#to me... i read her as a teenager who is fond of alice and a bit jealous of her childishness

[surrender-souls]

it makes sense that, given alice is dreaming wonderland, the cheshire cat is like her truest friend there. she's always talking about her own cat, much more than any people she knows, so her closest friend in her dream would probably reflect a good friend from her own life

[greenqueenhightower]

A (Rhaenicent) Analysis of Mysaria x Rhaenyra Scenes in 2x06:

Disclaimer: This is a long Rhaenicent reading of the scenes! Those of you who ship Rhaesaria but not Rhaenicent pls be chill about it, thanks :)

Rhaenyra and Mysaria have three interesting scenes together in 2x06. In the first one, Mysaria finds a restless Rhaenyra wielding a sword. Just previously, Rhaenyra slapped Lord Bartimos for undermining her and received a metaphorical slap on the face by the death of Ser Steffon Darklyn. Mysaria, as she has done many times before, gives Rhaenyra support and encouragement. Once more she makes sure to spin around Rhaenyra's emotional state and alleviate her worries by mentioning the good news regarding the plot she set forth: "The smallfolk of King's Landing are listening."

"This... becomes you." Just then, as Rhaenyra is about to leave, Mysaria comments on how flattering the sword is in Rhaenyra's hands, who blushes and awkwardly exits the room. Has Mysaria found Rhaenyra's vulnerable spot?

"May I be free for even one hour of the constant refrain of Daemon, Daemon, Daemon?" The second scene begins with Rhaenyra and Jace's conversation. Jace emphasizes the importance of Daemon's aid and presence, which infuriates Rhaenyra. Mysaria soon appears and reports on their plans. Rhaenyra notices and appreciates that Mysaria does not think that either of them needs Daemon. Mysaria seems to have full trust in Rhaenyra's abilities. As they gaze into the distance, Rhaenyra can't help but be drawn toward Mysaria's alluring aura of faith in Rhaenyra's leadership.

"I do not think I can win this war." In the third scene, Mysaria informs Rhaenyra of further developments in their plot, but Rhaenyra's confidence in herself has wavered. Mysaria can't let such feelings accumulate and must correct this behavior. Isn't she Rhaenyra's only ally who sees her true potential after all?

"He has ever done what suits Daemon." Mysaria builds on the common ground she shares with Rhaenyra. They both know Daemon for who he is, having both shared a sexual and emotionally costly relationship with him. The two alone know what Daemon is like. Mysaria's taste of power and freedom without Daemon intrigues Rhaenyra.

"He was everything I wanted to be... a man." Rhaenyra expresses that she would rather be born a man, a sentiment previously disclosed only to Alicent and her mother.

"You don't like me to go flying while you're in any condition." While Queen Aemma wasn't fond of Rhaenyra's pursuits, Alicent was supportive of Rhaenyra's decisions during their teenage years. With eagerness and awe, she waited for Rhaenyra to return on dragonback and took pride in seeing her be her fearless and assertive self. Alicent knew that Rhaenyra was cut out for greater things than motherhood and feminine domestic pursuits.

"I'd rather serve as a knight and ride to battle and glory." Rhaenyra appears dejected because her own mother does not understand her, further enforcing the narrative that the childbed should be Rhaenyra's battlefield. Rhaenyra is most comfortable discussing her dreams and aspirations with Alicent, who she knows would not scoff at them but would champion them. Alicent, once again, would be proud of Rhaenyra.

"I want to fly with you on dragonback, see the great wonders across the Narrow Sea and eat only cake." Having Alicent's support and unwavering faith in her, Rhaenyra is relaxed and at ease. Even before Viserys named Rhaenyra his heir, Alicent was her only ally who knew her potential. When that trust in each other is breached, Rhaenyra (much like Alicent) feels alone.

"You have me." Mysaria becomes the embodiment of young Alicent who always believed and sided with Rhaenyra. For her own part, Rhaenyra has come to be comfortable around Mysaria, the same way she was with Alicent. She allowed herself to become emotionally vulnerable with Mysaria and discuss her dreams, having done so previously only with Alicent. Mysaria picks on that cue, and she becomes equally vulnerable in front of her by sharing her own harrowing story. She achieves the desired effect because she incites Rhaenyra's empathy and stirs her emotions. Is Rhaenyra reminded of her own mother's butchering and having been offered comfort by Alicent that she is now moved to do the same for Mysaria?

"I will serve you. I believe you are meant to be Queen." As Mysaria affirms her support of her, is Rhaenyra perhaps reminded of Alicent's support and belief in her? Is that the motivation behind the hug that so parallels Alicent's hug with Rhaenyra when she dressed and readied her friend for her first appearance as heir? Does she look for comfort in Mysaria's neck, just as Alicent did with hers?

"The princess was more suited to the role." Is Rhaenyra reminded of Alicent's public defense of her birthright during Aegon's second nameday, when she declared that Rhaenyra was suited to take Daemon's place as heir? Or is she reminded of Alicent's more recent revelation in the sept, of having never ceased to believe in her abilities?

Mysaria sees how much Rhaenyra requires an advisor, friend, ally, and supporter and fills that void in her desire to safeguard her position and to possess and control Rhaenyra. Using sex to gain more power is familiar to her. Mysaria's comments on Rhaenyra's worthiness to rule, the pride she takes in her leadership and the security she feels around her are sentiments that Rhaenyra herself sought to find in Alicent, who had the same pride and admiration of her abilities when they were young girls. Rhaenyra had missed the genuine praise and support that Alicent gave her and saw a glimpse of that in Mysaria.

As they embraced, Rhaenyra was transported back to her reckless and free childhood years when she was so celebrated by her childhood friend and crush. When she saw Alicent again in the sept, Alicent had affirmed her devotion to the same belief: that Rhaenyra would make a fine Queen, and that Alicent used to be proud of her.

Now that Alicent is out of reach, Mysaria has made herself indispensable to Rhaenyra by embodying the same supportive figure that Rhaenyra was seeking all along. As a result, Rhaenyra hugs and kisses her without hesitation just as she would teenage Alicent.

[mllemaenad]

The Magnus Protocol: Marked

Huh. The tattoos are interesting.

At the moment, they remind me most of "Leitners". Of course, there are other cursed objects in the world, but these, like the weird books of The Magnus Archives are specifically pieces of art that can infect a person and drive them to extreme acts.

They are linked, not by any particular obsession, but by the sense of compulsion itself. Daria, of Making Adjustments was driven to self-mutilation by her tattoo, because of her insecurity about her appearance. Gordie, David and, given that the actual company email address goes inactive at the end of the story, quite possibly the entire landscaping crew, were drawn inexorably to the sea by a sense of nostalgia.

Chester/Gordie On a personal note, I’d just like to say thank you for using us to do this job. I know we can’t have been the cheapest company to put in a bid, but as local lads we’ve been coming to this graveyard all our lives (even if just to sneak some booze as stupid teenagers), and now that the cliff���s finally giving up the ghost (if you’ll pardon the pun), it feels right for us to be the ones taking it apart. – The Magnus Protocol: Marked

They are not anxious or afraid – not at the beginning, anyway. It is their fondness for the cemetery that dooms them.

But even though theme around what the tattoo means and what it does to someone is quite different, there's apparently a community of some kind devoted to them. For a start, the particular tattoo in the story is from no later that 1908, and while I admit "Oscar Jarrett" is not a name that immediately means something to me, "Sutherland Macdonald" was a real Victorian tattoo artist. So this has been going on a while. And, Ink5oul seems to have some pretty strong ideas about what that tattoo was – and must have had some idea it was in that graveyard, to turn up within two days of the body's exhumation.

There's some kind of community built around mystical tattoos. It is old and, given the evidence from Making Adjustments, alive, well, and still inking creepy images into people to this very day.

That's an interesting thing in itself. The cults in The Magnus Archives were built around allegiance to a particular power. Leitner existed, but he was one guy with a particularly awful book collection. What draws these people together?

And if the tattoos are in any way like the Leitners, that carries with it some worrying implications.

The first thing is that the books typically had to be picked up and read to cause any significant harm. And while, yes, tattoos may be deliberately covered with clothing or makeup, there's still a much greater chance of a lot of people being casually exposed to them.

The second thing is that ... well, tattoos are on people. No one thought twice about burning a Leitner, assuming it was one that would burn. Hell, "setting the annoying books on fire" was Gerard Keay's whole thing. But what's the plan if you are dealing with an image that lives in the skin of a person? And a person, who, like Daria, genuinely had no idea what they were signing up for?

Then there's the meta around the case. Sam, here, behaves exactly like John did. He's always had an interest in the cases, of course. But the core thing about John was that he knew not a damned thing about monsters – but he always paid attention to the people. This is an easy one, of course; I'm sure everyone went HEY IT'S THE CREEPY TATTOO ARTIST! But it's true nevertheless. Ink5oul the creepy tattoo artist has been active at least as recently as 2020.

Sam wants to note the pattern. John was obstructed by a (deliberately) poorly organised archive. Even if he had the general idea of what kind of thing he needed to find, actually finding it was almost impossible. Sam is obstructed by any reasonable means of stringing his research together. Or at least so Alice says – I haven't forgotten that she was either lying or very wrong about the search function not working.

But the nature of the OIAR seems to be that it puts a barrier between the people doing the assessing and the cases themselves. They are removed from the situation in a way that the archival staff were not. And Sam has breached that barrier. He knows someone is out there who is involved in this stuff.

As for Alice, well, she's being followed. Probably by [ERROR], although we'll see. The episode is called Marked. The dead man in the grave was marked by his tattoo. Gordie, David and likely the rest were marked by exposure to it. Explicitly, Gordie became obsessed by the shape in the water. Something was pursuing that ship, and he had to know what it was. And Alice ... well, something has marked her, and is pursuing her.

The most interesting thing, really, is that it's Alice being pursued, not Sam. Sam wanted to go to The Magnus Institute, and found nothing but a soggy ruin. Alice complained every step of the way – and she's the one with the stalker.

Sam No, you’re right. I don’t know what I’m looking for. I have… I have memories of weird stuff I saw here, but no context. I want to know what was happening, why they chose us… why they didn’t choose me. Maybe find the bit where everything started to go wrong. But… it’s too late. And now… I’m the only one left who cares. – The Magnus Protocol: Saturday Night

Is that a thing, somehow? That Sam is fundamentally the one who does not get chosen? John was a magnet for every horror in the story – and it was all very deliberate, with the pain and fear leading to a final goal. But if Sam is somehow resistant to the horrors ... There seems to be something up with him. There are bits of static clearly popping up in the dialogue. There's something that made The Magnus Institute pick him up initially. But there's also something that made them let him go. Perhaps the peril is not to him, but to the people around him.

Gwen did just get thoroughly traumatised. And yes, she absolutely did that to herself, but it still happened.

I do wonder what Gwen thought the job was, though. She does nothing but read (or hear) and categorise monster stories all night, every night. But seems genuinely appalled that being "in" means confronting monsters. Did she think it was all code for something else?

And Celia – well, there you just throw up your hands. Obviously relevant. Too little detail yet to do anything with it. The how and why of her sleeping in the middle of nowhere is important, sure. But who's Jack?

Ah, well. Thoughts for later, I guess.

[historia-vitae-magistras]

It makes my heart soft for Arthur to treat Zee so gently not because she's his daughter but because she's a woman in a time where it was particularly awful to be a woman. He tried his best to respect her as a person and as his child without making her feel she's 'just' a woman. I'm curious how Lord Father would react to some poor bastard coming to ask him permission to court his daughter. I imagine it's that best laugh he's had in a long time, straight up doubled-over with tears in his eyes. Let's him know he'd have a better chance asking her directly but considering this start he's going to have a hell of a time. To quote Thedore Roosevelt: "I can either run the country or I can attend to Alice, but I cannot possibly do both."

ALL of this. It's not like the man isn't sexist because he is, but in a way that isn't purely Victorian. He's lived a long life; the first British person we know much about is Boadicea. He is the last son of a goddess who ruled with blood, sacrifice, fear and cunning. Brighid and he will have a testy relationship, but she was the high-status centre of the Celtic Christianity he will draw upon again and again. England's wealth before the empire was caught up in cloth. Women's work created him, and he knows that. As a child in the world of late antiquity, he sat at his mother's and Brighid's feet as they worked the loom. Disrespecting women's work disrespects most of his own history. Plus, if you read Anglo-Saxon poetry, there are these tantalizing hints that women's work was seen as more important to civilization than men's. He isn't a fantastic father, but he does view her as a person if nothing else. The sheer amount of regnant queens he's had.

And I do feel like he and Zee did direct any potential suiters to him first because very late Victorian/Early Edwardian courtship and society meant that his rejections on her behalf would pull any social blame of her being a bit haughty or potentially deviant and redirect it to him where it was fine. After all, a daughter's marriage is still much the father's prerogative. It was socially acceptable for her to remain unmarried as widowed men or even just men fond of their daughters often gave them the choice of staying home if they so wished. It could be a better setup, but it maximizes her freedom. Answering a question about why she is unwed with "because I'm a lesbian and I don't bloody want to be" is unacceptable and degenerate. But "Oh, I could never leave my poor dear Papa; he utterly depends on me" makes her ultra respectable and dutiful even if she hasn't seen the old fart since Christmas. It's also a way for Arthur to keep an eye on her. If people are writing to him about courting Dearest Eleanor, it's intel.

But the first time it happened? Oh, good lord, the man lost his absolute shit. Partially because she's his baby and just absolutely not, that's his last child. She's not even a century old; he does not care. She is a teenager now she is a baby. Two, the audacity some of these potatoes have. Whenever Zee puts effort into playing the part of being the beautiful young socialite in just the prettiest clothes, putting on her best manners, and utilizing all that intelligence for social purposes, he's got a line out the door. When Zee is cranky with him, she puts on a particularly flattering blue or green dress and goes to a dinner party and just fucks up the old man's week lmao. She goes on a social campaign to get her way about something, and Matt might end up taking a nap in a coffin on the dining room table to shut it all down if he's particularly irate with her because no one can come courting to a house in mourning lol. But man yeah, there is a reason her slightly anti-social ass wears so much mourning black to keep off.

[ridhistory21]

Some Aemond or green fans might be offended but just sharing my truth about some stans, halemond and this drama

It's quite long so please read this fully before saying anything rubbish

I genuinely wanted to know what it this hate for Halemond there. I am more of Rhaena N Aemond bcz for me their etl would be really hot but what's also wrong with halemond ?

For me I would prefer halemond as second choice after Rhaena.

It's surprising bcz I thought Halemond would be a ship which would be liked by everyone and even greens as well bc it's consensual relationship bet two teenagers who love each other no grooming, no harrassing, no abuse. Yes it might be anything in show later then I might change this opinion.

Ik it's incest but wtf should I do with it, so is Rhaemond. They are Targaryens and it's common for them. Moreover when nobody was forcing anything on them but if after getting all options available if Aemond still goes for his sister then clearly it's his feelings not 'family forcing tradition' which was in case of Aegon and Helaena.

-People being utterly hypocrites by saying they want canon that's why they love Alys-Aemond. I would love that too.

But In book Alys is supposed to be an old witch who would manipulate 18 yrs old Aemond to love her for her own plan. I would enjoy Alys milf bossing Aemond too

but mind you if just gender were reversed, those same people would call it predatory example the way Darkling, petyr, Damon or any other old ass is dragged for liking 18-17 yrs old Alina, Sansa.

Also where does this canon love goes when it's about Rhaenyra and Alicent as I clearly remember that no one before HOD shipped them as couple.

Same people have no problem ship Helaena with Aegon the one who don't give fuck about her.

I think there are very less chance that halemond will happen but if I see some scenes clearly with open mind I can very much get that why people are shipping it. They are very correct for it.

I saw many people saying Halemonds were sexualising a child. Leo is pretty baby N I would never want anything disgusting with him.

for me this scene shows that this little Aemond who feels uncomfortable with his brother N cousins, likes his sister and defends her when Aegon makes fun of her.

He feels safe and close with Helaena as compared to others. He has admiration for her. Yes you can call it family love or sister love or a little boy having goofy dream of marrying her sister but whatever it is I do see that he feels genuine liking for Helaena.

For God's sake it's not sexual, it's just his pure sweet kiddish crush which we all have during age of 11 or 12.

Now how these feelings turns shape or something more while growing up we don't know or never knew

Now idk whether it was intentional or not but whatever was there, I felt Aemond was around Helaena way more than Aegon should have been whole time. From dinner scene to him entering to her room early to children speaking Aemond's name till Aegon's crowing moment, we all saw it but refuse to accept it for one reason or another.

Green Stans claiming that there so called 'duty driven boy' would never do anything like this as it would be against of his personality. Really How ? Also same green stans are ok with Aemond falling for women who represents everything he hates. An strong bastard women ? Who will be his war bride or war prize.

I can understand if Aemond and Alys actually grew like a couple becoming fond of each other while spending time but sorry it's not. Show Aemond is so much deep and guarded and according to green stans guy like him would fall in love with Alys in just some few days so badly that he's forgetting everything for her which is very unusual thing for a guy like him.

Let's talk about duty driven Aemond-

Suppose Otto asks Aemond to do heir with Helaena or just go to her bcz Aegon is not fulfilling his duties so that their house could go on without any bad reputation and other hand there is a wet nurse lady who's strong bastard and assumed to be a witch . It doesn't have to do anything with strong house only.

take it for any random wet nurse among common people. Who will Aemond choose in first place ? My opinion is that he will not even take a sec for going to Helaena.

I think others know it well but they will never agree on it

See you can love Alysmond or any other ship. Your dislike towards any ship is also your choice but commenting wildly that this cannot happen or it wasn't like this, ship shaming other people and calling them disgusting names moreover on a fictional character we don't know clearly about.

Recently when some fans said that phia also likes Halemond then antis were behaving like those fans did something utterly disrespectful or horrific 🤡

Haven't these guys been in any fandom ever ? Every single fandom out there openly discuss these fictional ships with actors. Actors also enjoy it alot if they don't know.

I can bet that even Ewan would enjoy this stuff. Any actor would love if fandom engages with them in any theory or activity. It clearly shows that audience are interested in their part.

As an Aemond enjoyer myself I would love to see if his character gets any deep arc or something interesting in sort of way even if it doesn't includes my ship.

If some Aemondwives truly like his character then they should not be doing this kiddish activity that "Aemond is acceptable if it follows everything accordingly to my head canon only".

If Ewan came and said he supports or love halemond if this ship happened which I don't think it will but if he supports it then Aemondwives would definitely hate him I guess😑☠️

Aemond is antagonist I think many of his wives and green Stans need to recall. So him doing any sort of malicious work would not harm his character arc in anyway neither any of his ships I can guarantee.

He has his own character arc which doesn't only revolve around his love interest. Yes I can understand dislike for incest but world where everyone is r$pist, killer, groomer, abuser, consensual incest only would definitely be last thing to worry about.

You all can enjoy your ship without creating any huge drama for anything happening in series where every single person is problematic.

Who is stopping you to ship Helaena with any lady or someone else. You are all free to have to headcanon and enjoy it.

I am excited for Alysmond too and Gayle is wonderful actress. She would nail Alys.

Who would not love a witch and crazy prince romancing ? I would be happy too if there are any chance for Rhaemond getting canon🤪😂.

It shouldn't be that hard to explain but Stans jumping on that girl and phia's liking for Halemond got me to write this whole shit which I usually never do. How can they ? That is so stupid !

You know this behaviour among Stans genuinely make people hate that character. I really like characters like Dany, Daemon and Aemond but their stans are irritating many times. It happened with stranger things also

[therealvinelle]

do you have any thoughts on bree tanner?

On Bree Tanner herself, not so much. I did read her book, and from my recollection (I lent it to a friend who never gave it back. And I’m pretty sure she didn’t even read it(!)) Bree is pretty much what she’s presented as. 

She’s not stupid, but she’s not particularly intelligent either, she’s nice, but not a saint. She has been a vampire for only a few months, but she has already lost her empathy for humans. She’s an introvert who cares deeply for her friend Fred and crush Diego. She was never inclined to fight anybody, and spent the newborn battle just sort of mingling in quiet terror.

She’s a sweet person I’m sure would have made a pleasant addition to the Cullen coven, but ultimately she’s not remarkable.

When it comes to Diego, her supposed mate... hm. For those who didn’t read the book, Riley told the newborns they had to stay in the shadows or they’d burn in the sun. Bree gets a huge crush on one of the other newborns, and they find out vampires actually sparkle. This changes everything! Diego goes to tell Riley about the sparkling. Diego goes to live on a farm after that. No, really, that’s pretty much what Riley tells everybody. Diego is fine, he’s on a very special assignment, next question. Bree eventually figures out that Diego is dead, and her grief combined with a lot of other factors lead to her concluding life is miserable. She dies thinking “Oh well, guess I had a good run.”

Not unsurprisingly, I not only don’t believe in mates, but I also don’t think Diego was anything close to it for Bree either. They were close friends, Bree found out he was dead, and had no time to process it. More, vampires feel very strongly, and this was the only truly emotional event to befall Bree. It knocked her out completely. So, that she then decides she doesn’t mind dying because there’s no point living in a world without Diego seems to me to be a reaction born of her being young (both for a vampire and a human), emotionally inexperienced, and having been hit by this news less than an hour earlier. Had she lived, she would have been just fine.

So, those are my thoughts on Bree Tanner as a person.

Bree Tanner's impact is a different matter.

I think her death was one of the catalysts for the plot of Breaking Dawn.

The vampires in Seattle all died, Victoria included. There were no one left who knew Bree, and her life would have been a moment lost in time, like tears in the rain (Sorry, couldn’t resist).

But there were the Cullens. More specifically, Carlisle.

Carlisle had spent his formative years in Volterra, and parted with Aro in friendly terms. He remained fond of Aro, and continued to think highly of him. He and Aro would have spoken of the Volturi, of the Volturi mission, of how such a law is enforced, and it is prudent to also assume that Carlisle would have witnessed at least a few trials. He came away from all that thinking of the Volturi as strict, but fair rulers. 

Jasper, by comparison (I’m bringing him in because I think he’s more representative of how your average vampire who hasn’t been Aro’s boytoy for decades would view the Volturi), shivers in fright at the mere thought of the Volturi. To him they were executioners. But, again, fair. You break the law, and the Volturi descend upon you like God of the Old Testament.

Then cut to Eclipse, Victoria’s got a newborn army wreaking havoc in Seattle, attracting a lot of attention in a developed country in a time of globalized news. They’re on CNN daily. They might as well write “Fuck the Volturi” in the sky.

And the Volturi do nothing.

Now why, Carlisle and his family wonders, would they do such a thing?

Edward has all the answers, of course - that Aro is choosing not to intervene because he doesn’t like how large and powerful Carlisle’s coven has gotten, and Victoria’s newborn army will take care of that for him. Edward also goes on about how Aro desperately wants him and Alice by his side, which does prompt an “... you sure about that?” from Carlisle, but ultimately Aro’s inaction on the subject speaks for itself and Carlisle can’t make any excuses for it.

Regardless of Aro’s motives, that the Volturi would not be coming to enforce their own law became very clear. As a result of their inaction, Carlisle was forced to betray several of his own principles. He had to ask Jasper to teach the family how to kill others, he had to accept the aid of teenagers who could very well get themselves killed, he had to put his beloved family at risk, and he had to kill other vampires.

Aro’s inaction put him through hell and could have gotten his family killed. Would have, if it weren’t for the wolves.

Jane then decides to make her entrance right after the battle ended, while the fire is still going. The timing could not be more clear: the Volturi were waiting it out, letting the Cullens be culled.

We then get to Bree, who was an innocent in all the ways that counted, and not at risk of repeat offenses. Jane executes her anyway. Not just that, she makes sure to torture Bree, twice, entirely gratuitously:

“She’ll tell you anything you want to know,” Edward said through his teeth. “You don’t have to do that.” 

 Jane looked up, sudden humor in her usually dead eyes. “Oh, I know,” she said to Edward, grinning at him before she turned back to the young vampire, Bree. (Eclipse, page 333)

Even if the execution can be justified, the torture cannot. Jane abuses her power because she can, and there’s nothing the Cullens can do about it.

Then you have the fact that Bree had overheard a conversation between Jane and Victoria in which Jane gave Victoria explicit permission to take out the Cullens on the Volturi’s behalf. Bree replays this for Edward to hear before she dies, validating every paranoia he ever had about the Volturi. Just because he didn’t tell Bella, doesn’t mean he didn’t tell his family. He certainly would have told Carlisle and Alice.

Over the course of Eclipse, Carlisle sees the Volturi neglect to enforce their own law because culling his coven is a higher priority to them, torture and execute a mostly innocent vampire, and then he finds out that they made a deal with Victoria.

Not only would he be massively disillusioned by the Volturi, but by Aro himself. The man he met in Volterra was a lover of the arts and the academics and spoke of justice among vampires, and then Carlisle gets to experience first hand just what kind of justice this is. Aro was not the person he thought he was, and their old friendship doesn’t count for much either.

Look then to Breaking Dawn, where Carlisle has a vampiric child, but not an immortal one. Like Bree, he is innocent in all the ways that counted. This did not help Bree, and given the events of Eclipse (and remember only six months have passed), it won’t help him either. The Volturi have made it clear that they want to take out his coven, and whether or not the Cullens are actually innocent won’t matter.

The only way he can hope to slow them down, to force some kind accountability upon the Volturi (an accountability that might have preserved Bree’s life: she died because Jane had none), is to have there be witnesses to their trial.

And we get the clusterfuck called Breaking Dawn (or as I like to call it, Aro and Carlisle Break Up).

Relevant meta.

Edit 16th of April: Aro’s side of things

[lokifantasies]

Healing PART 1

Summary: You and Loki try to help Jade the best you can.

A/N: Remember! The more you guys interact with the characters' blogs, the more you can help influence and shape the story and dialogue!

Character(s): Loki & Jade

Read the Mischievous Life series here!

Follow Jade, Loki, and Reader!

Taglist! (click here to join a taglist!)

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@1marvelnerd3000 @agentkinghorn @donttouchmylaevateinn @emerald-alone @eyesbluelikethetitanic @fa-me @geeky-politics-46 @holdmytesseract @itsybitchylittlewitchy @jeongadelarinia @lokistoriesblog @lougy @melianisnothere @mm2305 @mortallythoughtfulgurl @nms224 @shraddhadeveshvikram @xoxoloverb

True to his word, Loki's there when Jade wakes up – having not shut his eyes for a moment while his daughter slept the best she could.

However, you and Loki made a decision during the night, via text, that Jade needs some kind of professional help.

"What?" Jade scoffs as Loki tells her that he's taking her to see a therapist. "Dad...no. Hell no!"

Loki gives his daughter a sympathetic look. "Jade...we just want what's bes -,"

"No," Jade harshly cuts him off. "You just want me out of your hair."

The god sighs in frustration. "No, Jade," he argues. "You know damn well that's not true." Loki approaches his daughter and places his hands on her shoulders. "I can't stand seeing you like this...do you understand that I had to physically stop you from hanging yourself?"

The sixteen-year-old scoffs and turns her back to her dad – forcing him to let go of her. "It's just funny that you think I'm actually going to speak to some stranger."

Jade gives her dad the silent treatment the entire way to the doctor's office – angrily staring out the window – feeling disgusted with Loki's and your decision. Loki bites his fingernails the entire way – knowing that Jade is beyond angry with him, but he tells himself that you and he are doing what's best for her. Loki sits with Jade in the waiting room until her name is called. Begrudgingly, Jade gets up and walks towards the stranger that she's supposed to talk to. Jade being Jade – of course, she does nothing of the sort. The teenager sits on the large, comfy couch with her legs crossed – taking out her phone to scroll on social media and talk to some of her online friends about how angry she is with you and Loki. The therapist, whose name is Dr. Alice, talks to Jade anyway.

"Is there anything you'd like to ask, Jade?" Dr. Alice nicely asks the teen. Jade looks up at the doctor, scoffs, and rolls her eyes before going back to her phone. "Okay," Dr. Alice says with a calm smile. "That's fine...it's your first time...it's normal to be nervous."

Oh, honey, Jade thinks, if you only knew how furious I am at the thought of having to be here at 8:30 in the morning.

Dr. Alice continues to talk, and Jade continues to block her out – giggling at memes and posts she comes across on Tumblr – venting to her friend about the situation she's being forced into. Time goes by slow for Jade, but finally, she notices that she has thirty more minutes before she can leave.

And as soon as the clock strikes 10:30, Jade jumps up from the couch and rushes out into the lobby – storming past her father and out to the car. Loki gives the doctor a sympathetic look before turning and following his teenager.

"What was that?" Loki asks – becoming angry with Jade. Jade doesn't respond – choosing to bury herself in her phone instead. "Jade, I know you're mad," Loki continues calmly. "But...please, my love...please let us help you."

"Thanks for making me miss my trigonometry test," Jade mutters under her breath – looking out the window as Loki begins to take her to school. "How can you help me with that? I'm not allowed to do a make-up test."

Loki looks over to Jade when he comes to a red light. "I'll figure something out, okay? You'll be able to make it up."

Fifteen minutes later, Loki pulls up to Jade's school – the angry teen slamming the door to her father's Mercedes as she storms inside. Loki sits for a while – pondering what he can do to help her heal.

A thought occurs just before Loki is going to leave.

"Hello?" a female teacher calls out – hearing a knock on her door. She had been told minutes earlier that a parent wanted to meet with her. Loki approaches the math teacher – his hands behind his back and a fond smile on his face.

"Hello, Ms. Matthews," Loki begins nicely. "I'm Loki...Jade's father. I would like to talk to you about how Jade can make up her trigonometry test that she missed this morning."

Ms. Matthews motions for Loki to sit down in the chair across from her desk.

"Jade's a fantastic student," she smiles at the god. "But I'm afraid I don't give make-up tests." Her tone is sympathetic – making it seem like she wishes she could help. "Jade's grade only went down to a 92% from a 100% with the zero for the test, but I'm sure she'll be just fine."

Loki takes a deep breath. "My daughter didn't miss it because she overslept or decided to skip class."

"I make it very clear at the beginning of each school year that -,"

"I'm the reason she missed it," Loki interrupts – practically pleading with the teacher. "You know what Jade's gone through...she needs something in her life to go right for once. Her grade being affected so much will break her heart, and honestly, I'm sick and tired of seeing my little girl's heart broken. Something that may seem small and insignificant to you may not be to someone else." By this point, the God of Mischief has tears in his eyes – trying as hard as he can to fight them back. "Honestly, I don't think she even cares about the grade. She needs something to help her feel better about herself...and math does that."

About half an hour later, Jade is walking into the cafeteria when she's halted by the sight in front of her.

It's Loki.

He's sitting at a table with no one else around.

"You've gotta be kidding me," Jade mumbles under her breath – pulling out her phone to text her friend and let her know how insane her dad is being. "Why the fuck are you here?" she asks herself.

As Jade tries to slip out of the cafeteria, she's approached by one of her friends.

"Hey, Jade?" her friend, Sarah, calls out to the goddess. "Um, so, what's up with your dad over there? Why's he crying?"

Jade's heart drops at the knowledge that her father is crying. Not only is he crying, but he's doing it in public...not caring who sees him.

Jade slowly approaches the table that Loki is sitting at. His elbows are on the table, and he's crying quietly as his hands block his eyes – letting his tears drop onto the blue table.

Carefully and quietly, Jade sits down in the chair across from her dad. "Daddy?"

[k-project-singularity]

Facts & Trivia || Mikoto Suoh

The following is part of a series of posts made by me. The information listed is official canon provided by GoRa. Sources will go from the anime, to mangas and novels as well as official short stories. These are NOT fanmade headcanons. The purpose of these posts is to provide useful information for fans as well as roleplayers looking for confirmed lore for their muses. Please do not reply to argue with me about what you read here. I did not come up with this stuff myself. GoRa did. I’ll come back to edit these as I find more info.

Born on August 13, 1988 (The same year as Reisi Munakata and Nagare Hisui).

He goes by the philosophy of life of “Do what you want.”

Became Red King in 2007 at the age of 19 and leader/co-founder of Homra shortly after.

He is nicknamed “King” by Totsuka, and called simply “Mikoto” by Kusanagi and Anna. To everyone else in Homra, he is referred to as “Mikoto-san”. Munakata calls him by his last name without honorifics, and Suoh returns the courtesy.

Also known as the “Red Monster” in Shizume City. A legend spread around town about him says he has demon-like abilities, that incinerate or grant special powers to people worthy.

His Installation ritual consists of taking his hand while engulfed in the flames of his power. Those brave enough to take it are briefly enveloped in flames and will either absorb the aura and receive a mark on their skin, or be scorched by the fire.

Suoh doesn’t care about choosing who joins Homra, and will put to the test anyone who asks to try. He never asks people to become members himself.

A noteworthy exception was when he gave Eric his installation by grabbing his head, making him his final clansman.

Heavy smoker and drinker.

His favorite cigarette brand is Marlboro.

His favorite drink is Bourbon, the Wild Turkey brand (thanks @crmsnking​!)

His aura protects him by burning and melting anything that comes his way, including bullets.

He’s very quiet and doesn’t like long conversations. Most times he’ll respond with single words or even just grunts.

He’s a heavy sleeper, and takes a lot of naps. This might be a reference to his lion image, as lions often spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping. He can sleep pretty much anywhere.

He sleeps with a tanktop and long slacks.

He likes to keep his cigarettes right next to his pillow when sleeping, along with an ashtray.

It’s a bad idea to wake him up abruptly. If caught in a daze, Suoh might accidentally unleash his power and burn anyone nearby.

Kusanagi seems the be the only person Suoh is actually afraid of, going as far as apologizing with his head low when scolded by him for breaking things around the bar.

He often has nightmares involving his power taking over and burning everything. Though if asked he’ll deny it.

He’s often forgetful. It can take him a while for him to remember even some of his own clansmen if they aren’t particularly close to him.

He isn’t good at picking names. When Anna asked to name their new horse, he called it “Basashi” (raw horse meat) just because it made him hungry.

Though he’s obviously fond of Totsuka, he has a habit of hitting him on the head when he does something stupid.

He is actually rather perceptive. Suoh claims he was able to sense Eric’s murderous intent before he joined Homra. He also was able to sense Basashi was a strain just by standing next to it.

He isn’t happy of his status of King and really doesn’t want to be one. Even though the leader of Homra, he prefers to go ahead on his own, letting his clansmen choose whether to follow him or not.

Though Suoh generally does what he wants, he shows to be quite a pushover with people he likes. An example are Kusanagi, Totsuka and Anna, who can get Suoh to comply to their requests most of the time.

As an example, he took Anna on a date even though he disliked the idea, just because she admitted to wanting to go on one.

He has read “Alice in Wonderland” to Anna. Munakata happened to witness this.

He appears to have no real sense of boundaries, grabbing Anna and handling her like a doll without any hesitation.

As a teenager he was pretty dense and reckless, throwing himself off a cliff with a bike and carelessly letting himself be caught peeking on his undressing teacher without any concern.

According to Kusanagi, Suoh was feared by others for his violence as early as middle school.

He doesn’t seem to have much awareness of his own strength, playing violently and putting excessive strength in anything he does. He has broken Totsuka’s camera just by touching it (Suoh was very worried that Totsuka would be upset too).

Because of this he’s always given a big handicap when playing games with other Homra members.

He also has little consideration for social etiquette, attempting to break an arcade machine just because it looked easier to get a prize that way rather than playing.

Speaking of which, Suoh is terrible at any and all games that require more than brutal strength (like the claw machine).

Likes strawberries. In high school he was often seen drinking strawberry milk.

He doesn’t eat with tableware unless forced, because it’s too troublesome.

For the same reason, he will rather cook with his powers, crushing vegetables and frying eggs with his hands, instead of using the kitchen.

Amongst the things he doesn’t care about is what he eats. He has been observed eating a single, whole bread baguette for breakfast. When going to eat out, he often asks other people to choose for him.

Seems to have a rather short attention span for mundane things and even some out of the norm. He never seems to notice Kamamoto losing weight in the summer.

His body temperature is always warm or outright hot. Ice creams will melt in his hand very quickly.

Suoh doesn’t seem to really care for honor. He’s uninterested in Homra or himself gaining a reputation, whether good or bad, and generally doesn’t let insults provoke him.

However he can still show a low patience for other things. For example he will quickly get tired of things such as negotiations or chatter and want to get into battle.

He often looks very scary from the outside to commoners, without him realizing. He has terrified an arcade manager by marching up to him asking about bloody games.

Because of his appearance, he’s often mistaken for a Yakuza member.

Little kids seem to like him however.

Animals are always scared of Mikoto, and will submit to him immediately.

Allegedly, Reisi Munakata is the only one able to make Suoh angry in any way (though Totsuka’s antics have mildly annoyed him at times and it’s safe to say the Colorless King was able to at least upset Suoh by killing Totsuka).

The gangs of Shizume City that have been defeated by Homra treat Suoh with fear and respect, bowing to him whenever they see him.

When Totsuka passed away, Suoh took his ear piercing to wear. The earring was hollow and Suoh filled it with Totsuka’s blood from his wound.

He used his power to burn Totsuka’s casket.

[another-fantasy-world]

Hiiii! Can you write Alice Cullen x Fem reader in which Alice prepares her a birthday party and they give each other their first kiss? Something like that fluffy and cute. 😻🤧

||AN||: Most definitely! I'm so sorry this is so late. Online Classes are a bitch.

||AN2||: My first request and I'm already fucking it up. Damn.

||AN3||: Thank you Anon for sending in a request! Sorry this was so many days late, I hope you liked it! I really had fun writing this, It’s a nice break from the part 2 of strings!

~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~~°~°~°~°~°~°~

Pairing: Alice Cullen x Fem!Reader

Summary: Just Alice being Alice, oh and the start of a cute mortal x vampy relationship

Warnings: ...Fluff, lots of them

Word Count: 1,752 words

~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~~°~°~°~°~°~°~ 

It was around 3 am on a Saturday morning when the local seer Alice Cullen got a vision she was not expecting,At all.

“Why didn’t she tell me?!” Alice shrieked

“Alice?” Jasper stared at Alice in light surprise. He was just reading when Alice suddenly shrieked

“Y/N’s Birthday! It’s today! She didn’t tell me!” Her body shook with excitement and giddiness

And as Jasper stared at his adoptive sister, All he could think about was: “Poor Y/N”

It was your birthday, yes, but you didn’t want anyone to know. Not because the day had some painful or sad memories, but because you were too socially awkward to tell people that it’s your birthday. And besides, you’ve made peace with the fact that most people in your life just forgets your birthday, to the point where you just felt like it was irrelevant and that your birthday did not exist.

But of course, Alice just can’t let that happen, She refused to. 

“Y/N! Hey!” Alice’s bell like voice echoed in your eardrums as you walked into Forks High

“Oh, Hi Alice. Uhm...Uh? Rainy Weather we’re having?” You stuttered.

I mean, How could you not? Sure you’ve been friends with the pixie and her family for quite a while now and that definitely didn’t help the way your heart just stops and just takes off, running into Alice’s Hands. 

Weather? Really Y/N? Out of all the shit you could have said? You spoke with yourself, forgetting about the resident mind reader.

Edward was about to scold Y/N when he was cut off by the bell, and when they looked toward’s Y/N’s direction, she vanished into the sea of hormonal mortal teenagers

“We’ll find her later.” Jasper reassures Alice

And as Jasper said, They did find you later. Humming to yourself while reading a book in the school library. If they weren’t vampires, they could’ve sworn they couldn’t find you. 

You felt eyes on you so you looked up and saw the Cullen siblings there, you smiled and waved them over.

“Hi. Thought you guys were at the Cafeteria?” You ask them, curious as to why they were here

“Were you avoiding us?” Rosalie whispered

Contrary to popular belief, Rosalie was rather fond of you. She never really admitted it but you knew. You just did.

“No, actually, I was just reading a book. I’m not hungry.” you shrugged

“How’d you guys find me anyways?” you asked but then you mentally facepalmed when you realized

“Right. I forgot, I’m sorry.” You sheepishly rubbed your neck

“It’s alright, we were just wondering if you wanna come over later? Esme’s trying this new recipe and she needs you and your sense of taste.” Alice lies.

Well, half-lies, Esme did cook a new recipe, just not for the reason you think.

“Yeah, sure. I’d love to. Who am I riding with?” You ask, packing your things for you last period

“Alice.” They all answered together

“Well that’s not creepy at all.” You teased them before parting ways to go to your last class

Minutes went by fast and soon you found yourself sitting in Alice’s bright yellow car, sweating and nervous. You kept glancing on Alice’s hand that’s resting on the shift lever which caused her to roll her eyes. She grabs your hand, and placed it on the shift lever with her hand on top of yours so she could hold your hand and drive at the same time.

Your eyes widened for a second then you felt your cheeks grow hot.

“U-Uhm” 

“We’re here!” She giggles making you look up and lo and behold, the Cullen house.

“Why are all your lights off?” You ask as Alice intertwines your fingers. 

You noticed how she was barely containing her excitement since she’s shaking and also fidgets alot.

“We decided to let the sun illuminate our home” She grinned at you

“For a vampire, you suck at lying.” You teased her

“That’s not true! Maybe you just know me better than anyone else.” She winked at you

Was she flirting? She was flirting with you? No, that can’t be right? That’s just how Alice is to everyone. Right?

You were about to ask her about it but your thoughts we’re interrupted when a loud pop echoed throughout the room.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY Y/N!” Everyone in the Cullen Household, including Bella, screams at your face as Emmett releases the Confetti Popper

Your face held visible confusion, How did they know? You made sure not to think about it since you knew about Edward’s abilities. They smirked at your visible confusion and Alice liked it so much she decided to take a picture.

You just nodded and tried to enjoy your birthday. Well, as much as you can with Alice out of your sight. 

“For documentary purposes” She states while grinning and let her adoptive family whisk you away from her.

“If you’re wondering how we know, Alice had a vision of you celebrating you birthday pathetically with only bread and pancakes, so we decided to throw you a party.” Rosalie states as she poured you a glass of grape juice since Esme disliked the thought of you drinking alcohol.

You did admit it to yourself, just a couple months ago, that you indeed have a crush on the pixie-haired vampire. You liked everything about her, her smile, her bell-like voice, her cold comforting embrace, the way she knocks on your door when you miss school, the way she texts you asking if you wanna go shopping with her. Basically, you are completely smitten. And the thought of Alice is enough to make you smile.

But of course, like any other teenager, you decided to just keep your crush in and never think about it again. 

“Y/N, It’s gift time~” Alice suddenly appeared by your side, linking her arm to yours before dragging you away, with Rosalie following you two, barely keeping her smile in.

She pushes you to sit on the couch before shoving gifts into your arms

You cast her a concerned look as you squeezed her hand, knowing she’s having one of her visions.

“That one’s from Bella and Edward!” She says pointing at the medium sized gift.

“This one’s from Rosalie and Emme...” She drifts off, a blank look in her eyes. 

Jasper was the one who continued introducing the gifts to you as he helped you open them, since one of your hands are still intertwined with Alice’s cold fingers as she continued to stare into space.

“Is she okay? Her visions never stretch on this long.” You ask, noticing that 5 minutes have passed.

“She’s fine. I would say she’s enjoying herself.” Edward husks out, a smug smirk settling on his lips

“It’s not fair! How come you could see what she sees! I wanna be a mind reader too!” Emmett whines just as Edward widens his eyes and furiously shakes his head

“I did not need to see that.” He shivered, planting a kiss on Bella’s forehead before speeding off

“What happened?” You asked to no one in particular

“Maybe he saw something he didn’t want to see. He does that to get out of range.” Carlisle explains while he hands you his and Esme’s gift.

“What did you see anyways?” Emmett asked his sister, who’s now staring at you

“You don’t wanna know...” She grinned at Emmett

“...Now come along Y/N. I have to give you my gift.” She pulls your hand as she leads you outside

“Where are we going?” You ask her

“We’re taking a little walk into the woods.” She softly smiles at you and grips you hand

The two of you walked silently, just enjoying and basking in each other’s presence. It looked like Alice was enjoying herself, letting herself go as small rays of sun hit her diamond like skin. You stared at her, willing yourself to look away, but you just can’t. She looks ethereal, the way her golden eyes shine or the way her skin glows or maybe it’s just the way she’s talking to you. Yeah, she’s talking to you and you were barely listening.

“Y/N? Are you okay? You zoned out there.” She waved her free hand infront of your face. 

“You’re beautiful.” You suddenly blurt out. Your eyes widen when your brain finally caught up

“I mean- it’s not like that! Well I do mean it. I mean- You look beautiful like this- I-” You rambled on but stopped when you heard her laugh

“It’s okay, Y/N. Really.” She giggled

“You’re beautiful too.” She smiles before pulling you down to sit beside her under a tree.

You laid your head against hear shoulder, staring at the nest of birds chirping happily.

“I can’t take anymore of this.” She suddenly blurts out, then turns to face you. Her face inches before yours.

“Can I give you your gift?” She whispers

“What?” You whispered back, stunned at how close she is. 

She giggles at you flustered state before cradling your burning face in her cold hands. 

“May I kiss you?” She finally asks, gold eyes meeting yours

“Yeah.” You nodded, in a daze.

Slowly you both leaned in and you were freaking out inside. Was this really happening? Is your crush really about to kiss you? What did you do to deserve an angel?

But all of your worries were silenced when soft, cold lips touched yours in a gentle, surreal way. Leaving your body buzzing with happiness as your heart clenched. Minutes felt like hours, and soon you had to pull away because sadly, humans need air. You stare at Alice’s golden orbs and admired how the stars seemed to swim inside her eyes, or maybe it was just her looking at you in awe. 

I think it’s safe to say that this, was the best birthday gift you could ever have. Even though you had so many amazing gifts like Edward’s Old Classic Book that he wanted you to have, or Rosalie’s Necklace, not even Emmett’s Car Keys. (He restored a car for you) None of them could ever compare to Alice.

The two of you were too busy admiring each other that you don’t notice Emmett handing Edward and Jasper 50 bucks, since he bet on you making the first move and not the other way around, making him whine and pout.

And then suddenly, your birthday seemed really special, to you and your little family. And you just knew, that you’d be this happy for many, many, many years to come. 

[bellaslilpapercut]

Eclipse reread part 3 bewr bewr bewrrr! Covering the entire rest of the book in ONE post so buckle on in baybee: 

1. Absolutely everything about chapter 15 (wager) is disgusting. To a certain extent I appreciate how successfully meyer captures how frustrating assault is as a woman, how futile it feels to fight against it. But at the same time the way she handles the aftermath is unbelievably disappointing and infuriating. Charlie doesn't get up to help his own daughter, Jake trails after Bella into the house and sticks around, there's just no relief or reflection that feels satisfying. Bella can ask where the justice is when she finds out Jake isn't aging but just ignores Charlie defending her assailant? And to some extent I get it, I've shut down after assault before to the point where it took years to recognize that some of the things that happened even were assault. But when there's a pattern within the series of men being narratively rewarded for assault and abuse and women being punished for reacting to abuse it feels like the narrative is reinforcing the status quo of women<men. I'm not stupid, I understand when a book is trying to make me uncomfortable and I don't need villains to be punished to know that they're villainous. This doesn't come across that way at all. Meyers handling of misogynistic abuse and violence lack the nuance to make me believe that she sees this violence as something to be critical of rather than something that just happens to women. And again, because it's a pattern in her writing, women getting no reprieve from gendered harm, I don't believe she's making a statement. There's just no self awareness and that's the key difference between a story like Brave New World or Lolita and Twilight.

2. Also this quote that precedes the assault is just so so frustrating:

Bella is not mean for setting boundaries! She isn't stringing you along! I would love to hit meyer in the head with a rolled up newspaper. Anyway.

3. Bella keeps saying things like "this would be annoying if it weren't so scary" in regards to having her clothes stolen by vampires that want her dead and having to lie to people around her, again because dozens of vampires want her dead. And y'know after the third time she said she would be annoyed if she weren't scared I'm just left to believe she isn't scared at all. I don't feel rising tension, the newborn army feels like a minor nuisance and even after they connect it to victoria (who still hasn't shown up at all) I'm just like...okay well get on with it then! Meyer makes bella "shudder" (I'm still tempted to make a comp of every time she shudders in this fucking book lol) instead of showing us her actual fear. I don't believe she's scared, I don't care about the "threat," and I don't believe anything bad will happen to Bella. There are Literally No Stakes here. I'm not invested in this story at all.

4. Alice is a bad friend lmfao

Girl, you're psychic you know she wanted to wear red why are you just dressing her up for your brother.

5. Okay returning to point 3 because I read chapter 17 and had an epiphany: Bella says she isn't scared for herself and I get that I do. But smeyer also hasn't shown us that she's selfless- just that she doesn't care if she dies. If bella actually cared for her human friends, in any way, I would believe that the newborn army was a scary threat because the people she loves might get hurt. But I don't believe that she cares about that I only believe that she- like Edward- has a weird martyr complex.

6. The Mirror chapter also reinforces this. I can’t stop thinking about how much more impactful it would have been narratively if it had been Angela in Bree’s position (because she’s the only human friend Bella seems fond of but if Bella showed interest in any of the other humans, honestly any of them would do). Imagine the moment where the newborn vampire first lifts her head to look into Bella’s eyes and it’s someone she knows. Someone she cares for. There should have been consequences for Bella beyond “Jake got some bones broken and now I feel bad :(” which was also a shitty punishment because smeyer is inflicting physical trauma on an indigenous character just to make Bella feel bad. Okay. Anyway, it would have built the tension I was missing for- quite literally- over 300 pages of this book if Bella’s friends and classmates and Fork’s residents had been going missing the whole time. Suddenly, at the end of the battle, there’s Angela. Or Jess. Or Katie fucking Marshall. Someone Bella knew should have been there and maybe I would have cared about this book at all.

7. Going back in time to this quote which comes before the battle:

UGH!!! SHUT UP SMEYER! She literally poisoned Jake’s character from the moment she made him a main character and she has zero self reflection to see the damage that she’s causing here. I’ve said before that I don’t think Jake’s actions were a romantic deal breaker and that stands out now more than ever after reading Eclipse. THIS is the moment that Bella realizes she’s in love with Jake too. Smeyer not only sees abuse and aggression as romantic, she also lacks the braincells and reflection to see that she’s playing directly into racist stereotypes. Edward got to grow up- marginally- but Jake had to remain aggressive. I still don’t think she ever once meant to villify Jake- I think that there was no way in a hell a racist woman could ever successfully portray an indigenous character. His tenderness is tainted by the aggression she forces on his character and in the end he never had a chance because- again- he was being written by a racist woman with fucked up views of indigenous people.

8. Okay, I get it. They’re like Cathy and Heathcliff. Fine. I buy it.  

This isn’t even the last time she compares them to Cathy and Heathcliff. Kate Bush isn’t gonna write a song about you, meyer! Give it a rest! (Also lol at “like wuthering heights”)

9.  Jumping right to the end here because to be completely honest the only actual event in the entire book was the newborn battle. Jane was a bitch, fine. Edward talked at Victoria and bored her to death (presumably) and the action never felt very action heavy. I knew if from the “best friend (and werewolf)” line that this book was presumably written for idiots given how little is left to the imagination at any given time. I can’t stand when books treat the audience like dummies and I especially can’t handle YA books that do this. Teenagers aren’t stupid!! Young adults can pick up on subtlety in literature!! AND young adults can handle suspense and action. smeyer doesn’t do either well and the editors never once said “hey you know teens aren’t stupid right? like your audience will pick up on hints that you scatter you don’t have to forcefully explain everything?”  

10. Smeyer can’t stop interrupting herself even in the very last sentence of the book proper:

What, pray tell, is wrong with “Where it would stay for the rest of eternity.” Why did you have to sow doubt in the sentiment right after Bella made her For Real Final Decision???? And why the em-dash!? Again: the editors of the twilight saga are my nemeses but also my favorite conmen. What were they paid for?

11. Back to the editors real quick: if i was given a draft of eclipse I would instantly say: this story is almost 400 pages of nothing, you need to play with the structure of the story. You need to build suspense and if that means playing with POV like you randomly start doing in the epilogue, then do that. Or you can play with the plot. Nothing happens for 300 pages. It takes 300 pages to get to the newborn battle and nothing that happens before the newborn battle makes me feel worried about it. Again, kill off some humans, raise the stakes, do SOMETHING. This was so painfully slow to read because meyer tried to center this book on a love triangle that I didn’t even believe in myself. And even then, it took 14 chapters for the love triangle to get real action (as in an Event, not necessarily physical action). 

12. The epilogue. Oh man. Was the r-slur really so acceptable in 2007 that not one single editor questioned its use? I won’t type the quote in full but Jake refers to his fake arm sling as r-word. Like??? What? And THEN smeyer has him call Leah a “bitter harpy.” Shut up. 

In conclusion, nothing felt like a bigger waste of time than Eclipse. Genuinely, to be completely honest. Two (2) important things happened, at least in Bella’s narrative (I agree with Vinelle that the Volturi debacle was important from Carlisle’s perspective, it adds nothing to Bellas and Bella learns nothing important from it.): 1. Bella made a decision, she chose Edward. Who could have seen that coming? Whaaaat? 2. Rosalie told Bella her backstory. Not that Bella even used that to reflect on her decision to become a vampire but hey, at least it felt like an important moment. Jasper’s backstory only mattered for the newborn battle which didn’t matter at all (and it never informed his character and no one ever brings up that the confederacy was a terrible dark stain on US history (along with the rest of US history but that’s a full dissertation or two on its own)). I can’t imagine a way to improve this book as a standalone book. You could split up the plot (using that term loosely) so that New Moon and BD are both a little longer and BD a little more organized. But without completely changing the plot beats in Eclipse, its just pointless.

[johns-prince]

I think the Lennon Estate contributed to this emo kid John Lennon image. Like, all these relatives were so fond of him. According to Pete Shotton, John was lots of fun and come on he was a gang leader!

He certainly wanted to be the leader of his own little gang when he was younger;

“I was passionate about Alice in Wonderland and drew all the characters. I did poems in the style of 'Jabberwocky'. I used to love Alice, and Just William. I wrote my own William stories, with me doing all the things. Wind in the Willows, I loved. After I'd read a book, I'd re-live it all. That was one reason why I wanted to be the gang leader at school. I'd want them all to play games that I wanted to play, the ones I'd just been reading.

I did fight all the way through Dovedale [primary school], winning by psychological means if ever anyone looked bigger than me. I threatened them in a strong enough way that I would beat them, so they thought I could. With the fact that I wasn't tied to parents I would infiltrate the other boys' minds. That was the gift I got, of not having parents. I cried a lot about not having them, but also had the gift of awareness of not being something.” THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY

Not entirely sure if he was the leader of the gang as a teenager, but it’s a possibility in some natural way, with how John carried himself and spoke and postured, he was. That’s how he described it, in a way when it came to talent-- he was Kingpin before Paul came about-- but with Paul, he was willing to share that with him, even if at first he was thinking of keeping Paul in line.

Yeah how the Lennon Estate [and even how that movie Yesterday, ugh] paint and portray John is just... so I don’t want to say 100% wrong, but they seem to latch onto one singular facet of him and not take in account everything else about him. Does that make sense? In a way we’re only given that small facet of John Lennon that Yoko Ono wants the world to know and see. 

You will only be given the most shallow version of John Lennon, if you were to simply take everything Yoko Ono puts out on the Lennon Estate. You’ll have the John Lennon who was on heroin majority of the time, or some hard drug-- a depressed alcoholic who was hurt and bitter and hadn’t any help; who was being made dependent and into an Adult Child by the person he was desperate to trust the most and believe in. A John Lennon who lies so easily in one breath and then takes it back or contradicts what he says or feels in the next. 

The John Lennon which was created and influenced by Yoko Ono. You will be given a version of John that... might not even exist, even, because she’s using him to promote herself and what she does, if anything. She keeps herself relevant through this Commercialized John Lennon, being John Lennon’s Widow™ and this is how she’d like to carry out part of his legacy... it’s just, sad. 

If you want to know who John was, my advice is to stay away from the Lennon Estate and simply start from the beginning-- waaay before Yoko slinked her way onto the scene, before the depressive nightmare of the 70s. 

It’s a lot of research and basically going down the Rabbit Hole that is John Lennon, and in the end you’ll probably still not fully understand him or who he was as a person because the end was his end, he was killed so suddenly, his life cut short so suddenly and just so... senselessly. There was still so much he had to do, still had time to grow and change and make amends... So much, so much lost.

[problemswithbooks]

Look, Alicent is one of my favorite characters and I'm generally more team Green then Black but some of the stuff you claim is just not correct. Mostly the stuff about Viserys.

His conscience pained him badly afterward, and he decided to name Rhaenyra his heir. Nevertheless, he wanted a young woman to sleep with; he didn’t want a wife, he didn’t want more kids, and he had already named his heir. But he married Alicent and had those kids anyway.

Where are you getting this from? Viserys, book or show is not portrayed as a sexual/horny character. He is not Daemon who is often shown with whores or flirting constantly with young Rhaenyra. If he just wanted a young woman to fuck he could have easily scores of them, just like Robert did on the OG series. He didn't marry Alicent because it was his only way to have sex with teenager.

No, he didn't necessarily want to re-marry. He tells Rhaenyra as much when she's mad at him. But that doesn't mean he only married Alicent because he wanted no-strings attached sex. He marries her because his council is pressuring him to do so, and he knows they're right.

She does the bare minimum whenever they are together: the bare minimum of eye contact and conversation. Viserys was SO PERVERSE that even with the minimum attention from a teenager he wanted to fuck her. Not even make her his wife because he didn’t want another wife.

Again, what are you talking about? He didn't pick Alicent because he just wanted an easy lay. We see that he genuinely seems to enjoy her company. That doesn't mean she's trying to seduce him or anything, but it also doesn't mean Viserys is a sex crazed perv. He doesn't flirt with her and the scenes are not shot in a way where they are implying he is driven by his lust for her. If you want scenes like that look at the ones between Daemon and young Rhaenyra.

No, Viserys instead is shown as having actually grown fond of her and appreciative of her kind words. No, he did not want a new wife, but if he needs to re-marry he seems to want to marry someone who he has a connection with. Is he reading to much into Alicent's kindness? Yes, but that doesn't mean he's some old man whose sole motivation is fucking a teenager.

And I’m saying that he didn’t want a wife because of what he’d done before to Aemma. He had already made up his mind that (to console his own conscience and to honor Aemma’s memory) he would make Rhaenyra his heir. SO HE DIDN'T NEED ANY MORE HEIRS. Then why does he get married and have some more?? BECAUSE HE IS AN IDIOT and because he just wanted a young bride.

Yes, he needed more heirs. It doesn't matter that he picked Rhaenyra as his heir. Daemon was the only spare he had if something happened to her, something his council would not be okay with. Heck, the only reason Viserys is King as it is, is because every heir Jaehaerys picked died. This happened even though he and his wife had thirteen children.

So to say that Viserys was and idiot who only took a second wife because he wanted to bang a teenager (despite being able to fuck however many teenage sex workers he wanted, like Daemon did) is ridiculous. He needed to have more kids just in case Rhaenyra did expectantly. I think this is even pretty easily backed up by the fact that he stopped having kids as soon as Rhaenyra had a child of her own despite the fact that Alicent was defiantly still able to have more at the time.

This isn't me saying Viserys didn't make mistakes or you can't hate him, but at least get the facts straight. He did ignore his kids with Alicent (at least in the show, in the book he at least seemed to spend a lot of time with Helaena). He didn't find them suitable positions that would better integrate them into Rhaenyra's court when he passed away. He wasn't a good husband to Alicent, especially later on in their marriage.

But to reduce his character down into lecherous, evil, old pedo man is just not correct. The anon was wrong to boil Alicent down into someone who should have just been a better friend or implying she had any ability to not marry Viserys. Yet, that doesn't mean Viserys is just a horny old man either. It's not supposed to be so black and white and even if the show favors the Blacks, everyone is supposed to be multifaceted characters. Portraying Viserys as just a horny old dude looking for a way to get some sex even if leads to unwanted kids is really shallow and just not what we see in either the book or show. That doesn't take away from Alicent--it was still awful for her. Viserys's intent doesn't change that she was miserable or that he made mistakes that doomed everyone. It just means he's not a cartoonishly one-dimensional character.

I know u won't get my point, but Alicent should have paid more attention to Rhaenyra and respected her and her father's wishes and not have installed her fucking son on the throne. Things started going south when she married Viserys and when she wanted to strip Rhaenyra off her birthright

How about, no?

*Long Rant Incoming:*

1) Viserys didn't talk about "birthright." In the eyes of the smallfolk, Aegon has the "birthright" to rule simply because he is a male Targaryen heir. Alicent's position was vulnerable because Viserys never actually promised Alicent that Aegon would be king but neither did he specify exactly what his role would be and that was the point… all his children wanted his attention and love, and a place to belong. Viserys didn’t know what he wanted. Before naming Rhaenyra his heir, he wanted a son so desperately that he killed his wife for it. His conscience pained him badly afterward, and he decided to name Rhaenyra his heir. Nevertheless, he wanted a young woman to sleep with; he didn’t want a wife, he didn’t want more kids, and he had already named his heir. But he married Alicent and had those kids anyway. He really was so irresponsible and on top of that, he tells Alicent in episode 3 that he thinks he probably was wrong in making Rhaenyra his heir because of his dream/prophecy, so ofc Alicent was worried. Honestly, he could have made his mind up about Rhaenyra and shut up about it. Or he could have actually thought of his other kids and given them some work to do and trained them for some position if he truly cared for them. From the moment they existed, they were his responsibility. And for sure it makes sense why his kids by Alicent, not having known any special love from their father, would want to finally claim a position for themselves.

So, Viserys set the Dance in motion by his choices. If he had supported his Targtower kids and ensured they wouldn’t be threatened by their mad uncle (Daemon; who hated them just because they were Otto's and Alicent's blood) in the succession, then Alicent would have fewer reasons to establish Aegon on the throne.

2) Alicent spent time with Viserys because she had always considered her own self in reference to the Targaryens. What was she if not Rhaenyra’s childhood companion? When Otto compels her to visit Viserys she doesn’t want to. She brings along the book of histories she used to read to Rhaenyra. What else can she offer to the Targaryens? This is what they like: to talk about their legacies and their histories. So she might as well read to him, right? There’s no harm done. And she went. She does the bare minimum whenever they are together: the bare minimum of eye contact and conversation. Viserys was SO PERVERSE that even with the minimum attention from a teenager he wanted to fuck her. Not even make her his wife because he didn’t want another wife. And you see how surprised Alicent is when he declares so matter-of-factly that he will wed Alicent, no questions asked. Because she was the easiest bride-but-no-wife choice of them all. She already had her father in court who was a megalomaniac, and Viserys thought that by marrying Alicent he was giving Otto what he always wanted: greater opportunities for social climbing. So he’d stay out of his way, right? That’s what he wanted all along, right? So I can have your daughter any way I like, right? (Because had he married Laena, can you imagine being so chill with Corlys as a father-in-law? Ofc he wouldn’t desire anything potentially restrictive for him.) And I’m saying that he didn’t want a wife because of what he’d done before to Aemma. He had already made up his mind that (to console his own conscience and to honor Aemma’s memory) he would make Rhaenyra his heir. SO HE DIDN'T NEED ANY MORE HEIRS. Then why does he get married and have some more?? BECAUSE HE IS AN IDIOT and because he just wanted a young bride. He is the reason the war began, and his reckless choices, not Alicent wanting some compensation for her years of mistreatment and suffering. Because even after he got married and had those kids he still had time to make things right but he didn’t.

So Alicent didn’t marry Viserys, it was the other way around. He lusted after her and wed and bed her. Teenage Alicent couldn’t and wouldn't go against the will of the King.

3) Regarding the friendship between Alicent and Rhaenyra it was actually the opposite: Alicent many times tried to defend her and had her back even when Viserys and Otto believed the rumors of her losing her maidenhood (which as an unmarried heir was an insult to the crown). Alicent didn’t want to believe it and she supported her! However, even earlier than that, Rhaenyra cast Alicent off without understanding or offering consolation for the predicament she found herself in. She never tried to understand Alicent and never really paid enough attention to what her friend was going through even before she married Viserys. Alicent was alone and without a friend and Rhaenyra should have paid more attention to her.

4) Things really started to go south when Rhaenyra betrayed Alicent's trust by lying to her and continuing to flout her freedom, special treatment, and life without consequences to Alicent's face. The reason Rhaenyra had bastards and married Laenor was her own fault in the first place. Alicent tried to encourage Viserys to look for any potential suitors for her, and Rhaenyra had every opportunity to make the right choice but no, she messed it up by seeking out Daemon and then sleeping with Criston, so she brought it to herself. After what she did, there was no suitor available apart from Laenor, and her father forced her to marry him because no one else would. And then she had three Strong kids, making every mistake after the other (although I understand her completely: she had to have those kids because she wanted heirs and because that’s her body her choice, you know? She can sleep with whomever she wants) but at the same time, the game they all play is political and during the time and age we’re discussing, it was a big deal if you had bastard kids, especially since there already were THREE legitimate male Targaryen heirs whose fate was unsure and further endangered by Rhaenyra's actions. But it wasn’t Alicent’s fault that Rhaenyra had those kids, it was her own choice and she had to live up to the consequences of her actions. (She did this once by taking her children away from KL because she, too, recognized that they were being pointed at too much and it was getting too obvious).

5) Alicent knew that Rhaenyra wasn’t going to hurt her kids but the system they were born in would. In case she became heir, for Rhaenyra to secure her succession and have no challengers, Alicent’s kids had to die. Those displeased by Rhaenyra could easily dethrone her if there was an active male heir free to roam around Westeros. Alicent's sons would always be a challenge to Rhaenyra. And maybe Rhaenyra hadn’t thought about it per se and I trust that she never had vile intentions towards the kids (despite the deleted scenes where she gives death stares to Aegon) and despite never calling them by their names or developing a relationship with her siblings. Her own council and her uncle-husband would advise her to kill them. Their position wasn’t safe. Viserys could have secured it by giving them land and titles instead of the throne and by having them bend the knee to Rhaenyra but he didn’t. So their position was very much vulnerable because again, he didn’t care at all what happened to them, but Alicent, claiming the throne for her son, and saving his life the only way she knew how, DID.

[shuturxface]

Quarantine has, completely out of no where, compelled me to re-read The Life and Times. I finished three days ago and yes I’m still crying. BUT! to get my emotions out I wrote something of a “review”. It’s really just my thoughts about everything. No one asked but I’m posting it anyway. 

Please enjoy, it’s below. Be warned, there are *spoilers*: 

Thoughts and Musings:

I don’t particularly know why I’ve been so affected by The Life and Times this go around. I’ve always loved it, but I don’t think I’ve ever cried when Alice Griffiths (now Longbottom) tells Lily that she’s spontaneously marrying Frank Longbottom. And I also don’t think that I’ve ever felt more than fondness towards Marlene Price and Adam Mckinnon. And, I’ve always disliked Carlotta Meloni (especially during the summer and 7thyear), but I never actually hated her character. All until now. The first time I read The Life and Times, I really, really enjoyed it and appreciated the characters and the plot and the realism– like, come on, of course they’re not going to make out in the middle of an escape! However, I was, admittedly, disappointed with the lack of James/Lily action. Not that it was scarce, there certainly was a lot! But this time around, I finally realized why Jewels wrote it in that way. Lily disliked James – possibly resented him – for five years, and more strongly much more recently (I expect her unsavory opinions of him were most prominent during 5thyear, what with his excessive exclamations of “go on a date with me, Evans”). Of course, it’s going to take more than a few weeks to erase that! And it’s not like it could take less time, because, realistically, why would Lily want to spend that much more time with James if she wasn’t fond of him, and if they kept fighting. Honestly, their development as friends is much more interesting, and it shows an in-depth thought processes of fleshing out the characters. I am thoroughly moved by the fact that it doesn’t happen over-night or within a few days.

I’ve also read complaints about how James Potter is acting disinterested in Lily. To them I say: did you even read the goddamnstory?! Did you pass over the parts where he watches her when she’s not looking, and the parts where he is upset with himself for how strongly he feels about her?! If James Potter is anything, he is not an idiot (however idiotic he may act sometimes). From what the (actual HP) books show, James was interested in Lily and kept asking her out in their 5thyear. If I recall correctly, it was implied that he may have done so years prior. It is also stated, by Sirius Black, that they got together in 7thyear. Once again, that transformation from enemies to lovers is not going to happen overnight, and is definitely not going to happen if James Potter kept overtly obsessing over her in 6thyear. Also (!) there is a perfectly reasonable explanation Jewels gives us for why he acted this way: he wanted to get over her. Not only does this prove that he liked her deeply, not just superficially, but also that he got the message. He would have been truly, very thick had he not.

But back to the matter at hand. For some reason, this time around (I don’t remember, possibly third), I’ve been thoroughly engrossed and cried at different intervals of the story more so than before. I sobbed at the end of chapter 30, “The Worst Day Ever” in which it followed each character (Carlotta, Marlene, Donna, Mary, and Lily) on September 1st. I cried terribly during the last two chapters with the attack on the M.F.P. conference – the tension and the unknowing, and worst of all, the death of Sam Dearborn. Quickly, a word about Sam. Somehow, through so few chapters, Jewels created such a lovable character (limited in “screen time”) that his death (and Lily and James’ reaction to it) caused me to cry on multiple occasions. Jewels was able to capture the anguish of her characters so well, that for a moment I forgot it was a story at all and felt it myself. I cried when Sirius Black told Lily Evans that she “fit” with the Marauders, after she asked him why he was so sure she and James belonged together. I have absolutely no idea how she managed to utterly take me apart in the span of 3 days and 36 chapters, but no fanfiction has been able to do that.

I am fully in awe of what Jewels has created – The Life and Times is a work of art, capturing the 1970s in the Wizarding World perfectly. Would I like to see how each James and Lily, how Adam and Marlene, Mary and Reginald get together? No, I would love it. Am I still curious of how on earth all those 87 wizards and witches were murdered at the Magic For Peace convention, leaving no survivors? No, I’m haunted by it. And while there are parts that are frustrating to read (some sexist and misogynistic parts, especially from a few Ravenclaws are particularly uncomfortable), I also think she delivers an accurate representation of the 70s, which were much less politically correct that the world is today. She is not even encouraging this behavior because it’s all made by unlikeable “villainous” characters – not particularly evil, but definitely malicious.

Because Jewels created this story so magnificently, only she knew where it was headed and how it would play out. She wrote it so uniquely, using quick dialogue that made me feel that I was actually there. Phrasing her syntax in such a way that her descriptions were musical and poetic and completely relatable. Her chapter structures kept me on my toes, each one with its own unique flavor, yet all of them unified, flowing from one to the other perfectly.

Not only that, she created characters with strong, redeeming qualities as well as true, trying weaknesses. Lily Evans: she created Lily to be a kind individual that always sought to see the good in others, as J.K. Rowling told us she was. But she also made Lily imaginative and contemplative and romantic and strong, and, yes, sorrowful, fearful, angry, and (most importantly, if you ask me) not willing to discuss her real feelings with anyone, thus slightly hypocritical. James Potter: Jewels created James to be loyal, clever, more-than-slightly arrogant, humorous, brave, and even compassionate. But she also made him brooding, impulsive, hot headed, and many times, a prick. I could go on, but the main point is this: Jewels created complex characters. She didn’t make a wondrous, unfailingly kind Lily (if she were, why did she and James butt heads so viciously?), or a comical, lovesick James, a cheeky, brazen Sirius, a quiet, sentimental Remus, a quivering Pettigrew, or a moody, jealous Snape (yes, even he had more to him than this – drive and hunger to prove himself). Jewels created characters with depth! Characters that made mistakes and don’t just immediately learn from them. Hell, she made teenage characters in a fanfiction that didn’t ultimately think with their primary sex organ – characters that were able to see that there were more important things happening besides who’s shagging who. Of course, there were characters that were interested in this, but they’re not the type of people that would go to a protest at the Ministry of Magic (and, obviously, this just strengthens the certainty that James and Lily truly belong together). Essentially, Jewels created characters that are sometimes hard to like. She showed us real emotions and feelings and struggles like a proper novel. She went further than an exploration of two people’s love life and gave contextual reasons to their coming together, and why their relationship was so important in the greater scheme of Harry Potter. She created multiple storylines, intricately woven together, incorporating briefly mentioned characters in the Harry Potter series and giving them backstory and personalities. Jewels created a world within J.K. Rowling’s universe with complex political turmoil.

I fully and strongly admire the work and dedication that Jewels put into The Life and Times. I feel that it’s wishful thinking that she might return to this story after all these years (has it really been seven already?!), but I can’t help but wish all the same. I do understand because life does have a habit of getting in the way and people move on. I’m truly grateful for Jewels and what she gave to the world. No other fanfiction will ever evoke the feelings that The Life and Times does. No matter the emotional strife this story gives me, I will always be grateful, and it will always be my favorite. Thank you, Jewels.

[deathbyvalentine]

Regency Werewolves Chapter 2

The grounds were suitable. The social season could commence.

Of course, there were preparations to be made that had little to do with tooth or claw. There were dresses to be made, ribbon to be pinned and plaited, pocket watches to be wound and shoes to be polished. Not to mention the small stack of calling cards that was beginning to lean a little in the stack. Everyone was curious and the family had been particularly elusive. But now, glimpses could be caught. The women were glimpsed moving from a haberdashery, servant laden with fabrics. The men had waved a greeting to some passing gentleman from some local land known for its good hunting. They had managed to escape the title of 'snobs', instead becoming 'mysterious'.

The first ball of the season, was of course, themed. Lady Robin in all her finery and extensive powder had announced it with a hint of smugness, the type that was unfortunately entirely backed up with ability. Her parties were lavish while still being respectable, decadent without being wasted. Wine would be drank but not quaffed, food served but not scoffed. This was a line many struggled to toe (poor Earl Sussex) but she did to with aplomb.

Obviously, the Williamson house was in uproar, even as Lady Williamson sought to contain it. Elise was of no help whatsoever, stirring the girls up with tales from her youth and recollections of flirting. Even Alice, usually resentful at being squashed into dresses and her hair being brushed within an inch of her life, showed little complaint at her dress and chattered excitedly about the dark woods on the ground, despite her lady mother reminding her there would be no chance for her to explore. Sybil had managed to contain her own excitement but there was a certain tremble in her hands when she spoke of ribbons. Kingsley suffered in stoic silence, his dread of social occasions easy enough to read on his face. His father's face mirrored his own.

Kingsley was often a rather put upon creature. He had not the wild bravery of Alice nor the social graces of Sybil. He found social situations not merely a chore, but much more of a minefield. He was at ease in precisely two situations - looking over his father's accounts and when he shrugged off his human skin and ran under the full moon. He found himself wishing for the moon to come more often - the rules of being a wolf were so much clearer than the rules of being a human.

Meanwhile, Sybil would happily give up her teeth and claws for the gift of a normal life. She fretted over how she would handle her little 'condition' when the time came for a husband, seemingly unaware of the fact her mother had managed it.

Alice was much more a wolf than her a girl - her shape had little to do with it all in her view. She was a wolf when she was in dresses and she was a wolf when she was in fur. Civilisation was a cruel joke.

And what was more civilised than a soiree? From the drinks in clear glass flutes to the steps of a dance, all of it was manufactured. Therefore the children must be manufactured too. They had to blend in, had to look like this was their first or second nature. Tears in dresses had to be prepared, quick tempers soothed before they turned violent, the correct amount of food to eat imparted. Lady Williamson made it look natural and her three progeny strived to imitate that ease.

*

The day came and the evening followed. The evening was summer tones of pink, fading to purple, becoming blue. The drive to Lady Robin's house was packed full of carriages, warm young ladies hanging out of windows and fanning themselves furiously. The only reason why Alice was not among them was because Sybil had hooked her by the back of the dress and pulled her back into her seat with one fluid moment. Alice responded by panting behind her fan.

Even the sisters petty bickering fell silent once the turn on the drive slipped past. The entrance was flung open wide, revealing the light of what must have been hundreds of candles, some lining the meticulously swept stone steps. Garlands of white flowers hung in long strips, attracting the attention of a few lazy bees. Kingsley couldn't help sniffing the air, the smell of perfume, lillies and food almost too much to resist. The entire family took a moment to look and to see and to scent. Alice fidgeted, eager to explore. Her mother shot her a warning look - each of the older women were taking one of the girls to be chaperoned and Alice had drawn the short straw. Selene might have let her have a little fun (Sybil, ironically, was equally as unhappy at her chaperone's identity).

They entered as a procession, with Lord and Lady at the front, the children and their aunt tidily following behind them like ducklings. Curtseys were liberally distributed, as were bows and handshakes. The girls were complimented, the boys were given approving nods. A few of the prouder invitees attempted to be above the buzz of the throng eager to meet the new family, but even they couldn't resist side-long glances their way, measuring up the cut of their dresses and smoothness of their manner.

The dancefloor was currently clear, the band only just beginning to settled down in their chairs, taking up positions and instruments. Alice couldn't help but wince as the tuning up began, the sharp notes of a violin particularly harsh to her sensitive ears. Sybil, though she didn't show it, was having similar trouble with an overpowering perfume an old duchess was wearing. These events were often overwhelming to humans, with werewolves it was a hundred times more stimulating, for better or worse. There was another scent on the air, that made the Lady turn her head. It was there and gone in a quick breath, but the hairs on the back of her neck prickled. It was surely nothing.

Kingsley made a beeline for the refreshments, as teenage boys usually do. It also carried the dual purpose of delaying the need to ask young ladies for their hands to dance. Kingsley rather despised dancing. Though naturally graceful, he never seemed to know the correct steps for the popular dances of the day and tread on toes with impunity. Later Lord Gordon would gently prod him to do his social duty, but for the moment he took pity on the lad and let him dodge the dance cards thrust towards him.

Lord Gordon took a moment to take in the room. It had been a hot summer night much like this one where he had met his darling wife. Fairytale like he had seen her, diamonds looking like starshine in her hair, both dimmed by the force of her smile and strength of her scent. He recognised in her what he had in himself, the howling beast that resided in their chest, making them just a little bit wild. It was love at first sight and the love blossomed between them over the years, making infatuation into the kind of deep fondness on which empires could be built. He wrapped an arm around her waist and she leant into it, thinking of the same memory. Alice pulled a face at the romance, since when were parents allowed such luxuries as romance?

Her grimace didn't last long. As her mother was brushing off her dress and making noises about finding some wine, a young man approached. He was tall and slender, with a bright spray of freckles across an elegant nose. His hair had the unmistakable bearing of curls squashed and soothed into submission, but nothing could dim the brightness of the orange it was. This distracted Alice so thoroughly it was only after a moment she remembered to curtsey. He was introduced and she too was, albeit via her mother.

His name was Leopold, though his friends called him Leo. He was a cousin of the family who owned this place, although slightly distantly. He was studying at Oxford and had came up especially for the season as his younger sister was coming out and he wanted to support her. He liked history and art. All of this Alice found out very rapidly. He spoke like a train rattling down a track and in trying to take it all in, she offered little about herself. He was nervous, she realised, trying to cover up his unease with words. Eventually, he got to the point.

"Miss Williamson. Would you do me the honour of a dance?" His eyes flickered towards the empty dance card at her wrist. At first, she thought it was out of pity. But then, she became aware of all the young men in the room and how many were hovering close by, waiting. It was not pity, rather, eagerness. This shocked her so very much she gave her consent.

A moment later after Leopold had departed, Sybil appeared at her elbow like a horrid specter. "You must attend to me at once Alice. You must not tread on his toes or turn too soon. Don't laugh without covering your mouth and smile like you have a secret. Don't fiddle with your gloves - " "It is only a dance Sybil." "To begin with, yes. But Leopold is one of the most eligible men in this room and it won't be a bad thing to impress him." "He asked me to dance, shouldn't he be impressing me?" Sybil gave her a long look which informed her exactly how foolish an opinion that was to have. Alice flushed, finished her glass of champagne and braced herself.

Across the room, Kingsley had watched the exchange with an academic interest. He was about to go and join his sisters, to gossip and discuss the already rather interesting turn of events, when he realised someone was beside him, also gazing out into the room.

It was a man a little older than himself. He had dark eyes and dark hair that was teased into dreadlocks. He had sharp cheekbones but a soft mouth. Kingsley looked away quickly, but not quite quickly enough.

"I prefer to stay on the sidelines too, don't worry." A small chuckle passed between them and Kingsley relaxed his shoulders a little, recognising a kindred spirit. "Are you here alone?" "No, my entire family are here." He nodded towards Alice and Sybil. "They're my sisters." "I'm here with a niece, though where exactly she has gotten to is a mystery." He held out a hand. "Michael." "Kingsley." His hand was warm and gentle. He turned back to the room and in companionable silence they observed.

Alice had made her way onto the dance floor, trying desperately to remember every tip that Sybil had forced into her mind two minutes prior. It was hopeless, as was she. Ladyship didn't come easily to her. Selene squeezed her arm in passing, hoping to pass on a little of her courage.

Leopold stood opposite her and gave a most ungentlemanly grin, like he was not in a room full of rules and looks, but somewhere else, perhaps a park or school. Inevitably, she found herself grinning back before she remembered the rule and covered her mouth with her hand. The music started, a light tune with much work on the fiddle and violin. It reminded her somehow of spring, of waking up to flowers and birdsong. Much better than the droll solemnity often trotted out in these occasions.

The dance begun. Kingsley, watching from slightly above, thought not for the first time of how much it looked like certain creatures from the animal kingdom, bees in the summer tracing their endless ritual paths. The formality was stifling. All of them would be feeling it, the moment of feeling trapped within stays and lacing, rules and regulations. But he chose to cling to them, using them to retain his humanity. What was more human than this party?

Alice kept her eyes on Leopold, and he kept her gaze evenly. The grins slipped away, giving way to an expression that she could not name. She was acutely aware of every touch between them, despite the layers of gloves and the swapping of partners. She began to be able to differentiate his scent from those around him - there was something earthy there, like standing in a woodland after rain or digging. It felt familiar and welcoming in this place full of artificial perfume.

Lady Williamson and Selene watched from the sidelines, their dancing days mostly done. A respite from the work of courting. Selene lamented it but Elise felt a sense of relief. She had found and kept her husband, and even loved him. No more performing, pretending or showing off. She could be as she was. Well, almost. Some things were not for public consumption. Selene, scandalous as always, made no secret of the fact she was looking for a second husband, much to Elise's dismay and amusement. The two women stood side by side and watched their girls dancing.

[thatiranianphantom]

Recappin’ Riverdale 1x03: Body Double

Episode summary:

I feel like this episode thought it was making this feminist statement, but it’s....contrasted with the whole rest of the show? Like, no. Women on this show are played as sexual objects. RAS has out and out admitted to dressing the cast, particularly the female cast, in provocative clothing specifically so people can lust on them. You don’t get to think you’re being so feminist and progressive when that’s disproven by every scene on this show. Betty’s FIRST SCENE was in a bra, and she was fifteen. Was that just...for comfort? Or maybe it was to say “come watch our show! We have hot young actors!”

Also I get a bit more in-depth rambley, under the cut!

- Oh god, I can’t even stand the voiceover. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Jughead Jones is a TERRIBLE writer. He’s also REALLY fond of adjectives. And if this was an intentional character choice, it’d fit so well. It’s so like a teen to have this exaggerated sense of self-importance. It would make sense that he THINKS he’s a better writer than he IS. But that’s not how Riverdale works. Jughead is a writer stand-in, and they probably think the narration sounds edgy and profound. Look, voiceover narration is hard to get right. God knows I’m annoyed by Grey’s Anatomy’s voiceovers more than I enjoy them. But like, maybe go with the style Criminal Minds used? I always enjoyed hearing their beginning and ending quotes, instead of this hipster garbage. 

- “I loved Jason more than I do myself” we should have and could have done a deep dive into Cheryl’s characterization, instead of having Toni briefly touch on it. Cheryl does not have ONE stable, healthy connection in her life. She has ZERO reference for what a healthy relationship looks like. She has no healthy connections. Jason was the only loving relationship in her life, and I would not call that a healthy relationship. 

- That dress Cheryl wears. She has so many better outfits. 

- GREAT interrogation, Tom Keller. A+. We’ve saved a place in a line of Riverdale’s top law enforcement for you. God, can anyone get a decent sheriff here? I’m calling Nicole Haught. 

- God I feel so bad for Cheryl, especially in season 1. How she could turn out as she is now despite enduring nonstop abuse is amazing. And let’s be clear, Riverdale. The way she was treated is ABUSE, whether you want to recognize that or not. 

- S1 Alice was cold af. I mean, now, they really don’t know what they’re doing with her and never have, but she’s really rigid here. 

- FIRST BUGHEAD SCENE! I love that she immediately calls him “Juggy”. Inquiring minds want to know about these two’s past.  

- Girl’s done her research. 

- Honestly, did we think Jughead could say no to Betty?

- Tiny flirting. Love it. 

- Ah, retroactive parenting. The Fred Andrews MO. 

- Okay, I’m glad they redeemed Chuck. We all know how good Riverdale is with their POC characters. 

- Betty’s outfit in this hallway scene. Blue loose top, blue cardigan, jeans....this is a FAR CRY from her S4 outfits. 

- THE STICKY MAPLE. GOOD GOD. I THOUGHT I COULDN’T CRINGE MORE.

- I read a fic once, I wish I knew who it was by, where Veronica kind of took the “sticky maple” thing and ran with it, implying Chuck was...lacking, and he was begging her to take it down. I wish they had done that. 

- Betty covering her face in the locker room. I love it. 

- And thus we begin on teenagers being far more competent than law enforcement. 

- Okay so Josie and Cheryl are friends?

- Some proof that Riverdale doesn’t plan ahead:

Tony Topaz?

-  Ethel being the one who’s constantly screwed over. Need someone with a creepy Jughead obsession? ETHEL! Comics backs this so we’re in the clear! Need someone to fall into a cult and nearly die? I know just who! Need someone to be creepily watching other people’s sex tapes? There’s our girl! 

- Boys will be boys HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS

- Poor Camila. She does what she can with some VERY shoddily written dialogue. 

- Ditto Madelaine. 

- “I saw the way you looked at me” - Okay, Jug

- Archie did not have the black eye earlier in the episode and now it’s back? God the script supervisor must hate her job, her life, and everyone around her

- TREV. I hate people in fanfic making him out to be the villain he never was. 

- The Betty ballet bun. It’s adorable. 

- Josie is so freaking gorgeous

- Okay we also meet the Dark!Betty plotline this episode. What a super realistic, healthy, nuanced portrayal of mental illness. 

- You should know that I skipped most of the Dark!Betty scenes because I am just...disgusted with *gestures vaguely* all of this

- I ain’t going to say Alice didn’t deserve that punch. 

- Some secretive Jarchie. There’s a secret relationship AU video in here, if you edit. 

- “Slut-shaming. That’s what they call it when sluts get shamed.” THANKS ALICE. Would have been really hard to piece that together without you. 

- “Soundproofing the garage” Fred Andrews doing himself a favor. 

- Also skipping the grooming scenes. I don’t know how that wasn’t presented as EW as it was. 

Anyway, that’s episode 3! Hope my conservative estimate of one person reading this enjoys hearing my thoughts! 

[yootaesowlwrites]

The One Thing Chapter 11:

Chapter 11-  The One Thing series.

This series has a taglist, if you want to be added, send me an ask.

More fanfiction.

AJ stares at the ribbon shaped gold band decorated with a solitaire stone on her finger, she had done a good job at hiding this from everyone, which surprised her because Edward could read minds and Alice would have seen the moment Carlisle decided to propose, but she wasn't complaining, because if Alice knew she would have thrown a party by now to celebrate it.

AJ had graduated from Forks High School and was spending most of her time at home while Rosalie and Emmett were in Africa spending some time alone, Today Alice was extremely happy because it was Bella Swan's birthday, and because nobody in the house remembered when they were born, Alice decided to plan a party to celebrate the birth of Bella.

AJ exits the bedroom and Alice was immediately by her side smiling wide at her, AJ already knew what this was about and she been trying to avoid it for days now, but you can't really avoid Alice, no matter how hard you try, AJ places her right hand over her left hand covering the engagement ring.

"AJ, just who I was hoping to see," Alice says. "Can I ask a favour?"

"It depends, Alice." AJ answers.

"Can we please throw a birthday party for Bella? Please? None of us has celebrated a birthday in years!" Alice begs, her eyes pleaded her as well. "Please."

"You should go and ask Carlisle, it is his house, I just live here," AJ says, Alice nods her head as they begin walking down the stairs.

"Okay, but, can you ask him?" Alice asks.

"I'm sorry, you have a voice, and if you can't say it, write it down," AJ says.

"He'll say yes if you ask," Alice says, AJ chuckles and glances into the living room and sees Carlisle.

"All right, I'll ask him later," AJ says.

"No, ask him now," Alice begs.

"Now?" AJ asks, a smile on her lips as she toyed with Alice.

"Yes, right now," Alice says, AJ laughs softly and nods her head.

"All right, I'll go ask him," AJ says, Alice pulls AJ into a hug.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Alice says, AJ wraps her arms around Alice hugging her back.

"No problem, but you're going to have to let me go if you want me to go ask him," AJ says, Alice pulls away from the embrace.

"Right yes, now go," Alice says, AJ walks into the living room and sits down next to Carlisle on the couch, she lays her head on his shoulder and places her hand on his upper thigh.

"Hello, darling," Carlisle says, he shuts the TV off.

"Hi." AJ softly says, Carlisle looks at her with a smile on his lips, he knew she wanted something.

"What can I do for you?" Carlisle asks, AJ looks up at him.

"You can kiss me," AJ says.

"You don't even have to ask," Carlisle says, he leans closer and brushes his lips against her, softly kissing her.

"Mhm, that never gets old," AJ says. "So uh the teenagers, minus myself." AJ begins, Carlisle nods his head. "Mostly Alice, she wants to throw a birthday party for Bella here tonight, hopefully, it's just us and Bella."

"If it's only us and Bella, then I see no problem with it," Carlisle says, AJ nods her head and looks towards the staircase.

"Did you hear, Alice?" AJ asks, Alice lets out a squeal and skips into the living room.

"Thank you, thank you!" Alice says, Carlisle smiles up at Alice.

"No problem, Alice," Carlisle says, AJ stands from the couch.

"Now, if you and Jasper don't leave now you're going to be late for school," AJ says. "I'll walk  you out." Alice smiles and leaves the living room and walk down the stair with AJ behind her, they exit the house and meet with Jasper already waiting in the car, Alice opens the passenger side door.

"I take it he agreed?" Jasper asks, he could feel Alice's happiness, boosting his own mood.

"Only because mom asked," Alice says, AJ smiles at Alice.

"Remember, Just us and Bella, no other humans," AJ says, Alice nods her head.

"Got it, see you after school," Alice says, she climbs into the car and AJ speeds back into the house.

•••

AJ stood next to Carlisle holding a small box in her hands, Carlisle had his arm around her his hand resting on her lower back, Edward and Bella were upstairs talking about the Volturi.

"Okay, I'm going to go call them," Alice says, she walks up the stairs.

"Why did you agree to this?" Rosalie asks.

"Edward is with Bella, like it or not Rosalie, she's part of our family now," AJ says.

"You've got to admit you're not exactly happy about it either," Rosalie says, AJ glances at the floor.

"I'm not, but for Edward's sake and happiness, I'll endure it," AJ says, Carlisle softly kisses the top of AJ's head just as Alice pulls Bella down the stairs with Edward tailing behind them.

"Sorry about all of this," Carlisle says, he walks up to Bella. "We tried to rein Alice in."

"As if that were even possible," Esme says, she walks up to Bella and pulls her into a hug. "Happy birthday, Bella." Alice takes a picture of them.

"Thanks," Bella says, she looks at Alice.

"I found it in your bag, you mind?" Alice asks, she held the camera up.

"Uh no." Bella answers, Alice gives Rosalie a box.

"You first, Rosalie," Alice says, Rosalie takes the box and hands it to Bella.

"It's a necklace, Alice picked it out," Rosalie says, Bella takes the box.

"Thanks," Bella says, it was no secret that Rosalie wasn't fond of the idea of a human in the house, it was dangerous for all of them, Alice pulls Edward off the staircase and pushes him next to Bella.

"Show me the love," Alice says, she snaps a picture of them. "Oh, and there's the cake before I forget."

"Alice, that cake is big enough to feed 50 people and you guys don't even eat," Bella says, Alice ignores her and picks up another box.

"This one's from Emmett," Alice says, she hands the box to Bella and Bella shakes the box not hearing anything inside.

"Already installed it in your truck," Emmett says, beaming about his gift. "Finally a decent sound system for that piece of."

"Hey, don't hate the truck," Bella says, Alice laughs and hands Bella anther present.

"Here, open Carlisle and Esme's gift next, AJ and John have a separate gift for you," Alice says, She hands a small box to Bella.

"Just a little something to brighten your day," Carlisle says.

"Yes, you've been looking a little pale lately," Esme says, Bella smiles and starts to open it but hisses when the paper sliced into her finger, the smell o blood quickly filled the room.

"Ow, paper cut," Bella says, a single drop of blood falls onto the carpet, AJ takes hold of Jasper's arm as the smell of blood filled her nostrils, a drop of blood wasn't enough to send AJ into a frenzy, but she knew it would set Jasper off, Jasper pushes AJ off him with force and speed towards Bella, his golden eyes turning black, Edward pushes Bella back causing her to hit the wall breaking the glass of a painting and a table that had more glass on it, the glass breaking more of her skin causing her to bleed more.

Edward pushes Jasper back with force throwing him through the piano breaking it, he jumps back up ready to attack again, Carlisle and John tries to grab Jasper but he dodges them easily until Emmett managed to catch him and hold him back, Alice quickly speeds up to Jasper trying to calm him down, AJ's eyes darken as she saw Bella's arm bleeding.

"Jaz, Jaz, It's okay, It's just a little..." Alice trails off when she caught sight of AJ, she turns around and saw Bella's arm bleeding more. "Blood." Alice finishes her sentence, AJ drops the box she was holding and speeds towards Bella, John wraps his arms around her as she lets out a snarl.

"Get them out of here," Carlisle instructs, he speeds towards Bella to examine how bad the wound was, Emmett and John forcefully pull AJ and Jasper out of the house as they struggle against them, once they were outside it got slightly better.

"Calm down," John tell AJ, AJ looks around her and saw Jasper still struggling to get out of Emmett's grip, Alice and Rosalie exit the house to see if everything was under control.

"AJ," Rosalie calls out, AJ looks up at her, her eyes wide. "Calm down, you need to calm down."

"John, you have to confuse us!" AJ spits out. "Use your gift!"

"Rosalie, Alice, hold her," John instructs, Rosalie and Alice speeds towards AJ and grabs her arms, John focuses on both Jasper and AJ conjuring up an illusion, it quickly confused them when they couldn't find the house and calmed down, their focus no longer on murdering Bella. "All right, I think they're calm." Edward exits the house as the Illusion slowly disappears, Alice and Rosalie release AJ cautiously. "You can let him go." Emmett releases Jasper and he looks at everyone, Edward makes a face at the top of the stairs.

"Stop it, for hell's sake, Edward." AJ mumbles.

"No, If it weren't for this party then this wouldn't have happened," Edward says, Rosalie turns to look up at Edward.

"No, if you didn't bring that human into this house none of this would have happened," Rosalie says. "We would have been happy and safe!"

"It's not Bella's fault!" Edward argues.

"Rosalie, Edward," AJ warns them.

"Oh shut up," Edward says, AJ speeds up to Edward and wraps her hand around his neck.

"I swear to this eternal hell of ours, Edward, if you do not stop this attitude of yours right now, I will have no other choice but to compel you and your human to forget about each other." AJ threatens. "Now stop it." She pushes him backwards. "Go get your human and take her home." Edward rubs his neck and goes back into the house.

"I'm sorry," Jasper says, AJ turns around to look at Jasper.

"It wasn't your fault, Jasper," AJ says. "Why don't we go for a walk?" AJ suggests, Jasper nods his head, everyone could tell that they were feeling guilty about what had happened, AJ speeds up to him. "We'll go for a hunt."

"I didn't mean for this to happen," Jasper says, they walk into the woods leaving everyone behind to deal with the mess.

"This is not your fault, Jasper, do not blame yourself," AJ says.

"I feel so guilty, and Edward's angry with me," Jasper says.

"Let him be, he brought the human home, he should be the one feeling guilty," AJ says. "I lost control as well, Jasper, if it weren't for John grabbing me, I would have been the one to kill her." Jasper nods his head. "It's going to eat at us for a while, but it's going to be all right, we'll be all right."

"All right," Jasper says.

"All right, just remember, we might have been created to kill, and we might kill on accident, but we never mean to do so on purpose," AJ says. "We're supposed to be monsters, but that doesn't mean that we want to be."

"We're going to move, aren't we?" Jasper asks, AJ nods her head.

"Most likely," AJ says. "But it will be better, a fresh start, no humans in the household." She faintly smiles at him. "It'll be for the best."

The One Thing Taglist:

@mikariell95​ //