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randomrichards · 5 years

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THE BEST MOVIE MOMENTS OF 2018:

HONORABLE MENTION:

The Opening/Closing Credits from BUDDIES

I’m putting this as honorable mention because this is an older movie recently rereleased.

The first film about the AIDS Crisis, Buddies strikes at the heart with its opening credits with a typed list of AIDS victim up to 1985. Set to a mournful score by Jeffrey Olmstead, the never ending list of lives cut short puts you in tears.

Alex Honnold faces Boulder Problem in FREE SOLO

Most thrillers can only wish they could be as gripping as in the moment when Alex Honnold maneuver’s his way through the most challenging section of El Capitan Wall without rope in this Documentary.

Ray Offers Wisdom from Mid90s

“If you looked in anybody else’s closet, you wouldn’t trade your shit for their shit.”

Ray (Na-kel Smith) and his friends may not be the best role models for the impressionable Stevie (Sunny Suljic), but in this moment, Ray teaches him a lesson in perspective.

Glenn Close’s performance in THE WIFE

I’m not referring to any moment. Just Glenn Close’s acting. She speaks more volumes with her face than most actresses could with dialogue.

10) The Beach Scene from ROMA

Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) is an extraordinary woman. Sure, her life hanging towels and cleaning dog poo doesn’t seem like anything special. But like many lower working-class people, she endures. Boy does she endure a lot of shit in this movie. Not only does her deadbeat boyfriend ditch her to practice martial arts, but her baby is born dead. Despite all this, she not only continues her work, but she shares a close bond with the family. She showcases this bond and her strength when a fun day at the beach goes horribly wrong.

When Paco (Carlos Peralta) and Sofi (Daniela Demesa) swim too far out, Cleo walks into the ocean to save them despite not knowing how to swim. We watch in dread as she faces severe waves to find the kids, the camera always close to her.

This scene also contains a beautiful scene of the family hugging Cleo when she tears up over losing her baby. Seeing them all huddled together in front of a bright white sun captures the heart.

9) “A Place Called Slaughter Race” from RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET

Admit it, it’s fun to take pot shots at Disney Tropes. Hell, even Disney gets in on the fun. And boy do they seize on every moment to mock Princess tropes when Vanellope Von Shweetz (voiced by Sarah Silverman) encounters the Disney Princesses. Of course, it helps that Director Rich Moore and Head of Story Jim Reardon creates some of the best episodes of the Simpsons. Though there are many hilarious moments[1], none can hold the candle to Vanellope’s “I Want” song.

As she reflects over a puddle, Vanellope sings about her longing to be in the gritty game “Slaughter Race.” Seeing this little girl perform this lighthearted musical number over a background of riots and dumpster fires is comedy gold. Nearly every element of this number elevates the comedy, from singing shark (with cats and dogs in its mouth) to the creative lyrics (“Am I a baby pigeon spreading wings to soar?/ Is that a metaphor?/Hey, there’s a dollar store”). And the number still finds time to emphasize Vanellope’s fear of hurting Ralph (John. C Reilly).

Kudos to Alan Menken for mocking the trope he (and the late Howard Ashman) introduced to Disney. Just as deserving of Kudos is Silverman, who faced to task of singing in Vanellope’s high pitched voice.

8) Charlie Loses Her Head from HEREDITARY

With her unusual hobbies, connection to her late grandmother and that clicking sound, you’d assume Annie’s (Toni Collette) daughter Charlie (Milly Shapiro) would be the centre of the whole film.[2] Boy, were we in for a surprise.

Spoilers!

When Charlie suffers a peanut allergy reaction, Peter (Alex Wolfe) races her home. On his drive, he sees a mysterious figure in the middle of the dark road. In his attempt to dodge it, he doesn’t see Charlie hanging out the window. Seeing her head slam right into a pole leaves us as traumatized as Peter is. To see them kill off a main character so early in the film is downright shocking. With this death, predictability goes right out the window and we are left uncertain of what direction this film will go.

7) Neil Armstrong Soars in the X-15 Rocket Plane in FIRST MAN

It’s funny how the most exciting scene in this film isn’t the moon landing. Don’t get me wrong, the scene’s still breathtaking in its realism, but it’s surprising how thrilling the opening scene.

Damien Chazelle hits the ground running with Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) soaring the atmosphere in an X-15 Rocket Plane. He soars higher and higher into the skies until he flies out of earth’s surface and gets stuck in space

Albeit, you know he will be back on earth in time for the moon landing. And yet, I found myself on the edge of my seat, wondering how he’s going to get back to earth. Most of it is thanks to the visual effects, which contains some of the most believable since 2001: A Space Odyssey. The effects leave CGI in the dust with practical effects that look so real, you’d think Gosling was actually flying into space.

6) The Ferris Wheel Scene from LOVE, SIMON

High School Movies are home to many unforgettable romantic scenes. There’s Samantha (Molly Ringwald) and Jake (Michael Schoeffling) standing over a birthday cake in Sixteen Candles. There’s Patrick (Heath Ledger) singing to Katarina (Julia Stiles) on the bleachers in 10 Things I hate About You. And who can forget Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) blaring Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” outside Diane Court’s (Ione Skye) in Say Anything. Be ready to include the closing scene of Simon (Nick Robinson) waiting on the Ferris wheel for online pen pal Blue from Love, Simon.

After being outed by a student, infuriating his friends for deceiving them in his attempt to stay closeted and abandoned by Blue, Simon makes a plea to meet with Blue face to face on the Ferris Wheel at a carnival. As he rides on the Ferris Wheel, he, fellow classmates and the audience wait in anticipation for Simon’s happy ending.

5) The Book Heist from AMERICAN ANIMALS

When Spencer Reinhard (Barry Keoghan) and Warren Lipka (Evan Peters) plotted to steal extremely valuable books from the Transylvania University library in Kentucky, they thought they had the perfect heist. With the help of their friends Erick Borsuk (Jared Abrahamson) and Chas Allen (Blake Jenner), they thought they pull off a heist as smooth as Oceans 11.[3]

But reality hits them like a sledge hammer when they try to pull off the heist. Unlike their dreams, Librarian Betty Jean Gooch (Ann Dowd) doesn’t get knocked out with one taser jolt. It also isn’t easy to lug a six-foot book down a flight of stairs. Then there’s the fact the basement has no exit. That’s just a few of many problems they never consider. From then on, we witness them pay a huge price for their hubris and lack of real-world understanding.

Only youths as smart as they are to come up with such a stupid plan.

4) The Mutant Bear from ANNIHILATION

Biologist Lena (Natalie Portman) and her team find themselves in a quite a bind. After entering the Shimmer, physicist Josie Radek (Tessa Thompson) has barely survived an attack from a mutant alligator and Anthropologist Cassie Sheppard (Tuva Novotny) has been attacked by a bear. Now paramedic Anya Thorensen (Gina Rodriguez) has gone mad and has tied up Lena, Radek and Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh). But when they hear Sheppard’s cries for help, they will soon find Anya is the least of their worries.

Their journey delivers many grotesque, nightmare inducing visuals (especially the slithering intestines.) But the most memorable moment in this film was the image of the helpless crew trapped in a cabin with a mutant bear. Bears are scary enough on their own, but a faceless one is pants spitting meeting. And then you hear it imitate Sheppard’s screams and suddenly you need a new pair of pants.

3) The Great Snap from AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

The whole Marvel Cinematic Universe had been leading up to this moment. The fact that nearly every character had a moment to shine in this one movie demonstrates the astounding direction of the Russo Brothers. But despite all the epic fight scenes, everyone agrees that this film’s greatest scene is the heroes moment of defeat.

Despite every effort made to stop in, despite outnumbering Thanos and despite Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) sacrificing Vision (Paul Bettany) to destroy the mind stone, Thanos still got all the infinity stones. And with a single snap, Thanos succeeds in wiping out half the universe’s population. One by one, we watch many of our heroes vanish into dust while others watch in helpless horror. But none are more heartbreaking that the moment when Spider-Man (Tom Holland) falls into Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) arms, crying “I don’t want to go.” All because some characters couldn’t make the sacrifice needed

Yes, we knew he was going to succeed in the end.[4] And yes, you know most of the heroes won’t stay gone.[5] And yes, their return will likely involve the surviving heroes sacrificing themselves.[6] But the ending still feels powerful despite this knowledge.

It all concludes with Thanos sitting near a cottage, content in his triumph. If the MCU ended here, it would have been a perfect ending. But I’m still curious to see how this will go.

2) The Closing Close-Up in CAPERNAUM

The closing image of Zain’s (Zain Al Rafeea) face will haunt you beyond the closing credits. Throughout the film, we’ve seen this kid struggle through hell on the streets of Lebanon, trying to protect his sister from their resentful parents and helping an Ethiopian Migrant Worker take care of her son. But when he’s sent to prison for assaulting a pimp who bought his sister, he decides to sue his parents for the crime of bringing him into this miserable world. Writer/director Nadine Labaki never looks away for a second to the brutality of Zain’s world and how it brings out the worst in Zain.

When the film freezes to the image of Zain smiling for a Passport photo, your heart breaks for him as Khaled Mouzanar’s haunting score plays out.

1) Tish and Fonny’s Walk Through the Park in IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK

No other opening scene has done a better job of putting its audience under its spell than when loving couple Tish (Kiki Layne) and Alfonzo “Fonny” Hunt (Stephan James) stroll through a park holding hands.

There’s beauty in every element of this scene, from Nicholas Britell’s romantic score to the warm looks in the character’s eyes. But what really sells it is James Laxton’s lush cinematography. The colours pop through the yellows and blues on the couple’s clothes and the green of the grass. You are as in love with this couple as they are for each other.

Then the film cuts to Tish visiting Fonny in prison, this time the yellow is the prison, the blue is Fonny’s jumpsuit and the green is on Tish’ outfit. From then one, we know why their love is worth fighting for.

[1] Mostly at the expense of Ariel (Jodi Benson)

[2] Especially when she appears so prominently in the advertisements.

[3] As indicated by a fantasy sequence.

[4] Since we know this was going to be a two parter.

[5] Especially when there are already planned sequels to Black Panther, Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy. After all the money Marvel’s got from Black Panther? They’re not going to give up that meal ticket.

[6] What with Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans retiring their characters.

#random richards #Random Richards Reviews #If Beale Street Could Talk #ralph breaks the internet #Capernaum #Avengers #infinity war #annihilation #American Animals #Love Simon #Buddies #Free Solo #Mid90s #Roma #The Wife #First Man #Hereditary #a place called slaughter race

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tessaxjanelle · 6 years

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Janelle Monáe and Tessa Thompson: 2015-2018 Timeline

2014/2015:

Tessa's dad introduced her to Janelle's music.

Janelle and Tessa officially met while auditioning for a part in the movie Joy.

April 13 2015:

Tessa was featured in Janelle’s music video as a background dancer for “Yoga” (x)

May 30 2015:

Janelle performed at the MOCA charity gala in LA - Tessa attended as well. (x)

August 22 2015:

Issa Rae, Justin Simien, Tessa, Janelle, and Angela Bassett hang out backstage at the Eephus Tour. (x)

November 7 2015:

Janelle received the “Equality Award” at the 18th Annual Women’s Event hosted by the Center in New York (NYC’s LGBT Community Center). Tessa presented her with the award that night. (x) (x) (x)

November 20 2015:

Janelle surprised Tessa on the red carpet at the Creed premiere - the film that really launched Tessa’s career. (x) (x)

November 27 2015:

In an interview, Tessa talked about Creed and her favorite singers. She talked about Janelle first: (x)

“I’m going to give a shout out to my friend Janelle Monáe. She is fantastically talented. I got the chance to give her an award. She sang her a capella rendition of “Smile” in a room for some friends, and she just killed it.”

December 2015:

Janelle, Tessa, and other friends took a trip to Mexico for Janelle’s birthday.

For the most part, Janelle and Tessa were very quiet in 2016, most likely due to the fact Tessa was on location for most of the year filming Thor: Ragnarok and Annihilation.

December 7 2016:

Tessa posts a pic on instagram and Janelle comments with hearts emojis (link is broken).

February 25 2017:

Tessa and Janelle both attended the annual Oscars Week “Sistah’s Soiree” at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. (x) (x)

February 26 2017:

The night of the Oscar’s. (x)

August 6 2017:

Tessa posts a picture on Instagram, and Janelle comments a heart eyes emoji. (x)

August 22 2017:

Out with Rowan Blanchard. (x)

August 24 2017:

Boots Riley out with Tessa, Janelle, Carrie Brownstein, and Nate. (x)

August 26 2017:

Tessa and Janelle at Ava DuVernay’s birthday party. (x) (x) (x)

September 9 2017:

Tessa and Janelle at an outdoor music/film event in LA. (x) (x) (x) (x)

September 15/16 2017:

Tessa tweeted about Janelle. (x)

Later it was found out that Janelle did an impromptu performance and said the line Tessa tweeted about. You can see Tessa off to the right in the second linked video around the 1 minute mark. (x) (x)

September 16 2017:

Tessa and Janelle attended the annual Equality California Awards (EQCA’s), an award show that honors individuals who work to help create a more equal society for the LGBT community. (x) (x) (x)

September 17 2017:

The pair were seen cuddled up at the HBO Emmy’s after party. (x) (x)

Janelle later posted about it. (x)

October 4 2017:

Tessa quoted Janelle birthday wishes on Twitter. (x)

October 5 2017:

Tessa posted on Instagram pictures of the flowers she received for her birthday. Janelle just so happens to send flowers exactly like the ones Tessa posted about. (x) (x)

October 8 2017:

Issa Rae threw a last minute “Lemon Pepper Kickback” house party in Atlanta - Tessa and Janelle attended. (x) (x) (x)

Earlier in the night, Tessa, Janelle, and Amandla Stenberg attended a Nick Hakim concert. (x) (x) (x)

According to another concert go-er that attended Nick’s show that night, Tessa and Janelle were touching each other a lot and were calling each other baby. (x)

October 12 2017:

On Instagram, Janelle posted a screenshot of a conversation between her and “the love of [her] life” and referred to this person as her “partner”. She deleted quickly.

Many think Tessa sent the message because she had used the same phrasing regarding the Time’s Up movement in an interview (specifically the word endured), and worked closely with the Time’s Up movement that year.

Also from other receipts, we know they call each other baby/babe a lot.

October 20 2017:

Twitter user __theluckyyyone tweeted: @janellemonae is definitely next to @tessamaethompson.

October 22 2017:

Someone verified received an email from Janelle. Janelle mentions Tessa in the email. (x)

October 27 2017:

Janelle and Tessa were seen with friends for dinner, sitting next to each other (links are broken).

November 8 2017:

Janelle tweets about Tessa, her "talented friend” (x)

December 9 2017:

Out with Lena Waithe. (x)

December 14 2017:

Some mentioned that Tessa was in Atlanta.

December 15/16 2017:

During these two days, Janelle tweeted a lot. However, the tweet linked was the only tweet Tessa liked. (x)

Nobody is knows exactly when Tessa left ATL, but she was in LA the 17th for West World’s season 2 wrap a party.

January 3 2018:

Tessa was spotted in Atlanta. January 5 2018:

Both spotted at a café in Atlanta. The Twitter user who posted about it now has their tweets protected so I can’t link the tweet.

January 28 2018:

Janelle gave a Time’s Up speech on The Grammys stage, and a tweet storm from Tessa “supportive gf” Thompson followed.

January 29 2018:

Tessa and Janelle were seen at the Black Panther premiere together. (x) (x)

They later left together as well (you can see Janelle by Nate in the first video, and then Tessa running to catch up with Nate in the second video). (x) (x)

January 30 2018:

They were spotted having dinner together. (x)

February 5 2018:

Janelle and Tessa went live on Instagram.

Here are some of the best moments in gif form. (x) (x) (x) (x)

Zoe Kravitz also spilled some tea. (x)

youtube

February 5 2018:

2 Dope Queens premiere. (x)

February 11/12 2018:

Tessa posted Instagram stories with Janelle and Nate. No one saved the video.

February 13 2018:

Tessa and Janelle attended the Annihilation premiere, and were photographed with on another on the actual red carpet. (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

Lip readers were able to decipher some of what they said to each other on the read carpet. Note the the gif where Janelle says sorry babe. (x) (x)

February 16 2018:

The trailer for Dirty Computer was released. (x)

Here are two clips from it:

February 20 2018:

Janelle’s cover spread for W Magazine dropped. Jordan Peele directed, and Tessa approved.

February 22 2018:

Janelle released her first two singles off of Dirty Computer. Make Me Feel has been coined a bisexual anthem (Tessa’s words, not mine), and up until this point, it had been the closest thing we’ve seen to a coming out from Janelle.

Tessa also stars in the music video:

Credit for the next two gifs (x)

Tessa posted about it as well. (x)

February 23 2018:

Tessa did an interview with Entertainment Tonight, and in that interview she pretended she didn’t know what shipping meant, even though we know she’s familiar with different Internet lingo.

She was also heavily stumbled over her words before she was able to get a "we’re really good friends" out. (x)

February 24 2018:

Janelle tweeted about Annihilation. Peep Wondaland liking the second tweet. (x)

February 26 2018:

Janelle tweeted something romantic the same day they both attended the Wrinkle in Time premiere (no pictures were taken together).

Here are the tweets: (x) (x)

February 28 2018:

Tessa and Janelle both attended Alfre Woodard’s 2018 Pre-Oscars Soiree (x)

March 2 2018:

Tessa attends Janelle’s Fem the Future event. (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

Janelle went live on Instagram, and it appeared throughout the whole event that wherever Tessa was, Janelle was right by her.

March 3 2018:

Janelle and Tessa attended the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Event.

Pictures: (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

Janelle revealing how her and Tessa first met. (x)

Janelle interrupted an interview Tessa was doing on the red carpet (and proceeded to hold Tessa’s hand) and presented Tessa with an award.

Watch Tessa try to contain her smitten smile from 2:25 and on after Janelle walks away... So cute.

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March 10 2018:

Tessa was in Miami for VCCarnaval Event.

A instagram story was posted that showed she was talking about Janelle with her friends. (x)

She left Miami that day.

March 13 2018:

Tessa tweeted about "Paddington 2 and chill."

Janelle was in London at the time doing promo for Dirty Computer, and later we found out that Tessa was also in London at the same time. (x)

March 18 2018:

Janelle wants her own Josie Radek (Tessa’s character from Annihilation). She later deleted the Instagram story. (x)

March 19 2018:

The twitter page @tessasgoats comes to life, and both Tessa and Janelle follow it. Janelle was liking many of the pictures the twitter page was posting. March 25 2018:

This is more so speculation, but there was an article/interview about Janelle that basically said that Janelle was the truth. After a short time, Tessa tweeted "the truth is so cute" - Janelle liked. (x)

There's also a response to the tweet too from Tessa. (x)

March 30 2018:

Tessa commented on Janelle's Instagram post with a rose emoji. Janelle replied to Tessa with a rose emoji. (x) (x)

Tessa also liked this picture within 3 minutes of Janelle posting it.

April 1 2018:

Tessa posts about an artist. Janelle followed it. (x) (x)

April 3 2018:

What Janelle’s Twitter page looked like that day. (x)

April 6-8 2018:

Tessa went out of her way to be at Nate’s birthday bash in Miami. She left the 8th, and tweeted about delayed flights.

April 10 2018:

PYNK dropped and Lena Waithe commented on Janelle’s Instagram, “That’s how you feel? Perfect.”

April 11 2018:

Ava DuVernay gave us some good tea when she posted this on her Instagram story. (x)

April 26 2018:

The day before Dirty Computer dropped, Janelle came out as pansexual the Rolling Stone. (x)

April 27 2018:

Dirty Computer’s emotion picture dropped. In Janelle's note to Tessa in the album booklet, she called Tessa her muse. (x) (x)

April 28 2018:

Justin Simien (creator of Dear White People) made a post on Instagram where he called them "wives" with a screen-cap of the PYNK video. He deleted it, and uploaded a new one with different caption.

May 2 2018:

Janelle arrived in Philly for Michele Obama's College Signing Day. Tessa was in Philly filming for Creed II.

They were spotted by 2 different people late at night. (x) (x)

After Tessa came out, this receipt dropped from that night as well. (x)

May 5 2018:

They were both in NYC but were staying in different hotels. Janelle was at The Mark, and Tessa was at The Bowery.

This was also the day of Janelle's 'Dirty Computer' NYC album release party. They arrived separately, and Tessa stayed for an hour. (x) (x) (x)

May 7 2018:

They both attended the Met Gala and the after parties. They were by each other the whole time. (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

May 9 2018:

They went to see the play Angels in America, and had dinner at Chez Josephine restaurant. (x)

People tweeted about it. (x) (x)

May 15 2018:

Janelle followed @thombrowneny (the guy who designed Tessa's outfits for the Met Gala).

May 17 2018:

Janelle followed Marc Anthony Thompson (Tessa’s dad). (x)

May 20 2018:

Janelle was seen in Philly.

May 21 2018:

Janelle tweeted about Sorry to Bother You, and Tessa retweeted it. (x)

May 23 2018:

Tessa posted a birthday video to her dad on Instagram. Janelle commented with a heart and Tessa responded with a rose. (x)

Janelle also commented on Tessa’s dad’s picture. (x)

May 24 2018:

Janelle posted a picture on Instagram with Michelle Obama, and Tessa commented on it. Jane replied with a rose emoji. (x)

May 25 2018:

Tessa being supportive on Twitter. (x)

May 28 2018:

Tessa’s friend’s dog dancing to PYNK on her story. (x)

May 31 2018:

Speculation so make what you want of this - While in LA (where Tessa lives) Janelle posted on her story saying "it's just not the same without you.” (x)

While in Philly shooting Creed II, Tessa then proceeded to post on her story, "misery loves company" while fake crying. (x)

Janelle then deleted her story after Tessa posted her’s.

June 3 2018:

Janelle liked a drawing with both of them from PYNK on Twitter. (x)

June 8 2018:

Spotted in LA. (x)

June 11 2018:

Janelle’s tour started in Seattle.

Tessa posted flamingoes on her Instagram story before it. (x)

June 14 2018:

There was a special screening of Sorry to Bother You in LA. Janelle came straight from Portland (she had a show there the 13th) just to support Tessa. (x)

There was an Instagram story (that no one saved) where you can see Janelle and Tessa by each other mingling at the after party. Janelle apparently also greeted Tessa with a hug and kiss on the cheek before she went in to the viewing.

June 15 2018:

Janelle tweeted about Tessa and Sorry to Bother You. (x) (x)

June 19 2018:

Tessa liked these pictures of Janelle on Instagram. (x) (x)

June 20 2018:

Tessa was in NYC promoting Sorry to Bother You, but two days later Janelle unarchived a photo where she’s wearing the same outfit Tessa was wearing while in NYC. (x)

June 26 2018:

Tessa put a pride flag in her bio on Instagram. (x)

June 29 2018:

Tessa came out as bisexual in an interview she did for Net-a-Porter. (x)

She also said this about her and Janelle: “We love each other deeply, we’re so close. We vibrate on the same frequency.”

It’s already been added previously, but this receipt came a day after Tessa came out. It has to do with the dinner date they had in Philly back in May. (x)

July 14 & 15 2018:

Janelle continued to promote Sorry to Bother You. (x) (x)

July 22 2018:

Tessa posted two stories on Instagram showing the crowd going crazy over her being featured on the screen while Janelle performs PYNK. (x) (x)

July 27 2018:

The two songs Janelle was featured on for Sorry to Bother You were released. (x) (x)

July 31 2018:

Tessa posted two flamingos on her Instagram story. Flamingos are gay symbol, specifically a symbol for lesbian marriage ( I’m not saying Tessa and Janelle are married). Flamingos also mate for life.

August 4 2018:

Janelle liked the last 3 pictures Tessa had posted (at the time) and unarchived an old picture of them with Zoe. (x)

August 22 2018:

Janelle’s hairstylist posted a picture of Janelle from her spread with Bustle. Tessa liked it. (x)

September 4 2018:

Tessa liked Janelle's video on Instagram. (x)

September 9 2018:

Tessa liked Janelle’s tweet. (x)

September 11 2018:

Tessa attended Janelle’s first show in London. There were a lot of tweets about her and Janelle. (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

People were also reporting that Tessa cried. (x) (x)

On TLC, an anon who was at the show posted this:

So I was in the London crowd tonight and had a pretty good view of both Tessa and Janelle. What a night! Really didn’t expect this. Tessa seemed to stand on top of a step or something so she was pretty visible. Nate was maybe 4 meters away from her by the mixing booth. A couple of things I noticed:

Tessa did not look at the screen when the audience cheered for her video clip appearance during PYNK. She kept looking away during moments like this throughout the evening. A couple of people took selfies with her so she must have been aware of people watching. She laughed a lot during I Got the Juice, particularly when Janelle told the crowd: ‘If I point at you - you will come on stage and you will dance!’ …

Tessa seemed to giggle and repeated Janelle’s pointing motion followed by a simulated lasso into Janelle’s direction. She was on the phone throughout the rhythm dance intro in the beginning of Make me Feel… We all know what happened next - she must have gone live soon after

There were a couple of moments where she was flat out beaming.

Tessa was laughing really hard when Janelle did the microphone dildo pose…

Note how Janelle snuck in an 'I see you baby’ at the end… Not sure if she meant the crowd or someone particular there

Tessa was watching the whole thing with her bright, beaming smile - that was definitely one of those moments when you could see that they have a connection. It was a great thing to see the two across from each other.

I remember watching Tessa’s reaction to the 'If I’m gonna sin it’s with you line’ and she was definitely singing / speaking along with the lyrics… and then Janelle inserted 'London’."

September 13 2018:

Tessa, Janelle, and Zoe caught dinner at Sketch (a restaurant in London). (x)

September 14 2018:

Janelle traveled to Berlin, but posted an Instagram story showing her new flamingo rings. (x)

A couple of hours later Tessa posted an Instagram story with a picture of a flamingo as well.

September 17 2018:

Janelle’s a Revolution of Love documentary was released on Youtube. It included bloopers and unseen footage from the PYNK music video. (x) (x)

It also featured Tessa talking about what she loves about Janelle. Kehlani, who’s friends with Janelle, liked the tweet. (x)

September 26 2018:

Janelle retweeted Tessa’s tweet regarding the Creed II trailer that dropped the same day. (x)

October 2 2018:

The night before Tessa’s birthday, Janelle tweeted this. (x)

On the 3rd (her birthday), Tessa posted a video on her story of her dancing.

October 3 2018:

Janelle started the day off by posting two images of flamingos on her story.

Janelle then proceeded to post this.

Lastly, she commented on Tessa’s post.

October 4 2018:

The day after her birthday, Tessa tweeted this in direct reference to Janelle’s tweet on the second that said, “Dance like a goat.” (x)

Dance like a Goat ended up being an actual song that Janelle and Wondaland created specifically for Tessa and her birthday. (x)

Janelle commented on Tessa’s post of her dancing.

October 5 2018:

Dance like a Goat finally dropped! (x)

News that Janelle had been cast in Disney’s ‘Lady And The Tramp’ reboot was announced as well.

When it was announced that Tessa was going to be in the movie she tweeted the following:

When it was announced Janelle was going to be in it as well, she tweeted the same:

Janelle had initially tweeted “woof woof” but then deleted it so she could match Tessa’s.

October 6 2018:

Some of Janelle’s likes regarding Dance like a Goat.

#janessa #janelle x tessa #janelle monae #tessa thompson #lgbt #make me feel #dirty computer #tessa x janelle

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fart-gate · 4 years

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SGA

Season 3 episode 14

Notes by me

- Rodney centric!!!

- talking about his sister being afraid of the dark haha what a dork.........im just kidding I am also afraid of the dark

- man he is on EDGE. Why is he being extra bitchy right now

- oh fuck is he ok????

- john is here to check up on his boy 😊

- ....giantism, invisibility..."

"That'd be cool. I turned into a bug"

- "I'll keep an eye on him" ahhh protective!John

- hey come on ronon.....lay off the fat jokes man. Very rude

- oh ??? Super hearing????

- HE JUST MOVED THAT WITH HIS MIND OMGGGG

- hypoglycemia!

- oh shit its mutating him 😳

- lorne!!!! Havnt seen u in a while babe how r u

- sad we didnt get to see rodney jam the bad guys guns

- UM PUT CARSON DOWN. BAD RODNEY

- "me a super hero! Who wouldve thought!" Johns face I cant

- worried!John

- John is first in line for super powers and I would be too tbh

- ronon asking Rodney if he really wants to try to fight him is really hot oK leave me alone

- "more like fatman" RONON LEAVE HIM ALONE DAMMIT

- hes so excited about reading peoples minds lmaooo

- my god he talks so fast

- "can I shoot him now"

- *swearing in czech*

- Rodney in the chair. Honey your arrogance is showing again

- hes going to ascend whether he wants to or not???? Fuck

-panicked!Rodney

- radek is so pissed lol

- oh fuck no!!! Tell me hes fine. Pls dont kill radek

- HEALING POWERS!!!!! aaawww he saved his friend 😭😭😭😍😍😍

- on a scale of talking about your feelings to inventing a new math, how extreme are you when avoiding emotions? In other news, Rodney invented a new math!

- bruh he needs to talk to Daniel about this stuff. Daniel can tell him how to ascend and then he can just come back if he wants to

- he thinks nothing great can happen to him without there being bad consequences 😩😩😩

- yes!!!! U can come back human!! I just said that I'm so smart

- "mere mortals"

- John is helping him meditate? Shouldnt it be teyla

- um candles??? Are we sure this isnt a date 👀👀

- "think of anything that makes you anxious"

"OH god theres so many things"

- "I liked Ferris wheels" John you're so bad at this just get teyla to do it

- theyre just throwing shade at each other. No progress is being made here guys

- hyper drive for puddle jumpers??? 😃

- he doesnt think hes worthy does he

- dammit rodney!!! You didnt go thru 3 seasons of development for you to think u arent worthy to ascend !!!!

- she said to fix the things that HE knows need fixing and I feel like I know whats coming

- he looks so sick

- the radek talk 😟😟😟😟😩💓💞💕

- the tea ceremony???? That he knew how to do???? He specifically asked about her father oh my goooddd. And she would have done it alone which u arent supposed to do in her culture. He spent that time with her to mourn her father in a traditional way 😟

- hes doing last minute good things for the people he loves bc he thinks hes gonna die

- HE HEALED RONONS SCARS MY GOD THIS IS SO FUCKING AMAZING can u imagine the trauma ronon went thru and everytime he felt his back/saw himself in the mirror he was just constantly reminded of what he went thru. It took Rodney exactly 8 seconds to heal the physical manifestation of ronons trauma. Ronon never has to think about his scars again

- I'm sorry but 500 pages of Dr weir suggests that he started writing it BEFORE he was zapped

- oooo john is his last person to amend with.

- he wants him to write his eulogy 😭😭

- he wants his ashes spread in space?? I mean....theyre just gonna float there forever but ok

- oh fuck he faint

- "Carson....thank you" this is too much

- come on Rodney you can do it!!!! Just concentrate

- "know that we love you" HELLO?????

- "the way a friend feels about another friend!" gotta make sure nobody thinks I'm gay! 😤 Feelings for Rodney???? How dare you say that! 😠😠I would never, I'm not...!! 🚫That's neither here nor there🚫!!! 👫Frankly I resent you saying that! In fact how do I know YOU dont have feelings for rodney hmmm??? Check and mate.

- what!! All they needed to do was zap him again???

- Ronon carrying Rodney 😩😩😍😍😍

- "I'm still smart I think"

- "I'm hungry"

"Hes fine"

- ahhh ronon hug!!💘💘💞💞

- he thought about how bad his ego is and that catapulted him into ascension plain. I love it

- "and you love me" she's never gonna live that down. He will not stop talking about that ever. She has created a monster

- "you and I always had good chemistry which I put more detail about in chapter 10" she dug her own grave by telling him they all loved him. I mean......you cant blame him for bringing it up all the time 🤷

- the machine can turn you into goop?? Lets use it on John - Rodney is back to normal my dudes 😂

#stargate atlantis season 3 #i ran out of room in my notebook.....now i gotta use something else to take notes while i watch it #rodney impending death - rodney fear - worried team #whump

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fableweaver · 5 years

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Arc of the Blind Warrior

Traveling the trade road was interesting to say the least. The first day out and they found a caravan of Rhodin traveling the same road. Ian talked to those he could, at first they were wary, but when he mentioned Kree’s name they lessened their guard enough to tell him stories. None of the Rhodin in that caravan knew about the singing stone or Sapphira so they rode on.

The Rhodin unlike common folk also appeared differently in Ian’s strange sight. Most people appeared in shades of gray to Ian’s strange sixth sense. The Rhodin however appeared in shades of blue, the shades varying again on the person’s mood and thoughts. They only appeared in blue however unlike someone with the Elder Magic which appeared in multi colors.

Rork didn’t seem to take to the saddle much, getting saddle sores their first day out on the road. They slept along the roadside, wanting to save their coin and avoid people. As they traveled Ian kept asking the Rhodin about Sapphira, Kree’s name a password into the Rhodin camps. They passed through villages and towns, but never stayed in them. The towns with Sects were almost as dangerous as those without Sects, those without were sure signs of a presence of the Legion.

The weather grew colder and Ian could hear frost cracking on the ground in the morning. He couldn’t see the changes the seasons wrought anymore, but he felt the temperature change and the smell in the air shift to colder smells of snow. He didn’t know what the southern Mark was like, but he guessed it was a simple place of country folk.

The roads seemed safe and the more they spoke to the Rhodin the more welcome they became. At last after a week of travel along the trade road Ian came upon his first lead.

They had been hunting for a camping spot when Ian smelled wood smoke. He steered them towards a Rhodin camp, the sound of dogs barking a greeting. He heard the draw of a bow and stopped, sensing a man hiding behind the trunk of a tree.

“Easy friend,” Ian said. “We be travelers seekin a safe spot ta rest fer the night.”

“You aint my friend, friend,” the man answered. “Just turn your horse about and you can go on your way.”

“I be a friend o Kree’s,” Ian said.

“Aint heard o her,” the man said. It wasn’t surprising, not every Rhodin knew Kree personally. Ian listed a few other names that other Rhodin had given him. He heard the man relax his draw and step out from behind the tree.

“Sorry for the hostility friend,” the man said more cordially. “Names Radek.”

“I be Ian, this be mine son Will n mine friend Rork,” Ian said. He and Rork dismounted and Radek led the way into his camp. Dogs and children ran to greet them, but Radek shooed them off. He helped Ian and Rork settle their horses with his and then they gathered around the fire. Radek’s wife served them with goulash and bread, everyone eating by the fire. When they finished Ian began with his customary question.

“Have ye heard o a Rhodin by the name o Sapphira?” Ian asked. Instead of the initial denial Ian sensed a surprised silence.

“My name is Sapphira,” Radek’s wife said.

“Ah, I be sorry,” Ian said before a misunderstanding could take place. “I mean the un that were the lover ta Tony Bones.”

“Aye I ken of her,” Sapphira said wryly. “My mother loved the tale and named me after her. Of course I never lived up to the name. Sapphira had many children, each by a different man. Me I just married the first Rhodin lad that managed to flip my skirt.”

Ian heard Radek laugh at that and perceived him to kiss his wife’s cheek. Ian was finding he could catch on to people’s emotions a bit better now, and could see the slight change in both their aura’s of affection.

“Why do you ask about her?” Sapphira asked.

“I heard the tale of her n Tony Bones,” Ian answered. “I were wonderin what happened ta her.”

“Her n her treasure you mean?” Sapphira asked shrewdly.

“Aye, I baint lie that I be mighty interested in what became o the loot she seduced outta old Bones,” Ian answered and Sapphira laughed.

“Well way I heard it was her children split it among themselves when she died,” Sapphira answered. “It’s probably split among all the Rhodin by now, or found their way back to some lord’s trove.”

Ian hid his disappointment; maybe he could still find another lead. Or if he could find one of Sapphira’s decedents he could find where some of the treasure went.

“Don’t mind my friend,” Rork said lightly. “See we were just looking for a particular piece of Sapphira’s treasure. The singing stone.”

“Singing stone,” Sapphira said wryly. “Most are more interested in the diamond the size of an egg than some stone. I doubt you’d find any word about that since most interest is around the gold and jewels.”

“Wait,” Radek said and Ian felt hope flare again. “What about the Piper of the Lost?”

“What does that song have to do with a singing stone?” Sapphira asked.

“Think about it,” Radek said. “The Piper was said to ‘play upon a flute as old as stone’ why not made of stone?”

“A flute made o stone be what I seek,” Ian said interested. “A singin stone; that be what caught my eye in Bones’ story.”

“I think you have it right,” Radek said. “The Piper of the Lost is an old tale of the Rhodin’s based on a true story. The story goes though that a Rhodin man, a piper by trade, came down with the illness and he died along with his wife and children. To guide his family and those he traveled with to the afterlife he played his flute. Soon he leads all those dying of the plague to their rest, playing his stone flute to guide them.”

“The true tale is much worse,” Sapphira said grimly. “During the plague times in history the Rhodin were blamed for spreading the plague. Many were hunted down and burned in their wagons. There was one time when a whole caravan was burned during a gathering of the Rhodin, hundreds died in the blaze. The village that had committed the crime later succumbed to the plague all that lived there died. The Piper of the Lost is based on that village because it was said a song could be heard over the dead village after everyone had died.”

“Where be this happen?” Ian asked.

“Regis,” Radek answered. “In a town called Bellerose. The town moved a bit since but it is still there. I heard there is a barrow there for the dead from the plagues; it is where the most died of the disease.”

“Thank ye,” Ian said feeling a sense of accomplishment war with disappointment. What was he going to do now that the trail led into Regis?

“Why so interested in a stone flute?” Sapphira asked.

“It were a family heir loom,” Ian answered, he wasn’t even lying technically since he was married to Bailey and she was descended from Eileen who had owned the flute in the first place. “Bones stole it from another pirate what stole it from Daun.”

“It worth anything?” Radek asked.

“Only ta mine family,” Ian answered. “N we baint have much in the way o gold.”

“Well I hope you find what you seek then,” Radek said. “You and your friend are welcome to our fire and shelter for the night.”

“Thank ye,” Ian said and Rork murmured his own thanks.

The next morning they had a quick breakfast of bread and bacon before hitting the road.

“That tale be eatsome at ya ja,” Rork said as they rode.

“Aye,” Ian said wearily. “I wanna go back ta Bailey, but it would be better ta head south n search some more. But it be dangerous fer me ta head inta Regis what with a price on my head from the Grand Sect.”

“Those never be all that rightsome,” Rork said. “Not like they gots some drawing of ya or anything ja. And it will tell of a man and woman traveling together. I taint be all that shapely.”

Ian couldn’t help but laugh at that and nod.

“Aye well that be true, but we do make an odd couple Rork,” Ian said.

“Not all that odd,” Rork said. “And I have some connections that we can call on.”

“In Regis?” Ian asked.

“Hyria trades with Regis,” Rork answered. “I’ll admit, some of my kin be in the unwholesome trade, criminals like. We can look ta them ta seek aid if things become diresome.”

“Alright,” Ian said, having an innate dislike for law breakers as he was one to obey most laws. In Daun those who broke the laws were criminals or the worst sort, murderers or rapists. In Hyria he had gathered from Rork that it was a common pastime to break the law. In fact it wasn’t really breaking the law since Hyria did not have many laws against smuggling or theft. It was only in other kingdoms that their activities became illegal. And a Hyrian cares little for the laws of other kingdoms.

“I coggin we can get along real fine in Regis if ya want,” Rork said.

“Aye, but…” Ian trailed off turning north and thinking of Bailey.

“Ya miss her,” Rork said this in a knowing way, and Ian could hear just a touch of envy to his voice.

“Aye, but I also ken o the look on her face ifn I handed the song ta her,” Ian answered.

“Ya taint able ta see the look on her face,” Rork said and Ian winced.

“Aye but I ken it’ll make her happy,” Ian said. “N proud…” The emotion that over whelmed him for the moment stole his breath. Bailey would be proud of him, and knowing that sent a wave of warmth through him. Even if he failed she would be proud of his effort, to continue the quest that she had set out on. Ian could sort of understand now why she had wanted to leave Barrow Múr in the first place.

“So what be it?” Rork asked.

“South,” Ian said. “We head for Bellerose.”

“Alrighty,” Rork said, his voice giving the hint of a wicked grin. Though Rork hated traveling the road he seemed to know the roads well. He bragged that he had a great sense of direction, but Ian knew he spoke to the Rhodin about where to go.

They steadily made their way south, making better time as they didn’t seek out the Rhodin. It was only two days until they reached the border between Regis and the Mark. There was only a post along the side of the road, but guards stopped them and they dismounted.

“Names,” the guard ordered briskly.

“Rork o Loamy Downs,” Rork answered. “And this is Cian and his son.”

Rork had already devised a cover story for them and so had told Ian to let him do all the talking.

“Papers,” the guard said and Ian heard the rustling of papers. He didn’t know what this meant, but Rork seemed to know what he was doing. “What about him? Do you have papers?”

“He’s blind sir,” Rork answered. “They taint have papers in Daun ja.”

“How did he get this far without papers?” the guard asked.

“How do the Rhodin?” Rork answered. “I met him in Hyria n decided to take him on as an extra hand in my trade ja.”

“Which is?” the guard asked.

“Animal husbandry, can’t ya read?” Rork said and guard grumbled as he shifted through the papers. “Lookin far work ja in Regis.”

“Why?” the guard asked.

“I won’t go inta details ja,” Rork said. “But let’s just say I fiddled the wrong girl.”

Ian gathered unspoken words were exchanged with a look then.

“I can’t let him past without papers,” the guard said stubbornly. Ian didn’t hear went on next but he perceived Rork shake the guard’s hand and whisper something to him. “Ah right here are his papers,” the guard grumbled as he turned away. “Go on through.”

They mounted their horses again and rode past the post, Ian waiting until they were far away before he rode next to Rork.

“What did ye do?” Ian asked.

“Bribed him,” Rork answered. “Hope ya weren’t fond o that silver coin ja.”

“Nowt, thanks,” Ian said with a wry grin.

They rode on into Regis and Ian tightened his guard. He kept Will wrapped in his swaddle, a new carrying basket along his back kept him warm through the cold days. He didn’t let anyone see him; his Aldan features could cause trouble. Rork helped keep watch, and feed Will occasionally from the nanny goat. The little nanny goat seemed to have taken a liking to Will, often sleeping near Will’s basket in camp. Will seemed to be growing well, and Ian felt pride that he had been able to care for him so well.

Still Ian felt worried about their travel through Regis. He felt a change now, not in weather but in the mood of the people. There was a tense air between the two races of Regis; the Elmerians were growing restless under the Regarian rule. Ian only had to listen to the whispers and grumbles of men in taverns to know that the words of the Legion of the Creed were spreading. Thanks to the attack at the royal wedding and the pressure from the Regarians to hunt down the cult many were growing resentful of the harsh treatment.

Rork, commenting as always as if he didn’t want Ian to miss anything, said that most of the people they passed were Elmerian. The farms they rode by, desolate at the end of the Colored One, were operated by Elmerians. The villages however held the Regarians. Rork said they passed several homes of lords by these villages, great estates far from the road. They avoided these naturally and only stopped in the villages for food and directions. The Rhodin were less here, but not unseen and occasionally Ian and Rork would share their camp.

“Tell me bout Bailey ja,” Rork said one day as they rode. “Ye hardly jabber bout her.”

“Cause I be so worried bout her,” Ian answered. “Though I guess I baint need ta be. She be strong, I mean powerful in the Elder Magic. Ifn ye kenned I were strong she be much stronger. She be kind but ifn ye cross her or endanger those she loves ye’d best watch out. Pepper, her twin, be fierce, but Bailey she be tough. She be soft n kind on the outside but that just covers a hard heart.”

“A hard heart?” Rork said puzzled. “She be cold then?”

“Nowt, I just ken that deep down she’ll always do her duty o’er her love,” Ian answered. “There baint be anything wrong with that, n I love her fer it. I ken now why she does it, ta do what needs done. Ifn ye baint then ye have failed yerself n those ye love. I baint sure I can explain it. I just ken I understand her better now, n wish ta do the same. When I see her gain I ken she’ll be proud o me fer it.”

“What else?” Rork asked softly. Ian wondered why he was asking these things but he continued on. Speaking of Bailey was hard, he missed her the more he spoke, but at the same time it felt good to remind himself of her.

“She likes it when I kiss her just behind the ear,” Ian said. “She loves sweets, n apples, un time she hid a biscuit under the pillow fer later n I crushed it ta crumbs by accident. She baint be afraid o spiders but she hates lint fer some reason. N when she laughs really hard she snorts a bit.”

Ian kept going on about Bailey as they rode, Rork never once asking him to stop.

Here in the south there wasn’t as much snow, but it was still chilly and windy. They traveled at a steady pace, faster than the Rhodin wagons but not a breakneck speed of a messenger. It took them ten days from the border to reach Bellerose, the day still young when they rode into the village. It was much like the other villages they had ridden through, twenty odd houses, a few shops, a post, and a lord’s manor sitting on a hill over the village.

Rork started to ride towards town but Ian stopped him.

“Where ye goin?” Ian asked.

“Inta town,” Rork said. “We need ta settle in the inn afore we go a looky loo far the mass grave ja.”

“Nowt, I baint want the Regarians ta catch onta anything fishy like,” Ian said. “We find the grave first.”

“But it’ll be dark soon,” Rork said nervously.

“Baint worry Rork,” Ian said with a grin trying to make light of the situation. “I’ll protect ye from the ghosts.”

Ian saw Rork’s aura shift and he realized he had said too much. Not that he had frightened Rork, but that he had just inadvertently said one of those things that only made Rork more attracted to him. Guiltily he turned away towards the road. He searched with his senses and found a few gnomes, summoning them over with a touch of power. The little earth spirits leapt up onto his horse, two settling before him and a third hanging onto Will’s basket. Ian heard Will laugh and knew the gnome would be making faces at the baby. He left them be, unconcerned that the gnome would harm Will.

“Can ye lead us ta where many men be buried?” Ian said to them. He found working with the Wild Folk that being polite helped a lot. He felt them nod in answer and one scampered off. The other sat on Ian’s saddle horn, guiding him with a tap on his hands. They rode around the village toward a great hill that rested about half a league away. The hill stood far from the Lord’s manor, practically out of sight of the village.

They rode around the hill, Ian feeling He Who Burns was sinking lower in the sky. A cold wind was blowing, rattling the branches of the bare trees and sending the leaves on the ground rustling across the road.

“Ya be sure bout this?” Rork asked nervously.

“Aye, baint ye worry Rork,” Ian said sure of himself. They stopped at the foot of the hill Ian able to sense a blocked opening before them.

“Ian we taint able ta move that,” Rork said. “There’s a huge boulder over the entrance.”

Ian ignored him and dismounted walking up to the blocked entrance. He sensed it was square entrance supported with wood beams. A great rock had been moved to block the entrance. Ian put his hand upon the stone, feeling the power of this place. It was not a meeting of the lines, but it was a place of certain earth powers. Ian could feel gnomes gathering around here, many of them joining him at the boulder.

“Can ye open the way?” he asked them. He felt them answer a yes, but they needed power. Shivering Ian drew the power they needed from the aether and fed it to them. The gnomes swarmed up over the rock and Ian quickly stepped back. There was a grating noise and a rumble, then the rock split open with a thundering crack. Pieces tumbled down, opening a gap big enough for Ian to fit through if he turned sideways.

Ian knew Rork was staring at him. For all his talk of magic and the Phay this was the first time Rork had seen Ian do anything of a substantial working. Ian ignored him, his mind on the opening. He stepped through, carefully moving so Will strapped to his back didn’t get caught on anything.

He heard Rork dismount and scramble to light a lantern, but Ian went on not needing a light. It was strange, he knew he entered a dark place, but his alternate vision did not change. If anything it grew better surrounded by walls strong in the earth powers. He could perceive the walls around him in muted tones of brown, though details eluded him so it was not the same as sight.

He walked through a short tunnel into the heart of the hill and there he found an open chamber. The room smelled of dust and decay, it smelled of things long dead and forgotten. The cavern seemed to be a manmade hollow in the hill, the rock walls carven and even. Ian guessed this was someone’s attempt at a mine before it became the home to the dead. Ian could sense a lot of the gnomes moving around the place, but as he took a step his foot encountered something. He knelt and felt a skull near his foot and he quickly pulled back. Rork came up behind him a gasped.

“What do ye see?” Ian asked.

“A big pile o bones,” Rork answered. “Ye taint expect ta sort through them do ya?”

“Nowt I ken a faster way,” Ian said. “Hail!” he shouted and dust stirred at his shout. All the gnomes in the cavern turned to him. “I seek the March o the Phay, can ye find it?”

There was a flurry of activity then, dust swirling and bones rattling as the gnomes dove into the mound of bones. Ian wondered what it looked like to Rork who could not see the gnomes. The Wild Kin could have an effect on the physical world as they chose, but since most people could not see them they only saw the effects they had. The stirring of leaves in the wind, dust devils, heat shimmers in the distance, or even that slight movement in the corner of the eye that one couldn’t quiet catch no matter how fast they turned; all these could be attributed to the Wild Kin.

Now though with Ian’s prompting and touch of power the gnomes were moving more than they normally would. At last they settled down and one stepped forward out of the group. It shook its head and then ran off as if it had lost interest suddenly. The others did the same, going back to their normal lounging around or exploring nooks and crannies.

“Well?” Rork asked nervously.

“It baint be here,” Ian said heartbroken.

“We tried Ian,” Rork said with a clap on the shoulder. “Might be we should go inta town now n see what we can stir up ja.”

“Aye,” Ian said but he had little hopes of finding anything.

They left the grave, but since the entrance stone had been broken they couldn’t reseal it. They rode back down the road and Rork led the way to the village. Evening had come and the villagers were all about, heading for the local tavern. They headed there as well since the tavern as always was in the local inn. A boy was sweeping the stable yard as they rode in, leaping to take their horse’s reigns.

“Be there any vacancies here lad?” Rork asked as he dismounted.

“Aye since the seasons dropped,” the boy answered as Ian dismounted. “Why do you ride the small one if you’re the taller one?”

“I taint like havin something so big between my legs ja,” Rork answered with a chuckle. The boy didn’t seem to get the joke so Rork took their saddle bags. “See the goat is settled too.”

“Yes sir,” the boy answered as he led the horses and goat off into the stables. Rork led the way into the inn, the smell of roasting meat and beer greeting them as they entered. The room was loud as well, many men talking and laughing.

“How can I help you strangers?” the innkeeper said as he approached them.

“A room ja,” Rork answered. “I take it ye have plenty?”

“Sure do sir,” the man answered. Ian gathered he was Regarian by his accent, though he could tell little from the gray shape he sensed other than that he was fat. “It’ll be two royals a night.”

“Two!” Rork said. “My good man just because it is the off season taint mean ya can charge n arm n leg fer a room.”

Ian left Rork to the haggling and slipped in past the innkeeper into the tavern. Negotiating the room was difficult, the gray shapes he perceived as people kept moving and blurring together. He stepped on a few toes and nearly knocked someone over until he found a seat at table. Two other men sat there and seemed surprised a stranger had joined them. Stranger still Will had started crying due to the noise of the room.

“Evenin,” Ian said. Sliding Will’s basket off his shoulders he unwrapped the babe and settled him on his knee. Once free of the basket in safe in his father’s arms, Will settled down enough to suck on his thumb and look around the room in curiosity.

“Evening,” one of the men said getting over his surprise.

“My name be Ian neighbor,” Ian said nodding in greeting. “This be mine son Will.”

“Names Gerald, this is my brother Gilbert,” the man said. “What brings a Daunish man to Regis?”

“My employer, that Hyrian feller talkin with the innkeeper,” Ian answered. “He be an animal healer what be lookin fer work. I just be his servant.”

“With a child?” Gerald asked.

“Mine wife died,” Ian answered. “I be all he has n a man’s gotta work. Lucky Rork baint care that I have him. What o ye?”

“We’re cobblers,” Gerald answered, seeming to do all the talking for his brother. “You’re blind aren’t you? What kind of servant is blind?”

“I be a good cook,” Ian answered. He guessed the brothers were Regarian as well, getting better at identifying things without sight. He saw Gerald’s aura shift slightly to a doubtful shade, darkening to disgust. He assumed Ian was Rork’s lover. “Rork said he heard tales bout this village.”

“What tales?” Gerald asked, on edge but seeming to like this change of subject. Provincial people loved talking about local legends.

“Bout the hill n plague all those years ago,” Ian answered. “Be it all true that all those people be dead in that hill?”

“True as true,” Gerald said. “Some say that hill is haunted by the dead.”

“No uns gone ta look?” Ian asked.

“We all stay away from there,” Gerald said. “You’d best too if you know what’s good for you. Nothing but bad spirits up there.”

Ian nodded and felt a hand on his shoulder. Ian turned to see Rork standing over him.

“Come on I got us a room n a private meal ja,” Rork said. Ian saw Gerald’s aura darken even more, but he ignored him as he followed Rork through the tavern and up the stairs to their room.

“Ye were jabberin bout me Ian?” Rork said crossly.

“Sorry,” Ian said. “But they caught on quick like ta yer tastes.”

“Cause I be Hyrian,” Rork said. “Everyun coggins what we be like ja.”

“Sorry Rork,” Ian said.

“I taint be mad Ian,” Rork said. “It just means I shouldn’t stay too long in this village ja. Regarians be even touchier then the Markians. They don’t even romp in bed like them. Sorry but it looks like we’ll have ta get outta town real quicksome like.”

Ian could only sigh defeated. It looked like he was going to have to go to Bailey empty handed, the trail had gone cold.

They sat at the table and ate their meal of stewed beef and potatoes and white bread. Ian found the food flavorless, not even a hint of herbs or spices to the meal. When they finished Rork took their dishes down to the kitchen and Ian fed Will from a milk bladder. After Will was fed he settled down in Ian’s lap playing with his rattle. Ian watched Will’s changing aura feeling as though he could see him growing.

Not for the first time Ian thought of Matt and Bailey when he looked at Will. He missed them both and worried. He wondered too if Will missed his mother and brother, and Ian felt a pang to know his son didn’t have his mother nor Matt have his father. He sat feeling his eye begin to water with tears thinking about Bailey, a hollow ache in his chest. Rork came back at that moment and stopped, Ian quickly drying his eyes.

“Ya be alright?” Rork asked putting a hand on Ian’s shoulder.

“Aye,” Ian said and Rork seemed to understand everything in that word.

“I only got us un bed ja,” Rork said. “Hope that be alright.”

“As long as ye keep yer hands ta yerself,” Ian said jokingly, but Rork just nodded. Ian sighed again and they went to bed. They just kicked off their boots, and Ian took off his ceramic mail. Ian settled Will in his basket to sleep, afraid of rolling over onto the child while he slept. He and Rork lay back to back, but Ian could still sense Rork’s tension even when he closed his eyes.

Ian tried to sleep, but Rork’s tension wasn’t helping. Ian tried to snore a bit, making his breathing even so Rork thought he was asleep in attempts of making Rork sleep. He felt Rork shift next to him, rolling over to his other side. Ian thought he was just settling to sleep until Rork put his arm around him. Rork moved in close, sliding his hand up inside Ian’s shirt.

“Rork,” Ian said warningly and Rork stopped, Ian feeling his breath on the back of his neck.

“Ya were awake,” Rork said regretfully withdrawing his hand. “Sorry, sweet dreams.”

“Dreams!” Ian said as he sat up struck with inspiration. Why hadn’t he thought of that? He hurried to retrieve his boots, groping around blindly for them. He pulled on his cloak, but left his mail off, deciding he wasn’t going to need it.

“Dreams?” Rork said puzzled. “Ian where ya be going ja?”

“I have ta go back ta the hill,” Ian said.

“Can’t this wait?” Rork asked but Ian didn’t answer. Ian wrapped Will up who started to cry at the rude awakening. Ignoring Will’s cries Ian put him in his basket and pulled him onto his back. He practically ran out the door, Rork hopping around still trying to get his boots on. Ian hurried down to the stable and found Enbarr simply because he was the biggest horse stabled there. Ian didn’t bother with a saddle; he pulled himself up onto Enbarr’s back and urged him on. Enbarr trotted off just as Rork came stumbling out of the inn.

It was just after nightfall and the tavern was still loud and full of life, no one but the stable boy saw the two men ride out again. Ian headed back for the hill, finding it by memory. Will’s cries tempered off into whimpers as they rode, but picked up again when they reached the hill. Ian dismounted and tied Enbarr’s halter to a nearby tree. He took Will down as well to comfort him, Will rooting against his chest looking for a breast.

“Sorry Will,” Ian said softly. “I baint mean ta wake ye but I baint wanna leave ye alone.”

Will only answered with a hiccup and Ian held him closer. Rork caught up on Puzzle, ridding at a full gallop. He came to a halt in a cloud of dust, leaping off Puzzle’s back and stalking over angrily.

“What’s gotten inta yar head?” Rork shouted.

“Dreams,” Ian answered. “Back in Barrow Múr me n Glen accidentally slipped inta a trance n dreamed o the past. I kennin I might be able ta do it again here n see what happened ta the song.”

“Ya sure?” Rork said sounding worried.

“I can do it, it baint take long,” Ian said. “Come on.”

He went into the hill and Rork followed reluctantly holding onto Ian since he couldn’t see in the dark. Inside the grave it was just as they had left it. Ian pushed the bones aside and sat down on the ground, Rork kneeling next to him.

“I’ll be goin inta a trance,” Ian said. “I won’t sleep fer long.”

“Should I hold Will?” Rork asked.

“Nowt, I can do this with him,” Ian said. “Just make sure nothin disturbs me.”

“Aye,” Rork said sounding scared. Ian lay down with Will on his chest and closed his eyes. At first he just laid there, doing something that he had only done by accident before on command was harder than he thought. He concentrated on the earth powers around him and slowly he began to feel his body relax. It was a bit like falling asleep, but Ian felt a slight shift as his spirit left his body.

He looked around but saw nothing. His sight had returned in the dream but at the same time he had that strange sense so he could still see in the dark. Around him was nothing but the earth of the hill, a feeling of suffocation starting to make him panic. He saw things as the gnomes did, the little creatures moving through the earth exploring rabbit warrens and mice dens.

Then light came in. Ian watched as miners broke into the hill and dug out the earth, moving the stone and earth to get to what lay under the hill. Ian watched as the men worked seeming to see things in snatches as the tunnel and chamber were dug. He saw the miners give up quickly when it became apparent there was nothing worth digging for and once more the hill was left alone.

The gnomes returned to explore the tunnels of men. Ian had no idea how long he watched the gnomes, time in dreams seemed to move strangely and he was underground away from the sun. The sound of a song made him turn, all the gnomes turning at the sound as well. From the entrance tunnel came a man of smoke playing a flute. He was burnt all over his body and a pall of smoke hung over him. He marched into the center of the cavern and continued to play, slowly more joined him.

The people crawled after the piper like rats on their bellies. Ian saw their skin covered in weeping sores and blackened with disease. The people followed the piper mindlessly; Ian was able to see the song holding their spirits in thrall. Hundreds crawled into the cavern, crawling over each other to huddle at the feet of the smoking man. When the last crawled in the song seemed to reach its peak.

With a sigh of relief all those in the cavern died together. Ian shivered, feeling his own wayward spirit seek to follow them onto the lines into the aether. With an effort of will he drew himself free to see the Piper still stood. He had no eyes, yet Ian knew he was looking at him.

“What do you seek here wayfarer?” the man asked, his voice a grating rasp from his burnt throat.

“I seek what ye hold,” Ian answered. The Piper looked down at the pipe and Ian did as well. It was a flute carven out of green soap stone; intricate carvings in tiny detail that made one want to examine it closely. Despite being held in sooty dirty hands the swirling green stone was not even marked or stained.

“It has guided us,” the Piper answered.

“Why did ye kill em?” Ian asked.

“They were to die anyways,” the Piper answered. “Though they killed me and my people. Now they will ride the wheel.”

“Ye should go as well,” Ian said.

“I will, to see her again,” the Piper said sounding sad. “Here, I give you what you seek.”

Ian tried to take the flute that was offered to him but it slipped through his hands.

“I can’t,” Ian said regretfully. “I only be here in spirit.”

“Then I am sorry,” the Piper said.

“Good rest ta ye,” Ian said to him. The Piper nodded and lay down in the center of the pile of bodies.

Ian once again watched the cavern again. The sound of stone being moved over the entrance told of others sealing away the dead. Ian was left alone to watch the bodies rot. He was glad the bodies turned to bones quickly in his dream, and he could still see the stone flute perched on the breastbone of the Piper. The gnomes moved around the bones of the dead curious rather than disturbed.

Time once again moved in an undetectable pace until once again a sound disturbed the peace. This time it was the sound of cracking stone. Ian turned to the entrance where lamp light flooded the cavern and three men walked into the cavern. He could see them clearly in the dream. Two were Elmerians, shorter drab men than their leader. The one in the middle was Regarian, a tall man with blonde hair and a mustache.

Their clothes and gear were dated, though from how long ago Ian did not know. The two servants set up lanterns as the Regarian stood studying the bones before him.

“Amazing,” he said at last.

“What was that master?” one of the servants asked.

“I am just amazed Rupert,” the lord answered. “All these people died over a hundred years ago, yet look at how the skeletons held together. There must have been no scavengers here to disturb the bones.”

Ian knew from watching that there had been mice and insects feeding on the bones, but these had been so small they hadn’t disturbed the bones.

The servants continued to set up lamps as the lord sat down to take out a drawing pad. He began to sketch the bones, the sound of charcoal over paper eerie in the grave. Rupert however finally spotted the flute in the center of the bones. He glanced at it and then at his lord. The Regarian was drawing the bones right in front of him, starting to take out a string to measure the bones.

Rupert walked around the pile, trying to look discreet. He couldn’t reach the flute however as it was in the center of the pile of bones. He tried to reach out but his foot shifted the bones and the Regarian looked up at him angrily.

“Rupert!” the Regarian shouted. “Do not disturb the bones. What are you doing anyways?”

“Nothing Lord Bellamy,” the man answered withdrawing. Bellamy glared at him but turned his attention back to the bones. That was when he too saw the flute. Excited he set his drawings aside to walk around the pile. At last he carefully stepped into the pile so he could snatch the flute from the Piper. The pile shifted slightly, but remained where it was as the lord stepped free of the bones.

He looked at the flute amazed, turning it around in his hands.

“What is it milord?” the other servant asked.

“A flute,” Bellamy answered. “It is of Aldan workmanship. How on earth did an Aldan flute come to rest in a Regarian mass grave?”

“I heard tell that Rhodin be buried here too,” the other servant answered. “They are known thieves.”

“Yes that could be it,” Bellamy answered. He was examining the flute in total fascination. He hesitantly put it to his lips and tried to play it, but no sound came out.

“It is beautiful all the same milord,” Rupert said, his eyes shining as he gazed at the flute. “Even if it doesn’t work.”

“Yes of course,” Bellamy said as he slipped the flute into his pocket, glaring at Rupert. “I think we’ve done enough for the day, we should head back.”

“Yes milord,” the other servant said. Lord Bellamy left the two men to gather the lamps as he left, carrying the flute with him.

Ian had seen enough and knew it was time to turn back. It seemed waking however was going to be just as hard as getting to sleep. Ian struggled through a smothering cloud of darkness, feeling lost as he sought his body. Then a pale gray thread of light seemed to pull him along and he found himself once more. Ian returned to his body startled to find he could barely move. He groaned and tried to rise, feeling a stiff hose had been shoved down his nose and throat.

His sixth sense came back to him and told him Will sat on his chest. The babe laughed as Ian opened his eyes and he felt a tiny hand on his cheek.

“Ian!” Rork shouted sounding utterly relieved. Rork knelt next to him leaning over. He took the hose out of Ian’s nose and Ian gagged as it left him.

“What were that for?” Ian asked his voice dry. Rork first helped him drink some water; Ian feeling like his muscles were made of unbaked dough.

“Ya’ve been snoozin far a long time Ian,” Rork said.

“How long?” Ian asked startled.

“Three weeks,” Rork answered and Ian felt a wave of shock. “I had ta put that tube down yar throat sos I could feed ya. It be what I’d do far an injured animal.”

Ian realized he was naked wrapped in a big blanket, a diaper the only thing he wore under the blanket. Ian felt a wash of shame at that and he knew Rork had been caring for him intimately. He felt Rork reach out and gently brush a lock of his hair off his forehead. The gesture was so tender Ian knew that Rork’s feelings had only deepened while he had cared for Ian.

Ian turned away feeling guilt catch in his throat. Rork knew him well enough by now to know why he turned away. Ian turned his attention to Will and felt his heart swell to feel how much he had grown. Will was now sitting on his own, and was quite the weight on Ian’s chest. Ian smiled as Will said some childish nonsense as his little hand tugged at Ian’s beard.

“Thank ye Rork,” Ian said. “Fer carin fer Will while I were gone.”

“I did it far ya Ian,” Rork said softly before shifting to a more brisk business like manor. “Now let’s get ya cleaned up n dressed.”

Ian nodded as Rork picked Will up and set him aside. Rork unwrapped him from the blanket and helped him sit up. Ian felt like he was the babe now, weak and hardly able to move. The cavern was warmed by a fire, Ian able to sense the salamanders of the fire. Rork helped him sit up and then took the diaper off. Rork washed Ian from a bucket of water with a wash cloth. Ian could tell immediately Rork’s touch was anything but business like.

“Rork,” Ian said with reproach. Rork only sighed and hurried to finish washing him. He helped Ian dry off and then don some clean clothes. Rork helped him sit by the fire leaning against the cave wall. He fed Ian a porridge of wheat and goat’s milk. Ian ate knowing this was what he had been feeding Will as well because soon Will was voicing his own hunger. Rork laughed and brought the child to sit in his father’s lap and he fed them both.

“Sos what did ya see?” Rork asked when he finished feeding them. Ian told him what he had discovered and Rork listened pensively. “Bellamy be the name o the local Baron. Ya ken he has the flute?”

“Maybe but my guess will be it moved on,” Ian said. “Somewhat like that would be sold er used as a dowry fer sure. Maybe it were even stolen, that servant Rupert were really interested in it.”

“I’ll go inta town n ask round bout the lord,” Rork said. “I can get the history o the Bellamy house n find out who that lord had been.”

“I can go with ye,” Ian offered.

“Naw Ian ya be weak still ja,” Rork said. “Sides which I told the locals ya ran off so they didn’t coggin ya were alone here n vulnerable when I been gone. They coggin me now too sos I’ve got their trust. I can figure out what ya need ta coggin. It be early now, dawns just rose. I should get goin.”

“Ye sure?” Ian said.

“Taint worry,” Rork said with a laugh. “I can handle myself. There’s plenty o water n porridge still by the fire. I’ll be back by lunch.”

Ian nodded as Rork stood and gathered a few things. He left Ian alone with Will.

“Well I guess it be just ye n me now sprout,” Ian said to Will. Will answered with a wordless grunt and Ian had an idea. “Hey Will can ye say Da?” Ian said in Daunish. For the morning he sat trying to get Will to speak, Will answering occasionally with wordless shouts or grunts. Ian was so taken with the noises he didn’t mind that Will wasn’t able to form full words. Every time he came even a little close Ian laughed and congratulated him.

It didn’t seem long then when Rork returned, and he was limping. Years of seeing his mother hide her injuries told Ian Rork had tried to do the same.

“What happened?” Ian asked trying to stand, but he was too weak.

“I be all goody good Ian taint worry yar head,” Rork said, his voice laced with suppressed pain.

“Bullshit,” Ian said. “Sit down Rork n tell me who did this ta ye.”

Rork sighed and sat down heavily, dropping his pack.

“I taint be so popular in the village,” Rork answered. “The Elmerians taint mind me, special since I can see ta their animals durin the winter. The Regarians though… well I stopped goin ta town awhile ago. Got all my supplies from the Elmerian farmers. But they wouldn’t coggin bout the lord so…”

“I be sorry Rork,” Ian said horrified. “Ye alright?”

“Aye I can take a beatin mate taint worry bout that,” Rork said wryly. “N I even got what ya needed. See a pretty lass coggin what ya needed ta coggin, only the men taint liked me jawin ta her. Nawt like I were gonna do anything ta her, I mean she taint my type after all.”

Ian would have found the dry joke mildly funny had Rork’s voice not been choked with pain.

“Anyways she told me that the lord was probably the first lord Bellamy,” Rork said. “After the plagues swept the lands there were many holdins without a lord so the king o Regis assigned new barons. He chose Bellamy for here. He were a scholar afore and when he heard there was an old mass grave here he came ta study it.

“Well old Bellamy continued his studies til he got inta a school that were in Versae. He gave the title ta his brother n went ta the school ta study.”

“What bout the song?” Ian asked.

“She taint coggin bout that,” Rork said. “My guess is he took it with him. The servant ya mentioned weren’t in her story, I coggin if he did any wrong by the lord like stealing she’d coggin bout it.”

It wasn’t iron clad, but it was enough.

“Versae,” Ian said softly. “That be Cair Leon now.”

“It were part o Alda afore that though,” Rork said. “Could be the lord Bellamy passed on the flute ta the Aldan. They could have it again.”

Rork said this with both excitement and bitter resentment. He knew that could mean Ian would go to Alda, and Bailey.

“Might be but I wanna check Cair Leon first,” Ian said. “No stone left unturned.”

“Well it’ll be some time afore ya be ready ta ride,” Rork said. “Ya be weak as a kitten now. N it be winter.”

“Aye,” Ian said wearily. “Un step at a time. Sos let’s get a look at yer wounds Rork.”

He might have argued if he hadn’t been so beat up. Instead he let Ian help him out of his shirt and prod at his bruises. Ian couldn’t see the damage, but feeling along Rork’s back and sides he found a few cracked ribs.

“I be guessin ye be bruised black n blue Rork,” Ian said. “How many o them were there?”

“Six,” Rork answered and handed Ian a pot of salve. “Rub that on my back. I managed to break at least un o their fat noses, another I scored a glorious cock punch on.”

Ian laughed as he started to spread the salve on Rork’s back feeling him shiver under his hands. Rork was silent and Ian decided not to say anything, guessing how he felt. Ian finished and Rork quickly pulled his shirt on.

“Be there anything else I could help ye with Rork?” Ian asked out of guilt. He heard Rork’s silence, the unasked question lying between them breathless.

“Could ya hold me?” Rork asked quietly. “Just that.”

“Aye,” Ian said. He sat back against the wall and held his arms open to Rork. Rork rested his head on Ian’s chest, snuggling against him much like a dog seeking the comfort of its master. Ian held him, ignoring the shivering sobs of the man in his arms. Rork’s breathing grew even and Ian heard him fall asleep.

Will however grew restless and Ian had to carefully reach over to pull Will over to him and settle him in his other arm. Will fell asleep too, and Ian wasn’t far behind, his mind slipping into a thankfully dreamless slumber.

#fantasy #series #writing #please read #fairies #dragons

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thrashermaxey · 6 years

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Ramblings: Whack-A-Duck (Dec 12)

Ryan Getzlaf made his return to the Duck lineup sooner than I had anticipated, but it was a pleasant surprise. The Ducks also got Jakob Silfverberg back last night. Suddenly, their lineup wasn’t looking so bad, but then of course another injury, this time to Corey Perry:

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Perry has his knee buckled, hobbled off. <a href="https://t.co/9HB2bpcq38">pic.twitter.com/9HB2bpcq38</a></p>— Stephen Laidlaw (@SteveLaidlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveLaidlaw/status/940425314131431424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>

The Ducks had put Rickard Rakell, Getzlaf and Perry together, but there’s an opening on the right side should Perry miss much time. The first assumption would be that Silfverberg would benefit, but he is locked in on the second line with Andrew Cogliano and Adam Henrique. Silfverberg did see use on the top power play unit, however. That unit:

Getzlaf – Rakell – Silfverberg – Henrique – Cam Fowler

I thought we were done with this, but the never-ending game of whack-a-mole with Brandon Montour goes on. Once again on PP2 for Montour.

Ondrej Kase was elevated to the top line after Perry went out and is easily the most interesting option. Not sure we can jump to him yet, however, especially not without top unit PP time.

Henrique’s value has taken a small hit with Getzlaf soaking up the top line duties, but if he sticks on PP1 he should remain relevant in most formats.

Dustin Byfuglien is out week-to-week after an injury this weekend. This only exacerbates what has already been a frustrating season for fantasy owners.

Tyler Myers was tops on the Jets with 23:24 of ice time and 2:40 of power play time, but it’s worth noting that the Jets’ second unit got more of the power play action last night. Myers remained on that second unit, instead Jacob Trouba up on the top unit with Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine, etc.

Trouba’s spot is the place to be. He has spent much of the season used in a shutdown role barely seeing any power play time. Now we are going to see Trouba stretched into a role where he can be productive. He is widely owned so you may not be able to pounce on this opportunity, but those hanging onto him are in for a big-time boost.

Trouba has double-digit goal potential and the skills to score at a 50-point pace. It’s worth mentioning that the Jets are not having their defensemen as active in the rush this season, so perhaps lower your expectations for all of them, including Byfuglien when he returns, but assists should flow considering their loaded set of forwards.

The Jets also got Steve Mason back from the IR, sending Eric Comrie back to the AHL. At this point Mason has little relevance, Connor Hellebuyck is rolling as the starter.

The Rangers were without Mika Zibanejad once again. He has been back in practice, but has not been cleared for contact. Timelines with concussions are always blurry, but it seems like we are getting close to a return for the top line centerman. Zibanejad has been dropped in a third of Yahoo leagues, so jumping back in a little early could pay off in the long run.

Are we within range of a goalie controversy in Dallas? I’m not there yet, mostly because Kari Lehtonen hasn’t put together a consistent run in years. Lehtonen has started three of the last five games, and performed well in each of them, even winning two of them.

Meanwhile, Ben Bishop has fallen back to earth after a hot start. His save percentage in October: .920. His save percentage since: .901. It’s not that I think Lehtonen is good, it’s that I think Bishop isn’t much better. Bishop also has injuries to contend with. The irony of the Bishop signing was that he was unlikely to offer a large improvement on the already overpaid, underwhelming and injury-prone duo of Lehtonen and Niemi.

Line changes for the Stars spreading their top forwards across three lines:

#1 21.9% JANMARK,MATTIAS – RADULOV,ALEXANDER – SPEZZA,JASON

#2 18.2% ELIE,REMI – SEGUIN,TYLER – SHORE,DEVIN

#3 16.4% BENN,JAMIE – FAKSA,RADEK – PITLICK,TYLER

#4 11.5% DICKINSON,JASON – RITCHIE,BRETT – SMITH,GEMEL

Radek Faksa remains interesting, but probably not much more than that since he still can’t get a regular power play shift. He’s entering early-career Brad Marchand territory.

We also saw Jason Spezza displace Devin Shore on the top power play unit, which makes him interesting. Spezza skated a season-high 17:28 last night. No points, but we could see him creep back into our lives with continued exposure to Dallas’ top options.

Matt Murray has been back in practice, but Tristan Jarry started again last night. It is only a matter of time before Murray reclaims the reins, however Jarry has acquitted himself quite well. Had the Murray injury lingered longer we might have seen Jarry stake out a larger claim to the crease. As it stands now, the Penguins will likely continue shopping for a veteran backup in order to allow Jarry to get more work in the minors.

Aleksander Barkov got back into the lineup for the Panthers after missing only one game. The real question is if this injury lingers. Barkov is spectacular, but has consistently missed 15+ games a year.

Barkov was back on the top line with Nick Bjugstad and Jonathan Huberdeau. They have recently shuffled their PP going with a two-defenseman look with Aaron Ekblad and Keith Yandle both out there. Yandle has sizzled since displacing Ekblad with 12 points in the last 14 games.

Ekblad is sneaking back into relevance. He had gone 10 straight games without a point before a recent four-game scoring streak, which ended last night. Without top unit PP usage I don’t have time for Ekblad, even as his shot production remains massive. I would consider this run without Evgenii Dadonov in the lineup a chance to try and sell high.

Sven Baertschi has now been ruled out for 4-6 weeks with a broken jaw. That puts two-thirds of their best line on the shelf, with Bo Horvat already out with a broken ankle. Only the Brock Boes Monster remains. Mind you, Baertschi was easily the third wheel on that line and had recently been displaced by Nikolay Goldobin.

With both Baertschi and Horvat out, Boeser joined the Sedins, who may be becoming more relevant. The Sedins have averaged less than 15 minutes per game this season, but with further exposure to Boeser and more run with these injuries I could see them having a few weeks of universal relevance. This line combined for the lone Canuck goal last night.

Tom Wilson’s scoring streak ended last night, but he remains on the Caps’ top line so the potential for scoring lingers for now.

Good news on Ryan Johansen:

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ryan Johansen is practicing today. He’s eligible to return from IR at any time.</p>— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamVingan/status/940265859725123584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>

The Predators’ next game is Wednesday night, I’d look for Johansen to be back with the lines reset to what they looked like before he went out:

#1 25.1% FIALA,KEVIN – SMITH,CRAIG – TURRIS,KYLE

#2 14% ARVIDSSON,VIKTOR – FORSBERG,FILIP – JOHANSEN,RYAN

#3 9.5% BONINO,NICK – JARNKROK,CALLE – SISSONS,COLTON

#4 9.1% JARNKROK,CALLE – SISSONS,COLTON – WATSON,AUSTIN

Jaromir Jagr remains day-to-day and will apparently miss tonight’s game.

As always, great stuff in Elliotte Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts:

3. With Kris Versteeg out a long time, Calgary may look for a power-play specialist and someone who brings edge to their game. They feel a little “too nice,” outside of Travis Hamonic, Micheal Ferland, Mike Smith and Matthew Tkachuk. I could see the Flames part of a growing group eying Buffalo’s Evander Kane.

It is going to be extremely interesting to see where Kane lands. It is hard to see him getting a better opportunity than the one he has now riding shotgun with Jack Eichel. Kane is one of just 22 forwards skating over 20 minutes per game. I’d imagine that whatever team gets him will use him as more of a second- or third-line offensive specialist in order to limit the damage he can inflict defensively, which could mean he’d go back to playing 14-15 minutes per game, hindering his fantasy value.

Of course, it is possible Kane could remain in Buffalo all season, or perhaps find himself on a team where he could continue to chew up big minutes. These scenarios seem less likely. Do consider selling high on Kane while he is pacing for 71 points and 355 SOG.

Some World Junior news:

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hearing MON will send Victor Mete to Canada's World Junior camp. That's a big get for them.</p>— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/940258484125184001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>

I wouldn’t be shocked if Mete is returned to junior after this tournament. He has barely been playing. Very good prospect, but not one that I consider having much fantasy relevance.

It doesn’t sound like any of Tyson Jost, Nolan Patrick or Samuel Girard will be similarly released by their NHL clubs.

I totally get Girard not being available since he is skating 20 minutes a night, although he has recently seen his ice time heavily clipped.

The Flyers not making Patrick available makes less sense to me, but they would have a better idea of what is best for the player’s development. Also, we don’t even know if Patrick has any desire to leave the team. I’m sure he’d love to represent Canada, but he’s a rookie clinging to a roster spot in the NHL, skating less than 12 minutes per game. Can he afford to take a month away from the team?

For more World Junior talk check out Cam Robinson’s latest prospect ramblings, previewing Group A.

If you missed it, I jumped on Roto Hockey Show on Wednesday night to discuss some of this seasons surprises, both positive and negative. You can thank us for bashing the San Jose power play just in time for it to get jump started.

Thanks for reading! You can follow me on Twitter @SteveLaidlaw.

from All About Sports http://www.dobberhockey.com/hockey-rambling/ramblings-whack-a-duck-dec-12/

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