#a corgi who may or may not be a spy

[wannabe-british-fangirl]

~ books read in 2023 ~

#21: The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones

The farmer had four ordinary children, which was why the magic of the fifth came as a surprise.

Rating: 5/5

#the drowned woods #emily lloyd-jones #2023 reading list #books #book aesthetic #book moodboard #ya books #fantasy #magic #heist story #love and betrayal #found family #welsh folklore #fey magic #a corgi who may or may not be a spy #owlcrate #owlcrate august 2022

[books-to-add-to-your-tbr]

Title: The Drowned Woods

Author: Emily Lloyd-Jones

Series or standalone: standalone

Publication year: 2022

Genres: fiction, fantasy, retelling, mythology, romance

Blurb: Once upon a time, the kingdoms of Wales were rife with magic and conflict, and 18-year-old Mererid “Mer” is well-acquainted with both. She is the last living water diviner, and has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service. Under the prince’s orders, she located the wells of his enemies, and he poisoned them without her knowledge, causing hundreds of deaths. After discovering what he had done, Mer went to great lengths to disappear from his reach...then her old handler returns with a proposition: use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both. The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince’s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies - including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy - Mer may finally be able to steal precious freedom and peace for herself. After all, a person with a knife is one thing...but a person with a cause can topple kingdoms.

#the drowned woods #drowned woods #emily lloyd jones #standalone #2022 #fiction #fantasy #retelling #mythology #romance

[mercerislandbooks]

Short Take: The Drowned Woods

You could say I have a fascination with Wales. It began when I picked up Sharon Kay Penman’s Welsh Princes Trilogy as a teenager and devoured them. Historical fiction set in 13th century Wales filled with romance, royal machinations and more than one prince called Llewelyn. Totally hooked. Then I finally read Susan Cooper’s outstanding The Dark is Rising series. The last two are set in Wales, complete with a short primer on Welsh pronunciation, and I ate them up. It was in the final book of this series, Silver on the Tree, that I first heard of the Drowned Hundred, a mythical kingdom swallowed by the sea. When I caught sight of The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones, a YA historical fantasy, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a connection. Indeed, it is set in Wales and involves a heist, so I was definitely in.

Merirad (Mer) is just trying to keep her head down and escape the notice of Prince Garanhir, the man who bought her off her family when it was discovered she was a water diviner, a human touched by the fae and able to manipulate water. He raised her to be used as his weapon but when Mer couldn’t live with the damage she’d inflicted any longer, she ran. Trouble comes looking for her in the form of her old mentor, the Prince’s spymaster. Renfrew offers her the opportunity to get free of the Prince forever with one last job. Together Mer and Renfrew assemble a crew, including a young man touched by Death, the heir to the Thieves Guild and a corgi called Trefor who may or may not be a spy of the “other folk”. Their aim? A magical well on a remote island guarded by an otherworldly boar said to protect the Prince’s kingdom by holding back the sea. Plus all the treasures the well contains. Ruin Garanhir and finance their new lives all in one fell swoop.

Of course nothing is straightforward when magic and spies are involved, and the nonstop action kept me riveted. I listened to The Drowned Woods on audio, a bonus because for once I heard all the Welsh names and places as they are supposed to be pronounced instead of making my best attempt based on that long ago lesson Bran gives Will in The Grey King. Lovers of historical fantasy and fans of Six of Crows will find this a good fit. Lloyd-Jones balances tension with humor, because nothing beats a corgi that sneezes when magic is in play. And for those who have series fatigue, this is a stand-alone. Though if you want more of Lloyd-Jones’ historical fantasy Wales, you can also pick up her previous YA, The Bone Houses. A perfect escape for the end of summer!

— Lori

#island books #lori robinson #wales #the drowned woods #emily lloyd-jones #sharon kay penman #welsh princes trilogy #susan cooper #the dark is rising #the grey king #silver on the tree #the bone houses #ya historical fantasy

[publishedtoday]

The Drowned Woods - Emily Lloyd-Jones

Once upon a time, the kingdoms of Wales were rife with magic and conflict, and eighteen-year-old Mererid “Mer” is well-acquainted with both. She is the last living water diviner and has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service. Under the prince’s orders, she located the wells of his enemies, and he poisoned them without her knowledge, causing hundreds of deaths. After discovering what he had done, Mer went to great lengths to disappear from his reach. Then Mer’s old handler returns with a proposition: use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both. The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince’s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy, Mer may finally be able to steal precious freedom and peace for herself. After all, a person with a knife is one thing… but a person with a cause can topple kingdoms.

tw: death, violence

#the drowned woods #emily lloyd jones #Little Brown BFYR #august 16 2022 #lgbtq #bisexual

[theyforcedmetogetablog]

I read a book! And I am about to make it everyone's problem. Buckle up for "The Drowned Woods" by Emily Llyod-Jones review that no one asked for.

Mer, short for Mererid, is the last living water diviner in all the kingdoms of Wales. Not only can she locate water, but she can also manipulate it at will. I am talking boil, freeze, push, pull, if you can think, it she can do it kind of manipulation. Naturally, this makes her very valuable and people kill to possess that kind of skill. And people do! An evil Prince abuses her powers for his own gain and she escapes.... or at least until the Prince's former spymaster *cough Mer's pseudo father cough* finds her and asks her to help him bring down the Prince. Together, they find a fae-cursed man, a princess of theives, and a corgi who may or may not be a spy for the fae, but will 100% steal your boots. Will they manage to bring the prince down? Or will secrets among them prevent them from overthrowing the corrupt leader? Advertised as part fairy tale, part heist, it will keep you turning pages!

So here be potential spoilers as I pour my own thoughts out. This book is well written! Don't get me wrong! It has a bi mc who has lover to enemies to I need your help going with the princess of thieves! Which was something I didn't expect, but thoroughly enjoyed! But I still want to shake the author! There's something about the way Emily Llyod-Jones ends her fantasy books (I have only read this one and The Bone Houses so I can't comment on all her books) that does not sit well with myself. For no good reason? Like, all the lose ends are tied up! All my questions are answered! But I'm left feeling... meh? At the end? If anyone else reads this, message me if you agree OR disagree!

TO CLARIFY! I STILL RECCOMEND THIS BOOK! It is very good!

#emily lloyd jones #the drowned woods #book review #book reccs #bookblr #Books

[libraryinthecountry]

★ Do you tend to prefer US or UK covers? I always find myself gravitating toward UK covers, but then there’s books like @em_llojo’s The Drowned Woods and both covers are so, so stunning (my last post features the Illumicrate edition!). Actually The Bone Houses is one of my favorite covers of all time, so no surprise at all that The Drowned Woods would be incredible, too! Description: Once upon a time, the kingdoms of Wales were rife with magic and conflict, and eighteen-year-old Mererid “Mer” is well-acquainted with both. She is the last living water diviner and has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service. Under the prince’s orders, she located the wells of his enemies, and he poisoned them without her knowledge, causing hundreds of deaths. After discovering what he had done, Mer went to great lengths to disappear from his reach. Then Mer’s old handler returns with a proposition: use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both.

The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince’s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy, Mer may finally be able to steal precious freedom and peace for herself. After all, a person with a knife is one thing… but a person with a cause can topple kingdoms.

The Drowned Woods—set in the same world as The Bone Houses but with a whole new, unforgettable cast of characters—is part heist novel, part dark fairy tale. Thank you to @thenovl for sending me a copy of the book. ★ HASHTAGS // #TheDrownedWoods tour #TheDrownedWoods  #EmilyllyodJones #thenovl #storygramtours #bookcart #tbrcart #shelfie #homelibrary #stencilededges #thebonehouses #bookstagram #fantasybooks #yabooks #bookseverywhere https://www.instagram.com/p/ChnVKqaPxSQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#thedrownedwoods #emilyllyodjones #thenovl #storygramtours #bookcart #tbrcart #shelfie #homelibrary #stencilededges #thebonehouses #bookstagram #fantasybooks #yabooks #bookseverywhere

[shattered-sparks]

City Sights

Planned to be a comic series ☙•☽―――☾•❧ Note: This project is currently being rebuilt. Things are subjected to change World building

The setting of City Sights is one on a planet who's main inhabitants are canine insect hybrids called Barkva. The planet itself being extremely bountiful in nature. Tall trees and plants of all shapes and sizes is it quiet similar to Earth, if only too humid for any snow. The Barkva having a draw to light since the beginning they've evolved using the nature around them to capture and display luminescence. These creatures living much like us, civilized and simply going by each one of their days. (Inspired off of Synthwave and Cyberpunk it is a mix of high tech with nature) Barkva are the humans of this project. Each one being a mix of a certain dogbreed and a winged insect. Highly intelligent they've evolved way past us in capabilities. The list of different barkva Moth - Pitbull Mantis - Doberman Wasp - Dachshund Dragonfly - Borzoi Butterfly - Labrador Beetle - Corgi, Basset hound, Yorkshire + Any other listed breeds Cricket - Beagle Bee - Chiuahua (These are a open species, you're welcome to make one for yourself) (If you are curious about what insect would be what dog breed in this universe go to @sunandmoonshow-unofficial and ask them) Although I will not personally be showing any hybrids or responding to any questions regarding mixs of barkva you're welcome to explore it yourself The technology of this universe is highly advanced though one that will be prominently featured is the Faunatsy gear. Faunatsy gear includes a mask, collar, and bracelets. Using the mind of the barkva that wears it this gear can completely alter how one looks. Most often reading what the barkva's interests are and using it to display their most desired form. How it gathers this is by using and reading the brain. Though this isn't completely fool proof as what ever the gear has altered will have some sort visual giveaway that it's been altered.

One key downfall of the Faunatsy gear is it's complete government hold on it. Starting in one city it has since spread to multiple. Those cities having a law against anyone knowing your real name, so all residents in these places having to go by chosen nicknames. Due to the escapism capabilities of the gear propaganda created by the governments spreads. Speaking of how much safer the cities with the gear inside it are compared to outside places. Though unknown to the public the reasons behind this being the government uses the mind reading capabilities of Faunatsy gear to take out anyone who questions the usage of the gear. Secretly spying on citizens the government keeps tabs on everyone. Anyone that may pose a threat will be captured and taken, forced into slavery and silence. ☙•☽―――☾•❧

Plot

(Rough idea, edit later) Group of rebles expose the government for their complete abuse of the Faunatsy gear

#city sights #Character Chatter

[reviewsthatburn]

This feels similar to THE BONE HOUSES in many of the ways that made it just okay for me. In particular I find myself disliking the animal companion, this time it’s a Corgi. I want the guy to be broody instead of just quiet, I have very little sense of what anyone thinks, and I’m just not having a good time, so I’m stopping.

Full Review at link.

#DNF #Fantasy

[booksread121]

eBook [Download] The Drowned Woods BY : Emily Lloyd-Jones

EPUB & PDF The Drowned Woods | EBOOK OR PDF ONLINE DOWNLOAD

by Emily Lloyd-Jones

  Ebook PDF The Drowned Woods | EBOOK ONLINE DOWNLOAD If you want to download free Ebook, you are in the right place to download Ebook. Ebook/PDF The Drowned Woods DOWNLOAD in English is available for free here, Click on the download LINK below to download Ebook After You 2020 PDF Download in English by Jojo Moyes (Author).

 Download Link : [Downlload Now] The Drowned Woods

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 Description

Once upon a time, the kingdoms of Wales were rife with magic and conflict, and eighteen-year-old Mererid ?Mer? is well-acquainted with both. She is the last living water diviner and has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service. Under the prince?s orders, she located the wells of his enemies, and he poisoned them without her knowledge, causing hundreds of deaths. After discovering what he had done, Mer went to great lengths to disappear from his reach. Then Mer?s old handler returns with a proposition: use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both.The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince?s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy, Mer may finally be able to steal precious freedom and peace for herself. After all, a person with a knife is one thing? but a person with a cause can topple kingdoms.The Drowned

[thediaryofareader]

The Drowned Woods is a dark fairytale about a thief, a prince, a fae-cursed man, and a corgi who may or may not be a spy as they attempt to destroy the magic well that keeps the prince 🇱 🇦 🇳 🇩 '🇸  🇸 🇦 🇫 🇪  Have you read #thedrownedwoods yet? ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #bookworm #bookish #bookblogger #amreading #bookgram #instareads #bookishlove #readmorebooks #bookstagrammers #bookcollector #readinglife #bookwormproblems #bookobsessed #bedtimereading #readerforlife #bookshark #bookpicture #bookishphoto #bookreviewer #booksaremagic #bookblog #goodreads #bookster #bookishproblems #bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CiWS9uLOVa9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#thedrownedwoods #bookworm #bookish #bookblogger #amreading #bookgram #instareads #bookishlove #readmorebooks #bookstagrammers #bookcollector #readinglife #bookwormproblems #bookobsessed #bedtimereading #readerforlife #bookshark #bookpicture #bookishphoto #bookreviewer #booksaremagic #bookblog #goodreads #bookster #bookishproblems #bookstagram

[whimsicaldragonette]

ARC Review: The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones (e-ARC and audiobook ARC)

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Add to Goodreads

Publication Date: August 16, 2022

Synopsis:

Once upon a time, the kingdoms of Wales were rife with magic and conflict, and eighteen-year-old Mererid “Mer” is well-acquainted with both. She is the last living water diviner and has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service. Under the prince’s orders, she located the wells of his enemies, and he poisoned them without her knowledge, causing hundreds of deaths. After discovering what he had done, Mer went to great lengths to disappear from his reach. Then Mer’s old handler returns with a proposition: use her powers to bring down the very prince that abused them both. The best way to do that is to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince’s lands safe. With a motley crew of allies, including a fae-cursed young man, the lady of thieves, and a corgi that may or may not be a spy, Mer may finally be able to steal precious freedom and peace for herself. After all, a person with a knife is one thing… but a person with a cause can topple kingdoms. The Drowned Woods—set in the same world as The Bone Houses but with a whole new, unforgettable cast of characters—is part heist novel, part dark fairy tale.

My Rating: ★★

My Review and Favorite Quotes below the cut.

My Review

Iwanted to love this one. In fact, I expected to love it like I loved the Bone Houses. But I just.... didn't. It *should* be everything I like. Set in the same world as Bone Houses, a heist with magic, characters with mysterious pasts... But it just felt flat. I tried reading the book and listening to the audiobook and neither one could keep my interest. In fact, it sent me into a bit of a slump where I just couldn't bring myself to pick up any book because I dreaded returning to this one. It just felt like a slog? I'm finally calling it and DNFing at 60% of the way through. I mean, if you're 60% into a standalone heist novel and you're still slooooowly introducing characters / gathering the crew and none of them have been fleshed out enough to have personalities (and you can barely remember their names and certainly not what they look like) and you have almost no idea about the bigger picture or more than the sketchiest details about the characters' pasts or the heist itself then that’s a problem. The one thing I did like was the relationship between Mer and her former mentor. There is obviously fondness there on both sides, mixed with quite a bit of mistrust on Mer's and a tendency for her mentor to go into teacher mode and/or fail to disclose critical pieces of his plot so that Mer has to follow him with a dose of blind faith. In the end, too much is kept a mystery both from the characters themselves and from the reader. Mysterious pasts and gifts and magic and plans can intrigue the reader. But if so much is kept in the dark that all you can do is stumble around hoping to figure out what the heck is going on, it does not make for a pleasant reading experience. The audiobook narrator, Moira Quirk, is one of my favorites. She has a great range of character voices and a good grasp of the pronounciation of the various Welsh names. However, even her excellent narration can't make up for the foggy vagueness that encompasses this novel. *Thanks to NetGalley, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and Hachette Audio for providing an e-arc and audio arc for review.

Favorite Quotes

The third time a customer grabbed her, Mer considered drowning him.

---

“Cities like these, with all the people and the iron — both in their blood and all around them —it pushes back the old ways. Makes me wonder how things will fare in the future.” “What do you mean?” “I mean,” Fane said, “that humanity has a tendency to push into every corner of a place. And with their iron and their armies, it may be only a matter of time until someone like Garanhir turns his attention on Annwvyn.”

#netgalley #shilo reads #arc review #audiobook review

[tandewrites]

The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones [ARC REVIEW]

The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones [ARC REVIEW] ★★★★☆

She could not slay her own fears. But as for the men who’d made her afraid – they could bleed. The Drowned Woods is another book that I’ve fallen completely in love with due to it hitting so many of my niche interests. A water diviner girl (the last of her kind), a fae-cursed boy, a chaotic-good heir to a thieves guild, and a corgi who may or may not be a spy. Along with three other characters,…

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#2022 #August #Review

[meettheprivate]

Pet Headcanons [TF2 X SO]

Because I am that person.

Absolutely on board with a pet no questions asked: Scout, Soldier, Pyro, Engineer

Hesitant at first but will comply eventually: Demoman, Heavy, Sniper, Medic

Non: Spy

--

Scout: Has always wanted a pet, but with so many brothers his ma saw no reason to have yet another animal in the house. If you ask for a dog he will just be ecstatic! He’s always wanted a Boston bullterrier, or maybe a Rottweiler. Something cute but tough just like him! He may complain if you ask for a cat though, and absolutely no birds - traumatic memories of a certain dove come to mind.

Soldier: Let’s be honest, Soldier has a soft spot for cuddly things - he just doesn’t show it, like, ever. Sure he would much rather have a bald eagle as a pet, but that’s illegal and you (being the smarter of the two of you) have to deny him his right to possess an illegal pet. When you come to a compromise of a dog, he’ll say something to the tune of, “I want the fluffiest, softest, squishiest one they have.” Because he doesn’t want a dog that makes him think of the eagle he couldn’t have. He’d also accept a cat, as long as it’s the biggest asshole they have - which isn’t too hard of an ask.

Pyro: Admittedly, you’re reluctant to ask Pyro if they want a pet with you, as you’re kinda worried they might do something crazy while in Pyroland to your precious new addition to the family. So you recommend a sturdier pet, like a calico cat. You figure the cat can escape if necessary, and ya’know, they’ve got nine lives (right??). Surprisingly, you find out quickly that Pyro and your cat have formed such a tight bound that they can communicate to one another. Turns out Pyro can make cat friends easily!

Engineer: This sweet man is no stranger to owning pets. When he was growing up, his family had the sweetest pupper out there: a Golden Retriever named Austin. You decide to surprise him one day by bringing home a golden Labradoodle who you’ve humbly chosen to name Bee. He immediately falls in love with the sweet pup and goes to work to build the dog everything from a bed, toys, their own fancy collar, the works! He even made a metal dog tag shaped like a bee. You start to wonder if he loves the dog more than you - don’t worry, he loves you more than before for getting Bee, but he may love Bee more. Also, don’t be surprised if one day he comes home to surprise you and Bee with a little corgi puppy - so Bee can have a little sibling!

Demoman: There are a number of reasons why he is reluctant to getting a pet; they’re a lot of work, they can be messy, and they crave attention. He likes dogs, but doesn’t know the first thing about taking care of one, and cats? They remind him of his mum a bit too much. But when you suggest the wild card that is a parrot? SOLD. You both pick out a parrot that matches his team colour and happily take the sweet birb home with you. Demo adores his new friend, because now he feels like a true pirate king. Plus, the bird listens to his drunk ramblings, how could he not love his new friend?

Heavy: Unlike the others, he has never really had a connection to animals in any way. He used to eat bears to survive, he lived in a gulag, to say concept of a pet was abnormal was an understatement. When you ask, he at first shuts you down immediately, saying he’s too big, and he’d worry about hurting the poor creature. However, you show him the wonderful word of BIG puppers and he’s intrigued, but only slightly. Then you show him a Saint Bernard puppy, and then a full sized one. Heavy finally agrees when you tell him how it is near impossible for him to hurt the sweet big boys, just so long as he doesn’t try to ride one. When you bring your new pup home, Heavy immediately falls in love.

Sniper: It doesn’t take long to convince him. At first he says no because he doesn’t like normal pets like cats, dogs, birds, etc. But then you throw out the crazy idea of getting a pet wallaby (which is legal in some areas). The man was in TEARS. Now getting the wallaby was no easy feat - let’s just say it pays to know SAXTON HALE! - and when you finally got your joey you both were so pleased. The best part? It was cheap to feed your new pet as they primarily eat grass! A free lawnmower anyone? However, now Sniper’s asking if you’d be on board with getting a koala too. What have you started?

Medic: His doves are his babies. He thinks you should view them as your babies too and stop fantasizing about getting more pets. That is until you suggest the crazy idea of...Mice. Yes, mice plural. He thinks its a crazy idea, but then thinks about the irony of a doctor, a man of experimental science, and a whacko having pet mice and it just sounds so comical and crazy that he agrees to it. So now the med bay is filled with dove and mice excrement. Delightful. Medic also decided to name each of the mice after his teammates. For some reason he always liked to play with “Spy” by moving him around in his hands. Don’t tease mouse Spy.

Spy: Two words: Pet. Hair. Does he think animals are cute? Sure. He once thought about gifting Scout a bunny to prove a point. But he refused to own one himself, less he ruin his perfectly tailored suit by getting it coated with fur. He offers to buy you anything else to make up for this though, so at least he feels bad for rejecting your request? Also he doesn’t know why, but he feels like he’s begin rocked on a boat or something right now...Maybe it has something to do with Medic’s new pets somehow.

#tf2 headcanons #tf2 x reader #tf2 x so #tf2 #team fortress 2 #Cryo's Writing #tf2 scout #tf2 pyro #tf2 soldier #tf2 engineer #tf2 demoman #tf2 heavy #tf2 sniper #tf2 medic #tf2 spy #team fortress 2 x reader #team fortress 2 x so #reader insert #tw mice #tw mouse #tw rat #tw rats

[dontdoitluke]

We Could Be Heroes - Ch 6

Sky High AU, but instead, it’s a superhero University. 

Summary: Skyler decides it’s time to play detective with Michelle, things get a little muddy between Jenna and Ashton, and Michael shares his big news. 

Chapter: 6/?

Word Count: 3,638

CHAPTER INDEX

Let me know if you want to be added to my tag list!

Tags: @calumamongmen   @myloverboyash   @wildhearthood @vintagehoods @lukescherrypie   @burncrashbromance   @dukesnumber1  @calsophat @kindahoping4forever @lockthisheartinchains  @babylon-corgis @lfwallscouldtalk  @badguycal  @justhappytoobehere

“Sky, the man can hear a butterfly burp from a mile away and you want me to spy on him?”

Skyler shrugged and halfheartedly stabbed one of her tortilla chips into a bowl of salsa next to her. She had just spent the last ten minutes explaining the details of her interaction with Michael, from the argument with the librarian to him running out of the room. It was all very un-Michael-like, and Skyler was very concerned. And by concerned, she meant nosy. In the best way possible, of course.

“He can hear a lot of things, but he can’t hear your thoughts. So as long as you don’t say anything you should be good, right? Come on, aren’t you just a little bit concerned as to why he’s running around all frantic-like? Or why he’s being so distant with us?”

Michelle took a sip of her water and raised an eyebrow. “Actually... he has been kind of distant these past couple of days.”

“See?”

“But I don’t think it’s anything suspicious. I mean, he could just be enjoying his time with Mickey, you know they’re inseparable now.”

“And I don’t think it has anything to do with Mickey at all,” Skyler said through a mouthful of chips and salsa. “I think he’s trying to drop out of school.”

Michelle furrowed her brows and reached for one of the chips in the basket between them. “What? What makes you think that?”

“I mean, when he came into the library, he got on one of the computers that was facing away from me so I couldn’t see, and normally he doesn’t care about that. He didn’t let me see what he’d printed either, he hasn’t been very vocal in class-”

“When is he ever vocal in class?”

“I mean, you’re right, but he’s been especially quiet lately. And he always takes notes at least, but he hasn’t even been doing that. He’s just been on his phone the entire time.”

Michelle froze mid-bite; realization slowly dawned on her face. “Yeah, he... he always takes notes. He’s very serious about his school work. Now that I think of it, this morning, during Chem, the professor had to tell him to put his phone away.”

“And when we were in first aid class, he spoke up like he was paying attention, but he was on his phone the whole time, remember?”

Both girls stared silently at the table, thinking back on the past few days and remembering all the things that had changed in Michael. Aside from the fact that Mickey was now there, no one had noticed any changes until now.

“So... why would he suddenly stop paying attention in class? Because he’s not going to have those classes anymore.”

Michelle took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. This whole ordeal was giving her a headache, and she couldn’t stand to think of Michael leaving.  

“It has to be something else. Maybe he met someone?”

Skyler tilted her head to the side, considering the idea, then shook her head. “No, it can’t be that. It would explain the phone, but not the forms.”

“Maybe they’re unrelated. I don’t know. I just really don’t think we should spy on him and if you’re really that nosy about it-”

“Concerned. I’m concerned.”

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that. Anyway, I think if you really want to know what’s going on, you should just ask him.”

“Yeah, I thought about that, too. I don’t think he’ll tell me the truth.”

Both girls sighed, sat back in their chairs, and closed their eyes, completely exasperated and at a loss for a solution to the problem. All the clues did seem to lead to Michael dropping out, which neither of them wanted, and they were sure that none of the rest of the group wanted it either.  

Michelle reluctantly agreed to listen for anything that may lead to an answer, even if she wanted nothing more than to stay out of it.

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

In the common room of their dorm hall, Calum and Val sat at one of the round tables with their first aid binders open in front of them, discussing scenarios for their homework. Val had come up with some pretty good ones for herself, but Calum was still stuck. He couldn’t think of anything other than getting rid of parasites, and Val, bless her heart, tried her best to be serious about it and help him, but all she could think about was what it would be like to have him tuck her away in his stomach pouch.

The whole thing with Calum swallowing Val had started out as kind of a joke, but now they’d been joking about it for a few months and she was genuinely curious. She’d seen him take things out of the pouch; during one of their classes he was dared to swallow Ashton’s driver’s license, and he had done it without a single thought. He just swallowed the little plastic card whole and brought it back up, completely dry, with nothing but a tiny cough to show for it, and Val was enamored. It was mostly due to the fact that she’d had a huge crush on him since the day they met, but it was also partly due to her fascination with the human anatomy. And right now, she wanted to be up close and personal with Calum’s anatomy.

He began mumbling to himself, trying desperately to come up with just one more scenario, and Val couldn’t help but watch the way his mouth moved as he spoke. She couldn’t tell what she wanted more in that moment; to throw herself at him and press her lips against his, or shrink herself down and take a nap in his belly. She was in the middle of one of her many tummy fantasies when she noticed that Calum’s mouth was no longer mumbling. She looked up into his waiting eyes and realized he had been speaking to her.

“Sorry, what was that?”

He smiled softly and looked back down at his binder. “I asked if you were alright. You zoned out on me for a minute there.”

Val twisted her face in mock disgust and blew a raspberry with her mouth, placing her hand on his forearm. “Why? Do you care about me? Getting all concerned?”

Faking a gag, he chuckled and used the eraser end of his pencil to push her hand away from him. “Fuck no, crawl down a hole and stay there for all I care.”

“The only hole I wanna crawl down is your throat.”

“You’re sick.”

“No, you. Let me be your Val-ium, already.”

“I’m n... wait, what’s that smell?”

Val furrowed her brows and sniffed. She didn’t notice anything at first and was about to shrug it off, but then the smell of burnt popcorn filled the air around her. Calum, always a curious one, stood and motioned for Val to follow him to the kitchen on the other side of the common area.  

Opening the door, they were greeted with the sight of Ally and Luke arguing over whose fault it was that the popcorn had burned. Ally was insisting that Luke distracted her by asking her to make more peanut butter cups, and Luke claimed that it was Ally’s fault because she put the timer on for three minutes instead of two and a half.

“I could have listened for the pops to slow down, but nooo, Lukey needs his candy NOW!”

“You wouldn’t have to listen for the pops if you would have put the timer on for less time!”

“Yeah, well you... fuck it, I’m calling Jenna to come and drown your ass.”

“No, no, wait, put the phone down, just make another bag.”

“There isn’t another bag!”

Calum covered his mouth to stifle his giggle, but Val let out a full belly laugh, gaining the attention of the banshee and the human xerox machine.  

“What’s so funny?”

Val looked up at Luke, still laughing. “I just realized that you two were like a Venti and a Tall at Starbucks.”

Ally let out an exasperated sigh and snorted. “That’s what you’re laughing at?”

Calum looked down at Val questioningly. “So, what does that make you?”

“Why don’t you take a sip and find out?”

“Can you call Jenna to drown those two instead of me?” Luke whispered to Ally, who had started picking out the burnt kernels in the bowl next to her.

“I can call her, but her water bottle only has eyes for you. Speaking of which, there she is right now... I think.”

Ally pointed behind Calum and Val, where Jenna and Ashton were waddling into the common room, completely covered from head to toe in a thin layer of mud and dirt. They laughed to themselves and carried their mud-caked shoes in their hands as they headed toward the stairs to the dorms.

Calum called out to the two and they looked up, wide-eyed.

“What the hell happened to you guys?”

Ashton and Jenna glanced at each other, mouths opening and closing at a loss for words. Ashton looked down at his mud-covered shoes and nudged Jenna’s arm, urging her to speak for them.  

“We were dueling in the courtyard,” she started. “It got messy... earth and water, you know.”

“I can see that,” Val mumbled disbelievingly, narrowing her eyes at her water-bending friend.

“We’re gonna... we’re gonna go. Gotta, you know, shower before dinner, because... yeah, this is itchy,” Ashton stuttered out, taking off for the stairs and leaving a trail of muddy footprints behind him. Jenna waved goodbye to everyone and followed him, running up the stairs two at a time.

“Uh... are they?”

“Oh, definitely. Did you notice Jenna was wearing his shirt?”

Luke hummed and stuffed his mouth with a handful of popcorn. “I don’t get it.”

Ally rolled her eyes. Not a whole lot was able to reach the top of Luke’s head, but apparently this had flown right over it.  

“Fucking. They’re fucking, Luke.”

Luke choked on his popcorn and dropped the bowl, sending the rest of what Ally was able to save flying all over the kitchen floor.

“Aw, nice going, jackass!”

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Michelle had situated herself at the end of the hallway near Michael’s dorm, focusing on his thoughts. For the past couple of hours, he hadn’t been thinking about anything other than the game he was playing, and occasionally his thoughts turned to colorful images as he pictured the different outcomes in his mind. She was about to give up for the day when the images of his gameplay turned to images of him and Mickey sitting in a classroom with other students. It didn’t look like a memory. Memories are usually much clearer, and this image was fuzzy and distorted. It seemed as if Michael was daydreaming while he was gaming.

She perked up and focused a little harder on the images that were fading in and out with the thoughts of his game, trying to spot anything that could relate to what she and Skyler discussed that afternoon. It looked like they were in a regular class with other students, but Mickey was sitting next to Michael in his own chair instead of hiding in his backpack like he usually does. The two looked at each other and smiled, Mickey’s crooked mouth opening wide with happiness, and Michael simply took off the headphones he always wears. Was he trying to listen for something important? Maybe they were just getting too hot? Maybe he’s just imagining a life where he doesn’t have to wear them? Michelle was beyond confused as daydream Michael put the headphones into his bag and turned his attention to the professor at the front of the room.  

Then, the daydream changed from a classroom setting into images of the pair at a concert, again with his headphones off. Michael had expressed his desire for concert-going many times before; he’d never been able to due to his power. Michelle could almost hear the music blaring from the imaginary speakers, she could feel the joy that Michael was feeling, and somewhere in the back of her mind, she sensed another feeling coming from him. It was almost a feeling of need, or excitement. She pinpointed the feeling as best she could, and decided that what she sensed was a feeling of hope.

Bringing herself back to her own thoughts, she left Michael to his imagination and left the dorm hall, smiling to herself. She didn’t sense anything that she could connect to forms or secrecy, but she was glad that Michael was thinking happy thoughts for once.  

She decided that she’d try once again to convince Skyler to let him keep his secrets. If he really wanted them to know, he’d share it. And if he was really going to leave S.A.V.E.U., she figured he had a good reason to. Michael usually knows what's best for himself, and who were they to stand in the way of what he wanted?

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

The next day, Michael woke up bright and early. He was in an especially good mood, and he sang softly to himself while he showered, hummed a cheerful tune while he brushed his teeth, and even did a happy little dance as he got dressed for the day. Mickey mimicked every movement and sound in his own cheerful little way.  Once he and his tiny copy were dressed, Michael picked up his phone and sent a group text to his friends.

“lets meet up for breakfast, I have something I need to share and I wanna do it in person.”

Over the next few minutes, the replies started rolling in, and although most of them were not morning people and would rather spend their day off in bed, they knew that if Michael had something to say, it was important. They all agreed to meet at 10 a.m. in the dining hall, since most of the other students that usually come down for breakfast would have been gone already, and none of them had to change out of their pajamas. Which was something that Carly, Ashton, and Viv were very adamant about.

Michael headed to the dining hall with Mickey riding in his backpack about a half hour early, hoping he’d have some time to really collect his thoughts before revealing his news to his friends. However, when he stepped off of the stairs and opened the door, everyone was already seated at a table farthest from the rest of the students and staff occupying the room.  

“Wow, I thought I’d have to wait for the rest of you, not the other way around.”

“Skyler forced us all to get here early,” Emma yawned, laying her head down on the table sleepily.

“You said you had something important to share, and I wanted everyone to be here and awake for it. I was concerned about-”

“Nosy, you mean?” Carly sang mockingly.

“CONCERNED, about what you had to say to all of us.”

Michael scratched the back of his head nervously and looked toward the ground, turning toward the tables and trays filled with various breakfast foods. “Ah, well that’s good, then. Let’s, uh, let’s go get food, and I’ll... I’ll tell everyone my news then, I guess.”

Luke, always the first one to get excited over the mention of food, jumped up out of his chair and led Michael to the serving line. The rest followed after, grabbing their trays and piling their plates with whatever they could fit. Jenna and Ashton briefly fought playfully over who deserves to have the last Belgian waffle before deciding to share it. Exchanging knowing glances, Val and Ally subtly fist bumped, and Calum scrunched his face together in disgust as he picked out his breakfast.  

Once the group had paid for their meals and gotten settled at the table, Michael anxiously began to pick at his breakfast. He was so excited to share his news with his friends, but now he was tearing his toast into tiny pieces, unsure of how to start. His news wasn’t even big news, at least not to anyone other than him and Mickey, and that’s what worried him the most. He was afraid that his friends would be angry at him for dragging them out of bed for something so minuscule. He calmed himself down little by little, handing the tiny bits of bread to Mickey, who devoured them with glee and held his tiny hands out to Michael’s plate for more. He broke one of his slices of bacon in half and handed it to him when he heard Michelle’s soothing thoughts in his head.  

“It’s okay, Mike. No matter what it is, we’re gonna love and support you through it.”

He glanced up and looked over at her, giving her a shy nod. She smiled comfortingly and nodded back, urging him to begin.

Taking a deep breath, Michael scooted his chair back a few inches and pulled Mickey onto his lap. He cleared his throat to gain everyone’s attention, and after a few nudges and some shushing from Emma and Viv, the entire table eagerly awaited Michael’s announcement.

“I... well... I’m not sure how to start. But I guess I should... thank you all for coming?”

The group murmured words of encouragement and smiled brightly. They all knew that public speaking and being the center of attention was Michael’s worst enemy, so they were always quick to cheer him on if he needed it.

“So, the past few day’s I’ve been doing some research, because... I noticed something strange happening, and... ah, fuck it. Let me put it to you this way; I don’t need these anymore.”

Michael slipped his noise cancelling headphones off of his head and set them on the table in front of him and Mickey. Almost immediately, everyone began speaking in hushed tones, and Michelle covered Luke’s mouth before he could screech something stupid.

“What are you doing? You’re going to give yourself a headache!” Carly whispered worriedly.

“No, that’s the thing. I don’t need them. I don’t know what it is exactly, I couldn’t find anything in my research... but the first night Mickey was born, I noticed that something was off, and my power was either not working, or something else was going on, I don’t know. That’s why I started doing research about what was going on. It has something to do with the fact that we’re the same person, technically. I know it doesn’t make sense, and it probably never will, but...”

Michael smiled widely, his entire face lighting up with happiness. In his lap, Mickey beamed proudly.

“Mickey can turn my power off.”

If you had ever heard the sound of eleven people gasping all at once, you’d think it sounded like something out of a cartoon, or a sitcom. And that’s exactly what it sounded like. And Michael reveled in it. The sound was clear, and at a normal volume. It wasn’t the painfully loud, muffled sound that he was so used to. And he loved it.  

“I can go out and do things like a normal person, now. I can go to concerts, movie theaters, festivals... and all I have to do is have Mickey by my side.”

“Wait a damn minute,” Skyler started. “So that’s what all the sneaking around and being glued to your phone was for? Research?”

Michael nodded and softly bounced Mickey on his knees.

“What about the forms you were printing yesterday?”

“Certification forms. I was getting Mickey registered as a therapy companion so that I can take him with me wherever I want to, since apparently some businesses want to treat him like some kind of animal and won’t let him in.”

Ashton, who had been silent up until now, shook his head and stuttered confusedly.  

“Hold on. You’re telling me that he’s like a service animal now?”

“Kind of. He’s my Emotional Support Clone.”

The friends at the table sat slack jawed and silent for a solid five seconds before they all burst out laughing. Michael inhaled deeply and sighed. It was so nice, being able to comfortably listen to his friends howl with laughter. Even if they were laughing at his expense.

“Skyler had us all so worried, she told us you were dropping out of school!” Viv exclaimed. Skyler stood and held her hands up in defense.  

“Hey, now. I said I THINK he’s dropping out, I didn’t say it was confirmed.”

“What? What makes you think I’d drop out? I wouldn’t leave you guys for the world.”

Emma faked a gag and jumped up to hug Michael. Carly and Michelle followed suit, creating a domino effect; everyone else stood and joined in the group hug much to Mickey’s distress. He slid out from under the hug and moved away to breathe, and Michael tried his best to hug everyone at one time as he cried tears of joy. Being able to hear normally, having so many friends that love him and his clone, it was all too much for his heart, and he felt like he was going to explode, or puke rainbows and glitter, he was just that happy.

“Don’t scare me like that next time!” Skyler whined, smacking Michael’s arm.

“Don’t be so nosy next time!”

Back at his seat, Luke screeched loudly, like nails on a chalkboard. Everyone, including the other students and staff in the room, covered their ears.

“That still hurts, though... what the fuck, Luke?”

“Your Emotional Support Demon Child stole my strawberry!”

Mickey sat in Ally’s chair, absentmindedly munching on the berry in question and waving Luke away with his free hand.

“Am Mickey, Mick-Mickey.”

“What the fuck did he say, Mike?”

Unable to stifle his laughter, he shrugged and wiped his eyes.  

“He said ‘fuck off, breadstick’, and I won’t get on to him for it, either.”

Luke pouted, turning beet red as he sat back down to childishly pick at what was left of his pancakes.

“But I was saving it for last...”

#HOWDY DOO #I ACTUALLY LOVE THIS CHAPTER #wcbh #5sos #5 seconds of summer #ashton irwin #luke hemmings #michael clifford #calum hood #correct me if i'm wrong but i feel like working on this story is helping me with my writing> #idk #i enjoy writing it though #and i hope you all enjoy reading?

[larryssunflower]

TRR AU- The Non-Royal Romance (part one)

Summary- just read this short post here. It will explain everything :)

Pairing- Drake x MC

All rights reserved to Pixelberry- just borrowing their characters :)

Tagging my lovelies (just in case you will like this series too! If not, no problem 💕)- @simplyaiden-blog @butindeed @mfackenthal @confessionsofabrokegirl @american-duchess @drakelover78 @monosodiumglutamateme @crookedslimecreatorpasta @mrsdrakewalkerblog @traeumerinwitzhelden @gardeningourmet @speedyoperarascalparty

—-

Drake’s Pov-

I stand near the doors of the palace, waiting for my cue to respond to my next position. The group of suitors outside the ballroom doors slowly get larger and larger as more noblemen file in. As I wait, standing with my hands folded, I overhear some of them talking in their whiney voices. “We haven’t even met the princess yet, who knows what she looks like?” one asshole asks, making a lot of them mumble in agreement. “Yeah, for all we know, she’s a pig! Maybe that’s why they hid her for so long!” Some guy shouts, making almost all of them laugh. A guy near the back shakes his head, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes. I would feel the same if I had to be one of the infuriating nobles. So entitled and rude, only caring about money and status. I despise them. Suddenly, the order to go to my position sounds in my earpeice. I nod, confirming quietly into the mic. As I start to walk away, heralds start announcing the suitors and they start joining the ball.

I wait in my position, scanning for any potential threats. Like nearly everyone in the palace, I have never met the princess. The only difference is I’m not obsessed over what she will look like, or how she will act. The only thing I care about is keeping her safe and doing my job. To follow in my father's footsteps of protecting the royal family.

I hear the click of heels nearing me and the rustle of gowns. I don’t bother looking over at them, waiting for them to pass into my eye range. It would seem unprofessional to show any emotion, especially curiosity. They pass me and stop at the door, and I finally allow myself to look at her.

My breath hitches in my throat as soon as I rest my eyes on the princess. Her dark silky hair is pulled back in an effortless way and her white gown perfectly frames her body, clinging to her waist and exposing her back. I’m close enough to admire the freckles dotted on her arms and the way her hair moves so swiftly as she turns her head slightly to the side, glancing back at me.

I cant help my mouth parting slightly as I make eye contact with the woman in front of me. Her face is breathtakingly beautiful. I can’t get over the gorgeous way her dark hair frames her face, her expression soft and inviting. Her large bright eyes look directly at me, boring a hole through my head. I stare at her, dumbfounded at this effect she has had on me. Her cheeks tint a shade of red as we continue to gaze at each other. I’ve been staring too long. I need to stop. I just can’t. She isn’t looking away either... This amount of eye contact isn’t normal between strangers. But It feels normal with her. Why?

A noise startles her suddenly and she looks forward, straightening her posture. When she looks away I release a breath I didn’t know I was holding. I inhale slowly, trying to return myself to normal. Get a grip, Walker. The doors open and I watch her as she gracefully walks in with her mother. I can partially see her stunning smile and she walks in, her face sheepish as the huge crowd of people cheers for her. I suddenly wonder what it would be like to be a suitor. To have the opportunity to be closer to her. To marry her. I shake my head, looking down. What the hell is wrong with you Drake? You make eye contact with some random girl for less than a minute and think about marrying her? Get a grip man.

I jump slightly at the sudden sound of someone’s voice in my ear. “Walker, we need you to change positions to the thrones, Silverman’s wife is in labor. Remember, watch out for anything- this is a huge moment for Cordonia and a perfect time for someone to strike,” Mage informs me in the earpiece, as Silverman quickly rushes out of the ballroom, his face red. “Roger that Mage,” I smirk, knowing how much it annoys her when I say that as I walk in, standing in Silverman's place next to the princess’ throne. “Ugh don’t say ‘roger that’ it’s fucking annoying,” Mage snaps, making me crack a small smile, hiding it quickly. “okay, no more cliche spy codes. All clear all clear, over.” I say and can’t help snickering as I hear my good friend curse angrily, before she turns off the mic, mumbling about how she ain’t paid enough for this shit.

I glance over to the princess, who is looking at me with a curious look. Shit, she heard me. I turn slightly, pointing to my earpiece. Her eyes widen slightly with realization and she nods, a smile on her captivating face. “And now, the suitors may come and introduce themselves to Princess Alana!” Queen announces, and the large crowd of suitors stumbles over quickly, eager to meet her. The smile fades away from my face and I turn forward, clearing my throat. I stand there for about thirty minutes, painfully enduring the stupid men saying nearly exactly the same thing every time. A wimpy man comes up, kneeling down in front of Alana. “Oh dear Alana, your beauty knows no bounds! You are truly made to rule such an equally beautiful country! It will do me great honor to be your king!” Alana nods, at this point clearly tired, leaning her head in her hands. She just mumbles, “Thank you so much, I’m excited to get to know you more,” in a monotone voice.

I feel bad for her. Alana sighs, looking away. A man comes up, the same one who was shaking his heads at the assholes before. “Hey!” He shouts angrily, making the queen gasp, and Alana to jump, looking down at surprise. I’m about to call backup in case this guy is dangerous when Alana squeals, running down and throwing her arms around him as he twirls her around, making her laugh. “Maxwell! I can’t believe you made it!” She exclaims, squishing his cheeks together. “I couldn’t miss my bestie’s birthday!” He says, his ‘anger’ fading quickly making her laugh, as all the suitors glare at him. I exhale slowly in relief as she grabs his hand, leading him back for some more privacy, a little bit behind me, still in earshot. I can’t help listening in. “Thank god you are here, dude I’m about this close to losing it!” Alana says desperately, taking me by surprise. “Don’t worry hoe, I gotchu,” Maxwell says, making her laugh lightly. They seem to be pretty close.

“Hey, but why are you here? Why are you a suitor, like what about Allie?” She asks, and Maxwell sighs loudly. “You know Bertrand. She isn’t a noble and she isn’t rich so he doesn’t see the point of us even being together,” Maxwell says, and I hear movement, and this time Alana’s voice sounds muffled. She must be hugging him. “I’m sorry. You two are so cute, always making each other laugh. It’s like you guys are meant for each other. I can tell you are, so don’t let your older brother get in the way. But hey, you can make it through the season, you can save me from these idiots, and you can come out unscathed. I mean no offense, but I ain’t picking you,” Alana jokes, making Maxwell laugh. “I wouldn’t expect you too, I mean, so far all I’ve seen you doing is checking out that security guard-“ Maxwell says, making my stomach lurch. Is he talking about me?

“Maxwell! Jesus!” Alana says quickly, making Maxwell cackle. “Oh come on! He’s your type. Tall, brown hair, rough beard...” Maxwell trails off suggestively and my heart starts beating faster. “I swear to god I’m going to feed you to Alfred, you wet napkin!” Alana says, angrily. Wet napkin? What the hell? I can’t help smiling at their conversation.“Did you just threaten to feed me to your corgi?”He asks amusedly, breathless front the laughing I suppose. “Yes! He can be very menacing if he needs to!” Alana says defiantly as Maxwell snorts, and I hear footsteps nearing me. “Oh I’m sure..” Maxwell says, and they pass me, Alana’s face red, her hand delicately shielding her face from me. They stop just before where everyone else is, in front of me so I can see them clearly.

“Now get back out there tiger,” Maxwell says, and she groans, resting her head on his shoulder as they watch everyone dance and mingle. “Come on, if you can down fifteen shots of whiskey in under a minute, you can do this,” Maxwell says, making Alana gasp and my eyebrows to raise. Damn. She glances over at me, and looks away quickly, her face reddening. She mutters something between her gritted teeth, and Maxwell looks over, waving happily at me before Alana pulls him away roughly. I can’t help the amused smile that forms on my face as she pulls him away.

—-

A couple hours later, I’m still at my position, waiting for this damn thing to end. The party is starting to wind down and most of the security is leaving. Silverman's position requires that I stay until the end. Wonderful. I watch Alana glade effortlessly on the dance floor, in the arms of some greasy man-child. He looks down at her in a creepy way, his long black and greasy hair falling in his face. Alana looks like an angel in his arms, her face carefree as she dances. How can she just do that? Lose herself so easily?

The man leads her over to the bar and they start chatting. I don’t know why she’s talking to him. Maybe to be polite, but I find it fishy. I make sure to keep my eyes trained on them as they talk at the bar. I admire how Alana laughs, throwing her head back, her cheeks tinted. What could that rat could have possibly said to make her laugh? A noblewoman comes up and starts talking to Alana, distracting her. The rat takes this opportunity to slip something into her drink, the pill fizzing in her champagne flute. I grit my teeth and start marching towards him. What does this asshole think he’s doing?

“Uh- Drake what the fuck? Return to your position!” Mage says into my ear, but I just switch it off, marching right up to the rat. “Uh, can I help you?” He asks a look of disgust washing over his face. You fucking grease ball. I clench my jaw and grab his collar, hoisting him up from his barstool angrily. People around me gasp, and I hear people backing away. “Uh sir, what are you doing to Neville?” Alana asks from behind me, but I don’t respond, looking into this assholes’ eyes. “Neville huh? What did you just put into the Princess’ drink Neville?” I ask, my grip tightening around his neck as I say his name.

“I-I don’t know what you're talking a-about you peice of commoner trash,” Neville spits, yet I still see the fear in his eyes. I scoff and with my free hand, I reach into his jacket pocket and bring out a plastic bag labeled ‘Rohypnol’. Roofies. I throw Neville to the ground and he whimpers as he hits the floor. McKinley and Smith quickly run up, grabbing Neville and dragging him away. I turn to Alana and she throws herself at me, hugging me tightly. My mind goes blank as I feel her body pressed up against mine. I keep my arms away from her. I can’t touch her. “Thank you,” She says quietly against my shoulder, all I can muster is, “Its just my job,” and she pulls away, tears in her eyes as she smiles gratefully at me. I can’t help my heart bursting as I look down at her.

The Queen rushes over, bringing her daughter into a quick embrace. “Thank you so much young man, You saved my precious baby!” The Queen cries as I stand there awkwardly. “It’s really alright your highness, I was just doing my job-“ “-what job is that exactly?” The Queen asks. Strange question. “I’m a part-time palace security detail, ma’am,” I explain, and she nods, holding Alana’s face to her chest. “And your name?” She asks. “Drake Walker ma’am,” I respond and she looks up at me, something behind her eyes.

“Well Mr. Walker, I’m promoting you to my daughter's personal bodyguard.”

—-

Ahhhhh! What did you guys think? Did you like it? Did you not like it? Let me know! 😊 I have so many plans that I’m so excited for you have no idea! Love you all 💕💕

#drake walker #trr #trr drake #drake x mc #the royal romance #playchoices #choices #drake #mc x drake #pixelberry #tnnr

[ebaeschnbliah]

SHOES  FOR  THE  HOUND

________________________________________________________________

Lately I watched ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ again. The Canadian adaptation for TV with Matt Frewer as Sherlock Holmes and Kenneth Welsh as Dr. Watson (2000). Suddenly something made 'click’ in my head. It’s so obvious, I’m sure someone else has already noticed it long ago. I didn’t until now, though. And now I just can’t unsee it anymore.

Matt Frewer and Kenneth Welsh in the above mentioned scene.

A Hound enclosing the Hounds?

Shoes, feet and footprints seem to be of great importance in Sherlock BBC. At least a dozen pairs of shoes have been tweeted by cast and crew whilst shooting for S4. Back then, I wrote about that topic in The game is afoot  where I tried to make a list of all the scenes where shoes, feet or footprints are noticeable involved. As it turns out now, I might have missed a main clue. Because of all the shoes … I missed the importance of the 'missing' shoes. :))))

A 'modern’ case of missing shoes …. The Great Game

SHERLOCK: The boy, Carl Powers, had some kind of fit in the water, but by the time they got him out it was too late. But there was something wrong; something I couldn’t get out of my head. JOHN: What? SHERLOCK: His shoes. JOHN: What about them? SHERLOCK: They weren’t there. I made a fuss; I tried to get the police interested, but nobody seemed to think it was important. He’d left all the rest of his clothes in his locker, but there was no sign of his shoes ... until now.

An 'old' case of missing shoes boots .... The Hound of the Baskervilles

Sir Henry smiled. “I don’t know much of British life yet, for I have spent nearly all my time in the States and in Canada. But I hope that to lose one of your boots is not part of the ordinary routine of life over here.”

“You have lost one of your boots?”

“My dear sir,” cried Dr. Mortimer, “it is only mislaid. You will find it when you return to the hotel. What is the use of troubling Mr. Holmes with trifles of this kind?”

“Well, he asked me for anything outside the ordinary routine.”

“Exactly,” said Holmes, “however foolish the incident may seem. You have lost one of your boots, you say?”

“Well, mislaid it, anyhow. I put them both outside my door last night, and there was only one in the morning. I could get no sense out of the chap who cleans them. The worst of it is that I only bought the pair last night in the Strand, and I have never had them on.”   (ACD HOUND)

(Side note: Canada ... might be intersting because of the mention of 'Niagara' in TAB and the tweets from Canada during shooting S4. (X)

Dr. Watson's summary of the inexplicable incidents that preceded the case of the 'Hound':

Setting aside the whole grim story of Sir Charles’s death, we had a line of inexplicable incidents all within the limits of two days, which included the receipt of the printed letter, the black-bearded spy in the hansom, the loss of the new brown boot, the loss of the old black boot, and now the return of the new brown boot. Holmes sat in silence in the cab as we drove back to Baker Street, and I knew from his drawn brows and keen face that his mind, like my own, was busy in endeavouring to frame some scheme into which all these strange and apparently disconnected episodes could be fitted. (ACD HOUND .... this sounds somehow very familiar :))

Dr. Mortimer's report about the death of Sir Charles Baskerville

"Sir Charles lay on his face, his arms out, his fingers dug into the ground, and his features convulsed with some strong emotion to such an extent that I could hardly have sworn to his identity. There was certainly no physical injury of any kind. But one false statement was made by Barrymore at the inquest. He said that there were no traces upon the ground round the body. He did not observe any. But I did—some little distance off, but fresh and clear.”

“Footprints?”

“Footprints.”

“A man’s or a woman’s?”

Dr. Mortimer looked strangely at us for an instant, and his voice sank almost to a whisper as he answered.

“Mr. Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound!”              (ACD HOUND)

A person called Carl Charles dies

First a natural cause of death is assumed

Later it turns out that it had been murder after all

Shoes  boots disappear mysteriously

Footprints of a gigantic hound turn up mysteriously

That's ADCs  'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. And almost every adaptation of the classical story on screen starts with a first glimpse or sound of the 'monstrous hound from hell'.

Let's take a look at Sherlock BBC then:

In A STUDY IN PINK John wakes up from a nightmare and a dog barks in the night (X).

In THE GREAT GAME Sherlock receives a phone message which leads him to the missing boots shoes of Charles Carl.

In A SCANDAL IN BELGRAVIA Sherlock is summoned to Buckingham Palace. The last deduction he maks about the man who is sent to collect him - dog hairs on his trousers - confirms for Sherlock where he will be taken to.

Three small dogs .... the Corgies of the Queen. 'Here to see the Queen' ... 'Oh, apparently yes.'  

(The Corgie-Outtake, some fun facts I stumbled upon while writing this)

While making those deductions, Sherlock's shoes are very prominently displayed on the desk  .... on top of his closed laptop .... they are even lit by a lamp.

One of the first things the camera zoomes in on in Buckingham Palace are .... again Sherlock's shoes .... they have been put on a tabel in the middle of the room, on top of his other clothes.

Irene wears her highheels naked. When she puts on Sherlock's coat, she takes off her shoes ... the ones with the blood-red soles.

The Hounds of Baskerville is full of all kinds of dogs (X X). The famous 'footprints of a gigantic hound' are there, just like in the original story. But there are also explosives and chemical devices which are triggered when people step on them with their feet.

ACDs - The Hound of the Baskervilles

A main feature of interest in the original story of the Hound are the boots of Sir Henry Baskerville. They have a dual significance:

Stapleton uses them to train the dog, so it is able to recognize and follow the scent of Sir Henry, Stapleton's second targeted victim, after he had successfully frightened Sir Charles to death .... Henry's and his own uncle.

Because of the mysteriously vanishing and reappearing boots, Holmes is able to conclude right from the start that a real dog - and not a monster from hell - must be involved in the case.

“It is clear enough that the hound has been laid on from some article of Sir Henry’s—the boot which was abstracted in the hotel, in all probability—and so ran this man down."

“It was very essential for Stapleton to get some article of Sir Henry’s attire so that, in case he was driven to use the dog, he might always have the means of setting him upon his track. With characteristic promptness and audacity he set about this at once, and we cannot doubt that the boots or chamber-maid of the hotel was well bribed to help him in his design. By chance, however, the first boot which was procured for him was a new one and, therefore, useless for his purpose. He then had it returned and obtained another—a most instructive incident, since it proved conclusively to my mind that we were dealing with a real hound, as no other supposition could explain this anxiety to obtain an old boot and this indifference to a new one. The more outre and grotesque an incident is the more carefully it deserves to be examined, and the very point which appears to complicate a case is, when duly considered and scientifically handled, the one which is most likely to elucidate it."  (ACD HOUND)

Shoes boots and a dog are the two most important elements in the original story to prepare as well as to prevent a murder.

Sherlock BBC, on the other hand, adds a third element to that constellation .... and this happens already in the very first episode.

The additional componente in Sherlock BBC

ASIP - a nightmare and a barking dog mark the beginning of that episode and it ends with the first mention of 'Moriarty'.

TGG - the shoes of Carl Powers have once been taken away and are now brought back by Jim Moriarty. He admits that he is responsible for Charle's Carl's death.

ASIB - Irene is instructed by Jim Moriarty 'how to play the Holmes boys'. Jim threatens 'I'll make you into shoes' when he leaves the pool.

THOB - at Dewer's Hollow Henry Kinght's deepest fear emerges out of the fog and manifests itself as 'monstrous hound from hell'.

THOB - at Dewer's Hollow Sherlock's deepest fear emerges out of the fog and manifests itself as mysterious man who hides behind a gas mask. For a moment his face appears as that of Jim Moriarty .... before it changes in that of Henry's 'uncle Bob'.

When I first watched ASIP - in 2011 - I was surprised that Moriarty, Sherlock's famous archenemy, makes his appearance already in the very first episode. That it is him who orchestrates Sherlock's and John's first joint case. This is a main difference compared to the original stories of ACD.

It is generally accepted that STUDY and the famous meeting of Holmes and Watson takes place in 1881 while Moriarty/Reichenbach (FINA)happens in 1891.

According to William Baring-Gould the case of the HOUND occurs in 1888 (X). Seven years between STUDY and HOUND. Three years BEFORE Moriarty.

Ernest Bloomfeld Zeisler (X) moves HOUND even to 1900. That makes nineteen years between STUDY and HOUND. Nine years AFTER Moriarty.

( @devoursjohnlock  posted a very interesting meta about the strange timeline of HOUND ...  Dating the Hound Story  )

Regardless of the confusing timeline of HOUND, the most intersting questions in connection with Sherlock BBC are:

Why is Jim Moriarty introduced that early in Sherlock BBC?

Why is Jim connected to the missing boots shoes of someone called Charles Carl?

Why is Jim so closely connected to the HOUND?

Jim Moriarty and the HOUND

In HLV it gets clear that Jim is locked in a padded cell inside Sherlock's Mind Palace. But Jim doesn't only wear a straitjacket. He is also chained to the wall. And the chain that holds him isn't fixated at Jim's waist, nor at his hands or at his feet ......

Nooo .... Jim wears an iron collar and the heavy iron chain is connected to that collar as well as to the jacket. Most of the time in this scene Jim is on all fours. Or he would be if his arms weren't held back by the straitjacket.

An iron 'collar' and an iron 'leash'? Just the way a monstrous hound from hell could be held captive in ones fantasy?

"I should have him on a leash – in fact, I might" .... smiles Irene (Mrs.Sex) in ASIB. Then, in HLV, it is Jim (Mr.Sex) who is chained to a wall in a cell inside Sherlock's Mind Palace like a vicious dog on a leash. Since when is 'Mr.Sex' locked in that cell? Is he still in it by the end of S4? Was he able to break free? Is he dead or still alive? 

"I'll make you into shoes" .... threatens Jim at the pool. The most logical assumption is that he talks to Irene (Mrs.Sex) in that scene. What does that choice of words really mean then? If 'sex' is made into shoes ... and in the original story a dog is trained to follow the scent of shoes .... to find its target. The dog frightens that target to death, because the dog appears to be a hound from hell in the eyes of said target?

SHERLOCK: Look at me. I’m afraid, John. Afraid.  (THOB)

'The roads we walk have demons beneath ... and yours have been waiting for a very long time'

This is what Mycroft (the brain) tells Sherlock in TFP. Demons, monster, hounds, ghosts, horror .... is this the core of the story? Is the whole story a horror story? The story of the 'demon hound' that lurks inside Sherlock's repressed memory? Is this story not about a Baskerville but rather a Holmes Hound?

In canon, the Stapleton case, he hound case, is a family case .... the case of the Baskerville family. Because Stapleton is a Baskerville. 'There were three brothers of whom Sir Charles was the elder. The second brother, who died young, is the father of Henry. The third brother, Roger, was the black sheep of the family' ... and Roger is the father of the man who later changes his name to Stapleton.

In Sherlock BBC, Stapleton is a woman, a high ranking doctor at Baskerville, the mother of little Kirsty. Little Kirsty had a rabbit called Bluebell. And just like Sherlock's dog Redbeard, Bluebell had to be put down as well. Because Bluebell the rabbit glowed in the dark, just like the Hound of the Baskervilles does in canon. While Kirsty's father isn't mentoned at all, Sherlock's father is there but nonetheless can be called a completely blank sheet. There isn't even a name for him. Fathers seem to be of importance in this story.

"Such is the tale of the coming of the hound which is said to have plagued the family so sorely ever since. ..... Nor can it be denied that many of the family have been unhappy in their deaths, which have been sudden, bloody and mysterious.' (ACD HOUND)

According to the historical document that contains the tale of the Baskerville Hound, more than one generation of that family has been affected by this curse.

Sir Henry is the target of Stapleton, who is a Baskerville himself, the son of Roger, who is Henry's late uncle. Stapleton is responsible for the death of his uncle Charles.

Henry Knight from THOB is the target of a man whom he calls 'Uncle Bob' and who is responsible for the death of Henry's father.

But Sherlock perceives the face behind the mask of 'uncle Bob' as that of Jim Moriarty.

Sherlock is the target of Jim Moriarty from the first episode onwards. 

Jim Moriarty killed Carl Charles and took away his shoes boots.

Jim Moriarty is locked up inside Sherlock's mind palace, with an iron collar round his neck and he is chained to the wall by an iron leash like a monstrous hound.

Jim Moriarty calls himself 'Mr.Sex' and breaks into Tower Hill to play with the 'Crown Jewels'.

Like his female counterpart Irene (Mrs.Sex) - Jim Moriarty (Mr.Sex) is gay.

If Jim and the Hound are one and the same, then Jim is the curse that haunts Sherlock Holmes.  Jim (Mr. Gay Sex) is then ...

'The 'Hound of the Holmes'

And over the course of more than hundred years, many generations adaptations of Holmes' have been haunted by that Hound just as the Baskervilles have been haunted by theirs. For the Baskervilles the curse is finally laid to rest when Sir Henry finds the courage to face the Hound. When he realises that the Hound doesn't exist ... and never existed. That it had always been a deception and a lie. That the 'hound' is just an ordinary 'dog'. I guess, Sherlock will have to do the same. And I hope this time the dog in question survives.  :)

ACDs Baskerville Hound, adapted not only as modern version but at the same time modified into the 'Hound of the Holmes', would fit perfectly on two lvels, I think:

the personell level of Sherlock's family history, his character growth and evolution from a great to a good man - covering his fear and aversion of all emotions, of romance and of his own sexuality.

the social/historical level, following the history of the original stories and the many adaptations from past to present - covering the aversion of society towards a romantic relationship between Holmes and Watson.  @sagestreet  wrote a wonderful meta series about homosexuality and homophobia in Sherlock BBC ...  Follow the Dog. )

Finally a few interesting things regarding the Canadian adaptation that led to this post:

1 - When Sherlock describes in THOB, what he had seen at Dewer's Hollow, he uses this words:

SHERLOCK: It was immense, had burning red eyes and it was glowing, John. Its whole body was glowing.

In the original story the dog glowes because it's fur has been treated with phosphor. But there is no mention of 'burning red eyes'. I watched several different classical HOUND adaptations by now and as far as I can tell, there is only one of them, where the dog has indeed - and very prominently - red eyes.

It's the one from Canada with Matt Frewer as Sherlock Holmes. Even the dogs POV is coloured red.

And this is one of the canines that stare at Henry Knight when he turns on his TV in THOB.

2 - Befor Mr. Stapleton and his wife move to Dartmoor, they lived in Yorkshire where they had established a school ... St. Oliver's Private School for boys. But then something happened.

“I had a school,” said Stapleton. “It was in the north country. ..... A serious epidemic broke out in the school and three of the boys died.  (ACD HOUN)

In the Canadian adaptation only two boys die, but someone found it a good idea to add a reason for this 'serious epidemic'.

'Two students indeed died at their school …  from botulism.'

Food poisening ... because Mr. Stapleton only bought the cheapest meat for the school. Botulism, that's exactly how Carl Powers died in TGG. I wrote about this in Under the Microscope .  And let's not forget St.Aldate's Boarding School in TRF and two children who are poisoned by food as well.

3 - And a last thought .... though farfetched it may be .... I assume the Canadian dog that played the HOUND in the movie ... probably wore red contact lenses. I mean ... there are contact lenses for Jim Moriarty in Sherlock BBC ......

4 - Matt Frewer on his take of Sherlock Holmes: "I decided Holmes has these literal brainstorms. He can hardly keep up with his own ideas. His brain is working quickly but he's always this calm reserve and demeanour. So that's exactly how I decided to play him." x  (This sounds a lot like  'I'm still catching up with my brain. It's terribly fast'  :)))

Now I leave you to your own deductions. :))))

The boot and red-eyed hound pics are from the Canadian Baskerville adaptation (which I enjoy very much) The luminous dog pics are from the Granada adaptation.

Mai, 2018

Thanks @callie-ariane for the scripts.  Related post:  The game is afoot

@gosherlocked @loveismyrevolution @sherlockshadow  @sarahthecoat @possiblyimbiassed @raggedyblue @221bloodnun @tendergingergirl @tjlcisthenewsexy

#shoes for the hound #Jim moriarty and the hound #canadian adaptation #the hound of the baskervilles #missing shoes #glowing red eyes