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virlath · 4 years

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halam'shivanas: the sweet sacrifice of duty

It implies the loss of something personal for duty’s sake

===

How tragically ironic would it be if Solas, the rebel god and breaker of slave chains, is in fact bound to Mythal’s will, much like Abelas or the drinker of the well of sorrows is?

We can assume his duty was to advise/protect Mythal, as based on the imagery and statues that depict him. Mythal’s murder would have meant he completely failed at his duty, meaning he is still bound to her even after banishing the false gods and creating the veil.

This is why he cannot be swayed on his path. He walks the dinan’shiral because he is bound by his duty to the people, and to Mythal. He can’t just walk away like Abelas can at the well. He can’t even tell the Inquisitor the truth even if he wants to because his duty to Mythal always comes first.

We all know Bioware love their tragic characters and this would just be the icing on the already delicious cake that is Thedas lore.

Note: Assumptions and theories ahead are based on speculation and theorising only- this is simply a potential take on Solas’ motivations.

===

Firstly, why would Solas even agree to serve Mythal?

Fen’Harel statues are often seen as a symbol of guardianship. In the Temple of Mythal he is depicted as a guard dog. Guard dogs infer protection and servitude to its owner. That’s the impression I get from his statues - that he guarded Mythal willingly and with great pride.

The only reason he came to be remembered as a god at all is because he takes the form of a powerful wolf beast, and walks amongst all factions freely as a rebel leader against slavery.

If Mythal is “the best” of the evanuris (and remember, the evanuris are self proclaimed gods who all owned slaves in some sense), how could Solas lead a slave rebellion while he was still on good terms with Mythal?

It can be assumed from clues throughout the game that Solas used to be a pure spirit in some sense before manifesting as a material elf. He refers to a person’s essence through their “spirit”, and it seems like he very much misses being a pure spirit himself.

Cole: You don't need to envy me, Solas. You can find happiness in your own way. Solas: I apologize for disturbing you, Cole. I am not a spirit, and sometimes it is hard to remember such simple truths. Cole: They are not gone so long as you remember them. Solas: I know. Cole: But you could let them go. Solas: I know that as well. Cole: You didn't do it to be right. You did it to save them. Inquisitor: Solas, what is Cole talking about? Solas: A mistake. One of many made by a much younger elf who was certain he knew everything. Cole: You weren't wrong, though. Solas: Thank you, Cole.

(if Cole becomes more human)

Solas: How do you feel, Cole, now that you dealt with the Templar? Cole: I don't know. He hurt me... hurt the real Cole. I'm angry at him. Cole: I can't let that go. I have to become more, let it make me real. Solas: You may well become fully human, after all. I never thought to see it. Cole: When did you see it before? Solas: I did not say that I had. Cole: No, you didn't. It's harder to hear, sometimes. Sorry. Solas: Good luck, Cole. You have taken a difficult road.

Could Solas have been a pure spirit of wisdom before he took on a physical form to be at Mythal’s side? Did the ancient elves use spirits to do their bidding, and those with greater power used physical bodies to transcend singular character traits to gain the full complexity and spectrum of emotions and actions? Perhaps that seemed appealing to Solas at the time - to become more than he currently was?

To gain wisdom you have to actively seek it. That means travelling and learning, a trait that Solas embodies. He elaborates on more of his travels if you ask him at Haven.

“The Fade reflects the world around it. Unless I travelled I would never find anything new.”

“The Fade reflects and is limited by our imaginations. To find interesting areas, one must be interesting.”

I have explored the Fade more than anyone alive, but even I can only visit in dreams.

Then in Trespasser, Cole cryptically reveals more snippets of his past (presumed).

Cole: He did not want a body. But she asked him to come. He left a scar when he burned her off his face.

Cole: He wants to give wisdom, not orders.

So, why would Solas willingly serve Mythal if he is so against slavery and servitude?

I presume it is because he actively sought more wisdom and inadvertently fell into Mythal’s will to attain more knowledge. Whether or not he deliberately became Mythal’s servant/advisor is up for debate. His circumstances could mirror his personal quest in DAI, where Mythal summoned him as a spirit to be her advisor, turning him from wisdom to pride. Or, this could just be a red herring.

Abelas sheds a bit of light on what serving Mythal actually entails:

“Brave it if you must. But know you this, you shall be bound forever to the will of Mythal....Bound as we are bound. The choice is yours.”

I personally think Solas could very well have chosen to attain more wisdom at the cost of serving Mythal- becoming her personal guard dog if you will. He was after all, cocky and thought he knew everything.

In any case, in forming a physical self, he inadvertently came into great power, becoming Fen’Harel, deified in his own right.

And once you have power, you always want more. It’s what forms a part of being human- he touches on this a lot in banter and dialogue throughout the game. To a wisdom spirit who simply sought more wisdom in the world, it makes sense he would always want to learn more and know more and be more.

To gain more wisdom, he had to constantly seek out greater things, and being in a position of great power as Mythal’s right hand man allowed him to collect this wisdom he so desired.

Solas traded wisdom for a physical body, thus he lost his spirit form permanently. He traded the simplicity of being a spirit of wisdom, for the complexity of being a mortal elf with all the emotions tied to it. He traded the very essence of his being to become one of Mythal’s own trusted advisors.

That was the cost of him gaining more knowledge through Mythal’s position of power- without this sacrifice of self, he would never have seen more, or known more, or been more than the singular trait of wisdom.

This is perhaps why he feels so lonely and betrayed and like he can’t trust anyone- because as a spirit, life was simple, he simply collected knowledge and passed it on. As a physical being, he learnt the brutality of war and the cost of betrayal. These events define his overall perception of physical beings, which is why he doesn’t view people as people. He simply views them as pawns to be used, like a game of chess. “He wants to give wisdom, not orders.“

It could also explain why he disdains physicality and envies Cole - he simply wishes everything were that simple, but it can’t because he is now a material being. When he realises his love for the Inquisitor is real, and that the companions in the Inquisition are real, it shakes the entirety of his core beliefs about what makes people, people. He only falls back to his sense of duty because he has to. He failed Mythal when she was killed, and she wants revenge. To achieve vengeance, she needs her guard dog to do her bidding.

===

Solas’ purpose changed

As the ancient elves warred between themselves, Mythal would have needed advisors and trusted friends. She would have relied on Solas heavily, because he was a willing servant full of wisdom and advice, and his wisdom would be invaluable during a civil war. What Solas was to the Inquisition, he was probably even more so to Mythal.

This may be the reason why Mythal actually uplifted Solas as the dread wolf, helping him shape the image of fear and rebellion. She allowed him to be free of his vallaslin and create his rebellion- it was all subterfuge and part of her master plan to create chaos amongst her rivals and their slaves.

The side benefit was Solas took the fall for her in almost every respect- she came to be remembered as Mythal, the patron of motherhood and justice, while Solas came to be remembered as the trickster “god”, the dread wolf who sabotaged Mythal’s enemies while freeing slaves at the same time.

It was a symbiotic relationship for both of them as their actions aligned with each other’s motivations. It wasn’t out of love that Solas served Mythal, but his bonds of duty, personal desire for wisdom, and eventually his personal quest to end cruelty and slavery. He says himself he did not lead a rebellion without getting his hands bloody. Solas is not a saint and it’s easy to forget that- he was part of the institution as well.

===

Solas’ is a mortal mage whose weakness is pride

Solas isn’t infallible and he knows this. He makes so many mistakes out of arrogance it would be funny if it wasn’t sad. I mean, he gave his orb to Corypheus...what possessed him to think that was a good idea?

His pride is his weakness and he severely underestimates the complexity of human emotions and motivations. Where once he simply desired more wisdom, now, he thinks he knows better than anyone else because of his pride. He thinks modern Thedas is full of “tranquil” because he is so arrogant to believe that his past was better than the future he helped create, even though ancient elvhenan was chock full of slavery and cruelty.

In fact, his position of power was enabled through the evanuris, and Mythal herself, who was at the top of the pecking order.

Somewhere along the way, Mythal used him as a general or commander in the war. That is when I think Solas changed from an advisor to one that embodied pride. In doing so he took on the form of a reptilian wolf / dragon hybrid. “I would not have you see what I become...”

If you drink from the well, and have high approval with him, he will be very upset after the fact:

“You gave yourself into the service of an ancient elven god!...You are Mythal’s creature now. Everything you do, whether you know it or not, will be for her. You have given up a part of yourself.”

Solas knows what the Inquisitor has given up because perhaps he also gave up a part of himself for her.

===

Solas vs. Mythal

At the end of DAI, Flemeth specifically says to Solas “I knew you would come”

When he says “I am so sorry” to Flemeth, she responds in kind. “I am sorry as well...old friend”.

It’s not a “I’m sorry you failed” sorry. It’s a “I’m sorry for what I’m about to get you to do” sorry. It’s hard to be certain at this point exactly what power Mythal bestows upon Solas, but I think the fact remains, Solas isn’t simply Solas anymore. Through his bonds of duty to Mythal, his actions will be for her whether or not he knows it.

With the essence of Mythal’s power, the things he will do in the name of saving the elven people will likely also form a part of her master plan for vengeance against the other evanuris.

#dragon age #dai #dragon age 4 #da4 #solas #flemeth #mythal #thedas lore #da theories #drabble

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maidof-shade · 3 years

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Fitting a Square Peg Into a Round Hol

You have heard the expression that you can't squeeze UV resistant pegs into a circular opening. A basic perception would demonstrate that assertion is mistaken. You can UV resistant pegs into a circular opening. You can likewise squeeze a round steak into a square opening, yet for what reason could you need to?

There are the individuals who might attempt basically on the grounds that they can. What's more, there are the individuals who are UV resistant pegs that like the vibes of a circular opening and would attempt to fit. In spite of the fact that they all fit; they don't fit consistently in the opening.

Everybody has a shape and a fate. All in all, regardless of the shape you were made in; you throw a tantrum. You start your excursion as UV resistant pegs or another shape and your excursion starts in a world that is in a struggle with its shapes. There are numerous who are dug in osmosis. They figure that everybody ought to have a similar shape as them and that they should squeeze into a similar shape opening. Fortunately, this isn't normal, and life has wanted to propel a few shapes to move fresh. We for the most part don't care for individuals who don't adhere to the standards, however, without them nothing would change.

It is the standard breakers that persuade society to transform its rules. It was a standard breaker that found the world was not at the reality level. So in case you are around the stake and it serves you to squeeze into a square opening; then, at that point, you ought to get it done. However, what might be said about the shape that is having issues or issues fitting in? On the off chance that you find that your life is inconsistent unrest or battle, it is likely in light of the fact that you are attempting to squeeze into an alternate formed opening. In truth in case you are around the stake, it would be your life's motivation or fate to discover the spot you most effortlessly fit into. There is no battle when you are in concordance with what soul expected.

Since you are a part of soul and it is soul that has showed itself into the actual world as one shape or the other; it is normal for you to take the easy way out. This is known to you before you result in these present circumstances world. Since you have opportunity to pick (unrestricted love), you pick how you will track down the best fit.

For a large number of us, our issues start with our folks and with other people who have control over us. Many will anticipate that you should live inside their own shape or restrictions. You're in my home, this is how it is and you will adhere to the guidelines and fit in. You are currently a round stake caught in a square box. You might fit, yet it isn't who for sure you are.

You might get this equivalent demeanor with your kin, you school construction and mates. Neighborhood laws and territorial culture will likewise attempt to shape you into something that they can acknowledge.

During this time of development there are numerous who are attempting to reshape you and you are left with just three decisions. You can attempt to fit in, you can oblige a daily routine of steady battle and experience with the pressing factor or you can free yourself and follow your fate.

When you are sufficiently developed to make up your own psyche, you might end up miserably settled in a cycle that has made an existence of battle and misery. You have gotten tied up with what they have advised you and are feeling deficient, left out, or harmed. You are far taken out from your predetermination and life's motivation has evaded you.

It is extremely simple to decide when you are not moving along a characteristic way - it's troublesome!

Presently at times you can trick yourself. Things might be coming fine and dandy and you have been acknowledged by family, companions, and society. In any case, underneath your adjusted or square outside there is struggle, unrest, and battle. Something is continually absent. That feeling won't ever disappear regardless of how fruitful you think you are. Regardless of how famous or wanted you might be. A round stake in a square opening leaves spaces around it which are not filled. You will consistently feel those spaces and feel fragmented; something will consistently be missing.

Fortunately in any event, being an oddball enjoys its benefits, and you won't generally be this way. Life advances thus will you. If not in this lifetime; it will be the following. Surprisingly better is that you have the decision whenever to change. Change will come when you let go of the multitude of musings you have about fitting in by any means. Also, after the age of thirty; this turns into a significantly more prominent test. The more youthful you are, the simpler it is.

Without a doubt you will lose all that you thought you needed, your companions, your work, your way of life and that's only the tip of the iceberg. Fortunately you will become something a lot more noteworthy than you might at any point envision, and you won't ever be more joyful. There could be no more noteworthy inclination than being free. It isn't normal for life to be boxed, and in the end it can't. Life consistently discovers a way. At the time that you at last find that you have not fit in and it isn't what you need; you will start the excursion to opportunity.

You should realize that your family, companions and society are not your adversaries. Dread and your own musings about change are your foes. The obscure is frightening, yet in truth an everyday routine experienced external your predetermination is much more terrifying. Strolling another person's way offers you chance for you to be your normal self, as positive or negative as that might appear. Truly, positive or negative doesn't work for you. What works for you is controlled by your decisions. As a round stake, you will consistently settle on round stake decisions and the decisions will consistently work. At the point when you settle on square decisions, there will consistently be some additional room that simply doesn't squeeze into your shape (reason).

I have consistently been a round stake living is a square world. At the point when I began composing nine years prior, I needed to relinquish all that just to allow the composition to come through. I surrendered an effective business, discovered an exit plan and lived basically in the city for longer than a year. I'm 60 years of age and I am as yet sifting through the restricting requests of society and my own contemplations which actually challenge me in my present everyday life. I continually question the importance or attack of what I am doing.

I have no companions and have estranged myself from my families. I'm semi resigned and work low maintenance at a particular employment that is continually moving me to adjust to principles which are conflicting with how I see myself. Despite the fact that I have found my shape, I have not discovered my place to fit. Truth be told I am an oddball (flighty). I don't say this with lament or judgment however with a feeling of direction and a significant longing to follow my fate. For the individuals who may not acknowledge me or my composition, they offer me support since it is an indication that I am as yet proceeding with my picked way and I am not the same as them.

I'm in good company I would say, and there are numerous other people who resemble me. By our very nature as loners (unconventionality), we won't track down a fit among ourselves. This doesn't pardon us from being included or connected with individuals. Individuals bring a familiarity with self (myself) and we are characterized by the presence of others. We will consistently be comparative with another person. Profoundly, I don't think it is solid not to impart to other people. Life consistently looks to find and perceive other life.

What I do, I accomplish for myself first, since it is inside me to do as such. Thusly, I additionally reward other people who need to hear what I need to say. If you somehow managed to take a gander at my site and read my articles on the web or read my books, you would find that I have a wealth of comments. By making this plenitude, I can stand to part with it. So it is the right hand warmly greeting the left.

For every one of those out there who consider themselves to appear as something else - embrace it. Be one of a kind and exceptional. Keep on finding your shape and search for your fit. Carry on with your existence with reason and realize that it is your predetermination, and your life will be characterized by the reason that you give it, and not by the assumption for other people. Permit others a similar opportunity to act naturally, however never permit any individual who might be shrouded in acceptable deeds to figure out what your identity is for sure your predetermination is. A day to day existence reason driven is very much served regardless anybody thinks.

Live well in wealth!

Roy is an occupant of British Columbia, Canada. A global distributed profound writer of books, digital books and articles. Roy's first book "You Life Was Never Meant to be a Struggle" is presently accessible in 13 nations. Roy's subsequent book has recently been distributed and is named "Driven Down the Garden Path" Roy's books were composed to challenge your present convictions concerning what your identity is and your motivation in this life.

#UV resistant pegs

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divergentsineadcsmeron · 3 years

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https://medium.com/swlh/why-our-relationships-have-tension-bfe8f3bdf431

“Trouble is part of your life, and if you don’t share it, you don’t give the person who loves you enough chance to love you enough.”

Dinah Shore

Experiencing tension in our relationship can become really uncomfortable for any of us to deal with. It can make it very difficult for us to enjoy the bonds we create in those relationship. However, many relationships can shift between harmony and tensions, these constant swings of emotions can result in a variety of emotions for both parties.

Sorting these issues can be very uncomfortable and can be very difficult to come to terms with it. This can then result in consequences when we avoid our actions. Facing those problems can be hard for many people and sometimes it can come to being too stubborn, which in turn can make your tension worse.

I have taken some of the key factors that can result in tension being in a relationship. This help to know what the contributing factors can be. Giving more of an insight.

“Insecurity and a lack of self-esteem.”

These issues can manifest as inadequacy and a belief that we are undeserving of the person we are with. Or simply put “I am not good enough for this person”. This causes one to be paranoid and full of doubt, ultimately eating the relationship alive from the inside out. These feelings can lead to jealousy even without merit and sabotage the viability of the relationship.

“Most bad behaviour comes from insecurity.” Debra Winger

The belief or assumption that one’s occupation should take precedence over everything and somehow our significant other is in our way.

This is the belief that one’s career is paramount. It’s our domain and nobody should trespass upon it. One partner is oblivious to their home obligations while the other is harboring resentment that progressively festers and becomes a formidable relationship breaker. This dichotomy becomes cancerous and is defined by a sense of neglect and arrogance.

You do everything so you live, and not so you live to work and work meaninglessly. And to live you don’t need to do much; too much doing has no meaning.” Osho

“Holding grudges and punishing our partner for extended periods of time for a something deemed as wrong, betrayal or something similar.”

Once something has happened that creates a significant issue, it needs to be dealt with. If you’re going to work through it and keep going, you have to forgive and own the fact you’re continuing forward. If you made a declaration and a commitment to stay the course, don’t go back and continually punish your partner. It isn’t fair to either of you if you cannot reconcile the issue at hand.

“To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it.” Confucious

“Wanting what you don’t have or taking a big slice of cake and eating it too.”

“The grass is greener on the other side” dilemma. This is the constant feeling that you’re missing out on something better. This one is self-explanatory. If you feel this way all the time, you’re in the wrong relationship. Get out and have respect for both parties. Don’t do it cowardly. If that’s how you feel, stand up and say it. You owe your partner the truth.

“Paroxysms of pain and twinges of desire leach from universal sources. All human suffering buttons itself to the pang of wanting.” Kilroy J. Oldster

“Destroying trust.”

This one is hard to come back from. The sting of betrayal hurts. You both must make a decision to work through it or move on. You can’t reside on the fence. It isn’t a place you can stay in.

“Trust starts with truth and ends with truth.” Santosh Kalwar

Hypocrisy will get you nowhere. Provide what you demand. Relationships are a two-way street.

“The only vice that cannot be forgiven is hypocrisy. The repentance of a hypocrite is itself hypocrisy.” William Hazlitt

“The suppression or hiding of important things.”

The fabled cover-up. Lies become difficult to juggle and maintain. Often one begins to lie about their lies and they become too hard to keep track of. Whatever it is, just declare and confess it. If your love is real, it should endure. By being courageous enough to own your faults, you show your partner what they mean to you.

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” ― Mark Twain

“Relationships consist of two people and should be a team effort.”

Possessing an overly competitive edge is crucial for succeeding in this big bad world but it isn’t a definitive asset within the confines of our home that we share with our loved ones. Having to defeat them at all costs in all areas is annoying, childish and a turn-off. Don’t look to defeat their every move. Support, encourage and uplift one another. A team will always be stronger than any individual player.

“I invite everyone to chose forgiveness rather than division, teamwork over personal ambition.” Jean-Francois Cope

“Deviant behavior.”

Falling victim to temptation and entering the dark side is a dangerous path to take. People think they can grab a quick taste and then jump back to the safety and comfort of their home and family. The Garden of Eden doesn’t provide rentals. You need to understand where you’re headed once you step in that direction. Most often, you won’t be coming back and when you do, those demons come with you. It is never worth the price of admission. Value what you have.

“Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.” William Shakespeare

Nobody wants to perpetuate a tension-filled atmosphere, especially with the people we care for the most. It’s unhealthy and suffocating.

Being honest and open with one another will help you both discover the right path back to harmony and meaning. Find the strength, compassion, and courage to rediscover the reasons you came together in the first place.

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humblemagic · 7 years

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a meeting of equals

She had not wanted to come South, to risk enduring more abuses at the whim of another Southron ruler. Since Joffrey had proved himself a monster, she had only ever wanted to go home and remain within the walls of Winterfell. But Jon speaks truth as if everyone surrounding him does the same. He is transparent and unaccustomed to the life at court, and Sansa has been told that the dragon queen is even more beautiful than Cersei.

She arrives at Dragonstone with only her sworn shield and Brienne’s squire, Podrick, despite Jon’s protestations. She is greeted by Missandei, the queen’s most trusted advisor, and her former husband. A smile lightens her grim expression at the sight of him. Tyrion was always kind to her. She feels safer with him here.

“What can one sword do against the Mother of Dragons?” Sansa asks when Missandei bids them to relinquish their weapons.

“Quite right,” her first husband laughs.

The dragons fly overhead, and Sansa cannot help the look of wonder and astonishment that crosses her face. They are majestic. And terrible.

“How have you fared in the years since I’ve seen you, my good wife?”

“As I was married after, I believe you are now set free from your vows, my lord, though I admit I have not been quite as happy in my second marriage as I was when we were wed.I am quite happy to set eyes on you again.” She looks away from the blush reddening his cheeks.

“And I you, though I am surprised Lord Snow did not come himself.”

“Winter is here, and his attentions are better kept North. I hope you do not find me lacking as an emissary.”

“Of course not. You are most welcome at Dragonstone and, I beg you to believe, quite safe. Queen Daenerys values loyalty. If you bend the knee, you will be afforded her protection.”

Sansa gives a noncommittal sound.

Tyrion and Missandei lead them into a great barren hall made of stone. Across the room, rigidly sat on her throne is a slight girl of no more than nine and ten, Sansa guesses. Her advisors walk to stand to either side of it.

“You stand before Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful queen of the Andals and the first men, protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains,” Missandei introduces.

Breaker of Chains, Sansa thinks, and yet you mean to use those dragons to enslave us all.

“I present to you Sansa Stark, eldest daughter of Lady Catelyn and Lord Eddard Stark, the Winter Rose, Winterfell’s Reclaimer, Princess of the North, Lady and Blood of Winterfell.”

“Thank you for traveling so far, my lady. I hope the seas weren’t too rough.”

“Not at all, Your Grace,” Sansa answers. “I have heard of your trials and accomplishments and commend you for returning to your home.”

Her eyebrows lift in surprise. “Thank you, Lady Stark. With that commendation, I must assume you are here to bend the knee like your forefathers before you.”

“I understand the assumption as Your Grace may not be aware of the strife between our families beginning with the kidnapping and rape of my dear Aunt Lyanna Stark by your brother, Prince Rhaegar, and the murders of our liege lord, Rickard, and his son, Brandon Stark, by your father, King Aerys.” She brings her hands together in front of her.

“Lady Stark, I ask your forgiveness for the crimes committed against your family. I am not my brother or my father. I have outlawed raping and reaving in the Iron Islands, and I have no intention of repaying loyalty with the death. I ask you not to judge me by the sins of my family.”

“That is kind. Many women will be spared torment,” Sansa nods.

Queen Daenerys leans back on her throne, her back straightening at the acknowledgment of her benevolence. “Torrhen Stark, the last King in the North, swore fealty to House Targaryen in perpetuity. I am the last Targaryen. Honor his vow. Bend the knee.”

“Will you apologize for your family’s crimes in one breath and negate the consequences to them in the next? I mean no disrespect, Your Grace, but you ask House Stark to honor an allegiance to your House that no longer bears weight. We must agree to leave past allegiances and crimes alike behind.”

The corners of her mouth lift in a facsimile of a smile. “If you have only come to break faith with House Targaryen, why are you here?” she demands.

Lord Tyrion’s gaze darts to Sansa anxiously. Those who anger the dragon queen do not survive long.

“To become allies, of course.” She gives the queen a genuine smile, a smile called up from her times with Margaery surrounded by scents of the sea and good humor. “Apart from the North, the kingdoms of Westeros will be yours. I hope that you are open to discussing a trade agreement that will come into effect when you take your throne.”

“We do not know each other, Lady Stark. Allow me to begin remedying that.” The queen stands, walking towards Sansa with slow steps, her hands stiff at her sides. “I spent my life in foreign lands. So many men have tried to kill me. I don’t remember all their names. I have been sold like a broodmare. I’ve been chained and betrayed, raped and defiled. Do you know what kept me standing through all those years of exile? Faith. Not in any alliances or gods, not in myths and legends. In myself. In Daenerys Targaryen.

“The world hadn’t seen a dragon in centuries until my children were born.,” she continues. “The Dothraki hadn’t crossed the sea, any sea. They did for me. I was born to rule the Seven Kingdoms, and I will rule. All of them. By declaring himself King in the North, your bastard brother is in open rebellion. Can you tell me what happens to those who rebel against the crown?”

Will you obey now, or do you need another lesson? Sansa is reminded of forcefully. The last time she was brought before a monarch to answer for her brother’s perceived crimes, she would have knelt and begged for mercy. But there is no mercy in this world, no knights or heroes. She lifts her chin.

In the pause she takes to temper her tone, Lord Tyrion speaks first.

“I believe Lady Stark is quite tired from her journey, my queen,” he says, drawing the queen’s attention. Sansa’s eyes remain on the threat before her. “If it pleases you, we could continue the discussion over supper after she rests.”

“It pleases me to have an answer to my question.” Lord Tyrion retreats. “Lady Stark?”

Sansa clears her throat delicately. “I do not discount your might, and you have my admiration and sympathies for the trials you have overcome as I have said, Your Grace. To answer your question, I must ask one of my own. At one point, there were five kings in Westeros: Kings Joffrey, Renly and Stannis Baratheon, King Robb Stark and King Balon Greyjoy. Now, there are three monarchs. Which crown would you find House Stark in rebellion against?”

“You said this woman was smart.” Queen Daenerys accuses Lord Tyrion.

“One of the most intelligent ladies I have encountered,” he affirms.

“In the time she’s been here, she has admitted that I will take the throne, still refused to bend the knee, and now she means to mock me.”

“Lady Sansa,” Lord Tyrion starts, capturing her gaze. “I once promised that I would never hurt you.” The queen watches curiously. “Though our marriage was in name only, I took that vow very seriously. I still do. Queen Daenerys can be trusted. She will avenge your father. Your brother will be Warden of the North, and you will be as safe there as you were when you were a child.”

“The North will never be safe under a Southron ruler,” she says, her unyielding tone at contrast with the softness of her expression. “She has already threatened the king’s heir.”

Queen Daenerys contradicts, “I threatened your brother who has no right to call himself king.”

“Were your family ties so weak that you don’t know any threat to my brother is a threat against me?” She lets rage color her voice, stepping closer, her chin raising another notch. “The Northern lords and ladies chose to follow Jon and name him their king. You need no rights to what is freely given.”

The woman stares at her stonily as if none of Sansa’s sound words can move her.

Frustrated, Sansa steps closer. “I imagine you think diplomacy is beneath you. You have armies and dragons. What can stand against you?”

“I’m sure you’ll tell me,” she drawls.

“After the Lannisters named my father a traitor, my brother, Robb, was made king and led his armies against them. He won every battle. The people revered him as I am sure yours do you. With dragons and more men than can be counted with the eye, they must think you an insurmountable wall of force. The people called Robb the Young Wolf. They said that he could not be killed. Then, he was. The Boltons and the Freys cut my mother’s throat to the bone, murdered his pregnant wife and took his head. Why?

“He had enough might to rule the North and overthrow the Lannisters,” she adds. She ignores the false glaze of boredom in the queen’s eyes and continues in a bemused tone. “I have the scars to prove it. Yet, fierce as he was in battle, he never was good at diplomacy. He ostracized his bannermen, and,” her pitch falls like a blade, “ they betrayed him.”

“She speaks true. My father orchestrated the attack, but Stark’s own bannermen executed it.”

The queen is no longer feigning disinterest. Her eyes lock on Sansa’s with rapt attention. When Sansa speaks again in a lower tone, the queen’s head leans forward slightly.

“‘What do you want that you do not already have?’ When you sit the Iron Throne, surrounded by subjects who bent the knee only to save their lives and the lives of their people, I do not wonder what your answer will be. I know. You will want to be safe without your dragons or guards close at hand. You will want for true allegiance. Lords who hate you will swear fealty to you to save their lives, but I will not lie to you. I knew that an alliance with the North would not be sufficient to satisfy you. I knew that one sworn shield and her squire could not protect me should you decide to execute me as an example. I answered your summons anyway,” she pauses to give the queen time to decide on the reasons Sansa might have. “The North remembers. We have greater fears than death. My bannermen will not follow someone they do not trust. Will you work to earn it?”

There is nothing in the queen’s expression that belies the answer she will give. Queen Daenerys closes the distance between them, looking at her intently. Sansa forces herself to appear as calm as the first snow. She will die here rather than live the rest of her days in fear of the dragon queen’s wrath.

“The men will follow your brother, and he follows you,” the queen surmises.

Sansa gives no answer. There is none that helps her cause. To rebut it is to deem herself useless. To acknowledge it undermines him.

“And how do I earn your trust, Lady Stark?”

“With patience, Your Grace. With time, King Jon may find that you are worthy to lead the North. If you are not amenable, I must return to my brother with the news that you have refused an alliance with House Stark and our allies, House Arryn and House Tully.”

Instead of flushing with anger at the threat, the queen’s face becomes alight with the first true smile she gives Sansa. “I will not wait forever.”

“No, I would not expect you to. I only ask that you give a House that has been betrayed and nearly ruined time to know you as the queen Lord Tyrion believes you to be.” She lowers her head deferentially.

“In the meantime, you will stay here to get to know me.” She quirks an eyebrow, waiting for Sansa’s nod of agreement. She turns to Missandei. “Please show our guests to their rooms.”

With that, she walks away, and Sansa watches her go.

The tension does not leave her shoulders until she is within her chambers with the door barred. It is only then that she lets the relief she feels make her limbs tremble and her knees weak. She sits on the edge of the bed, hands clutching its sides, exhaling slowly. Her head aches as if she has been sewing intricate designs for hours.

How quickly she turned to threats, Sansa thinks, rubbing her temples.

Despite her willingness to kill, Sansa cannot deny that the queen does impress her. Not many monarchs would have allowed a stranger to convince them to wait for true loyalty. She is different. Cersei would have made an example of Sansa, not seemed genuinely pleased to be threatened. But it is not enough. In the morn, she will offer fleece and wool for the queen’s armies in exchange for dragonglass. She will bide her time, offering glimpses of trust, until Jon has enough to win the war against the dead. She cannot afford to do otherwise.

#got fanfiction #got fic #daensa #daenerys x sansa #sansa x daenerys #humblemagic #fic #this literally started bc i wanted brienne to come back at her many titles with sansa's

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theblognobodyfoundlastyear · 4 years

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Sprinting at mach speed towards the crevasse!

Is it me or am I getting more unfit as this lock-down goes on? Hopefully it isn’t the onset of a more sinister fate, but who can fight the forces of destiny? In any case, it is what it is and we go on, as lonely as the road beckons us...

As of late, there’s one word being uttered all around is by familiar faces in worn out places: “Perseverance”. I suppose you know as well as I that it’s a concept long forgotten since the ol’ university days, when I would deliberately weave through the moral jungle called life to find what everyone told of value and fortune, only to realise that the majority can indeed be wrong. Of course, the individual is also just as likely to be wrong too, so who can be trusted? Certainly not the chef whom you’d done background checks on. But the idea that persevering in a situation with no visible or even expected advantage? It’s almost as if one would want to avoid that very truth, only to live a life of lies, lust and Lisp (by John McCarthy). I suppose one only tries to escape these obstacles only because one has not the sufficient training to deal with them adequately, which in itself is due to several factors.

One would presume that the natural preference for idleness over “unnecessary” pains would be enough to push us in, what most would call, the right direction. So, there is no need for perseverance? As with any skill, it usually isn’t developed in the absence of a problem. Although the problem here is that there is no external problem to use as motivation thereon. As strange as it sounds: How do we create a problem for ourselves? Naturally, this is not to assume we are to put ourselves in irreversible danger or in harm’s way solely for the purposes of achieving some vaguely defined goal. But what I were to say that this problem is only created for the purposes of tricking our natural thinking into seeing a perceived dilemma while having the effect of self-motivating one to overcome it? A placebo problem, if you will. Does that even work? Is it even safe? Can I put my pants back on now?

Suppose this scenario, and with as much intent to offend as it does to make an obscure point:

You love playing Fortnite. Day, night and in-between, you play that game much to the detriment of your own health and at the cost of sleep, nourishment and a social life. You play so much so that you try to hide such a hobby from family, friends and coworkers (or what’s left of your social circles), to which they suspect nothing, apparently. So what’s the problem here? Nothing, it seems. You love playing a PC game, life goes on. It’s basic math! And perhaps for a time, there really is no problem.

Fast forward 10 years. Nothing has changed. All your social standards have plummeted to all-time lows, but nobody is bothered by that, especially you. Yet you can’t stop thinking that more could be done to derive meaning in the madness of getting that sweet combo breaker? No, this is different. Perhaps it would be time to move on, as the problem isn’t so much an absence thereof: You have become the problem. Sure, you’re not affecting anyone really with your innate love for all things Fort and Nite. But that would be on the assumption that you must know your effect on others for it to manifest, completely disregarding the reality of unmonitored (and certainly uncensored) impact. For every kill gained, someone must lose. For every victory, a mountain of sad players is necessary. For every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction.

So, just quit playing, right? Solves all the problems, no doubt. But quitting is not as easy. For that hard-wired habit-formin’ son of a b*#$! called “The Brain” calls you back to the easy way -- the way of no perceived problems. As mentioned before, is there a way to put a case before yourself and convince oneself that it is time to seek something greater than a killstreak? One way to go about this is to buy a new set of computing gear to play on. After all, a master can’t be working with sub-par tools to get the job done right. And maybe that’s take up 2 or 3 months of time. And then? Maybe you might want to share some of your arcane Fortnite knowledge with the greater world. And so you might start a social media channel to document your know-how. And then...?

Okay, end of analogy because I don’t really want this post to be 45% Fortnite. I suppose the solution and subsequent problem is that by being pre-occupied with these small “problems”, you invariably become a problem solver in various ways whilst avoiding the vice of the ages. But won’t you run out of problems? Surely, but not if you can find “the big fish”: A problem so inherently large yet seemingly doable, that you, jump, hop and skip your way through it without thinking about the vice you wanted to leave behind. And I think it’s partially luck-based that you manage to find that “big fish” problem.

And what if you don’t? You’ll run outta problems and slump back into old habits once again. And small problems may be many, but they are finite as far as your small-minded scope is concerned. But who knows, hopefully the powers that be manage to wring you out of that confounded ditch and into a greater calling for all things purposeful.

‘Til next time, young padawan.

Sometimes a problem poses itself not a dilemma per se, but rather as a solution to a problem that has yet presented itself. In this case, “How can I show my love for deep-fried chicken without appearing overly gallant or ironic?”

#problems #perseverance #preoccupied

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hooksandhappyendings-blog · 7 years

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The Case for Jonsa: Why Jonerys will be one-sided at best

First, yes this is very anti-Jonerys and it is pretty brutal. I understand why Jonerys shippers will have a problem with that so there’s no need to call me delusional or pathetic. Please keep in mind, we don’t choose who we ship.

Also, I am spoiler free. If you know something from a leak that negates one of my theories please keep it to yourself.

So, why do I believe Jon and Dany’s relationship will be almost entirely one-sided? While I do believe that a Jonerys marriage is inevitable and that the writer’s have attempted to show physical attraction between the two, I do not believe that any romantic interest will be equal on both sides. I think it’s clear from this episode that Dany has already fallen hard for the brooding King in the North while Jon... not so much. For clarity’s sake I’m going to include the evidence I discussed in my post The Case for Jonsa, but there are definitely some new scenes to examine. Let’s begin:

First, Dany’s feelings are no mystery. We saw her panties fall off when Jon pet her dragon (if you know what I mean), and when he stood up to her and said he was a king the woman practically fanned herself. But while she’s literally tearing up at the thought of Jon leaving, there is a tremendous (almost surprising) lack of a similar affection from her crush. Let’s go scene by scene. The cave should have been a sexy moment. But every move to close the space between them was made by Daenerys. Other than prolonged eye contact (which could easily be explained by him basically begging for his people’s lives) he doesn’t step towards her. When he takes her by the arm it’s a surprising gesture, but how many times has Jon been told how damn pretty he is? I think it makes a lot of sense that he would use his broody northmen charm in such a desperate moment. He knew that cave would be a cozy place (and a cavelike atmosphere has worked out well for him in the past). What a perfect place to butter up this dragon queen. Now, by no means am I saying he was trying to seduce her. But I think it’s a fair assumption that his main goal was to soften her up and I think he’s self-aware enough to know a little intense eye contact goes a long way with the ladies. On the cliff with the dragon, despite constant longing looks from her, he barely makes eye contact and feels no need to reveal the truth behind Davos’ comment about a knife to the heart. She has talked a lot about herself but he seems completely uninterested in opening up. This shows he doesn’t trust her. He’s tried to convince her to join him and she has proven herself to be her father’s daughter. The time for sexy stares is over. All he wants now is to leave with his life. At the painted table Dany takes every opportunity to convey the GRRM equivalent of acting like a schoolgirl. She wants him soooooo bad and I think the feelings are already pretty deep. Jon on the other hand seems oblivious to her aching gaze and childlike blush. And I am not trying to belittle her. I have no problem with women getting all hot and bothered at men thumping their chests, just read my fanfiction. But in the context of ASoIaF that is seriously how it comes off. An infatuated girl falling all over herself for a guy she barely knows. I mean, when was the last time we saw this kind of thing? Joffrey and Sansa come to mind, and that’s what makes it so surprising.

Second, if this “epic love story” I keep hearing about is happening they are seriously running out of time. Why spend multiple episodes conveying Daenerys’ obvious feelings for Jon and not show anything in response? They had so many opportunities, both in the past and in this episode, to develop a mutual attraction and it just isn’t there at all. I think that’s a bit odd. All of her gawking goes completely unnoticed. Her explanations of her actions are met with barely concealed disapproval. He’s not interested, he’s not intrigued, and he’s not buying what she’s selling. I think this is setting the tone for the future of their relationship. It makes perfect sense that she would want to marry him, but absolutely no sense that he would feel the same. Not with the utter lack of attraction towards her so far. If a union happens it will be strictly political. I think that much is very clear already.

Third, even if they had the time for such a development, Dany’s actions, in this episode and the ones previous, make it unlikely that getting to know her more would inspire any love from Jon. The Loot Train Massacre aside, the surrender on the hill is a perfect example of her making a decision that would repulse Jon in every way. Everyone keeps asking “What else was she supposed to do?” as if the alternative to burning a father and son alive to make a point is such a riddle. Take them prisoner. TRY to convince them to join her side. We all know Tarly was on the fence about Cersei anyway. Tyrion probably could have brought them over with the right leverage. When the Greyjoy’s rebelled Ned Stark found a way to end the family line without slaughtering them. That’s exactly the kind of solution Jon would have looked for. Instead, she gave them a choice, join or die, and then killed them within seconds. There is no diplomacy in her campaign, but, contrary to what the Dany die-hards say, there is room for it. When the Unsullied took the Rock, Tyrion boasted that her army would win because they believed in her. Because they loved her. Had she listened to him she could have grown that army. Instead, she now has a military force made of soldiers who fight out of fear, and it appears she intends to continue with that strategy. She’s slowly moving away from the Breaker of Chains and is becoming what amounts to just another Targaryen conqueror. In episodes 3 and 4, Jon seems to soften to Dany when she talks about working together and showing mercy to her enemies. But, that’s not the path she’s walking anymore. She even says so. “I’m not here to put men in chains.” Ok, Breaker of Chains, makes sense. But then, “If that becomes an option, many will take it.” Which means she isn’t thinking like a liberator anymore. She’s not planning on waging war by winning the hearts of the people. She’s going to do it with fire and blood. This is not Jon’s way. It will never be Jon’s way. Unless her character does a complete 180 just in time for a handful (if that) of scenes with Jon, he will never love her. Attraction? Maybe. Friendship? Possibly. But romance? Anyone who thinks that is kidding themselves.

I’d like to end on a note about one of Jon’s lines. As they watch the dragons flying overhead Dany says they’re beautiful. Jon says, “Not the word I was thinking of.” then when she glares at him he says “But yes.” which was clearly only for her benefit. I believe this line refers to the fact that the Mother of Dragons has bought into her own hype. She looks at her style of warfare and sees only the silver lining. She sees her peaceful reign over a thriving country liberated from the tyranny of a false queen. But when Jon gets a look at what she’s doing he’ll see her conquering people who, as much as we hate to admit it, don’t really want to be liberated. She isn’t breaking chains and she isn’t taking prisoners. She’s taking the Seven Kingdoms whether they want to be taken or not. Jon couldn’t be further from such a ruler. He didn’t demand his crown. In fact, it was practically forced upon him. He didn’t conquer anything, which is why her comparison on the cliff makes no sense. Jon may have killed thousands at the BOB, but he was taking back his home and rescuing HIS people from a usurper they didn’t want. Westeros isn’t Dany’s home. Her family was overthrown by the people in a war, not slaughtered at a wedding by traitors from within in exchange for power. They see everything differently. They go about everything differently. She admires him for principals she herself does not have, and because of that their romantic relationship will always be one-sided. This I am absolutely sure of.

With these metas I always get the comment “Why do you have to hate on Jonerys? Why can’t you just ship Jonsa without disproving another ship.” I kind of get this complaint but not really. In order for my Jonsa theory to happen I kind of have to dispute Jonerys because there isn’t a lot of room in the story for a complex love triangle. I’m sorry if my opinions upset those who disagree with me, but as long as I’m not spouting my views off in the Jonerys tags I really don’t think it should bother you.

#jonsa #jonsa meta #jon x sansa #jon x sansa meta #anti-jonerys meta #actually jonsa #anti-jonerys

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theblognobodyfoundlastyear · 5 years

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Time to end this.

A thought had come to me recently, of all times. No, this is not some crazed fever dream where I'm high on some unnamed illicit drug, nor is this one of those psychedelic hallucinations that happen when I stay up too late. This time, it's a tribute. A tribute to what I hope has some essence of truth, otherwise it'll be another 7 years until it happens.

So what of this realisation? Well, I'd better not waste not, especially with the almost annihilated audience that even glances at these words after all these years: I seem to be in the presence of three cave demons that stand in my way to becoming a better man, as Robbie Williams would have put it. Of course, this is not to say I'm projecting my problems onto an external entity to feel better about my own personal shortcomings. Instead, by putting the into light, hopefully I may stand a chance in overthrowing myself and the powers that be, to put it most bluntly. Anyhoo, I haven't said nothing about these personal obstructions, which I suppose is why you're still paying attention to these empty words:

1. The Demon of Disappointment

"Augh, what a pain". "But why do I have to do this?". "I've seen this situation before, no point in repeating the same outcome". The one that drains motivation. Or at least, the one that heuristically states that things never work because it didn't turn out well all those years ago. Perhaps the single sole reason why I have this overly pessimistic outlook on all things literal. One could say that overcoming this obstacle just involves a more positive mindset paired with a *shudders* a beaming sense of optimism. Perhaps it's as simple as that, but certainly it takes no shortcuts to get there. I've heard I should "fake it until I make it" in these situations, because realistically, will one ever feel a windswept sense of positivity just by doing nothing, or worse, expecting it to arrive when nothing has been done so far? Well, should things be that simple, I'm more worried about the long term game. How to stop pessimism from creeping up once again, as it has many times in the past? A good support network helps, I suppose, which coincidentally is the largest key ingredient missing over the last few years, as seen on this blog. In any case, it is agreeable to an extent that fighting this demon is probably the easiest and helps combat the other two, which are by no means any less critical in addressing.

2. The Demon of Doubt

The one who asks a very simple question: "Are you sure?". Sometimes it's phrased more as a "Is this really what you expected?" but the intention is always the same: To sow a seed of questioning to get oneself to swerve off the course of certainty into a realm of unknowns. As I venture deeper, the more questions arise, recursively bringing me deeper into the deep sea of doubts until I myself don't even know if it's the demon or myself asking the questions here. Unlike the previous obstruction, this isn't as straightforward, at least how I see it. You see, when you have an entity that undermines the very decision making process that one mentally goes through, there are a number of variables that implicitly make their contribution and consequently act as attack vectors on one's ability to be certain. Past experience, opinions from others, personal "gut feeling" and general social responses are only a few in which the question "Are you sure?" can arise from. And once you stop to try and answer that question, you're already lost the war. And down you go once again. So the solution is to not answer the question, should it ever come up? The question itself often acts as a good circuit breaker, for when you're not quite thinking on the most logical or reasonable premise, and given a few moments, can help make the difference between a long-term life regret and a moderately acceptable decision. At the same time, the question casts doubts which, given certain interpretations of these abstract ideas, can do more damage than all else. But long story short: I have no solution thus far, although my assumption is that defeating the previous demon gives us some ground to find a reasonable solution to this barbaric beast.

3. The Demon of Depravity

This guy. The real boss. The head man. The top dog. The big cheese. The head honcho. The number one. The source of all our pain. What makes this demon so devastating do deal with? Basically, it refuses to change and insists that everything in place at the moment is already "working well enough". From past experience and even now, this is a most tragic mindset. One which refuses to change and adapt, despite times changing. In the end, I just become one of those basement dwellers that eats Cheese Curls all day and playing Dragon Age II for years on end. And that's "living the life"? A part of myself seems to think so. Currently, I can only consider one possible silver bullet to put this old codger to rest - Throw everything away. Whatever it is, discard it whether it has physical manifestation or an intangible representation. If the previous demons have been addressed in the correct ways, the psychological component of this fight is marginally easier, though that's not to say this edge is of trivial value. I can see this brawl taking well over a few months, and e'en spanning years given the circumstances. But once it is all gone, what is there to hang onto but the rubble of a hollow man? And here's where it gets tricky: If you don't rebuild your personal foundations in the right ways and using the optimal materials, all these demons will only come back stronger than before. At first, they seem like little imps, running around and not quite doing anything worthwhile. Soon they coordinate and attack where the foundation is weakest. The subvert all efforts to secure a solid base, and before you know it, it's back to square one. Since there's everything to lose, make sure you're ready to pay the cost, because this WILL hurt once it's over.

And then what? Just live in blissful unawareness for decades to come? While the demons will make attempts to come back, at least after all this, the plan is to be in a situation where I am the one who knocks. If you have the environmental advantage, perhaps it will be slightly easier to maintain one's sanity and outlook on things and to, at the bare minimum, be in a position where we finally feel the home that I live in. Gee, I'm quoting Robbie Williams a whole lot in this post. I'd better wrap it up before I actually start enjoying his music...

'Til next time, young padawan.

If going to jail is what it takes to defeat these demons, then I’d better brush up on my prison street-smarts, such as “dropping the soap” and “jail meat”.

#personal demons #psychological warfare #negativity

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