#and I also love how no matter what ana says (especially when it's in the heat of the moment and it hurts mariana on some level) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

umccall71 · 8 months

Text

Chapter 22

Rating:Mature content includes profanity, sexual content,talks about depression.

Disclaimer:All characters are property of Pixelberry except my OC Lady Saige. The use of these characters are for entertainment only and i am only borrowing them.

Summary:After a summer of a lifetime,Prince Liam thought he could have it all.He was carefree, free,, and sharing time with the woman of his dreams.When life was easy, a balancing act between love and duty, he realizes his truths are lies, wrong is right, and decisions do have consequences. Lady Saige never imagined she would be one of his consequences.When an utter act horror throws her world into a tailspin.

Warning: This series contains subject matter of depression and hopelessness.The story may trigger certain individuals. Please be advised. If you’re reading this series you are acknowledging you are 18+.

A/N:Sorry for the long delay.Things have been hectic in my life for a bit.I had to take some time to focus on my health. Thanks for your understanding and support.

My apologies, my tag list is outdated since it has been a long time since I posted anything. Please message me if you wish to be removed from any future posts. I am looking to finish this story that was started years ago. . Apologies for any typos and misspelling.

**********************************

@ao719 @lodberg @romanticatheart-posts @eadanga @silviasutton1989 @rainbowsinthestorm @ownworldresident @jared2612 @the-soot-sprite @smalltalk88 @syphax @custaroonie @whenyourheartskipsabeat @marietrinmimi @furiousherringoperatortoad @gibbles45 @choices97 @fantasy-of-fiction @drakensworld @simsvetements @blackcatkita @3pawandme @indiacater @elles-choices @lauradowning29 @carabethpow

**********************************

It had been 48 hours since the decision had been made to go public about the nightmare and tragedy that had changed the very core of their life together. Liam had Bastien coordinate with the office for Ana De Luca to get the interview scheduled. This was going to be such an exposed moment for her, for them. The monarchy had a history of concealing the not so sunny facets from the people. The faces of the crown only showed that which would be received well by the Cordonian citizens. It was rare that any bad news was willingly shared, especially such a heinous crime against the crown by the crown. Liam made sure to check in repeatedly with Saige if she was certain that she would want to move forward with the interview. He made sure that Miss DeLuca understood that his Queen had the final say in whether she wanted to broadcast the interview, or how much got shared.

“Bastien, is everything prepared in the gazebo for the interview?”, Liam inquired.

“Your majesty, Miss DeLuca is aware that her majesty has the final call on what topics will be covered during the interview. She has also signed a non-disclosure agreement. There will be minimal members of the press present during the interview to assure that Queen Saige is completely at ease.”

Liam nodded, clapped Bastien on the shoulder and thanked him, “Bastien, it means a great deal to myself and Saige for all of your support during these last several months. There are a few trusted people we would turn to in these dark days. “

Bastien simply nodded and excused himself to complete the task at hand. “Sir, I will notify you when she arrives.” He turned on his heel after bowing to his monarch.

Liam adjusted his three-piece steel-gray suit as he made his way down the corridor from the study to the master suite to meet Saige to escort her to the gazebo.

“There will be better days”, she chanted quietly to herself in front of her mirror. Saige was doing her best to hold it together as she finished dressing for her interview.

Liam held onto the door jam as he watched her lovingly and determined to see her through this journey He watched as Saige tied the sash of her pale pink maxi dress that cascaded around her baby bump. She slid on the wedge heels and dabbed a little lip gloss on her supple lips. He interrupted her thought, “it’s really hard to make perfection any better.”

Saige smiled at her handsome husband that stood admiring her from the door. Liam moved closer to her and came to stand behind her in the mirror. He nuzzled her neck and gently kissed her cheek. “I’ll do my best not to mess up your make up, although you don’t really need it. Your beautiful as you are my love. “

Liam’s hands cupped her belly feeling his little love fluttering slightly. “I will never cease to be amazed at this feeling”, his blue eyes flashed brightly at the overwhelming feeling of love.

“Liam, is it time to go yet ?”, she asked barely audible. Saige shook her hands trying to release the slight tension from the bundle of nerve building in her body. Saige knew that once her story was shared that she may face some backlash from supporters of the former king. Here she was a virtual stranger in this country coming forward to reveal the atrocities exposed against her. All she wanted was to love Liam and hopefully love this child with fierce protectiveness. She recounted the night she and Liam made love and she professed her desire to start a family with him. He was a guiding force in these trying times. She had spent most of her life depending on herself or her dad. He was gone and she never had the forethought to think about a future that included a family of her own.

Liam turned her face and gently kissed her lips. “Saige, you have nothing to fear from telling the truth. I’m right beside you.”, he traced his thumb along her porcelain skin. “We are a team that cannot be taken for granted. I love you… I love our child… and I love the future we have to look forward to sharing.” He pulled her close to his chest, sending his warmth and safety through his embrace.

“Let’s go…you are going to make the country love you just as much as I do… if that’s possible.”Liam took Saige by the hand and led her out of the doors of the estate down to the gazebo.

*********

The Interview

Ana DeLuca: Ladies and gentlemen, I am joined today at the beautiful duchy Valtoria by King Liam and Queen Saige of Cordonia. The royals have allowed us a glimpse into what it’s been like for them over the last few months. Yes… we have wondered why the silence from the royal family, but soon we will learn some answers.

“Thank you both for allowing me into your home and a peek into your lives. So what has it been like for the two of you since the passing of the former king?”

Liam grasped Saige’s hand reassuringly and locked blue eyes as they composed themselves to answer.

King Liam: Thank you for having us Ms.DeLuca. It’s been quite a transition for our family in the last several months. My father… taking his life was surprisingly cowardice. He took his life to keep from facing his own crimes. He left behind more questions than answers. There were things that my father has been believed to have done throughout his reign here in Cordonia, but his recent actions have torn a hole in the fabric of our lives. The story we share is not so much of mine...as it is my queen’s.”

He turned slightly and placed a tender kiss on Saige's temple. He whispered softly to her, “love, the decision is yours as to how much is shared today. I love you and I am proud of you.”

Saige nodded and smiled softly, but it was clear to anyone that saw her that she was nervous and unsure. She gazed into Liam’s loving eyes and took a deep breath. She drew strength from him at that moment and every moment since her attack. Ana noticed her reluctance and smiled to the queen mouthing, “it’s okay.”

Ana DeLuca: “So Your majesty, I understand that there has been a lot of change in your life in recent months. Can you share with the Cordonian people a little about that?”

Queen Saige: “Ms. DeLuca, thank you for allowing us to speak to the citizens of Cordonia through your voice. This country has become my home. Meeting Liam has been the greatest joy of my life until… until we learned that we were expecting. Liam has been a godsend for me in these trying times.”

The blonde reporter seemed a bit puzzled by her response. Most people would be elated to have a new child on the way. Her eyes darted back and forth between the royal couple trying to decide how much to divulge to the public. Saige smoothed the fabric of her dress unknowingly. She tried to keep her emotions in check as she opened her personal pandora’s box. Saige anticipated the whispers and snide remarks when her truth was revealed. King Constantine...who would believe the beloved former king had violated her? She glanced at Liam and allowed her truth to flow.

Queen Saige: “Getting married, and starting a family would be an extraordinary gift, but our path was fraught. I came to Cordonia as part of a summer trip to spend time with my best friend from college… Duchess Olivia, but back then she was just Liv to me. She convinced me to spend some time in her beautiful home country and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.” She smiled and gently stroked Liam’s hand. “We came to spend an afternoon with some of her friends at a quiet get together, and it was there I met Liam...Prince Liam, only I hadn’t learned of his title just yet. We spent time together just talking and sharing some laughs. I was charmed by him immediately, but he was so down to earth. It was so amazingly easy to open up to him.”

Ana DeLuca: “ So are you saying you fell for each other instantly?” Ana leaned forward , she had become engrossed in their story. She smiled and looked between the two entranced.

King Liam: “ For me it certainly was… she's beautiful, charming, witty, compassionate, caring, intelligent… what’s not to love about her?” He smirked and lifted her hand to place a chaste kiss to her knuckles.

Queen Saige: “There was certainly a connection right away. Liam is a hard man to get out of your head. He spent the next several days trying to convince me to go out with him. He had dozens of flower bouquets sent every hour from sun up to sun down to Olivia’s estate. Finally, when the last arrangement had taken over her home, it was delivered with a note with his phone number asking me to call him.” Saige giggled reminiscing about the first time she allowed him into her heart. “I contemplated shortly and ended up calling him and we made plans for a first date. He took me to a lovely greek restaurant that we shared alone. I had no idea that he emptied the place out so that we would have some privacy. It was that night I finally learned that he was a prince.”

Liam's eyes were staring adoringly at her lips, and he was so in love… that much was evident to anyone. The way he would brush a stray tendril of her auburn locks out her face, the way he would grasp her hand and not let go, the smile that never left his face as they recounted their love story.

Queen Saige: “After that night we spent every free minute together that was allowed. We had late-night phone calls and it was the happiest I had been in a really long time. Then he did me the honor of inviting me to a ball at the palace. He surprised me with a beautiful gown and it was a night to remember, until it quickly turned into a night I couldn't forget.” Her facial expression became sullen, panic-stricken when she thought back to the night she first encountered the former king. “ That night’s events drove me from the palace and … and from Cordonia never being quite the same.”

Liam squeezed her hand and took over as she collected her thoughts. He knew this dark period caused her to shut down with everyone… including him.

King Liam: “ Little did I know that a short time later , Saige would disappear from my life. It had been months since she left without a word or forwarding address that I finally laid eyes on her again. It broke my heart to learn why she left, but I was grateful to be able to share with her what I truly felt...love... I loved her and had to make certain she knew.”

Liam seemed wistful as he thought of that tumultuous time. “After we both shared a tender reunion and I learned the truth, I realized I did not want to lose her again … so I proposed.”

The two of them happily smiled at the memory. “We married a short time later in Texas and again when we landed in Cordonia surrounded by a few family and close friends.”

Ana DeLuca: “So no one knew you two were married?”

King Liam: “ There were a few people that knew but respected our decision to make our announcement to the public. When the decision of my brother to step down was shared and it was known that I would be next in line for the crown and Saige agreed that we would be okay if I ascended to the throne, I had no choice but to go public being my father was pushing for a social season, but there was no need. I had my bride, my queen.” There was such tenderness in his gaze as he pronounced his love to the world.

Ana DeLuca: “ You announced the same night of the coronation that you two were going to become parents. Congratulations by the way. This is truly a monumental time for you two, for the monarchy.”

Queen Saige: “Thank you for your kind words...and yes it should have been an exciting time, but something changed a week after the coronation. You see, my husband was expected in Italy for a conference and I happen to have a doctor’s appointment the day after he left so I could not go with him.” Saige’s voice dropped low as she weighed the decision to open up.

“We chatted that night before bed and I had chosen to turn in early. Little did I know that there were other plans in the works that night. I woke up a short time later wanting a snack. It was then that I heard a noise coming from the living area. I thought nothing of it as I went to grab something to eat and a bottle of water.”

The queen became visibly affected as she continued to explain her personal hell in the palace. Her eyes became dampened with unshed tears, she could not allow her grief to stand in the way of her moment to free her spirit again.

“ I walked down the darkened hallway to be met by an enormous hand choking me into silence. This night, i was attacked within my home ...in my living room.”

Saige’s leg began to bounce from the nerves trying to bubble up. She wanted to run away, but she knew that wasn’t her answer. She couldn’t do that to Liam, she couldn’t do it to herself .She suddenly took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and looked at her loving husband. She knew that she needed to rely on his strength more than ever right now.

“That night, I was beaten and violently raped by … the former king. He had two guards, one of which was my own to hold me down and tear my clothing from my body. He… he uttered such vile things as he hurt me. His hand was over my mouth the entire time. He didn’t care the agonizing pain as I shook, pleading with my eyes to stop hurting me. Not to hurt my baby, but he didn’t… he never gave a damn what hell he put me through.”

Saige bit her inner cheek fighting like hell to keep from breaking down. She couldn’t let him steal this moment in time from her, from his grave. She had her family to think about. Without thinking her free hand moved down her body and gently cupped her belly. She felt a flutter within her willing her to continue to stand up to the demon that shared Liam’s bloodline.

“I spent days in the hospital… mostly unconscious… unaware of what had happened to me. I had no idea that my husband had to rush home to find out the atrocities that had been committed against us. I had no idea how to feel when I opened my eyes… finally and learned where I was and the fallout from king Constantine. The true extent of what he’d stolen from us that night.”

Saige looked down to her belly and willed herself to keep it together. Liam saw the pain etched in her porcelain features. Her beautiful blue eyes that were so full of pain, yet hopeful that something good could come of this. He squeezed her hand and nodded. Saige knew with this man , she was going to be okay. Liam looked at Ana DeLuca bearing a determined look in his eyes. He took over the moment while Saige collected herself.

King Liam: “I learned while my wife was out fighting for our baby’s life that she was severely beaten and damaged during the heinous act that caused her to lose our child.”

Ana looked bewildered as her eyes darted back and forth between the royals and then to the queen’s abdomen. Liam sensed her confusion and continued.

“ The meeting I had a short time after arriving with the doctor I learned of the miscarriage and I also learned that we were not expecting one child...but two. How do you process such a gift and a heartache at the same time? I had to think about how we would break the news to my queen.”

The sight of a monarch visibly emotionally moved by reliving the loss of a child bought Ana to tears. She tried to quickly recollect herself to not deviate from the interview.

Ana DeLuca: “King Liam, how did you come to terms with the loss of your child, your heir?”

King Liam:” I realize that the baby, our baby was the heir… but he or she was our family member first.That was a baby that we loved and planned for ...together. What do you do with the promise that is unrealized? Where do the future first experiences go? The first smile, the first steps, the first time hearing that little one call me daddy, the first giggles, the first time planning a birthday, our first holiday as a family… What do you do with that?”

Silence as Ana tried to process the hypothetical question. She saw a glimpse of the personal hell that her king and queen, Cordonia’s king and queen had been suffering. It made sense in a news flash sort of way that they were quiet in their personal life for a bit.As if reading her mind, Liam chimed in again.

“I had to… in that moment focus on helping my wife heal physically and emotionally. We were both reeling from the reality that our little family would be missing a part of our dream. I also had to come to grasp the abominable actions of the man who had violated my wife and caused the death of our unborn child.”

Liam paused at the realization hearing himself speaking aloud about how his world was turned upside down by his father’s actions.

“Apparently the former king was a coward unwilling to face the consequences of his actions.Rather than atone for going to his sins, he chose to take his own life. Here it was we were expecting the next generation of the Rhys royal bloodline, and to have a future cut short by our own family member.”

Liam clenched his fist at the thought of what injustice his father had perpetrated against Saige. He felt for what she had gone through… still was going through at the hands of his father.

Ana beautifully refocused the moment back to the queen.It was not lost on her the reaction as she listened intently as Liam shared the most devastating moment of her life.

Ana De Luca: “ma’am what do you want the citizens of Cordonia to take away from this interview?”

Saige paused thoughtfully as she considered what message she wanted to carry forward.

Queen Saige: “I want the citizens, I want our child to know that you can rise against all odds. You will see some dark times, but being surrounded by the people you love...and that love you, there is a better tomorrow. The pain will seem overwhelming and endless, but you must find a way to get out of bed in the morning… start to hope again by putting one foot in front of the other. I know by the grace of my king, I now feel a sense of purpose. We are going to invest that extra love into the child that will share life upon this world. I have to think that heaven must have made room for an angel a little early. I will think of our little that’s not able to walk amongst us here when I look into the eyes of the baby that’s on the way. When I hear the laughter of a Cordonian child, I will smile thinking of the laughter that was lost earlier this year. We did need some time to grieve and to pick ourselves up and continue pressing forward… but still I’ll rise … I’ll rise to fight another day.

Ana DeLuca: “Do you have any final words for our viewers king Liam?”

Liam smiled proudly at his queen. He felt this overwhelming feeling growing in his chest. He watched her conquer her fear. His father couldn’t hurt her anymore. She faced her boogie man in front of the country with such strength and determination.He stood and dropped down to one knee… bowing to his Queen.

King Liam: “I couldn’t say it any better than my queen. I echo her words and look forward to peace and prosperity for Cordonia. I want the best for our country and for our family.”

Ana DeLuca: “Thank you both your majesties for allowing us to share a glimpse into your worlds.”

Ana faced the camera and bid farewell to the viewers .

“Thank you for spending time with your monarchs Cordonia. We look forward to meeting the new heir once he or she make their entrance into the world.”

“And cut”... the cameras were turned off and the lights were dimmed.

Liam’s strong arms wrapped around his wife and he cupped her face in his hands. He smiled as he softly placed a tender kiss to the top of Saige’s head. “I am so very proud of you my love.”

She released a breath she did not realize she was holding. She outstretched her hands grabbing on his face. “I was so nervous Liam, but you being here meant the world to me.” She planted a quick peck on his lips.

He acknowledged Ana and her crew before turning to leave. “Ana, thank you for allowing us time to share our story. My head of security will see you to your transportation. Have a good night.”

Liam led Saige to the edge of the waters surrounding Valtoria and wrapped his arm around her waist. They both veered out into the orangish purple hues that made up the perfect sunset that was minutes away from saying good night to the sun. There was something so serene about watching the skies tranquil above Cordonia. They sat in the grassy field beside the flowing waters thinking about the remains of the day. King Liam sat with his legs opened inviting his queen to lean back to take a respite from the world. Saige leaned back into his chest, raised her hand to lace with his fingers , he reached out his large hand and gently laid it upon her growing belly.

He whispered in her ear, “ you were amazing love, tomorrow we shall meet with our people … a kingdom gained. I love you and our babies here and lost.”

They sat nestled in the comfort of each other’s arms.Saige closed her eyes and smiled softly in the warmth of his love. “Tomorrow…we put one foot in front of the other to welcome a new day.”

#king liam #choices trr #liam x mc #king liam x mc #the royal romance

15 notes · View notes

lovecolibri · 1 year

Note

SaL anon here my friend after a very, very long week. This is actually my 3rd attempt at sending you an ask. First, I finally had time and was excited to type up something for the latest episode and then the Buck LI stuff came out and the mood for that was killed. Next I had mostly typed up my salty thoughts only to have my internet go down (yes, I whined at home "what i was going to read??!!" and pointedly ignored my very much filled bookcase because my ships aren't in them). So here let's see if this one works out.

So how is it KR and the promo dept always manage to kill any joy we have when we get fed any kind of Buddie content (the follow-up to the Eddie getting shot, and the 5b and premier come to mind here)?? Seriously Buck and Eddie more or less went on a date and had family night together and almost immediately they came back with "look Buck and Eddie are going to go on dates!!". Its exhausting cause it seems like any time they put out a story that might even be slightly suggestive of them being more than platonic bros they insist on following it up with stories to "prove" they are, no matter how recycled those plots are.

And okay let's take a second here to ask WTF is KR doing with these characters? In 6b alone we've had Buck dying, a coma dream, PTSD, super powers, and now he's getting a crush, and we STILL haven't finished the accursed sperm donor storyline??!! Bobby and Athena investigated had the death of a beloved friend 🙄 plot, HenRen had the nonsensical Denny secretly seeing his Dad which was never an issue before plot, and Madney and Eddie are just kinda there?? The other characters have had at best one storyline where the audience has to either invent or rewrite the backstory for. But for Buck he's had like 50 plotlines, none of which have really gone anywhere? I love Buck but I'd rather have him have 1 good arc and resolution than whatever this bullshit is. I'd easily take that screentime and give it to any of the other characters if it meant we got 1 well thought out and executed storyline. Instead we're just recycling and redressing old plots for everyone else while KR uses a magnetic poetry set to plan what Buck's doing from episode to episode. We have 5 episodes left in the season, 4-5 guest characters that are going to be incorporated (including 2 much beloathed ones 🙄🙄🙄), and nothing really setup for our mains to do (even Eddie dating isn't setup, it literally hasn't come up after Ana and you'd think they could have in 6a while he was watching his son mature).

Anyway, I'll stop the rant here though there's definitely more I could say. I'll close off saying I hope you're feeling better today since this week looks like its been rough on you. Sending you virtual tea, soup, and hugs!!

Long week is RIGHT my friend! I'm so sorry you were foiled in your previous attempts! I am right there with you on the Buck LI stuff just...sucking a lot of the joy out of things for me. Because of course we're doing this again 🙄🙄🙄 I was even writing up notes on a possible fic and you KNOW I haven't written anything since Malex and even that was before s4 started. But alas. That sucks about the power going out! I hate when that happens especially if I was in the middle of something! (Also I am SO with you. I keep buying books and then just...not reading them because my brain says "it's not our blorbos so no.)

I am just...so tired at this point. Like yes these people *may* not stick around, but even so, I don't want to loose out on Buddie scenes and Buckley-Diaz family scenes! I don't want Buck to have 90% of his time and discussions with some new character I do not know or care about instead of Eddie and the firefam! They already tried to do that with BT and it was the woooooorst! I want Eddie to have screentime and arcs but again, I don't want the little time we DO get to be wasted on some random side character! And lets be honest, there is no person they can introduce at this point that can compare with the relationship Buck and Eddie have already built and the ways in which they are the perfect partners for what each other needs. So the options are to a) cut down on seeing that relationship so their new het ones don't look so shitty and lame in comparison, b) have these women be mostly just Blurry Girlfriends in the background with no personality or depth just to have the boys paired off so they don't have to do Buddie while still centering their relationship so people can't call them out for not committing to Buddie because their "friendship" looks basically the same, or c) give them LIs that are basically the other's personalities transplanted into a female body in order to have the relationship be anything close to what Buck and Eddie need in a life partner. These are all terrible options, and I hate them, more than I hate the idea of them ending up single even though it undercuts their own narrative set up for the characters but that's a cop-out too.

ANYWAY

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 to everything about Buck's 700 shitty arcs this season while everyone else is mostly twiddling their thumbs. KR is literally the worst at pacing and planning, and constructing a season with any kind of flow. On the bright side, Ravi is coming back and Chim is going to get to do something! I'm so excited! I was really hoping for more of him and Bobby teaming up last week because the little crumbs we got were GOLD.

I did have a very emotionally rollercoaster-y week and the show being Like This absolutely Did Not Help, but I am making it work. Mostly with loooots of fic. Cheers friend, lets see if we can make it through the finale intact, if Buddie dreams can make it through the finale intact, and if the SHOW can make it through the finale intact with how these renewal negotiations are going.

#my sweet nonnie friends #sleeping at last anon #911 #911 spoilers #IDC how it turns out 5 episodes from now or next season this is literally a repeat of s2 AND s4 #with eddie getting with someone and buck going back to trying to date right after #i am TIRED #i am OVER them running things in circles and going nowhere #and i am sick of kr ruining everything about the show with her incompetence and her obsession with cheap drama #GOD and the sperm donor thing is STILL fucking going!#didn't she say how “fun” it could be to see buck trying to date in the middle of all that?!#GOD if i think too hard about that storyline or the next few episodes i just get filled with rage #so i'm gonna go read some fic and calm down #but it is past time for her to go for REAL #get that woman AWAY from buck and his arcs and the whole damn show actually #brb gotta go scream into the woods for an hour

9 notes · View notes

badbitch-bookclub · 9 months

Text

Week 2 Thoughts on Lost Gods by Gerald Brom

Chapters 26-50

Thot Pocket: Bomb, I think I am having a different vibe than you over Chet and I am so curious why we have different feelings about him.

Britney Smears: He’s become more interesting over time for sure.

Bomb Weasley: I feel like this story is set up to be a really high stakes mission and super important on all levels. And Chet is just some random dude who is like fumbling his way through. I think all the other characters are much better.

Hell No Kitty: What is your overall feeling about him Thot?

Thot Pocket: Personally I think the book sets up that Chet is kind of a bumbling fool because he can’t even stop being a drug dealer til Trish is pregnant. I think Senoy establishes that this is it for them and it is such a slim chance but it’s the only chance. He’s fumbling but surviving. I can’t imagine any human on that average level could handle that but because of his grandmother he is forced into it. I think him being so bad at it and still surviving is great because it’s like reading old Batman comics. Yes he will survive because he is expected to, but HOW will he. Also I think you’re right that all the other characters are interesting and I think that’s good! I think it makes us care about them the way Chet does.

Bomb Weasley: I’m not sure why but I just like super hate Chet lol.

Thot Pocket: I’ve noticed, because while I don’t love him, you seem like “booo you suck” lmfao

Bomb Weasley:

Britney Smears: I was def shocked when Ado and Coach got killed so quick. I liked them.

Thot Pocket: I think it’s supposed to make us see the reality of how unforgiving it is. Both of them have goals we want to see fulfilled and in the end it doesn’t matter. I’m just glad Ana didn’t die.

Bomb Weasley: I feel like they died way too quickly.

Britney Smears: Very much so, literally one after another and I was like are you kidding me.

Hell No Kitty: This was so shocking!

Bomb Weasley: I wish Coach got to beat up Chet a bit more just for the drama.

Hell No Kitty: Was fully expecting Coach to have more conflict w/ Chet.

Britney Smears: Same, they buddied up quick.

Thot Pocket: Yeah that was underwhelming with how fast Coach just gave up. I’m wondering if we’re going to see what happens to the souls that float into the air or if they’ll just stay stuck in the winds.

Britney Smears: I hope so.

Thot Pocket: What did you think of the champion games? I think Chet tossing the rings in an act of defiance is great.

Hell No Kitty: This made me like him more, especially because I found him so boring initially.

Bomb Weasley: I agree on the ring toss, but didn’t like the games in general. I wish they were either the main plot of the story or omitted all together. I wish the editors told the author “less is more.”

Thot Pocket: Really? I liked it because it was a gathering of gods and was in line with historical events of how emperors liked entertainment. I feel like it showed their age.

Bomb Weasley: Like I would have preferred it to be the main plot of story, like if he won he got the key back.

Britney Smears: I like the idea of Chet getting the key back after winning the games.

Hell No Kitty: I actually agree! I like it in theory for the reasons you say Thot, but it felt meh in execution. Almost somewhat unnecessary unless they bring it back throughout the story.

Thot Pocket: Like let’s get all these “tropes of hell” out the way?

Hell No Kitty: That’s exactly what it feels like.

Bomb Weasley: Like if it was the whole plot we could have had more world building and understanding of the rules and a more sympathetic villain.

Thot Pocket: See I thought of the champions as world building because they do it every year and more and more is dwindling. So without us having the full history we know that even their godly celebrations suffer because of Green coat work and fewer gods. I keep thinking a lot of Dante’s Inferno compared to this and I like how it just gives you the breaths of the other lives and worlds because they aren’t for long anyways with revolution around the corner.

Bomb Weasley: I just prefer Tolkien type books where the author describes everything in super detail. I’m also just mean to books.

Britney Smears: A quote from actual librarian haha. I like hearing diff opinions. Like I didn’t realize it till I read y’all’s messages and I’m like yea, the pacing is fast! The god blood being in the shape of a star was also cool.

Thot Pocket: We also still have to experience hell. There’s no way he doesn’t go there at least once before the end right?

Britney Smears: He must go to hell eventually.

Bomb Weasley: On a positive note, I did like the “mean while at the ranch” chapters with the crazy grandma. I wish we got a little more of that, but I get that that’s not really the journey.

Thot Pocket: Agreed! I feel like we’re only getting “Trish is sleeping and Trish is not sleeping” but it’s still interesting enough that I’m like “MORE”

Bomb Weasley: Maybe she’ll put up more of a fight in later chapters.

Britney Smears: I’m ready to have Gavin and Lamia explained more.

Bomb Weasley: Me, too.

Hell No Kitty: I really need it explained more haha.

Thot Pocket: I want them on Maury.

Bomb Weasley: Can you hit a ghost with a chair?

Thot Pocket: “The DNA test determined… that was a lie. You are in fact a Lilith” queue Lamia running back stage with a camera following her.

Britney Smears: Someone HAS to run backstage lmao. Like why are these bitches so messed up?

Bomb Weasley: I have a feeling it’s gonna be a little misogynistic.

Thot Pocket: Same. Women are evil etc etc. like the more it goes on the more I feel like we’re going to get justifications for Gavin and 0 for Lamia.

Bomb Weasley: I’m willing to hear her out lol.

Thot Pocket: Same. She could be like “he didn’t compliment my new hair cut” you know what, you go girl. I stan a queen.

Bomb Weasley: I bet Gavin kinda deserved it.

Thot Pocket: Oh yeah. Especially since he “saved her.” It automatically makes her indentured to him.

Bomb Weasley: Exactly. Maybe there will be a plot twist and there’s some Adam and Eve thing going on idk.

Thot Pocket: Maybe they’ll both suck balls and we just root for murder/suicide.

#books #books & libraries #books and literature #books and reading #booksbooksbooks #lost gods #gerald brom #book club

3 notes · View notes

xostrawberry-milkyox · 2 years

Note

So we know that Gintoki have a lot of problems expressing his emotions so how do you think he would confess ?

I think it's really important to note when he comes to terms with his feelings. Because this is his viewpoint on love (and smoking lol).

I laugh because he's not wrong literally everywhere he goes someone is smoking (tsukuyo, otose, catherine, hijikata, takasugi, kozenigata (hard boiled), even the recycle shop lady).

I would also like to note the build up it takes before the actual confession due to it being difficult for gintoki.

but anyway back to the subject at hand. you know the stereotypical romance movie protagonist who's completely given up on love? but one day a love interest appears and as they grow closer their view on love slowly changes?

meg from hercules?

yeah that's gintoki when it comes to romance.

something about the relationship gintoki has with said love interest has to feel different. he has the worst opinion when it comes to love.

this goes in line with his ideal type. even when he does start to develop feelings, he won't act on them. at least not on the spot, due to his insecurities of wondering if he really deserves to have a romantic relationship with someone.

especially given the type of person he's attracted to is the complete opposite of him. but also because he's never had an interest in committed relationships. the man is almost thirty and has still never had a girlfriend in his life.

so what causes him to finally decide to act on his feelings? well from the time shachi mentioned how he thinks he's in love with a doctor at the prison & gintoki punched him.

gintoki giving advice makes me giggle because he always says things he himself should be taking advice for.

he's also the type to encourage himself by saying things to like 'c'mon you're not a grade schooler' or 'don't be a coward'. which eventually leads to a very awkward confession.

yes gintoki can make a good pick up line if he wants to. but he fumbles over his words when speaking to ketsuno ana. the situation is different when attraction is involved.

he tries to find a time when the two of them are alone. then attempts to start a casual conversation but he's obviously very tense. so much so his crush would ask if he's alright.

to which he jumps, scratches the back of his head, and tries to shake it off with a nervous smile and laugh. he eventually starts bringing up the confession. but the closer he gets to it, the harder it becomes for him to actually say it.

think back to when he tried to ask kagura if she had a boyfriend and couldn't get the word 'boyfriend' out of his mouth.

as he's finally reaching the end of his rambling to the point where he has to say 'I like you' he stutters and pauses. but instead of 'I like you', it's an alternative, 'I like your hair haha hehe.'

it's stupid but he can't bring himself to say those exact words. so he says something close (but at the same time not) to at least say he tried. But that's not to say his crush didn't notice something was wrong.

"that's not what you wanted to say was it."

being busted has him on edge all over again. he tries to dismiss the remark, but his crush isn't having it. gintoki needs a little (gentle) pushing in order for him to be honest about his emotions.

"please gin-san, you know I won't judge you."

"that's not the problem."

"then what is?"

"...I can't say."

"yes you can. If something's bothering you this much, I can't help but worry. I'm here to support you just like everyone else."

"and what if it drove you away?! what then?!"

"...why would I be driven away?! I know you're not perfect, but not once has that ever made me think less of you. I care about you and want you to be happy. It doesn't matter what it is, I'm here for you gin-san."

"even if I liked you?!"

both look at each other in shock. gintoki slipping up and confessing from having been caught up in his emotions. his crush shocked at the confession.

"...yes."

"what?"

"I like you too."

the two stand still for a solid minute. processing what the other has just said. until finally falling into each others arms onto the floor as gintoki squeezes his crush tight.

#this was a journey #& much longer than expected oh my #gintama #sakata gintoki #sakata gintoki headcanons #gintama headcanons #thanks for the ask!#anonymous

36 notes · View notes

lucysweatslove · 1 year

Text

Because I need to just... get it out, I guess (regarding the weird trigger this morning). TW: health, food/sugar, fasting, diabetes, weight, weight stigma, EDs, etc etc. There will be numbers of blood glucose readings.

So, years ago when I was on oral contraceptive pills (during the time of pseudo-recovery, btw), I also had a theory that they may make me mildly hypoglycemic. They don't, but I got a glucose meter + strips and stuff to test out the theory. I like data and numbers and whatnot, so it was kind of fun to just see how my body responded etc etc. I loved getting the data as I could in any kind of situation- how did my body respond to exercise? Did my glucose spike regularly? How and when? When I learned that CGMs existed, I loved the idea of them because continuous data that didn't involve several pokes. But, gotta prioritize people with actual diabetes, yeah?

I will also say: diabetes is one of those conditions that I have health anxiety after. There is a lot of fearmongering about food / carbs and diabetes. It's not so much about developing diabetes that makes me anxious but more so how I will be treated should I develop diabetes. The first issue: obviously as somebody recovered from a restrictive, weight-based eating disorder, being told I "should" restrict any food and/or lose weight (restrict calories) is terrifying. I literally cannot do that without it going into an unhealthy place. It's already hard to get atypical ana to be seen seriously, and to essentially be prescribed the diet that hurt me so much is terrifying. The second issue: people treat diabetes (specifically, type 2 and in some cases gestational) as a shameful disease that is your fault because of your weight. I want to be clear that I do not think there is anything inherently shameful about having diabetes of any type. It's just seen as this thing socially and I'm already hyper-aware of social perceptions of my body.

Back in 2021, my curiosity peaked when I found out about a company that gives CGMs to people who are higher weight. I decided to try it out- not in the sense of weight loss as this company wanted, exactly, but just to see how my body responds to various foods (especially to exercise). I didn't like the company itself as it demonized having blood glucose above 120 mg/dl in any capacity, even though it's totally normal / not an issue to have blood glucose go up to even 140 mg/dl or higher after meals. So I had a huge issue with how they wanted you to stay under 120 no matter what. But whatever. I didn't see anything then that was concerning to me except that when I do heavy cardio, I can get hypoglycemic, which I had already suspected but now how concrete data to say yes, it happens (glucose in the 40-50s mg/dl range).

The last time I had a "fasting" glucose level checked was about a year ago, when I had COVID and went to the hospital. I didn't have respiratory issues, but basically, the night I got sick, I got up to use the bathroom (feeling like I was going to throw up), and had a "near syncopal event" which isn't so much the issue as is the fact that when I felt like I might pass out, I collapsed onto the bathroom floor instead, and major muscles contracted and I couldn't move. Not full paralysis couldn't move, but my hands were contracted, I couldn't move my legs, etc. Rob was staying in his office (across the hall) as he had tested positive and we were trying to avoid me getting sick too. I was barely able to call him for help. He called paramedics, they brought me to the ED, I was able to move by then (it was about 45 min to an hour after), and then they did the CBC, CMP, etc. My glucose was slightly elevated at 108 mg/dl. My PCP wasn't too concerned- I was sick, and based on timing, she thought it was possible my body had pumped out some epinephrine which raises glucose a little bit.

The other day when I was rummaging for some AAA batteries, I found a (traditional) glucose meter and all the accessories. The strips weren't expired. I got curious last night and about 45 min after dinner decided to check my glucose. It was 114 mg/dl which is totally normal after a meal. But this had me very curious for this morning. So I decided to check it fasting again.

And this is where I got triggered, because it was higher than last night's post-meal value. At 116 mg/dl. I checked it again and it said 110 mg/dl. This seemed super weird to me, because that is very firmly "pre-diabetes" level, and I was kind of hungry. I found some old control solution, and tried that out... it read kind of high for the low control solution (60mg when it's supposed to be like 24-58 mg/dl) and low for the high one (like 214 mg/dl when it's supposed to be like 250-350 mg/dl). So my confidence in that meter is basically 0, but it still triggered that fear of developing diabetes.

Usually one-off readings like this aren't triggering in any way because I can explain it. If I was consistently eating high carb meals, okay. If there was evidence of delayed gastric emptying, okay. But my snack last night was vegetables + ranch dip (not many carbs at all), I've been quite active the past 5 weeks, and I even did a real calorie restriction where I was very meticulous for a couple weeks when I was worried about something going on with my thyroid. So by all accounts, my fasting glucose should be going down, not having a one-off high reading. I'm also not much heavier than I was last year- maybe a few lbs but it just feels very weird for there to be any impact on glucose and I just am confused by it.

I know not eating / skipping meals isn't going to do anything, but I'm just having a hard time actually getting myself to eat after this. It's irrational in every sense of the word, and I don't even know what I think will even happen (for example, glucose will not continue to drop with prolonged fasting, and I know this). So idk. I think it's more like, this feels like "permission." Like oh, if my glucose is actually high, nothing bad is going to happen if I just like, skip meals. Oh, you don't really need to eat unless your glucose is low. All BS but that's the only way I can explain this trigger.

#tw ed #tw diabetes #tw eating issues #tw social stigma #tw meal skipping #tw fasting #tw blood glucose

4 notes · View notes

animusiem · 1 year

Text

Billboard USA Exclusion Zone Episode 4 (03/04/2023)

It's interesting looking at the differences between Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts. We get to see the bigger picture of how popular some of the genres are if you add or took out United States to the equation. Rap especially has the biggest difference in what's popular in United States and the rest of the world. I will looking more into this as the year went by. Anyways debut time!

-----------------------------------------------------

76. "Lovezinho" by Treyce

Again it's interesting how the highest debut song on this chart is a spacy Brazilian pop song that's definitely more somber than any other Brazilian pop songs I have covered. Goes to show how massive Brazil is when you take America out of the equation

87. "Heaven" by Niall Horan

If you have followed me on twitter, you might know that Niall Horan's first two albums are great. The sort of adult-alternative and pop albums that's very well produced and insightful. So why is this new singles is kinda disappointing?

96. "Cupido" by TINI

Seems like with the success of Bizarrap and maybe the general vibe of the World Cup, we see some Argentinian artists that broke through with TINI being one of them. And...I like this song especially with the muted guitar and that bass. Highly recommended.

114. "Nossso Quadro" by Ana Castela

Wow Brazilian artists are surprising me this week because not only we have Lovezinho which is more of a somber version of a typical Brazilian pop. We also have this song which has a borderline reggaeton production with that drum pattern. The glassy synth and Ana Castela sold me on this. Great tune.

164. "A&W" by Lana Del Rey

While this song is good and all, I'm very disappointed that "Glue Song" by beabadoobee didn't make it to the chart. That song is just a vibe more than this one.

169. "ceilings" by Lizzie McAlpine

While TikTok has impacted the old hits and a lot of rap songs to get popularity in the states, it impacted more towards the indie scenes worldwide with this being a prime example. This song is a grower but I wish I love it more than I do.

176. "Hope" by NF

Oh god this one I thought won't be crossing over to here. But, here we are with the lyrical miracle rapper who was or still is (?) a Christian Rapper. I just can't take this shit seriously lmao.

189. "If We Ever Broke Up" by Mae Stephens

I don't have anything to say here. It's just a generic nu-disco song riding the co-tails of Say So but now we got the C-listers here.

190. "Di Que Si" by Grupo Frontera X Grupo Marca Registrada

I also don't have anything to say here. It's a banda song made by Grupo Frontera. You either like it or not and it won't matter because this will be played in any Mexican weddings (I think?)

194. "Wanda" by Quevedo

Quevedo is definitely the rising star of 2022. So it's fitting that he'll get a song produced by Ovy On The Drum. And this song is one of the all time.

I highly recommend everyone to listen to all of these songs

#niall horan #pop music #pop #rap #mexico #music #billboard #billboard charts #review #music review #reggaetón #quevedo #brazil #banda music #lana del rey #nf #christian rap

2 notes · View notes

angelvyxen · 1 year

Note

I think melo and ana definitely love each other but something in the back of my mind won’t let me fully accept that it’s genuine like at all. Rn besides Jodie ana is the only one without kids and she’s expressed the most how much she wants them. I think she’s feels pressure because she doesn’t want people to think she is using melo but she also doesn’t want the stress of finding another guy. And melo really do seem like he just like the ride with her but shit don’t seem like they settling any time soon. The relationship to me seems the exact same way it was in the beginning they just posting more of it. They don’t do anything together she just follows him around. Ana didn’t really have a life like that before melo sooo… her whole identity rn is just melo

You summarized it so well. I think they love each other, it’ll just always seem odd because she started talking to him when he was 19. It doesn’t matter what anyone says, he clearly loves having that lady around & has very consciously invited her into every aspect of his life happily & tries to protect her the best he can. If Ana was 22 instead of 31 people would be on here screaming that he loves that girl down lmao. It’s understandable that he doesn’t want a child at 22, especially with the way his career is set up & I feel like she gets that and is respecting it + the other reasons you mentioned too.

1 note · View note

stagefoureddiediaz · 2 years

Note

Hey! Thank you for your amazing costume metas. I settle in to read them with a cup of hot tea and a sweet snack. Those metas make my day!

My question: Dinosaurs have featured in Chris’ bedroom and clothing off and on for a while now. I think the first appeared with Shannon and then again with Ana. That made the prominent dino imagery in that 517 scene particularly loud to me. It was a super warm and domestic scene with Buck and Eddie talking about parents and family dynamics, and Chris wasn’t even there. There was a huge dino drawing on the wall behind Buck and he was playing with 2 different dinosaur toys as well. What do you think the dinos represent? Has their meaning evolved since they first showed up and how so?

I think you’ve spoken about dinos before but I was wondering if you have a whole tasty theory that I can sink my teeth into? Thank you!!

You know I love having you in my inbox 🥰

It just so happens, I do have a juicy dinosaur meta that I'm working on at the moment - its part of a Christophers bedroom and costuming meta I'm writing, so hang fire and I hope to have it out soon (although I am in the middle of moving house, so my time to write meta's has been rather compromised!) I will tag you in it once I have it done.

The dinosaurs are super interesting though and I don't think their meaning has evolved per-say, because I still think the meaning of them is still the same, I just think we have to look at the moments they are used and what else is going on in relation to them to understand - so in 5x17 they are prominent, but the solar system mobile is also the most prominent we've seen it and the conversation relates specifically to family dynamics and especially fathers. I will go into it in more detail in my meta, but if you add all that up and combine it with a cupboard door being left ajar, and then what we see later on in the episode, it all plays into one another.

The thing I love most is the whole space v dinosaurs theming they have going on with the Buddie storyline - the idea of space being futuristic, and dinosaurs being outdated is fascinating - especially when you think about the concept of time because realistically space is actually older than the dinosaurs - the stars we see are old light. But at the same time, space represents all matter - the fundamental building blocks of our existence, and as we learn more we know ourselves and the world we inhabit better - space is all about learning the truth and its such an amazing concept to play with in relation to queer narratives (the idea that our queerness is a fundamental part of who we are and that it is part of the very fabric of our being in the same way that atoms of carbon, hydrogen etc are the basic building blocks of all life) and I don't for a minute think the fact that Karen is a rocket scientist is a happy coincidence - they have been playing into it since day 1.

That it is also a theme that fits Eddie especially well - we have watched him through 4 seasons learning who he is - as a father, as a partner (in both relation to work and romance) and as a person - he is coming into his own as a person - just adds weight to the idea that the writers have been perhaps planning to have some form of queer narrative in relation to Eddie since the beginning (I am of the opinion that Buddie wasn't necessarily where they initially intended to go, but it was a possibility depending on audience reaction, otherwise Eddie would have had a queer narrative but separate from Buck and it may have looked very different from where we've ended up) and they have been using the space v dinosaurs theming to give hints to the fans!

I'll expand a bit more in my meta, but hopefully this will tied you over until then!

#kym answers things #wanderingwomanwondering asks #911 on fox #911 fox #911 #911onfox #evan buckley #eddie diaz #buck #eddie #buddie #dinosaur theming #space theming #dinosaurs v space #queer narratives

16 notes · View notes

thatonecrowguy · 1 year

Text

I posted 4,745 times in 2022

That's 4,745 more posts than 2021!

336 posts created (7%)

4,409 posts reblogged (93%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@menace-in-the-void

@pyrrhlc

@egaliteliberte

@milfdas

I tagged 999 of my posts in 2022

#caps tw - 48 posts

#ask game - 43 posts

#unreality - 38 posts

#answered ask - 34 posts

#goncharov - 30 posts

#six of crows - 27 posts

#save - 26 posts

#ask games - 22 posts

#my art - 19 posts

#writing - 19 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#saw someone it's bc we digest so many words every single day so we have to do really wacky shit with those words to like finally feel emoti

My Top Posts in 2022:

i reached 50,000

12 notes - Posted November 25, 2022

@scl-ana made a post about six of crows in the arcane and my brain ran lmao. it very messy but uhh inej! i love the braid haha <33

12 notes - Posted March 24, 2022

nice new dynamic. just some guy, and the living embodiment of chaos >:)

@egaliteliberte <333 for u

12 notes - Posted March 20, 2022

just some art to share <33 dunno where the art style comes from, but i have been attempting to recreate it with no success lmao :/ oh well, this piece is very cute. So, blue sargent. I made two versions because I could not chose which hairstyle i preferred!! also could not stop myself from giving her piercings, my art is very self indulgent lolz

13 notes - Posted July 22, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

going to put my own two cents in here with goncharov analysis. I see everyone talking about the clock - especially the pocket watch - but I have not seen anyone say anything about the fact that Goncharov dies alone.

The entire film, he is surrounded by people. He is part of a group, a piece of this perfectly working machine. Never is he entirely forced to reckon with what he has created, what he is. He is never entirely just himself, and the consequences are never his own to face.

It is only when his own hubris ruins these walls, these relationships that he has meticulously created - whether to protect himself or the outside world - is he alone. Left with nothing but himself. Goncharov dies alone, and in the end, it doesn't matter how hard he fought, how desperate he was. He dies alone.

I just find this so interesting, especially when you add in this aspect of a legacy. Why has he built this up for himself? The idea of an heir is mentioned multiple times, but by the end his relationship with Katya is so wrecked that it is impossible. Someone to inherit what Goncharov has created. Someone to remember. He dies alone.

Will anyone remember Goncharov? There is no legacy, nothing but the blood on his hands. It has all been for nothing. He is alone, dying under the weight of this caricature he has created of himself.

There is no legacy but the blood on his hands.

Goncharov dies alone.

15 notes - Posted November 21, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #Its actually funny that my top post is the goncharov analysis i write while in the car and bored and also exhausted

2 notes · View notes

kithtaehyung · 2 years

Note

Hi girl!! How have you been doing?

I can tell you with a lot of happiness that I finished all my exams and now I can sleep all day without worrying about school😭😭😭😭😭 even though I have to discuss with my Italian teacher about my grade (funny to say that I was born and raised in Italy, I’m still living here and my grade is low lmao💀💀, but I just don’t like Italian literature, it’s sooo boring)

Omfg, woke up this morning and saw the drabble, read it anxiously and went to have breakfast lmao. Needed sometime to process everything. Few things to say then I’ll stop bothering you (but, you won’t get rid of me that easily, I’m your worst nightmare :D).

I love how they challenge themselves, how they’re willing to try new things, how they communicate each other (it’s important, relationship or not!) and speak up their emotions. I think that that makes them more comfortable, increases their confidence and helps them enjoying every moment. The fact that he would play his songs for her despite not being ready yet akbsdhejdhhfjs, I love them so much it hurts😭. I really love how Yoongi would do anything for the OC😩 but I also love how the OC knows that there’s a limit to everything and she doesn’t even insist.

And I love the passion you put in your works, that’s what makes them so beautiful to read and fascinates us readers!

Sorry for the long feedback again😭

Have a nice day🤍

-ana

ANAAAA hello!! i've been doing much better, love. thank you for asking<33 and HELL YEAH IM SO PROUD OF YOUUU and i totally get that about the literature. but that's okay!

you read it so fast?! and before breakfast?? omg i'm so honored you read it so early. what a way to start the day djfhdhf and stop, you aren't bothering me at all!

it's been a challenge, but we can see how they're getting a lot better at communicating, especially what they want. it's definitely allowing them to just have fun and enjoy the moment. i think it's the fact that they don't know how many they'll have.. which is just UGHH in itself but true.

and he really would do what she asks. like it's actually so damn sweet because we know he isn't like this with just anyone.. reader is just incredibly mature about everything, too. like. to allow him to only show her when he's ready? the restraint is admirable truly.

i love feedback, no matter how long or short! thank you so so much for taking the time to tell me your thoughts. i'm happy you enjoyed the writing and it means so much that you're following along! fighting!!

#ana<3 #lovely people #asks:3tan #3tan7.5 #*ryenfictalk #mailbox💌#q!

2 notes · View notes

persephoneweston · 2 years

Text

The Golden Rose

Or How A Terrible Setting Ruins A Perfectly Good Story

Oh, this is going to be very bittersweet, just like my experience while reading it.

Now, I’m aware this might ruffle a few feathers because I know this particular piece has many fans that absolutely love it, but I also believe that what I’m about to say below needs to be acknowledged as well.

In general, the story, the adventure in itself is very, very good and engaging; as long as we completely ignore the setting, that is, which proves difficult due to constant mentions of places and is overall a poorly thought out incoherent mess. We’ll get into that matter under the cut.

The interludes are a great idea and a good device to let the reader see or know how other characters and factions are doing or build tension. From comments on other interactive fiction works that have used this method, I know some people think they break immersion, but I personally find them useful, informative and they contribute to further to the aforementioned immersion within the story.

It's beautifully written, with detailed descriptions and extensive vocabulary; especially taking into account that the author is not a native English speaker, which makes it even more painful not to be able to fully enjoy the story because of a series of very unfortunate setting choices.

There are a couple of minor mistakes when it comes to certain terms like mixing up spurs and stirrups or hilt and pommel. The latter is sort of a weird case because sometimes the terms are used correctly and some others wrong. There's also the whole nails turning white thing, which is mentioned on several occasions and that just feels... weird? Weird in the sense that it's not an expression that's really commonly used in English. But overall, nothing really major on that end.

The characters are interesting (I personally adore Beka and this is coming from someone who doesn't even like kids in the first place), something which is key to create an enjoyable story, even though some of them (or parts of them) do contribute to the incoherence of the setting.

Before we begin, I want to say that I've read several of the "explanations" Miss Ana Ventura has given regarding some of these choices and find them highly unsatisfying.

Anyway, let’s get into it, shall we?

SETTING PROBLEMS

Now, I understand this is supposed to be an “alternate Medieval Europe”, but things need to make sense and be explained properly precisely because you’re making major changes to an existing world and its history; something this novel fails to do.

If this were set in a fictional place called Seaspire, Touver, Avirie or whatever, we would have zero problems because it’s a place that doesn’t exist and the author can freely determine the culture, the language, the geographical set up, its history, etc. They can loosely base it on an existing culture, mix several together to create a new one... Anything. The problem stems from the fact that the story is set on a very real place, with very real autoctonous people and very real culture and history. If one starts changing stuff just because without giving a proper reasoning for those changes, it’s a perfect recipe for trouble. It goes without saying that it also completely ruins and dispels immersion.

I’m about to list the major problems with the setting right below, so let’s go one step at a time.

1 - When does it actually take place? What century or what year?

I’m assuming this is set somewhere between c.1119 - c.1312, which is when the Knights Templar were active. But if that’s the case, man, references are all over the place and completely anachronistic (potatoes, rapiers, galleons, sextants, etc.)

The use of galleons (16-18th century vessels) instead of galleys, which were the warships the Knights Templar used (aside from other cargo vessels that they more than likely hired for specific voyages).

Sextants (17-18th century), that should have been mariner’s astrolabes instead.

Potatoes and chocolate in Spain/Iberian Peninsula before even reaching (“discovering”) America in 1492. Do I really need to say more?

Rapiers didn’t get designed until around the 1500s.

In the secret room at the Devil’s Bridge, there is a quill that has seemingly been there since Roman times. Quill pens did not appear until medieval times; Romans wrote with either reed or metal pens. Granted, I’m not 100% sure about this particular one within the story, but it all seemed to point towards the author implying the quill in the secret room had been there since the Romans were there. If it was meant to be in a previous century but still during the Middle Ages, then it’s fine.

2 - Why would the Church want to ban Latin, its official language since its inception during the Roman Empire?

I can understand the Church wanting to ban and destroy all the pagan gods, monuments and practices from the Romans and other cultures and tribes, but not the very language its built on and that actually gave the Church all its power and influence. What’s the Church’s official language then? Aramaic? Hebrew?

3 - If Latin was banned, wouldn’t all the names derived from it be prohibited as well?

Let’s just say that at least half of the names in the story either wouldn’t exist or would be banned.

Aurelius. Straight up Latin. Why is this man allowed to prance around, and in a position of power no less, bearing a name in a language that is prohibited and its use, I reckon, heavily punished?

Hadrian. A variant, a shortened form of the Latin name Hadrianus.

Alessa. Now this is an interesting one, because her real name seems to be Alexandra, a name of Greek origin but she prefers to go by Alessa, the shortened version of the Latin variant Alessandra. For such a cautious woman, this seems incredibly stupid and reckless of her. So unlike her character.

Vallen. Another name of Latin origin.

Alain. The name is of French origin, a language that wouldn’t exist in the story. It’s thought to be derived from the Alans, an Iranian nomadic group of tribes whom the Romans referred to as Alani or Halani.

Ysabella. Italian variant of the Hebrew name Elisheba, with an extra "exotic" flare by using the Y.

Lance. Believe it or not, this name comes from another word of Latin origin.

Chouriça. As with Alain and Ysabella, this word in Portuguese has no place in this story, since the author herself made it clear through external info posts (not in the story, mind you, which is a huge mistake because not everyone is going to read the COG forums or a Tumblr blog) that none of the Romance languages would exist.

As you can see, just this creates quite important incoherences within the setting. Also, notice how there are names in Romance languages other than Spanish. Except in the case of Rafael Borja (we’ll get into this one in point 5), of course, which coincidentally is a character with very unbecoming traits. It kind of smells if I’m being honest, especially since the story takes place in the kingdoms that later formed Spain.

4 - As per author’s claims, English is spoken in the Iberian Peninsula (not even mentioned why or how that came to be in the story, by the way), ignoring the fact that about 58% of English derives from Latin (around 29% including science and legal terms) and Romance languages, especially French (another 29%), which in this alternate universe none of them would exist, so the characters wouldn’t be able to be speaking English; not even Old English.

5 - Rather clumsy (and in my humble opinion absolutely needless, as it would have only added new interesting layers to the story and not take anything away from it) deletion of 700 years of Moorish history and culture (and diversity) of the Iberian Peninsula just for the sake of it. It really is a pity because Moorish Spain was probably the most advanced in many areas out of all of Europe. Also, what happened with Sephardi Jews? Where are they? Did they also magically disappear like many other things in the story?

As far as I’m aware, no explanation has been given as to why this was erased for, I’m to assume, “storytelling purposes”, but constant references to said “void” being made without any explanation as to how those things came to be if those seven centuries of Moorish rule never happened. Allow me to shed some light into some of those aforementioned references to the “void”.

Rice. Rice is not an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula, meaning it’s not an autoctonous form of plant life there. It was introduced by, you guessed it, the Moors along with a few varieties of citrus trees (like orange trees), sugarcane, cotton, aubergines, watermelons and several other plants and flowers. Therefore, rice pudding can’t be a typical or traditional dish as shown in the story, if the aforementioned people never settled in Spain. Also, I wouldn't call it a pastry, since it doesn't have any dough in it; it's a dessert but not a pastry.

Borja. Borja is first and foremost a toponym, it’s the name of a place; a town in Zaragoza to be exact. It's a toponym that later turned into what we know as a toponymic name and surname. It’s the evolved form of an Arabic word (Borja < Burya < Burj (برج) meaning tower), which wouldn’t have been possible to find in the Iberian Peninsula according to this scenario. The town would have had another name; it might have retained its original celtiberian name, Bursau, but not Borja and therefore the name and surname derived from it wouldn’t exist either.

Tarek. It’s a variant of Tariq, a name of Arabic origin. I’d be willing to ignore this one since he’s a mercenary, IF there hadn’t been any other Moorish/Arabic references, since mercenaries go where the money is and are not necessarily native to the region; it wouldn’t have been strange to find a Polish mercenary working in France, for example. Sadly, there are quite a few of the aforementioned references.

The very name of Tarragona. Many actual toponyms would have been erased and replaced as well (as we saw with Borja); starting with Tarragona, which the Romans called Tarraco and after getting a spin through the Arabic version Tarrakuna or Tarkūna (طَرْكُونَة‎) is how we get its current form, something that never happened according to the setting. Now, there are several hypothesis as to where Tarraco comes from. Some say it’s Iberian; some others say it was a name of Etruscan origin given by the Romans, which was a language that influenced Latin to a certain degree, as all neighbouring languages tend to do, before the latter ended up replacing it. All in all, Tarragona wouldn’t be Tarragona without the Arabic influence.

As you can see, the author had two perfect candidates (Rafael and Tarek) she could have used to rather easily weave Moorish Spain into the story. Plus it would have made much more sense for the Moors, with their completely unrelated language and different beliefs, to be the ones trying to eliminate Latin and not the Church, which actually heavily depended on it for influence across borders.

6 - Not to mention the complete deletion of any native Iberian (mostly Spanish) references (names, languages, etc.). What happened with Basque, a pre-indoeuropean language isolate that has zero relation with Latin and that is currently still around? Wouldn’t it have made more sense for an actually autoctonous language to take over the rest of the Peninsula instead of everyone magically speaking “English”?

This, and forgive me for the harsh statement, is an act of shameless erasure of any sort of autoctonous cultural identities; yes, plural; it’s not a typo. We already saw that the only reference to any sort of local relation was a Spanish name in the form of Rafael Borja, someone whom the author constantly reminds us of how much of a terrible, scummy person he is. Before, it simply smelled a bit; now, all of this just reeks of xenophobia. All of it just to coddle English speakers (said by the author, not in those exact words but it's the gist of it); as if they were so stupid they can't process or read anything with foreign names in it, you know? It honestly feels so incredibly disrespectful, not just to Spanish people, but to English speakers as well. Dear author, if you want English names and something akin to English culture for your story, set it in England and not in Spain. This right here, completely destroys any possible immersion into the story for me. It’s an absolute deal breaker and as I mentioned before, it’s a real pity because the adventure in itself is very good.

This is basically like writing a story set in Imperial China, but changing all the native names to stuff like John Smith, Travis Simmons and Jane Doe just because and saying “Hey! Remember all the Mongol invasions and incursions China suffered? Well, they didn’t happen here but I’m still gonna mention the Great Wall, which is primarily a direct consequence of said raids, anyway“.

Let me tell you, if the above had been the case, I’d wager that it wouldn’t even have been published and in the chance that it were published, people would have been sharpening their pitchforks and lighting their torches while demanding the culprit’s head on a silver platter. But hey, it's another European country the one being butchered, so it's whatever; let's applaud and praise it.

All of this was an easily avoidable offence by using the geographical set up of the Iberian Peninsula, if that’s what the author wished, but changing locations to made up names, as I already mentioned at the very beginning.

And finally, to wrap things up, a piece of advice: When messing with other people’s culture and history, better be careful and consistent about what you remove, add or change and above all, explain how and why said changes came to be in-game (in an intro or in a history appendix in the stats page, for example) and not in blogs or Q&A outside of the narration or the game, because not everyone is going to read or have access to those, otherwise you’re bound to step on quite a few toes.

| Thank you so much for your attention |

#the golden rose #if review #interactive fiction #cog games #seph's reviews

1 note · View note