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faejilly · 11 months

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so I wanted to riff off of @alexanderlightweight's response to the Alec/Bow/Quiver/summoning meta post by @ralfstrashcan that I reblogged recently, but also I didn't want it to get lost in an increasingly long reblog chain, so I'm gonna quote and start over here:

100%

my headcanon is that it's alec's shadowhunter ability like clary's rune ability and apparently the herondale ghost talking ability(??)

if we really want to take it a step further. we can even talk about how izzy has specially made weapons that have to be super tricky to use which means weapons ability

but that's just my brain. which made that one scene where alec goes back to the institute make no sense, to retrieve his bow because literally every other time he doesn't need to (they just wanted to give clace the training moment and set up the whole hodge thing)

1: I also think Alec's 'have to go get a bow' is just an excuse, but he's using it to a) get away from Jace behaving incomprehensibly & Clary being So Very Clary, AND b) to cover their tracks now that he's realized just HOW comprehensively his siblings are going to go off the rails in the next day or so. (And on a narrative level I really like the scene with Hodge so I'm glad it exists. 😅)

2: I headcanon that part of the reason Alec (& to a lesser extent but still noticeably so, Izzy) can get away with pushing so many Clave/Nephilim boundaries without actually getting deruned despite their parents being on Thin Fucking Ice™️ with well, everyone, is that they have inherited both Family Traits and that's valuable enough (especially after all the losses during and after the Uprising) that the Clave really really doesn't want to get rid of them.

(Similarly, there's some hope that Jace and/or his expected children might show signs of the Wayland traits coming to life again as they've died out otherwise. Obviously that goes a bit sideways once they finally pick up on How Very Herondale he is, but luckily he's Herondale so that's still a benefit.)

Truebloods: very literally truth-tellers. Variations on their skills include the ability to recognize lies, off the charts charisma when they are invoking what they believe to be the truth, and an ability to make the most awkward truths palatable to audiences that normally wouldn't want to engage with them. They were traditionally the guardians of the Soul Sword whenever it left the City of Bones, but that honor faded away over the years as the Council with the Consul/Inquisitor as heads centralized power in their own hands.

Izzy can be seen doing this during her trial, because even when her personal behavior has included digs & microaggressions against Downworlders, she believes that they as a people can and should do better and her speech clearly works in-universe because of that resonance of truth.

(She even occasionally manages the sincere/heart-felt clunky dialogue that works despite being clunky that Alec's so good at, and poor Jace doesn't, despite his best attempts, because for all he's a Lightwood in every other way that matters, he's not actually part Trueblood.)

Maryse has several hints of Alec's same blunt (inexplicably successful) sincerity once she lets herself stop hiding behind Politics & Expectations. When she's upset with Izzy about spending time with the Seelie in s1, she has a line that always felt very self-recriminating to me; (I'm paraphrasing here since I'm too lazy to pull up the script or episode): 'never trust a people who can't lie, they'll find more imaginative ways to stab you in the back'. She knows this about the Seelie because it's what she's always done.

(Alec's shock at his parents being in the Circle can't be because it's against their politics as they've never really tried to behave better. Perhaps it's because it never occurred to him that they could lie that well. Especially his mother, since he has a much better relationship with her than Robert.)

This means that Maryse buying into Valentine's rhetoric was invaluable to him, because she could back him up and help make sure people would fall for it, because she was a Trueblood. Equally, when she turns, that is part of why the Clave lets them back in. Her vow to now toe the party line is completely believable, because she promised on her children... who are also Truebloods.

This also means that their bloodline is one that would not always be popular since they can call out power when it's behaving badly; thus the apparent decline of Trueblood standing in the way that the show refuses to ever really acknowledge it in the present day timeline, and instead talks about Lightwood honor.

(But countered in the way The Clave doesn't move directly against Alec Lightwood, HotI, despite gay and living with a Downworlder, despite how much clear disdain he has for so many of them and their policies. They aren't willing to risk what a Trueblood could do if pushed into active rebellion.)

Lightwoods have a much more palatable martial gift. Their affinity for the adamas in their weapons means they can bond with them, sometimes strongly enough to summon them, manipulate them in the field, adapt them and rune them and enhance them in ways most Shadowhunters can't. (We never see anyone doing anything resembling Alec runing his arrows in s1 after all. What if most of them can't?)

As shown by Izzy in s3 as Weapon's Master, in Alec's ability to beat his parabatai (the supposed best fighter of a generation) when they're sparring with weapons even if he loses once they get to hand-to-hand, Izzy's unique skill with a whip, Alec fighting with everything he gets his hands on, from seraph blades to his signature bow to actual arrows for stabbing. (As seen in everything in ralf's original meta post and delightful fic.)

There's even something in the fact that Izzy was interested in joining the Iron Sisters (which while prestigious also involves even more sacrifice from a people who have to sacrifice a lot already and are thus vital enough that they let Cleophas join despite her past because they needed her) and yet Izzy stayed active duty -- and presumably eventually marriageable.

(I frequently wonder if part of why she chose to make herself as unpalatable as possible for a traditional/political match was a lingering bit of awareness that that was what The Clave most wanted from her, regardless of who she wanted to be.)

ALSO! There has to be a reason that Robert Lightwood was valuable enough to keep even when they got rid of Maryse, a reason the show reiterates Lightwood honor over and over again, a reason he & Maryse got to be co-Heads of an Institute (even if the general fanon that they were more constrained than most Proper Heads does fit what little we see), and we never actually see Robert fighting or sparring, but we are repeatedly told that his children are the best of the best.

But it's seldom mentioned as a compliment, is it? More like an expectation. They're Lightwoods, they have to be the best with their weapons, or what is the point of them? It's just another weight added to Alec's so-called crown, another expectation Izzy has to both flaunt and fight against every day so she can have at least a little bit of herself left to hold onto.

(The one thing Jace is good at, the one bit of the monster his father built that helps; he's as good with a blade as a Lightwood. It's the only thing that gives him hope for redemption, the only thing that gives him enough conviction to ask Alec to be his parabatai and protect his soul from himself.)

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alexanderlightweight · 1 year

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Okie dokie, I adore the sentient shadow thing with Alec as the True blood heir. How does the downworld feel about him? Or in Elysiums Tears goe does Magnus' friends and family react to Alec?

this did not go the way i meant to, also I do have a fill that i posted about Cat meeting Alec in Elysium's tears

so i wrote Ragnor meeting bby!Alec in the sentient shadow Trueblood heir verse.

i hope you enjoy and thank you for the compliment and prompt!

“Commander Lightwood.” Ragnor says, voice dripping with disdain and displeasure at the official request — order — from the clave summoning him to New York.

He hasn’t even told Magnus or Catarina that he’s on the same continent as them yet, knowing that they’ll try to insert themselves as backup.

Which he may still need, but he won’t risk bringing them in until he knows what’s going on.

“Trueblood.” Maryse Lightwood tells him, the corners of her eyes tight and her lips pursed, as if to hold back a grimace.

Which, for her, is almost polite.

“Excuse me?” Ragnor asks, confused, and he watches as she closes her eyes for a fraction of a second and takes a barely visible breath.

“It’s Commander Trueblood, I am no longer associated with the Lightwoods.”

Which is lovely and all, but it’s never been her last name that’s defined her to the downworld, it’s been her actions. Divorce is rare, however, among shadowhunters, even ones married for politics reasons and Ragnor wonders just what he’s being dragged into.

“Commander Trueblood then,” Ragnor says, and she nods in acceptance and hesitates, before she turns her back on him and motions for him to follow.

“I need wards apart from the Institute’s for my heir’s rooms.” She tells him and there is something tight and dangerous in her voice. Ragnor wonders at just what has happened, for the her child to be her heir now instead of Lightwood’s.

“Is there something wrong with the Institute wards?” He asks, voice frosty because while their connection isn’t known, Magnus is the one who did these wards and Ragnor can tell that they are impeccable.

“No, it’s not that.” She pauses at a door and then with a glower at him — as if he’d try anything in an Institute filled with hunters — unbuckles her weapons and lets them drop to the floor, and then she takes off her shoes. “Alec is…” and she trails off, something almost vulnerable in her gaze and if it wouldn’t possibly get him stabbed, Ragnor would push.

Because what on earth makes a woman like Maryse Trueblood so hesitant that she’ll disarm herself in front of a warlock and even turn her back to one.

“My son didn’t inherit the Lightwood gifts.” Maryse says and Ragnor knows immediately why he’s been called. Ragnor is one of the only warlocks still alive who knows as much about nephilim as he does and he’s the only one the clave can’t risk killing for that very reason. When they need the services of a warlock for something this important, they rely on him and only him.

“Then your own family powers, are they stronger or weaker than yours? Or mutated from the joining of bloodlines?”

Maryse shudders and stops at another door and then turns and her eyes are dark and serious and grave.

“There have been no Trueblood’s who have awakened our gift for over three generations. Alec is the first to be so blessed.” There’s pain in her voice and a twist to her lips, as if she’s trying to convince herself that it’s a blessing, rather than Ragnor.

“Baby,” she calls as she carefully opens the door and the pet’s name surprises Ragnor almost more than the gentle, coaxing tone of her voice. “I asked Potions Master Fell to come.”

Which is a fancy way of saying, she got the clave to do her dirty work for her and they demanded his presence, but then Ragnor steps in after her and understands why he was needed.

The boy is young and he’s floating above his bed, lying on a puddle of shadows that writhe the moment they sense intruders. A blank gaze greets them and instead of focusing on Ragnor, he focus’s on his mother.

Between an unknown and powerful warlock and his mother, Alec Trueblood is more wary of his mother.

He considers her the bigger threat.

“Mother.” The boy says, voice still in the soft, high stage of a truly young child but his tone is cold and hard, there is no feeling in his words.

“I—” and Maryse takes a shuddering breathe, “he’s going to help you, okay Alec? Whatever you need you ask him, I’ll pay for it, okay? You don’t need to clear it with me first, or even tell me everything, okay baby?”

Ragnor is shocked when she then leaves, backing out of the room and he realizes that taking off her weapons, her shoes, not turning her back… she’s trying not to engage her son.

Maryse is terrified and Ragnor isn’t sure if it’s because she thinks her own heir will kill her, or if it’s something else.

She leaves and her son watches her and as the door clicks shut behind her, he moves.

The shadows take him to the door and Ragnor watches as small hands press against the door and the shadows seal it shut, making sure that it can’t be opened physically though Ragnor could always use magic.

Then he turns to Ragnor and with a small, solemn voice says, “we don’t trust her yet. So, she can’t stay but we don’t mind you.” He steps closer and, as if it’s a secret says, “if you don’t hit us, you can stay.”

Ragnor feels his heart crack, a little piece of it breaking for this tiny child who looks as battle worn as a veteran hunter.

“I won’t hit you, laddie.” Ragnor promises and then he squats, trying to get on eye level. “But I’m afraid my old age is a bit much for these bones of mine. May I sit?”

A chair is dragged over, scraping across the floor as shadows bring it to Ragnor and then Alec nods, hesitant and almost shy.

Ragnor sits, pretending he’s out of breath as he collapses into the chair with a gusty sigh.

“Ah, laddie. Portals are the works of geniuses but can be a bit draining. Now then, why don’t you tell me what it is I’m supposed to be helping you with?”

Alec walks closer and then plops down. For a second, Ragnor expects him to break a bone with the force that he lets himself drop with, except the shadows catch him, holding him up and steady and the lad just smiles, a tiny quirk of his lips.

“I don’t like it when it goes all dark, it’s not as… nice.” He tells Ragnor, his manner of speaking careful and wary, like he doesn’t think he’s allowed to make mistakes. “We want light, so we can travel and not a witchlight.” The lad scowls, “they’re stupid. They turn off when no one touches them and then the shadows get hungry.”

Ragnor swallows, understanding better than the lad himself what it means that his shadows seek light to eat.

“I can certainly figure something out. What else?”

“I don’t want mother coming in my room without permission, even when I’m not there. Or anyone.” Alec is gripping his small, no doubt custom made breeches, already being dressed in hunting gear. “This needs to be our space. Where we’re safe, where other people can’t hurt us.”

It pants a sad, hateful image of just what happened for Maryse to change so much and Ragnor has to ask despite the danger it might put him in, “laddie, are you with the parents you want to be with?”

Dark eyes meet his gaze and there’s something vicious that flashes through, like a glint of green when the sunlight breaks through the branches of a thick forest.

“Mother was the least unworthy.” Alec tells him quietly and then, ducking his head, he shrugs, and his voice is pleased as he whispers. “She’s trying, more than she did before and she tells me she loves me now.” Ragnor feels like another part of his carefully protected heart will crack and then the lad grins, a vicious slip of a smile. “And mother knows best, what will happen if she hurts me again.”

Ragnor swallows down his sympathy and his concern and he smiles, because that’s all he can do, that and help the boy ward his room from high heaven, down to the lowest level of hell.

“Well, since I’m here—” Ragnor sends a playful wink that turns the little lad’s face into one of surprise, “since no one can enter without permission, do you want to redecorate?”

There’s awe on the lad’s face and the shadows drop him to his feet and he lands, like a graceful and nimble kitten before he stalks over to Ragnor. His fluffy curls are extremely tempting and Ragnor risks his fingers, reaching out to pat the lad’s head.

The gift he’s given — a delighted, grateful little grin and shadows parting for his touch — is perhaps the most valuable thing he’s ever been gifted by a nephilim.

“Really?” He’s asked and for the first time, Alec sounds nearly his age and Ragnor lets out a deep chuckle and lets his magic swirl around the room. The shadows wriggle as if delighted but they don’t attack his magic, only the light that comes from its glow and Ragnor settles, more confident in his welcome than ever before.

“Really, laddie. Now, I think you need something far softer than wood. Have you ever felt a carpet made from the fur of a fire-elk?”

#writing wednesday #writing wednesdays #alec lightwood #shadowhunters #lumine writes #shadowhunters au #my fic #my fanfics #my ficlets #ragnor fell #maryse trueblood

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tscsmashorpass · 26 days

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TSC Smash or Pass Tournament: Round 1

#michael wayland #maryse lightwood #maryse trueblood #the circle #tst #tmi #the mortal instruments #the secret treasons #reblog for sample size

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khaleesiofalicante · 1 year

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One of my favorite tsc scenes (that's rarely ever talked about) :

Maryse and Magnus' conversation in Born to Endless Night. I like that Magnus chose to just say that it's okay and leave it in the past. We all know it's not okay. Maryse knows it too but he chose to not hold a grudge and even called them family. I love him so much for that. One of the best things about the show was showing how great Magnus and Maryse's relationship can be and I hope we get to see more of that in tbvotd.

Maryse and Robert are my fav tsc parents (other than malec obviously). We got to see so many sides of them and it also normalized the fact that adults make really big mistakes too. This is rarely shown with such care in YA. I like that over the years we've gotten to see the guilt they feel especially when confronted by their parents and also them actually trying to be better people and evolve so beautifully.

ps. another great scene is in trsom where Maryse gives Alec money and just says 'go be happy'.

pps. Shoutout to Maryse Lightwood/Trueblood for being a bad bitch and an amazing mother

ppps. (fuck you jocelyn)

Love Robert and Maryse? Hate Jocelyn? You are just like me lmao.

I agree with everything you said!

Just wanted to add this:

A favorite scene one of mine (from CoHF) when Alec asks Magnus what he should do about Robert and Magnus responds with this:

Again, Magnus could've simply told Alec not to forgive him. We know Magnus has suffered deeply because of Robert during the Circle period. But what he told Alec is so beautiful and so kind - and it's one of the things that remind me why they are so good for each other.

Alec really has the best family and best parabatai and best husband and best children.

Good for him!

#alec lightwood #magnus bane #robert lightwood #maryse trueblood

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sharraus · 9 months

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The Circle of Raziel Ladies

@light-wayland I may have... made more of them! It's the only 2 braincells!

yes, I put all of the runes on Maryse.

#shadowhunters #tsc #maryse trueblood #maryse lightwood #amatis herondale #amatis graymark #the circle #the secret treasons #art #my art #cassandra clare

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loki-nightfire · 1 year

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How to get away with murder. Crap, that went not as is had been planned. I should find someone to be blamed for it, or I better prepare to deal with mr. Bane.

#my art #shadowhunters #concept art #maryse trueblood #camille belcourt #janoiry2023 #janoiry #murder #revolver #redrum #monochrome #black and white #noir art #noir #wine #glass of wine

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kaitcreates · 11 months

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Eliza: I am calm, I am relaxed, I am a happy tree.

The circle: *being the circle*

Eliza: YOU ARE MAKING IT VERY HARD! TO BE A HAPPY TREE!

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Stephen: Ok, I need you to swear-

Celine: Fuck.

Stephen: Swear as in promise.

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Michael, about Valentine: Have you ever looked at an authority figure in your life and thought, "Wow, I respect a well-grilled hot dog more than I respect you?" ———————————————— Lucian: Your friends are counting on you! Valentine: Well that's their falt. I've carefully cultivated a persona that screams, "You're on your own!" ————————————————

Robert: What the hell are you smiling for?

Valentine: Am I not allowed to be happy?

Amatis: Of course you are… it’s just that you being happy, usually means someone’s lost their life… or a limb.

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Celine, first joining: I know we technically have permission to do this, but this all feels highly illegal.

Stephen: That’s half the fun of it.

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Stephen: People say I have a unique way of lighting up a room.

Amatis: It’s called arson and those people are witnesses.

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Celine: Robert and I are getting closer. The other day he gave me half his sandwich.

Robert, whispering to Maryse: I mistook her for a garbage can

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Robert: I tried to write “I’m a functional adult” but my phone changed it to “fictional adult” and I feel that’s more accurate.

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