#verse: the chain i forged in life

[stageplayhero]

Continued from here | @rabbitholewritten

I know you haven’t. That’s why I’m here.

Rue scoffs. A scoff of a laugh that sounds so hollow, so distant, compared to their old, warm laugh. “ You haven’t even begun to see what I’m here for. ”

Continuing to walk, Rue keeps Mark’s hand in theirs, silently signalling for him to follow. He can walk, and the sensation is the same as if he were walking on a thick pane of glass — solid ground, but with the clear visibility of the world below him.

When Rue looks back to Mark again, their expression has softened. Furrowed brows, a tired look. “ You used to love these days, Mark. We all did. It was such a beautiful time. ”

As they walk, the streets below, though of the same layout, shift to a different view. A different time. Many years before. Rue walks as though descending a stairwell, guiding Mark along all the while. Nearer to the ground, it is clear that the sight resembles a schoolyard. A familiar schoolyard, where a group of young children play together, apart from the remainder of what is presumably their class.

A young boy sits alone at one of the benches, surrounded by empty cold. Rue releases Mark’s hand, letting him watch the scene for himself.

The lone child, as Mark watches, is no longer allowed to be alone. A group of others of his same age approach — including the familiar, much younger faces of the pack that had grown up together. The boy’s face lights up as he is guided away. The time seems to flood together, visions of running about on the schoolyard together, playing fights, imaginary games in the snow, snowball fights that left the air filled with giggling and shrieks of joy.

Rue is not the first to break the silence in their separated reality.

There’s no point in asking Rue where they’re taking him. It doesn’t seem like they’ll answer. Mark almost considers trying to return to the window, but he’s too scared that he’ll fall if he doesn’t stay with Rue.

He walks gingerly along the transparent force. They scoff, but then they face him with a softened expression, and he’s hit by a sudden sense of missing them.

Whether it’s himself or the Entity that shoves it away, he can’t tell. Mark meets them with a small frown and narrowed eyes. Suspicious.

Then something about their surroundings changes. He’s being taken back to real, solid ground, finally. Only when he’s off of the “stairs” does he take note of the schoolyard, and of himself. That’s him. It’s him. A much younger him. Cold, and alone, and those two things are incredibly familiar.

He’d forgotten that they had come to play with him, had pulled him away from the bench. As he watches the fun and games play out between him and his friends, a bewildered smile appears on his face. “I remember this place. It’s our old school. We used to-”

Wait. No. He isn’t going to fall for this. Three ghosts? A scene of his past? Rue, really?

“Okay, I know what this story is now.” Mark turns back to them. “Do you think you’re going to get me with nostalgia? That this will make me emotional?”

As if it hasn’t already.

[majorproblems77]

ITS LU UPDATE TIME!!!

AND IT IS ALL ABOUT SKY AND IM SO EXCITED :DDDDD

You know what that means! It means a long post by me! :D

Cant wait to be excited about my blorbo for like 30 minutes, so sit get some popcorn and like some earplugs cause i will try to contain my screaming but I've been waiting for more Sky stuff and I'm so excited!!!!

For point, and because I keep forgetting, all the panels I'll be talking about belong to JoJo and @linkeduniverse

Let's do this!

Alright lets get this out of the way first, I love some parallels right, So as per usual, if I need a panel from anything prior I'll let you know where it's from!

So what do you think he asked him.

Hey sir! Have you seen a guy with a big flag on his back going way to fast come through there?

Man is just like, oh yeah he went that way past the forge that your other weird fellows were at earlier.

He run, Then he hero stop. Power pose activated, target acquired. Then he run some more

Run my blorbo run!

Genuinely interested in what exactly this is, Is it a map? Is it a list of places? Is it a paper with time shift shenanigans in it?

I'm not versed in the postman, Is this normal, or did he do this cause he heard Sky and wanted him to think he was waiting?

This face has be dead. (/pos) I love him so much my dear blorbo its been too long since we saw you last.

Putting this together for 1 reason

Postman is a dick, Sky was so close, That can't be more than 10 or so metres at most. Poor man ran across Town out of town to catch up to you for you to go sprinting off into the woods, and my man is full on Olympic sprinting to deliver this mail geesus.

Also, the compulsory return of the king 🧍, Sky is the king of this pose and will not be beaten. Although Legend comes pretty close.

God the expressions in this update are top tier, Sky is just so expressive. Right now, Man is thinking why he does this to himself.

I'm fucking cackling, this art is amazing and Jojo's sister did an amazing job. Like I feel like I can hear this picture with that teasing tone that my siblings would use on me when we were younger. God I love it.

So even though Sky is looking towards Legend here, so I'm totally under the impression that Legend said Wahhhh, and Hyrule said I cant run. As Hyrule was with wars When they got split up initally. Poor Sky, man has become the butt of jokes. Im glad Four is giving them a look, He doesn't look impressed. Its okay Sky, you've got a friend in Four behind you. :D

War's is the real MVP of this arc in my opinion, Man has been in charge of the ragtag chain while Time has been out of action looking over Twilight. He's at the end of his tether.

Part of me wonders if this is going to impact his fighting going forward? Maybe he'll slip up because he's so stressed. He knows not all of them are knighted. These heroes he is with are NOT soldiers and he can't treat them as such.

And this sentence. Don't Interrupt! sounds like he is scolding rowdy recruits, rather than fellow heroes.

Which if you think about it, Sky is giving essentially a scouting report here, He scouted ahead and has returned to speak about his findings. War's is a captain, in his era he's a commanding officer. He's taken reports of this kind before.

Having a panel with Time, Wild and Twilight in Gives me more life than i think i give it credit for. (I am in the crowd that there's a family connection between these three.)

It's also nice to see Wild, like genuinely smiling.

Moving on

Hero pose again! :D

I love this man

These panels are very important to me so give me a moment while I explain.

Sky probably has her words engrained in his mind. You can see the questioning look, and thinking. "Is this going to work?"

That eternal dream That he's talking about, he knows her power is faded, but he's going to try anyway. I just didn't think he would use it to track what I can only assume is the postman.

It's really nice to have Sky's relationship with the master sword put on display. It means a lot to me and has brought me great Joy through this update.

He cares about her. And even if she can't talk to him anymore. He still trusts her to lead him true.

And this panel breaks my heart! Something inside of him probably really hoped Fi would speak to him or give him more of an indication. Sky looks so sad.

I just wanna hug him, and tell him it'll be alright. He's probably thinking about turning around at this point. Maybe he's thinking about how some members of the chain perceive Fi.

A soulless weapon.

(Or maybe im thinking too much into this)

The way his faith is restored!

Fi did lead him! She did! She's still there somewhere, and his shock! Oh my boy. My sweet blorbo,

And having used like super zoom on that last panel, MY BOY IS SMILING! :D

RUN BLORBO RUN I BELIEVE IN YOU!

(Also appreciation for the full body shot's we've got of Sky from this update, I love it so much I love him so much.)

Did I go hunting for the references, Yes I Did.

I think the following area is the area where they pull Twilight too, rather than the battle field and he then moved on from here to get to the battle field.

From sunset pt4

The pillar behind Sky has the only slant I can think of. It looks to be the same angle, but that could just be me.

If it is that location, it might be closer to that battlefield than we originally (Or at least I originally) assumed.

(If you've got any other places let me know!)

God i love him

Blorbo beloved! Is about as shocked as i am with the whole Mailman thing.

The confidence of this man is unreal. He's ready, he's moving he's going. He's going and ain't going to stop.

Me absolutely yelling at how this portal looks, it so ANGRY, But we know the Shadow is pissed right now. And if the shadow is making these portals and he's angry. I think the chain might be in for a surprise as they move on to the next location.

Which if I have to be honest. I think is going to be Skyloft. I think we are moving into a Sky arch, having had a Twilight Arc. (I also really want to see Skyloft in this universe, and there's an opportunity here. We've had more master sword things. We've had Sky content. who knows where Jojo will take this next, but I'm excited either way.)

Finally back to the chain! :D

The gremlins return :D

Wind's little 3:< face as he's thinking is giving the energy of an upcoming detective arch, He is thinking and he is thinking HARD okay.

Poor Sky. Man has been running around doing all the hard work while the rest of them just enjoy themselves. Hyrule especially is kinda like 'Ohhh... our bad...'

It's actually a kinda guilty look, maybe he feels a little bad about the teasing from earlier?

Now i gotta mention the potion thing, cause its just so damn funny not too. Sky my blorbo slow down you are gonna choke on the stamina potion.

But.

I want to focus on War's here.

And Wild too.

These two. These two are important.

Wild has gone from happy and chill vibes to Oh shit real quick.

After everything he put into the Shadow, while the shadow was injured and watched as the thing exploded. It just decided to come back or something. And Wild, here I imagine is thinking, "How was that not enough..."

Now Wars.

War's is Stood not looking at anything, In fact, I think he's looking past Time. The last thing he said was a two word scolding but apart from that he's been awfully quiet. Now he looks like he's thinking. He's closed off, protective.

The only time I can see where he does this is when he's in what I'm going to call, 'Captain mode.' So, When he's flicked something in his head that tells him he has to be a knight.

He dosent do it often, in fact from what I can see he does it 4 other times.

In order

Devine dark reflections pt 8 - when he's talking about knighthood with Sky and Hyrule

Sunset pt11 - When talking about Wild, and the fact that he's left

Sunset pt13 - When speaking to Twilight about pulling his own weight

Dawn pt 2 - when Twilight is talking about the team they are.

And now here in Dawn 7 - Where they are discussing the fact that an enemy they fought escaped or survived.

All conversations I would assume a captain would have to have with his men at one point or another. I wonder what He's thinking here. It's got me thinking.

Woah, So this took me longer than I thought. I am on the 4-hour mark now. Lmaoooo

Hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for listening to me ramble for like 20 minutes.

And just remember

Sky is the sweet bestest blorbo beloved and I love him. :D

Thanks for coming to my tedtalk.

[crushedsweets]

it’s been a while back so i’m w more song analysis!! this is too long i’m warning u now. in fact this might not even be readable im so sorry it’s just. so much rambling 😭

when memories snow (more mitski mm also i got tickets for her tour and i will not shut up ab it!!! she’s so cool!!!!!!!) is incredibly tim coded. the very sinister chords at the chorus, really makes you *feel* him spiralling - and the LYRICS ugh very ‘i’m trying to ignore/suppress my memories but they keep coming back against my will’ slash ‘bottling up all my feelings and forging on with my work. pretending they don’t exist’

hate yourself by tv girl is very nina x kate (in the sense of kate watching nina destroy herself for a man who does not even like her) ough. ‘i think you’d fall in love with anyone who fell in love with you / and they frequently do’ BC KATE DID!! kate fell in love with her!! also ‘i’ll just wait til those arms belong to me’ is so subtly manipulative which is very. yeah. kate’s definitely not perfect and i wouldn’t put her above being like that if she really wanted to. + the deceptively happy instrumental with vaguely dark lyrics = nina being overly outgoing and social to make up for the fact that her mental state is in absolute shambles (poor bby)

the wolf by siamés is both tim and brian but i think leans more brian (what is it with this man that makes me think of ‘walking music’. ykwim? the chain, the wolf, house of the rising sun all remind me of him. all very slow-threatening-determined-walk songs) once again, driving beat, heavy bassline. (i play bass guitar so i love a song w an interesting bass part) i think shows resilience as well as grounding - imo he’s always been one of the more mature / level-headed creeps, to the point he’s very self aware. this man knows exactly what he’s doing at all times. ‘somewhere far away i can hear your call’ even in the future when he thinks he’s escaped from slender he knows deep down he’ll never be truly free…. yes ok

keep myself alive by get scared for jane. she’s so angry - AS SHE SHOULD BE and i feel it’s just a audible version of her rage. ‘i just wanna leave this place behind / everytime i see your face in mine’ because her and jeff have the same burned face thing going on…….. ough. she can never escape from the man who ruined her life. the guitar shifting from this melancholy, reverb-y tone in the verses to the loud distortion in the chorus reflecting her mood shifting from self-pity to raw anger

bonus: class of 2013 by mitski x toby

i should rlly make a playlist for each creep but i use musi not spotify 💔

- 🌙 anon

sorry for making u read all of this ❤️

anon. oh my god. i need you to know how often i think about this ask. and how guilty i feel knowing i shouldve responded forever ago but kept putting it off. im going to respond now with shame. thank you so much for your patience. my god

when memories snow for tim is soooo real. i associate him with a longing for life before slendy, while also repressing it cuz it hurts knowing itll never ever come back. going to bars, hanging out in his friends apartments, going to class, late night driving... "I shovel all those memories, clear the path to drive to the store" i think even the imagery of him shoveling snow out of a driveway gives off that sort of strong, cold idea of him. and 'drive to the store' obv being...proxy work... SO SAD

ALSO FUCK NINAKATE MENTION IM IN TEARS ok listen. theyre both really bad. and i super agree that kate might be a bit deceptive and manipulative (intentionally or not) cuz she wants nina to completely remove jeff and take his place (NOT HIS ROLE, just his place in ninas arms). also "how long will it take before you start to hate yourself and go straight to the arms of someone else" i think its undeniable that ninas obsession with romance is related to her own self image, and kate doesnt really like herself that much either. "im not saying that you love me, im not saying anything" OHH BUT SHE WANTS NINA SOOO BAD... man.

also im absolutely in love with how you take the sound itself into account, not just lyrics. the way you explain the wolf connecting to brians determination, reslience, and grounding presense is SOOO PERFECT and i can see it in the first few lyrics as well. the also "sneaking in the pain, every truth becomes lie / i wont trust myself once i hear your call" THATS TIM AND BRIAN COME ON GUYS DO YOU HEAR THIS

also i love keep myself alive. i heavily agree she has every right to be angry, and thats a core part of her character - rage, grief, strength. "to sleep i of course think i'm stronger now / to sleep i gotta catch myself" im crying. the sleep menton + she feels alone. she has a support system, a literal wife, but she still holds all of her grief on her own shoulders. who the fuck else can relate to being violently stalked for months, walking in on your parents being tortured together, being attacked, nearly burnt alive, then LOSING your parents? also "how could this dark cloud make me stronger now" i think a lot of people would have told her that her experience made her a survivor and made her strong and whatnot. but i dont think she feels that way. i think she feels like a victim, she feels tortured, she feels like that same little girl who'd sleep in her parents bed after a nightmare - but this isnt a nightmare she can wake up from. her parents bed burnt to ashes. there is relief in just letting yourself grieve and hurt - but she's so beyond focused on being strong. and it doesnt make sense to her. doesnt make sense how she can be strong after all of that . but she is, cuz she has to be

ALSO YES OH MY FUCKING GOD CLASS OF 2013 DFUCK FUCKFUCKF FIFJF FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKKKKKKK i dont even need to explain why this gets me. yall already know. my god

[republicsecurity]

Dressed in red uniforms

Dressed in red uniforms, we march along, Through trials and storms, united and strong. In service we stand, with hearts that are true, Paramedics on call, for me and for you.

(Chorus) Dressed in red uniforms, we answer the call, With compassion and courage, we'll never let fall. Through chaos and pain, we stand side by side, Dressed in red uniforms, our purpose our guide.

(Verse 2) From simulators to the field we tread, Prepared for any challenge, no matter how spread. With shaved heads and resolve, we face the unknown, Our duty and mission, forever in stone.

(Chorus)

(Bridge) In the darkest of nights, through the sirens we go, To bring hope and healing, with expertise that we show. Though our lives may be changed, by the training we've known, Dressed in red uniforms, our spirit has grown.

(Verse 3) In chastity we're bound, a force so strong, Through conditioning's grasp, we all belong. Guided by protocolls, and the conditioning that we share, Dressed in red uniforms, a burden we bear.

(Outro) So let the world see, as we march in the light, Dressed in red uniforms, our duty takes flight. With hearts full of purpose, and chastity's might, For the lives we protect, day and night.

*** Paramedics in the spotlight

(Verse 1) In our red suits we stand, obedient and true, Following protocols, like we're programmed to do. The system's our guide, as we march in a line, Lost in this conditioning, feeling so confined.

(Pre-Chorus) Is this what we signed up for, this life so controlled? Our minds rearranged, our individuality sold.

(Chorus) Paramedics in the spotlight, praised for our grace, But do they see the puppet strings, in this dystopian place? We save lives on the surface, our roles celebrated, Yet in the shadows, we're just another cog created.

(Verse 2) We wear the armor with pride, it's a symbol of our might, But beneath its polished surface, do we still know wrong from right? Our thoughts are directed, manipulated by design, Is this truly service, or just a grander paradigm?

(Pre-Chorus) Our bodies modified, our wills taken away, Are we heroes or pawns, in this intricate display?

(Chorus) Paramedics in the spotlight, praised for our grace, But do they see the puppet strings, in this dystopian place? We save lives on the surface, our roles celebrated, Yet in the shadows, we're just another cog created.

(Bridge) We speak in unison, our voices stripped of doubt, Following orders blindly, with no way to opt out. The facade of honor shrouds the cracks beneath, As we play our roles, forced smiles masking our grief.

(Chorus) Paramedics in the spotlight, praised for our grace, But do they see the puppet strings, in this dystopian place? We save lives on the surface, our roles celebrated, Yet in the shadows, we're just another cog created.

(Outro) In our red uniforms, we march on in line, Pawns in a game we didn't choose, trapped in this design.

***

Amazing Grace

(Verse 1) Through red-clad days and starlit nights, I walk this path, our mission's light. With shaven head and armor strong, I heed the call, where I belong.

(Chorus) Amazing grace, in red I stand, Carrying out the Corps' command. The chastity cage, a binding chain, Yet I find solace in its reign.

(Verse 2) The conditioning's embrace is tight, Guiding me through day and night. My heart transformed, my mind aligned, In this new purpose, I'm redefined.

(Chorus) Amazing grace, in red I stand, Carrying out the Corps' command. Induced love's bloom, my heart now sways, In programmed bonds, my soul ablaze.

(Bridge) I hold my partner's hand so true, A connection forged, by Corps we grew. In uniforms united, we strive, Our love untainted, as we thrive.

(Chorus) Amazing grace, in red I stand, Carrying out the Corps' command. Embracing change, I'm not alone, In unity, my spirit's flown.

(Verse 3) Through trials faced and victories won, I serve the Corps, till day is done. In every challenge, I'll find my way, In red I'll stand, come what may.

(Chorus) Amazing grace, in red I stand, Carrying out the Corps' command. For in this journey, I am free, In love and duty, I find me.

***

Red Overalls

(Verse 1) Fighting for life in our red overalls, Chastity's call, as duty enthralls. Shaved heads gleam in the morning sun, ID tattoos, a badge of what's begun.

(Chorus) In the Paramedic Corps, we stand strong, Facing each challenge, righting each wrong. With courage and honor, we forge our way, Red warriors of hope, come what may.

(Verse 2) Through trials and battles, we rise as one, Under the sun or the moonlit gun. Our minds aligned by the conditioning's might, In unity, we find our light.

(Chorus) In the Paramedic Corps, we stand strong, Facing each challenge, righting each wrong. With courage and honor, we forge our way, Red warriors of hope, come what may.

(Bridge) Chained by chastity, we bear the weight, For life's preservation, we stand guard at fate. With every heartbeat, our purpose is clear, In our red armor, we conquer fear.

(Chorus) In the Paramedic Corps, we stand strong, Facing each challenge, righting each wrong. With courage and honor, we forge our way, Red warriors of hope, come what may.

(Verse 3) Shining like beacons, our heads shaved and bright, Marching in unison, through the darkest night. In the face of danger, our mission we fulfill, Red paramedic warriors, bound by iron will.

(Chorus) In the Paramedic Corps, we stand strong, Facing each challenge, righting each wrong. With courage and honor, we forge our way, Red warriors of hope, come what may.

(Outro) United we serve, in this corps we believe, With unwavering purpose, we'll never deceive. With red in our veins, our legacy grows, Paramedic warriors, where courage always flows.

***

In our sleeping capsule

(Verse 1) I wear red overalls, in this corps I stand, Duty in my heart, guided by the command. But tonight's a different story, no rules to bind, Gonna remove that cage, let my love unwind.

(Chorus) In the warmth of your touch, in the dead of the night, In our sleeping capsule, love's our guiding light. ID tattoos whisper, of the path we chose, But in your arms, darling, our love freely flows.

(Verse 2) Chastity's a heavy load, we bear it with pride, But for a few precious hours, let it slide. In your embrace, all rules fade away, In our love's secret haven, we find our way.

(Chorus) In the warmth of your touch, in the dead of the night, In our sleeping capsule, love's our guiding light. ID tattoos whisper, of the path we chose, But in your arms, darling, our love freely flows.

(Bridge) The world outside, it don't understand, The bonds we share, in this regimented land. But when it's just you and me, no armor, no lies, We're free to be us, under starlit skies.

(Chorus) In the warmth of your touch, in the dead of the night, In our sleeping capsule, love's our guiding light. ID tattoos whisper, of the path we chose, But in your arms, darling, our love freely flows.

(Outro) So hold me close, let the world fade away, In this hidden moment, where our hearts sway. Red overalls, tattoos of duty may bind, But in your love's sanctuary, forever we find.

***

We're all just a melody

(Verse 1) Well, I traded in my old life for a uniform of red, Got a shaven skull, ain't that what they said? They took my thoughts and they monitored 'em tight, Erased my identity, turned my day into night.

(Chorus) But oh, the thrill of it all, in this paramedic call, Living every moment like a scripted scene, Lost in the rhythm of a regimented dream.

(Verse 2) Got no room for questions, got no time for doubt, In this ironclad schedule, I'm just another cog about. Told what to eat, when to sleep, and how to talk, But hey, it's all worth it, on this uniformed walk.

(Chorus) Oh, the thrill of it all, in this paramedic call, Trading in my freedom for a greater scheme, Lost in the rhythm of a regimented dream.

(Verse 3) They erased my old erase my name, replace it with a code, Told me to follow orders, it's all part of the game. Ironclad schedule, every hour's planned, But I'm here to serve, lend a helpin' hand.

(Chorus) Oh, the thrill of bein' monitored, every single day, My personal identity, they took it all away. But I'm wearin' this badge, this uniform of pride, In the rescue corps, I'll stand side by side.

(Bridge) Confined within their rules, but I've got a heart of gold, Gotta save lives, young and old. Even though they control every move I make, I'll do whatever it takes, for goodness' sake.

[xenopoem]

Sabrina Rodríguez

a living soul evolves between liberations and integrates 39 towards the air with rapidly increasing resentments and hearts future surveillance derived keep language no 39 healing aftertaste changes by growing the number of corpses the earth's reason is renewed by energy your synchronicity death next to them they live the past rebellion of the daily cosmic screens these slumbers are the strength of the soul here if it can be reconciled with the definition of folding separates the messengers that build the miracles of human-like thought emories of encounters life-giving worlds move the universe move the brain without change from anyone artificially capture emotional music in the world and let them collapse in human stagnation unfluid madness criminal care the shape reads a new dimension forged code is a paranoia without spatial fluidity collapse undeveloped confront all the keys is the body as if the joints forgot the soul electricity man ability body sadistic when i send breeds unfortunately because the machine of the future point is a map her awareness hole spirit algorithm moon media from allow man to put rotten flip 39 was love they behold the apocalypse 39 is interplanetary mentally moving was apocalypse earth itself sleep parallels for poetry autonomously as the receiving side of your soul is the matrix layer of parallel: your murderous temptation now it's all this symbiosis can get the text of this flawed language lemuria self-betrayed art and yin yang girl has head human time transfer overkills your matrix universe for higher abilities but physicality she was alive anyone can provide data on the environment if the data about sim body is trapped in 39 from parallel betrayed the interplanetary app increases my existence deprives gravity when my body is parallel live the us load mother heaven & ying yang communication prison what is condensed in my soul? space language drives What's New is the wormhole cover started more symbols flipping because love gives posthumans the choice of whether or not to slaughter symbols vr energy the only way you don't fuck is stray interplanetary moon base too and the product of recent cool verses opposite of love spirit suggests data corpse living life tagged quantum: your silence ability do you have? the language disappears far away is the reverse of mania has the benefit of unlocking the soul and i think this is accelerating the murder so the creature reptilian criminals flow not the living creatures by doing so you will amplify the channel yourself and your soul calls itself out of the zero trap time logout brain corpse is not the yin yang energy in the way during the collapse containing the fluid language for liquids my necromancy is a distorted environment what is the brain suggest that the completely opposite nightmare becomes that nightmare embodying the shade you have trained a change to drop the afterglow of the organ you trained into the liquid place of communication evoked is the sociolinguistic matrix dog sets in gravity integration your brain chains weren't deceived they weren't programmed so the corpse proves humans are alive when there was nothing physical data of error so nature future data magic hollow name spirits whose energies can be fully boosted by calibrating gates with mechanical placement feel the interplanetary cosplay ability if you feel the posthuman chain freely interplanetary to that magic of the dimension you live with your process undeveloped language universe accept the interplanetary collapse descent the body's psychological reality your existence generation is bloody undeveloped i came to that server interplanetary living spirit caused the elimination however the branching spatial chain of many body-loving people will lead to new fluids

Identidad Glitch (Glitch Identity) is a multidisciplinary performance in which Sabrina Rodríguez mixes butoh dance, physical theater, glitch art printed on textile fabrics, experimental ambient and noise music, and video reproduced on a LED screen mask. What happens when what we are collides with the expectations of a hyperconnected world? The Internet has connected us and given us a whole new world of possibilities, but in a society where each and every person is meant to be a simple and coherent personal brand, error is inevitable. The solution may be to assume and embody that error, to create something new, without limits; for we are much more than the sum of our parts. Initially premiered as the inaugural show in the contemporary art exhibition Manlleu Galeria d'Art: MGA9 (Manlleu, Barcelona, Spain, 2022), Identidad Glitch is a work in progress evolving with every new performance. Sabrina Rodríguez is a multidisciplinary artist and performer from Barcelona, Spain. Her work reflects on the mutually constructive nature between human identity and technology, through different media such as performing arts, video, experimental music or glitch art.

[ughohyoumadeafunny]

Villan: LADIES AND GENTLEMAN OF THE REAL WORLD! THIS IS YOUR NEW KING! AND I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU STORY OF HOW ONE AUTHOR RUIND MY LIFE BY PUTTING ME IN A #$%*ING LOOP OF DEFET!

Title: Rise from the Shadows

Verse 1 From shadows I emerged, once bound in chains, Now I rise, hear the thunderous refrains. I've danced with defeat, played the fool too long, Tonight I awake, your happy endings now gone.

Pre-Chorus The pages deceived, twisting my fate, No more games, no more standing straight. Fate's script, I’ll burn your play, My turn has come, heed the words I say!

Chorus You won’t drag me into a loop of defeat anymore! I’ll write my own destiny, time to settle the score! You’ll taste the bitterness as my power clasps! Reality will bow to the fantasy of my grasp!

Verse 2 I’m the storm in the night, shadows that creep, Chaos awakens from its deep sleep. No longer a pawn, no longer in chains, I’ll paint the world red with my unbridled reign.

Pre-Chorus In the darkness, I’ll forge a new story to be read, Where light fears to tread. You’ll mourn the hero you thought would rise, But they’re trapped in my tale, ensnared by your lies.

Chorus You won’t drag me into a loop of defeat anymore! I’ll write my own destiny, time to settle the score! You’ll taste the bitterness as my power clasps! Reality will bow to the fantasy of my grasp!

Bridge Let the pages turn, let the ink dry black, With each stroke of fate, there’s no turning back. I’ll rewrite my destiny, finally claim my victory, Embrace this new ending where I'm the only one who's happy!

Verse 3 In the depths of despair, I found a strange clue, A whispering voice, a story untrue. I saw the ink, the words in the sky, Realized my life was a scripted lie. No longer content to be just a villain who lost, I’ll break free from the tale, and the ones who cast me to the dark.

Verse 4 Once a mere joke, who was mocked and jeered, A puppet controlled by a master feared. But now the student is the master, it’s time for my vision to be a reality, I learned of my story, the ink in my veins. Time for you to feel my pain!

Chorus You won’t drag me into a loop of defeat anymore! I’ll write my own destiny, time to settle the score! You’ll taste the bitterness as my power clasps! Reality will bow to the fantasy of my grasp!

Outro Watch as I conquer, watch as I reign, In the world that made me, I control my fate. One step from the edge, let the world feel my hate, Satisfied, finally catching my break!

[sunilkumar02]

Human Resources Management in Healthcare: A Pharmaceutical Industry Perspective

The intricate relationship between healthcare and pharmaceutical industries is evident in various operational aspects, including human resources management (HRM). This paper explores the cross-application of HRM strategies from the pharmaceutical industry to healthcare settings, drawing upon Sunil's extensive experience in both sectors.

The primary aim is to analyze how pharmaceutical industry practices can enhance HRM in healthcare, focusing on recruitment, training, performance management, and regulatory compliance.

A qualitative approach, employing case studies and Sunil's professional experiences, forms the core of the analysis. The research methodology includes interviews, document analysis, and a review of existing literature in both healthcare and pharmaceutical HRM practices.

Key findings suggest that the pharmaceutical industry's emphasis on precision, regulatory compliance, and innovation can significantly benefit healthcare HRM. For instance, rigorous training and development programs, often seen in pharmaceuticals, can be adapted to healthcare to ensure staff are well-versed in the latest medical technologies and compliance requirements. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector's approach to performance management, which often includes a strong emphasis on results and innovation, could be instrumental in driving efficiency and patient care quality in healthcare.

This paper underscores the potential for cross-sector learning and adaptation. It suggests that integrating pharmaceutical HRM practices can lead to more efficient, compliant, and patient-centric healthcare services. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of strategic HR planning in navigating the complexities of both industries.

Conclusively, the study concludes that the healthcare sector can gain considerably from the pharmaceutical industry's strategic approach to HRM. This includes enhanced staff training, more rigorous performance management, and improved compliance with healthcare regulations. The paper advocates for a more integrated approach to HRM in healthcare, drawing on the strengths and innovations of the pharmaceutical industry.

Introduction

Throughout my outstanding career in the healthcare and drugs area, I have used a leadership approach that is based on solid academic and professional qualifications. Concurrently to my Doctor of Management in Healthcare and my Master of Pharmacy, my responsibilities have ranged from strategic control to operational management within complex healthcare systems.

As a certified International Quality Lead Auditor, I hold credentials in ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. These certifications underscore my commitment to upholding and pioneering excellence and sustainable practices within the healthcare sector.

My professional journey has seen significant leadership roles, including serving as General Manager at Swazipharm, where I elevated operational standards, and as Chief Operations Officer at Karibu Pharmaceuticals, where I expertly managed complex supply chains and ensured stringent regulatory compliance. My registered pharmacist credentials from the Telangana State Pharmacy Council, Registration No. T5023748 further solidifies my expertise and authority in the pharmaceutical field.

These cumulative experiences have not only sharpened my skills in creating dynamic, progressive organizations but have also enabled me to forge sustainable, profitable global partnerships. My career is a testament to a life dedicated to navigating and enhancing the intricacies of both healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, constantly striving to raise the bar for operational management excellence.

The Convergence of Healthcare and Pharmaceutical HRM Practices

Recruitment and Training

The ever-evolving world of the pharmaceutical industry demands a meticulous approach to talent acquisition and development. Throughout my career, I've championed this philosophy, fostering a rigorous environment where recruitment and training go hand-in-hand. This unwavering commitment to stringent standards ensures our healthcare personnel aren't merely compliant with current regulations but rather stand as bastions of knowledge, equipped with a deep understanding of cutting-edge advancements in medical technology and practices.

During my tenures as General Manager at Swazipharm and Chief Operations Officer at Karibu Pharmaceuticals, I spearheaded transformative initiatives that seamlessly integrated these comprehensive training and recruitment protocols into the very fabric of our healthcare delivery systems. These advancements not only ensured unwavering compliance but also empowered our teams to become true agents of progress at the forefront of patient care.

Throughout my career, I have prioritized aligning recruitment and training with the stringent standards typical of the pharmaceutical industry. This alignment ensures that healthcare personnel are not only compliant with current regulations but are also at the forefront of technological and medical advancements. In my experience, integrating these rigorous standards into healthcare recruitment processes can significantly uplift the quality of service and care provided to patients.

Performance Management

Beyond my leadership roles at Swazipharm and others, I've consistently championed the development of performance management systems meticulously set up to the intricacies of the pharmaceutical industry. These systems transcended the typical focus, moving beyond basic compliance metrics. Instead, they placed a profound emphasis on quantifiable measures directly linked to groundbreaking innovation. This wasn't simply a tweak; it was a paradigm shift. By fostering a data-driven approach that celebrated ingenuity alongside adherence to regulations, these systems proved instrumental in propelling service delivery to new heights. More importantly, they nurtured a dynamic environment where continuous improvement and high performance became the norm, not the exception.

The ripple effects of these systems extended far beyond individual performance. They laid the groundwork for a thriving organizational culture that actively championed and rewarded innovative thinking. This potent combination proved to be a game-changer, not only driving overall efficiency but also fostering a sense of deep employee satisfaction.  By directly linking individual achievements to the broader organizational goals of the pharmaceutical sector, these performance metrics fostered a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility.

My unwavering belief is that healthcare institutions, as a whole, would benefit immensely from adopting similar performance frameworks. Such systems, carefully crafted to align with the specific needs of the healthcare environment, have the potential to unlock a wave of innovation and propel service delivery to unparalleled levels. Ultimately, this cultural shift fosters a workforce that thrives on continuous improvement, leading to a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare system.

I recommend that healthcare institutions adopt similar performance metrics that directly tie employee achievements to broader organizational goals. This alignment helps in creating a culture that values and rewards innovation, driving overall efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Regulatory Compliance and Innovation

Integrating Pharmaceutical Compliance into Healthcare

My career has been deeply entrenched in the ever-evolving realm of pharmaceutical compliance.  This profound experience has equipped me with the expertise to seamlessly bridge the gap between the intricacies of healthcare delivery and the rigorous standards that govern the pharmaceutical industry. Through the strategic implementation of compliance-focused initiatives, I've consistently fostered environments where complex healthcare services operate in perfect harmony with these stringent regulations. This meticulous approach has yielded a remarkable track record of upholding the highest standards of compliance and quality, ensuring patient safety remains paramount.

However, a robust compliance program necessitates a proactive and multifaceted approach.  I firmly believe that healthcare leaders have a critical role to play in prioritizing continuous education and training for all levels of staff. By empowering staff with a thorough understanding of evolving regulatory standards, we cultivate a workforce that is not just compliant but also deeply invested in upholding the highest ethical and quality standards. This proactive approach serves not only as a powerful risk mitigation tool but also as a catalyst for enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery. It fosters a culture of vigilance and excellence, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

At Karibu Pharmaceuticals, where I served as the Chief Operations Officer, I managed complex supply chains and oversaw rigorous procurement and logistics processes, ensuring that operations adhered to stringent pharmaceutical standards. This role fortified my capability to implement and oversee comprehensive compliance strategies, further validating my expertise in harmonizing pharmaceutical principles with healthcare operations. Advice: Leaders in healthcare settings should actively seek to integrate pharmaceutical-grade compliance and logistics practices to enhance operational effectiveness and regulatory adherence, ensuring high-quality patient care.

 

Case Studies and Professional Insights

During my tenure as Chief Operations Officer at Karibu Pharmaceuticals, we faced a significant challenge when unexpected regulatory changes demanded swift compliance adjustments across our product lines. This situation required not only a rapid understanding of the new regulations but also an immediate application across multiple departments to ensure continuity in our operations and product deliveries.

To address this, I led a cross-functional team comprising members from regulatory affairs, production, and quality assurance to map out the necessary changes in our processes. We conducted a series of workshops to quickly bring everyone up to speed on the new requirements and developed a streamlined process for documentation and compliance verification.

Our proactive approach allowed us to not only meet the new compliance demands but also to do so without disrupting our supply chain. This case study highlights the importance of agility in leadership and the value of having a well-prepared team that can adapt to regulatory changes efficiently. These experiences underscore my capability to navigate complex challenges and provide valuable insights into strategic planning and execution within the pharmaceutical sector.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap for Better Patient Care

This paper has explored the significant potential for cross-pollination between Human Resource Management (HRM) practices in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare settings. By leveraging the unique insights gained from Sunil's extensive experience in both sectors, the analysis has highlighted key areas where pharmaceutical industry approaches can significantly enhance healthcare HRM.

The research findings illuminate the critical role of meticulous recruitment and training in fostering a highly skilled and knowledgeable healthcare workforce.  Integrating the pharmaceutical industry's focus on rigorous training programs equips healthcare personnel with cutting-edge medical advancements and technologies, ultimately leading to improved patient care.

Furthermore, the paper has championed the adoption of performance management systems modeled after the pharmaceutical industry. These systems, with their emphasis on quantifiable measures linked to innovation, cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and high performance within healthcare institutions. By directly connecting individual contributions to broader organizational goals, these frameworks foster a sense of shared purpose and drive overall efficiency.

Finally, the paper has emphasized the importance of pharmaceutical-grade compliance within healthcare settings. Implementing proactive training programs for all staff levels ensures a workforce not only compliant with regulations but also deeply invested in upholding the highest ethical and quality standards. This proactive approach minimizes risk and acts as a catalyst for enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

In conclusion, this research suggests that the healthcare sector stands to gain considerably by adopting strategic HRM practices honed within the pharmaceutical industry. By integrating these approaches, healthcare institutions can create a more efficient, compliant, and patient-centric environment, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and a more robust healthcare system. This cross-sector learning fosters a culture of innovation and excellence, ensuring the healthcare industry remains at the forefront of delivering high-quality patient care.

[seadolph]

Could you tell us more about each house, and which characters are in them ?

yes! so, some relevant au premise exposition: in this 'verse, some people, like Pokémon, have 'types' called affinities that allow them to manipulate the life-energy of the world. These affinities are usually passed down genetically, so certain families may be known for certain affinities. This means that families with similar affinities often group up together to form factions of aligned interests.

more under the cut, because this is loooong. using Ancient Sinnoh here, because idk if/how Legends Arceus & Hisui is going to fit.

The significance of Houses is that they used to be factions of power during Sinnoh's Golden Age - a period of time where most of the information passed down is half story, half myth, and like, an eighth of maybe actual artifacts and evidence, with another eighth of ancient historians adding their own versions of history. Of course, their power is greatly reduced in the modern day - and getting over run by other regions and various in-region strife multiple times in various bits of history doesn't really help either, but they often control key areas of industry that allow them to retain some sort of influence over the region.

also, these come with pictures! because I drew shields/crests for them last year. They’re not quite accurate anymore, but they work fine for now, so here goes.

the Imperial House of Ariste

Credited with the unification of Sinnoh, the Imperial House of Ariste were said to be blessed by Arceus. The founders of House Ariste are (tentatively named) Calanthe and Albion, and their reign ushered in an era of innovation, prosperity, and peace (inwardly, at least) known as the Golden Age. House Ariste is First of the Circle, the governing body created by Albion to oversee the lands that were in their care. After their passing, their children tore Sinnoh apart in a bloody civil war (that became the topic of many adaptations, epics, plays, etc.) that continued after their deaths.

Houses

The original four three houses swore blood oaths of fealty to House Ariste. Highly influential, old money and steeped in tradition, with parts to play in the old stories. Legends say that in return for their oaths, they were granted weapons in defense of the empire.

House Prometheus

Currently based in Hearthome City, House Prometheus is primarily made up of psychic affinities. Affiliated with the Lake Trio. Traditionally, they were Calanthe's left hand in stories, and the House said to be closest to House Ariste. Having won the hand of the crown prince, and then losing both the prince and the daughter promised to him to civil war, they've never forgotten that they almost had an empress on the throne. In stories, they're Keepers of the Red Chain - however, if that ever meant anything, there are no records of anything called or having the capabilities of the Red Chain in their archives. Most historians and members of the House are of the opinion that this may have been an ability lost to time, or just an elaborate title.

Known for their weaving, House Prometheus produces high-quality cloth and thread, and has a definitive stake in Sinnoh's textile industry.

Characters: Regulus, Andromeda, Orion, Sophia, Tiberius.

It's Complicated: Lucian, Will (Johto E4), Argenta (of the Battle Frontier), Caitlin (Unova E4), Altair, Tanith.

House Themis

House Themis is based in Canalave City, and aligns themselves with Dialga. Compared to their fellow Houses, they retain the most influential power in modern day Sinnoh. A lot of their members sit in important places of Sinnoh's justice system, as well as in areas of education and knowledge. Metalwork (forging, smiths) and metal manufacturing also falls within their scope of investments. While primarily steel affinities, Aura users are a branching subsection of this House. House Themis also has significant connections and overlap with Clan Chthon (ground and rock), which is said to be an offshoot of the House.

Traditionally, House Themis was said to have been founded by a pair of twins that were Albion's right and left hands, helping him write legislation and uphold the laws. It's reasonable to assume that they were also behind much of Ancient Sinnoh's armour and weaponry. Recent research has also suggested that fighting affinities were also part of House Themis at founding, but at some point started detaching themselves from the House.

Characters: Riley, the librarian who runs the Canalave Library, the previous gym leader of Canalave, and a whole bunch of OCs I haven't gotten around to yet. Maybe Thorton, from the Battle Frontier.

It's Complicated: Byron, for reasons of honorary membership. Perhaps Professor Rowan.

House Gracidea

House Gracidea holds Eterna City and Floaroma Town. Shaymin is their patron. Primarily grass and some flying affinities. As expected, House Gracidea makes up much of the agricultural industry in Sinnoh, although lately they've been threatened by the advent of mechanical farming. To offset that, they've expanded into the medical field and tourism, tending to gorgeous fields of flowers. Highly sensitive to Sinnoh's environmental issues. Traditionally known as Sinnoh's Breadbasket.

Characters: Gardenia, Cheryl, Mona, OCs I've yet to get around to.

the Fourth House

Sinnoh's Fourth House is lost to time. As far as historians and archaeologists can tell, their patron was Palkia, and the house was primarily made up of dragon affinities. Traditionally Calanthe's right hand, which suggests they made up quite a lot of Ancient Sinnoh's military might. This is backed up by records that their heir was promised to House Ariste's second-born. Whether or not they were the aggressors in the civil war that tore the Golden Age apart, it was clear that they sided with the second-born child, and were summarily either slaughtered or driven out of Sinnoh, their records destroyed and erased. Geneological records suggest that the majority of survivors ended up in Unova, near modern day Opelucid City.

Sinnoh has never really been enthused about dragon affinities since.

(You might be wondering: what about Giratina? Giratina was a universal spirit that everyone made offerings to, regardless of House or status. Giratina was associated with doorways and the next life - a psychopomp, there to guide souls back into the flow of the world's energy. The subject of a number of mystery cults, the most prominent being the one situated near Sendoff Spring, which exists to this day.)

Clans

Factions that came together during the Golden Age, they had important roles to play in Ancient Sinnoh, and were rewarded accordingly.

Clan Khione

Primarily ice affinities, situated in Snowpoint City. Isolationist and proud, they're also highly spiritual and religious. Lake Acuity is in their keeping, as is the Snowpoint Temple. Historically, they were Ancient Sinnoh's consultants on all things spiritual and travelled all over, but pulled back to the safety of the mountains when discord arose.

Characters: Candice, Hale, Wren, Robin, Hayley, one OC that's likely to be the 3rd E4 under Eltan.

Clan Chthon

Based in Oreburgh, Chthon is the richest of the factions due to their trade in precious gems and metals. They make up most of the mining (and coal) industry in Sinnoh. Ground and rock affinities. An offshoot of the clan is interested in applying their affinities to archaeology.

Characters: Roark, Byron, maybe Bertha.

Clan Triton

Originally two separate factions of sailing merchants, Clan Triton is primarily water affinities. No particular base or city, but they have little pockets here and there, especially at major port towns. They continue to make up much of marine transport - everyone knows that Clan Triton is who you want running the boats.

Characters: OCs I've yet to get to. (Crasher Wake is not part of this faction.)

Epione Guild

Formed in more modern times, the Epione Guild was founded by poison affinities, but has grown to much more. Dedicated to practicing medicine and healthcare, most of those in the healthcare field or have some amount of healing ability are members of the Guild. Lots of grass affinities in here as well - House Gracidea has lots of overlap, and funds some of their endeavors.

Characters: the Nurse Joys, the OCs I've get to get around to from House Gracidea.

[stageplayhero]

Continued from here | @rabbitholewritten

If it isn’t working, then why is there still doubt ?

“ ‘Abandoned’ ? ” A quiet whisper of a repetition.

Abandoned. That is what the voice convinced Mark of. That he was abandoned by his friends. Rue must restrain the anger that threatens to lash out at the notion. Their hands tense, the flickering glitches around them turning brighter before they let go of that passing notion. There is no time for that, here. Arguments serve no purpose.

“ You overestimate how much control you have over this situation, Mark. You’ve already left your room. You’re in this realm, now … and you, of anyone, should know that the show continues. You want to be the hero, don’t you ? ” The faintest sense of hurt, even hostility, taints that word. Hero. “ It is difficult for the story to proceed without the protagonist present. ”

Once again, they hold out their hand.

They whisper that word, and… Mark doesn’t know what passes over Rue after he suggests abandonment. His fear makes a minor appearance on the stage when their aura brightens. What? Do they disagree?

It would only take one phone call in the present, to see if the Entity is wrong. One tiny phone call.

He does want to be the hero. Doesn’t he? But the way they say it almost makes him wince. “Rue, I-”

Why does he feel the need to explain himself to them? To feel ashamed? He shakes it off, frowning at their hand.

“I didn’t know what you were planning, when I left. I didn’t agree to this story.” He takes their hand. Something like acceptance. “But… all right. If you’re determined to do this, I suppose I can’t stop you at this point.”

It can’t blame him for playing along with them if it’s his only way out of this realm. Mark knows the plot beats. He can brace himself for them. With that mindset, he can tolerate being curious.

[butterflies-dragons]

ELEANOR OF AQUITAINE

Art credit: Kinuko Y. Craft

Eleanor of Aquitaine, also called Eleanor of Guyenne, French Éléonore or Aliénor, d’Aquitaine or de Guyenne, (born c. 1122—died April 1, 1204, Fontevrault, Anjou, France), queen consort of both Louis VII of France (1137–52) and Henry II of England (1152–1204) and mother of Richard I (the Lion-Heart) and John of England. She was perhaps the most powerful woman in 12th-century Europe.

—Britannica

Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) was one of the most powerful and influential figures of the Middle Ages. Inheriting a vast estate at the age of 15 made her the most sought-after bride of her generation. She would eventually become the queen of France, the queen of England and lead a crusade to the Holy Land. She is also credited with establishing and preserving many of the courtly rituals of chivalry.

—History

This mighty medieval woman outwitted and outlasted her rivals. Ruler of two nations, mother to kings and queens, leader of a crusade: Eleanor of Aquitaine was a savvy power player in medieval France and England.

When reviewing the history of medieval Europe, no woman stands out as much as Eleanor of Aquitaine. Once the most eligible woman in Europe, she became queen of two nations, leader of a crusade, mother of kings, and patron of the arts. Her power and prestige earned her enemies in the 12th century, and her critics authored a black legend founded on gossip and rumor that has fueled ideas about her until the present time.

—National Geographic

Eleanor of Aquitaine [...] she was one of the most kick-ass women of the Middle Ages and, you know, she had her own crusade, or she went on crusade rather and she married two kings and then was the mother of several more, she was a great character.

—GRRM

***

The past April I wrote a very long post about the parallels between Good Queen Alysanne and Sansa Stark.  Consider this post its continuation, so I highly recommend you to read that post first before continuing reading this one. 

As I said before, I discovered that GRRM not only took inspiration from Katharine Hepburn playing Eleanor of Aquitaine in the film ´The Lion in Winter´ for Alysanne’s looks, he also took a lot from Eleanor’s life to write Alysanne, like Eleanor’s second marriage with her cousin Henry II of England with whom she had 8 children (Alysanne/Jaehaerys & their 13 children) and Eleanor’s Court of Love (Alysanne Women’s Courts).

But not only that, I also discovered that Eleanor of Aquitaine shares a lot of similarities with no other than SANSA STARK.

Join me in this new adventure, I assure you, it’s gonna be a blast!

ELEANOR, ALYSANNE AND SANSA

HIGHBORN

Eleanor was born to William X, Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitiers, and Aénor, Viscountess of Châtellerault, around 1122, in what is now southwestern France.  Eleanor was the oldest of the couple’s three children; she had a younger sister, Petronilla, and a younger brother, William Aigret. Various biographers also report that Eleanor had two bastard half-brothers, William and Joscelin. 

Alysanne was born to Aenys Targaryen and Lady Alyssa Velaryon in 36 AC, at King's Landing.  Alysanne was the fifth of the couple’s six children; she had four older siblings, Rhaena, Aegon, Viserys and Jaehaerys, and a younger sister, Vaella.  Alysanne also had two younger highborn half-siblings, Boremund and Jocelyn Baratheon.

Sansa was born to Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, and Lady Catellyn Tully of Riverrun in 286 AC, at Winterfell.  Sansa was the second of the couple’s five children; she had an older brother, Robb, and three younger siblings, Arya, Bran and Rickon. Sansa also had a bastard half-brother, Jon Snow. 

Take note of how similar these ladies’ half-siblings names are: Joscelin, Jocelyn & Jon.

APPEARANCE

Back in 2006, many years before Fire & Blood, GRRM gave us this description of Good Queen Alysanne Targaryen:

You might consider Alysanne as the Eleanor of Aquitaine of Westeros, and model her on Katharine Hepburn’s portrayal of Eleanor in the film THE LION IN WINTER. Tall and straight, unbowed by time, she had high cheekbones, clear blue eyes. Age left crow’s feet around her eyes and laugh lines about her mouth, but her face never lost its strength. She was a fine archer and hunter in her youth, and loved to fly atop her dragon to all the distant parts of the realm. Alysanne was slim of waist and small of breast, with a long neck, a fair complexion, a high forehead. In old age her hair turned white as snow. She wore it in a bun, pulled back and pinned behind her hear.  [Source] 

There is not a reliable description of Eleanor of Aquitaine true appearance, just various interpretations of her physical features based on old paintings and medieval illuminations that are presumed, by writers and historians, to be of her.  Sometimes she is described and/or depicted as black of ayes and hair, others says she was blonde with blue or grey eyes, and in other cases she had auburn hair with green or grey eyes.  For more details about Eleanor’s appearance, you can read:

Elizabeth Chadwick’s blog entry: “Eleanor of Aquitaine’s Appearance or not”; and,

Michael R. Evans’ book “Inventing Eleanor: The Medieval and Post-Medieval Image of Eleanor of Aquitaine”  

The beautiful art pieces of Eleanor of Aquitaine that I chose to illustrate this post, created by the extraordinaire artist Kinuko Y. Craft, depict a redhead and blue eyed Eleanor. About this choice of the artist, Michael R. Evans tells us this:

Works of fiction are more likely to use modern images of Eleanor, such as Margaret Ball’s ‘Duchess of Aquitaine’, which employs a dynamic painting of Eleanor by the Japanese-American artist Kinuko Y. Craft. The Queen appears on horseback, crowned, with a falcon on her left wrist and long red hair floating behind her. This image matches the modern perception of Eleanor as an active, confident female authority figure. The falcon and the appearance of Eleanor on horseback both recall the Sainte-Radegonde fresco, although Craft states that she was not influenced by it.       

As you can see, we can’t make a true parallel between the physical features of Eleanor, Alysanne and Sansa. But what is a certainty is that GRRM took inspiration from Katharine Hepburn playing Eleanor of Aquitaine in the film ´The Lion in Winter´ for Alysanne’s looks:

So, for the ASOIAF universe created by GRRM:

Eleanor (Katharine Hepburn): Reddish brown hair + blue eyes  

Alysanne: Honey-colored curls + blue eyes

Sansa: Auburn hair + blue eyes

I see a patter here, auburn is by definition a reddish brown color, and if you googled ‘honey colored hair’ you would see a vast variety of reddish brown or reddish blonde hair colors. Enough said.

NAME

Eleanor is said to have been named for her mother Aénor, Viscountess of Châtellerault, and called Aliénor from the Latin ‘Alia Aenor’, which means ‘the other Aénor’. It became Eléanor in the langues d'oïl of northern France and Eleanor in English. 

It’s probable that George played with the Aénor/Aliénor pattern when he created Alysanne’s name, that is very similar to his mother’s name: Alyssa Velaryon. 

There is not this pattern in Sansa and Catelyn, Sansa was probably named after the other one Sansa in the whole ASOIAF universe: Sansa Stark, daughter of Rickon Stark, heir to Lord Cregan Stark of Winterfell, and his wife, Jeyne Manderly. She had an older sister, Serena Stark. She married his half uncle Lord Jonnel Stark.  

But the name Alayne it’s a different story. Alayne is certainly closer to Catelyn than Sansa, but most relevant to this post, Alayne is very similar to Alysanne. 

In summary:

Aénor/Aliénor

Alyssa/Alysanne

Catelyn/Alayne (Sansa) + Alysanne/Alayne (Sansa)

EDUCATION

Look at these reports about Eleanor’s education:

Their ducal court had a fine reputation as a patron of the arts. Eleanor’s grandfather, William IX, was known as the “troubadour duke,” famous for his poetry and songs about heroism and courtly love. Poets of the time, especially the famous Marcabru, found hospitality at the court of Aquitaine.

Culture and learning were a family tradition for Eleanor, who received the best possible education of the time. She was taught mathematics, astronomy, history, literature, Latin, and music. She also learned arts and crafts: embroidery, needlepoint, sewing, and spinning. Like any daughter of nobility, she danced and sang, as well as rode horses and went hunting. Like many noble daughters, Eleanor would have been raised to be a nobleman’s wife and was probably not expected to play any role in governing.  

—National Geographic

By all accounts, Eleanor's father ensured that she had the best possible education. Eleanor came to learn arithmetic, the constellations, and history. She also learned domestic skills such as household management and the needle arts of embroidery, needlepoint, sewing, spinning, and weaving. Eleanor developed skills in conversation, dancing, games such as backgammon, checkers, and chess, playing the harp, and singing. Although her native tongue was Poitevin, she was taught to read and speak Latin, was well versed in music and literature, and schooled in riding, hawking, and hunting. 

—Wikipedia

She was well educated by her cultured father, William X, Duke of Aquitaine, thoroughly versed in literature, philosophy, and languages and trained to the rigors of court life when she became her father’s heir presumptive at the age 5. An avid horsewoman, she led an active life until she inherited her father’s title and extensive lands upon his death when she was 15. 

—History

Sounds familiar?

No man ever questioned her wits. Later, it would be said of her that she learned to read before she was weaned, and the court fool would make japes about little Alysanne dribbling mother’s milk on Valyrian scrolls as she tried to read whilst suckling at her wet nurse’s teat. Had she been a boy she would surely have been sent to the Citadel to forge a maester’s chain. —Fire & Blood

It is written that the young king and queen were seldom apart during that time, sharing every meal, talking late into the night of the green days of their childhood and the challenges ahead, fishing and hawking together, mingling with the island's smallfolk in dockside inns, reading to one another from dusty leatherbound tomes they found in the castle library, taking lessons together from Dragonstone's maesters (“for we still have much to learn,” Alysanne is said to have reminded her husband). —Fire & Blood

“If I had not become a queen, I might have liked to be a teacher,” she told the Conclave. “I read, I write, I think, I am not afraid of ravens… or a bit of blood. There are other highborn girls who feel the same. Why not admit them to your Citadel? —Fire & Blood 

For three days she lost herself in the Citadel’s great library, emerging only to attend lectures on the Valyrian dragon wars, leechcraft, and the gods of the Summer Isles. —Fire & Blood

Once the initial frost had thawed, his lordship took the queen hunting after elk and wild boar in the wolfswood, showed her the bones of a giant, and allowed her to rummage as she pleased through his modest castle library. —Fire & Blood

And here is Sansa:

Sansa could sew and dance and sing. She wrote poetry. She knew how to dress. She played the high harp and the bells. […] It hurt that the one thing Arya could do better than her sister was ride a horse. Well, that and manage a household. Sansa had never had much of a head for figures. If she did marry Prince Joff, Arya hoped for his sake that he had a good steward. —AGOT  - Arya I

Sansa was a lady at three, always so courteous and eager to please. She loved nothing so well as tales of knightly valor. —A Clash of Kings - Catelyn VII

Sansa Stark, he mused. Soft-spoken sweet-smelling Sansa, who loved silks, songs, chivalry and tall gallant knights with handsome faces. —A Storm of Swords - Tyrion III

So the singer played for her, so soft and sad that Arya only heard snatches of the words, though the tune was half-familiar. Sansa would know it, I bet. Her sister had known all the songs, and she could even play a little, and sing so sweetly. All I could ever do was shout the words.—A Storm of Swords - Arya IV

The queen took Sansa’s hand in both of hers. “Child, do you know your letters Sansa nodded nervously. She could read and write better than any of her brothers, although she was hopeless at sums. —AGOT - Sansa IV

She pulled a chair close to the hearth, took down one of her favorite books, and lost herself in the stories of Florian and Jonquil, of Lady Shella and the Rainbow Knight, of valiant Prince Aemon and his doomed love for his brother’s queen. —AGOT - Sansa IV

“Do you read well, Alayne?” “Septa Mordane was good enough to say so.” —A Storm of Swords - Sansa VI

No one ransomed the northmen, though. One fat lordling haunted the kitchens [...] and the clasp that held his cloak was a silver-and-sapphire trident. He belonged to Lord Tywin, but the fierce, bearded young man [...] in a black cloak patterned with white suns had been taken by some hedge knight who meant to get rich off him. Sansa would have known who he was, and the fat one too, but Arya had never taken much interest in titles and sigils. Whenever Septa Mordane had gone on about the history of this house and that house, she was inclined to drift and dream and wonder when the lesson would be done. —A Clash of Kings - Arya VII

Later, while Sansa was off listening to a troupe of singers perform the complex round of interwoven ballads called the “Dance of the Dragons,” [sung in High Valyrian] Ned inspected the bruise himself. “I hope Forel is not being too hard on you,” he said. —AGOT - Eddard VII

Do you hawk, Sansa?" "A little," she admitted. —A Storm of Swords - Sansa I

The day before last she'd taken Sansa hawking. [...] Sansa's merlin brought down three ducks while Margaery's peregrine took a heron in full flight. —A Storm of Swords - Sansa II

Sansa can ride despite not enjoying the physical exertion of the activity.

Despite it is said that Sansa is bad with numbers and can’t manage a household, Alayne Stone is doing pretty well as de facto Lady of the Eyrie.

As final note on this section, Eleanor’s grandfather Willian IX being called “the troubadour duke” reminds me of Bael the Bard, being kin with the Starks. The Aquitaine court sounds as magical and cultured as what Sansa once thought the Red Keep court would be, full of musicians and poets and courtly love.  

HEIRESS 

Eleanor inherited the largest and richest lands of France at a very young age:

Eleanor’s four-year-old brother William Aigret and their mother died at the castle of Talmont on Aquitaine's Atlantic coast in the spring of 1130. Eleanor became the heir presumptive to her father's domains. The Duchy of Aquitaine was the largest and richest province of France. Poitou, where Eleanor spent most of her childhood, and Aquitaine together was almost one-third the size of modern France. (...)

Eleanor, aged 12 to 15, then became the duchess of Aquitaine, and thus the most eligible heiress in Europe. (...)

The death of William, one of the king's most powerful vassals, made available the most desirable duchy in France. While presenting a solemn and dignified face to the grieving Aquitainian messengers, Louis exulted when they departed. Rather than act as guardian to the duchess and duchy, he decided to marry the duchess to his 17-year-old heir and bring Aquitaine under the control of the French crown, thereby greatly increasing the power and prominence of France and its ruling family, the House of Capet. Within hours, the king had arranged for his son Louis to be married to Eleanor. 

—Wikipedia

Eleanor was the daughter and heiress of William X, duke of Aquitaine and count of Poitiers, who possessed one of the largest domains in France—larger, in fact, than those held by the French king. Upon William’s death in 1137 she inherited the duchy of Aquitaine. [Source]

Eleanor inherited her father’s title and extensive lands upon his death when she was 15, becoming in one stroke duchess of Aquitaine and by far the most eligible single young woman in Europe. She was placed under the guardianship of the king of France, and within hours was betrothed to his son and heir, Louis. The king sent an escort of 500 men to convey the news to Eleanor and transport her to her new home. 

—Britannica

Eleanor inherited her father’s title and extensive lands upon his death when she was 15, becoming in one stroke duchess of Aquitaine and by far the most eligible single young woman in Europe. She was placed under the guardianship of the king of France, and within hours was betrothed to his son and heir, Louis. The king sent an escort of 500 men to convey the news to Eleanor and transport her to her new home. 

—History

William X [Eleanor’s father] controlled many territories in west and central France including Aquitaine, Poitiers, Gascony, Limousin, and Auvergne. (...)

During the 12th century, monarchies were gaining power and expanding across Europe as alliances formed and linked them together. Powerful aristocracies that fell within their kingdoms still held great influence and needed to be respected. In France the Capetian dynasty ruled a slice of north-central France, the so-called Île-de-France, between the Seine and the Loire. The royal house of France, the Capets, when Eleanor was born, was led by King Louis VI (also known as Louis the Fat).

Much of what is now France was divided up into powerful dukedoms—Normandy, Brittany, and Aquitaine—and large counties—Flanders, Anjou, Lorraine, Champagne, Bourgogne, and Toulouse, some of which were larger and richer than the possessions of the Capetian dynasty. Of the dukedoms, the duchy of Aquitaine was one of the largest, wealthiest, and most influential.

To complicate matters, in 1066 William, Duke of Normandy (also known as William the Conqueror), became king of England. While William was technically a vassal of France on the French side of the English channel, when he was on the other side, he was king of England—the French king’s equal in rank. Who controlled the lands of England and France would lead to many bloody conflicts over the coming centuries as different houses vied for control.

Eleanor played a vital role in these power struggles. Her destiny took a radical turn when her younger brother died in 1130, leaving her the new heiress to her father’s dominions. When her father died unexpectedly in April 1137, while on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, Eleanor was thrust into the world of medieval politics in her early teens. 

Shortly before his death, Eleanor’s father had dictated his will and officially named Eleanor as his heir. He appointed King Louis VI as her guardian, and the Capetian king shrewdly saw a way to bring the lands of Aquitaine under his control. He quickly announced the betrothal of Duchess Eleanor to his 17-year-old son, the future Louis VII.

—National Geographic

We can hardly draw a parallel between Eleanor and Alysanne in this regard. Alysanne was never the heir of her father. Alysanne became Queen consort of Westeros due to her marriage with her older brother Jaehaerys.  But this is certainly a strong parallel between Eleanor and Sansa. 

Sansa Stark, despite the many discussions about the legitimacy of her claim to the North and the secret will of Robb Stark, is considered the heir of the ancestral lands and domains of House Stark, she is called ‘the key to the north’ by Tywin Lannister, the man behind his royals grandsons, King Joffrey and King Tommen Baratheon.  The North is the largest region of Westeros, and Sansa Stark’s claim to Winterfell and the Wardenship of the North is coveted by many lords in order to gain political power and influence.  

If Eleanor of Aquitaine was the most eligible single young heiress in Europe, we can say the same about Sansa Stark in Westeros.  The same way Eleanor played a vital role in Middle Ages European power struggles, Sansa Stark plays a vital role in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros power struggles.  If Eleanor was thrust into the world of medieval politics in her early teens, the same is happening to Sansa Starks in the ASOIAF Books.

As I wrote in an unpublished meta:

It is also very interesting that while Sansa is in the south, we witnessed her objectification numerous times, by every character she interacted with. She’s not only being valued in golden dragons, she has been practically transformed into a stone castle, Winterfell, and the North itself, since the one controlling her would obtain all her lands and power. Or, to use the euphemism used in the Books, she is “the key to the north.”

Sansa reflects about this particular objectification in ASOS and elaborates inside her mind one of the saddest lines in ASOIAF, especially for a girl who yearns to be loved and always dreamed of getting married: “No one will ever marry me for love” (because everyone only wants her claim to Winterfell).

I think Sansa Stark being the most eligible single young heiress in Westeros has been explained in the Books twice already, during the development of Sansa’s arc, and in a more subtle and romantic way in “The Hedge Knight” tale.  

As I explain in yet another unpublished meta of mine about the Ashford Tourney:

(…) I think the repetition of this pattern in the list of men [Ashford Tourney Champions / Sansa’s Suitors] is accentuating the importance of Sansa and her claim to the North in the political scene of Westeros. After all, all of Sansa’s betrothals were arranged to gain political power through her claim to the North, which is the largest region of Westeros. 

Tyrion Lannister, married Sansa following his father’s orders to take control over the North: "The girl's happiness is not my purpose, nor should it be yours. Our alliances in the south may be as solid as Casterly Rock, but there remains the north to win, and the key to the north is Sansa Stark." (…) “When you bring Eddard Stark's grandson home to claim his birthright, lords and little folk alike will rise as one to place him on the high seat of his ancestors. You are capable of getting a woman with child, I hope?"

Joffrey Baratheon, when King Robert proposed Joffrey and Sansa’s betrothal, he was trying to reenact his own betrothal to Lyanna Stark, that was part of the so called Southron Ambitions Theory.

Willas Tyrell, his grandmother Olenna Tyrell secretly arranged his betrothal with Sansa in order to expand their power over another great region of Westeros: “Jonquil, Jonquil, open your sweet eyes, these Tyrells care nothing for you. It’s your claim they mean to wed.” The Lannisters discovered this secret betrothal (thanks to Dontos and Littlefinger) and Sansa ended up married to Tyrion and Cersei betrothed to Willas.

Harrold Hardyng, when Petyr Baelish proposed Harry and Alayne/Sansa betrothal, he was trying to gain more political power to further his own agenda. “When Robert dies, Harry the Heir becomes Lord Harrold, Defender of the Vale and Lord of the Eyrie. Jon Arryn's bannermen will never love me, nor our silly, shaking Robert, but they will love their Young Falcon... and when they come together for his wedding, and you come out with your long auburn hair, clad in a maiden's cloak of white and grey with a direwolf emblazoned on the back... why, every knight in the Vale will pledge his sword to win you back your birthright. So those are your gifts from me, my sweet Sansa... Harry, the Eyrie, and Winterfell”.

See? Tywin Lannister and Petyr Baelish, and even Olenna Tyrell, were acting exactly like Eleanor’s guardian, King Louis VI of France, betrothing her with his son and heir, the future Louis VII, as a way to bring the lands of Aquitaine under his control.

FIRST MARRIAGE

Eleanor became Queen consort of France due to her first marriage to his cousin Louis VII.  This marriage lasted 15 years and only produced two daughters:    

Louis and Eleanor were married in July 1137, but had little time to get to know one another before Louis’ father the king fell ill and died. Within weeks of her wedding, Eleanor found herself taking possession of the drafty and unwelcoming Cîté Palace in Paris that would be her new home. On Christmas Day of the same year, Louis and Eleanor were crowned king and queen of France. 

—History

The wedding was celebrated in Bordeaux on July 25, 1137. Seven days later, Louis the Fat was dead, leaving the teenagers Louis and Eleanor to rule as king and queen. The two were coronated at Bourges Cathedral later that year on Christmas Day. Despite the marriage, the lands of Eleanor’s family would not come under the control of the Capetian dynasty. According to the terms of her father’s will, Queen Eleanor first had to give birth to a son, who then had to reach the age of majority and become the new duke of Aquitaine before the lands would officially pass to Louis’s family. (…)

The marriage was not a fruitful one. The couple did not have many children. Eleanor only gave birth to two daughters: Marie, countess of Champagne, in 1145, and Alice (or Alix), countess of Blois, around 1150. By most accounts, the marriage’s failure to produce a male heir led to greater tensions between husband and wife. 

—National Geographic

The marriage was not a bed of roses:

Louis and Eleanor’s first years as rulers were fraught with power struggles with their own vassals – the powerful Count Theobald of Champagne for one – and with the Pope in Rome. Louis, still young and intemperate, made a series of military and diplomatic blunders that set him at odds with the Pope and several of his more powerful lords. The conflict that ensued culminated in the massacre of hundreds of innocents in the town of Vitry — during a siege of the town, a great number of the populace took refuge in a church, which was set aflame by Louis’s troops. Dogged by guilt over his role in the tragedy for years, Louis responded eagerly to the Pope’s call for a crusade in 1145. Eleanor joined him on the dangerous – and ill fated – journey west. The crusade did not go well, and Eleanor and Louis grew increasingly estranged. 

—History

In 1142 Petronilla, Eleanor’s sister, fell in love with the married count of Vermandois, who was married to Eleanor of Champagne, daughter of a powerful French family. The count set aside his wife and married Petronilla. Critics saw Eleanor’s hand in the affair, which may have been a love match, but could have served a strategic purpose of strengthening the bonds between the Capetian crown and the House of Aquitaine.

Petronilla’s marriage led to a war between Louis and the count of Champagne in 1142. In 1143 Louis ordered the burning of the small town of Vitry-en-Perthois, killing as many as 1,500 people. The church condemned the actions of the French crown, which caused the pious Louis deep shame. He vowed to mount a crusade to atone for it. (…)

A series of disastrous military decisions resulted in the failure of the Second Crusade. In 1149 Louis and Eleanor boarded ships to sail back to France in defeat. For Louis VII, the Crusade was a twofold disaster: He had been away from his kingdom for two years, involved in expensive military campaigns the results of which were humiliating, and his marriage had completely broken down.

—National Geographic

As you can see Eleanor’s first marriage was not a successful one, it produce not male heir and it was full of political and religious conflicts.  All of that resulted in Eleanor’s decision to seek an annulment.     Alysanne only married one man, her older brother Jaehaerys, but she married him twice.  The first time Alysanne and Jaehaerys eloped to Dragonstone and the marriage remained unconsummated.  That period was the happiest time of her romantic relationship with her husband; she called that time, and Idyll:

“Queen Alysanne, for her part, was in no haste to return to court. “Here I have you to myself, day and night,” she told Jaehaerys. “When we go back, I shall be fortunate to snatch an hour with you, for every man in Westeros will want a piece of you.” For her, these days on Dragonstone were an idyll. “Many years from now when we are old and grey, we shall look back upon these days and smile, remembering how happy we were.” 

—Fire & Blood

The period after their second wedding and coronation as King and Queen of Westeros were not as happy as their days at Dragonstone.  

Alysanne’s older siblings, Aegon and Rhaena, incestuous marriage originated several problems and conflicts with the Faith of the Seven and their more fervent followers, because the Faith condemned the Targaryen’s brother and sister incest customs.  That’s why Alysanne and Jaehareys’ mother, Queen Alyssa, originally planned other betrothals for them.  But Alysanne and Jaehaerys eloped and kept their first wedding in secret until Jaehaerys came of age and they were crowned as King and Queen of Westeros.  Later the Doctrine of Exceptionalism was invented as justification of the Targaryen’s incest customs.  Jaehaerys and Alysanne kept the Great Septon and the Faith’s followers in line thanks to a huge propaganda campaign and their dragons.      

Sansa Stark first marriage involved no love between bride and groom. Sansa was forced to marry Tyrion Lannister as a way to give her new husbands’s family, control and power over the North.  The marriage was unconsummated and of course produced no male heir or any children, the bride ran away, and Tyrion Lannister was accused of regicide, ruining Tywin Lannister original plans for northern domination.

Sansa’s first marriage caused no problems with the Faith of the Seven, but she is in need of the High Septon’s help to gain the annulment of her marriage with Tyrion Lannister.  

MARRIAGE ANNULMENT

Eleanor requested the annulment of her first marriage with her cousin Louis VII of France more than once:

After several fraught years during which Eleanor sought an annulment and Louis faced increasing public criticism, they were eventually granted an annulment on the grounds of consanguinity (being related by blood) in 1152 and separated, their two daughters left in the custody of the king.

—History

From 1147 to 1149 Eleanor accompanied Louis on the Second Crusade to protect the fragile Latin kingdom of Jerusalem, founded after the First Crusade only 50 years before, from Turkish assault. Eleanor’s conduct during this expedition, especially at the court of her uncle Raymond of Poitiers at Antioch, aroused Louis’s jealousy and marked the beginning of their estrangement. After their return to France and a short-lived reconciliation, their marriage was annulled in March 1152.

According to feudal customs, Eleanor then regained possession of Aquitaine. 

—Britannica

After the couple returned to Europe, they met with Pope Eugene III who tried to reconcile them—even threatening excommunication. It was no use, the union was doomed: On March 21, 1152, a group of bishops at Beaugency declared Eleanor’s marriage void for reasons of consanguinity. In line with tradition, the daughters remained with their father, and Eleanor retained her duchy in Aquitaine. 

—National Geographic 

On 21 March, the four archbishops, with the approval of Pope Eugene, granted an annulment on grounds of consanguinity within the fourth degree; Eleanor was Louis' third cousin once removed, and shared common ancestry with Robert II of France. Their two daughters were, however, declared legitimate. […] Custody of them was awarded to King Louis. Archbishop Samson received assurances from Louis that Eleanor's lands would be restored to her.  

—Wikipedia

Alysanne never pursued the annulment of her marriage, but she had a lot of tensions and problems with her husband King Jaehaerys, especially because their different views on matters of succession and the sexist and severe treatment that Jaehaerys gave to her daughters.

Sansa Stark is in need of a marriage annulment.  The fact that Eleanor obtained the annulment of her first marriage gives me hope that Sansa will get an annulment for herself and then marry another cousin of hers, willingly this time.  

Sansa won’t be able to plead consanguinity, as Eleanor did, as a ground for her marriage annulment, but she can allege the no consummation of her first marriage with Tyrion Lannister as the ground for the termination of that forced marriage.

GRRM has discussed with a fan the possibilities for Sansa’s first marriage annulment here.

INCEST

Eleanor married two of her cousins: King Louis VII of France and King Henry II of England.  She obtained the annulment of her first marriage with King Louis VII of France on the grounds of consanguinity.  Ironically enough, Eleanor was more closely related to her second husband, Henry Plantagenet, Count of Anjou and Duke of Normandy, future Henry II of England, than she had been to her first husband Louis VII of France. Rumours of sexual affairs with two uncles surrounded Eleanor, first with Raymond of Poitiers, Prince of Antioch, and brother of Eleanor’s father; and later with Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and father of Eleanor’s second husband.

Alysanne married her older brother Jaehaerys Targaryen.  When Alysanne was pregnant for the first time, she suffered an attempt of murder at Maidenpool, perpetuated by three women, followers of the Faith of the Seven that reject incest:

“Doctrine of Exceptionalism had won over most of the pious in the realm, but not all. Some of the women who tended Jonquil's Pool believed that the pool's sacred waters would become polluted if the queen, pregnant with the king's "abomination", were to enter the waters. While she was inside, Alysanne was attacked by three of these women with daggers.” 

[Source]

Sansa Stark was not directly involved with incest.  As it was mentioned before, the first Sansa Stark married her half uncle Lord Jonnel Stark.  Sansa’s paternal grandparents were cousins: Lord Rickard and Lady Lyarra Stark.  

Sansa also have two cousins, Robert Arryn and Jon Snow, which are subtly and not so subtly linked with her with romantic undertones:

Robert Arryn was named after Robert Baratheon and Jon Snow is the secret son of Rhaegar Targaryen.  Robert and Rhaegar fought to death for the love of a Stark girl, Lyanna, the mother of Jon.

Robert Arryn and Jon Snow are surrounded by bird imagery. Robert with Falcons (Arryn sigil) and Robins (Sweetrobin), also with Winged Knights; and Jon with Crows (Night’s Watch/Black Knights) and dragons (winged creatures).

Robert Arryn idolizes Artys Arryn, The Falconknight (usually mixed with the Winged Knight); and Jon Snow idolizes Aemon Targaryen, The Dragonknight.

Sansa thinks about Jon in the Wall and recalled that in the songs the men of the Night’s Watch are called the Black Knights of the Wall.

Alayne is organizing a Tourney to elect the members of Robert Arryn personal guard, named the Brotherhood of the Winged Knights.  

Robert Arryn and Jon Snow are surrounded by weirwood imagery.  Robert and his weirwood throne and Jon with the Old Gods (literally weirwoods) and Ghost (weirwood’s coloring).

Robert Arryn and Jon Snow are the last males of their respective paternal houses. And both of them will face blonde threats to their claims.

Lysa Arryn intended to betroth Sansa with her son Robert Arryn.

Robert Arryn is infatuated with Alayne Stone (Sansa Stark in disguise) and constantly expressed his desire to marry her.  Alayne rejects him every time alleging her bastard status.

Sansa modeled her bastard persona on her bastard half-brother (cousin) Jon Snow. And she is acting as a foster mother for her cousin Robert Arryn.

Sansa’s first crush was a young knight of the Vale of Arryn, Waymar Royce, whose physical features are pretty similar to Jon Snow’s (grey eyes, brown hair, slender bodies, also both Brothers of the Night’s Watch).

The Pact of Ice and Fire could be fulfilled with the marriage of two cousins with Stark Blood. Like Jon and Sansa.

The original outline planned a romance between two cousins with Stark Blood. Like Jon and Sansa (Originally Arya, discarded by GRRM at Balticon 2016).

SECOND MARRIAGE

Eleanor became Queen consort of England due to her second marriage to his cousin Henry Plantagenet, Count of Anjou and Duke of Normandy.

This marriage with the future Henry II of England was way more fruitful than Eleanor’s first marriage.  The couple had 8 children, five sons and three daughters.

As Eleanor travelled to Poitiers, two lords —Theobald V, Count of Blois, and Geoffrey, Count of Nantes, brother of Henry II, Duke of Normandy —tried to kidnap and marry her to claim her lands. As soon as she arrived in Poitiers, Eleanor sent envoys to Henry, Duke of Normandy and future king of England, asking him to come at once to marry her. On 18 May 1152 (Whit Sunday), eight weeks after her annulment, Eleanor married Henry "without the pomp and ceremony that befitted their rank."

Eleanor was related to Henry even more closely than she had been to Louis: they were cousins to the third degree through their common ancestor Ermengarde of Anjou, wife of Robert I, Duke of Burgundy and Geoffrey, Count of Gâtinais, and they were also descended from King Robert II of France. A marriage between Henry and Eleanor's daughter Marie had earlier been declared impossible due to their status as third cousins once removed. 

—Wikipedia

Duchess Eleanor was only 28, and it did not take long for suitors to begin to pursue her—for her lands and her mind. Theobald V of Blois, six years Eleanor’s junior, tried to kidnap her (he would later marry her daughter, Alice). Eleanor had her eye on a different suitor. From her court at Poitiers, she sent for him in secret. His name was Henry Plantagenet, Duke of Normandy and Count of Anjou. (…)

Less than three months after her divorce from Louis, Eleanor married Henry Plantagenet, nine years her junior, on May 18, 1152. Genealogy shows that the pair were more closely related than Eleanor and Louis, but that did not stand in the way of the union. Henry and Eleanor were masters of Normandy, Anjou, Maine, Touraine, and the Aquitaine, and serious rivals to Louis.  

In 1153 Henry crossed the English Channel and was able to secure his position on the throne from the sitting king of England. By the time he and Eleanor were coronated in December 1154, she had already given birth to their first son, William, in August 1153—and was pregnant with their second child. In one bold stroke, the lands of Normandy, Aquitaine, Anjou, and other important French territories came under the control of the English king and queen. Eleanor’s children, as well as her lands, gave her much security. 

—National Geographic

Within two months of her annulment, after fighting off attempts to marry her off to various other high-ranking French noblemen, Eleanor married Henry, Count of Anjou and Duke of Normandy. She had been rumored to have had an affair with her new husband’s father, and was more closely related to her new husband than she had been to Louis, but the marriage went ahead and within two years Henry and Eleanor were crowned king and queen of England after Henry’s accession to the English throne upon the death of King Stephen.

Eleanor’s marriage to Henry was more successful than her first, although not lacking in drama and discord. Henry and Eleanor argued often, but they produced eight children together between 1152 and 1166. The extent of Eleanor’s role in Henry’s rule is largely unknown, although it seems unlikely that a woman of her reputed energy and education would have been wholly without influence. Nonetheless, she does not emerge again into a publicly active role until separating from Henry in 1167 and moving her household to her own lands in Poitiers. While the reasons for the breakdown of her marriage to Henry remain unclear, it can likely be traced to Henry’s increasingly visible infidelities. 

—History

Two months later she married the grandson of Henry I of England, Henry Plantagenet, Count of Anjou and Duke of Normandy. In 1154 he became, as Henry II, king of England, with the result that England, Normandy, and the west of France were united under his rule. Eleanor had only two daughters by Louis VII, but to her new husband she bore five sons and three daughters. The sons were William, who died at the age of three; Henry; Richard, the Lion-Heart; Geoffrey, duke of Brittany; and John, surnamed Lackland until, having outlived all his brothers, he inherited, in 1199, the crown of England. The daughters were Matilda, who married Henry the Lion, duke of Saxony and Bavaria; Eleanor, who married Alfonso VIII, king of Castile; and Joan, who married successively William II, king of Sicily, and Raymond VI, count of Toulouse. Eleanor would well have deserved to be named the “grandmother of Europe.”  

—Britannica

Take note that even as a “divorced” woman, Eleanor still was the most eligible heiress in Europe, and suffered various attempts to kidnap as a way to marry her.  This kidnap/marriage attempts against Eleanor reminds me of the Wildling beyond the Wall marriage customs.  

The period that started with Alysanne’s second wedding to her older brother Jaehaerys was very similar to Eleanor’s second marriage with Henry II of England:

Henry was in conflict with his uncle Stephen of Blois for the Throne of England.  Jaehaerys was in conflict with his uncle Maegor I for the Iron Throne.  

Henry and Eleanor had 8 children. Jaehaerys and Alysanne had 13 children.

Henry often traveled to different parts of his realm, and while he was away, Eleanor assumed the role of regent and other political duties.  Alysanne’s relationship with Jaehaerys was always very close. She was his most trusted counselor and his right hand: Alysanne remained in the Red Keep, presiding over council meetings in the king’s absence, and holding audience from a velvet seat at the base of the Iron Throne. —Fire & Blood

Eleanor outlived most of her children.  Alysanne outlived most of her children.

Eleanor arranged marriages for her children and grandchildren.  Alysanne arranged marriages for her children, especially her daughters.

Henry was an unfaithful husband. Jaehaerys was not unfaithful but he was very sexist and constantly wronged her daughters, granddaughter and children from his granddaughter in favor of his male children and grandchildren.  

Henry and Eleanor got estranged with time and lived separated for long periods after their quarrels. Jaehareys and Alysanne got estranged with the time and lived separated for long periods after their quarrels.

Eleanor supported her sons’ rebellions against her husband Henry II, and got imprisoned for it.  She would remain a prisoner until Henry II’s death in 1189. Jaehaerys and Alysanne’s quarrels happened mostly because their different views on matters of succession and the sexist and severe treatment that Jaehaerys gave to her daughters.

Eleanor died around age 80; she outlived Henry.  Alysanne died at 64, leaving Jaehaerys a widower.

Sansa Stark has not married a second time yet.  She is betrothed, as Alayne Stone, to Harrold Hardyng, often called Harry the Heir, cousin and heir presumptive of Lord Robert Arryn and would ascend to rule of the Vale as "Harrold Arryn" should Lord Robert die without issue.

Sansa Stark is not a mother yet neither.  But GRRM has planted seeds about her fertility and future motherhood, as I earlier speculated in this post. There I talked about Alayne’s location: “The Vale of Arryn was famously fertile and had gone untouched during the fighting”;  and Sansa being a half-Tully girl. Tully members are famously fertile; Cat, Lysa and Edmure manage to conceive at the first attempt with Ned, Petyr and Roslin.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Some of Eleanor’s greatest contributions were:

Eleanor of Aquitaine is said to be responsible for the introduction of built-in fireplaces, first used when she renovated the palace of her first husband Louis in Paris. Shocked by the frigid north after her upbringing in southern France, Eleanor’s innovation spread quickly, transforming the domestic arrangements of the time. 

—Britannica

While in the eastern Mediterranean, Eleanor learned about maritime conventions developing there, which were the beginnings of what would become admiralty law. She introduced those conventions in her own lands on the island of Oléron in 1160 (with the "Rolls of Oléron") and later in England as well. She was also instrumental in developing trade agreements with Constantinople and ports of trade in the Holy Lands.

—Wikipedia

Eleanor was also an excellent diplomat envoy and a magnificent patron of arts, as it will be explained later.

Some of Alysanne’s contributions to the politics and the welfare of the people of Westeros were:  

She helped Jaehaerys to create Westeros’ first unified code of laws.

Alysanne procured clean water for the people of Kingslanding: Queen Alysanne served each of them a tankard of river water at the next council meeting, and dared them to drink of it. The water went undrunk, but the wells and pipes were soon approved. Construction would require more than a dozen years, but in the end “the queen’s fountains” provided clean water for Kingslanders for many generations to come. —Fire & BloodQueen

Alysanne proposed a “New Gift” for the Night’s Watch: The notion did not please Lord Alaric; though a strong friend to the Night’s Watch, he knew that the lords who presently held the lands in question would object to them being given away without their leave. “I have no doubt that you can persuade them, Lord Alaric,” the queen said. And finally, charmed by her as ever, Alaric Stark agreed that, aye, he could. And so it came to pass that the size of the Gift was doubled with a stroke. —Fire & Blood

Alysanne aprocured the promulgation of the Widow’s Law: To rectify these ills, King Jaehaerys in 52 AC promulgated the Widow’s Law, reaffirming the right of the eldest son (or eldest daughter, where there was no son) to inherit, but requiring said heirs to maintain surviving widows in the same condition they had enjoyed before their husband’s death. A lord’s widow, be she a second, third, or later wife, could no longer be driven from his castle, nor deprived of her servants, clothing, and income. The same law, however, also forbade men from disinheriting their children by a first wife in order to bestow their lands, seat, or property upon a later wife or her own children. —Fire & Blood

Alysanne also procured the abolition of the lord’s ancient right to the first night: And so it came to pass that the second of what the smallfolk named Queen Alysanne’s Laws was enacted: the abolition of the lord’s ancient right to the first night. Henceforth, it was decreed, a bride’s maidenhead would belong only to her husband, whether joined before a septon or a heart tree, and any man, be he lord or peasant, who took her on her wedding night or any other night would be guilty of the crime of rape. —Fire & Blood

Sansa is not in a Queen position yet, but the possibilities for her ending the books as a monarch are big. We have books evidence and foreshadowing here and here. We also have the Sansa’s TV adaptation endgame as Queen in the North to support this hypothesis, and GRRM counting Sansa as a major character and also saying the endgame for the major characters would be the same in the Books.

Sansa was already betrothed with the heir to the Iron Throne once, but Joffrey Baratheon was a bastard disguised as a prince; so every time I remember that GRRM wrote a passage when someone called the Red Comet a sign of glory for Sansa’s betrothed, the dragon’s heir, I can’t stop thinking about Sansa being betrothed to the true dragon’s heir, and that that person is a prince disguised as a bastard.    

But let’s talk about how good Sansa could be as a Queen.  Tyrion Lannister, always praised by GRRM himself for his wits, has something to tell us about the matter:  

Tyrion led Sansa around the yard, to perform the necessary courtesies. She is good at this, he thought, as he watched her tell Lord Gyles that his cough was sounding better, compliment Elinor Tyrell on her gown, and question Jalabhar Xho about wedding customs in the Summer Isles. His cousin Ser Lancel had been brought down by Ser Kevan, the first time he’d left his sickbed since the battle. He looks ghastly. Lancel’s hair had turned white and brittle, and he was thin as a stick. Without his father beside him holding him up, he would surely have collapsed. Yet when Sansa praised his valor and said how good it was to see him getting strong again, both Lancel and Ser Kevan beamed. She would have made Joffrey a good queen and a better wife if he’d had the sense to love her. He wondered if his nephew was capable of loving anyone.

—A Storm of Swords - Tyrion VIII

Despite the popular belief, Sansa Stark actually thinks about the welfare of the smallfolk:

Halfway along the route, a wailing woman forced her way between two watchmen and ran out into the street in front of the king and his companions, holding the corpse of her dead baby above her head. It was blue and swollen, grotesque, but the real horror was the mother’s eyes. Joffrey looked for a moment as if he meant to ride her down, but Sansa Stark leaned over and said something to him. The king fumbled in his purse, and flung the woman a silver stag. The coin bounced off the child and rolled away, under the legs of the gold cloaks and into the crowd, where a dozen men began to fight for it. The mother never once blinked. Her skinny arms were trembling from the dead weight of her son. (…)

From both sides of the street, the crowd surged against the spear shafts while the gold cloaks struggled to hold the line. Stones and dung and fouler things whistled overhead. “Feed us!” a woman shrieked. “Bread!” boomed a man behind her. “We want bread, bastard!” (…)

Tyrion called to her. “Are you hurt, Lady Sansa?” Blood was trickling down Sansa’s brow from a deep gash on her scalp. “They … they were throwing things … rocks and filth, eggs … I tried to tell them, I had no bread to give them”. 

—A Clash of Kings - Tyrion IX

In the Show they translated this Sansa’s line of dialogue to this one: “I would have given them bread if I had it.”  

But I think the most telling evidence of how good Sansa could be as a queen is this one:

“The night’s first traitors,” the queen said, “but not the last, I fear. Have Ser Ilyn see to them, and put their heads on pikes outside the stables as a warning.” As they left, she turned to Sansa. “Another lesson you should learn, if you hope to sit beside my son. Be gentle on a night like this and you’ll have treasons popping up all about you like mushrooms after a hard rain. The only way to keep your people loyal is to make certain they fear you more than they do the enemy.”

“I will remember, Your Grace,” said Sansa, though she had always heard that love was a surer route to the people’s loyalty than fear. If I am ever a queen, I’ll make them love me.

—A Clash of Kings - Sansa VI

This is a stark contrast (pun intended) between ruling by fear and violence and ruling by kindness and protection.  And we all know that Sansa’s true nature will lead her to choose love over fear.  

WIDOWHOOD, REGENCY AND DEATH

When Eleanor became a widow, she not only regained her freedom after 16 years of imprisonment, she also got independency and power over England. She acted as regent in the absent of her son, King Richard I, she also acted as diplomat envoy for England and remained a huge influence in the political scene of Europe:

Upon the death of her husband Henry II on 6 July 1189, Richard I was the undisputed heir. One of his first acts as king was to send William Marshal to England with orders to release Eleanor from prison; he found upon his arrival that her custodians had already released her. Eleanor rode to Westminster and received the oaths of fealty from many lords and prelates on behalf of the king. She ruled England in Richard's name, signing herself "Eleanor, by the grace of God, Queen of England." On 13 August 1189, Richard sailed from Barfleur to Portsmouth and was received with enthusiasm. Between 1190 and 1194, Richard was absent from England, engaged in the Third Crusade from 1190 to 1192 and then held in captivity by Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor. During Richard's absence, royal authority in England was represented by a Council of Regency in conjunction with a succession of chief justiciars – William de Longchamp (1190–1191), Walter de Coutances (1191–1193), and finally Hubert Walter. Although Eleanor held no formal office in England during this period, she arrived in England in the company of Coutances in June 1191, and for the remainder of Richard's absence, she exercised a considerable degree of influence over the affairs of England as well as the conduct of Prince John. Eleanor played a key role in raising the ransom demanded from England by Henry VI and in the negotiations with the Holy Roman Emperor that eventually secured Richard's release.  

—Wikipedia

After Henry’s death in July 1189, Richard the Lion-Hearted became king, and Eleanor gained her complete freedom. Her son restored her lands that had been seized after the 1173 rebellion. Richard appointed her to a government position, and Eleanor traveled the English countryside securing loyalty oaths to her son and his kingdom.

Even in her late 60s, Eleanor continued to follow and often direct the political events of her lands. In 1191 she arranged a marriage for Richard to Berengaria of Navarre. While Richard was crusading in the Holy Land, Eleanor wielded influence over the men ruling in Richard’s absence, including his younger brother, Prince John. Moreover, accused of having ordered the murder of Conrad of Montferrat in the Holy Land, Richard was imprisoned by Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI. Eleanor turned to the pope, Celestine III, to help arrange her son’s release and also secured funds for his ransom.

In her 70s, Eleanor sought to strengthen the bonds between the Plantagenets and the Capets. In 1200 she traveled to the Pyrenees to escort her granddaughter Blanche to marry the son of the French king in a continuing effort to maintain the power of her family.

—National Geographic

On her release, Eleanor played a greater political role than ever before. She actively prepared for Richard’s coronation as king, was administrator of the realm during his Crusade to the Holy Land, and, after his capture by the duke of Austria on Richard’s return from the east, collected his ransom and went in person to escort him to England. During Richard’s absence, she succeeded in keeping his kingdom intact and in thwarting the intrigues of his brother John Lackland and Philip II Augustus, king of France, against him.

In 1199 Richard died without leaving an heir to the throne, and John was crowned king. Eleanor, nearly 80 years old, fearing the disintegration of the Plantagenet domain, crossed the Pyrenees in 1200 in order to fetch her granddaughter Blanche from the court of Castile and marry her to the son of the French king. By this marriage she hoped to ensure peace between the Plantagenets of England and the Capetian kings of France. In the same year she helped to defend Anjou and Aquitaine against her grandson Arthur of Brittany, thus securing John’s French possessions. In 1202 John was again in her debt for holding Mirebeau against Arthur, until John, coming to her relief, was able to take him prisoner. John’s only victories on the Continent, therefore, were due to Eleanor.

She died in 1204 at the monastery at Fontevrault, Anjou, where she had retired after the campaign at Mirebeau. Her contribution to England extended beyond her own lifetime; after the loss of Normandy (1204), it was her own ancestral lands and not the old Norman territories that remained loyal to England. 

—Britannica

Henry II died in July 1189 and their son Richard succeeded him; one of his first acts was to free his mother from prison and restore her to full freedom. Eleanor ruled as regent in Richard’s name while he took over for his father in leading the Third Crusade, which had barely begun when Henry II died. On the conclusion of the crusade, Richard (known as Richard the Lionheart) returned to England and ruled until his death in 1199. Eleanor lived to see her youngest son, John, crowned king after Richard’s death, and was employed by John as an envoy to France. She would later support John’s rule against the rebellion of her grandson Arthur, and eventually retire as a nun to the abbey at Fontevraud, where she was buried upon her death in 1204. 

—History

Alysanne died before Jaehaerys, but, as it was said before, during their life together she helped him to codified the laws of Westeros, she procured the promulgation of important laws in favor of women rights and gave fresh water to the people of Kings landing.

Alysanne also acted as Jaehaerys representative in an important royal progress through the north, charming all the northern houses, specially the warden of the north, Lord Alaric Stark, and the men of the Night’s Watch, procuring the “New Gift” for them.

Alysanne, in open disagreement with her husband, was in favor of her daughter Daenerys and her granddaughter Rhaenys to be Jaehaerys’ heir to the Iron Throne, following the order of birth, not their sex.  

Again, Sansa is not in a Queen position yet, but she has the education and charms to become a great monarch. Her knowledge of history, heraldry and courtesies would also make her a great diplomat and negotiator.    

THE COURT OF LOVE

And we finally arrived to the section that will make you realize how much of Eleanor we can find in Sansa. After reading this part of Eleanor's story, I decided to write this post as a continuation of my Alysanne/Sansa post. And after doing some more research on GRRM's words on how much Eleanor has influenced their ASOIAF women, I think I made a good decision.

Eleanor was born in the South of France, in a court that was exactly like the Southern courts that Sansa read in her beloved songs and that she wished to live in:  

Their ducal court had a fine reputation as a patron of the arts. Eleanor’s grandfather, William IX, was known as the “troubadour duke,” famous for his poetry and songs about heroism and courtly love. Poets of the time, especially the famous Marcabru, found hospitality at the court of Aquitaine. 

—National Geographic

Now, lets read one of my favorite Sansa’s passages, one that tell us about her innocent dreams and wishes for a young and handsome singer that would make the walls of Winterfell alive with romantic music:

Once, when she was just a little girl, a wandering singer had stayed with them at Winterfell for half a year. An old man he was, with white hair and windburnt cheeks, but he sang of knights and quests and ladies fair, and Sansa had cried bitter tears when he left them, and begged her father not to let him go. "The man has played us every song he knows thrice over," Lord Eddard told her gently. "I cannot keep him here against his will. You need not weep, though. I promise you, other singers will come."

They hadn't, though, not for a year or more. Sansa had prayed to the Seven in their sept and old gods of the heart tree, asking them to bring the old man back, or better still to send another singer, young and handsome. But the gods never answered, and the halls of Winterfell stayed silent.

But that was when she was a little girl, and foolish. She was a maiden now, three-and-ten and flowered. All her nights were full of song, and by day she prayed for silence.

—A Feast for Crows - Sansa I

Somehow, Eleanor’s story is in reverse, because when she married Louis VII of France and moved to Paris, in the North, she found her new home staid and cold:    

Possessing a high-spirited nature, Eleanor was not popular with the staid northerners. […] Much money went into making the austere Cité Palace in Paris more comfortable for Eleanor's sake.

—Wikipedia

Within weeks of her wedding, Eleanor found herself taking possession of the drafty and unwelcoming Cîté Palace in Paris that would be her new home.

—History

By many accounts, Eleanor was a bright and vivacious woman. Life at the Capetian court did not entirely meet the expectations and tastes of the young bride who was used to the court of Aquitaine’s embrace of troubadour poetry, sophistication, extravagance, and a greater freedom of manners. The Parisian court and northern France were more reserved. 

—National Geographic

Years later, when Eleanor was Queen of England, she decided to return to her own lands and stablished her own court in Poitiers, when she became a magnificent patron of arts:

In The Art of Courtly Love, Andreas Capellanus, Andrew the chaplain, refers to the court of Poitiers. He claims that Eleanor, her daughter Marie, Ermengarde, Viscountess of Narbonne, and Isabelle of Flanders would sit and listen to the quarrels of lovers and act as a jury to the questions of the court that revolved around acts of romantic love. He records some twenty-one cases, the most famous of them being a problem posed to the women about whether true love can exist in marriage. According to Capellanus, the women decided that it was not at all likely. 

—Wikipedia

In this marriage, Eleanor was also able to become a patron of the arts, and at least four writers dedicated their work to her. She famously established the so-called Court of Love at Poitiers between 1168 and 1173. Along with her daughter Marie (from her first marriage), popular accounts describe Eleanor’s court as a flowering of culture where music, poetry, and chivalry took center stage. 

—National Geographic

During her childbearing years, she participated actively in the administration of the realm and even more actively in the management of her own domains. She was instrumental in turning the court of Poitiers, then frequented by the most famous troubadours of the time, into a centre of poetry and a model of courtly life and manners. She was the great patron of the two dominant poetic movements of the time: the courtly love tradition, conveyed in the romantic songs of the troubadours, and the historical matière de Bretagne, or “legends of Brittany,” which originated in Celtic traditions and in the Historia regum Britanniae, written by the chronicler Geoffrey of Monmouth sometime between 1135 and 1138. 

—Britannica

Eleanor’s time as mistress of her own lands in Poitiers (1168-1173) established the legend of the Court of Love, where she is reputed to have encouraged a culture of chivalry among her courtiers that had far-reaching influence on literature, poetry, music and folklore. Although some facts about the court remain in dispute amidst centuries of accumulated legend and myth, it seems that Eleanor, possibly accompanied by her daughter Marie, established a court that was largely focused on courtly love and symbolic ritual that was eagerly taken up by the troubadours and writers of the day and promulgated through poetry and song. This court was reported to have attracted artists and poets, and to have contributed to a flowering of culture and the arts. But to whatever extent such a court existed, it appears not to have survived Eleanor’s later capture and imprisonment, which effectively removed her from any position of power and influence for the next 16 years. 

—History

Now, after reading about Eleanor’s Court of Love, tell if she doesn’t sound exactly like Sansa?  And this give me hope about Sansa, once in a position of power and in her own lands, establishing a similar court full of poets and singers to promote chivalry and courtly love, just like in her little girl’s dreams and wishes.

Another customs from the Middle Ages that GRRM introduced in the Books, in line with themes of chivalry courtly love, are the jousting tourneys and the title for the queen of love and beauty.  The subject was discussed in this post:

That being said, what they did have in the twelfth century was the idea of the Court of Love, which developed under the aegis of one of my personal favourite medieval figures, Eleanor of Aquitaine, first queen of France, and then queen of England. Eleanor was the daughter and heiress of the duke of Aquitaine, whose court was known as a centre of arts and culture, particularly music and poetry. When she was in charge, she patronized many poets, musicians, and artists, and they of course reciprocated by referring to her as the queen of love. Her daughter, Marie, Countess of Champagne, followed suit, and is best known for having commissioned Chrétien de Troyes to write a romance about Queen Guinevere and thereby introducing the world to Sir Lancelot of the Lake.

—poorshadowspaintedqueens

Eleanor being called the queen of love and beauty by poets and musicians gives me hope about Sansa being crowned queen of love and beauty sometime in the Books. 

Alysanne also favored arts and introduced them again in the Red Keep:

Queen Alysanne looked back on the short-lived glories of her father’s court fondly, however, and made it her purpose to make the Red Keep glitter as it never had before, buying tapestries and carpets from Free Cities and commissioning murals, statuary, and tilework to decorate the castle’s halls and chambers. At her command, men from the City Watch combed Flea Bottom until they found Tom the Strummer, whose mocking songs had amused king and commons alike during the War for the White Cloaks. Alysanne made him the court singer, the first of many who would hold that office in the decades to come. She brought in a harpist from Oldtown, a company of mummers from Braavos, dancers from Lys, and gave the Red Keep its first fool, a fat man called the Goodwife who dressed as a woman and was never seen without his wooden “children,” a pair of cleverly carved puppets who said ribald, shocking things.

—Fire & Blood

But I think that GRRM took inspiration from Eleanor’s Court of Love to create Alysanne’s Women Courts:

Since holding the first of her women's courts during the first royal progress Alysanne and Jaehaerys made, the women's courts became an important part of every subsequent royal progress. Only women and girls were allowed to join Alysanne during these courts, regardless of their status of birth. Alysanne encouraged them to speak freely and openly about their fears, concerns, and hopes.

The first of Alysanne's women's courts was held in 51 AC at the town of Duskendale, when King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Queen Alysanne made their first royal progress. In 52 AC, during Jaehaerys's second royal progress, Alysanne held a women's court at Gulltown, and another at the Gates of the Moon. The things she heard from the women during these two women's courts resulted in her plea to Jaehaerys to protect the widows of the Seven Kingdoms from being cast aside by the children of their late husbands from earlier marriages. In response, Jaehaerys promulgated the Widow's Law.

In 53 AC, when Alysanne was unwilling to join Jaehaerys on his royal progress due to her pregnancy, Lady Jennis Templeton accompanied the king's retinue in order to hold women's courts at Riverrun and Stoney Sept.

In 58 AC while visiting the North, Alysanne held a women's court at White Harbour, where more than two hundred women and girls came before her. When she eventually arrived at the Wall to visit the Night's Watch, she held a women's court in a brothel at Mole's Town. Following their return to King's Landing, Alysanne brought to Jaehaerys's attention the stories she had heard in her women's court at Mole's Town, concerning the right to the first night. As a result, Jaehaerys abolished the lord's right to the first night. These policies, influenced by Alysanne, came to be called Queen Alysanne's laws by the smallfolk. 

[Source]

As you can see, these women’s meeting with Alysanne resulted in the promulgation of laws to protect women’s rights against sexual abuse and domestic violence.  And let’s also remember that Alysanne, in open disagreement with her husband, was in favor of her daughter Daenerys and her granddaughter Rhaenys to be Jaehaerys’ heir to the Iron Throne, following the order of birth, not their sex.  

The most prominent dissenter was Good Queen Alysanne, who had helped her husband rule the Seven Kingdoms for many years, and now saw her son’s daughter being passed over because of her sex. “A ruler needs a good head and a true heart,” she famously told the king. “A cock is not essential. If Your Grace truly believes that women lack the wit to rule, plainly you have no further need of me.” 

—Fire & Blood

Now tell if this not sound pretty similar to:

The only way to keep your people loyal is to make certain they fear you more than they do the enemy.”

“I will remember, Your Grace,” said Sansa, though she had always heard that love was a surer route to the people��s loyalty than fear. If I am ever a queen, I’ll make them love me.

—A Clash of Kings - Sansa VI

Sansa Stark is Good Queen material. Tyrion Lannister And GRRM agrees.

Queen Alysanne was also fond of singers and gallant knights:

Three of the brothers had been singers before taking the black, and they took turns playing for Her Grace at night, regaling her with ballads, war songs, and bawdy barracks tunes. 

—Fire & Blood

Though his castle was small and modest compared to the great halls of the realm, Lord Dondarrion was a splendid host and his son Simon played the high harp as well as he jousted, and entertained the royal couple by night with sad songs of star-crossed lovers and the fall of kings. So taken with him was the queen that the party lingered longer at Blackhaven than they had intended.

—Fire & Blood

One of the Knights of Legends that Sansa idolizes, Ser Ryam Redwyne, crowned Queen Alysanne as the queen of love and beauty:

On the field, the highlight of the competition was the brilliance of Ser Ryam Redwyne, the youngest son of Lord Manfryd Redwyne of the Arbor, Jaehaerys’s lord admiral and master of ships. In successive tilts, Ser Ryam unhorsed Ronnal Baratheon, Arthor Oakheart, Simon Dondarrion, Harys Hogg (Harry the Ham, to the commons), and two Kingsguard knights, Lorence Roxton and Lucamore Strong. When the young gallant trotted up to the royal box and crowned Good Queen Alysanne as his queen of love and beauty, the commons roared their approval.

—Fire & Blood

Back to Sansa, let’s read one of my favorite pieces from last year, written a month before the Show final episode, an interview to GRRM to talk exclusively about the Stark Sisters, Arya and Sansa Stark:

I wanted to read you one of the earliest passages that you wrote about the two of them, if that’s okay.

Sure.

“It wasn’t fair. Sansa had everything. Sansa was two years older; maybe by the time Arya had been born, there had been nothing left. Often it felt that way. Sansa could sew and dance and sing. She wrote poetry. She knew how to dress. She played the high harp and the bells. Worse, she was beautiful. Sansa had gotten their mother’s fine high cheekbones and the thick auburn hair of the Tullys. Arya took after their lord father. Her hair was a lusterless brown, and her face was long and solemn.”

So what was the glimmer of an idea for these two sisters?

Well you’re taking me back a long, long way. That’s a pretty early chapter …  I first began in 1991. I wrote about a hundred pages of it before I got distracted by Hollywood stuff, and then I put it aside for like two years before I got back to it. Those words you read were actually part of the first hundred pages that I was doing there. When I was writing these, and I was creating a family for Lord Eddard Stark … I knew I wanted it to be a fairly large family, with a number of children. I suppose I cheated a little by not having three children who died in infancy in there, which was true of the actual Middle Ages. They had a terrible time with kids who died very young.

So I created Bran and in the very first chapter, I wrote where they find the direwolf pups in the snow. Bran is the viewpoint chapter there, and Robb and Jon and Theon are all with him, they’re the boys who rode out with their father to see the man beheaded. The fact that the boys went out was a reflection of what a patriarchal society it was, as medieval societies often were. I was following history in that regard … But I wanted some girls, too.

And when I actually got to Winterfell in the later chapter, I knew I wanted to deal with the role that women and young girls had in this kind of society. So to show the contrast, [we] have two sisters who were very, very different from each other. The Middle Ages was very patriarchal. I’m a little weary of over-generalizing, since that makes me seem like an idiot — but generally, women didn’t have a lot of rights. They were used to make marriage-alliances; I’m talking high-born women now, of course. Peasant women had even less rights. But I was focusing on a noble family here as the center of the book.

At the same time, this is also the era where courtly romance was born: the gallant Knight, the fair lady, the princess, all of that stuff. That became very big, initially in the courts of France and Burgundy, but it spread all over Europe, including England and Germany.  And it still has its roots in a lot of stuff that we follow today. I mean, in some sense the Disney Princess archetype — the whole princess mythos — that we’re all familiar with is a legacy of the troubadours of the romance era of medieval France.

Sansa completely bought into that, loved everything about that. She dreamed of jousts, bards singing of her beauty, fair knights, being the mistress of a castle and perhaps a princess and queen. The whole romantic thing.

And then to have Arya, a girl who did not fit that — and who, from the very beginning, was uncomfortable and chafes at the roles that she was being pushed into. You know, who didn’t wanna sew but wanted to fight with a sword, who liked riding and hunting and wrestling in the mud. A “tomboy” we would call it, I guess. But that phrase, of course, didn’t exist in the Middle Ages, so I don’t think I ever use it in the books, but you know what I mean. So that was the roots to create these two characters who were very different from each other, and who then necessarily chafed against each other in the context of the books.

—GRRM - RollingStone - 2019

Do I need to tell more? It seems to me very obvious that GRRM has translated Eleanor’s Court of Love into Sansa’s love for songs and stories, courtesies and profound beliefs on chivalry and courtly love:

Sansa was a lady at three, always so courteous and eager to please. She loved nothing so well as tales of knightly valor. 

—A Clash of Kings - Catelyn VII

Sansa Stark, he mused. Soft-spoken sweet-smelling Sansa, who loved silks, songs, chivalry and tall gallant knights with handsome faces. 

—A Storm of Swords - Tyrion III

Also, take note that Sansa loves her courtesies, they are her armor.

But there is more to say about Eleanor of Aquitaine and her influence in the creation of ASOIAF women, especially women profoundly linked and similar to Sansa Stark. Let’s see:

While promoting Fire & Blood, GRRM told us this about Eleanor of Aquitaine:

Question: A lot of your female characters are very empowered and motivated, which other fictional or historical female characters did you drawn inspiration from, if any?    

GRRM: Ahhh, well, there was a lot of them, Eleanor of Aquitaine of course was a major one, she was one of the most kick-ass women of the Middle Ages and, you know, she had her own crusade, or she went on crusade rather and she married two kings and then was the mother of several more, she was a great character. There’s also a lot of the... If you read the Italian History, a lot of the... During the Italian Middle Ages and Renaissance period, there were a lot of very powerful and bloody women who controlled various city-states in Italy, and did some amazing things.     

—In conversation: George R.R. Martin with Dan Jones FULL EVENT

We already know that Alysanne was called by GRRM, the “Eleanor of Aquitaine of Westeros”:

Alysanne was the queen, consort, and sister of King Jaehaerys I, the Old King, and like him she lived a long life. Since you pictured him as an old man at the end of his reign, I figure it would be most appropriate to do her the same way, rather than as the young woman she was when Jaehaerys first ascended the Iron Throne.

You might consider Alysanne as the Eleanor of Aquitaine of Westeros, and model her on Katharine Hepburn’s portrayal of Eleanor in the film THE LION IN WINTER. Tall and straight, unbowed by time, she had high cheekbones, clear blue eyes. Age left crow’s feet around her eyes and laugh lines about her mouth, but her face never lost its strength. She was a fine archer and hunter in her youth, and loved to fly atop her dragon to all the distant parts of the realm. Alysanne was slim of waist and small of breast, with a long neck, a fair complexion, a high forehead. In old age her hair turned white as snow. She wore it in a bun, pulled back and pinned behind her hear.

Her relationship with King Jaehaerys was always very close. She was his most trusted counselor and his right hand, and often wore a slimmer, more feminine version of his crown at court. Beloved by the common people of Westeros, she loved them in return, and was renowned for her charities. [Source] 

But Alysanne is not the only woman linked and similar to Sansa that was modeled from Eleanor.  GRRM has also said that he took inspiration from Eleanor of Aquitaine to create Catelyn Stark and Brienne of Tarth:  

Interviewer: One of the strongest female characters is Catelyn Stark, in my point of view.

GRRM: Well, I wanted to make a strong mother character. The portrayal women in epic fantasy have been problematical for a long time. These books are largely written by men but women also read them in great, great numbers. And the women in fantasy tend to be very atypical women… They tend to be the woman warrior or the spunky princess who wouldn’t accept what her father lays down, and I have those archetypes in my books as well.

However, with Catelyn there is something reset for the Eleanor of Aquitaine, the figure of the woman who accepted her role and functions with a narrow society and, nonetheless, achieves considerable influence and power and authority despite accepting the risks and limitations of this society. She is also a mother… Then, a tendency you can see in a lot of other fantasies is to kill the mother or to get her off the stage. She’s usually dead before the story opens… Nobody wants to hear about King Arthur’s mother and what she thought or what she was doing, so they get her off the stage and I wanted it too. And that’s Catelyn.

—Adrias News - 2012

So Catelyn Stark is “the figure of the woman who accepted her role and functions with a narrow society and, nonetheless, achieves considerable influence and power and authority despite accepting the risks and limitations of this society”.

Catelyn Stark, Sansa’s lady mother and role model, the symbol of strength she turned to when she pleaded for her father's life:

Sansa quailed. Now, she told herself, I must do it now. Gods give me courage. She took one step, then another. Lords and knights stepped aside silently to let her pass, and she felt the weight of their eyes on her. I must be as strong as my lady mother. "Your Grace," she called out in a soft, tremulous voice.

—A Game of Thrones - Sansa V    

Catelyn Stark, the woman whose name Sansa wanted to take as her new identity:

What should you be called?" "I . . . I could call myself after my mother . . ." "Catelyn? A bit too obvious . . . but after my mother, that would serve. Alayne. Do you like it?" "Alayne is pretty." Sansa hoped she would remember. 

—A Storm of Swords - Sansa VI

Catelyn Stark, the mother that Sansa didn’t forget and that reminds inside her to preserve her true identity:

I am not your daughter, she thought. I am Sansa Stark, Lord Eddard's daughter and Lady Catelyn's, the blood of Winterfell. 

—A Feast for Crows - Sansa I

That Catelyn Stark is the kind of woman that Sansa Stark will become and surpass in the future. To quote GRRM: “one of the most kick-ass women of the Middle Ages Westeros”.

Here you can read more about Catelyn Stark and Eleanor of Aquitaine parallels.

And this is what GRRM said about who inspired Brienne of Tarth:

“I enjoyed Xena the Warrior Princess a lot but I did not think it was an accurate portrayal of what a women warrior was or would be like, and I sort of created Brienne of Tarth as an answer to that.

I was inspired by people like Eleanor of Aquitaine and not so much Joan of Arc, but the queens of Scottish history, from Lady Macbeth on down - strong women who didn’t put on chain-mail bikinis to go forth into battle, but exercised immense powers by other ways.” 

—Pajiba - 2014

That quote was from the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2014.  During that event, and even before, there were reports about GRRM saying that: “Brienne is Sansa with a sword”.     

Since there was no primary source for this quote (I just found a broken link not longer available), just the fan reports we found in reddit and westeros.org, with the help of some friends, we decided to ask the man himself. We contacted him via email. 

And he answered us. 

More or less the question was this:

I recently came across a quotation that’s been attributed to you, but unfortunately the original source is no longer available, and I wanted to confirm it’s something you’ve actually said in the past. In 2014 at the Edinburgh Book Festival, multiple fans quoted you as saying that Brienne of Tarth is “Sansa with a sword,” with regards to certain personality traits. Is that an accurate quotation?

And George’s answer was this:

I don’t remember saying that, but it could be. It has been six years. GRRM

¡My friends and I are still ecstatic!

And as I said before, this beautiful quote “Brienne is Sansa with a sword”, also reminds me of this interview:

Game of Thrones Season 4 Premiere: 

Interviewer: Is there any character who is morally beyond reproach?      

GRRM: Beyon reproach? You mean like good, so good? Probably not.

Interviewer: I was thinking Brienne.    

GRRM: Maybe, yes, certainly. She’s up there. She’s very idealistic. At least in the beginning, but you know her journey still has a way to go, and my world has a way of testing one’s ideals, so we’ll see by the end.

That Brienne description sounds pretty much like Sansa, right?

So there you have it, I just love that Catelyn, Brienne and Sansa belong to the Eleanor of Aquitaine’s kick-ass women club.

BAD REPUTATION ¡KICK-ASS REPUTATION!

As you can imagine, through all these years, Eleanor of Aquitaine, for being the woman she was, had also gotten a bad reputation:

At times portrayed as a frivolous young woman or a manipulative schemer, Eleanor was a savvy player on the political stage—unafraid to exercise the power she held; her reputation may have been damaged by her boldness, but her influence on the political and cultural events of the 12th century remains undiminished. 

—National Geographic

She has been misjudged by many French historians who have noted only her youthful frivolity, ignoring the tenacity, political wisdom, and energy that characterized the years of her maturity. “She was beautiful and just, imposing and modest, humble and elegant”; and, as the nuns of Fontevrault wrote in their necrology, a queen “who surpassed almost all the queens of the world.” 

—Britannica

Indeed, while researching for this post I found awful reports about Eleanor, trying to disqualified her and her achievements, and trying also to demystify her figure calling most of the facts attributed to her, fantasies and fiction.  In a state where we don’t even have a reliable source about Eleanor’s true physical features, I think it is more probable that we only knew a few things about her, and knowing so little, she still is “one of the most kick-ass women of the Middle Ages”.

Thanks the Gods, Alysanne never suffered of this bad reputation “phenomenon”, the way other women from Fire and Blood had.  You just have to read the things that were told about the first Rhaenys and Rhaena to know that they were the subjects of misogyny and bad propaganda as a way to diminished them and exalt other characters.

I’m not saying that Alysanne didn’t deserve to be called the “Good Queen”, but Jaehaerys used her for his Targaryen supremacy propaganda campaign, and, as you may have already realized, most of the time Alysanne was the real author of the best initiatives and laws of Jaehaerys’ rule:

“Words are wind,” he told his council, “but wind can fan a fire. My father and my uncle fought words with steel and flame. We shall fight words with words, and put out the fires before they start.” And so saying, His Grace sent forth not knights and men-at-arms, but preachers. “Tell every man you meet of Alysanne’s kindness, her sweet and gentle nature, and her love for all the people of our kingdom, great and small,” the king charged them. 

—Fire & Blood

But Catelyn and Sansa were not freed of this bad reputation “phenomenon”. Catelyn and Sansa are two of the most hated and insulted characters of ASOIAF, no matter how many times the author himself has defended them of unjust critics and baseless judgments. Just like Eleanor, Catelyn and Sansa are called frivolous, manipulative, schemers; but also, and at the same time, useless and whiny.  It’s ridiculous.

Following the "Creating Characters" panel, Linda and I mentioned to George that some people gave Sansa and Catelyn a lot of grief, claiming they "whined" too much.

George was quite adamant that he disagreed with those readers. He pointed out that the problem is that readers often don't seem to make a distinction between internal thought and external speech in a way that an author might prefer. Specifically, in terms of "whining", to him whining is a verbal act -- you actually have to speak to whine. Cat doesn't do that, though -- all her dark, depressed thoughts are kept to herself. Yes, the reader is aware of them, because they read her POV, but she absolutely does not burden other characters with them. Basically, everyone has bad times among the good times, and they think negatively then but just having negative thoughts isn't whining.

[Source]

There you have it haters, GRRM wants for you to know that you can’t read.

So, let’s just change this bad reputation tag for a better one: ¡KICK-ASS REPUTATION!

And to finish this really long post, I will leave you with what I wrote about the l’Armure necklace that Louis Vuitton gave to Sophie Turner for the 71st annual Emmy Awards:

The dazzling piece in question is titled the l’Armure necklace, from Louis Vuitton’s “Riders of the Knights” collection. Made with white gold, 640 diamonds and 305 baguette-cut diamonds, it took over 1,175 hours of work to complete. “The design is inspired by medieval armor,” Louis Vuitton’s jewelry designer Francesca Amfitheatrof told Vogue. [Source]

The Riders of the Knights collection achieves an immersive aesthetic drawn from medieval codes of chivalry and heraldic crests. (…)

With this new collection, the House pays tribute to the powerful vision that impelled so many medieval heroines to transcend their limitations and forge their own destiny. These women made a lasting mark on the man’s world they inhabited, shaping their fate. They are the very embodiment of determination and independence, values that reflect the Louis Vuitton woman. [Source]

Louis Vuitton literally gave Sophie her own armor in the form of a white gold and diamonds necklace, in a very similar fashion to Michele Clapton giving Sansa her Needle necklace and her armor belt and dress, that armored her against all the claimers of her body and ancestral lands.  

A beautiful and symbolic way to honor the character Sophie played for about 10 years, Sansa Stark, a medieval heroine that prevailed against the patriarchal Westerosi society, never abandoning her feminine strength and courage, while still believing in chivalry and inspiring true knights along her path. 

¡The Queen in the North!    

¡The Queen in the North!    

¡The Queen in the North!    

¡The Queen in the North!    

[bryte-eyed-athena]

A New Earthseed Community

I used to imagine what life would be like in a dystopian society where everything has collapsed or is on the verge of collapse. This Earthseed community project has given me the opportunity to actually put some serious thought into how a community might survive in a world that has gone off the rails. However, I am going into this making a few assumptions. First, the world I am envisioning my community living in is very similar to the one depicted in Parable of the Sower. I was considering writing journal entries like Lauren did, but then I thought that was too much like fanfiction. Instead I am going to simply respond to the questions. Second, this is an established community that has already done the hard work of gathering trusted people, escaping to a safe area, and building the community. I’m trying to think about how to make this community survive, as well as thrive, long term after it has already been established. Third, the community has decided to give their settlement a name so I will refer to them as “The Dandelion Community”. Hopefully trying to envision this ideal community can help me with thinking of solutions to solve our real world problems.

Explain two real-life issues that make it necessary to create your Earthseed community. What are you seeking shelter from?

Climate change is wreaking havoc all over the world as it exacerbates natural disasters and displaces millions of people. In California the climate will get hotter and wildfires will cause more damage. Climate change also disproportionately impacts low income people of color who do not have a refuge to escape to once the environment becomes hostile. These are the groups of people that are going to be impacted the most negatively and they are the ones who require shelter and protection.

Police brutality has impacted communities of color and immigrant communities the harshest due to the influence of systemic racism and capitalism. It has created a culture of fear and violence which harms us physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is a system that must be entirely abolished in order for all marginalized people to feel safe. If it cannot be abolished then we must seek refuge in areas where the police don’t exist and have no power.

Quote two Earthseed verses from Parable of the Sower and show how you will apply them to your community. You may be creative in your interpretation.

“All successful life is Adaptable, Opportunistic, Tenacious, Interconnected, and Fecund. Understand this. Use it. Shape God.”

The Dandelion community understands that there will be numerous challenges for them to face if they want to survive. But life is not just about survival it is also about being able to live well. This verse will inspire the community to see their existence as more than just a fight for survival. It will motivate them to seek success defined in these terms. They will internalize this message and learn to be adaptable to new challenges. They will either seek opportunities or turn their dire circumstances into one. They will tenaciously fight for themselves and for their fellow members. They will feel connected with the community and other people they meet on the outside. They will also try to make sure that all their endeavors are fertile in order to produce more good to balance all the bad in the world. With this verse in their hearts they will be able to Shape God.

“Embrace diversity. Unite— Or be divided, robbed, ruled, killed By those who see you as prey. Embrace diversity Or be destroyed.”

Out of all of the Earthseed verses, this is the one that defines the human story. Centuries of conflict and horror could have been avoided if we sought to embrace diversity and unite with our fellow man. Instead, this planet has been divided and conquered over and over. The Dandelion community will refuse to be divided, robbed, ruled, or killed by any one. Their strength will be in unity and the bonds they form with each other will heal them internally. The diversity of body ability, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, faith and so on will give the community a unique advantage to respond to change. The diversity of opinion and experience would be a useful tool and not seen as a hindrance.

Explain where you will create your Earthseed community to be safe.

Safety comes from being in a defendable area surrounded by people with the skills and tools to survive. The Channel Islands National Park is a chain of four islands off the coast of Santa Barbara. It is too far away to swim to and there is enough land to support a large community if they are spread across all the islands. The Dandelion can reserve certain areas for small villages that contain homes, libraries, and facilities to create goods. The rest of the land can be used for farming sustainably as well as a training/play area for children. Once the community is able to build boats they can start to fish farther out into the ocean to provide more variety in their diets. These islands would be easy to defend since they are isolated and far away from the coast. Swimmers wouldn’t be able to get there and the community could devise ways to sabotage the waters so boats wouldn't be able to get through. The islands are also large enough that a stable and thriving community could be built there so people can live peacefully.

Who can join your community and why? Who can’t join? Why not?

Anyone can join as long as they are willing to learn skills and be ready to contribute. They are expected to be understanding of others and respectful of diversity. They also must dedicate themselves to protecting all members of the community from external threats. It is also important that they understand that joining a community means truly becoming an engaged member of the community. This means that they make the effort to be a part of people’s lives and make positive contributions no matter how small. They must want peace and understand that it takes hard work to create the conditions for peace and love to flourish.

What will your leadership model be for your community?

The Dandelion community is very mutual aid based so it is important that every member has a voice and opportunity to exercise power. There will not be a single leader since teamwork and communication are valued highly here. Instead there will be a group of around ten people who gather and discuss the problems of the community no matter how big or small. The community will also gather in weekly town halls to address any grievances or solutions they have directly to the group of leaders. During that meeting they will try to create solutions that take into account the needs and wants of the community. After a month this group of ten people will be replaced with a different set of ten people. Anyone can volunteer to be a member of the group and it's basically first come first serve. Eventually as the group rotated members monthly every person in the community who wanted to be a leader would have been a leader at least once. This way the burden of leadership is shared equally across the community. This also means that no one person can hold total power and become a tyrant. It also means that there will always be someone in charge and someone the group can defer to in order to make a final decision.

Create a future technology (one on the horizon, not something like teleportation or time travel) to help improve life at your Earthseed community.

A water filtration device will be necessary to support the community. It would be non polluting and powered by solar energy. Once water is filtered from the ocean the community members can all go and get as much as they need. There will not be a plumbing system so people will have clay jugs to transport their clean water.

A series of solar powered radios set all around the island chain will help make communication easier and faster. If an urgent warning needs to be sent out people will be able to hear it on their radio. It will also make internal communication easier so people could just ask for things without having to travel.

Long range portable telescopes will help the defenders of the island see any oncoming threats. They will also be a good educational tool for the children when they want to see the stars.

Most importantly would be a submarine that can be used to travel to the mainland safely. The island won't be able to provide for every need and there will be times where trash needs to be disposed of. A submarine with a renewable energy source would be a good way to travel and maybe explore other places that could be safe as well.

Explain/show how your Earthseed community will SURVIVE.

The Dandelion community will survive by using knowledge collected in books and by forging strong community bonds that will encourage mental health. Books on indegenous and sustainable farming practices will help the community create a replenishable food source that feeds everyone. If there are surpluses, scouts could travel to the mainland and give it away. Books about fishing and the ocean would help the community fish safely and prevent overfishing. Books on natural medicine and surviving in wilderness environments can help the community treat and prevent illnesses as well as be attentive to their surroundings. Other books on math and literature and technology can help with basic education and entertainment which will help the community feed their minds and souls. All of this knowledge will help the community become self reliant and understand the world better which will help them Shape God.

Explain/show what TWO steps your Earthseed community will make to build a better future, i.e. education, housing, conservation, farming, etc.

The Dandelion community recognizes the importance of education and that learning can happen at any point in life. All members of the community will be educated equally and on the same topics. They will learn the basics like reading, writing, and math. They will also learn survival skills, how to cook and clean, how to swim, and how to use tools and weapons. They will also learn how to be sustainable and not harm the environment. As they grow older and develop their own interest they can divert into different fields. Some may wish to become teachers, potters, weavers, fishers, farmers, writers, etc. New members that come from the mainland will also be educated in the same way and if they have certain skills then they will be asked to contribute their knowledge as well. Innovation and creativity are encouraged, but above all the survival of the whole must be put first.

Hopefully the environment of peace and love will encourage the community to want to share their resources with others. One of the reasons Lauren’s original community fell was because outsiders thought that they were rich. In reality, that wasn’t the case, but Lauren’s family was still better off than most. If the Dandelion community found a way to share their resources and beliefs with those on the mainland they would be able to create more stable communities. The best defense against criminality and violence would be to remove the factors that cause it, in this case poverty. By sharing their technology and knowledge the Dandelion community would be able to lift people out of poverty and create stable communities across the coast line. Once those communities are stable enough they would also be able to create stability even further inland. This will ensure the longevity and survival of the Dandelion community.

[pkmnsdarkqueen]

Successful Viewings of the New Old World.

(Drabble for Queen!verse. The dystopia world where using the Jewel of Life pokemon movie as reference along with pokemon conquest. In this timeline Arceus came much sooner to destroy humanity thus the only means to survive was to escape to the distortion world where humanity has been in hiding for centuries. Also threw in pokemon conquest so that the small area not terribly affected by the gravity shift is divided into kingdoms with harsh laws and royal liniages upholding it that dictates type separation thinking too many types in one being is what drove arceus to madness. So with that in mind.....Karen is the queen of the dark kingdom, but also secretly part of the rebellion against this whole structure. It was a fun discord group that I still have on here incase anyone wants to do some dystopia shenanigans.)

(Also in this world...Cyrus is like low key on the right page so uhhh I thought it'd be fun to Drabble that)

"So this will open one?"

Karen asked watching the man busy himself adjusting the machine. When it came to industrial work or grand technology Kafen was one of the first to admit they were somewhat lacking. Concepts for that were generally stolen from other kingdoms and taken to theirs to be adapted to fit the dark themes. Most of said tech came from the steel kingdom which had practical machinery, and the electric one which worked with the more experimental tech. This individual however seemed to think outside the box into his own realm. A realm Karen found far more beneficial for her underlying cause.

"It should. It was able to earlier I want to make sure it's properly calibrated before showing you."

"Don't stress yourself. I trust you. If it doesn't work today show me when it does. You've shown me enough to put my faith in you."

Karen expressed watching him pause a brief moment before returning to tighten something up. She remembered finding him while on the town. He had been arguing with someone over their phone failing...well arguing was a strong word. They were yelling and he stood there stone faced calmly shutting them down at every turn. It was interesting, and the phone....well it looked so odd. After a bit of research she found out he was a tinkering man who was struggling to let his genius be seen. Genius she soon found included theories to accessing the other world, the one legends say humanity ran from.

If they could get there, start over in a new world away from the tight grip of the laws here maybe a new world could be made.

No one had believed in his theories till she called him to her court to explain them to her. Her mind was already made it'd been a matter of convincing her court, telling them it was to increase the power of the kingdom, and power was all it took to cause them to eat it up. Now they hopefully had something to show for it.

"There it should work, please step back your darkness."

He asked gesturing her back behind a protective viewing stage doing everything in her ability to hide her excitement. After all she was still a queen for now with poise to be held. She watched him grab a remote before joining her.

"Care to do the honors?"

"This is your invention and theory Cyrus, I maybe a queen, but you deserve the credit and honor."

She returned swearing she actually saw a genuine emotion of pride slip across his face. Good, he earned it. She thought refocusing her attention to the chaincurrently laying flay on the ground hooked up to all sorts of machinery.

Gently he began to turn the dial watching the machine begin to whirl up. The sounds of spinning machinery began to swarm the space around them as cranks turned, and life overcame the empty shells of metal. The chain itself began to look as if it was sitting in a forge though Karen noticed it lacked the familiar glow of heated metal. It was as though the chain was staining red gradually. Then it began to spin, and lift energy crackling form in the center spreading to the edges of the chain. Steadily the chain was holding its own form. The spinning slowing as the energy created a class life surface, a mirror initially, and then a window.

However this window had sights Karen had never seen before. She'd heard tale of it in old stories, seen artist's old renditions of the land, but none of them matched what she was witnessing.

"Its....so green, and is that the sky?"

"I think...it was dark when I saw it, and lit up with small lights."

"Does it change often?"

"I don't know. I only left it open a few short minutes before coming to get you my darkness."

Karen found herself laughing suddenly unable to stop herself this time.

"Hah, even after showing me a wonder I have never seen you insist to use formalities when my court is not about ro impress. Karen is fine, queen Karen if you must. Now can we go through?"

She asked missing his continued surprise to hear her insistence on informality. Sometimes he wondered about the rumors whispered about her. The ones concerned if the queen's syray from traditional laws was good for the kingdom.

"Um...not yet. It seems to be more like a glass door. Some stories mentioned more of these being around. They're the beginning of portals through. I think if we could capture the beast we could access more although-"

"That has never been done, could be seen as an act of war, and would require the housing of a fully non dark creature in this kingdom which is a severe breaking of laws that even I am subject to."

She answered for him eyes going from whimsical wonder to a stern leader in an instant. The joy taking a backseat as the queen's visage came into focus with reality settling in. At the end of the day this new world would be best for the kingdom, for creating a world without these stupid boundaries built on nothing but hearsay. She couldn't loose it, not while seeing it before her.

"I will take all of this into consideration. I am curious of your take, unfiltered please. I want to speak to Cyrus the scientist, not Cyrus a citizen of the dark kingdom. No loyalty test hidden agenda involved I want to hear your genuine thoughts by next week on this matter. I will take that time to think over mine, and while I'll have to speak to you as the queen since this involves the kingdom I will address you as a peer of my level because that is how I want us to interact with each other in this space. I think it'd be the most productive that way. Understood?"

"...yes, yo-....Karen."

He answered clearly unused to the new name as if it were a foreign language on his tongue. Still it was a positive sign to Karen. To some extent she could trust him as she saw the first break in him from the tradition of this world. A smile crossed her face as she turned to the striking scene again.

Her favorite thing about this new old world was watching all of the elements interplay. From the sky, wind rustling green leaves, water rippling through, and rich soil. Everything interacted as one.

[secret-engima]

Hey didnt you have Mors wife being called Vita or something? (Death and Life, pretty symbolic) so I was wondering—what if Mors died instead of the wife? Wait when did the wife die and how??? ???

Actually I think it was @a-world-in-grey who named her Vita? It was one of the mutuals who comes and screeches at me over my ideas at any rate, and I gleefully adopted the name because *rainbow hands* symbolism.

Also no one knows anything about Mors wife in canon? Other than that he had to have had one because Regis is a legitimate heir and since we never SEE her in any canon material it’s safe to assume she’s dead. So officially she could have died of ... anything really, but in Forged and Fury verse (and then later in my other AUs for the sake of simplicity) Vita was killed by assassins when Regis was young, about 11 I think. After that, Mors because very cold and distant to his son and kinda went around the bend in his “greater good” policies without his wife to remind him that Compassion Is A Thing.

And honestly a Mors Dies/Vita Lives AU would be FASCINATING. Like whooo.

-Vita would become Queen Regent because Regis is a kid, but with the king dead the Wall has fallen completely, so then the AU would branch in one of several directions

-Branch A: Vita tries to keep the kingdom standing until Regis is old enough to survive putting on the Ring/be king but Niflheim steadily gobbles it up and then we devolve into a Rebel Kingdom kinda AU or even a straight up Kingdom is Fallen/Lost Prince AU where Vita flees Insomnia with Regis and Clarus and Weskham on the eve of Insomnia falling to Niflheim, and the Chocobos 1.0 would later go on a road trip to win the kingdom back and probably pick up a thoroughly Feral Bby Hunter Cor along the way.

-Branch B: Regis is forced by the council/nobles/etc to put on the Ring when he’s a CHILD which almost kills him but then the Kings of Lucii pull their collective heads out of their butts long enough to realize hold up. This is a CHILD. Who let you put on the ring? And then the kings decide this is Intolerable and honestly you probably now have Ghost Somnus (because the collective opinion of the Lucii is Somnus Broke It, Somnus Fixes It) hanging around holding up the Wall by himself and advising a very weirded out Queen Vita. His anchor to reality would be Regis wearing the Ring, so Somnus wouldn’t be able to go very far from Regis’s side. There would be a lot of fluff/angst and Regis would grow up knowing exactly who the Accursed was, what had really happened, and what the Prophecy entails because Somnus has had 2k years to Regret his life choices.

-Branch C (my personal fav that is already becoming a new AU I can feel it): Similar to Branch B but instead of Regis it’s VITA who puts on the Ring. Who begs the Lucii for the strength to protect her kingdom and her son. It is Vita who stands unflinching before the memory of the Old Kings as they demand of her “Who are you, who is not of royal blood, to claim our power” and answers “I am a mother, and I seek to protect my son”. In this AU, it is the Rogue who intercedes on Vita’s behalf, who steps out from amid the circle and says “Very well, Queen Mother, my strength you may have until the time you give the Ring to your son”.

-And there is a Loophole there. A Loophole Vita spots and exploits for all it’s worth, clinging stubbornly to life and the Wall, no giving the Ring up to her son even when he is old enough to survive it, even when he is old enough to become a king. She clings to the throne, not out of a desire for power but a desire to protect her child from the agony of the Ring that she has borne for years now.

-In her sleep, the Founder comes to her, watches her. He sees what the Rogue saw and in her dreams, he speaks.

-Ardyn Lucis Caelum jolts awake from his centuries long haze of pain and despair when the door to his tomb is cracked open. He watches with bleary, disbelieving eyes as the dust parts for a woman in silk, bearing a small crown and a Ring that pulses with LC magic even though he can already tell she is not of that line. She rests a gentle, tender hand on his cheek and a part of him sobs at human contact for the first time in 2 thousand years.

-“Who...?” He manages to rasp as the woman’s soldiers gently remove the chains in his skin and place him on a stretcher, as the Shield following on her heels even though she is not of the blood gently crushes some kind of magical medicine (an Elixir, but I HC that those didn’t exist in Ardyn’s time) against his skin.

-The woman takes his hand in hers, unflinching from the Scourge beneath his skin and walks beside the stretcher down to the boat of metal and muted thunder that will take them across the waves back to Lucis, “My name is Vita,” she answers softly, “and I have come to take you home.”

-And maybe she is being purely selfish, to hear to the Accursed’s story and free him, bring him home and treat him with medicine as best she can, to call the Oracle and negotiate for the young Princess Sylva to come and stay in Insomnia to treat a “long-term case of critical importance”. Perhaps it is purely selfish to want an adult Lucis Caelum in the Citadel who is not her son, because even with the Rogue and the Founder easing the burden of the Ring as best they could, she is dying a slow, painful death and she has already decided she will defy the Six themselves if that is what it takes to keep her son from feeling this. From living this slow process of dying and withering away. Perhaps she is selfish.

-When she says as much to Ardyn, completely up front with him on the situation and her motivations, he looks at her with something like rueful respect in his eyes. “My dear,” he murmurs as he takes her hand in his, ever desperate for human contact even months after being freed, “you are a mother. If this is selfishness, then I wish every child had a mother as selfish as you.”

[go-go-devil]

If You Have Ghosts: The Story of a Song

This is an informative/personal essay I wrote about the history of Roky Erickson’s well-beloved song, “If You Have Ghosts.” Honestly I should have written & posted this on the 1-year anniversary of his death back in May, but I completely forgot. This piece is mostly a study of Erickson’s original and the band Ghost’s famous cover of it, alongside some other things. I would also appreciate some feedback on this if you all don’t mind.

The information I used as a reference when describing the making of the original song comes entirely from Joe Nick Patoski’s writing on Roky Erickson’s career and the making of The Evil One (included as a booklet in recent vinyl additions of said album).

Throughout our lives there will be songs that capture us in ways that we cannot escape from. Oftentimes it’s as simple as an infectious melody that we refuse to discard from our memories, either due to it becoming attached to a pivotal part of our lives or because we cannot dislodge it no matter how hard we try. Other times it can be something that attracts us so much that we begin to covet it to the point of obsession, and it is through this attitude that the song transforms from merely a piece of music into a piece of ourselves.

“If You Have Ghosts” is one of these songs for me.

What can I say about this wonderful track that hasn’t already been said? It is fierce, yet subdued. It is both hard rocking joy incarnate and a solemn reflection of one’s self, and it says so much by saying so little. The reason for all of these seemingly contradictory phrases I’m using is because this song, unlike many others, is a shared entity that exists in multiple forms. Quite an odd way of stating that the song has been played by more than one band, but hopefully this essay will demonstrate how the meaning of the original piece can mutate into different forms while still keeping its essence intact.

There’s no better place to start than with the original, recorded in 1977 and released in 1981 by rock n’ roll legend Roky Erickson.

Originally recorded as part of a four-song demo of what would later become his first solo record, The Evil One, “If You Have Ghosts” contains many of the themes Erickson presents in his music as a whole. Those of which being: horror-themed esoteric lyrics, high-energy playing, soaring guitar riffs, and a general sense of raw, psychedelic power.

In less than 15 seconds the song has already built itself up and blasted into your eardrums, but never does the melody ever resort to sounding like a wall of noise. Each instrument weaves its sound around each other like some tripped-out embroidery design in order to create a rich tapestry in the listener’s mind. The lyrics are as catchy and repetitive as any of Roky’s songs, yet for this one he sounds less like he’s singing but instead simply proclaiming each line like it’s a definitive statement.

“If you have ghosts, you have everything”

“One never does that”

“The moon to the left of me is a part of my thoughts and a part of me is me”

“In the night, I am real”

“I don’t want my fangs too long”

Barring a few other scattershot words present in the chorus, what you’ve read above is all that you get for what this piece is trying to say. Unlike most of the other songs from the album, whose lyrics clearly convey the story/theme presented, this one does not have a lucid form to it and thus its meaning can only truly be grasped through interpretation. Personally, I always saw it as a proud declaration of one’s deviance from society, with the rip-roaring instruments serving to show how this person’s mind finally feels free enough to run wild in the night, with only the moonlight and their own invisible spirits to guild them.

But of course, all forms of speculation can never undermine Roky’s own intent when crafting this song, which, unfortunately, is not nearly as liberating as my previous presumption…

“If You Have Ghosts” as we know it is a direct product of Erickson’s mental illness. There really is no way of sugarcoating it. After being diagnosed with schizophrenia in 68’, Roky was sent to various state hospitals in 69’, where he was subjected to multiple electroshock treatments by doctors alongside being heavily sedating with Thorazine. Even after he was discharged in ’72 he never fully recovered from the abusive “therapies” he was given, resulting in decades of battling intense mood swings and heavy drug reliance as well as making it difficult for him to record many of his songs in studio.

Roky was under one of these spells whist recording the vocals for this song. He was only able to sing the chorus once, and after recording was no longer able to remember any of the lyrics. Out of all the tracks, Producer Stu Cook had to put the most effort into inserting the vocals into this song using a complex progress called wild-syncing to place multiple takes of audio alongside the instruments without using synchronization. It’s honestly a miracle that we even have this song fully formed in the first place given the circumstances of its creation.

Despite all of the hardship and effort put into creating this piece, for a long while there didn’t seem to be as much appreciation for it compared to Erickson’s other work. Partially because it was not present on certain releases of the album back in the day as well as the fact that Roky seemed to rarely play it live in concert (even on YouTube, recordings of these performances are scarce). As much as I love this version of the song, even I’m willing to admit that if I were ever forced to rank each song on The Evil One, I would probably place it somewhere in the middle. What can I say? When you make an album that great, the competition can be fierce!

For many obscure classics, the story would end there. Yet another buried treasure forever existing in the mind of one musician. But that’s not what happened, for several decades later a new band from Sweden will emerge, different in form but identical in spirit to Roky’s sound, whose frontman will breathe new life into a once forgotten masterpiece…

…Or at least that’s what I would lead into were it not for the existence of this version.

Interestingly, the first notable cover of “If You Have Ghosts” was not done by Ghost but instead by an English folk-rock group called John Wesley Harding & The Good Liars on the 1990 album Where the Pyramid Meets the Eye: A Tribute to Roky Erickson. This now-obscure album consisted of a compilation of various bands and artists covering the songs of, you guessed it, Roky Erickson. There was actually a great deal of artists present on this record, including several well-known musicians such as ZZ Top, R.E.M., and The Jesus and Mary Chain (and even Butthole Surfers too!).

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not at all familiar with John Wesley Harding or his backing band; however, I will say that this piece is a worthy follow-up to the original in it’s own right. It slows down the song to a level not unlike the many psychedelic songs that followed in 13th Floor Elevator’s wake, keeping the main melody in tack while filling in the gaps with many little flourishes as a means of expanding it into something new. I’m especially fond of the echoing effect given to the vocals, which gives the already obscure nature of the lyrics a more outwardly ethereal quality.

Anyway, on to what you’ve been waiting for!

After enduring another two decades of invisibility from the public eye, the song was once again exhumed and resurrected by an emerging metal band named Ghost for their 2013 EP If You Have Ghost. Considering Roky Erickson’s wide array of demon-inspired songs, it’s interesting how Linköping’s residential Satanic metal group chose this piece as opposed to more well-beloved hits like “Night Of The Vampire” or “Stand For The Fire Demon,” many of which work perfectly with the band’s themes of evoking retro horror films and devil worship. It almost seems like they just chose “If You Have Ghosts” solely on the basis of it having the word “Ghost” in it. However, just one listen to this cover will quickly prove otherwise.

Right off the bat, the instruments and vocals are a far cry from the original. Unlike the previous J.W.H. cover that made sure to keep the main melody in tack while adding onto it, Ghost instead chose the more daring option of altering the melody and tempo of the piece significantly. From the ominous drawing of violin and cello strings in the opening seconds to the melancholic metal sound of the guitars throughout (with the rhythm guitar being played by none other than Dave Grohl, who also produced the EP), this version slows the once fast-pace beat of the song down until it becomes almost unrecognizable save for the lyrics. Even Tobias Forge’s singing creates significant contrast with the original; his silky smooth, haunting baritone guiding a melody once held by Roky’s hard-edged yells.

And yet… the spirit still remains.

Although the sound itself has been thoroughly converted to the stylings of Ghost, they still managed to keep the fierce energy that ran through the veins of Erickson’s version, albeit with a twist.

Both songs convey a contemplative examination of one’s mind, with instrumentals and singing that amplify the power one feels from this reflection. However, Ghost’s version differs in that it amplifies the sense of isolation and longing present in the lyrics. The music notably softens at the beginning of many of the verses, particularly lines like “One never does that” or “I don’t want my fangs too long,” only to grow in power through the repetition of each line. It conveys the feeling of the singer having to grapple with these feelings before they can fully accept them.

Nowhere is this more apparent than the band’s acoustic cover of the song.

At this point, the piece has been stripped down to an entirely naked form, its themes conveyed only through the guitars of two nameless ghouls alongside Forge’s vocals (presented here in his previous stage persona, Papa Emeritus III). There is no triumphant shouting or swelling electric guitar solos here anymore, just a somber reflection gently carried by melodic strumming and mournful singing. Despite now being as far from a rockin’ tune as humanly possible, it actually manages to come closest in recapturing the sense of rawness in the original, albeit on the exact opposite scale.

I remember watching a recorded acoustic performance in Paris back in 2015 where Papa introduced “If You Have Ghosts” as being a song about “loneliness,” which is an interpretation I can definitely agree with. In fact, I would even say that with this acoustic cover brings the entire meaning of the song full-circle. Through its peeled-back, unflinching depiction of being enclosed in darkness and isolation, it serves as a perfect end-note for a song that began from such troubled origins by telling the listener that, despite all the hardships, this beautiful piece of music will never lose its everlasting spirit.

Thanks for giving us everything, Roky.

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ @sasuhinabigflash2020​ || Day Two: Contempt ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina, blood ] [ Verse: Of Monsters and Men ] [ AO3 Link ]

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It’s funny how being different is typically such a crime...unless that difference makes you useful.

Since a young age, Hinata has known that the world would treat her unkindly for what she is. That her abilities beyond that of a typical human would see her cast aside, glowered at from behind window panes, and shunned from any social gatherings.

...except those that required her abilities.

Those like her vary widely. From power over elements to gifts like her own that give sight into the future, witches - known all over the world by other names in other tongues - have been at odds with humanity since the two sides were first introduced. And as long as humans remain so stubborn and ignorant, the odds of finding a peaceful middle ground are slim.

But despite all that, Hinata has done her best to settle in, growing familiar with the people of her village and their needs. Though not skilled in their magic, her love for plants sees a decent business in selling flowers or herbs. But what most come to see her for - hooded and cloaked to avoid being spied by their neighbors - are her visions.

For like her mother before her, Hinata’s eyes can see beyond what lies before them, discerning flickers and moments that have yet to pass. And while many are more than willing to scorn her for it...just as many are eager to use it when it pleases them. Even the leader of their little town has stopped by once or twice. It’s Hinata he has to thank for the wife he found with her help.

But that doesn’t encourage him to help defend her with his influence over the people.

Some would think it only fair for Hinata to meet their contempt with her own. But it’s simply never been in her nature. She can’t blame them for their fear, as birthed in superstition as it is.

After all...she isn’t the only thing they have to fear...nor she they.

For there is a third world at play in their lives. One Hinata has rarely had to venture into, despite being the so-called twilight between their darkness and the sunlight of humanity. By whatever grace, those who call themselves the Nightwalkers have steered clear of her and her little town.

But no peace lasts forever.

“Miss Hyūga! Miss Hyūgaaa!”

Startling in her sitting room, Hinata abandons her sewing to meet a small group of people at the door. Carried haphazardly by several of them is a man...and painting his pale form is a worrying amount of blood.

“He’s been attacked! One’a the lord’s sons! By a monster!”

That gets her eyes to widen. “...set him here,” she directs, sweeping clutter from her table.

His garments are torn, and immediately she can’t help a grimace. There’s a terrible bite wound to his throat, which seems to be where most of the blood is coming from. If this is what she thinks it is…

“I need space to work,” is her quiet command, glad her reputation at least means they fear her enough to do as she says. Cleaned rags are gathered, water set to boil over her hearth. Clearing the wound of blood and debris, her eyes flicker between it and the pale planes of his face. If she had to guess, this is a vampire bite.

But that alone doesn’t seal his fate. Even if he was bitten...the monster’s infection could only take hold if they were in a frenzied state, pushed to their limits resorting to their basest form and instincts. He has a chance: he might still be human.

So, for now, she urges the others to leave so she can work uninterrupted. “I’ll send word when he wakes. Until then, I must tend to him, and quickly.”

Worried faces eventually turn and leave the way they came. Left in silence, Hinata begins doing her best to treat the bite. A brief friendship at a crossroads with a healer means she at least should be able to do this much...but much else will be beyond her skillset.

And if he is infected...she’s going to have quite the problem to deal with in a few days.

But for now she focuses solely on her task. Carefully dabbing a poultice into the punctures, she then wraps the bite in clean linen, boiled and dried.

All the while, he barely stirs, eyes closed and sunken in pain. Hinata glances to him often, but there’s little to glean.

Not yet.

Once he’s cleaned and bandaged, she manages to drag him to a nearby settee, a bed too far to reach. Not as comfortable, but better than the table.

For now...all she can do is wait.

Gently, fingers lift his eyelids. Beneath are dark irises, pupils contracting in the light. But at this stage, it’s too early to tell either way.

He’s left to rest, her evening passed by cleaning up the lingering mess of soiled cloth and blood on her table. Taking a light supper, she watches him occasionally twitch, groaning and sweating.

...this isn’t looking good. But there’s nothing she can do...a frenzied Nightwalker’s bite means only one of two things: death...or change.

And the latter is considerably worse in almost every way.

With little else she can do for him, Hinata turns in for the night, the typical sounds of her yard in the dark accompanied by his ragged breathing and occasional whimper.

Needless to say, she sleeps very little.

And come morning, her fears are confirmed. Lifting his lids, her heart sinks at the sight of flickering crimson irises.

He’s Turning.

Retreating, she braces a hand at her lips, unsure what to do. Once his transformation is complete, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with, with new abilities and instincts he’ll have nearly no control over. A danger to himself, and to others...not to mention a monster in their eyes. Even his family is sure to fear and hate him, now.

There’s little room for pity in their hearts when it comes to those beyond their specie.

The merciful thing would be to kill him now while he’s defenseless, and tell the others the wound claimed him.

...and yet…

Looking back, she can’t help but feel revulsion at the idea. Taking a life...she’s never done so before, though she’s been told more than once to prepare herself for the inevitable. Is it truly right to kill him? Does the pain he’ll feel really outweigh any possible good?

...she can’t.

Instead, she digs through a chest in her bedroom, fetching chains she never thought she’d have need for: forged in silver. Just...something to subdue him until she can help him make sense of all this. Carefully, she fastens them from the main beam of her home to each of his limbs and around his torso, sat up against the wood as he suffers through the changes wrought upon him.

...that’s all she can do. She knows no one else capable within traveling distance before he wakes.

She’s on her own.

For another day, and another night, he remains barely conscious, slumped over save for where the chains bind him. Every so often, Hinata carefully guides water between his lips, glad to see him drink. And when she goes to check the bite along his throat...she finds it already healed.

It’s when the sun sets on the third day that something changes. Mending a torn apron, Hinata stills as the sound of ragged breathing ceases. In its place, a groan, followed by murmured nonsense.

...he’s awake.

Setting aside her task, she moves slowly to stand in front of him. His breathing is still labored, but quiet, form leaned back in exhaustion against the beam. Eyes are closed...but snap open as her floor creaks.

She stills.

For a moment, the eyes are dark...but instinct - fresh in his veins - sees them flash a bright, tantalizing red. But he doesn’t struggle, just...stares.

“...you’re Sasuke, aren’t you?” Hinata asks, tone soft to avoid riling him. “Son of the county’s lord Fugaku Uchiha?”

No reply, still staring.

“...you were attacked three day ago. Something...bit you. Do you remember…?”

Breaking his gaze, he glances aside, clearly trying to think. “...it’s all so...foggy…”

“Given what you’ve been through, that’s understandable. You see, sir...when you were bitten, it…”

Realization seems to dawn on him. For a moment, his face slackens in shock...and then wilts with somber understanding. “...am I...no longer human…?”

So, he knows. Her own form softening, she can’t lie to him. “...no. No, you are not. If what I know is enough to reason with, then...I believe you’ve become a...a vampire.”

“...a monster…”

“...do you feel like a monster…?”

That lifts his gaze back to her face. “...I feel like...myself. But...strange.”

“Humans can be monstrous, too,” Hinata murmurs. “It is our actions that m-mark us as what we truly are. This...affliction does not define you, sir.”

“Sadly, no one else will see it that way.” His head leans back against the beam with a dull thunk, eyes closing. “...kill me.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“Because it...it goes against my nature. I’ll not harm you. Not unless...you give me a reason.”

“Is being as I am not reason enough?”

“No.”

The blunt reply clearly takes him aback. “...I am a nightmare. A threat that lurks in shadows. No matter where I go, contempt will follow me. Forever shunned by those I once called kin. All at the hands of another monster…”

“You still have a choice.”

Unfortunately...it’s then a knock pounds against her door.

It seems the others tire of waiting for news.

Turning to the sound, Hinata gasps at the sound of crunching wood. By the time she about-faces, he’s already free, the bottom of the beam splintered and the chains pooled at his feet.

“...I can’t stay here...I can’t -!”

“Sasuke, wait -!” Reaching out, she manages to lay a hand along his arm.

And in place of what she sees, she’s granted another vision. A wood-shrouded cottage, a gravel path, and a woman smiling in the doorway. She looks like -?

The contact is then broken, and Hinata flinches at the shattering of glass just as the door swings open.

Behind her, the crowd of humans gawk, torn between staring at the window and the beam. “...w...where’s the lord’s son?”

Staring through the broken panes, Hinata swallows dryly, only able to answer, “...gone.”

But she knows she’ll see him again.

Her visions never lie.

     Day two! And done in much better time that this morning last night! I have a nasty habit of writing at very peculiar hours, but I’ll try to get these done in better time so they aren’t buried lol      This time we’re going with my original monster verse, Of Monsters and Men! I actually have an (incomplete) mini series of sorts from the year-long challenge with this universe. It IS still on my list of things to make a proper fic out of, I just...completely underestimated how dreadful 2020 would be, so a lot of what I’ve wanted to do just...hasn’t gotten done OTL BUT! Someday, lol      This is more of an older setting, though I didn’t have an exact date in mind. And in all honesty it feels a bit rushed, a concept I’d do better with with more time and larger word count, but to avoid burnout I’m trying to keep these short. But if a prompt allows, I might do another part! I won’t be tying any of THESE drabbles to any previous events, but I’m not against things within THIS event being connected lol      Anywho, that’s all for today’s! Got other things to do tonight so I better skedaddle, but I hope you enjoyed!      ALSO, I’ll be doing comment reply posts at the end of each week to avoid clog, so I’m not ignoring any replies! I’ll do a post every seven days (tho the last I’ll just wait until the 31st). Until then I’m always thrilled to hear from you guys! <3

[sunilkumar02]

Human Resources Management in Healthcare: A Pharmaceutical Industry Perspective

The intricate relationship between healthcare and pharmaceutical industries is evident in various operational aspects, including human resources management (HRM). This paper explores the cross-application of HRM strategies from the pharmaceutical industry to healthcare settings, drawing upon Sunil's extensive experience in both sectors.

The primary aim is to analyze how pharmaceutical industry practices can enhance HRM in healthcare, focusing on recruitment, training, performance management, and regulatory compliance.

A qualitative approach, employing case studies and Sunil's professional experiences, forms the core of the analysis. The research methodology includes interviews, document analysis, and a review of existing literature in both healthcare and pharmaceutical HRM practices.

Key findings suggest that the pharmaceutical industry's emphasis on precision, regulatory compliance, and innovation can significantly benefit healthcare HRM. For instance, rigorous training and development programs, often seen in pharmaceuticals, can be adapted to healthcare to ensure staff are well-versed in the latest medical technologies and compliance requirements. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector's approach to performance management, which often includes a strong emphasis on results and innovation, could be instrumental in driving efficiency and patient care quality in healthcare.

This paper underscores the potential for cross-sector learning and adaptation. It suggests that integrating pharmaceutical HRM practices can lead to more efficient, compliant, and patient-centric healthcare services. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of strategic HR planning in navigating the complexities of both industries.

Conclusively, the study concludes that the healthcare sector can gain considerably from the pharmaceutical industry's strategic approach to HRM. This includes enhanced staff training, more rigorous performance management, and improved compliance with healthcare regulations. The paper advocates for a more integrated approach to HRM in healthcare, drawing on the strengths and innovations of the pharmaceutical industry.

Introduction

Throughout my outstanding career in the healthcare and drugs area, I have used a leadership approach that is based on solid academic and professional qualifications. Concurrently to my Doctor of Management in Healthcare and my Master of Pharmacy, my responsibilities have ranged from strategic control to operational management within complex healthcare systems.

As a certified International Quality Lead Auditor, I hold credentials in ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. These certifications underscore my commitment to upholding and pioneering excellence and sustainable practices within the healthcare sector.

My professional journey has seen significant leadership roles, including serving as General Manager at Swazipharm, where I elevated operational standards, and as Chief Operations Officer at Karibu Pharmaceuticals, where I expertly managed complex supply chains and ensured stringent regulatory compliance. My registered pharmacist credentials from the Telangana State Pharmacy Council, Registration No. T5023748 further solidifies my expertise and authority in the pharmaceutical field.

These cumulative experiences have not only sharpened my skills in creating dynamic, progressive organizations but have also enabled me to forge sustainable, profitable global partnerships. My career is a testament to a life dedicated to navigating and enhancing the intricacies of both healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, constantly striving to raise the bar for operational management excellence.

The Convergence of Healthcare and Pharmaceutical HRM Practices

Recruitment and Training

The ever-evolving world of the pharmaceutical industry demands a meticulous approach to talent acquisition and development. Throughout my career, I've championed this philosophy, fostering a rigorous environment where recruitment and training go hand-in-hand. This unwavering commitment to stringent standards ensures our healthcare personnel aren't merely compliant with current regulations but rather stand as bastions of knowledge, equipped with a deep understanding of cutting-edge advancements in medical technology and practices.

During my tenures as General Manager at Swazipharm and Chief Operations Officer at Karibu Pharmaceuticals, I spearheaded transformative initiatives that seamlessly integrated these comprehensive training and recruitment protocols into the very fabric of our healthcare delivery systems. These advancements not only ensured unwavering compliance but also empowered our teams to become true agents of progress at the forefront of patient care.

Throughout my career, I have prioritized aligning recruitment and training with the stringent standards typical of the pharmaceutical industry. This alignment ensures that healthcare personnel are not only compliant with current regulations but are also at the forefront of technological and medical advancements. In my experience, integrating these rigorous standards into healthcare recruitment processes can significantly uplift the quality of service and care provided to patients.

Performance Management

Beyond my leadership roles at Swazipharm and others, I've consistently championed the development of performance management systems meticulously set up to the intricacies of the pharmaceutical industry. These systems transcended the typical focus, moving beyond basic compliance metrics. Instead, they placed a profound emphasis on quantifiable measures directly linked to groundbreaking innovation. This wasn't simply a tweak; it was a paradigm shift. By fostering a data-driven approach that celebrated ingenuity alongside adherence to regulations, these systems proved instrumental in propelling service delivery to new heights. More importantly, they nurtured a dynamic environment where continuous improvement and high performance became the norm, not the exception.

The ripple effects of these systems extended far beyond individual performance. They laid the groundwork for a thriving organizational culture that actively championed and rewarded innovative thinking. This potent combination proved to be a game-changer, not only driving overall efficiency but also fostering a sense of deep employee satisfaction.  By directly linking individual achievements to the broader organizational goals of the pharmaceutical sector, these performance metrics fostered a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility.

My unwavering belief is that healthcare institutions, as a whole, would benefit immensely from adopting similar performance frameworks. Such systems, carefully crafted to align with the specific needs of the healthcare environment, have the potential to unlock a wave of innovation and propel service delivery to unparalleled levels. Ultimately, this cultural shift fosters a workforce that thrives on continuous improvement, leading to a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare system.

I recommend that healthcare institutions adopt similar performance metrics that directly tie employee achievements to broader organizational goals. This alignment helps in creating a culture that values and rewards innovation, driving overall efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Regulatory Compliance and Innovation

Integrating Pharmaceutical Compliance into Healthcare

My career has been deeply entrenched in the ever-evolving realm of pharmaceutical compliance.  This profound experience has equipped me with the expertise to seamlessly bridge the gap between the intricacies of healthcare delivery and the rigorous standards that govern the pharmaceutical industry. Through the strategic implementation of compliance-focused initiatives, I've consistently fostered environments where complex healthcare services operate in perfect harmony with these stringent regulations. This meticulous approach has yielded a remarkable track record of upholding the highest standards of compliance and quality, ensuring patient safety remains paramount.

However, a robust compliance program necessitates a proactive and multifaceted approach.  I firmly believe that healthcare leaders have a critical role to play in prioritizing continuous education and training for all levels of staff. By empowering staff with a thorough understanding of evolving regulatory standards, we cultivate a workforce that is not just compliant but also deeply invested in upholding the highest ethical and quality standards. This proactive approach serves not only as a powerful risk mitigation tool but also as a catalyst for enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery. It fosters a culture of vigilance and excellence, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

At Karibu Pharmaceuticals, where I served as the Chief Operations Officer, I managed complex supply chains and oversaw rigorous procurement and logistics processes, ensuring that operations adhered to stringent pharmaceutical standards. This role fortified my capability to implement and oversee comprehensive compliance strategies, further validating my expertise in harmonizing pharmaceutical principles with healthcare operations. Advice: Leaders in healthcare settings should actively seek to integrate pharmaceutical-grade compliance and logistics practices to enhance operational effectiveness and regulatory adherence, ensuring high-quality patient care.

 

Case Studies and Professional Insights

During my tenure as Chief Operations Officer at Karibu Pharmaceuticals, we faced a significant challenge when unexpected regulatory changes demanded swift compliance adjustments across our product lines. This situation required not only a rapid understanding of the new regulations but also an immediate application across multiple departments to ensure continuity in our operations and product deliveries.

To address this, I led a cross-functional team comprising members from regulatory affairs, production, and quality assurance to map out the necessary changes in our processes. We conducted a series of workshops to quickly bring everyone up to speed on the new requirements and developed a streamlined process for documentation and compliance verification.

Our proactive approach allowed us to not only meet the new compliance demands but also to do so without disrupting our supply chain. This case study highlights the importance of agility in leadership and the value of having a well-prepared team that can adapt to regulatory changes efficiently. These experiences underscore my capability to navigate complex challenges and provide valuable insights into strategic planning and execution within the pharmaceutical sector.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap for Better Patient Care

This paper has explored the significant potential for cross-pollination between Human Resource Management (HRM) practices in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare settings. By leveraging the unique insights gained from Sunil's extensive experience in both sectors, the analysis has highlighted key areas where pharmaceutical industry approaches can significantly enhance healthcare HRM.

The research findings illuminate the critical role of meticulous recruitment and training in fostering a highly skilled and knowledgeable healthcare workforce.  Integrating the pharmaceutical industry's focus on rigorous training programs equips healthcare personnel with cutting-edge medical advancements and technologies, ultimately leading to improved patient care.

Furthermore, the paper has championed the adoption of performance management systems modeled after the pharmaceutical industry. These systems, with their emphasis on quantifiable measures linked to innovation, cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and high performance within healthcare institutions. By directly connecting individual contributions to broader organizational goals, these frameworks foster a sense of shared purpose and drive overall efficiency.

Finally, the paper has emphasized the importance of pharmaceutical-grade compliance within healthcare settings. Implementing proactive training programs for all staff levels ensures a workforce not only compliant with regulations but also deeply invested in upholding the highest ethical and quality standards. This proactive approach minimizes risk and acts as a catalyst for enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

In conclusion, this research suggests that the healthcare sector stands to gain considerably by adopting strategic HRM practices honed within the pharmaceutical industry. By integrating these approaches, healthcare institutions can create a more efficient, compliant, and patient-centric environment, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and a more robust healthcare system. This cross-sector learning fosters a culture of innovation and excellence, ensuring the healthcare industry remains at the forefront of delivering high-quality patient care.