#until big misunderstanding/ betrayal

[sapphanimates]

[unclewaynemunson]

Something nameless is growing between Steve and Eddie. Steve wonders how long it'll take until this thing has a name, but for now, it's enough that it's just something. Something good. Something just for them. A secret of the most delicious kind.

He doesn't necessarily want to lie to Dustin, of course, but he doesn't really know what else to do. Not as long as this thing between him and Eddie is still nameless and Dustin is basically cornering him in the Hawkins High parking lot, way too enthusiastic about the fact that he's there to pick up Nancy.

'No, it's not a date, you little shrimp,' he repeats for what feels like the millionth time. And that statement couldn't be more true: he and Nancy are long past their weird post-breakup-end-of-the-world confusion. It's been good to reconnect with her and he's glad that they can truly be good friends, now.

Dustin shoots him an unimpressed glare and Steve groans in frustration when the boy opens his mouth to retort.

'I'm actually seeing someone else,' he says before Dustin can speak again. If he has to hear him say one more time that he should date either Nancy or Robin, he might actually punch him in the face. And he doesn't want to do that. Not really.

Dustin gasps.

'Why didn't you tell me?!'

'Because you're being annoying as shit about my love life,' Steve shoots back.

Dustin already opens his mouth for some smartass reply, but they get interrupted by a high-pitched scream. Steve whips his head only to find Eddie dramatically running towards them, limbs flailing and a huge grin on his face.

'Stevie!' he shouts out while crashing into Steve like a cannonball. Steve huffs, but is all too happy to catch him in his arms. He knows he shouldn't let his touch linger too long, not with Dustin right there, but it's really fucking difficult to pull back within an appropriate timeframe.

'What are you doing here?' Eddie looks hopeful, like he's suspecting that Steve came to the school for him.

'I'm meeting Nancy,' he admits, feeling almost guilty about it.

'He was just telling me about this girl he's seeing!' Dustin exclaims. 'Can you believe he didn't tell me? Did you know about this, Eddie?'

Eddie's smile falls off his face within a split second, and he takes a stumbling step backwards.

'You're seeing a girl?' His voice has gone cold. Betrayal shines from his big brown eyes.

'Eddie,' Steve starts, but he doesn't know what else to say – not with Dustin standing right there and hearing every word of their conversation.

'Go fuck yourself, Harrington.' He spits the words out and turns around, leaving Steve frozen and Dustin open-mouthed.

'Eddie, wait!' Steve calls out behind him, but Eddie only throws his arm up to flip him off, without looking back.

'Shit, fuck, damnit,' Steve mumbles under his breath as he runs after Eddie.

'Eddie, listen.' He grabs his leather-clad arm, but Eddie breaks himself free from Steve's grip with force. He finally looks at Steve again, tears in his eyes.

'I don't wanna hear it,' he says with a trembling voice as he reaches his van and climbs inside.

'But Dustin was–'

'Dustin was pretty damn clear.'

'No, it's all a –'

But Eddie slams the door shut while the word misunderstanding dies on Steve's tongue unheard. Steve watches helplessly how Eddie roughly wipes a hand over his face, puts his keys in the ignition as if he's stabbing someone, and drives off.

'Steve, what the fuck,' Dustin's voice says; when Steve looks to his right, he sees that Dustin has appeared next to him. 'He thought you were his friend! Why didn't you tell him about your girl?' It sounds accusatory, and Steve can't fucking deal with this right now.

'Why didn't you shut your goddamned big mouth for once in your life?' he snaps at him.

Dustin's eyes go wide with the surprise of Steve talking to him with that much venom in his voice; it's clear that he finally realizes he did something wrong.

'Steve, I – I didn't mean to – I didn't know he'd get mad!'

Steve sighs, long and heavy.

'Go home, Henderson,' he says stiffly.

He wishes that the genuinely apologetic look on Dustin's face would be enough to make it all good, but it isn't. Not as long as he still has the look in Eddie's eyes when he drove away burnt on his retina.

'I'm sorry, Steve.' And with slumped shoulders, Dustin turns around and trudges towards the bike racks.

Update: you can read pt2 here

[velvees-archive]

Making my case for ManoSouta, Ace Attorney’s token doomed yaoi

Bronco knew, and still he told nobody.

Ace Attorney Investigations 2 full game spoilers ahead!

Chalk it up to lucky guesswork or my expertly honed writer’s intuition (sarcasm), but so rarely do I latch onto side ships that when I found myself gravitating towards Bronco (Manosuke Naito) x Simeon (Souta Sarushiro, hence ManoSouta) simply because of this line, I knew something was up…

…and boy was I right.

Simeon Saint’s fall from grace was a direct consequence of subjection to a corrupt justice system and equally as corrupted individuals. There was his father, who saw Simeon’s existence as a means to an end (the end being a pharmaceutical “recipe” book that could cure Gusto’s affliction and a shiny world class confectioner title), his best friend, who kidnapped him and almost killed him on his dad’s orders, and—if that wasn’t enough to destroy someone’s psyche—there was the presidential assassination trio, who tormented, interrogated, and dangled their judicial and executive power over him like a special-brand curse.

This is a character who hit rock bottom so long ago he believes nothing is left of him except agony, paranoia, and anger. He crafts an intricate revenge plot that dishes Simeon-esque justice to everyone who wronged him. The acts are performed mercilessly, too, no hesitation, regret, or unnecessary feelings involved in the flawless execution of his plan.

Well, almost.

There was one person in the same boat—no family, no longstanding companionship (barring each other)—who set Simeon’s descent in motion. Ironically, it is also through this person that we’re shown what remains of his humanity.

For me to talk about Simeon’s feelings as shown before we found out he was the mastermind, though, we have to see how he reacted after the big reveal. Upon being fingered as the villain, Simeon makes it clear he does not feel remorse towards any of the people “he” killed. After all, they drew first blood; Simeon firmly believes retaliation was warranted.

That is, until Miles clarifies the following points surrounding Simeon’s kidnapping, his memory loss, and the fate of his and Bronco’s fathers:

The reason Simeon was kidnapped wasn’t so Bronco’s dad could kill Simeon’s; Bronco was only meant to stall Simeon so he couldn’t help his dad win the confectionary competition finale

When a murder did occur, the victim of the murder was not Simeon’s dad, but Bronco’s.

This is how Simeon responds:

“He deserved to die!…Didn’t he?”

This line, in conjunction with the contemplative flashback shown in the video, conveys Simeon’s uncertainty/regret about inciting Knight’s murder, though one could argue this is only in reaction to the revelation rather than a lingering attachment to Knight, who he “stopped thinking” was his friend 18 years ago.

But then he follows it up with this.

“Then what was all this…for…!?”

At this point, you have to ask yourself why Simeon is questioning his entire plan (keyword in the quote is all, not just Bronco’s death) because he realized whose father actually died. Technically speaking, Bronco did still kidnap him. On top of that, everyone else Simeon exacted revenge on still wronged him, so it makes no sense to say this unless Bronco’s supposed role in “Simeon’s” father’s death was pivotal in Simeon’s decision to proceed with his whole plot. In other words, the reason Simeon questions his plot after Miles’ clarification is because this fundamental misunderstanding was what pushed him to take revenge on everyone in the first place. Bronco’s betrayal weighed so heavily on him that Simeon had no choice but to kill him in line with his principles, but he didn’t actually want to.

I’m not saying he wanted to spare Bronco because of the power of friendship or some misplaced sentimentality. It was inevitable that Bronco would die by Simeon’s hand because Simeon vowed to get his revenge on everyone who hurt him. What I am saying is that Simeon’s resolve is clearly shaken once Bronco’s role in his suffering is cleared up. As soon as Simeon realized Bronco’s dad didn’t murder his dad, he regretted killing his only friend. This is the only time Simeon shows remorse.

You might think Simeon’s hatred for Bronco stems from his kidnapping and its consequences, aka setting off the chain of events that would ruin Simeon’s life outside of “his” dad dying. However, Simeon doesn’t hold a grudge over Bronco for anything other than the kidnapping. The statement, “If you hadn’t detained me 18 years ago…it wouldn’t have had to…end like this” is vastly different from “If you hadn’t detained me 18 years ago, none of this would have happened.” His “hatred” for Bronco was a personal grudge he had against his best friend, who also happened to be the son of his dad’s killer. Bronco was on Simeon’s list because his betrayal stung Simeon most. “What was all of this for” really meant, “I wouldn’t have gone through with any of this if I knew you weren’t involved.”

Had Simeon truly hated him, it’d be difficult to justify why he snuck away from his carnival preparations to talk to Bronco. Why did he pay such an incriminating visit when he’d already delivered Bronco’s chess set during visiting hours? And why did he tell Bronco he snuck something into it, leaving him vulnerable to counterattack should Bronco tattle?

Why did he bother saying goodbye?

Simeon’s actions betray logic because try as he might to hate Bronco with all his heart, he cared. Bronco Knight’s betrayal was the straw that broke the camel’s back, but imagine if the misunderstanding had been sorted from the start. Simeon's reaction to wrongfully killing Bronco was a stellar portrayal of his desire for genuine companionship, and a peek into what remained of his humanity before he was unmasked. He really was all alone.

If you’re still not sold on them being the doomed yaoi representatives of Ace Attorney, if a misplaced desire for revenge cutting their time short doesn’t make this tragic enough, then consider this: Bronco legitimately cared for and trusted Simeon, but unlike Simeon, he was left completely in the dark.

He’s legitimately excited to see Simeon’s performance. He happily awaited Simeon’s chess correspondences because he just likes being around him!!

Perhaps the biggest sticking point in all of this is that Simeon admitted he put something in his chess set, Bronco definitely opened his chess set, and yet when it came time for Fifi Laguarde to interrogate him (aka when she discovers the chisel), Bronco does not tell her he doesn’t own it, he does not tell her he’s been set up, and he does not tell her his best friend—who the precinct knows visited him—is the one who put it there. Why didn’t Bronco tell her?

That’s the greatest pull of their dynamic: we don’t know. Maybe everything happened too fast. Maybe he did try to protest. Maybe he ratted Simeon out but Laguarde was already in hysterics. Maybe Bronco didn’t understand why the chisel frenzied the warden so, and paid the ultimate price for it.

Or maybe, just maybe, Bronco already knew the moment he saw the chisel. Maybe he died a knowing victim of Simeon’s retribution. Maybe he thought it better that the knowledge of their past—Paul Halique’s ring and Simeon’s secret hatred— dissolve with his last breath.

Worse yet, maybe he couldn’t believe Simeon would do something like this. Maybe he continued to have blind faith in him despite the damning evidence. Maybe he believed in him.

[getyinyusedtoit]

i love hualian's specific brand of misunderstanding because it happens due to their internalized feelings of inadequacy and self denial, and these feelings remain self contained. there is no betrayal or argument of any kind, no big catalyst that changes the dynamic of their relationship in some awful way, no negative assumptions placed upon one by the other. they just happen as they are both testing the waters and working through what they're allowed to want, allowed to have while their individual inability to see themselves as worthy of taking want they want, of being loved gets in the way every time.

and it's so good, seeing them fumble these moments that are clearly veiled or outright confessions and yet continue to grow closer in spite of it. to watch them have this journey and watch them teach each other the things they themselves need to learn. it's good because centuries of self denial wouldn't go away overnight, no matter how perfectly they slot into each others lives. instead we get to see both of them learn that they can start to give and take what they want more and more over their journey, until it culminates in less of a confession and more of an acknowledgement, finally having the ability to reach out and embrace love you feel you don't deserve while also giving love to someone who equally fears they don't deserve it.

[neteyamssock]

Not so bad, after all.

╰┈➤ PART II.

pairing: neteyam x fem!metkayina!reader

summary: When neteyam and you met each other for the first time, they were overwhelmed with feelings they have never felt before.

wordcount for this chapter: 2.1k

tags: love at first sight, misunderstanding, arranged marriage/mateship, unrequieted love, betrayal, angst, happy ending, etc.

TEXT DIVIDERS CREDITS TO @cafekitsune

masterlist

part i | part iii

part ii.

You didn’t expect Tsireya to stop you on your way to collect herbs one morning. By the look on her face you knew that she wanted to ask something from you. Although you were reluctant, you still stopped to listen to her.

“Tsmuke, can you please convince Ao’nung to help? He never attended all the lessons. I’m about to ask father to scold him.” 

“Why?  Are the children hard to teach?” You asked with a smile, a certain face appearing in your mind as you speak.

Tsireya shook her head, seemingly happy. “Not at all, actually. They only need to hone their breathing and they'll be good to go.”

Hearing it, your eyes narrowed. “Why would you ask Ao’nung’s presence then?”

With an exasperated look, Tsireya pinched your waist. “You don't think father wants us to just teach them, do you?”

She was right. It must've been Tonowari’s intentions for Tsireya and Ao’nung to build a rapport with the Sully children. 

And it cannot be done without Ao’nung ever interacting with the Sullys. 

During these days you tried hard to avoid the possibility of bumping into the new settlers, trying your best to keep that boy out of your mind and focus on the Tsahik’s healing lessons instead. 

You don't know what these strange flutters in your chest means, and you don’t like it. It scares you. So you did everything to avoid any close encounters with the Sullys. 

The Tsahik had in fact, noticed your behavior. She asked if you have something on your mind, and you told her you’re just having a bottleneck in one of your tasks. 

Ronal didn't investigate any further, but you knew she knew there's something more you are not being honest about.

You knew about Ao’nung absence. He’s as stubborn as rock, he wouldn’t budge as easily. Once he set his mind on something, he would do it until Ronal or Tonowari finally put him in his place. He wouldn’t listen to Tsireya. 

You shook your head, “He wouldn’t listen to us,”

Tsireya looked at you with a twinkle in big cerulean eyes, “He would, sister. I absolutely believe he would. I mean you don’t even have to ask him. You just need to come with me to the water and he’ll arrive as fast as an akula that smelled blood.”

You somehow understood what Tsireya was trying to tell you. She wanted you to come, so Ao’nung would be forced to come as well. Although you doubt you’d have that much influence in that stubborn skxawng.

You waved your hands and pointed to the herbs in your marui, “I have so many things to do, Reya. I can't go.”

“You speak falsely, sister! Those herbs are not even the herbs mother asked you to prepare. I will go to Mother, I’m sure she will agree for you to take a day off.” 

Before she could run off, you held her forearm and sighed. It seems that there's no avoiding it. You’ll have to go. There's no way you’ll let her talk to Ronal about this.

“Fine. I’ll go. But if Ao’nung didn't come just like you said, I’ll leave.”

Tsireya jumped in delight, hugging you tightly before pulling you into the ocean, confident about her theory. She didn't see your eyes full of nervousness and your weak knees as the thought of talking to the certain Omatikayan boy began occupying your mind.

“Tsireya! You’re here! Wow! You brought a pretty girl?”

“Yes, sweet little Tuk, I brought my sister with me. She’ll help with your training!”

Eyes shifted towards you, making you squirm. You tried to calm yourself as you faced the Sully children, greeting them with an awkward smile. “Oel Ngati Kameie, my name is _______.”

The youngest sully kid looked up to you with the biggest smile, “I see you, _______! My name is Tuktirey, but you can call me Tuk. This is my eldest brother Neteyam,” She pointed at the oldest Omatikayan boy beside her, and against your better judgment you turned towards him and met his eyes already staring at you.

Seeing you finally look at him in the eyes, he smiled and greeted you. “I see you,”

You felt your heart pounding on your chest, your blood thrummed through your veins. “I-I see you, N-Neteyam.”

Without seeing his reaction, you divert your attention back to Tuk who pointed to the other boy beside her, named Lo’ak, the second sully boy. Then, she pointed to the absent-minded girl not far away. “That’s my sister Kiri.”

You greeted them with a smile. Thankfully, Tsireya knew your nature and immediately took over the conversation after your introduction. “She’s a skilled healer, with exceptional weaving skills. She’s also a hunter, but she prefers staying inside her marui studying medicinal plants than to swim.”

You pinched Tsireya’s waist, not wanting to sound try-hard. 

Thankfully, the sullys seem to take it well as Tuk grabbed your hand, pulling you much deeper into the water. “I also know how to weave! Maybe in the future we can compare who’s better!”

You laughed at her words that allowed you to subconsciously lower your guard. “I’m sure you're a lot better than me, little paskalin.”

Tsireya smiled at you before pulling Lo’ak away, making you helpless. You turned around and saw Kiri diving into the water. You couldn't help but to ask. “Will she be fine? What if she can’t breathe?”

Instead of Tuk, it was Neteyam who answered you. You didn't know when he arrived beside you. “She’ll be fine. She tends to do things that go against the nature of Eywa, but always manages to return unscathed.”

You can hear fondness in his voice, and couldn't stop the smile that emerged in your own lips. Your heartbeat was loud in your ears, but you're getting used to it.

“Eywa must've blessed her. She reminds me of Ao’nung.” 

“Ao’nung? That big meanie?” Tuk interjected.

You snickered at her description, but she wasn't wrong. Ao’nung can be a big meanie so you nodded. “That’s right. That big meanie. He always likes to mess around, I’m surprised he’s still alive.”

You can feel Neteyam’s eyes on you, “You seem close to the Olo-eyktan’s children. May I ask about your relationship with them?” You heard him ask. 

“Tsireya said she’s her sister, so they must be siblings!”

Tuk climbed on her brother as she waited for your answer. Aside from the deafening heartbeat, you also felt warm at the sight of Tuk hugging Neteyam. It reminded you of the younger Tsireya who would cling on you and add colorful shells to your hair.

“I am not the daughter of the Olo-eyktan and the Tsahik, I am simply Tsireya’s childhood companion. I also study under the Tsahik as a healer. She calls me sister…because we’re sisters at heart.”

You almost revealed the truth. Thank Eywa you managed to stop yourself. These feelings has to stop, it's making you vulnerable. 

Neteyam observed your face almost absent-mindedly, “You must've been a great healer to be able to study under the Tsahik. My sister Kiri is also a great healer, maybe you’ll get along.”

“It’s all thanks to the Tsahik and to the great mother Eywa. Your sister, is she a Tsakarem?”

Neteyam paused. “Used to be. But since we left the forest, the Tsahik has to choose another tsakarem.”

You nodded. You suddenly felt curious about their origin. You also have no other conversation starter you can think of aside from this, so you went ahead with it. 

“S-so, you’re from the forest right? Do you have any ideas about swimming?”

Tuk giggled in her brother’s arms, “Of course! We swim in the rivers of the forest!”

You nodded. You have swam in rivers yourself in some of the islands near, so it wasn't new to you. You have never seen a forest though, because you have never joined any expeditions to another clan. You merely heard about them from your mother back when you were still an ‘eveng. 

“I only heard my mother talk about the forest, when she used to go with my father on expeditions to another clan. I believe they also went to Omatikaya Clan once. I-I hope you also find the ocean beautiful.”

“The reef is not bad, after all. It’s amazing... ” Neteyam murmured, but you heard it clearly. 

You thought your heart would break out of your chest so you put your palm on top of your heart. You watched Tuk play with the water, before locking eyes with Neteyam. You thought you can handle it, but you were wrong as you quickly looked away, breathless. 

Somehow, you began to empathize with these people. You were cautious, understandable. Since allowing them inside your clan means allowing the possibility of war and destruction in awa’atlu. But it must've been very hard for them to abandon the place they call home to protect themselves and their loved ones. They're a lot braver than you, who’s a coward your whole life. 

You suddenly felt bad about how you acted. On how you let your feelings dictate how you act around Neteyam. Although they probably wouldn't even know since they just interacted with you for the first time, it still made you feel bad. Just because Neteyam made you feel things you have never felt before, you viewed them with prejudice. 

You cannot apologize either, because they wouldn't even understand what it is for. You just need to stop avoiding them and treating them like air, especially if they plan to stay here for a long time. You need to respect them and view them as prospective clansmen. 

With a newfound resolve, you faced Neteyam with a smile. “So, w-wanna learn how to swim?”

With a chuckle, Neteyam tilted his head. “Of course! Thought you’d never ask.”

Neteyam watched your back as you slowly faded into the distance. Lo’ak was standing beside him, snickering. 

“You should see yourself, bro. You’re drooling!” 

Neteyam turned towards him and sneered, “As if you weren't kneeling at Tsireya’s feet, you skxawng. Also, don’t twist things. I don’t like her or anything.”

Lo’ak knew Neteyam as the perfect one, the perfect little soldier of their family. He didn't expect him to be a fool in the language of love and suddenly felt happy. His perfect brother finally has something he’s weak. And that’s the matter of love. He’s not emotionally stunted, but he’s just as clueless as a baby in the matters of women and alike.

“You don’t fool me, bro. Why are you staring at her so often then? At least I can admit it myself that I like Tsireya.”

Neteyam frowned. He doesn’t agree with Lo’ak at all. “I just think she’s weird, you skxawng. I just cannot read her at all.”

The youngest sully boy shook his head, “You’re not supposed to, bro. She’s not a book.”

That earned him a slap in the head from Neteyam. Lo’ak grumbled to himself while Neteyam began thinking about you. 

You were always in his mind, no matter how he tried to remove you from his thoughts. He didn't even understand why, he just found you peculiar. He suddenly felt a lot lighter now that the two of you finally talked. He also assumed quickly, thinking you don't like him and his family. But he was wrong, at least he believes he’s wrong. One thing's clear though, he wrong about you being like Ao’nung who’s a bully. It looks to him that you’re just timid and introverted. 

He can work with that. For what? He didn't know yet. 

During dinner, Tuk couldn't control her mouth and began talking about you. It quickly caught the attention of Neytiri and Jake, who doesn't have any recollection of Tonowari and Ronal having another daughter. 

“We met another pretty girl! She taught us how to breathe underwater!”

Neytiri smiled at Tuk, fondly filling Tuk’s bowl with more food. “Really? What's her name?”

Tuk’s forehead creased, “Uhm, _____? _______?”

Neteyam snickered, “It’s _____. You were acting all clingy with her but you immediately forgot her name when you went home.”

“Well, I wouldn't have forgotten if you stopped talking to her and interrupting our conversation!”

Neytiri’s ears perked up, she looked at Neteyam with an unreadable expression, but Neteyam didn't notice as his cheeks began to heat up.  Lo’ak was trying hard to hide his smile, while Kiri just rolled her eyes. 

“I wasn't! Stop lying!”

Tuk stuck her tongue out at Neteyam and stood up, “Watch me! I’ll show you what happened!”

Everyone looked at Tuk who stood in the middle, she started mimicking your voice and awkward expression. “I-I hope you also find the ocean beautiful…”

Then, her expression changed, now mimicking Neteyam, her eyes blinking slowly as she stared lovingly at the air in front of her.  “The reef is not bad, after all. It’s amazing... ”

Lo’ak couldn't hold it anymore and laughed loudly, holding his stomach. Kiri and Tuk laughed as well, while Neteyam’s cheeks grew even warmer.

“Stop! You little—”

[iamwinklebottom]

THEME: “What You Don’t Know?”

Choices:

1. If this resonates with you, consider getting a personal reading here @ https://www.iamwinklebottom.com/shop/advice-psychic-mediumship-divination/32

• I’m hearing the song “Say My Name” (the Calvin Harris version) by Florence and The Machine: https://youtu.be/SZhLrOghfTI?si=8gsXqoepo5M4Tqba

You are misunderstanding your ancestry and your soul’s origins. Genuine ancestor connectivity is needed. I offer personal ancestor connectivity conjure and ancestor readings.

Yes, it is possible to be many things at one time. Yes, it is possible to have a blood quantum of something that is “stereotypically” unrelated to your phenotype (how you look physically).

It’s time to wake up and find out who your ancestors really were/are. Stop guessing and following random narratives people online put out.

It’s okay to be wrong; what’s not okay is sitting back and blindly absorbing who other’s are and posing as things you’re not. It’s time to find out what you’re really made of. The truth may set you free and show you lots of wisdom, but only if you allow it.

2. If this resonates with you, consider getting a personal reading here @ https://www.iamwinklebottom.com/shop/advice-psychic-mediumship-divination/32

• I keep hearing “Olokun;” check out this video here: https://youtu.be/PrnJrCrFfHo?si=2auEL_c7CYIX9-07

This message is not for all of you.

You have to understand that you are indeed easily influenced. Be careful. Do not turn into a copy cat. It’s okay to be inspired, but do not steal from others.

There is negative energetic karma that comes from doing that.

Some of you have been stolen from.

Energetically protect what’s yours with spiritual work and affirmations. I do offer conjure services. I’m hearing “evil eye removal and protection conjure will assist you.”

If you’re interested in having someone with years of experience do these services for you, hello - check out my website: https://www.iamwinklebottom.com/shop/conjure-services/30

There’s a lot of things that you cannot see. Seek for what’s below the surface in private, secretly. Build yourself up on the inside then let it ooze outside of you, high vibrationally.

3. If this resonates with you, consider getting a personal reading here @ https://www.iamwinklebottom.com/shop/advice-psychic-mediumship-divination/32

• I’m hearing “The Big Pay Back” by James Brown: https: https://youtu.be/HFNZOk00D74?si=TzSJXXsD3HMw3CLo

Your spirit team is heavy. This is not a drill. This is not a joke or a game. They’re very, very powerful.

Some of you honor Santa Muerte, Anubis, Santa Marta, or even Olokun. All of them, maybe. Again, take what resonates; do not claim these beings without knowing for sure who walks with you.

When people do wrong to you, it hurts these people in multiple areas of life all at once. Stop looking for the “pay back” to show up in their lives. Often times it’s not going to show publicly until “the pimple finally pops.”

You may even hear “meant to be” gossip about your enemies getting what they deserve later on when you’ve forgotten about the mistreatment and betrayal they took part in.

It’s almost like your enemies are being exploited just so the news can get back to you… not because you wanted that, but because that’s what’s meant to happen.

You’re supposed to collect the memories or “bones” from your enemies’ “sentencing;” don’t let this go to your head.

Know that you’re tough shit. Cleansing and protection work is still needed for you. I offer those kinds of services, if you’re interested: https://www.iamwinklebottom.com/shop/conjure-services/30

[stafyliaa]

"Miles it's me!"

Prowler!Miles x Spiderhero!Reader (gender neutral)

cw: angst,Jeff being funny,mentions of Jeff death (sorry it's earth 42 😭),tears,no comfort (maybe there will be on part two) "betrayal" and a big misunderstanding

Hii! This is my first time writing hehehe give me a chance and please be nice :D im gonna do a ending to this fic but it's gonna take a while

I'm more than happy to write requests so don't be shy!!

You are Miles lover..but you are also the friendly neighborhood Spider hero! While Miles is the Prowler! And the worst..you both didn't know that

But you never thought Prowler was a bad guy,he actually helped people too but- he kinda hates you for some reason

maybe he was jealous of the amount of popularity you have and how you are incredible strong and how your suit was soooo pretty so yeah,who cares about Prowler anyways? He's a douchebag

As for Miles..He is the best!!

He looks like he is trying to poop everytime with that "scary" face of him but he is really sweet and respectful boy

he respects your space and supports your decisions,he is great with gifts (handmade or purchased) and never fails to make you feel especial regardless of anything ♡

You were great friends with his family too! They love you! But, something happened

His dad was captain Morales,he passed away doing his job..being a hero without spider powers or something like that yeah good guy

You remembered that when he was alive he didn't liked the ideia of a masked hero around (another jealous man),but after some events you kinda "worked together" to protect the peace at the city

The Spiderhero and captain Morales protecting our dear Brooklyn! couldn't get better

he enjoyed talking about his son and you can't deny it was fun to see what Miles was like from his father's point of view

"My boy has a beautiful significant other,i consider them as my own child! You know? Don't tell anybody but i kinda get jealous on how much of attention my wife put on them cause like,does she like them more then me?!! That's unacceptable hmfp"

Yeah and things like that was really fun too

But that day you couldn't saved him

You tried.. But unfortunately it didn't worked

Miles was devastated..you felt so guilty every day for not being able to save his dad but you always comforted him whenever he need it and he is very grateful for that

If you thought you were nobody under your hero mask you are sorely mistaken! You are everything to Miles,you are his hero

it's been sometime since that happened and everything seems to be okay

Until now

It was a random night you were patrolling the city when you ended up realizing that you were close to where Miles lived

It wouldn't hurt anyone to take a look would it?

But the last thing you expected to see was this

And this i mean

Prowler on the rooftop at Miles building

[•••]

What if he is planning to hurt Miles? You couldn't let that happen, could you?

You were ready to attack him sneakily but his mask came off

Curious to know who your unbearably annoying enemy is you decided to wait a while

Then..you saw him!Miles Morales was the Prowler,and he wasn't alone..Aaron was with him

You were surprised! Who wouldn't tbh

You decided to stay a little longer to see what he is going to do:

- Miles..we will finally catch that spider,i can feel it.- said Aaron

- Yeah,i can't wait for that Tio (uncle) Aaron

You noticed that Aaron seemed to be hesitant to tell Miles something,then he said:

- Look Miles,they.. could be anyone -you thought to yourself "does he know I'm the spider hero!?-

- What are you trying to say?

- I'm trying to say that - he hesitates one more time - don't forget why we are doing all this ok? Mi hermano (my brother) ..Your dad, está muerto (is dead) because that "hero" couldn't save him,they saved everyone but couldn't bother to save him and - Before Aaron could say more Miles interrupt him

- I know tio,don't worry - his mask returns to his face - esta noche(tonight)..I'm gonna kill that spider

You know what he said

You know what he is planning to do

Miles..the boy you love

Is going to kill you

[•••]

You are on the edge of the building

The only thing keeping you from falling is Prowler

He got his claws ready to kill you

Your heart is beating fast

"I don't want to die! I can't die yet! I don't want to get killed by him! Miles please!"you thought:

- Who are you?

- I... - he moves his claws closer to your face

With his claws he slowly takes off your mask

When he took the mask off you ,tears rolled down from your eyes

That look of fear and your watery eyes

Made Miles heart break

"This wasn't supposed to happen"

Miles thought

"Why is this happening?":

- Miles.. - you said whispering looking at him

Miles is feeling a lot of emotions

He is scared

He is angry

He is confused

And he is sad

Miles face is revealed

You see a tear fall down from his eye:

- Amor.. - you can hear by his voice that he is hurt

He don't want to do this,he can't do this!

But still

Miles doesn't let go of you:

- Miles..look i know why you are doing this! And i swear my love i really tried to save him!

"My love" he loves when you call him that,you always call him with so full of love on your voice that always make he feels warm

But is he feeling warm now that you are calling him? With so much despair trying to prove your point?

He close his eyes for a second and looked away as if he was trying to ignore you:

- Please! The fact that i couldn't save him still hunts me..Look at me Miles

He looked at you

More tears fall down from your eyes:

- The hardest thing about this job is that you can't save everybody..It took me a while to accept this but it's the truth

It took a while to accept this? That made Miles wonders if you even asked to be a hero at all

He loosens his grip a little

You wanted to tell him everything

How much it hurts you to be a hero

But you keep it to yourself:

- I know it hurts Miles,i know you want to kill me but please..Those people - you you looked around - they need me..let me do for them what i couldn't do for you

He moves his claws close to your face

You look deep into his eyes and said:

-Please..if you find a little sympathy in your heart.. forgive me for everything- you said honestly - I love you Miles

you shut your eyes and...

[•••]

Please be patient cause this fanfic will have a ending!! Thank you for reading ♡

[night-o]

Firepaw dodged an incoming attack from Lionheart, rolling in the dirt and sand. He was out of breath and his legs were trembling from exhaustion but his green eyes were gleaming with determination and pride. It had been two moons since he joined ThunderClan and already he embraced the ways of his new clan, his once pudgy form was now lean and strong, his senses sharper than ever. Tigerclaw, Ravenpaw, and Graypaw were observing by the other side of sandy hallow, just as tired as Firepaw but excited at the prospect of battle training. They spent the better part of the day learning new moves and now that the sun was setting, it was time to put them to practical use. Life in ThunderClan was difficult but the feeling of freedom was incomparable to anything he had ever felt up to that point, so even though his muscles ached after long hours of training and his stomach was empty more than it was full, he was satisfied with the path he had chosen.

Graypaw already had his session with Lionheart and Ravenpaw had also finished his training with Tigerclaw, if the older tom throwing him around and belittling his attempts can be called training. So all five toms would probably head back to camp once Firepaw finished his mock fight with the deputy.

Firepaw charged at Lionheart right after getting up on his paws again, hoping to catch the golden tom by surprise, however, the experienced warrior was ready and instead raised his huge paw to bat the apprentice away. Firepaw was too close to stop his attack so he braced for the impact he knew was coming. Except it never did.

Confused and disoriented he heard surprised yowling and hissing, he was being pushed to the side and out of the way of Lionheart's attack. It took him a second to realize that an intruder had interrupted their training session. The intruder was holding Lionheart by the scruff of his neck, their teeth dangerously close to the warrior's throat. At first, the golden tom trashed under their grip but the other cat was bigger and heavier than him so his efforts only made the cat dig their teeth and claws deeper into his skin. The rest of the apprentices and Tigerclaw were on their paws immediately, spitting and hissing but not approaching, worried that the intruder might snap their deputy's neck or tear out his throat. Firepaw was so surprised that he didn't recognize the other cat until they spoke.

"Get behind me, Rusty!"

The distinctly female voice shouted at him, muffled by fur but recognizable. The she-cat, Maple, towered over Lionheart and Tigerclaw, her white tail lashing furiously from side to side as she protectively stood between Firepaw and other cats. When he didn't listen to her instructions and instead took a battle stance, hissing at her, she stopped glaring at Tigerclaw to give him a look of confusion and betrayal.

"What are you doing? I said get behind me, there could be more of them!"

In her confusion, her grip on Lionheart must have loosened, as he tore out from beneath her and tackled her while she was unprepared.

Tigerclaw and Lionheart pinned her down while the apprentices took a defensive position around the ginger she-cat who was desperately trying to scratch and bite her way free of the tom's hold.

"Maple stop!" Firepaw snapped at her.

After a moment the she-cat stopped trashing and looked at him, unsure of what was happening. Firepaw was torn, it was his duty to protect ThunderClan territory but he knew Maple wasn't the type to pick fights for no reason, so her attack was probably just a misunderstanding. Luckily before he had to decide what to do, Lionheart took the lead. He was out of breath and blood was dripping down his neck but his voice was strong.

"Do you know this cat Firepaw?"

Immediately, before he could reply, Maple spat at the golden tom "What do you care you big brute? Attacking kits that aren't half your size, you're lucky I didn't snap your neck!"

Tigerclaw immediately growled, speaking for the first time since the attack "Quiet rouge! He wasn't talking to you!" Firepaw flinched at the anger in his tone but Lionheart's insistent look gave him the courage to speak up after a moment of hesitation.

"Lionheart please let her go, this is a huge misunderstanding, I'm sure Maple will behave if we all calm down."

The deputy looked at him with obvious doubt but when Firepaw sent a pleading look towards the ginger she-cat and after a moment of hesitation she stopped resisting except for a few frustrated twitches of her tail, Lionheart sighed.

"Tigerclaw let her go" He ordered, knowing the tabby tom would protest.

"But-"

"I said let her go, there's six of us and she won't get the jump on me twice" With that last part he sent a warning look towards the cat, who wisely chose not to say anything in return.

Tigerclaw grumbled, his tail lashing, but he listened to Lionheart and together they removed their weight off of her.

Maple immediately rose to her paws and shook her pelt of dirt and sand. She hastily made her way towards Firepaw and the other apprentices who quickly scurried out of her way, her every move being followed by the two warriors. She quickly checked him for injuries and finding none besides a few shallow scratches, Maple began washing his ears in relief and satisfaction, her loud purrs heard by all cats present.

Embarrassed, Firepaw shook his head and tried pushing her away, unsuccessfully.

"I'm okay Maple! They wouldn't harm me!" He loudly protested.

Clearing his throat, Lionheart had their attention again, he then repeated his earlier question.

"Firepaw, what's your relation to this cat?"

"Maple is my father's sister. She visited my siblings and mother a lot while we were still living together..." He explained shortly, looking slightly nervous.

Honestly, Maple was more like a second mother to him. Whenever she could she would visit their garden and play with them. She would also tell them stories and occasionally bring sparrows she caught. Those visits helped fuel the already present sense of longing for the forest inside the ginger tom. Firepaw hasn't seen Maple for a couple of moons now, not since he got taken in by his old two legs.

Lionheart seemed to think over this new information, looking between the two ginger cats as if he were looking for obvious signs they were kin. Tigerclaw on the other hand only grew more tense, his scarred face twisting into a deeper growl as he studied the tall intruder.

"Great, exactly what we need. More kittypets intruding on our territory." Firepaw bristled at the brown tabby's words but knew better than to oppose the experienced warrior. Maple didn't have such reservations, glaring right back at him. She didn't know what a kittypet was but she could tell by his tone of voice that it wasn't a compliment.

"Then maybe you should guard it better."

"Oh we will-"

"Maple please, you're only making things worse-"

"Enough!" Lionheart's voice echoed through the training hollow, effectively silencing the fight as well as startling the apprentices. They weren't used to seeing him get so angry or loud.

After a moment of silence, he gave Tigerclaw a look that had the other warrior shutting his mouth and looking away in frustration. Finally, he looked at Maple again, studying her expression and demeanor. She felt oddly stripped under his gaze, as if he was looking right through her yet she still raised her head defiantly. Looking at him right back in the eyes with challenge in her gaze.

"Your intentions might have been good but that doesn't give you the right to intrude on our territory. You need to leave now or we will be forced to chase you out." His tone was confident and strong, looking at the bigger feline with calmness but also authority. Had this been a patrol he would have chased an intruder like her away, however, there were apprentices present that he had to protect so a more diplomatic approach was necessary. This seemed to irk Tigerclaw more.

"Yes, I can see that Rusty- erm... Firepaw hasn't been harmed." Maple replied, eyeing the small apprentice out of the corner of her eye. Noting that he has gotten skinnier but also stronger since she had last seen him. "But I'm afraid I can't leave yet."

"And why is that?" Lionheart asked, narrowing his yellow eyes at the loner. It was clear that the deputy wasn't taking this lightly despite the fact that Maple wasn't being hostile.

"Firepaw's mother got word that he left his two legs to search for wild cats. She begged me to find him and make sure he is okay, I won't be satisfied until I see this clan of yours."

Firepaw grew more embarrassed and tense, but also... Regretful. Not of the fact that he left but more so about not saying goodbye, or at least making sure his mother and siblings knew he was okay. He should have known that his old life wouldn't be so easy to leave behind.

"Do you think you can just waltz into our home and make demands?" Tigerclaw seemed more ready to tear Maple's fur off with every passing moment, but a strict look from Lionheart was enough to silence the angry warrior.

"This isn't a permission I can grant you. Only Bluestar may say whether you'll be allowed to enter our camp or not." Lionheart meowed after a long moment, still keeping a watchful eye on Maple. "But you cannot stay here, or hunt on these grounds." If the situation got out of control this was a fight they could win, but the loner had already made it clear that she was a formidable opponent. Lionheart didn't want things to turn violent, especially not with the apprentices present.

"I will speak of this to Bluestar but if she rejects your request you will have to take your nephew's word that he is well looked after." Lionheart looked at Firepaw then, who seemed to shrink under his stare despite the deputy's demeanor being calm. He did not blame the apprentice for the intruder's presence.

Maple seemed to think this over, glancing at the ginger tom with a questioning look in her eyes. He seemed conflicted, his loyalty to the clan had never been tested like this, especially not against a family member but he did his best to remain strong and stand tall despite his obvious unease. After a moment she nodded.

"Alright. I'll wait for your decision at Ru- Firepaw's old home, but I'll be back if I don't receive a response soon." This seemed to irritate both warriors but Lionheart still nodded in understanding. Tigerclaw looked like he wanted to protest but kept quiet, glaring at the retreating intruder.

Before leaving Maple stopped by Firepaw, murmuring her goodbyes and touching his forehead to hers which he had to restrain a purr at. He knew that his responsibility was towards his clan but he missed his aunt, mother, and siblings. Tigerclaw was instructed to follow the loner and make sure she left the territory while Lionheart escorted the three apprentices back to camp. They spoke in hushed voices about the encounter until they were just in front of the thick thick gorse surrounding the Thunderclan camp, Lionheart sent Graypaw and Ravenpaw ahead but requested Firepaw stay behind for a moment.

Firepaw internally cringed, he knew that more questions were coming and a part of him was afraid that the clan would kick him out now that he was proving to be more trouble than it was worth. After all, he's the reason Maple intruded on their territory and made demands. Lionheart paused for a moment, just observing the younger tom until he spoke in an even voice.

"Maple... Is she not a kittypet like you used to be?"

Firepaw was surprised by the question, he expected Lionheart to question whether she was a threat to Thunderclan or not. Then again the deputy might have already made that judgement himself.

"I- not really? I think she was born one, but she definitely doesn't live with her twolegs anymore. I'm pretty sure she hasn't for a while..." Firepaw wasn't sure where this line of questioning was going but he trusted Lionheart.

"Look, I... I'm sorry to have caused trouble. I didn't know she'd go looking for me, we haven't seen each other since my old twolegs-" Lionheart cut him off, shaking his head.

"It isn't your fault Firepaw. It's natural for your kin to feel concerned, I just worry this might cause Thunderclan problems..." The deputy had a thoughtful look on his face, he seemed troubled but maintained a sense of calm and control.

"We can't have loners intruding on our territory. She might be your kin but your loyalties are with Thunderclan, you need to remember that." With that the golden tom sat up and entered the gorse tunnel, entering the camp and leaving Firepaw alone to ponder. The younger tom stayed there for a couple more moments, looking back into the forest as if Maple would appear again but there was nobody else here but him. With a sign he turned around and followed his deputy, hoping that this wouldn't further alienate him from the clan mates who were starting to accept him.

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

AN// Hiiiii, I haven't posted in a while (about Three years) but lately I was inspired to do a bit of writing

A lot has changed, I'm in college now but I still love warriors and occasionally draw my ocs. I really felt like writing something for my old Into the wild AU so I figured why not. This Au mainly focuses on Fireheart and his aunt (my oc) Maple who I inserted into the story because why not. It's not super developed so I might not post something like this for a while but It's kind of fun to make a chapter like this now and again. I guess this would be the prologue?

Anyway excuse the shitty writing, im an artist not an author so its not really something I usually do

If you want to see more or know more about my AU feel free to leave me an ask ^^ I love answering them

[strelitzia-mystery1097]

Just my opinion but-

Okay so something I've always wondered.

It's a big theory that Wukong didn't kill Macaque and that Macaque's memories are altered right?

People really love that theory! They want it to be a tragic misunderstanding!

I don't.

I think it should be Wukong who killed Macaque.

First off I just don't like 'it was an misunderstanding oops if only we had a 5 minute conversation then it would of been fixed' trope. But that's just a trope bias. I can like it sometimes if done well.

The real reason that well, I think Wukong and Macaque should have a really messy relationship. I think Wukong not being Macaque's Killer would really rob him of agency and blame.

But I do think the theory is likely because 1. It's a kid show at the end of the day and 2. People already hate Wukong and forgive Macaque of everything. If it turned out that Wukong murdered him it would be the second coming of the Wukong haters.

To me what happened with Wukong is a messy situation where no one was in the right.

Macaque in season 4 even says they were all going down the path of self destruction, but Wukong went down a different path due to the monk. This is seasoned and older Macaque that reconises that Wukong wasn't the bad guy. But they all had consequences to face due to the choices they made.

I doubt young Macaque saw it that way. Seeing his bestie abandon all they worked for to be a pilgrim for 'the monk' would be a betrayal.

Young Macaque was on the path of self-destruction still while Wukong had moved on.

I would see the Wukong vs Macaque fight to be less like 'confronting your dark side' like in og jttw and more like 'confronting your past' for Wukong.

The fight would emotionally awful and I would think Macaque would be having a breakdown before punching Tang Sanzang and Wukong would be so angry that Macaque would impersonate him while doing so.

Because these monkeys are not emotionally mature and are just lashing out until-

Wukong kills him. It could be by accident. Or maybe he meant it in the moment but regretted it later. But he killed his bud. His brother in arms. His best friend. A reminder of the past.

And chose the future. Of becoming better. Of peace. Of his new family.

Macaque's death would forever be a raw and gaping wound for Wukong. It would haunt him.

...And then he finds out that Macaque is back revived somehow and is a threat.

Meanwhile Macaque is being a dramatic bish that's extremely hurt and wants revenge.

I think them admitting they were both wrong and them trying to reconnect should be how they become close again. What happened can't be fixed. But they can try to make something new from those broken pieces.

And yeah that's why I think Wukong should be the one to kill Macaque ^-^

This is just my opinion!

[horizon-verizon]

You misunderstand me. I'm not saying it has no bearing on the story because it's from Yi Ti, I'm saying that since the Blood Betrayal hasn't yet been confirmed as the official reason why the Long Night began, HotD wouldn't be interested in referencing it. Also I doubt Condal and Hess read TWOIAF.

Anon speaks of this post.

Not sure why you think I misunderstood. I addressed your point about how "we can't know" that this legend explains or thematically explains the connection of misogyny to how we lose the dragons.

A)

Rhaenyra -- Amethyst Empress --- woman who lost her throne and life to an evil younger brother through force

Aegon II -- Bloodstone Emperor --- both usurp their elder, chosen sister

Daenerys/Amethyst Empress/Rhaenyra --- women of authority and power

Viserys (III)/Aegon II/Bloodstone Emperor --- brothers who have endangered, abused, or killed their sister and meant to displce them from their own rights, innate or sociopolitical, for their own power advancement.

As for Condal and Hess, they can't do pattern recognition, now? Condal especially said he was a "fan" of this series and world. He didn't read TWoIaF and he claims to be a AsoIaF "fan"?

It is similar here, with the Bloodstone Emporer/Amethyst Empress and that particular legend's explanation for the Long Night. This legend doesn't have to be totally real, and I mean that it doesn't have to be true that there was a 1000 year old emperor as the Yi Ti are told to believe abt some of the known Emperors. These are metaphorical in the first place.

All the legend is clueing us in on is that this betrayal, whatever it was, was one between relatives, a man undoing a woman's place, and thus speaking to how it threw off the balance of the world's magic. That women are a critical part of that balance. That's the central idea being conveyed, the purpose of this legend--everything points to Dany vs the Others (yes the others of the Big Five are still relevant, but they have no chance without her).

We don't need to know the actual details of who these particular people were and what they weren't when they loved or died, just that something like this usurpation definitely happened and there was a notable affect on magic in the realm those emperors ruled over, as Yi Tish people are also very active in magic wielding...most of Essos is, unlike Westeros.

I'm going to repeat myself in this post, but: this is not a real history book where we'll likely not know much of anything...GRRM provides more answers in his fictional history than real history books do.

All this is important to the theme of F&B: greedy men sideline, abuse, uproot women they are blood connected to for power (just as the Bloodstone emperor did), the women suffer for it/lose their political authority therefore their ability to as actively direct the direction of the House, and eventually the entire house and Westeros loses dragons to use against the Others and the world's magical & biological ecosystem is totally thrown off kilter until Dany literally sets it right again by bring the dragons back. The dragonglass candles at Oldtown, they light up again when she does this. The last of AGoT:

As Daenerys Targaryen rose to her feet, her black hissed, pale smoke venting from its mouth and nostrils. The other two pulled away from her breasts and added their voices to the call, translucent wings unfolding and stirring the air, and for the first time in hundreds of years, the night came alive with the music of dragons.

So again, why do you need "more" "confirmation" when there is so much evidence, when that's not how fiction works (that you need things totally spelled out for you to be true), etc?

Honestly, this seems a literacy and latent sexism issue that causes this cognitive dissonance in fans that makes them deny these types of connections as canon, real, whatever. Bc you have people caliming Jon is Azor Ahai up the wazzo simply because he's the son of a Targ and a Stark (fire and ice), male, the "sword" of the prophecy they take as literal, etc. etc. But "song" means "war" and Jon has done nothing/nothing has happened around him to predicate a connection the Azor Ahai prophecy in-text. Yet so many people ride for this stupid idea, this stupid unsupported idea!

This idea that has never been "confirmed" and never will be bc there is and has never been evidence to how Jon Snow, a Westerosi Stark through and through, relates to an Essosi prophecy when Dany--who grew up in Essos and was born in Westeros thus is a connector of the two continents; is actively dealing with dragons and having dragons dreams; in Essos where the Azor Ahai prophecy originates; comes from a dragonriding lienage ("fire"); the enemy of "fire" has always been "cold" and Jon is more Stark than Targ, so "cold" must be the ecological and magical threat that is the Others that even GoT has had us anticipate since its very 1st episode as THE enemy before that atrocious last season!!!; when we know "prince" is a gender neutral term form High Valyrian (Prince that was Promised)--has all the evidence of being Azor Ahai.

And why does it matter they they haven't read it when they could have asked GRRM or just read F&B to properly understand the point of the Dance?

Condal can't clock that this legend is narratively important just as much that the CotF/"those who sing the song of the earth's connection to Dany and Westeros' future? Just bc a thing is in Essos, doesn't mean it will not affect Westeros just as real life Ancient Asian societies have been able to make physical trade as well as intellectual "trade" or influence on stuff in the West. He can't clock Rhaena the BB and Elissa's connection to Daenerys? Condal read how Dany is connected to Braavos and how Dreamfyre's eggs went there and didn't put 2 and 2 together?

This is why you don't bring non-fantasy readers to write a fantasy show. who then, bc of said ignorance, want to somehow "make the story better" or different...the same story they don't even understand. Also why you don't bring a marketing guy to write any adaptive as intricate and rich as ASoIaF and to not understand the depth or the patterns of magical phenomenon that good faith fantasy readers have habitually done since their childhood (most readers anyway have read fantasy since childhood and religiously so to understand its conventions) when that's not what they look out for in the first place.

B)

The fact that Dany's eggs are Dreamfyre's also haven't been "confirmed" by GRRM or revealed in The Winds of Winter or A Dream of Spring. That doesn't make this any less true.

1- from his website

What really happened during the Dance of the Dragons? Why did it become so deadly to visit Valyria after the Doom? What is the origin of Daenerys’s three dragon eggs? These are but a few of the questions answered in this essential chronicle, as related by a learned maester of the Citadel

2- It's pretty much fact with how these are THREE eggs that petrified when they are away from Dragonstone; IIllyrio Mopatis had them to give to Dany and she eventually awakens them; F&B takes the time to painstakingly show Rhaena the BB's conversation w/Jaehaerys abt the consequences of THREE dragon eggs going missing. What other reason was there for F&B--a text that aims to contextualize Daenerys by telling the stories of her ancestors before the loss of the dragons and a little after--to do so hard abt 3 dragon eggs stolen during Rhaena's time, from her dragon's clutch, under her watch?! A text that traces the existence of dragons and their maintenance/use by the Targs? Then there is the fact that Elissa Farman--the egg thief--sold the eggs to the Sealord of Braavos, another thing necessary to Dany's arc. None of this is an accident or a red herring, esp since there is literally nothing as damning as evidence or suggestion for the argument of Syrax being the mother...at all. Nothing in the text.

Not everything in ASoIaF is a great and complex mystery; sometimes GRRM gives you clues to a simple "mystery" to deduce the truth of, esp when we already have much evidence of Danyxher dragons being necessary and critical for the coming Long Night against the "ice/cold" others. That she/her dragons are the "fire" in the Song of Ice and Fire, a coming magical war for the world. This is the type of chain of clues that are retrospective and not anticipatory. We already have the result (Dany and the eggs); you were tasked to recognized the line of causation pretty quickly. This is still a fiction series with correct answers.

All this is evidenced just in the main series, TWoIaF acts as a support piece...Condal is a fan, but he can make deductions? Sure.

[c-crow-chatters]

Deeply in love.

So, I finally managed to pull myself together to write something here:) It's a short one-shot, apologies in advance for anything that feels off or has spelling mistakes. You can check out the other two posts if you liked this one. Thanks for interacting, liking and reblogging. ♥

Alucard x Reader fluff one-shot.

[In time terms, this is after 3rd season]

— Do you remember the first time we slept together like this? or when you couldn't sleep and I had to stay beside you until you weren't able to resist the tiredness in your body?

— Of course I do. I remember how we both were so scared to be either alone, close, or both. You would run away every time I tried to ask you something, and I would fluster away at your compliments every time I cooked something new.

A deep, sleepy chuckle parted from his lips. Completely sincere, the type of chuckle that would come from his chest and resonate on the big room were you usually went to sleep (if both haven't fell asleep on the couch). Cheeks fluttering with a small shade of pink, as he remembered his inner thoughts about the things he could do with his precious person, if he ever got the time to deserve it.

Days. Weeks. Months. A lot of time passed by until he could trust [Y/N]. And that can apply in viceversa. It's not like he didn't wanted to, it was just an issues with the whole mess on his head after the situation with Taka and Sumi. He wished to never repeat any kind of misunderstanding, and, of course, betrayal; not in bed, not with a lover, not with a friend. After all, Alucard got tired of waiting and waiting for the one that would stay by him, and him only. The one he would secretly swoon over, and shower with everything he had to offer. — It was... really something. I can't believe it's been already so long. — And oh, my dear, how much I grew to love you. To crave your touch, your kiss, your warmth beside me... A glimpse over his eyes as his hand caresses your cheek gently, fingertips as feathers that tickles the trail they do. Sleepy, and lazy strockes full of love and tenderness. You slightly tremble as the subtle touch massages its way up to your scalp. He was not much of words at first, but now every time his velvet words come out of his mouth is just enugh to make you melt. — Adrian? — Yes, my love? — I love you. And as long as I can, I promise to keep you close, even tho you are already on my heart. His fangs glitter when he smiles, coming closer to kiss your forehead. Snuggling closer to wrap his arms around your body. — And believe, my dear, I will do the same, as long as the time let us be.

[unclewaynemunson]

Pt1 | Pt2 | this one is the last part!

After Steve has dropped Nancy off at her house – and Nancy has talked some courage into him – he drives to the uglier part of town, over Cornwallis and then into Forest Hills. He can only hope Eddie is home. If not, he'll try Jeff's house, and then Freak's or Gareth's. He had to promise Nancy he'll keep searching even if it has him ending up at Reefer Rick's boathouse again.

Luckily, no such search actions seem necessary when he gets to the trailer park: as soon as Steve opens his car door, he can hear loud music emerging from inside the Munsons' trailer. Even though it isn't exactly Eddie's usual taste, something tells Steve that Wayne definitely isn't the one who put this one on.

Should have known better than to cheat a friend And waste a chance that I've been given So I'm never gonna dance again The way I danced with you

He knocks on the door, but is not surprised when no one inside seems to hear him, so he pushes it open to let himself in instead.

He finds Eddie sprawled out on the floor in front of the old boombox. His eyes are closed, but even from Steve's place in the doorway he can see how swollen and red the skin underneath them is. His hair is spread out around his head on the floor like a dark halo, and his fingers are restlessly tapping on his own arm to the melody of the saxophone solo.

Steve finds himself frozen in the doorway, captivated by simply watching Eddie lying there in his own bubble while the music slowly fades out. Despite the sadness radiating off him, there's something weirdly beautiful about it, and Steve can't look away, can't move, can't make a sound.

Then, Eddie suddenly sits up; his index finger is already stretched out towards the rewind button when Steve clears his throat to make his presence known. Eddie whips his head towards him with a startled sound.

'Jesus Christ, what the hell?!' he yells out. 'How long have you been standing there? No, you know what, don't answer that, just get the hell out!'

'Eddie, I-'

'I don't wanna hear any of it, man! I thought – no, I'm not talking to you. Fuck you.' Steve knows it's supposed to sound angry, but Eddie's voice starts wobbling dangerously towards the end of his sentence.

'Eddie, please just hear me out,' Steve says, stepping further into the trailer. The end of Careless whisper has left a deafening silence in its wake. He half expects Eddie to cover his ears and start singing loudly, but he's only met with a teary-eyed death stare and crossed arms.

'I'm not seeing any girl, Dustin got it all wrong,' he starts to explain. 'I wanted to tell him who I was really seeing, but I couldn't - not without your permission - so I told him I was seeing someone. Meaning you. I haven't been seeing anyone ever since that first time we kissed. I didn't need to. I've only been thinking about you.' He pauses. It's scary, to let himself be vulnerable like this while Eddie is still looking at him like he despises him. But he takes a deep breath and pushes himself to say it all.

'I don't want to see anyone, boy or girl, ever again, as long as I can have you, Eddie. I promise. I've been falling for months, but I didn't wanna scare you off with any labels you might not want for us – but you're it for me, Eddie, one hundred percent. I never meant to hurt you like this. It's all a big misunderstanding; there's no one else for me.'

Eddie is still sitting on the floor, looking up at Steve with wide, teary eyes. Something in his face has slowly shifted while Steve was talking; the harsh lines around his mouth have turned softer and the betrayal in his eyes has made way for something Steve can only hope to be good.

'You wanted to tell Dustin about us?' is all Eddie says, his voice croaky.

Steve takes another step towards Eddie, then crouches down to the ground until he's sitting right next to him on the worn carpet.

'I mean, I know I don't wanna hide what I'm feeling for you. Especially not when people are thinking I'm going out with some girl when all I want is to be with you.' He reaches out to grab Eddie's hands in his own. 'So yeah, I think I wanna tell Dustin. And everyone else, basically. That is, if we're on the same page about what we are.'

Eddie frees one of his hands from Steve's grip to wipe it over his eyes. His palm is wet when his hand finds Steve's again.

'What about boyfriends?' he says, a hesitant smile creeping onto his face.

Steve squeezes his hands, unable to stop a matching smile of his own appearing. To hear that word falling from Eddie's mouth... He had expected it to feel good, of course, but he had never anticipated it to feel like this: like the whole world suddenly makes sense again.

'Yeah, I can do boyfriends,' he answers, his voice breathy with the multitude of emotions bubbling up inside of him. 'That sounds – sounds good. Great. Perfect.'

Eddie surges forward to catch him in a kiss that's a bit wetter than Steve is used to. Steve happily kisses him back, though, and he can barely suppress a shiver when one of Eddie's hands makes its way upwards over Steve's back and into the hair in his neck. There's a softness to his touch that easily drives Steve crazy with relief.

When they pull back, both of them are smiling dumbly and breathing heavily.

'I'm sorry I had so little trust in you,' Eddie tells him.

'That's okay, I understand,' Steve is quick to answer. 'As long as you leave listening to George Michael to me again from now on.'

Eddie makes a face, causing a big frown to appear between his eyebrows, along with all kinds of wrinkles around his nose.

'God, I can't believe you witnessed that and still wanted to be my boyfriend,' he says, adding an exaggerated shudder for extra dramatics.

Steve clenches his arms tighter around Eddie. 'You won't scare me off that easily,' he murmurs. 'It was kind of adorable.'

'It was pathetic.'

'Yeah, a little bit. But in an adorable way.'

Eddie rolls his eyes. 'You're an idiot, Steve Harrington,' he says. 'But... In an adorable way.'

Taglist: @withacapitalp @ultimatedreamer104 @irregular-child @jcmadgirl @estrellami-1 @myguiltyartpleasure @hallucinatedjosten @jaybren @thew1ldblueyonder @melodymeddler @alycatavatar @zoeweee @lolawonsstuff @fairy-princette @saramelaniemoon @phirex22 @krazyperson @xxsky-shockxx @candlecatsblog @goodolefashionedloverboi @jojobeaner @pinkdaisies1998 @giverobinagfbrigade @therealscarletpumpernickel @darkwithcoferie @duraffinity @lyriclight @almondflavoredbookworm @kingelyx @vampire-eddie-brain-rot @m-owo-n @altermagic @sirsnacksalot @littlebookworm86 @platinum-sunset @chaosgremlinmunson @morganski-19 @cam-cat-writer @slime-hoe @bat-outta-hel @justsearchingformystory @notfromtwitter @ashwinmeird @marklee-blackmore @warlordess @breealtair @pansexualhousecat @louwilsonscreamingpapa @inikokoru (more tags in the replies bc tumblr is being a dick again)

[askfallenroyalty]

Conflict between Sans and Toriel - A discussion for Chapter 3

ok so like the misunderstanding thing IS still an element but it's not much of a plot point until the end. after the chapter's big events, Sans goes to apologize-but-not-really-apologizing-properly-you-know-how-he-is

He'd confess that there was a common rumor that monsters believed Toriel was involved with the humans (Cause some random humans showing up so soon after the barrier? suspicious af.)

Toriel would be like "...damn ok that sucks that people would think of me like that..."

and then sans would admit that toriel on the phone sounded so sketchy and dodgey that he also came to believe the rumor.

like damn. toriel would feel hurt by that.

and in hindsight, having this small scene works best like this cause its only focused and resolved when the situation is over. so you're not going "AUGH JUST TALK IT OUT ALREADY" cause like! they ARE now! and man its so much more personal when its sans having done the betrayal. he's the reason she even trusts monsters at all! he was the one to draw her out of her shell and be open to trusting monsters.

it goes even deeper than that- her having sans promise to take care of Frisk and ensure they live is proof that a monster can defy Asgore and protect children. he really is the reason she can move on and trust. full stop. sans means everything to her in regards to leaving the Ruins and trusting Frisk can be safe with a kingdom that once wanted them dead.

so him believing her to be against her beliefs and being a liar would dig DEEP. But in his defense, she didn't explain "Oh sorry sans I've been busy cause my frickin kids came back from the dead" so her dodgy behavior could be explained.

but in HER defense saying so would sound literally delusional. I've already established her mental health is shakey and her trust in reality is rocky. She still fears she's been delusional. cause what if sans asks to hear from her now revived children and then tells her there's no one on the phone but her? She can't face that. She can't even risk the chance that she's delusional. it's not a matter of trust that Sans would spill the beans early and hurt monsterkind's trust in the family for keeping secrets, it's her own personal hell she's dealing with.

the whole situation happened because sans was too on edge and scared over his brother's kidnapping to trust Toriel when she was playfully lying about something. he made the assumption of her being guilty and was too hurt to confront her properly about it. he's so... cowardly. he'll own u and diss you severely when he thinks he's made the right judgment but god forbid he actually owns up to his OWN mistakes. and I think this is the first real-time Toriel will see this side of him.

Obviously, with the whole situation being so messy, I see Toriel being understanding and burying her hurt because like, yeah, Papyrus was in danger. She did lie to him. It's not really Sans' fault for being distrustful and scared. but this whole thing has planted the seeds of her distrust of Monsterkind again + her friendship issues with Sans.

[skepsiss]

Chapter 9 is up now! (1,961 words)

Read it here on AO3: The Last Strange Thing

Rate: Explicit (violence, gore, and s*x) Read tags under the cut for warnings, and details.

Chapter summary: The afterglow of a night well spent together has carried on into the next day… and the day after that. Steve and Eddie are smitten with each other, and Steve is excited to introduce Eddie to his best friend, Robin. Things feel bright, and Steve is looking forward to what is on the horizon. Until he gets to their rendezvous spot. 

Read the full series description, additional tags, the monster reference guide, and more under the cut!

Welcome to the apocalypse. The demo-infection has taken hold of the world, and humans are a rare thing these days. Still, people hang on to civilization in pockets across North America and beyond. Hawkins is one such place.  Steve Harrington is a scout who runs missions for Hawkins, and on one of those missions, he becomes separated from his scouting partner, Robin. He has to find his way across Indianapolis in an infected world, meeting one very important individual on the way, Eddie. The two of them must trust one another in order to journey across Indiana, while perhaps finding something softer to nurture with one another along the way.

The journey is full of romance, death, action, and suspense. This is a "The Last of Us" alternate universe. This work is 100% completed, and I will be posting each chapter between now and April 7. Prepare yourself for approximately 52k of action, horror, romance, supernatural happenings, and love.

@llamalpaca will be posting some VERY COOL accompanying art that inspired this WHOLE PIECE! So be sure to give them a follow and check out that art piece when it drops in April.

Big thank you to @knormalizeknitting for being my beta reader!

Link to the Monster Reference Guide, here.

Censoring the word s*x so tumblr doesn't get mad at me. Please don't tag with NSFW or other such tags. The post itself is not inappropriate, but I want people who are going to read the fic to be aware of what is there.

Additional Tags: action, romance, hurt/comfort, alternate universe, The Last of Us AU, canon divergence, apocalypse, apocalypse au, body horror, gore, blood, animal and human death, excessive force (weapons), level of violence and graphic nature of imagery that aligns with Stranger Things, dead dove don’t read, dead dove don’t eat, smut, nsfw, frotting, handjob, happy ending, zombies, zombie apocalypse, steddie, stobin, platonic stobin, Steve and Robin are best friends, Steve and Robin are platonic soulmates, slow burn, emotional hurt/comfort, angst, miscommunication, misunderstanding, Steve Harrington loves Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson loves Steve Harrington, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Bisexual Eddie Munson, betrayal.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 Perfect on Paper Book Review 🦇

❓ #QOTD What's the best advice you've ever received or given? ❓ 🦇 High school junior Darcy Phillips has a secret identity as the relationship advice expert behind Locker 89. Leave a letter along with $10 and she'll provide the perfect solution to your relationship woes. So far, she hasn't been caught...that is, until Alexander Brougham catches her collecting letters. He'll keep her secret...if she can fix his relationship post-break-up, that is. Can Darcy help Brougham win his girlfriend back (without strangling the entitled, rich, yummy-Australian-accent-slinging swimmer) in the process?

💜 Perfect on Paper was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award (Best Young Adult Fiction - 2021) and it's no wonder. This was the exact book bisexual baby me needed a decade ago. Though I've read a multitude of books featuring bisexual FMCs, Sophie Gonzales is the first to capture the authenticity of internalized biphobia. I'll admit I was sheltered enough that it took me a while to realize bi was even an option for me. Bisexual erasure didn't help; once I self-identified, I was given the oh-so-cliche, "that's not real," and "it's just a phase." Bitch, I'm a moon goddess; I'm in a new phase every day of my life. ANYWAY. Darcy is authentic in her concern that a crush over a guy invalidates her bi-ness. The Queer & Questioning Club scene where Darcy's community validates her was everything (and truly got me misty-eyed).

💜 The advice column aspect of the story was brilliant. Darcy's letters are written in a tone that's patient and empathetic yet informative and encouraging. She'd obviously done her research and it shows, but you see her mentally unravel the moment there's personal bias and it's BEAUTIFUL. Darcy isn't perfect. She's a high schooler, still figuring herself out. Yes, she's flawed, but she's also self-aware, willing to grow and change and take her own advice (or the advice she gets from her AMAZING trans big sister, who I adored).

💜 While this is a queer YA romance, there are so many layers beyond that. There's a mixed bag of diversity and personal trauma (and with that, potential for growth) to explore.

💙 The story DID take a minute to pick up speed, so the beginning left me waiting for a catalyst for momentum. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm no a fan of the miscommunication trope. HOWEVER, it does fit here, and proves how easily a tiny moment of misunderstanding can completely alter the course of a friendship. I did have to put the book down at one point, when Darcy's best friend outs her (I was super frustrated on Darcy's behalf because that betrayal was intense). I was disappointed that no one stepped forward and THANKED Darcy for her advice when she was getting attacked as the person behind Locker 89. People were upset BEFORE their letters were taken, but no one thanked Darcy until LONG after the situation cooled. Given Darcy's self-proclaimed success rate (was there a mention of HOW she knew she was successful, beyond the lack of refunds?), I expected a lot more praise for her abilities beyond one person.

🦇 Recommended to fans of Leah on the Offbeat and Imogen, Obviously, with a hint of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Netflix's Sex Education.

✨ The Vibes ✨ 💌 Bisexual FMC (w/ Internalized Biphobia) 💌 Queer Young Adult Rom-Com 💌 Lots of Rep 💌 Hate-to-Love 💌 Friends to Lovers 💌 POC Sapphic Side Ship

💬 Quotes ❝ "Do you think there’s a chance that [...] you’re intellectualizing things so you don’t have to, you know, feel them?" ❞ ❝ I was sitting in the space between a sound and its echo. Brougham had asked a question, and I had to answer it. It was that, or keep dreaming about love, and working toward helping others find it, while never letting myself risk it. ❞ ❝ In some ways, we mirrored each other. We shared cracks in complementary places. ❞ ❝ Bi people are part of the queer community, and their identity does not change depending on who, if anyone, they happen to have feelings for or date at any given moment. ❞

[little-de-vil]

A continued response to This Post: Snowfall Upon Sophroniscus ficlet (Harlow's Games edition)

@tumblingghosts, sit back, relax and maybe grab some popcorn, this is gonna be all kinds of fun! I'll be using the same format & your titles to keep to from misunderstanding the topic.

i. sophro children

I am very intentional with the names of my characters denoting their loyalties, or the façade of loyalty. Hence Slip v Home Names for the trio shifting more and more towards the Capitol with each generation.

For Wren, I first picked his name out 11 years ago because it sounded pretty, only to realize that it's a common little bird, thus symbolically craving flight and freedom. His Home Name, Madon, is just a silly misspelling of MaSon, but it's a unique enough Home Name since it's able to differentiate itself from the common mason while still ultimately having heavy ties to the original trade. It works out as he is the one who’s the most dedicated to not just his districts traditions, but to the masonry trade itself! (He does some commission work in 7 after [REDACTED] alongside working with [REDACTED].)

With Cassia, I wanted someone to have a very Capitol sounding name, one that exudes elegance and regality usually associated with someone of her status; a Snow. This is partially how I will be shifting my writing of her (if I get to it) for Pre and Post-Games, in the weeks leading up to it. There's a big difference to how I'd write her before the reaping, to the Games, to Post-Game. Pre-Games (as in, post-Reaping, leading to and during the Games), I wanted her to be advertised as a direct extension and even copy of her fathers image. His image in relation the memory of Victory and the promotion of it, not showcasing the reality of how it was perceived then, very rose-tinted glasses. Vance won his Games by crushing his district partner, not very bloody, not very entertaining, but far more emotional as a direct betrayal. The way that that's played over the next nearly 30 years (hitting 30 by the 74th) was by focusing on the visual with the scar on his face, running from his left temple down to his chin, given to him by the tribute from 1 in the final three. The Capitol have used that image to continue the stereotype of the brutality that's usually associated with District 2, to play it off as if he wouldn't go down without a fight; when in reality he only got to the final two because his partner killed the boy from 1 before he could kill Ashlar Vance. SORRY I GOT SIDETRACKED, BACK TO CASS! Throughout her Games she is likened to her father and advertised as a girl from 2. She really emphasizes this by showcasing many old and important cultural pieces of 2 in the arena (you'll read below), which is not the 2 image they were looking for of the brutal killing machine. That is until her grand finale when she kills the boy from District 1 in retaliation for killing Dani with the stone portrait she made of him, bludgeoning him over and over until he's just a body with no head, unrecognizable, crying out "he's my friend." She felt such relief after that, the catharsis of revenge but she also knew that in that final moment she had become exactly what the audience had wanted: a brutal girl who kills marvelously. She broke down after that, blacking out and waking up in the Training Center President's Mansion. Her father was furious with that act, not at her because he knows it's not really her who did it, but by giving into that fury she had given the people the satisfaction of the image of 2. He had worked with her team to play up the other kills she made, with spears that stabbed through tributes 50 yards away, focusing on her precision and coolness rather than the more popular, bloody ending. They really leaned into it so much that she ended up getting her spear tattooed up her spine with a 73 at the socket. But it's once she's out of the Games and crowned Victor that her promotion and image shifts drastically from a carbon copy of her father, to the universally admired, adored, elegant, regal, prim and proper image of her mother, of a Snow. She is seen as older, as more refined, marveling at how a beautiful and well mannered young woman was able to claim the greatest prize and return to their beloved city, as if she wasn't a district girl at all. Her Home Name, Harlow, is one that means "rock hill," incredibly appropriate for someone who not only climbs as much as she does but has a deep love and desire for her space. She's grateful her arena was a desert and not a mountainous land.

Marina was born in 4 because I decided that when Celeste was about 6-ish months pregnant with her, her mother (Livia) dies. She becomes very depressed and is told by many in both the Capitol and the districts that she should go to the sea as it's usually seen as a healing property (likening back to the same practice being done in the 16 and 1700's). I decided on that because I wanted her to be othered in some way, so first by birth location, then name, then culture (see: assimilation). She was given a 4-like name to pay respects to the citizens of 4 that kept her alive, to honor them. She doesn't go to 4 too often and doesn't practice their traditions, she has no cultural ties to the place except by her name which she didn't even choose. As for her Home Name, Topaz, I did want it to be very Capitol-esque since she's always been the most Capitol of them all, and it was only right for her to be named after her birthstone, which is a common enough practice in Home Naming ceremonies. In the Capitol, mostly in school and among friends, she goes by Livia due to that resentment. Vance chides her about it saying that it's a dishonor to the people of 4 who brought into this world, and she retorts with "It's better they call me that than Topaz, right? Much more dishonorable to be going by my Home Name no matter how Capitol it sounds!"

I also wanted to inject Snow's ego in their names, which is mostly shown with their middle names: Crassus, Imperia, and Livia, respectively. Crassus for his great-grandfather, Imperia being a name that literally means “supreme power,” “the right to command” (all in reference to ancient Rome, of course) and Livia to once again honor the dead, her maternal grandmother. The trio are usually called by their middle names when they're in major trouble, mostly hearing it from their grandfather (although Snow does slip once and calls Wren "Sejanus").

As for their family name, I go a bit in depth here as to how and why I chose Sophro.

Oh the kids go to the districts on the tour every year! They usually would join at the tail end in 2 if 2 didn't win, but would go on the whole tour if the Victor was from 2. It started off as a family affair, of course, with the whole Snow-Sophro clan. But as the years went on, it just became The Trio. Madon would usually be picked up in 7 in the later years, whereas Harlow and Topaz would join in at 2. After the Games, the three of them would stay in 2 for a few months before returning back to the Capitol, but would always come back a few weeks before the Tour.

ii. dani

Yes, Ajax does have a Home Name! I don't know why I wanted him to have one, I think to have some familiar Northern connection, but I don't know if he's from there or not. I'd assume he's from the North, maybe his family immigrated to the South just after Home Names were established, so maybe shortly after the 10th, or a bit into the 20's Games. But he's not my character, well he's technically my character, but @thegreatmelodrama "owns the IP" to the Bollards, so I'm gonna have to discuss that with her.

As for Dani, I wanted to keep with the tradition of D2 male tributes having warrior-like names, and also foreshadowing not only his fathers future as a Peacekeeper once they move to the North, but also where his loyalties lean (not lie). Dani also had an older brother who died in a mining accident (the parallels between 2 and 12 are always so fun to me, from original trade to topography), who I would like to think had more of a Cutter name.

With Maika, it’s a play on the stone "Mica" like how Lyme comes from "limestone," she's from the South where there are not Home Names as that's a Northern practice. It’s typical for people to be named after nearby mines in both minerals and location. It took ages for us to figure out her name, but once we landed on that, there was no way we could change it! Oh and the face claims for them are:

Maika Bollard: Carla Gugino Ajax “Basalt” Bollard: Chris Messina Dardanius Bollard: Ted Sutherland

iii. final stone lore

No, Vance created that tradition. I'd also like for ya'll to picture those stones as small, detailed things. It's not necessary for it to be giant and out there, that's rude. It also works well by keeping with the traditions as small and tangible.

iv. chisel & hammer

A hammer and chisel are family heirlooms among the masons and quarry-folk (whereas mountain miners have a quizzer [a small magnifying glass used for getting a better look at rock and crystals, ranging from very plain to almost opulent], and blacksmiths have a hammer and anvil) handed down from generation to generation, given to the eldest child after the death of the parent, after the family have taken turns writing their name on that family's rock-face on a mountain, a Northern funerary rite. It's simply called The Rock and there's loads of sayings up North where if one wants the other to swear that they don't go back on their word, they'd ask them to "Swear on your family's face." As for the South, the common funerary rite are Cairns, which used to be the go-to throughout the district along with the bread, but now it's more common in the South. Madon isn’t a huge fan of cairns because he sees it as a disruption to the ecosystem and will knock one over if he sees it in the wild up North, but lets it be in the South because he’s well aware of the vitriol people have when you mess with their traditions, especially their dead. There's an old moniker for those after the war who have seen death first hand, and later transferring that name to Victors as "Cairn Heads," where all they see is death (their name for PTSD like "shell shocked" once was).

Madon Sophro, my baby boy, I love you forever. It was a very difficult decision for him to make in sending that gift for a number of reasons. One because it may be construed as a breach of the agreements between him being a political figure and his involvement in the Games. They aren't to send gifts or take bets or anything because of their contractual obligation. Another reason is far more personal with the cultural implications of Wren Madon sending them to Harlow invites accusation of mis-practicing the tradition, thinking that the tools could be used as weapons, they are to be used for masonry, not weaponry! It's considered a dishonor to both the tools and the community if they are used as such. He was able to get through that first part by playing the "I'm not a legal citizen of the Capitol" card as a member of his district sending a gift to his tribute. The other part was not as well received by the populace because they'd assume she'd use them as a weapon, but she never did. She only used them to make that rough portrait stone for Dani and (and this wasn't publicized because Mommy Dearest is a Gamemaker with far more power and credibility than Seneca Crane) when she would write down the names of every single fallen tribute in the arena on a giant Gamemaker-made rectangular "boulder" beside the Cornucopia. When Dani saw her do and asked why, she simply said: “There’s not enough bread.” Celeste was able to keep that footage to herself (like Gaul with the 10th, and she did that every single year for the past 29 years) and showed it to the Victor mentors as it was happening live and Haymitch burst out laughing, saying "Damn V, and I thought your boy was a rebel!" After her Games, the Victors all called her "Lady Death" and she didn't mind that name at all. After all, she had gotten the names of those tributes and herself tattooed on her lower left calf, the names going in order from first to last, spinning around and around her leg until it ends with "Harlow," that she keeps well hidden under a beautifully styled boot or long, thick knee-high socks.

So she actually takes all those birthstones in the arena to have a physical connection to her family! As birthstones are seen as That Person, it's a way to her to still feel as if she's with her family, to talk to them, to hold them. The stones are tangible parts of her family that she can have forever and she does. After her victory, she tattoos a bracelet of all her family's birthstones on her right wrist.

v. dani & madon

Okay so for their mentors, I have been going back and forth for MONTHS since I decided to make Cass a Victor. I have two ideas and they go this way and that on any given day, but I know I wanted there to be a Cutter and a Keeper mentor respectively. So on one day, it's Lyme and Brutus, on the other it's Enobaria and Whrancliffe (her eldest cousin, a hewer and blacksmith's son, they call him "The Work Singer" [haven't found his FC yet but his parents are Sandra Oh's Gabion, and Colman Domingo's Anneal Hardy I FUCKING ATE WITH THAT CASTING, YA'LL CAN'T TELL ME OTHERWISE!]). I tend to lean more towards Lyme and Brutus each time because I feel like Lyme needs to be there to protect Harlow. Vance is barred from mentoring (specifically this game, but he forfeited his mentor privileges once he married and moved to the Capitol), so he hasn't done that since the last Quell. He knew that he could trust Lyme to not only care for Harlow as any Cutter would, but it's almost like she's paying off a debt. Vance kept her alive in her Games, making her the next Cutter Victor, she now must do the same for his daughter. Brutus seems like the next best choice too because of the dichotomy between them. Lyme focuses on strength coming from internal, pseudo-spiritual forces, belief in community; whereas Brutus is driven by strength of glory and pride, very individualistic.

Vance understands Lyme's position to keeping Harlow alive because he too doesn't want her to die horrifically, but he also doesn't want her to join him. "I'd much rather have my daughter die than go on living knowing that I put her there." He'd say. Even if there wasn't that stipulation for him to no longer mentor, he wouldn't want or even could do it. Too much of a conflict of interest from both a personal (familial) and public (the Capitol audience) viewpoint. The same can't be said for his wife, but that's a different conversation.

No, Dani was going to volunteer no matter what! It was his last year and he did it for upper-class mobility. He already lost his native Southern home, the least he could do is give his family a nice Northern one in the Victors Village.

vi. saying your stones

Oh you aren't missing much from the passage, but if you have any questions about this section let me know!

I don't have much to add to the explanation of the tradition outside of me wanting to maintain the theme of tangible traditions in District 2. I go more in depth about that in this video here, but that's strict canon-interpretation, not Snowfall.

As for the Madon section of that part, sit tight, lots of lore!

For Madon being Sejanus-Coded, I wanted each child to have some sort of connection to Sejanus as a person (that's a different post for another day) and for Madon, I wanted him to have his homesickness, his disgust but compliancy to the Capitol, and him never truly feeling like he belongs in the Capitol. He can't stand the city and to quote the man himself in the Capitol Couture article I wrote on him (my magnum fucking opus), "But I can’t see myself making a life in a city that I feel can’t protect me." Not too original, but that's that (and then some).

As for the District 7 comment, he moved there just after his last reaping as a Peacekeeper due to a deal he made with his grandfather. He wanted to be in 7 so badly so he can be with his boyfriend, Lathe Sheraton (Drew Ray Tanner), a woodcarver shop's son who he met when he was a boy on some political tour of the districts his parents had to attend. They became instant friends and would see each other every year for those same political tours or the Victory tour itself. As a teenager, he would sometimes take a hovercraft to 7 for the weekend and they'd spend the days picking pinecones, horribly swinging axes and kissing in the treetops. But Madon knew that once he was out of the reaping, he could have the chance for a bit more freedom. It was never allowed though, no matter how much his parents pushed for his independence, his grandfather would not allow him to go roaming around the districts with a shopkeepers boy! Thus the Peacekeeping deal in 7 was made under which Madon, actually Wren, would be stationed there and have a couple of liberties as a Snow, but overall not much different to everyone else, and would only be able to end his stint as a Peacekeeper once District 7 had their next Victor. Three years later, Johanna Mason is crowned as the Victor of the 71st Hunger Games. And with that Victory he moved into the Village, but was financially cut off by his parents, and worked in Lathe’s shop, along with some stonework commissions he did for certain district or Capitol figures.

To answer your question a bit more generally: the Sophro children have loads of freedom to move around the country! They usually stay in 2, but after Cassia won, she would sometimes go to 10 to visit her beau, another Victor, Angus "The Butcher" StillGottaFigureOutALastNamePeroEsLatino (Tommy Martinez). Marina sometimes goes to 4, but not always. She prefers to stay in the Capitol as she's the most assimilated.

vii. breadcrumbs

also the fact that everyone in d2 uses that tradition regardless of loyalty- given the divide between the cutters and keepers, that feels so significant

YOU ARE GOING TO BE SO DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE THERE REALLY ISN'T MUCH! I mean, to me.

I wanted that to be a universal tradition because A) there needed to be one and B) it's one that has a historical connection to Pre-Dark Days and having something persist through that needed to be done. Bread is universal, so the tradition will not change throughout the decades no matter if you're an age-old Pitman or a Born-And-Bread Peacekeeper.

viii. the bollards

This really just reminds me that I need to put some energy on the Bollards, now more than ever. I shot myself in the foot by having Cass' Games be the first thing I show because it makes it that much more important for me to do the Bollards justice. And they deserve that.