#visage. ( marina )

[hidden-storybrooke]

@secrets-in-hospital

Emma talking to Regina while sitting like *that* -> season 5 deleted scene

[ruinedsoulsrp]

[mariocki]

Il terzo occhio (The Third Eye, 1966)

"I'll stay. Under one condition."

"Yes, yes."

"I want to be your wife."

"My wife?"

"You're sick, Mino, and you know it. You also know that you'll never get better. It's pointless deceiving yourself. You'll always be looking for new victims. Only a woman who shares everything with you can understand you and help you. I'll be an understanding wife, for better and - above all - for worse."

[hidden-storybrooke]

@secrets-in-hospital

A Tale of Two Sisters || s. 4 ep. 1

[miss-tc-nova]

With Reckless Choices - Leona Kingscholar x Reader Pt 9

This is one of the first chapters I completed and I am in love with it. I will always think of this scene when I hear this song now. Always.

Premise: He must be convinced. No matter what.

Words: 1,950

Music Inspiration: Baby - Clean Bandit (Feaet Marina & Luis Fonzi)

~~~Convince Him~~~

               Heart crushed and bleeding, I wait behind double doors. Designated members of the wedding party take their turns walking the aisle, marching along to the music. When the song dies out, notes of an organ take the air in its place. With a deep breath, I lift my chin, forcing a soft smile to my lips.

               Swinging wide, the doors subject me to the hall filled to the brim with people. Crossing the threshold, I begin my advance towards the men waiting at the other end. Vines of briar in full bloom wrap the room, adorn tables, and line the aisle while white petals dance the air among floating lights. I should’ve expected a wedding no less beautiful from the Draconias.

               Nearly halfway along the white aisle, I spot him. His feline eyes are so keenly focused on me, that gaze threatening to tear open my composure. Before I can break, however, I return my gaze to my fiancé in the hopes that his visage will pull me through this hell.

               As our officiant, Lilia, speaks, my thoughts begin to wander. Perhaps I could just walk out. Surely no one could blame me for not wanting to marry a man I’m not in love with. Who am I kidding. Of course they would. And the hazing of the world when they find out my dirty secret would torch not only my life. I simply cannot subject him to that.

               No matter how much I might wish things to be different.

               He speaks to my fiancé first. “Do you take this person to be your partner, to live together in marriage? For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and—forsaking all others—be faithful for as long as you both shall live?”

               I look my groom in the eyes, seeing his ruthlessness.

               “I do.”

               The shorter fae turns to me. “Do you take this person to be your partner, to live together in marriage? For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and—forsaking all others—be faithful for as long as you both shall live?”

               It feels as if I’m being flogged by these vows.

               Again, I see my savanna prince in the audience. There’s a spark in his eyes, the room waiting on baited breath for my answer. But I know what happens if I speak my heart.

               So I don’t.

               “I do.”

               I return the smile, mine just as genuine as his. Even as the ring slides onto my finger, it feels like a shackle.

               “Then by the powers vested in me by the Draconia family and the Kingdom of Briar Valley, I now pronounce you married. You may seal your promise with a kiss.”

               Chilled fingers glide across my cheek, brushing away a tear I hadn’t even realized escaped. That hand then sneaks into my hair, pulling me in for our first kiss—his fist clenching so hard it stings. The depth of the kiss sits on the edge of drowning me, his demand of my fealty absolute in the way his mouth moves against mine.

               When it breaks—when I’m nearly left in tears—his whisper ghosts my lips.

               “Well chosen.”

               Through my tears, I turn with him to face the audience. Thankfully, it only seems to add to my smile, leaving the audience unaware of my sentence. The glance I can’t restrain reveals a stony face, ears straining to remain straight and a clenched jaw. That kiss crushed his heart. Pain draws another tear, my hand gracefully brushing it away as I continue to smile.  

               The ceremony continues, every guest rising to congratulate the happy couple—with one exception. My husband and I share a glass of champagne and sign the marriage certificate. We’re whisked away to take photos while the hall is prepared for the reception. Toasts speak of our hopeful happiness and prosperity for the future, yet I can’t help noting none comment on the state of our relationship before this moment.

               Our first dance goes as perfectly rehearsed, yet as the song ends, a hand taps my husband’s shoulder. I’m mortified to see Leona and even more so when, rather than addressing my husband, he looks straight at me.

               “May I have this next dance?” Though his words are perfectly proper, they fall somewhat bluntly.

               My eyes rise to the fae’s face. There’s barely restrained fury. I can hardly keep from recoiling when he looks down at me—a warning glowing in his eyes as he nods.

               Fear coursing through my blood, I extend a hand to the lion.

               “Of course.”

               The dragon bows his head and steps away to give us space.

               This is where I belong, I can feel it. Warm hands, though rough in texture, hold me with a covetous reverence. Desire beyond measure rolls off him as if none other exists between us. Even so, the first few movements are incredibly tense until my dance partner finally speaks.

               “You look stunning,” he hums, obviously disturbed. “If only it weren’t for the sake of that damn lizard.”

               “Hush, Leona,” I warn lowly.

               He twirls me beneath his arm. “You know I mean every word.”

               “I know you do just…stop. Please.”

               Brows furrow as he pulls me back in.

               Like the coward I am, I can’t do it right now. “Just…dance with me.”

               With a roll of his eyes, my lion complies.

               This feels perfect: his hands on me, the ease of our movements, the intimate atmosphere floating between us. He looks gorgeous all dressed up and I want so badly to kiss him right now, but I know better. At least in the end, I got to have this moment with him. If only it could have lasted.

               With the end of the song, he keeps a hold of my hand, bowing to me. Then his head lifts, those eyes searching for my next move. Behind him, I can see an expectant expression.              

               “Meet me on the balcony overlooking the gardens on the third floor,” I murmur for only his ears. “Twenty minutes.”

               An ear flickers but Leona releases my hand and we part ways. No others approach me with requests to dance, so I take my leave of the dancefloor, heading straight for my new spouse.

               With a slight tilt of his head, he says, “I distinctly noted that there was no conversation.”

               “I…I’d rather do it in private.” Which is entirely true. “But I promise you, it will be done before the night ends.”

               “Good.”

               Minutes roll by, each one taking a little bit of my soul. When I notice Leona slip out of the wedding hall, I take my partner’s sleeve.

               “I’ll be back.”

               His eyes scan the room. “You have ten minutes.”

               Thankfully, I take my exit without drawing much attention, any dismissed with jokes about needing a restroom. That chattering of the reception hall falls away as I ascend the first flight of stairs, making way for the pounding in my chest. I hadn’t even considered what I would say but my thoughts are fumbling to come up with anything as the panic begins to rise.

               I’m going to lose him. The one person that actually gave me their attention and love I now have to cut off. All the happiness I’ve come to build with Leona is about to come to an end, to give way to the rest of my life as the lonely consort. Though this feels like preparing to tear my own heart out, one thing keeps my feet moving forward.

               “’Bout time you made it.”

               A cool breeze brushes my face. Across the way is Leona, leaning against the banister.

               Where normally a witty remark would be, my mouth instead clamps shut. It’s no surprise that he catches on.

               “What’s wrong?”

               Steps come just short of reaching him. Still, I choke down my words along with my sorrow.

               “Hey, let’s get outta here. I—”

               As Leona steps forward, I back up. This is it.

               The voice eeks past my lips. “We won’t be seeing each other anymore.”

               His ears flicker back but quickly straighten. “Very funny.” From inside his jacket, he pulls the marriage certificate signed not long ago. “You think this stupid piece of paper changes anything?”

               To my horror, the page dissolves into sand that blows away in the wind. Explaining that later will not be fun.

                He dusts his hands. “There. We could just—”

               “No.” The first tears break through. “We’re done.”

               Eyes scan over me, looking for the joke—waiting for me to take my words back. When none is found, those ears stay flat this time. I never could’ve been prepared for his devastated expression.

               “You can’t be serious.”

               “It’s over.” Hands raise, I put more space between us. “Let’s just…forget this ever happened. Please.”

               As I turn to hide my anguish, he snags my arm. “So what? You marry that fucking lizard and suddenly I’m the dirt beneath your shoes? You were supposed to choose me!”

               “I didn’t—”

               “You got what fun you could outta me and now you chose to be the model spouse? I’m just the plaything you got to use until it was time to step up to the throne?”

               “Leona, please—”

       ��       “No! You were supposed to be the toy in this relationship! You were supposed to be the one thing I had over him! But you—” His grip tightens and so does the vice in his voice. “You made me actually fucking care about you! You made me think that maybe someone actually cared about me! You made me look forward to things! To a future! With you! And you think I can just forget all that?!”

               Knees tremble, the heartbreak nearly real. So he was just as helpless as I was.

               Lightning turns night to day for the briefest moment, a roaring boom rolling over the land. Those glaring green eyes from inside the castle pierce my chest like arrows. Time’s not up yet, but it’s about to be.

               I have an audience to convince.

               A deep breath stuffs down the grief. Anger borne from this situation, my life, myself, finds its way on my face as a mask. Facing the lion, I jerk out of his grasp.

               “Yes! I do! Because I’m married now and you said so yourself—this was just a stupid game! Is that what you wanted to hear?!”

               It’s his turn to retreat as I rant.

               “You thought you were the only one who gets to play with people’s hearts?! You thought you could get involved with me and not get burned?! Are you stupid?!”

               “Yeah, that’s how it started but—”

               “But what?! You’re a sore loser now that I’m the one dumping you?! Is that your problem?!” I hate myself so much right now.

               My name falls from his mouth.

               “Did you honestly think I would choose you?! That I would actually risk my life for a lazy, petty piece of shit like you?! Face it! You never stood a chance! The Draconias never lose! And this little farce is over! So stay away from me!”

               Oh Seven, he looks as if I actually put a knife in his chest. While I’m dying to take it all back, I need him to believe me. For his own sake, I need him to walk away.

               “Didn’t you hear me?! It’s over! Get out!”

               Jaw clenched, ears plastered against his skull, wounded, Leona averts his gaze and walks past me.

               It takes everything in me not to chase after him. Instead, my legs finally give as the dam of tears breaks.

               There goes my only happiness.

~~~~~

Part 10

Nova’s Twisted Wonderland Masterlist

[amethysts-tavern]

Airports, am I right? Great places to write. Here’s a short one. Fairly autobiographical as I’m returning from a short trip to see my long distance boyfriend. I hope you enjoy.

No more goodbyes

Your bags are packed and at your feet. Your cloak folded over your arm. “Is it time already?” Gale asks quietly. The normally boisterous wizard tends to get sullen toward the end of your visits.

“I’m afraid so,” you reply. You’d been traveling back and forth between your home in Baldur’s Gate and Gale’s tower in Waterdeep for about 6 months now.

He grabs his cloak from the peg by the door and ushers you out. He always walks you to the marina where you catch the boat back to Baldur’s Gate. The walk is short, but every step you take feels like a mile.

“I’ll be back in two weeks,” you say as you take his hand.

“I know,” he replies.

“I hope Tara doesn’t mind that I didn’t say goodbye to her before we left.”

“She’ll be fine,” the Wizard dismisses your concern.

“What about you? Will you be fine while I’m away?” you stop and face Gale.

“It gets harder every time,” he replies. “I don’t like the days you’re not here with me.”

“I don’t either,” you say, looking at your feet. While you know exactly where you want to be, you have made a commitment to the people of Baldur’s Gate to return it to a stable city. “You know, as soon as Wyll is ready to take leadership of the city, I’ll be here with you permanently.” You pause for a quick calculation. “By my estimates, 5 or 6 weeks max. I’ll be here for the holidays. And then there will be no more goodbyes.”

That makes Gale’s melancholy visage brighten a bit. “I can not wait for that day to arrive, my beautiful wife.”

“Wife?!” the term hits you in the face. There had been no proposal, no engagement, no ceremony.

“I know it’s not official, but that’s how I see you - as my wife. I hope that you can see me as your husband,” Gale flusters a bit.

You turn the thought over in your brain for a moment and realize that he’s right. You do think of Gale as your husband, official or not, and you want nothing more than to be with him for the rest of your life.

“Of course, husband. You have my entire heart,” you smile at Gale and take his hand again as you complete your walk to your boat.

[hellish-npts]

The Vast [TMA] ID Pack

Pt: The Vast [TMA] ID Pack /end pt

Names: 618, Aether, Aethra, Alto, Araceli, Azura, Cielo, Cirrus, Erebus, Fairchild, Fallen, Farchild, Hare, Harriet, Jane, Kilbride, Lucifer, Marina, Michael, Michelle, Mike, Nimbus, Nyx, Ocean, Oceanus, Phoenix, Poseidon, Raiden, Sash, Sick, Sicks, Simon, Stratus, Thor, Ton, Vast, Vertigo, Virgil, Void

Pronouns: air/airs, cloud/clouds, drift/drifts, fall/fallen, fall/falls, fallen/fallens, float/floats, fly/flys, horizon/horizons, h☆/h☆m, infinite/infinites, lightning/lightnings, ocean/oceans, open/opens, oxygen/oxygens, ozone/ozones, sh☆/h☆r, sky/line, sky/skys, skyline/skylines, space/spaces, strike/strikes, thunder/thunders, th☆t/th☆ts, th☆y/th☆m, uni/universe, universe/universes, vast/vasts, void/voids, v☆st/v☆sts, ☀️/☀️s, ☁️/☁️s, ☄️/☄️s, ☔/☔s, ⚡/⚡s, ⛈️/⛈️s, 🌀/🌀s, 🌊/🌊s, 🌌/🌌s, 🌧️/🌧️s, 🌩️/🌩️s, 🌪️/🌪️s, 🪐/🪐s

Titles: avatar of the Vast, prn who controls thunder / lightning / the sky / ocean / space, prn who fell / is falling, prn who is cursed / blessed by the Vast, prn who is trapped in the sky / clouds, prn who lives in space / the ocean / the sky, prn who owns / read the [ strange ] book of astronomy, prn who owns / read the ex altiora, prn who preformed the awful deep, prn who reeks / smells of ozone, prn with vertigo, the awful deep, the boundless / crushed wanderer, the eternally falling, the falling giant, the one who floats aimlessly, the visage of infinity, the void

Genders: Flagmavast, Sillyvast, Tma0181408sweetartsgender, Ashsweetvastgender, Archivast, Requevast, Coinvast, Vastbait, Tmavasthunter, Altaren, Keraunoinsigic, Vastdemon, Belivast, Fairchildbait, Vastcat, Vastgoat, Disseaic, Vastsnowpard, Vastbitch, Vastfreak, Vastloser, Vastweirdo, Falling System

Other ids: Infinitesensus, Vastipsese, Avatar of the Vast, Avatar of the Vast Occuden, Dissovastava, Vast 4 Vast, Stellaltoir

Text in bold is: Name, Pronouns, Titles, Genders, and Other ids respectively

All term names are links

Tagging @id-pack-archive and @radiomogai

[fixated-on-something]

heres another (hopefully daily) magicians question!! this one isn't really a question but uh just go with it-

assign a song to each of the magicians main characters, like a song that fits them and could be their 'theme song' of sorts

Oooooo shit… ok

I’m gonna have to do multiple for some of these cause it’s just impossible for me to capture my feelings about these characters in one song

So some of these are gonna be songs from the actual show because the association is very strong but some of them will just be vibes or lyrics

Quentin: Falling Apart by Slow Pulp, Kaleidoscope by Chappell Roan, Postdoc Blues by John K Samson, Someone New by Hozier

Eliot: Chinese Satellite by Phoebe Bridgers, Can’t Cool Me Down by Car Seat Headrest, Time To Pretend by MGMT, Phone In A Pool by Ben Folds

Alice: Philosophy by Ben Folds Five, Perpetuum Mobile by Penguin Café Orchestra, ballad of a homeschooled girl by Olivia Rodrigo

Julia: Are You Satisfied? By MARINA, The Suburbs by Arcade Fire

Margo: Beautiful Dreamer by Stephen Foster, Man’s World by MARINA, Bad Reputation by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Penny: Ghosting by Mother Mother, Pleasure Delayer by BETWEEN FRIENDS, Run Boy Run- Instrumental by Woodkid

Kady: Lovesick in Public by Zoe Ko, Blame Brett by The Beaches, Song 2 by Blur

Josh: You Make My Dreams (Come True) by Daryl Hall & John Oates, Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder

That’s not even half of it and I’m blanking for some of this- I’m sure I’ll have additions later

I could literally make a whole playlist for most of these guys

And remember before you say “that song doesn’t thematically fit that character” some of these just musically sound like that character to me, the lyrics have nothing to do with it

Plus some of these characters have songs to me that represent their pairings with others? Like of course Quentin and Eliot will always be Evolve by Phoria to me, Either Quentin and Alice or Quentin and Julia’s dynamic reads as Thérese by Maya Hawke imo, Julia and Quentin’s dynamic early on to me is Cheetah by Deux Visages, Eliot and Margo are a BUNCH of things including $20 by boygenius, Penny and Kady are kinda OMG by Suki Waterhouse but more in a musical sense not in a lyrical sense IDK MAN THERES SO MUCH AHHHH

[transparentgentlemenmarker]

Marina Amiral est une artiste de photographie numérique qui, depuis quelques années, s'attache à donner de la couleur à de célèbres photos en noir et blanc, une technique qui semble faire revivre le passé, lui donner une nouvelle vitalité et transmettre un sentiment de proximité renouvelée entre le sujet et l'observateur. L'une des photographies qui l'a le plus frappée, parmi celles qu'elle a retouchées, est certainement celle de Czeslawa Kwoka, une jeune Polonaise de quatorze ans, qui a fini ses jours à Auschwitz en 1943.

Czeslawa Kwoka a été déportée avec sa mère Katarzyna en décembre 1942 : la femme est morte le 18 février 1943, la jeune Czeslawa le 12 mars.

"Donner de la couleur aux photos de Czeslawa a été très difficile... Regarder son visage pendant si longtemps en sachant ce qui lui est arrivé a été douloureux."

Marina Amaral "Avec mon travail, je voulais donner à Czeslawa l'occasion de revenir en arrière et de "raconter" son histoire".

"Parce que donner de la couleur à une photo en noir et blanc, c'est faciliter notre sens de l'identification. Cela signifie rendre plus réels les signes de la maltraitance que ces personnes portaient sur leur visage. L'homme qui a pris les photographies originales, Wilhelm Brasse, était lui-même prisonnier d'Auschwitz. C'est lui qui a raconté les circonstances dans lesquelles les photos de Czeslawa ont été prises : la jeune fille ne comprenait naturellement pas l'allemand et elle a donc été battue par une femme chargée de garder les prisonniers. Czeslawa était l'un des quelque 230 000 mineurs déportés vers le camp de concentration d'Auschwitz.

On voit ici le portrait d'un orphelin de guerre à Londres 1945

Enfants devant un char allemand

Migrant Mother, la plus célèbre prise de vue de la photographe Dorothea Lange, avec Florence Owens Thompson et ses filles Ruby et Norma

Les médecins du 5ème et 6ème commando amphibie des USA.

[la-isla-blanca]

bonjour à tous ♥

toute la team, @erinye-stuff, nox et @romystigri est ravie de vous présenter la dixième version de la isla blanca aux couleurs printanières.

l'intrigue du mois; peu à peu, le printemps semble montrer tout son potentiel et le soleil se lève sur les ombres d'ibiza. pour palier à ces dernières semaines amplis d'angoisse et de craintes, la maire a donc décidé d'organiser un mois de mai très spécial pour rallier les foules et remettre quelques sourires sur les visages des habitants. la peur est désormais derrière les eivissiens qui se hâtent de découvrir les prochains événements. un grand pique-nique sera organisé très prochainement à figueretes et la fête foraine fait son retour à la marina pour le plus grand bonheur des petits et des grands tout au long du mois. pour ce mois si spécial, toutes les rues de l'île sont décorées aux couleurs du printemps, les fleurs ornent les places et la bonne humeur envahie ibiza toute entière.

– sur lib, nous cherchons à intégrer toutes sortes de personnages, toujours avec bienveillance. entre ombre et lumière, vous avez possibilité d'incarner une large palette de personnages, du plus sombre au plus doux. ✨

aucun minimum de ligne exigé sur le forum – un rp par mois. n’hésitez pas à nous rejoindre. 🌸🐚

lien du forum : https://laislablanca.forumactif.com/ discord du forum : https://discord.gg/TWnNCehXJG

[qnewsau]

Drag Race stars rally to support Tia Kofi after hateful abuse

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/drag-race-stars-rally-to-support-tia-kofi-after-hateful-abuse/

Drag Race stars rally to support Tia Kofi after hateful abuse

Tia Kofi’s drag sisters have rallied to support the Drag Race UK vs the World winner after she copped vile abuse following the finale.

UK queen Tia won RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World season two over the weekend.

The finale was a real nail-biter, with Tia and Aussie Hannah Conda ending up in the final lip sync together.

The pair earlier beat La Grande Dame and Marina Summers in the series of lip sync eliminations.

But online in the Drag Race fandom, things took a dark turn after the result was announced.

The usual “my pick was robbed” discourse escalated into some very nasty – and racist – abuse against Tia.

Tia herself responded to one post on Twitter X that was so disgusting the account holder was suspended for it.

“Let’s not. For real though, let’s absolutely not do this. At all. Ever again,” Tia wrote.

“Drag is meant to fun, enjoyable and entertaining. Do not behave like this.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race queens call out the hate

Finalist Marina Summers, from the Philippines, also rallied her fans to support Tia.

“I am so proud of each of my sisters for putting out an amazing season for everyone to enjoy,” Marina wrote on X.

“I would appreciate if everyone show the same amount of love and respect I have for these amazing queens.

“@TiaKofi is an amazing person with the kindest heart who doesn’t deserve any form of hate. And that goes to ALL of my UKVTW 2 Sisters.

“This should be a time to celebrate. This is drag. We should ENJOY it!”

Season two sisters Scarlet Envy, Arantxa Congenial-La Mancha and Choriza May also hit out at the “disgraceful” comments in fiery posts.

Hello loves! It’s been a wild 24 or so hours since the Finale of @dragraceukbbc I am so proud of each of my sisters for putting out an amazing season for everyone to enjoy. And I would appreciate if everyone show the same amount of love and respect I have for these amazing queens… pic.twitter.com/LNi6Bjnu7I

— Marina Summers (@marinaxsummers) March 31, 2024

Couldn’t fit all this into one tweet. Please be kind!!! Sending love to our new QUEEN of the MotherTucking World @TiaKofi ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/MlbBIR4bNO

— Scarlet Envy (@ScarletEnvyNYC) April 1, 2024

I don’t care if ur a fan. If I see one nasty disgusting racist comment you will be dealt with, baby. 🫶 this Miss Congeniality comes with extra trans violence and will defend her friends no matter what.

— Arantxa Congenial-La Mancha (@arantxaclm) April 1, 2024

If u are sharing hate because of last night’s result, u have no space in the world of love & fun we’ve created through Drag. Some comments we’ve seen are DISGRACEFUL, u should be ashamed. Have a favourite & send them ❤️ without bringing other’s spirit down. Karma will get u.

— Choriza May (@chorizamay) March 30, 2024

Tia Kofi reacts to Drag Race win

After the Drag Race UK vs the World win, Tia said, “It means the world to me to win, it’s the perfect culmination of years of dedicating myself to drag and working hard at myself inside and outside.

“The one thing that watching the show taught me about myself was that even in hard times, I can still put a brave face on it.

“Aside from that, I feel like being the first winner of colour in the UK is game-changing. To give people who look like me that representation, it’s really special, and something that I take extremely seriously.

“I want to be that beacon that shows we can all, no matter where we come from or what we look like, achieve our dreams.”

Lots more on Drag Race:

Watch Hannah Conda and Tia Kofi’s live reaction to UK vs the World crowning

Michelle Visage is the new host of Drag Race Down Under

Ru-vealed: Ten queens on Drag Race Down Under season 4

Down Under star tipped to return for new Global All Stars

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[oceansrevenge]

TIMING: Current PARTIES: @eldritchaccident & @oceansrevenge SUMMARY: Coming across Teds destroying a ship, Marina mistakes them for their father. A tense interaction ensues. CONTENT: Mentions of child death

After so many years locked away in an artificial recreation of the ocean, Marina found it hard to pull herself away from the waters for long. There were things that needed to be attended to on land, yes, but every fiber of her being craved the sway of the waves, the feeling of life encompassing her. The waters here felt her rage and welcomed her as their protector. She dove into the feeling of chaos that passed through every current in this area. She loved the thrum of it going through her, there was simply never a dull day in the waters of Wicked’s Rest, yet they still offered her peace. Given, she found contentment in the violence the ocean possessed, but there were little hidden alcoves all her own, too. 

Marina dived deeper into the ocean, spinning as she swam around a small octopus. Delighted in the way the gesture seemed to be returned, the sense of whimsy it gave her, but then she felt it. From her depth, the change in the current was slight, but for her to feel it all, that meant something big was happening above. Whatever it was, she was not about to miss it. “You stay safe, mikros,” she murmured to the octopus before swimming away at a full speed. 

As she neared the source of the change, Marina felt a growing feel of warmth. Leviathan. Its form looked a bit different this time. The dark scales were familiar, but they had a different hue to them. More of a purple than the seafoam accents it had before. What were the odds there could be two such beautiful creatures in the same waters? Was it Leviathan or kin of it? She swam closer, happy to help speed up its destruction of the human vessel it was currently terrorizing. There were strange crystals on it that reminded her of the ones she’d seen in the fissures around town. Had something happened to it? Had the humans' careless disregard for the earth somehow harmed this beautiful being?

“Leviathan,” her voice questioned, deep and reverberating in the currents around them, “Is that you?” The feel of thrashing overhead caused her to instinctively dart a tentacle upwards to grab the struggling human. They kicked and clawed at her grip, but she cared little. Her focus remained on the demon.

—

Nighttime came and went like a hazy memory. Each and every one the same. The sun sank below the horizon, and deep deep below the leviathan’s ward somehow knew. Something in Teddy’s body rose, ripped through the skin carefully reconstructed each night and slipped into that more monstrous visage. Nor baring the monstrosity moniker a bit more literally. Attacking with abandon, no clever plots, no meaning behind the senseless destruction left in their wake. 

Occasionally they would drag some poor soul down to the mines. Sometimes they’d be alive. Sometimes they wouldn’t be. Thankfully, the demon came back to their senses long before ever piling corpses around the kids that acted like the place was a clubhouse. It made sense with Nora. She was afflicted too, but Cass? Aside from a lovely little encounter where the girl professed how much she loved Big Finn, Ted didn’t know much about her. Enough to know she probably wouldn’t like fresh meat in the same way a little demonling might. Probably. You never really know, right? Stranger things had happened over and over again in Wicked’s Rest. 

While the demon slumbered, the beast lumbered. Their body, its mind. And that night it was on the prowl for blood, rather than new companions for the mine. The ship was large, but no match for claws that rendered hardened steel as soft as paper. It wasn’t long before it began to sink, and the feast aboard became a panicked mess. Gills flashed and fluttered under the waves as something else drew near. As a voice called out beneath the depths. Uttering their father’s name. One of many.

“Who calls for the Leviathan?” 

—

While it had the same destructive tendencies and looked similar to the Leviathan, something didn’t seem quite right. Even when Leviathan had shifted from one large form into something even more massive, its glowing accents had remained the same beautiful shade of seafoam. Marina wondered if it had something to do with crystals that seemed to be stuck to its body. They looked… painful and not in a way that could be considered pleasurable. The voice that reached her soon answered her questions. It was not Leviathan, she would remember its voice anywhere. The way it had thrummed through her, it was more a feeling, but she would know its voice anywhere all the same. This was not Leviathan, but it knew Leviathan. 

“I am Marina,” she answered the creature, who she suspected bore some relation to the demon she had grown fond of, “You are not Leviathan, but you look… similar.” Who was this? After their more violent endeavors, it was not as if there had been much in the way of talking.  The resemblance was far too uncanny for her to not assume some sort of relation and its tone seemed knowing. 

There was thrashing in the water from some of the overthrown humans, but they were of little concern to Marina at the moment. If this creature let her join it, she would gladly pull a few under the surface. She always did love the feel of them fighting to break free from her grasp. Her focus remained on the creature behind the wreckage. “I am a friend of it. A new friend,” she recalled their meeting fondly, “We enjoyed quite similar recreational activities together.” She gestured towards the pieces of ship floating in the water. 

—

Many eyes rolled about until they focuesed entirely on the cephaline creature before it. Teddy’s mind was not entirely their own right then. A bit more animalistic than the usual candor the sea beast took upon. They’d been doing this since they were just out of adolescence. Just not the same way. Normally  (save for a few life saving moments) it was Ted’s choice to change. However ill advised it might be, considering the weight it put on their joints when they returned to ‘normal’. This was not. 

This was torn flesh, viscera coating the cave floor. This was dreamlike delusions driving destructive direction. A dragon of sea and crystal. Somewhat suspiciously it eyed the octopus. Settling slightly as she went on to describe the way she knew its father. Something of a toothy grin spread across its maw. The crystalline coated tendrils that stuck out from Teddy’s face flexed. Frilled outward and rippled in the water around them. 

“Any friend of my father is a friend of mine.” Ted’s voice was pushed outward, into Marina’s mind rather than through the liquid between them. In the same way Leviathan communicated, the way they’d learned over the years. Distracted, however. Sounding just a bit far away, like this conversation was not the forefront of its mind. Unfortunately. 

Had they been present, Teddy would have loved this. Would have been swimming circles around this bathypelagic queen. Would’ve soaked up every inch of her, and been just flowing with compliments. For now, they were cautious. 

“Care to join me for dinner then?” 

—

Father. Was it her surprise or had its words really sounded distant while inside her own mind? Admittedly, there had not been much in the way of conversation during their first meeting. Marina of course wanted to learn more about the demon, but their chance meeting had been far too wonderful to sully with topics that could add an air of sadness to the day. Because surely a mention of its child would lead to sharing that she had been a mother and there would be strain in her voice in the use of those words in the past tense. She hadn’t been a mother for decades and no longer being one would never not ache. The love she possessed for her daughter never diminished just because Eula was no longer there to receive it. That protective instinct didn’t just fade. It was alive and well now as she examined the crystals protruding from it. This was Leviathan’s kin and the connection she shared with its father had been so instantaneous, so natural, that concern for the safety of the demon’s child was just as instinctive. 

“A new friend,” Marina answered thickly, “But a good one. It had a similar meal when we met. Enjoyed how the propellers tickled its maw.” Something in the creature seemed guarded in a way that Leviathan hadn’t, which only furthered her sense that something with these crystals was not right. Even if her intentions had been ill, Leviathan and its child both could easily dispose of her. Not even her pull on the water could counteract their massive size. “What are you called,” she asked. 

While humans were not a meal for her as much as they were play things, Marina would join for its meal. The iron in their blood made them painful to digest, but drowning them was always great fun as was watching their vessels sink. That didn’t take away the sense of unease she felt. There was much she could protect in the sea, but these crystals seemed too large a problem to simply drag to the ocean floor. “I would love to join you,” she told it, “But…” 

She trailed off and refrained from reaching out to touch the young demon. “Are you alright? These rocks, they look painful.”

—

The sea beast’s head tilted. Its gills flushed and flattened as it eyed the octopus. Watched it partake in the destruction, listened to her honeyed words. It wrestled with a decision, to trust or to take? She’d be a lovely addition, the crystal chorus sang. Just get her close enough to the mines. Get her to touch the crystals. Join. She should join them. The obsession wasn’t as strong in Teddy as it might have been in Nora, but it was still there. Growing stronger each night. Each shift. A small part of the demon’s mind may have known this was an outside influence. That all of this was wrong somehow but every day down in the mines had soothed these thoughts into smooth fabric running over their eyes. Blinding them to reality. To what was really happening. 

This was the best they had ever felt. 

When the crystal's melodious tune rang throughout their body, the aches went away. Thoughts that should pry and hurt and winnow at the demon’s spirit were a thing of the past. There was only the song. Only the union. It had brought them a small family, and all of them could stay. No one would ever leave. No one would ever have to move again. Teddy wanted to share this joy, wanted to rush around the neired and welcome her home until– Until…

‘Those rocks, they look painful.’ 

In an instant a defensive wall shot up. She wanted to take this away. Wanted to pull the stones from its beautiful carapace and leave it dead on the ocean floor. 

The smaller creature encroached on Teddy’s space, and they should have been enthralled. Should have enjoyed the close contact, reveled in it. Instead its mind reeled. Paranoia tinging every thought with delusions of deception. Ideas flitted through, casting doubt on the word friend. The crystals accusing this Marina of nefarious dealings. Had she hurt Leviathan somehow? Was she lying? Just barely below the surface, the choir thrummed. They sang so much louder in this form. Pulled the creature like a puppet on strings. Easier, perhaps, because it was much more a beast than a person like this. Because they were too wrapped up in a panicked wave that they didn’t stop to think about the fact that fae couldn’t lie. 

“This is just my new form.” Teddy snapped in her mind while a low growl pushed out of its gullet. Jaws clacking shut just inches from Marina’s closest tentacle. It swam back, leaning more on the boat until it sank further. Trying its best to divert attention away from itself. “They have helped, if anything. The crystals. There is no pain here. Not when I am like this.” 

—

The greeting from the Leviathan’s kin had already been lukewarm at best and Marina had clearly said something to insult it. The gems were just a bit curious— a bit concerning. It was evident it was not something she should push as the creature approached her aggressively, its maw stopping just shy of a tentacle. Whereas with Leviathan, she would have found thrill in the move, the show of dominance— she didn’t have the same trust for its kin. Almost immediately, she had the sense its father would do her no harm, but the same could not be said of the child. 

“My apologies, agapité machití, I did not mean any offense,” Marina spoke gently, careful to not push the creature further, “Forgive me, I was a mother. You are the Leviathan’s child. Being protective is somewhat of an instinct. I know you do not need my protection.” A tentacle carefully gestured at its size, “But I hope you can at least tentatively accept my interest in your well-being.” 

Marina didn’t dare move from her place. One wrong move could be a lost appendage or worse. She tried to keep her tentacles close to her body, give herself the illusion of being smaller to assure the creature she was no threat to it. “The gems are beautiful,” she spoke lowly. It wasn’t a lie, but some crucial details were left out. “Almost reminds me of an oread,” she added as soothingly as she could, “I did not mean to imply you were anything but a beautiful creature.” 

—

Something deep inside raged, fighting a losing war against the paranoid mind that had been woven around it. Teddy was still in there but so many layers of abstraction turned worries about letting their father know of their condition turned into malice at the person who could divulge the secret. In Teddy's mind, it was going to get fixed. It had to be fixed. Leviathan did not need to know. Just like it did not need to know about the pains and aches that plagued the young demon. In Ted's mind it was a weakness that would eventually be purged. They just had to slog through the present until the skies cleared up. 

Same with this mess. 

Emilio was working on it. The man might have the world's most piss poor self image but Teddy had seen. He was a damn good detective. And he clearly cared a LOT for Nora. He'd do anything to fix her, they could tell. Teds was just a bonus. 

All of this, however, twisted like the demon's skin. Wrapped up in delusions and obsessions. The sea beast grumbled. Seeing the octopus' words for an attempt at self preservation. Not actual care. "This is boring me. I do not need this care. You are right about that." Any other day Teddy would have preened like a vain little bird at the compliments. "They are and I am." It responded, coldly. 

Every instinct provided by the crystals simply bid the creature to end it. That nothing could possibly get back to the Leviathan if this nymph had no mouth to speak with. Only a fighting spark kept the beast from attacking. A glimmer of their true personality, one that hated the idea of violence against one so beautiful as Marina. One that truly meant that any friend of their dad's was welcome around them. They'd be embarrassed about all this later, surely. But there had to be a later for that to happen. 

The creature growled, eyed her closely and ignored the impulse to rend flesh apart. Instead of snapping again it simply adjusted its trajectory. Acting as if it were to get a better angle on the boat. Instead it waited until it was out of sight, then dashed downward. Crafting a torrent of bubbles and viscera as it fled. Dragging down bodies and broken parts of the ship alongside the massive frame. Hoping it was enough to deter her. Hoping it was enough to get away. 

[jules-and-company]

bon les gars. l'autre jour j'ai vu Phèdre de Racine, mise en scène Patrice Chéreau, et je suis IN LOVE pour plein de raisons. tout de suite un liveblog (je sais que ça vous avait manqué)

j’aime bien les costumes, certains très ouverts (comme celui d’Hippolyte) pour laisser voir l’acteur respirer, ou juste mettre les corps en valeur

dominique blanc est MAGNIFIQUE

d’habitude je suis pas fan du jeu d’éric ruf, il continue à avoir des intonations que je trouve pas naturelles, mais y’a des moments de grâce

la toute jeune marina hands (récemment nommée sociétaire à l’heure où j’écris, encore bravo à elle) est juste incroyable en aricie

premier contact avec michel duchaussoy en théramène, bonne surprise honestly

oenone aussi est très très bien campée par christiane cohendy

on m’avait dit (@aramielles) que patrice chéreau était un génie, je suis d’accord, parce que l’entrée du palais grec est magique, les jeux de lumière pour signifier les changements de scène c’est tellement bien pensé

non vraiment dominique blanc quel TALENT bon dieu

ptn la tension pendant l’aveu de l’amour de phèdre à hippolyte. le fait d’avoir ramené le gamin de phèdre pour donner une présence pure et innocente qui est témoin des affres de douleur de sa mère. le jeu de dominique blanc. elle qui découvre littéralement son sein quand elle lui demande de la tuer et qu’il appuie son épée contre sa peau. god DAMN

(et là je prie bien fort que tumblr ne me ban pas)

STOOOOP LE CÂLIN ENTRE THÉSÉE ET HIPPOLYTE QUAND ILS SE RETROUVENT ET PLUS JAMAIS ÇA N'ARRIVERA

OUGH la violence de thésée envers hippolyte 

une fois de plus le talent de dominique blanc bordel de merde

wow ok foutre le corps sanglant d’hippolyte sur scène, ok

j’aime pas le jeu de pascal greggory

LES MAINS SANGLANTES D’ARICIE OKAY JESUS CHRIST 

putain mais même la musique est on point

NOOON THÉSÉE QUI SE COUVRE DU SANG D’HIPPOLYTE STOOOP

et la petite image de chéreau qui regarde ses acteurs saluer avec un grand sourire fier et attendri sur le visage ils veulent donc ma mort

[leblogdemarinaetjm]

SAMEDI 3 JUIN 2023 (Billet 1 / 3)

« L’AMOUR ET LES FORETS » (1h 45min)

Un film de Valérie Donzelli, avec Virginie Efira, Melvil Poupaud, Dominique Reymond…

On a souvent eu l’occasion d’écrire sur le Blog cette phrase : « Les goûts et les couleurs… ». A l’issue de la projection de ce film que nous sommes allés voir tous les deux mardi dernier, elle s’est avérée encore une fois très juste.

Marina ne l’a pas aimé, elle l’a trouvé trop long et s’y est ennuyée. JM, au contraire, l’a beaucoup apprécié. Marina s’est identifiée au rôle tenu par Virginie Efira et, elle, se serait séparée au plus vite de cet homme (incarné par Melvil Poupaud). JM, connaissait mal les effets de l’« emprise » qu’un homme pouvait exercer sur une femme. Il a trouvé le mécanisme très bien décrit dans ce film. Alors que vous dire ? Que pouvons-nous vous conseiller ?

Nous vous laissons trouver de mauvaises critiques du film sur Google, quant aux bonnes, JM en a trouvé une… peut-être un peu plus consensuelle entre nous deux, car plutôt axée sur les comédiens.

Marina a donné ❤️❤️,5 cœurs sur 5 au film et JM, ❤️❤️❤️,8.

Quelle que soit votre intention d’aller voir ou pas ce film, lisez SVP la critique ci-dessous.

_____________________________

« L'Amour et les forêts » : critique d'un parfait cauchemar amoureux

Virginie Efira et Melvil Poupaud s'aiment à la folie dans « L'Amour et les forêts », adaptation du livre d'Éric Reinhardt réalisée par Valérie Donzelli, et co-écrite avec Audrey Diwan. Ça commence très bien, mais ça finit évidemment très mal, comme dans toute bonne histoire d'amour toxique. Et comme toujours, Virginie Efira est parfaite.

Oui, Virginie Efira est partout, tout le temps. Quand elle n'est pas à l'affiche d'un long-métrage (ou deux), elle est sur les couvertures de magazine, les plateaux télévisés, ou la scène des César (sacrée en 2023, après deux nominations consécutives en 2021 et 2022).

Est-ce que c'est trop ? On a envie de dire : telle n'est pas la question. Virginie Efira a beau être ancrée dans le paysage, elle continue d'accrocher, d'intéresser, d'emporter. On l'a vue rire, pleurer, parler et marcher des dizaines de fois au cinéma en quelques années, mais elle continue à étonner, comme si c'était une redécouverte à chaque fois.

« L'Amour et les forêts » en est la 78e preuve. Même si elle incarne des jumelles, elle est d'abord et surtout Blanche, qui tombe follement amoureuse de Greg. Le conte de fées laisse place à l'enfer. Très vite, c'est la jalousie, la peur, la torture, et la prison. Et dans cet arc-en-ciel qui passe du rose au noir, Virginie Efira touche absolument toutes les justes notes avec une simplicité désarmante, entourée d'une belle distribution (Melvil Poupaud, mais aussi Romane Bohringer, Virginie Ledoyen, Marie Rivière et Dominique Reymond).

Valérie Donzelli et son directeur de la photographie n'ont pas peur de s'approcher des visages ni de jouer avec les couleurs et les textures. En amenant régulièrement un plan ou un effet qui brise la logique, la réalisatrice crée une dimension étrange et poétique.

Raconté sous forme d'un long flashback, le récit utilise intelligemment les ellipses pour recomposer le puzzle infernal avec l'héroïne. En mettant l'accent sur les crises les plus violentes (notamment une scène absolument terrifiante où Greg retourne la situation pour se victimiser) mais aussi les moments lumineux (cette belle escapade dans une forêt), le tempo est habilement tenu du début à la fin. En d'autres termes : on sait très bien où va mener cette histoire, mais elle est si bien racontée, incarnée et filmée, que ça fonctionne étonnamment bien.

À la croisée des chemins, entre « Mon roi » et « Jusqu'à la garde », « L’Amour et les forêts » se termine avec une scène glaçante. Pour continuer, le monde de Blanche doit se refermer. La caméra bascule avec elle pour le point final de cet enfer, et pour raconter l'asphyxie à laquelle le personnage est condamné. C'est à l'image du film : simple, clair et précis.

(Source : « ecranlarge.com »)

[renatoferreiradasilva]

Madame, Chocolat ?

Marina a pris le métro bondé comme d'habitude, traversant Paris d'un bout à l'autre pour arriver à l'école où elle enseignait la géographie. Le balancement du wagon et la fatigue des jours accumulés l'enveloppèrent dans un sommeil profond. Lorsqu'elle ouvrit les yeux, elle était dans la salle de classe, devant ses élèves. Tout semblait normal, sauf l'odeur sucrée du chocolat flottant dans l'air.

Les élèves sourirent et, en chœur, commencèrent à réciter :

Quand nous disons "Brésil", les gens répondent doucement, "Ah, Brésil ?"

Marina fronça les sourcils. Qu'est-ce que c'était ? Elle n'avait jamais répété quoi que ce soit de semblable avec eux. Mais les élèves continuaient, sérieux, déclamant des vers décrivant un Brésil englouti par la pandémie, la corruption et la négligence.

Dire "Brésil", c'est entendre "passe-droit pour le vaccin". Dire "Brésil", c'est entendre "négationnisme et chloroquine"...

Elle cligna des yeux, tentant de comprendre la scène. Le poème se déroulait comme un coup de poing à l'estomac, et les élèves, comme un chœur tragique grec, semblaient se relayer dans la narration d'un deuil national. Pendant qu'ils parlaient, ils lui tendaient de petits chocolats, comme si chaque vers était accompagné d'un rituel funèbre sucré. Marina en prit un, perplexe, et regarda l'emballage doré avant de fixer à nouveau les enfants. Que se passait-il ici ?

Puis vint la fin du poème, sombre et définitive :

Pour que nous puissions dire "Brésil" et entendre en réponse, doucement, "Ah, Brésil", nous devons, nous devons laver nos mains tachées de sang.

Le silence tomba dans la salle. Marina, ne sachant que dire, sentit un nœud dans la gorge. Mais soudainement, quelque chose s'échappa de sa bouche, une vérité absolue jaillissant des profondeurs de son âme :

— Flávio Bolsonaro est un porc fasciste ?

Les élèves écarquillèrent les yeux et, dans un élan collectif, répétèrent en chœur :

— Flávio Bolsonaro est un porc fasciste !

Et tandis qu'ils échangeaient encore plus de chocolats, Marina se sentait de plus en plus perplexe. Pourquoi répétaient-ils cela ? Et pourquoi semblaient-ils si naturels, comme s'ils avaient toujours fait cela ? Était-ce une nouvelle coutume française ? Une tradition secrète des quartiers juifs de Paris ?

Soudain, une élève s'approcha, tenant une boîte de truffes :

— Madame, chocolat ?

Marina cligna des yeux, prit un chocolat et, au moment où elle le déballa, elle entendit le bruit strident du métro freinant. Effrayée, elle se réveilla en sursaut, la tête appuyée contre la vitre du wagon, les yeux écarquillés et le cœur battant la chamade.

Un monsieur assis en face d'elle la regardait, visiblement intrigué.

— Vous allez bien, madame ? — demanda-t-il en fronçant les sourcils.

Marina inspira profondément. Elle toucha son propre visage, tentant de se situer. Le métro était là. L'odeur de chocolat, non. Les élèves, non. Aucun chœur récitant de la poésie sur le Brésil, aucune accusation collective contre le fils de l'ex-président.

Elle esquissa un léger sourire, secoua la tête et murmura pour elle-même :

— Je dois arrêter de dormir dans le métro...

De l'autre côté du wagon, un passager frêle toussa et murmura :

— Flávio Bolsonaro... un porc fasciste ?

Et Marina se couvrit le visage de ses mains, riant toute seule.

[disneymarina]

kitsune Marina

As Marina's transformation reaches its climax, she expands to a colossal size, her shadowy form blotting out the light. Ten gleaming obsidian tails unfurl behind her, each one as thick as a redwood tree trunk. Her maw stretches wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs stained crimson.

"Kitsune no yomeiri!" Inari screams, recognizing the visage of a yokai of immense power. The fox spirit goddess raises her hands, summoning a swirling vortex of flame to counterbalance Marina's darkness.

Amaterasu, still recovering from the initial assault, struggles to her feet. Despite her weakened state, the sun goddess radiates an aura of fierce determination. She summons a blazing pillar of sunlight, aiming it directly at Marina's shadowy bulk.

mother:

As Marina looks up, her eyes fall upon the figure of her mother, Tagitsuhime, standing amidst the assembled gods. The goddess of the moon appears serene and unruffled despite the chaos surrounding her, her silver hair shimmering under the dim light.

Tagitsuhime meets Marina's gaze, her expression softening with a mixture of love and sorrow. She takes a tentative step forward, her hands outstretched in a placating gesture.

"Marina, my child," she says softly, her voice cutting through the din of the battle. "Please, stop this madness. You don't need to fight us anymore."

She glances around at the battered and bruised forms of the other gods, her brow furrowing with concern. "Look what you've already done. Is this really what you want? To destroy your own family?"