i love making jokes i love being silly i love making people giggle i love being everyones personal court jester

Opinions on the harbingers. Like them, hate them? Who's your favorite? Any one of them you're mildly interested in a totally normal way?

(I am totally normal about both Childe and Scaramouche... Definitely. Def didn't have a slight mental health crisis (all resolved DW!) and watched TikTok about both of them think 'oh wow! That is so relatable! I really do understand the mindset!")

HEHEHE GIGGLES MANICALLY I DO VERY MUCH LOVE THE HARBINGERS!!!

Pierro has been a favorite lore character of mine since Pale Flame came out (especially because it dropped at the height of my 10hours a day genshin fixation during quarantine), and I hope he like. Kills a god. I think that would be fun. I think he should be playable also literally just because he's some cringe-fail old guy (and also extremely close-knit with lore and I want to know everything). Also he's a Jester. I love Jesters. He's silly. He plays chess. He predicted the Cataclysm. He's like. A silly guy.

Pantalone is a huge favorite of a dear irl of mine so I've come to like him via osmosis (silly money man)

OH GOD AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON LIKE. SIGNORA AND HER ENTIRE STORY I MISS HER SO BAD I MISS HER LIKE A PART OF ME SHE JUST WANTED TO DEFEND HER NATION AND THEY TREATED HER LIKE SHIT BECAUSE SHE DOVE SO DEEP INTO HER WORK THAT SHE BECAME ALMOST MONSTEROUS HERSELF AND AND SHE DID DESERVE THAT AND SHE MAKES ME SO SO SAD!!!!!! SHE DIDN'T WANT TO HURT ANYONE!!!!!!!! SHE WANTED TO HELP ITS NOT HER FAULT THAT ACCEPTING THE CRYO DELUSION SUPPRESSED HER MEMORIES OF HER INITIAL REASON FOR BECOMING THE CRIMSON WITCH IT WASNT HER FAULT IT WASNT HER FAULT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really really miss her she's always been a favorite of mine, even before I knew she was the Crimson Witch (in fact before that was revealed, I loved the Crimson Witch and Signora both very dearly and then her identity reveal came out and I was so sosososooooo exited and then ei killed her. So. Common Ei loss I guess) (that cutscene had me in tears) (Signora was so scared) (She wanted to live she wanted to live)

Colmbina I think is one of the few remaining Seelie with human form left (judging by how she's extremely angel themed and a lot of her design motifs line up with Seelie Courts), and also I. Am very lesbian about her. I'm like shaking her around and giggling and bouncing she's soooo silly (I hope she kills a god <3). I love her to bits

Childe. Um. I am so very sorry I have tried very hard to get into him, and as much as his character intrigues me and I find parts of him relatable, I hate his design so much. IT'S. Entirely irrational of me. LIKE. HES A GOOD CHARACTER AND THERES SO MUCH OF HIM THAT INTRIGUES ME but also he looks like someone left a tangerine on a marble countertop for like a week, and I just can't get past it no matter how hard I try :') I rlly wish I could like him tho bc so many of my friends like him and he's really popular, and I DO like his character!! (Like I REALLY like that he's a kid who fell into the Abyss and had so very many things to deal with at a very young age that he scared people so they sent him away, and he's extremely young and has so many aspirations and his government and family have not been fair to him!!!) However, his sense of style,,, bothers me. And I have always been a huge sucker for character design (grew up on graphic novels and comics, lol) it's a major player in how I choose favorites, and I can't stand his goofy little outfit. His boots are cool tho. I do adore his boots. And I like his scarf, and his shirt collar? But I just. Wish he leaned more into the reds and they gave him a more sedimentary rock-type color palette. It would suit his hair much better, and sedimentary rocks are formed by settling in water, and are often carved through BY water, so they could have used blues as an accent color (which would easily bring out his eyes) and I just. RAGH. THERES SO MUCH MISSED POTENTIAL IN HIS DESIGN IT MAKES ME SO SAD

SCARAMOUCHE THO. I love him. My little guy. My bestie boy. I have two friends who've cosplayed him at cons before (If I remember correctly?? It might just be one, but hey). I love his story, I love his character, I was a little sad when they took away his purple and made him Anemo (I really really wanted there to be a narrative about reclaiming the element of Electro as his own, not something of Ei's, (Plus Elctro grant trigger being feelings of loneliness or isolation or stark Difference from society) but the Anemo vision suits him just as well and I feel really punctuated him standing up for the Traveler in that cutscene in his quest because him choosing to defend us was him essentially choosing his freedom from the past, which I find IMMENSELY cool). Also I'm a sucker for inhuman characters. I love how he's a doll. A puppet. I love how he seeks humanity. I love his passion. i love him to bits he's so silly I'm gonna shake him around :3

Pulcinella I don't like bc. His design irks me? It reminds me too much of antisemitic caricatures

Pulcinella. My silly. I hope she maims and kills.

Archellino. Also hope she maims and kills. I think she would be very cool about it (I'm also so lesbian about her)

HOWEVER. Um. Huge confession (that honestly isn't that shocking)

I enjoy the very worst of them.

Dottore is my favorite </3

Is he a horrible abusive scientist with awful morals, a vile opinion of almost everyone around him, and also tortures children/sends them into a gladiator ring against God remnant/lies to their parents/takes advantage of the nation's initial kindness/actively defies protocol and will not obey the law if it suits his own needs/leaves extremely dangerous technology around because he just doesn't need it anymore and doesn't care about who stumbled across it/etc?

Yes.

Am I extremely abnormal about him?

ALSO YES.

I hope he never succeeds in anything again and is forced to tag along with the traveler so I can dissect his character like a lab experiment. He knows things I know. If you put me and him in a room together I will not make him better or worse, in fact, we will have a rabid discussion about Khaenri'ah bc boy oh boy do I just KNOW he's got a history up in that morally corrupt head of his. (Also I live in the USA and Sumeru's academia reminds me a LOT of the US university system (overworking overwhelming ridiculous requirements questionable morals corrupt upper board etc) so. Guy who quit school bc they were like "Ur fucking insane"(he is) kinda resonates with me!!) (also I love mad scientists I love them sosososoososoooooooo much they're SO dear to me) (Mainly because I have an interest in mortuary and forensic sciences)

(Also btw you are incredibly real for hating the vile villain side fo Dottore I completely understand!! He's like genuinely a horrible person <3)

The Fatui as an organization just makes me sad. You ever talk to Fatui npcs? Some of their quests have brought me to tears. They get treated so horribly by the Harbingers and yet they believe with all their soul and heart in the Tasritsa and I just. :'( they deserve a lot better and they make me sosad and there are side quests you do for some of them in the Chasm that make me so so emotional bc it's so clear how little the Harbingers actually care about them :(

more things my friends have said as marauders quotes

Barty: sperm shaped drinks are the best kind of drinks

Lily: I do what I want /DEBAUCHERY

Pandora: did you just use debauchery as tone tag

James: sleep paralysis possum

Remus: I'm like a functional alcoholic

Evan: I'm not edgy but my friend had a dream last year

Marlene: he's so basic I can't see him

Sirius: do they make foot lingerie

Sirius: you look like the grinches dog

Evan: I would never call the ace alliance it's legal name in casual conversation

Mary: your hair is the colour of the devil

Sirius: it's not gay if we both have girlfriends

Regulus: I am better at the tism cause I make the noise

Lily: who drew balls on my board?!

James: I'm like Thomas Edison and you're that welsh dude

Remus: Stalin?

Regulus: I'm mean but not detriment to dental hygiene mean

Sirius: this is the one thing the Catholic Church would back me up on

Marlene: she's so mommy, I want to use her thighs as earmuffs

James: give me the fucking magnet back you hoe

James: we do not call 12 ear olds hot in this establishment

Barty: are you a Rick or morty?

Evan: idk

Barty: I feel like you're a rick cause you're autistic

Barty: I'm a whore for jack skellington

Dorcas: I'm a whore for sally

Lily: omg we're literally the bubonic plague

James: whatever fruits your loops

Sirius: I'm not to gay for anything, except heterosexual relationships

Remus: that takes a level of common sense I don't have

Barty: I've added a sneeze for every year of my life

Sirius: "*takes dramatic bow and twirls hair like a Renaissance girl who's secretly a witch*"

Marlene: fuck you and your two prong fork I have a seven prong fork

Marlene: she's a bitch but I love her that's my opinion of her (about dorcas)

Regulus: take an IQ test rn and while you're at it take an "am I gay" quiz

Regulus: ok 1684 the men were being whores and the girls were being whores (describing his family)

Mary: can you guys stop being horny on main please? (Talking about Canada)

Lily: nothing goes harder than the electoral college at homecoming

Pandora: I'm still on my autism high

James: you never know how fast you're walking until you body check a wall

Barty: it's really hot when you hear the tortured screams of a child predator dying

James: no one pulls my leg on leg day

James: thank sweet cheesus

Dorcas: it's a requirement

Evan: THATS A LIE. That is a LIE

Dorcas: it definitely is....

Evan: sweet lord Jesus

first year: vou have to come vou stand in line and have chicken fingers

Dorcas: I'm signing you up for Tuesday

Evan: I hate you

(In a baby voice) Sirius: I'm wubber wou're gwue what ever bounces off me stwicks to WOU

(Also baby voice) Marlene: jwokes on wou I'm cement *closes door and leaves*

Sirius: WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!?!? MARLENE! MARLENEEEE

James: so we've got a white a black and a Hispanic. I love cultural diversity 

Mary: ohhhh so he PlaysTM golf

Mary: right person wrong time except by wrong time you just don't like him and right person you mean he's ugly

Mary: I hot girl summered a little too close to the sun

Lily: you would put an e minor in there

Mary: Marlene needs to be spayed

Marlene: you're like garage band

Dorcas: Lily I think my song is killing Marry

Lily: good

Lily: it needs a little more work and by a little I mean I haven't started it

Dorcas: this is not a no judgement zone, this is a very judgement zone

Sirius: dairy-free, gluten-free, uhh vegan-free, it's all the frees

Dorcas: how self sabotagey are we feeling today

James: .... functionable

Peter/Remus: what? did you just say functionable?

James: ....veah

Peter: it's functional

James: seriously?!?!

Remus: yeahhhh

James: I was homeschooled ok!

Remus: how long have you been saying it like that?

James: anyways...

Dorcas: I'm not getting that sappy! They don't deserve that!!

Mary: your eyebrows are like 3 business days from your eyelids

Marlene: that is the bassiest bass

Mary: sometimes you just have to accept the crack

Peter: James would be a court jester

Pandora: that's very hannon-y

Pandora: like power ballad but make it cats

Lily: how loving should be as easy as ...?

Marlene: COW

Marlene: like cow eat grass

Mary: loving should be as easy as 'insert metaphor here'

Demonstration in TA, Hebron, Statistics 9.1.2023

a boy's will

Inbox

Natalie Ginsburg <[email protected]>

7:08 AM (3 minutes ago)

to bcc: Zianda, bcc: Warren, bcc: Amy, bcc: Arthur, bcc: Jayna, bcc: me, bcc: Shirley, bcc: Charles, bcc: Daniel, bcc: Daphne, bcc: Glenn, bcc: Kelly, bcc: Ros

There wasa big demonstration in Tel Aviv but I did  not go. I was in Hebron , at the Knesset the day before, at the bridge that afternoon and I had to be up at 5 am tomorrow morning to go on Machsom. What I hate about going to Tel Aviv is the fact that you have to wait for transport back. I often go to demonstrations and leave after an hour or so. What is there to be said? It has all been said. Not that I do not think that we should demonstrate but I am not one for long speeches.

But on the bridge  I was very complimented.  I always take of the rusks that I make to thank people for the lift. The one woman said to me that she is vegan and cannot eat them so I told her to give it to guests. She took them to work and  came today to tell me that t the workers there have asked for some more.

On the bridge behind the sign which calls for the end of Jewish terrorism

So yesterday I went with Breaking the Silence to the den of the Kahanistiem in Israel. They are the image of what Jerusalem will become under Netanyahe. He no longer has any control over the fascists whom he has brought in. Have I said before that his role has now become that of the Court Jester and that the picture of his cabinet reminds me of the Adams family. And talking of them ....I am so enjoying "Wednesday" on Netflix. It boosts me upafter looking at the news.

We were about twenty people, some of whom had never been to Hebron. The soldiers on several occasions making sure we knew of the new "spirit" and making us wait for an armed escort. No. Not against the Palestinians but against the Jewish settlers. The idea of course, in any normal  country  to check the settlers but nooooooo. In the one case we had to wait half an hour before we were allowed to proceed. And then when a settler drove his car next to us all along with his microphone roaring, the soldiers did nothing to drive him off.

This as an interesting sign....there are two bodies of soldiers which have not been returned to Israel for years and also an Ethiopian and a Bedouin who crossed the border, both of whom not quite right in their heads and we have been trying to get them returned for years. But we are evidently not prepared to return the bodies of terrorist which we also keep and that much more than four. But one sees the racism of Hebron even in this sign which called for the return of three of the Jews, two dead and one living. I looked at it and there were only three. The Bedouin was not mentioned.

And this sign against leftists...Hebron demands that anarchists should not be allowed in and the other sign that the liars make us sick...the people of Israel support the soldiers. I am so proud that at my age I can still be an anarchist.

Then, of course, there are the Palestinian homes which are guarded by nets against the stones and other filth which the settlers throw inside and the place where we met Issa who is always being arrested because he photographs what is going on there

A soldier's post used for political signs.....the other way around? Those who posted anything to the left would long have been jailed.

What saved my sanity was going out to Gioia and Andrear for supper.... I met her at Sheikh Jarrah and have been to them a few times.  The most delicious cuts from Italy and cheese and always good company. People who are working here for human rights and other such organisations ......and I love their dog, Blue, and he me.

This is a letter, a will, written by a Palestinian boy of 15 who was shot by the soldiers this week. He was not shooting at anyone, nor throwing a molotov. I do not know what he was doing but the soldiers could have shot at his legs or arms and not kill him outrightAyyad's friends published a handwritten letter he penned, in which he described the stifling reality of being a young Palestinian living under occupation: "I aspired to do many things, but I live in a reality in which it is impossible to fulfill anything. I am happy that at least one dream I can fulfill and that is to die as a martyr, because it's not death, it's pride because it's a message to the whole world that the compass needs to be pointed against the occupation," he wrote. Just read this of the last year.

1. During 2022, 410 Palestinians (among them activists, minors, journalists) were arrested for expressing opinions on social media

2. During 2022, 383 injuries to medical teams or their work were recorded: 19 direct attacks on ambulances during evacuation, 19 blocking ambulances, 331 preventing access to medical teams, 14 cases of direct attacks on teams and harming them (data according to the Red Crescent)

3. During 2022, 33 Israelis were killed, 525 were injured in more than 12,000 actions by Palestinians: stabbing, trampling, explosives, throwing stones and graffiti.

4. Israel has 114 bodies of Palestinians (killed since 2015), including 12 minors.

256 more bodies are buried in "numbered" graves, without family access.

4. 58 schools received demolition orders, where about 6500 students study.

dead

1. Amar Abu Zaytun

16 years old, resident of the refugee camp in Lata (east of Nablus). Shot in the head and killed during clashes with the army in the camp at dawn Thursday.

According to the report, the army prevented the access of ambulances for a long time. He was finally rescued in serious condition and died of his injuries.

He is the fourth person killed (and the 3rd minor) since the beginning of 2023.

plyForward

Favorite KH friendship then? (Again, besides Soriku).

Aqua, Terra, Ventus!!! Wayfinder trio!!! Hands down my (second) favorite friendship. There’s angst, but you can always feel the love between them, and I love how even if a romance is suggested between Aqua and Terra (personally I haven’t gotten this vibe so far, but some people do) it never eclipses their friendships with Ven. I also feel like I know each of them the same amount, because I get to play as all 3 of them. Their individual characters are interesting, and they all actually feel like characters, so I’m invested in their stories, as individuals and as a group, a broken little family… I really want them all to make it to Disney Town together :’)

After them is probably Sora, Donald, Goofy. They have such a fun dynamic, and I like that it’s not perfect… They don’t always get along, and Donald and Goofy aren’t always the best guardians — for instance, I think their consistent “No frowning, no sad faces, always keep smiling” advice is very damaging to 14 yr old Sora who, instead of taking it as ‘don’t dwell on the negative’ as Donald and Goofy intend, seems to take it as ‘i should not admit or act like i am sad about anything ever because it’s an inconvenience to everyone else, and Donald and Goofy don’t want to be friends with a sad kid’ which leads to Sora not telling them anything and rejecting comfort when they do notice something is wrong… which is something I’d like to see addressed in the games. But they do all really care about each other, and I like that they bond over being small and underestimated and just appearing more like court jesters than knights lmao They’re a good bunch.

(Un)Common Attraction: Chapter 3 - Masquerade

Series: TRR (following the events of Book 1, with some changes)

Pairing: Drake Walker x OC (Harper Gale)

Rights belong to Pixelberry, most characters and some dialogue belong to them.

Book Synopsis: Harper Gale is a small-town girl working as a waitress at a seedy New York dive bar. After a chance encounter with nobility sees her jetting halfway around the world to compete for the hand of the Prince of Cordonia, her dream of seeing the world starts to come true sooner than she expected. But as the completion heats up, Harper quickly learns that life at court is a lot more than just pretty dresses and fancy balls, and that the polished aristocratic smiles often hide deceit. Does she have what it takes to rise above the gossip and intrigue of the social season, and beat the nobles at their own games? And, more importantly, does she actually want to become the queen of a small European country? Or will her heart have other ideas?

Masterlist: (Un)Common Attraction

Chapter Summary: It’s the night of the Masquerade Ball and Harper learns that being at court is not all pretty dresses and polite conversation...

Word Count: 4,500

Rating/Warnings: M (swearing)

Chapter Theme Song:

Please read: Author’s Note

Also available on Wattpad.

Chapter 3 - Masquerade

"Nice outfit!" approves Maxwell, when he meets me at the bottom of the grand staircase a couple of hours later. He's dressed as what I assume is his interpretation of a jester, complete with a small bell at the end of one side of his mask. "You are going to set fire to the competition in that dress!"

"Thanks," I reply, touching my messy side-bun to make sure it was still in place. Back in my room, I had put on deep red lipstick and dark eyeliner and eye shadow to create a mysterious, smoky look. "You don't look so bad yourself."

"Shall we?" he asks graciously, as he offers me his arm.

Taking it, we make our way towards the tall double doors of the grand ballroom.

"One other thing I should mention before we go in. As soon as you enter, you will need to tell the herald your name and title so that you can be announced."

"Wow," I reply. "People still do that, do they?"

"Yes, they do. Now, while you don't actually have a title, since my family is sponsoring you, I guess you can get away with calling yourself Lady Harper... I'm sorry, but I don't think I actually know your full name!"

"It's Gale. Harper Gale."

"Well, it's not as classic a name as Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, but you make do with what you got..."

"Thanks..."

"Or you could just go with your hometown. Either works."

As we reach the ballroom, two footmen open the double doors, and the sound of classical music and polite conversation comes flooding out.

"Lord Maxwell of House Beaumont," whispers Maxwell to the herald.

"Erm, Lady Harper Gale," I say, as the herald turns to me expectantly.

"Presenting Lady Harper Gale and Lord Maxwell of House Beaumont!" announces the herald in rich baritone.

While the music does not stop, several well-coiffed heads turn curiously to inspect us as we make our entrance.

I grip Maxwell's arm nervously, feeling like the new kid on the school block being measured up so the other kids can determine if I am worth being friends with.

"Relax," he murmurs. "You're doing fine. Just remember to smile."

We come to a stop next to the groaning buffet tables loaded with all manner of fancy hors d'oeuvres and a truly awe-inspiring champagne tower.

"Right. I've got to talk to Bertrand for a sec. You'll be okay on your own for a bit?"

"What am I supposed to do?" I ask, feeling like a fish out of water. "I don't know anyone."

"What does anyone do at a party? Mingle."

"Right... I can do that..." I say with more confidence than I feel as Maxwell disappears into the throng. "But, I need a drink first."

Looking around the room, I spot a waiter expertly balancing a tray of drinks and head towards him. Snatching a glass off the platter, I turn back to the room to try and find someone to talk to, only to nearly collide into a man who had also laid eyes on the alcohol.

"Oh!" I exclaim, trying to stop my drink from sloshing everywhere.

"My apologies, my lady," he says, simultaneously managing to steady me while deftly stepping back as some wine escapes my glass to land harmlessly on the floor next to him.

Looking up, I catch sight of a familiar face.

"Oh, I'm a lady now, am I?" I ask with a raised brow. "Not just an opportunistic 'crown chaser'?"

Drake stares at me uncomprehendingly for a second before his eyes widen. "Harper?"

"The one and only," I reply, raising my glass to him in mock salute.

"You... clean up well," he admits, running his eyes over my form-fitting dress and red lipstick with a strange expression on his face.

"Oh, an apology and a compliment!" I snip sarcastically. "You're really rolling out the royal treatment, aren't you?"

"No," he scoffs, quickly throwing on his customary scowl of disapproval. "Just because you look the part does not mean you’ll be made to feel welcome here."

"But, I am sure it helps, otherwise you would not be dressed in a suit."

He glares at me accusingly, as if I had blown his cover or something. But as much as he had tried to dress it down — leaving his jacket open, forgoing a bow-tie and even leaving the top two buttons of his shirt undone — the fact remained that he was making an effort to conform to the nobles’ expectations.

I roll my eyes at him. "Anyway, you're being paranoid. Everyone I have met so far has been perfectly civil, apart from you."

"That's because they're still sizing you up."

"Whereas you've already made up your mind?" I ask pointedly.

He heaves a frustrated sigh. "Look. I'm not trying to be a jerk..."

"Well, you've been doing a remarkably good job of convincing me otherwise!"

"But," he continues pointedly, unfazed by my snarky reply, "unlike you, I have lived my whole life around these people, and I know who they really are underneath all the polished accents and expensive clothes."

I raise a brow at him. "So, this is Game of Thrones now, is it? Funny, I thought it was supposed to be The Bachelor. Should I watch for a well-aimed crossbow bolt while I'm in the middle of the bikini line-up?"

"What? No!" He groans in aggravation, raking his hand through his messy hair.

"What then?" I demand, crossing my arms.

Lifting his eyes to mine — which I notice are a rich mocha flecked with cinnamon — he says, more softly this time, "I'm just saying, be careful. These people may act like they're all smiles and polite conversation, but they will not hesitate to drag you through the mud if they think they can profit from it."

I glare back at him with narrowed eyes.

But I can see that despite the scowl on his face, he is looking at me with sincerity in his eyes.

"Okay, fine," I huff. "I'll be careful."

Drake flashes me a wry half-smile. "So, she's not just a pretty face, after all... Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a drink."

Sighing in exasperation as Drake disappears after the waiter, I take a swig from my flute and resume scanning the ballroom. I spot Hana chatting with a group of finely dressed ladies. Taking a deep breath, I make my way over in what I hope is a self-assured saunter.

"Harper!" exclaims Hana. "I'm so glad you made it!"

"Well, it's not like I had anything else in my diary for tonight," I reply dryly.

"Quite," agrees Hana, either completely oblivious to my sarcasm or politely choosing to ignore it. "The Masquerade is one of the highlights of the Cordonian social season. So, what are your thoughts so far?"

"It is certainly... impressive," I concede. "Definitely puts my high school prom to shame."

"Your school hosted a ball?" asks Hana, eyes wide behind her mask.

"It was more like a lame party masquerading as a ball.”

"Ahem! Pardon me, but I absolutely must steal her away!"

"Hey!"

I suddenly find myself being manhandled by a redhead with a vice-like grip into a corner. We come to a sudden stop and I nearly trip over the hem of my dress. Regaining my balance, I glare at my assailant.

Piercing green eyes and an aristocratic nose peer out from behind an elaborate mask sporting a sweeping black feather that frames her face to perfection.

"Forgive me for being forward," she says, "but I've never seen you here before and I always notice when the heralds announce a new name."

"Glad I made an impression," I mutter, taking another swig of my drink.

"I think that remains to be seen… I'm Lady Olivia Vanderwall Nevrakis, Duchess of Lythikos," she declares proudly, as if that name is supposed to mean something to me.

When I offer no visible reaction, she ploughs on after a second's hesitation. "So... Lady Harper Gale... I can't say that I am familiar with your house. It must be nouveau." She giggles as if she made a joke. "Well, seeing as you're the new girl at court, let me give you some advice. When you're presented to the King, you should kiss his shoe when you curtsey to him."

I raise a sceptical brow. "Oh, really?"

"Oh, yes," she replies seriously, putting a concerned hand on my arm. "It's Cordonian custom to show deep respect and reverence for the monarch. You're so lucky I was here to warn you! Otherwise, you would have looked completely ridiculous!"

"Thanks," I reply, unconvinced. "I'll keep that mind."

"There you are!" exclaims Maxwell, suddenly appearing next to me. "Come with me!"

"Wha–?"

I find myself being dragged across the ballroom again, the remains of my drink sloshing dangerously in the crystal glass.

"Prince Christian is here!" says Maxwell excitedly.

I look to where he is pointing, and I spot Christian standing next to a raised dais, on which the King is seated.

"Ready to surprise him?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," I reply, downing the rest of my drink and making my way over to join the queue of nobles presenting themselves to the royals.

"Right," says Maxwell quietly as we wait our turn. "The way this works is I am going to present you to the King first. You'll want to make a good first impression on him, so he will consider you a serious contender. Then you'll have a few moments to talk to Christian before we need to give way to the others."

"No pressure, right?" I ask nervously as we approach the dais. Not only am I meeting Christian's dad for the first time, which would be nerve-wracking anyway, but he also happened to be a king!

We arrive at the front of the line and Maxwell steps in front of me and bends into an elegant bow.

"Your Royal Highness, may I present Lady Harper Gale?"

Ignoring Olivia's 'advice', I dip into a curtsey with some effort and concentration and greet the King with "Your Majesty."

"Welcome, Lady Gale," says the King. "It is a pleasure to meet the suitor chosen by House Beaumont. I hope you enjoy your time in Cordonia."

"Thank you. Your Majesty," I hastily add. If watching The Crown on Netflix has taught me anything, it's that royals are very particular about being addressed correctly, however outdated the notion may be. "From what little I have seen of Cordonia so far, it is a beautiful country, and I hope I have the chance to see more of it."

"Hmm," agrees the King. "I am sure you will."

"Your Majesty," says Maxwell, as he takes a deep bow.

I do another quick curtsey, and we move along to await our turn to speak to Christian.

"I don't think you need my help this time," says Maxwell in my ear. "You got this!"

He shoves me forward and I find myself face-to-face with Christian.

He smiles at me politely. "Good evening, my lady. I hope you are enjoying your evening so far?"

"I've had worse," I reply, wondering if he will recognise me beneath my costume.

Christian does a double take. "Apologies for being forward, my lady, but have we met?"

"Once before," I reply mysteriously.

"Surely I would've remembered," says Christian with an exasperated smile. "Will you give me a hint?"

"You arrived late."

"That's not much of a clue..."

"And you ditched your friends at the club to go on a moonlit boat ride with yours truly."

Christian's eyes widen in surprise and recognition. "Harper?" he breathes. "What are you doing here?"

"Right," I mutter, suddenly feeling quite silly. "Maybe this was not such a great idea..."

"No!" exclaims Christian. Seeing the look on my face, he hastily adds, "Sorry, you just caught me off-guard... What I mean is, this is a really pleasant, though definitely unexpected surprise! How did you get here?"

"Maxwell and his brother decided to sponsor me."

"That's great!"

"Really?" I ask hesitantly.

"Yes," he replies, smiling earnestly. "To be honest, it's the most romantic thing any woman has ever done for me."

"Oh," I say, caught off-guard by his sincere remark. "Erm, so... any advice for me?"

"Don't let the other ladies intimidate you. Most of them are actually nice, but they can be..."

"Competitive...?"

"Exactly," he nods. "But you can't really blame them; this a competition, after all."

"Right. Anything else I should know?"

"I don't know if Maxwell mentioned this to you already, but this entire series of events is set up not just to give me time with my potential matches, but also to allow my parents, the Council and the people of Cordonia time to get to know their future queen. So, from now on, everyone will be watching you."

"Yes, Maxwell did mention that the whole thing is a bit like a reality TV show..."

"A what?" asks Christian, confused.

"Never mind," I say quickly. He probably doesn't have time for trashy TV, and who can blame him, when he is the heir to an actual throne? "Having gone through American high school, I think I can handle it."

"I'm sure you'll charm them just as you've charmed me," he assures me. "Unfortunately, the receiving line isn't the best place to talk. We only have a few moments before the next lady arrives."

"In that case, I want to know how are you holding up? This whole thing can't be easy for you either."

Christian peers at me quizzically. "I just told you that you will be at the centre of attention of a high publicised royal event, and you're asking me how I feel?" He shakes his head in disbelief. "That means a lot to me actually. Not many people have asked me that."

"We'll, I'm not most people."

"That is very true!" He heaves a sigh. "This whole thing... It's a lot of pressure, but it's something that I have been preparing a long time for. I just hope that I make the right choice in the end. Not just for me, but for Cordonia as well."

"Selfless, as always," I smile gently, putting a comforting hand on his arm.

Christian startles at the unexpected (and maybe prohibited?) contact, but when he looks up, he is smiling. Clearing his throat, he says, "Unfortunately, our time is up. I must move on to the other ladies."

"Of course," I reply, withdrawing my hand. "We are no longer in New York, after all..."

"Definitely not," he concurs. "But, I hope you'll save a dance for me?"

"I'll see what I can do," I reply cheekily as Maxwell appears next to me — the guy is really stealthy when he wants to be! — to escort me away.

"Christian looked really happy to see you!"

"How do you know he was not just being polite?"

"Look at him now," replies Maxwell, stopping in his tracks and turning us around. "He is still watching you."

Sure enough, as I look back at the dais, I catch Christian's eye, along with a grin, before he turns his attention back to the lady that he is talking to.

"Okay, he may be happy to see me, but as you have both made clear, that is not going to be enough. I also have to impress the court, and the people of Cordonia, not to mention the press..."

"Don't worry. You'll have plenty of time for that. And my brother and I will be there to help you every step of the way. Remember, we want you to win this thing."

"Of course..." I reply, feeling anything but sure of myself.

While seeing Christian again had reminded me how cute and charming he was, meeting his dad and seeing the Palace had reinforced how very different our two lives really were. And I was not sure how we were going to be able to bridge that, despite our mutual attraction towards each other.

"But for now," continues Maxwell, "it'd be good to get to know the other ladies. They're your competition, but you might be able to make some of them your allies. Bertrand and I are helpful, but the more people you can get on your side, the better."

"Sounds like a plan," I concede, as I catch sight of Hana and the other ladies heading outside onto a balcony. "Guess I'll catch you later then."

"Bon chance, young Padawan!" winks Maxwell encouragingly.

Stepping outside, I find the ladies clustered around an elaborately dressed table serving all sorts of posh drinks and canapes.

But before I have a chance to say 'hi', Olivia is marching up to me with a face of thunder. "Harper!" she snarls accusingly. "You were awfully familiar with the Prince. You didn't say that you knew him."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't think it was any of your business," I reply dismissively, pushing past her to grab some food. I hadn't eaten since the plane ride and my stomach was growling in disapproval.

"Oh!" exclaims Olivia dramatically. "But it is my business. Everything that has to do with Prince Christian is my business. After all, I'll likely to be his queen when this so-called competition is over."

"For someone who relies on others embarrassing themselves in order to get ahead, I wouldn't be too sure about that."

Olivia's eyes narrow dangerously.

"Oh, what? You seriously thought I would fall for that crap about kissing the King's feet? You're going to have to try much harder than that, sister."

"Oh, come now!" laughs Olivia. "Surely, you can't begrudge me a little prank. You are the new girl, after all."

"And you're the resident Mean Girl."

As much as I hated to admit it, Drake had been right — these so-called 'nobles' were anything but.

"Olivia can be quite charming when she wants to be," pipes up one of the other ladies in a husky French accent. "You're just not very likely to see it."

"Never mind..." I grumble under my breath, as I grab another finger sandwich. Despite the horrible company, the food was amazing, albeit on the unfilling side.

"Don't worry, ladies," sneers Olivia. "I'm sure little Harper will learn her place here, eventually."

"I doubt it," I mutter, rolling my eyes at Hana, who has been curiously silent during my verbal ping-pong with Olivia and her hench-ladies.

"You may be feeling confident after that little display with the Prince, but trust me when I tell you that whatever happened between you and Christian, you don't stand a chance with him," continues Olivia smugly. "You might've been able to capture his attention when it was just the two of you, but you can't keep up with the ladies here. We're from the finest families in Europe, and we've been preparing our whole lives to marry a prince. You can't just waltz in here at the last minute and seriously think you steal him away from us. For instance, Kiara here," gesturing at the lady with the French accent, "is the daughter of a diplomat and fluent in ten languages..."

"Le Prince va tomber amoureux de moi, " declares Kiara confidently.

"...while Penelope can track her lineage back through 600 years of nobility. Even Hana's been training to learn the courtly graces of conversation and seduction..."

"Umm… thank you?" says Hana, surprised at being addressed by Olivia.

"...though I'm surprised she's here at all after what I heard about her last attempt at an engagement."

Hana gasps in shocked surprise. "Olivia!"

Scenting blood, Olivia's eyes glint predatorily. "But I guess there is not much you can do when your family is determined to throw you at any available bachelor in order to climb another rung on the social ladder. Though honestly, it's a bit much to expect that the royal family is going to accept 'damaged goods'."

Glancing it Hana, I can see that her face is as white as a sheet, and she is trying very hard not to break down in front of everyone.

"I... I need to... Excuse me," she stammers as her voice catches on a sob, pushing her way back towards the ballroom.

"Hana!" I say, grabbing her arm. "Don't listen to her! She's just trying to get a rise out of you..."

"Thanks, but... What she's saying... It's... I'm sorry, Harper." Hana pulls her arm out from my grip and rushes back inside.

"You're a real bitch," I spit as I turn back to Olivia.

"Damn right I am," smirks Olivia. "Girls like her shouldn't bother being here if they can't handle the truth. If you want my advice..."

"Not really..." I mutter, grabbing another drink from the table.

"...then I suggest you pack your bags and go back to wherever it is that you came from, because you have no chance with the Prince. The two of us grew up at the Palace together and if he is going to be choosing anyone at the end of the season, it's going to be me. I have no intention of losing him to one of you harpies. No offense," she adds with a fake smile, glancing at Penelope and Kiara.

"Why do you let Olivia talk like this to you?" I ask the two girls in exasperation. "Has she promised you prominent positions if she becomes queen? Is that why you put up with her?"

"She's only stating facts. There's no point in being emotional about it," says Kiara nonchalantly.

"We all knew what we were getting ourselves into when we came here, Harper," adds Penelope with wide eyes. "Didn't you?"

"Evidently not," I mutter. "Anyway, if you'll excuse me, I'm going after Hana."

I slam my glass down on the table and march back inside to the sound of Olivia's haughty laugh.

* * *

I find Hana in a drawing room, sitting on the floor, the skirt of her ballgown pooled around her like a nest of feathers.

"Hana?" I ask, pushing the door open. "Are you okay?"

"Harper!" she exclaims, quickly trying to wipe the tears from her face with the back of her hand. "What are you doing here?"

"After what Olivia said to you, I wanted to make sure you were alright."

"That's... That's so kind of you. Thank you."

"Don't mention it," I reply with a smile, sinking down onto the floor next to her. "Tissue?" I ask, pulling one out of my dress.

"Thanks," she says, blowing her nose delicately. She sighs ruefully, leaning her head back against the wall. "I know I shouldn't let Olivia bother me... You probably think I'm overreacting..."

"I think you're being human," I reply matter-of-factly. "I mean, you'd have to be a robot to not let Olivia get under your skin after what she said. Not just to you, but to all of us."

"I suppose," she replies. "The problem is, Olivia is right."

"What do you mean?"

"Last year, my parents arranged a very advantageous match for me. But only a few weeks before the wedding, the groom pulled out of the arrangement. It was handled quietly, but it was still regarded as rather scandalous. Since then, my parents have been desperate for me to find another prospect. They've all but thrown me into this competition. I thought Cordonia was far enough away that I could escape my past. But, it looks like the rumours have followed me here..."

"Seriously?" I ask in disbelief. "That's it?"

She nods, tears welling in her eyes again.

I shuffle myself around, so I am kneeling in front of Hana. Taking her hands in mine, I look her squarely in the eye and say, "A broken engagement is nothing to be ashamed of."

"It's not?" she asks, eyes widening.

"Hell, no!" I exclaim. "Stuff like that happens in the real world all the time! You think you met the right guy, but things just don't work out. It may be you, it may be him, but things change, people drift apart and engagements get called off. It doesn't mean anything's wrong with you. If anything, it is better to realise these things before the wedding, rather than after."

"I must admit," she muses, "I do not have much experience of the 'real' world, as you put it. But even if what you say is true, won't my chances in this competition be affected if people knew about my... situation?"

"I shouldn't think so," I reply. "It all depends on how you handle it. Even if Olivia starts blabbing about it to every man and his dog in the hopes of discrediting you, she's only doing it because she feels threatened by you."

"Really?"

"I mean, look at you! You're gorgeous, well-composed, compassionate, articulate... You are everything that Olivia isn't. She might brag about having a personal relationship with Christian, but not everyone wants to marry their childhood friend... assuming that the two of them are even still friends. I mean, Christian could hate her guts for all we know, being the spiteful cow that she is..."

"I don't know," she mutters. "She is kind of gorgeous too."

I pause in bewilderment. That's what Hana took away from my pep talk?

"Okay, I will give you that one, but you still have my vote for queen."

She stifles a small giggle. "Thanks, Harper. Your words have spoken volumes about your character. You are definitely different from the other ladies here."

"Glad I could help," I reply with a smile, helping Hana up. "Us normal girls gotta stick together."

"I won't forget this," says Hana seriously. "If ever you need my help with anything, all you have to do is ask."

"I will keep that in mind."

She sighs again. "I must look a mess..."

"Nothing a quick touch-up won't fix," I reply truthfully. Hana seemed to be one of those lucky girls who could cry a river without ending up with those dreadful sad panda eyes caused by running mascara.

She steps over to the ornately gilded mirror suspended over the open fire place and fixes up her eyeliner and mascara with a few expert touches. "There," she says, satisfied with the result. "Much better."

"So, are you ready to head back?" I ask. "Or would you prefer to call it a night?"

"No, I'm ready to get back to the Ball," she replies stoically, smoothing the front of her dress and grabbing her mask from where she had tossed it onto a chaise longue. "Lead the way!"

The story continues in Chapter 4 - Save the Last Dance

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Beauyasha week Day 3: Scars

You're Worth Trying to be Better For

I did metaphorical scars for today's prompt, not much more to say. Hope you like it, more prompts on their way, at least 1 more, though I'll do my best to write more. If you like my work and feel like encouraging me to write more, leave a comment if you want. They help more than you know

“Hey Yash,” Beau said calling after her girlfriend. They had just dealt with a band of giant spiders that was plaguing a small town in the southern parts of the Empire. It wasn’t a hard fight, not after the year they had, but for most normal people they could have been a problem.

Beau was worried, her girlfriend had been distant the last few days, even quieter and withdrawn than usual. Beau didn’t want to push her, she didn’t have a lot of experience being a girlfriend and didn’t think forcing Yasha to talk about things would help. But now that she wasn’t even scavenging parts of the dead spider’s to eat as a snack later Beau knew something was wrong.

So when Caleb created the tower for the night, Beau moved to talk to Yasha in private. The barbarian didn’t even come to dinner with the rest of them, she just retreated to her room in the tower without saying a word. She had barely used it since they became girlfriends, most nights they spent together in Beau’s room. But the last few days they both slept alone, Beau respecting Yasha’s privacy up until now.

Beau knocked on the door, there wasn’t an answer, but the door opened all the same. She saw Yasha sitting on her bed, just staring at her wildflower mural turned away from the door. “Yasha,” Beau said again, more pleading this time as she tried to keep her heart from breaking.

Yasha didn’t say anything but she did stop and turn around to look at her. Her eyes were distant and unfeeling, like they had been when they first met and Beau was trying to ignore the pain. She was already doomed, in the, ‘when she’s hurting I’m hurting,’ phase of their relationship.

“I’ve tried to give you space,” Beau said inching closer, “I really have. But you’ve been so closed off the last couple days. If I’ve done something wrong, I’m sorry, please just tell me so I can fix it,” she begged.

That got a reaction of Yasha, “what are you talking about,” she asked unsure of what Beau meant. Her voice was rougher than usual, after not being used for days it came out even more gravelly.

“Y-you’ve been so distant and quiet,” Beau said softly, not trying to agitate Yasha, trying to not sound too accusing. “I figured it must be something I did, so please just tell me so I can make it right.”

It all came crashing down to Yasha, it wasn’t about Beau, but it wasn’t not about her either. Yasha knew, a part of her at least, knew that Beau for all her strength, and beauty, and brilliance, was incredibly fragile. In their time together, Yasha had done her best to make Beau feel as loved as she deserved to mitigate the damage her family had done to her. No wonder she’s like this, Yasha withdrawing, instantly translated into her doing something wrong.

“Beau,” Yasha said softly, “come here,” she patted a spot next to her on the bed.

Beau moved slowly to sit down at Yasha’s side, not wanting to say or do anything to upset the larger woman. Beau knew it had to be something she did, it was always something she did.

“Beau,” Yasha said with her hand on Beau’s chin so her girlfriend would look at her, “you did nothing wrong, I promise.”

Beau was a damn good liar, that helped her know when people were lying to her. She knew in her very soul that Yasha, tall, powerful, beautiful Yasha wasn't lying to her. There wasn’t a trace of falsehood in her violet and green eyes. “T-then why,” Beau started to ask but couldn’t form the words.

“It’s not because of you Beau,” Yasha said feeling ashamed she had put her girlfriend through, “it’s because of me. A few days ago, I had a dream and it bothered me,” that was an understatement if there ever was one. She turned away from Beau, staring into her beloved’s face would make it harder to formulate her thoughts, Beau had the right way of making her mind leave her in all the best ways.

“Was it, you know,... Obann,” Beau asked carefully. Yasha had spoken the the party about her time under Obann’s control, but she knew it was still some of the worst time in Yasha’s life under his control.

“No, I haven’t dreamed about him in a long time, thankfully,” Yasha said struggling. Beau deserved to know the truth, no matter how much it hurt. “It wasn’t a nightmare, it was a good dream, a very good dream,” she said more to the room than to Beau.

“Well…, that’s good, right,” Beau said, knowing the answer. Yasha wouldn’t have been so distant if it was a good thing.

“The dream was good,” Yasha said gripping her hands, her knuckles turning white, “it was of Zuala.” Even after all this time it hurt to say her name.

“Oh,” Beau didn’t know what to say, she knew Yasha was married before, that her tribe killed her and she ran away. But she barely mentioned her and Beau didn’t want to pry. “Well I mean that’s normal, she was a huge part of your life, I’m sure you have a lot of good memories of her.”

“I didn’t dream of our past Beau,” Yasha said, the words coming out like a curse. When Beau didn’t say anything she continued, “it wasn’t real, of course, but when I dreamed I wished it was. I dreamed that I charged forward instead of running away, that I took my wife in my arms and we ran away together. I dreamed of what our life would be together, if she survived.” Yasha sounded miserable.

“I can see why that would make you feel terrible once you woke up and she wasn’t by your side anymore,” Beau said.

“I woke up miserable because I remembered that I loved you,” Yasha shouted. “No, not like that,” Yasha said moving to Beau whose face fell, cupping Beau’s face so she couldn’t look away. “I felt like I was betraying you…, by dreaming of her.”

“What,” was all Beau could get out.

“I love you Beau, I love you so much,” the pain in Yasha’s voice hurt. “But I can’t love you with all my heart. Zuala will always be a part of me, no matter how hard I try to bury my memories of her, they keep bubbling up. When I’m awake you’re there and I don’t think about her as much, but when I’m asleep alone, I can’t help where my mind goes. If I could stop them I woul-.”

She would have kept going but Beau stopped her with a finger to her lips. “Yasha,” Beau said calmly, “I don’t want you to forget about Zuala.”

“H-how can you not,” Yasha asked, as tears started to pour down her face. “How can you be with a woman who doesn’t love you with all her heart. You deserve someone who loves you more than anything in the world, Beau.”

It took a bit for Beau to get her thoughts in order, to decide on what she was going to say. Finally, she came to a conclusion, “Yasha, can I tell you a…secret I guess. I wasn’t really trying to keep it a secret but I also haven’t tried talking about it.” She looked at Yasha for confirmation and when Yasha gave her a nod she continued. “I have a crush on Jester, a big one. I’m not going to break up with you, or cheat on you, or do anything with her, I promise, but it’s still there.”

“I don’t really know when it started, you know how I am with pretty girls, she was the first real friend I ever had and then as we kept traveling together maybe something grew as my feelings for you grew also. I felt like shit, like I was living out every lesbian stereotype in the dirty books I read as a kid, obsessing over my best friend who has a crush on a guy, it’s so cliche, but it still happened. I couldn’t control it any more than I could control falling in love with you. I’m happy for her and Fjord, and I’m even happier for me and you, but I still have feelings for her. They’re not nearly as strong as the feelings I have for you now, but when you were controlled they were pretty damn strong because Jester’s cheerfulness was one of the few things that could soothe the ache in my heart not knowing if you betrayed us or not.”

“I’m not trying to say this to hurt you or to pull this out to counter what you told me, but I just wanted you to know because you need to know you’re not the only one whose heart is made to love more than one person. After telling you that, do you still love me,” Beau asked very quietly now, truths on the table, ball in Yasha’s court.

“Of course not,” Yasha said, surprising herself with how easy it was to say. Yasha knew in her heart that there wasn’t anything Beau could do that would make her hate Beau.

“Well I feel the same way,” Beau told her, giving her girlfriend a smile. “I know you don’t want to talk about Zuala, and I respect that. But I’m not the jealous type, I know she was beautiful and amazing. And I’m just happy she was there for you when you needed her to be and I’m so sorry she was taken from you before her time.” She kissed Yasha’s hands.

“You didn’t even know her,” Yasha said, trying to resist, but if their time together has proven anything, she is bad at resisting Beau.

“No,” Beau admitted, “but you loved her, you love her, I can’t believe that someone you love so strongly, even after all this time could be anything but wonderful.”

“You know that means you too now,” Yasha meeting Beau’s eyes for the first time in a while.

“I-I don’t know about that,” Beau mumbling some excuses. It was funny to see her stumbling over her words, but it hurt to see her so down on herself. Beau was amazing, she was strong, smart, funny, beautiful, and so much more, yet she can’t see it. Beau’s heart was so strong but covered in the scars of what her parents had done to her, just like Yasha’s had been for what the tribe had done to Zuala.

“Well how about we help each other out then,” Yasha suggested. “Not today, but someday, I would like to talk about Zuala, if you’ll be willing.”

“You telling me stories about beautiful women, how can I say no,” Beau said, trying to be funny.

“And maybe, I can show you how wonderful you are so you stop hating yourself Beau,” Yasha said, cupping Beau’s face softly in her massive hands.

“I’m not sure it will work Yasha, I’m pretty broken,” Beau told her, “but I’m willing to try anything for you.”

“That’s all I’ll ever ask Beau, because I won’t stop trying, �� Yasha said, kissing her. Her heart was still hurt, but it was healing, a lot of that is thanks to Beau. And she’d love Beau enough to make her stop hating herself one day. There would always be scars on her heart from losing Zuala, but that was okay because women digged scars. At least her woman did and that was all that mattered.

Notes:

To be honest, I'm not super happy about the ending, I rushed it because I wanted to post today and I have my dnd game in a few minutes but I hope you enjoyed it all the same.

As promised, here is a list of my favorite tropes in fiction. I may continue to refine this over time.

Note, I am not pulling these from a website, I’m writing these up myself. There may be a page on tv tropes for all or most of these, but I’m trying to articulate to myself what I like and why I like it, so I’m naming my own tropes and writing descriptions that are specific to my own taste. I’m also including a short list of examples for each.

Needless to say, if you know of a book or show that includes some of these tropes (the more the better) and it isn’t mentioned here—PLEASE TELL ME. And of course, these are just my preferences and opinions—if you disagree, that’s fine, we just don’t like the same things 😁

These are organized loosely by category—character tropes, relationship tropes, and plot tropes.

Under a cut so people who aren’t that interested in my specific tastes don’t have to scroll forever.

Character Tropes

Mastermind—

An extremely clever and competent character who reads people, pulls strings, and often has a grand scheme the other characters are unaware of. Usually a good guy (at least my favorites tend to be), but doesn’t have to be.

Eugenides (Queens Thief), Miles Vorkosigan (Vorkosigan Saga), Peaceable Sherwood (the Sherwood Ring), Lord Peter Wimsey (the Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries) Sir Percy Blakeney (the Scarlet Pimpernel), Sherlock Holmes

Note: all the above examples are male characters, but I don’t consider this a gender specific trope. I would love recommendations of female characters who fit this trope.

Not Just A Soldier / Not Just A Mom

I originally had these listed as two tropes, and then realized that they were just inverses of each other. They each have to do with fulfilling gender stereotypes in some ways, while subverting or transcending them in others.

For a male character in the genres I read, Not Just A Soldier is typically a fighter of some kind, and really good at it. Basically, on the surface he appears to be a very Masculine Male Manly Man. But! It turns out he is also just a really nice guy. And not only that—he’s smart, and he’s good with kids!

On the flip side, Not Just a Mom seems at first glance to be your typical motherly feminine character. But! That isn’t her entire personality! She also has a (not particularly feminine) career and hobbies outside of parenting, and she is confident and competent doing those things—AND (this is important) those non-mothering things she is good at are essential to the plot. (This tends to be less of an issue that needs to be specified with male characters, grumblegrumble.)

So on both sides, we have a character who is fulfilling gender stereotypes on one hand, but subverting them on the other.

Not Just A Soldier examples: Costis (Queen's Thief), Din Djarin (the Mandalorian), Cazaril (the Curse of Chalion), Uncle Iroh (ATLA)

Not Just A Mom examples: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels), Cordelia Naismith Vorkosigan and Ekaterin Vorsoisson Vorkosigan (Vorkosigan Saga), Katara (ATLA)

Adventurous Parent

A parent who continues to be cool and have adventures and stay involved in the plot even after becoming a parent (a GOOD parent, of course).

Din Djarin (The Mandalorian), Dr Mensah (Murderbot Diaries), Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels—-we’ll see if this holds true now that she actually has her own biological child?? Assuming she’ll show up in future Star Wars projects—I’m hoping to see her in the Ahsoka series🤞)

Reluctant Ruler

It seems like many bad guys would kill to be king—and many good guys would really, REALLY rather not be in charge, thanks. But when a good guy is forced by circumstances beyond their control into becoming a ruler, and they decide that they might as well try to do a good job at it, and then THEY ACTUALLY DO—this trip has my whole heart.

Maia Drazar (The Goblin Emperor—this book is basically the perfect example of this trope and I love it SO MUCH), Eugenides (Queen’s Thief), Sophos (Queens Thief), Aral Vorkosigan (Vorkosigan Saga), And hopefully Din Djarin in Mandalorian season 3? OH PLEASE YES I NEED THIS.

Broken, but loved

The name basically says it—these are characters who believed themselves broken, heartless, and unlovable, but others chose to love them anyway. It’s important to note that they are NOT “saved by love”, but they do CHOOSE to try and be better because of love.

This trope just GETS ME EVERY TIME GUYS. It makes my heart hurt in the most joyful way.

Murderbot (Murderbot Diaries), Attolia (Queens Thief), Zuko (ATLA), Medraut (the Winter Prince)

Friend Indeed

This is a simple one—a character who befriends someone who is in the middle of a difficult situation, when it would be much easier to just keep their distance.

Ratthi (Murderbot Diaries), Csevet (The Goblin Emperor), Kuill (the Mandalorian)

Magic Schmagic

The character in a fantastical story who can’t do magic, doesn’t know about magic, and doesn’t WANT to. They just wanna carry on being their own non magical, mundane selves and we love them for it.

Sokka (ATLA), Din Djarin (the Mandalorian), Digger (Digger), Gideon (Gideon the Ninth)

Relationship tropes:

Found Family

Ok, this is a popular one so don’t think I need to explain it. Since these often involve large groups of characters, I’m just going to list a few of my favorite pieces of media where this trope features prominently.

Star Wars Rebels, the Mandalorian, Digger, Murderbot Diaries

Reluctant Friendship

Where two characters are thrown together and one or both doesn’t particularly want to be friends with the other, but as they move through the adventure together they gradually come to like each other and form a friendship.

I also love the romance side of this trope but I’m just as happy to read about a platonic relationship.

Ben and Nathaniel (This Was Our Pact), Kaidu and Rat (The Nameless City), Kamet and Costis (Queen’s Thief), Digger and Shadowchild (Digger),

Magical Animal Sidekick

A character who forms a deep personal bond with a magical creature. It doesn’t have to be an actual creature—in a sci-fi setting this could also be a sentient robot or ship.

Temeraire and Laurence (His Majesty’s Dragon), Ani and Falada (Goose Girl), Murderbot and Art (Murderbot Diaries), Ezra and the Loth Wolves (Star Wars Rebels)

Prose/plot tropes:

It’s Complicated

Related to the Mastermind character trope, the distinction here is that this is a plot that wasn’t manipulated by a single character intentionally, rather it’s a complex series of interactions and misunderstandings that are all revealed to be interconnected in the end.

The Court Jester, Howl’s Moving Castle, To Say Nothing of the Dog, Digger

Sarcastic, Witty, and/or Colloquial narration

The name says it all. I usually prefer this in 1st person, but it can be fun in 3rd person too. In 3rd person it might be the narrator who is witty, or it might just be the main character's thoughts that are witty as related by the narrator.

1st person— The Thief, Murderbot, Digger, Dragonhaven

3rd person—Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Gideon the Ninth

Written For You

First person narratives are interesting and tricky because there is the question of WHY narrator is telling the story, and who they intend it for. I love first person stories where the narrative is specifically addressed to a person or group, which adds a level of meaning to the story. This isn’t the same as a story told in diaries or letters (though that can be fun too).

The Thief and A Conspiracy of Kings, the Winter Prince, All Systems Red, Dragonhaven

The juxtaposition of Magic and Mundane

I deeply love stories that mix magical things with mundane details of life in a deliberate way. I feel this makes real life feel a bit more magical, and helps magic feel a bit more real. This juxtaposition can be a central idea of the plot, or might simply be present in the way a narrator describes things.

This may be my favorite trope of all, come to think of it (though there are a lot of great ones listed above, so maybe I shouldn’t start naming favorites…) most of my own story ideas center on this idea to one degree or another.

Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle, His Majesty’s Dragon, Digger, Hilda, Queens Thief, Dragonhaven

Tropes I would like to see less of: prophecies, hereditary magic, a Chosen One, Soul Mates, fate/destiny. Yes, many of the stories I love involve these tropes, they’re hard to get away from in the genres I prefer to read. These tropes are Iess exciting to me first off because they’re done so often, but there’s a bigger reason I’d like to see less of them, which has to do with characters agency. I’m much more interested in a story that is about a character who CHOOSES to do the right thing, not because they were Chosen, but because they CHOOSE themselves to do the right thing. In the same vein, characters who CHOOSE to build and maintain a relationship are so much more interesting and, frankly, romantic to me than people who are just meant for each other BECAUSE FATE OK. Just.... no. People making tough choices because it’s the right thing to do makes for a much better story (aim my opinion) than people who do the right thing because DESTINY. So the overall theme here is, more character agency! (And as I said above—if you disagree, that’s fine! This is just me listing my preferences and opinions.)

If you read all that—wow! To all those who made it this far, thanks, and if you have any book/show recommendations that involve these tropes, please tell me about them!!

Hi bunnie! I really wanna become a new anon but i realized there was a discord server? what are the other anons like? Oooo maybe you could try to relate them to an a3! character if that’s not too much for you?? I’m really curious on how you see them~~

aaa!!! hi, anon~ ♡ please know the discord server is 100% optional n do whatever makes you comfortable 🥰💕💓 i’d love if you joined the family as an emoji anon hehe, but only if you want to!!! 🥺👉🏻👈🏻 regardless, i love youuu vvv much ^^^ 🤍 + i,,, i read this and GOT SOSOSO HAPPY !!! thank you for letting me talk about my anons TT here are the ✨ bunnie–assigned kins ✨ i have for each person in the mankai family server !!! :D U(ㅇㅅㅇ❀)U

ruri ♡ azuma: !!! my mod who makes sure the baby bots remain behaved~ (this mean she’s the it guy of our server who fixes everything TT she’s sooo smart 🥺❕❕❕)

like i’ve said before, my divorcee (of 5 times) wife is the epitome of azuma !!! she likes relenlessly teasing people to get a reaction and enjoys getting others flustered TT but overall, she’s chill, above the drama, and reliable since you can rely on her to help any time of the day :D just like azuma! i trust her a lot and i know she’s a friend for life 🥰 i love her very much even if she shows her love through #Bullying TT

shy 🧡 anon ♡ itaru: the kingdom’s angel knight~ ⚔️🛡 similar to itaru, ellie is one of the oldest in our server (*insert boomer jokes*) !!! 💕💞💓 yet, she has a very strong youthful, childish mentality who easily relates to all of us :D a #Real adult who knows how to have fun despite all her responsibilities! a true itaru who i love ^^^ 😄

trans ♂️anon ♡ yuki: trans anon is the Butler™️ !!! the reason i said yuki (besides yukki being his favorite) was his headstrong n cool attitude ✨✨✨ trans anon likes making fun of us ~~~ (*tenma voice* will yuki ever cure that smart mouth of his???) but that’s how he shows he love us! vvv tsundere of them 💚💛 regardless, he is my son n i love him 🥺🥺🥺

door 🚪 anon ♡ muku/omi: two (2) people this time !!! :O generally, door anonnie has the gentle kindness, quiet contemplativeness, and overwhelming support of mukkun !!! but the cooking skills of omimi O.O 💛🧡💛🧡 mostly muku who truly treasures all their friends n wants the best for them~ with a dash of omi’s “maternal” side~~~ that’s what makes me love them a lot!!! ♡ 🥰🥰🥰

musical 🎭 anon ♡ tsumugi: i had a tough time deciding on this one,,, musical anon is too versatile n multi–dimensional TT but i settled on tsumugi 💙 she has the same patient manner who tries her best to control the kids n keeps the order in line :) i love her for that,,, the children would be too Crazy without her (though,,, she kinned tenma recently!)

candy 🍬 anon ♡ taichi: taichi taichi taichi !!! candy has the same energetic puppy vibes like taichi when we called before :D really excited to talk to her friends n loves spending time with the one she loves 🥰🥰🥰 just really infectious energy that makes all of us happy to be together~~~ i love her sososo much 🥺🧡

milk 🥛 anon ♡ misumi: it’s the !!! same enthusiatic energy ^^^ like with misumi, i get vvv happy seeing her ♡ just makes my day n i love her positive vibes 💚💛💚 (ichi ni sankaku!!! ichi ni **SANKAKU** ⚠️)

shooting star 💫 anon ♡ juza: aaa!!! they just joined actually (two (2) minutes ago as we Speak) so i might be wrong,,, but i will say #Juza 🥰🧡✨ only because their icon is juza,,, will i ever find out their True Identity behind the juza,,, who knows???

luna 🌙 anon ♡ banri: 1/2 of the problem twins,,, usually known as the more #Intimidating one, she even said herself some people saw her as “arrogant” even though she’s far from it (just confident~ just like banny!) + BULLIES ME THE MOST OUT OF THE TWINS... definitely has something Against her mom <\\\3 i still love the little bastard, though TT 🧡🧡🧡

star ⭐️ anon ♡ juza: that’s right! the little star twins also known as the jobros are the banza duo 💥‼️ star is the quieter one (not by much,,, still calls me a boomer) but is definitely enabled by her twin... like how banri enables juza to Fight! Fight! Fight! 🗡🗡🗡 i love both the twins equally even if they’re constantly battling it out in the chat,,, my #Children who i love 🧡✨

chuu 💖 anon ♡ citron: #1 CITRON KINNIE!!! **bass boosted** citron kin,,, very dumb of heart and also humor 🥰🥰🥰 truly the moodmaker of the group n everything they do is so Dumb that i love it !!! but genuinely, they’re sososo wise n always there for you, a great court jester and an even greater friend !!! 💗💘💝 i love you, dude 🥺

saku 🌸 anon ♡ muku: !!!!! sweet princess mukkun,,, who is very self–deprecating unfortunately and doesn’t believe in her amazing self :((( she’s a #Baby who needs love n validation TT 💛💚💛 i hope you realize one day you’re worthy of good things n i love you 👑✨

cloud ☁️ anon ♡ homare: says things that completely give me physical Shock,,, i don’t know how i handle... e.g. “i am physically incapable of doing anything wrong” ??? is so dramatic and would probably write a diss track if i provoke her enough ??? my Rival in this server,,, 🗡 but in reality, they’re sooo pretty n i am in Love with them 💙🤍 (enemies to lovers ✨) + she’s my metaphorical soulmate n i love her 🥰🥰🥰

librarian 📚 anon ♡: they’re recent~ so i don’t know too much about her!!! however, i look forward to talking to them more :D

that’s about it! for me personally, i’d say i’m more of a ... tenma/taichi ,,, dumb enough to be clowned all the time but somewhat Nice n i respect that (i actually relate to misumi the most??? who knew???) ✨✨✨ anyways! i hope that gives you an idea of who our anons are like~~~ consider joining the family! ♡ thank you for letting me rant, i love you !!! 💖💘💝💕💞💓💗

Bunnie 💗🐰

CR episode 109 moments for a proper family reunion :)

1. YASHA’S TATTOO !!!

2. “I do okay, I have a unique look.”

3. “There is no more paper on the Menagerie Coast.”

4. “How very Sam Riegel of you.”

5. “I am just a rich, dumb half-orc.”

6. “Things get weird at seventh level spells.”

7. “Does it taste any different?” *licks* “Okay, I’ll put it back.”

8. Marion and Jester discussing the Gentleman,,,, + “tell him how pretty I looked” like,, MA’AM

9. “You are authority.” / “I know, it’s weird, right?”

10. “You’re on thin ice, Lavorre.”

11. “Thank you [...] For making a difference, for being my friend, for being patient, for... walking into the lion’s den with me. Expositor Lionett.”

12. FJORD GOT JESTER A LITTLE UNICORN I’M GOING TO CRY

13. “I’m going to assume from you asking that you have not kissed her yet?” / “Nah, I feel like ball’s in her court, y’know, ‘cause she’s the one with the dead wife.”

14. “I think you’re getting better.”

15. someone FINALLY makes sure Caduceus is doing okay thank god

16. yo but Eiselcross tho

17. IKITHON THAT MOTHERFUCKING BITCH

1989-2020 Poetic Work Of Mario William Vitale

1989-2020 Poetic Work Of Mario William Vitale (Manuscript of Poet Mario William Vitale) From 1993-1997 - Attended State University in Connecticut,Attempted plays : Tartuffe, Miracle Of St. Anthony and Balm in Gieade,( His poetic aspirations had in 1989 from submitting his first poem entitled, "Remembrance Of A Loved One"- (Sparrowgrass Poetry Forum)Next from 1989-1997 ( Wrote primarily for Poetry.com and The International Library Of Poetry),* Received editors choice award in 1997 for poem, " A Beacon Of Light ",(1998) Sent poetic manuscript to N.Y. Time Magazine and Chief Editor " John Hyland".Back with rave reviews !* ( From 1999-2008:Had adapted a real keen sense of style for writing poetry: ( 1999- Sent Editorial to:New Man Magazine for the Passion of Christ Movie;Sent followup letter to company with poetry platform information attached,* 2000-2007 : Magazine : ( Catholic) Maries Rose Ferron Magazine submitted poem" Beacon Of Light", which had excellent editorial reviews as the outset !2008- Wrote poem entitled: ( The Heavy Cross) to Poetry.com* Achieved Poetry status of work of Excellence in writing from the Academy Of American Poetry in which still having received rank and status as a member of Academy;* ( The Connecticut Poetry Society)* Short story submitted entitled, "China Dog Ray" submitted to Virginia WritersQuarterly, West Virginia, Also having member status on their board of Poetry.* ( Attribute Poetry to an ever increasing love of God and his unconditional love that he has for us in return,Thankfulness toward family and friends.( To our past ancestors who fought to uphold freedom that far too many of us take for granted ?One needs a pure heart that's fixed on truth,This is in order to withstand the true great test of time !Life is way too short,Press toward the goal or mark of our high calling that is in Christ Jesus The Lord !~My contempoarry artists include that of ellan Bryant Voight, Kay Ryan and carl Phillips.Which all three are Participants in the Academy Of American Poetry.* Having been a member since 2006,My work reflects the likes of past poets such as C.S.Lewis, Hawthorne and edgar Allen Poe.Most of my work reflects with the values of religious beliefs intact,( In my personal view it is essential in demonstrating a real heart of creativepassion !The reader I believe will benefit by my artistic style of development in a verypositive light.)To further the need for poetry to become more main stream, Mario Vitale was born in Bristol , Ct Has developed a skill for writing poetry in the free verse form. has been featured on Hubpages.com, Starlitecafe.com & Poetry soup. Vitale lives with his elderly mother Ann Soulier in Wolcott, Ct. Currently has written well over 1,000 poems & 2 short story's toward credit platform. Vitale has taken the poetic world by storm being featured on Google, Yahoo & MSN. Looks up to contemporaries in the poetry industry such as John Ashbery & Major Jackson. Has been a favorite featured poet reader at Barnes & Noble in Waterbury, Ct. Also featured on such sites as Poetry soup, Writer's café & Neo Poet. Mario William Vitale 1 Winfield Drive Wolcott, ct 06716 A Beacon Of Light Written by: Mario Vitale A beacon of light to a much hurting world in need ! Can't help but to claim.., Some sense of identity, Stregnth and encouragement only come from above ! Amidst in the distance, the trapped seagull.., Lieth frightened but still yet adrift ! In a most vengeful fashion striking the passing fish, A true source of hope, Yet a most triumphal beam ! This beacon of light shineth forth, Passerby's can err' escape the helping hand.., To the most sparkling of radiance ! (2)Thanksgiving Dinner by Mario Vitale Home for the holiday from New Orleans, with Mother and Father at the tiny drop leaf, brown rosewood, mahogany table with the gold, grinning claw feet; Father, choler- red-in the-face, short- sleeved white shirt and cane, says the blessing as Mother brings in the turkey and cranberry. Then Mother asks, “Won’t you have more?” and father : “Do you think Moll Flanders was a *****?” (I have suffered and bleached my hair blond.) I am silent before their replies. Mother sighs. “I can scarce speak to her.” And Father, too, quotes Shakespeare. (I am thin as paper and the rose- colored bowl of blown glass sitting on the silver stand, half- filled with water.) “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless daughter” (3) Song of Spring Today I heard a robin sing heralding the coming spring A song of exultation to the sky an ode to earth's awakening I saw a willow on the hill It's branches greening in the sun and all the earth seemed hushed & still sleeping streams began to run I heard a softly rising breeze whispering through the grass singing through the still bare trees waiting winter's chill to pass I saw the sun, so bright and warm warming the earth after the rain the buds and leaves, no frost to harm at least, at last, it's spring again. (4) The Ancients It's my last day with the old giants In mourning I hike the lost trails, sniffing the aroma of the bark, that cinnamon of the forest Under tepees of wood in a membrane of shadows, I stalk the earth, its mammal traces, its elusive tracks, to sit on a fallen log where spiders macramé, moss sloping to my knees unaware of invisibles within, grubbing in their tunnels A lizard taps my foot, responding, I muse to its touch, my thoughts like Indian visions, And when daylight mushrooms into night, and an owl hoots from cedar, I still sit with a lizard on my shoe Huddled with the ancients of the woods (5) Epiphany Written by: Mario Vitale It clings to the cliffed shore, to the wintered face of the thistle path, to the fingers of the old man's glove as he waves his memory homeward In that breath between come and go she moves up from the bay; gold turns her stride, the line of her dress, the soft sea pulling at her feet When he reaches out and the frail birds fly and the sun and the sky have married deep into the sea, it clings Even as his shadow threads retreat, it clings, even now as it dissolves to mist (6) A Return Home, Only Time Will Tell Written by: Mario Vitale Oh blessed hope ! Both hardly a believable dream, Sweltering heat with bloodshed in the street... Send the troops home ! There is no clear reason for them to roam.., These are desolate times ! For we have chosen ill faded rhymes.., The casualties are enormous ? For a stated cause that clearly atrocious.., A mother's cry as the door chime rings, A vanishing salute to freedom as the church choir sings ! Let us look above to all the heavenly love.., Merciful one, take this chip off my shoulder.., Stop the senseless fighting before our dear nation grows a bit colder, Suddenly, seeds were dropped out of a farmers bag, In time roots spring up fresh out of the fertile soil... As the sun heats up, Time will tell when this harvest will soon boil... In the vast game of life, One's time is so very brief ! The soul yearns for its' heavenly relief.., Share with others who may want to turn over a brand new leaf.., Time will tell of the true importance of helping one another, To never give into the finish line.., Nor harsh criticism that our society puts out ! Like a famous fighter in his final bout ! Time will tell of the return home, To the open arms of a loved one ! (7) A Valiant Knight Written by: Mario Vitale A Valiant Knight Death springs a new day basking in the breeze In solemn moments lets pause to think of a place A far off castle in the mountains away from it all A valiant knight lived in the structure of it's dwelling Those days of old where mere men had a noble demise A beautiful maiden was in waiting for her knight He would often fight for the cause of stregnth and dignity The draw bridge where the castle stood had a very unique aura A mystery of sort sought up in the vast array of crowned nobility For the king on his thrown was humble yet greedy Always would take care of himself caring nothing for the needy A valiant knight was concerned about the kings trust Often they would disagree on who it was to serve A joker came in front of the king one day with a magic wand Waving the wand in the air then there floated ivy everywhere For the court jester was a fool in the making of his legacy The maiden would often come forth and see For she treasured a red rose that was plucked sometime before Cherished the calling of her stature to the glory of the throne A valiant knight would often sing sweet songs in the night Had a following of village people that would sit before his feet Having a way of words that he would often share The castle was filled with dragons and warlocks searching for love A cause to be brave amidst uncertainty of the kingdom The legacy of golden capulets filled ardent vestibules Let us toast to the valiant knight who keeps a watch on all that is good (8) Hampton Beach The smell of fresh fry doe Time had elapsed playing at the casino Fresh lobster with a side order of fries Those spacious wonderful sky's Down at the shell the continental were playing A walk by the lady of a statue in waiting Flip flops and the sound of laughter A playground for kids in the middle The boardwalk with seagulls flocking over head Fire works in the midnight air with a cheer (9) God's World It is raining again. Summer will be over before it ever gets here Thunder rolls far away, drops hit the windshield, the sky turns gray The Sunflower, the blue Delpinium, the white Stinkwood drink the moisture greedily. The green and silver leaves of the Aspens sparkle as the rain hits them, and the wind turns them round and round The creek flows on, oblivious to the change in the weather. A break in the clouds allows a bit of sun to hit the side of a towering mountain Three cows slowly wend their way homeward. It is dusk. The gray clouds lift and the sun bursts through, before sliding behind the hills for the night It is God's World. He gives it to us to enjoy and to share with each other (10) Jake's House There was a man whose name was Jake Who had a house upon the lake Every morning he would wake And for breakfast have a piece of cake He had a private fishing hole; He always used a long cane pole He fried his fish on red hot coal And served it in a great big bowl For a pet, he had a cat (11) In The Zone Written by: Mario Vitale In The Zone whispers... through the dark deranged portals you evoke fear filled with angelic fervor on it's textual base yet we dig much deep then ever before cries in the dark will light the spark of what we need to know still we stand idle as the average novice introduces its spell along again then the sadness evokes a newer feeling dwindling through the vain extraction of the never world we visually see a flash then a new day approaches on the lawn two lovers having passionate *** the screams of vile extreme explodes throughout perhaps this is the place where Nero tread yet again I sit alone in my house now huddled in the corner the twilight sun has tainted my inner vision the howls of Satanic laughter gives a piercing shriek through a candle was lit by the edge of my bed One can remain lax in the quietness of the moment yet again the setting of the sun a new day has begun as we embark on the moment Does death hurt you the most or is it fear You can equate logic through a firm grasp of the hand whispers again... then a faint cry, we construct living pyramids to honor the dead A stroke of luck an the impulse ensues onto so much more but for what are we grasping for straws what are we searching for ? quietness again this time I'm in the zone as if zombie creatures with viscous long fangs that bite dripping blood off side we run away to hide no one questions anymore no one has a voice alone one last time yet feelings of grandeur awake to the message of hope that spills from the sky a challenge to be free is a question of time eyes with spots digging holes in a pool of blood Satan laughing again spreads his wings Suddenly I awake but to what ? (12) An End Of The Age Of Innocence Part III Written by: Mario Vitale In our fast paced twentieth century world.., We oft' have neglected to stop to smell the roses, Oft' we used to bow our heads silently to pray, As we reflect back to the sixties is had launched a pad to rebellion ! With a vast amount of liberal bias and thinking, No wonder why our nation is sinking.., Sinking amidst a cuss pool of mere morality.., For now it is a quite different time, A very unique but different type of day.., An end of the age of innocence, One hath been enlightened.., From seeking truth, Some fresh out of a garbage can.., Yet for Gods' sake, He hath such an amazing plan ! Hence, to shun the broad road, Yet to seek to venture in the narrow.., Such as a distant bird in flight ! You might see this creature venture out at night ? Of the Eagle nor the Sparrow.., It used to mean something to have a sense of common courteous.., To hold open the door for your neighbor ? Yet for the time being we relent and waiver.., Would you prefer another taste of a certain ice cream flavor ? To ponder we must be content with who we are in the inside.., Nor, a mere fancy suit or blazing sport's car, Life is a roller coaster.., In what you do while busy making other plans.., Finding solace among the height of nature., Such to think at what is quite simple, As a young child reflects on his or her poster board, Playing with their magic crayons.., For in eternity it is such a very long time ! Take heed in what you do, Now is the expectant hour ! What will one choose to do ? There can be no place nor need for any compromise, Within it's vast perpetual spectrum ! One just can't put a price tag on a genuine but unique heart ! Hence, with honest integrity.., The time for change is today ! (13) He Was There by Mario William Vitale From the inner silence of the lamb he was there In welcoming to the world to share Within the multiple of words the mouth speaks As a heart beats through the passage of time To every poem that was ever written To every burden ever lifted To rivers crossing where people living Sometimes loving other moments giving In storms that were outside brewing What is the significance of this love In painted pictures from above To every soldier in a battle To every cow amidst the cattle Not a second glance at any real romance A field of dreams throughout our head From both fire and ice will make you think twice Perhaps another chance at a roll of the dice When every kingdom comes thy will be done Shadows in the shining morn if there's a rose it bears a thorn, He was there in every circumstance When they tried to throw stones at her He was there drawing a line with his finger in the sand It is my hope that some day all will understand A glance at the past will tell us of our future Amidst the inner pain & uncertainty Through shadows in a field of dreams In moments of solace amidst the pain A light moved out upon the street outside A day that wasn't meant to be Thorn crown was pulled upon his head Those shouts of intense anger from the mob There was only one who would help him back on his feet, A light that brought only a few to greet Let us not run away & hide Each one of our sins was placed on that cross To lose the battle now would end in tragic loss Father please forgive them for they know not what they do He said the prayer now the rest is up to you That cross that broke a sinful world apart With his blood-soaked crown with spear in side To show the whole world he had nothing to hide The summoned cry brought about healing in the sky Watch the free angelic dove fly! (14) Momma Of Pearls by Mario William Vitale Since there's nothing I could find That was worth giving you, I sat down to think a while And write a line or two If I had a magic wand I'd wave it just for you, And give you anything you'd like No matter how many or few If I could give you back the years You so willingly gave to me I'm sure that you spend them over again The same as they used to be Remember when those days and nights Instead of going to the fair I'd always say tell me again The story of the three little bears I tried to get a strawberry pie But they were out of season Then I thought of gold Mario William Vitale Written by Mario William Vitale 48/M/Wolcott, Ct 310 Please log in to view and add comments on poems

Taking Back Neverland--Chapter 10 of 10

Pairing:  Captain Swan

Rating:  G or a soft T

Summary: AU. After actress Emma Swan’s lead role in a popular TV show is at an end, she is offered the leading role in the Regina Mills film, Taking Back Neverland, a fresh retelling of the Peter Pan story.  It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Only problem?  She’ll be starring opposite Killian Jones, who she positively can’t stand.  (Originally part of my Fluffy Fridays collection.)

Previous chapters: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Notes:  So this is an old story, originally written about 3 years ago as part of my Fluffy Fridays collection, but @kmomof4 made the amazing above pic-set for it as a birthday gift, (Thanks Krystal!  It’s perfect!), and I decided it was time for a reissue.   Enjoy!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Six Months Later…

Killian stepped back from his closet, tossing a skeptical look at the suit hung before him. Tight fitting breeches, long, brown coat with black trim, riding boots that rose to his knees.  He’d look like a right proper eighteenth-century English gentleman.

He sighed, shaking his head. Regina Mills was nothing if not thorough.  Eccentric as hell at times, but thorough.

Worked for her, though. Her attention to detail, her outlandish methods of promotion had done quite a bit to gin up excitement for this evening’s premiere of Taking Back Neverland.  This was shaping up to be the biggest hit Killian had ever starred in.

As further promotion, Regina had decreed that the fairytale feel must continue through the night. The cast was required (required, not requested) to attend the red-carpet premiere dressed in fairytale attire.  Following the showing of the film, they would travel to a replica of a medieval castle in a neighboring town for a premiere party ball.

There had been no little grumbling among the cast and crew when they learned the plan, having nearly unanimously decided a casual night with good food, good booze and good company at The Big Bad Wolf would be more their style, but Regina had been implacable.  Robin…now her husband…had smoothed ruffled feathers by suggesting a more relaxed after party for after the premiere party be hosted by Granny.  Definitely the negotiator in the Mills-Hood family, that one!

Killian set about dressing for the evening, tossing on the blousy white shirt (leaving a fair number of buttons open), waistcoat and breaches. It was something of a minor miracle the film was already hitting the big screens.  Only six months from the last day of shooting to the premiere?  It was unheard of.  It seems, though, that Regina had pulled every string she could find to make it happen, insisting the ideal date of release was today, Valentine’s Day.

While not strictly a romance, Hook’s romance with Emma did feature prominently in the film.  And he had been assured that their on screen chemistry sparked hotter than a wildfire.

After tossing on the long coat, Killian reached into his nightstand, and pulled out the small, velvet box he’d been carrying around every day for the past month and a half. Truth be told, his real life romance with the lovely Emma Swan sparked every bit as hot and he was ready, more than ready, to take that next step.

Tonight would be the night; he was determined. Tonight he would ask the woman he loved to be his wife.  Depending on her answer, tonight would either be the best or worst night of his life.

If only he were sure Swan would say yes. Oh she loved him, he had no doubt of that, but was it true love?  True love was special; it was magical.  It was something that didn’t come around every day.  Was Emma’s love for him strong enough to overpower her remaining fears, her remaining wounds from her past painful experiences?

He most certainly hoped so. If not…

Killian’s cell phone rang, pulling him back from his nervous reflections. Peering at the screen, Killian smiled, seeing Liam’s picture grin up at him.

“Brother!” Killian said by way of greeting, “what the bloody hell are you doing ringing me at, what is it? Nearly midnight where you are?”

Liam’s deep laugh came from the other end of the line. “Cheers to you too little brother.”

Killian grinned, resisting the urge to correct his brother’s “little brother” appellation. “Brilliant to hear from you Liam, but I’m afraid I can’t chat for long; I must leave to pick up Emma for the premiere in a scant quarter of an hour.”

“Aye, so I figured,” Liam said. “I merely rang to congratulate you on your film.  I’d tell you to break a leg, but as much as a klutz as you are, I fear you’d take me literally.”

“Haha,” Killian said dryly. “Quite the comedian you are, brother.  Will you ever let me live down that unfortunate skiing incident a few years ago?”

“Of course not,” Liam quipped.   “It is a brother’s prerogative to never let his brother live anything down.”

Killian chuckled. “Thanks for calling, Liam!  I’m quite looking forward to this film, to seeing my dashing self woo and win the heart of the lovely Miss Swan.”

“Speaking of,” Liam said, and Killian could hear the teasing grin on his face, “any interesting news to share with me on that front? After Christmas, I rather expected wedding bells to be ringing by this point.”

Killian had taken Emma home with him to England over Christmas to meet Liam and his wife, Elsa. The two women had seemed to hit it off immediately, becoming the best of friends by the time their two week-long holiday had come to an end.  It was during one afternoon that the ladies were off on a shopping expedition that Killian had approached Liam and asked for their mother’s wedding ring, stating his intention to pop the question to Emma at his earliest convenience.

“Not yet, brother,” Killian said, fingering the box in his pocket. “I’ve been waiting for the perfect time to ask her to be mine.”

“Well don’t wait too long, Killian,” Liam said. “If you let this one get away, I do believe Elsa will murder you herself.”

Killian laughed. “Wouldn’t want that.”  He hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath.  “If you must know, I have plans to pop the question tonight during the premiere party.”

“Splendid!” Liam said. “And Killian…you’ve no need to fret.  I saw the two of you together at Christmas, if you’ll recall.  Emma is head over arse in love with you.  She’ll jump at the chance to become your wife.”

“I do hope you’re right, brother,” Killian said with a shaky laugh.

“Of course I am,” Liam said smugly. “I’m always right.  Ring me later, aye?  No matter the time.  I’ve a wish to tell you I told you so the moment you’ve secured your lady’s hand…or at least the moment you’ve finished snogging each other’s faces off after the engagement.”

Killian laughed. “Should such a happy outcome occur, you will be the first to know.”

~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~

Emma took Killian’s offered hand as he helped her out of the limo Regina had hired to take them to the cast party. She tripped slightly on her floor-length, red ball gown, unused to such attire, and Killian steadied her with a hand to her back.

“Alright there, love?” he asked absently.

She smiled up at him, her heart swelling at the care and tenderness he always showed toward her, no matter the circumstance.

Six months. She’d been dating him for six months.  Normally this was about the time the men in her life started getting cagey.  This was about the time they left her.  And so, Emma had come to dread the six month anniversary like the plague.  Inevitably it was the beginning of the end.

But with Killian she had no such fear. She loved him.  Truly loved him, and he took every opportunity he could to show her her feelings were more than reciprocated.  It was joy and warmth and home.  Never had she made a better decision in her life than when she decided to take a chance on him.

They walked arm in arm across a red carpet set up for the occasion, past a swarm of screaming fans with flashing cameras, right up to the magnificent great hall doors, opened by two men dressed elaborately as eighteenth century valets.

Emma felt like a princess attending her first ball, her fairytale prince at her side.

When the doors opened to reveal a room filled with her friends and cast mates dressed as knights and ladies, princes and princesses (or in Leroy’s case, as a court jester), Emma gasped in delight.

Or…at least she tried to. She definitely wasn’t going to miss the torture device known as a corset when she had a chance to shed it later tonight!

“Ugh,” she said as they stepped forward into the ballroom. “This may be a fairytale ball, but these clothes…yeah, more the stuff of nightmares.”

He looked down at her warmly, his eyes taking in the gentle sweetheart neckline, the long, tapered sleeves, the full skirt. His eyes held no little amount of awe and wonder.  “You may not be able to breathe Swan, but you cut quite the figure in that dress.”

She ducked her head, smiling gently. Six months of dating and a gallant compliment like that still had the power to make her blush with pleasure.

“You’re not looking so bad yourself, your majesty,” she said.

A small string ensemble kicked off a musical selection, and Killian stopped before Emma, bowed deeply and then held out his hand. “My love, would you do me the honor of granting me your first dance?”

She grinned, taking his hand and letting him lead her out to the dance floor where several couples were already taking their places. He took her hand with one of his, and wrapped the other around her waist, expertly setting them in motion.

“You know how to do…whatever this is?” she asked.

“You don’t star in a myriad of chick flicks without having the occasional dancing scene, Swan,” he said with a grin. “And for your information, it’s called a waltz.  There’s only one rule.  Pick a partner who knows what he’s doing.”

And he did. He definitely did.  Emma reveled in the feel of his strong arms around her as they moved to the music.  It was certainly nothing new to her, after six months of his attentions, but dancing with him…it brought it home in a whole new way:  There was nowhere on earth she’d rather be than in Killian’s arms.

Eventually the music came to an end, and Emma wrapped her arms around Killian’s neck, bringing him down for a quick kiss.

He rubbed his nose against hers when it ended, smiling down at her. “What was that for, Swan? Not that I’m complaining, of course.”

She shrugged. “I’m just happy.  Do I need any more reason than that to kiss man I love?”

His face lit up like a Christmas tree at her declaration. It was only in the last month or so that she’d first felt comfortable enough to say those three little words, and he seemed to cherish them every time she said them.

“None that I can think of,” he said. “Allow me to escort you to the chairs set up along the walls.  I believe I see your brother and sister in law.  Then I’ll secure us some refreshments.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Mary Margaret sat in one of the comfortable chairs set up for their use, her hand resting on the swell of her belly. Emma’s little nephew was due to join them on the outside any day now—maybe even any minute from the looks of Mary Margaret.

“You and Killian looked like you were enjoying yourselves,” Mary Margaret said happily. “Things are really going well with you, aren’t they?”

Emma’s smile turned a bit dreamy. “Yeah.  Better than I ever could have imagined.”

“I’m glad, Emma,” David said, taking her hand and squeezing warmly. “Killian’s a good guy, a true friend.”

“That he is,” Emma agreed. “So, what’s up with you guys?  How’s the little one doing?”

“Kicking up a storm,” Mary Margaret said, caressing her belly slightly. “I think little Leo wants to join in the dancing.”

“Leo?” Emma asked.

“Yeah,” David said. “We finally settled on a name.  I was…hesitant to name our son Leopold; can you imagine how much he’d get picked on for a name like that?  But Mary Margaret insisted on honoring her father.  So we compromised and went with Leo.”

“Leo,” Emma said, reaching out and resting her hand on her sister-in-law’s bump, chuckling when the little guy inside met her hand with a good, swift kick. “I like it!  Well, I can’t wait to meet you, Leo!”

They fell silent for a moment, and then David turned toward her. “So, Emma, have you heard the news?”

“Don’t think so,” she answered. “What news is that?”

“Seems Taking Back Neverland has been getting rave reviews,” David answered.  “The studio’s asked Regina to make a sequel, and she’s already gone to work to find a screenwriter.  Word is, this could even become a franchise like Star Wars or something.  So you up for another Regina Mills film?”

“Wow!” Emma said, “of course I’m up for another Regina Mills film.  This one has been great!  Best few months of my life.”

Killian returned with a couple of glasses of punch, and the two couples chatted idly for a few moments before Killian led Emma once more to the dance floor.

After an hour of dancing with her one true love, Emma felt like she’d reached the heights of perfect happiness, but there were still a couple more surprises in store for her that night. Surprises that turned her happiness into pure ecstasy.

Finishing another rousing set of dances, Killian led Emma off the floor, both of them breathing heavily from the exertion of the dance.

“Hey, Emma!” Henry called from the refreshment table. Emma smiled, and headed toward the kid who was growing like a weed (and who Regina joked was eating her and Robin out of house and home).

“Hey kid! How’s it going?” she asked, ruffling his hair.

“Okay, I guess,” he said, taking a bite of cookie. “Food’s good.”

“Well, lad,” Killian said, stepping up beside Emma and wrapping an arm around her waist, “how are you faring during your first royal ball? Find any lovely princesses to dance with?”

Henry shot Killian a disgusted look. “Ugh, no!  Girls are gross.”

Killian turned, brushing a kiss against Emma’s temple. “I can assure you, you won’t always feel so, lad.  There’s truly no lass that intrigues you here tonight?  What about that one over there?  Violet I believe?  Morgan, the lighting guy’s daughter?  She seems pretty.”

Henry rolled his eyes elaborately. “She is kind of pretty I guess, but I don’t want to dance and look all lovesick like you and Emma do!”

Emma laughed. “So other than avoiding gross girls, what have you been up to lately?  Seems like we haven’t had much chance to talk at all since filming came to an end.”

“Well, the most interesting thing was this project we did at school a few weeks ago,” Henry said, just as Regina and Robin walked up. “We were all supposed to make our family trees, but, you know, I was adopted, so it was pretty hard.”

Emma dropped her eyes, feeling a quick pain at the thought of the little one she gave up. “Did..” she finally said “did you ever figure it out?”

“Yeah!” Henry said, nodding enthusiastically. “Mom helped me do some digging, and do you know what I found out?”

“Nope. What did you find, kid?”

“I was born in jail!” he said as though it was the coolest thing ever.

Emma gasped. “Um…where were you born?  I mean what city?”

“Phoenix,” Henry said, utterly unaware of the emotions beginning to churn through Emma.  Killian, sensing her distress, pulled her a bit closer, lending his strength.  “Couldn’t find out much about what my birth mom did to get her into jail, though.  She was still just a teenager, so they kind of hid her records or something.”

Emma shot Regina a quick look, noting an odd look in the director’s eyes. Henry’s birth mom was a teenager in jail when she gave birth?  In Phoenix?  And…then there were those times on set when he seemed so utterly familiar.  It could just be a coincidence, of course, but…?  She had to know for sure.”

“Um,” she said, her throat tight, “so just what’s your birthday, kid?”

“I was born on May 30, 2005,” Henry said.

Emma staggered back, probably would have fallen over if Killian wasn’t there to hold her up. Henry was born in jail in the same city and on the same day she herself gave birth to a little boy?  That…that was too much to be a coincidence.

“Swan?” Killian whispered to her. “What’s wrong love?  Are you ill?”

She shook her head, smiling tightly as Henry bid her goodbye and then ran off to talk to some friends. “No, I’m fine, it’s just…”

Emma turned toward Regina, whose eyes were knowing, sympathetic. “Regina…is Henry my…?”

Regina stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. She nodded slightly.  “I can’t know for sure, of course, without a DNA test; as Henry alluded to, his birth mother’s records are sealed as she was a minor, but yes.  The more digging I did into Henry’s background to help him with his project, the more convinced I was that you, indeed, are his birth mother.”

Emma felt the tears well in her eyes, and abruptly she turned around, burying her face in Killian’s neck, letting them flow. His arms immediately came around her, as he held her close, rocking her slightly, whispering soundless words of comfort.  Henry was her son?  Memories from that day, that day he was born flooded back into her.  All those days and years she thought about her little boy, wondered what had become of him, wondered if he was happy.  Actually finding him, meeting him, befriending him—it was a dream she’d never let herself hope could come true.  It was beautiful and terrifying and utterly and completely overwhelming.

After some amount of time—Emma had no idea if it was mere moments, or hours—she finally pulled herself together, accepted the handkerchief Killian offered, blotted at her streaming eyes (trying desperately not to smudge her carefully applied make up) and turned toward Regina.

“I…” she began, “Regina, I know you’re his mom.  You’re the one who raised him but…but  is there any way…?  I mean, um, would you be okay if I had a part in his life too?  I…I’ve missed him every day of his life, wished things could have been different, wished I could be part of his life, wished I hadn’t been so screwed up when he was born, wished…”

Regina stopped her with a gentle, raised hand. “I know, Miss Swan…Emma,” she said, compassion evident in her voice, “and for the record, I’m incredibly grateful for the choice you made; without you I wouldn’t have my son.  And as for him being in your life, of course, you’ll be a part of his life.  I haven’t told him yet; wanted a chance to discuss it with you first.  But I will tell him the truth.  And when he finds out you’re his birth mom…do you really think that determined little boy would ever let you out of his life again?”

Emma laughed. “I hope not.”

“For the record,” Regina continued. “He’s going to be over-the-moon thrilled when he finds out.”

~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~

An hour later, Killian led Emma toward a balcony off the main ballroom. The room had gotten warm with the press of people, and Emma had expressed a wish for some cool air.  Killian closed the large, floor-length balcony doors behind them, feeling his nerves begin to kick up.

It was now or never.

After the revelation that Henry was her son, Killian had toyed with the idea of putting off the proposal, fearing Emma had had enough moments of high emotion for one day, but stepping out on the balcony, the beauty of the garden below showing by the light of the full moon, the light breeze carrying the sweet scent of honeysuckle from the vines climbing the wall, Killian knew his perfect moment had come.

Emma stepped to the edge of the balcony, leaning against the chest-high wall, looking out at the beauty of the night. Gods she was beautiful.  He’d never before met a woman to match her.  And with each passing day, his love for her grew.

She turned to him, smiling sweetly, and he hurried to join her at the ledge. “Emma,” he said, taking her into his arms.  Slowly he lowered his head until he was able to capture her lips in a long, slow, achingly thorough kiss.

When they finally pulled apart, she reached up and cupped his cheek, letting her thumb caress the little scar below his eye. “Certainly not complaining, but what brought that on?”

“Swan, have you any idea how bloody gorgeous you are tonight?” he asked in a voice still unsteady from their kiss. “You’re always beautiful, of course, but with the blush of happiness on your cheeks tonight…love you take a man’s breath away.”

“I am happy,” she said with a tender smile.  “Probably happier than I’ve ever been.  And now I’m finally reunited with my son?  It’s a dream come true.”

“I’m delighted for you,” he said, “and the lad is truly blessed to have you for a mother.”

She looked up at him for a moment, her eyes furrowing. “Thank you, but…is there something wrong?  You seem, I don’t know, nervous or something.”

He took a deep breath and stepped out of the circle of her arms. “Truth be told, Emma, there’s something I’ve been wishing to discuss with you.”

A wary look came into her eyes. “Okay…”

“We’ve been dating for six months now, and, Swan, they’ve been the best six months of my life…”

She abruptly took a step back, stopping him with a raised hand and aching pain in her eyes. “Don’t!  Don’t go on!  I get it okay?  It’s been a good run, but now things have come to an end.  I get it.”

For a moment, Killian’s brow furrowed, realizing Emma was upset but having no idea where things had gone wrong. And then suddenly he understood, and he rushed forward to reassure her.

“Swan?” he asked. “Did you think I was breaking up with you?”

She crossed her arms as though hugging herself. “Well, aren’t you?”

He laughed, couldn’t help it. Of all the ridiculous notions!  “No!  That’s perhaps the farthest thing from my mind, Emma!  I love you to the very depth of my soul.  Every beat of my heart belongs to you.  Not a thing in the universe could induce me to leave you, my dearest love.”

He watched her eyes soften, the relief wash over her as she realized what he was telling her. Slowly, almost shyly, she smiled.  “I love you too.  A lot.”

He leaned forward and kissed her once again, couldn’t seem to help himself.

“I’m quite glad to hear that, because…” he said, his hands fidgeting. The moment of truth had arrived.  There was nothing left but to ask the question that would change both of their lives forever.

Killian reached into his pocket, withdrew the small box, knelt on one knee, and opened the box to reveal the delicate ring within.

“Emma Swan, will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?”

She brought her hands to cover her mouth as tears filled her eyes. Then, suddenly, she knelt beside him without care for her lovely ball gown, threw her arms around him and kissed him like there was no tomorrow.

When she pulled back, she rested her forehead against his.   “What do you think?” she asked breathlessly.

“I think perhaps, we’ve just discovered our happy ending,” he answered.

She leaned forward and kissed him once more. “I think you’re right.”

Throughout the rest of the evening Killian doubted his feet even touched the ground. He’d no idea it was possible to be this happy, this fulfilled, this complete.  He may have had doubts about this film when Robin first proposed it, but taking the role of Captain Hook had proven to be the best decision of his life.

TRR 3.20 "A Warm Reception" what does that mean. does that mean FIRE i am on edge

I'm expecting it to go all nice and heartwarming, and then Anton shows up at the end. We shall see.

Officially longer than any other TRR book! We’re in uncharted territory now!

From what I saw from my roommate’s Liam playthrough, a lot of the carriage dialogue is mostly the same no matter who’s there, but, I do like this as a callback to awesome-storm Maxwell-Riley from the Homecoming ball, or Duke Whirlwind Dancemaster-Deluxe. With Maxwell, everyone keeps emphasizing how our lives together will be full of adventure and never be boring. ♥

You fools, take this chance to make out in the carriage! No! F O O L S 

Oh. Hello Ana! She’s got a new dress for us, of course. 

... Mehhhhh sorry not into that plasticy cutout look. Why do they keep doing that, it doesn't look like fabric. Sorry Ana, I’m gonna stick with what I've got. 

Maxwell says it doesn’t matter what Riley’s wearing, he and everyone else won’t be able to keep his eyes off her. :’) ♥ bro

Ana, a true friend (despite how I keep tossing out all her hard work) leaves us alone in the boutique. 

We are a storm... a hurricane… a mega punching robot... of love

sweet nervous boy. Riley literally said “I do” (well, ‘hell yeah’ in my case) and he’s still can’t help doubting a little. 

now makeouts?? nope, Madeline. Girl you are about to get stabbed. ANA, WHY DIDN’T YOU STOP HER, I’M SORRY, I’LL WEAR THE DAMN DRESS

(If we keep trying and then getting interrupted, only to finally succeed I will actually love that.)

Oooooo the reception hall is so pretty! Damn, they have really been outdoing themselves with the art lately. First the cathedral, now this. *__*

People coming up to tell us how we made them cry out our vows! Yessss tell us all about your tears! Our love is powerful, baby.

Took no screenshots of Hana’s parents so I can ignore that they came. 

NEVILLE?! WHAT THE F. RASHAD, DID YOU BRING HIM. DUDE. YOUR FRIEND IS SHITTY AND NO ONE LIKES HIM, STOP BRINGING HIM PLACES. 

You know, at the beginning of the tour we heard Neville wasn't even planning on coming to the wedding so I guess that's........ ssssomethingg..g..........…

like maybe he’ll get shot this time. aim better, assassins 

Anyway, better people now! Hello friends! 

Hana says we were like a fairytale! Even Drake is getting poetic. Liam sees how much we love each other. Maxwell has won the wife lottery. Excellent, so much love here. 

LMAO....... SAVANNAH EYEING BERTRAND LIKE, HUH.... MARRIAGE..... HOW BOUT..... THAT...…. :|

Me and Maxwell, poster children for impulsivity: YEAH, JUST DO IT JUST JUMP INTO MARRIAGE IT'S GREAT

Bertrand : *SWEATS BUCKETS* 

Hgnngggg I would stab a man for that wedding food right now. I picked Drake’s beef pork stew and oh my god...……. How do they always make it sound so good??? 

[pause to google feijoada recipe]

Time for toasts! Maxwell’s...….. awwww. ;___; 

He starts it as a Once Upon A Time story of how Riley was whisked away to love a prince, but her happy ending was swapped when she fell for the court jester instead. 

(Flashing back to the apple festival and Maxwell being excited to be jester. Good times.) 

My heart is bursting. I love our story too T_T 

Andddd he just blurts out about the hippo tattoo to everyone and covers it up with an awkward metaphor. That's a deeply Maxwell moment and I love it. ♥ 

Omg. Might regret it but I desperately want to hear Olivia's idea of a wedding toast.

EXCUSE YOU MADELINE, SCHEDULE SMEDULE. THE BRIDE DEMANDS TO HEAR EVERYONE RAPTURE ABOUT OUR LOVE

Olivia:  So soon after I met Riley I was like "I hate that bitch" Riley: a-awwww....thanks...…… 

I'M DEAD "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT" I WON OLIVIA’S RESPECT! :’D BEST DAY EVERRR

I mean we also got married but like. you get it. 

“As we say in Lythikos, you’re still alive, so drink!” never change. 

Liam: Aww...…. He tries but falls back on being super formal, referring to me as "Cordonia’s newest dutchess” and me “being a friend to Cordonia and [him]”

It's ok buddy, sneak out whenever you're ready. Hana and Drake can cover for you.

Hana: Hana wins the toast both for having the most insightful things to say, and also being LITERALLY THE ONLY ONE (besides Bertrand) TO TALK ABOUT MAXWELL. She also made me cry, so like, triple points. 😢 😭 I love her so muuuuch.

Drake: “I knew you were trouble when you walked innnn~” 

Those were some real nice things you said about me but YOU ARE THE BEST MAN. 

I know I'm great and we're all in love with me, but come on. 

Alright here’s Bertrand, he’s gotta talk about Maxwell. 

new big bro you will be NICE to your BROTHER or I STG

starting out rocky what with the “wow Maxwell made like so many mistakes” business. let him rest, it’s his day, good lord 

*snaps fingers in front of his face* BABS, FOCUS

OH. OH OKAY. HE TURNED IT AROUND. HE SAID HE LOVES HIS BROTHER IN FRONT OF EVERYONE. THE DANCING COMMENT AND EVERYTHING AND HE ADMITTED MAXWELL DOESN'T NEED TO GROW UP. I'M. OVERWHELMED. 

In which I will take any choice that turns Riley into a woo girl. And Kiara’s family continues to be my favorite. They’re coming over to Valtoria Revanasi all the time. 

After all that, my toast was … whelming. I did get my vows already, so I guess it’s whatever. 

First dance time! Aww this track is giving me HSS prom flashbacks. Michael I hope you're happy out there.

Apparently Maxwell picked the song, which can only mean he is a secret HSS fan. 

“Partners” is such a lovely title for these two. I've always loved the term, you're partners in crime, partners for life, but they're also dance partners.  

Number of times Maxwell has done the dip kiss: 4. This boy SMOOTH AS HECK. 

Bertrand is scandalized by our nonsense but Drake understands they should take what they can get.

(where are my boy’s damn jello shots) 

..... I think I just married Emperor Kuzco. 

Maxwell challenges Drake to a dance off, and holy shit Drake can dance. Or at least spin kick. I'm still fairly certain he has no sense of rhythm. 

....Drake did not dispute the best friend comment and I'm counting that as a win for Maxwell. 

time. for. CAKE????! 

Real life me is a little sad I don’t have cake. I do have fancy rice crispies from my friend’s coworker’s wedding. It’s no passionfruit cake tho :’( 

(they successfully distracted me from wait where’s Olivia with cake. How dare you take advantage of my short attention span.)

Maxwell and Riley have matching swords. I might cry. That's the best.

..... Incredibly tempting to fuck up and cut the table. But OUR CAKE ok doing this right. 

WHOA Bastien hello, where'd you come from.

Aww Madeline has pleased her goblin father.

Maxwell is so happy about the Cheetah cake SUCCESSSSSS [sneakily high fives Gladys]

[I hope Gladys gets cake. At least 3 slices for Gladys.]

Ooooh so Savannah and Drake's mom still came! She’s off taking care of Bertie. Bring forth the Walker matriarch, I wish to meet her. [ spoilers: we do not :( ]

Uh oh Savannah is pissed and I bet I know why~

Bertrand's only just noticed oh dear.

Savannahhhhhh pleeassssse. These two need to work on commutation so bad. I TOLD YOU TO BE DIRECT WITH THIS DUMBASS. YOU'RE STILL HINTING. 

Bride awkwardly hovers outside her own reception trying to get her fool friends to communicate AGAIN.

Like I'm pretty patient and Bertrand is family but oh my god I can't be there for everything

Riley is tired too, bless her. We could totally have snuck off with Maxwell at this point but no, here we are. 

Ok Riley's prize for taking the diamond option to help Bertrand one more time is that she gets to cause shenanigans. You know my girl loves a good shenanigan! 

Oh my god are we getting the band back together YESSSSS

Stop one: Drake. He knows Riley by this point and senses shenanigans a mile away. 

Drake: You don't need my permission, Savannah’s her own woman and all that.  Bertrand: But I'd like it. Drake: ok then FUCK NO. Bertrand: :’O

Bertrand making the shocked face is always funny. Same with his mad face. Really just Bertrand emoting = comedy gold.  

Drake fully won Maxwell's respect with the breakdancing, and he's won Riley's by realizing he has the power to make Bertrand do whatever he wants right now. 

Drake immediately regrets his abuse of power. Aaahaha ok, ease into it.

Somehow we talked Drake into singing. I'm just saying, this would have been so much easier with him last, when peer pressure was on the table.

Maxwell has been waiting for a moment like this moment his entire life, he'd pay to be part of this.

Liam would both do anything I asked and is always down for bromance time.

There is an option to panic and throw the bouquet at Neville. I have to try that at least once. But later. 

Man Riley should have demanded the boys reunite their quartet anyway. BEST WEDDING PRESENT EVERRRRR (after all their other gifts because those were actually really sweet)

Savannah: holy crap you're smiling  Bertrand: Well you make me happy so fukkin get used to it 

^Those are totally direct quotes. 

While I’m making other people happy - TIME FOR GIFTS! 

The book for Liam is a nice follow up to all his talk about how he wants to bring Cordonia peace. You’ve got faith that he can achieve his dreams! Aww.

Everyone else does surprised sprites but Drake is wary as ever. Smart dude.

Hana's gift............... Ok yeah let’s just...… move along. sigh. 

At least Riley succeeded through the roof with Maxwell’s gift, he was about to pass out with all the layers this gift has. Aww, that was so worth it. 

Honestly these were all kind of short. Meh. Maxwell’s was worth it, Liam’s was a nice second. 

Finally can we sneak off--??

MADELINE.............. I WILL STAB YOU WITH MAXWELL’S FANCY ACTION FIGURE, DON'T THINK I WON'T 

Time to see other friends! We go to Kiara first, which is good. I continue to be proud of her forever. 

Penelope is me at every party. Where are the dogs. I can people watch just fine next to the dogs.

HOOOOLY SHIT

DANIEL

D A N I E L

DANIEL IS HERE, TAKING SHOTS WITH LEO

What do you know :D I have friends! Well. One friend. And no family. They’re really determined to leave that open, huh. You know, I’m okay with it. 

Daniel, I admire your thrift, especially considering what it must have cost to come here on a waiter’s salary, but someone is definitely going to think you're here to serve food.

..... Whelp that came true immediately. Hey Regina. 

Leo goes off with him. I guess they're bros now! 

or .... well. I've seen the posts going around. Make this a trip to remember, Leo! ;) 

Awwww nice moment with Regina. Look how far we’ve come!  I've always liked her. She's a practical lady. 

GLADYS

GLADYS IS HERE TO LET US GET ALONE TIME, FINALLY. BLESS YOU GLADYS, I COULD KISS YOU but that’s for Maxwell 

Wait...... I'm getting suspicious. We're just. wandering away......… mmm :|

oh noOOOOOOOOOOooo--[all goes dark]

Aw mannnnnnnn Gladys D: Riley is never trusting anyone in this broke-ass country again. Remember how we kept talking about how in New York you can trust people to be upfront with their intentions???? 

[throws Daniel and Hana into a suitcase] COME ON MAXWELL, WE’RE MOVING BACK TO NEW YORK. 

IS THAT SOMEONE ANTON, GLADYS

:’((((((((((((

I’m so sad, I liked her. I hope we can still win her back to our side. She seemed so surprised every time we treated her decently, I think there’s a chance. She probably got into this plot before she got to know us. 

Things we know: 

Liam is the only LI who doesn’t meet you in the hedge maze if you’re his LI. On the one hand, getting the king to sneak out is a whole nother level, but also he’s likely to have a big part in next week’s plot. 

The poor guy is also still definitely in love with you, even if you softened the blow with the closure option. And he’s especially taking it hard if you’re with Drake. We’ll see how those things go together. 

Olivia disappeared! Before cake. For their plot to work, they still need her around to make her queen. She’s loyal to Liam no matter what, but I’m still holding out hope that befriending her or not is going to play a part whether that loyalty extends completely to you. 

She was also our strongest defense, what with all her knives and proclivity for stabbing. So Olivia is likely to be okay, but who knows if they will be. 

Do they have our friends? We didn’t see them after gifts. concern.

what do you think? 2 more chapters? Wrap up evil plots and then have good things, hopefully? or just keep adding chapters and then it doesn’t have to end hahaaaa 

Like the Storybooks

Co-written with @hufflepuffmarlenemckinnon

FFN and AO3

Chapter 3

Marlene tried, in vain, to shake off the prickling feeling at the back of her neck that came with the suspicion she was being followed.

But that morning, as Marlene walked with Lady Emmeline towards breakfast, she was sure someone was trailing them.

She didn't care for this, not in the least bit. Marlene had spent the better part of her life doing exactly as she pleased. Her parents loved her and she was of very little political use growing up. Now she was so politically relevant James brought her here for her safety, and she was keenly aware of what the implications of that were. She made a mental note to carry her mother's knife with her.

Finally, Marlene couldn't take it anymore and she spun around and stood still, staring down the corridor. This was ridiculous! She refused to be toyed with this way.

“My Lady?” Emmeline looked at her curiously. Lady Emmeline, her lady in waiting, was a lovely black haired woman, one of Lily's Ladies originally, and Marlene took to her right away. She was sharp, with a keen eye, and Marlene had already decided the Lady was invaluable.

Marlene tried to think straight, to push away the complicated web of emotion that spun knots around itself and all her present thoughts. She supposed that was the nature of going from a beloved daughter of two healthy parents to an orphan in a matter of days. Then there was the matter of being uprooted from her home and placed at court for the sake of politics. There were more people here than Marlene had ever seen gracing the halls of her childhood home, but still, she felt so alone that sometimes the cracks in the mask she wore felt more like giant cavernous weak spots that anyone, friend or foe, might be able to see.

Breathe.

“I do believe, Lady Emmeline, that I heard footsteps.” Marlene proclaimed loudly and clearly, not bothering to look at Emmeline as she spoke.

Emmeline, bright girl she was, seemed to catch on and turned to speak down the corridor. “Should we go and see if they'd like to accompany us?”

Marlene went to answer when a man nearly as tall as Sir Sirius from the day before casually turned the corner.

“Good morning, Ladies,” he nodded as he walked towards them.

“Good morning, Sir,” Marlene nodded. He had dark brown hair and a tan complexion. He would have looked warm, but there was something about the way he looked at her that made Marlene turn cold.

“I am Bartemius, Viscount Crouch, son and heir to the Earl of Contumelia.” His eyes moved up and down her form and Marlene straightened. Outranking people had never really mattered before, learning the order of precedence was merely a game she played with her mother growing up. At that very moment, however, Marlene felt it necessary to use her rank to her full advantage. She was not required to introduce herself.

“Lord Crouch,” she said his name as if it were a type of pestilence before taking Emmeline's arm. “If you'll excuse us.”

She turned heel, pulling Lady Emmeline along with her, and walked pointedly and quickly away, but she couldn’t shake the skin crawling sensation of Lord Crouch’s stare until they turned the corner.

Unfortunately, they turned right into Lord Lockhart.

“Your Grace!” He bowed deeply before smiling up at her. “You outshine the sun today and every day.”

Marlene huffed, she just wanted breakfast!

“Good morning, Lord Lockhart,” she pulled Emmeline past him and Marlene barely restrained herself from stomping in his foot when he turned the follow her.

“Allow me the pleasure of escorting you to breakfast, your Grace,” he moved to take her arm and Marlene pointedly pulled Emmeline with her as she sidestepped his attempt.

“If you must,” she gritted out through clenched teeth.

“I must,” he nodded as he walked alongside them. Marlene could scream.

He only just opened his mouth to let more unwanted words out into the unsuspecting air, when two men approached them, bringing with them a temporary ceasefire in Lord Lockhart’s frontal assault upon Princess Marlene’s nerves.

“Lord Lockhart,” one of them nodded, “we see you've had a chance to meet her Grace, do introduce us.” He didn't even look at her.

“Of course,” Lockhart smiled the smile Marlene had referred to as the courtiers’ smile as a child. This was an expression that a noble lord or lady might put on when they felt a burning compulsion to be contrary but still had to conduct themselves politely. She'd perfected the art, except no one could tell when she wore it now as it was the only one she wore. The two people who knew the difference were cold in the ground. Marlene steeled her will and buried that thought deeper for the moment, turning her attention to Lockhart as he introduced the pair of idiots.

“Your Grace, may I present Lord Wilhelm and Lord Maybry?” Lord Lockhart’s ill regard for the two gentlemen was immediately apparent, as he'd given her no indication of what titles they held or really who they were at all aside from their surnames.

“Charmed,” Marlene nodded before pulling Emmeline past them. If she could eat she could sort this out in her head instead of losing her composure.

Then the beautiful, wonderful, Lady Emmeline came to her rescue.

“Are you looking forward to breaking your fast with their Majesties this morning, M’Lady?”

Of course! She was granted an audience with the King, but none of these jesters had been invited!

“I quite am,” Marlene gave Emmeline's arm a grateful squeeze. Then they were at the Royal quarters and she turned to the three unwanted courtiers following them.

“If you'll excuse me, I've been given invitation to break fast with their Majesties.” She noticed a flicker of brown hair near the end of the corridor but ignored it as she turned and pulled Emmeline into the room behind her before letting the door slam.

She wrapped Emmeline in a hug. “You are the best and brightest lady and I owe you a great deal for that.”

“It was my pleasure, M’Lady.” Emmeline was stiff and Marlene chuckled at how proper Emmeline was around her cousin and his wife. Marlene had known James when he was still playing fairies in the gardens with her. It would be a real struggle for her to show him the level of respect and deference that he was entitled to as anointed King.

“Still slamming doors?” James groaned. “Marly you've been here less than two days and I'm already sure I'll be replacing every door in this castle.”

Marlene turned to see James and Lily and Sir Sirius seated at the table. “If you'd produce an heir I'd not have reason to slam doors in unwelcome courtiers’ faces. They're multiplying!” She fell into her chair and pressed her palm to her forehead. “Lockhart is bad enough on his own, but I had one trailing along behind me in the shadows first thing, and then two idiots who didn't even bother to look at me when they demanded Lockhart introduce them to me! James this is absolutely ridiculous! Can't you tell them all you're promising me to someone? Preferably someone who doesn’t actually exist? Or someone who's looking for a Lady in appearances only?”

Sir Sirius coughed a laugh at her last comment and Marlene looked up, only to be met by the laughter in his eyes. She'd never seen such eyes before. They were grey like a stormy sky when thunder rolls through it. Grey eyes; like the rain pelting the glass and iron of her window in her childhood bedroom. Those grey eyes pulled her in with such a force that she barely managed to conceal her jump of surprise at James’ voice. She made a show of readjusting in her chair. Her first impression had been right; Sir Sirius was the best looking man she'd ever seen.

“Marly, they'd see right through that, and given the state of things it wouldn't be a wise thing to do politically.”

Marlene turned sharply, “What do you mean, given the state of things?”

James sighed, “It's nothing to alarm you. There are some nobles getting ideas of grandeur. I don't want to promise you to someone and have the Court start panicking or acting rashly in any direction. Now is not the time to make waves.”

“That was vague,” Marlene raised her eyebrows at him. It was hard to adjust to James as her King and not her ten-year-old best friend.

“It doesn't really concern you,” Sir Sirius commented lightly.

Marlene eyed him, “Like it or not, until Her Majesty gives us a healthy prince or princess, I am the only heir this kingdom has. I'd argue that makes it very much my business.”

“Marly, it isn't anything to be worried about.” James cut in. “And Sirius please don't antagonize my cousin, really she's as bad as you.”

Sir Sirius smirked, “Doubtful.”

James looked out the window and sighed. “We'd best be off, Sirius.” He leaned over and kissed Queen Lily, pulling away reluctantly.

“Please don't eat any of the members of Court, Marly.” James chuckled as he and Sirius walked out the door.

Marlene shook her head, “Where does he come off?”

“Well,” the Queen laughed, “you've known James forever so I'd imagine you’re referring to Sir Sirius?”

“I'm sure he's a decent fellow, for James to keep him so close, and all. Remind me, how did he and James meet?”

“Sirius is his cousin on his mother’s side. I understand he is an illegitimate son of the late Queen’s brother.” Lily picked up her goblet and brought it to her lips.

Marlene stared at her. Whoever this man was, he was no cousin to James. Their Majesties had been insistent that she and James have a close relationship. Her father had always been close to his older brother, and even when she was about eleven and Marlene and her mother were no longer allowed to travel because of the robbers, her father came to court consistently to help advise his King and brother. Family was incredibly important to the Royal couple, and she knew them well enough that a simple circumstance of birth would not change that Sirius would have been family. She would have at the least known of his existence. Besides all that, James had often called her his best and only cousin growing up in an attempt to tease her. She was only the best because there was no competition.

All things considered, Marlene thought it highly unlikely that James had another cousin in Sir Sirius.

But that was all unimportant at the moment seeing as Marlene had suitors trailing her in the shadows and suitors who strutted like peacocks and suitors seemingly coming out of the cracks of the castle’s stone walls. She pressed her palm to her forehead, “Lily I don’t know what to do, I just want to be left alone! The quality I appreciate most in my cousin’s most trusted Knight is that he doesn't appear to have the slightest interest in me.”

Lily grabbed Marlene's hand and gave it a squeeze, “Spend today with me. That will help to keep the suitors at bay for the moment.”

“I could kiss you!” Marlene squeezed Lily's hand and took a moment to just appreciate that for today she was safe.

A Final Space Rant

I wrote this for a TBS questionnaire, but I wanted to post it here as well. Now, everything that follows was written for the section titled “What do you NOT like about Final Space?”, so it’s all gonna sound negative, but I need to make this clear: I LOVED FINAL SPACE. I genuinely loved it and everything that follows was said with the intention of getting it seen by the right people so that season two could be even better. I am by no means attacking the show or its creators, I have nothing but love and admiration for those guys. I’ve loved Olan and his work since around 2010 or something like that, and even though my sense of humour has changed to the point that it’s almost completely different to his, I’m still always a fan of his work, because it all still has the same heart, and it’s obvious that he makes it with such passion.

Now for the more negative sounding stuff (again, all said with love).

1. THE PACING. Not a single story beat really had anything close to sufficient time to hit and then sink in effectively. Avocato’s death, for example. I can understand the actual death part happening abruptly and being over just as fast, if it's done well that can be devastating (think Sirius Black). The death itself is brilliant, but once he's dead that's just kinda it. You’ve got a fantastic monologue from Gary at the beginning of the next episode, but beyond Little Cato yammering about revenge, no one ever really mentions Avocato ever again. For me (and, from what I can tell from the fan scene, a staggering amount of other people), Avocato was my favourite character, and I don’t think his exit was managed particularly well. It’s like the show was saying: “Oh no! Avocato died! We’re all devastated! Aaaaaand we’re moving on. Avocato who?” Not to mention the part where we find out he was Lord Commander’s second in command. That needed half an episode in itself, but instead was allowed a little under two minutes. Beyond “I’m angry and I want my son back” that was Avocato’s characterisation in its entirety, but because of time restraints you could’ve missed it by turning away to sneeze. (I’m adding this part on after I’ve finished writing. Despite what’s been said by Olan, I still find myself convinced that Avocato is going to return in some form or another. I think this has happened, partly due to pure hope, but also because I’m so genuinely struggling to accept that THAT is how they’d handle the death of a main character. Like “okay, maybe they’re holding back on actually saying goodbye so that we’re more ready to accept his return later on.”)

2. TONE DEAF. As a title that’s pretty severe, but it’s the best way I can think to say it. The show’s biggest assets are the story and its heart. But BOTH of those things are constantly undermined by the comedy. Though my sense of humour sometimes differs from Olan’s, that’s not even what I’m talking about. So I’m not even gonna mention the jokes that fall flat. What bothers me is the fact that there are so often jokes where there shouldn’t be, which means some important moments aren’t allowed the impact they deserve. The biggest offender is Gary’s idiolect. It’s 100% Olan, which is great, but it’s also 100% off-putting, which sucks. In my opinion, it needs to be toned WAAAAAY down.  Not removed completely, it’s Olan’s voice and it gives the show something unique, but it needs to be toned down. The moment when John locks the door on Gary and he’s pleading for him to stop; that’s Olan’s acting at it’s peak. The man is such a talented actor with fantastic emotional range, but his stylistic choices in writing and line delivery significantly diminish its impact. Most of it is all so jarringly fake-sounding that you become incredibly aware that you’re just watching a cartoon. When something really significant is happening and Gary’s joking all the while, it throws any and all tension or sincerity right out the window. If there’s a scene that isn’t just included for comedy, then personally I don’t think Gary should be talking like that. For example: the scene where that family thinks he’s their dead mother, it’s fine! He can talk like a deranged court jester to his hearts content. The only scene with real emotional sincerity between him and his best and only friend, however, maybe hold back on the inane goofiness a little. I found it really tough to like Gary as a character when he was talking like that, which was pretty much all of the time. Whilst Olan has said Gary is the way he is because his five years in complete isolation wore away at his sanity, I didn’t get that from the show at all. In fact, he even acts like that before he’s imprisoned anyway, so as explanations go it’s not a very good one. Off the top of my head I can count five moments where the show took itself as seriously as it should have. Five. And it’s a genuine shame.

3. CHARACTERIZATION. For me, there was an unfortunate lack of any significant characterization. Gary, being the lead, of course received the most love from the writing department. We got the whole thing with his dad, which was handled masterfully, and then there’s his loyalty and his goofiness. Avocato on the other hand, was angry and wanted his son back. That’s about it, that was his entire character. Quinn was supposed to be fiercely independent and a badass, but to me right up until her sacrifice she just seemed like a bit of an ass. To everyone. All the time. And as much as it pains me I have to mention the romance. I never understood why Gary loved Quinn. It was infatuation followed by five years of clamouring obsession. I would be amazed if anyone who watched it was sincerely rooting for the relationship from the get-go. And from Quinn’s perspective there’s even less evidence to suggest a romance, but here we are. The creepy obsessive guy got the girl by wearing her down. It sounds more like a tragedy than a romance.

I’ve heard that season two will have 13 episodes, which is great. It’s giving me confidence for the series by making me think that the people involved have had the same concerns as I have (at least regarding time), and they’re genuinely trying to fix them. Olan and the team have such a huge and epic story to tell and having twenty-something minute long episodes with only 10 in a season wasn’t enough, and it’s a real shame. All the things I mentioned in the pacing section were telltale signs of a show’s creators having to really rush things along because they weren’t allowed enough time.

I’m also gonna reiterate that I love the show and I’m really excited for season two. Everything I’ve mentioned here was said with only the best intentions and the hope that with season two, Final Space can live up to its incredible potential.

(Also Rest In Pieces Avocato) #ResurrectAvocato2019

DAILY DRABBLE: LINK

DAILY DRABBLE is an exercise I’m doing. I’m just writing one-shots/short stories in one sitting to see what I can do. My goal is to reach 3-5 pages in Microsoft word per drabble, and to do 1 drabble every single day. On top of this, I am using the word of the day (https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day ) to try and boost my vocabulary. Tools used:  https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day http://www.losmedanos.edu/core/documents/OneHundredWaystosaySaid.pdf http://rainymood.com/watch?v=cLTnvRoxfPk

Character: Link Word of the Day: Hortative (Flamboyant, Nativity, Conciliate, Abeyance) Definition: Giving exhortation; serving to advise or warn. Start Time: 12:16 AM End Time: 1:15 AM Final Word Count: 2,187 Words

How far away is what we truly seek? Is it within arm’s reach? Is it beyond the mountains of trial and tribulation? For one so learned on the unbeaten path of heroism and destiny, Link could not help but find himself contemplating life on this snowy eve. He was dressed for the weather, wrapped and warm in a large coat he’d purchased in the market during his travels. He only worried about keeping Epona warm, so their usual long days of travel was ripe with breaks, campfires, and sugar cubes to keep the spirits of his partner high. Though snow and slippery ice didn’t exactly bar their path, Link guided Epona while walking beside her through the snowy woods. His boots crunched downed branches and freshly fallen snow. His breaths created small clouds of mist, but not at a rate to suggest exhaustion. He was perfectly fine, but Epona’s snorts were one after the other. He affectionately stroked her neck and guided her carefully around bushes and gopher holes he spotted on the ground. Without the hortative Navi to assist them, the young man had to take point and act as a guardian for himself and his partner.

Hyrule was a long way out, but after being away so many years on a journey for self-discovery and adventure, it was time to come home. Every lead he had on Navi went cold. Either she was truly gone…or she did not wish to be found. Still, he was near blindly driven to find her. Blind enough that he left Zelda, Malon, and Ratu to fend for themselves. His friends; though at least two of them seemed interested in vastly more. They may not have known it at the time, but the young man who defeated Ganon was only an adult in stature, with the spirit of the young boy he truly was inside. The ways by of love and romance were lost to him at the time. Though the hero’s building fear was that perhaps returning now would be too little, vastly too late. After making camp and resting for the evening, Link did some light hunting to gather rations for the next few days travel. He only managed to hunt a few smaller birds and beasts this time around, but it would have to do. With the sun in the sky, and his horse fully rested, Link climbed onto Epona’s back. At his command, she began running. Malon’s prized horse had served him well, and Link felt it was high time he allowed the horse and her true owner to have a family reunion. Five years away from the land of his nativity and he was back. Though, nothing was the same. Hyrule had undergone expansion and reconstruction. The castle had gotten larger. The once vacant fields full of snow and life as smaller towns popped up with the Lon Lon Ranch in the center of it all. He followed the road with a call of Epona’s speed. She tore through the snow and powered beyond the smaller towns along the road. A few towns people looked just outside of their gates, watching as the green coat and hat clad hero returned to them. Everyone knew Link’s name. Zelda made sure of it. With Ganondorf in abeyance the world was allowed to live in peace. It was allowed to move on in the direction Zelda’s father wished for it. Until Ganon’s expected return, there was nothing for the people of Hyrule to fear of him for at least a few generations. He stopped in one of the smaller towns to barter and purchase. He sold his hunted kills for rupees and went to purchase food for Epona first, then himself second. He heard rumors circling the town as he ate. Many of the strongest men in town were trying to court the farm girl who was set to inherit the lucrative Lon Lon Ranch.  The story was that the young woman had ignored advances for years. She never even replied to them when they tried courting her. Some men went as far as to call the girl an ice queen, but for the riches they would gladly endure.  That didn’t sound like Malon at all. She was vibrant and full of life. Her singing was angelic and calming. He could still hear her singing in the farm at night, singing to the moon as it passed overhead. Singing to her deceased mother looking down from the plane beyond the stars. Often Link would play the song on his ocarina to play Epona to sleep, or just to remember the tune of her voice. Surely, these men had it all wrong.

After finishing his meal, Link passed by a flower shop. There were many great selections inside but…alas, he’d spent the vast majority of his rupees on food. He wanted to get one of the plants for Malon, as an apology for keeping Epona away so long. Even with his reputation, such delicacies required hard-earned currency! It was back to basics. He took up odd-jobs in town from anyone who would hire him. He and Epona rushed out into the fields and beyond, taking down bandit creatures and returning stolen goods to the assumed terrorized townsfolk. He rode to Death Mountain to conciliate with an angry husband to return home to his wife who promised not to compare him to Link again when it came to feats of strength. However, it cost Link a good set of gauntlets in his backpack to do so. Each job paid little, but the momentum of favor he obtained was a greater currency.  Still, he was a long way from reaching his goal. Though once he did reach it, he didn’t even know what kind of flowers she would like. Roses? Tulips? Orchids? What seemed to be a good color for her? Link couldn’t decide, but lucky for him…a few men had the same idea as he did. “Hey, you!” One of the strapping, tall young farmers called out to him. “I’m looking for a gift for a lady friend. In all your travels I’m sure you’ve met with a lot of women. Not that I’m jealous or anything of that. I just want your input on what you think a lady is most likely to enjoy…at a reasonable price, that is.” Once the farmer was done, Link went with his first instinct. He pointed at the roses. At least in books women seemed to enjoy the roses more than anything else that happened to them in romantic stories. Sadly, he’d only had books to go off of. “Roses!” The farmer nodded. “Good call, my friend. I’ll be sure to invite you to the wedding after this!” As the man purchased the roses and left, Link went out to obtain a few more small jobs to gain the proper amount of currency. When he returned, the young man stood at the flower shop with his head down. “She didn’t even say a word! She just looked at me and walked away!” The farmer complained to the clerk at the door. He returned the roses and shook his head. “Real ice queen, that one! I’ll just make my farm outdo her farm, then!” After the man walked away, Link was called upon after being spotted checking out the flowers. “Excuse me!” Another man called. He was smaller in frame like Link, but with fire red hair and sapphire eyes. “Mr. Adventurer,” The flamboyantly dressed man was more akin to a court jester than a suitor of a farmer’s daughter.  “As one who has certainly courted many women in his travels, what do you suggest to be a proper gift for a rather lovely woman?” Link, while genuinely trying to help, pointed out the tulips. “Ah! Grand choice!” The red-haired man clapped his hands twice and went to purchase the tulips. “A little something for your troubles! I’ll be filthy rich in no time!” He handed over a few rupees to Link and was on his way. While being on the cusp of his goal, Link set out again via request of townsfolk. He battled a few monsters, getting used to adrenalin rushing through his body from the challenge of battle for the first time in a few weeks. After the beasts were dispatched and the mission complete, Link returned to collect his pay. Though after he left his employer’s side, he noticed the red-haired man grumbling and returning the potted plant. “Tulips didn’t work! I have got to come up with a better plan!” As he stormed away, Link stepped up to the merchant’s door. “Yes?” She said with a weary gaze on Link. He pointed at the orchids, the last of the set of three. “Oh, Orchids? These are a lovely selection. They bring good fortune into the futures of those they are given to. But you have to be purse of heart for it to work, now.” She warned.

Link nodded in agreeance to her, and paid the needed rupees. With the plant now in his possession, Link nervously carried it out. If it would be a good apologetic present or not was beyond his wisdom, but he had hope she would forgive his extended absence. Though now he had to figure out what he was going to get Ratu and Zelda as a show of friendship and affection. Actions spoke louder than words, and Link was trying to make the boldest actions he could muster to leave a lasting mark on the women he cared for. Without Navi there, a void in his life needed to be filled. Companionship was yearned for with each passing day, and maybe this was in fact the correct move to make to fill that role needed in his life. Malon was the easiest to apologize to in the very least. Ratu may have been the most difficult because of what he suspected to be a temper looming around inside of her heart. Link climbed back onto Epona and set out into the vast fields of Hyrule. The peaceful ride put Link’s mind at ease as he fixated his eyes on the large walls of Lon Lon Ranch several miles out. Butterflies began to swell up in the pits of his stomach as he got closer. Funny, he’d never felt his nervous before. Evaluating his sudden shift in behavior, Link suspected it was just excitement to be back in Hyrule and being able to help others return to normal lives. However, it went beyond that. He wanted to hear Malon sing again and to see her smile upon being reunited with her horse. His only hope was that he didn’t too give him the cold shoulder. Apprehensive and approaching a sweat in the cold air, Link slowed down to figure out his approach. The moon was gliding across the sky and gave the cold snowy terrain a light blue hue. His shadow stretched across the ice as Epona trotted along to the entrance of the ranch. It was make or break time. Normally, he could hear Malon singing even when he was outside the farm. Tonight, he heard nothing. Not a single peep left the farm that wasn’t a cow or horse sound. Link began to let his apprehensiveness get the better of him and considered himself being a nuisance to Malon’s time of rest. Though nervous, his fortitude disallowed him to retreat. He rode Epona into the slightly curved passage into the farm. Everything was exactly how he remembered it as a child. Literally nothing about Lon Lon Ranch had changed at all. This was both comforting and worrying – did Malon still lose her farm in the time he was away? He came to a stop in front of the large house and beside the barn where the cows were kept. He examined his immediate area and climbed down from Epona’s back. Flowers in hand, Link walked forward with Epona trailing him. As he got deeper into the farm, he saw that the obstacle course and large fenced in area was not occupied. Malon wasn’t out singing, as she was in the prior timeline. His fear of her actually being asleep became all too certain. Rather than stick around and make a fool of himself, Link tracked back to the front door of Malon’s home. He squatted to put her potted  Orchids on her doorstep and made sure they were nice and neat. The tag laced around the pot simply read ‘FROM: Link’ With the deed done, the hero returned to Epona’s side. He touched her head apologetically. Maybe next time they could see Malon. For now, it was back on the trials. He put one foot in the stirrups and threw his body on board Epona’s back. Just as Link turned to leave, he heard Malon’s door open suddenly and her voice cried out in joy. “Fairy boy! You came back!”

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