If I Should Stay

More housekeeping! I was wrong about the date last time. My hiatus isn’t starting on the 15th; it’s starting on the 13th, possibly a bit earlier. But I’ll see y’all a little less than a month after that!

Part 1 | . . . | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40

“Vecna’s got my sister,” Steve whispers into the line, and Robin knows immediately that this time, this next fight with Vecna, is going to be very different.

She’s not going to let two of his atoms touch after what he’s done.

“Okay,” she answers, mind going a million miles an hour. “We know how to fix this, Steve, but you need to focus. Can you focus?”

He takes a deep breath. “Yeah,” he murmurs. “Yeah, I can focus.”

“Okay. We need her favorite song.”

“I don’t know her favorite song.”

“Then you need to find someone who does.”

The line is silent for a minute, then Steve gasps. “Cassidy! She’d know.”

“Okay, that’s perfect. Call Cassidy, ask her what Allison’s favorite song is. I’m going to pick up El and we’ll be there as soon as we can, okay?”

“Okay,” Steve says. “Hurry?”

“As fast as I can,” she promises. “Call Cassidy.”

They hang up, and Robin eyes Wayne, who’s already waiting by the door with his truck keys. “I’m gathering this is an emergency.”

“If it wouldn’t be entirely weird, I would kiss you,” Robin informs him, because she barely has a filter at the best of times, and this is definitely not the best of times.

Thankfully, Wayne just laughs. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” he says. “Toss your bike in the back and get in. I’ll need directions.”

Robin worries her lip. “Y’know the Wheelers’ place?”

“Karen?”

“Yeah. There first, please.”

Wayne offers her a teasing salute as he puts the car into drive, and Robin suddenly thinks this all might just work out.

The drive to the Wheelers’ is uneventful, and she hops out of the truck and pounds on the door. Karen opens it, and Robin grits her teeth. “Hi, Mrs. Wheeler,” she says politely. “Is Nancy home?”

“Oh, yes, of course, come in,” she says, ushering her inside before calling for Nancy.

Robin watches as Nancy makes it halfway downstairs before she sees who’s here. She watches as she goes through all the possibilities. “Hey, Robin, you’re here for the project, right?”

“Yup,” Robin nods. “For, uh. School.”

Nancy blinks. “Right,” she says, casting a glance at her mom, who doesn’t notice. “C’mon up.”

Robin hesitates. “Think we could use the basement?”

Nancy’s eyes flash. “Sure,” she says, and they’re halfway down before she speaks again. “What’s going on?”

“Vecna has Allison. We need El.”

Nancy bites back a curse.

They finally make it down, and El is standing in the middle of the room, waiting for them. “It is time.”

“It is,” Robin nods. “Are you ready?”

Eleven shrugs. “Is anyone?”

Robin gives half a laugh. “I guess not.” She turns to Nancy. “Is there an exit that doesn’t go through the house?”

Nancy nods and leads them out. “I’ll get everyone else,” she says. “Meet you back there as soon as we can. Be safe.”

“You too,” Robin says, grabbing El’s hand and running for Wayne’s truck.

“Where to?” Wayne asks.

“The Harrington place. Will you come inside?”

“All due respect, Robin, but my boy’s in there. There ain’t no way in hell I’m leavin’ him alone.” There’s a slight pause before he says, rather uncomfortably, “Not because I don’t trust you, of course-”

“No, of course not,” Robin waves him off.

“And, uh.” He winks at El. “You’ll have to pardon my French, little lady.”

She giggles at him. “But you weren’t speaking any French!”

Wayne chuckles. “No I wasn’t, and a smart one you are for knowin’ that. No, pardon my French just means excuse my potty mouth.”

El turns to Robin, who says, deadpan, “He means ‘cause he said hell.”

“Oh,” El says, as Wayne splutters but ultimately stays quiet.

Soon enough they’re at the Harrington place, and Wayne barely parks the truck before they’re all running in.

Robin stops him just before they get inside. “Did Eddie explain any of this to you?”

Wayne blinks at her. “No.”

“Shit,” she whispers. “Okay, look, long story short, which I’m kinda really terrible at, like worst person ever, like I can’t tell a short story to save my life-”

“Robin.”

“Right, short story, right. Um, we’ll explain more later, but basically me and Steve are time traveling here from four years in the future because there’s a wizard guy- well he’s not a wizard, actually, it’s Henry Creel, but anyways things happen and he’s got powers and he’s like a wizard and he’s trying to get control of peoples’ heads and kill them. And he’s trying it with Steve’s sister, Allison, right now. So… that’s what we’re about to walk into.”

Wayne sighs. “Is there anythin’ for me to shoot at?”

Robin blinks. “Well, no. Not right now, at least. But later there could be. If you want to be involved.”

“I ain’t lettin’ y’all do this while I sit by and do nothin’. That ain’t how I was raised.”

Robin stares at him for a beat, nods, and together they run inside.

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The King's last gift

Danny was tired, tired of being responsible for protecting the world. At first it was just Amity but the ghosts began to explore more and the halfa was exhausted. He was the only hero available and it was taking its toll.

He knew he couldn't go on like this, let alone with his coronation around the corner but he didn't know what else to do. He knew he couldn't interfere with the world after the crown was on his head. The world would fear him (maybe even more than now) and protecting them with so much power in hand could do more harm than good, but if he didn't protect them, who would?

His core ached at the thought of all those people begging for a hero who wouldn't come, so Danny took desperate measures, and cheated a little.

He visited Desiree; she watched him with a raised eyebrow, curious. And Danny did what he forbade long ago, he wished. He wished for the future and for humanity itself, he uttered the words he had wanted to say ever since he knew he would not be able to visit earth for a long time.

"I wish for the world to be safe even when I no longer live in it, I wish for there to be someone who can protect it, even if it's just a human."

Desiree blinked in surprise not expecting the King who had "forbidden" her to do such a thing. She smiled and nodded. Her power grew exponentially but neither she nor Danny said anything about it. The halfa would not undo that wish after all.

In New Jersey, Thomas and Martha Wayne were celebrating the birth of their son. Neither of them noticed the spark of magic entering the baby, nor the boy's unusually blue eyes. Bruce Wayne, the Ghost King's latest gift to mankind, had been born.

And years later, when the Justice League was formed and everyone was talking to each other, John Constantine looked at the dark knight curiously, wondering if he was aware that he was death's favorite.

Batman: The Animated Series - Paper Cut-Out Portraits and Profiles

Poison Ivy

The brilliant botanist, Pamela Isley, waged a war of eco-terrorism as the villainess known as Poison Ivy.  Isley had concocted all manner of plant strains, offering her a bevy of different phytotoxins that enabled her to control the will of others.  She additionally developed rapidly growing plants that could become animated and obeyed her mental commands.  

As Poison Ivy, she sought to punish all whom she deemed as culpable for environmental crimes.  Following her unsuccessful foray to take down those she held responsible for the raising of wetlands for the construction of a penitentiary, Ivy escaped and hatched a new scheme wherein she posed as ‘Dr. Daphne Demeter’ the director of high-end resort called The Eternal Youth Spa.  Ivy offered free invitations to the spa to various business magnates each of whom she saw as guilty of crimes against nature.  She planned on using her powers to transform them into plant-like creatures whom she could then control.  

Wayne Enterprises had been involved in a deal that would involve clear cutting swashes of the Amazon Rain Forest.  Although Bruce Wayne had vetoed this operation, Wayne himself was nonetheless offered an invitation to the spa.  He gifted the invite to Alfred who went to the spa alongside his date, Maggie Page.  After Alfred and Maggie disappeared, Batman investigated The Eternal Youth Spa and ultimately defeated Ivy and rescued Alfred and the others.  

Ivy was remanded to Arkham Asylum.  She would escape on multiple occasions to continue her fight to punish mankind for crimes against the environment.  One caper saw her joining forces with fellow villainess, Harley Quinn.  Although the two did not share much in common, Harley and Ivy became incredibly close and would have many adventures together.  Indeed Harley may be the one human being Ivy truly loves and cares for.

Actress Diane Pershing provided the voice for Poison Ivy, first appearing in the ninth episode of the first season of Batman: The Animated Series, ‘Pretty Poison.’

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Serenades Listeners On ‘Decades Of Love’ Available Now

From the Beatles to the Bee Gees to Bublé, multi-GRAMMY® nominated group Ernie Haase & Signature Sound serenades listeners on Decades of Love. The 29-song, two-CD recording is available now from Club44 Records. Stream or download Decades of Love here. Physical copies of the recording are available for purchase on ErnieHaase.com. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound celebrated the release of Decades of Love in Nashville with an appearance on CCM Café and a private album release party at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The crowd of influencers, family, friends and fans enjoyed an intimate evening filled with entertainment and camaraderie. The RIAA®-certified group previewed the project, opening with “L-O-V-E” and closing to a standing ovation for “I Will Always Love You.” Executive produced by Haase with multi-GRAMMY® nominated producers, Wayne Haun, Billy Stritch and Kris Crunk, Decades of Love finds Ernie Haase & Signature Sound bringing their smooth-as-silk stylings to some of the most loved romantic songs from the past 100 years. The group utilizes intricate harmonies, lush arrangements and consistently solid solo vocals to breathe new life into these classics. In support of the release, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will also embark on the Decades of Love tour this fall, featuring a two-hour, two-act musical revue.

“We, EHSS, know that we could never do what we do without the love and support of our wives. This album started off as a love gift to them. After additional cancellations last fall due to the pandemic, we just kept recording. We knew this album was turning into something special,” shared Haase. “Decades of Love is not only a celebration of the greatest gift known to mankind… LOVE, but it is also a two-hour musical revue presenting a lovely evening of music and memories. We are thrilled to team up with an exciting new record company, Club44 Records, to bring this timeless music to the masses.” Decades of Love follows the release of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s Keeping On, which received a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Roots Gospel album. This marked Haase’s ninth GRAMMY® nomination individually and the group’s fourth collective nomination. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is also a GMA Dove® Award-winning quartet, a radio favorite in the United States and internationally and a leader in CD sales and long-form music video sales with several RIAA®-certified Gold and Platinum DVDs. DECADES OF LOVE ACT 1 (1920-1960): 1. L-O-V-E ^ 2. It Had to be You ^ 3. Everybody Loves My Baby ^ 4. The Very Thought of You ^ 5. Love is Here to Stay ^ 6. Isn’t It Romantic? ^ 7. Taking a Chance on Love ^ 8. I’ll Be Seeing You ^ 9. Blue Moon ~ 10. Only You ~ 11. I Want to Hold Your Hand ~ 12. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You ~ 13. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) ~ 14. Can’t Help Falling in Love ~ DECADES OF LOVE ACT 2 (1970-2020): 15. Reminiscing ~ 16. Shower the People You Love ~ 17. (They Long to Be) Close to You ~ 18. How Deep is Your Love? ~ 19. We’re in This Love Together ~ 20. You’re the Inspiration ~ 21. Even the Nights are Better ~ 22. Two Hearts ~ 23. I Swear * 24. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? * 25. Everything ~ 26. What Makes You Beautiful * 27. I Won’t Give Up ~ 28. All of Me * 29. I Will Always Love You ~ Executive Produced By Ernie Haase ^ = Produced By Wayne Haun and Billy Stritch * = Produced By Wayne Haun and Kris Crunk ~ = Produced By Wayne Haun  Read the full article

Batman and Robin (2011) #40

hello do you mind explaining all the amazons?

All of them????

Okay uh I'll break down the ones i at least know about anyone who's deeper into the WonderFam please jump in I don't really interact with them that much.

But we've got

Diana Prince: Wonder Woman

Our Golden Age Princess of the Amazons. During the Golden and Silver ages she came from Paradise Island. She was truly animated clay here and several hundred years old by the time of WWII. During the Golden Age Diana married Steve Trevor and they had a daughter named Hippolyta "Lyta" Trevor. (My break down of Lyta would be an essay in itself and she's not really an Amazon so). Diana was a member of the JSA here.

During the Silver Age Diana also married Steve but no kids. She rescued Donna Troy from a fire and sent her to Paradise Island to be raised by Hippolyta making Donna and Diana sisters. This is the first timeline to mention Ares is her grandfather technically as he made Hippolyta. Diana lost her powers at some point. She got really really good at martial arts and then two years later got her powers back. She supposedly died during Infinite Crisis but then you know didn't. During Convergence she killed a vampire Joker. That was fun. In this timeline Diana was a founding member of the JLA.

Okay and post crisis New Earth Diana is the first one to say Diana is from Themyscira. It was still called Paradise Island sometimes. She was molded from clay. Diana in this time was not a founding member of the JLA but came to America after it was founded. (I think Infinite Crisis retconned her to be a founding member but idk) Diana has become a member of the Trinity alongside Batman (Bruce Wayne) and Superman (Clark Kent). 

The Prime Earth Diana is the one from Flashpoint and onwards. She’s now the daughter of Zeus. In New52 if I recall right she was made much much younger like in her 20s and explored mankind in the modern era. The Doomsday clock thing reestablished her WWII origins. She was also said again to have been born during probably the Hellenistic Period (they said classical antiquity and that’s you know just a few thousand years) She just helped out in Death Metals and is now doing something with Infinite Frontier unclear I don’t really know what Prime Earth Diana has been up to lately. 

So on Earth-Two, Earth-One, and New Earth Diana was the granddaughter of Ares and as such her life span was greatly extended. On Prime Earth as the direct daughter of Zeus she is immortal. 

Donna Troy: Troia/Wonder Girl 

Donna is a tricky one. She was introduced real quick to fill the girl role on the Teen Titans cause the boys were getting a little too gay. So started Silver Age Earth 1. Okay so basically her origin kept changing but the one that’s ‘canon’ is she was created to be a playmate for Diana but was abducted and kept being cursed to live tragic lives in New Cronus. Right around the Titans era okay Donna was rescued by Diana and brought back to Earth. Donna was the one to suggest the Teen Titans name. Donna is a member of the Fab Five along with Robin/Nightwing (Dick Grayson), Aqualad/Tempest (Garth of Shayaris), Kid Flash/Flash (Wally West), and Speedy/Arsenal (Roy Harper)

Donna married Terry Long when she was 19 and they had Robert, got divorced, they died in a car crash. 

After Crisis on Infinite Earth Donna sorta realized all those ‘lives’ she led were other version of her which she was all of now. And also Donna was believed to be the Goddess of the Moon. She had to stop a sun-eater or whatever but failed (Hal came in with a clutch it it’s cool)

Donna also had to fix some shit during Infinite Crisis and ended up on a Universe Hopping road trip with Kyle Rayner and Jason Todd to find Ray Palmer for Final Crisis or something. She was killed by a Superman Android during the Teen Titans/Young Justice Crossover. (Edit thanks to that anon for this I legit couldn’t remember how she died)

And Prime Earth Donna was made to destroy Diana. She you know didn’t. 

Look I’ll be real I know next to nothing about what the New52 tried to do with Donna. I just go by her original origins of being Diana’s sister. 

On Earth-One and New Earth Donna’s life span was greatly extended and on Prime Earth she is stated to be Immortal as on Prime Earth Amazonian’s on Themyscira were granted immortality. 

Nubia: 

She is like Diana’s twin made from darker clay on Earth-One which is the silver age Earth. Nubia was actually slightly older than Diana but she was stolen as a baby by Ares who was going by Mars. Mars/Ares is Nubia’s grandfather and he wanted her help in taking down the Amazons. Nubia was raised on Floating Island (or slaughter island as Mars/Ares called it). Nubia fought Diana and hesitated to kill her leading to a draw. Nubia returned to Floating Island and at some point Supergirl had to save her life from poison of some sort. 

On New Earth she went by Nu’Bia and was just a random Amazon, her job was to guard the Doom’s Doorway which is an entrance to the River Styx. She was not Diana’s sister. 

On Prime Earth Nubia is the daughter of Hippolyta and the half-sister of Diana not her twin. Nubia went undercover pretending to work with Darkseid before Themyscira could recover and rally to fight. Nubia is currently the Queen of the Amazons. She was given the crown by her mother, Hippolyta during the Dark Metals event. 

As with Donna on Earth-One and New Earth Nubia had a greatly extended lifespan and on Prime Earth Amazons are immortal. 

Cassie Sandsmark: Wonder Girl 

She is a New Earth entry who was for the new Young Justice team. She is the daughter of Zeus and Dr. Helena Sandsmark. Here as Ares is Cassie’s half-brother and technically the father of the Amazon’s this means Cassie is Diana’s great-aunt. 

Cassie as a girl was able to request a Boon of Zeus who she didn’t know was her father at the time I believe and demanded real superpowers. Her mother Helena was able to turn off Cassie’s superpowers at the start as well. Cassie was trained by Artemis for awhile. Cassie became Wonder Girl in honor of Donna Troy who handed over her old suit. Cassie joined Young Justice as a teenager and would later be on the Teen Titans. Cassie has become a part of the Core Four for Young Justice alongside Robin/Red Robin (Tim Drake), Superboy (Kon-El/Conner Kent), and Impulse (Bart Allen). 

Cassie’s best friends outside of the core four are Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) and Cissie King-Jones (Arrowette). Cassie and Conner Kent used to date as well and she was in love with him before he died during Infinite Crisis. 

On Prime Earth Cassie is the daughter of Lennox and the granddaughter of Zeus. In this version Diana is Cassie’s aunt not the other way around. Cassie is still a member of the Young Justice team here. I don’t exactly remember what was happening during the New52. She was still Cassie unlike Kon and Bart who’d been replaced. But during Rebirth she went with the other members of Young Justice to rescue Conner Kent from Gemworld. She is currently still a member of the Titans. 

On New Earth as the daughter of Zeus, Cassie is an immortal who would not age further once she reached her prime age (like 27 or so). On Prime Earth as the granddaughter of Zeus and the daughter of Lennox Cassie’s life is extremely extended. 

Artemis Grace:

Artemis of Bana-Mighdall comes from a separate group of Amazons not on Themyscira or Paradise Island. Bana-Mighdall is a tribe of Amazons in Egypt who left Greece millennia ago. 

On New Earth Artemis left her home at 14 and wound up working for Ra’s Al Ghul before returning to her home. There was a competition to see who would be the next Wonder Woman as Hippolyta foresaw Wonder Woman die and wished to spare her daughter the fate. Hippolyta ensured Artemis won the competition. Artemis was shunned by most of the world including the Justice League who refused to see her as the true Wonder Woman. Artemis was also thought to be too violent. Artemis would later die in a battle with a demon fulfilling the prophecy of Wonder Woman dying. 

Artemis got out of hell eventually and was given the job of training Cassie Sandsmark by Diana and would later train Supergirl in combat as well. 

On Prime Earth Artemis was raised being told she would be Queen of the Amazons. She was desperate to prove herself and wanted to be the Shim’Tar of the Bana Amazons. Artemis’ best friend and lover Akila was chosen instead. Without Akila by her side Artemis felt her home had nothing left to offer and set out on her own. She helped stop an invasion of Qurac into Bana as well. 

Artemis then joined the Outlaws and worked with Red Hood (Jason Todd) and Bizarro, a botched clone of Superman. 

On New Earth Artemis had a greatly extended life span. On Prime Earth he Amazons were gifted immortality but those who left for Bana-Mighdall lost this gift so it is most likely that Artemis has the same extended lifespan from New Earth. 

Grace Choi:

Grace on New Earth comes from the same group as Artemis in Bana-Mighdall. Grace’s mother is an Amazon but her father was a Korean American. Grace grew up in America in the foster care system. She ran away at 9 but was kidnapped and sold into a child prostitution ring. She managed to escape at age 12 after her powers kicked in. Grace began fightining both for pay and for fun and worked as a bouncer at a meta club in Metropolis. 

Grace worked for the Outsiders for awhile at the request of Roy Harper an ex-fling and good friend of hers. She helped rescue Lian from the same child protsition ring she was in as a child and generally had lots of adventures with the Outsiders. 

Later it was revealed she had Bana roots but Grace refused to join them as they were currently you know sieging down the US. Batman was briefly worried about her loyalties but Grace proved she had no loyalty or ties to the Bana Amazons. 

Grace has returned to the Prime Earth in Infinite Frontier and in Festival of Heroes and it seems like nothing has changed with her so far. 

Grace has increased longevity of her life. She is listed as half-amazon because only her mother is a Bana Amazon but all Amazons only have their mother who are Amazons so I don’t really see why she isn’t a full Amazon. Anyways increased life span. 

Jason:

He is Diana’s twin on Prime Earth. He was sent away cause you know no men on Themyscira. Jason was raised by Glaucus who was a member of the Argonauts crew and worked under the original Jason of Greek Myth. Who Jason was named for. 

Jason was raised on the Aegean Coast by Glaucus and became a Fisherman. Jason was trained in his youth by his half-brother Hercules. 

Jason worked briefly with Diana but wasn’t sure how to be a hero. There was a period where Darksied’s daughter tricked him but Diana talked him down. And Jason saved Diana’s life during the Dark Metals event. 

He is currently in the Dark Mutliverse living with a boyfriend on the Aegean Coast. 

As the son of Zeus, Jason is an immortal. 

⚔️ Also for fun the Weapons:⚔️

Lasso of Truth: Wielded by Diana Prince

Originally imbued with it’s power by Aphrodite and Athena later after crisis forged by Hephaestus and powered by Hestia, this lasso forces the truth from whoever it has ensnared. It is indestructible.

Lasso of Persuasion: Wielded by Donna Troy

This Lasso forces someone to do what the wielder demands. This requires Donna’s or whoever wields the lasso to have a stronger will then who they’re using the lasso on. It is indestructible.

Lasso of Lightning: Wielded by Cassie Sandsmark 

This lasso was created by Ares and gifted to his half-sister Cassie Sandsmark on New Earth. This lasso channels Zeus’ lightning and can make someone experience intense rage if they are caught by the lasso. The power of the lasso is directly correlated to Cassie’s rage levels. 

Lasso of Submission: Wielded by Artemis Grace

Originally from Earth-3 this lasso has the ability to make someone obey any commands even those to inspire false love. After Superwoman (Lois Lane) of Earth-3 was killed Diana took the lasso and gifted it to Artemis. 

Bow of Ra: Wielded by Artemis Grace

The Bow of Ra was a gift from the Egyptian sun god, Ra to the Bana-Midghall Amazons. This bow goes to the Shim’Tar and forges a special bond with them. Those who are not the Shim’Tar cannot wield the bow and further if you are not a candidate to be a Shim’Tar the bow will harm or even kill you. The bow requires intense willpower to use or it can drive the wielder mad. Akila was driven mad with the power of the bow and had to be killed by Diana and Artemis. It is said to have the power to destroy stars so this bow is incredibly dangerous and powerful if not wielded by the right person. 

(Bonus Donna used to use a lasso that was golden but held no specific magical properties.) 

Legiones Astartes: Rome 30,0000 - Electric Boogaloo - Part 1

It’s been several years since I did my informational posts on warp travel and threats to humanity in the 40k universe, and I was feeling particularly motivated so here’s a quick, dirty guide to where it all started. The bois that everyone in 40k loves (or loves to hate), the Astartes!

In the far off future of the 31st millennium, humanity has just recovered from nearly beating itself into extinction yet again, and the after effects of space elves blowing a permanent hole in reality after the biggest party the galaxy has ever seen. After thousands of years of plotting and planning, the Emperor of Mankind decided the time was right, sorted everyone’s shit out on Earth, and set out to make the galaxy a safer place for humanity. Whether anyone wanted it or not. To do this, he mustered tens of thousands of super soldiers, lead by men who were basically demi-gods, and sent them forth across the stars in what was known as the Great Crusade. This is the story of the sons of the sons, the Primarchs can have their own post another day.

Numero Uno, the the First Legion, the Dark Angels. Clad in black and silver armor, the Dark Angels were the first marines to be created. Between that and their assistance with retaking the Earth prior to the Great Crusade, they were allowed special permissions later Legions did not have. In particular, they had access to some of the oldest, strangest, and sometimes horrifying bits of technology that the Emperor had stashed away for a rainy day. Even 10k years later in 40k, the Angels still uphold that privilege, and if things ever get completely and truly fucked, they’ve got a few aces up their sleeves just in case. Owing to the culture of their adoptive homeworld, Caliban, the Dark Angels have a strong knightly aesthetic, as well as plenty of ranks, titles, and associated iconography so everyone can know what kind of badass you are. 

Second ISN’T the Second Legion. Something bad happened to them and no one is allowed to talk about it. It’s actually the THIRD LEGION, the Emperor’s Children! Among the Legions, the Emperor’s Children had the unique distinction of being allowed to wear his personal emblem on their armor and carry his name. This was the Emperor’s gift to them after a company of them serving as honor guards during a victory parade, where they protected the Emperor from an assassination attempt involving a black hole bomb. The Emperor’s Children were perfectionists: anything that can be done can be done better, and they could get a bit salty when their brother Legions out-did them. Beyond that, they were renowned for their artistic skills, as well as their interpersonal skills with ‘mortal’ humans. While many marines either didn’t care for regular humans, or straight up disliked them, the Third Legion got along quite well with people, to the point they were often sent as diplomats to introduce long-lost planets of humans into the Imperium peacefully.

The Fourth Legion, completely unrelated to Marvel, were the Iron Warriors. To the Fourth Legion, war is entirely a matter of numbers. While other Legions fight with spirit, ferocity, nobility, the Iron Warriors fight with a machine-like efficiency and calculated planning. Rivals of the Seventh Legion, the Iron Warriors were particularly fond of siege-tactics. They’d bombard their foes with massed artillery, push in with columns of tanks, and hit critical points with forces of marines, changing tactics along the way as the variables shifted. While they took pride in their accomplishments, cold personalities and a ruthless fighting style didn’t make them many friends. Combined with feeling like they didn’t get much recognition for their efforts, often being stuck with some of the worst fights, the Iron Warriors tended to resent most of the other Legions. But no matter how tough, no matter how ugly, they would not bend, for the Iron Warriors always completed a task given to them.

Next in line, we have the Fifth Legion, the White Scars. Possessed of free spirits and a healthy dose of superstition, the White Scars preferred style of combat was: as quickly as physically possible. Whenever possible, they would ride to battle on anti-grav jet-bikes or speeders. Lacking that, on traditional motor bikes. Reminiscent of Mongolian horse riders, the White Scars fought from their mounts as often as they could, enjoying every moment of it, even if death might come at them at a few hundred miles per hour. Considered odd by most of their brother Legions, the Scars’ aloof personalities and plans divined by seers often saw them tearing about the galaxy in smaller warbands. Never staying in one place for long, they roamed wherever the winds of fate would take them.

Continuing on, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: SKYRIM STILL EXISTS. But really, the Sixth Legion, the Space Wolves. It doesn’t take much to explain these boys, the Space Wolves were vikings in space. They could be a bit dense, were prone to showing off, loved getting into fights, and even invented a kind of alcohol that could get marines drunk. In peace, they could be a bit rough around the edges but were jovial types. Beyond that however, the Wolves had a much more notorious side. While their brothers would mock them at times for being a bit ‘simple’, they were also feared as the Emperor’s hounds. If someone fucked up somewhere in the galaxy, the Wolves were the sent to deal the punishment. Typically, this involved plenty of axes and other people’s heads. While unconfirmed even 10k years later, it is rumored that the Space Wolves were responsible for reaving both the Second and Eleventh Legions at the Emperor’s command. Whatever they did must have been horrible, for it resulted in the culling of tens of thousands of marines and two demi-god primarchs. So remember kids, tug on the wolf’s tail at your own peril.

Eternal rivals to the Fourth Legion, here comes the Seventh Legion, the Imperial Fists. While not as bitter as their brothers in the Fourth, the Fists shared a lot of similarities with them. Blunt, no-nonsense, analytical, monumentally stubborn, fond of hitting their foes as hard as possible, on the surface the two seemed quite alike. But while the Iron Warriors were frequently unconcerned with what happened after their battles, grinding entire cities into dust, the Imperial Fists would always build and fortify. Wherever they passed, they would leave their mark in the form of walls, repaired cities, and forts to ensure their hold. This earned them the distinction of being recalled late in the Crusade to oversee the fortification of the entire Solar System. The reclamation of the galaxy was nearly complete, and it was their task to ensure that Terra would be able to withstand anything the universe could throw at it from that point forward. At least, that was the idea...

What stalks the night, strikes fear into the hearts of the unjust, and has bat wings? Move over Bruce Wayne, it’s the Eighth Legion, the Night Lords. Among the Legions, the Night Lords were unique in the fact that they did not operate like a traditional army. Unlike other Legions, the Night Lords’ favorite method of fighting was to strike fear and terror into their enemies. Considered brutal and sadistic even in the early days, the Night Lords would ‘pacify’ star systems by cutting off supply lines, destroying infrastructure, terrorizing civilians, and savagely breaking their enemy’s will before finishing the job. Known for taking bone trophies, using blood as paint, painting their armor with skulls, and even fashioning people’s faces into tea cozies, there were very few in the Imperium that genuinely liked the Night Lords. In fact, late into the Crusade they were even risking censure or a visit from the Space Wolves. But as they maintained from their inception: they were a necessary evil. Not everyone in the galaxy was reasonable. Some didn’t even respect the immense might of the Astartes. There were some that would only listen to fear. And the poor buggers that wouldn’t even listen to that? They would be made into examples, slowly, painfully, and without any remorse. 

A breath of fresh air from the Night Lords, the Ninth Legion, the Blood Angels. Where the Night Lords were immensely cruel, showcasing some of the worst humanity had to offer, the Blood Angels showed some of the best. Kindness, nobility, flowing golden locks of hair with slight curls, using their strength to protect the weak, seeing the goodness in others, the Blood Angels were quite human for heavily augmented super-soldiers. Well, they did have one teensy little problem. Just a bit of casual bloodlust that could leave them going into a frenzy now and then (sometimes even drinking blood) if they didn’t keep their tempers in check. However, largely due to their own self-discipline they were able to keep this fact a secret for the most part. 

Last (for now, don’t want this to be the next Color of the Sky post), but definitely not the least, the Tenth Legion, the Iron Hands. While the Iron Warriors have a very mechanical way of thinking, and a strong affinity for tech, the Iron Hands take this to a completely new level. To them, anything could be improved by mechanizing it, up to and frequently including themselves. The Hands were notorious for heavily modifying themselves, and had more tanks than any other Legion, tied only with the Iron Warriors. Ironically for a Legion obsessed with machinery, the Iron Hands are also possessed of a volatility only shared by their brothers in the Sixth and the Twelfth Legions. In contrast to the cool, collected rationality of machines, Astartes of the Iron Hands were notoriously hot-headed and liable to making rash decisions if they lost their tempers. This alternating clash frequently manifested as contempt for their own ‘weakness’, but also as contempt for others, resulting in the Iron Hands keeping very few friends, even amongst themselves.

Excerpt - The Domain of the Orator [Chaos Emperor AU]

Beneath the earth of Yalda Bahuth, foul veins pulsed with life. 

 A hurtling sphere adrift in the Eye of Terror, caressed by the dark energies of the Warp, the rogue planet moved, but never strayed from the comfort of Eyespace. It was a world out of time and out of place, a planet so deeply connected to the Immaterium and yet comfortable visiting its presence upon the Materium, half alive and half unborn. It was not a place for men to tread. 

 Skies awash with the colors of blood and serous fluid glittered with un-stars that seemed to swirl and dance like dust on the surface of a pond, blinking in and out of existence as though they were watching the land below. Weathered stone and black vegetation that crept over the corpselike soil like tangled razorwire in a trench bathed in the unholy light, shaded in places by twisted, leafless trees and blasted monoliths of stone covered in amorphous, organic-looking veins. Unknowable alien monuments to nameless gods stood shattered, and the slopes of great endless hills bore rectangular bas-relief cenotaphs venerating beings distressing to behold, clothing the land like the scales of a monstrous, cimmerian serpent. Fragmented stones floated above the blackened ground, drifting as though pulled along at an agonizing pace by an invisible force, rising and falling like flotsam on waves. The wind howled an uncanny dirge, producing near-vocal notes as it slithered over the land. If one listened for too long, they might imagine it was whispering to them in some long dead, esoteric tongue. Perhaps it was. 

 This place was the domain of Mephorash the Orator. 

 The Orator knew no gods, for he was first to arise from the primordial morass of the Warp. Chaos had been his domain long before the Four, and even longer before Malal. He was its dutiful priest, its great Ecclesiarch, and the body and blood of the primordial. Reclusive and occultist in his nature, other daemons rarely spoke of him save for in hushed whispers - a hero of old, a man of renown, an abomination. 

 As such, the Emperor of Mankind sought to acquire him, a spark seeking to claim an inferno. The gilded one would approach the Orator's great Tower of Silence, bearing the most stygian of gifts.

-

Here we prepare to meet Mephorash, an ancient daemon predating the birth of the Chaos gods themselves. Alongside his first daemon general and true Warmaster, Usghaith (written by @cult-of-oink), the fallen Emperor has traversed the Beksiński-esque nightmare landscapes of the daemon world Yalda Bahuth to present an offering to the Orator in exchange for his fealty. 

Mephorash has been one of my favorites among the characters I have created for this project. He’s heavily inspired by Gnostic mysticism and the surreal artwork of the likes of Zdzisław Beksiński, Valery Petelin, and Wayne Barlowe, and I wanted him to stand opposite Lorgar as Usghaith is meant to stand opposite Horus. 

I know none of this Chaos Emperor AU stuff makes much sense right now, but as I coordinate with other members of the project I’ll be able to give you all a proper rundown of the story.

Book Review

Robert R. McCammon: Mystery Walk. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror, Fantasy. Published 1982

Blurb: Born and raised in rural Alabama, Billy Creekmore was destined to be a psychic. His mother, a Choctaw Indian schooled in her tribe’s ancient mysticism, understands the permeable barrier between life and death—and can cross it. She taught the power to Billy and now he helps the dead rest in peace.

Wayne Falconer, son of one of the most fervent tent evangelists in the South, travels the country serving his father’s healing ministry. Using his unique powers to cure the flock, Little Wayne is on his way to becoming one of the popular and successful miracle workers in the country. He helps the living survive.

Billy and Wayne share more than a gift. They share a dream—and a common enemy. They are on separate journeys, mystery walks that will lead them toward a crossroad where the evil of their dreams has taken shape. One of them will reject the dark. The other will be consumed by it. But neither imagined just how monstrous and far-reaching the dark was, or that mankind’s fate would rest in their hands during an epic showdown of good versus evil.

My review: A good old-fashioned 1980’s Horror novel. Chunky in size, but just the right length and I was never bored or disinterested. Great characters, interesting plot, good versus evil, and plenty of spooky action. I really liked this one.

Who are your favorite characters of DC? What are your favorite ships?

Its 1:30am - Let’s dive into this can of worms shall we? 

First and foremost:

My sweet, precious, angel. I’ve loved everything about Raven’s character since I watched Teen Titans as a little kid (fun fact: the tooth fairy left me all five seasons of Teen Titans in exchange for five teeth!) I read every comic of hers I can get my hands on. 

My edgy, hilarious, and super nerdy bad boy. I fell in love with Jason while reading memes for the batfmaily on my friend’s tumblr dash. To understand the characters, I of course, had to read their wikipedia pages. The more I read about them and saw memes, the more I thirsted to read about the walking gift to mankind myself. Jason Todd is literally the reason I read comics. 

My badass, beautiful, and bitchy queen! God bless the creators of Dr. Kimiyo Hoshi. Single-mom heroes are such an underused well of potential. What I love about Dr. Light is that she takes no shit and she works her ASS OFF every day for her kids and for the betterment of the world. Give me more Dr. Light DC. NOW. 

I just... I just fucking love her so much. (Also do NOT ship her with Carter. Let her be happy with someone decent. Thanks.)

Initially I didn’t want to include Babs because she’s OG batgirl and EVERYONE’s favorite, but I can’t help but be excited with every cameo she makes. Every time Barbara fucking breathes I WANT TO SCREAM FROM EXCITEMENT. I can’t deny the absolute love I feel for this amazing woman. 

This might be a surprise, but Damian is actually a decent character when writer’s go beyond the “iamthebloodsonandi’mbetterthanallofyou” mentallity he was first introduced with. Prelude to the Wedding: Robin vs. Ras al Ghul was one of the best issues I’ve ever read from DC. It showed Damian as he continues to struggle with his identity and place in the family, despite already being accepted and loved. His conversation with Selina was such a deep and important moment to understand that Damian is not just a brat. He’s a confused kid trying to learn to be better. 

While I absolutely adore Cassandra Cain and every graceful move she makes, I can’t help but love Stephanie more. There’s just something about how she won’t take shit from Batman and how incredibly intelligent she is that I can’t help but drool over. She’s so amazing (and funny!) which makes it impossible to ever have enough Stephanie. She’s worn three mantles with pride and absolutely deserves all of them. 

Okay, going into ships now. When I was younger I was really into shipping, and now I care FAR less who ends up with who except for a few key ships listed below:

Bruce Wayne - Selina Kyle

Dick Grayson - Princess Koriand’r

Dr. Pamela Isley - Dr. Harleen Quinzel

Luke Fox - Barbara Gordon (weird ship, I know, but I think it works) 

Kate Kane - Renee Montoya, Maggie Sawyer, Diana Prince, or Helena Bertineli

Kon-El - M’gann Morzz

Clark Kent - Lois Lane (not a thing I really pine for, but I want Jon to be born so.)

Steve Trevor - Diana Prince

Midnighter/Apollo (legit don’t know much about them except they’re a perfect couple) 

I think that sums up all my 1:50am thoughts on my favorite DC characters and ships. Let me know if you have any more questions! And as always, thank you SO MUCH for the ask.

New Post has been published on https://horsetoloan.com/horse-riding/horse-quotes/

Horse Quotes

Horse Quotes

For all the horse lovers out there, we have put together a list of the all-time best horse quotes ever. Of course, these weren’t actually spoken by horses, but most of them were spoken by horse lovers, and all of them were spoken about horses. 

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.

Winston Churchill 

No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle. 

Winston Churchill

Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people. 

W.C. Fields

I’d rather ride on a Mustang than in one.

Bailey Ann Neal

When your horse follows you without being asked, when he rubs his head on yours, and when you look at him and feel a tingle down your spine… you know you are loved.

John Lyons

There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse.

Robert Smith Surtees

A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character. 

Tesio

We have almost forgotten how strange a thing it is that so huge and powerful and intelligent an animal as a horse should allow another, and far more feeble animal, to ride upon its back.

Peter Gray

He doth nothing but talk of his horses. O for a horse with wings! When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk: he trots the air; the earth sings when he touches it; the basest horn of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of Hermes. As full of spirit as the month of May, and as gorgeous as the sun in Midsummer.

William Shakespeare 

Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.

John Wayne

The history of mankind is carried on the back of a horse.

Unknown

There are many wonderful places in the world, but one of my favorite place is on the back of my horse.

Rolf Kopfle

A pony is a childhood dream. A horse is an adult treasure.

Rebecca Carroll

There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse.

Robert Smith Surtees 

A man on a horse is spiritually, as well as physically, bigger than a man on foot.

John Steinbeck 

In their eyes shine stars of wisdom and courage to guide men to the heavens.

Jodie Mitchell

A horse doesn’t care how much you know until he knows how much you care. Put your hand on your horse and your heart in your hand.

Pat Parelli 

No heaven can heaven be, if my horse isn’t there to welcome me.

Unknown

Horses lend us the wings we lack.

Pam Brown

God forbid that I should go to any heaven in which there are no horses.

R.B. Cunningham Graham 

I am still under the impression that there is nothing alive quite so beautiful as a horse.

John Galsworthy

I often said there is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.

Ronald Reagan

No philosophers so thoroughly comprehended us as dogs and horses.

Herman Melville 

For one to fly, one needs only to take the reins.

Melissa James

One can get in a car and see what man has made. One must get on a horse to see what God has made.

Unknown

The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and freedom.

Sharon Ralls Lemon

The horse. Here is nobility without conceit, friendship without envy, beauty without vanity. A willing servant, yet never a slave.

Ronald Duncan

The horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasurable and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back.

Amber Senti

There is something about riding down the street on a prancing horse that makes you feel like something, even when you ain’t a thing.

Will Rogers

A horse can lend its rider the speed and strength he or she lacks – but the rider who is wise remembers it is no more than a loan.

Pam Brown

A dog may be man’s best friend, but the horse wrote history.

Unknown

You took me to adventure and to love. We two have shared great joy and great sorrow. And now I stand at the gate of the paddock watching you run in an ecstasy of freedom, knowing you will return to stand quietly, loyally, beside me.

Pam Brown

Wherever man has left his footprints in the long ascent from barbarism to civilization, we find the hoofprint of a horse beside it.

John Trotwood Moore

Through the days of love and celebration and joy, and through the dark days of mourning – the faithful horse has been with us always.

Elizabeth Cotton

Horse thou art truly a creature, for thou fliest without wings and conquorest without sword.

Unknown 

There is no better place to heal a broken heart than on the back of a horse.

Missy Lyons

You and your horse. His strength and beauty. Your knowledge and patience and determination and understanding and love. That’s what fuses the two of you onto this marvelous partnership that makes you wonder… “What can heaven offer any better than what I have here on Earth?”

Monica Dickens

At its finest, rider and horse are joined not by tack, but by trust. Each is totally reliant upon the other. Each is the selfless guardian of the other’s very well-being.

Unknown 

It is the horse’s gift to connect us with Heaven and our own footsteps.

Ronni Sweet

The air of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears.

Proverb 

The horse moved like a dancer, which is not surprising. A horse is a beautiful animal, but he is perhaps the most remarkable because he moves as if he always hears music. 

Mark Helprin 

Hot Chocolate and Cookies

Characters: Stephanie Brown, Damian Wayne, Cassandra Cain

Summary: Patrolling on holiday time sucks. Thankfully Stephanie has some company. And a thermos of hot chocolate.

A/N: A @batfam-christmas-stocking gift for @bisexualkori. Hope you like it!

Stephanie was patrolling. It was quite quiet. Heh. Quite quiet.  It seems that even the lowlife thugs were off celebrating Christmas too. She could see decorations, scant as it was in this area. Of course, there was no holidays for the vigilantes of Gotham. The Big Bad Bat declared it to be so. Bruce, not Dick. Dick would want a holiday. Hmm. Maybe he could be persuaded for a night off.  As quiet a patrol as it was and as much holiday cheer there was in the streets, it was not a nice patrol for her that night. She was wearing her winter gear, yet she was already shivering. Winter in Gotham didn't mess around.  At this point, she would welcome a random mugging or two. At least it would get her moving. And warm.   Ah, there it was. You could not go a few minutes in Gotham without witnessing an act of crime. Well, Batgirl to the rescue. As usual.  She fought better now. After years of training with Cass as Spoiler, and months of extensive training with Barbara as Batgirl, she could go toe to toe with Tim now. Most of the thugs in Gotham didn't have a chance.  A few hits in, and the thug was down. Batgirl tied him up and called it in. She gave the woman he was mugging her bag back, plus a smile (which Batman (Bruce) never gave.) After she did all that, she heard a noise that only one person in the world could give. “Tt. You took three minutes to stop this. I could have done it in one.” Stephanie sighed. “Robin. What brings you to this part of town? And why are you here without Batman?” “I am qualified enough to patrol on my own, Batgirl.” “You ditched Batman, didn't you?” Stephanie felt a smile growing on her face.

“Tt.” “Ha!” Oh, she was enjoying this so much. “Did you ditch Batman to come find me?” she teased. “No.” Damian didn't give an explanation, so it meant that he did. God, she was getting good at Damian speak. The horror! “You did! Aww, I'm flattered, Robin.” “Batman was handling a case he didn't want me to see. He told me to wait in the Batmobile. I'm hardly going to do it.” “Still, you came for me. That's so sweet, Robin,” Stephanie cooed.  “This was a mistake. I'm leaving, Batgirl." “Hey! Don't leave. You can patrol with me if you don't want to wait in the Batmobile,” Stephanie offered with a smile. With Damian there, she would at least be moving all the time. Warmth was an equal compensation for dealing with Damian. And she still need to teach him how to be a real boy. Damian eyed her for a moment, then nodded his head slowly. It was like he was granting her a huge favor for accompanying her on her patrol. Oh well. That was what she got if she make nice with assassin children.  They had only went a couple rooftop before Stephanie heard someone landing behind them. Years of working with her and being ambushed by her let Steph know that they could hear Cass landing because she wanted to be heard. If Cass wanted to be heard, that meant she had something for them. The only thing she wasn't sure was whether that something was good, or bad.  Cass gave her a thermos. Steph opened it, and the smell of Alfred's hot chocolate seeped through. Steph inhaled it. That something was good. It was very good. Alfred's hot chocolate was a gift to mankind.  “This is why you're my favorite, BB,” she said as she poured a generous amount of hot chocolate into the thermos' cup.  “Hey!” “Well, you didn't bring me anything, Robin, so shut your mouth.” “Who says I want to be your favorite, Batgirl?” “Enough. Drink your hot chocolate, Batgirl," Cass said. She produced another thermos and gave it to Robin. “Here's yours, Robin.” Then, she produced another thermos -where did she put it?- and poured some out. She sat down on the rooftop, then sipped at her hot chocolate. Stephanie joined her immediately. Damian, after standing for a while, eventually joined them.  They were silent for a while, each drinking their hot chocolate. The taste was exquisite. As was  said before, Alfred's hot chocolate was a gift to mankind. What's more, the beverage gave Stephanie a pleasant warm feeling in her belly, and the hot cup thawed her fingers.  “BB, I thought you're not in Gotham for the holidays,” Stephanie said as she sipped her hot chocolate.  “Not supposed to be. Batman called me back.” “B?” Stephanie couldn't believe it.  “The other one.” “Oh.” Now that Stephanie could believe.  “He also told me to tell you both that patrol will be cut short.” Damian stopped moving. “Both?” “Yes, both, Robin.” Stephanie couldn't help but laugh. The look on Damian's face. It was almost like he couldn't believe that Dick would notice him ditching the Batmobile. “It's alright, Robin," Stephanie said between bouts of laughter. "Go ahead and ditch the Batmobile. Batman wouldn't notice." Even Cassandra smiled. Damian scowled. It was, in short, a very amusing was to spent one's night.  After her laughter had subsided, Stephanie asked why exactly patrol was cut short. “Holiday season,” Cass answered, “Batman asked.” “B?” Stephanie wiggled her eyebrows. She knew the answer, of course. Bruce will never ask to cut patrol short.  “Tt. Of course not.” “The other one,” Cass repeated, amusement glinting on her eyes. Not that her mask let Steph to see her eyes, but, well, Steph knew her.  “So? Are we going back or not?” Stephanie asked.  “Not yet.” Cass produced several cookies from her utility belt. Alfred's cookies. Oh, she really was an angel. “Cass, I retracted my previous statement. That,” she pointed to the cookies, “is why you're my favorite. ” Cassandra smiled. Then, before she gave any cookies to any of them, she put one in her mouth. Stephanie's eyes bulged. “Hey!” she said.  She could feel Damian moving the same instant she did. But Cassandra was too fast for the both of them. She dodged both of them, ran to the edge of the building, then jumped.  “Catch me!” Cassandra said. Oh, this would not do. Stephanie locked eyes with Damian. He nodded. Steph smiled. They would catch Cass, and liberate the cookies, whatever the cost.  They went to the Bunker after, hoping to find more cookies. They laughed all the way there.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s ‘Decades Of Love’ Available For Pre-Order

Multi-GRAMMY® nominated group Ernie Haase & Signature Sound serenades listeners on Decades of Love, a 29-song, two-CD recording, slated for release on August 5 from Club44 Records. Pre-order Decades of Love digitally and instantly receive three tracks here. Physical copies of the recording are available for pre-order on ErnieHaase.com. From the Beatles to the Bee Gees to Bublé, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound brings their smooth-as-silk stylings to some of the most loved romantic songs from the past 100 years. The group utilizes intricate harmonies, lush arrangements and consistently solid solo vocals to breathe new life into these classics. In support of the release, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will also embark on the Decades of Love tour this fall, featuring a two-hour, two-act musical revue.

“We, EHSS, know that we could never do what we do without the love and support of our wives. This album started off as a love gift to them. After additional cancellations last fall due to the pandemic, we just kept recording. We knew this album was turning into something special,” shared Haase. “Decades of Love is not only a celebration of the greatest gift known to mankind… LOVE, but it is also a two-hour musical revue presenting a lovely evening of music and memories. We are thrilled to team up with an exciting new record company, Clubb44 Records, to bring this timeless music to the masses.” Decades of Love follows the release of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s Keeping On, which received a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Roots Gospel album. This marked Haase’s ninth GRAMMY® nomination individually and the group’s fourth collective nomination. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is also a GMA Dove® Award-winning quartet, a radio favorite in the United States and internationally and a leader in CD sales and long-form music video sales with several RIAA®-certified Gold and Platinum DVDs. DECADES OF LOVE ACT 1 (1920-1960): 1. L-O-V-E ^ 2. It Had to be You ^ 3. Everybody Loves My Baby ^ 4. The Very Thought of You ^ 5. Love is Here to Stay ^ 6. Isn’t It Romantic? ^ 7. Taking a Chance on Love ^ 8. I’ll Be Seeing You ^ 9. Blue Moon ~ 10. Only You ~ 11. I Want to Hold Your Hand ~ 12. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You ~ 13. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) ~ 14. Can’t Help Falling in Love ~ DECADES OF LOVE ACT 2 (1970-2020): 15. Reminiscing ~ 16. Shower the People You Love ~ 17. (They Long to Be) Close to You ~ 18. How Deep is Your Love? ~ 19. We’re in This Love Together ~ 20. You’re the Inspiration ~ 21. Even the Nights are Better ~ 22. Two Hearts ~ 23. I Swear * 24. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? * 25. Everything ~ 26. What Makes You Beautiful * 27. I Won’t Give Up ~ 28. All of Me * 29. I Will Always Love You ~ Executive Produced By Ernie Haase ^ = Produced By Wayne Haun and Billy Stritch * = Produced By Wayne Haun and Kris Crunk ~ = Produced By Wayne Haun  Read the full article

The Joker x Reader - “Getting Married”

Getting married with The Joker would include:

– He is nervous as hell, but wouldn’t admit even if it kills him. Sometimes at night, J has second thoughts but then he looks at you sleeping and takes a deep breath, thinking: “Shit, I guess I’m doing this.”

– You have fights about the color of your wedding dress: The Joker wants to see you in white, but you would prefer purple, one of his favorite colors. You break up and call off the weeding for about…4 hours, before starting to speak to each other again because now you have to fight about the color of his tuxedo. You want him to wear the classic black and J wants to wear green.

You call off the wedding again for about…5 hours before bumping into each other in the living room. He growls and you pout, telling him to come to bed because it’s late. J follows you to the bedroom muttering and complaining until he falls asleep.

–But you can’t doze off. You are so anxious about the upcoming event that you have second thoughts. But then you watch him dream and scoot over, forgetting you are mad at him. You snuggle to his chest and he squeezes you tight in his arms, kissing your forehead. I guess J wasn’t really asleep, he was just waiting to see if you would make the move before he does.

– The King of Gotham buys you all these little wedding gifts he hides all over the place for you to find. When you discover something you don’t remember you had before, he doesn’t admit to it since he doesn’t want you to think he cares too much:

“Of course you had that diamond necklace, I saw you wear it on our last date.”

“Are you kidding me? That dress has been in there for ages.”

“Ummm, those earrings have been in your jewelry box for at least 5 years.” (But, you know… you’ve been together for 2 years…)

“Come on, now, those stilettos have been in that box for at least a year.”

“Seriously, you don’t remember this car?!”

–So smooth, you smile to yourself, aware of what your future husband is doing but pretend not to have a clue and play along. It’s more fun this way.

– J wants to invite Batsy to the weeding. You believe it’s a great idea so tonight you blew up Gotham Bank and sprayed a nice graffiti on the only wall still standing: “ Come to the wedding” with the Batsy logo under. “P.S.  No people were hurt in the making of this wedding invitation. You’re welcome.” Of course he saw it but there is no address, no date, no nothing. “Lunatics,” Bruce Wayne thinks, “how am I supposed to know what’s going on if there’s no info?!”

– You are afraid he will get bored with you after getting married. What if it doesn’t work and it all goes down in flames? What are you going to do without your green haired nightmare? The Joker notices you are stressed out and it only makes him even more nervous: I mean, what if he doesn’t work out and you get bored with him afterwards? What if ends up badly and you leave him? What is he going to do without his pain in the ass?

– One day, J finds you crying your eyes out on the balcony and you finally tell him why. Well, thank God because he didn’t want to bring that up, but what a relief to find out you share the same concern.

“Of course I’m going to divorce you in a couple of years: you’ll be too old for my standards,” he teases, spanking your butt.

“You’re already too old for my standards but I plan to stay married,” you whimper, blowing your nose in a tissue so loud it makes him cringe.

“Ewww, that’s it, the weeding is off!” and instead of laughing at his joke you bawl harder because the whole thing has been an emotional roller-coaster so far. “Ugghhh,” he rolls his eyes and lifts you in his arms, while you rub your eyes, upset. “Hug me,” and you don’t react. The threat follows: “Your arms better go around my neck really, really tight in the next 3 seconds or the ceremony is off for reals!”

– You don’t remember being so fast in obeying.

“I guess we’re still on,” your fiancée huffs and the teary smile gives him such an unexpected feeling of bliss. J wants to say something sweet for once but ends up mumbling a few words you don’t understand.

“What was that?” you ask, not sure if he really said anything.

“Mind your own business, woman!” but he doesn’t look mad and it makes you happy.

– Conflict arises when the subject of kids is brought up again: The Joker wants 3 and you want none. Huge fight and J leaves, slamming the door and yelling a bunch of stuff that makes you hate him for 30 minutes before you have a change of heart and text him:

“I am willing to compromise for 2.”

– He actually makes you sign a treaty stipulating your little truce. J types the text and prints it, bringing over the piece of paper.

“I agree to let my husband knock me up at least twice,” you read out loud, ready to sign. “Baby, I don’t like that ‘at least’ in there’ –it’s misleading,” you complain but The Clown Prince of Crime won’t have any of this crap.

“Just flippin’ scribble your name on the bottom of the page and stop whining!”

You take a deep breath and sign: “Y/N.”

“Wrong name, Pumpkin,” The Joker points out. “It should be Mrs. J since we are basically married !”

You giggle and cross a line on top of “Y/N”, correcting the mistake.

“Sucker!” J smirks, yanking the page away and folding it as soon as you are done. “Now I can have as many kids as I want. You’re so easy to trick, Princess,” and the paper gets carefully placed in his seif and locked away.

You sulk, aware you stepped right into this one.

– The Joker wants to have the most opulent, luxurious and lavish wedding ever in the history of mankind. You want a more private ceremony, not necessarily less posh, but 1000 guests seem too much for your taste. You want…950 guests and would love to get rid of that extra 50 people, but J is threatening with no sex until after the wedding if you don’t agree to his list.

– You panic. How are you supposed to survive with no sex with The Joker for so long???!! It’s one week away, a whole eternity for Heaven’s sake! So you say yes.

“Sucker!” he maliciously laughs. “Can’t stay away from Daddy, hm?”

“The wedding is off!” you have a comeback at his sassiness, yet J has some sane logic for once:

“Then there will be no sex, obviously.”

“OK, the wedding is on!” you shout, irritated and rush out of the living room, defeated and pissed.

– You never had a first date so you will have one tonight before the wedding. Things between the two of you just kind of happened and you are the one that wants to fix that. J was totally against it but he gave in, renting your favorite restaurant for the night.

– You just started the evening and barely had an appetizer when he already had enough of romance:

“Come on, Doll, get naked, I wanna have you here on the table.”

“What?! On our first date?!” you reply, blushing a bit.

“Don’t make me wait!” J growls and you are disappointed; that’s why you never had a first proper date, he’s so impatient.

“I don’t sleep with anybody at a first date!” you conclude and he’s lost.

“Huh?”

“Let’s enjoy our early evening and then we can go home and sleep. Tomorrow is a big day,” you try to convince him. “You know you can’t see the bride before the wedding anyway, so tonight it’s perfect for us to have a first date and have the tradition taken care of too.”

He just stares at you, grinding his teeth.

“This is bullshit; take your dress off!”

“No! “ you fight back and he slams his fist on the table, getting up to leave, enraged at your nonsense.

“Where are you going?”

“To find somebody else for the night since I am being refused on my apparent first date!” and he storms out, abandoning his bride- to- be at the restaurant.

– You called Frost and he brought you back to the Penthouse. You are nervous to see if he’s home after all he said. Of course he’s home, locked inside one of the bedrooms upstairs. Not that you thought J would cheat, but…you never know.

You are still furious though and debate if you should show up for the wedding tomorrow. You have no clue he is thinking the same.

– You linger in front of his door, debating and turn around to leave when The Joker suddenly opens the door:

“What do you want?” he snaps.

“Nothing…” you scratch your shoulder and stare at each other.

“Then why are you here?”

You lift your shoulders up, not answering.

“It’s bad luck to see the bride before the weeding so disappear!” he mocks, slowly closing the door. You are fast to sneak in before he does it, not that he tries to stop you.

“If you don’t want to see the bride then close your eyes,” you flutter your long eyelashes, biting on your lip.

“That’s stupid,” he whispers but closes his eyes and heads towards the bed. You silently follow and get under the sheets, making sure to say:

“But we can’t have sex, it’s the tradition.”

“Pfft, you already hurt my pride tonight and I don’t forgive that. EVER,” and slides towards you, groping your butt in the process.

Needless to say that was the best sex you had all week.

– His heart stopps when he sees how beautiful you look in the white dress. Yes, you decided on what he wanted.

–Your heart stops when you see him wear the black tuxedo, a very handsome devil. Yes, he decided on what you wanted.

– The Joker almost shoots the priest because things aren’t moving too fast. He’s not a patient man. You calm him down and the ceremony continues without any further death threats.  

– The big letdown for the special occasion is the fact that Batsy didn’t show up. You invited him, right?! Both of you are bummed about it; maybe he was busy or something…Oh, but maybe he will like to be the Godfather of your first child or occasionally babysit…And then again maybe not since he ditched the groom and bride on such an important day. The fact that he didn’t have an address or date has nothing to do with it.

– But he would have probably used the opportunity to bring the SWAT team over and catch you so…a blessing in disguise Gotham’s Vigilante didn’t show up.

– Unexpectedly, for the wedding night, J decides to be romantic.

“Allright, Mrs. J, this is special,” he winks, kissing you roughly and you just can’t wait to take your dress off. ‘”We will use our weeding night as a first date and we won’t have sex, just like you wanted. Surprise!” he grins, soooo proud of his romantic skills.

Your jaw drops to the ground.

“What?!”

“This is my remarkable wedding gift to you: can’t say I am insensitive to your needs,” he dramatically gestures, full of himself.

“And NOW you want to do this??!!”

“No better time.”

“That’s… that’s… preposterous !!!!! There is no way I’m not getting laid on my wedding night!!!” you scream and start yanking at his clothes, eager to get him out of the dammed tuxedo.

“Jeez, Mrs. J, calm down. You’re so desperate it’s embarrassing. I am doing this for you; we’ll just talk,” he yawns  and crushes on the bed, stretching on top of the purple sheets.

“Fine, fine, whatever,” you utter, distressed, admitting in your mind you actually asked for this…last night. You collapse by him, glaring at the ceiling, frustrated.

“On the other hand…” J gets on his elbow, “we can maybe postpone this for another time.”

“Really?” you get on your elbow too, full of hope.

“Sucker, I totally got you!!!!” he chuckles when you crawl on top of him, kissing him in frenzy.

“You’re such a jerk!”

– Needless to say it was the best sex you had all month.

 Also read: MASTERLIST

http://diyunho(dot)tumblr(dot)com/post/153664676321/joker-x-reader-masterlist

A Father’s Love

Sacrifice of Isaac, by Caravaggio, c. 1603 (Uffizi, Florence) I was raised in a Christian home but, in my teen years, I became quite skeptical of Christian claims, the good book, and especially of God Himself. Looking back, I cannot say I really doubted the existence of God, but I did not feel I liked Him all that much, or at least not the warped picture of God I held at that time. I can honestly say I did not know who I was angry with, because I really did not know Him as I do now. I did not see Him as a Father, but as a judge, not as a friend, but as rather a powerful bully. I kind of enjoyed doubting God, finding supposed problems in scripture, mulling over the deep and good reasons why we should not have to believe in God or, if He did exist, reasons to doubt He was good. It is strange to recall that all the while I doubted God’s goodness, I rather imagined my doubts were hurting His feelings. Yet, if I had been truly convinced that God was NOT good, and did not care for me, why would I suppose I could hurt His feelings? Illogical, as Star Trek’s Mr. Spock might remark. Yes, perhaps, but it fits what we know about human nature: we are far more likely to test the forbearance of those whose goodness and love we are at some level fairly sure of. For example, people who are truly abused as children seem to spend their lives trying to earn that parent’s approval and love, while dearly loved children may take their parent’s love for granted, and sometimes are the very ones who break their parent’s heart with exaggerated accusations of indifference or abuse. Anyway, I’m sure I vexed my mother with my doubts, and for reasons that I’m not sure I understand even now, I enjoyed throwing up unanswerable (I thought) scriptural problems to her. One Bible passage I loved to “hate” was in Genesis 22 where Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on an altar. “What?!” I can hear myself say, “This supposedly good God is asking this man, whom He supposedly loves soooo much, to kill his only son (with a knife!!!) and then offer him up as a burnt offering on an alter? You have got to be kidding! This is sadistic! Sick! What kind of a monster God would even ask such a thing???! What if He asks you to kill me? Would you do it??” (Oh, so dramatic!) And so forth … My poor longsuffering mother didn’t seem to have a good answer to that one at all, so I thought I “had her.” (Yes, I’m embarrassed I was such a brat, but I’m trying to make a point here.) Okay, so maybe I had to endure my mother’s curse of “hope you have one just like you,” but I inwardly laughed in the face of danger and continued for a time in my folly. (These parental “curses” cannot truly inspire fear until one is in a position to fully understand the implications of such things - when one has teenagers of one’s own - and then, of course, it is forever too late. And those curses are completely self-defeating for the parent, because should your child actually have a difficult child, you’ll suffer right along with them. But I digress…) It is funny to me now, this passage of scripture, once proof enough for me of God’s basic barbarity. To me now it is an awesome and wonderful picture of God’s love for us. When we think in terms of the sacrifice made for us nearly 2,000 years ago, we naturally think in terms of the sacrifice made by the Son. Braveheart. He gave his life for you and me, and the enormity of that fact should never be obscured by the passage of time or by our familiarity with the event. With that object in view, please allow yourself to consider this - who would YOU die for? Your neighbor? Your hairdresser? A stranger? Maybe, but human nature being what it is, it seems an unlikely scenario. Add to that the torture angle. Not only must you die but prior to that you will be whipped, publicly humiliated, beaten, stripped naked, and cruel men are going to hammer huge spikes into your wrists and feet and hang you on a cross where you will die an agonizingly slow death. Even a very courageous person would likely blanch at the thought, and some folks are under the bed just thinking about it. Would you endure such abuse even for a very good friend? Your husband or wife? Certainly, many have endured torture and even death for God or country, friends or familial love, but such self-sacrifice is rare enough to be quite remarkable. But wait. We should then consider how many would die for the likes of someone like serial killer John Wayne Gacy? North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un? Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev? And yet, we know Jesus died for all of them as well as you and me. In the Bible, the book of Romans speaks to this very issue in Chapter 5:6-8: For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps for a good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His great love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. While we were helpless, ungodly, and sinners when Christ chose to give His life on our behalf. Not mere “strangers;” we were ENEMIES of God. Such a strong term, Joy! Enemies?? Look around you. Ask yourself why so many of those who say they “disbelieve” in the God of the Bible are not neutral towards Him at all, but actively detest Him! Did you ever wonder why that is? Why do so many detest a person they supposedly do not believe in, or say is a fairytale? We don’t hate the Big Bad Wolf, do we? Or Cruella De vil? That’s because we know they are not real. According to the Bible, though, even if one has no emotion of animus toward God, we all are born enemies of God just by being part of the rebellious race of mankind. But, Jesus Christ, who loves us, bore the agony of the cross for our reconciliation. Such an act of gracious heroism is rare indeed and is confounding in our vengeance-oriented society. Human beings generally don’t get mad at those who hurt or oppose us - we get even. Some even view self-sacrifice as foolishness. There is something, though, I believe would get me willingly up on that cross and, if you are a parent, maybe you can identify. A simple choice might do it… Mom or dad, either you or your daughter are going up on that cross; you or your son. We are either going to strip, beat, and torture your daughter and drive those nails into her flesh, OR you can go in her place – which will it be? Parental love is so strong that, even from here, I can hear you say, “Take ME! I’ll go. Do what you want to me but leave my daughter alone! Don’t touch my son!” I was reminded of this truth in an article in the Chicago Tribune which began with these words, “A 14-year old high school student convicted of plotting to kill his mother was released Monday into the custody of the mother who said, ‘I love my son, and I have nothing to fear. He told me he was sorry,’” That really says it, doesn’t it? Her trust in her son may be foolish, but it gives powerful testimony to the unshakeable and sacrificial love of a parent. That is the great love the Son has for us. It seems hard for us to accept His love at face value, but He loves us that much! As much as you love your son as much as you’d die for your daughter. Torture and death on our behalf is the noble gift of the Son; to pay your ransom, to win your life and freedom. But, what of the Father? How did He show His love for us? Think about this: You’d go up on that cross for your son or daughter. For whom, though, would you GIVE your child whom you love so much? On whose behalf would I send my daughter to her death? Whose life and security would I purchase with the well-being of my own son? NO ONE’S. Yes, so great is the Father’s love for me and you friend, He gave His only Son. From a parent’s eye view, an unbelievable sacrifice. 1 John 4:10 says, In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. This is the connection we should draw from Genesis where Abraham is asked to make the supreme sacrifice. This example is given so we can, perhaps, conceive of the great sacrifice God made on our behalf and thus to comprehend the depth of God’s love for us. I don’t write this primarily to those who know God’s love and already have become convinced by their relationship to Him that He loves and cares for them. I speak to those who are vastly unsure of God’s love, who had been in cults or abusive churches, and the only emotion they feel from God is anger or disapproval, and the emotion they have for God is FEAR, and probably guilt as well. I don’t say there is no such thing as a healthy fear of the Lord, one that brings us to a place of recognizing our need for forgiveness and a savior. But, if your fear does not lead to conversion, but an endless striving or, if conversion does not ease your fears, you’ve gotten the wrong message about God’s love and grace. Paid in full is the message of the cross. Some have missed the message of grace because religious traditions have gotten in the way. Yes, they have been taught about the sacrifice of Christ, but the simplicity of the gospel had been obscured or even supplanted by religious add-ons. We need to throw off those chains. His death brings us life. His suffering gives us peace. His mediation offers us complete reconciliation. As difficult as it can be to understand God’s nature, it can be even harder to comprehend his love for us. We’re not worthy, and we know it! And by nature, we don’t love God, and we know that too. Some people seem to be stuck in a kind of adolescent rebellion phase, angry at God without perhaps even knowing why. Stuck fast, and unwilling and unable to move to true discovery of God, leading to true peace. Why is it some people do come to a place of loving God, while others’ hearts remain shut tight against Him? Others are stuck “outside” for another reason. They do not understand the gospel and are trying to win God’s favor by being “nice,” or performing good works in hope of earning God’s love and mercy. But you cannot earn God’s love and you don’t have to!  He’s already proved His love by offering His Son on your behalf. What you need is to experience God’s amazing grace. The word grace means undeserved kindness! That’s what God wants to shower upon you - kindness upon kindness that you do not deserve. All you need to do is receive it. Receive the Son who died to ransom you. As many as received him, to them He gave the power to become sons of God (John 1:11- 12).Ω Love to all,

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Gotham s4ep4 “The Demon's Head” Personal Review 

“I hope that satisfies your curiosity” Warning spoilers below  

Not quite back to the old format but I´m not sure if that´s a good or bad thing anyway.

The “What is so important about this knife?!” club, founded by Barbara Kean gets two honourably members, Bruce Wayne and Jim Gordon. Ra´s al Ghul still refuses to reveal more than vague ideas and stories.

 * I like Alex Winthrop, I want(ed) to be Alex, I´m jealous, beyond jealous and full of regret * they really got the switch in tone from boy just talking to boy remembering other “boy” in the room is Bruce Wayne really nice * NILES WINTHROP: “My boy people believe in these stories, they kill for them” Stories and ideas still the most dangerous thing in history since the dawn of mankind!  * That what is it a saber tooth tiger? skeleton gives me Hannibal Randall Tier flashbacks  * “The best liar I ever met ran a brothel in Shanghai. Her quite considerable gift was that you knew she was lying but didn´t care, you so badly wanted to believe her” No my dear Ra's al Ghul the best liar you ever met was a plain and simple tailor.  

 * “Knocking Victor, we discussed this.” WHEN, WHY, did you discuss this, WHAT happened that you had to discuss this ?! I need to know. Oswald .. spill the beans.

* SOFIA FALCONE claims to be only here to support the charities. Concerns from OSWALD COBBLEPOT are unfounded, she says. VICTOR ZSASZ is leaning the background and distracting me tremendously, the blue suits him. Victor´s “I´mma stab you” sound so lovely, the threat goes totally over my head.  Glad Oswald´s paranoia is confirming my headcanon about the families lying doormat. Sofia is so good, I´m starting to love her. She´s aiming for harmless. It reminds me so much of early Oswald.   

* Some families loyal to Falcone show up at SOFIA FALCONE´s place wanting back old times and their beloved Carmine. She claims to want them gone for their own good, too late. Oswald makes her listen to them being shot. She served them to penguin on an ice cold plate. That was so calculated wasn´t it. “You used me” Sofia lets OSWALD COBBLEPOT believe that he is calling the shots. He seems to buy it. “You´re alive aren’t you” “I would plant roses; they will cover up the smell”  Sofia criticizes Oswald´s methods: “My father wouldn´t have ..”   “My father knew how to build on the strength of others ..”  Send a message that the old order supports him then the now dead men would have pledged him loyalty.  She is weaseling herself into his empire presenting herself as useful. This is “golden goose” part two! Oswald acts like he doesn´t care  “New Times, new methods” but I´m sure this will be going through his mind. He took so much from his old mentors, he knows that himself, he´s even mentioned it this episode.

 * Later: SOFIA FALCONE talking to JIM GORDON pushes emotion buttons again: Recalling her father Carmine Falcone stabbing a man begging for his life just to see everything back to normal as if nothing had happened the next day. One would think she should turn her back on Gotham but nope. “This house, this city is in my veins, I´m home Jim.” Is she mirroring the blood rhetoric from Jim in 4x03? “It´s in my blood” were Jim´s words  “The city is my birth right” was her phrasing, both refer to a birth right in some way but there was more legal/law rhetoric in it.   Jim asks about the missing/dead men. Since when is Jim eager to investigate the murder of criminals. Sofia tells him about Penguin using her as bait and Jim is “And you let him” yeaah right? He´s not taking her seriously previously but now she should have things neat and tidy.  Sofia calls him out that Jim´s coming for help from Carmine would never have been bloodless. Was that her plan, Jim asks, get close to penguin gain his confidence. He needs to know what she is going to do. No he doesn’t! (Makes me think of Jim just being more open to Barbara Kean in S1 would have prevented some stuff and things as well.) Sofia is gonna get the city back from penguin, that´s what Jim wants she´s gonna give him that but he has to trust her! Jim grabs her arm, smashes the glass and kisses her. It´s like in the old movies. They make out on the couch. Damn. But I´m only and only accepting the whole thing if this is actually this time Jim using his sexuality as a weapon. Let this be Jim being the feme fatale seducing someone to gain leverage over them. Please. (Also with all the Sofia & Oswald parallels this (even if just plain actual love or lust) is so good.) 

* JIM GORDON looks so out of place in BARBARA KEAN´s weapon shop I love it. Seeing the spiked punk hair next along to the pristine blue velvet (?) sofas is wonderful. No one so far has been sitting on them right? The guys in the room drink from glasses and a wine bottle. Makes me think of if Barbara confiscated all the beer cans before they entered the place (doesn’t fit the aesthetic) and made them clean their combat boots. Jefferson Airplane “White Rabbit” always gets me. Barbara with the playing cards picks up the Alice in Wonderland theme. Her hair looks nice again. * “You like this me better?”  Barbara is still picking up there history but Jim isn´t even acknowledging it. Despite her new chill attitude it seems those things still matter to her? * RA´S and Barbara´s interaction are still oddly respectful, I wanna know more.

* The upside down EDWARD NYGMA cut was lovely, and I can relate writing is a struggle and you need knifes for it * I regret watching the preview, I think the sudden rap would have had more impact not knowing about it in advance. * “Well that´s exactly what you would say” Victor Zsasz just want´s to torture people he´s ready to find any reason for it. * The riddled invitations are all in vain Edward bursts into the Iceberg Lounge. There is some banter with OSWALD COBBLEPOT who then recognizes Ed is not quite himself. * “Six hours for two bad riddles does that sound like anything like the old you” “Revenge will make me feel better” “You wont have revenge on me” “Yeah I will” “No you won´t” “Only HE can get revenge on me”  This is prime Season 1 Oswald, bargaining for his life with eloquence and wits. He´s talked himself out of being killed, again. This would totally have worked without the reinforcement as well. * Edward gives in, okay freeze me, he says what Oswald´s surely please to here “I´m not the Riddler”. It saves him. “I would only freeze Ed Nygma, who cares about that. Better revenge is having you live, knowing that you are not him, and you never will be again.” I´m crying.  Also, I get the rhetoric’s but that´s just sentiment there. Oswald stabbed people for less, granted he´s had more time to think about things in that scenario but even in not so impulsive situations he´s never been Mr. Sadistic. He´s wallowed in having the upper hand (and consequently someone else suffering because of that) but he´s not into torture he´s not into that prolonged dragged out element of this, if someone suffers from his hand it´s more a straight line thing, clearer and done when done. His cruelty has function, often a message (Feeding Grace her children, the corpses in Sofia´s garden,) but he´s not wallowing in the cruelty per se. (Or am I forgetting something?)  

* What are the flowers in place of the Ice Sculpture. The pink suits the Iceberg Lounge but I need to know if those flowers go a particular meaning. * “Who am I”  Ed is back to the old question.

 * BRUCE WAYNE feels responsible for the Winthrop murder.  Well he should have thought about that earlier. If Alfred indeed advised him not to let the man have the knife overnight Alfred has some serious wisdom points over Bruce this week. I don´t really get why Bruce would be so reckless anyway. It was risky in terms of losing the knife and also in terms of risking other person´s well being. What got into him? Plot convenience?  * “Fear is normal” Poor ALEX WINTHROP. He´s a muffin. There´d be so many characters who would be mad at Bruce even if he truly actually didn´t have a clue about the knife. I find it a bit odd that they would trust each other that quickly and have such a conversation but I´m not questioning it cause it´s just too much of a beautiful scene. “Weirdly cool” 

* They both flee from some hunter and ANUBIS that Ra´s sent after the knife. What´s Egyptian mythology got to do with all this? How does he know how to track down the knife? Wouldn´t he like needed to have smelled it to recognize it? Has he, how old is he? Has he been killed with the knife and brought back to have a connection of what? Just in general what?! * Old me, good me, on track me would be so stressed out by all the mess with the books. * Also later:  Playing fetch with the bone. Are you serious ?! :D * “Hiding it in plain sight” Did I say I love Alex. I never know why people put the stuff in the most secure place. Put it in your hopelessly messy dresser. Let them dig though old and new socks, no pair matching not knowing if they are going to find anything there or somewhere starched between old documents and files, or maybe in an emptied shampoo bottle among (yeah I know the particular knife isn´t going to fit but you get the idea) lotions, soaps and things.   “The man that killed him, he can´t have this.” Could I love him more. Thinking about his Grandfathers words and them maybe being true he takes responsibility, he´s considerate. He´s not dropping it like hot coals that burnt his hand, he´s looking at his injuries wanting them to have some meaning. This guy killed his grandfather that´s reason enough for not doing him any favours of any way.  Alex is so dead, he´s so going to die, right?!

* JIM GORDON got his detective skills back this week. He´s easily deducting Alex´s escape, taking aid in Bruce, and that little story face off with RA´S AL GHUL was just lovely to watch: The boy is hunted because of the knife or because the killer thinks he saw something > Did he? > No. > Phew, well then he is safe.  I´d love to have seen them talk more, but yeah I get it it´s not Garak and Bashir. * ALFRED PENNYWOTH interrupts and promptly punches Ra´s. “Where the bloody hell is Gordon”  “He´s bloody vanished”   Jim is trying to get him stop the riot  “I need you to calm down”. This is a nice contrast to the recent just “set the butler loose” he´ll hurt people but things will be alright. Jim being the one recognizing sudden action and violence might not be the best thing long term is a nice change and it gives me tiny flash backs to the Jim Gordon from S1 who calmed down and defused dangerous situation.

 * BIG THING this week is people not telling Jim stuff. Bruce is not confiding in him until he is persuaded. Sofia is not letting Jim in on her plans, I hope she´ll stay clever and continue that. There is a big confrontation between Jim and Alfred about this. “You do not get to lecture me on a lack of honesty and openness” Alfred and Bruce were up to something for weeks. For once Jim is kind of right in his righteous rage. Alfred, as his guardian can violate privacy if for the sake of safety, Jim claims. Alfred is not having it. “Stick to the point” Having Pennyworth stay back and possibly arrested is petty and not a good call though. It will teach him a lesson is something for bickering lovers not people trying to safe someone. Alfred even picks that dispute up again later when Jim is trying to comfort Bruce and reason he needs to be talked to to be helpful “Ra´s is a psychopath, you are not responsible for his action. I wanna help but everything you´ve said so far ..  give me something I can believe.”  “Perhaps now you understand why we held back.”  Alfred jabs. I hope they get over the pettiness and will work together..

* “You don´t understand he, killed Alfred and then brought him back” Is this the week where they have the BRUCE WAYNE & JIM GORDON parallels reversed?  Usually it´s Bruce Wayne caring first and foremost about saving and protecting the lives of others (”even” if it´s the life of a thief 4x03) now he hesitates to hand over the knife in exchange for Alex´s life. Usually it´s Jim Gordon who risks the well being of others and steps over corpses for the sake of the mission and the grand picture.  Moreover did he really say “he” killed Alfred? While I would absolutely agree that all blame for this solely is to be put on Ra´s and Bruce is the victim in this. I find myself surprised that Bruce would say it that way. So far we´ve seen him feel responsible for what he did under Ra´s influence. I took him as someone who would not want to forget this, a cautionary detail to avoid similar things in the future. Seeing and putting the blame on someone else without keeping an eye on one´s own responsibility in the scenario (subjectively or objectively) is something Jim does. Bruce takes responsibility for his actions, he faces his mistakes. Yet this week he claims to have been unknowing about the dangers of the knife, (Don´t get me wrong in this situation it probably was the better and much more helpful option.) and he keeps risking more Winthrop lives.

* RA´S AL GUHL obviously is pleased with Bruce´s actions.  “Well done Bruce, you finally begin to see things clearly. The question is are you strong enough?”  

* After ALEX got killed (I knew it but argh) Bruce is back to. “This is all my fault” Despite Jim Gordon trying to tell him otherwise he´s confirming:  It doesn´t matter what you say, it´s all my fault, I killed him. Yep sounds more like the Bruce we know. The little trip into Jim Gordon ways did not agree with him.  I wonder what Ra´s would say to this. Probably that he isn´t strong enough. But I´d say admitting and recognizing such a thing needs strength.  Back to the parallel we´ve had Lee and others blame Jim for all the misery around him, while I have to disagree with quite some cases we haven´t seen Jim owning up to it or seriously second guessing his deed. We´ve only got clues that he´s quite miserable at times but he´s never set down being like yep you´re right that was wrong. Bruce´s gonna do that and keep doing that I assume ?

* “Sure but, how do you spell .. “  I feel called out I still look up how to spell Ra's al Ghul.  That and Oswald twice not being in the spot where Edward was waiting for him is adding so much “realism”. Cause that´s exactly how all those great plans would play out if it weren´t the movies.  “Honestly that could be anything” Oswald calls it about the riddles.  I also really loved the so absolutely done he can´t even properly handle his glass nor keep his hands out of is face attitude. There´s so much “I feel this”. Same with the petty bickering in between Oswald and Ed (you´re not smart, yeah well maybe because you froze me, I get revenge, no you wont, yes , no) and Jim and Alfred. There´s still been great statements in there but also some kind of spotonness . If it´s BenMckenzie solely responsible for this: Bless you.

* That tiny penguin pin on Oswald´s suit! * “My other Victor”  “Not you, the other Victor”  Mr. “the other” Victor Freeze. <3