#you can just tell how approachable Esteban is and how people seem so comfortable being around him

[macaiv]

Source: Track Walk Youtube Channel

Short COTA track "walk" with Esteban

[livelaughghoul]

Esteban Ocon Through Tarot

Disclaimer: This is for entertainment purposes only, nothing observed or taken away from this should be considered fact. As a reminder, I know fuck all about Formula 1, I just like fast cars (DALE EARNHARDT LIVES ON IN MY DREAMS, GOD BLESS AMERICA).

My approach to tarot is different from the typical approach. While I use it as a tool for divination, I much prefer to use it to explore more about myself and others as a people. Tarot is an amazing tool taught to me by a family member, and that has influenced how I read and find meaning in the cards. Anyone may look at the cards and have a different meaning and understanding, and that’s perfectly fine. Tarot is unique, and we are all allowed to find meaning in our readings differently. 

For this, I wanted to do a two-card pull. The first card is what part of the personality is shown to the world, and what the person wants their public perception to be. The second card is more of that hidden personality, the real side that isn’t put on for the public or media's sake. In a sense, this is very the sun and moon when it comes to astrology, which I want to dive into as well a little bit. It may be difficult to do since not all birth information is available, so the charts may not be 100% accurate as birth time does impact that. 

The outward personality: 9 of Pentacles

The 9 of Pentacles is the hard work that one has put in finally paying off. It’s this ability to feel balance even when things aren’t at an equal distribution, largely due to the comfort that one feels in their current standing in life. It’s a laid-back, almost natural luxury and charm. When it comes to the personality, I think that there is a lot of warmth and comfort being exuded. To me, this seems like the first person who is offering to take others out to dinner and pay, a love language of gift-giving (even if it’s super small things). This is the embodiment of making sure the ones you love are taken care of, in understated ways. 

The hidden personality: Page of Wands

I am not a huge fan of any of the Pages, they radiate fuck-boy energy and it gives me the ick. I think when it comes to the personality and this being the more hidden or reserved personality, this to me screams having the blinders on. This man is dedicated to what he believes his purpose is and will do whatever it takes to meet his own goals. I think that with this particular card, there is a lot of potential manipulation, and it’s likely easy to take advantage of him and his kindness. 

What I find interesting about his birth chart: 

Mars and Venus first house placements: 

This is the house of the self, it’s literally who you are. I love it when both Mars and Venus share a house. The Venus influence can be seen through subtle charm, mannerisms, and the need for friendship, whereas the Mars can be seen through impulsivity, confidence, and hard work. I would say that there is a subdued dominant personality in there somewhere, more about controlling the situation for his own comfort than the need to dominate others. 

Leo Stellium with Mars, Rising, and Venus: 

In this house, we love a stellium. Even if it brings conflict and tension, we love the absolute energy boost it brings. This particular combo tells me that there is a lot of passion and creativity, and I bet this man argues with his whole chest. 

Saturn in Aries (retrograded at time of birth): 

I absolutely love Saturn, I feel like it’s one of those misunderstood planets! Esteban is also going through his first Saturn return right now, so he is probably going through it right now (same bestie, same). Having his Saturn in Aries really leads me to believe that there is a lot of personal conflict, and likely a struggle with imposter syndrome. A lot of the Saturn influence begins to really calm down once you reach your 20s, picks back up again when your Saturn return hits, and then cools down again. I think right now there is a lot of struggle in finding belonging and figuring out responsibilities and duties, but I think that this is a really important time to go through. 

Oppositions of Mercury and Saturn, Mars and Neptune: 

Oppositions are really interesting to me, mostly because I am a chaos gremlin and these bring things out of balance. 

Mercury and Saturn being opposed tell me that this man is blunt as fuck when he is in a bad mood. Once that social battery is drained, the snark meter goes off the charts. There is also a lot of control needed. 

Mars and Neptune being opposed honestly is horrific. In my personal experience, I see this a lot with addiction and substance use. This opposition needs to find a healthy way to cope when things get challenging, there is a lot of personal work that needs to go into finding healthy coping mechanisms.

[everrealmdweller]

My First Fic!

Hi everybody!

I’m finally posting this Elena of Avalor fic that I’ve been working on forever! (even though it’s not very long XD). 

I really love Luisa and how protective she is of her familia, so this fic has a focus on that. It takes place between the ending scenes of “Secret of Avalor” after Shuriki has been defeated. Specifically, I imagine it taking place right before the scene where we see Elena standing before her people out front of the castle in her ballgown with the Avaloran flag being raised. Enjoy!

***

Luisa wandered the halls of the castle, somewhat mindlessly. Around her servants hustled and bustled taking things out of storage, dusting everything off, and getting ready for the ceremony when they would raise the old Avaloran flag for the first time since Shuriki’s rule. Luisa knew she should be getting ready too, as the ceremony was fast approaching, but she was feeling restless and needed to get away from her thoughts. It didn’t appear to be working though. The castle seemed bigger, darker, and more threatening since the last time she had walked these halls, before the reign of Shuriki. She knew it was all in her head, but she still couldn’t shake the feeling of emptiness in this place that once felt like home.

Lost in her thoughts, Luisa was pulled back to the present by a small muffled gasping sound. Suddenly she realized she had wandered her way to the hall outside Elena’s bedroom. Curious and with a sinking suspicion that she might be needed, Luisa stopped and waited outside her granddaughter’s door. As Luisa was afraid she might, she continued to hear soft cries coming from the room. At the sound of her nieta’s crying, Luisa’s heart broke, her own eyes filling with tears. She had a pretty good idea why Elena might be crying, and it broke her to pieces. Luisa opened the door quietly and tip-toed to Elena’s side. The girl was so distraught she didn’t even notice her abuela’s entrance. She sat on the ground, her head resting on her arms on the bed. She was wearing her red puffy ballgown, evidently preparing for the ceremony. The two ribbons on the back of the dress, Luisa noted, were untied.

“Oh, mijita...” Luisa cooed softly as she sat down beside Elena.

Elena jumped at the sound, though Luisa’s words rang with compassion and the deepest empathy. Luisa put a comforting arm around her granddaughter as Elena turned her face away, embarrassed. She tried to wipe away the tears streaming down her face, but as soon as she accomplished this, her emotions bubbled over all over again sending tears streaking down her face anew.

Luisa gently pulled the sixteen-year-old close, placing her head on her chest and silently stroking Elena’s dark hair. Elena could hold back no longer and clung to her abuela letting out heartbreaking after heartbreaking sob. Luisa’s heart ached to relieve Elena’s sorrow, to do or say something, anything, to take it away, but what can one say to relieve the burden of lost loved ones? Luisa herself had not yet been able to walk past her daughter and son-in-law’s room since being freed from the painting. Instead she sat in silence. She couldn’t change anything but at least she could be here.

It’s funny, Luisa thought, you can live so many years, see so much, and still have no idea what to do. Luisa doubted that all the wisdom in the world could help her now.

Eventually, Luisa had lost track of time by now, Elena’s cries grew quieter and less frequent. She looked up at her abuela’s face and Luisa smiled compassionately as she gently brushed her thumbs over Elena’s delicate cheeks to remove the last tears.

“Elena, mijita,” Luisa asked delicately, “do you want to tell me what’s wrong?”

Elena sat up a little bit, straightening herself, “It’s the bow,” she croaked.

Luisa was confused. The bow? “On your dress?”

“Yeah,” Elena began fiddling with her hair. “It’s just that, Mami always used to tie it for me,” Elena paused and let out a little laugh tilting her head back, “Even when I was fully capable of doing it myself. I guess it was so she could give me that little pep talk she always did before I made a public appearance as a royal. Telling me I had nothing to fear because one day I would be a great leader, just like Papi.”

Luisa put a hand on Elena’s shoulder which was trembling slightly, “And when I went to go and tie it,” Elena’s voice broke, “I realized she wasn’t here anymore.”

A lone tear trickled down Elena’s cheek and Luisa felt a lump in her throat, her own eyes filling. Her motherly instincts taking over, Luisa gently took the two loose ribbons on Elena’s dress and deftly tied them into a perfect bow, making sure not to tighten it too much, beyond the point of comfort for Elena. Shifting to face the girl who she had held the day she was born, who now had tear streaks staining her beautiful face, she lifted her chin tenderly in her cupped hand.

Looking into her brown eyes Luisa spoke softly but forcefully, “Mijita, I know we can never take the place of your parents,” Elena looked at her helplessly, “But know that your abuelo and I will always be here for you. If you need anything ever, don’t hesitate to ask. That goes for Isabel too.”

There was still sadness in Elena’s eyes, but there was something else too, a spark of hope. She nodded to her abuela gratefully. Then suddenly Luisa found herself entangled in a warm, affectionate hug.

“I love you,” Elena whispered in her ear.

“I’ll love you forever, mijita.”

As Elena clung to her, Luisa could feel that emptiness and darkness in her somewhat ebbing away. Replacing it was a much stronger feeling, deeper and much more powerful than grief and fear, a purpose that would consume her life from now on. She had felt it before. Once when oh so long ago now she held her newborn daughter, Lucia, in her arms. Then again as she cradled a young Esteban on her lap shortly after he lost his parents. The feeling came crashing back, like a tidal wave, but this time it was for Elena and Isabel. She would be here for them. She would love them. She would guide them, and she would never let anything happen to them. If anyone laid a finger on them, they were going to be very, very sorry.

[halloweennut]

Hireath, Part Three

Things start to go down

Maricruz stopped looking into the future for herself and sister a long time ago. Rosie clung to the past for distraction - so many stories laid out, just for her - but Mari found little comfort in the uncertainty of the future, the possibilities scared her. The future wasn’t stable like the past, but she wished it was. At the very least, Esteban gave something resembling that stability in his ever-continuing visits and he didn’t lie to them - Oracles are hard to lie to, Mari counted in the very last. He wanted little but brought plenty, like oranges and soft new blankets. 

She wanted to dare to hope that the future was changing for her and Rosita, but the thought of looking and the thought of being let down, left alone in the cave forever kept her from doing so. The future came tomorrow, but until then, Mari let herself enjoy the present. 

Esteban had come to visit for the day, bringing oranges and crumbly, sweet cookies that left powdered sugar everywhere. He seemed slightly sad, more so than usual, but was more than willing to smile at them and tell Rosie however many stories she wanted. The sinking feeling that change was coming sank like a rock in Mari’s stomach. 

“You have almost all the riddles and payments, don’t you?” Mari asked, during a lull. Esteban looked at her, face falling, but nodded. Rosie looked between the two of them, concerned.

“Chatana is making the shawl as we speak,” he replied. “I caught the fireflies last night and found the spider webs for the thread. Ash found a toy mouse. We’ll be bringing everything soon.”

“And then you’ll get want you want,” Mari tried to hide the tremble in her voice, raising to her feet. Orange peel fell from her skirt. “And you’ll never come back!”

“I never said-” Esteban couldn’t finish his sentence as Mari ran past him to her and Rosie’s room. “Maricruz, wait!”

His plead went unheard as she hid herself away, trying to force down the shake in her chest and hands. She didn’t want to have to dye Esteban’s hair blue, and it wasn’t even his fault. But none of them could change anything. Mari sniffed and tried to ignore the sound of approaching footsteps. Esteban crouched down, slipping into the room with Rosie trailing close by. He kneeled in front of the two of them, and she forced herself not to look at him.

“I promised I wouldn’t make you two upset again, didn’t I?” he asked softly, gently tipping her head to look at him. Mari nodded. “And me not visiting would only break that. Maybe I won’t be able to visit as often, but I will do what I can to come see you two. I can’t have you dying my hair blue just yet.” 

Rosie giggled at that, and it brought a smile to Mari’s face. Esteban gently ruffled Rosie’s curls and wiped a few stray tears that escaped Mari’s eyes off her cheek. “I promise I’ll do what I can to see you both.”

“Promise?” Rosie asked, anticipating what her sister would ask. Mari nodded in agreement. Esteban sat back for a moment, dragging a pinky over where his heart would be. 

“Cross my heart,” he promised. “Do you need a few minutes alone, Mari?”

Mari rubbed at her eyes once again, and shook her head no. If they weren’t going to see him as often, she might as well enjoy the present as much as she could. 

-

When Esteban arrived back, Chatana was proudly showing the shawl to Ash. It was a dazzling piece of weaving, all in rainbow threads that would make even the proudest Avaloran noblewoman coo over it. Even Ash’s eyes had turned appreciative of the handiwork. 

“We’re finally done then,” Ash said. Chatana gave her an odd look. 

“Absolutely not! The shawl isn’t done,” she replied. “I just need to block it overnight and then it will be done.”

“She’s a perfectionist,” Pili nodded. Chatana had restart the shawl twice and repsun the fibers once when she wasn’t happy with the weave or the heft of the yarn. It only frustrated Ash, and the added delay only infuriated her more. 

“It’s a shawl for a few children,” Ash replied. “Do you really think they’d care?”

“I care! I will not let any of my creations go out into the world imperfectly,” Chatana said. “So drop it.”

The two stared each other down before Ash stormed off to make sure the fireflies were still alive. Esteban, feeling safe enough to approach, went to examine the shawl himself, an action Chatana was more than happy to oblige. He ran a hand over the threads, nodding at the pleasant weight and fine weave. 

“Its beautiful,” he said, and bit his tongue about how much Mari would adore it. “Anyone would be proud to own it.”

“I know! It’s one of the finest things I’ve made,” Chatana chirped, holding it up to the light. Pili huffed. “Besides you, Pili.”

“I suppose tomorrow’s the day then, isn’t it?” Esteban asked. It was an obvious question.

“It is, and it will be another day closer until you two have Avalor, I have my diadem and a seat of power, and we can be done with everything,” Chatana said, gently folding the shawl. “Until then, I’m going to go finish this. Tomorrow comes our destiny, so get some rest.”

Tomorrow was coming, but Esteban wasn’t sure he was ready for what tomorrow or destiny even meant anymore. Sleep didn’t come until late in the night, so unwilling was his mind to face the morning. He woke up exhausted, but hid it away as he made his way towards the others. Pili was double-checking the items as Chatana and Ash chatted, giving only half an ear to their conversation. 

“They better be as good as people say they are, otherwise this will have been a waste,” Ash groused.

“I promise you, they are,” Chatana replied. Do you really think Tormenta would have gone through all that trouble if they weren’t?”

“True...but what of after we get our answers?” Ash asked. “What happens then?”

“We leave and use what they told us, obviously,” Pili responded. Chatana nodded. 

“But others could use them to stop us, couldn’t they?” Ash countered. “They aren’t exactly aligned to malvagos or anyone’s cause!”

Chatana raised an eyebrow, and Esteban stared hard at Ash. “And? That’s their purpose - to provide visions.”

“I don’t like leaving loose ends,” Ash replied. “My purpose is to defeat Avalor.”

“Are you implying we-” Esteban snapped, before cutting himself off. “No, absolutely not!”

“Agreed. That’s dark, even for us, Ash,” Chatana replied. “But I see your concerns. Perhaps we just seal the entrance so no one else can find them?”

“No!” Esteban exclaimed. “Haven’t they been through enough without you wanting to destroy them or seal them away?”

“I also see your hesitations, and while they are children,” Chatana turned towards him. “There are always plenty of children.”

“Children aren’t as replaceable as your creatures, Chatana!” he replied. “I will not allow harm to come to them!”

“Ugh, you say the same thing about Elena and the rest of your former familia, Esteban,” Ash said. “Do you really want to wait until they help destroy you too?”

“If that’s what it takes to keep them, all of them, from harm and from you, so be it,” Esteban said. “I’m done.”

“Done? What do you mean, done?” Ash followed him as he began to storm off. “You cannot just-”

“I can, and I will! I’m done playing this game, Ash,” Esteban snapped. “I meant it when I said no harm comes to my family, and I will not let you do such a thing! Nor will I have anymore part of it!”

“You’ve been playing us all along, haven’t you?” Chatana asked. 

“Told you he was the worst!” Pili said from her shoulder. “Pulling a long con on you two - too bad he had to go and end it early.” 

Esteban didn’t answer, but his grip on his staff tightened as he watched Ash’s face turn into a snarl. Before she could even reach for her tamborita, he slammed the staff onto the ground, and a boqato spell rang out into the empty space where he once stood. Esteban missed her shout of her frustration as he stumbled into the cave, his mind only frantically running through the next few steps he had to take. 

“Maricruz! Rosita!” he shouted, running through the booby traps. He no longer cared about setting them off. Each snapped at his heels or swung for his chest, but he dodged them all, only caring about getting to the platform. The girls rushed out of their room, watching in shock at Esteban’s frantic running towards them. Relief flashed over their faces as he leapt onto the platform.

“Esteban? What’s wrong?” Rosie asked, eyes wide and clinging to her sister. 

“We need to go,” he said, out of breath. 

“But we can’t!” Mari said. “The chains-”

“I’m teleporting us out of here,” Esteban said. “All that matters is that we leave and leave quickly.”

“But why?” Rosie asked. He didn’t want to reply, and she saw that. So she blinked once, twice, and her eyes opened in horror. “They can’t do that!”

“I won’t let Ash and Chatana harm anyone in my familia, and they won’t use you to do it,” Esteban reassured her, quickly picking her up. “Especially since you two are included in that now.” 

Mari looked up at him with wide eyes at that. “You mean that?”

“I do,” he nodded. “Now hold onto my arm. If this works, we will need to hit the ground running.”

“It will,” Mari blinked twice. “It will work.”

Without a moment’s hesitation more, Esteban hit the floor with his staff. With a flash of light, the three were gone, leaving only two chains to hit the floor, runes dying out as their charges disappeared. They landed just outside the mouth of the cave, and the girls blinked in the bright light of the morning. Esteban, as much as he longed to give them time to enjoy the outdoors that had been denied from them, couldn’t linger long. He quickly began to take them down the mountain, hurdling over rocks and through bush and trees. It wasn’t long until the three of them heard the tell-tale signs of two sorceresses approaching. 

“Esteban!,” Mari cried, and the fear in her voice cut worse than a blade. Rosie had her face buried in his chest, trying to block out what she heard or could see. He quickly slammed the staff on the ground, and they flashed away once more. The small group landed by a creek, stumbling through the chilled, mountain water. Esteban frantically looked around for something, anything to help them, when, surprise of all surprises, Valiente of all creatures, was just down the creek bed, startled at the sudden appearance of his master. He wasn’t in the best of shape - mane and tail matted, and coat unbrushed, but at least he seemed to have been fed. The saddle wasn’t his, but was perfectly sized for someone much smaller. 

“Valiente! You little-,” whatever word about his previous betrayal died on Esteban’s tongue. “You miracle.”

He quickly took the girls over to the horse, setting Rosie in the saddle and lifting Mari up behind her, despite their protests, before grabbing Valiente’s bridle. 

“Go home, go back to the castle! Go as fast as you can go, and stop for nothing! Understand?” Esteban ordered. The horse whinnied, and stomped his hooves. He looked up at the girls. “Hold on to him and don’t let go. Don’t stop until you’ve reached the castle.”

“What about you? We can’t leave you behind!” Rosie protested. 

“I’ll be with you again soon,” Esteban said. He quickly shed his jacket and secured it over them, and just as quickly handed Mari the reigns.  “Valiente knows the way home, so you just have to hold on.”

Mari nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. Rosie couldn’t do that as easily, and tears flowed over her cheeks. He ignored the sight and grabbed the bridle, leading them to a path through the mountains. A goodbye fell flat in his throat, and before he could do anything else, hit Valiente on the flank, spurring him to motion. Esteban ignored the startled yelps of the girls as his horse sped away. He knew he should have started running to protect himself, but he stood firm, planted to the ground. 

No more running. 

Not anymore. 

Esteban watched as the girls grew farther and farther away, even as Ash and Chatana finally caught up to him.

“They’re getting away!” Ash shouted, reeling onto Esteban. “You are going to PAY for what you’ve done. After we get those girls.”

Chatana looked ready to take flight. Ash had a spell primed to go. 

“I’m already paying,” was the last thing they said before a loud snap of staff upon stone echoed around them, and the three of them disappeared in a flash of green runes. Mari watched them disappear, watching over her shoulder as she and her sister were carried away. Her eyes stayed on the spot until her vision went blurry with tears, but she couldn’t let them fall. She had to stay strong for her sister and try to look forward on their path and not anywhere else, just like she always had, and set herself to always do.