the sky and the earth fertile. A Priestess disappears from an empty room drenched in blood. It should be a usual investigation for Acatl, High Priest of the Dead—except that his estranged brother is involved, and the more he digs, the deeper he is drawn into the political and magical intrigues of noblemen, soldiers, and priests—and of the gods themselves...

(Neutemoc: I didn't mean to sleep with her! It was an accident! Acatl: I don't understand. Did you trip?) (Acatl: I don't want a new apprentice! Teomitl: :D? Acatl: ...I will make an exception)

Harbinger of the Storm

The year is Two House, and the Emperor of the Mexica has just died. The protections he afforded the Empire are crumbling, and the way lies wide open to flesh-eating star-demons—and to the return of their creator, a malevolent goddess only held in check by the War God's power. The council should convene to choose a new Emperor, but they are too busy plotting against each other. And then someone starts summoning star-demons within the palace, to kill councilmen...Acatl, High Priest of the Dead, must find the culprit before everything is torn apart.

(Teomitl: I've only had Acatl and Mihmatini for a year, but if anything happens to them I'll kill everyone in this room and then myself) (Quenami: Playing With The Big Boys.mp3)

Master of the House of Darts

The year is Three Rabbit, and the storm is coming. The Mexica Empire now has a new Emperor, but his coronation war has just ended in a failure: the armies have retreated with a paltry forty prisoners of war, not near enough sacrifices to satisfy the gods. Acatl, High Priest for the Dead, has no desire to involve himself yet again in the intrigues of the powerful. However, when one of the prisoners dies of a magical illness, he has little choice but to investigate. For it is only one death, but it will not be the last. As the bodies pile up and the imperial court tears itself apart, dragging Teomitl, Acatl's beloved student, into the eye of the storm, the High Priest for the Dead is going to have to choose whom he can afford to trust; and where, in the end, his loyalties ultimately lie...

(Teomitl: I am no longer Baby I want Power) (Acatl, to Teomitl: What have you got there? Nezahual, gleefully: A coup! Acatl: NO!)

THE MAIN CHARACTERS (in order of appearance)

ACATL “By my face and by my heart, I’ll bring you justice.” High Priest of Mictlantecuhtli, god of death and the underworld. As such, his duties include both the obvious ones of arranging funerals and standing vigils for the dead, and the less obvious ones of investigating magical crimes and keeping the boundaries between the heavens, Earth, and the underworld intact. When Servant of the Underworld begins, he’s only recently been promoted and hates it. Has a strained relationship with his living family, due largely to not having lived up to his (dead) parents’ desires for him to become a warrior like his brother Neutemoc. Bitter, cynical, and grumpy, but devoted to justice and fairness.

Has an official character sheet.

CEYAXOCHITL “Everyone has to grow up and take responsibilities. Even small, humble priests.” Guardian of the Sacred Precinct and wielder of the power of the Duality (Ometeotl), which makes her the sworn protector of the Mexica Empire and its Revered Speaker from all sorts of mainly-magical threats. Somewhat past middle age but still very strong in her magical abilities, and something of an antagonistic mentor to Acatl. (She nominated him for the position of High Priest. He is not appreciative.) Serious and devoted to her duty, with a keen eye for potential in others. Dies in Harbinger of the Storm and you WILL cry.

NEUTEMOC “Priests hide and run away. Warriors don’t.” Acatl’s older brother, a Jaguar Knight with five children and a failing marriage. Resents Acatl for not helping to support their aging parents by becoming a warrior like he did. The central suspect during most of Servant of the Underworld’s plot, though by the end he and Acatl have begun to repair their relationship. He is strict, stern, and bitter, but truly loves his family. (In the case of his younger brother, that love is buried very deep down.)

TEOMITL “If we don’t believe in ourselves, who is going to?” Acatl’s student, an enthusiastic warrior who yearns to prove himself worthy of his power and noble rank, as well as live up to the memory of the mother who died birthing him. During Servant of the Underworld he swears himself to Chalchiuhtlicue, goddess of fresh water and lakes, gaining (among other things) command over the man-eating water monsters called ahuitzotls. He is courting Mihmatini during Harbinger of the Storm; by the time Master of the House of Darts takes place, they are married. He is abrasive and proud, but also honest, loyal, and brave. And very, very ambitious. You will want to punch him several times. This is normal. (Also, I will swear that it's not just my ship-goggles being on too tight that has me thinking his relationship with Acatl is much more weighty and personal than the one he has with his ACTUAL WIFE.)

MIHMATINI “Better laugh, and smile at the flowers and jade. Life is too short to be spent grieving.” Acatl and Neutemoc’s youngest sister, a powerful magic-user who finds herself thrust into the position of Guardian during Harbinger of the Storm. Though she has no great ambitions herself—she mostly just wants to be a mother and raise children—she is ferociously protective of her family and will fight anything that threatens them. Even themselves. (Especially themselves.) Kind, caring, and light-hearted, but her acid tongue and sharp temper are not to be dismissed. "Fuck Around And Find Out" given human form.

ACAMAPICHTLI “We have always endured.” High priest of Tlaloc and a reoccurring thorn in Acatl’s side. Though he’s primarily out for his own gain and has no patience for Acatl’s refusal to play on the field of Imperial politics, they eventually form something like an uneasy truce following the end of Harbinger of the Storm. He is snarky and sardonic, but truly cares for his clergy. During Master of the House of Darts he somehow became one of my favorite characters.

TIZOC "I've always known that priests couldn't be trusted. You have just exceeded my expectations." Teomitl’s older brother, first Master of the House of Darts and then Revered Speaker. (Look, it’s not a spoiler if you can Google it.) He is cowardly, ambitious, and the closest thing this series has to an overarching antagonist. Among other things, tries to have Acatl executed during Harbinger of the Storm. Events at the end of that book only manage to make him measurably worse. "Ah There He Is, That Motherfucker, What A Tool" #1.

QUENAMI “Oh, Acatl. Such lack of tact. You are so unsuited for the Court.” High Priest of Huitzilpochtli, appointed by Tizoc between Servant of the Underworld and Harbinger of the Storm. Comes from a noble family, and is much better at diplomacy and playing politics than he is at magic. When push comes to shove, however, he can display some surprising determination. He is arrogant, scheming, and takes joy in cutting Acatl down, but presumably has some good qualities...somewhere. "Ah There He Is, That Motherfucker, What A Tool" #2.

Maps of the series’ primary setting

Setting Primers

Official Character Index

Glossary

[tavernfest]

round 11 masterlist

Round #11 is now officially CLOSED and a new round will be starting shortly; however, if you find yourself inspired to create something for this or any of our previous rounds, we will be accepting submissions indefinitely!

For more info on how to take part, check out our FAQ or send us an ask 🙂 In the meantime, you can find a list of Round #11 submissions below! ——— Title: the current and future pendragons Creator: prue84 Rating: General Medium/Length: Manip / 2229 Pairing(s):  Arthur/Merlin, Arthur/Mithian Warning(s): None Summary: High King Arthur Pendragon and the royal family of Camelot. Link: https://prue84.tumblr.com/post/718511678883594240/the-current-and-future-pendragons-fandom-bbcs + + + Title: you and me….for forever Creator: TrebleMaker07 Rating: General Length: 1,359 Pairing(s): Merlin/Arthur Warning(s): None Summary:  Arthur is getting married….and he’s kind of nervous about it. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/47496739 + + + Title: i will sing no requiem Creator: smartypantsflute Rating: Mature Length: 7,725 Pairing(s):  Arthur/Gwen, Merlin/Lancelot/Gwaine, Percival/Elyan Warning(s): Major character death, graphic death scene Summary: A fill for Tavernfest Round 11: Births, Weddings, and Funerals. After the reveal of Merlin’s magic goes extraordinarily wrong, he and many of the Knights of the Round Table are brutally put to death. Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14239260/1/I-Will-Sing-No-Requiem ——— If you have a moment, please remember to stop by and leave the creators some love! ❤︎

[sleepykittypaws]

Perfect for Pride Favorites: Movies and Series

With LGBTQIA+ targeted legislation, abusive rhetoric and hate crimes sadly once again on the rise, the month-long embrace of visibility and openness that Pride celebrations represent feel essential.

If you want to also honor Pride at home with viewing that focuses not only on queer struggle, but also its joy, here are some of my personal movie and TV favorites 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Updated: June 25, 2023

Movie Favorites

The Wedding Banquet (1993) - This heartbreaking and humorous story of a gay Taiwanese man whose marriage of convenience (she gets a green card, he appeases his traditionalist parents) turns into the wedding of the century. Sweet and funny—a real gem.

Pride (2014) - This true story of a group of gay activists from London who joined the 1984 miners strike in solidarity is well done on every level, and will leave you feeling far better about humanity than when you began.

Maurice (1987) - Merchant and Ivory had a profound effect on my teenage self, and this E.M. Forster adaptation about repressed longing in Edwardian English society helped birth a lifelong Hugh Grant crush.

Bros (2022) - Billy Eichner’s R-rated rom-com, which doubles as a stealth Christmas pick, is fun, vibrant and unabashed. Super heartfelt, but never sappy, it co-stars Hallmark hunk Luke Macfarlane.

Love, Simon (2018) - Impossibly charming and sweet teen love story guaranteed to make you smile. (Also another stealth Christmas movie!)

The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1994) - Wacky, a little wild, and oh-so-Australian, this drag queen, road trip comedy is all heart.

The Half of It (2020, Netflix) - Alice Wu’s absolutely gorgeous ode to Cyrano beautifully addresses both sexuality and the immigrant experience, without ever feeling preachy. Made me very much want to see Wu’s first feature, Saving Face.

The Favourite (2018) - Olivia Coleman is perfect as a fickle, feckless Queen Anne, whose head is turned by a delightfully devious Emma Stone.

Fire Island (2022) - This raunchy rom-com/Pride and Prejudice redux has an incredibly sweet center underneath its profane exterior. Big laughs abound in this found family-centered adaptation that would for sure make Miss Austen more than blush.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999) - Natasha Lyonne is the titular cheerleader who finds herself in conversion therapy in this pitch-perfect satire that also manages to be a laugh-out-loud rom-com.

Moonglight (2016) - This Best Picture winner is absolutely searing and the only reason its not higher on this list is that it’s so devastating, it’s near impossible for me to re-watch.

Other People (2016) - This mother-son story about the acceptance of loss and love should seriously have put Jesse Plemmons and Molly Shannon in awards contention.

Swan Song (2021) - Ude Kier absolutely deserved not only an Oscar nomination, but arguably a win, for his role as an aging hairdresser who takes one last job for a special client—preparing her for her funeral. Poignant, and much funnier than I expected. 

Booksmart (2019) - One of my all-time favorite movies of any genre, this Olivia Wilde-directed comedy is so smart, so funny and so re-watchable it would definitely be higher on this list if I didn’t feel it was just slightly off-theme, with only one of the main characters being gay. Still, her relatable first crush experiences are one of the best parts of the story, which is why I feel this friendship comedy still deserves inclusion.

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) - That we got three well-known movie stars in Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo headlining a movie centered on drag that is this unabashedly queer almost 30 years ago, really is a miracle.

Dating Amber (2020) - Set in 1995 Dublin, this is a surprisingly funny and touching take on two high school friends decision to pretend to date each other to avoid gossip.

Plan B (2021, Hulu) - This BFF road-trip comedy is raunchy, very R-rated and yet, at its core, is one of the sweetest and funniest movies I’ve seen since Booksmart, and deserves inclusion on this list for this line alone: “Believe it or not, it makes a real big difference to your mental health when you are free to be who you are.“

Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) - Richard E. Grant and Melissa McCarthy are both excellent in this true story of (sometimes toxic) friendship and fraud.

Beginners (2010) - A touching father-son story based on the real life of a man finally able to explore his true identity at age 75, after his wife passes away.

Crush (2022, Hulu) - This gentle, teen romance puts a budding artist on the track team with her longtime crush, but it’s her crush’s twin sister that she ends up feeling drawn to. Aasif Mandvi and Megan Mullally as the track coach and the mom, respectively, get most of the best lines.

Victor/Victoria (1982) - A musical comedy classic, whose gender-bending is legendary, and striking for its time.

Love Is Strange (2014) - John Lithgow and Alfred Molina as a long term couple finally able to marry.

The Thing About Harry (2020, Freeform) - Delightful, sweet made-for-TV holiday (Valentine’s Day) rom-com that just happens to be about two men. Not earth shattering story-wise, but fairly revolutionary for a mainstream cable TV network.

The Birdcage (1996) - Robin Williams is way, way too much in this Americanized remake of La Cage aux Folles, but it’s still a delightful portrait of joy and the definition of camp. And what Williams did for Nathan Lane during the press tour definitely qualifies him as a mensch.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001) - Based on the Off Broadway musical, this rock star epic is darkly funny.

BONUS: The Pixar SparkShort Out, released on Disney+ in May 2020, is perfect, gentle, sweet, all-ages entertainment, that’s a great way to show kids of any age that love is love. 🏳️‍🌈

TV Series Top 10

Schitt’s Creek (2015-20, CBC/Pop) - An absolute gem of a show that explores its characters sexuality, while only very rarely being specifically about them. So much sweeter and poignant than the jokey name would imply, this is good from the start, but really hit its stride in season 2, and has one of the most perfect series finales I’ve ever seen. (Originally for CBC/Pop, but streaming on Netflix.)

Heartstopper (2022, Netflix) - This swoon-worthy British rom-com series about two friends navigating first love is based on a graphic novel and the very definition of sweet and gentle.

One Mississippi (2015-17, Amazon) - Tragically overlooked comedy starring Tig Notaro as a lightly fictionalized version of herself. Cancelled much too soon, this one deserves to be so much better known than it is. A worthy weekend binge.

The Other Two (2019-ongoing, Comedy Central/Max) - This story of two struggling older siblings and their suddenly YouTube famous baby brother is an absolute joy, on so many levels, and specifically queer in a way few mainstream comedies ever have been.

A Very English Scandal (2018, Amazon) - Already mentioned my Hugh Grant crush above, but he really is very good here as, once again, a very repressed Englishman.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-20, Netflix) - A candy-colored confection of silliness where Tituss Burgess consistently steals the show from the title character, and even brings it to Queen Bey with his spot-on, must-see Lemonade parody. 

Tales of the City (1993-2001, PBS) - While I haven’t seen the new Netflix run, the original Tales miniseries left an indelible impression. Soapy in the best possible way, but never condescending or crass. A real eye-opener for the sheltered college freshman I was when I first saw this.

Love, Victor (2020-2022, Hulu) - This delightful spin-off of Love, Simon adds another sweet, teen love story to the canon.

It’s a Sin (2021, Channel 4/Max) - This Russell T Davies limited series that looks at the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in UK is heartrending, but also incredibly well done.

Modern Family (2009-20, ABC) - Yes, this sitcom got schlockier and more trite the longer it stayed on the air, and, yes, many question casting straight actor Eric Stonestreet in the role of Cam, but don’t underestimate how this widely-seen portrayal of loving, same-sex parents in a long-term relationship (and eventual marriage), on a major broadcast network changed hearts and minds. Representation really does matter! 

BONUS: My all-time favorite comedy series is Happy Endings. I’ve probably seen each episode ten times, minimum, at this point, and one of the main characters is gay (albeit played by a straight actor) but, when I was considering this list, I was trying to think of series I loved that actually changed the conversation, centered on the LGBTQ+ experience, or both; Not just any depiction of Queer life at all, and I don’t think Happy Endings quite fits that bill. But, it is super funny and hugely binge-able, so if you’ve somehow missed it, rectify that immediately. (The whole series is on Hulu, HBO Max and Netflix.)

More Movies to Explore

As films centered on LGBTQ+ characters, issues and relationships finally start to enter the mainstream, there are hundreds of options, including many far more serious than my mostly lighter fare favorites above. (I often default to sunnier viewing as my “favorites,” because they leave me feeling light and happy.) That so many movies about the LGBTQ+ experience are dark, disturbing and dour says a lot about how far we still have to go as a society, in terms of inclusion and acceptance.

With that in mind, here are a few more options. Not an exhaustive list of every LGBTQIA+ film, just others I’ve seen (and one I want to), and would generally recommend…

Cabaret (1972) - If Victor/Victoria wasn’t already on my list, this gender-bending Liza Minnelli classic would be.

Saving Face (2004) - The Half of It’s Alice Wu’s first feature.

Paris is Burning (1990) - Outstanding, must-see documentary that explores the drag ball culture of New York City.

The Kids Are All Right (2010) - I, personally, found the gender politics a little confounding in this much-praised movie about a lesbian couple’s kids meeting their sperm donor, but undeniable it’s well acted.

Brokeback Mountain (2005) - This Oscar winner is definitely more than a little overwrought, but it’s also powerful in many places.

Jenny’s Wedding (2015) - Not earth shattering, but watching Katherine Heigl and Alexis Bledel plan their wedding offers lighthearted charm.

Kissing Jessica Stein (2001) - The ending of this one is, I will be the first to admit…Disappointing. I also haven’t rewatched it in years, so it’s possible it doesn’t hold up at all, but this Jennifer Westfeldt film was, at the time, one of just a few lesbian rom-coms.

Go Fish (1994) - An indie movie circuit darling, this lesbian romance kickstarted a prolific tv career for director Rose Troche, who also helmed 2022′s My Fake Boyfriend.

The Prom (2020, Netflix) - Another problematic pick, this film version of the Broadway musical got a lot of grief for casting James Corden as gay and, well, just casting Corden at all. The story is trite, the big stars—Nicole Kidman! Meryl Strep!—clearly stunt casting and, like many Ryan Murphy projects, it is absolutely over the top…And yet, I dug it and had so much fun watching it. What can I say? Cheesy Broadway musicals are my thing. 

The Imitation Game (2014) - Harrowing historical drama and an infuriating example of how dangerous homophobia actually is.

Dallas Buyers Club (2013) - This true story of an AIDS patient struggling to help himself and others survive is all right, all right, all right. (I apologize and will show myself out.)

Personal Best (1982) - Mariel Hemingway is a raw nerve in this movie as much about love as sports.

Battle of the Sexes (2017) - The exploration of Billie Jean King’s sexuality, in a movie that’s mostly not about that, is well-done, raw and honest, even in its painful parts.

La Cage aux Folles (1978) - Quintessential French farce based on Jean Poiret's play of the same name.

In & Out (1997) - A fantastic cast—Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack, Tom Selleck—headlines this Oscar-nominated comedy loosely based on a real-life Academy Awards incident, where headlines insisted Tom Hanks accidentally outed his former drama teacher during his Philadelphia acceptance speech, though he actually had his permission. 

Heavenly Creatures (1994) - Definitely not a light watch, this early Peter Jackson movie, that features Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey in a based-on-a-true-crime tale, is riveting.

Tangerine (2015) - Another stealth Christmas movie, it’s somehow best-known for being shot entirely on an iPhone, when it should be better-known for being absolutely brilliant.

Wildhood (2021) - This journey of self-discover features two brothers looking for their birth mother, and comes from two-spirit, non-binary filmmaker Bretten Hannam.

A Single Man (2009) - Precise, tailored, painful film, which is no surprise when you learn the director is designer Tom Ford.

Longtime Companion (1989) - One of the very first mainstream movies to center its story on gay men, this tale of how the AIDS crisis impacts a group of friends starts out a little cheesy, but hits you in the feels soon enough.

God’s Own Country (2017) - Another bleak, brutal, British film redeemed somewhat by its hopeful ending.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2020) - Absolutely gorgeous movie that takes its time, but never feels slow. 

Carol (2015) - Cate Blanchett as the most proper, exquisite housewife that ever was—right up until she isn’t. (Yet another stealth Christmas movie on this list…It’s almost as if I have a thing for holiday films.)

Call Me By Your Name (2017) - Another in the longing looks hall of fame,  It’s become almost a parody of itself at this point, but the film really does pack an emotional wallop.

Boys Don’t Cry (1999) - Heartbreaking, brilliant and based on a terrible true crime.

Beautiful Thing (1996) - Really lovely coming-of-age story from the UK. 

The Broken Hearts Club (2000) - This breezy look at the love life highs and lows of a group of gay men in West Hollywood was Greg Berlanti’s feature film directing debut. It also somewhat surprisingly stars now, right-wing cinema feature Dean Cain.

Beats Per Minute (2017) - Drama about AIDS activism in 1980s Paris.

Philadelphia (1993) - This legal drama earned Tom Hanks his first Oscar, and the story holds up.

The Boys in the Band (1970) - Based on the play, this is an essential Queer cinema watch. 

The Boys in the Band (2020, Netflix) - This faithful, and only slightly updated, Ryan Murphy remake features an all-star cast.

Torch Song Trilogy (1988) - Based on Harvey Firestein’s plays about his own life, this is funnier, and more poignant, than I expected going in.

My Own Private Idaho (1991) - Keanu Reeves and River Pheonix as wandering grifters in love.

I Love You Philip Morris (2009) - Ewan McGregor’s very weird rom-com about a con man. One of those that I loved when I first watched, but have never revisited, because I’m not sure I’d feel the same way again.

Milk (2008) - Sean Penn as real-life, ground-breaking gay politician, Harvey Milk.

Trick (1999) - New York City-set rom-com that’s a little low budget, but heartfelt.

Latter Days (2003) - This indie rom-com is about a Mormon struggling with his sexuality, and a guy who makes a bet he can seduce him.

Straight Up (2020) - A story about friendship, romance and soulmates sans sex.  

Disclosure (2020, Netflix) - Another doc on trans representation that is entertaining and educational, a rare combo.

The Children’s Hour (1961) - What The Boys in the Band is to gay male cinematic history, The Children’s Hour is to lesbian film legend.

Pink Flamingos (1972) - Perhaps John Waters most crass creation—and that’s really saying something. Not my personal style, but undeniably a classic.

Transamerica (2005) - Not sure how well Felicity Huffman’s portrayal of a trans woman has held up, particularly after watching Disclosure, but this is one of the first mainstream films to take a trans lead seriously at all.

Three Months (2022, Paramount+) - Coming of age dramady about a young man who, on the eve of his high school graduation, finds out he had an HIV exposure due to a condom mishap. While he waits to test, he joins a support group and bonds with a fellow member.

My Fake Boyfriend (2022, Prime Video) - Another queer rom-com starring a Hallmark regular, this time Marcus Rosner, who plays the hot but cruel ex Keiynan Lonsdale is trying to get over by creating a new Instagram fantasy man. 

Anything’s Possible (2022, Prime Video) - Wanted to like this Billy Porter-directed tale about a trans teenager falling in love for the first time more than I did, but still glad stories like this are being told.

Erin’s Guide to Kissing Girls (2023, Paramount+) - Extremely charming, teen rom-com that follows all the usual high school movie tropes…until it doesn’t. 

Some of My Best Friends Are (1970) - This Fannie Flagg film is a camp Christmas classic.

C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005) - Only recently released in the U.S., Jean-Marc Vallée’s story of a French-Canadian boy born on Christmas, which his very religious parents take as a sign, ties the holiday into coming to terms with his sexuality amid dysfunctional family chaos.

Spoiler Alert (2022) - Jim Parsons stars in and produces this holiday-heavy tragic love story, based on Michael Ausiello’s romantic memoir of his life with husband Kit.

The Christmas Setup (2020, Lifetime) - This sunny holiday film, starring real-life spouses Ben Lewis and Blake Lee, is one of the best made-for-TV Christmas movies of recent years, and it was the first LGBTQ-centered mainstream cable Christmas romance. 

Dashing in December (2020, Paramount Network) - Though The Christmas Setup beat it to air by one day, this same-sex-centered Christmas romance is fun, festive and a little more flirty than your standard Hallmark holiday flick.

Happiest Season (2020, Hulu) - Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis’ home-for-the-holidays farce is good Christmas fun, but it’s Aubrey Plaza who steals the show.

Single all the Way (2021, Netflix) - This Michael Urie-starring Netflix holiday rom-com is pure sugar and spice and everything nice, including a love triangle with Luke Macfarlane-Philemon Chambers, plus Jennifer Coolidge and Kathy Najimy playing sisters.

Under the Tree (2021, Lifetime) - Not as much fun as 2020′s The Christmas Set-Up, this was still cable’s first mainstream lesbian holiday movie. 

Christmas at the Ranch (2021) - Lindsay Wagner is the biggest name in this story of a Big City Gal falling in love with a small town ranch hand, from Tello Films, which has made a (recent) tradition of offering an annual lesbian holiday romance.

The Holiday Sitter (2022, Hallmark) - Jonathan Bennett leads the channel’s first Christmas romance focused solely on a same sex couple.

[rosesnink]

The Viscountess, Prologue

A/N: I have been writing this for a while, the idea in my head. I really like the idea of such a theme that is so common and yet so unseen and poorly explored I just KNOW I had to write about this. More info below. 

Book: Desire and Decorum, single mom AU 

Pairing: Ernest Sinclaire x Nicole Donovan (MC) 

Summary: Nicole finds herself a young widow with a young daughter and must start over after her husband’s death. New school, new job, new life. It’s hard without her dear husband, but her little Anne is worth it. 

The night Alaric Donovan died, everything fell apart for Nicole. She just hadn’t left behind her heraldy of the Countess of Edgewater, but also his precious 2 years-old daughter, Anne. She was just too young to lose her father. She remembers calling her father in a hot mess of tears as he took Anne in as she decided to bury him with his family, the one he gave up to marry the heiress, who was then 19. Rushed, yes, but they were so in love. Alaric was only 25, but he was a blessing. They held a whole 10 years of marriage. In 2011, when Nicole was just 20, she fell pregnant. Alaric couldn’t believe it! His beloved, delicate wife was pregnant and willing to do have them.

Three weeks after her 21st birthday, she gave birth to a healthy, beautiful girl called Anne after Anne Neville and Anne Boleyn. Yes, Alaric and Nicole met in their history major class. They could talk from English royalty to Greek mythology and the use of witchcraft in the medieval era and the Worldwide II and the reality of living in the Victorian Era. They were the soulmates of the Oxford University, they were invincible!

After Nicole finished her studies early, they got married and lived happily.

But happiness is short, and soon the crisis came to England and Alaric found more difficult to be there for his family and the work. Nicole had to find a job as a waitress in a bar and with her daughter’s disability, the autism, it was all an impossible challenge. Soon, Alaric had to forgive his abusive mother so he could use her influence to find the best school for disabled children. It wasn’t easy, because the grandmother loathed entirely the kid, but wanted to win Alaric at all costs and get rid of Nicole. They argued nonstop and their plans to have a second child went to hell, for they barely spoke when they finally got the chance.

Alaric’s mom got him a job at the university of Cambridge, which made them move there. Poor Anne was just 4 years and found another school. She loathed changes, and cried over a week before settling it reclutantly.

Soon, Nicole noticed how tense Alaric was around her and how passive he was with Nicole. He was still a good father, he still helped her with the homework, made her soup when she was sick and loved her, but something was clearly on his mind and wouldn’t tell Nicole. She asked, begged him to tell him what was with him, but he shrugged it off saying that they’d talk in the morning.

But that morning never came.

The 27th of July of 2014, the police came at Nicole’s door at 3 a.m, announcing that Alaric died in a car crash in the middle of the storm and the drunk driver was nowhere to be found. Nicole dropped on her knees, wailing and screaming, holding her chest, clutching it.

Three days later, the funeral was made and it was the worst day of her life

“This wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t married this whore!”

“Need I to remind you that this ‘whore’ is the mother of your granddaughter? Don’t you have a little of humanity?!”

“That little, stupid brat is a big mistake that should’ve never existed. You should be the one in that coffin. The world is better off without you, Natalie”

She slapped the woman, hard as she broke in tears “My name… is Nicole Donovan, you bitch!”

She grabbed her daughter, bid her goodbyes to her husband in the coffin and left as no-one defended her.

The next few years, she applied again in the university, graduated and got a job as a librarian in a cozy library in London, decided to make a new path for herself, for the sake of little Anne. She spoke to her father so it’d be Anne who, when she were 16, she’d be the Viscountess and soon heiress of Edgewater instead of her. She just wanted a life with her daughter, bonding over anything and being a small, happy and healthy family, with no toxicity around.

She worked her way up to find a fitting school for Anne without her former family-in-law’s influence, and they all accepted her for old time’s sake and to honor Alaric’s memory. Working her path as Nicole and not just Alaric’s widow wasn’t easy, but she was strong and determinated young woman. She owed that to her little Anne, who was now a 9 years-old girl: smart, driven, curious and stubborn, just like Alaric.

She wrote a story bed, called The Grand, Bold Alaric, telling epic tales of a time traveler called Alaric where he met gorgeous women and lived many lives and wrote them down to that woman who he’d marry. She wrote more and more, because her little Anne liked it.

That morning, she got a call from an unknown number

“Yes?”

“Good morning, are we talking with Nicole Donovan?”

“Yes, that’s me. Who’s asking?”

“We’re the Marie Curie Academy for Disabled Children in London. We wanted to comment you that the school of your daughter sent us her whole story and we were so fascinated for her and her abilites that we want to give you an interview! We’re just in the middle of a neighborhood where schools are normal, like the presitigious Cornfield Secondary School. We believe we could do of your girl the best at what she can and make her a rightful path to this world and let the rest know that disabled people are actually able to be great! What do you say? Will you stop by and give us a chance?”

She took a deep breath as she looked to her daughter, who played in her tablet to some math game and said, determinated

“I will. When and where do we meet again?”

Footsteps were sounding in the big, fancy halls of the academy as Anne beamed of how fancy it was as Nicole sighed, hoping it’d impress them. She was wearing an elegant suit for kids with her fanciest shoes, while Nicole wore a white shirt with a blue navy blazer and some jeans.

“Nicole and Anne Donovan?” The woman called.

“Ready, kiddo?”

Anne nodded as she got in confidently and Nicole followed suit. They looked at the woman before them, in an elegant attire, her hair in an elegant bun and a white suit.

“Please take a seat. You want any drinks?”

“Water, please”

As the paperwork was settled down, the principal introduced herself

“My name is Principal Donna Bowman. Now, I’d like to ask you a few questions, Mrs. Donovan” Her gaze softened and smiled at Anne “Anne, why don’t dazzle Mr. Chambers with your drawing skills while you Mum and I talk?”

“It’d be an honor to see you draw, Anne” The man who was apparently Mr. Chambers beamed. Anne followed him to the door where a lot of stuff for kids was there

“Now, Mrs. Donovan, even if your daughter is an impressive, bright and clever girl, there are a few things that concern us about you”

“M-me? I thought this was about Anne”

“Yes, but there are a few things we’d love to clear up with you. Like, for example, the father’s presence in Anne’s life. Are you a recent divorcee?”

The memory of Alaric hit her in the chest as she took a deep breath and nodded negatively “No, ma’am. Alaric died when Anne was 2”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Mrs. Donovan”

“I- Thank you”

“Now, tell us about your place work. Even with a scholarship, it is for some people difficult to maintain”

“Well, I have a History degree and major and I work in a library a few miles away from here. I have an agreement with the boss to prepare Anne for school, drop her and collect her”

The woman nodded as she revised some papers before asking her

“Last question: Why do you think Anne is worth it? To be here, I mean”.

She took a deep breath “Anne might see as a silent, shy little girl, but she’s actually intelligent, driven, with potential and can adapt at any situation. She’s stubborn. She’s not a quitter. She is strong, resilient and adapts in many other situations quickly and better than any adults I have seen. She has a keen mind and even if she’s a woman of few words, it makes every word she says worthy. She is kind, with a very open mind for such a young age and loyal to the bone. She is peaceful, the voice of reason and the most supportive kid I ever witnessed. When I was struggling at work, her words kept me sane. That’s why she is worthy and with due respect, it’d be a big mistake not to accept her because of my money rank”.

The woman nodded as she scribbled in the notebook before breaking into a smile.

“I’ll be damned, Mrs. Donovan, I’m sold. Congratulations, your daughter is accepted. I will start the proceedings. Here, have the school number”.

In a minute, the kind man called Bart emerged with Anne giggling and observing a drawing, unusual thing of Anne. She grabbed her mother’s hand and pointed excitedly to her drawing. It was her dressed as Wonder Woman and Anne was Wonder Girl. Nicole smiled at her and bid her goodbyes. They both emerged from the school, beaming as they watched London’s sun setting, making a peaceful and unusual afternoon. It was surprising that it hadn’t started raining just yet. Anne was collecting different leaves and went to collect one and she observed. She was about to snap a photo when someone crashed into her, making her wobble and almost fall! A pair of strong arms grabbed her in the act as she grabbed the shoulder by instinct. She looked up to see who saved her from falling: a rather tall man, blue eyes and a slight beard, his expression stoic and his brown hair messy. He helped her steady as she cleared her throat “Look, I appreciate your saving, but you should watch where you’re going”.

“Apologies. I did not see you at all”.

“Mommy!” Anne called. She glared at the man before rushing towards her daughter.

“Anne! What is it?” She asked, worried.

“Are you okay? That rude broody man almost dropped you”.

She chuckled at her before kissing her head, comforting her “It’s nothing Mama cannot handle. Let’s go”.

When the classes started, Nicole looked at her daughter, proud of her as she braided her hair. She kissed her forehead and observed the herd of children running to the school and how peaceful and noiseless Anne’s future classmates were. She looked with curiosity to the school beside Anne’s and found that broody man again, waving goodbye to his daughter. She was older than Anne, maybe two or three years older, with long, black hair in a low ponytail and intense blue eyes like her father, a rather tall girl and a serious expression. Like father like daughter she guessed. She did heard that both schools collaborated together to show that disabled people and ‘regular people’ could get along and respect each other.

“Excuse me, miss?” She turned around to see a tall, black handsome man behind her, a shy smile on his face, scratching the back of his neck “I hope I am not bothering or being too forward, but I wanted to say that I like your style and you have a beautiful daughter”.

“Oh, thank you! You’re very kind and sweet…?”.

“Luke. Name’s Luke” He introduced himself.

She gave him a polite smile “I am Nicole Dono—Ahem, Foredale. Nicole Foredale” It’s been so long since she used her maiden name, that it felt weird, but last thing she wanted was some stranger knowing her as a widow. It was time to leave that habit behind. Alaric would have understood.

“My friends and I saw you here lonely and wondered if you wanna join us and have some beers together, get to know the schools and neighborhoods. Alas, our only female friend is sick of us, a bunch of men”.

“I can’t blame her. I actually have a day off, so… I’m in, I guess”.

He smiled relieved as he indicated her where they’d go, his hand close to her back in case she needed guidance. They ended in a cozy, warm bar. It had some fancy seats of multi people there and here, people chatting and charging their phones and a welcoming décor. Luke waved at some group and headed with Nicole to them.

“Guys, this is Nicole Foredale. Nicole, these people are Bart, Yusuf, Annabelle, Hamid and Ernest, even though he’s so silent and stoic that sometimes he looks like a furniture. Say hi, guys, and be nice to her! Not all days I can persuade a beautiful woman to join us!”.

The woman there stood with a beautiful, tan skin, black, curly hair and grey eyes. She smiled at her as she greeted her with two air kisses “Hm, I like this one, Luke. The shocking thing is that she acceded to come with you” The woman teased.

The other man, with Muslim features smiled at her widely as he greeted her with two air kisses too, a casual but extravagant look “A pleasure. It’s been long since we had the privilege of such a beauty to sit with us. No offense, though, dear Annabelle”.

The other men, Bart and Yusuf, a very adorable gay couple, greeted her with beaming smiles as they praised her too and she felt welcome. When she turned to greet the so called Ernest, she froze in her place. That was the man that almost made her fall!

“You… are the jerk that almost trampled me”.

“I’m sorry?” He looked a bit puzzled, but then his eyes lit with recognition “Oh… right. I didn’t notice you then”.

The whole desk looked at them, amused and shocked.

“Well” Bart commented, enjoying the scene “this lunch will be interesting”.

[rndyounghowze]

Black Noses And My Personal History With White Supremacy

I finally got the courage to talk about something that Dana has been challenging me to post about for a while. #blm #stopwhiteterrorism

By Ricky and Dana Young-Howze

Mays Landing, NJ

Venmo: @rndyounghowze

I have a very vivid memory of being teased on the school bus in elementary school for having “a black nose and lips”. Until I got glasses and was diagnosed with Tourettes it was the common theme of my playground bullying. My biggest role model at the time was our bus driver Mr. Garland (I think that was his name) because he defended me. I remember trying to make up some story about how I got plastic surgery and they messed up my nose. He looked me dead in the eye and said “we have to be proud of what we look like. We are beautiful inside and out. They’re ugly on the inside. That’s what makes us better”.

I lived with my grandmother during the week and my parents on the weekends. My mom and dad lived in one of the first “projects” in the US and at that time they were one of two white families living there. I would be playing with the kids in the playground and a Black mom who would be watching us would tell me to come up to them and she would hold my chin in her hand and turn my head for inspection to the other mothers sitting there smoking cigarettes. She would tell me “I don’t care what your mom and dad told you” and would let me go back and play. I never really knew what she meant.

Flash forward to high school. I decided that I wanted to dive into my family history. I was in a play about the Confederate Flag and I remembered that I had family on both sides of the war. I had enough info about my family to join the Sons of Confederate Veterans. I also knew that my family up In Kentucky had fought in the Union. I was proud to have “heritage” on both sides.

I was rooting through photo albums in my Dad’s mom’s house. I came upon a family bible that was really old. It had to be old enough to be owned by the parts of the family that lived in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1800’s. Family bibles used to have these front pages that listed weddings and births. Listed in the middle is a marriage between a woman with the last name Jung and a man named Richard with no last name. This would not have meant anything except that after his name they took the time to list him as “a n*****r”. They then spent a paragraph talking about how he fought in the Civil War and saved lives in a battle by shooting a superior officer and allowing the company to retreat. So he was a n*****r but he was a “good n*****r”.

I knew that the story was that our family had changed our last name from Jung to Young to avoid discrimination. My Dad’s side of the family has an outstanding military history and I know they were worried about appearing to have German ties in the war. I eventually went across the street and asked my great grandfather about this. The only thing he ever told me was “marry a girl with the Irish in her. It’s the best thing you could do.” My great grandfather passed away while I was in Highschool. My grandfather passed away in college. After the funeral I went to the house and looked for the family Bible. I had held it in my hand four times in three years. It was gone. I have never found it again. My Dad has special needs, his mom has dementia. The rest of my Dad’s family has never spoken to me after the funeral. It may be because I married a Black person. Maybe not. I will never know.

One time while driving through my mom’s side of the family’s hometown I saw a church sign that had the family name on it. I asked why we never went there and she just casually said “that must belong to the Black families that live here that share our last name”. I was floored by this. We had a black side of the family? What!? She was quick to tell me that they were in no way related. It was just that the family was as old as we were and had lived in that town as long as we had. My family has lived there and owned land there since before the Civil War. I have been digging into the genealogy based on what she has told me and after two or three generations the family line with our last name seems to disappear. Two white branches of the family go back eight or so generations and seem to have married into the family three generations or so back but there don’t seem to be any birth or death records in their town that support her story that the family had been there for a very long time. There is no not-slave-owning explanation for this. To this day my grandmother refuses to talk about it. She leans into the Scots-Irish side of the story.

In grad school when I first met Dana they made sure to do two things: Tell a very wrong Obama joke and then ask me what I was mixed with. The joke was to see if I reacted to the joke in a ”white way” (their words). If I did they would never feel comfortable being alone with me ever much less date me. The second question is because they saw what every other Black person I know saw. I told them what I knew about the probable Black man on my Dad’s side and my theory about my Mom's side. They kinda looked flabbergasted. Like they were surprised I admitted it.

Dana and I fell hard in love and spent three years trying to do the long-distance relationship thing. We had very long talks about race and whiteness. We had to have massive discussions about privilege and culture. I had reading lists and albums and homework that I had to do and Dana readily admits that in a lot of ways I already ”got it”. However, it was never enough. They wanted me to make a conscious decision to marry into a black family and know what I was getting into.

In August of 2014, I had just gotten back from spending a summer with Dana and I was using my hour before work to buy an engagement ring. I had two months to move to NJ so that we could start a job together. I heard on the news that Michael Brown was shot by a white cop in Ferguson. It hit me like a ton of bricks. It was the first time that the weight of what I was doing rang home in the deepest parts of me. I was marrying a Black person. At the time I wanted to bring children into this world. It finally dawned on me that those children were going to be Black. Just as the math in my childhood was Black nose+white skin=white guy the calculus done in a cop’s head was not going to add up well for our children. I worked at a church so I went to the altar and prayed. I prayed for a whole hour. I got the ring and moved to NJ. Dana and I were married five months later. I never looked back.

Why am I saying this now? Because white supremacy is the scourge of American Theatre. It's the reason why our Asian American artists are afraid to walk the streets at night. It's the reason why our Black artists are having to stand up and form their coalitions to get work done without a ”white yes”. It's the reason why even though I have photographic proof that the Cis males in my family have slowly gotten paler with every generation and that I know with absolute certainty that there is a Black contribution to my heritage somewhere that they locked it down and hid it from me like it was a crime (and it was until Loving V. Virginia, the very state my Dad's side of the family hails from). They appear to have bred as much of it out of me as possible by marrying women with ”Irish” in them. I feel like I was force-fed the blue pill and sidelined from my culture. I will never be black. I’m not even trying to be. I am just sickened that something that every Black person I’ve met can see may or may not come from a heritage that was stolen from me and hidden so well I can probably only prove it with a DNA test.

Whiteness is not a culture, it is an allergic reaction to the existence of BIPOC contributions to American life. It is cancer in our American Theatre and we have predominantly white institutions that are standing out like tumors in our cultural landscape. I am singularly focused on rooting them out not just because I'm married to a BIPOC artist. I'm rooting them out so that I can claim all of my cultures so that I can make reparations for the harm that has happened in my personal history. To create me BIPOC heritage may have had to be bred out and hidden and I may never be able to prove it. The sheer insinuation is enough to sicken me. I will uncover it and amplify my ancestors’ stories if I can find them. I will create a culture where this doesn't have to happen again. It ends with me.

**************Similar Posts*************

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[butterwasp8]

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Are online wills legit?

Are Online Wills Legitimate? The short answer is yes, online wills are legitimate as long as you ensure they comply with federal and state laws. Online will companies hire licensed attorneys and legal professionals to carefully word their estate planning documents so that each is legally binding.

Some individuals have very strong feelings concerning how they would certainly like their funeral to be carried out, for instance whether you would love to be buried or cremated. You can make all these decisions as well as state your wishes in your will. This will make sure that your desires are recognized to your loved ones. Your partner, better half or civil companion will automatically acquire every little thing. When you pass away without having actually left a valid will, the guidelines of intestacy apply. These regulations dictate that can manage the administration of your estate, that will benefit as well as exactly how it will be divided.

Alison and Katie made every little thing actually easy for me and also were really handy 2really great people. I picked Williamsons to serve as my conveyancers as well as I have been super pleased with their professionalism and values to act on behalf of their client. My procedure was a lengthy one, as a result of no fault on Williamsons part, however they never dropped the ball as well as continued to chase the various other party up until we got the solutions we needed.

Exists Any Risk Drafting A Will Online With Glosslegal? Is Glosslegal 100% Trustworthy And Valid?

Your Will must assign an Executor or Administrators that will be responsible for managing the administration of your estate. Here are a few of our most often asked questions when it involves Wills as well as writing a Will.

In the UK just grownups can make a Will, with the exemption of members of the armed services who are aged 16 or above. A Will not made under the proper treatments as well as which does not conform to certain legal problems will be declared invalid (all Wills on fatality go to a division of the High Court to be "confirmed"). Solicitor options call for full individual conferences, extensive adhere to up documentation together with prices which can vary from ₤ 100 to ₤ 400 per hr plus VAT. No, you do NOT need a lawyer or to go to a lawyer's firm to draft a Will. However, it is important to be directed over the process of making a Will, as we do at, and also for the record to be built in a sensible and also clear way.

This will mean that the guardians have control over welfare, wellness and also schooling problems similarly that parents have over their own youngsters. We do not 'name' each child but rather refer to after that all as 'children'. This covers any kind of children that are birthed after the Will is signed, as well as it likewise prevents any type of errors if youngsters are improperly called. Upon a divorce (i.e when the Court makes your separation authorities), your Will will still stand, but any type of advantage mosting likely to your ex-spouse is removed by law. If a lawyer, accounting professional or various other professional is designated as an Executor they are qualified to bill for the work they do, so they will additionally get an advantage because sense. If the Administrator of your Will has an interest in your estate you will also wish to see to it every little thing is carried out effectively as well as appropriately. Administrators are the name given to the persons assigned in a Will to manage the estate for the Person who makes the Will.

When this happens, the probate court will select somebody to act as the Administrator, that may not be the individual you wanted. Likewise, in the electronic age, on the internet properties require to be thought about; particularly those that hold either emotional or economic worth, consisting of the similarity PayPal, email addresses and social media accounts. Our blog on protecting your digital legacy will give you some guidelines on exactly how you can make it as simple as possible for enjoyed ones to access your digital properties. Lawyers, however, are controlled experts meaning you can be certain your Will has been properly prepared.

Can I write a will myself?

It's perfectly legal to write your own will, and any number of products exist to help you with this, from software programs to will-writing kits to the packet of forms you can pick up at your local drugstore.

This can be quickly avoided by making a will, so why put your spouse or partner through this? If the home loan is in your name after that your financial institution or structure culture will be not able to discuss this with your spouse or partner; this relates to all home costs. Your companion will not only need to cope with the pain from shedding you, they will likewise have economic concerns to cope with. Besides the evident concerns concerning deciding that you would love to acquire your residential or commercial property, there are several other points to consider when you are thinking of making a will. We recognize that money can be overwhelming, so we have actually assembled useful short articles and also easy-to-follow overviews to help you feel monetarily confident. The worth of financial investments can fall in addition to increase and also you might return less than you invest.

Sorting Out Your Estate.

A Will shields your picked beneficiaries' rate of interests after you have actually passed away but a Lasting Power of Attorney protects your very own passion while you're still to life. Depending upon the sort of LPA you choose, it provides an attorney the authority to either make home & financial or health & welfare decisions in your place if you are incapable to do so. Your Executor needs to be a person you trust fund as well as is qualified since it brings fairly some duty. You may likewise wish to choose a substitute Administrator in case your initial person is unable to act - these can be loved ones, pals and even a lawyer. This tends to be even more of a problem with templated Wills where individuals neglect to name the Executors of their Will.

Her commitment was phonememonal and we would not be reluctant to recommend her in a heart beat. Thanks for bringing closure to our instance as well as for sustaining us one hundred percent. We were informed at every phase within the situation and also understood we remained in secure expert hands throughout. Outstanding solution from Beth Dyson despite all the pressures of the Covid lockdown. Beth carried out conveyancing of my sale and purchase extremely thoroughly and also effectively with excellent interaction and also constantly in an useful as well as friendly fashion. Really reliable as well as quick feedbacks to any inquiries or inquiries I had.

It is experts in offering a pleasant, individual suggestions solution on all matters relating to will composing and successful estate preparation.

Heritage Will Creating offers an expert solution in all issues connecting to estate preparation including will composing, inheritance tax recommendations and preparation.

wills 4 less last will and testament east-sussex website covers the entire of Hampshire from its workplaces in Southampton.

Paper storage space and also basic financial guidance can likewise be provided.

We take satisfaction in our ability to supply our customers an outstanding level of service that's tailored to their specific needs.

We additionally give high quality customer service and support with the whole process. All to make sure you obtain the best paper and also one which you can rely on. You can attempt our service completely free; see what your Will appears like before making a decision to purchase it. There is NO financial commitment to the glossLegal's Simple Questionnaire procedure and it can be abandoned at no cost any time. Anybody who possesses residential or commercial property in their own name such as bank accounts, car, level/ house, furnishings, life insurance, and also death-in-service benefits and so on should have a Will. The Will states that cares for this property if you pass away and who will receive the advantage (see What is a will? and see What happens if I do not have a Will?).

The government will not release a 'certification' Grant of Probate which the Executors/Trustees call for to authorize their appointment and also carry out the instructions in the Will. The answer is that you can call what you such as in your Will, however if you do not really have that asset/property after that it will simply be overlooked. This will likewise cover assets/property which do not 'pass under your Will'. You can make a Will if you are 18 or over and if you have the mental capacity to make a Will. This means that you ought to recognize what making a Will indicates, understand what building you have and will be covered by your Will, and also who must be called in your Will.

[tlbodine]

1970s: Supernatural Young Folk

Since we did murderous infants last week, I thought that would segue nicely into the next two films on my 1970s horror list: The Omen and Carrie. 

Directed by Richard Donner, The Omen (1976) is the first of a film franchise concerning a family who unknowingly adopts the Antichrist. After his newborn dies shortly after birth, an American ambassador of great wealth and ambitions to the White House is convinced to take another baby, whose mother died giving birth. He agrees to the swap, raising the child as his own and not telling his wife about it. But young Damien is an odd, quiet child, and misfortune follows him. As shadowy figures step into the family’s life, and people around them begin to die in odd circumstances, the father’s suspicions are raised...but not in time to save the family from disaster. 

The Omen is an interesting case. It certainly cashes in on the religious-horror themes that had previously been popularized in earlier films like Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist. There are a number of Omen novels as well, which were in fact written as novelizations and tie-ins for the original screenplay, not the other way around! 

The film unspools at a slow pace and gives essentially no lines to young Damien, who is not so much an agent of evil in his own right as a figure who inspires evil deeds and misfortune. It’s not even entirely clear how much awareness or agency he has in regards to his demonic powers -- although the iconic final scene, where he looks back at the camera during his father’s funeral and smiles, sure hints to a sinister undercurrent. It’s a genuinely chilling visual. Another memorable and chilling scene involves uncovering the graves of Damien’s birth mother (who is inhuman) and the baby (who was clearly murdered after birth). The score is quite effective, too, if a bit overwrought. 

I will say that, in the context of the films we’ve watched so far, the leading couple have probably the healthiest marriage...but it’s a low bar to clear. The husband of course keeps a major secret from his wife re: the identity of their child, and at one point he refuses to allow her to abort their second child because he wants to....prove a prophecy wrong. Neat. What’s striking about The Omen is how, just like in It’s Alive!, a story that should ostensibly be centered on a mother’s struggles and trauma is instead focused on just how hard/inconvenient fatherhood is. 

The hardest thing about watching The Omen in 2020 is that, at this point, it has been copied and satirized so many times that it can’t help but feel hopelessly derivative. It is extremely hard to watch the film without thinking of Good Omens or even the recent horror-comedy Little Evil, which directly satirize the film. The concept is interesting -- what if shadowy forces conspired to place an evil devilspawn in the hands of wealth and power -- but at this point perhaps audiences are too cynical. We expect the devil’s spawn to come from wealth and power, tortured priests notwithstanding. 

* If I were to retell this story, and I might one day, it would be from the perspective of a parent who is convinced of his child’s evilness and uses it to justify his cruelty. The question of “What awful power could cruel belief inspire in someone” is one that I find infinitely more interesting than religious horrors but, well, that shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. 

** I really do actually recommend Little Evil, which is very funny and also an oddly wholesome take on the premise. 

Carrie, made in 1976 by director Brian DePalma (yes, the guy who made Scarface and The Untouchables) came out two years after Stephen King’s debut novel and played a big role in rocketing King’s career. It stars Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie and a young John Travolta before he became a punchline. 

I remember watching Carrie for the first time as a young teen -- maybe 14 -- at a sleepover, and it resonated with me then and continues to resonate with me now in a way that is probably all-too-common for young girls. If you have ever been bullied or outcast, this movie is likely to hit close to home. 

The story centers on shy, socially awkward young Carrie, a teen who lives alone with her religious fanatic mother whose idea of parenting involves reading Bible verses, smacking her child with a Bible, and locking her up in a closet. Thanks to her sheltered upbringing, she has a hard time relating to the rest of the world, and her classmates spring on her for it with the cruelty of wild dogs. But what they don’t know is that Carrie has powers of telekinesis...and when she’s pushed too far, the whole town suffers her wrath. 

Carrie is a great, primal story of pain and revenge, and although it’s been remade several times, the remakes feel utterly unnecessary. You get everything you need to out of the original, thanks in part to the authenticity and vulnerability that Spacek brings to the role. 

Something I really appreciate about Carrie is that it has a reasonably light touch. Compared to other types of misery-porn (cough, Joker, cough), Carrie doesn’t present a world where everyone is maliciously cruel. Sure, many of the people in her life are awful, but there are plenty of others -- like her well-meaning but ultimately misguided phys ed teacher -- who try to help but go about it the wrong way, or just don’t know what they’re really getting into, or whose gestures go awry. And that seems more authentic to me. Carrie’s world is painful not because everyone in it tries to cause her pain, but because no one she encounters is able to do anything to solve her existing pain -- and that feels very true-to-life.

Anyway, by this point in history you surely don’t need me to tell you what happens in the story: She’s invited to prom, voted prom queen as a joke, and then “pranked” by having a bucket of pig’s blood dropped on her, humiliating her in front of the school and triggering her murderous telekinesis before going home and dispatching of her mother. The thing is that even though the revenge does not end well -- she literally brings the house down upon herself -- it is incredibly satisfying to watch. In real life, hurting the people who tormented you probably doesn’t help, but boy is it cathartic to watch on the screen. 

Bonus: Try the Carrie drinking game where you take a shot every time someone in the movie gets slapped. You’ll be properly fucked up by the end of the film. 

Double Bonus: After Psycho, I think Carrie has more screeching violins than I’ve ever heard in a film. It works, though, as a nice auditory signal of her power. 

[mobashirfatimah]

Book Review - Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns – An Emotional Ride

Set up in Kabul, Afghanistan at  the times of war, Thousand splendid suns written by Khaled Hosseini  is a book that will make your heart  ache. It has given the sorrow of women a completely new perspective and the fact that the writer himself in spite being a ‘man’ who has shown the agony of women in a completely new light is the cherry on the top. Even though this book is about women and their hardships it is deeply impacting on the minds of men too. The author’s love for his characters and for his country is palpable. In the end, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a love letter to a country and to a people. It is a celebration of endurance and survival in the face of unspeakable tragedy. This is a love song to anyone who has ever had a broken heart and to anyone who has ever felt powerless and yet still dares to dream.

The main plot seemed to fill my criteria. Set in Afghanistan from the 1960s to the 1990s, spanning from Soviet occupation to the Taliban control, following the lives of two women in their marriages and in their war-torn country. Expecting domestic abuse, graphic war descriptions and a main theme of oppression in Afghan women.  A Thousand Splendid Suns covers much more than the aforementioned.

The novel is split in a dual narrative, the first being Mariam when she is nine, living on the outskirts of Herat with her bitter mother, anxiously in wait for the once-a-week visits from her wealthy father. Branded as an illegitimate child, Mariam faces many prejudices and blame not only from the family of her father, but also from her own mother. Hosseini introduces a naïve child whom you immediately pity, and also feel a foreboding clutch the pages. Not soon into the story, Mariam discovers the emptiness in her father's love and after her mother's suicide, is forced to marry a man, Rasheed more than 20 years her senior, her being only 15.Rasheed is a grumpy, hot headed , emotionally challenged and is sorrow stricken from the past event in his life in which he lost his son and wife. You can feel saymapathetic towards him but that doesn’t justify his abuse on Mariam. He doens’t respects Mariam and finds her stupid, naïve and  illiterate. Being a child of just 15 years the marriage consummation becomes sexual abuse for poor little Mariam. Her life becomes even more difficult when she faces continuous miscarriages which leads to Rasheed’s frustration to a whole new level and he starts performing domestic abuse on Mariam. The part where he makes mariam chew stones was one of the saddest part in the books. I don’t think so that there is any reader who hasn’t cried after that scene. “The first time Rasheed exerted physical abuse on Mariam is when he shoved the stones into her mouth and forced her to chew it to show her what her rice tastes like to him. This breaks mariam’s two molars”. Things continue like this with mariam for the majority part of her life.

Then comes the second narrative- Laila. An innocent young child with a best friend and lover, Tariq, a family torn by the war that steals her brothers away from her and in turn her mother's affection. After the war in Kabul worsens, Tariq's family decides to leave for Pakistan.Laila’s family was supposed to join them after a day. A nuclear attack makes her loose her family and house .Orphaned, torn from her love, Laila agrees to marry Rasheed who happens nto live in the neighbourhood and and rescues her. Laila was falsely informed about Tariq’s death in Pakistan. Laila was pregnant with Tariq’s child and to hide her bitter truth from Rasheed who was in the merry of him finalyy having his own child. Laila considers the unborn child to be a miracle - a memory of Tariq. Marrying Rasheed is Laila's method of providing for her child.

The stories of these two wives will make you gaze in awe at the sheer strength of love in desperate times. A key relationship forms between Laila and Mariam. Though Laila had referred to seeing Mariam at Ahmad and Noor's funeral, the interaction with Laila in Mariam's house allows the reader to not only notice how much Mariam has changed and become hardened by Rasheed, but also the differences between the two women. By putting Mariam and Laila in contrast like this, Hosseini is, you feel, not just trying to burrow into individual lives, but also trying to explain the complexities of Afghan society to the reader. While Mariam is obedient and has been forced into submission, Laila is cunning and secretive in her attempt to save herself and her child.

Rasheed wanted a boy but Laila gives birth to a girl, Aziza which infuriates Rasheed. Aziza resembles Tariq a lot which makes Rasheed doubt the gravity of relationship Laila had with Tariq before he died. One night Rasheed tries to beat mariam out of his frustration but Laila intervenes and stops Rasheed. This leads to softening Mariam’s heart for laila. Then starts the tale of their bond of familiality and the only hope for each other. Events turn out to be such that Mariam gives the ultimate sacrifice for Laila and her kids which marks the legitimate end to her illegitimate beginnings. The end of the novel encapsulates a hopeful moment.

The novel is beautifully written with descriptive details that will haunt you long after you finish reading it. What keeps this novel vivid and compelling are Hosseini’s eye for the textures of daily life and his ability to portray a full range of human emotions, from the smoldering rage of an abused wife to the early flutters of maternal love. But Hosseini vividly brings home what life is like for women in a society in which they are valued only for reproduction.

Hosseini does not challenge the usual western view of Afghanistan, but he does enrich it - he adds greater knowledge and understanding to it, and makes the Afghans come alive as loving, feeling individuals.

This book deserves a thousand splendid stars....