#we forgive our brothers what we won't forgive our fathers

[normalbrothers]

peaky blinders (2016 | 2022, tim mielants | anthony byrne)

[prickly-paprikash]

The Bishop in the first Castlevania season is pure evil who believes himself good. He's nearly every crime and hypocrisy of the Catholic Church distilled into one neat, wrinkly, putrid man. He is easy to hate. He is supposed to be despised and we are expected to cheer and rejoice when Blue Fangs chewed on half this man's face.

He uses god to control and manipulate the powers and people that be. While his belief in god may be true, the church and the faith are more tools for him to retain control. It is glaringly obvious that this man is power-hungry.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing at all redeemable about that asshole.

The Abbott is every conservative relative who genuinely loves you, but is a blind idiot holding on to institutions simply because they are "right".

While the Bishop's character is real, most of us won't encounter him. We see him on the news. I'm not even American (been there once for two weeks) but even I've seen his like on news and media. He's a televangelist who consolidates wealth, clout and power through the fanaticism of his followers. He is drunk on the authority he possesses. His belief in god isn't the point; whether or not he holds faith, the man cares solely about power.

The Abbott is someone in our lives we know well. Your conservative mother who refuses to even show a modicum of tolerance towards queer people. Your father who is buying into the religious side of Youtube and Tiktok. Your brother who has grown up to carry terrifying, fascistic beliefs. Your sister who feels lost and found some semblance of acceptance in a church who still believes women are lesser. Your aunt who despises vaccines. Your uncle who tells you that you should've become a priest or a soldier.

The Abbott, deep down, has some redeeming features. But it's not enough to forgive him for his idiocy.

Ask any child who had to grow up with a religious parent, especially a Catholic or an Evangelical. They fucking love the story of Abraham sacrificing his child to God, and finding a ram in its place.

Evangelicals are bent on this tale. They will always preach that god comes before children. That children and their suffering and their needs must always take a backseat to the word of god.

A trans child asking their parents to understand—their words will fall on deaf ears because god and the holy man told them that 'transgenderism' is a vile philosophy that seeks to groom and twist kids. A college freshman debating with their parents about free healthcare and immigration will be stonewalled because the charismatic preacher said that god will provide. god will heal. god did not invite these foreigners into this land.

It is Maria, begging her father to listen and having her pleas fall on deaf ears.

The Abbott is someone I hate more than the Bishop.

Men like the Bishop exist, but they are few and far in-between.

But the Abbott? The Abbott is someone I share a table with at dinner. He's someone I see during family reunions. He's someone who shares misinformation online, and I see it on my timeline because we're social media friends.

I fucking hate him so much and I hope he gets what's his.

He never deserved Tera. He never once deserved Maria.

[muffinlance]

prompt: Ozai has Azula watch Zuko (his progress or rather lack thereof) from way earlier on, possibly even before Aang gets away from the iceberg in the first place

There it is, written at the bottom of his banishment notice, wobbling in and out of his vision and he’s not sure if it's his eyes—

(Father wouldn’t have meant to blind him. Being blind won't help him catch the Avatar, so he’ll just not go blind.)

It’s either his eyes, or. Or the rage. It has to be the rage.

So Zuko reads the line again, and lets the fire brim up and overflow, until sparks chase the shout from his lips.

“Banishment to be overseen by Crown Princess Azula?”

- - -

“Prince Zuko,” Azula says, standing as tall as an eleven year old can. She’s using his title, so that he’ll use hers. And if he doesn’t then he’s ill-mannered and not fit for his own. 

“Crown Princess Azula,” Zuko grits out.

“I’ll just be inspecting your ship, then. Father’s orders.”

Two men are in shackles by the time she’s done. 

“—Fostering mutiny against your prince,” she is yelling, and somehow her voice is just as high-pitched as his without sounding childish at all. “When our father hears about this—”

- - -

“So you had them executed,” Fire Lord Ozai inquires. Lightly. And from behind his flames.

“Of course, father,” says the kneeling child. “It was an attack on our family.”

Her father doesn’t say anything.

Azula is eleven. Eleven, she had presumed, was old enough to count. 

One, two, three. Four, with Uncle. The royal family.

Her father is silent still.

One. Two.

“Forgive my impertinence, Fire Lord,” she says. “I will bring them to you for judgment next time.”

“Do so,” Fire Lord Ozai says. He does not contest the ‘next time.’

- - -

“Crown Princess Azula,” Zuko says.

“Your bandage is off, brother,” Azula says. “Are you blind?”

“No.”

(The blur of her red robes, the eye-searing glint of sunlight off her headpiece—he’s not blind in that eye. He’s just… still recovering.)

“Lovely,” she says. “Then what’s your excuse for the condition of this ship?”

…He has an increased budget for repairs, by the time she’s done. 

- - -

“Brother,” Azula says, “traditionally knives are to be delivered to the back.”

“I… what?” her brother says, still holding out the inexplicable thing. “No, I bought it at port. For you. See, it matches the one Uncle got me.”

“How original,” she says.

Her brother turns a shade of red that puts his bending to shame. Not that it’s a particularly high bar. “Fine, I’ll just—throw it out.”

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic. At the least, Mai will want it.”

- - -

“Nice knife,” says Mai, looking at the hilt peeking out of Azula’s boot.

“Be silent,” Azula says, thus ending that conversation.

- - -

“Did great-grandfather… did we…” starts her brother, fresh from scurrying about the Eastern Air Temple like some particularly dim-witted pheasant-monkey, the dust not even brushed from his clothes even though he knew her ship was waiting down here. “Azula, there were children—”

“Be silent,” she says.

- - -

“You’re leaving frequently,” comments father, as his knife cuts through the pheasant-monkey, clicking against the plate below. The persimmon-cherry sauce is thick and red and smearing.  

“I find it advantageous to cultivate a working knowledge of our nation’s tactics,” Azula answers. She does not push around her meat like a child, but she does eat only lightly; the dish is more sour than she remembers.

“And your brother?”

“Oh, him,” she says, to which her father smiles.

- - -

“...What?” Zuko asks, blinking down at the scrolls. 

“It’s your birthday,” Azula says. “Apparently, I should have gotten you a calendar.”

“Thank you?”

She sighs.

- - -

“Do we… tell him we can hear him?” asks the assistant cook, as the prince continues monologuing. Dramatically, and loudly. Through the pipe connecting the drain of the kitchen sink to the ones in the shower. 

“Ssh, I think this is one of his new plays.”

- - -

She gets him a calendar for his next birthday. It’s not funny.

- - -

He gets her a doll, for hers. The look on Uncle’s face as she torches it in front of them both is hilarious.

- - -

“Brother,” she says, looking up at the damage to his ship. “This is not the way to requisition additional repair funds.”

“Captain Zhao,” her uncle says in the background, with heights of pleasant antagonism she can only aspire to. As if a general could mistake Zhao’s new insignia. Particularly with all the polishing he does. 

“It’s commander now.”

“How did you manage this?” she asks.

“Uh,” Zuko says. “Can we… speak alone?”

She eyes her brother’s shifting stance. Eyes, too, the way Zhao’s men are already moving to intercept and interrogate his crew. One of the new commander’s more noxious habits is stalking her brother’s every move. 

Well. She’d been meaning to deal with that, anyway.

Azula snaps her fingers at the commander’s guards.

“Detain him,” she says. And for a moment, just a moment, her dear uncle freezes, as if she were talking about someone he actually cared for.

The guards don’t. She’s trained them better than that.

“Princess,” Commander Zhao says, his snarl well hidden behind a smile. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Crown Princess Azula,” she corrects. “Now hush; the adults are talking.”

- - -

They have an Avatar to catch, apparently. Her brother is coming home.

[villainsandvictimsalliance]

Time to be delulu yet completely serious on my bnha 423 opinions.

Good points: The resolution between AFO and Yoichi was satisfactory, love as a reason for evil and evil deeds, the rooftop trio having one final moment full of emotion, the moment of Kurogiri thinking about Tomura and the LOV, Deku having a quirk of his own born out of determination and hard work, Deku as the protagonist of bnha in general, Tomura's last actions and words.

Bad points: Rushed arc conclusions, moments that felt kinda repetitive or lacked the punch given that we've seen/lived them before, not the best compositions we've seen from Horikoshi on the panels, Tomura's arc being rushed to a martyr ending— for impact???? ( or it ending on another cliffhanger that is gonna turn to be different from what we expected ).

I'll go in depth, so please check under the cut.

GOOD POINTS:

Yoichi and AFO:

The last conversation among these brothers was everything I was expecting. The love was there and it transformed them. It made AFO a monster and Yoichi a ghost.

For me, this time the AFO ending needed to be quick because we've already said goodbye to him too many times. This was supposed to be about AFO's refusal to give up on his brother and the unresolved relationship of those two.

I really liked how Yoichi reminded AFO that he needs to face the consequences of his actions and that he's love won't be able to save them.

Villain love:

Love as a reason for pain and destruction is perhaps one of my favorite tropes. So many stories approach love as this purely morally good feeling, when in the end it is just like any other feeling, you know?

People go to war for love all the time. They kill for love. Die for love. Do unforgivable things for love. Human existence is sooooo complex, why would love be the exception?

Horikoshi has been REALLY careful with the AFO backstory and his motivations. He didn't want an antagonist that felt empty. He made AFO human without redeeming him, okay? Because our ability to sympathize with some of AFO's traits doesn't make him less evil. To put it simply, it means that evil things are also human at heart.

Even those acts that you can't forgive or forget are motivated by something.

Kurogiri and the rooftop trio:

We knew from the beginning they were not the main characters of this manga.

We've gotten their story through glimpses and moments. Their time together had always been somehow rushed. Too many things to say, not enough time and they are on opposite sides of the war after all.

We knew that Kurogiri would go back because we knew he would protect Tomura during the final fight. We knew that he'd help the heroes defeat AFO. We knew he'd have to make his choice and say his goodbyes to his old friends.

Kurogiri, Tomura and the LOV

"He's friends are waiting" along with the image of Spinner asking Kurogiri to bring Tomura back to them was the highlight of this chapter for me. (You all expected it, right?)

Something about the way it reads like a father who wants his son to live because he is being waited for. He has friends who love him and would do anything to protect him, see him safe and sound. Something about the symbolism of Spinner putting Father (aka Kotaro's hand) on Kurogiri's face as he asked for it.

This chapter acknowledged that Kurogiri and Shirakumo share the same character core. They are always the protectors, the ones who would sacrifice themselves to see their charge survive. Similar to how Mic was waiting for Shouta so Shirakumo made sure that Shouta would survive, Kurogiri wants to do the same for Spinner and Tomura.

This alone would require an entire post to elaborate.

Deku's quirk:

The debate between endgame quirkless Deku or endgame OFA user Deku is settle.

I really liked that Deku got a quirk on his own that was born out of his own determination to be a hero. It's a nice representation of all he is as a character and what he stands for. Similarly, I enjoyed a lot the fact that it was short-lived. I'm the type who likes it better when things require a sacrifice or when miracles have their own conditions.

Deku doesn't feel overpowered to me. You get that sense that he really deserves everything he has and that it hasn't been a nonsense gift from the narrative. There's also the human condition, the limitations that keep him grounded.

Bnha and Deku:

Deku defeating AFO 'cause villains and heroes help him, his friends being there for him and being there to cheer for him as he fights, his sensei being there despite the fact that Aizawa at first thought Deku wouldn't make it— all the details that make bnha what it is.

They were good.

The UA kids really keep the story consistent when it is about them. They don't give up on anyone, they fight for each other, they stay to witness things for themselves. I love them <3

Tomura's last actions and words:

Careful here. Listen to what I'm saying.

If the narrative had pointed out to this ending, this would have been a good way to execute it.

Tomura coming back along with the vestiges to pack one final punch to defeat AFO— I know many fans that would be moved to tears and would be super excited to see it. Tomura was on point in this chapter, dialoguing with Deku without the hatred in his heart, his face being clearer and almost tender.

He felt defeated, like he had accepted his death already. There's also the connection to Kurogiri and Nana (who defended him) and his words to Spinner, that are meant as a general message to depict how much Tomura values the LOV.

Even the fact that AFO kept him around 'cause a part of him loved / cared about Tomura feels fitting, but I'm not sure if I correctly read the leaks in that part...

Anyway, we got the old trope of the antagonist who used his last moments to help defeat the real villain. It serves as his redemption and the expectation is for the public to feel sorry bad for him.

BAD POINTS

Rushed conclusions:

In my opinion, this chapter was too fast paced and therefore was not as emotional as it should have been.

It doesn't give the feeling that it's fast because the battle is intense. It gives the feeling of too much information packed on one chapter, so nothing really shines on its own. It's way too informative, not enough action narration.

Like I said before, the fatal mistake of a story is to be boring. Art has to provoke you, it has to engage with you, question you, awake things in you. This chapter tho, many things happened at the same time and it grew a bit murky.

Repetitive moments

Again, personal opinion here.

I think certain bnha movies were a mistake. Not because they were bad or boring or whatever, but because Horikoshi wrote parts of bnha real ending into them to the point you'd say "we've already seen that" while reading bnha 423.

Deku and Bakugo teaming up to defeat AFO was so expected. Not as in "the narrative is making sense", but as in "we saw it on heroes rising".

I feel the same with the students all appearing to help Deku fight AFO. That's a typical shonen structure where the friends making space for the protagonist to reach the main villain. It was already happening, so why bring AFO back?? I think the story is over-explaining here, making everything way too obvious. We could have had AFO's resolution with Yoichi before and the students moment after. In truth, it feels like Horikoshi closed some character arcs before he should and left plot holes without explanation, so he needed to reopen to accommodate.

Panel composition:

I admire Horikoshi when it comes to panel composition. He has some amazing panels that make the story really flow, but bnha 423 isn't there.

There are too many elements clustered and empty spaces that don't feel with purpose (in manga, even the blanks must have a purpose). This chapter should have been at least two, so you wouldn't have to rush Bakugo appearing, Yoichi and AFO resolution, Kurogiri saying his goodbye to the rooftop trio and facing AFO for Tomura's sake, Deku remembering where he started and where he is, Tomura last words and the Tomura and Deku resolution...

Those are too many important plot points to illustrate in a hurry.

Also?? The panel of Tomura and Deku punching AFO is so unserious. Totally wrong place to be funny sjbdjdnd why does it even feel like the vestiges are punching air???

" Tomura's ending " :

I'm not the first to say it feels anticlimactic and as if it isn't the ending at all.

The major problem is that through the manga, Horikoshi has focused a lot on Tomura as a character, carefully developing him, giving him tropes that are often reserved for the hero or the main character, making sure we empathize with him, we understand him, hyping up Deku's journey to rescue him.

We got an entire arc from the LOV perspective. This is not the type of one sentence ending you give to an antagonist you spent so much ink and sweat on. The nonchalant way of Tomura accepting his death? The little reaction from Deku? What was the purpose of the manga building up the LOV friendship to the moment where Kurogiri told AFO that Tomura's friends were waiting for him, if you'd make him just disappear on thin air?

This reads absolutely like a bunny within a hat.

That's being optimistic.

If we want to be cynical, maybe this is all there is. I don't find it readable to end the story with Tomura dying. All that effort to save him and it ends in "oh well, he decayed along with AFO"?!

If you think about it, Toga status is unknown because we don't even know where she went or if she's still alive, Touya status is also unknown although we know he wanted to live and that the ice prevented him from further damage, we haven't seen Spinner, we don't know if Kurogiri vanished with that last attack on AFO and now we saw Tomura decaying into the wind.

Yo kill half the surviving LOV would be a bold move that wouldn't follow the narrative. The reward for the hero students should be being able to save their counterpart, so the world can regard them as the greatest heroes 'cause they save the unsalable and blah blah blah.

There's also the fact Tomura hasn't been saved yet. Tenko? Nana and Deku saved him from Kotaro. The crying kid? Saved from AFO by Deku and the vestiges and the others. Tomura? Nop, he's dying/dead. The one person Spinner really wanted to save was Tomura. He didn't know about the crying kid or Tenko. He wanted to save his friend, the "irredeemable" villain, the young man he played videogames with and fought alongside and vowed to follow.

If this is the end, it's incomplete.

So we might hope it is not the end.

[bi-hanslefttittie]

Writing Tomas into the DLC

No, you don't understand. I would have killed for a scene that plays something like this

-Idk, Location in which they may meet on the DLC-

Bi-Han: (sighs) I don't hate you, you're my brother.

Tomas: You do! You've always looked down at me, you've been distant! On top of it all, you killed father

Bi-Han: You arrived late in our lives. How do you want me to feel? Besides, out of all people, I thought you would have been more forgiving with what happened to father. He took your family and tried to fix it with making you one of us. How are you not upset?

Tomas: (silence)

Tomas: (glances at Lord Liu Kang, troubled. He has been questioning that for a long time, and it has faltered his conviction. He wants to be angry, but doesn't understand why he isn't.) You've hurt Kuai Liang. You have stirred rage on his heart! Destroyed our bond!

Bi-Han: You speak about Kuai Liang like he was your master, do you have no mind of your own? If you're going to fight me, do it on your own conviction or bend!

Tomas: This is what I'm talking about, ever since I arrived into your home you've seen me no more like an inferior!

Bi-Han: As does Kuai Liang.

-Cue. Kombat section of the story mode- Fight!.

-If Tomas wins-

Tomas: (Wiping the sweat of his brow) I did this for myself, not for my brother.

Bi-Han: (raises an eyebrow. Is helped out by Tomas. He scoffs and glances back at his brother, a hint of respect in his eyes) I am still expecting you to find your own cause. To be angry about something that actually concerns you

Tomas: My family does concern me. And you won't drive me away from this fight.

-If Bi-Han wins-

Bi-Han: (shakes his head on disappointment) there's a reason for why we see you in that way.

Tomas: You don't get to tell me that. I won't take it no more.

Bi-Han: You're not ready. And until you learn how to fight for yourself and not for a so called good cause that holds you back (Gestures at Lord Liu Kang) you won't win any battles.

Tomas: I am done with your lectures.

Bi-Han: Then start making your own lessons instead of relying on other's.

[sweetvelaryon]

lucegon oneshot

[ book ; LUCEGON ; oneshot ; Peaches ]

[ more will be posted on wttpd | wh1tefyre ]

[ this is literally Aegon giving malewife energy ]

Aegon tugged at his hoodie before rushing out of the room and knocking on his half-sister's door. Daemon opened the door with a confused look on his face. Rhaenyra poked her head and was also confused.

“where in this godforsaken place can I find peaches?” Aegon asked.

daemon chuckled.

Once the perfect peaches were acquired - a whole case of them - Aegon rushes back to his room and finds his nephew-wife. bright blue eyes light up as he places the case on the dresser and tosses a peach at his wife.

“took you a while,” he comments as he cleans the peach.

“You sent me on a peach hunt, forgive me for my lateness,” he takes his cloak off and sits on the edge as Lucerys takes a bite of the fruit. juice drip down his mouth and chin as he smiles at the fruit.

“happy?”

Luke nods.

“I wasn't talking to you,” Aegon says before lowering his head to bulging belly between them, and softly speaks “are you happy?”

“you know… we need a name,” Luke says after some time.

“Well, we don't even know if it's a boy or girl yet,” Aegon replied.

“and? we should have names ready. I only have two moons left, Egg. we need a name,” he says.

“very well. we're not naming them after the Conqueror's. I fear those names are cursed,” Aegon said as he curled up beside his wife and caressed the swelling belly.

“What about… Alyssa?”

“It honors and makes Daemon sad.”

“Jacaerys?”

“no, I'm sure your brother means well but to name our child after him is too far,” Aegon said.

“Well what names do you have?” Luke huffed.

Aegon straightened his posture, “don't laugh.”

“I won't,” Lucerys answers with juice dripping down his chin.

“if it's a boy Baelon and if it's a girl Daenys,” he answers.

“Those are perfect my love,” Lucerys says. After two peaches Lucerys managed to fall asleep with Aegon mumbling a lullaby in high valyrian. his valyrian was not perfect when he and Luke were first married. Daemon and rhaenyra scold him for it.

“how do you consider being a Targaryen when you can't even speak our Mothers tongue?!”

Lucerys taught him and made him have lessons with Maester Gerardys. he thought they were redundant but when he overheard Luke and Jace having a conversation in valyrian and he couldn't understand a single word. the next day he was up bright and early to learn. now they have their own secret conversations at council meetings when their family doesn't show. Alicent would often side eye them because Aegon is cool as can be and Luke’s cheeks are flushed red. He now sings or more so hums lullabies and speaks to the growing babe.

🦪

Luke wakes up finding his side empty. He dresses in a dark amber dress and starts searching for his uncle-husband.

“no! no! no! that's not the color I picked!” Aegon yells from a chamber next to theirs. Luke frowns as he enters the room seeing it is being reconstructed.

“my prince -”

“no, no, I said sky blue, okay? it's almost pearlescent. like Arrax! have it redone,” he orders. Luke raises his eyebrows at him as a man leaves quickly with a small bow.

“What's going on?” he asked.

Aegon smiles as his violet eyes lay on him, he walks towards him and kisses his lips. “I'm having the baby room made. it's right next door and I'm going to have them blow this wall out for a door to be made,” he explained.

“a couple months too late, no?”

“Well the crib is all in the hands of your grandsire Corlys. finding a dragon egg is in the hands of Daemon. I'm in charge of making sure all toys and clothing is ready,” he adds.

Luke smiles as Aegon stands in front of him, his hands on his hips, silver hair a mess of curls, “fatherhood is changing you.”

“Well I plan to not be like my father,” he responded.

He steps forward and takes Aegon's hand in his and rests them on his swelling belly. a small kick could be felt making Aegon flinch.

“How dare you?” he softly asked.

“I think he would rather sleep in our room when he's born,” Lucerys said.

“He will but he'll need his own room,” Aegon replied.

another kick.

“I think our child… hates you?” Luke teased.

“No, I think he's just too attached to his muña which I can't blame him too much for,” Aegon leans forward and kisses Lucerys with much passion before a knock on the door breaks them apart.

“The Lord Hand would like to see you both,” Ser Criston announced.

🦪

pushing open the doors to the council room Aegon and Luke sit in their respective chairs. Daemon and Rhaenyra sit across from them along with the Princess Rhaenys. there's tension in the air that Luke refuses to let destroy his good mood.

“The princess rhaenys has news from Driftmark,” Otto says sitting in his chair. Viserys weakly nods for his cousin to speak.

“Lord Corlys has fallen ill after the battle of Stepstones. before he gave way to the fever he sent me one last request. That Lucerys be his regent until he comes out of it,” she announced.

“As you can see princess rhaenys, prince lucerys is in no condition to be sailing to rule over Driftmark. What of Vaemond Velaryon?” Otto asked.

Rhaenys did not look at the Hand, just at the King, “Viserys,” her voice was too soft for the council's liking, “Corlys asked for this. Allow Lucerys to rule. He does not need to sail; he can fly over. You've had Luke stuck in this Keep learning of Driftmark. it's time he takes his place even if it's just as regent.”

“Lucerys?” his mother whispered.

The boy looked over at his mother, meeting her violet gaze. Lucerys nibbles on his bottom lip before looking over at Aegon. His husband reaches over and holds his hand.

“If Luke goes to Driftmark he has my support and I will go with him,” Aegon announced.

this causes Otto to stand, “you are needed here at Kings Landings.”

“no, I'm not needed here,” Aegon responded looking up at his grandsire, “I haven't been in meetings unless it's with Lucerys. Now my husband is needed at Driftmark. I will be flying with him.”

“Very well, son,” viserys says. it catches Aegon off guard because never had Viserys referred to him that way. Luke noticed the slight change in his facial expression and tightened his hold on his hand. “you are relieved to fly to Driftmark.”

🦪

two moons into Luke's regent and he was doing incredible work. Driftmark now housed Meleys, Sunfyre, Arrax, and Seasmoke. Although the sailors didn't trust Aegon, they showered and showed much love to their Pearl of Driftmark and the future babe.

“baby!” Luke yelled out of his chambers.

Aegon came in holding a mango and a peach, “yes my siren?”

“Help undress me and get in the bath with me,” Luke says, taking the peach and biting it. He places the mango on the table nearby with herbs and scent oils before helping unlace the dress. He carefully pulls the strings and the blue dress hits the floor. He helps Luke in and he quickly strips to join. Luke grunts as he shifts uncomfortably in the water.

“What's wrong? Is the water too hot?” Aegon asked as he rubbed his back.

“I've been feeling sharp pains all day. it's annoying,” he groans.

“How frequent are they?” Aegon asked, his voice slightly quivering.

“oh fuck… it's the babe isn't it?” Luke asked as another sharp contracting hit him.

“I need to get the maester-”

“no! no you are not leaving me alone!” Luke yelled, grabbing his hand.

“You need a maester!” Aegon argued.

“We can do it ourselves!” he shouts, feeling pressure build between his legs.

Aegon knew deep down Lucerys feared something happening like his grandmother Aemma. he wrapped his arms around his waist pulling his back to his chest. Aegon luckily had asked maester Gerardys many questions in how to help with the labor in case a situation would arise and it would be just the two of them. now his learning would be put to the test.

“deep breaths and when you feel a contraction push,” Aegon told him. as Luke did as he was told and gripped onto his husband like it was his lifeline. In a way it was. if something went wrong the decision to save his life or that of their unborn child would be in Aegon's hand. The thought scared him but the feeling of the baby's head pushing out broke those thoughts. in a swift move he pushed the rest of the babe's body and held their child on his chest. no cries echoed in the room and the water in the tub turned redder. He didn't know if he was breathing. if the babe was breathing. hell, if Aegon was breathing. for a moment Luke believed they were now holding the corpse of their child. The sound of baby cries filled their room a second later.

“oh thank fucking gods!” Aegon yelled as Luke softly chuckled and ran his hands up and down the babys back. “oh shit,” he comments.

“what? what? what?” Luke carefully pulls his baby into his arms to take a good scan. all ten toes and fingers. no missing limbs or deformity. a baby with green eyes and silver hair stared back at him.

“we're gonna have to try again,” Aegon says.

“why?” Luke asked.

“I want one with brown hair. I thought your genes were supposed to be strong,” he says.

“Oh you big baby,” Luke rolled his eyes and pressed kisses to the temple of the baby. “It's a girl, Aegon.”

“So… baby Daenys?” he asked with a grin on his lips.

“Baby Daenys Velaryon.”

Bonus Scene

Lucerys was practically laying down in the tub with his swelling belly sticking out of the milky water. Aegon had a lemon cake on his belly using his fingers to eat it and Luke did the same.

“I don't think he likes being used as a table,” Luke comments as he sucks his finger clean of the creamy foam of sugar.

“he'll be fine. if he's anything like his muña he will be pleased to know he's helping us out,” Aegon replied, kissing the belly. Jacaerys walked in on the scene and immediately left to tell Baela he needed to have her pregnant. the quicker the better.

[fullofbees]

The Brothers as songs from my religious trauma playlist;

: ̗̀➛ Lucifer

Witch Image - Ghost

While you sleep in earthly delight Still your soul will suffer this plight Like your father in hell What you've sold you can not unsell

: ̗̀➛ Mammon

Eat Your Young - Hozier (Beckon's Choral Version)

Honey, I want to race you to the table If you hesitate, the gettin' is gone I won't lie, if there's somethin' to be gained There's money to be made, whatever is still to come

: ̗̀➛ Levi

notre dame - Paris Paloma

I'm not a higher power, I just live in the ceiling 'cause I'm lonely on the fringes, and it gives my life some meaning In the exile In my exile

: ̗̀➛ Satan

Eternal - Mallavora

I'm suddenly feeling More different than ever I realise I'm standing On my own The first to awaken The lifetime it's taken And I'm all alone

: ̗̀➛ Asmo

In My Mouth - Black Dresses

I wanna leave this world with you I wanna become something better with you I wanna fuck our bodies into broken shells I wanna go to hell together

: ̗̀➛ Beel

The Lament of Eustace Scrubb - The Oh Hellos

Brother, forgive me We both know I'm the one to blame 'Cause when I saw my demons I knew them well and welcomed them

: ̗̀➛ Belphie

Just One Yesterday - Fall Out Boy

If heaven's grief brings hell's rain Then I'd trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday I know I'm bad news For just one yesterday I saved it all for you

•••✦ ❤ ✦••• Read Fics on AO3 | Submit a request •••✦ ❤ ✦•••

[sevi007]

Tales of the Abyss part 31

I don't think I need to mention still that this has spoilers?

So on our way to Grand Chokmah, our ship was hit, so we making a stop at- Keterburg? The name rings a bell but I can't really place it

Sidenote, I think Guy is quite good with fon machines? It's been mentioned a few times now.

HUH?! Jade past reveal?! Vibrating out of my seat here.

But first:

SNOWBALL FIGHT! - did we just shoot Mieu?! XD I want the entire party to team up on Jade. (Of course they will lose because - it's Jade. But I like the idea)

Choked on my hot chocolate here. WHAT? WHAT? I see the family resemblance but WHAT?

I'm basically Luke in this situation. Why do I keep forgetting that the characters have family?

"Nephry" I like that.

And he knows emperor Peony too. Of course. Damn it Jade this is why I said to SHARE INFORMATION

Huh? I would have thought she would want to spend time with her brother, rather than a stranger.

OMG Luke you're a terrible liar XD Betting all my Gald Jade knows immediately what's up.

Talk about a prodigy...

That explains like - everything about Jade. I will go with the assumption that this is where he and Dist know each other from. With this, it would explain Jade's absolute disgust at the replication of humans - he tried it with Nebilim, failed, and created something horrible. He might even have tried again, only to realize that it won't bring her back either.

Then being confronted by Luke - realizing that someone was still using "his" technique out there - that must have thrown him into dissarray. Unveiling the truth would have meant explaining himself, unearthing stuff he usually glosses over with sarcasm and deflection, making himself vulnerable.

Then Luke destroyed Akzeriuth - a replica destroyed Akzeriuth - and Jade hadn't been fast enough to stop it. The technique he had fathered had created a being who could be used to make whole nations fall. He must have felt as if it is his fault, too. Explains his anger at Luke's denial after the events.

Hmmmm. Maybe, maybe not. I don't think Jade is really after resurrecting her - he would have to take up formicry or something similar again, yes? Dist maybe is after this, but Jade...

If anything, I more think Jade would try to kill the Nebilim monster instead.

Oh now I wanna meet this man.

*facepalm* We should teach Luke to lie.

The boys are having a heart to heart. Never would have seen this coming when the game started, they were too different. (Maybe we CAN make Jade Luke's father? - I AM KIDDING pls don't tell Jade he would end me)

but you know. This makes sense. In the widest sense of the word, Luke is the living proof of Jade's failures, but also might be his redemption. Luke turned out good, he turned out kind. He is proving he can grow. He can learn of Jade's sins, and make up his mind about them -

Hell, he might be the closest person to being able to "forgive" Jade for at least the replica stuff, considering he IS a replica, and he is the only one who has come to know Jade and his past so well.

You can redeem together, boys.

@ahsokaisawesome

@magicmetslogic

[mastomysowner]

What happened to the timid bird and the traveler by ymmtstyle

Part 1

1: The story of the timid bird and the traveler

2: In a city

- Ah! Toraooo!!!

- Torao?

- Yeah, I have a friend who travels around here!!!

3: - Is that you, Mugiwara-ya...

- Long time no see, Torao!!!

- You're not alone. That's rare to see.

- How have you beeeen?!

- Just get off for now.

- Oh?

4: - You're quite tall.

- That's Doflamingo!!! Now I travel with him.

- ...Hm.

- I'm Trafalgar Law. Even though I don't look like it, I'm still a doctor.

- So, is this Torao?

- Are you traveling with Mugiwara-ya? You're going to have a hard time too.

5: - You have eye problems, right? I have good medicine.

- This is great.

- That's because Torao is a doooctor.

- What?

- It's nothing... I just thought you looked a bit like my companion.

- By the way, are you with this klutz as usual?

- We split up when we went shopping... He hasn't returned yet.

- I guess he just klutzed somewhere again.

- Shut up.

6: - Law!!! Sorry for the wAAA- OWWW!!! Owowow... Oh... Long time no see, Mugiwara boy.

- You're still as clumsy as ever!

- Are you okay, Cora-san?

- Lawww... I'm so sorry. I didn't have anything that could break, so... I...

7: - Do... Doffy?! Isn’t that Doffy?!

- Does he know Cora-san?

- So~~~??

8: - It's me!!! Brother, it's me, Rosinante!!!

- Rossy...? Aren't you dead...?

9: - Doffy is alive, it's like a dream. I was about to die when Law's old man saved me. And he was the one who named me Corazon... Is father...

- He is dead. It was suicide.

- I see. I'm really glad that at least you're alive...

10: - Don't you hate me and father?

- Eh?

- We abandoned you and ran away.

11: - ...I don't think so. At that time, our father could not take two children at once and flee. He must have been lucky to be able to save at least one son. The biggest culprit is the one who spread the rumors. There were some tough times, but it wasn't all bad.

12: - Hey, Doffy. Would you like to live with us? You were all alone, weren't you, Doffy? We were able to meet again, so let's live together. Me and Law are like family and I'm sure it will be the same with you.

13: - That's... right. I... still want to continue on the journey. And that's why...

14: - ...I need Mugiwara. So I won't go with you... I'm sorry for being an older brother who doesn't listen to his younger brother's wishes.

15: - Ha ha. Did I lose to Mugiwara boy... Then that's that. But... Please don't apologize anymore. It's not like in the past. ...We are...

16: - ...completely free.

17: - See ya, Torao, Corazon!!!

- Yeah. See you later, Mugiwara-ya. And Doflamingo.

18: - Cora-san's family is like my own family, but... if you make him cry, I won't forgive you!!! Dear big brother!!!

- You have a nice family, Corazon.

19: I'm happy you've made more friends, Doflamingo!!! What were you talking about with Corazon? It looked like fun…

- Hm? Ah, yeah...

20: - The story of a timid bird.

[moonlightblueandicegrey]

Hot chocolate

Summary: Nothing special, just Jay and Kai telling Lloyd that they see him as their son. (Plasma shipping included)

Warnings: none

Writer's note: this is something small that i wrote while i was in school. Please, forgive my mistakes.

............................................................................

After all those years of pretending to be "just friends", Kai and Jay finally accepted and confessed their real feelings for each other. This cute couple got married a few months ago. Thankfully, they had their honeymoon little trip in peace: no attacks, no battles, no bad guys. Just a married couple having fun in their honeymoon and loving each other.

After returning to the monastery, Jay decided to rent Cliff's mansion. With the money he already had from his biological father and with the money he earned from renting the mansion, he built another house. Of course he and Kai had their own room in the monastery but they wanted another place just for the two of them. They wanted a house where they would be completely alone so that they could just relax, get away from the rest of the world and do their couple stuff in peace. This small and comfortable house became their secret little place to spend time alone without interruptions.

The house had an amazing view and Lloyd (the only one who knew it's location), really liked visiting Kai and Jay just to admire the lake and the forest. Last night, he came to visit them once again. Lloyd's mind was full of so many things and his thoughts were troubled. He needed someone to talk to and who's better than his older brothers? When he arrived with tears in his eyes, Kai and Jay immediately took him in their arms. They gave him comfort (just like they used to do when younger Lloyd was scared of lightning), they made dinner for him and they allowed him to sleep in their guest room. It was mostly Lloyd's room anyway, because the green ninja was the only visitor since no one else knew the house's location.

Lloyd woke up too early the next day. It was still dark outside but he couldn't sleep anymore so he went in the balcony to let the majestic view give peace in his soul. Jay is usually a heavy sleeper and he doesn't wake up until late in the morning. This time though he woke up a few minutes after Lloyd. He somehow felt that the kid was awake already. He found the blond guy in the balcony, he went closer to him and he took a lock of hair behind Lloyd's ear as he spoke:

"What's troubling your thoughts again, dear?"

Jay always called Lloyd "dear" since he was a child. He still saw him as a little kid although he wasn't a baby anymore.

"Nothing" Lloyd lied.

"Okay, i won't push you but I'm here if you want to tell me something more than what you said yesterday. And so is Kai. We are here for you dear"

Lloyd couldn't resist, he just fell right on Jay's arms. Jay didn't hesitate at all to hug him back (he is a little shorter than Lloyd so he had to stretch a little to be able to hug him comfortably)

"Come here, I've got you"

"Thanks"

The kid was holding back tears at this point. He would have let himself cry if Kai hadn't join them, taking both of them in his own arms.

"What are my boys doing here, in the cold?"

"Lloyd is a little... Off again" Jay answered.

"Don't worry about it, it's nothing important. I must be a little affected from our talk yesterday, that's all"

Lloyd felt the need to lie in order to prevent his friends from worrying about him too much. He just wanted to protect them but the couple knew him too well to fall for it. They kinda raised him after all.

"Everything's important to us when it comes to you"

Kai kissed Lloyd's forehead and the blond guy laughed while he was trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Ew, Kai! Kiss your husband, not me!"

"I can kiss you both" he said and he surprised Jay with a smooch on the lips.

"Kai!" Jay laughs too.

"Ew! That's gross!" said the youngest.

"Why? Can't i show love to my family? It's my son and my husband that I'm holding in my arms right now, after all"

"Wait- You said... S-son?" Lloyd had to admit that he was shocked.

"Yes dear. You are like our son now. We might not be your biological parents but it doesn't matter. We love you and we care about you. So, yeah, you are adopted now, that's it"

"Jay is right. You are our son, we are your dads. That's how it is. Accept it"

The youngest boy couldn't be happier as he hugged both of his dads as tight as he could.

"By the way..." Kai said.

"I made hot chocolate for both of you so... You better drink it before it gets cold"

[anewnewcrest]

From Savannah Johnson's Prayer Journal

My years of hard work have finally paid off, and I am officially a nurse now! I love my job so much, I love helping people from all walks of life and being a blessing to them, and I love that I can have a job! A real job, not doing chores for my stepmother, or babysitting my much younger siblings (ridiculous that my dad is still having children with his new wife - the new baby will have a 41-year-old brother-in-law!)

I always thought I'd get married, and when that didn't happen right away, staying at home like my father preaches became so horrible. There was nothing to do, nothing to strive for, except waiting for a husband... and I'm not good at waiting. While having a job is not the path I had expected for my life, it's a wonderful way to pass the time and gain new skills until I find the one the Watcher has for me!

It's hard being around my father and his new family, though. I still have not forgiven my father for my mother's death all those years ago, and it makes me angry seeing him happy with Abilene and my younger siblings. Where is the Watcher's justice? My mother had so much to live for, so much love to give, and she killed herself because of what my father did... and here he is, with a new family, new love, more children, undaunted, unpunished. It just isn't fair! And it's not like I can go talk to our pastor about it - my father IS our pastor, and I know that he'd tell me this is a sin issue, and that I have to forgive, because that is the Watcherly thing to do. I just... I just don't want to.

And once I have a husband, once I have my own family, it won't matter anymore. I'd love to have children, and I would raise them very differently than my father did, and I would have them with a much better man than my father. But of course, I can't say that - I have to hold my tongue every time I'm at home. Please, Watcher, I know we are not to make demands of you, but I do so wish I could finally find the man you have for me.

[takami-takami]

Animal abuse, father posting

Okay. So.

My dad was supposed to take the dog to the vet today. My sibling, the only person who could drive, had work at his appointment time.

He came to agree a few days ago before the argument. My older sibling said Chowchow had an appointment and they couldn't drive me. I was in the room. My mom offered for my dad to drive. My dad accepted. He said "chowchow is family, of course I'll do it."

Fast forward to now. There was a large argument the other day in which at the end, I criticized him heavily before leaving. Me and my sibling were eating lunch and he was spam texting them. My sibling was stressed.

I asked them what was wrong, and they told me that they think my dad is doing his puppeteering thing again. They told me my dad is being weird and trying to triangulate them in order to get me reinvolved with him so he can argue with me and get payback for what I said since he had no closure.

And that involved him saying, "I wasn't going to take Chowchow because your sibling (me) asked me, but since you were nice to me, I'll do it. Just know I'm not doing it for [V]." And was being weird about it.

I didn't ask him to take Chowchow to the vet, my sibling brought up that Chowchow needed a ride to the vet and my mom offered he go with my brother.

My sibling brought that up when explaining the situation to me. "Like, you weren't even the one who asked but he's framing it like that because you know how dad is. He's trying to provoke you into starting an argument with him."

I ended up calling to reschedule the vet appointment to later today (thank god they had an opening) because my sibling did not feel safe leaving Chowchow with my dad.

On the drive back, my sibling told me they have reason to suspect my dad would hit him if Chowchow were to bite him. And that growing up, I have reason to believe he hurt Chowchow.

For context, he also threatened to kill Chowchow about 12-13 years ago.

I told my sibling if my dad tries touching Chowchow, it won't be like when I defend mom or the siblings from my dad getting physical. I won't stand between them as a human shield, I will physically fucking hurt him to defend. I do not care what happens to me. I will physically hurt him. And I did not say this, but I will psychologically hurt him to the best of my ability with the amount of dirt I have on this piece of shit.

I had a friend once tell me I should tell him I don't forgive him on his deathbed because that is his greatest fear, and if I have reason to suspect he will harm Chowchow, I likely will do something of that caliber.

Chowchow spends most of the time I'm home with me and my dad pays little mind to him. Except for lately, in which my mom encouraged me to get him involved in socializing with Chowchow for Chowchow's enrichment. Which I fully fucking regret. Because if he is dangling Chowchow's vet appointment like this over our heads, it means Chowchow is within possibility of being a chip. It means my dad is thinking about Chowchow, whereas before Chowchow was not paid attention to or noticed.

The best me and my sibling can do is pretend that we don't care as much as possible. I told them to lie and say the vet called to reschedule, and to mention the name of the doctor Chowchow sees in order to make it more believeable as a lie (my sibling does not know the doctor's name).

This is extraordinarily enraging to me. And I do not know how exactly I am going to handle it besides being strategic and waiting it out until the topic bores him.

I don't have anywhere to go that could take him. The best I can do is wait until november when I start training to work part time. This won't cover any rent or anything because it will be far too little but it will be good to save up to move.

I also cannot put him in a shelter or rescue. He is far too old and high needs. He has dementia. He needs his routine and he needs his people. The best I can do is make sure he is not within the realm of possibility.

Because as amused as I was for my dad trying to start an argument with me (not sarcastic. I actually do like having the upper hand on him. Fucking hate him.) I am really hoping he does not notice Chowchow.

[forgottenarthur]

@forgottensebastian "Please don't do this." Sebastian x Arthur

Flashback

It happened every few years. A son displeased his father and, in penance, that son was hurled into the fighting wherever it was most vicious to sink or to swim. It had all been a mistake, seemingly small, but Roderick perceived it as injurious to himself, for there was no action in the House of Varmont that could truly be measured as weightless. Arthur knew that he was expected by many to die. But he did not mean to lose. He meant to return in triumph. But his mother feared he would not return at all.

He was alone, now, preparing for war, ready to ride in the span of mere moments. His father had sent him away in shame. There was to be no one to see him off.

"Please don't do this," sounded the familiar voice of his brother, coming quickly into the room.

Arthur paused, his hand resting upon the hilt of his longblade. For a moment, they were poised there, caught in the moment. Arthur stood silhouetted against the window at his side, a beam of brilliant light illuminating the gloom, with Sebastian standing behind him, and his sword lying flat upon the table before him: a tableau of heartache and doom thwarted by four words.

Yet, the moment was broken. Arthur bowed his head and, squaring his shoulders, he lifted the blade in one hand, sheathing it at his waist with the other. "What choice do I have?" Slowly, he turned to face Sebastian and, sighing, he clapped his arm. "I'll come back all right," he said. "I always do."

"You can't know that."

Arthur sucked in a breath, inviting air deep into his lungs. "I know this, little brother: I can't do otherwise." He shook his head. "I've already disappointed father enough."

"He'll regret it."

Arthur turned away, laughing as he pulled on his jacket. "He won't. He never does."

"If something happens--"

"Don't." Arthur shook his head. "There's no point." Dawn edged around the distant gleaming mountaintops in shades of violet, and Arthur exhaled slowly. "It's convenient, really," he commented, off-hand, brilliant eyes drinking in the farflung horizon. "Always having a war somewhere to which you can readily send errant sons to fight. I am glad. I'd hate to inconvenience him."

A pause. He closed the shutter with his swordhand, and turned to face his brother once again. "Just," he began, resting his hand upon his shoulder. "Two things, Sebastian: first, learn from my mistakes, won't you? Second...whatever happens--"

"Arthur--"

"Look after our mother and sister, won't you?" He cracked a grin. "Edmund and Guin can look out for themselves. God knows they've enough experience by now, hey?"

"I'll speak to him, Arthur. Mother and I, both. He'll come around."

"Maybe so, but I'll be long gone by then. Don't trouble yourself. I wouldn't have his wrath fall on you, not on my account. Now, you best stay here. It'll go better for you if no one knows we spoke. And father will be watching from the window to ensure no one else sees me off."

"It's cruel--"

Arthur shook his head. "I don't think so. You see, it's intimate: he's seeing me off, isn't he, even if he doesn't wish to."

"You forgive him too easily."

Arthur laughed. "If only it were a family trait. Goodbye, Sebastian. Tell Cassandra I'll bring her something back."

Despite himself, Sebastian chuckled. "Then I know you're coming back, because if you don't, I daresay she'd follow you to the Underworld for whatever you've promised her."

Arthur laughed brightly, pulling his brother into an embrace. "Call it insurance, then, brother. I'll be back before you know it."

[marshmallowprotection]

Why does Saeran keep calling Saejoong "father" until the end? Saeyoung does that too, doesn't he?

That man is anything but a father.

I think it's a complicated answer at the end of the day. That man... is technically their father, but you're right, he's anything but. Saeyoung only says "father" in a condescending way, the same way Saejoong in return, says "son" to him. They have a mutual distaste for each other and that's the only trait they share.

As for Saeran, I'm sure you could say the same for how he always called his mother "mother". He continues to call her his mother even though she doesn't deserve that title. His brother says it to you quite often, Saeran’s heart is gentle at its core. He doesn’t want to hate any more, and that’s a part of his forgiveness arc. He forgives his mother, and he accepts that she was his mother, even though she never once acted like it.

It's the same sentiment for his father. Whether he likes it or not, that man is his birth father, and he has accepted it, just as he accepted that his mother was his mother. He wouldn't be able to exist without the two of them, and he understands his experiences are because of the people his parents are. He is ending a generational curse by doing things his way, choosing to forgive them so that he may learn how to forgive himself for what he's done. 

He knows he can't change who his parents are. He doesn't have to define them as the people who took care of him because they are not that. But, he acknowledges that his existence is because of them and many of the things he has done came from what he suffered at their hands. 

That's why he calls them the title of parent, not because either of them earned it, but because for Saeran to accept himself, he wants to accept that his parents influenced him. That's how he feels. That's what he says.

For him to find peace, for him to learn how to live past what he suffered, he chose to acknowledge their existence and forgive them so he could forgive himself. He is a kind soul, and sure, I know a lot of people don’t like that.

Many of us would rather rip his parents to shreds, myself included, because our healing process is different than his. But, that's what the after-ending is about, showing you that everybody has a right to their feelings as long as they don't hurt themselves or anybody else (Well, anyone who doesn’t deserve it, anyway. Your actions have consequences, Rika, V, Saejoong, Agency Boss, etc.).

His words speak for himself here and I don't feel like I need to reiterate what he says all that much. 

I don't mind explaining this over and over again since forgiveness is such a messy topic, but I hope people understand he forgave them so that he could forgive himself. In everything he did wrong, he was copying the people who hurt him every step of the way because that was what he felt like he had to do to survive. He knew that if he could forgive them for what they did, he could forgive himself for emulating them, for copying them. 

But, I digress.

He knows they are his biological parents, but he won't consider them to be guardians, people who looked after him and made him feel safe. He didn't have that... at least, he didn't have that in a conventional sense.

Saeyoung is the only person who was like a parent to him and we don't have time to unpack Saeyoung's parentification.

Saeran had a lot of people who looked after him thanks to Saeyoung, but... V and Rika? He doesn’t consider them to be parents to him, he said that himself, Saeyoung, though? He felt that way. He saw V and Rika as stand-in parents. There's no denying that fact, but it makes it all the more painful when you see V drug Saeyoung on the second day.

You see his eyes soften, desperately pleading with somebody he thought to be a father to him to not disappoint him. To not let him down and see reason. 

Saeyoung doesn't get that.

[spotsupstuff]

There are scary things, up there in the sky.

The birds whose screeches make my skin crawl, their shadows shunning me under the cover of trees. The sun, the moon and the armful of stars, all so terrifying from their thrones beyond the atmosphere, scrutinizing our struggles in these lives. And then the metal "gods". Those that pull sheets of clouds over the celestial eyes, keeping us for themselves and the ground, I suppose.

Selected few get to live on top of these mock gods. We toil away to create them, we toil away to supply them. All we get in return are the monsoons. Our hands bleed for them, and then our backs.

A lot of my family hates them. I cannot fault them. I consider that maybe I should fault myself.

Myself, who finds it invigorating to dive into the ticks of these creatures. I yearn to understand them, figure out why would they be so cruel as to beat us down each evening.

I search and I find it all when I am gifted the opportunity to learn. Sent away far north, into the insides of one of them, every piece of him industrialized beyond recognition- when compared to the farm fields I've grown within.

I learn what makes them tick. That they are a colonies themselves, hiding behind a face of an individual. I learn that they also breathe- and how. That it isn't their fault, that one of their exhales sends angry gales to sweep through streets such as where I've grown.

Predictably enough, considering how I've been raised, I end up forgiving them all.

With possibly a blessing from the forgotten and forsaken Gods, I manage to absorb all the information within myself seamlessly. It is a great achievement! All the people sing to us, who made it through. They praise our sleepless nights, the effort we put into knowing how to be kind and patient with things far too different from us. The teachers say the struggles won't stop here. That the job will be hard, possibly even maddening, if our charge turns out to have not been... *disciplined* enough, yet.

I didn't like the edge to those words. Haven't we just learnt that they are all living beings? Just as much as us? That what we are meant to be are doctors, consultants, caretakes- friends?

A hail comes to me from my home- the facilities, not my family. That they've heard of my successes. That they are proud of me- I've never heard any of these long long names, I don't even try to lead my life in favor of the religion and still- they are proud of me. The old Iterator Mechanic has retired and they search for another one. It would be a great honor for the colony, if its new Mechanic was one of their own.

I am not one of them. I refuse to be.

But of course, I accept. I hadn't expected to find a job that quickly- not to mention with such position I'll be able to visit my family. I haven't seen them in too long.

On my way to Ales, I stop by.

And there's cheering for that I've come back- somehow so much warmer than the one over my academic success. Hands leave their kind marks on my skin, fingers comb through my hair. Arms trap me in heartfelt and teary embraces. I could not imagine myself fighting it at all.

The calendar tells me that I have few more days to spend here. I spend all of them by someone's side- by my mom's, granda's, any of my siblings'- I give a kiss to my father's grave and wish him luck, wherever his spiritual journey had whisken him away to.

And as I'm drinking steaming tea at a window, watching the damning rain- breath- fall, one of my younger brothers approaches me with a mask in his hands.

"So you may fit in with those living above clouds, sister!" He tells me excitedly.

It's made of wood and not bone. Painted gold, in the shape of a face of the feeble bird I'm named after. It's too on the nose. It doesn't obey the holy dress code.

I put it on with pride. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[kyber-kisses]

Blood and Steel (Part.2)

Aemond Targaryen x Reader

Warnings: it’s game of thrones hall, you know what you’re getting into. (But there’s no incest so yay!)

Summary: When Y/N left her noble house behind she set her sights on Dragonstone to swear fealty to the rightful heir of the seven kingdoms. What she didnt expect was to be made her ward as well as her handmaiden. Now she is her sworn protector and hidden in plain sight at Rhaenyras side. If anyone were to make a move against the rightful queen they would never se her coming. . . except for maybe a one eyed prince

A/N: you can find all available chapters on wattpad and Ao3! Enjoy my mediocre writing!

"You shouldn't have done that."

"Oh and what was a supposed to do? Let the sword hit us?" You questioned, as the three of you took quick steps through the hallways of the Red Keep, heading back towards the guest quarters and away from the potential drama you may have caused.

"Of course not, we could have ducked."

"No offense but I don't think you two would have been quick enough."

"I thought it was amazing. Jace did you see the look on Aemonds face when she caught it?" Luke questioned, tugging on his brothers cloak in an attempt to slow him down. "He looked so startled."

"That's not a good enough reason to let it slide." Jace sighed, the three of you taking the stairs two at a time as he did. "Y/N, you know what our mother said. While we are here you have to lay low, act like a regular Lady."

"And I will ask it again. Did you want me to just allow that sword to take off my ear?"

Falling quiet you slowed your steps to take a breath, deep down you knew Jacaerys was right.

Ever since you had been ten and one you had not been raised in the traditional ways of a lady. Your late father had loved you dearly and instead of sending you off into the harsh world alone, he taught you how to protect yourself- despite your mothers wishes. But because of him you had gotten this far in life, and you intended to go much further.

And when you stepped foot on the docks of Dragonstone prepared to be a simple handmaiden in the castle, Daemon Targaryen had bore witness to what your father had taught you as you had thrown a fully grown boat captain over your shoulder when he had gotten to handsy.

And that was the moment an absurd yet brilliant idea was born. You were to be Rhaenyras handmaiden but also a act as a shield and sword hidden in plain sight when Daemon or any others were not around.

A sworn protector hidden right at her side.

And now here you were.

You hadn't wanted to leave the Princesses side earlier, but an order was an order and you had to continue to play your roll to perfection.

Luke and Jace continued to escort you back to your quarters in silence until you reached the massive oak door.

"We won't tell Mother. And I doubt Aemond will either. He doesn't like people knowing he can be caught off guard." Jace stated, opening the door for you as he did.

"I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about the several other people who also saw that happen. If word gets around it will compromise my position." Letting out a sigh you stepped through the threshold, running your palms down the creases in your dress. "You were right, I should not have done that, we probably could have ducked."

"Don't worry Y/N. I'm sure everyone will forget about it by morning." Luke added, giving you a reassured smile.

•

It was not forgotten about the next morning long story short.

You were halfway through breakfast in your quarters when Princess Rhaenyra walked in, sending you out your chair so quick one would have thought it had been lit aflame.

"Princess, forgive me. I did not know I was needed yet."

"Please, no need to get up for me. At least not right now." Rhaenyra smiled, crossing the room as she did before lowering herself into the chair across from you.

"I'm glad they accepted my request to have your quarters below mine, despite how you should be in the servants quarters."

"I'm very thankful. You did not have to."

"You're right, but I like having you nearby. I know Daemon appreciates it as well, especially when he's not around." She explained, folding her hands over the wood of the table that divided you.

"Luke and Jace told me what happened." She added, watching your face carefully.

"I'm so sorry Princess, it won't happen again. I was simply-"

"Reacting as one would if a sword was coming at them. You were simply protecting yourself. It was instinct" Rhaenyra explained softly, reaching across the table to grasp your hands. "Though I doubt any of those men have the reflexes you do."

"So I'm not in trouble?"

"Of course not my dear. And don't worry about gossip going around. Men are not known for going around talking about women they might see as a threat. It would only make them look weak in eyes of others."

At her words you cracked a smile, squeezing her hand slightly as you did. "Thank you Princess."

"You are welcome." She nodded before standing up, "now get dressed, we have a busy day ahead of us and I need my handmaiden at my side." And with a sly wink she turned and departed leaving you to your breakfast