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secretmellowblog · 1 year ago

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Les Mis French History Timeline: all the context you need to know to understand Les Mis

Here is a simple timeline of French history as it relates to events in Les Miserables, and to the context of Les Mis's publication! A post like this would’ve really helped me four years ago, when I knew very little about 1830s France or the goals of Les Amis, so I’m making it now that I have the information to share! ^_^

This post will be split into 4 sections: a quick overview of important terms, the history before the novel that’s important to the character's backstories, the history during the novel, and then the history relevant to the 1848-onward circumstances of Hugo’s life and the novel’s publication.

Part 1: Overview

The novel takes place in the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo, during a period called the Restoration.

The ancient monarchy was overthrown during the French Revolution. After a series of political struggles the revolutionary government was eventually replaced by an empire under Napoleon. Then Napoleon was defeated and sent into exile— but then he briefly came back and seized power for one hundred days—! and then he was defeated yet again for good at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.

After all that political turmoil, kings have been "restored" to the throne of France. The novel begins right as this Restoration begins.

The major political parties important to generally understanding Les Mis (Wildly Oversimplified) are Republicans, Liberals, Bonapartists, and Royalists. It’s worth noting that all these ‘party terms’ changed in meaning/goals over time depending on which type of government was in power. In general though, and just for the sake of reading Les Mis:

Republicans want a Republic, where people have power rather than monarchs and (in this context) elect their leaders democratically— they’re the very left wing progressive ones, and are heavily outcast/censored/policed. Les Amis are Republicans.

Liberals: we don’t have time to go into it, but I don’t think there are any characters in Les Mis defined by their liberalism.

Bonapartists are followers of Napoleon Bonaparte I, who led the Empire. Many viewed the Emperor as more favorable or progressive to them than a king would be. Georges Pontmercy is a Bonapartist, as is Pere Fauchelevent.

Royalists believe in the divine right of Kings; they’re conservative. Someone who is extremely royalist to the point of wanting basically no limits on the king’s power at all are called “Ultraroyalists” or “ultra.” Marius’s conservative grandfather Gillenromand is an ultra royalist. Hugo is also very concerned with criticizing the "Great Man of History," the view that history is pushed forward by the actions of a handful of special great men like kings and emperors. Les Mis aims to focus on the common masses of people who push history forward instead.

Part 2: Timeline of History involved in characters’ Backstories

1789– the March on the bastille/ the beginning of the original French Revolution. A young Myriel, who is then a shallow married aristocrat, flees the country. His family is badly hurt by the Revolution. His wife dies in exile.

1793– Louis XVI is found guilty of committing treason and sentenced to death. The Conventionist G—, the old revolutionary who Myriel talks to, votes against the death of the king.

1795: the Directory rules France. Throughout much of the revolution, including this period, the country is undergoing “dechristianization” policies. Fantine is born at this time. Because the church is not in power as a result of dechristianization, Fantine is unbaptized and has no record of a legal given name, instead going by the nickname Fantine (“enfantine,” childlike.)

1795: The Revolutionary government becomes more conservative. Jean Valjean is arrested.

1804: Napoleon officially crowns himself Emperor of France. the Revolution’s dream of a Republic is dead for a bit. At this time, Myriel returns from his exile and settles down in the provinces of France to work as a humble priest. Then he visits Paris and makes a snarky comment to Napoleon, and Napoleon finds him so witty that he appoints him Bishop.

Part 3: the novel actually begins

1815: Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Waterloo by the allied nations of Britain and Prussia. Read Hugo’s take on that in the Waterloo Digression! He gets a lot of facts wrong, but that’s Hugo for you.

Marius’s father, Baron Pontmercy, nearly dies on the battlefield. Thenardier steals his belongings.

After Napoleon is defeated, a king is restored to the throne— Louis XVIII, of the House of Bourbon, the ancient royal house that ruled France before the Revolution. In order to ensure that Louis XVIII stays on the throne, the nations of Britian, Prussia, and Russia, send soldiers occupy France. So France is, during the early events of the novel, being occupied by foreign soldiers. This is part of why there are so many references to soldiers on the streets and garrisons and barracks throughout the early portions of the novel. The occupation officially ended in 1818.

1815 (a few months after Waterloo): Jean Valjean is released from prison and walks down the road to Digne, the very same road Napoleon charged down during his last attempt to seize power. Many of the inns he passes by are run by people advertising their connections to Napoleon. Symbolically Valjean is the poor man returning from exile into France, just as Napoleon was the Great Man briefly returning from exile during the 100 days, or King Louis XVIII is the Great King returning from exile to a restored throne.

1817: The Year 1817, which Hugo has a whole chapter-digression about. Louis XVIII of the House of Bourbon is on the throne. Fantine, “the nameless child of the Directory,” is abandoned by Tholomyes.

1821: Napoleon dies in exile.

1825: King Louis XVIII dies. Charles X takes the throne. While Louis XVIII was willing to compromise, Charles X is a far more conservative ultra-royalist. He attempts to bring back something like the Pre-Revolution style of monarchy.

Underground resistance groups, including Republican groups like Les Amis, plot against him.

1827-1828: Georges Pontmercy, bonapartist veteran of Waterloo, dies. Marius, who has been growing up with his abusive Ultra-royalist grandfather and mindlessly repeating his ultra-royalist politics, learns how much his father loved him. He becomes a democratic Bonapartist.

Marius is a little bit late to everything though. He shouts “long live the Emperor!” Even though Napoleon died in 1821 and insults his grandfather by telling him “down with that hog Louis XVIII” even though Louis XVIII has been dead since 1825. He’s a little confused but he’s got the spirit.

Marius leaves his grandfather to live on his own.

1830: “The July Revolution,” also known as the “Three Glorious Days” or “the Second French Revolution.” Rebels built barricades and successfully forced Charles X out of power.

Unfortunately, TL;DR moderate politicians prevented the creation of a Republic and instead installed another more politically progressive king — Louis-Philippe, of the house of Orleans.

Louis-Philippe was a relative of the royal family, had lived in poverty for a time, and described himself as “the citizen-king.” Hugo’s take on him is that he was a good man, but being a king is inherently evil; monarchy is a bad system even if a “good” dictator is on the throne.

The shadow of 1830 is important to Les Mis, and there’s even a whole digression about it in “A Few Pages of History,” a digression most people adapting the novel have clearly skipped. Les Amis would’ve probably been involved in it....though interestingly, only Gavroche and maybe Enjolras are explicitly confirmed to have been there, Gavroche telling Enjolras he participated “when we had that dispute with Charles X.”

Sadly we're following Marius (not Les Amis) in 1830. Hugo mentions that Marius is always too busy thinking to actually participate in political movements. He notes that Marius was pleased by 1830 because he thinks it is a sign of progress, but that he was too dreamy to be involved in it.

1831: in “A Few Pages of History” Hugo describes the various ways Republican groups were plotting what what would later become the June Rebellion– the way resistance groups had underground meetings, spread propaganda with pamphlets, smuggled in gunpowder, etc.

Spring of 1832: there is a massive pandemic of cholera in Paris that exacerbates existing tensions. Marius is described as too distracted by love to notice all the people dying of cholera.

June 1st, 1832: General Lamarque, a member of parliament often critical of the monarchy, dies of cholera.

June 5th and 6th, 1832: the June Rebellion of 1832:

Republicans, students, and workers attempt to overthrow the monarchy, and finally get a democratic Republic For Real This Time. The rebellion is violently crushed by the National Guard.

Enjolras was partially inspired by Charles Jeanne, who led the barricades at Saint-Merry.

Part 4: the context of Les Mis’s publication

February 1848: a successful revolution finally overthrows King Louis Philippe. A younger Victor Hugo, who was appointed a peer of France by Louis-Philippe, is then elected as a representative of Paris in the provisional revolutionary government.

June 1848: This is a lot, and it’s a thing even Hugo’s biographers often gloss over, because it’s a horrific moral failure/complexity of Hugo’s that is completely at odds with the sort of politics he later became known for. The short summary is that in June 1848 there was a working-class rebellion against new labor laws/forced conscription, and Victor Hugo was on the “wrong side of the barricades” working with the government to violently suppress the rebels. To quote from this source:

Much to the disappointment of his supporters, in [Victor Hugo’s] first speech in the national assembly he went after the ateliers or national workshops, which had been a major demand of the workers. Two days later the workshops were closed, workers under twenty-five were conscripted and the rest sent to the countryside. It was a “political purge” and a declaration of war on the Parisian working class that set into motion the June Days, or the second revolution of 1848—an uprising lauded by Marx as one of the first workers’ revolutions. As the barricades went up in Paris, Hugo was tragically on the wrong side. On June 24 the national assembly declared a state of siege with Hugo’s support. Hugo would then sink to a new political low. He was chosen as one of sixty representatives “to go and inform the insurgents that a state of siege existed and that Cavaignac [the officer who had led the suppression of the June revolt] was in control.” With an express mission “to stop the spilling of blood,” Hugo took up arms against the workers of Paris. Thus, Hugo, voice of the voiceless and hero of workers, helped to violently suppress a rebellion led by people whom he in many ways supported—and many of whom supported him. With twisted logic and an even more twisted conscience, Hugo fought and risked his life to crush the June insurrection.

There is an otherwise baffling chapter in Les Mis titled "The Charybdis of the Faubourg Saint Antoine and the Scylla of the Fauborg Du Temple," where Hugo goes on a digression about June of 1848. Hugo contrasts June of 1848 with other rebellions, and insists that the June 1848 Rebellion was Wrong and Different. It is a strangely anti-rebellion classist chapter that feels discordant with the rest of the book. This is because it is Hugo's effort to (indirectly) address criticisms people had of his own involvement in June 1848, and to justify why he believed crushing that rebellion with so much force was necessary. The chapter is often misused to say that Hugo was "anti-violent-rebellion all the time" (which he wasn't) or that "rebellion is bad” is the message of Les Mis (which it isn't) ........but in reality the chapter is about Hugo attempting to justify his own past actions to the reader and to himself, actions which many people on his side of the political spectrum considered a betrayal. He couldn't really have written a novel about the politics of barricades without addressing his actions in June 1848, and he addressed them by attempting to justify them, and he attempted to justify them with a lot of deeply questionable rhetoric. 1848 is a lot, and I don't fully understand all the context yet-- but that general context is necessary to understand why the chapter is even in the novel. Late 1848/1849: Quoting from the earlier source again:

In the wake of the revolution, Hugo tried to make sense of the events of 1848. He tried to straddle the growing polarization between, on the one hand, “the party of order,” which coalesced around Napoleon’s nephew Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, who in December 1848 had been elected France’s president under a new constitution, and the “party of movement” (or radical Left) that, in the aftermath of 1848, had made considerable advances. In this climate, as Hugo increasingly spoke out, and faced opposition and repression himself, he was radicalized and turned to the Left for support against the tyranny and “barbarism” he saw in the government of Louis Napoleon. The “point of no return” came in 1849. Hugo became one of the loudest and most prominent voices of opposition to Louis Napoleon. In his final and most famous insult to Napoleon, he asked: “Just because we had Napoleon le Grand [Napoleon the Great], do we have to have Napoleon le petit [Napoleon the small]?” Immune from punishment because of his role in the government, Bonaparte retaliated by shutting down Hugo’s newspaper and arresting both his sons.

Thenardier is possibly meant to be Hugo’s caricature of Louis-Napoleon/Napoleon III. He is “Napoleon the small,” an opportunistic scumbag leeching off the legacy of Waterloo and Napoleon to give himself some respectability. He is a metaphorical ‘graverobber of Waterloo’ who has all of Napoleon’s dictatorial pettiness without any of his redeeming qualities.

It’s also worth noting that Marius is Victor “Marie” Hugo’s self-insert. Hugo’s politics changed wildly over time. Like Marius he was a royalist when was young. And like Marius, he looked up to Napoleon and to Napoleon III, before his views of them were shattered. This is reflected in the way Marius has complicated feelings of loyalty to his father (who’s very connected to the original Napoleon I) and to Thenardier (who’s arguably an analogue for Napoleon IiI.)

1851:

On December 2, 1851, Louis Napoleon launched his coup, suspending the republic’s constitution he had sworn to uphold. The National Assembly was occupied by troops. Hugo responded by trying to rally people to the barricades to defend Paris against Napoleon’s seizure of power. Protesters were met with brutal repression. Under increasing threat to his own life, with both of his sons in jail and his death falsely announced, Hugo finally left Paris. He ultimately ended up on the island of Guernsey where he spent much of the next eighteen years and where he would write the bulk of Les Misérables. It was from here that his most radical and political work was smuggled into France.

Hugo arguably did some of his most important political work after being exiled. In Guernsey, he aided with resistance against the regime of Napoleon III. Hugo’s popularity with the masses also meant that his exile was massive news, and a thing all readers of Les Miserables would’ve been deeply familiar with.

This is why there are so many bits of Les Mis where the narrator nostalgically reflects on how much they wish they were in Paris again —these parts are very political; readers would’ve picked up that this was Victor Hugo reflecting on he cruelty of his own exile.

1862-1863: Les Mis is published. It is a barely-veiled call to action against the government of Napoleon III, written about the June Rebellion instead of the current regime partially in order to dodge the censorship laws at the time.

Conservatives despise the book and call it the death of civilization and a dangerous rebellious evil godless text that encourages them to feel bad for the stupid evil criminal rebel poors and etc etc etc– (see @psalm22-6 ‘s excellent translations of the ancient conservative reviews)-- but the novel sells very well. Expressing approval or disapproval of the book is considered inherently political, but fortunately it remains unbanned.

…And that’s it! An ocean of basic historical context about Les Mis!

If anyone has any corrections or additions they would like to make, feel free to add them! I have researched to the best of my ability, but I don’t pretend to be perfect. I also recommend listening to the Siecle podcast, which covers the events of the Bourbon Restoration starting at the Battle of Waterloo, if you're interested in learning more about the period!

#les mis #someone in a discord server asked about this a while back #so i put it together!#it’s basically what I told them in the discord server but as a tumblr post #and with some extra stuff I forgot to say #but yeAH maybe if more historical information gets spread #we’ll get more canon era fanfics >:3333 #which are always fun

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randonwilmonfan · 1 year ago

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I'd love to talk more about the locker room scene in S2 E2 of Young Royals, where Wilhelm tries to convince Simon to get back together with him, in the process (sadly) demonstrating that he believes his mother's feeble offer to "talk" about him possibly coming out when he's 18. This takes place after his almost-removal from Hillerska.

Plenty of people have already pointed out how Henry snitched on Wille and Felice’s kiss, but apparently didn’t choose to tell anyone (as far as we’re aware) about Wilhelm almost pleading with Simon to get back together with him during that post-almost-dragged-out-of-Hillerska conversation. And that's definitely an interesting thing to chew on. But there's more...

Here are a few other things that stand out to me too:

First -

I think it’s worth pointing out the obvious — Wilhelm clearly sees Simon in his future long-term (possibly for the rest of his life). The way he casually says to Simon “So, we’d only have to keep it a secret for 2 years” implies three things very clearly.

a) He immediately and easily sees himself together with Simon in 2 years and beyond. Actually, specifically, definitely beyond. Because his eye is on the prize: coming out and living openly with Simon *after* he turns 18 — implying his focus is entirely on the intended afterwards period. He doesn’t even blink at that idea; it’s obvious to him.

b) He also really doesn’t seem to think 2 years is a big deal. For a teenager who’s only lived 16 years on this planet (only approximately ~11-ish of them in a state where they’re forming conscious memories) to think 2 years is just a drop in the bucket is kind of wild. Even 6 months feels like forever to a kid. So Wilhelm — a child — viewing time from this perspective suggests he’s likely balancing 2 years out against a much longer expanse of time; hence why those 24 months would look so minuscule and shrug-worthy by comparison. In other words: he sees himself with Simon in the LONG long term. Two years is nothing if you’re imagining growing old with someone and spending the rest of your many decades on this Earth with them. (All of this is pretty much confirmed later on in S2, when Wilhelm offers to abdicate the throne for Simon.)

c) He also doesn’t seem to think Simon should be appalled by the idea of waiting for 2 years. Yes, sure, we can chalk part of that up to selfishness and lack of mentalization / empathy for Simon’s point of view. But I’m going to suggest it’s more than that. My takeaway is that he assumes Simon also sees them as endgame, and so naturally wouldn’t be bothered by waiting a bit longer in order to spend forever together. (Sadly the conversation does not play out that way for him; ouch. Though no shade to Simon: what he said in response was realistic and fair.)

Second -

I think we have to rewatch his interactions with Simon as Henry slams a door and slowly walks past them with a raised eyebrow. Because, in S1, that Wilhelm would have immediately jumped away from Simon to create distance and try to pretend there’s plausible deniability about what their relationship has been and could be again. That’s (one) part of the whole point of S1: Wilhelm is not ready to be brave enough to face a homophobic aristocratic world and take a bold stance to stand by Simon.

Instead, in S2 E2, he sits still. He stays right next to Simon. In fact, he *leaves his hand resting directly on Simon’s thigh.* And he knows someone is coming their way! He heard the door slam inside the locker room. Obviously he knows someone else is here. But he doesn’t jump. He actually doesn’t really stir much at all.

He sits there like it’s of no importance, and he doesn’t care who sees. Or, even, who overheard this very intimate, vulnerable, and pleading conversation. A conversation in which the future King of their country is almost on the verge of begging his ex to please be his again… not just for now, but for multiple years’ time. I mean we’re like 2 steps away from Wille practically offering Simon a “promise ring” (not sure if that concept holds up in Europe, but it’s basically a very pre-engagement type thing in the US; it’s not common though). (Their convo also makes it very clear Simon was the one who dumped him and that he’s having trouble accepting that and moving on.)

Yet he doesn’t seem perturbed or disturbed by Henry’s presence and overhearing and seeing them. He doesn’t seem embarrassed at all. He’s not ashamed of his love for Simon. Even more specifically, he’s not afraid of people (Henry) seeing him put his heart out on the line, and of them knowing that he wants Simon back - not for just a hook-up, but for a very long-term, serious, committed relationship. And he doesn’t make any moves to emotionally or physically distance himself from Simon, despite Henry’s clear witnessing of this private moment.

This is a subtle way to show that, even though Wille hasn't yet gone through his full S2 journey of self-awareness and self-growth, he has still already begun changing and growing after the end of S1. So he’s at least started to learn some of his lessons about what he needs to do differently.

Anyhoo, the whole point I’m trying to make is… gosh there were so many fascinating things happening in that scene. And they rush right past us in the blink of an eye! But there is so much meaning built into every small interaction and non-interaction there, and into every nonchalant assumption the characters casually voice.

I’m sure there’s more meaning and are more details I missed, too! What did you think? I’d love to learn more from others’ perspectives, too. :)

#young royals #young royals season 2 #yr analysis #young royals analysis #locker room scene #but not the one where they're truly overtly fighting yet #this is the “how can you not care?” scene

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lemonidae · 5 months ago

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Book Series by K.J. Charles

WEBSITE | X: @kj_charles | Goodreads

A Charm of Magpies

A Charm of Magpies #0.5: The Smuggler and the Warlord

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A lord in danger. A magician in turmoil. A snowball in hell. Exiled to China for twenty years, Lucien Vaudrey never planned to return to England. But with the mysterious deaths of his father and brother, it seems the new Lord Crane has inherited an earldom. He’s also inherited his family’s enemies. He needs magical assistance, fast. He doesn't expect it to turn up angry. Magician Stephen Day has good reason to hate Crane’s family. Unfortunately, it’s his job to deal with supernatural threats. Besides, the earl is unlike any aristocrat he’s ever met, with the tattoos, the attitude… and the way Crane seems determined to get him into bed. That’s definitely unusual. Soon Stephen is falling hard for the worst possible man, at the worst possible time. But Crane’s dangerous appeal isn't the only thing rendering Stephen powerless. Evil pervades the house, a web of plots is closing round Crane, and if Stephen can’t find a way through it—they’re both going to die.

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Magic in the blood. Danger in the streets. Lord Crane has never had a lover quite as elusive as Stephen Day. He knows Stephen’s job as justiciar requires secrecy, but the magician is doing his disappearing act more than seems reasonable—especially since Crane will soon return to his home in China. When a blackmailer threatens to expose their illicit relationship, there's only one thing stopping Crane from leaving the country he Stephen. Stephen has problems of his own. As he investigates a plague of giant rats sweeping London, his sudden increase in power, boosted by his blood-and-sex bond with Crane, is rousing suspicion that he’s turned warlock. With all eyes on him, the threat of exposure grows. Stephen could lose his friends, his job and his liberty over his relationship with Crane. He’s not sure if he can take that risk much longer. Crane isn’t sure if he can ask him to. The rats are closing in, and something has to give…

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Danger in the air. Lovers on the brink. With the justiciary understaffed, a series of horrifying occult murders to be investigated, and a young student flying off the rails, magical law enforcer Stephen Day is under increasing stress. And the strain is starting to show in his relationship with his aristocratic lover, Lord Crane. Crane chafes at the restrictions of England’s laws, and there’s a worrying development in the blood-and-sex bond he shares with Stephen. A development that makes a sensible man question if they should be together at all. Then a devastating loss brings the people he most loves into bitter conflict. Old enemies, new enemies, and unexpected enemies are painting Stephen and Crane into a corner, and the pressure threatens to tear them apart…

Paperback: 210 pages

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Published: October 28, 2014

A Charm of Magpies: Jackdaw SPINOFF

(takes place after Flight of Magpies)

If you stop running, you fall. Jonah Pastern is a magician, a liar, a windwalker, a professional thief…and for six months, he was the love of police constable Ben Spenser’s life. His betrayal left Ben jailed, ruined, alone, and looking for revenge. Ben is determined to make Jonah pay. But he can’t seem to forget what they once shared, and Jonah refuses to let him. Soon Ben is entangled in Jonah’s chaotic existence all over again, and they’re running together—from the police, the justiciary, and some dangerous people with a lethal grudge against them. Threatened on all sides by betrayals, secrets, and the laws of the land, the policeman and the thief must find a way to live and love before the past catches up with them...

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A Charm of Magpies: A Queer Trade SPINOFF

(takes place at the same time as A Case of Possession)

Apprentice magician Crispin Tredarloe returns to London to find his master dead, and his papers sold. Papers with secrets that could spell death. Crispin needs to get them back before anyone finds out what he's been doing, or what his magic can do. Crispin tracks his quarry down to waste paper dealer Ned Hall. He needs help, and Ned can’t resist Crispin’s pleading—and appealing—looks. But can the waste-man and the magician prevent a disaster and save Crispin’s skin?

Paperback: 59 pages

ISBN: 9781311652409

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Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M/M, Magic, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Published: February 2, 2016

A Charm of Magpies: Rag and Bone SPINOFF

(takes place at the same time as Jackdaw)

It’s amazing what people throw away… Crispin Tredarloe never meant to become a warlock. Freed from his treacherous master, he’s learning how to use his magical powers the right way. But it’s brutally hard work. Not everyone believes he’s a reformed character, and the strain is putting unbearable pressure on his secret relationship with waste-man Ned Hall. Ned’s sick of magic. Sick of the trouble it brings, sick of its dangerous grip on Crispin and the miserable look it puts in his eyes, and sick of being afraid that a gentleman magician won’t want a street paper-seller forever—or even for much longer. But something is stirring among London’s forgotten discards. An ancient evil is waking up and seeking its freedom. And when wild magic hits the rag-and-bottle shop where Ned lives, a panicking Crispin falls back onto bad habits. The embattled lovers must find a way to work together—or London could go up in flames.

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ISBN: 9780995799066

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Published: March 1, 2016

A Charm of Magpies: Five for Heaven EPILOGUE

The gang are in Japan and Jenny Saint is in labour. Free read is available here

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The Will Darling Adventures

A m/m romance trilogy in the spirit of Golden Age pulp fiction. It’s the 1920s and tensions are rising along with hemlines. Soldier-turned-bookseller Will Darling finds himself tangled up in spies and secret formulas, clubs and conspiracies, Bolsheviks, blackmail, and Bright Young Things. And dubious aristocrat Lord Arthur ‘Kim’ Secretan is right in the middle of it all: enigmatic, unreliable, and utterly irresistible.

The Will Darling Adventures #1: Slippery Creatures

Will Darling came back from the Great War with a few scars, a lot of medals, and no idea what to do next. Inheriting his uncle’s chaotic second-hand bookshop is a blessing...until strange visitors start making threats. First a criminal gang, then the War Office, both telling Will to give them the information they want, or else. Will has no idea what that information is, and nobody to turn to, until Kim Secretan—charming, cultured, oddly attractive—steps in to offer help. As Kim and Will try to find answers and outrun trouble, mutual desire grows along with the danger. And then Will discovers the truth about Kim. His identity, his past, his real intentions. Enraged and betrayed, Will never wants to see him again. But Will possesses knowledge that could cost thousands of lives. Enemies are closing in on him from all sides—and Kim is the only man who can help.

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The Will Darling Adventures #2: The Sugared Game

It's been two months since Will Darling saw Kim Secretan, and he doesn't expect to see him again. What do a rough and ready soldier-turned-bookseller and a disgraced shady aristocrat have to do with each other anyway? But when Will encounters a face from the past in a disreputable nightclub, Kim turns up, as shifty, unreliable, and irresistible as ever. And before Will knows it, he's been dragged back into Kim's shadowy world of secrets, criminal conspiracies, and underhand dealings. This time, though, things are underhanded even by Kim standards. This time, the danger is too close to home. And if Will and Kim can't find common ground against unseen enemies, they risk losing everything.

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ISBN10: 1912688174

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Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Mystery, M/M, Adult, Crime, Mystey, Suspense

Published: August 23, 2020

The Will Darling Adventures #2.5: To Trust Man on His Oath

A heart-to-heart in the small hours leads to a crucial promise. Free read is available here

The Will Darling Adventures #3: Subtle Blood

Will Darling is all right. His business is doing well, and so is his illicit relationship with Kim Secretan--disgraced aristocrat, ex-spy, amateur book-dealer. It’s starting to feel like he’s got his life under control. And then a brutal murder in a gentleman’s club plunges them back into the shadow world of crime, deception, and the power of privilege. Worse, it brings them up against Kim’s noble, hostile family, and his upper-class life where Will can never belong. With old and new enemies against them, and secrets on every side, Will and Kim have to fight for each other harder than ever—or be torn apart for good.

Paperback: 290 pages

Audiobook: 8,5 hrs.

ISBN: 9781912688197

ASIN: B094TL3GJX

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Mystery, M/M, Adult, Crime, Mystey, Suspense

Published: June 23, 2021

The Will Darling Adventures: This Lord’s Father EPILOGUE

Will has a nice chat with the Marquess of Flitby. No, really. Free read is available here

Think of England / Will Darling Adventures : How Goes the World? EPILOGUE

Archie attends a house party. Will goes to a club. Free read is available here

-------------------------------------- Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune

Very lightly linked books set in a lighthearted Regency world.

The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting features Robin Loxleigh; A Thief in the Night stars Robin’s brother and Toby Real Last Name Unknown. The Duke at Hazard isn’t linked directly to either book but features cameos; there’s no need to read anything first.

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #1: The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting

Robin Loxleigh and his sister Marianne are the hit of the Season, so attractive and delightful that nobody looks behind their pretty faces. Until Robin sets his sights on Sir John Hartlebury's heiress niece. The notoriously graceless baronet isn't impressed by good looks or fooled by false charm. He's sure Robin is a liar, a fortune hunter, and a heartless, greedy fraud - and he'll protect his niece, whatever it takes. Then, just when Hart thinks he has Robin at his mercy, things take a sharp left turn. And as the grumpy baronet and the glib fortune hunter start to understand each other, they also find themselves starting to care - more than either of them thought possible. But Robin's cheated and lied and let people down for money. Can a professional rogue earn an honest happy ever after?

Paperback: 311 pages

Audiobook: 8hrs.

ISBN: 9781398715752

ISBN10: 1398715751

ASIN: B094TC4F93

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Romance, M/M, Adult

Published: February 24, 2021

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #2: A Thief in the Night

Toby never meant to be a highway robber, but needs must. He didn’t plan to impersonate a top London valet either, but when the chance comes to present himself as the earl of Arvon’s new gentleman’s gentleman, he grabs it. Unfortunately, the earl is the man he seduced and robbed on the road to get here. Oops. Miles, Lord Arvon, is not impressed. But he’s faced with a tumbledown home and lost family fortune, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Toby—shameless, practical, and definitely desperate—may be just the man he needs. To steal back a priceless bracelet, that is. What else were you thinking?

Paperback: 76 pages

Audiobook: 2,75 hrs.

ISBN10: 1912688239

ISBN: 9781912688234

ASIN: ‎ B0BVMZGMCQ

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Romance, M/M, Adult

Published: October 13, 2022

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #2.5: A Rose By Any Name EPILOGUE

The reunion scene! Brothers Toby and Robinmeet again, with help from Hart and Miles. Free read is available here

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #3: The Duke At Hazard

The Duke of Severn is one of the greatest men in Britain. He’s also short, quiet, and unimpressive. And now he’s been robbed, after indulging in one rash night with a strange man who stole the heirloom Severn ring from his finger. The Duke has to get it back, and he can’t let anyone know how he lost it. So when his cousin bets that he couldn’t survive without his privilege and title, the Duke grasps the opportunity to hunt down his ring-incognito. Life as an ordinary person is terrifying…until the anonymous Duke meets Daizell Charnage, a disgraced gentleman, and hires him to help. Racing across the country in search of the thief, the Duke and Daizell fall into scrapes, into trouble-and in love. Daizell has been excluded from polite society, his name tainted by his father’s crimes and his own misbehaviour. Now he dares to dream of a life somewhere out of sight with the quiet gentleman who’s stolen his heart. He doesn’t know that his lover is a hugely rich public figure with half a dozen titles. And when he finds out, it will risk everything they have…

Paperback: 336 pages

Audiobook: 10 hrs.

ISBN10: 1398715794

ISBN: 9781398715790

ASIN: ‎ B0CW1JXB4R

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Romance, M/M, Adult,

Published: July 18, 2024

-------------------------------------- The Doomsday Books

Romney Marsh, Kent, in the early 1800s. A remote part of England, thinly populated, misty…and perfect for smugglers. The Doomsday clan run the free trade across the Dymchurch area of Romney Marsh. But two of them are about to get mixed up in crime, conspiracy, murder—and unexpected love.

The Doomsday Books #1: The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

Abandoned by his father as a small child, Sir Gareth Inglis has grown up prickly, cold, and well-used to disappointment. Even so, he longs for a connection, falling headfirst into a passionate anonymous affair that's over almost as quickly as it began. Bitter at the sudden rejection, Gareth has little time to lick his wounds: his father has died, leaving him the family title, a rambling manor on the remote Romney Marsh…and the den of cutthroats and thieves that make its intricate waterways their home. Joss Doomsday has run the Doomsday smuggling clan since he was a boy. His family is his life…which is why when the all-too-familiar new baronet testifies against Joss's sister for a hanging offense, Joss acts fast, blackmailing Gareth with the secret of their relationship to force him to recant. Their reunion is anything but happy and the path forward everything but smooth, yet after the dust settles, neither can stay away. It's a long road from there—full of danger and mysteries to be solved—yet somehow, along the way, this well-mannered gentleman may at last find true love with the least likely of scoundrels.

Paperback: 331 pages

Audiobook: 11,25 hrs.

ISBN10: 1728255856

ISBN: 9781728255859

ASIN: B0B2KWBRNL

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Adult, Mystery

Published: March 7, 2023

The Doomsday Books #1.5: If He Had His Legs, We’d Be In So Much Trouble EPILOGUE

Gareth goes for his long-promised meeting with Granda Doomsday, and discusses Luke's future. Free read is available in PDF and EPUB

The Doomsday Books #2: A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel

Major Rufus d'Aumesty has unexpectedly become the Earl of Oxney, master of a remote Norman manor on the edge of the infamous Romney Marsh. There he's beset on all sides, his position contested both by his greedy uncle and by Luke Doomsday, son of a notorious smuggling clan. The earl and the smuggler should be natural enemies, but cocksure, enragingly competent Luke is a trained secretary and expert schemer—exactly the sort of man Rufus needs by his side. Before long, Luke becomes an unexpected ally…and the lover Rufus had never hoped to find. But Luke came to Stone Manor with an ulterior motive, one he's desperate to keep hidden even from the lord he can't resist. As the lies accumulate and family secrets threaten to destroy everything they hold dear, master and man find themselves forced to decide whose side they're really on…and what they're willing to do for love.

Paperback: 336 pages

Audiobook: 10,5 hrs.

ISBN10: 1728255902

ISBN: 9781728255903

ASIN: B0BNW638GQ

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Adult, Mystery

Published: September 19, 2023

-------------------------------------- Society of Gentlemen

Society of Gentlemen is set at a time of incredible privilege for the few and social turmoil for the many. Regency England is torn by war, poverty and social unrest, ruled by a draconian government. People are starving, rioting, rebelling. But the aristocrats dance on, in their glittering existence of balls, gambling, silks and scandal…

The trilogy covers three couples between autumn 1819 and spring 1820.

A young Radical discovers his noble birth and is catapulted into a world of privilege, fashion and murder with a dandy as his guide.

A government official and a revolutionary seditionist find common ground in their unconventional desires, under the threat of the gallows.

And a lord in love with his valet struggles to find a way across the social abyss that divides them.

Each book is a standalone romance but the plots are linked.

Characters and reading order

Society of Gentlemen #0.5: The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh

The youngest son and the blackest sheep in his family, Lord Gabriel Ashleigh never imagined he could sink so low. Though he’s a notoriously bad gambler, he takes on the formidable but strangely alluring Francis Webster, only to lose everything: all his money, the lovely estate he inherited from his aunt, and any hope of future happiness. So it’s a shock when Webster summons him to a private game for a chance to win back his possessions. The stake? If he fails, Ash must surrender his body. Francis has been waiting years for this moment. At Eton, Ash’s elder brother harassed him relentlessly. Now, consumed by lust and rage, Francis is only too happy to exploit Ash’s foolish indiscretions. But as Francis strips the magnificently built youth—first of his family assets, then his clothes—he begins to wonder whether he’s been plotting revenge . . . or exquisite seduction.

Paperback: 32 pages

IISBN-13: 9781101968680

ASIN: B013NIF9U6

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Short Story, Regency

Published: October 27, 2015

Society of Gentlemen #1: A Fashionable Indulgence

When he learns that he could be the heir to an unexpected fortune, Harry Vane rejects his past as a Radical fighting for government reform and sets about wooing his lovely cousin. But his heart is captured instead by the most beautiful, chic man he’s ever met: the dandy tasked with instructing him in the manners and style of the ton. Harry’s new station demands conformity—and yet the one thing he desires is a taste of the wrong pair of lips. After witnessing firsthand the horrors of Waterloo, Julius Norreys sought refuge behind the luxurious facade of the upper crust. Now he concerns himself exclusively with the cut of his coat and the quality of his boots. And yet his protégé is so unblemished by cynicism that he inspires the first flare of genuine desire Julius has felt in years. He cannot protect Harry from the worst excesses of society. But together they can withstand the high price of passion.

Paperback: 264 pages

Audiobook: 8,75 hrs.

ISBN10: 1101886021

ISBN: 9781101886021

ASIN: ‎ B00QP3ROUA

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Regency

Published: August 11, 2015

Society of Gentlemen #2: A Seditious Affair

Silas Mason has no illusions about himself. He’s not lovable, or even likable. He’s an overbearing idealist, a Radical bookseller and pamphleteer who lives for revolution . . . and for Wednesday nights. Every week he meets anonymously with the same man, in whom Silas has discovered the ideal meld of intellectual companionship and absolute obedience to his sexual commands. But unbeknownst to Silas, his closest friend is also his greatest enemy, with the power to see him hanged—or spare his life. A loyal, well-born gentleman official, Dominic Frey is torn apart by his affair with Silas. By the light of day, he cannot fathom the intoxicating lust that drives him to meet with the Radical week after week. In the bedroom, everything else falls away. Their needs match, and they are united by sympathy for each other’s deepest vulnerabilities. But when Silas’s politics earn him a death sentence, desire clashes with duty, and Dominic finds himself doing everything he can to save the man who stole his heart.

Paperback: 251 pages

Audiobook: 7.5 hrs.

ISBN10: 1101886064

ISBN: 9781101886069

ASIN: ‎ ‎ B00V2AYYF4

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Regency, BDSM

Published: December 15, 2015

Society of Gentlemen #2.5: A Confidential Problem

Cyprian and Silas bonding. Free read is available here

Society of Gentlemen #3: A Gentleman's Position

Among his eccentric though strictly principled group of friends, Lord Richard Vane is the confidant on whom everyone depends for advice, moral rectitude, and discreet assistance. Yet when Richard has a problem, he turns to his valet, a fixer of unparalleled genius—and the object of Richard’s deepest desires. If there is one rule a gentleman must follow, it is never to dally with servants. But when David is close enough to touch, the rules of class collide with the basest sort of animal instinct: overpowering lust. For David Cyprian, burglary and blackmail are as much in a day’s work as bootblacking—anything for the man he’s devoted to. But the one thing he wants for himself is the one thing Richard refuses to give: his heart. With the tension between them growing to be unbearable, David’s seemingly incorruptible master has left him no choice. Putting his finely honed skills of seduction and manipulation to good use, he will convince Richard to forget all about his well-meaning objections and give in to sweet, sinful temptation.

Paperback: 246 pages

Audiobook: 8 hrs.

ISBN10: 1101886072

ISBN: 9781101886076

ASIN: ‎ B011G3HIFE

Buy on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Other

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, M/M, Regency, BDSM

Published: April 5, 2016

Society of Gentlemen: A Private Miscellany EPILOGUE

In which letters fly all over Europe, and Silas keeps a promise to his newly knighted lover. Free read is available here

-------------------------------------- England World

England World #1: Proper English

England, 1902. A shooting party at the Earl of Witton’s remote country house is a high treat for champion shot Patricia Merton—until unexpected guests turn the social atmosphere dangerously sour. That’s not Pat’s biggest problem. She’s visiting her old friend, the Earl’s heir Jimmy Yoxall—but she wants to spend a lot more time with Jimmy’s fiancée. The irrepressible Miss Fenella Carruth, with her laughing eyes and lush curves, is the most glorious woman Pat’s ever met, and it quickly becomes impossible to remember why she needs to stay at arm’s length. But while the women’s attraction grows, the tensions at Rodington Court get worse. Affairs, secrets, betrayals, and blackmail come to light. And when a body is discovered with a knife between the shoulderblades, it’s going to take Pat and Fen’s combined talents to prevent the murderer destroying all their lives.

England World #2: Think of England

England, 1904. Two years ago, Captain Archie Curtis lost his friends, fingers, and future to a terrible military accident. Alone, purposeless and angry, Curtis is determined to discover if he and his comrades were the victims of fate, or of sabotage. Curtis’s search takes him to an isolated, ultra-modern country house, where he meets and instantly clashes with fellow guest Daniel da Silva. Effete, decadent, foreign, and all-too-obviously queer, the sophisticated poet is everything the straightforward British officer fears and distrusts. As events unfold, Curtis realizes that Daniel has his own secret intentions. And there’s something else they share—a mounting sexual tension that leaves Curtis reeling. As the house party’s elegant facade cracks to reveal treachery, blackmail and murder, Curtis finds himself needing clever, dark-eyed Daniel as he has never needed a man before…

England World #2.5: Song for a Viking

The last chapter or so of Think of England from Daniel’s point of view. Free read is available here

England World/ Will Darling Adventures : How Goes the World? EPILOGUE

Archie attends a house party. Will goes to a club. Free read is available here

-------------------------------------- Lilywhite Boys

London 1895. Jerry Crozier and Templeton Lane are the Lilywhite Boys: a pair of jewel thieves with a knack for infiltrating high society and getting away clean. They’re ruthless, shameless, and incredibly slippery. Nobody has ever managed to pin down the Lilywhite Boys.

Yet.

Lilywhite Boys #0.5: The Rat-Catcher’s Daughter

Music-hall singer Miss Christiana is in serious debt, and serious trouble. She owes more than she can pay to a notorious criminal, and now he plans to make an example of her. There’s no way out. But Christiana has an admirer. Stan Kamarzyn has watched her sing for a year and he doesn’t want to see her get hurt. Stan’s nobody special–just a dodgy bloke from Bethnal Green–but he’s got useful friends. Friends who can get a girl out of trouble, for a price. Christiana’s not sure what it will cost her… The two slowly reach an understanding. But Christiana is no criminal, and she can’t risk getting mixed up with the law. What will happen when Stan’s life as the fence for the notorious Lilywhite Boys brings trouble to his doorstep?

Lilywhite Boys #1: Any Old Diamonds

Lord Alexander Pyne-ffoulkes is the younger son of the Duke of Ilvar, with a bitter grudge against his wealthy father. The Duke intends to give his Duchess a priceless diamond parure on their wedding anniversary—so Alec hires a pair of jewel thieves to steal it. The Duke’s remote castle is a difficult target, and Alec needs a way to get the thieves in. Soldier-turned-criminal Jerry Crozier has the answer: he’ll pose as a Society gentleman and become Alec’s new best friend. But Jerry is a dangerous man: controlling, remote, and devastating. He effortlessly teases out the lonely young nobleman’s most secret desires, and soon he’s got Alec in his bed—and the palm of his hand. Or maybe not. Because as the plot thickens, betrayals, secrets, new loves, and old evils come to light. Now the jewel thief and the aristocrat must keep up the pretence, find their way through a maze of privilege and deceit, and confront the truth of what’s between them…all without getting caught.

Lilywhite Boys #2: Gilded Cage

Once upon a time a boy from a noble family fell in love with a girl from the gutter. It went as badly as you’d expect. Seventeen years later, Susan Lazarus is a renowned detective, and Templeton Lane is a jewel thief. She’s tried to arrest him, and she’s tried to shoot him. They’ve never tried to talk. Then Templeton is accused of a vicious double murder. Now there’s a manhunt out for him, the ports are watched, and even his best friends have turned their backs. If he can’t clear his name, he’ll hang. There’s only one person in England who might help Templeton now…assuming she doesn’t want to kill him herself.

Lilywhite Boys #3: Masters In This Hall SPINOFF

John Garland was in love: now he’s in disgrace. He’s jobless, alone, and determined to avenge himself on the thief who ruined his life. All he wants for Christmas is to see Barnaby Littimer in gaol. Barnaby has secured a job running the extravagant traditional Christmas at a rich man’s country house. John intends to thwart whatever he’s up to. But amid the festivity, the halls are decked with unexpected dangers. And John will need to decide if he can trust Barnaby one more time…

Lilywhite Boys #3.5: White Wedding EPILOGUE

Susan is getting married; Alec and Barnaby are bonding, or at least drinking. Free read is available in PDF or Epub

-------------------------------------- Sins of the Cities

Sins of the Cities is written in the spirit of the Victorian sensation novel (plots, shenanigans, murder, mystery, fog, secrets and scandals). It’s London 1873. As one of the worst fogs of the nineteenth century closes in on the city, long-buried secrets are crawling into the light, and dragging all sorts of trouble with them.

The trilogy centres on a group of friends who meet at the Jack and Knave, a club for ladies and gentlemen of unconventional persuasion.

Clem Talleyfer is an unassuming lodging-house keeper who just wants a quiet life; Nathaniel Roy is a lawyer turned journalist who likes nothing more than a crusade; Mark Braglewicz is a private enquiry agent and a bit of a tough nut. And all three are about to find themselves dragged into a long-simmering family secret that turns deadly.

Sins of the Cities #1: An Unseen Attraction

Lodging-house keeper Clem Talleyfer prefers a quiet life. He’s happy with his hobbies, his work—and especially with his lodger Rowley Green, who becomes a friend over long fireside evenings together. If only neat, precise, irresistible Mr. Green were interested in more than friendship... Rowley just wants to be left alone—at least until he meets Clem, with his odd, charming ways and his glorious eyes. Two quiet men, lodging in the same house, coming to an understanding . . . it could be perfect. Then the brutally murdered corpse of another lodger is dumped on their doorstep and their peaceful life is shattered. Now Clem and Rowley find themselves caught up in a mystery, threatened on all sides by violent men, with a deadly London fog closing in on them. If they’re to see their way through, the pair must learn to share their secrets—and their hearts.

Sins of the Cities #2: An Unnatural Vice

In the sordid streets of Victorian London, unwanted desire flares between two bitter enemies. Crusading journalist Nathaniel Roy is determined to expose spiritualists who exploit the grief of bereaved and vulnerable people. First on his list is the so-called Seer of London, Justin Lazarus. Nathaniel expects him to be a cheap, heartless fraud. He doesn’t expect to meet a man with a sinful smile and the eyes of a fallen angel—or that a shameless swindler will spark his desires for the first time in years. Justin feels no remorse for the lies he spins during his séances. His gullible clients simply bore him. Hostile, disbelieving, utterly irresistible Nathaniel is a fascinating challenge. And as their battle of wills and wits heats up, Justin finds he can’t stop thinking about the man who’s determined to ruin him. But Justin and Nathaniel are linked by more than their fast-growing obsession with one another. They are both caught up in an aristocratic family’s secrets, and Justin holds information that could be lethal. As killers, fanatics, and fog close in, Nathaniel is the only man Justin can trust—and, perhaps, the only man he could love.

Sins of the Cities #3: An Unsuitable Heir

On the trail of an aristocrat’s secret son, enquiry agent Mark Braglewicz finds his quarry in a music hall, performing as a trapeze artist with his twin sister. Graceful, beautiful, elusive, and strong, Pen Starling is like nobody Mark’s ever met—and everything he’s ever wanted. But the long-haired acrobat has an earldom and a fortune to claim. Pen doesn’t want to live as any sort of man, least of all a nobleman. The thought of being wealthy, titled, and always in the public eye is horrifying. He likes his life now—his days on the trapeze, his nights with Mark. And he won’t be pushed into taking a title that would destroy his soul. But there’s a killer stalking London’s foggy streets, and more lives than just Pen’s are at risk. Mark decides he must force the reluctant heir from music hall to manor house, to save Pen’s neck. Betrayed by the one man he thought he could trust, Pen never wants to see his lover again. But when the killer comes after him, Pen must find a way to forgive—or he might not live long enough for Mark to make amends.

--------------------------------------

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emotionally-charged-arson · 1 year ago

Text

Transitus Should Be Set In New England (Northeastern United States) - A List

By: A Midwestern American

It’s on my to-do list to spruce up the album’s wikipedia page and I’ll probably ask Arjen about location directly at some point for it. But for now, for fanfiction’s sake:

It is never explicitly stated where in the world the real-world portion of Transitus takes place. You can glean from basic context that it’s somewhere in the Global West but no real locations are stated by the lyrics, narration or liner notes.

I think the default is to assume it’s set in Great Britain, which is totally reasonable. Daniel’s family is consistently referred to as a “house,” hinting at noble status. The plot and setting are heavily inspired by that of Downton Abbey, right down to the uptown girl character dying horrifically and their racially discriminated servant spouse having a five-alarm crisis about it after the two were cut off financially from the uptown girl’s family.

That’s how I initially thought of it. Easy (not really), inconsequential Victorian setting.

But now, after a lot of research and writing and just sitting around and thinking about it, I have an alternate suggestion.

I think the story fits and would actually be more effective if it were set in New England, aka the farthest Northeast region of the United States. Specifically Connecticut but that’s not as relevant as it taking place in this region/country overall. I’ll go through the major arguments for this one by one, getting more plot-relevant as they go. Hopefully, given historical context and narrative themes, you’ll see my point here.

New England highlighted on a map of the U.S., comprising the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The entire west side of the region borders New York State.

Enjoy. 🔥🇺🇸

1. Nationalities of Main Cast

The weakest point, but worth mentioning. Three of the six human characters in Transitus, a majority and the most of any Ayreon album, are played by American singers: Amanda Somerville, Cammie Beverly, and Dee Snider. Dee Snider being the most notable because his character is this staunch, traditionalist patriarch guy who’s on Daniel’s back about the Old Ways, and from there I think it’s safe to assume this guy’s family has been in the spot they’re in for more than a few generations.

I personally really like integrating certain non-personality-related traits from irl singers into their characters, and I think nationality applies to that nicely in this context. 19th century New England aristocrats were usually one of two categories: generationally wealthy European wannabes that take an insane amount of pride in their colonial ancestry, or “self-made” business tycoons that made ungodly amounts of money during the Second Industrial Revolution.

More on that second category in a second, but given the very, very limited information we get on Dee’s character, he gives me more of that high-and-mighty old money vibe.

Also, with almost zero canon evidence: I am completely glued to the idea that The Soprano, played by a very Dutch Dianne van Giersbergen, is the ghost of Daniel and Henry’s mother. Like I will die on this hill. Coincidentally, Connecticut, a state I picked from New England almost entirely at random, was first colonized by Dutch settlers, setting it apart from a few other Northeast states. If we’re keeping with the Nationality of the Parent Characters Carrying Through From Real Life theme, then that would create a very strong tie between Daniel’s family and their home state, further emphasizing the father's prioritizing of retaining status and “proper breeding.”

2. Weirdly Specific Combo of Architectural Styles

I genuinely cannot think of any other place where these three buildings could possibly exist in close proximity to each other, like-

Daniel’s family’s house (bottom right) is by far the strongest visual argument you can make for Transitus being set in Britain, like that is an 18th century English manor house through and through. Fair enough, but:

The East Coast US is a bunch of former colonies that were under British rule in the Georgian period (1714-1837), hence the name “New England.” A lot of the architecture from that time is reflective of this, especially in the older Northern colonies. Southern ones tend to follow the Greek Revival/Neoclassical styles more.

I’d believe the Britain argument here if it wasn’t for the other two houses’ whole situation. Too much US-adjacent design present in this specific region for you to go “yea but the mansion, though” at the mansion that could also exist in said specific region.

As much as I don’t like this as a design choice in the comic: Abby’s parent’s house (bottom left) is a frontier log cabin. These became very, very common during Westward expansion, fueled by the Homestead Act in 1862, the Manifest Destiny Doctrine present throughout the 19th century, the California Gold Rush in 1848, etc… The style wasn’t exclusive to the West though, and a bunch are still standing in the rural East Coast.

Cabins in Blue Ridge, Virginia and Hampton, Connecticut, respectively

As I said, I think it’s just a very odd choice. Among other reasons, the only part of this house that’s plot-essential is that it has a set of stairs for Lavinia to snap her neck on, and these things are pretty much always single floor structures.

Girl, where do those even lead to???

I dunno. I just don't like it, even if it supports my point. It should have been a little two-story rowhouse. Moving on.

These houses existed outside the US. It’s a plain, utilitarian style that shows up all over the place in Europe, even if they’re more synonymous and symbolic to America.

The main house, though, Daniel and Abby’s, narrows it down a bit more. It really reminds me of the Second Empire style, popular in the Northeast and Midwest regions at the time.

The John M. Davies house (Connecticut) and Terrace Hill (Iowa), both built in the mid-late 1860s.

Blocky base, mansard roof, giant statement piece (i.e. a tower) tacked on there somewhere.

The only issue with that guess is that it would make the house, at best, 25-30 years old. Second Empire was only a thing in the post-Civil War period, and the house is meant to be this ancient, haunted thing.

I had this idea for working around it a few months ago that it’s like…an older style that’s been updated in recent years? Say it’s originally a colonial era home (also plausible for New England) belonging to Daniel’s family. Makes sense, the base is still symmetrical and flat with two stories, steep roof, all that jazz.

Washington, Connecticut (ca. 1750) and Hingham, Massachusetts (1721)

They clearly don’t use it themselves so maybe they rent it out? Maybe that’s part of where their money comes from; tenant properties and such. Maybe, understandably, nobody wants to pay to live in it because it’s old and run down and has a cemetery for a front yard, so they gut it and renovate, slapping some new age architecture over the top to make it more appealing.

It doesn’t work but the house finds a use eventually. It’s still old as hell, still American, plus you get the bonus representations of traditionalist vs progressive styles being combined, like the two people that live there.

...get it

Anyways, again: these all exist within sprinting distance of each other. I’d love some other suggestions but the Northeast is the only spot I know all three of them can comfortably exist in.

3. Historical Implications - The American Civil War (1861-1865)

In January I finished this sort of…show bible for any and all Transitus HCs I had as an alternative to sending someone like 300 maxxed out rant-y text messages about it. Congratulations to @ay-miphae for somehow reading all of it.

Since it’s important to certain story elements, a section of the text is dedicated to a consolidated explanation of the American Civil War.

Kindly, a PDF of that section:

It’s deliberately written so someone with no prior knowledge of US history can follow it. That said, even if you are American and have the general gist of the war, I still think you should read it so you can really get where I’m coming from. It’s not something to be incorporated into a story lightly.

If you're not up for it, I at least think the intro paragraph speaks for itself in relation to my point:

The war ended about 20 years before the album takes place and you’d be hard pressed to say it fits with its story’s themes, far beyond the surface level of its very real effect on American race relations (that were much more intense than those of England at the time):

The hypocrisy of the Union, as if the majority of the North wasn’t still segregated and racist as hell long after slavery was abolished.

The tension not just regarding race but socioeconomic class in the war years. Of particular interest was the fact that wealthy men could pay their way out of conscription, often viewing the war as a mere inconvenience rather than the system-altering mess that it was for everyone else.

Death. Just completely unprecedented amounts of it and unnecessarily so.

Your pick of the million and one ways it could have affected Daniel and Abby’s parents, and even Henry depending on how old you picture him.

Et cetera. You want a way to push the “Two Worlds” motif? Set the story in a Northern state two decades after a war fought over whether millions of people got to be treated like human beings or not, so impactful that the two sides of it are still so clearly, ridiculously discernible and will stay this way for another century and a half after.

As far as the possibility of setting Transitus in the South goes, fascinating as that could be, the plot of Act II makes it impossible. Interracial marriage was either void or outright criminalized in every single Southern state, until the ruling of Loving v. Virginia deemed the policies unconstitutional in 1967. There is no room for conflict over Abby receiving inheritance money - she and Daniel would have been straight-up arrested once Henry found out about them.

In the North, laws like this were repealed during or before the 1880s, if a state had them at all. In Connecticut’s case there were no laws ever prohibiting interracial marriage, but starting in the 1840s you were required to disclose your race in order to obtain a marriage license, which could create its own conflict with the risk of Daniel and Abby being exposed. Regardless of legal allowance, the practice was heavily frowned upon wherever you went, and the majority of them are recorded as being ordained in black churches, since white ones would turn them away and be well within their rights to.

A helpful reminder. 🔗

4. Main Setting - The American Gilded Age (1877-1900)

This was the point in my amateur "research" for this setting that I completely dug my heels in.

I mentioned the two sides of the 19th Century New England aristocracy - The dynastic, nobility-adjacent old money crowd, and the new money industrialists that rose to power during and after the Civil War.

Hey look, another (shorter) helpful PDF summary of a historical period:

Emphasis on "the wealthy elite using underhanded, exploitative practices to get what they want with no real consequences for it."

Henry fits...so perfectly into the category of these "robber barons" for me. Even if he's from a traditional, generationally wealthy family, he seems like enough of a greedy little cheat that he would force his way into this new crowd even if he didn't need to. It adds a few extra layers to a fairly archetypal 19th-century douchebag.

Henry being one of these Gilded Age industrialists sets him up as his family's main provider, allowing him to exert even more control over Daniel's life. Old money families had a severe distaste for these people, matching with Henry's extreme desperation to uphold his status. Even outside of higher social circles, these guys were hated by the general public and that was a 100% valid opinion. If Henry is this much more elevated above other characters in terms of wealth and the way he amassed it, it might make the insane jump from "jealous, nosy prick" to "murders an entire lower-class family for personal profit" a little more believable.

And, the most obvious point, the whole idea of this era, that "cartoonishly evil class divide" supporting the Two Worlds narrative.

The difference between Daniel and Abby's situations made all the more drastic, given that Henry may very well be one of (if not the) wealthiest men in the world in this prospective version of the story.

The nature of their wealth puts Henry, and by proximity Daniel, far more in the public eye than any British aristocrat would be. Daniel feels even more pressured and uncertain about his choices, even outside his family's expectations of him. Henry isn't just threatened by monetary loss after Daniel's death but cutthroat social humiliation, given who Daniel's inheritance is being released to.

Daniel is divided even further between his father's quiet, "safe" traditionalist lifestyle and his brother's much more forthright and totalitarian approach to everything. Maybe even tension created between Henry and his father for it.

Again, the stark difference between the post-War North and South, not exactly plot relevant but present in the setting.

The fact that the prosperity of Daniel's family is much more directly a result of the suppression of the poor and working class, the very difficult-to-navigate, set-in-stone power dynamic it creates in Daniel and Abby's relationship and how they come to terms with it.

And a little more on the Making-Shit-Up side: I have a troubling amount of extra characters I've used to fill plot holes that bother me, most of them servants, and trust me. The whole mass immigration aspect of this period makes character-building way more exciting. This is when the US Melting Pot idea really started, and it allows for a lot of different types of people to believably exist in a relatively limited setting. Christ, I even kept Abraham as an Englishman like his respective singer and it still makes sense within the world.

It's just...perfect. Arjen really picked the absolute perfect decade to set this story in for the sake of a throwaway 2084 joke.

5. The American Dream and the Tragic Fantasy of the Middle Class

This one is purely thematic, related to a more general national ideal than any one era or location (though I think the Gilded Age's presence boosts its effect). Oversimplified to all hell:

America is a very individualist society. It was founded on the idea of personal freedom and making your own way in the world with minimal resistance (or support) from an executive power, say, the British Empire. If you work hard and persevere, you can carve out the life you want and enjoy it. On paper, anybody can be anything, free from the restrictions of a tyrannical government or lineage-obsessed nobles. It's the ideal system, that benefits everyone who really wants it to.

Except it's just...not.

This isn't some groundbreaking concept. The American Dream is hypocritical as fuck and most people have figured this out by now. Sure, you can be anything you want in this country, no mountain is too high. So long as you are white, male, Christian, able-bodied and minded, not an immigrant, etc., etc.

Surely it's equal. Surely there are no unfair headstarts for people born into wealth and privilege, just like in Britain, and surely they will not use that advantage to lord power over the less fortunate with minimal consequences because they *earned* it and the government has no right to take it away. And surely, the people who really did work independently for what they have are not in a far more precarious position, as just a little bad luck can send them spiraling with nothing to fall back on.

...

And now, a small summary:

Daniel and Abby come from complete opposite sides of the social ladder, but are able to look past those differences because they care about each other as people. They are ridiculed and ostracized but they persist in the name of the life they chose (bada bing bada boom direct album quote 💃), and after enough time (and some pure luck), they get the house and make it their own. A quiet and steady spot, a safe middle ground between their two worlds.

One bad day and all of it is gone. Literally burned to the ground, and with it the character that all but stood for prosperity, change for the better and genuine human kindness.

The situation is then made exponentially worse when Henry, rich white jackass incarnate, steps onto the scene and twists the horror of it all into something that will benefit him. Doing so, mind you, by stepping on the backs of some select members of the lower class and tricking one through false promises of a shared reward to turn against her own. He fiddles with and fuels that fire while all previously mentioned genuine-human-kindness character can do is watch, and only after death does he get his comeuppance for it.

I figured it all fit together pretty well.

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fallenwingzero · 2 years ago

Text

Frozen Teardrop Translation

A shorter chapter, but with this, volume 8 is completed!

Full translation under the read more:

Translation start-

Frozen Teardrop

Volume 8: Rhapsody of Loneliness (Middle part)

Chapter: Peacecraft File 7

“Perpetual peace is not an empty idea, but a mission we must fulfill” Immanuel Kant – From “Perpetual Peace”

AC-148 March

Duke Cinquante Khushrenada of the Romefeller Foundation bids goodbye to long bachelorhood, he ended up marrying the daughter of an aristocrat in Liechtenstein.

He may have been influenced by his best friend Eric’s happy family life in the Sanc Kingdom.

Cinquante invited Sabrina and Eric of the Peacecraft family to the reception. A solemn wedding ceremony was held in a traditional old castle in Luxembourg. The reception was a ball in the great hall of the castle, and it was dazzlingly gorgeous.

Sabrina held her beloved four-month-old daughter, Katrina, to her chest as she watched this extravagant party.

“Look, Katrina… They’re all beautiful”

Cinquante and Eric, who met again after a long time, had a pleasant chat.

“Congratulations, Duke Khushrenada.”

“Thank you, Lord Peacecraft.”

Their relationship was no longer what it used to be. Their way of addressing each other had also changed from a natural tone to a more formal one. However, as time passed, they returned to their old way of speaking.

“With this, you have also secured your position as the representative of the Romefeller Foundation.”

“Ever since you left, the foundation has not been running well. We’ve been suffering since.”

“I see, so…” Eric looked around the venue and muttered a little.

“What is it?”

“I can see a large number of Alliance soldiers among the invited guests. Did you bring them into the Foundation?”

“Well... War should not be entrusted to the private sector. We responsible people have to manage and operate it.”

“If peace can come from this, then I won’t oppose it either.”

“Hahaha… You’ve certainly become a member of the Sanc Kingdom, haven’t you? Originally, the interests of the Romefeller Foundation were largely due to the munitions industry. It will not change from now on.”

Eric realized at this time that he was already walking a different path that Cinquante.

“I see. Then I pray that the good old chivalry spirit of you royals and nobles will be revived.”

“I leave that to my younger brother, Chilias. He’s a little odd, he turned down an offer adopt the Catalonia family as a son-in-law and instead he enrolled in the Alliance military academy.” A young man in military uniform bowed in the distance. “It’s his theory that fighting requires virtue.”

This Chilias later joined the Catalonia family, and after gaining the backing of the Foundation they became the governing body of the United Earth sphere Alliance, rose to the position of commander and at the same time preached the necessity of “mobile suits" and supported the “Specials” led by Treize behind the scenes.

Sadness comes suddenly. And it always appears as if weaving between fleeting moments of happiness.

Among the royal aristocrats who visited Luxembourg, the Peacecraft royal family was particularly welcomed by the people of Europe. Sabrina and Eric, who bought about a splendid reconstruction of the Sanc Kingdom after the tragic post-war, were supported as symbols of hope by many of the vulnerable victims of the war.

European countries have proposed a parade as a welcome ceremony.

Naturally, Sabrina, had always been frugal, but it was said that the expenses would be covered by the countries visited.

“We may be able to secure more economic support for our country.” Eric said so to Sabrina. “All you have to do is smile and wave your hand… it’s much more efficient than us begging.”

“But how is Katrina?”

Katrina must have been tired from the long trip, and lately she’s been suffering from a slight fever.

Still, considering the tight finances as the queen of the Sanc Kingdom, she couldn’t help but have a guard reluctantly play the role of a nanny. She decided to leave her daughter, Katrina, to them and respond to the parade.

It happened in broad daylight.

3:00pm on March 30th.

The limousine carrying Sabrina and Eric in Geneva suddenly explodes. A remote-controlled bomb was attached to the bottom of the car.

In an instant, the limousine burst into flames with black smoke. Eric died on the spot. Sabrina was saved by Eric’s protection, but the treatment at the hospital where she was taken wasn’t effective. Without gaining consciousness, she took her last breath.

She was only eighteen years old.

A few days later, the criminal who carried out the terrorist attack was caught.

“It could have been any royal or aristocrat in Europe,” the man lied.

However, as the modus operandi of the crime was investigated, it became clear that the alleged motive was completely false.

When Sabrina’s limousine crossed the border, the terrorist colluded with security guards, who checked the underside of the cars with mirrors, to attach the bomb.

Due to the highly militaristic nature of the action, it was reinvestigated and the identity of the terrorist was revealed.

That man was once the captain of the United Earth Sphere Alliance Army 99th Tank Battalion, also known as the Hydra Unit.

He had already acted erratically when he withdrew from the Sanc Kingdom, and was later discharged from the army after being reported by his subordinates.

He resented it and made his former subordinates cooperate with him, leading to this crime.

The citizens of the Sanc Kingdom were heartbroken and cried when they saw the castle covered in loneliness without its master.

Katrina, who inherits the throne, is too young.

Dark clouds were hanging over the future of this country.

AC-148 April

The sad news of Queen Peacecraft has also reached the rebel space cruiser, Sherwood.

“You better return immediately.” Marticus Rex, who had become captain, said to Sith Merquise. “If you don’t return, the Sanc Kingdom will either be divided into neighbouring countries or be merged with the them.”

The Outlaws’ cruiser, Sherwood, is currently in orbit toward Earth. For the peace of the people living in space, they were fighting against the United Earth Sphere Alliance.

Sith--Katrina did not immediately accept the unfortunate death of her sister. The name of “Sabrina” was nowhere to be found in the press, only the untimely death of “Queen Katrina”.

Even at a time like this, she was tormented by the guilt of letting her name be used.

Also, the captain of the “Hydra Unit” who committed the crime, hated her for driving his forces back with Wyvern. When she thought about what had happened, she felt a deep, unavoidable sense of remorse.

She still has to get over Sabrina’s death.

She had no choice but to accept the fate of her homeland for the sake of her newborn niece, Katrina.

“Well, as a matter of fact, losing an ace pilot would be a big loss for our ship.” Marticus must have read her stiff expression, and deliberately complained in a light tone.

Sith saluted.

“Captain Marticus… may I have permission to abandon ship?”

“I permit it. I will send you to the vicinity of Earth. But, as expected, I want you to leave the Wyvern behind.” Marticus said apologetically. “The Doctors will miss Sam when he’s gone.”

“It’s okay. There’s Sam in Sanc Kingdom too."

However, the real cat Sam wasn’t really attached to Katrina at all.

“Now, please use one Heliopolis as an atmospheric entry shuttle.”

“Marticus, do you know? There are some traditions in the Peacecraft family.”

“Is it that you don’t raise twins together?”

“The other thing is that divorce is allowed, but remarriage is not allowed.”

“Haa…” Marticus gave a vague reply.

He couldn’t understand why she would say such a thing at this time.

“I’m going to say goodbye to everyone.”

Jay Null, who became a companion in December of last year, was immediately repairing the Wyvern. At the same time, Apollon and Heliopolis, which were unmanned fighters, were remodelled into manned aircraft.

“Don’t go to war with a remote control! It’s not human to leave the exchange of life to machines!” The person who had developed it gasped.

Henry Vier, who boarded together and became a new outlaw companion, was a cockpit system researcher and played a role in manning Apollon and Heliopolis.

He later became Professor H, who developed the Gundam “Sandrock”.

In addition, Wu Wang Long, who also joined the ranks from a death row inmate on the moon base, was in charge of the aircraft drive system.

The man is the old Master O who later completed “Shenlong” and “Altron”.

The space cruiser Sherwood was strangely equipped with six engineers involved in the production of the first mobile suit “Tallgeese”.

Katrina spoke brightly to those six.

“Thank you so much for everything! It was a lot of fun!”

Engineers, who were originally taciturn, could only give unsolicited replies such as “Ah”, “I see,” and “Do your best.”

“… Don’t get lonely.” D.D said after Katrina left.

“Hey, big nose! Did you have any interest in that young lady?” Jay said chillingly.

“Don’t be silly!”

“I tell you, I’ve been with her a lot longer.”

“Hmph! You may have known each other first, but the most time spent together was with me, Solciere and Howard!”

“It’s a pointless discussion.” Wu Wang Long, who rarely speaks, interjected.

“If she doesn’t like you, the concept of time is just empty.” Solciere said coldly.

Even the always grinning Henry Vier agreed.

“Well, it’s best for your mental health to think that she was a tall flower.”

“Everybody’s hands have stopped! What would you do if you encountered the Alliance, damn it!" Mike Howard, who was the oldest and the leader yelled at everyone.

This man, who had the skin of a craftsman, was more worried about Katrina’s future than anyone else, even though he didn’t put it into words.

There was another stranger aboard the ship. Heero Yuy. Since he has never had a spaceport to call at, he reluctantly joined forces with the outlaws.

He wouldn’t have worried that Katrina, his former student, was a member of the rebel army and a combat pilot. Even so, Katrina was still trying to remain as Sith Merquise in front of Heero, but she thought today was the time to step off the masquerade stage.

“I have an old promise with Heero…”

It was a promise made by Katrina when she was still a student of Heero. In the garden of the Darlian family, at night the two danced a waltz with their feet upon the grass.

At the time of parting, Katrina said that she had a “painful feeling” in her heart.

After a while, when Katrina prevented the dropping of nuclear missiles on the Sanc Kingdom, Heero asked her to tell him about it.

“I want you to tell me about your painful thoughts.”

“I will let you know if this mission is successful,” Katrina replied.

That is the promise they made two and a half years ago. Heero may not remember anymore.

Katrina now is trying to get back down to Earth with an even more painful feeling than at that time.

There is no remarriage for the Peacecrafts. On the family register Katrina Peacecraft is already married to a man named Eric.

Heero was wearing an astro suit and was helping out with the inspection, maintenance and cleaning work. Ever since colony development began, there has been a considerable number of debris floating in the Earth’s sphere, with particles of several millimeters in size clinging to the entire ship in layers.

If left unattended, the delicate “ECM generator” of the new stealth device will malfunction. In addition, high-performance radars that can cover a wide area are inevitably degraded.

It’s a very important job on the Sherwood, but it’s also dangerous. There is no doubt where there is magnetic shoes and umbilical cables (lifelines), side by side with death.

Heero volunteered to do this gruelling labor. As long as they’re taking care of his life after being rescue from the moon base, it’s only natural that he should return the work accordingly in return.

It was his natural disposition not to owe anyone anything. Also, the silence of outer space itself was to his liking. The scenery outside was full of stars and the distant Earth seemed so close.

Heero’s heart softens when he looks at the distant scenery. Maybe it’s because he can imagine a future full of hope.

“Teacher, are you doing your best?” A girls voice suddenly echoed inside the helmet.

When he looked behind, he saw Katrina standing there in an astro suit. She was not wearing a mask, showing her true face under her visor.

Heero didn’t seem surprised when he saw Katrina, nor did he intend to tease her.

“I’m taking a break now.”

“… It’s been a long time, it sure is cold.”

It was the first time since the moon base that the two of them had a conversation even though they were on the same ship. Katrina had avoided him on purpose.

“Are you going to Earth?”

“Yes…”

“I am sorry about Sabrina”

“Gazing at the starry sky with you, teacher, reminds me of the first time I met Sabrina.”

“…...”

“It was you teacher, who helped Sabrina escape from the shuttle.”

“She lived with integrity. She was also the one who gave me the opportunity to live this life.”

Heero still hears Sabrina’s wish, “I want you to be my teacher.”

“Ah, why did Sabrina drop the lessons?”

Even though he gave her his teachings, she didn’t continue.

Heero sensed that Katrina was overdoing it with that series of words and a smile formed.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” she immediately answered. “Maybe…” she added. She still didn’t feel confident. “I think I have to fight. As a Peacecraft that creates peace as queen of the Sanc Kingdom…”

“People who run away without fighting are not qualified to speak of peace. You are well qualified to do so.”

“But I might lose.”

“You should be prepared for that… but if you’re prepared, you can see the future through any defeat.”

“Future?”

“Unreasonable violence and various injustices will continue to be rampant. Even so, no matter how turbulent the world may be, we must not live with anger and hatred. No matter how many times you fall, stand up and step firmly on the ground to greet the future. The future I see there is always full of hope.”

“No matter how many times I fall, I will stand up…” Katrina chewed on those words.

“First, close your eyes quietly and empty your mind. Don’t allow in sorrow or regret.” Heero remained calm even in the harshest of circumstances because he had imposed these mental exercises on himself. “After emptying your mind, open your eyes. The surroundings you see there change into a scenery with a completely different sense of values.”

“In such a situation, I’ll try it.”

“If you use this method, you can surly overcome ‘painful thoughts’ and ‘painful situations’.”

“May I tell you something?”

“Hmm?”

“About my ‘painful thoughts’ that I have?” Even at this time, she had a strong feeling that it was time to talk about that promise she made. “I told you how… that should be enough.”

Would it work for love? However, Heero is ignorant of such things.

An alarm alerted him that his astro suit had only a few minutes left of air. Heero downloaded some classical music from the computer network inside his helmet.

“Katrina, we have a few minutes left, would you mind dancing with me?”

“Yes. Gladly.”

The song was Johann Strauss II’s masterpiece “Beautiful Blue Danube”.

“Unfortunately, this is not a party venue.”

“No, it’s under the same star-filled sky as that time. I’m honored, this time my teacher invited me.”

The two cut off the force of their magnetic shoes.

Katerina and Heero danced a waltz in a zero-gravity spacewalk. However, the umbilical cable soon got tangled up and they couldn’t turn well.

Katrina looked into Heero’s eyes and gave a mischievous smile, removing the buckle that connected the cable between her and Heero.

The cruiser ‘Sherwood’ is getting further and further away.

“You still do crazy things…”

“I’ll have Sam pick us up.”

The two danced a waltz as they drifted through outer space.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Don’t worry, teacher.”

“That’s not it, can you really bear the fate of the Sanc Kingdom alone?” he asked.

“Yes… I’ll always have memories with my teacher.”

“Huh… that’s Bogey’s line from Casablanca.”

“Shall we make the song ‘As Time Goes By’?”

“Oh, yeah…”

“Play it once, Sam.”

Wyvern Sam approached from afar and replied “Meow” from the communication device.

Katrina pressed her helmet against Heero’s and said sadly, “A toast to the teacher’s eyes….”

On the way to Earth, the Space Force of the United Earth Sphere Alliance was waiting. The space cruiser ‘Sherwood’ was more of a “bounty head” than an “outlaw” to the Alliance Space Forces.

No matter how much they chased, it escaped with tremendous propulsion, and with its special stealth function they couldn’t detect its location.

But now, they have captured its position perfectly. Surveillance satellites spread all over the Earth detected the movement of a large mass to an area in space that was not a shipping route.

The Alliance Space Forces hastily organized a fleet to prepare for an interception.

The flagship battleship was named Verso (Aquarius). Its commander is the young and capable Major Clarence Septum, assisted by Warrant Officer Million Liddellheart.

“Why did they come to Earth knowing they would be caught?” Major Clarence had wondered about it all along.

“Anyway, it’s time to clean up the dishonor of the lunar base…” The hot-blooded Million had learned that the base he once belonged to was attacked by Sherwood’s Pumpkin Tank Corps in the past.

“What about Apollon and Heliopolis’ data?”

“It’s already been analyzed. We can completely destroy Sherwood with our new ‘Dugong’ space fighter (Libra)!”

The dugongs were similar in shape to the Wyvern and were prepared to intercept them with a large formation of four by six aircraft, a total of twenty-four aircraft.

With no pilot on board, they fly remotely according to the blueprints designed by Jay Null.

At the time, the very act of fighting in space was directly linked to death. It was only natural that no one of the Alliance would become a space fighter pilot.

“But watch out for Sam the Wyvern… That one machine destroyed my entire fleet in the Baltic Sea.”

“Even so, the enemy force is only eleven strong! Moreover, the Wyvern’s EMP device is effective only on the ground. In this vast universe, it is just a useless thing that is weaker than the radiation of a solar flare.

In a normal situation, the Alliance would have an overwhelming advantage in a 24-to-11 battle.

However, below Wyvern, Apollon and Heliopolis have all been remodelled into manned aircraft. Furthermore, the pilots that boarded them were all famous aces among the outlaws.

Wyvern is piloted by the ace, Tic Pagan. Sedic for Apollon, and eight elites in the Heliopolis’. Katrina is on board the eleventh aircraft and considered the best of the members.

It’s unscrupulous, but battle has an easy-to-understand aspect when compared to sports. Football is appropriate in this case.

Two tops Wyvern and Apollon are ready to attack while protecting Sherwood, the goal net of their allies, with nine Heliopolis's.

The twenty-four Dugongs on the other hand, were divided into three formations on the left and right sides, cutting off the enemy’s retreat route and driving them into the center, creating a path leading to the fleet awaiting in a bombardment posture.

The battle has begun--.

Wyvern and Apollon headed straight for the flagship Verso.

The dugongs that intercepted were driven into the center by two formations (eight aircraft) of the avant-garde, as planned, attacking in waves as if closing the wings.

At the same time, two formations of halfbacks (middle guard) lured them in further.

The eight dugongs in the rear guard were deployed in all directions to block the escape areas so that they could not avoid the fleet’s artillery fire.

From a tactical point of view, it is as per the manual and is well coordinated.

If even Wyvern and Apollon, which specialize in attack, can be eliminated, the remaining Heliopolis will only have defensive power, and if it takes time, victory will be certain.

But—

The goals of the rebel army and the Alliance were different.

While the Alliance aims to exterminate Sherwood, the purpose of the Rebel Forces is to return Katrina to Earth. The size of their goal net is different. Wyvern and Apollon are just diversions.

As the enemy targets concentrated on those two aircraft, Katrina’s Heliopolis was slowly progressing toward Earth’s atmospheric entry trajectory.

“Heliopolis Ennead, starting descent!” Katrina said to her companions with gratitude. “Thank you for seeing me off….”

“Be a master, Sith Merquise.” The hoarse voice was that of Sedic on board Apollon. “Please don’t be reckless.”

“Meow, meow.”

The gentle tone was Tic Pagan, and the meow was, of course, “AI Sam”.

“Roger all! Everyone stay healthy!”

“Glory to the Sanc Kingdom!” she heard the voices of the outlaw men shouting so all at once.

Katrina sang “Over the Rainbow” as she had done before as she re-entered Earth’s atmosphere.

“Somewhere over the rainbow….”

While listening to her singing voice, the rebel army continued to fight. Of course, since the objective had already been fulfilled, it was a retreat with plenty of time to spare.

After lightly dealing with double the number of dugongs, they generated a powerful ECM and returned to Sherwood in search of the flagship Verso’s bombardment.

In the past, the “EMP device” was a device that generated electromagnetic pulses throughout the fleet, but this ECM device was a “hyper jammer” that made the aircraft itself stealthy.

Heero has appeared on Sherwood’s bridge.

Marticus, who was in command, was surprised by his sudden visit.

“Oh, is this…”

“Did Katrina make it to Earth safely?”

“Are you still worried, as a teacher?”

“I was Marticus… I think I was a little overwhelmed by her.”

“What do you mean?”

“If I were you, I wouldn’t have let Katrina go to Earth…”

“I don’t want you to tell me that… you were the one who should have stopped Katrina, weren’t you?”

“……”

“Well, that’s fine. Both of us are carrying too much weight on Peacecraft.”

This was the first conversation between the two who would later advocate “complete pacifism” on Earth and in space.

“Let’s get along well with those other guys who got dumped…”

Heero suddenly whispered in rough English. “-I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship-.”

“What’s that?”

“Do you know the movie ‘Casablanca’?”

“Yeah, I saw it a long time ago. I heard that Katrina loved it too.”

“That line is in the last scene… ‘This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship’.”

“So, you were trying to imitate Bogey’s voice just now? It didn’t sound like him at all!”

“…I’m sorry…”

The encounter between the two was not of mutual liking.

AC – 148 April 25

Katrina visited the Sanc Kingdom Castle and told everyone about the story so far.

At first, none of the people close to her believed it, but once Marquis Weiridge explained it as a witness, and the results of the DNA analysis also revealed that she was Katrina Peacecraft, everyone was convinced.

Then, in the throne room, she saw baby Katrina ignorantly sleeping in her cradle.

Tears fell from Katrina. Until now, no matter how painful it was, she never shed tears. She made it her creed to be healthy and cheerful.

But only this time she sobbed.

She thought she had to convey this feeling that overflowed one after another to Katrina, who had become Sabrina’s memento.

The inside of the royal palace is quiet.

From now on, her and her niece must rebuild this kingdom.

She was tormented by a suffocating feeling and felt the pressure of being crushed.

Suddenly, the words Heero said came back to her mind.

“First, quietly close your eyes until your mind is empty.” Katrina slowly lowered her eyelids and listened to the sounds around her. She could hear birds chirping in the distance. She could also hear Katrina’s quiet breathing. In the next room, she heard Sam the cat scratching at the glass window.

The lace curtains around him sway and the cloth rubs against itself. Perhaps Sam is trying to catch a bird outside the window.

In the woods outside, she hears the wings of a little bird taking flight.

Sam became quiet.

She thought she could hear the sound of silence. It wasn’t “loneliness’.

Katrina opened her eyes. She slowly looked around. Slow time seemed to flow away in the transparent air. She felt like she knew what to do next. This isn’t the time to be sad. She was prepared for one thing.

“I will live on. Accept all love and sorrow…” Then she smiled at Katrina who was sleeping peacefully. “Nice to meet you, Katrina… I’m your new mom.”

There was no hesitation or indecision in her heart.

“Sabrina is watching from heaven… I’ll definitely raise this child into a splendid queen.”

MC – 0022 Next Winter

Relena Peacecraft was slowly removing her black virtual visor. The brilliance of those blue eyes had a different impression than before.

“How was it?” My senior, Heero called out to the President of the Mars Foundation. “Do you still want me to kill you?”

“No, Heero…. It turns out that it’s not ‘now’.”

My wrists are still in simple handcuffs, and I still haven’t gotten my food. I thought this was worse than torture.

“Huh? Have you reflected a little bit, Duo.”

Naina approached from behind with a teacup.

“Reflection? Why do I have to reflect? I haven’t lost to you guys and I haven’t lived a life that I regret!”

“But you’re thinking of killing Miss Relena, aren’t you?”

“Isn’t that true of the seniors as well! In general, it’s worse to say things like ‘perfect peace’ in your sleep!”

I was being honest. And I wanted to complain about how many people thought they died for peace or something. However, Milou and the daughter of the Winner family jumped in.

“Sister! Father’s Tallgeese Heaven!! It’s approaching Relena City.”

Speaking of Naina’s father, he’s a wandering guy who now calls himself “Cyrene Wind”.

“It looks like the fuselage is damaged! He might need someone to pick it up,” said the daughter of the Winner family, operating the communication device beside her. “I’ve opened the line.”

A man with short blonde hair wearing sunglasses appeared on the monitor.

“This is ‘Cyrene Wind’…. I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough... The main forces of the Republic of Lana Green are approaching!”

As far as I can see from the video, red lights are flashing here and there in the cockpit, and sparks are flying from the damaged areas.

That old man also seemed to be seriously injured. He was reporting intermittently as if groaning.

“’Babel’... The mobile fortress ‘Babel’ is here!”

I heard an unpleasant name. The mobile fortress “Babel”. It was a word I didn’t want to hear more than “peace”.

So that means Senior Special Colonel Zechs Merquise from Lana Green is also with us.

Tens of thousands of people have really been killed because of him. Those poor brothers….. I will never forgive that Zechs……

(Continued in Volume 9)

-End translation

#gundam wing #frozen teardrop #new mobile report gundam w #my post #translation #my translation

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aegor-bamfsteel · 4 years ago

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Why are you fascinated by elephants ?

Imagine the biggest animal on land. They also have the biggest ears of any land animal, which, because they don’t sweat, they use for cooling like a stereo fan. They have four legs (technically two arms and two legs, with wrists and elbows), like a cow or a horse, but they don’t have hooves; instead, they have 5 toes on each leg just like we do (the white bumps you see are toenails; they have five on the front foot and four on the back); they can pick up subsonic vibrations from 20 miles away with their feet, which also have shock absorbers that allow them to walk almost silently. They have this appendage on their face, a trunk, that is a combination of an arm and a nose; it doesn’t have bones, but instead has 40,000 muscles (the human body has fewer than 850), with which they can pick up an egg without breaking or carry a tree weighing as much as 700 pounds. They also drink out of their trunk, sucking up water partway through their nose and then squirting it in their mouth like a straw. Some of them even have 2 huge front teeth that are big enough to break off tree bark or even salt crystals (as they are herbivores, so need to supplement their vegetable diet with salt).

There really is no extant animal like the elephant, which fascinated Europeans at least as far back as the ancient Roman aristocrat Pliny the Elder, who called them “the closest of all animals to humans in intelligence. It understands the language of its own country, and therefore understands and obeys orders. Elephants are wise and just, remember their duties, enjoy affection, and respect religion.” (1st century AD, Natural History, Book 8) And while Pliny is somewhat overstating their nobility (elephants are very emotional and territorial, particularly with food or offspring, and aren’t above yelling/hitting calves for misbehaving, and when it comes to other elephants or even humans they see as a threat all bets are off; there’s a reason why they kill more humans than any other animal in captivity) he is right that they can discern human language (when elephants Mari and Vaigai were given to the Honolulu Zoo by Indian PM Indira Gandhi, they had to learn English to be able to understand their new keepers), are extremely affectionate (their version of a hug is sticking their trunk into each other’s mouths), and it’s theorized that their burial rituals are a protoreligious behavior (they are pretty selective with the bones they bury; usually just large herbivores like themselves and cows and rhinos, or humans, with whom they have a working bond that goes back millennia).

I think elephants strike a great balance between the intelligence of gorillas and octopuses in that they are different enough from us we have to reconsider our human biases in communicating with them, but they aren’t so different that they’re operating on a level we can’t comprehend. My favorite instance of this was the experiment with problem solving involving Kandula, a 7-year-old calf from Washington DC. Previous experiments with problem solving were whether an elephant could reach food hung from a wire with a stick like apes could; but what the scientists didn’t factor in is that having an arm that’s also a nose meant they couldn’t smell the food, and so failed the test. It wasn’t until they started putting boxes or balls around the exhibit that Kandula was able to roll them under the food, use the block as a stool, and then reach for it with his trunk. Designing experiments with elephants in mind also showed they could cooperate with each other, by pulling a crate of bananas with a rope, and could even recognize themselves in a mirror. Similarly, like giraffes they can “talk” to each other with sounds often too low for humans to hear, which was only found out by accident in the 1990s.

Elephants are highly emotional, likely due to an enlarged amygdala; I rarely see them express any indifference. If they love you, they will greet you in the morning, give you hugs, and remember you forever. If they hate you, they will try to hurt you, sometimes without any provocation (I spoke to an assistant keeper that had an elephant try to charge him because of the hat he was wearing) or just to prove themselves (young Asian male elephants, who are going through their first musth hormonal cycle, are notorious for this). Due to musth cycle, male elephants have to leave their natal herd because they become too aggressive; he joins a bachelor herd, but elephants are unique in that he will occasionally visit his natal herd (other social species, like cheetahs horses or lions, view a male coming back as a sign of aggression). The bond between a calf and their mother is unbreakable, as shown when a mother and daughter elephant had a celebratory reunion in a Thai sanctuary after 4 years apart. It was through an emotional greeting ritual were we finally able to prove that “elephants never forget“, when two elephants were reunited after 20 years apart in 1999. (Really, I could‘ve just answered your question with “Shirley” and it might’ve been an adequate answer. Shirley passed away February of this year at age 72.5 and I’m still heartbroken over this patient but firm, determined allomother).

So you could say I’m fascinated by elephants not only for their unique physical characteristics, but their unique intelligence that makes us challenge our own ideas, and how their strong emotions show their great capacity for love, but also that they’re wild animals to be respected and admired from a distance.

#meta #elephants #opinion #elephant behavior #zoo elephants #ask #gif #baby elephant #shine the elephant #shirley the elephant

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theveryworstthing · 4 years ago

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So over on patreon Trevor asked for my take on the Addams Family and I grew up LOVING the Addams family movies so here we are. Instead of doing a straight up style interpretation, I decided to do a full on design challenge, using the characters as bases to make a black southern gothic Addams au. I actually drew the kids first, using the character bases of Wednesday and Pugsley to create some delightful kiddos I'm calling Sunday and Blanche. I of course then redesigned Gomez and Morticia into Carlisle and Mortesha.

The Addams have a very specific high aristocratic goth aesthetic (they've got a butler and nobody really works among other things) so in this re-imagining I wanted to go with vibes that run a little more middle class/upper middle class. I thought it would be interesting to think about what would be considered weird and off-putting in an entirely different culture, and how being a big ol' goth is way less controversial than it used to be.

I tried to keep this short (HAHAHAHAHAHA) so I didn't spin off into an essay about villain coded families, black people in the horror genre, and normalcy as it pertains to social survival, but just...bits of that are in these designs and lore. Keep that in mind.

Also I made the kids twins because they've flip flopped in age so much in different media and also twins run in my family (i'm the daughter of one). And let's face it, I'm pulling a lot of their southern gothic traits from living as a southern goth so *shrug*.

10 thousand pounds of lore incoming loooooooooool.

The Parents

From the moment he saw her he knew that there was a 50/50 chance of him either never making it out of that swamp alive or marrying the figure that was creeping out from under the distant willow tree in a black cocktail dress. The third time she found him trussed up in one of her traps, he complimented her rope work and asked if she'd like to go out sometime after his head wound stopped bleeding.

Or while it was still bleeding.

If she was into that.

Some kids and a mysteriously burnt down Piggly Wiggly later, their love is still as strong and inescapable as a bear trap in a sink hole.

Carlisle Guillermo (now Addams through marriage but I wanted to give him two first names for a name since Gomez has two last names) makes a vaguely described living practicing ‘law’ around town. A loophole king, people come to him from miles around with contracts signed in blood, fights over chunks of hair buried in their rivals’ yard, dehydrated primate hands, memories that seemed like dreams until the evidence of their happenings became too real, and other regular Legal Items asking for counsel which he is all too happy to give. For a price. Sometimes that price is a homemade pie and sometimes it’s a million dollars, depends on who you are. Whatever you’re asked to pay it’s worth that price, and if you try to scam him out of work or he just plain doesn’t like you? Well. He knows how to twist a contract better than anything at the crossroads.

And he always gets his due.

He doesn’t just serve the local (living)humans though, there are many things that need proper legal representation in this day and age. You wouldn’t believe how many city councils try to build on sacred burial grounds even after he lets them know that his ghostly clients are totally gonna haunt the FUCK out of the ensuing shitty condos and curse their families for all eternity. At least 50% of his energy goes towards dealing with real estate bullshit.

Carl is an excitable and good natured(?) man who loves his family, cigars, dancing, and his many knife-based hobbies. People find him very charming once they get past the feeling that they’re talking to a sultry gator badly disguising itself as a human. I didn’t put a ton of deep thought into designing him, mostly I wanted to make a middle aged dude who looked like he would have been voted ‘most likely to smooch the literal devil’ in high school. Tbh he probably has, but no demonic ex’s can compare to his lovely wife~

Mortesha Addams(her name was already perfect so I just tweaked it)is a woman of many talents. A self proclaimed homemaker, she prides herself on a greenhouse full of Concerning Foliage, a beautiful wasp apiary, and a coop full of what are probably chickens that she keeps for what are probably eggs. She’s also an avid creator of the outsider art that can be seen around the estate. She has taken on the family business of selling her homemade goods in a little stall by the road just outside the swamp with her mom, and makes pretty good money doing so. A surprising amount of poison gets bought in quaint southern towns.

Speaking of poison, people who come out to the edge of the swamp to buy it are usually carrying a lot of secrets around, and Mortesha knows most of them. It’s not like she pries the truth out of people, it just so happens that many nervous hellos eventually turn into the tragic backstory power hour if she’s alone with a client for long enough. She supposes that’s just how people are. Despite the fact that the Addams are very active in the community (whether the community likes it or not) she especially, as a direct descendant of the first Addams matriarch, is seen as…Well not an outsider because the community feels A Certain Way about outsiders and despite it all the Addams are their people, but maybe something like an exception. They feel like whatever weirdness they’re hiding can’t be weirder than any given Addams, so they get a little loose with their words.

This is amusing to her, since Addams’ don’t naturally keep the kind dramatic secrets that their surface level prim and proper neighbors do. It’s much more fun to openly talk about those things.

Do they have a sadly decrepit yet terrifying grandma up in the attic? Yeah, like three. They got a tv, all the creepy porcelain dolls they could want, and they’re close to family. Where do you keep your gram-grams?

Any bodies buried on the property? Yeah some, but most are thrown to the gators.

Any creeping through the balmy summer night with ill intentions? Yeah dude, everyone loves a nice family stroll.

What about dangerous forbidden love? If an adult Addams isn’t incorporeal then they’re either queer or in a torrid romance with some person/thing mysteriously drawn to that awful swamp. Sometimes both at the same time. Most times actually.

Mortesha would know.

The current head of the Addams family is just as outgoing as her husband but a lot quieter and harder to read. She never really seems to get mad about much and always has a genteel smile for everyone whether they deserve it or not. A seven foot tall human shaped “Oh, bless your heart”. A perfectly composed Lady even when she’s, oh I dunno, burning down a Piggly Wiggly. You know. A regular southern mom. Chat her up at the hair salon for 50% off a jar of wasp honey with your next purchase of a mysterious but foreboding packet of herbs.

Designing her was pretty easy because I just drew a lankier Grace Jones and called it a day. I had some problems with her outfit simply because if we were going HARD southern gothic then she’d probably be wearing a white/cream dress with a fuller skirt but I thought keeping the silhouette and the black was more important. She’s supposed to be an anti southern gothic southern gothic character anyway. A woman who looks like she has a million secrets who is actually the most open person you could meet. For better or worse. The red hair came from a coloring error that I really ended up liking (my mom had red hair her whole childhood that only darkened up in high school so I can buy that an Addams can be naturally fire engine red) and the veil was to get more of that classic Morticia silhouette in there.

The Children

Sunday and Blanche are the twin children of Carlisle and Mortesha Addams. Some say the Addams clan got their cursed homestead when a wealthy local businessman made a deal with the devil and lost, leaving his grand mansion to his least favorite maid and cutting his losses once he realized that the swamp would do everything it could to drag the house into the water and take what was owed with its horrible curse. Others say that the family has just always squatted there and no one really cares because man, fuck that particular swamp. Have you been in there? Absolute horror show.

Anyway.

Blanche is the more outgoing sibling and quite the engineer/mad scientist in the making. He started going grey at 2 weeks old but considering he was also rocking some extra fingers, toes, and a tiny tail (he takes after his dad), his parents just put it on the 'not life threatening' pile and decided not to worry about it. He's the kind of smart that teachers find utterly infuriating, less a dog eagerly learning and obeying commands and more a hyena who keeps teaching itself how to pick locks. He has a few friends in his school's robotics club (which they honestly allowed him to make so the school could contain his... creations) but mostly hangs out with his sister exploring the swamp. They find all sorts of neat things in there! wedding rings, suspiciously lumpy garbage bags, cloaked cultists who can't read private property signs, it's an adventure every day!

Blanche is all about experimentation with his creations, his look, and his tether to this mortal coil. Is lipstick a cool thing to try? Let's find out. Can he get out of a strait jacket fast enough after being pushed into the depths of the swamp by his sister? let's find out. He's not dead yet and confused local doctors can attest to the fact that he's rarely attained more than a bad bruise so he's pretty set on continuing to kiss rattlesnakes on their cute little heads and have his sister practice her knife throwing at him until that fact changes.

Blanche is very much a country goth. Cowboy boots (customized by his mom), knife, and lighter are daily accessories. He likes to wear the crusty swamp jewelry they find (the rust adds a splash of color!) and despite appearances he does try to keep himself neat. He's just got natural Grunge Colors and a tendency to wear clothes he likes until they fall apart. Pugsley always seemed the most modernly styled to me (which might just be because little boys clothes have been the same for a long time) so I wanted Blanche to be the most purposely fashionable Addams. Everyone else is goth by nature, but he's the only one truly familiar with goth as an alternative fashion.

I got really into designing Blanche because honestly, I find Pugsley to be the most boring member of the family. And he was hard to design! I had to mess with his vibe a lot to get him looking how I wanted. I know he's supposed to evoke an " 'evil' little boy next door who's parents never reign him in", but that's just goth Dennis The Menace. I's 2020. We can at least go queer goth Calvin.

Sunday was much easier to design. Wednesday was my favorite as a child (of course) and I really wanted to keep the spirit of her look while adding things like billowy sleeves (it gets HOT down here), big poofy twists instead of braids, and a nice tie. She's a professional after all, been running the local pet cemetery since she was 6 and the previous groundskeeper met with an unfortunate accident after telling her that tarantulas don't have souls. Her specialty is creating beautiful naturalistic animal funerals similar to those that Maquenda (https://linktr.ee/artofmaquenda) makes, and she takes pride in creating miniature dioramas of her subjects after each burial which she uses as a kind of 3D catalog for future clients.

She really wants to try out her skills on humans one day. Well. Publicly try out her skills. Lotta random bodies float into the swamp. None of them have turned down her requests for diorama models so far. Most seem downright flattered. Plus, she usually figures out which graveyard/crime scene they floated over from and gets her parents to give them a lift back. She'll even help enact terrifying revenge from beyond the grave on whoever put them there if she's not, y'know, busy.

Besides arts, crafts, and pet based funerary arrangements, Sunday is an avid lover of archery (any ranged weapon really), books where little fantasy adventure animals die dramatic deaths, and history. She is That Kid who eagerly raises her hand when asked who Christopher Columbus was and ends up being sent out of class after 15 minutes for making 'a scene'. Her favorite party trick is just picking an item in the room and talking about how it relates to either some obscure historical figure with a buck wild life or a horrible disaster. At least one charity pancake breakfast ended with children in tears after her vivid description of the Great Molasses Flood of 1919.

Social-wise, while Wednesday is the girl that people ask to smile because they think she'd, "look so pretty", Sunday is rarely asked anything at all. People just kind of assume from her quiet nature (in between horrible history facts) that she's angry all the time and that she hates everyone. This is untrue. She hates some people but she's ambivalent to most everyone else and even downright friendly if you bother to talk to her like a person instead of a terrifying cryptid. Like, she IS a terrifying cryptid but she's also a little girl.

That’s about it for now. One day I might do the other family members but for now I’m happy with the four I’ve redesigned. Making an au! Lurch in a family that doesn’t do butlers could be interesting. Over on patreon I put forth that he could just be Motesha’s mute little brother (similar bone structure) but Amy Crook had the nice idea of quote: “ a mysterious "cousin" that "helps around the house" whose origins are both long in the past and faintly unsettling. He's good for lifting heavy things, like that tank of propane you're about to throw into the burning Piggly Wiggly... “ which i now consider canon. Who's kid is he? How old is he? Not important. Anyone willing to commit arson with you is family.

Annnnyway. This challenge was a lot of fun! I love indulging in AU’s.

#long post #the addams family #Character Design #au #design challenge #i am incapable of doing a design challenge like a normal person #oh god i forgot the cut lol

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floral-poisons · 3 years ago

Text

twst characters in high fantasy roles

rewatching the princess bride had my mind racing and thinking about the cast of twisted wonderland in fantasy roles. i would consider twisted wonderland as more urban fantasy so i’m mostly looking at high fantasy like the princess bride, the neverending story, and game of thrones. i will be trying not to pigeon hole the characters into fairy tale fantasy character roles since they’re already based on fairy tale characters.

for simplicity, i am treating each dorm as its own country on this hypothetical fantastical continent. mc (you) are apart of a neutral land where you are a royal. the nrc staff hail from your land.

NRC STAFF

dire crowley

the mystical guide. good, bad, neutral? lawful, true, chaotic? you don’t know and you will never know. he’s the one guiding you through this fantastical journey. guided by the prophetic dark mirror. sometimes helpful, sometimes not. he’s unpredictable. and there’s something suspicious about him. but your parents told you to trust him, so you do.

ashton vargas

the head of the royal knights. was the youngest knight to reach such a position. physically intimidating but he’s actually really laxed when you get to know him. wanted to become a knight when he was younger. part of his motivation is revenge but you don’t see it. there’s a certain fear that he might end up down a path of destruction if he shows his true motive for revenge so he covers it up. very charismatic too. hero of his village.

mozus trein

a royal scholar. he’s the one tutoring royalty. very sought out. grew up in an aristocratic family so therefore he had the funds to pursue academia. he’s most definitely the history tutor teaching politics and you fall asleep during his lessons. his cat also viciously stares at people and doesn’t appear to like you.

divus crewel

another royal scholar. also tutoring royalty and highly sought after. teaches alchemy which interests you. unlike trein, he grew up a farm boy who managed to attend a prestigious school after passing the civil service exam. with his new money, he’s buying the newest clothes to look his best. got sucked into being a royal scholar. his true passion is owning an apothecary.

sam

the traveling merchant. always has something you need, speaks in ominous and vague sentences. always has the answers but those answers only bring about more questions. sometimes you get frustrated with his vague answers. kind of giving off the same vibe as the duke from resident evil: village. offers tarot readings too and is extremely specific with his details. a mage but there’s a lot of people who think he’s a con artist because he’s too good. has to be too good to be true, right?

DIASOMNIA

malleus draconia

the fae prince. an incredibly powerful mage that no one stands a chance against. one should not forget to invite him to their event for his emotions affect the country he leads. it’s unknown how old the fae prince really is. outsiders know nothing of what he looks like and even his own people for he wears a different mask to each event he’s invited to. all everyone knows is that he’s incredibly tall, has black horns, and carries around his black staff. it would do you good if you didn’t get onto his bad side. or trespass his castle grounds.

lilia vanrouge

the eternal librarian. a man of unknown age with incredible magic power. always appears to have a book on hand and has records of every scholar that’s existed even before he was born. he manages an ancient library that resides in his country, the best library on the whole continent. when you come to visit to do research, you’re extremely confused. the librarian is a...child? but his voice cuts you off guard. don’t take him for a child. he’s far older than you could ever imagine and a lot more ominous than you would like. he can’t give you a straight answer and it might be the death of you.

silver

the scribe. a silent man who lingers by the side of the fae prince and keeps record of his invitations and writes down everything in official hearings. never has he seen the fae prince’s face even though he has been by the prince’s side since he was a young scribe. diligent, attentive, and doesn’t have time for gatherings. he sends out the messengers if a royal decree is announced and is far too busy to ever consider having a relationship beyond colleagues. that is, until he meets you, asking him to take you to the emerald library where the eternal librarian resides.

sebek zigvolt

the royal bodyguard. he’s a young man, probably the youngest to have ever been promoted the status of the fae prince’s royal bodyguard. his duty? to protect the prince at all costs. he is one of the only people to have seen the fae prince’s face and he works diligently to accomplish his goal. but sometimes, he might be too restrictive. complains about the prince going to too many parties, the prince staying out late at night, the prince not eating on time, the prince not drinking enough water. he’s been told to relax but the man can’t relax. it’s his duty. what if he fails? there is no failure for the diligent sebek. however, there’s also another issue: he can’t get along with the scribe. at all. resolutions are not their thing.

HEARTSLABYUL

riddle rosehearts

the lost prince. the queen was a strict woman, a stricter ruler, and an even stricter mother. everything had to be perfect. everyone had to follow the rules. the prince wanted to feel even the smallest bit of freedom when he was a child, forced to stay on the castle grounds and never allowed beyond the gates. he was only allowed to interact with certain people, only allowed to eat certain things, only allowed to do what his mother asked him to. mother, mother, mother, mother. mother this. mother that. it all traced back to her: mother. one day, a strange boy with cat ears appeared, having somehow snuck into the castle. he told the prince that he had heard tales of the red prince being locked away behind castle walls. with his hand out, he offered the young boy freedom. riddle gladly took that hand. that day, he explored the town. he got to taste a strawberry tart from a local bakery run by a family, meet a child with a toy sword who he was able to beat in a play fight, blow on dandelions, and lay down on the grass, the sun on his face surrounded by his new friends. however, it a shadow loomed over the prince’s body and when he opened his eyes, he screamed. the black knave, his mother’s most trusted soldier, was here to take him back. the prince was dragged back into the castle crying, kicking, screaming. his mother enacted a harsh punishment for her son had humiliated her. he wasn’t allowed outside of the castle again. for years, the prince was too afraid to make a move. until he saw a bird. so mundane, right? but as riddle leaned against the wall, looking outside his glass window, he saw a bird, flying, gliding against the wind, going above the wall and disappearing on the other side. it was then and there he decided he would escape and leave this empty life that held nothing but misery. it took him about six months to come up with his escape plan and another six months to implement it. but when he gathered everything he needed, he made the escape with his trusted horse vorpal. and he rode, rode far, far away from the castle. away from his life. towards the dawn, towards the forest, towards freedom, towards peace.

trey clover

the royal pastry chef. a boy who grew up near the castle walls, working at his family’s local bakery. he didn’t care about the money, only that whoever ate his food enjoyed it. on a certain sunny day, the baker met a boy with striking red hair who shyly asked if he could have a strawberry tart. when he saw the boy’s expression melt with happiness, tears beginning to fall down his cheeks as he tasted the sweet goodness of his tarts, he decided that he would strive to make pastries that would give whoever ate it the same sense of euphoria the boy had. the day was full of running around until the baker learned that this wasn’t an ordinary boy. it was the crown prince of the kingdom. he tried to convince the black knave to let the prince stay longer but he had stayed out for too long. when he was old enough, trey left his home to explore the continent and beyond, bringing back with him new baking techniques, ingredients, and spices to add to his pastries. he incorporated everything he learned over his four year journey into his baking. and before long, he got the attention of the entire kingdom. and the attention of the queen. absolutely impressed by his craft, the queen recruited him as a royal pastry chef who would make her something new every day for dessert. while life as a royal pastry chef was comfortable, it was also extremely laborious. and when you arrive, trey’s beginning to run out of ideas for the queen.

cater diamond

the court jester. his family for generations have served the court as the royal jester. he was there for entertainment. but he spoke in a strange vernacular, his sentences sounding like riddles. he’s a particularly handsome jester who can make everyone laugh and their cheeks red. carefree and copes with jokes. he remembers interacting with the young red prince a few times, who grew close to him because he was one of the few people the prince was allowed to see. however, the jester could see that the prince was not happy and longed to experience beyond the castle walls. so what did the court jester do? what a fool shouldn’t do: tell someone. the purple cat, che’nya. the mischievous child said he would take care of it. cater thought he did the right thing until he saw the prince, kicking, screaming, crying, in the hands of the black knave. the jester felt an immense guilt eat away at him and he was shunned from seeing the prince. the queen believed it was the jester’s fault for his carefree attitude had rubbed off onto her precious son. and for that, he was severely punished. part of him was relieved and satisfied with the shrieks of the queen when she learned that her son had run away. he would watch as the queen pretended her son was sick, locked away in the castle, unable to show himself to his citizens. she was pretending everything was fine, knowing that the people would turn on the queen upon learning of her mistreatment. after years of groveling at the queen’s feet, cater was finally appointed as the royal court jester. life seemed to be going well until you enter the kingdom with a shocking announcement: you’ve found the lost prince.

ace trappola

the common people’s champion. swords, ladies in waiting, chivalry. all tales he’s heard since he was a child. he wanted the glory, the riches, the luxury. his father told him he was meant to be a blacksmith. but why only be a blacksmith when he had both magical and physical talent? he watched an old knight train one day and would come back every day to watch him, mimicking his movements from the bushes. one day, the young boy came to find the knight there. except, he was behind him. the man, old and retired from his life as a knight, tells him that he’s always known the boy was there. ace begs him to train him, wanting to become a knight so badly. with reluctance, the man begins to train the young boy. he’s proud of his skills but one after, he runs into a boy with red hair who easily bests him. his pride hurt, his swears he will become better than boy with the red hair. ace was intent on keeping that promise, practicing and mastering his craft for years. his mentor told his apprentice that the life of a knight was not what it seemed by ace wasn’t deterred. when there was an announcement of a tournament, meant to recruit new members of the royal guard, he took his chance. every single one of his opponents was good but after fighting for a week straight, no rest, he came out on top, wearing that shiny silver armor and holding the sword of his mentor. he was the people’s champion and was chosen by the queen to be in the royal guard. but ace noticed something...odd. the crown prince was nowhere to be seen. he was never assigned to watch over the prince. but staring at a portrait of him had ace thinking and eventually realizing that boy who bested him as a child was really the crown prince! but where was he? where had he gone? ace was starting to get adjusted when you come in, asking for his help in tracking down the lost prince and bringing him home.

deuce spade

the royal alchemist. descends from a family who have served as the royal alchemist for generations. his magic is incredibly strong and he was sent to the most prestigious magic academy in the continent. he grew up comfortable, a little rowdy, little rough around the edges. and he was prepared to serve the crown prince as his royal alchemist. however, on the day he ascends into his mother’s position, the prince is nowhere to be found. the queen says it’s nothing to worry about. but in his two years of being the royal alchemist, never has deuce once seen the prince. it’s suspicious. something is off. and then he’s approached by you and, of all people, ace trappola, asking for a tracing potion to help find the lost prince.

POMEFIORE

vil schoenheit

the acting monarch. his mother married the widower king who has a son named neige leblanche. he grew up as a commoner with his mother, using his magic and theatrical skills to make extra money on the side. one day, the king visited town and noticed his mother’s striking beauty. everyone says vil looks exactly like his mother. it was soon that they were married and he was introduced to the lifestyle of a royal. but he knew, behind closed doors, people looked down upon him. he wasn’t the king’s true child so he would never be able to compete with the throne. when the king passed away, vil’s mother was chosen to be queen. but a bottle of bad wine caused her to collapse and fall intensely ill. watching her pass away, he was extremely distraught. neige was still too young to ascend the throne and vil was older. as much as they didn’t want to, they needed an acting monarch. so the step-prince was given the position. the small taste of power had him hooked and he was introduced to a world of political conflict and secret bloodshed. wanting to keep the power, vil read through as many books on the law as possible to keep his position, using his trusted assassin rook hunt to take out any adversaries. and then you come along and accidentally discover something malicious: neige’s aunt, the king’s sister, sanctioned the death of the second queen. and your mistake was telling the acting monarch of your discovery.

rook hunt

the assassin. a descendant of a notorious underground family of assassins and huntsmen. on the surface, he appears to be like every nobleman there is. he’s beautiful, eloquent, and well read. unknown to most people, he works directly for the royal family, taking out political adversaries who dare to challenge the monarchy. he is particularly close with the acting monarch, vil schoenheit. rook is adept in every poison, weapon, and item possible. a spoon can become a weapon of death if he needs to be. though somewhere deep down, all the assassin wants to do is retire from his life of bloodshed and live in a cottage in the woods, away from people and where no one can find him.

epel felmier

the secret aristocrat. was the bastard son of an aristocratic man. the shame was too much to bear so he was given to a local apple farmer who raised him like his own son. his beauty was truly something to behold but it had people suspicious. how could the son of a farmer possibly be this beautiful? on a sunny day while epel was carving his apples to sell them and help his father make ends meet, he is suddenly approached by a wealthy looking man with a piece of paper. it was sudden how epel was sucked into the scene of the aristocracy. he was his father’s only biological child and was set to inherit all of his father’s wealth. but epel didn’t want it. why want something that he never asked for? besides, if he had a choice, he’d share the wealth with his fellow townspeople. he grew to resent the world of the aristocracy as they continue to suffocate him with frills and lace.

SAVANACLAW

leona kingscholar

the royal tactician. second in line to the throne but always underestimated. what good is he as a royal prince for his entire lifetime? his nephew is next in line as king and is very annoying. but his strategies always work. extremely intelligent and good at predicting people’s movements. but his brother never takes any of his suggestions. except...oops! an accident causes his brother’s demise but his nephew cheka is too young to take the throne. so leona stands in place of cheka until cheka becomes of age. promises to share the wealth of the elite, which is a promise he keeps. but the aristocracy isn’t so happy about his decision. it’s for the betterment of his kingdom. he has a strategy and it’s going exactly as planned.

ruggie bucchi

the conniving thief. grew up poor. resents the aristocracy and wants to watch them burn. he attempted to steal from the second prince one day and got caught. impressed, leona offered to teach him everything he knew about magic. punishment was extremely risky so ruggie had no choice but to accept. what happened was far greater than he expected. he learned the tactics of leona, learned how to read people, and eventually became leona’s trusted friend. he operates outside of the palace, listening to the gentle simmering of discontent with the current king. he steals something of value from you when you visit and you chase him down, constantly stopped by his magic. and yet you somehow manage to keep up and find a way to beat his tactics. he respects you for that and returns what he stole with a smirk on his face. when you look up, he’s already gone, having disappeared from the alleyway.

jack howl

the young knight. saw the leona kingscholar fight on the battlefield once and became inspired. wasn’t hard to begin his training as a knight as he hails from a family of knights. shows a sense of naivete in his worldview. is assigned to be a guard for the royal tactician. leona sees his interest in tactics and begins to teach jack on how to be a better one, how to outsmart his enemy. the young knight finds kinship with the royal tactician unbeknownst that he is a pawn in leona’s game.

OCTAVINELLE

azul ashengrotto

the granter of wishes. he can grant anything you wish for! for a price of course. grew up by the sea but was poor. family barely made ends meet. so he decided to hone his magic and get into a prestigious magic academy by demonstrating in the city. after graduating, he became a granter of wishes. you must sign a contract if you were to want something. he takes money but if your wish calls for it, something of value, greater than money could ever provide, must be sacrificed. he’s charming. but don’t fall for it. he’s dangerous and you must never let your guard down.

jade leech

the royal botonist. was born by the sea but was separated from his twin brother. was taken in by an family of botonists. he joined their ranks. he supplies herbs and everything necessary for the royal apothecary. has a particular fondness for mushrooms which his family finds odd. not a big fan of seafood. walks into a seaside town to do some research where he meets a man who looks very similar to him. after conversing, the chance encounter takes jade to the archives of the town where he discovers that the man is his long lost twin brother, floyd.

floyd leech

the pirate. born by the sea and separated from his twin brother. unlike his twin, he was taken in by a pirate crew. has a unique affinity with water magic which he uses to his advantage. not as refined as his twin brother. a lot more rowdy and teasing. definitely flirty. the women in town desire him. the men blush when he talks to them. everyone appears to be attracted to this man. your face turns beet red when he approaches you, earring hanging from his ear. he runs into a man who looks eerily similar to him where they converse. before floyd sets out on his next adventure on the seas, the same man stops him with a birth record. he reveals that he is his twin brother jade.

SCARABIA

kalim al-asim

the crown prince. carefree and joyous. the people absolutely love him. he’s your childhood best friend after all. always dresses elaborately. but doesn’t take his duties seriously. always threatened by his own brothers because of the line of succession. but to some extent, he just doesn’t want it. he doesn’t want the throne. he wants to explore the world just like you. and even with you.

jamil viper

the civil servant. next in line to be the advisor for the future king, the crown prince. worked his way up with his intelligence. impoverished, looked down upon. stole bread, stole fruit, and, most importantly, stole books to try to learn how to read. one of the only ways he could climb was to learn to read so he could study and take the civil service exam. however, he got caught by a scholar when trying to steal a book. instead of being reprimanded, the scholar offered him a place for him to stay where he would teach jamil everything he needed to know to pass the exam. why? jamil couldn’t fathom the answer until he passed where the scholar told him they look out for each other. it was a silent understanding. to some extent, he resents the crown prince. kalim has everything jamil ever wanted. and he would throw it all away, just like that!

IGNIHYDE

idia shroud

the hermit. resides in a house far from other people even in his own kingdom. resides in the home with his brother ortho. people seek him out for life changing spells that come at a deep cost. is it truly worth it to go see the hermit? you hear tales of how frightening he is but when you stumble across him, you learn he’s really just awkward and doesn’t like to be around people. and perhaps one reason why is because he was born to a family cursed by witches long ago.

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blouisparadise · 3 years ago

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Today’s rec list consists of bottom Louis fics that take place in the country, the Midwest, or any rural area. We hope you enjoy. If you do, please be sure to like and reblog this post to help spread the word. Happy reading!

1) Save A Horse | Explicit | 2400 words

Louis goes to a rodeo with Liam, and gets a lot more than he bargained for. Featuring bull rider Harry, obnoxious t-shirts, and one hell of a night.

“Come on Jackson ain’t you been practicin? It ain’t fun for me if I always beat you,” the boy drawls out, voice slow and thick like molasses. “You comin out tonight?” he asks, nudging him with his elbow.

“Not tonight H, me and Liam are going to grab something to eat,” Jackson replies, the blush returning to Liam’s cheeks.

“What about you, what’re your plans for the night darlin’?” Harry asks, crooking an eyebrow in Louis’s direction.

Louis, who is the epitome of outgoing and confident, is at a total loss for words. He starts to say something but freezes, Harry now raising his other eyebrow and smirking, awaiting Louis’s response. “I uh- I’ll probably just go home,” Louis manages to stammer out, and what the fuck? Who is this man and how has he turned Louis into an introvert in a matter of seconds?

2) Gunsmoke | Explicit | 6527 words

Harry 'Gunsmoke' Styles and his boys Liam, Zayn, and Niall are all traveling cowboys who come across a small town on their journey to nowhere. They hang out at a tavern where Harry meets Louis, a cute and fiery bartender, and they may or may not fall in love.

3) Hey I Heard You Were A Wild One (If I Took You Home It'd Be A Homerun) | Explicit | 12106 words

Harry came to the bar to forget. Louis gives him a night to remember.

4) This Land Is More Than Dreams | Explicit | 12878 words

Louis is a student taking a gap year, travelling through the States. His plans change when he meets a cute cowboy-wannabe in one of the towns.

5) Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy | Mature | 13356 words

Harry owns a farm and Louis rides horses (and pretty boys sometimes) for a living. Harry hurts himself by being clumsy before he gets to ride a horse with Louis.

6) Manifest Destiny | Explicit | 15210 words

Louis is a Pony Express rider and Harry runs a station along the trail.

7) Baby Blue | Explicit | 39439 words

Harry Styles takes his time coming out to greet them. Louis only knows what he’s seen on file and what he’s heard them talking about, but he fully lives up to the image he had inside of his head.

He saunters down the front steps of the farmhouse in his Levi’s, brown snakeskin boots curving out from underneath the denim Louis’ sure he had specially made. He’s got on a plaid button-down tucked into the jeans because of course he does, curls spilling out from either side of his cowboy hat around his sunglasses and country-tan skin.

“Harry Styles,” he drawls, extending a hand to Louis’ manager, “Pleased to meet ya’ll.”

8) I Ain’t Gonna Fence You In | Mature | 40645 words

Louis Tomlinson is a 18 year old city boy who is forced to spend his summer before his senior year at his aunts farm. There, he meets Harry, a 19 year old country boy his aunt hired to help around the farm.

Maybe the farm isn't the worst place to fall in love?

9) Boiling Blood Will Circulate | Explicit | 42420 words

The wait isn’t long before something starts rustling in the bushes. Harry takes aim, squeezes the trigger, body moving unconsciously. They’re motions he’s done a thousand times before, and his body knows how to do it without the input of his brain now. It’s what makes him such a good shot.

He misses. The shot misses.

Something howls in the woods, a pretty clear indication that Harry hit it, but there’s no telltale sounds of a big body dropping, no animal charging out at him to take him out before he can finish the job.

Something does turn and run, though. “Fuck,” Harry spits out, scrambling to his feet and slinging the rifle back over his shoulder, giving chase. He’s not going to lose this hunt.

The trail of blood goes on longer than Harry thought it would. He doesn’t know how long he runs for, but his muscles are burning, chest heaving with exertion, until the trail just - goes dead. No more blood, just like that.

“Fuck,” Harry says.

10) Your Touch Shouldn't Make Me Feel Like This | Explicit | 48883 words

Uni AU in which Alpha Harry has been in love with his omega friend for the longest time and one motorbike trip to the countryside with Louis made him realize that he could no longer hold back his feelings.

11) For the Sake of Propriety | Mature | 52360 words

Louis Tomlinson is the caretaker of an estate that is not truly his, and when his Uncle calls upon him to take it back, Louis knows he will soon be out on the streets with four overly zealous sisters to care for. His only solution: wed the eldest two off and pray for the best. When an even better solution unexpectedly presents itself in the form of the charming Mr. Styles, Louis is faced with a difficult choice. But as with all things in the regency era, reputation very well may threaten to outweigh the fleeting matters of his heart.

12) Through The Wheatfields And The Coastlines | Explicit | 52855 words

“You’re not from around here, are ya?” Hot Cowboy asks, tracking his little lamb with his eyes. Louis frowns slightly, having thought he was doing pretty well at not sticking out like a sore thumb. It’s not like he’s not from around here — it’s not his first summer he’s spent at his grandparents'. But he supposes that the Manhattan city lifestyle that he’s used to is always going to shine through.

“I’m visiting family for the summer,” Louis explains, cheeks a little pink. “Trying to get some work done without distractions.”

13) The Bachelor | Explicit | 53953 words

The one where Harry dates six other guys and still falls in love with Louis Tomlinson.

14) Apples Always Fall (As I Do For You) | Mature | 54609 words | Sequel

Louis is staying at his Aunt's farm in a small town in Minnesota for four months. To deal with the boredom that sets in a week into his stay, he starts working at the local apple orchard, owned by twenty six year old Harry Styles.

Louis quickly finds himself falling in love with the orchard, and he finds a family in Harry's friends Niall, Liam, and Zayn.

He also starts to fall in love with Harry.

Falling in love with him turns out to be the easy part.

15) Such Good Luck | Explicit | 66025 words

An Edwardian AU where Harry is a young aristocratic lord and Louis is a working class dairy farmer. Secrets are a necessary part of their relationship, but Louis has one that could topple their whole world.

16) Given a Chance | Explicit | 173511 words

Five years after One Direction took their last tour, the last thing Louis Tomlinson ever expected to happen while on a tea run at the local Piggly Wiggly was to run into his ex-boyfriend and ex-bandmate Harry Styles.

The odds of them ever running into each other again had to be super slim, right?

Wrong.

What happens when you mix ex-boyfriends with a large serving of Small Town America? Will Louis and Harry be able to set aside their differences, or will Louis be able to stay breezy as fuck in the wake of Harry’s arrival?

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

#bottom louis #top harry #larry #fic recs #country au #midwest au #rural au #blp fic recs #blp

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dxncingonmyown · 2 years ago

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MADDOX JAMES MONTGOMERY (cisgender male, he/him, lucien laviscount) is 27 and a INVESTMENT BANKER from LONDON. they are known as THE OPULENT because they are GENEROUS, but if things kick off, they can be a bit CONCEITED. they’re HETEROSEXUAL and describe their type as NEVER A DULL MOMENT, BUT THE KIND YOU CAN TAKE HOME TO THE COUNTRY ESTATE. from their time in the villa, they’re hoping to find FAME. (SAVILE ROW TAILORED SUITS, PINTS OF ALE AT THE PUB DURING FIFA, A ROBE AND ROOM SERVICE MENU LEFT BEHIND FOR HIS ONE NIGHT STANDS )

In Summary

Hyper-typical, English trust fund baby who may or may not come from an aristocratic family.

Despite his wealth and entitlement, Maddox stands out from the plush circles he grew up in. The adoptive only son of Preston and Caroline Montgomery, there has been no shortage of backhanded comments about their “hip” choice to adopt a son of color.

How’s that old saying go? If you don’t fit in, stand out? That’s precisely what he does. Sure, he partakes in polo and bemoans Manchester United for their shitty offense this season - but he’s an adventure seeker as well.

It takes a few generous donations to keep him in Eton College, and an astute (and very gorgeous) private tutor to make his grades amenable enough for Oxford College. The debauchery continues, and every single time, the Montgomery’s deep pockets save him from himself.

There’s no thrill like strategic acquisitions and the buying and selling of financial products - and don’t let the media tell you otherwise. Nothing quite like the thrill of closing £3 million deals before market close. He’s good at it, too, even with his long nights clubbing and frequent visits to bathroom stalls.

You can say he likes to rebel, and if asked, that’s what he says will be the reason for his venture onto the Island. He’s got a rich title to live down, after all.

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fific7 · 3 years ago

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Even His Name - Part 1

Sirius Black x OC

Summary: Friends forever? Maybe. Maybe not.

Warnings: Swearing, alcohol, slight consent issues, 18+ please due to NSFW content including unprotected* sex. The age of consent in the UK is 16, sorry if that’s not in line with the laws in your own country/state.

*Irl, please don’t go wild in the country without protection.

A/N: Looking at this photo, I can kinda see why Ben Barnes got fancast as Sirius Black. This story is non-canon and takes place in my imaginary HP AU with OC, Celeste (meaning celestial or heavenly).

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Sirius Black. Even his name was beautiful.

She watched his tall, lean figure approaching as she sat & relaxed against one of the shady trees beside the lake.

She drank in every last detail before he got too close, before her out-and-out staring was noticeable to him.

The lazily slouching but graceful walk, his long legs eating up the distance between them.

The pale, porcelain-like skin, the aristocratic cheekbones, the trendy light scruff of moustache with matching scruff along his jawline, the full sensuous lips, the famed long black wavy hair. And of course, those hypnotic grey eyes, ringed by long dark lashes. Those eyes could change like mercury, from silver to dark pewter within a heartbeat.

As he got got closer, her eyes almost totally closed, but she wasn’t dozing off, it was a ruse to disguise her intense staring. Her eyes continued to eat him up like he was a very large chocolate eclair.

It was Saturday, so no school uniform. Trademark bad-boy attire, then. Her heart sped up at the sight of the scuffed leather biker jacket, the Led Zeppelin t-shirt, distressed jeans & leather work boots. Not properly laced up... of course.

All in black, a living embodiment of his name.

She heaved a long sigh, letting it escape without thought, and her eyes closed fully.

She was aware of a shadow blocking the sunlight falling on her closed eyelids. The sound of somebody settling themselves down next to her, still partly casting a shadow onto her.

Her eyes opened a sliver, and her head rolled to the side towards him of its own accord.

“What’s the big sigh for, Celeste?” in his deep, slightly hoarse, breathy voice. The voice which sent a thousand female hearts beating like drums.

“Sirius.” She sighed again, her eyes opening slowly. “You’re blocking my sun.”

He grinned, chuckling. He gestured to his body with one hand, “This ... masterpiece... of a man joins you for a pleasant interlude by the lake, and all you can say is that I’m blocking your rays?!”

“Yeah.”

He chuckled again. “Ah c’mon, you know you love me.”

She rolled her head back to its original position. “Keep telling yourself that.”

“And maybe it’ll come true?” he smirked.

“When hell freezes over.”

He leant over, placing his head on her shoulder as he did so, puppy dog eyes in play, complete with pouted bottom lip.

“Now, you know that isn’t true. You’re desperate to get me into the sack.”

“But, Sirius,” she said innocently, “there wouldn’t be enough room in the bed for me, what with you and your massive ego already in it.”

His head shot back, his unmistakable & glorious barking laugh issuing forth & attracting the attention of every female within earshot.

“You’re hysterical,” he continued laughing, more quietly. “No, I’m Celeste,” she smirked, throwing her version of his favourite line back at him.

He groaned, “You’d use my own comeback against me? Really?”

“Every time,” she nodded.

He was grinning back at her, when she was suddenly aware of another shadow falling across her. She frowned involuntarily, looking up to see who it was. A tall Ravenclaw girl stood there, confidently smirking down at Sirius. She didn’t spare his current companion even a glance.

“Hi,” she smiled brightly at him. “Thought you’d maybe like to take a walk with me, Siri?” giving him a suggestive sideways look, all the while twirling a strand of her long brown hair round a finger.

Celeste rolled her eyes, smirking & tutting loudly. She muttered, “Pathetic,” under her breath & began to gather her books, getting ready to ‘exit stage left’.

Sirius looked over at her, smiling and laying his hand on her arm, stilling her movement.

He looked up at the other girl. “Sorry, love,” he said with a grin, “spending some one-on-one time with my best girl here.”

She still didn’t look at his ‘best girl’. “Well, why don’t I just join you here while you do that, and then we can go for a walk by ourselves afterwards?”

Sirius looked down, and Celeste knew what was coming next. He’d given her his polite brush-off, now here came the not-so-polite one.

“Didn’t you hear what I just said? I’m here with Celeste,” he said, voice harsh, glaring back up at her.

She stopped twirling that lock of hair, recoiling from his glare & tone. “Well, you know, I just thought...”

“You just thought wrong then, didn’t you! Now, run along dear, off you go.” Voice cold, eyes narrowed.

She turned on her heel and scuttled back to her little band of giggling friends. Something told Celeste that her friends wouldn’t be all that sympathetic. If there was one thing almost guaranteed to break up friendship groups, it was who did, or didn’t have, Sirius’ attention.

Celeste laughed, “Lordy, I don’t know how you put up with all that fangirling.... ‘Siri’.” she imitated the girl in a high-pitched tone. “They make me ashamed to be a woman. Don’t they have any self-respect?!”

Sirius laughed, “But Cel, they’re just rightfully worshipping ... this!” Again, one hand gesturing up & down the length of his body.

“What.. a skinny boy?” she questioned, looking him up & down, “Really? What’s the attraction then?” she laughed.

He’d sat up straight as she’d been speaking, faux offended. “Celeste! How could you? Firstly, I am a man, not a boy.”

“Sirius, you’re sixteen. You.. are.. a.. boy!”

“Nah, nah, nah! I.. am.. a.. man!” dramatically emulating her slow delivery before continuing, “And I’m nearly seventeen. Secondly, I am not skinny. I’m tall and athletic.”

“Skinny.”

“Athletic!”

She laughed. “You don’t even play Quidditch any more. So where do you get this ‘athleticism’ from? Running away from Filch and the prefects after a prank?!”

“Thank you for answering your own question!” he said, laughing back at her.

He again leant towards her, eyes boring into hers, changing to dark & stormy mode, lips so close that she felt the little huffs of his breath on her own lips as he spoke.

“Don’t fight it, Cel. Just give in and admit you want me! We’ll head to my dorm right now and spend the entire night together, having hot, sensual, sheet-tangling sex!”

She burst out laughing, turning away momentarily, eager to break the close proximity to him. “The gods love a trier, Sirius. Pity I don’t.” She looked back at him, “And no doubt one of your fangirls is already curled up under your quilt, just waiting on the god that is Sirius Black to arrive and rock her world!!”

“My bed is exclusively reserved for you.”

“OK... curled up in her bed then, waiting on Mr I Never Stay The Night to arrive.”

“You pierce my heart!”

“Sirius, you may be one of my closest friends, but I can honestly say that you, within just the last few weeks, have become a total man-whore. And a barely legal one at that.”

“Celeste!! Just bloody well admit you want me.”

“Can’t that huge ego of yours handle the fact that there’s at least one girl in this school who doesn’t drop her panties the second you look at her?!” her laughter pealed out over the surrounding area, catching the attention of and sparking the venomous jealousy of the Sirius Fangirls’ Club.

He also burst out laughing, inciting the Fangirls even more.

“Ah.... Cel, my ego is perpetually the size of a peanut whenever you’re around.” Innocence personified, wide grey eyes gazed at her. “It never gets the chance to grow any bigger.”

Then the trademark smirk appeared. “Unlike a certain other part of my anatomy.” One eyebrow quirked up at her, long fingers slinking down onto his jeans zip. She couldn’t stop her eyes following them. His lips slid upwards into a pleased grin.

“Urggghhh!” she groaned, closing her eyes briefly before starting to pack up her stuff. “On that note, I’m off!”

“Awww, don’t go! This was just about to get interesting. You almost agreed to give me a quick blowjob!”

She stood up, brushing grass off her denim cutoffs and slipping on her low wedge sandals. Sirius raked his eyes up and down her figure as she did so.

She leant back down to him, knowing full well that he was getting an eyeful down her tastefully low-cut frilly top. She had on a translucent lacy bra, and she heard his breath catch as soon as he spotted it.

Putting her lips right next to his ear, she said, “Firstly, I don’t give blowjobs to sixteen-year-old skinny boys.” She huffed out a breath onto his earlobe, “And secondly, even if I did, it would.. not.. just be a quickie, darling.”

She pulled back and stood up straight, looking down at Sirius. A deep pink blush was spreading up from his neck over the entirety of his handsome face, his mouth hung slightly open and his eyes were wide, a glazed look in them.

She grinned, starting to walk away, “Have fun with the fangirls, Sirius!”

He was still staring after her when the first wave of girlies washed over him, clamouring for his attention in various tried, tested and (to him, at that moment) very tedious ways.

They were all to be disappointed. Sirius swatted them off like they were so many irritating mosquitoes, stretching out & lying on his back with his hands crossed under his head, staring up into the blue of the early autumn sky, deep in thought.

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She leisurely strolled back to the castle, sniggering to herself at how easy it had been to wind Sirius up into a tight spring.

Her smirk dropped somewhat though, when she contemplated the bigger picture. What a shitshow.

She was slap-bang in the middle of the biggest cliché the fates had ever created. Best friend really fancies best friend, but won’t admit it in case it either doesn’t work out and/or ruins the friendship. Yeah... that old chestnut.

Sighing, she made her way to the Gryffindor common room, spotting Lily and Mary on their favourite corner sofa. She plopped herself down next to them, instantly becoming enmeshed in the girlie gossip which was currently in progress.

However her mind drifted to the beginning of that school year, their sixth, when she and Sirius had met up again after the summer holidays on the Hogwarts Express. She’d been frankly amazed at the change in him after such a short time.

From awkward, gawky schoolboy to man-god in the space of a couple of months.

She learned from him that he’d run away from Grimmauld Place at the beginning of the holidays and was now living at the Potters’. She was very glad to hear that, knowing what he’d gone through at the hands of his parents. He certainly seemed to be thriving there, having apparently sprouted quite a bit over the summer.

Everything about him suddenly seemed long & slim. Long legs and arms, with big hands and big feet to match. Long slim fingers. Long slim feet & toes which she stared at, fascinated, every time she caught a glimpse of them.

She’d instantly known that their friendship would change in future. She’d never thought of Sirius as anything except a little schoolboy buddy, but over the summer he’d emerged from his post-pubescent chrysalis as a hot, sexy teenager with shoulder-length hair, designer stubble and attitude with a capital A.

He’d always attracted a fair bit of female attention over the years. He’d never really acted on it though, too caught up in Marauders mischief to care.

But holy hell...now? All the girlies were going to go batshit crazy over him.

He’d also - right there on the train no less! - boxed her into a corner and immediately started flirting up a storm, which had mildly terrified her. This was the guy who, only two months before, had been a kind of surrogate brother figure in her life for the previous 5 years.

Now he was making sexual innuendoes and inviting her into his bed every five minutes. She just couldn’t figure out his agenda.

As predicted, at the start of term, the Hogwarts female population - irrespective of year - quickly lined up behind Sirius and adoringly dogged his every footstep. As did a fair proportion of the male population, it has to be said.

Sirius quickly accepted his new-found godlike status & revelled in it. Flirting his way around school and through classes and meals. Getting caught in broom closets, empty classrooms and corridors, snogging for Britain.

It was only 4 weeks into the new term and she already found it all mildly disgusting. Hence she’d decided to knock the flirtatious idiot back down a peg or two every chance she got.

However, his flirting behaviour with her hadn’t dialled back at all, if anything it had increased, and this is what she was pondering on.

Her name was suddenly yelled right into her face. Lily was staring at her as if she was an alien.

“Uh, sorry - what?”

“We’ve been waiting on you to answer Mary’s question, for like, 15 minutes.”

“Oh shut up! I just zoned out for a minute or two.”

Mary sniggered, “And no prizes for guessing who the subject matter of said zoning out was!!”

She sighed. “OK, OK, alright - yes - it was Sirius.”

Scoffing noises from her friends.

“Look - I just can’t get my head round the way he’s still behaving towards me. Flirting & shit.”

She shook her head, and continued, “This was my annoying little ‘school brother’ 3 months ago! So he’s either had a brain meltdown and actually fancies me, or else he’s practicing all that crap on me to then use on his fan girls! And let’s be honest, one reason’s as bad as the other!”

They both exchanged significant looks, grinning at each other.

She huffed, “What’s wrong now?! I’ve just told you what’s on my mind!”

“Can you, hand on heart, swear you don’t fancy the pants off Sirius?” asked Lily.

“Look, I can see why girls find him attractive, yeah. But you’re forgetting that for five years, he was...”

“Yeah, yeah,” interrupted Mary, rolling her eyes, “..your surrogate little brother.”

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@omgrachwrites

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#sirius black x reader #ben barnes #sirius black imagine #sirius black fanfiction #ben barnes as sirius black #sirius black #sirius black fan fic

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kyogre-blue · 4 years ago

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Artifact sets

Just making a list what they're about (as of 1.3), since so many have some little lore bits.

Mond's Aristocracy era:

Noblesse Oblige: About aristocracy as it was intended to be and once was, before it succumbed to greed and self-entitlement.

Gladiator's Finale: About a slave gladiator who was killed by Vennessa, one battle before earning his freedom. His master was the killer from the old Dragonspine expedition.

Wanderer's Troupe: About a troupe of traveling musicians, who traveled all over the world before making a stand against Mondstadt's aristocracy. Their swordsmaster leader was made a slave gladiator but she inspired Diluc's ancestor to help with the rebellion, and one of their other members also gave his aid to Vennessa.

Resolution of Sojourner: About the lyrist from the Wanderer's Troupe. He was a wanderer from Fontaine but fell in love with a woman to be sacrificed at Ludi Harpastum.

Arunros adjacent:

Brave Heart: About Arundolyn's childhood. Note how he's referred to as "a crownless king" as part of the Diluc parallel. Confirmed here that Rostam was killed during the cataclysm, while the knights were on an expedition in a foreign country.

Defender's Will: About Rostam. He fought in shadows to protect Mondstadt and a maiden he loved. Mentions also his apprentice, the white knight.

Bloodstained Chivalry: About a white knight whose pursuit of justice led him to become a bloodstained killer. Eventually, in the depth of the Abyss, he found a grave injustice and gave himself over to the Abyss posthumously.

Maiden Beloved: About a maiden who loved the "white knight" that owned Bloodstained Chivalry.

"Fighting monsters sucks":

Berserker: About a man whose homeland was destroyed in a battle between gods and humans, who fought madly for revenge.

Heart of Depth: About a seafarer who fought leviathans of the deep. Connects to Serpent Spine weapon and Tales From the Waves book.

Viridescent Venerer: About a hunter who worshipped the God of Woods and turned to hunt monsters when he was killed in the cataclysm.

Crimson Witch of Flames: About a witch whose hometown was wiped out by "demons." She became an embodiment of destructive flames to seek revenge.

Blizzard Strayer: About the princess and the outlander from Dragonspine.

Thundering Fury: About a Thunderbird that destroyed the tribe that worshipped it, after the young boy it had considered a friend was ritually sacrificed.

Thundersoother: About a hero who defeated the "Beast of Thunder." Not sure whether it's the same as the Thunderbird.

General Lore:

Archaic Petra: About Morax. Cute detail on the cup says that there were supposedly seven of them, referring to how the 1st gen Seven drank together. Aside from that, the mask talks about how he killed even friends who became foes.

Prayers circlets: About ancient times when people received revelation directly from Celestia. Back then, the earth was covered in endless ice. Priests with crowns of leyline branches would head into the depth, seeking knowledge. Since searching for truth a recurring theme, this line is interesting and ominous: "The search for truth is a product of prosperity, and not the seed that plants it." The most notable is Tiara of Thunder, where people dared to question Celestia and "schemed to enter the garden of gods."

Nothing notable in particular:

Adventurer: About an ordinary person, who fell in love and gave up the life of an adventurer

Lucky Dog: About an extremely lucky boy called "Lucky Dog." Cute detail, the crown is from when he fell into the tomb of an exiled aristocrat.

Traveling Doctor: About a nameless doctor who eventually fell ill and passed away. Cute detail is that the feather is from an owl and has the same nocturnal vigilance type wording as Diluc.

Instructor: About a veteran soldier who turned down promotion to teach recruits at a military academy

Martial Artist: About a martial artist who endured great pain to hone his skills. There is a strange vague mention of "condescending evil stole his love's joy" but I don't know what that might tie to.

Gambler: About a gambling woman who had countless tricks. Note that she played against aristocracy.

Scholar: About a scholar who pursued knowledge in Sumeru. She may have been from an aristocratic family.

The Exile: About an exiled aristocrat. Note the part about the silver goblet with the family crest.

Tiny Miracle: About small, overlooked miracles in ordinary things.

Retracing Bolide: About a man who met a fox woman in Inazuma.

Lavawalker: About a sage called the Lavawalker, who crossed the burning Mare Jivari.

#genshin impact #genshin lore

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tg-headcanons · 3 years ago

Note

May be a fucked question, but yknow how some upper-class ghouls buy humans to eat/keep as pets, do you think that there'd be a similar market amongst rich, fucked up humans, but for ghouls? Like collectors who collect dangerous/exotic animals etc. Lemme tell you, Idk where this came from but I woke up this morning and thought of it.

Regardless of species, the bourgeoisie are TERRIBLE so probably! I’m gonna put this under the cut for human trafficking but there’s nothing nsfw

The ghoul aristocracy has their own culture, and it’s much more fucked up than that of average ghouls. Normal ghouls are kept in line by the knowledge that there’s nothing but their own strength or kindness keeping them from being murdered, but rich ghouls have a strange alliance. They also can’t rely on the government to rule over them, so they make their own rules and stick to them, most importantly they don’t attack eachother under any circumstances so everyone can do their own thing without trouble from one another. They may live in a peace that most ghouls have never known, but it also causes them to have no repercussions for hideous morals. Specifically how flagrantly they use human life

There are two types of humans kept by ghouls: Lapdogs and Scrappers. Lapdogs are just pets, humans they keep like one would a cat or a non-service dog, just a companion without power. The Scrappers are humans they have trained to kill in the restaurant. Most prefer to have scrappers over lapdogs because it gives them the opportunity to show them off. Among the rich and famous, everyone wants to look the best and own the best. For humans that’s cars and clothes, for ghouls it’s that and how pretty and dangerous their pet is

Humans are mainly obtained by taking the children of those they killed since they’re easier to train into scrappers, but some will steal people off the street. Ghouls like Nutcracker are paid a lot if they have a good eye for marketable humans

Some humans are more desirable than others. Ones who avoid eye contact like ghouls are loved for being easier to interact with, ones with celebrity status are loved for their pedigree, but the most treasured are ones with unusual coloration. Heterochromia, vitiligo, and albinism are highly sought after by ghoul aristocrats for their beauty. Juuzou was bought for millions, and big madame was well known as the lucky one who got the perfect human

Sometimes humans will get in on the market. Plenty of rich humans have no problem with it since they’re just as fucked up as rich ghouls, though most ghouls won’t buy from them since it’s too much of a risk if such a wealthy human learns who they are

Occasionally, other ghouls will be kept as pets. They aren’t allowed to be used as scrappers since it “ruins the fun if it’s just another ghoul” as the restaurant founder put it, but are prestigious pets. It’s not common since they’re much harder to keep under control, but sometimes some ballsy rich fuck will keep one as a status symbol. Things like kagune chimerism, hybridization, or unusual colors make ghouls a target of being captured by the aristocracy. This has historically had horrific effects on other subspecies of ghouls, those with rare abilities like voice mimicry, hyperbioluminescence, advanced Rc processing systems, and the ability to supplement their diet with animal meat are fewer and further between now. Not just because of Europe fucking over every country on earth, but because of these other ghouls who want their abilities for themselves

Pet humans are cared for with varying degrees of competence. Some ghouls don’t know what types of food are healthy for a human to live on or what periods are, while others keep their humans in luxury. The former often replaces their humans when they inevitably end up killing them when they pick them up too hard like a five year old on its 5th hampster, but the ladder may only have one or two humans in their lifetime. Most humans who enter the auction house are screwed, but some get lucky with a ghoul who just wants something to spoil

There’s books kept in the restaurant on which human belongs to which ghoul to prevent theft or hunting. Occasionally, rich ghouls will claim a human as their pet as a means of protection. Technically, Tsukiyama owns Chie, but he didn’t tell her, he just had her registered under him so other nobles can’t touch her

#tw human trafficking #tokyo ghoul #tokyo ghoul headcanon #shuu tsukiyama #chie hori

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travelingue · 2 years ago

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Pursued by a bear (To HEL and back 5)

It was our last morning in Helsinki.

We'd spent three days trying to understand a country through its architecture. But there's only much you can learn by looking at buildings.

One subject I felt particularly ignorant about was the Russian connection. What did it feel like, for a small country, to share a 1,300km border with a huge, expansionary empire?

The cityscape screamed Scandinavia, not Russia. Although Moscow ran Finland for over a century, the monuments to that rule are few. I had spotted a statue of Alexander II in Senate Square, an obelisk to his mum on the waterfront and a Disneyesque orthodox cathedral: that was it.

Helsinki, unlike Paris, has no thoroughfares named after Czars or Lenin. That told us something, but it didn't explain anything.

More walking around would be pointless. But my wife and I were not flying until the evening and the National Museum, dedicated to "Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present day", was around the corner. We went there for enlightenment.

We found plenty of fascinating facts on display. My eye was caught, for instance, by this series of linguistic maps:

The first panel shows that Sami people, represented by triangles, pretty much had the area to themselves a millennium ago.

Then Swedes (squares) and various Finnic peoples (circles/hexagons) gradually push in from the south-west and the south-east respectively. By 1809, the Sami are confined to the north.

In case you were ignorantly wondering where the Lapps are, they are the Sami - the old name is now frowned upon. They are descended from nomads who hunted reindeer and fished for a living. Many still do.

Intriguingly, the Sami don't appear to have got to the area first. The snowflakes on the first map denote "remnants of ancient languages". No details are given about those who spoke them. I guess they're gone. For most of history the Great Replacement was the norm, rather than the controversial theory it is today.

A look at my watch interrupted these ethnographic musings. I whizzed past the medieval section: if you've seen an episode of Game of Thrones, I figured, you get the idea. True, I've never seen an episode of Game of Thrones, but that was not the point: Russia was the point of my visit.

I already knew the Czars had taken Finland from Sweden in 1809 and only exercised indirect rule. What didn't understand was why such a bureaucratic empire let the Finns run their own business.

The answer became clearer when I saw this:

This 1860 banknote is denominated in markka, a lower-grade currency introduced in Finland by Russia at the request of the locals themselves.

The Russians saw the Finns as hopelessly backward. Their place was outside the normal administrative order. Steeped in an aristocratic, pre-Enlightenment culture, the Czars never worshipped on the altar of "humanity". Therein lay salvation for all those concerned.

Egalitarian masters are often the cruellest. The moment you see yourself in others, you wield a common yardstick to beat them with. You have expectations. Look at the French: their universal values made them horrible colonialists. Resistance to the blessings of Frenchness was a scandal, a crime against mankind itself.

Czarist Russia never had a mission civilisatrice. The banknote illustrates the salutary contempt with it treated the Finns.

I imagined the scene: Moscow, 1860. A Finnish delegation, wearing suitably ill-fitting clothes, has come to tell the finance minister that they want their own currency. The minister is puzzled.

"But the rouble is backed by the largest gold reserve on earth! You won't find anything stronger." "That's the point, Sir. It's too strong for us. It takes the average Finn a month to earn a rouble which barely buys you a bottle of vodka in Moscow." "I see. You want a more fungible currency so you get a radish for dinner." "That's right, Sir. Fungible is what we want: we eat mushrooms too. "

The minister sighs and asks what the Finns want to call their funny money. He finds the name idiotic, but appropriate for its users.

"What about the exchange rate? Ten markka to the rouble?" "Too high sir." "50?" "How about 500 to one?"

By 1878, the Finns were printing their banknotes themselves.

Take a close look at the above bill: the Cyrillic characters are gone; so is the bear; Finnish-Swedish bilingualism is in force.

The Finns were putting their money where their identity was.

The next act of collective assertiveness was sartorial. In the 1880s folk costumes were all the rage.

Such costumes, the display made clear, were an invention of the bourgeoisie: peasants at the time were much too poor to dress that way.

The curators linked these vestiary fantasies to a lack of recorded annals: "When Finland became part of Russia, this borderland did not have its written history. People needed to prove that something eternal, strong and characteristically Finnish existed."

I was not convinced by this explanation. The Breton headdress, the Scottish kilt, the Bavarian lederhosen and many other "traditional" garments were invented round about the same time – and for the same reason.

Across Europe the rising middle classes needed security blankets to reconnect with the land they no longer lived from.

In Finland, peasant poets were celebrated for singing about ancient Karelia well into the 20th century.

Political reform was in the air as well, and Finland was ahead of the game: women there got the vote in 1907, second only to New Zealand.

It was also a time of greater equality between nations. Progress is good, of course, but it has side effects. As Finland was no longer a backwater, Czarist rule hardened. Delegations from Helsinki were not treated with benign condescension but coldness. Many didn't even get to see the minister.

This was the reason for the national awakening we had observed in Helsinki's buildings.

In 1917, the Finns managed to break away from war-torn Russia. But the empire, rebranded as the Soviet Union, had adopted its own ruthless version of egalitarianism. Relations were bound to worsen.

I was curious to find out what the museum made of the 1939-40 Winter War, the most amazing episode of the World War 2. It really was. The outcome of the Blitz was fairly predictable: bombing a powerful island into submission was always going to be a long shot. So was the Nazis' attack on their Soviet allies. And once the Americans joined the war effort, the game was up.

The 1939 Hitler-Stalin pact, on the other hand, yielded a big surprise.

It was, on paper, a perfectly rational deal: half of central Europe is mine, the other half is yours. The Poles, the Balts and Moldovans could do nothing about it. But the Finns crazily refused to be gobbled up along with the above, and successfully fought the Soviets.

I expected the Finnish National Museum, of all places, to dwell on that extraordinary feat. It didn't.

I found only a couple of passing mentions of the Winter War. A panel on the 1940 Olympics said the Helsinki games were cancelled because the country’s athletes were busy fighting the Red Army.

Now, I come from a country that crumbled when attacked and collaborated with the occupiers. Yet history books and museums will tell you that World War 2 France was full of resistance heroes. The official account of the liberation of Paris is that we did it alone.

And the Finns, who really stymied a totalitarian empire by themselves, now saw it as a footnote to a sporting event that never happened. What is going on?

I found a clue in a nearby case, which displayed guns used in the "Continuation War". The museum was even more cagey about that conflict than about the Winter war, so I looked it up on my phone.

The "Continuation War", it turned out, was what I knew as the "Second Finnish-Soviet War". In 1941, taking advantage of Germany's Operation Barbarossa, the Finns launched their own attack on the USSR.

Militarily (though not politically) aligned with the Reich, Finland tried to regain territory lost in 1940, and more. That war was everything the Winter War was not. It was offensive - in every way - as opposed to defensive. The Nazis were Finland's friends as opposed to their enemy's friends.

It was, in short, a moral and operational disgrace. But by calling it a continuation, Finland extended the stain over the Winter War. The two conflicts are now seen as a play in two acts: hubristic victory ending in Swastika-branded ignominy.

Finland paid a steep price for its wartime crimes: after 1945, it was forced to accept Soviet dictates on its foreign policy – the country, in fact, became a byword for curtailed sovereignty.

The term "Continuation War" suggested that its collective memory itself had become Finlandised. I was curious to know if ordinary Finns shared in this official self-shaming.

I only had two hours to find out. At the railway station a young Finnish woman saw that we were foreigners and led us to the correct platform. She was going to the airport herself, returning to Vienna where she lived.

On the train we asked her how she felt about her native country. "I love coming back," she smiled. "Everyone is so nice and everything works here." Even I could tell that it was not appropriate to ask about the Winter War.

But something told me that, in the event of a rerun of 1939, she'd be back like a shot and would do her grandparents proud, regardless of what museum directors thought of them.

From this sample of one I concluded that the whole Finnish people felt the same way.

It was, of course, a tentative conclusion. But of one thing I was certain: Putin's first move after such an assault would be to restore the rouble as Finland's currency – for the same reason as Russia introduced the markka back in 1860.

While waiting for our Easyjet flight I worked out that our four meals in Helsinki had cost an average of €155.35 (for two people, including two thimbles of wine each).

For once I was happy dining on soggy airport sandwiches.

***

Previous “To HEL and back” posts:

- L’invitation au voyage - Classical Helsinki - How Sweden lost Finland - Romancing the stone

#finland #winter war #continuation war #Russia #helsinki

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