#this isn't like the first time with the veil - when he didn't know the result of his actions

[lizzybeeee]

I'll add that it's wildly invasive for a character whose entire trauma began with being coerced into a state of being he didn't want (spirit to flesh) to essentially alter the bodily autonomy of thousands of others without their consent?!

Don't hide your tags they're too good! Literally all of this!

honestly, maybe it's a hot take or whatever, but I think that tearing down the veil and *potentially* bringing back the immortality to the elves would not have helped them a lot

[clericsandpaladins]

I find Season Four to be quite interesting in that the Duffers have confirmed that originally it was meant to be the last season, but they had to split it for the sake of pacing. Season Four is less of it's own season and more of the set-up for Season Five and that tells us a lot about the plots in Season Four.

I've seen a lot of people argue about the purpose of the California and Russia plotlines considering that they are so disconnected from what we could call the main plot, which is Vecna. But the Duffers are NOT bad writers. They had an extra six months to work on and revisit their scripts. Everything in Season Four was very intentional, which is why I choose to give the California and Russia plotlines the benefit of the doubt. Do they seem pretty pointless? Yeah, right now they do. But when you think about it, we are only seeing half of the story here. Season Four and Five were meant to be ONE season.  Hopper's prison break is only half of the story, we don't yet know the true purpose for reviving him and spending so much time getting him out. We needed to get Hopper away so that El could spend this season continuing her ongoing arc of self-discovery and independence. What we don't know is why we need Hopper back and that's the question I think will be answered in Season Five. You don't kill and revive characters for no reason because it takes away the stakes in your story. By doing that, you're making your audience less invested in the safety of these characters because they KNOW there are no consequences. So then why did the Duffers spend a quarter of Season Four getting Hopper back, despite it's irrelevance to the plot until the very end where they help to defeat Vecna? That's the question that Season Five will answer. The California group go on a big road trip trying to find El. Seemingly the only purpose for this is to be able to find El so she can get to the pizza freezer and help Max, making the rest of the stuff they do pretty irrelevant. Right? Wrong. Because, once again, this is set-up. We are only seeing half of the story the Duffers wanted to tell. So then what is actually happening in this plotline? Certainly nothing much with Jonathan. But what we do spend most of this plotline doing is showing the development of Mike and Will's relationship. They start off awkward, they argue, they have heart-to-hearts. The majority of this plotline is dedicated to showing us how Will and Mike interact and behave around each other. You know how it all ends? With a chekhov's gun in the form of Will's painting and his veiled love confession. If the Duffers are indeed good writers, then they have to address this is Season Five, once again showing us we are only seeing half of the story.  Because of the chekhov's gun, we know that Will's feelings for Mike have to be addressed in Season Five. If they aren't, then what was the point of the painting in the first place? We didn't need it for Mike to confess his love to El. El dying should've been enough for Mike, but it wasn't. Will reminding Mike of what happened in the van is what lead to his love confession. The painting has a purpose, it just hasn't been addressed yet. Similarly, if this emotional arc with Mike and Will ends with no change in their relationship, then what was the point? There was no need for Will to be in love with Mike to show his queerness. They could've introduced a new love interest for Will like they did with Dustin and Robin. But they didn't. Will's inevitable confession to Mike needs to result in a change for the California plotline to have a purpose, otherwise the narrative wasted all that time building up to nothing. Not to mention the fact that Will is the key to tying up Mike's arc. Mike feels like he isn't needed by El and this is a major insecurity for him. He spends most of Season Four worrying about this and so in order for his ending to be satisfying, we need to resolve this insecurity and prove him wrong. Yet, Season Four ended with El realizing she had value as a person outside of her super powers and that she doesn't need another person to feel whole. She is her own superhero. But you know who does need Mike? Will. In conclusion, these plotlines aren't useless. They are set-up. EDIT: I wrote this at 2am lol. Wish I would've waited and edited the post a bit but alas 2am thoughts are never edited.

[sleepy-writes-stuff]

DP X DC WRITING PROMPT #14

(Had this idea on the brain as soon as I woke up this morning. This prompt is basically going off of the idea that the ghost zone is the dimension that connects all dimensions.)

(#) = Notes at the end of post

✦

Living in Technicolor

When Danny gets zapped by the portal and brought back half alive, his vision is forever changed. He doesn't know what caused it, just that ever since the accident, his sight has been split into three different perspectives.

1. His home dimension

2. The ghost zone/invisible spectrum

3. Another dimension entirely

He had originally been able to peer into more than three perspectives directly after his accident, but that resulted in his brain more or less short-circuiting from all the extra information and putting him in a week long coma. Still, even with the decreased load, the amount of information that's being filtered through his eyes and into his brain from three different plains of existence leaves him legally blind in his original reality and needing the help of either a cane or his service dog, Cujo.(1 & 2)

It isn't until his powers start appearing that he learns something interesting. If he concentrates enough, he can shift/manifest his own existence into whichever perspective he's focusing on the most when he transforms, singling his vision down to one perspective for the duration. He has to be careful though, otherwise he could get stuck in-between, which scrambles his vision to an even more nauseating degree. That or he could cause himself to blackout just from the amount of stress it puts on his mind.

He's basically his own dimension hopping portal though.

The only thing is, he never hopped over to the other dimension that seemed to exist alongside his own and the Ghost Zone, content to just travel between his dimension and the Infinite Realms. That doesn't mean he wasn't interested in it or didn't take a more concentrated peek into it from time to time though. Cause let's be honest. A world full of superheroes defending the Earth from a multitude of threats? He'd be lying if he said he didn't use the opportunity to observe and learn from a few of the professionals when it came to his own defending of the ghostly variety.

It isn't until long after he becomes the Ghost King that he is approached by Clockwork, the Ghost of Time. He reveals he knows of Danny's ability to peer into the multiverse like the time ghost can, although greatly limited in comparison. He offers to make Danny his apprentice and to teach him what it means to see through the veil into different universes and timelines, and perhaps increase the amount of perspectives he can handle at once now that his power has increased exponentially. He is King of the Infinite Realms after all. He needs to properly oversee his domain and everything connected to it if he wants to be a good monarch. However, the only way to increase the number of perspectives he can handle is by experiencing each one first hand.

The first step? Shifting into the dimension he has yet to visit, the one he's been peering into and learning so much from over the years.

✦

Notes:

(1) Here, Danny gets Cujo before he becomes a security dog/a ghost.

(2) He eventually creates some specially designed glasses with color changing lenses that help him filter out the extra perspectives when he's older, but they're far from perfect. Red for home reality, Green for the Ghost Zone, and Blue for DC Universe/other universes.

ALSO, while this is technically a dp x dc crossover prompt, I wanted to keep it pretty open for any other crossover ideas. There's infinite possibilities here and I'd love to see what people come up with!

[maranull]

Could we perhaps get some content of Marika trying her best to be a good mom? Especially for her “step”children. Results may vary, but effort is always high!

My favourite war-criminal mom, of course!

In (headcanon) order of birth:

with Morgott and Mohg:

For one, she didn't murder them, as was the Golden Order custom.

When she got word that they had escaped the sewers, she blocked any and all attempts of pursuit the Golden Order pushed for.

She was aware of Morgott being the Night Commander, and not only allowed it, but made sure to spread the word that the Night Calvary was working under her blessing.

with Godwyn:

She fawned over him the most of all her kids, as he was born not too long after she had to banish the Omen twins.

She insisted on tutoring him herself, and she was fully involved in most things he did as a kid. To the point that Godfrey was forced to actually dabble into politics for a few years (instead of just caring for the armies).

She allowed for Godfrey to train him in battle, but she took the mantle when it came to strategy and diplomacy.

During the war with the Dragons, she gave him command, but she still used her Mimic's Veil to be close and make sure he was safe.

She blessed his relationship with Fortissax in secret and assisted him in pushing the new alliance with the Dragons to become acceptable in the realm.

with Ranni:

Along with Godwyn, Ranni was her other favourite (because yes, Marika did have favourites among her kids)

Since Ranni was blessed with both Rennala's magical talent and Marika's physical strength, Marika took it upon herself to train her to control it.

Ranni wasn't particularly into it, but Marika kept dragging her into the lessons because she thought it was the only thing she could offer than Rennala couldn't.

As Ranni and her distaste of her Empyrean fate grew, she and Marika found common ground there, with Marika actually backtracking and rethinking a lot of her previous actions.

After the Rennala/Marika divorce (Rada-who?) she had a really hard time reconnecting with Ranni, and just began sending her letters about topics she thought she would like.

A lot of the tablets in Marika's chambers are actually information on topics Ranni was interested in and Marika dove deep in them to understand and connect to her better.

with Rykard:

Rykard never showed much interest towards his parents and while Rennala accepted that his love was a quiet one, Marika never let the poor kid breathe in peace.

Because if my son isn't talking to me, he hates me.

Anyway, she dragged him to any sort of activity she could think of.

At first the boy was really trying to enjoy himself so she wouldn't be sad, but after his 10th time falling in the sea during their sailing lessons, he gave up.

Marika didn't and kept trying to drag him into more and more activities, only slowing down after the divorce.

with Radahn:

He was the easiest to get along with.

More than any of her other kids, he was the physical type that she was, and they spent years sparring and fighting.

During his years studding gravity magic, she send him lots and lots of writings and resources from her own library of studies.

She pushed him to use dual greatswords and focus more on strength and devastation rather than elegance in the battlefield.

Speaking of which, she also taught him most of what he knew about battle tactics, the rest he learned by reading past battle reports of Godfrey's wars.

with Miquella and Malenia:

She had the twins alone, after all the other kids were old and pursuing their own goals, so she focused herself on them immediately.

She kept them in her lap the most, panicking for Malenia curse and being anxious about what Miq might have (she didn't know yet)

She moved heaven and earth in order to find a cure for Malenia, to no avail.

When she found out about Miq's curse, she babied him to the point he had to yell (which he never does) at her to stop. She almost cried then.

She became visibly distant to them after than, from fear they'll hate her.

Still, she was the one that gave Miq the first seed he needed in order to begin his Haligtree project.

She also "hired" the people who made the lift of Roid to construct the Secret Medallion to hide the path to the Haligtree (she then... "dispatched" them but we're not mentioning that).

with Melina:

Melina was supposed to be a secret tool to help bring the end of the Greater Will.

Anyway, two seconds after her birth, Marika threw that plan out of the window and began trying to find alternatives.

Marika kept lil Meli inside her chambers for most of her life, with only Godwyn, Miquella and Malenia being allowed in.

Wanting to minimize the needed isolation, Marika allowed Meli to borrow the Mimic's Veil whenever she wanted.

After Meli reached adulthood and was allowed to leave the capital, she traveled so much that even Marika began loosing track of her. She would rush to whatever area she heard rumours about a girl riding an otherworldly horse. She never managed to find her on her own.

The times Meli decided to visit her mother, a lot of their time was spent planning expeditions and travels that Meli almost always ended up going alone.

A couple times, Marika managed to escape her duties for a few weeks, and then they traveled together around the Lands, each sharing their own knowledge and understanding of the land.

~

This was harder than I thought :P I realise that some of them lean more to generic headcanons of her relationship with the kids. Still, I'm keeping them in.

Thank you for the ask!!

EDIT: I forgot Blaidd and Iji but I'm too tired rn, sorry. Might rb this with them later.

[litcityblues]

The Wheel of Time Rewatch/Reread Pt. 2

I said it before and I'll say it again: I don't like Amazon's insistence on 8 episode seasons for their shows- especially this show. I think two more episodes per season would give this show the room to breathe that I think it desperately needs sometimes, though I will say this: Season 2 is a lot better than Season 1.

What did I like about Season 2? I don't know if it's a closer adaptation of the book, but it does follow the structure of the book a bit more and there are moments- identifiable, real, important moments from the book that make it into the show. (The opening meeting of Darkfriends and Nyn's Accepted Testing-- the opening ceremony of the latter is lifted nearly verbatim from the book, which is awesome.) But broadly speaking, while in the books Rand doesn't run away-- he joins the hunt for the Horn of Valere with Perrin and does wind up spending a good chunk of time in Cairhein and on the way there, he meets Selene (Natasha O'Keeffe), who is eventually revealed to be Lanfear.

So the show in this season isn't straying too far from the structure of the actual book and as a result, overall, this feels a lot more like The Wheel of Time I was expecting in the first season.

(Yes, yes, the usual caveats apply: No, I didn't expect a perfect adaptation. Yes, I am willing to grade on a curve because showrunners have to bring in a new audience and not just a book audience and hopefully the show inspires more people to read the books.)

The book, however, starts a lot differently. We're still in Fal Dara when the book starts and instead of meeting Lady Amalisa at the end of the last book (as we did in the television show), we meet here in the early chapters of The Great Hunt. She's still the sister to Lord Agelmar-- I don't think there are references to her being able to channel and certainly don't see any of the nonsense (being able to link, burning herself out, etc.) that we saw at the end of the first season of the show. She is still good friends with Moiraine, but- since the Amyrlin Seat comes to visit, she also gets poked pretty hard by Liandrin about keeping tabs on Mat, Rand, and Perrin.

They don't come right out to say it-- in fact, I don't think they come right out and say anywhere in the book, but right from the get-go it's heavily implied that Liandrin is bad, potentially Black Ajah, even if they don't come out and say it yet. (The fact that they set this tone early makes it even more ridiculous later in the book when Liandrin shows up to Egewene and Nyn and just says 'Come with me to save your friends' and Min and Elayne just say 'We'll come too' and no one stops to think about whether they should trust her or not. Granted, we know that as readers they probably shouldn't, but they as novices/Accepted are probably pretty inculcated into obedience to full Aes Sedai by that point, even though Liandrin takes them in THE WAYS where, you know, Machin Shin lives-- I would have thought at some point, one of them would have been like 'hey, wait a minute!)

We also have hints of Aes Sedai politics from the first book and we see them in full force in the opening chapters of the second book. Moiraine's reception ahead of the meeting with Amyrlin is very similar to her reception in front of the Hall of The Tower in Season 1 of the show-- lots of frostiness and veiled threats about how she needs to be checked and brought under control.

The meeting between Siuan and Moiraine is excellent and I love, love, love that Verin has figured out what they're up to. Verin was always one of my favorite book characters and The Great Hunt provides a powerful reminder as to why-- she's got a much better relationship with Rand- more of a 'Hey man, I can't teach you, but if you listen to me, I might be able to help you, not, you know, kill yourself.' type of a vibe as a posed to Moiraine's vibe of 'I will KILL YOU before I let you turn to the Shadow.' I like her as part of the company tracking the Horn down into Cairhein. I like her in Falme, where she references the prophecy that 'five will ride forth'. In general, Verin is one of my favorites.

(And the show (where she's played by Meera Syal) captures her more or less perfectly-- even if she's mixed a little with Vandene, as a posed to be an Aes Sedai in the Tower all herself-- speaking of which: we do see Moiraine with Vandene and Adeleas in the book and she's there trying to figure her stuff out-- which is a nice parallel to what we see in the show. Moiraine meets with Bayle Domon there in the show-- who again, is far more prominent in the books than he is in the show at least so far. But here, we get a sort of Bayle Domon chapter almost-- which seems a little apropos of nothing, but is in fact, a nice bit of plotwork that sets up for the finale in Falme.)

The meat and potatoes of the book is about Rand and the hunt for the Horn of Valere which makes the most sense because the book is called The Great Hunt. Ingtar keeps them pushing south hard and fast-- Rand has that weird moment in the village (channeling?) and we get some early glimpses of maybe Selene and we find out just how bad Fain has become with the Fade being nailed up by him.

We see a lot of Cairhein in the book and the show- though Lord Barthanes (Will Tudor) is in fact Moiraine's nephew in the show and Anvaere (Lindsey Duncan) (who I think is meant to be the woman who saves Rand from a crowd of women who want him for Daes Dae'Mar reasons) is Moiraine's sister and I like that the show parallels that structure.

The best things the show does in this season revolve around Cairhein. Jordan references but never digs into the aging thing and Aes Sedai. We gradually find out that Aes Sedai can live for a very long time and that there's some obvious heartache involved as family members grow old and die and age faster than they do. The show jumps right into that territory and it's kind of awesome. They also set about trying to tackle a problem that it takes Rand four books to address: how to use the male half of the source, which is why he's trying to gain access to Logain.

What's missing from the show is the whole business with Portal Stoes. That's the introduction to Selene-- she keeps pushing him onto 'greatness' and Rand is really uncomfortable with finding out that he's second in command if Ingtar (Gregg Chilingirian) goes down, but he is insistent on finding the dagger to help Mat and grows into the role, whether he likes it or not.

(There are some hints of voices that aren't his here and there, building up to Lews Therin making an actual appearance at some point, I would imagine. We also get a glimpse of the giant hand with the orb in it that we come to realize is the Choedan Kal in later books.)

Where the show loses me a little is when Moiraine catches up with Rand and straight up slits Selene's throat. Granted, she's Lanfear, so she revives and comes after them-- but again, not in the book. I also don't think that the show does that good of a job with Nyn, Egewene, and Elayne (Ceara Coveney)-- but that's also weirdly parallel to the book in many ways. We don't really get back to that trio after they arrive in Tar Valan and Nyn tests for Accepted until the end of the book (about 80%) of the way through and that sets up Egewene and the Seanchan.

The worst part of the show is probably the needless drama between Moiraine and Lan. Yes, in the book she does call him on the carpet and tell him she's passing his bond and kind of smacks him around a bit, but it doesn't take, like a third of the book. And Moiraine's situation would have been a lot more believable had she not already said in the first season that she can't see male weaves. It's a wee bit of a contradiction that sort of undoes that plot point for me.

The oath thing at the end of the show... I think that's going to be part of Siuan's undoing, but I do think you've got a bit of a mess there since the first season clearly establishes that Siuan's oath is different than what Moiraine says, so how does that even work? (I'm wondering if the general, 'let's see if we can get this show to go' aspect of the first season will reveal more of these little landmines going forward.)

The Seanchan of it all was fine. It's great in the books, it's perfect in the show. I don't like that they killed Uno and I get that the finale didn't quite reach the same epic level you saw in the books, but I think that's down to television and budgets more than anything else. (Think: Game of Thrones-- not every finale can be like the Battle of the Bastards-- I would guess that showrunners have to keep some of their powder dry for budgetary reasons, though that could be pure speculation on my part. But I do think that the quieter, internal struggles that we see are in keeping with the books-- after all, The Last Battle-- the confrontation between Rand and the Dark One isn't some big, epic thing. It's like the three of them arguing about competing visions of reality and one of them wins.)

The show, however, got me really excited by revealing two things in the last episode: one, is that all the Forsaken are now free and two, Moghedien (Laia Costa) is among them and she looks... awesome.

At the end of the day, all I'm going to ask from this show is that it gets better and it starts to feel more like the books. I think this season while not including some things I would have liked to see from the books (like Thom, the Illuminators, the Portal Stone, a visit to the Stedding, etc.) does parallel the structure of the books quite nicely. As a result, it was a. better- but not perfect and b. felt a lot more like The Wheel of Time.

Bring on Season 3.

[cuchufletapl]

I know I'm not the first person to say it because I'm pretty sure almost every queer person who's watched the movie took a look at them and went, "Same hat!!" But genuinely, in a world where Barbies are women and Kens are men, what the fuck is Allan? What does it make of Weird Barbie that she was shunned by the Barbies and then immune to patriarchal brainwashing by the Kens?

They are both alienated from Barbie World society.

Allan stands in the middle of it awkwardly, trying to be included but never succeeding either in Barbieland or Kendom. He gets no recognition or attention, no matter who's in charge; the Barbies mostly ignore him even if they are nice to him, and during the take-over the Kens use him and abuse him and try to subjugate him like they do to the Barbies. He's the sole remaining Allan doll in this world, the rest of his kin having already left because they couldn't take that veiled exclusion anymore (and Mattel didn't give a fuck, apparently). His dolls never sold well, as I understand it. Not a Ken (man), not a Barbie (woman). Something else. He was set up to never fit in that society.

Weird Barbie, on the other hand, exists on the outskirts of society, marginal; a Barbie who once partook in the society and fit the mold, but that irrevocably changed in a way that makes all the other Barbies uneasy, despite the fact that she's given them no reason to be wary and is nice and helpful when asked. Her appearence is strange in a way that "ruins" her beauty and her mannerisms are unBarbie-like (unwomanly), but that seems to give her some insight into how a Barbie (womanhood) works that the "normal" ones don't have. She's the result of "playing wrong" with Barbies. She's the witch of that land, in a way. During the Ken takeover she becomes a rebel leader (at the forefront of the fight against the patriarchy because she wasn't an object of desire within it to begin with) and takes under her wing all the discontinued Barbies and Kens as the resistance — possibly, that could've been a thing even before Kendom, since we see the pooping dog toy (also retired from the market) at her house in the first half of the movie, and Stereotypical Barbie seemingly wasn't aware that the discontinued Barbies and Kens lived in Barbie World. A misfit who connects with other misfits.

On a more superficial note, Allan (Ken's "buddy") has a fashion sense that seems queer masc to my eye — all of Ken's clothes fit him, yeah, but his style isn't the same as his and he wears them differently. And Weird Barbie is the only Barbie in the movie to express sexual attraction or desire. Also the only Barbie with short hair. And her rebel fit screams "lesbian."

This movie is about how gender roles harm both men and women, puts them in boxes and forces them to perform in ways that straight-up cause cognitive dissonance. And then here are these characters who are explicit dissenters of the whole binary system in the first place, that don't fit either with the women or the men, and they get just a sliver of screentime. I get why, since more time needed to be devoted to Margot!Barbie's character (she's the protagonist and all), but damn I wish we'd gotten more than insinuations of queer subtext (that maybe I'm reading too much into anyway).

I can't stop thinking about Allan and Weird Barbie and what their place in Barbieland society is and what their role in the movie means.

[verobatto]

Destiel Chronicles

Vol. CXXVI

It was a love story from the very beginning

Happiness of Being in Love

(15x13/15x14/15x15)

Hi there!!! Another meta from season 15, we are getting slowly to the end of this series of Destiel analysis.

Remember this is a summary from my metas from season 15 with some new additions related to the end of the show.

If you wanna read the metas from this episode, follow these links: X, X, X, X, X, X and X.

Dumb Jokes

Episode 15x13 was a BL episode. We had the Hunter Corp with AU!Dean and AU!Sam which was funny, but there was some hints of Wincest.

Putting that to a side, it was an interesting episode because it brought back Ruby in the Empty talking with Castiel. But not just that, it was a recalling to Ruby/Sam relationship. Castiel mentioned they were lovers and in the Empty Ruby confesses to hi "She liked Sam".

This was important because Ruby/Sam was one of the early Destiel mirrors. And for the narrative, to bring it back means a reaffirmation of Destiel being a romantic thing. At least the sexual attraction in earlier seasons.

The dumb jokes between Dean and Castiel meant Dean was happy. Dean was happy because Castiel and him were okay now, and as he showed i 15x10, he feels Castiel is his mate for life.

That's why he enjoys making dumb jokes to his angel or, including, to make him jealousy as we will see in the incoming episodes with Amara.

Gif set credit @magnificent-winged-beast

Another important Destiel scene was ghe kne in which Castiel goes inside the Empty, helped by Jack.

Castiel almost dying to get into the Empty, is a parallel to Dean almost dying to get into the veil. And idk why it was so easy... But, could work as a foreshadow too.

Why a foreshadow? Because they showed us how, through Jack, Cas, or anyone else?, Could break into the Empty, and maybe... Because Ruby called Cas, he could represent the connection, the first one in waking up the Empty, and being released from it. So maybe, this could be the way to refill Heaven with angels sleeping in the void.

This was a big spec about refilling Heaven with angels from the Empty which, we should asume, it happened.

It was also a clue about the possibility of Dean rescuing Castiel from the Empty which never happened. The one rescuing him was Jack.

When Dean finds what Jack and Castiel were doing he almost lose his mind. He was worried of lose Castiel again. And he reacts scolding his husband for it.

Gif set credit @starlightcastiel

Again the quote: "You did a stupid things" or "You are an idiot", isn't else than a reflection of Dean being worried about his angel. Old married couple bickering. Nothing to see here.

And if you don't believe Dean and Castiel are already married, here you have their wedding:

Pic credit @weird-dorky-little-d

Tomato Smoothie

Just a few things about episode 15x14. Yes, one one in which Mrs. Potters appears bringing more unresolved mysteries about the bunker. I hope we can see it in a future, if someone makes a reboot, but no in C*W please.

It was very symbolic the nymph gave Jack a smoothie than tasted sweet but weakened him, and she gave Dean a tomato juice to make him stronger.

And why is Dean with tomatoes? Okay, get ready for the second meaning...

This is screaming how deep inside the closet Dean is, right? Mrs. Potters knew.

Now, about visual narrative, we had Dean pressing the reset button twice. The second time he made it using a hammer. Hammer represents justice.

And Jack is there, so we can infer, this was a foreshadow of the end in which Jack makes Justice by reseting the world bringing everybody back.

But why twice? And why is Dean the one pressing the button?

Maybe because is not Dean but Jensen? Maybe Jensen will make some justice by rebooting Supernatural? Let's see... well he started with John and Mary which... is not what we were waiting for, but it's telling us he has the copyright of SPN, or something like that.

Domestic and Jealous Husbands

The amount of domestic Destiel and Dean being a completely dumb making his husband jealous, is why are we here now.

Beacuse this face?

Gif credit @inacatastrophicmind

Is a husband enjoying mocking his husband. Enjoying the face his husband is making.

Because that's what a happy husband Dean in love does. He plays around with his husband Castiel mad and enjoy the results: handsome annoyed (jealous) face.

Another example of this was the scene in which Dean talks about Amara and him having a "thing".

Gif credit @inacatastrophicmind

Sammy's face here is also a thing like WTH ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, DEAN? And Castiel is "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO YOUR HUSBAND, WHICH IS ME?"

And not just this scene but the one where Dean cut him off in the phone when Castiel asked him for Amara? LMAO. People, that's very, very a lover's game.

Dean is playing with Castiel because he is hopelessly in love with him and because he is flirting and happy and wants to enjoy Castiel's reactions. Because they're in love. Loudly in love.

Last thing I'm gonna say about this episode is, Dean was waiting for Castiel in this scene.

When Castiel comes back with Jack, he was about to leave and Dean stops him, by asking him where was he going. Castiel says they just came back with Jack, and he was in his room, and ghey didn't want to wake Dean up... but but, Dean was already awake, in fact, the whole buddy language is yelling... I WAS WAITING FOR YOI CAS, WITH A WHISKEY BOTTLE TO HAVE A DRINK TOGETHER.

Because Dean bows his head, avoiding Castiel's gaze, kind of flustered cutie in love who wants to spend time with his husband.

Gif credit @inacatastrophicmind

This is because after Purgatory 2.0 they made the mating dancing I'm 15x10, they got married in episode 15x12 and now they're in the honeymoon. That's why Dean behaves so dummy. Hahahaha.

To Conclude:

These episodes showed us a happy Dean in love, making his husband mad just to enjoy it.

Poor Castiel he didn't see it coming...

I hope you liled this meta, see you in the next one!

Tagging @magnificent-winged-beast @emblue-sparks @weirddorkylittlediana @michyribeiro @whyjm @legendary-destiel @a-bit-of-influence @thatwitchydestielfan @misha-moose-dean-burger-lover @lykanyouko @evvvissticante @savannadarkbaby @dea-stiel @poorreputation @bre95611 @thewolfathedoor @charlottemanchmal @neii3n @deathswaywardson @followyourenergy @dean-is-bi-till-i-die @hekatelilith-blog @avidbkwrm @anarchiana @dickpuncher365 @vampyrosa @authorsararayne @mybonsai1976 @love-neve-dies @dustythewind @wayward-winchester67 @angelwithashotgunandtrenchcoat @trashblackrainbow @deeutdutdutdoh @destiel-shipper-11 @larrem88 @charmedbycastiel @ran-savant @little-crazy-misha-minion @samoosetheshipper

@shadows-and-padlocked-hearts @mishtho @dancingtuesdaymorning @nerditoutwithbooks @mikennacac73 @justmeand-myinsight @idontwantpeopletoknowmyname @teddybeardoctor @pepevons @helevetica @dizzypinwheel @horsez2002 @qanelyytha

@destielle @spnsmile @shippsblog @robot-feels @superlock-in-the-tardis @superduckbatrebel @belacoded @madronasky @anon-non2 @cea1996 @lisafu02 @asphodelesauvage @deancasgirl777

If you want to be added or removed from this list, just let me know.

If you wanna read the previous metas from season 15, here you have the links: Vol. CXXI, CXXII, CXXIII, CXXIV, CXXV.

Buenos Aires August 15th 2021 12:53 PM

[crackinglamb]

You Have Chosen Nydha To Be Your Companion!

Hopping off @little-lightning-lavellan's idea to take a DA:I OC and turn them into a companion, may I present Banal'ras Nydha (from Hope Is a Fragile Thing) and her wiki page.

General

Banal'ras Nydha looks human, although there is something that doesn't seem quite right about her. She has dark hair and skin and startlingly green eyes, and speaks with a low, raspy voice. It is often difficult to find her in a room. Nydha first appears, and is available to recruit, in the Temple of Sacred Ashes before attempting to close the Breach. She offers knowledge and combat tactics against demons. If dismissed, or never spoken to, she will then be spotted in Haven behind Solas's cabin. She will not be available to recruit at that time, although once the Inquisition is relocated to Skyhold, she will make an offer to travel with the Inquisitor. If dismissed again, she will become a non-interactive NPC in the Rotunda, usually found near the mural or atop the scaffolding. If she is never recruited, she will disappear from Skyhold after the final battle with Corypheus.

Nydha is not romanceable by any Inquisitor, but can engage in a relationship with Solas if a female Dalish Inquisitor has not done so. She is friendly and bonds well with most of the other party members, especially Cole, Dorian and, of course, Solas. She prefers diplomacy and tends towards mediation rather than confrontation. If a Dalish Inquisitor has romanced Solas, and has high approval, Nydha will offer comfort and sympathy upon termination of the relationship. If low approval, Nydha has nothing to say.

She has strong opinions on the plight of elves, slaves and mages. She is supportive of any measures that would improve the lives of them. Her early banter with Dorian revolves around debating Tevinter's practices and trying to get him to see a better way. She will also speak with Iron Bull about the shortcomings of the Qun, although never with the same level of disdain as Solas. While she never openly mocks the Chantry or Andrastianism, she isn't a strong supporter or believer and has no opinion on who becomes Divine.

Location

In Haven, Nydha can be found behind Solas's cabin, usually in the darkest corner. Once the Inquisition relocates to Skyhold, she can be found in either the Arcane Library or the Rotunda.

Approval

Nydha's approval level is based upon empathy. An Inquisitor who is helpful, respectful and curious will gain approval. Nydha has no opinion on quests such as Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts or the outcome of Here Lies the Abyss, but approves diplomatic resolutions to judgments. She will greatly approve allying with the Free Mages, and only slightly approve conscripting the Templars. Conscription of the Free Mages or allying with the Templars will result in full disapproval. She will greatly approve Iron Bull becoming Tal-Vashoth and keeping Cole as a spirit. Actions that are ruthless or cruel will lose approval.

A high approval Inquisitor will learn that Nydha was born in another world and 'crossed over' through the Veil when the Breach opened. She will tell the Inquisitor that her name was given to her as a gift from someone she met in the Fade. She does not, however, say that it is Solas (see below for unique Trespasser dialogue). She will say that her name means 'Shadow of Night', according to her translation. A Dalish Inquisitor can have special dialogue to recognize the name as being Elvish and can question how a human came to have it. Nydha will answer that it is because the native language of the Fade is Elvish, a remnant from when elves held all of Thedas before human arrival.

A low approval Inquisitor will not learn this part of her history and she will remain an enigma. If approval falls to zero, she will refuse to speak to the Inquisitor, although she does not leave and is still available as a companion.

Quests

Survivor In the Shadows – the quest for meeting Nydha initially at the Temple of Sacred Ashes. It begins upon speaking with her, and ends with either recruitment or dismissal.

From the Ashes – only available after either In Hushed Whispers or Champions of the Just, but before completion of In Your Heart Shall Burn, Nydha will ask the Herald to accompany her back to the Temple of Sacred Ashes to search for her few belongings. The Herald will find a journal, a bundle of unusual clothes and a single unmarked vial. Nydha will approve completing this quest.

A Better Form – Nydha will ask for help in stabilizing her corporeal body if Dagna is brought into the Inquisition. Resolution of this quest will involve having Dagna create a unique amulet that will act as a permanent grounding source, rather like a lightning rod. Components for this amulet are: 1 blank rune stone, 1 wisp essence, and either 5 dawnstone or 5 volcanic aurum (both imbue constitution bonuses). It will act as an Amulet of Power, granting Nydha an extra skill point. This is the only time such an ability will be available to her. This will also allow her to wear other amulets throughout the remainder of the game. She, and Solas, will greatly approve completing this quest.

Twice-Born – available during the Jaws of Hakkon DLC. Nydha, if in the party, will ask to speak with the Augur of Stone-Bear Hold once relations with the hold have been established. If she is not among the Inquisitor's party, she will be found in the main scout camp near Professor Kenric. What the two speak about will be unknown, but at the end of the quest, Nydha will inform the Inquisitor that she has been given the legend-mark Twice-Born from the hold's 'gods'. Cole will greatly approve completing this quest, regardless of whether or not he is in the party.

Note: This quest is not dependent upon approval, but is the only time she will speak with a zeroed out Inquisitor, should that level of low approval be reached.

Ability Tree/Specialization

Nydha is technically a rogue, and can utilize either a bow or double daggers. She has an autolevel preference for the Subterfuge tree, and has an additional, unique starting skill in Fade Cloak. This does not require further leveling to be active. It is the only skill that cannot be deactivated from her skillset.

She can specialize in either Tempest or Rift Mage, due to her nature as a being from the Fade. She is not otherwise a mage. Her decision on specialization can be influenced, as she will ask the Inquisitor's opinion. If no opinion is given, she will default to taking Tempest.

Combat comments

“Come get some!”

“Catch me if you can!”

(If specialized in Tempest) “Burn, baby, burn.”

(If specialized in Rift Mage) “Ooh, the stuff of nightmares.”

Kills an enemy

“Another one bites the dust.”

“Cool story, bro.”

“Then perish.”

Low Health

“This was not on my agenda today.”

“A little help?”

Low Health (Companions)

For all general companions: “I have your back.”

If in a romance with Solas: “Take a breather, fenorain.”

Fallen Companions

For all general companions: “I'll make them pay!”

If in a romance with Solas: “NO!”

Location Comments

Ferelden:

Hinterlands: “Why is it so big? Why is everything so big?”

Fallow Mire: “I have mud in unmentionable places. Can we go now?”

Storm Coast: “I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and sky.”

If companions question her: “It's just from a poem I once read.”

Orlais:

Exalted Plains: “So much death. Can't you feel it?”

Emerald Graves: “This forest is old. Very old.” [laughs] “I always wanted to say that in proper context.”

Emprise du Lion: “Stay away from the bloody lyrium. And wear a hat.”

At Suledin Keep after Imshael, if Solas is in the party: “Ir abelas, lethallin.” (If romanced) Ir abelas, fenorain.”

Solas's reply (only translated if the Inquisitor is Dalish): “Ma serannas. Ea lam'an.” (It is in the past)

At the Pools of the Sun, regarding the trio of dragons: “Can't we just leave them alone? They really won't hurt anyone if we keep our distance.”

Hissing Waste: “You know, if you ignore the endless vista of sand, it's really quite beautiful. In a bleak kind of way.”

Western Approach: “Hot. Hot and blighted. I need a drink.”

Forbidden Oasis, upon reaching the second camp: “That's it, I'm never leaving.”

Arbor Wilds: “Mind your footing. This place is full of secrets.”

In Val Royeaux: “Pretty place.”

Frostback Basin: “I could stay here forever. Even with the varmints.”

The Descent: “Nice and dark, just the way I like it.”

At the Wellspring: “Wow...that's amazing.”

Trespasser: “Now it all ends, my friend.”

If the Inquisitor questions the statement: “You'll see soon enough.”

Companion/Advisor comments

Varric – Gotta watch out for Spooky, there's something about her I can't put my finger on.

Cassandra – She is an able fighter, but I would not trust her out of my sight, which is far too often.

Solas – She is secretive by nature, but I would assure you that she means no harm.

Iron Bull – She's a tricky one. Good fighter, lotta secrets. Good at keeping them too. I don't think I've cracked a single one that she didn't tell me herself.

Dorian – She's fascinating. I am not at liberty to say why, of course, if you don't already know.

Cole – Bright as the sun and scattered as the stars. She wants to help, just like I do.

Vivienne – She seems capable enough, my dear. But I would not dare to trust her. She is an accomplished player of the Game, for all her smiles and good cheer.

Sera – She's as bad as Creepy, although she's better at jokes. She's better at hiding than I am!

Blackwall – She knows something. She knows too many somethings.

Josephine – She keeps to herself and has caused no diplomatic incidents. I wish I could say the same for some of the others gathered here.

Leliana – I find it curious that I cannot find any solid evidence of her existence before the Conclave, but that does not automatically mark her a spy. However, her nature makes me no more inclined to trust her. I would be wary of her.

Cullen – Who? Oh, the...shadowy...person. I hear she can handle herself. I can't say I've spoken with her, so I don't have an opinion.

Trespasser

There is a unique dialogue tree available to the Inquisitor while speaking with Solas if Nydha was recruited as a companion.

“Did you know about Nydha?”

“Yes, I am the one who gave her her name. I found her while I yet slept, and she became corporeal after the Breach.”

(First branch) “Is she one of your agents?”

“No. She has only ever been my friend.”

(Special, if not romanced) “Your friend? It seemed to be more than that.”

“In another world, perhaps.”

(Second branch) “Is she joining you?”

“No, I would not wish her on this path.”

(Third branch) “She knew this whole time. Why didn't she tell me?”

“She had her reasons for not telling you. (If high approval) I hope you will not hold them against her.”

Regardless of approval, Nydha disappears after the Exalted Council. She settles in the Frostback Basin among the Avvar. A high approval Inquisitor will receive correspondence from her from time to time, but she will refuse to come back to the 'civilized' nations of Thedas, preferring privacy and isolation.

Trivia

If in the party during Here Lies the Abyss, the Nightmare demon will speak to her in Elvish. Her reply is a scoff and nothing else.

Nydha can be a third option at the Vir'Abelasan if she is in the party. If she is chosen to drink from the Well, Abelas does not object, although he will still point out that she will be bound as they are. If Nydha drinks, she will summon Flemeth and work with the Inquisitor to tame the dragon for the final confrontation with Corypheus. If she is in the party during Trespasser, she will be able to provide the password to the spirit guards, preventing a fight.

If Morrigan is allowed to attack Abelas, she will attempt to defend him and will argue that the witch is not worthy of the knowledge she seeks if brutality is her only way to get it. If there is a peaceful alliance with the Sentinels and Morrigan is chosen to drink, Nydha will slightly disapprove but hold her tongue on the matter.

If the Inquisitor drank from the Well, and succeeds in finding enough clues to determine that Solas is Fen'Harel, Nydha will appear saddened when the Inquisitor rebuts to the Viddasala that they already know. She will state that this was what she'd been waiting for. The Inquisitor will have the option to accuse her of knowing the whole time. She will answer yes, but she won't explain.

If Nydha is never recruited, and remains an NPC in the Rotunda, one will hear her occasionally speak with Solas. These conversations range in topic from books they are reading to the mural. Never about Inquisition business. There is a slight chance to hear them speaking in Elvish, and their words are not translated, regardless of Inquisitor's race. Solas's replies appear to be noncommittal.

Nydha will remark upon the Inquisitor's romantic choices, usually with something supportive and a hope that they are happy together. She will also comment something generally pleasant about each companion if asked. The exception to this is if Iron Bull remains Ben-Hassrath. Nydha will caution the Inquisitor to be careful of telling him too much since his loyalty is now unknown.

It can be implied from various interactions and from high approval conversation that Nydha was in fact aware of everything that would happen during the course of the game. She never gives a reason for keeping her silence on matters pertaining to what foreknowledge she had, although any input given during the game events is sound and often given in such a way so as not to risk suspicion.

It can also be implied that regardless of what Solas says during Trespasser, Nydha has actually left the Inquisition to join his ranks, or at least does not stand opposed to him. This is not confirmed, however, and according to her epilogue card, she is enjoying a quiet life in the Frostback Basin with no intention of ever interfering with Thedosian politics or events again.

[littlefoxwithbighat]

The sides denying aspects of themselves

I could write 50 essays on this topic but you'd all get bored and it would be incoherent. So let me talk about some of the parts of the sides that they deny. You probably all already know these but I think it's interesting to talk about and look at the examples--so here we go!

Logan "I don't feel anything" Sanders

OK, right out of the gate this is so untrue. Its so, so, so untrue. You know it, I know it, we all know it.

We've seen him happy:

Angry:

Scared:

Frustrated:

And empathetic/ remorseful:

We've also seen him passionate (Crofters musical), defeated (SvSr) and childish (Losing my motivation)

And all of this requires feeling.

I think what's interesting about this, is that the veil is so thin for this lie. For the pieces I wrote on Roman and Virgil, other characters have had glimpses of the parts they deny but for the most part it's pretty hidden. However Logan having feelings and denying them is common knowledge. Like all the characters know it.

Even Deciet, who yes, is incredibly astute and intuitive, picked it up within knowing the guy for like 10 minutes of canon interaction.

But what is most interesting about all of this to me is that CHARACTER THOMAS KNOWS.

Not only KNOWS but has canonically called him out on it!

C!Thomas [to Logan]: This just serves as testament to the fact that you have a temperament- which is fine, you just haven't accepted it (-LNTAO)

C! Thomas [to Logan]: I've seen you scared. (-Embarrassing Phases)

This is so so fascinating. Firstly, it's worth remembering that Thomas is in control here.

As Virgil said "You're the boss Thomas. Anything you want to know, you can know. You just have to be open to hearing it."

They're his sides. He ultimately has control over them. And Thomas knows that Lo is hiding his emotions, so WHY doesn't he resolve this? Because, let us be clear, it might take time, but if he wanted to, he could.

A) He doesn't think that ultimately, it doesn't matter

B) He doesn't want to

C) He hasn't actually adressed the matter

D) He is concerned about the consequences

Personally I think it's a combination of all four, although perhaps less so D.

We never really get long enough to pause on this topic and see the other sides reactions to this, so it's difficult to draw any firm conclusions. The best we really have is The Puzzle Song in LNTAO, and from that we can conclude Roman is frustrated, and Patton and Virgil are empathetic, but also a bit frustrated and trying to facilitate change.

OK, we've established that he has feelings and looked a little bit at other character reactions. Let's move on to our favourite blue boy himself.

Firstly, motive. WHY does he do this. This is one is easy, and widely canonically established, its his overwhelming need to be taken seriously. Right?

Well sort of.

That what I would have said at first too, but I don't think thats exactly right. It's because he needs to be LISTENED TO, and it's important we make that distinction. I think Crofters is a great example. He made a bit of a fool of himself in that video, and what's more, he didn't care. And I don't think it's becuse of his powerful love of Crofters overtook his sensibilities (lol) it's because he didn't have a point he needed it express in that video. His emotionless, serious personna was created is that the other sides, and Thomas, would listen to him, when he expresses facts and opinions. Because that's all Logan wants.

So it's pretty heartbreaking that it hasn't worked.*

*(Please note I do not think the sides were unjustified in talking over him in some of this points and that some of them are clearly a result of high emotional stress. That said its still clearly getting to Logan)

This is even more distressing when you consider that for Logan listening and learning, going both ways is very much his love language (See Joans explanation of Sunrise from In The Heights on his playlist, and his reaction to Thomas saying he might take an astronomy course). Logan is killing himself trying to be listened to, trying to be loved, and it's not WORKING (Hmm, remind you of another side?)

But this is a progressive development. Maybe it's partly a result of Thomas not having the characters super fleshed out when the series started, but even so, this personna Logan is putting up is coming up more and more often, and he's clearly repressing his feelings more and more. It's kind of difficult to show this, but just watch Logan in early season 1 compared with now, there is a marked difference.

But actually, I think there are two things that illustrate this perfectly.

First, him making himself into a textbox in POF. I mean it goes without saying, but textboxes aren't people. They don't have emotions. Logan feels he can't even show up anymore, because he as a person, is not worth paying attention to. I don't think it's a coincidence that he chose a form that cannot be talked over, and pops up on the front of the screen, impossible to hide, or cut out of shot. Remember, it was Janus who created the skip button.

(That being said I think I'm not saying this is a sign of him having a healthy ego and interfering, if anything it implies the opposite)

Second, the unicorn onesie. The unicorn onesie is something I keep coming back to when I think about Logan because... UNICORNS. They're a fantasy creature, there's not a jot of science or reality about them. Of all of the choices, Logan, fact oriented Logan, doesn't understand figures of speech Logan, doesn't like cartoons because they're not realistic Logan, WHY does he pick a UNICORN!?

In my opinion, the unicorn onesie is something of a confession. Vulnerability. It kind of represents all of the feelings and fantasy and fun that Logan tries to repress. And that kinda makes sense doesn't it, I mean, feelings, fun and fantasy, that's what unicorns often stand for.

So I think it's telling that throughout the series, we first see him embarrassed, but not too torn up about being seen in his onesie (able to show and engage with his feelings fairly openly, but trying to keep fairly calm and serious) to being unable to wear it around his friends in a relaxed environment, WHEN THEY ARE ALL WEARING ONESIES (Can't show any emotional vulnerability at all and suppressing all his feelings in order to seem serious and be listened to.) Thinking about it this way, Roman saying "no onesie, no vote" could be an interesting parallel to how the sides view this. Because, again this isn't working, and if anything, the deeper Logan goes into this emotionless front, the less he seems to be listened to, which makes him go even deeper, and it's an endless positive feedback loop, which is ironic considering how soul-crushingly negative this is.

What I'm trying to say is that we've seen repeatedly, that the point in the episode where a/the side(s) get emotionally vulnerable is often the point in the episodes where everyone calms down and listens to one another, so this emotional repression is doing nothing but damaging Logan.

That being said, you can understand how he's worried about letting his front it down. Because Logan is right.

There will be times where he needs to be heeded, and ignoring him could lead to disastrous consequences. The biggest example of this is DWIT. If he wasn't there they could not have gotten rid of Remus, everyone else would be panicking, and Thomas' mental state would be in the gutter.

Thomas NEEDS Logan.

So if Logan feels like showing his feelings will stop him from being listened to, then logically, he has to continue to hide and suppress them.

I think in season 3, maybe even the season 2 finale this will be adressed and be a big part of his character arc, and I for one, can't wait.

Anyway I think that about does it for this one. Thanks for reading!

[supersizemeplz]

Not A Baby Anymore

Winston 'Daddy Winny' Duke x Black PlusSized Reader

Another #supersizedfic short. I was watching Say Yes to the Dress and thought why not write something. Excuse typos. Enjoy!

Calm pop music filled the air, just loud enough to be heard over the customers without drowning them out. Combined conversations filled the air as the shop door closed behind the group of four, mostly from the groups of women that already filled the dress shop. You and Winston's daughter, Naomi, smiled as she looked around at all the dresses. Glancing at mannequins that were adorned in bridal attire of all kinds. "Daddy, look at that one!"

Winston chuckled at his daughter's excitement, feeling her hug his arm tighter as she did a hushed squeal. "That is nice. Is that the type you were telling me you wanted?" He looked down at her. She shook her head no, saying that she didn't wan a dress that fitted. Pointing to one that was more of her liking.

You chuckled as she pointed out a few she liked. Her eagerness reminded you of yourself before you married Winston. You were a bit hyper yourself when you'd picked your wedding dress all those years ago, smiling so hard you thought your cheeks would split. Let your mother tell it. "Hello everyone. Welcome to Bride to Be." A cheery woman with dark coils greeted with a smile. "Who's the lucky bride?"

Naomi raised her hand, still hugging Winston's arm. She would always be a daddy's girl. The woman clapped her hands together excitedly before she lead the way to the viewing areas. You all picked one closer to the dressing rooms, getting situated as the employee went over where everything was. "Is there a specific budget today?" She asked as she looked to the group.

"No limit. Whatever my baby girl wants." Winston spoke up, seated in his usual wide legged position. Naomi beamed a smile, allowing Winston to kiss her forehead. She was almost as spoiled as you, though Winston care on spending money on either of you.

"Great! You ready to find some dresses, Ms.Bride to Be?" The employee smiled at Naomi. Your daughter looked to you, silently asking you to join her. Grinning, you stood with her and she smiled before saying she was ready. Winston stayed behind with his mother and the groom's mother as you both went looking.

Twenty minutes passed before you'd returned to the couch with a smile.

Winston eyed you with a smirk. Glancing at your backside before you sat by his side. "She find any she's excited about?" You sat back, crossing your legs as you chuckled. Naomi had found a handful of dresses, not being able to make a decision to narrow it down from seven.

"She found seven. All of them with a really long train like she always talks about." You grinned as he chuckled. His shoulders bounced gently as he smiled. Mumbling that she was just as bougie as you. Nudging him playfully, you rolled your eyes. "I am not bougie."

"Girl, you are bougie. You just not stuck up with it." His mother chuckled, making you give a fake gasp as you held a hand to your chest. "Don't gasp at me. You had two people carrying your train down the aisle." Winston released an amused snort as you threw a playful glare at him.

"Here's the first dress, you guys." Naomi sang as she appeared. Holding up the front of the dress as she walked to the small circle stage in front of the mirrors. You, her grandmother, and her mother-in-law gasped before you all aww'd. Glancing back at Winston, he wore a big smile. "You like?" She placed her hands on her sides, allowing the employee to adjust the lengthy train behind her.

"Up there looking like your mama.." Winston's mom beamed. "That's beautiful, baby. It looks good against your skin." Naomi smiled, thanking her. Her mother-in-law agreed along with you. She looked to Winston eagerly.

"What about you, daddy?" Winston kept that smile on his face. Replying that it was pretty and she looked beautiful. Naomi turned to the mirror, happily. "I like it too, but let's try on the next one."

Naomi disappeared with the employee, going to the back again. "I liked that one, personally. All that lace was cute." You looked to the ladies before turning to Winston. He nodded, saying that it was but he knew Naomi didn't love it.

The next forty consisted of the next three dresses. Which had caught a little dispute, but nothing major. Winston stayed quiet during the debates, only speaking when Naomi looked to him. They shared a look you somewhat understood from your dress shopping with your mom. A special connection.

Though he'd said they all were beautiful, something told you that he knew just how much she really liked every dress she'd tried on. So when she disappeared to the back to try on the seventh dress, you figured it would result in going to find more dresses. Nothing had screamed Naomi and you didn't know if this one would.

"This is the last one we picked, y'all." Naomi wore a bigger smile, wearing a veil for the first time. Though the train was shorter than the rest, she didn't like the dress any less. You grinned as she placed her hands on her hips after stepping onto the stage. "I really like this one." She glanced to her father with a smile, but didn't ask him that question.

You seen her turn to the mirror excitedly. "That's my favorite so far, Mimi.." You held a hand to your chest, giving her a loving look. The material of the dress seemed to catch the light and illuminate it. Simple but extravagant. Her brown skin glowed and her smile reached her eyes. Grabbing the veil, she pulled it to cover her face. You fanned your eyes, mentally telling yourself not to cry.

"What do you think, Winny?" You smiled, taking a breath. "I think she's found the one." Not turning to look at him, you admired your daughter. The smile on her face tugging at your heart, in a good way. She turned back to the group and her brows pushed together a bit as she looked next to you.

"Daddy, are you crying?" She cooed, smiling at Winston. He sniffled and you turned to him. He was. "Aww, daddyyyy. You're gonna make me cry." The employee beside her helped her off the little stage, making sure she didn't trip over her dress. .. held up the front of her dress as she made her way to her father, holding out her free arm.

Winston stood to embrace his baby girl, chuckling as she grinned at him. His large arms engulfing her as he hugged her to his broad chest. "My princess isn't a baby anymore.." He mumbled as he rocked them. It finally settled in. When he pulled back, he dabbled her tears. Like you'd taught him to do with you.

looked at up at him, holding his other hand. "You really like this one, daddy?" She smiled, hoping that he'd approve. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling as he replied ' its perfect, baby girl'. Turning to the employee, she beamed as the woman asked  'you're saying yes to the dress?'.

Winston gave a reassuring squeeze to her hand when she looked back to him. She turned back to the woman as he let go of her hand, allowing her to clap with a squeal. "I'm saying yes to the dress!!"

____________________________

Taglist: @sisterwifeudaku @kumkaniudaku @elaindeereads @wawakanda-btch @theunsweetenedtruth @hold-me-like-a-heart-beat @unholyxcumbucket @purple-apricots @marvelpotterlove @chaneajoyyy @disneysdarlingdiva @wakanda-inspired @justanotherloveaffair @cmonkillmonger @princesskillmonger @theblulife @airis-paris14 @fonville-designs @liviy00 @cosmicmelaninflower @whoramilaje @yaachtynoboat711 @yofavcocoa @teheeboo @alexundefined @kaykay0829 @terrablaze514 @iwrite4poc @truglori @muse-of-mbaku @killmongerdispussy @jozigrrl @thedelightfulone @bugngiz @fiercedeception @tinyelfperson @ashleychristina73 @ikeea-world @softnani @desireatatyana @amethystbutterflie @chefjessypooh @slimmiyagi

[spooky-strawberry]

I don't usually write things on here but I'm in a bit of an essay mood so here we go.

As a preface, these are my thoughts and opinions. No shade at all to anyone who likes Solas/supports him.

I think my biggest gripe with Solas tearing down the veil is that he has pretty narrow field of view. Like the first time around when he drastically changed the world by putting the veil up, he seemingly didn't consider what yanking magic out of a civilisation that was built on it would do, or didn't know that the magic being gone would be a consequence. Putting shit gods in a permanent time-out and protecting his people were admirable goals but his actions resulted in everything the elves built crumbling underneath them. In the libraries in Trespasser you hear recordings of ancient elves praying for the return of the evanuris in the hopes that they would fix it. If your people would prefer returning to the way things were over what was wrought as the result of your actions, my guy, you done fucked up. And it's happening again! If the old world was built on magic and taking that away royally screwed things up, then with this world being built on the near absence of it, the rapid addition of all the magic at once probably won't be fantastic. If he had little idea of what would happen when he put the veil up, how he could know what would happen if it's torn down? He acknowledges that the world might burn, and what, modern elves can't be caught in that? It's a toss of the dice. One where mass murder is, seemingly to him, an acceptable consequence.

Secondly, in a certain playthrough, a player put the pieces in place for systemic change. You've got the king of Ferelden married to an elven warden. Briala pulling strings in Orlais. Leliana as Divine reconfiguring the Chantry and the Circles. Dorian up in Tevinter dismantling corrupt systems. An elven Inquisitor with the might of the Inquisition behind them. As the end slides indicate, positive change is already happening. And Solas either doesn't see it or doesn't see it as worthwhile enough to maybe consider not risking the world, AGAIN.

Thirdly, the narrative shows you and tells you that the veil is not really the problem. It causes problems, sure, but the core problem is the people in power. Even before the veil was put up, the evanuris abused, slaughtered, and enslaved the elven people. With the evanuris gone, new power filled that void, just as shit as the power that was there before.

So like, veil not there? Problems. Veil there? Problems. Veil torn down? ??? No problems?

To my mind, tearing down the veil won't fix the core issues of Thedas, at the very least not with any certainty. Like at all. It might give elves their magic back, but it might also give more magic to magisters. It might obliterate bad people with too much power, but it might also do the same to innocents. It might bring magic back relatively safely, or it might raze the entire planet.

Solas isn't malicious, and as indicated in that final talk in Trespasser, he does show a willingness to listen with the whole "I hope to be proven wrong again" thing. So like, as it stands, I think the best outcome would be convincing him to not bring down the veil, and instead getting him to use his god powers and army of elven followers to bolster the efforts of people like Leliana, Brialla, Dorian, etc to better inform and speed up the positive change and ensure that new, better systems stay in place.

TL;DR, break the chains, not the world. Again.

(stares at the additional unnecessary careful wording of “as we know it” that completely waters down the meaning, I FUCKING KNEW IT.)