#Fates Foretold: Spoilers

[phoenix-flamed]

Tiny spoiler from where I am in MSQ on XVI --

I love Byron's little story tidbits regarding Clive's younger years. It made me "awww" so much when he was telling Clive about when they, along with Elwin, traveled out through the desert when Clive was still little, and Clive fell off his mount -- and Elwin wouldn't stop fussing over him while he sat there and bawled in the sand.

#Out of the Flames #T_T It's so cute to imagine #Fates Foretold: Spoilers #It's not much of a spoiler but it's still a spoiler #so I'll tag it just to be safe

[indieyuugure]

I know it's your story and you are entitled at whatever you want to do with plot,but can i at least ask to for in favor of alleviate the boys' suffering and petition for them to experience the good things about being human? 🤭😅

Lol don’t worry, you’ll have a lull in the pain for a while before I crank the heat up again. (This may be a spoiler to you but like Donnie said he would, he manages to keep down a dose of medicine that alleviates most of his pain, though it doesn’t work for too long.)

Okay but in terms of them having a good time as humans, just hear me out!

One of the main messages I want to convey in this story is that you can’t have it all. They can’t be super human hero’s of New York who travel space and time fighting ninjas, robots and everything in between and also get to live a normal human life in a apartment with friends and school. They want to have it all but they can’t.

The reason the beginning was fun and happy is because that’s what you would expect. However many people don’t think deeper than that. They don’t consider the fact that the only reason the turtles can do what they do is because they’re…well super human, mutants. I wanted to write a classic “TMNT becoming human” story before I displayed the dark truth behind a seemingly lighthearted idea.

So the reason the story gets darker is to show you why they can’t be humans. Not just because fate foretold that they had to stay turtles, but because they understand that all things come with a sacrifice and that they can’t have it all.

So I guess to answer your question, I will have to decline. Sorry :\

As I said though, there will be an eye of the storm amidst the chaos.

Good question! :]

#tmnt #q&a #the mutation situation

[lunamond]

I've been rereading Dune while also rereading some greek tragedies, specifically Oedipus Rex by Sophocles.

I don't know if I just have Dune brainrott, but Paul is so Oedipus coded???

Both of them rulers haunted by prophecy and fate since birth. Desperately trying to prevent the horrible future they have forseseen/been foretold from happening. But it all still came to pass, no matter how hard they tried??? Just the self-fulfilling prophecy of it all.

I'm just looking at the way Oedipus is described prior and after his downfall, and it fits Paul so well.

— Dune messiah spoilers —

Also, the way both of their stories end?

Oedipus gouging out his eyes with the broaches of his dead mother/wife vs. Paul knowingly allowing the plot to go through, resulting in his eyes being burned out ???

Blinding themselves after they realise the futility of all their desperate attempts to go against their preordained fate??? Realising that in a way they themselves have become responsible for it???

Doing it as a sort of repentance for their sins???

After they leave blind and broken into exile. The only person who keeps believing in them being their sister/daughter???

(I know Alia isn't literally Paul's daughter, but he absolutely took on a paternal role for her and took on the emotional role of a spouse for Jessica)

And after they are gone, both their legacies are forever tainted by their actions???

#i adore the greek tragedy of it all #pls i need sb to agree #the brainrot is real #now i feel like i need to reread Antigone as well #just to scourer it for alia parallels #dune part two #dune spoilers #dune messiah #paul atreides #lady jessica #st alia of the knife #alia atreides #pauljessica #oedipus rex #dune meta #dune

[tatterings]

So, the story of most of Rylmyr’s pre-bg3 events in a nutshell under the cut:

PS - TUMBLR THIS IS NOT SEXUAL ART. RYLMYR IS BEING ATTACKED WHILE BASICALLY SELLING HIS SOUL FOR ROCK & ROLL. PLZ DONT NUKE ME.

Rylmyr Torrett was born into a powerful noble Drow house Torett, a bloodline rich with magic. A sorcerer or six were born every generation; anyone who wasn't born with inherent magic easily picked up the skills as a wizard - even the males.

His birth was foretold by the family's priest, who prophesied the house matron's next child will be born as a new beginning, ans will be bestowed with immense magical powers according to the prophecy.

Rylmyr was assigned female at birth, the third daughter to the house matron. (thankfully, not as the third son, else he'd have been killed at birth).

But for Rylmyr, being AFAB was never comfortable; he handled the dysphoria as best as he could. However, in drow society, females were the only people with value. So he laid as low as possible while in Menzoberannzan, playing along as a tomboy-ish young drow

Unfortunately it's difficult to lay low when a prophecy proclaimed you were going to be the most powerful magic-wielder of the generation and yet… that magic never developed. Ryl was no sorcerer, and struggled with learning magic underneath a harsh wizard tutor. Despite decades of study, he could not cast magic beyond sputters of faint green sparks from his fingertips.

Ryl learned musical skills and dance, so that at least he could provide entertainment to the guests of his noble house, and be of some use at least to his family. But as the rivalries between house and others grew more intense, Ryl feared for his life, as his family became less tolerant of his failures in magical study. Being shunned in Menzo society was nearly worse than straight execution. Someone left to fend for themselves would not survive for long.

Despite finding some form of respite in the arts and bardic ways, he was still deeply unhappy and resolved that before his 80th birthday, he would escape the oppressive Underdark. After begging every god in existence, except Lolth for obvious reasons, a cambion ended up feeling curious about young Rylmyr. This particular devil was a sort of patron of chaos, who monitored the Underdark and Menzo society because the bloodthirst and constant turmoil of warring houses was like reality TV to him.

This additional little drow, who has fucked up the fate of his house so bad just by being born presented a new "channel" to watch, so to speak. The cambion met with Ryl because there's only so many centuries of the same old backstabbing to be done in Drow society and he was intensely bored.

The cambion makes a deal with Ryl: he will be Ryl's warlock patron, and give him the magical powers that he were “supposed to have” (the prophecy isn't wrong after all, and Ryl's magic is stupidly powerful when he's able to control it). The devil also agrees to make his body and mind more in harmony but leaves the marks of his claws on Ryl's chest; the devil did not put in the contract's clause that he couldn't be barbaric about it.

For Ryl's part of the bargain, he agrees to having this Cambion keep an eye on him literally by just… being himself. An outcast drow, given magical powers and no training on how to use them, thrown into the surface world? Delicious entertainment again. (Sidenote: The cambion is also petty as fuck, and says something like 'also there's this bitch Mizora who i wanna piss off so i'm stealing her idea and taking your eye and using a sending stone because you're my personal entertainment'.)

Ryl loses an eye and its replaced with an onyx black sending stone so he can be this cambion's Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Ryl for the most part is like 'there is literally no part of this deal that is bad for me' (spoiler it isn't ALL gucci because he has to do some fucked up shit after getting settled above ground) but it at least lets him escape in one piece.

#bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 art #bg3 fanart #bg3 ocs #bg3 oc art #bg3 oc #bg3 tav fanart #bg3 tav

[acesw]

[Chapter 7 spoilers below]

"Your hands…were never meant for violence. They were meant for upholding the truth. As for me, I'm the one who clears the dust off the path, as fate foretold." BLUEPOCH WHEN I FUCKING GET YOU.

#reverse 1999 #reverse 1999 spoilers #eating my fucking hat #crying

[the-ayakashi-in-me]

If Spring is here, can Winter be far behind?

Summary:

"I may not be chosen by God. But I have been chosen by fate."

The disappearance of Crown Prince Satoru Gojo, all but leaves the Empire in disarray. With no one else fit to inherit the throne, Princess Shiyori Gojo must now take on the challenge of finding her brother and being the Emperor chosen by fate.

Starring: SatoSugu, Nanami x OC, Naoya x OC and practically everyone from JJK.

Genre: ANGST, isekai au, drama, fluff (eventually), and whatever genre you use to feed your delusions.

Warnings: JJK is a warning on its own, toxic relationships, violence, a little gore, probable eventual smut, MANGA SPOILERS, established relationship, ANGST, mental illness, characters might be a little OOC. (Lemme know if I've missed anything)

A/N: Did I just re-emerge outta nowhere? Kinda. Did I finish my previous series? No. Will that stop me from starting a new one? Also no. Anyway, welcome to my new series, which is basically my delulu isekai version of JJK where everyone is happy and more importantly ALIVE. As always constructive criticism is always welcome. And reblogs are highly appreciated.

 Series Masterlist:

Gloom

Yuta wondered if this was a funeral. Because it certainly didn’t feel like a coronation. What else could it be? In the empire’s defence, the citizens were all in mourning. The loss of their beloved Crown Prince had come as too much of a shock. No one could have ever foretold, that the preeminent Satoru Gojo would just altogether cease to exist one day. 

After all, he was the child of prophecy, the child of magnitude; that sanctified the Akutami Empire by just being born. The one, Goddess Utahime herself had endowed with greatness—the one drowning in quintessence.

Naturally, next to him, Princess Shiyori paled in comparison without a doubt. She had no unique gifts, no particular talents, no extraordinarity. Worst of all, she was a woman. The only thing she had going on for her, was that she was born into royalty. However, that too, along with everything else was attributed to her impartial luck. 

When someone like that, was suddenly proclaimed the next Emperor, anguish and opposition were all but expected. The whole kingdom was in protest. “She’s not strong enough. She’s not tall enough. She’s not man enough.” 

Yuta gracefully rolled his princely eyes. Of course, she wasn’t man enough. She was a woman, after all. And she was the most resilient woman, he had ever known. It was stupid, selfish and rude to expect her to be a man. But, how and where do you even begin to explain these sentiments to this brainwashed crowd? You can’t, simply because they won’t listen. 

But, Yuta wasn’t here for that today. He wasn’t here to sway the hearts of his people. He was here for his sister. This was her coronation now, her ascension. Yes, this coronation was meant for the Crown Prince, his questionably beloved teacher. But the Crown Prince was not around and someone must ascend the throne today.

Princess Shiyori, with tear-stained eyes, had pleaded with him to take on the role. “Even if you are an illegitimate child, our people will always have far more faith in you, than they will in me.” 

Yuta didn’t remember much that had transpired that day, after all the whole kingdom was set a buzz with the disappearance of the Crown Prince. He too had been a part of the search party. The tremendous exhaustion and anguish of losing someone precious had him reeling on his own two feet. 

However, even in that state, his conviction did not falter. “Yes. I know. But…I’m sorry Shiyori. I cannot bring myself to do it.”, and that tore down the walls he so carefully built while growing up in the palace. That day, he wept over the loss of a brother, a mentor and a friend. He wept over his incompetence, his disappointment, his selfishness, for it only burdened his venerated sister. That day he wept till he could weep no more, all the while, Princess Shiyori held him together in her gentle and warm embrace. 

“I’m sorry I asked you to do something so arduous. I won’t ask again.”

“No…I’m sorry for putting you in a quandary.”

That day, Yuta mourned a lot of things. But not even for a moment did he grieve over the fate of the empire. After watching that kind smile spread over her face that day, he knew the empire was in good hands. For he knew, Shiyori Gojo was far more capable than he and him combined.

Fifty-seven years. That’s how long High Priest Gakuganji had been in service of the great Utahime. All this time, and yet he was farther than ever, in comprehending the divine. He had previously crowned two monarchs. Today he was supposed to crown the Crown Prince. But, “Utahime works in mysterious ways, your Majesty.” he attempted to console the previous Emperor. 

However, there is little that can console a father mourning the loss of his oldest child. Not that he was the best father. No, he’d been too selfish for that. But he was always proud of his children. 

He was proud of Satoru, he had every chance to become like his father, but he didn’t. Every day he lived up to all the lofty standards the prophecy had burdened him with. He reigned victorious in the War of A Hundred Demons. He even took his illegitimate brother under his wing.  He was the empire’s hero, his ancestors’ pride.   

He was also proud of Yuta. Yes, his mother came from a humble background. And yes, he suffered an unsurmountable amount of grief at a very young age. However, once he was able to overcome that, he fit right in the palace. Honestly, when it came to royal etiquette, he left Satoru far behind. Truth, be told, the empire would be far from distraught if he were to become the Emperor. But, Yuta never wanted the throne. He was happy being appointed as the Viscount of Okkotsu.

And Shiyori, he was proud of her too, wasn't he? Satoru was eight when Shiyori was born. She was frail since birth. Born under a Heavenly Pact, her cursed mana was insanely high, however, as is with most pacts, her weak body wasn’t built to handle the power. She nearly died when she was ten, the first and last time she used her power. After that incident, both he and Satoru forbade her from using cursed mana. So she didn’t, she was home-schooled. To top it all she suffered from chronic respiratory illness. 

His majesty heaved a heavy sigh. No, he couldn’t remember a single instance where he was proud of his daughter. He was always worried, always apprehensive when it came to his middle child. Shiyori could topple over with a strong breeze, and yet (despite the two sturdy ones he had), Utahime deemed this child to be fit for the throne? Well, he could now empathize with his citizens.  

© to the-ayakashi-in-me. Please do not repost, copy, steal or translated without permission.

#jjk #jjk anime #jjk manga #jjk angst #jjk fanfic #jjk gojo #jjk smut #jjk nanami #jjk geto #jjk fushiguro #jjk sukuna #jjk fluff #satosugu #jjk x oc #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen fluff #jujutsu kaisen smut #jujutsu kaisen fanfic #jujutsu kaisen angst #jujutsu kaisen x oc #jujutsu kaisen x reader

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb: A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while fighting her growing desire for his fiery son—in the first book of a Norse-inspired fantasy romance duology from the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series. The stunning first edition hardcover of A Fate Inked in Blood will feature foil page edges, a custom-stamped case, and a premium dust jacket!

Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. And it’s been foretold that such magic will unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she has sworn to protect.

Review:

A woman bound in an unwanted marriage finds her secret, that she has god's blood in her and that she is secretly a prophesied shield maiden, revealed and that she is sold off to another power hungry king... except she is now falling in love with her new husband's son and the lives of thousands rest on her shoulders. Freya is stuck in an unwanted marriage, spending her days gutting fish and her nights with a man she doesn't want any part of... all so her family can reap the wealth of it while she endures. Yet she dreams about becoming a warrior and when her husband betrays her to the region's jarl and sells her off to him... she now finds herself in a fight to the death against the jarl's son, Bjorn. To survive she is forced to reveal her secret: she possess a drop of a goddess's blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. There is a prophecy that states that such magic found in a shield maiden will unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls tbhe shield maiden's fate. The fanatical jarl believes that he is destined to rule Skaland and forces Freya to marry him (despite him being the age of her father and him already having two other wives). He binds her to him with a blood oath and orders his son Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Freya must now learn to fight and survive and control her magic while enduring tests from the gods as well as the worst test of all, her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. Freya must manage her lust for Bjorn, but it gets harder and harder when she spends so much time next to the charming and kind hearted viking. Can she find a way to survive the war and the people who want to use her while falling for the one man she can't have... or was she doomed from the start? This is the first book in the duology and it had a lot going for it. I found the world to be interest and I liked the romance my only big issue was Freya herself, all her decisions had me wanting to tear my hair out in frustrations. If you can get past some of her decisions then I definitely think you'll have a fun time with it. This is definitely for fans of shows like Viking. Freya kind of reads like an 18 year old girl who doesn't really have a backbone but is learning for the first time in her life. I am excited to see where the next book goes and how it ends the duology.

*Spoiler: Freya is married to Snorri (the jarl) and Yvla (Bjorn's step mom) binds them in blood so she has to obey them ( she does this and agrees to it as long as Snorri never sleeps with Freya). Freya falls for Bjorn and he falls for her, (insta love). Freya discovers that her family has always used her and doesn't really care that much for her but she still cares for them despite it. She also discovers that Bjorn was held as a hostage by the other jarl Harld and that Snorri believes harld killed Bjorn's mom Saga ( Harld continues to deny this). Turns out Bjorn's mother is still alive and that Bjorn views Harld as his actual father and that Snorri tried to kill him and his mother. Bjorn wants revenge against Snorri. ( Before she finds out all fo this Freya runs away with Bjorn and fakes their deaths and they confess their loves to each other). When Freya finds out the truht about Bjorn she gets mad (like seriously girl this is what you choose to get mad over/?? It's not even your thing to get mad over he wasn't even using you he was trying to save you and then she kills a bunch of Harld's men because she's angry (she's so irritating). Then bit ends with her mad at bjorn despite him telling her he loves her and he just wants to get revenge for his mom who is alive and that he only ever wanted to protect Freya and avenge his mom ( seriously he is in the complete right).

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #a fate inked in blood

[ogradyfilm]

Recently Viewed - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

[The following review contains MINOR SPOILERS; YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!]

What happens when four bumbling murder hobos stumble upon a quest that far exceeds their current level, surviving only by the grace of lucky dice rolls and a merciful Game Master? Something, I’d imagine, quite a bit like Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

This standalone campaign (unrelated to the 2000 theatrical film and its various straight-to-video sequels, though the heroes of the 1983 Saturday morning cartoon series put in a brief cameo appearance) manages to accomplish the difficult task of restoring a measure of joy, whimsy, and humor to the fantasy genre. Neither a sprawling, melodramatic epic in the style of Tolkien nor a grim, gritty, “mature” political thriller akin to Game of Thrones, its stakes are considerably (and admirably) more modest: the protagonist isn’t “The Chosen One,” and there are no prophesies, fates, or foretold destinies. The surprisingly tight script—penned by Game Night directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein—instead emphasizes developing flawed characters, exploring their relationships, and resolving internal conflicts (in one particularly memorable scene, for example, a previously inept sorcerer realizes his full potential by literally punching the personification of his low self-esteem in the face).

Featuring a plot that traverses the length of the franchise’s Forgotten Realms setting (from the frigid wastes of Icewind Dale to the ominous depths of the Underdark) and populated by creatures ripped from the pages of The Monster Manual (including Mimics, Gelatinous Cubes, and Owlbears), Honor Among Thieves is certain to delight longtime fans of the TTRPG, but its relatively small, intimate scale and effortlessly humorous tone make it equally accessible to total newcomers. It isn’t as groundbreaking or innovative as Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Lord of the Rings—and I doubt it’ll be even half as influential—but it boasts more than enough Charisma to charm an audience for 134 minutes. I'd gladly return to this interpretation of the Sword Coast for further adventures.

#Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves #Dungeons & Dragons #D&D #DnD #fantasy #RPG #film #writing #movie review

[ode-to-spring]

♡⋆.ೃ࿔* AN IMMORTALS BURDEN ~

should the day ever come that you are not together, you will continue to shine like gold in his memories . . .

ੈ♡˳ zhongli x reader (romantic) ੈ♡˳ category :: angst, implied breakup, reader has a new s/o ੈ♡˳ warnings :: mentions of death, spoilers for the first liyue archon quest (?), oh no zhongli sad ੈ♡˳ a/n :: have i mentioned that i love the concept of immortality and how it affects those who have it

the wise know that immortality was never once a blessing, but more of a curse— that will, quite literally, forever remain. there are those that were so ill fated that they were born simply to see everyone around them die, to watch from a distance as time stripped every friend they held dear from their fingertips. the hurt of despair, of loneliness, of heartache, it'd accompany them as they walk through the never ending cycle of loving and losing again, and again, and again.

and who else would understand that dreary phenomenon better than he who's walked on teyvat the longest? most people won't be able to guess that the kind funeral parlor consultant they see every day has witnessed countless events throughout his terribly long lifetime. and yet, he still remains. he creates, treasures, and preserves his relationships with people to this day-- despite the fact that he knows he'll still be there when they're already long gone.

to this, you are no exception. when you walked into his life and changed it in ways he didn't even think possible for himself, he swore his own personal contract. one to cherish you and your existence until he can do so no longer, so that at least he'll have the fondest of memories with you to accompany him for the next few millennia. 

and for a while he did, he really did. he loved you so, so much, and he wouldn't trade you for every piece of mora he'd ever made throughout his years. he wanted to live in those moments with you forever, he truly cherished every second he was able to stand by your side. but what the calculative intellectual zhongli hadn't foretold, however, was that you'd leave him far, far before he'd expect. and to rub salt into the wound, that you'd so quickly learn to love someone else after him. of course, he found this much better than outliving you while you were still in his arms, but seeing you in someone else's was far more painful than he'd ever imagined.

so now, whenever he'd see you at the wharf of harbor he brought up with his own two hands, he can't help but look away for his own good. he didn't think he could bear to watch you treat your new lover the way he wanted to do you. it's as if he never even existed to you, despite the fact that your very comparatively short presence in his life would leave an unforgettable impression on him for years to come. he fully entrusts you to this new lover of yours, may they treat you the way he could never have, ensure that the life you live would be filled with the joy he wishes he could've shared with you. he hopes more than anything that you're happy. your presence may be gone now like all the rest, but you'll never truly stop shining like gold in his memories.

#yes i also wrote this during the old. old ebg games for @/xiaophobic #i love you atlas #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin imagines #genshin impact imagines #genshin angst #genshin impact angst #genshin scenarios #genshin impact scenarios #genshin zhongli #genshin impact zhongli #zhongli x reader #genshin zhongli x reader #zhongli x you #genshin zhongli x you angst #genshin impact zhongli x you angst #`「❁」 flower.arrangements ❞ #`「❁」 arrangement.bouquets ❞

[cljordan-imperium]

Happy WBW! Does something like soul mates or fated relationships exist in your world? Are there any beliefs about this?

Hi sweets!!

Thanks for this question 💜

In all my fantasy worlds, yes. How those come about is varied. Even within @theimperiumchronicles how mated/fated/predestined couples find one another is not consistent because it is dependent on the type of being. So Talon, who is a demigod did not even realize that Delilah was his mate till they slept together (spoiler) but Adriel (who is an Angel) could tell with Anna VERY quickly (spoiler). Gail and Karlen found one another through dreams. No two are exactly alike, but when one finds the one the gods and Fates have ordained, there is no doubt.

In @magical-mistakes-vm there was a prophecy that's already been revealed, and how Mahala fits into it is starting to be shown and will continue to be. There is a future scene that removes all doubt she is who Vollrath was prophesied to be with.

In @devil-in-the-details-ay it will be revealed later that the Fates WERE involved somewhat in the forced marriage of Astaroth and Yara. However, the why is very important and explains a lot. Both Yara and Astaroth already have suspicions that they are because of how well suited they are to one another.

@princess-of-thieves-id nothing happens without the Fates or deities causing it. Inara and Diyan were both running from an arranged marriage to one another, and now they're on the same boat and associated through Arik. Things will get more complicated later as well when feelings develop between them. You cannot escape fate.

@tapperhet-em there are some changes I've made from the original concept but there is still magic in this story. A royal Princess and a soldier destined to be together and change an entire kingdom. They don't know it yet but thus was foretold. What four friends have set out to do by protecting Meeri, trying to find out who set her up, and who really helped her uncle will fulfill an ancient prophecy.

@bombsbodyguardsbroken - while this is set in our reality just with magic. There comes a point where fated love is talked about. It is real, but rare.

#writeblr #my writing #writeblr community #my ocs #writeblr connect #ask answered

[mischief-lies-and-stories]

As Simple As The End: A Poem

Spoilers for The Immortal Thor issue 7.

All stories must end,

It is the way of stories.

Yet, to borrow from another tale,

Something too much of this.

Is it too much to ask, O Norns,

For a clean break, with no unfinished business?

For a long life, for forgiveness from my brother,

At long last earned, without conditions?

Is it too much to ask, you Fates,

For a peaceful retelling, where the only changes

Are made by us, now, with nothing sinister

Lurking in the shadows, rewriting our history?

An ending. If only this were the last ending

We would have to contend with for awhile.

If only I were as everlasting as Wildfire,

As fleet of foot as my own Thoughts.

If only I, too, could wrestle Death,

And nearly stay upright with pride.

If only I could meet my own foretold end,

And live on to tell the tale of it.

But that all is behind us, brother.

My death and rebirth and rising

Like a phoenix from my own grave.

Now, like a raven, nevermore.

An ending, yes, an ending.

It is how these things go, brother mine, and yet,

Sometimes they are the hardest parts

For a Teller to sculpt from the clay of story.

Where do I end? When do I stop?

You told me once that I was the best

At running away. I think if you could,

You would eat your words now. Yet still.

How do I stop running, brother?

How do I let go, of life, of breath in my lungs?

How do I let go of you, when all I want

Is to protect you from whatever truths may yet come?

I know what it is like to wake to your life a lie,

Your parent a stranger, your world turned on its head.

I know what it is to unleash something so terrible

You cannot stuff it back into its box when you lose control.

I can help you, in this adventure, and the next,

But where does it end, Thor?

And when do I grow bored as your ally,

And return once more to being your foe?

I do not want to be your enemy again.

I do not want to go back to that past.

I'd sooner die, and I know that isn't a threat,

Isn't a vow. It's a premonition.

I hope I get a chance to write the ending myself,

But Thor, if my end is written for me, know this,

All stories must end, this is true,

But a story told once may be told again.

#i'm sure i interpreted that hamlet line wrong #all well #loki #loki comics #marvel comics #the immortal thor 7 #the immortal thor spoilers #the immortal thor #al ewing comics #my writing #character study poetry #oh look i'm still scared loki's going to die #despite no evidence suggesting it in the last like four months

[phoenix-flamed]

Okay, I just had a thought, but it involves spoilers so.

If we take the ending of the game at face-value, and Joshua and Clive are both gone...

Imagine Elwin waiting to greet them on the "other side". Welcoming them with the biggest hugs of their lives, telling them how proud he is of them...

#Out of the Flames #Fates Foretold: Spoilers #He's so incredibly proud of them asdlfks

[afriendlywolf]

Finished tears of the kingdom and not a big spoiler but can you just imagine being a big dude capable of massive power waiting to have the battle of the fucking century for your life and fate of hyrule and then the foretold time comes and some 4'9 manlet with the most unaware zoning out expression comes and you have some dumbass monologue and all this manlet does is just stare at you like :l for the entire duration of the monologue AND while you're both fighting each other?

Hysterical.

#wolfie rambles #zelda tears of the kingdom #totk

[jackiestarsister]

OUAT rewatch: Episode 1x01

~ The written intro feels more like the script for a trailer than a prologue/introduction. It doesn’t seem necessary to me, since the audience presumably has some idea of the premise already, and if they don’t, it’s explained pretty early on.

~ The open scene really is magical, from the landscape shots to the perfect actors to the real snowfall.

~ No disrespect to Prince Charming, but shouting “Hey” to get the Evil Queen’s attention before throwing the sword at her was not smart. It’s like shouting “Sneak attack” while attacking someone.

~ Emma’s blue star-shaped candle = making a wish on a star, associated with the Blue Fairy

~ It’s striking how Emma and Henry face each other. He’s much shrewder than you’d expect a 10-year-old to be, and he has some similarities to her in attitude and intelligence. The way he outmaneuvers her is similar to how she outmaneuvered her fake date at the start of the episode.

~ “Come home with me.” = a Hadestown reference?

~ “Believing in something doesn’t make it true.” “That’s exactly what makes it true.” Sounds like a convicting statement, but that’s not how either stories or the real world work. There is truth in metaphor, symbolism, and story itself; but truth does not depend on whether someone believes, understands, or acknowledges it. But (spoiler alert) this becomes a key concept in the season 6 finale.

~ Rumpelstiltskin’s first scene is fantastic. I wonder if him being in the dungeon at the beginning has some psychological symbolism for Snow and Charming. His return at the end is a bit startling, and confirms him as a significant recurring character, someone Emma will have to contend with, rather than just a footnote or supporting character in her parents’ story.

~ I don’t know why I didn’t realize it from the start, but the title is much more than just the first line of most fairy tales. Time itself is a central theme of the show, from the very beginning. The curse is being frozen in time. The story structure in each episode jumps between different points in time, showing the impact of the past on the present.

~ In light of these themes, the fact that the clock tower is located right above the library, a place that houses books, is quite fitting!

~ “Giving into one’s dark side never accomplishes anything.” – That line, spoken twice in this episode, could be one of the theses of the show. It hits differently knowing what lies in store for many of the characters!

~ The reply, “How many wars has a clear conscience won?” is a valid question. It’s easy to have principles and ideals in the abstract, but it’s another thing to live them out, especially when someone is threatening you or your loved ones.

~ “Our fate rests on a tree?” makes me think of the cross of Christ, another foretold Savior

~ It’s interesting that Regina’s house has a white color scheme, and in her first scene as mayor she’s wearing light-colored outfit. It’s only afterwards that she switches to a darker outfit. Maybe, instead of the white = good and black = evil symbolism used elsewhere, they decided to contrast white/neutral colors for Regina with vivid colors for Emma, as seen in her red jacket and yellow car.

~ I have questions about the castle setup. Why did Gepetto and Pinocchio go about constructing the wardrobe so far away from the royal couple’s bedrooms? My only guess is that they didn’t expect the baby or the curse to come as quickly as they did.

~ It makes sense for Emma’s last name to be a type of bird, given her mother’s connection with them and the metaphor they serve in her first scene as Mary Margaret.

~ I remain curious about religion in both the Enchanted Forest and Storybrooke. An archbishop officiated Snow and Charming’s wedding, and Mary Margaret is wearing a cross necklace in her first scene. Given that the Grimm brothers were theologians, it would make sense for these characters to be influenced by Christianity, but that raises questions about where the Enchanted Forest and other realms exist.

~ The queen and her forces approaching when a mother is giving birth and searching for her child to kill it is reminiscent of the mother, child, and dragon in Revelation 12

~ Snow and Charming’s love for their daughter and capacity for self-sacrifice are what establishes them as heroes, even more than the audience’s familiarity with their story.

~ Prince Charming defending his newborn child with his life = the most dramatic possible visualization of fatherhood, both gentle and fierce

~ Emma’s journey through the tree-wardrobe is similar to the stories of Moses, Elora Danan, and other mythical children who escape danger as infants, signifying hope for the future of their people.

~ I love all the motifs and little details that nod to the characters’ stories, like Pinocchio carving a whale, Henry’s bedroom lamp showing images of birds, starting with a swan, and Regina going to a mirror when she is threatened.

~ The episode is relatively simple and self-contained, but soooo good! Even though it switches between two timelines, they manage to lead into each other with great effect. For example, Pinocchio appears just one scene after he’s first mentioned, and Grumpy gets his big closeup and line right before his first scene as Leroy.

#Once Upon a Time rewatch #ABC's Once Upon a Time #Once Upon a Time #Welcome to Storybrooke #Emma Swan

[undertaleofficial]

This is my called shot, if Deltarune continues to follow Live A Live (spoilers of LAL below)

All things in brackets are things that happened to Oersted from LAL which may not be applicable to Deltarune's variant on it but it's worth noting the exact circumstances just in case I'm right

A single new party member will be added every chapter [and the previous members who aren't a part of the hero triad like Noelle may not recur as playables in the Dark Worlds ever again until the finale where they could potentially be used one last time to face off against the final boss].

The seven revealed chapters will turn into nine chapters. (Likely 6 and 7 will be released together as supposedly the final chapters, but it'll actually be revealed that 8 and 9 are unlocked when 7 is completed like in LAL.)

Kris will kill someone important (most likely Susie) after being tricked/forced into doing it and then framed afterwards.

The perpetrator of this would have to be Ralsei as he is the only one so far who matches up with Oersted's wizard ex-friend who frames him (and Ralsei is also literally called 'prince of the dark' which is incredibly similar to the title used by the big bads in LAL, 'Lord of Dark').

To back this 'traitorous Ralsei' line of thought up since it's very controversial in the Deltarune fandom, Ralsei is the one who taught Kris how to use their 'proceed' ability in Chapter 1's jail segment and he mentioned it at least once before that with very odd, specific wording to include it. He also is aware of the metanarrative as directly shown in Chapter 2's genocide route when he's upset that the narrative won't move on to where it should during both scenes with Noelle and Susie, yet he does nothing about the route itself. Unless his awareness of the metanarrative is extremely limited to the point he can't see any of Snowgrave happening somehow, that makes him incredibly suspicious on its own.

Also, while not proof exactly, Oersted's final boss forms in LAL directly inspired every one of Asriel's final boss designs in Undertale (even Omega Flowey)... this may explain why Kris (a knight, like Oersted) takes the role of Oersted and Ralsei as Oersted's ex-friend (also a wizard) since Asriel's story is not really similar to Oersted's and Asriel is still a good person when he loses Flowey's emotionlessness.

Somewhat related, one strange thing about Deltarune's Darkner prophecy as foretold by Ralsei is that the Angel is excluded from it despite its continued existence in the Light World's version of the sigil. This could be willful doctoring on Ralsei's part or just unknown to him, but in my opinion it's likely that there is still an Angel, who is someone other than the triad of heroes and decides the fate of the world similarly to the Angel of Undertale.

Kris kills Ralsei in a fight to the death after Ralsei tries to use his full power to destroy/take over the Light World.

[Kris's love interest (Noelle?) commits suicide after learning about the two murders Kris committed, without being aware of the context behind them. (I think this is the most likely bit to be removed/changed since I also think Noelle is the real Angel of the prophecy and is the most likely person to be the true protagonist after Kris turns regardless, especially if Susie and Ralsei are both dead by this point, but this mayyy be relevant somehow anyway since she's crushing on Susie.)]

Kris becomes evil[/a Lord of Dark specifically], presumably due to the contextless backlash of killing Ralsei and the victim they'd been framed for.

Kris will be killed by the combined forces of the rest of the party members [after Kris has become the latest incarnation of hatred like Ralsei before them], thus saving the world... but at a great cost, and with the knowledge that any person has the capacity to become filled with hate and evil as it is said in LAL.

This is just my best guess of what Toby is going for with Deltarune's finale using Live A Live's finale as an outline. Undertale's pacifist route was the antithesis to Live A Live and I think Deltarune may be the reoccurrence of Live A Live, possibly regardless of route as indicated by the game's central theme (and the fact that Toby has said there is only one ending). It probably won't be exactly like I've said but most likely similar in some instances (some characters may be switched around, the exact contents of the story events might be altered compared to the LAL counterparts, etc.).

#yes its another essay from me today my friend #live a live spoilers

[agrastyrashcroft]

Fire and Ice || Dragonborn OC x Odahviing || PROLOGUE

Story Summary: Alduin was slain one year ago by the Dragonborn of my age, Elayne Moorfield. The world was forever thankful for her heroism, and acknowledged her as the realm’s greatest hero. However, for Elayne herself, life wasn’t as steady. Plagued by nightmares of that fateful final battle, she struggled to live a normal life. Here, she recounts her experiences with me, and her peculiar romance with an unlikely being.

Chapter Summary: A restless night filled with dreams of the past can only end poorly…

Author’s Notes: Anything written in italics should be considered part of a flashback. Furthermore, anything written in bold is Dovahzul, and all translations will be provided at the end. From here on out, anything written below a gif on a Fire and Ice related post will be written in third person, past tense. This chapter will be the shortest I plan to release, as this is the prologue.

Warnings: Spoilers for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (but we both knew that, right?)

Word Count: 1.4K

MINORS DNI - DO NOT REPOST

“LOK - VAH - KOOR!”

After a few failed attempts to clear the hazy mist in Sovngarde, the quartet of warriors finally managed it. In a matter of seconds, the veil of magical fog dissipated, leaving behind a clear scene before them. The pathways leading to the Whale Bone Bridge were filled with weary souls, lost on their way to the Hall of Valor. Meanwhile Tsun, the lesser known god of trials, pointed at the sky above. Once the four heroes took the hint and gazed in that direction, they grasped their weapons tightly. Alduin, the World Eater, was shouting a Thu’um none of them were familiar with, and flying directly at them. The sky above blackened with dark gray clouds, meteors randomly falling down.

The Nord Tongues, accompanied by Elayne, the Dragonborn, sprung into action. Gormlaith Golden-Hilt didn’t hesitate to bring Alduin down to her level with Dragonrend, her lungs heaving from releasing the Thu’um. The black-winged beast was brought down at once, screaming Dovahzul gibberish. In seconds, Akatosh’s firstborn received an onslaught of attacks. Elayne used her trusty blade, a glass sword named Grimsever, to pierce his leathery, weathered wings, while Felldir the Old repeatedly lacerated his scaled hide. Meanwhile, Hakon One-Eye and Gormlaith Golden-Hilt ensured Alduin didn’t leave the ground.

“You cannot kill me! Zu’u nis dir!” Alduin screeched, powerless to the four warriors attacking him. With every swing of Elayne’s and Felldir’s blades, he could feel his physical body lose strength. Although he couldn’t bleed like other dragons, the gashes on his great, muscled form were deep and fatal. “The Dragonborn will not fulfill her destiny! My fate is mine to decide! Zu’u fen lahney ulse!”

But he was wrong. After living for thousands of years, coasting through time by means of the Elder Scroll, Alduin was doomed to die. All living things had a foretold time of death; there was no avoiding it. His pleas went unheard, and the valiant warriors continued their vicious attack. After some time, it was clear the black dragon could no longer fight back. He stopped resisting, and simply remained on the ground, even after the effects of Dragonrend wore off.

“Your time has come to fulfill your destiny, Dragonborn.” Felldir proclaimed, stepping towards her with his greatsword in hand. He appeared tired and in dire need of rest, especially for a man of his age. “Go forth, strike the dragon dead. Tamriel will be free of him, and the souls of the dead can finally rest in peace.”

“You speak true, Felldir the Old. It’s high time I finish this, once and for all.” She smirked at the long-dead hero, gripping the hilt of her sword tight in her calloused hands. Elayne approached the felled dragon, her emerald green eyes focused on her target. After months of questing and preparing for this day, she was ready to kill her greatest foe. “Alduin! You stand before me as a defeated beast. No more will you torture the souls of the dead. No more will you taint Sovngarde with your presence. Today, you die.”

She readied herself, poising her right foot behind her body to brace her short, lean frame. Her curly hair atop her head was akin to that of a great, brave lion; the sigil of her deceased family. Elayne was the picturesque hero of her era, with a youthful face and fiery temperament. Nothing could slow her down during training, and now her hard work would finally pay off.

“Any last words?”

Suddenly, the ground shook. The Nord Tongues wailed in confusion, reaching for their weapons once more. Elayne watched, bewildered, as Alduin laughed. Yes, laughed, as if she told him a crude joke. Her vice grip on her sword tightened even more, the blisters on her palms threatening to burst.

“What humors you, Alduin?!” She spat, trying to shout over the dragon’s boisterous laughter. Alas, Alduin was louder, and her words went unheard. At least, for a few seconds, until he finally silenced himself. Elayne observed him lean his giant head closer, his red eyes peering into her green irises. “Speak.”

“You fail to understand what you’re about to do, Dovahkiin. Slaying me will be your undoing. Hi los daniik wah funt.” His voice was raspy and cold, almost scratchy like wheat. Alduin tilted his head, opening his maw to reveal his sharp, daunting teeth before recoiling from her. “You are compelled to kill me, are you not? Do it, then. Nid aak zu’u, uv hi.”

“You mean to scare me, when you are inches away from death?” She chortled, pointing the tip of her blade at his nose. Elayne wouldn’t be deterred so easily. “No. No this is not my end, but yours. You fall, here and now.”

“Will I? Or will those loyal to me hunt you down? Sivaas horvut naal sunvaar?” He sneered, hot air billowing from his nostrils. “You are strong for a mortal, but you will never be free of fear. Fear runs through you, as does your dragon blood.”

Now that made her pause. Her shoulders fell, while the grip on her blade loosened, causing the point of her sword to fall from Alduin’s snout to the grass. Elayne was frozen there, unable to move or speak. Was he right? Would this be her end? She was told for months that this was the right thing to do, but was it? Will—

“Do not doubt your strength, Dragonborn!” Hakon interrupted her train of thought, clapping a rough hand on her armored shoulder. He glared at Alduin, knowing full well his mind games were affecting Elayne. Now wasn’t the time for trepidation. “You were born to do this. The gods deem you worthy of this task, don’t turn your back on them.”

He was right. Who else would do this, if not her? A shaky breath escaped her body, sweat beading Elayne’s forehead. This had to be done, here and now. She grit her teeth, and raised her blade once more. Despite the fear that grasped her body, she was resolved to kill him. No one else could, other than her.

“You don’t scare me, worm.” She hissed, her heart pumping adrenaline throughout her system. Goosebumps pricked her skin, while a newfound fire lit up her eyes. Elayne then bolted, using Alduin’s vulnerable body as a ladder to climb up. He tried to thrash about, but she ran from the joints of his wings to his skull. “Die!”

With her blade directed downward, she plunged it into his head. The malachite sword stuck in the bone, which cracked. She could see ribbons of orange-gold magic start to swirl his body, while a loud, coarse groan reverberated from Alduin’s throat. She did it; that had to be the killing blow. Elayne didn’t bother to pull her weapon from his skull, instead leaping down to the grass. She rejoined the Nord Tongues, watching in anticipation.

“Zu'u unslaad! Zu'u nis oblaan!”

She shot up in bed, sweat caking her fair, freckled skin. Her chest raggedly rose and fell with each labored breath, while her heart struggled to beat regularly. The memory of that day always haunted her, but whenever she dreamt of the fight itself, she always woke before she could see Alduin’s body explode and crumble into dust. Maybe that was for the best, as Elayne sat there, alone, with hot tears in her eyes and an irrefutable sadness welled inside her. She grasped at the bear furs she used for blankets, trying to hold onto something—anything for comfort—while she cried to herself.

This wasn’t the first time she was forced to reminisce on the past, nor would it be the last.

—

Translations (provided by thuum.org)

Lok vah koor: Sky spring summer (the Clear Skies shout)

Dovahzul: Dragon language (note: not a direct translation)

Zu’u nis dir: I can’t die

Zu’u fen lahney ulse: I will live forever

Dovahkiin: Dragonborn

Thu’um: Shout

Hi los daniik wah funt: You are doomed to fail

Nid aak zu’u, uv hi: Nothing can save you, or me

Sivaas horvut naal sunvaar: A lamb cornered by wolves

Zu'u unslaad! Zu'u nis oblaan!: I am unending! I cannot end!

#the elder scrolls #dragonborn #skyrim #odahviing #dragonborn x odahviing #skyrim fanfiction #elder scrolls fanfiction #skyrim fanfic #elder scrolls fanfic