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plus-size-reader · 4 years

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Long Time Coming

Daenerys Targaryen x Plus size!reader

Word Count: 1570 words

Warnings: none

Summary: Dany is in love with Viserys' bride, and once he's gone they become very close, and she admits just how much she cares for reader

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Daenerys didn’t have very many people in her life that she cared for. Aside from her brother, she had no real family to speak of. Even allies were in short supply where she was, so far away from her father’s kingdom.

Though, when she stopped to think about it, you had always been there.

For as long as she could remember, you had been in her life with the intended purpose of marrying her brother when you came of age. That was your only purpose as far as anyone was concerned, but not Dany.

You just didn’t bond with the man as much as you did his younger sister, but not for a lack of trying. You wanted desperately for your future husband to appreciate you and come to respect you as you did him.

...But there was just no getting away from the truth.

In every way that Viserys was cruel and unfeeling, his sister was kind and gentle. Dany always had time for you and very clearly cared for you in a way that no one else did. Where Viserys wouldn't even look your way, the young girl provided companionship and a friend.

It was just impossible to ignore the difference, and as you got older, it was only more obvious.

Whenever you two were together, you found yourself hanging on her every word and getting closer and closer as the time went on. You cared for her, and you knew she felt the same. It was all in the way her eyes sparkled when you were together.

Not that you could even consider doing anything about it. Your duty was to your husband, the rightful king of the seven kingdoms, and nothing else could be more important than that.

Not even your truest friend.

So, you forced yourself to ignore the obvious feelings you had for the young woman and focused more and more on being the doting wife a future king deserved.

Even when Viserys was cruel to you, shouting things that you wouldn't have expected from your worst enemy, and striking you for the fun of it, you kept to yourself. As far as you were concerned, this was just the sort of life you were meant to have.

It was your duty as his wife, even if the very sight of the spiteful man made your skin crawl.

Now, it was no secret that Viserys wasn’t the sort of husband that he should have been. He was selfish and treated you more like a handmade than a bride, but there was little anyone could do.

The dragon was someone that you had been raised to fear, as well as respect and even as an adult, you found it hard to argue against him. Viserys was rude and aggressive, and he always had been.

You had little hope that it would change, no matter what you did.

There was nothing you could do, given the little power and status you had against him, so you simply allowed the man you’d married to live life his way. It couldn't matter how many people it hurt or how many times you went to bed with tears in your eyes.

It was the life you had always been meant to live.

You had given up on hope of that changing a long time ago, and as far as you were concerned, it was always going to be that way.

Until, of course, all your lives changed entirely.

Viserys assumed that marrying Daenerys off to the great Khal Drogo meant that he would be rid of her forever and would get an army to boot but it was clear to you that wasn’t going to be the case.

The blonde had been controlling both you and his younger sister through violence and fear for years, but his harsh threats and pouty nature were no match for the great Khal. You could see that much from the moment you set eyes on the large man.

That theory only strengthened as Dany began to bond with the Khal and gained his favor. There was the power, a power she found within herself that she couldn’t have possibly had before him. It proved everything to you that you’d always known.

It proved that she was a leader, and stronger than she had ever been given credit for in all her life.

Those were all things you knew but had never seen.

...But that wasn't all.

Through that newfound power, Dany came to terms with the things she’d had to experience at the hands of her brother. All those years of torment and abuse, so many things he’d done to her, and she had never been able to make it right before.

Now though, the Khaleesi of a large Khalasar with one of the most revered and ruthless men at her beck and call, it was only a matter of time before she finally got back at her brother. In that same way though, it was only a matter of time before Viserys realized that same thing.

You watched him for days, growing more and more restless at the idea of no longer being in control, and losing any chance at the throne he'd been holding onto for years in his mind.

It seemed only a matter of time before he snapped.

Within a few days, much longer than you'd assumed, Viserys found himself threatened by her to the point where something had to be done. That came in the form of threatening both her life and the life of her unborn baby.

There was only one way that could end.

Standing there, in that dank, dark hut, you watched as two large men held Viserys down, his arms snapping beneath their calloused hands. You knew that they were going to kill him, but you felt nothing at the thought.

Perhaps it was the fact he'd threatened the one you truly loved, or maybe it was just about years of abuse at his hand that you'd suffered. In any case, when his head hit the ground, hardened now in molten gold, you didn’t mourn as you thought you would.

You didn’t even bother to look away as you stared down at him.

Perhaps it should have affected you more, especially after all the time you spent by his side, but you didn’t see that boy you’d been betrothed too in those lifeless eyes. In fact, that boy had been gone for a very long time.

In many ways, you didn't even recognize who he'd become, and you were sure that Daenerys felt the same way as she too stared with eyes cold.

In any case, you remained under the protection of the Dothraki and their wonderful Khaleesi, even when your husband was dead. Dany simply told you that you were her family, with or without Viserys.

...And that was as far as it went, for a long time.

It wasn't until one night, sitting by the fire, after everyone else had turned in for bed that the relationship you two shared finally changed.

Daenerys had recently lost the great Khal after a seemingly harmless wound festered beyond repair. That left her in a very emotionally raw place, having lost the man she cared so deeply for, and the only person she'd speak to was you.

Perhaps it wasn't ideal, all things considered, but you were her oldest friend and as Dany mourned, you sat by her side, holding her hand tightly in your own.

"How did you feel when Viserys died?"

The words left her lips heavily after what seemed like an eternity in silence. It was a fair question, seeing as she'd lost her husband recently after you'd lost your own but it didn't seem like a fair comparison.

It was clear that Drogo loved Dany, and she him while the relationship you and Viserys shared was closer to mutual contempt than anything else. The slight grief you shared at seeing the life leave his eyes would be nothing to her current morning.

Still, you answered her question.

"I felt very little, as horrible as that is. Perhaps I was relieved that he couldn't hurt you anymore, if anything" you shrugged, slightly fearing that she would think you cruel for such a response. Terrible or not, Viserys was her brother.

Though, you should have known better.

For every horrible, vile thing Viserys did and said toward you, Dany experienced tenfold. She knew what kind of monster he was. In fact, she often felt the same way you did, through the vein that he could no longer lay his hands on you.

"I thought about it a thousand times before, what it would be like to just take you and escape somewhere far away from him" she allowed, her voice little more than a whisper at that.

You were both painfully aware of the feelings you shared for one another, but that was the first time either of you had taken that jump and said it out loud. It felt wrong, especially seeing as she was in mourning but perhaps this was what she needed...finally.

Maybe she just needed to understand just how much you cared for her as well.

"Perhaps we could go now, far far away from here" you replied, your grip tightening on her hand without even meaning to, but you continued, ignoring the nerves you felt. "Across the water, to Dorne, or Essos"

You both knew that you couldn't, not for a good long while yet, though maybe the dream would be enough to keep you both going until you could.

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dany-is-my-queen · 4 years

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Born To Be Yours | Part IX

Sansa Stark x Fem! Baratheon! Reader (Daenerys Targaryen x Fem! Baratheon! Reader eventually)

Season 1-8

Word Count: 2,883

Note: Sorry for the delay :(

Pt.1 Pt.2 Pt.3 Pt.4 Pt.5 Pt.6 Pt.7 Pt.8

“I’m glad nothing serious happened to you or your friend.” Tyrion poured himself some wine and you accepted to drink with him.

“Me too.”

“I know you are a hero but I sense something else here... why you keep taking those risks for her?” He curiously asked.

“She has no one...” That was true, still, you were trying to keep your feelings buried.

“You love her.” You hid your blush behind the silver cup. He chuckled. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. She seems to be a good Lady. With all that your brother has done to her having you is a blessing.”

“You... you’re okay with it?” Loving her in secret was one thing but saying it out loud to someone was a different one.

“Of course! I could never judge you. You don’t dictate your heart, you have all my support, Y/N.” He warmly smiled, you bent down to hug him. This is one of the many reasons you love your uncle so much.

“Thank you, uncle.”

“Now I fully understand why you did that yesterday. Does she know?” He walked to the balcony gesturing you to follow him.

“No. And maybe it’s all in my head.” You brushed it off. “She sees me as her very good chum who saves her from my horrendous family.”

“Or perhaps she’s just afraid to admit it. After all, you are the princess. It’s not that easy. You’ll figure it out.” He tapped your shoulder. Could Sansa really feel the same? Nothing’s impossible, you just have to give it time and be patient. But with the way she looks at you... how you find comfort in her embraces... how she gently touches your hand...

You made your way to the Stark girl’s room to check on her just to find the door wide open and a scared Sansa with the bed stained of blood, her nightgown had red stains too.

The Hound was there, you scowled. You knew he was going to tell Cersei, and that was the last thing the redhead wanted. Shae arrived shortly.

“Good morning.” You said.

“Princess.” Sandor and Shae greeted. Your gaze landed on Sansa, the tears were threatening to come out. She didn’t say anything.

“I will inform the Queen.” He stated and left. Sansa threw herself into your arms. You could feel her tensing and quivering.

“Hey hey, it’s gonna be fine. He’s not gonna touch you.” You promise her, you would do anything to keep him away from her, even if that meant being punished.

“You should take a bath before you meet her grace.” The young handmaid said.

“I’m going to wait outside until you are finished, then I’ll escort you to my mother’s chambers. Don’t worry, my lady. I got you.” You assured. Her features relaxed and you gave her a small nod.

You tried to come with excuses for your mother to not force her to carry Joffrey’s babies immediately but nothing with a valid point seemed to be compelling enough.

After she was done you headed to her big room. “How is your wound?” You added to soothe the hike.

“Better. You are a very good healer.” She shyly answered.

“One of my many gifts.” You winked to ease her nerves. The Queen Regent was already expecting her, yet she was not very surprised when you showed up behind Sansa, you let her entered first.

“My love, what are you doing here?” Cersei asked you, raising her eyebrow.

“I... thought I’d give Lady Sansa some advice, I flowered almost two years ago. I know it is grubby at first.”

“It certainly is. But her mother prepared her, didn’t she?”

“She told me. I thought... it would be different.” Sansa confessed.

“In what way?” You both took a seat.

“I thought it would be less... less messy.”

“Wait until you birth a child. You’re a woman now, do you know what that means?”

“I’m fit to bear children for the King.” Yes, your heart was breaking again.

“Is there any rush?” You intervened and Cersei faked a sympathetic smile.

“The sooner the better.” She made a flick for you to keep your mouth shut. Your jaw tensed. “A prospect that once delighted you. The greatest honor for a queen. Joffrey has always been difficult. Even his birth, I labored one day and a half to bring him into this world. You cannon imagine the pain. I screamed so loud I was sure Robert would hear me in the Kingswood.”

“His grace was not with you?”

“Robert was hunting. Whenever my time was near, he would flee to the trees with his huntsmen and his hounds. The only time he was with me was when Y/N was born. I’ll always remember how she wrapped her little hand around his finger, she smiled at him and that was the only time in my life I saw a tear fell from his cheek. It was too emotional.”

You missed him so badly, the stories he used to tell you about Westeros, the adventures he had when he was a young Lord, the thrill in his eyes when he saw you swing the sword for the first time, he taught you all about archery, about bravery. When you were feeling low because of Joffrey and your mother he would carry you in his arms and then ride far from the city in your horses. You missed those days cause in the dark moments he was your hero.

“You never told me that before.”

“You were your father’s favorite.” Then she referred to Sansa. “Joffrey will show you no such devotion. You may never love the King but you will love his children.” She told her calmly.

“I love his grace with all my heart.” Sansa lied in her usual innocent voice.

“That’s very touching to hear. Permit me to share some womanly wisdom with you on this special day. The more people you love, the weaker you are. You’ll do things for them that you know you shouldn’t do. You’ll act the fool to make them happy, to keep them safe. Love no one but your children. On that front, a mother has no choice.” Was it so hard for Cersei to love you as much as she loved your siblings? To support you and be there for you?

“But shouldn’t I love Joffrey, your grace?”

“You can try, little dove. My sweet daughter here, she will be marrying some Lord very soon. I think it’s time for you to start your own family.” The blonde abruptly added. Sansa felt her stomach twist itself into an uncomfortable knot.

“That means I will have to leave you, mother.” You complained. Cersei doesn’t want to end up alone, Jaime is a prisoner, you don’t know if you’re going to see him again. But she doesn’t want you to abandon her, deep down does she care? A question you often ask yourself.

“You grew too fast. You are my oldest daughter, any man who has your heart will be very lucky. Many of them are interested in you.” Your eyes were set only on Sansa Stark, even if you couldn’t be together.

“But I’m not interested in them.” You pointed out. Was she trying to send you away just because you were willing to keep protecting Sansa at all costs, or did she really wanted to get rid of you?

You and the northerner walked out. You let go of those thoughts. Focusing on her again you broke the silence. “There’ll be a battle soon. My uncle’s army will arrive anytime. Joffrey is going to be busy. I’m always here for you, Sansa.” You reassured once more, for her to know she’s not alone.

“I feel trapped. But when you’re around... you make everything better.” Hearing that made you feel a wave of joy. She blushed and gods, your face was the color of her hair too.

“I’m not going anywhere. I promise.” You said smiling sincerely at her. She smiled back at you.

The following days passed so very fast, now you were helping uncle Tyrion do some researching on books to find information to use for the incoming battle. The King himself apparently is occupied torturing people and animals to care for his Kingdoms. Bronn was there too, your uncle thought he’d come with some ideas for the defense of the city.

You were distracted, to say the least, your mind wandering in the redhead beauty, in how she seemed to be troubled almost all the time.

“Dear niece, I need your cleverness.” You came out of your trance.

“We are very lucky to have you as Hand of the King, uncle, otherwise we’d be doomed. And I mean it, no sarcasm. I want to join you in the field.” Tyrion wasn’t expecting to hear that statement. You knew you could be effective.

“What? Absolutely not. The last time in the riot the gods were good and you were unharmed. This is way different. I know you are brave, just like Robert was, but I would never forgive myself if something happened to you. Let alone the fact your mother won’t allow it.”

“I can take care of myself. Joffrey won’t last a moment there. Maybe I can coax him to fight along his men.”

“I wish you could. He won’t listen.”

“I’ll do it anyway.”

“So stubborn. My brain might explode before I find something helpful. ‘A History of the Great Sieges of Westeros.’ By Archmaester Shevelathin. Shevelatesh.”

“Ch’Vyalythan.” You corrected him.

“Are you sure?” You shrugged.

“My Princess. Lord Hand. Commander. I must compliment you on the Gold Cloak’s performance last few weeks. Did you know there has been a marked drop in thievery?” Lord Varys said entering the room.

“How did you accomplish this?”

“Me and the lads rounded up all the known thieves.” Bronn nonchalant replied.

“For questioning?”

“No. It’s just the unknown thieves we need to worry about now.”

“We’ve talked about this.”

“Have you ever been on a city under siege? Maybe this part is not in your books. See, it’s not the fighting that kills most people. It’s the starving. Food’s worth more than gold. The thieves love a siege. Soon as the gates are sealed they steal all of it. By the time it’s all over, they’re the richest men in town.”

“Yes, I believe extreme measures are warranted. Ah ‘The Great Sieges of Westeros.’ Thrilling subject, shame archmaester Ch’Vyalthan wasn’t a better writer.” Varys referred to the big book on the table.

“Uncle Stannis knows King’s Landing, he knows where we are the strongest and where we are the weakest. We need to be cautious. Take him down before he arrives at the gates.” Now you were focusing, strategy was essential.

“That’s it! The Mud Gate. A good ram will batter it down in minutes, and it’s only fifty yards from the water. That’s where he’ll land.” Tyrion affirmed certainly.

“If he does attack at the Mud Gate, what is our plan?” Varys curiously inquired. Tyrion looked at you, and then back at him.

“Wildfire.” He said.

After discussing the tactics you went to share some time with Sansa, she is one of the few people who gives you peace. Little Tommen was on his reading lessons. She was embroidering a red scarf with two lions on the top. Your heart warmed at the sight of it.

“Shae is not here?”

“I dismissed her an hour ago.” Then she stood up. “A present for you.”

“Why do I owe the pleasure?” You admired her flawless needlework.

“Because you always save me. You are always there for me. I don’t know how can I ever repay you.”

“You don’t have to, you know I do it cause I love you I’m your friend. But I appreciate the gift though. It is a very fine design.” She flushed, seeing her like this is very cute.

“You think... your brother is going to defeat Lord Stannis?”

“Brave men will fight. I have faith in them and in my uncle’s plan. I-I might... get involved.”

“Is this a bad joke?” She looked at you perplexed.

“I’m afraid is not.”

“Y/N, you could die! You are strong but still too young to go to war. And you are a princess.” Sansa winced. You squeezed gently her arm.

“I won’t die. I heard uncle Renly had in his Kingsguard a female warrior. And what about Visenya Targaryen? She was a fantastic skilled warrior as well. She fought alongside Aegon in his conquest, and in the First Dornish War. Also, she was a dragon rider, she bonded with the one called Vhagar. And had a Valyrian steel longsword named Dark Sister. I wish I had one.” You commented, utterly excited. Sansa didn’t really like the topic but her eyes lighted up every time you talked about something you were passionate about.

“You never cease to amaze me, you know so much about these things. I understand now why Arya and you got along so well.” And it’s true, you wished she was here, you missed the youngest Stark girl running around the castle. “But still, I don’t like the idea of you being out there. It’s too dangerous. You said you weren’t going anywhere.” She mumbled the last sentence.

“Trust me.” You held her hands on your own.

“Just be careful, please. Don’t leave me alone.”

“I will be. And I’ll never leave you.”

You were walking side by side with the King, Varys, and Tyrion on the eastern walls.

“If my uncle Stannis lands on the shores of King’s Landing, I’ll ride out to greet him.” Joffrey smugly spoke.

“A brave choice, your grace. I’m sure your men will line up behind you.” Tyrion subtly jeered.

“They say he never smiles. I’ll give him a red smile from ear to ear.” You rolled your eyes, knowing he wouldn’t stand a chance against him on his own. Lord Varys and your uncle began to converse with each other.

“Hey, Y/N. I heard you want to join us in the fight.” He said in a mocking way.

“You think I’m not capable?”

“Exactly. You are a woman. Not that I really care about what happens to you. You’ll die out there.”

“You have little faith in me, big brother. But still, I’m way better than you in almost everything.” You squinted your lips. “No! In absolutely everything. Don’t worry, I’ll pray for our victory.”

“I already know your whore friend has flowered. I’ll come to visit her right after I kill our uncle.” He hissed and you didn’t punch him right away right there cause you held back your fury. He was provoking you, you would get your knuckles bloody for Sansa if he goes too far.

“...They say he burns his enemies alive to honor the Lord of Light.” You joined the conversation between the two men.

“The Lord of Light wants his enemies burnt. The Drowned God wants them drowned. Why are all the gods such vicious cunts? Where is the god of tits and wine?” Tyrion wittily questioned.

“In the Summer Isles, they worship a fertility goddess with sixteen teats.” Varys responded.

“We should sail there immediately.” You smirked.

“Lord Varys, do you know anything new about the Targaryen girl?" Some nights you wonder, if your father hadn't won the Rebellion she would be here, this would be her home, she was exiled so she could survive, she was forced to marry a savage, her family is dead, the world is such a cruel place... and when you are a helpless girl it gets worse, what if things had turned out differently? And you were the one on the other side of the world, maybe that's one of the main reasons why you sympathized with her.

“This morning, I heard a song all the way from Qarth beyond the Red Waste. Daenerys Targaryen lives.”

“That’s a relief.” You said.

“A relief? She has three dragons. But even if what they say is true, it’ll be years before they are fully grown. And then there will be nowhere to hide.” Varys argued.

“She’s on the edge of the world, the least of our problems.” Uncle Tyrion tried to sound unconcerned.

“Three baby dragons? How is that possible?” They were extinct for almost three hundred years. How she managed to bring them back?

“Princess, do you consider it was wise to let her live? If you knew then what you do now... would you persuade his grace to give the order? She might be a threat soon enough, she will claim the throne-“

“Maybe she’s not interested in it. Not everyone is. Especially the rightful heirs. She did nothing wrong.”

“Yet.”

“I don’t regret my choice. I wouldn’t change it if I could.” You were confident, she’s innocent, one game at the time, you thought. Just because her ancestors were evil doesn’t mean she is evil too.

“You are so selfless, and good. Westeros might need a Queen like you.” Varys remarked.

“I’m no Queen, my Lord.” The throne belongs to you more than to Joffrey that was for sure, but how can you overthrow snakes that know your weaknesses and can use them to sting and hurt you the most?

#game of thrones fic #got #game of thrones imagine #sansa stark x reader #sansa x fem baratheon reader #baratheon reader #house baratheon

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a-libra-writes · 4 years

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When the GoT Characters Realize They’re In Love With You

LETS be CUTE. ended up longer than I intended? o well. this was requested! if i forgot a fav, just look longingly into my ask box.

In this preference, the following characters will be figuring their shit out: Ned Stark, Robb Stark, Sansa Stark, Jon Snow, Benjen Stark, Jory Cassel, Dolorous Edd, Mance Rayder, Tormund Giantsbane, Theon Greyjoy, Yara Greyjoy, Daenerys Targaryen, Jorah Mormont, Missandei, Grey Worm, Tywin Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Jamie Lannister, Sandor Clegane, Bronn, Petyr Baelish, Stannis Baratheon, Davos Seaworth, Margaery Tyrell, Brynden Tully, Edmure Tully, Brienne of Tarth, Ramsay Bolton, Roose Bolton, Oberyn Martell, Beric Dondarrion

NED STARK

When you two were “courting” - really, it was mostly long walks and you both talking and grinning for hours - Ned wondered if the happy, comforted feeling he got around you was love. He didn’t have much experience, admittedly, but he knew he wanted to marry you and be around you like this all the time. When you two finally did marry and he held you in his arms that evening, he wondered about it again. This must have been love; the feeling was stronger now. He almost didn’t want to let you go in the morning.

This seemed to keep happening. Each time he was sure, you’d do something lovely and charming all over again. Whether it was as simple as giving him sweet encouragement before he left you for the day or gently teasing him while you both curled up in bed, Ned just kept wanting and loving you more. If you ever asked him when he fell for you, Ned didn’t think he could answer. It felt more like his feelings kept snowballing from the moment you two met.

ROBB STARK

Robb had liked you a lot from the first day he met you, many years ago. You were a lot like Arya, wanting to run and play with the other children at Winterfell, heedless of how dirty your dresses and face were by the end of the day. You hit each other with sticks while playing knights, you explored the Godswood with Jon and pretended not to be scared when dusk started falling, and you were the worst about pulling Robb into your pranks on Theon.

Your father became sick, and you couldn’t visit Winterfell as often anymore. Robb was surprised how much he missed you. Even when you sent letters and he wrote back, they just made him feel gloomy. Even after years passed and the letters trickled to nothing, Robb thought about you with a full heart. When King Robert was coming to Winterfell, he heard you were, too, and the young lord was admittedly more excited about the latter.

You arrived at Winterfell with your family, almost in slow motion. Robb couldn’t believe the cute, small girl he played with had become a beautiful young lady, in a fine silk gown and furs. You gave him a big hug, like you always used to do, and Robb felt like his heart was going to pop as he returned it. His feelings overwhelmed him, but he knew they were true. He just needed a good time to tell you.

SANSA STARK

You two hit it off right away at King’s Landing, far before her world fell to pieces. Sansa was drawn to your beauty and easygoingness right away, and you two became inseparable. It was different from her friendship with Jeyne, and the little chats she had with other ladies growing up. You were her dearest friend, she told herself. Later, when it all became dark and horrible, you were the only one still there, risking your life and your family’s just to help a “traitor’s sister”. You were her very, very dearest friend.

On the terrible days, she’d think on how protective and kind-hearted you were, a real knight hiding in a silk dress. One evening you sneaked into her bedchamber, bringing treats she liked and brushing her hair in an attempt to cheer her. You thought you were doing a poor job, but Sansa held you close and rested her head against your chest. As you pet her hair and brought her close, she had a sudden wish that you’d kiss her. She’d be lying if she said she hadn’t thought of it before, and so Sansa sat there, snuggling into you and hoping somehow you’d understand her feelings.

JON SNOW

It hadn’t been too hard for Jon to form a little crush on you once he figured out you were actually a girl disguised as a brother of the Night’s Watch. It felt a little silly, because it’s not as if he liked you just because of gender. You were friendly and helpful, treating him fairly from the first day he arrived, and he was impressed with your skill with the sword. No, his crush started up because of all these things, and once he learned your secret, it was like you both had a bond. You could rely on each other more, and he felt like you were more free around him. You didn’t have to mask your voice or keep your head down as much.

The crush began to grow into something more without his realization. It grew every time you two shared a joke, every time you mended his clothes with such care, or messed up his hair and bluntly told him to cut it already. Jon was willing to admit it to himself, fine, he was in love. He didn’t want to tell you. First, it would make things complicated with the vows you both took, and secondly, he didn’t want to mess up a friendship he held so dear. It didn’t stop him from sulking or looking wistfully after you when he thought no one was looking - more than once Edd had to pull him back to reality with a hit to the head.

BENJEN STARK

It was actually adorable how you stammered when he mentioned knowing your little secret. How did you manage to fool the whole Night’s Watch, with a reaction like that? Benjen assured you that he wouldn’t tell, but he made it clear he thought you had made a mistake. The Wall wasn’t a place for a woman, but he’d heard good things from the others. You worked hard. Out of a sense of protectiveness, Benjen always visited you when he came back from rangering. Just a few times he’d taken you with him, but that’s when you really got to know each other. Benjen found that he liked the sassiness you hid from the others, and you were more than glad to give him lip when you felt he deserved it.

Benjen initially thought of you as something of a little sister, but those feelings began to dull and be replaced with something stronger. The more you smiled, rolled your eyes or even shoved him whenever you both joked, the more he craved it. Sometimes Benjen would laugh off his feelings, shaking his head at how foolish he was being. Other times, usually when he was alone and without you, he’d dwell on them with more solemnity. There was never one moment when he had a realization, it was almost as if the idea began whispering to him, day after day, and he steadily listened more and more.

JORY CASSEL

Jory’s feelings initially started friendly, as he was often cordial with the visiting lords and ladies of Winterfell. Right away he liked your own friendliness and willingness to talk, especially since some of the better off ladies often glanced right past him. You were so easy to talk to, and pretty, to be blunt about it. When you visited, he was always pleasantly surprised you remembered to come see him.

Something shifted in your friendship eventually, or maybe it was Jory’s feelings that were changing. He started to notice the dresses you wore, his eyes lingering on your hips, and how soft your hands were when you took his. He remembered the things that made you laugh, and he found himself taking you places around Winterfell and Winter Town he thought you’d like. He dared to ask when you’d come back to Winterfell, and then he’d wait for you. Jory had to face his feelings when his uncle good naturedly joked about how often you two were together, “like there’s a wedding on the way”, and after blushing to his ears, Jory couldn’t stop thinking about it.

DOLORUS EDD

Liking the only girl in the Night’s Watch - one who was disguised as a man, no less - was so cliche that it almost gave Edd a headache to think about. Thank the gods the others were too stupid to figure it out, and although you eventually trusted Jon and Sam with your secret, Edd was the first. The three of them made a point to protect you, and while Sam and Jon might occassionally blush at your smile or something you said, Edd was positive he was the only one feeling these stupid things.

You two were together the most, after all, having the same work assignments. Even if you were painfully optimistic and sometimes a bit naive, you were sweet. Dressing as shoddy as the rest of them and enduring the same conditions did little to diminish the way your eyes twinkled, as if you weren’t stranded on the forgotten edge of the world. Edd spent many nights, often bunking right next to you, grumbling and cursing his luck. He’d rather not ruin the friendship he admittedly cherished, and at least he could admit that.

MANCE RAYDER

He knew you were clever right from the start, like you could see through him and all the men around you. You wouldn't say much, just watch him with those eyes he liked so much. Eventually you became part of Mance's inner circle, trusted as much as Tormund, a trusted advisor who became a friend. Sometimes in the evenings you'd lean on him and he'd run a hand through your hair while humming one of his silly songs, or he'd play that damned lute and wink at you from across the room.

Mance was quite aware of his growing crush on you, and he didn't hide it. He wouldn't call it "love" just yet, but it didn't take long before he would. He wasn't sure when it started, but suddenly things felt a little duller when you were away. When you leaned on him, he couldn't resist giving a peck on your brow. He figured he had plenty of time to tell you.

TORMUND GIANTSBANE

You already knew Tormund liked you, he hardly made a secret of it. He was always loudly telling others how great you two would be together, he often tried to impress you in battle or during spars, and you knew he admired your skills in battle as well as your beauty. Tormund didn’t want to rush you into anything, of course, but he also couldn’t help but wear his feelings on his sleeves. It was just the sort of man he was. Even if you didn’t want him, he’d still want to fight alongside you, and drink with you afterward. You were a fun and lively person, a damned good warrior, and his wounded pride would get over it.

As Mance’s plans began to progress and the cold crept closer, Tormund began to feel differently. He started to worry about you and became protective. The future was becoming uncertain, and even among that uncertainty, you were rallying your men and keeping that fearless look he loved so much. He could admit that to himself, he did love you, and he’d do his damnedest to fight by your side until the very end.

THEON GREYJOY

Theon was a master of deflecting his feelings and lying to himself. A seasoned artist, one could say, and he certainly wasn’t going to fall over his feet for some girl. Granted, this was the most spirited girl he’d ever known, someone who didn’t glare daggers or whisper behind his back when he arrived at Winterfell all those years ago. A girl who didn’t take his shit, often dragged him to play with her as often as she pulled him to the archery range and demanded lessons. A girl who started whooping and hugging him when she hit her first bullseye.

A girl who was a young woman now, one who still whooped when she hit her mark and looked at him with a smirk. You still elbowed him for being a jerk, but now you’d kiss him when he said something sweet. You both still liked to sit on the top of Winterfell’s walls and watch the sunset, but now Theon had to start admitting to himself that he was spending more time watching the sun reflect off your eyes and hair than paying attention to what you were saying.

YARA GREYJOY

Yara was already fond of you on her ship and in bed - for the former, you were reliable and fierce but could follow orders. For the latter, it was the same, although she preferred it when you acted up and told her what to do. You and Yara did little to hide your relationship, and anyone opposing it would be lucky to get just a fist to the teeth. You both weren’t exclusive, and you hadn’t talked about any “deep” feelings. She was more often than not with you, drinking and fighting and screwing.

You began to notice how irritable she was becoming when you'd flirt with others, especially women. Neither of you acknowledged jealousy, because that would mean acknowledging other things. Those nameless feelings ended up hitting Yara hard one evening, when you were sitting on her bed in nothing but her shirt. You were discussing something about the ships, but she kept focusing on the hickeys she left on your neck and thighs. The fact that you could leave tomorrow and be with someone else, anyone else, was filling her with discomfort. It didn’t feel like possessiveness; Yara wasn’t that sort of woman … but it did feel like something she had to finally address.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

Daenerys was fond of your boldness. No matter if you were facing opponents in battle or butting heads with Jorah, you said what you meant, often with a furrowed brow and pouting lips that were too cute. You were many other things, too, capable and intelligent and kind. When she was still mourning her sun and stars, travelling across that vast desert of nothing, all the deceit in Qarth - you were there at her side, with that boldness and honesty that sometimes drove her up a wall.

You were a close friend, the closest she’s ever had, and it was only sometimes that she daydreamed about you sharing her bed. On an otherwise normal morning, you came back from scouting with a wound. Daenerys tended it herself while scolding you. You just smiled at her, a little embarrassed at getting a “told you so” from your khaleesi. Drogon interrupted by perching on your shoulder and curiously picking at your hair. Daenerys was stunned, as he was the most temperamental of the three dragonlings and he allowed you to touch his neck and snout.

“Sometimes when you’re away he’ll come see me.” You shrugged. “He never stays long. I think he just wants my food.”

It brightened her to see her favorite person being accepted by her children, and all at once the indecision in her mind stopped. If her dragons trusted and accepted you, then she’d let her feelings blossom.

JORAH MORMONT

It was easy enough to get a fluttering in his heart whenever you smiled at him or nudged him, telling him to lighten up a little, so Jorah didn’t think too much of it. You were a pretty, young girl who gave her kindness easily. It was also easy enough to get a little twinge of jealousy when you joked with others the way you did him, but it was a foolish feeling to set aside. He began to notice that you’d only go to him for certain things, like training with a sword like Westerosi did, help with treating a wounded man, or to ask a myriad of questions about what it was like across the sea.

He felt his feelings were a bit inappropriate, given the age difference, but Jorah was often at mercy to them. He at least knew when his crush had grown to something much deeper; he could pinpoint the moment. During a great feast the Dothraki were throwing, he stayed up with you, and you dozed off on his shoulder, holding onto his arm. Even when Jorah tried to move you somewhere comfortable, you stubbornly clung to him. It was just so endearing and unexpected, his cheeks were flushed the whole time as he finally pried you off and carried you to your tent.

MISSANDEI

She initially regarded you as another loyal follower to Daenerys, albeit one who used her sword more than her words. As Missandei began to gradually lower her walls and learn to be a person again, she found herself appreciating your outgoing personality, even if it could be overwhelming at times. You certainly went out of your way to help her feel more comfortable with new situations, you liked explaining things to her, and you listened and appreciated when she did the same for you. It was odd to have smiles come so easily now, she just couldn’t help it when you said something funny or gave her such genuine gratitude.

Truthfully, Missandei didn’t think she’d have a chance to feel something like this. It was scary, but exciting. It was something she could call her’s. The idea was so novel that Missandei almost didn’t notice just how much her feelings were growing. On a whim, she decided to wear a necklace with a little charm you carved for her. It made her happy, but what was even better was the look on your face when you noticed her wearing it. Missandei realized she wanted to see that silly, precious look on your face all the time, and she was proud she was the cause of it.

GREY WORM

This was a strange new path he found himself in, but he’d follow it head on and never look back. Grey Worm had a name that was his now, a leader he could follow, although not everything was so simple. This new world he was let into could be confusing and sometimes overwhelming, but you were there to guide him with patience. You were another warrior of the khaleesi, and he admired the strength of your resolve paired with a gentleness he soaked up. Grey Worm had something to look forward to: The impromptu reading lessons you gave him, some new fruit you wanted him to try, even just telling him to look up and ask what he saw in the clouds. Every day you gave him something new.

Missandei was the one who brought it up when Grey Worm described his feelings. It was painful and wonderful at the same time. He needed words to attach to these strange new sensations. Missandei suggested that he think for a long time about you, and what you meant to him. It didn’t take long for Grey Worm to come up with that - you were someone special and irreplaceable, someone he wanted to protect. The word “future” was one he liked, the idea that he could be at your side, from days to months to years.

TYWIN LANNISTER

You had taken to the role of “second wife” better than anyone anticipated, including Tywin himself. You had a serene grace, a quiet dignity, an elegance to all you did. All fine traits for a lady, but it was that razor cunning that he never accounted for. It continued to take him off guard, when he thought he was well beyond surprising. You handled the household, courtiers and lords with equal competence and refinement.

There was a parlor you favored because it’s massive windows overlooked the sea. Initially, Tywin rarely bothered you at these times, even if it was on the way to his study. Now he found himself lingering in the doorway. Like always, you rested against a collection of pillows, a book in your lap, a fine dress of crimson pooled around your legs.

In him grew an old foreign feeling, a searing emotion that felt more than fondness, one he didn’t want to name.You glanced up and noticed him there, and gave him a smile that just made the longing worse. The Lady of Casterly Rock, not “the second wife”, regarding her husband with a distinct warmth in her eyes. Tywin wouldn’t join you just then, but that evening you’d notice a tenderness as he held you.

TYRION LANNISTER

Tyrion was anticipating you’d cry. Maybe throw a few glasses around, scream or try to beg. Maybe he had been spending too much time around his sister in the months as Hand - you did no such thing. Instead, you greeted him with civility. The marriage was thought up by both your fathers, sprung upon the two of you out of nowhere. You were such a pretty girl, Tyrion thought. He pitied you, but you had no such pity in your eyes.

You made an effort in getting to know him. Tyrion felt he should return the same effort, but his walls began to steadily fall as you two talked and visited more. You had similar taste in books, for one. Tyrion was proud of how he could get you in stitches, and you liked the discussions you two held long into the night. This is good, Tyrion thought. An arranged marriage, where the two parties respected one another, even became friends? You two were luckier than most.

Still, it sat strangely with Tyrion after a while. On an evening when he was reading in bed, you rested your head on his chest and you talked for a while. He was sure his hammering heart would wake you up, and right when he was about to blurt it all out … you were asleep. Tyrion was sure he wouldn’t sleep the whole night, but that was fine. He’d tell you when the time was right. For now, he felt like the luckiest man to be the one to stroke your back while you dreamed.

JAIME LANNISTER

It was just a fun game. Plenty of ladies still mooned after him in spite of the way their fathers and brothers whispered behind his back. Sure, you weren’t the mooning type, or one to gossip. You spoke to Jaime like any other respectable Kingsguard, actually, although you weren’t above teasing here and there. Cersei encouraged it, urging him to get information from you. Supposedly, your family was plotting against the throne. Jaime wasn’t clear on the details, but he didn’t need them. It would be easy enough.

It was easy to laugh along with your jokes, because many of them were genuinely funny. Pretending his affection and fake flirting was also easy, because you had such a cute blush and you could dish out as well as you got. It was fine if he blushed too, or kissed you without thinking about it, because that would fool you better. Sharing your bed wasn’t at all part of the plan, but that made getting information easier, too - not that he thought to ask. You were precious in the candlelight, giving him nothing but affection, and he had plenty of time to ask later. Later, he told Cersei when she came itching for information. He’d have it later.

When later came, you had confessed to him, curled in his arms and sweet as ever. Jaime had to return the confession, of course, keep up the game, but the realization hit him like a charging boar. It wasn’t a game anymore. He wanted to keep you in his arms, and his bed, and that was a terrifying thought.

SANDOR CLEGANE

He wished you weren’t so damned nice to him. It was one thing to speak on such friendly terms with your fellow ladies in court, it was another thing to give a dog the time of day. He hated that you sought him out, tried again and again to speak to him. All those sweet things left a pain in his chest that he’d rather not think of. Sandor didn’t want to give into the kindness and brightness in your eyes, so he tried distracting himself with drink and whores, although it just left him with a far worse, more sour pain. It was easy enough to avoid you, even if it didn’t help the pain much.

When the city came under attack during the Battle for Blackwater, the idea to flee was immediately accompanied by the idea to get you the hell out. It sent Sandor in a near panic to imagine you being killed or worse by the invading soldiers. He couldn’t leave behind the woman he loved - okay, fine, he’d admit that. Maybe not to you, but to himself, and that spurred him on to find you. Once he did, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. You both were getting out of the Red Keep, getting far away from King’s Landing. The whole damned place could burn, for all he cared, but he wasn’t leaving you before that happened.

BRONN

Bronn was not a “feelings” man, and he’d laugh himself into a fit if anyone suggested it, let alone thinking it himself. He certainly didn’t get feelings for perfumed highborn ladies, as beautiful and wicked as they were. You played the dutiful daughter, but you delighted in running about with Bronn. He was more than happy to indulge a lady in her little rebellion, but somewhere down the line it got blurry. Sharing his bed started to become different, something less passionate and more… tender. He found his thoughts drifting to you at the strangest times, especially if he glanced at something that reminded him of you. Worse yet, he was beginning to lose his appetite for whores. When he yearned for a body, not just anyone would do. Even the priciest whores wouldn’t have that smile with mischievous eyes to match, or the graceful fingers that ran through his mess of hair and scolded him for letting it get wild.

Bronn was contemplating this with some irritation as he waited for Tyrion to exit Littlefinger’s famed establishment. The Lannister had a grin like cat playing with a canary. “What’s the matter, Bronn? There’s plenty of lovely ladies - well, perhaps they aren’t a certain lady. I can see why you’d be disappointed.”

The realization hit Bronn like a fist to the face, and he aggressively tried to shove it all down. He managed to snark back at Tyrion with a shrug of his shoulders, but he hated how the little shit figured it out before he did.

PETYR BAELISH

He liked the way you called him “my lord”, as though you meant it, and he was even more amused when he realized you did. You were a lady of easy courtesy and grace, used to wearing fine things and being chased by lords with far less fine things. You’d grown up in this court, and while many wrote you off as just another pretty - albeit rich - courtier, he could see much more. He’d made a point to be kind to you, even give you advice in an almost brotherly way, although he certainly never had any familial intentions for you.

He liked how learned you were, how much you read and wanted to debate this or that, but then you’d be so adorably naive about other things. It was a little mean to lead you on, he’d think, but then he couldn’t help himself from complimenting your gown or gently tucking your hair into place. Maybe he could have a little fun, but then he’d mercilessly keep any suitors with the same thoughts away from you. Petyr was willing to fool himself for so long, until he asked a harmless question. Your father was so protective of you, so why did he allow you to visit with him?

You replied with some embarrassment, and he knew right away, even before you began speaking. He wasn’t considered a threat. Even with his position, he had no real lands, no real lordly title worth anything. He hid it well, but the indignation hit Petyr at once, and plans already began to spin in head.

STANNIS BARATHEON

He’d been feeling all sorts of … things toward you for some time. He was still stubbornly telling himself that he must’ve been imagining it, you were just being a dutiful wife - albeit a very sweet, considerate and thoughtful one. The denial dropped on a seemingly innocuous morning. He’d woken up at an ungodly hour to sail to Dragonstone, tending to business in a castle that was technically his but one he found no pleasure in seeing.

You were suddenly at his side, and before he could ask what you were doing up, you kissed him. You bade him safe travels, and almost seemed sullen as you said you’d miss him. It seemed genuine, not something to say out of obligation or courtesy - for gods’ sake, dawn had just barely begun to break, and you were still in your nightclothes. You’d hurried all the way here in that nightgown, past servants and knights, just to make sure you didn’t miss him.

Stannis’ cheeks burned, only getting worse when you kissed him again and asked him to write. The fact he had to sail to Dragonstone, attend business there and sail back alone, without waking up to these kisses and smiles, was a downright dreary thought.

DAVOS SEAWORTH

He thought he was too old for silly crushes, so Davos didn’t think much of how much he liked your smile and admired your kindness. You were a lovely young woman who would be quite wicked and cunning when she needed, but always in pursuit of helping others. You often visited together and discussed the war, as your father was exceedingly loyal to Stannis. As you two became closer, he listened to worries you had and comforted you, while you did the same for him. A friendship was more than enough, he told himself. You were much younger, and no doubt you’d be married off soon. You’d have to move away to your husband’s keep, and that thought saddened Davos, but maybe you’d be kind enough to remember him and send a letter or two.

He started to become more and more uncomfortable with that train of thought the longer the war went on. On the eve of the invasion of King’s Landing, before he boarded the ship, he knew he had to see you. You both sought each other out at the same time, and Davos felt his heart break as you took his calloused, world-weary hands in your own soft ones. The fact he may not come back hit him, but he would - he would, Davos promised you, and he’d tell you something he’d been thinking about for a long time.

MARGAERY TYRELL

Margaery is the sort of lady who appreciates wit, humor and beauty. Right off the bat, she knew you had all three, and she wanted to be your friend right away. You two would spend hours together in Highgarden, attending big exciting balls or just having lowkey walks through the rose gardens. It was no secret that you were Margaery’s favorite, and she’d long begun to put aside other ladies her age to spend time with you instead.

One of her favorite things to do with you was get ready for feasts in her lavish bedroom. It was hours before the event, so the handmaidens hadn’t even arrived to style your hair. You and Margaery were just laughing and joking while she looked through her closet. She’d talked you into wearing a dress she insisted on.

Margaery was a little too excited to shimmy you out of what you were wearing, she definitely looked and she was glad you didn’t shy away or ask her to turn around. She helped you clasp the back and the smell of your shampoo and the closeness of your body made her fumble the clasps more than once. She knew it was time to stop kidding herself; she was in love with you.

BRYNDEN TULLY

Your friendship with Bryden was odd but it came easily. Despite the difference in status - you were a lady, but your house was minor compared to the Tullys - and the more obvious age difference, you two got along like birds and summer. Your laughter was something beautiful, and Brynden enjoyed being the one having you in stitches. You’d dish out sharp remarks and wit to men who bothered you, which humored him more than it should have. Even if you two had a game of being the dutiful knight to the charming lady, the feelings he was catching were not very knightly. He brushed off your lingering touches as something he was overthinking and tried to tell himself your subtle flirtations were unintentional. He wasn’t sure when his crush turned to an ache, but he was determined to ignore it.

The breaking point came when he heard a rumor you were well and truly engaged, already being packed up to Dorne - Dorne! it was so far from the Vale - and the panic, dread and rage hit him all at once... He learned sometime later it was just a rumor. The relief hit him all at once, and Brynden finally admitted to himself that he, an old knight who should have known better, was in love with you. He’d have to do something quick, too, because he couldn’t take another shock like that. What if the next one wasn’t a rumor?

EDMURE TULLY

Your family was one of the poorer Riverlands houses, and one of the farther ones. They weren’t always able to attend the feasts and celebrations at Riverrun, not when your mother had to sell her jewels so your household could eat. Not when you’d be showing up in the same gown as the last time, albeit shorter and tighter because you’d grown out of it. The shame your family felt was a far thought now that the war was on. They’d defend their land and lord with everything they had, little as it was.

You were just as fierce as your father and brothers, with a cunning for strategy that even Robb and Brynden took notice of. Edmure was all admiration, and he’d tell you as much after you both spent an hour discussing a plan of attack. He realized he was hopelessly, foolishly smitten after Catlyn had offered you one of her old gowns. You had been staying in Riverrun for some time as their guest, and she insisted. It was one thing for you to be so capable and witty, now you were looking stunning in a gown of deep navy blue, with your hair tied back and braided to match. Edmure was alternating between blessing and cursing his sister for doing such a thing.

BRIENNE OF TARTH

The idea of guarding an especially wealthy highborn lady had brought some dismay to Brienne, as if your family thought she was some sellsword. The first time she met you, she was taken aback by your bright smile. In the following months, her surprise at your kindness and goodness began to form into admiration, and from there she was becoming smitten. Brienne wouldn’t dare admit such a thing to herself, but her heart was a traitor. Anytime you took her hand and asked after her injuries or you proudly called her your knight, without a trace of shame, it would beat so fast she’d almost get dizzy.

Brienne finally let herself admit her feelings, and fall fully in love, on a seemingly average day. She was supposed to be on duty, but you’d hear none of it, insisting she sit next to you in the gardens. You were delighted by the latest book you were reading, and you had to share it with her. It was some sweet love story, and Brienne just smiled gently and listened as you read it to her. It would be okay if you never knew, the knight told herself, as long as you’d always hold her dear like this.

RAMSAY BOLTON

You didn’t cry. You didn’t get angry. You often ignored him. Sometimes he could get a glare or a heavy sigh, but for the most part, the wife his father arranged for him didn’t indulge in his attempts to frighten her. He’d try all sorts of way to upset you and throw you off, but you weren’t afraid, not even of blood or bodies. He was sullen, like a child being ignored, and his usual women became boring in comparison. He knew how they’d react, but what about you?

And sometimes you’d do strange things. You’d treat wounds he received, try to fix his clothes when he had to appear before lords, even brush his hair if you felt like he hadn’t done a proper job. Even if you were scolding him the whole time, Ramsay liked it. You were finally giving him the attention he craved. And finally, you smiled. You had a beautiful smile, especially when it was just for him.

ROOSE BOLTON

Roose had known from your first meeting that he coveted you, in the way a boy covets a friendly hound or a first sword. He was in need of a wife, and here you were, beautiful and young, from a good family that could be easily persuaded. It wouldn’t be more than that, he thought. But you kept surprising him. It started with your wit, which you hid underneath courtesies, and then your temper, which you hid with charming smiles. You played coy to his intentions and Roose kept up with the tempo you’d set to this dance of cat and mouse.

Even when he strong-armed your family into accepting the match, it didn’t feel like he “won”. It was just a new phase to the game, new dances with your cleverness, which he admittedly underestimated. He may have had you in his bed, but even underneath him, you could capture his heart with a smirk and a kiss. He didn’t say it outright, nor did you comment on his feelings. It was a hard fact he couldn’t look away from: His lady wife had him wrapped around her pretty fingers.

OBERYN MARTELL

Oberyn is the type of man to have fleeting passions and easy affections, but the matter of “love” was something quite different. In fact, he avoided such attachments, and he discouraged them when he noticed someone catching feelings for him. He thought you two had a perfectly agreeable arrangement - you both enjoyed each other’s company, both in and out of the bedroom, and neither of you pushed to define your relationship.

He thought of you often - in the company of others, when he was alone. Wondering what you were doing and missing your easy laugh and smiles. He didn’t care if you two were just talking in the gardens or walking the markets. One morning he woke up alone, and went looking for you. You were basking by a windowsill, looking like some kind of goddess as the sun wreathed you in light. You were just reading and idly running a finger through your hair, but Oberyn couldn’t look away, and after several minutes, you glanced up and winked at him. Oberyn felt like the luckiest man, then. He wanted to see you and have your smiles every morning.

BERIC DONDARRION

He already liked you from the start, and made an effort to try to get to know you and speak with you when you joined the Brotherhood. You had a good heart, even if the war had begun to wear on your spirit. You agreed to follow the Brotherhood for the sake of protection and got to know the unusual former lord and the red priest. It didn't take long for Beric to get a little crush, and he knew it. Beric was fine not telling you, even as his feelings became stronger with each day.

He told himself it was because you two had plenty of time, and he didn't want to push you. Perhaps it was fate when the next time he "died", you were there to witness it, and his resurrection. Beric woke up to your arms wrapped tight around him, your face buried in his bloodied tunic and coat. Thoros was trying to reassure you, but you wouldn't be still until Beric opened his eyes and said your name.

The relief hit him at once as he remembered it, and he remembered his feelings. They seemed stronger than before, and he couldn't hide them anymore. There must have been a reason his feelings remained, he decided, while his other memories slowly faded with each resurrection.

#game of thrones #got imagines #asoiaf #game of thrones x reader #game of thrones imagines

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megashadowdragon · 3 years

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coldhands identity is brave danny flint

Could Coldhands be Brave Danny Flint? It sounds crackpot, and very likely is, but the more I thought about it the more it appealed to me. I've done a quick search, one or two people seem to have floated this before but it's never had much in-depth analysis. This is my first meta, so please be gentle and C&C welcome.

The Gender Agenda To start with, I'll start with the elephant in the room - Danny Flint was a girl, Coldhands is male. Or is he? Gilly, Meera, and Bran all refer to him as male, but they have no idea who he is, so would see Night's Watch clothes and assume. He wears a scarf over his face, and while they can see his eyes and that his face is pale, it took Bran's gang a decent amount of time to work out he was a walking corpse, so I'm not sure I trust them to figure out niceties like gender. Leaf's "They killed him long ago" is more of a problem - she's a colleague, she would probably know. My best defence is that maybe Children of the Forest don't do gender in the same way as humans? This feels like a reach, but we have had another magical species with sexual fluidity leading to trouble with pronouns in the series. Otherwise, Leaf tends to hang out in the cave, Coldhands can't get in, maybe they're just not that close. Finally, the main person to ask - Coldhands his or her self. The only other post I could see on reddit about this theory had someone respond with the quote "Once the heart has ceased to beat, a man's blood runs down into his extremities, where it thickens and congeals. His hands and feet swell up and turn as black as pudding. The rest of him becomes as white as milk", but I'd point out this is in third person and a generalization - "a man", not "me, Coldhands, the man".

Okay, now I've convinced everyone my theory is terrible, let's get into the meat of it.

Hands cold as stone This was what got me into this rabbit hole in the first place - House Flint's sigil is "A grey stone hand upon a white inverted pall on paly black and grey". A stone hand would be pretty cold, right? In point of fact, when we first met Coldhands, the final line of the chapter describes "fingers hard as stone." On top of that, the white and black background seems to fit the Night's Watch blacks, pale face, black hands, white snow, etc.

Who the hell else could it be? This has always been the weird thing about Coldhands for me. Honestly, there's a very good chance this is a non mystery mystery, he's a zombie Night's watch ranger riding an elk, do we really need a secret identity? However, "who is Coldhands?" is one of the most commonly asked questions in the fandom, so let's assume it's getting an answer. We know: a) night's watch member b) killed a long time ago, as reckoned by a 200 year old, c) not Benjen. There are essentially 3 historical periods where we know any specifics about the Night's Watch: 1) the long night/age of heroes, 2) Targaryen era, 3) recent history. If we work through these backwards, we can pretty much rule out the recent era for not meeting the criteria of "killed a long time ago". The Targaryen era didn't have much Night's Watch drama, a few kings sent to the wall at Aegon's conquest, Raymun Redbeard's invasion is wall related but the whole point of that story is that the Night's Watch failed to really get involved... the only strong contender from this period is a mysterious magical Targaryen bastard who went to the wall and went missing... but he's the other mysterious good zombie wandering around up north. The long night has a lot of Night's Watch focus, but it was 10,000 years ago. Allowing for this being in-universe exaggeration, it's still ~2,000 years ago, and if Coldhands were that old, I'm not sure he'd be in elk-riding mutineer-killing form, or at least not look passably human to Bran and co. This rules out specific timeline characters, which leaves more folkloric characters like Danny Flint, who isn't associated to any one point in time. There's a song, and she's treated as a well-known tale, which implies a fairly long time, but overall could be whenever. This works for any of the folkloric Night's Watch characters, but the Rat King is already otherwise occupied with a different cannibalistic pseudo immortality, leaving Mad Axe, who does have the massacring fellow brothers down pat, but doesn't feel thematically right to me. This section really grew in the writing, but TL;DR - assuming Coldhands is someone we've heard of before, no specific historical figures seem to match up chronologically, leaving figures from folk tales and songs, which there are only so many of.

Mutineer Massacre For a character we've all obsessed over so much, it's easy to forget how little we've seen of Coldhands. His role in the story has effectively been "transport Sam and Gilly to the wall, transport Bran and co to Bloodraven, massacre the Night's Watch mutineers". Hold up, one of those things is not like the others. During his quest to get Bran to Bloodraven, to awake the messiah and save the world, Coldhands takes a break and makes a detour to kill the Night's Watch Mutineers from Crasters. This is explicitly noted to be something they slow down for, when time is critical. Admittedly, it secures the party some delicious Long Pork when supplies are low, but even in aDwD it seems like there are other ways to get meat than to hunt humans, besides which he kills not one but five mutineers. He claims it is because the mutineers are following them, but Meera points out they've been circling for days - it seems Coldhands deliberately sought the mutineers out. The brutality of the kills also suggests more than utilitarian pragmatism - there are entrails slung through branches and severed heads! All of this to say, Coldhands is deliberately shown as both a member of the Night's Watch, and willing/going out of his way to punish Night's Watch brothers who break their vows and harm their fellow brothers, something Danny Flint might take personally. Basically, it's a classic exploitation movie with an elk-riding zombie as the wronged woman hunting down wrongdoers. Someone call Tarantino to direct this.

A True Night's Watch One of the big themes GRRM loves is the idea that outsiders to an institution can be the truest embodiment of that institution - Dunk and Brienne are the truest Knights, Davos is the truest lord, the Manderlys are the most loyal northerners. Coldhands already seems to tie into this - the Night's Watch are tireless defenders from the Others and their Wights, so ironically the staunchest ranger is undead as well. It would only emphasise this theme if this ultimate Night's Watch ranger was someone who was barred from entry, had to sneak in, and was murdered by their brothers for not belonging. There also seems to be a thematic tie in that Danny Flint had to essentially infiltrate the Night's Watch and keep her cover in hostile terrain, much like Coldhands in the Others controlled north.

Bonding over being murdered by your brothers Coldhands has so far been very much one of Bran's cast, but it's worth noting characters can switch storylines, and we have someone else in the North who can soon relate to being a back-from-the-dead Night's Watchman fighting the Others - I'm hardly the first to note the Coldhands/Jon parallels, but Coldhands being another character who was murdered by the Night's Watch due to their conservatism and hatred of outsiders would add another layer.

Miscellany A couple of quotes I found while researching for this: “Did Mance ever sing of Brave Danny Flint?” “Not as I recall. Who was he?” (ADWD Jon XII) - Tormund and Jon talking, Tormund mistaking Danny Flint for a man, this feels like one of those throw-away lines GRRM likes to include to make a little double meaning once the truth is out, or just seeding the idea of mistaking Danny Flint for a man. “The ranger wore the black of the Night’s Watch, but what if he was not a man at all?" (ADWD Bran I) - again, I could see GRRM giggling as he typed that if this theory were true.

Conclusion Honestly, there is every chance this is absolute nonsense, and I've just lost it waiting for TWoW. I tend to lean towards Coldhands not having a big identity reveal, he's an undead ranger co-opted by Bloodraven and that's enough. However, if Coldhands is to have an identity reveal, I think Danny Flint deserves consideration: there aren't that many viable candidates, her story is emotionally intense enough and has been referred to often enough that a casual fan could be expected to go "oh!" instead of "...let me google that", and it would fit with existing themes of the story. The angle of Jon parallels even gives an opening for the reveal to be natural and facilitate character and thematic arcs, which is what I look for in a theory.

comment on reddit

Yeah, the Flint (of Flint's Finger) sigil literally being a Cold Hand is what sold me on this when I started looking into it. There's also some other intriguing textual stuff about it...

The weird thing about Danny Flint is that she is only mentioned three times in all of ASOIAF. Three! Bran recounts her tale in Bran IV, ASOS; Theon hears Wyman Manderly demand her song in The Prince of Winterfell, ADWD; and Jon discusses her tale with Tormund in Jon XII, ADWD.

This was kind of shocking to me. Danny Flint is a pretty recognizable name to, I’d figure, the majority of attentive readers. I thought she must have been mentioned before the third book, at least, but… nope. Her tale is first introduced to us in Bran IV, ASOS, the Nightfort chapter… Oh, what’s that? Wait, isn’t that… the very same Nightfort chapter where we first hear about Coldhands? (Well, no, actually, he appears at the end of Samwell III before that, but this is the first chapter where he is identified as Coldhands.) Chronologically, Sam meets Coldhands, Bran thinks about Danny Flint, and then Sam introduces Bran to Coldhands, in fairly quick succession.

So it seems GRRM came up with Danny Flint and Coldhands around the exact same time. Interesting. Danny Flint is then not mentioned again until ADWD, when the Coldhands mystery is developed further. Double interesting.

Also, the Bran chapter directly preceding the Nightfort chapter– our first introduction to Danny Flint– is the one where Meera tells him the story of the Knight of the Laughing Tree, another tale of a northern warrior woman dressing as a man and hiding her face in service of some greater goal. Stretch? Maybe.

And why would Coldhands' face be covered at all if there WASN'T some big reveal upcoming? What utility would that have? That scarf clearly seems like a setup for SOMETHING. He doesn't need it for warmth. He's likely hiding a face that would make him recognizable to Bran/Meera/Jojen (and the readers), but died long ago... the only way that reveal could work without a ton of laborious exposition is if he took off the scarf and it was obviously a 'female' face, making it obviously Danny. It also seems likely Coldhands will interact with at least Bran and Meera again, both of whom are somewhat connected to Danny Flint’s story– Bran via his love of stories and legends, and Meera via the breaking of gender roles. So there's thematic levels to it as well.

source www . reddit . com/r/asoiaf/comments/llwm8m/coldhands_identity_spoilers_extended/

#asoiaf #A Song of Ice and Fire #asoiaf theories #asoiaf theory #asoiaf coldhands #danny flint

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samwpmarleau · 3 years

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1) It doesn’t fit with GRRM’s track record to introduce something as monumental as this, let alone so late in the game, and have it be what it says on the tin. For Aegon to actually be Elia and Rhaegar’s son who miraculously appears at the 11th hour to save the day doesn’t fit at all. Also, unfortunately, GRRM’s presentation of his characters of color is absolutely abysmal. While he debunked the theory of Dany blowing up the Water Gardens (THANK GOD), that doesn’t mean he’s going to magically treat Dorne how it deserves to be treated. A lot of the “evidence” I’ve seen about Aegon being real hinges on GRRM actually doing right by his characters of color and their associated storylines, which is … not likely.

2) The Golden Company was founded by Bittersteel, the #1 Blackfyre supporter who kept trying to make the Blackfyre cause succeed even long after Daemon was dead. The GC has been faithfully pro-Blackfyre ever since, and was even led by a Blackfyre, Maelys, in the Fifth Rebellion as well, which was not all that long ago.

3) The GC has never broken a contract before — in fact, their words have been “as good as gold” since the very beginning when Bittersteel founded it — so why would they now? They would only break a contract for blood (“some contracts are writ in ink, and some in blood”), for a Blackfyre. They broke the contract so they can help put Aegon on the throne and finally complete what Daemon and Bittersteel began.

4) The GC met with Viserys and Dany and laughed them out of the room. Why would they then be all gung-ho for a different Targaryen? Viserys wasn’t even a madman or pathetic when he met with them (Dany was still “a little girl”), Robert had only recently gotten the throne and therefore it was at its most vulnerable, and Viserys was well-known in Westeros as the Targaryen heir. If they were going to support a Targaryen, it would have been Viserys. Or Daenerys. Yet they didn’t. So why support Viserys’s alleged nephew instead? They would only do so because the Targaryen was only nominally one, in reality a Blackfyre.

5) Illyrio specifically says the Blackfyres are extinct in the male line, meaning they are still around, only through the female line, such as Illyrio’s late wife Serra. Aegon being Illyrio and Serra’s son would explain Illyrio’s fondness for the boy, why he’s so sad to see him go, and why he’s so invested in putting a “Targaryen” on the throne. Additionally, he found Serra as a sex slave in a Lysene brothel — quite a long ways down from the favored son of a Targaryen king. It would make sense for Illyrio, who loved her deeply, to in her memory restore what was “stolen” from her family.

6) Illyrio has a trunk full of children’s clothes, despite the fact that he’s supposed to be childless. Good clothes, too. (Those clothes are also blue, the color Aegon dyes his hair. Maybe a coincidence, maybe not.)

7) JonCon notes that Rhaegar’s eyes were “a deep purple, darker than this boy’s,” implying to us the reader that Aegon is not Rhaegar’s. It’s also a hint that JonCon has suspicions that Aegon is not the real deal but is in denial, because if Aegon isn’t real, then that means Rhaegar really is lost to him forever and he can do nothing to avenge him.

8) I’ve seen the argument for “sun’s son” being Aegon but it doesn’t make sense. Asha is called the kraken’s daughter, for one, despite being a Greyjoy in her own right, so yes, it tracks that Quentyn can be called the “sun’s son” despite being a “sun” himself (and it just has better rhythm). Plus, if he weren’t the “sun’s son,” how would he instead be the “mummer’s dragon”? He’s not a dragon, he’s not a fake, nor is he being controlled by a mummer, whereas that fits for Aegon. And in Dany’s HOTU vision, there’s a cloth dragon swaying on poles above a cheering crowd — how would Quentyn fit that either (especially since he’s dead)? But Aegon would. This is also in the same passage as “slayer of lies,” mind you. Aegon is the lie to be slain. The other people in the prophecy are pretty clear as to their identities, so why would “sun’s sun” and “mummer’s dragon” be riddles?

9) The Blackfyres and their rebellions have been developed more and more through the years, including an entire Dunk and Egg book about the second one. Would be a bit odd to completely drop that thread, no? The Third Rebellion didn’t even happen until late in Aerys I’s reign, so it’s not like the Blackfyres will play a central role any time soon in D&E. In the main series, however, they would. Plus, GRRM wrote the D&E book about the Second Rebellion while he was also writing ADWD, and it’s in ADWD that history lessons about the Blackfyres are repeatedly brought up.

10) The parallel between Aegon and Jon. Jon is a real secret Targaryen raised without knowing his true identity, whereas Aegon is a fake secret Targaryen raised without knowing his true identity.

11) There’s plenty of the “human heart in conflict with itself” that GRRM loves with him being fake. Dany gets another family member, the son of her beloved brother Rhaegar — only to find out Aegon’s a fake. JonCon raises a child for over a decade, the son of his beloved Rhaegar, redemption for losing at Stoney Sept — only to find out Aegon’s a fake. Dorne (Doran specifically) gets a piece of their beloved Elia back — only to find out Aegon’s a fake. Aegon himself has believed his whole life that he’s Elia and Rhaegar’s son, the heir to the throne, has gone through many hardships to get where he is — only to find out he’s been lied to since day one. Those are all very real, very poignant beats.

12a) The supposition that Elia would save her son but not her daughter — Dornish Elia, who would value her daughter just as much as her son — is nonsensical to me. I CANNOT get behind that one bit. Maybe I can justify Elia being willing to sacrifice someone else’s innocent baby if it meant saving her own (though that’s a horrible and heartless thing to do), but I CANNOT see a justification for her saving Aegon yet not Rhaenys.

Moreover, if the baby weren’t Aegon, why would Elia be so willing to die for it? If it weren’t hers, if she had been pragmatic/cold enough to trade her baby for someone else’s, why on EARTH would she not have left that baby in the nursery and gone with Rhaenys, her actual child? The men Tywin sent had a reputation even back then and had scaled the walls of Maegor’s Holdfast. Elia would be dumb as a bag of bricks to think they would spare “her” son and Rhaenys, or possibly even herself. If they were to magically spare “Aegon,” great! Everyone’s happy (except Tywin). But why would Elia take that risk? No. She would only tell Rhaenys to run away yet stay with Aegon because he was her child and she had no other choice.

12b) If Elia switched the babies, then why don’t the Martells know anything about it? They were involved in a Targaryen restoration, Oberyn even went to Essos to sign the betrothal pact between Arianne and Viserys. Yet none of them know that their nephew is alive? If Elia really did take the pains to switch the babies for her son’s safety, why would she not have involved her family? At the very least, by having whoever she sent Aegon with even just hint to her family that he’s alive? But they know nothing. Zilch. They put their eggs in Viserys’s basket, then Dany’s, who are at best Elia-adjacent.

12c) Who would even be able to do such a thing as switch out the babies without a soul being the wiser? Varys, probably, but there is no way in hell Elia would entrust her son to him. Far beyond simply being a shady person in general who is out for himself and himself alone, he was the one who purposefully whispered in Aerys’s ear about invented conspiracies and betrayals. He made Aerys more paranoid, more dangerous. To the detriment of Rhaegar, Elia, their children, and the realm at large. Varys is the entire reason Aerys went to the Tourney at Harrenhal in the first place, because he convinced him that Rhaegar convened the tourney to meet with a bunch of lords in order to depose Aerys. Varys directly and gleefully contributed to Aerys’s further descent into tyranny.

Elia wouldn’t have trusted Varys as far as she could throw him, certainly not with something as precious as her child, not even if she were desperate. Even if she did trust him for some insane reason, how is Varys so powerful as to find a lookalike for Aegon but not for Rhaenys? Surely it’s easier to find a black-haired, brown-eyed toddler than a silver-haired, purple-eyed baby, no? Or why couldn’t he direct Elia to one of the many secret passageways so she could escape with the kids rather than this convoluted baby swap? Or any number of other things? At every turn, Aegon (but not Rhaenys!) being spirited away by anyone, most especially Varys, doesn’t hold up. Hell, why would Varys help Elia? What does he have to gain by not only helping her but egregiously undermining Aerys? Aerys whose ear he’s been meticulously whispering into, Aerys who’s the only reason Varys is at court and has power at all? Agreeing to and orchestrating the baby swap runs counter to everything we know about him.

13) Aegon being real means Elia and Dorne are essentially dealt two blows. We and they spend all this time believing her son was brutally murdered in King’s Landing. But then, psych! He’s actually alive! They get their hopes up, the wound is opened all over again, only for him to … be brutally murdered in King’s Landing. (Or possibly elsewhere, but likely KL.) Why is that better? What would be the point of Aegon being Elia and Rhaegar’s son if he’s just going to die like his “cover story” says he did? Actually, they’d be dealt three blows, really, given that Quentyn died as well in the pursuit of Targaryen restoration. Things are going to be painful enough without having Aegon be the real Aegon.

14) JonCon didn’t come to be Aegon’s caretaker until Aegon was 5. In other words, he wouldn’t recognize whether or not this Aegon is the one he saw as a baby. But because he’s so personally invested in Aegon being the real deal, he doesn’t question it too much. The result is that JonCon, who is well-known to have been close to Rhaegar and thus Elia (proximally, not emotionally of course, what with him hating her and all), him caring for the boy lends viability to the story. Which we see in action by Doran believing, or at least being willing to listen to, JonCon’s letter.

15) The Toynes have a very negative history with the Targaryens (and Barristan) but a positive one with the Blackfyres. Would it not make more sense for Myles Toyne to align himself with a Blackfyre rather than a Targaryen? Myles, who was the one who put his seal to the secret pact?

16a) It’s been 84 years. Even R+L=J, which is as much of a sure thing as you can possibly get, is disputed by some in the fandom. Some people believe Ashara Dayne is alive, and a subset of those go so far as to say she’s Jyana Reed. Some people have some theory about the Boltons being vampires. Like. It has been so long since the last book that things that would have been surprises or interesting twists have been examined to death, so by now they seem “too obvious.” Ten years ago, Aegon being real would undoubtedly have been a much more believed thing, because we’d have just recently been told it. But now? There’s been ample time to parse everything out and to determine that no, he likely isn’t real. Same for R+L=J. Ten years ago, or longer, Jon being revealed to be the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna would have been a bombshell. But now? It’s obvious as fuck. So to circle back around to “Yep, Aegon is real!” ignores the fact that it’s supposed to be a smokescreen and a twist.

16b) Related to this is GRRM’s own words. There’s an SSM where he’s asked whether Rhaenys and Aegon are really dead. He affirms that Rhaenys is but hedges for Aegon. Why? Not because he’s saying Aegon is real, but because he’s introducing the Young Griff arc. If he were to say, “Aegon’s definitely dead, too,” or “Aegon’s definitely alive,” that would completely spoil the tension and truth/untruth of the storyline.

Do I know that Aegon’s a fake? Obviously not, since we don’t have the books. But the evidence points to it being extremely unlikely that he’s the real deal. Like I also said, however, I’m not sure it really matters whether he is or not. So far as he knows, he’s truly Elia and Rhaegar’s son. His name is Aegon, he was raised to be a king, he seems to be quite a decent young man (people who cite him tipping over the cyvasse board can suck it), he will probably ride a dragon at some point, and so on. At the end of the day, who he’s biologically related to doesn’t seem super relevant.

#list #do not reblog

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yeniayofnymeria · 4 years

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GRRM's Original Outline "What has changed?"

Hello,

Now you all know Martin's letter he wrote in '93. When this letter was written and sent to the editor, the first 13 chapters (200 pages) were already written. In addition, the book consisted of three volumes of the first stage, but as you know, but its 7 volumes now.When we read the letter and the first 5 books, the first comment made was very different and different from the first outline; one or two things remain the same. But is it really? Here I would like to discuss this with you. I think I will go through the events step by step and you will make your own contributions when you read. Let's start!

1. Stark-Lannister war. It's remain, nothing changed.

2. (Dany) Targaryen's 7K invasion with Dothraks. It's still did not happend but we know Dany has Unsullied and some sellswords and next book, she will have Dothraks too. She will linger a little more in essos and then come to the West for the conquer. It's remain too.

3. The Others. GRRM said " Their story will be [sic] heart of my third volume, The Winds of Winter. " It's remain too.

4. Five Main Key Characters (Jon, Arya, Bran, Dany and Tyrion). " In a sense, my trilogy is almost a generational saga, telling the life stories of these five characters, three men and two women. The five key players are Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and three of the children of Winterfell, Arya, Bran, and the bastard Jon Snow." It's remain too.

5. Fall of the Starks. " Things will get a lot worse for the poor Starks before they get better, I'm afraid. " Yes, indeed it happened.

6. Dead of Robert and long may live new king! "Ned will discover what happened to his friend Jon Arryn... will have an unfortunate accident, and the throne will to brutal Joffrey, still a minor." Yes, it happened too. This substance remained the same too.

7.Sansa and Joffrey. "Sansa Stark wed to Joffrey Baratheon, will bear him a son, the heir to the throne, and when the crunch comes she will choose her husband and child over her parents and siblings, a choice she will later bitterly rue. " Sansa betrays his family anyway but she did not wed Joffrey or bear his son. This substance has changed a bit.

8. Bran's coma and dream and greenseer and dead of Robb. " Young Bran will come out of his coma, after a strange prophetic dream... He will turn to magic, at first in the hope of restoring his legs, but later for its own sake... Robb Stark will die in battle."

Bran's the same, but Robb's got some change. Robb doesn't die in a war against Joffrey, Jaime and Tyrion. But he really wins a few battles at first (against Tywin. So there's no Tywin in the first place) and then he dies at the Red Wedding.

Bran's in a coma. So Jaime and Cersei are standing exactly. This shows that Jon Arryn's death is due to his learning of the relationship(Jaime-Cersei). So Joff was a bastard in the first outline too. Ned died for the same reason.

Tyrion did not burn Winterfell but fought against Stark army and became Hand of King. Jaime fought against Robb too and lost, was captured. This part is different in some ways, but the same in some ways.

9. Jon Snow, The Wall and Lord Commander. " Jon Snow, the bastard, will remain in the far north. He will mature into a ranger of great daring, and ultimately will succeed his uncle as the commander of the Night's Watch "

Jon goes the wall and will became lord commander but Benjen was lord commander in the first place but it seems he dies anyway or disappear. It's remain.

10. Helping family and Jonarya Love. " When Winterfell burns, Catelyn Stark will be forced to flee north with her son Bran and her daughter Arya. Wounded by Lannister riders, they will seek refuge at the Wall, but the men of the Night's Watch give up their families when they take the black, and Jon and Benjen will not be able to help, to Jon's anguish. It will lead to a bitter estrangement between Jon and Bran. Arya will be more forgiving ... until she realizes, with terror, that she has fallen in love with Jon, who is not only her half-brother but a man of the Night's Watch, sworn to celibacy. Their passion will continue to torment Jon and Arya throughout the trilogy, until the secret of Jon's true parentage is finally revealed in the last book. "

Winterfell is being burned by Greyjoys. Cat is not with Stark children, he is with Robb. Bran and others run away and went to the Wall. But Bran and others did not take refuge in the black brothers. Jon has something to do with Arya again. He wants to protect and save her(FArya). He can't do it because of his vows and he's in a lot of pain... And we know who is Jon's real parents.

Jon and Arya love... It's still too early to say anything about it. When Arya goes to the wall, the love between the two emerges. Arya escaped from KL as in the first outline. But instead of going home, she drifted into her own adventure. Arya has been trying to get home and Jon all along. She'll probably go straight to the wall when she gets back from Braavos. There are so many hints about Jonarya love in books. ( https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/125364-jon-arya-hints-and-overall-significance-of-their-relationship-including-part-3/ )

11. Beyond The Wall and Bran-Cat-Arya. "Abandoned by the Night's Watch, Catelyn and her children will find their only hope of safety lies even further north, beyond the Wall, where they fall into the hands of Mance Rayder, the King-beyond-the-Wall, and get a dreadful glimpse of the inhuman others as they attack the wilding encampment. Bran's magic, Arya's sword Needle, and the savagery of their direwolves will help them survive, but their mother Catelyn will die at the hands of the others." This part has undergone significant changes. Despite this, some small parts remained.

Arya is not with them, Cat neither but she dies anyway (and came back but as fire wight not ice wight). Bran never meet Mance(yes, Mance exists) and see others but he sees deads and met Cold Hand(ice wight) and BR and Singers. I guess Rickon is not exists.

Arya has Needle, that's mean Jon gave her it anyway. And direwolves...

12. Dany, Viserys and Drogo. “Over across the narrow sea, Daenerys Targaryen will discover that her new husband, the Dothraki Khal Drogo, has little interest in invading the Seven Kingdoms, much to her brother's frustration. When Viserys presses his claims past the point of tact or wisdom, Khal Drogo will finally grow annoyed and kill him out of hand, eliminating the Targaryen pretender and leaving Daenerys as the last of her line. Danerys [sic] will bide her time, but she will not forget. When the moment is right, she will kill her husband to avenge her brother, and then flee with a trusted friend into the wilderness beyond Vaes Dothrak. " Only 5% of this part has changed.

13. Dragon Eggs and Invasion Plans."There, hunted by [unclear] of her life, she stumbles on a [something about dragon eggs] a young dragon will give Daenerys [unclear] bend [unclear] to her will. Then she begins to plan for her invasion of the Seven Kingdoms." This part has changed 95%.

14. Tyrion's Fate. "Tyrion Lannister will continue to travel, to plot, and to play the game of thrones, finally removing his nephew Joffrey in disgust at the boy king's brutality. Jaime Lannister will follow Joffrey on the throne of the Seven Kingdoms, by the simple expedient of killing everyone ahead of him in the line of succession and blaming his brother Tyrion for the murders. Exiled, Tyrion will change sides, making common cause with the surviving Starks to bring his brother down, and falling helplessly in love with Arya Stark while he's at it. His passion is, alas, unreciprocated, but no less intense for that, and it will lead to a deadly rivalry between Tyrion and Jon Snow."

Yes, it seems this part almost completely changed. But Tyrion has been betrayed by his family in every way(Tysha thing and attempt to kill), just it changed "how it will be" This betrayal caused him to change sides. Only on Targaryen side instead of Stark. But Tyrion will probably be on the Stark side too.

Tyrion is exiled to Essos, not north. Jaime's not the bad guy in the story, Cersei is. Joffrey's dying. In the first Outline, Jaime kills everyone, so Sansa is dead. In the present story, Sansa is still alive and her story continues. They're not named, but probably Joff's siblings are in the first outline and they're dead.

There's no competition between Tyrion and Jon(Arya). It's hard to expect it at this point. We need to wait for the next encounter, but I don't think it will. Unlike the first otline, Jon and Tyrion are good friends. If GRRM designs a love triangle like the first one, maybe they can be enemies. Or maybe he changed the third candidate for that love triangle. (However, if you read Mercy POV, GRRM is waving its hand to this love triangle there.)

In general, the outline / skeleton remains exactly the same, even the characters' motives are more or less the same; there are big changes in a few places, but not so big changes in the remaining parts. Same affliction, betrayal and so on that will ensure the development of the character. Situations occurred in one way or another. It's just that things have gone differently ... but betrayal comes from the family again and (Jon) he's suffering because he can't help the family.

He keeps his end.

GEORGE: […]As I write these last two books, I’ll be moving towards the ending I’ve known since 1991/

“Some major characters — yes, I always had plans, what Tyrion’s arc was gonna be through this, what Arya’s arc was gonna be through this, what JonSnow’s arc is gonna be. ”

...

I don’t want to reveal what I’ve planned for some of these characters, but I’m pretty well on track with most of the major characters. It’s minor characters like Bronn that assume greater importance.”

At Balticon 2016 he said he knows who sits on the Iron Throne at the end.

A year later, in a video interview he continued by saying he has always known the fates of his main characters, who lives or dies, marries who...etc since 1991 when he began writing.

That's all. Thank you for read and sorry again for my bad English. Bye.

#grrmartin #asoiaf #aryastark #jonsnow #outline #JonryaWeek2020

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kellyvela · 4 years

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i love the deranged dany/jon shippers trying to position themselves as some kind of authority on what grrm would and wouldnt do and insist that grrm would! never! hook jon up with his cousin when he actually intended to do that with jon and arya (in a love triangle with tyrion).

Hello Anon,

Are you serious? There are people who believe GRRM would never hook up cousins?? And the same people ship aunt and nephew???

GRRM has no problem at all with incest, in ASOIAF we have siblings incest in Jaime and Cersei; and father daughters incest with Craster an his daughters. And we also have all the Targaryens ffs.

He also has no problem with cousins getting involved in marriage alliances and romance, no matter if they aren’t Targaryens. About cousins, we have Tywin and Joanna Lannister, and Rickard and Lyarra Stark. And about uncles and nieces, we have Jonnel and Sansa Stark, and the frustrated union of Cregan and Alys Karstark. All these unions weren’t considered incest tho…

But GRRM does have a problem with “outlines”. Let’s talk about “outlines” then:

FEBRUARY 2015

A reddit user spotted a tweet from UK bookseller Waterstones which contained three photos of a 1993 letter GRRM wrote outlining the entire ASOIAF series.

The tweet has since been deleted, but not before the images made it to the internet.

Here is the reddit post.

And here is an article with the three photos of the letter and the transcription.

As you said, GRRM “originally” planned for a Stark cousins romance between Jon Snow and Arya Stark:

Jon Snow, the bastard, will remain in the far north. He will mature into a ranger of great daring, and ultimately will succeed his uncle as the commander of the Night’s Watch. When Winterfell burns, Catelyn Stark will be forced to flee north with her son Bran and her daughter Arya. Wounded by Lannister riders, they will seek refuge at the Wall, but the men of the Night’s Watch give up their families when they take the black, and Jon and Benjen will not be able to help, to Jon’s anguish. It will lead to a bitter estrangement between Jon and Bran. Arya will be more forgiving … until she realizes, with terror, that she has fallen in love with Jon, who is not only her half-brother but a man of the Night’s Watch, sworn to celibacy. Their passion will continue to torment Jon and Arya throughout the trilogy, until the secret of Jon’s true parentage is finally revealed in the last book.

And a love triangle with Tyrion Lannister:

Tyrion Lannister will continue to travel, to plot, and to play the game of thrones, finally removing his nephew Joffrey in disgust at the boy king’s brutality. Jaime Lannister will follow Joffrey on the throne of the Seven Kingdoms, by the simple expedient of killing everyone ahead of him in the line of succession and blaming his brother Tyrion for the murders. Exiled, Tyrion will change sides, making common cause with the surviving Starks to bring his brother down, and falling helplessly in love with Arya Stark while he’s at it. His passion is, alas, unreciprocated, but no less intense for that, and it will lead to a deadly rivalry between Tyrion and Jon Snow.

So yeah, GRRM planned for a pseudo incest romance between two major characters of the same House, and a love triangle with a main character of a rival House.

MAY 2016 - BALTICON

A bit more than a year after that tweet from Waterstones, GRRM attended the The Maryland Regional Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention - BALTICON. There he was questioned by fans about the Jon and Arya romance:

After the Coffee Talk just outside the room:

My Con Friend asked about Arya and Jon again. This time GRRM gave some very pointed replies:

GRRM finished (in the hallway now) by saying that he “wished some past things weren’t such strong foreshadowing,” and that he, “wished some new things had stronger foreshadowing then.”

Friend: Ok, if you foreshadowed something in the first book, like, really cleverly hidden, would you then follow through on that hint? For sure?..

GRRM: “Well, this goes with what I said before, the story changes and expands as I write. I wish I was able to go back and make revised drafts, but that’s not going to happen.”

Here is a transcript of the outline discussion and Jon/Arya portion of the coffee talk:

[question about Jon/Arya]

GRRM: “Alright, you’ve thought about this more than I have. I mean it’s simple, Jon is very fond of Arya. They were the two odd birds in the Stark family nest, here. They didn’t quite fit in with the others, they look like each other, they both had the brown hair, you know, as opposed to the auburn hair of Sansa and Bran and Rickon and Robb. So there was always that closeness between them. And, you know, Arya didn’t mind that Jon was a bastard, and Jon didn’t mind that Arya was a tomboy, so there is that closeness there.”

[question about Jon comparing his lover to his sister]

GRRM: “If he did it, uhm… I began writing these books in 1991, and, uhm, I worked on it in 91 and then I got a tv play, so I put it aside to really work on ‘Doorways’ tv pilot and did a tv show in 92-93. In 94 I returned to it [the books] and worked on it. You know, up till then, in my career as a writer, I’d always written the entire book before I opted for sale. That’s unusual. Most writers do chapters and an outline. They write a few chapters, they outline the rest of the book, give that to the publisher and the publisher says ‘oh okay, I’ll take that’.

“As some of you may have noticed, those who have been paying very, very carefully attention, I’m not good with deadlines. And, uh, and I’m not good with outlines, either. I always hated outlines. So with Fevre Dream and with Armageddon Rag and with Dying of the Light and all my novels, I wrote the entire book. I didn’t do chapters and outline. I sat down, I wrote a whole book, and I sent it to my agent and said ‘Look, here’s a whole book, and it’s finished’. That way I ran into no deadline, it was finished before it even went on the market. And it worked well for me. And my initial thought was to do this the same way, but what happened, you know, was in 1994, uhm, when I returned to it and I’m working on it and I’m very enthused about it and I say ‘I really wanna write these Game of Thrones books as the next part’. But I was still in Hollywood and I’d just lost all this groundwork on ‘Doorways’, I was still in… The studios and networks still wanna work with me, so I’m getting other offers, like ‘We want you to write this movie’, ‘we want you to do another tv pilot’. And, you know, I took a couple of them and was ‘Oh god, I gotta have to put the book away again’. Cause I have no deadline [for the book]. You know, when you think Hollywood, they will give you a deadline, you know, they say ‘here, son, write this movie, we want it in three months’.

“So, I said ‘look, if I wanna get back to being a novelist, I’m gonna have to sell this even though it’s not finished’. So I had my 200 pages of Game of Thrones at that point, but they wanted outline. I said ‘I don’t do outlines. I don’t know what’s gonna happen, I figure it out as I go. And that’s how I always did it.’ No, we had to have an outline. So I wrote two pages, a two-page thing about what I thought would happen. It’ll be a trilogy, it’ll be three books, Game of Thrones, the Dance with Dragons, and Winds of Winter. Those were the three window titles. And, uh, it’ll be three books and this’ll happen, and this’ll happen, and this’ll happen. And I was making up shit.

“And I had thought that those two pages were long forgotten, because, of course, the books did sell. They sold in the United States and in Great Britain, both. They sold for enough money that I didn’t have to take any more Hollywood games. So I was able to say ‘no’ around. I had a few less [?] to wind up in in 94 and 95. Once I had, I said ‘no, I don’t want any more movies or tv shows, I’m going to write these books now’. And I started writing the books. And in the process, I pretty much disregarded the outline. The characters took me off in entirely different directions. So, for 20 years I had forgotten that that two-page thing even existed. And then someone in my British publisher, HarperCollins, they got a new office building, uh, brand new offices, and new conference rooms, big conference rooms that they decorated with books and stuff like that. And they named the conference rooms after the writers, so one of the conference rooms [?], and they put up these plastic display cases, including the outline. The two-page outline, yes. [?], they didn’t ask my permission, they just put it up. And in that two-page outline, Jon and Arya become a romantic item.”

“You know, I don’t think it’s a reference for that [for romance]. It’s a reference to a certain physical type, and a certain indication of what Jon finds admirable. It’s like someone who reminds you of, you know… Other people might be put off by this, you know, hair that looks like small rodents have been living in there. It doesn’t put him off because he is used to that.””

[someone says they have 5 minutes left]

“You know, I was pretty pissed that that outline got out there. It should not have happened. Outlines and letters like that are meant only for the eyes of the editor. They shouldn’t go on public display. And, uh, they also [?] my papers on [?], all my papers and correspondence. You know, I’ve been sending that stuff there for years, and it’d be, you know, available for future scholars or whatever, just like the papers of many other writers. Somehow, in the back of my head I was like ‘yeah, 20 years after I’m dead some scholar will go in and find them’. They’re going in right now!” ”

[question if he is still going with the 1991 ending]

“Yes, I mean, I did partly joke when I said I don’t know where I was going. I know the broad strokes, and I’ve known the broad strokes since 1991. I know who’s going to be on the Iron Throne. I know who’s gonna win some of the battles, I know the major characters, who’s gonna die and how they’re gonna die, and who’s gonna get married and all that. The major characters. Of course along the way I made up a lot of minor characters, you know, I, uhm…Did I know in 1991 how Bronn, what was gonna happen to Bronn? No, I didn’t even know there’d be a guy named Bronn. I was inventing him along the way when I was writing, ‘Okay, he gets kidnapped. Let’s see, there are a couple sellswords there, their names are Fred and Bronn’.“It was actually Bronn and Chiggen, and then one of them dies, I flipped a coin ‘okay, who dies? Chiggen dies, cause his name is stupid. Bronn is a better name, so I’ll keep Bronn’. And then Bronn became quite an interesting character and plenty of these characters take on minds of their own. They push to the front till you [?] speech and you think of a cool line and you give it to Bronn because he’s trying to talk, and now Bronn is somebody who says something cool. [?]. That’s how characters grow on you.“So a lot of the minor characters I’m still discovering along the way. But the mains-”

[question if he knows Arya’s and Jon’s fates]

“Tyrion, Arya, Jon, Sansa, you know, all of the Stark kids, and the major Lannisters, yeah.”

This report appears in the following sources:

fattest leech of ice and fire blog [Source 1]

asoiaf.westeros.org [Source 2]

westeros.org [Source 3]

As you can see Anon, according GRRM the “original outline” was “a two-page thing about what [he] thought would happen”… “And [he] was making up shit.”

He also said that: “[he] pretty much disregarded the outline. The characters took [him] off in entirely different directions. So, for 20 years [he] had forgotten that that two-page thing even existed”.

But then he clarified that:

“I did partly joke when I said I don’t know where I was going. I know the broad strokes, and I’ve known the broad strokes since 1991. I know who’s going to be on the Iron Throne. I know who’s gonna win some of the battles, I know the major characters, who’s gonna die and how they’re gonna die, and who’s gonna get married and all that. The major characters”.

From all this information, I think that the romance between Jon and Arya was discarded:

[He] “wished some past things weren’t such strong foreshadowing,” and that he, “wished some new things had stronger foreshadowing then.”

The story changes and expands as I write. I wish I was able to go back and make revised drafts, but that’s not going to happen.”

But the romance between two major characters of the same House (Stark cousins) is still there.

But a romance between two major characters of the same House could also happen between aunt and nephew, and if we follow the Show, this was the new route GRRM took.

We just have to wait to certainly know if GRRM will give us the Stark cousins romance that was promised or if he has already changed his original plan.

#grrm #asoiaf #jon snow #arya stark #tyrion lannister

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chispas-and-broken-bindings · 4 years

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I’m posting a preview of the next chapter of Know The Love - Part II. This chapter is taking me longer to write than I anticipated, and I have a crazy busy week coming up at work, so it is looking less and less likely that I’ll have the full thing posed to Ao3 as soon as I would like.

So, I thought I’d share the WIP to anyone who follows me on Tumblr, below the cut:

Sansa relaxed into the hot, spring-fed bath, settling back until only her lips and nose breached the steamy surface. She closed her eyes, remembering.

Jon, what are you trying to tell me? That there's another secret Targaryen, vying for the Iron Throne?

(Not a trueborn Targaryen…)

Stars danced behind her lids.

(And he has no interest in ruling the Seven Kingdoms, I promise you.) What are you saying?

Slipping completely below the water, she let the weight of his secret pull her down.

(I keep telling you…I'm not a Stark. I'm not your brother, Sansa. Trueborn or half.) Stop, Jon. You're the very image of father. (It is not uncommon for a nephew to resemble his uncle.)

Days had passed since Jon's revelation, but her blood still pounded in her ears, hot and heady, like he'd only just told her. It had taken her a foolishly long time to understand what Jon was trying to say as she stared at him across his solar, her eyes flitting helplessly to Lord Reed, who only gazed back, stoic as ever.

(Lord Eddard was my uncle.) But you're too young to be Uncle Brandon's, and Uncle Benjen was too young to be a father…

Jon looked pained as understanding reached her at last. Her chest strained, painfully.

You're Lyanna's...Winter's rose. (Yes.) Stolen by the Dragon Prince. …and Rheagar Targaryen's… (Bastard.)

When he said it, she had been too thrown, too off balance to hear the loathing Jon bit into the word. The ground had shifted beneath her feet, the sky slanting so she was sliding down once more, drowning, and all she had the sense to ask, in a keening breathless voice, was, Who else knows?

"Sansa!" Her name came, muffled, through the water, but when hands disturbed the warm void, grasping at her arms, she woke from her reverie and resurfaced with a gasp. "For heavens sakes, Sansa! Are you trying to scare me witless! I'm already frantic over Theon's trial." She blinked into Jeyne's concerned, fire agate eyes, as rivulets raced down her brow and into her heavy lashes.

"Sorry Jeyne, I was only daydreaming," she sighed.

"I implore you, dream with your head above the water, please." Jeyne stood, shaking her head and frowning at her now soaking sleeves. "You're as bad as Arya used to be when we'd swim in the godswood. She'd challenge the other girls to try and hold their breath as long as she. Once, long after the others had given up, she floated to the surface, face down. When I turned her over, with tears burning my eyes, mind you, Ayra sprang to life, spouting water in my face, cackling like the Crone."

"I was just wetting my hair, not attempting a lark." Sansa squeezed her heavy locks, before twisting them together over the tub's edge, to dry.

"Be that as it may, you are not a fish, Sansa. You won't sprout gills beneath the surface if you stay down too long. You'll drown."

"Duly noted." She closed her eyes again, trying to recall her train of thought, but Jeyne continued prodding.

"Are you feeling well, my lady? You're flushed."

"Of course I'm flushed. I'm poaching in a steaming bath." Irritation seeped into her voice, and she glanced at her friend, contrite. Jeyne did not deserve her sullen mood. Theon's trial was only a few hours away, and Jeyne had stayed awake half the night, fretting over him. Now, she was fretting over Sansa.

"It's only, you haven't seemed entirely yourself, the past few days. You've been-" Spinning like a top into oblivion? "-distracted."

When Sansa rose, Jeyne and one of her maids came to either side, wrapping her in a robe and helping her step from the copper tub. She laced her fingers through Jeyne's, relaxing her face into an easy smile. "I suppose I'm just tired. In the songs, they always leave out the verses where Jonquil spends her days mediating the lords' petty disputes or counting sacks of grain." Jeyne squeezed back.

"Well, when your Florian returns, you must beseech the king to appoint someone else to those duties. You and your knight will need time to reacquaint yourselves." She winked, playfully, and Sansa's belly dropped. She had no Florian; only an over-eager, impatient heir with more ambition than advantage, and a trail of ruined women behind him…and ahead. He was due back to Winterfell any day, after a decisive victory at the Dreadfort. Her stomach roiled at the thought, but she mustered a smile, nonetheless.

"Alas, the king works harder than us all. He does not deserve a princess who eschews her duties for any knight, especially while she is still wed to another."

Jeyne pushed her to her vanity, where her maids began to dress her. "Where is the romance in that, princess? Think on it. This may be your only chance for a true love affair." Sansa gaped at her friend, scandalized. "And wouldn't it be sweet, to be lovers first, before you are man and wife?" It would not be sweet. She'd had a glimpse at what an affair with Harry would entail, and she saw no appeal, with him.

"I must stay a maid, to annul my marriage to Tyrion," she reminded her friend, who only pursed her lips a moment, before responding.

"There are ways to take a lover and still preserve your maidenhead." Jeyne whispered, and Sansa marveled at the young woman's coy suggestion. After all she had endured, Jeyne had a spirit as hardy and irrepressible as the yellow yarrow that spread across the North in the summer, sprouting wherever the sun kissed the earth, from barrow to marsh, ditch to crag, no matter the quality of the soil or the quantity of rain. It stirred something within Sansa, and her cheeks burned at Jeyne's bold words. She pressed her eyes shut, but it was not the Young Falcon she imagined, standing before her. Grey eyes caught her. A kiss, searing and too brief, whispered across her lips. See? What consumes you, devastates me too.

I'm not your brother, Sansa.

Her eyes snapped open. She was being foolish, to conflate the Jon she knew before with the Jon she knew now. The Jon who chased her smiling lips with his own down a dark corridor, and burned through her restraint over darker waters, was wooing a different woman. The Jon she knew now had only meant to convey essential information to the only family left to him.

Who else knows? (That lives? Myself. Howland. Now…you. Your father was the only other, as far as we know. Sansa, this is a dangerous secret. The kind that starts wars and kills thousands.)

As if she didn't understand. Only minutes before, the northern lords had packed Jon's solar, railing against two unknown Targaryens, half a world away. She knew how the North viewed the disgraced house. Madmen. Rapists. Inbred Dragonspawn. If they learned that their own king, already holding together a fragile kingdom, was the son of the man who had kidnapped and raped the beloved Lyanna Stark, sparking the flames that led to Brandon and Lord Rickard's deaths and a rebellion that changed the face of Westoros…why, they would turn on Jon like rabid dogs.

Then, why are you telling me? She had asked him, eyes flying again to Howland in desperation.

(No more secrets, remember? We promised.) He had looked at her with such intensity that she was forced to look away once more, imploring Lord Reed for assistance.

If anyone else finds out, you'll lose the North! She turned to Jon. You must remain Ned Stark's son. The lords will never back a Targaryen. The look in Jon's eyes was positively mutinous as his advisor nodded back at her, and she continued to shake her head, in horror.

(You think I don't know that! That's why I'm telling you. You, of all people should know whose claim you are actually backing. There is still time-) No! You are still a Stark. This changes nothing.

But it changed everything. She had fled Jon's solar a short time later, her thoughts too jumbled to handle more than an awkward pledge to keep his secret safe and a hasty word of gratitude that he had entrusted her with his true identity. Only now, after days of strained interactions, and painfully polite run-ins with the king, did she begin to understand. She had asked the wrong questions and offered only the weakest absolution. You are still a Stark. This changes nothing.

-----

Later, she observed him, from a distance, in the Great Hall, as the lords and ladies filtered in for the upcoming trials. The king stood apart, head bowed in discussion with Val, who had returned with the Ironmen held in Torrhen's Square. Though Sansa had never seen a Targaryen in the flesh, Jon had none of their oft-recited characteristics. In the dim light, his dark brown hair and grey eyes appeared as black as the cloak resting on his shoulders, his face as long and drawn as the stone kings of winter standing sentinel deep beneath their feet. It would be easier to believe Ned Dayne was a secret Targaryen, for whatever Prince Rheagar had left Jon, it was buried deep inside.

Now, questions burned at her lips. What really happened to Lyanna? How did Jon come to be raised by Howland Reed? And how long had he known the truth of his birth? And how did he feel about it? How did her father feel about it? And why had he not shared the secret with her mother? Perhaps, these were the questions she should have asked when Jon first told her the truth. Perhaps she should have asked them at any point in the past few days, when the revelation was new and her curiosity would be expected. But, whenever there was a moment where they found themselves alone, her body would rebel with unknowable emotion and her heart would beat in her like a caged bird in her chest, her tongue heavy and thick in her mouth, and she would flee the room before whatever was growing within her, had an opportunity to bloom.

"Princess, are you well?" She startled at Baelish's words, too close, before tilting her eyes away from Jon to the lord beside her.

"Quite, my lord. And you?"

"Quite. They make a stunning pair, do they not?"

"Hm?" She asked, distractedly as Baelish's lips twisted in a knowing smirk.

"Why the king and the wilding princess, of course. Were you not just watching them?" His eyes narrowed, and she flashed Jon and Val another glance, before smiling faintly back at the lord.

"I hadn't noticed where my eyes has settled. I was lost in thought, my lord."

"Hm. Well, still, my questions stands. Would not the wilding princess make a fine wife for your half-beast brother?"

"Half-beast?" She raised an eyebrow. "Be careful with your words, Lord Baelish. There are those that would take offence to you speaking of your king so." Her voice was mild, though, and his green eyes glinted slyly back at her.

"I meant no harm, my Princess. The north will need a fierce, beastly leader to keep its hard-fought independence. Eyes in King's Landing may be turned inward for now, but that cannot last forever…And you still evade my question. What do you think of my match?"

"Val is no princess and Jon has already more or less gained the wildings support. He needs a wife with more to offer."

"Ah. In that case, here comes another enticing option." Sansa followed Baelish's eyes to Lady Wynyfryd Manderly, gliding into the Great Hall in a gown of deep blue, offset by a string of rose pearls gracing her slender neck. She stopped before the king, falling into a graceful curtsy and Sansa watched Jon's eyes sweep down her form with a sour taste in her mouth. "As I understand it, the king in the North has still not fully won over his wealthiest, most well-connected lord. There can be no argument against the advantages in him marrying the Manderly maid."

Satin caught Sansa's eye across the hall, gesturing for her to take her place. "Excuse me, my lord, it looks like the trial will soon commence."

Before she could extricate herself, however, Baelish leaned close, whispering, "Careful little bird. He is your brother. Unnatural relations have toppled kingdoms more stable than his." She pulled away, her heart racing and legs weak.

I am not your brother, Sansa.

He should never have told her.

----

She barely registered the accusations against Asha Greyjoy, Theon's sister, and the leader of the Ironborn who invaded Deepwood Motte and were defeated by Alyssane Mormont. Beside her, the king sat, just as in the previous trial, but this time his hand did not bridge the distance between them, nor did she reach out for him. Instead, she sat, staring out at the accused, yet seeing nothing. She was frightened. Littlefinger already watched them with suspicious eyes, and now she suspected Jon's secret was writ across her face every time she looked at the king. He should never have told her. It was hard enough to see him as her brother when she believed it to be true. Now, she didn't know how to meet his eyes.

She was snapped to attention when Asha Greyjoy was given a chance to answer to the charges against her.

"I'll take the black." She called out, with a wry smirk.

Sansa felt Jon's eyes light on her, but she stared straight ahead, so he responded. "There are no women in the Night's Watch."

"Well then, I choose freedom." The crowd chittered, and once again Jon tried to catch Sansa's eye before Asha continued. "I heard you let the Frey men, men who aided in raping women and mutilating children, choose the black, yet I, who simply held a castle that had been abandoned by its lord, and kept my men from harming a single hair on an innocent's head, am not afforded the same opportunity? Because I don't have a cock between my legs?" Gasps from the crowd. "Where is the honor in that?"

"And if we banish you from the North, you'll only return one day to raid our lands again. It's a tired tale. The Ironborn's broken promises." Jon called.

"Well then. I suppose you'll have to take me as a thrall…though again, I thought the North was too honorable for an arrangement so close to slavery." Her tone was mocking, and Sansa looked closer at the Ironborn woman. She was lean and long legged, in black breeches, her short black hair, tied loosely at her neck, revealing a thin face and a hawkish nose, tempered by a wickedly impertinent grin. "I suppose you have only two options left, Wolf King. Take off my head or take me to bed."

Again, the crowd chittered, and Sansa burned. The Greyjoy captive was making a mockery of their justice.

"As fascinating as your offer is," Jon answered, "the wolf is not tempted by the squid." The crowd truly laughed this time, but he rose, cutting them off. "Asha Greyjoy, you are hereby fined five thousand gold dragons. Until which time the debt is paid in full, you are forbidden from leaving our lands. You are free to live and to earn your repayment by any lawful means, though if you should break our laws again, I will be taking your head."

The Hall stood silent now, and Sansa hazarded a glance in the king's direction. His face was calm but stern, and there was no uncertainty to find on his face. After a moment he nodded to Maege, who prodded her men-at-arms to action, cutting away the Greyjoy's wrist binds.

"And what of my men?" Asha asked, before she could be fully dismissed from the Hall.

"I suggest they choose the black," was all Jon offered before holding a hand out to Sansa. "Bring the other Greyjoy. We'll resume shortly." Sansa stood, and let herself be led into the privacy of the gallery.

"Are you well, my Princess?" He asked, as soon as the door closed behind them.

"What…yes, of course. Why does everyone keep asking me that?" She couldn't meet his eye. He was standing too close. She could feel herself flushing. Everything was flushing. She tried to step away, but his hand was at her elbow.

"You lie." He murmured, low, and why was she so warm? "It upsets you. That I'm not a Stark."

"You are a Stark." She snapped, still trying to pull away subtly, but he only led her closer to the checkered windows.

"Sansa," His words came out in an anguished flood. "My grandfather murdered your uncle and grandfather. My father raped your aunt. You have every right to be upset. I'll give up the crown. Just say the words and I'll make you queen. I'll leave the north. Just tell me what you want me to do." He didn't understand anything, and he was standing too close.

"Jon!" She hissed. "You are not my enemy. Your grandfather murdered your uncle and grandfather as well! Your father…" Why must he be so obtuse? "Lyanna Stark was your mother. You are a Stark, regardless of who your father was. I've already told you, this changes nothing. You are King in the North! I want you to be king." It felt like her veins were lifting from her body.

"Then why can't you look at me? Why do you flinch every time I draw near? You hate that I'm a Targaryen. Admit it. It is I who should be standing before you in the Great Hall, to answer for the crimes of my family." A shiver ran down her spine and she pulled away once more, trying to think of anything that wouldn't reveal her true thoughts.

"You are mistaken." She blinked up at him, trying to disprove his point, and it would be so much easier if he weren't looking at her like he was; like her words mattered, like her opinions mattered. And it would also be easier too, if he didn't have so much power over her, she admitted weakly to herself; if she didn't notice the breadth of his shoulders as he leaned closer, or the way his lashes seemed impossibly long around his smoky grey eyes.

#know the love #part ii #wip excerpt #jonsa fic #jonsa fanfiction

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always-l-o-v-e · 5 years

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Proposing a Proposal: Why the Idea Works, But Not in the Way You May Think – A Review of GoT Redirection

In 8x01, “Winterfell”, we had a scene where Davos, Tyrion, and Varys are observing Jon and Dany from the battlements of Winterfell.

Davos: “The Northmen are loyal to Jon Snow not to [Daenerys] her. They don’t know her. The Free Folk don’t know her. I’ve been up here a while and I’m telling you they’re as stubborn as goats. You want their loyalty, you have to earn it.”

Tyrion: “I sense that you’re leading to a proposal.”

Davos: “A proposal is what I’m proposing. On the off chance that we survive the Night King, what if the Seven Kingdoms, for once in their whole shit-history, were ruled by a just woman and an honorable man?”

Varys claims, “Nothing lasts.” However, beyond his point, GoT has a history of teasing possible marriages only to skew these relationships into something else. This kind of redirection has been shown multiple times in the series, for better and for worse. It is through marriage that the strongest relationship between two individuals and their respective houses is created. Here are some examples to date:

Brandon Stark & Catelyn Tully --> Ned Stark & Catelyn Tully (for security)

- Catelyn deeply loved Brandon and they were engaged to be wed up until his death by the hands of the Mad King. To maintain the alliance between House Tully and House Stark, Catelyn was promised to Brandon’s brother, Ned, and although they did not love each other at the time they were married, they grew to. As Catelyn said, they built their love “stone by stone”. Ned and Cat’s relationship remains the healthiest we have seen thus far on the entire show.

Cersei Lannister & Rhaegar Targaryen --> Cersei Lannister & Robert Baretheon (for power via Tywin Lannister)

- Cersei was enamored with Prince Rhaegar since she was a little girl and dreamed of marrying him in hopes of becoming his queen, but instead, Rhaegar married Elia Martell and he was later killed by Robert Baratheon during the Rebellion. Tywin would then marry Cersei off to Robert, the new king, and we all know how that turned out.

Lyanna Stark & Robert Baratheon --> Lyanna Stark & Rhaegar Targaryen (for love)

- Lyanna was promised to Robert prior to the Rebellion. She was renowned as a wild beauty with a kind heart, but even she would not overlook Robert’s adulterous ways: “Love is sweet, dearest Ned, but it cannot change a man's nature.” Based on the show’s interpretation, Lyanna and Rhaegar truly loved each other and ran away to be wed in secret, after Rhaegar annulled his marriage to Elia. Lyanna would die from childbirth just after bringing Aegon Targaryen VI (AKA Jon Snow) into the world, whom Ned Stark swore to keep safe. Her apparent kidnapping at the hands of the Targaryen prince was the match that started the flames of Robert’s Rebellion and the rest is history.

Robb Stark & Roslin Frey --> Robb Stark & Talisa (for love)

- THE RED WEDDING. Need I say more?

Sansa Stark & Loras Tyrell --> Sansa Stark & Tyrion Lannister (for power via Tywin Lannister)

- With the pending doom of Robb’s fall from power, Sansa becomes identified as the new “key to the North”. In season 3, Lady Olenna Tyrell and Varys discuss marrying Sansa to Loras to strengthen House Tyrell’s seat of power and to prevent Littlefinger from whisking Sansa away for himself. But before any of this can occur, Tywin swoops in and has Tyrion marry Sansa instead as their heir would inherit Casterly Rock and Winterfell, further strengthening House Lannister’s influence. Then, THE PURPLE WEDDING.

Jon Snow & Daenerys Targaryen --> ? (for ?)

- The show has mentioned a possible marriage between Jon and Dany twice now: once by Littlefinger and again by Davos. And the unification would have been favorable had Jon Snow remained the respected Northern bastard everyone else thought he was, but he isn’t. He never was. He is Aegon Targaryen VI, son of Prince Rhaegar and Lady Lyanna Stark, apparent heir to the Iron Throne. When the Northern lords find out Jon is a Targaryen, they will be furious. But when they find out he’s a Targaryen who bent the knee to another Targaryen, because he loves her, and said-Targaryen desires to rule the Seven Kingdoms, which includes the North, the lords will be relentless.

Whether you like it or not, whether it’s fair or not, the show has reiterated this fact to us time-and-time again: The North is very prejudiced against the Targaryens.

The North remembers. They remember the Mad King. They remember Rickard and Brandon being burned alive. They remember their beloved Lyanna being “kidnapped”. They remember Aegon the Conqueror, the subjugation endured under his reign, and having to give up their independence.

Even Lord Royce, who isn’t Northern, said a Targaryen cannot be trusted.

They will consider Jon’s parentage a betrayal to the North and may even accuse him of giving the North to Daenerys because he’s a Targaryen. They will question his Northern roots, despite the fact that he is still very much half-Stark.

Jon and Dany’s union would be one the North would never accept and it would deepen the rift between House Targaryen and the North even further.

What is the best way to mitigate discord? Marriage, of course. But to who?

THEORY: Jon Snow & Daenerys Targaryen --> Jon Snow & Sansa Stark (for security)

- Now, I know many of you are thinking “Wait, aren’t they cousins?” Yes, they are, and so were Tywin and Joanna Lannister, among others. It’s odd, I get it, but it makes the most sense. Sansa Stark, as the Lady of Winterfell, holds the most powerful seat in the North along with having the support of two other Great Houses in House Tully (Riverrun – Uncle Edmure) and House Arryn (The Vale – Sweet Robin). A union with Jon would secure four out of the six Great Houses remaining, except for Lannister. Possibly even five out of the six depending on where the Greyjoys stand after the war; we know Theon supports Sansa, but Yara would have to declare for them too. This is Game of Thrones we’re talking about, where power comes from the spread of influence, and the show has purposefully set up House Stark to have, possibly, the greatest influence over what is left of the Seven Kingdoms. Jon and Sansa’s union would be one for security, similar to Ned and Cat: it would be able to shield Jon from the Northern prejudice and keep the Stark Pack together. There are also underlying threads of poetic justice here: Robert’s Rebellion began over the convergence of a Stark and a Targaryen, and The Great War would end with the convergence of a Stark and a Targaryen. Not to mention threads of irony: A Targaryen ends up marrying someone he thought was his sister, but is actually his cousin, and Sansa grew up dreaming she would marry a prince and was betrothed to Joffrey (actually bastard, not a prince), only to end up marrying Jon (actually a prince, not a bastard). Davos’ words still hold true in this case too. The Seven Kingdoms would be ruled by a just woman and an honorable man. Sansa is pragmatic and Jon is a natural-born leader; a healthy balance of what it takes to rule. Whether they rule from the Iron Throne or maintain an independent North, Stark loyalty is fierce and anyone under their protection would thrive.

It’s rumored the final book of the series was going to be titled “A Time for Wolves”.

This story started with the Starks. I see no better way to end it.

I know some of you may ask, where does that leave Dany? Truth be told, I don’t know. I just hope that, wherever they take her character, it’s somewhere compelling, memorable, and epic, because she deserves that. Daario once called her a conqueror. In a perfect world, I imagine she, Arya, and Drogon go off to discover what’s west of Westeros.

A/N: Friendly reminder this is just a theory in regards to a possible ending to GoT! It is not meant to demean, judge, or bash any of the characters mentioned above. GRRM spent nearly 30 years crafting characters with such depth and even if you don’t agree with their philosophy or ways of doing things, I think you should still respect them as they are and all the work that has gone into developing them. Keep the comments section peaceful. Let’s enjoy the next 5 weeks to come. I’m sure we’ll all cry together once it’s over.

#game of thrones #got season 8 #house stark #house targaryen #jon snow #aegon targaryen vi #sansa stark #arya stark #got theories #jonsa #political marriage #the pack survives

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mebongster87 · 5 years

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A Time for Wolves: Thoughts on the trailer

As expected the trailer is meant to be a collage of scenes that will happen in the Season but there are a few HINTS about what’s to come.

The trailer begins with Arya Stark being chased through what I am assuming are the rediscovered tunnels of Winterfell....those look suspiciously similar to the ones we get to see in the Arya-Sansa-Jon starring teaser that they released a while ago.

Then they show us Greyjoy ships bringing the Golden Company from Essos to King’s Landing maybe??? who knows...Golden Company certainly looks golden and we have Harry Strickland as head of the Golden Company.

Followed by a shot of Edd, Tormund and Beric...looks like they made it out of Eastwatch-by-Sea alive.

Then we have Bran’s voiceover, in the presence of Samwell, most likely dropping R+L=J truth bomb on Jon....

Bran: ”Everything you did brought you where you are now...”

“where you belong”...over a shot of the Red Keep at King’s Landing...

meaning Jon will be crowned King of the Seven Kingdoms at the end ..no surprises there..

and then after a quick shot of Cersei and Qyburn...

when Bran says “home” they show us a shot of Winterfell.....

This is important.....because it reminds us that for Jon, home is always going to be Winterfell..no matter what...and to remind us of what he professed in S7, right before he left Winterfell to go parlay with Daenerys at Dragonstone...

“The North is my home...and I will never stop fighting for it, no matter the odds.” and Jon left his “home” aka Winterfell in the hands of Sansa.

So it’s important to remember that Jon has not forgotten where his home lies..where his loyalties lie...where his heart lies!

This is followed by a shot of Daenerys and Jon rolling up to Winterfell...as equals and allies..just as he had wanted back in Season 7. Jon has been successful in his quest to gather a powerful ally and armies and dragons..all of these are things he needs to defeat the AOTD.

This is followed by a shot of Sansa at the ramparts watching not only Jon’s arrival but also the arrival of the dragons....who fly overhead.

This sequence of showing Jon and Daenerys together and then followed by Sansa...happens twice in this trailer...which makes me think that they are definitely going to give us a love triangle between Jon, his lady love Sansa and the other girl who is cray-cray about him.

This follows with a shot of Drogon and Rhaegal flying over Winterfell...with Jon’s voiceover saying

I think this forebodes destruction of Winterfell...possibly by dragons or dragonfire...undeadViserion could also wreak havoc on Winterfell.

This follows a shot of Jon at the crypts with Daenerys....and guess what Jon says in his voiceover...

“OUR ENEMY DOESN’T TIRE”...over a shot of Daenerys....like holy mother of dragons is the actual enemy and D&D are unapologetically telling us that.....

Dark Daenerys CONFIRMED!!!

(What’s interesting is that you can see a Stark King’s statue betwixt Jon and Daenerys....indicating that there is a Stark between them...and no surprises there..that it is meant to depict Sansa...Jon’s true love)

(Also I am hella pissed at Daenerys showing up in the crypts of Winterfell...she does not belong down there...I feel like what Jon said to Littlefinger in S7..”you don’t belong down here”)

and when Jon says “doesn’t feel”...they show us a scene of Greyworm and Missandei kissing.....

Given all the scenes where Missandei and Greyworm paralleled Sansa and Jon last season...where Greyworm called Missandei his “weakness” and Sansa was the trigger point for Jon..I think this right here is meant to parallel another kiss that will happen between Jon and Sansa right before the battle against the AOTD commences...

I further believe this because Missandei’s hair has a reddish tinge to it...meant to depict Sansa and there is fire behind Greyworm..meant to depict Jon as a trueborn Targaryen. I really think we will get to see a JonSa kiss before the Battle of Winterfell.

Then this shot of the Throne room at the Red Keep shows us Cersei on the Throne, with Qyburn behind and Harry Strickland (head of the Golden Company) and Euron Greyjoy.

and oh my days..I love this shot of Lena drinking wine...her expressions are magnificent...

a few more scenes and then we have Jamie’s voiceover saying “I promised to fight for the living”...and they show us a shot of Jon at the Winterfell weirwood..i bet ten quid that he meets Sansa here in secret and maybe swears some vows to her at the godswood...and the vows sworn at the godswood are the most sacrosanct to him. He will never betray Sansa or the Starks.

followed by Jamie saying “I intend to keep that promise” and they show us Jon running at a battle scene. It’s hard to tell but I think it’s still at Winterfell because of how dark it is..so the Long Night is still on.

Then we have people running for their lives (or it could be GC coming to kidnap Sansa and escaping with her in the melee caused by the AOTD..who knows)

and then we have a shot of Jon and Daenerys about to ride Drogon and Rhaegal respectively I think....

This is probably before the Battle of Winterfell...and they have placed the dragons somewhere far away from Winterfell so that they do not scare the smallfolk in Wintertown..I think.

It will be interesting to find out whether Jon already knows that he is a Targ and can potentially try riding a dragon for battle purposes...

followed by a shot of Sansa looking pensive....standing at the ramparts in Winterfell...

Like this is the second time they have shown Jon and Daenerys followed by Sansa..LOVE TRIANGLE INCOMING IN S8!!!

Then we have a shot of Arya fighting with a weapon..Needle maybe...with fire in the backdrop..followed by a shot of Daenerys looking defeated/dejected/rejected????

I don’t know but I think this may be Arya fighting fire and the fire is supposed to depict dragon/Targaryen..maybe Arya is the one who ultimately kills Daenerys.

This sequence is really catchy...especially because it is followed by Tyrion and Drogon breathing dragonfire

Tyrion will probably face Daenerys’s rage for betraying her...

and the trailer ends with shots of AOTD coming to Winterfell..Battle of Winterfell looks intense...but no doubts about who are the two main antagonists of this story....they have continuously juxtaposed Fire and Ice together...

TLDR: The Starks are the center of the story and will emerge as the real heroes...as will Jamie. The choice of the voiceovers is meant to depict the characters who will standout in S8..Arya, Bran, Jon, and Jamie...

They have shown us less of Sansa...decidedly because she is the dark horse..so they have kept her under wraps..very clever move!

They have successfully managed to give us something by giving us nothing...all the while generating enough hype and buzz to get us stoked for S8. This will ensure maximum meltdowns when JonSa and Dark Daenerys are revealed and I cannot wait.

HYPPEDDD AF!

#got S8 trailer #got s8 trailer speculations #jonsa #jonsa is endgame #dark daenerys #Anti-Jonerys #anti-daenerys #a time for wolves #a dream of spring

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jonsateaparty · 5 years

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What do you think about the leaks? Bran becoming King, Sansa ruling the north and Jon spending the rest of his life at Castle Black. That's a sad ending.

Hm… I honestly don’t know. I’ll break it down for points in favour of this outcome, and points against this outcome as I see it.

Most in Favour - Sansa Ruling the North Alone

In this episode, we had three points that I think might support these spoilers. The first, is Sansa’s betrayal of Jon. I’ve seen people defend it left and right, and I agree with a lot of that. I agree that in the long run, it was the right thing for Sansa to do. However it was still a fundamental betrayal of Jon’s trust. Not only was it a fundamental betrayal of trust, but there was a lot of emphasis placed on it. Jon begs Sansa and Arya to keep his secret, begs them to swear to him, that they will say nothing. We see so much emphasis put on Sansa’s response here, the look on her face, the look on Jon’s face. This to me feels like Robb marrying Talisa, an important moment that will have long lasting negative affects on the characters.

I think that this could very easily lead to a place where Sansa gets what she wants but at a price. She’s gotten what she wants, and likely what’s best, but she’s gotten it at Jon’s expense. I can see a coldness forming in their relationship from that, a distance between the two. I can see her, all alone at Winterfell, mourning the ghosts of her family and the relationship with the man she loves.

The scariest part is that it fits in with the Jenny of Oldstones parallel. I keep seeing people celebrating the parallel between Sansa and Jenny, because of Jenny’s love for a Targaryen prince, but people also keep ignoring the fact that Jenny of Oldstones is a tragedy. In the end, Jenny is all alone in her castle, dancing with her ghosts and wishing for a return to the past. People say that it doesn’t have to be an exact parallel, and I agree, but discounting it as a possibility is just us sticking our heads in the sand like so many j0nerys shippers/D4ny stans have.

Least in Favour - Bran on the Iron Throne

Bran has stated multiple times that he can never be any kind of lord. Not only does he not want it, but he seems to believe that it is not possible for him. Bran also has absolutely no claim to the Iron Throne. Of course, neither does Cercei, however I don’t think Cercei would have ever been able to hold the throne for long, nor do I think she intended to, really. More and more I think Cercei is using what she knows is temporary power as a sort of cosmic suicidal temper tantrum (look it up on TV tropes), but I digress.

My point is, I don’t think Bran would be able to take and keep the throne, nor do I think he would want to. While I can see Jon giving in to the demand that he take the throne and trying to govern, simply because he sees it as his duty, I see Bran flat out refusing because he doesn’t see it as his duty.

I can maybe see some foreshadowing in 8x04 when Tyrion asks why Bran doesn’t rule.

The Wild Card - Jon Back in the Far North

So when I first saw this leak, it was before episode 4 came out and I immediately discounted it because it had Jon restarting the Night’s Watch. I said before, and I will say it a thousand times more: this makes absolutely no fucking sense.

The Night’s Watch Will Never Come Back Because There Is Nothing For It To Fucking Watch.

So I was absolutely convinced that this was a bogus fake leak… and then Jon spoke to Tormund in 8x04. That was obvious and blatant foreshadowing, however if it’s a fake leak, then right before episode 4, when this obvious foreshadowing appears, would be exactly when I leak it. It’s almost too convenient that this leak appeared when it did.

That being said, I will not follow in the path of J0nerys shippers/D4ny stans and bury my head in the sand when things aren’t looking my way. From watching episode 4, a picture formed in my head for how all three of those leaked endings could happen:

Jon doesn’t want to be King. He desperately doesn’t want to be King. He knows D4ny isn’t the best choice, but he believe’s that as long as he and his family aren’t threats to her, her fundamentally not-evil nature will allow them all to survive. Then he goes to lay siege on Kingslanding and everything changes when the Fire Nation D4ny attacks the Red Keep, murdering hundreds, maybe thousands of innocents. He’s horrified, he doesn’t know what to do, then at some public place, Varys reveals to the world who Jon really is, and urges him to take his rightful place on the throne.

This gets Varys killed and spurs Jon and D4ny against each other. Jon defeats D4ny and executes her for her war crimes. But then he’s so tired. He’s just executed his aunt, he’s just had his trust betrayed by the person he trusts most, he’s just been forced into this position that he never wanted, something that’s always caused people pain. He doesn’t want this, he just wants it to be over.

Then he remembers Aemon, remembers how he gave up the throne, and for once in his life goes fuck duty. He shoves a stewardship onto Bran and just leaves. Leaves behind all his duties and all the manipulation and the backstabbing and the lies and the fighting. He’s out, he’s done. He heads up north to the wall and becomes a lumberjack or something.

TL;DR: The Starks are alive and well, there is finally peace. But D4ny has let her inner demons take over and suffered the consequences, Sansa has played the Game and won but at the expense of all her relationships, Bran has fulfilled his magical destiny but is a shadow of himself as a result, Jon has finally had too much and turned away from duty and Arya is so obsessed with vengeance and death that she can never be happy. I can see that as a viable ending. I hate it. I hate it so fucking much. But I can see it happening.

Can someone please argue with me, please.

#got leaks #jonsa #anti-jonerys #anti-daenerys targaryen

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where-theres-smoak-2 · 5 years

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GOT EP 4 REVIEW/ THOUGHTS

So unpopular opinion here but I really liked this episode. I know alot of people had issues with it but I didn’t really see anything wrong with this episode. Ok scratch that there were a couple of things wrong with the ep, which I will get to but nothing major. So if you want to know why I enjoyed an episode most people seemed to hate then feel free to read on. I do need to say that these are just my own opinions and feelings on things. I have no issue with anyone who disagrees with me or feels differently, or read something different from a particular scene. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and feelings I completely respect that and hope others do too. Also fair warning this got a heck of alot longer than I thought it would so its pretty much an essay, guess I have alot of feelings lol. Anyway Spoilers ahead...duh.

Sansa

There was only one moment in this episode that had me full on crying to the point where I had to get a tissue and it was that moment Sansa put the Stark pin on Theon. It was just such a poignant moment and so sweet. Like Theon was a Stark, deep down in his heart he was a Stark and I’m glad that they recognised that in this moment. In fact that whole funeral scene was the perfect send off for all those characters. From the individual goodbyes to Jon’s speech and that shot of all the pyres burning. I can’t fault it.

But on to the big Sansa moment in this episode. The one everyone was talking about which is when she tells Tyrion about Jon. Like I get why people were upset by this and why alot of people saw it as her ‘betraying’ Jon. I even saw some posts saying that she was trying to undermine Dany in this moment and was manipulating Tyrion to get Jon on the Throne. Which on the surface I can see why it comes across that way. I mean she swore to Jon that she wouldn’t tell anyone and she hasn’t been Dany’s biggest fan at all this season. I even had a bit of a oh Sansa moment myself, I definitely felt conflicted about it. But I think there’s more to it than just that. It’s not so black and white. If we take a moment to think about what kind of frame of mind Sansa is in when Tyrion comes to speak to her. She’s just found out that the man she has believed to be her brother all her life, the brother she loves and cares for isn’t her brother at all. Which means her father a man who she always believed to be the most honourable man ever lied to the whole family. Which in itself would cause enough emotional turmoil but then factor in recent events, the Battle of Winterfell must have traumatised everyone who was there and Sansa lost another one of her brothers, because although he wasn’t related by blood Theon was still her brother. All that pain and grief is really fresh right now and is most likely tearing her apart inside.

Now that we now what kind of emotional state she is in we need to talk about the other factors that led Sansa to tell Tyrion, The first thing she says to him is ‘Why her?’ Some have suggested she was jealous in this moment or being petty but actually I think she’s just trying to understand. Whatever Jon and Tyrion sees in Dany she just doesn’t so she wants him to explain it to her, she wants to understand, and I think she wants to be reassured. But instead what she learns is that Tyrion is afraid of Dany. Which I think was the turning point or deciding factor I spose, for Sansa. This is a man she trusts who has always been honest with her. And he’s afraid. Which naturally does nothing to reassure Sansa and so her own fear only grows. What’s she afraid of? Well she already told us she doesn’t want Jon to go south. The men in her family don’t fair well when they do. I mean think about it. Her uncle Brandon went south and was brutally killed by the mad king. Dany’s father. Her grandfather went south and was brutally killed by the mad king. Her father went south and was brutally killed by another king. Then her oldest brother went south and was killed too for all she knows at the orders of a king. Now Jon is going South and you’ve got Dany with him proclaiming herself a Queen and she just happens to be the Daughter of the man who murdered two of the men in her family. And yes Dany isn’t her Father but Sansa doesn’t know that. She doesn’t know Dany. And lets be honest here as much as people say Sansa hasn’t made any effort to get to know Dany, well Dany hasn’t really made any efforts either. She’s done nothing to prove to Sansa that she can trust her. So you can argue that they are both equally to blame for the rift that exists between them.

Ok so far we’ve got 1) She’s just had some shocking, life altering news and she’s also dealing with the death of someone she loved so she’s not in the best of emotional states. 2) She doesn’t trust Dany and she’s just realised Tyrion the man she does trust is afraid of her. 3) Jon is going south and she is afraid he’ll meet the same fate as all the other men in her family. All of which as it is might justify her telling Tyrion about Jon. But here’s the main reason why I think she does and all the other things feed into it. We didn’t see the actual reactions of Arya and Sansa finding out because they cut the scene short (which I will rant about later lol) but we can assume that as Jon is an honest guy he told them the whole the truth. So Sansa knows that Dany is aware of Jon’s parentage and claim to the throne. As said before Sansa doesn’t trust Dany and what she’s seen of Dany so far has shown her that Dany is determined to get the throne at any cost. This was proven in Sansa’s eyes by Dany being unwilling to let the army rest before marching. I suspect Sansa’s biggest fear is that Dany will kill Jon to ensure that she gets the throne. So Sansa probably feels a bit useless and like how can she protect her brother. So she decides the best way to keep her brother safe is by getting him as much support as possible, Sansa is a lady she would have been taught Targaryen history so she knows they have a history of becoming unstable. I think she’s just preparing for the possibilty that if Dany turns on Jon there will be more people willing to support Jon than Dany making his chances of survival higher. We have to remember that Sansa was mentored and heavily influenced by Littlefinger, she was taught by him to look at all eventualities, every possible outcome and plan accordingly. Sansa is the kind of person who will go to any lengths to protect her family. That’s what she’s doing here. So what I’m saying is she’s not betraying her brother in that moment she’s protecting him.

Gendry/ Gendrya

Next I want to talk about Gendry and by extension Gendrya. So first off his legitimisation. Anyone else feel like Dany might have just created a bigger problem for herself here? I mean I am happy for Gendry but I don’t feel like it was the smartest move on Dany’s part because she just created another person who now has a claim to the throne. You could even argue that out of the three he has the strongest claim. The last legal, legitimate King was Robert, He won that throne fairly and legally by defeating a tyrant. I appreciate that Dany probably doesn’t see it that way. But the point is she just made Gendry the trueborn son of Robert meaning by rights he should be the next person to sit on the throne as the heir of the last true King. Which means there are now two people who have stronger claims to the throne than she does. It just did not seem like the wisest move to me. There’s also the issue of how the f*ck she knew Gendry was Robert’s son. I’ve seen some comments that Jon told her because he looked guilty but I have another possibilty for you all. I went back and watched the scene a few times over because I just didn’t see it that way at all. The look people are talking about is this one

(Sorry for the poor quality.) Which happens right after Dany says you’re Robert’s son. But if you look closely you see Jon actually looks to Davos first then Davos brings his eyes to meet Jon’s. Now me personally if I shared a secret like that with a group of people and I was the one who snitched and told someone else, when that came out I would be desperately trying to avoid meeting their gaze. Also if I knew it wasn’t me who had told the first thing I would do was look to the other person who knew and see if they look guilty. This is what I think Jon is doing when he looks to Davos. In this moment they have a conversation of did you tell? no, me either. So I disagree I don’t think this is a look of guilt. Jon has no problem meeting Davos’ eyes and when he looks away its towards Gendry. I actually think this is a look of confusion mixed with tension. They’re both trying to figure out how she knows but are also worried about what she’s going to do next. Now if we compare that to this shot of Tyrion.

This to me is more a look of guilt. He blinks, looks down at the table and then over to Vary’s. Now I’d like to call you back to the first time Tyrion met Gendry. Gendry was decked out in the Baratheon colours, carrying a war hammer and said hammer was embossed with a stag. Davos also tells him that his name is Gendry. So Tyrion may or not have known the names of the bastards that were killed but its possible he could’ve recognised the name but even without that it’s not hard to put the rest together and come up with he’s a Baratheon. I also think the look to Varys is very telling because we do know that Varys knows who Gendry is. Way back in season one there was a scene where he was talking to Illyrio about how Ned had found one of the bastards already. We know the first bastard he found was Gendry so yeah I suspect that when Varys saw Gendry he instantly knew who he was. I also read Tyrion’s sharp look to Varys as a ‘told you we shouldn’t have told her’ kinda look. It makes me wonder if there was some kind of conversation between them both that we didn’t see where they discussed whether they should tell Dany or not with Varys believing they should and Tyrion not being so sure. The other thing I noticed is if you go watch the scene again, everyone’s eyes are fixed on Dany and Gendry during this scene. Everyone’s. I mean Jon has such as intense look on his face as his eyes flick between her and Gendry. But Tyrion spends the entire time staring at the table. Now to me that screams guilt. Especially as at that point no one knew what Dany was going to do to him and I feel like if Gendry were harmed because they told her then Tyrion is the type to feel guilty. So yh I think it’s much more likely that it was Tyrion and Varys who told her than Jon telling her. But that’s my opinion and everyone is welcome to draw their own conclusions because lets be honest I doubt the writers will ever explain it.

Now on to the more important part. That proposal. Ok guys I didn’t hate it. In fact I might even say I loved it. So come on lets get some positivity back up in here. Guys we got an I LOVE YOU! And how adorable was Gendry I mean that whole speech about how she was beautiful and he loved her and none of it meant anything without her. It was just soo beautiful. And I knew he meant every word of it, all of his emotions were right there on his face and in his eyes he wasn’t holding anything back. He really was wearing his heart on his sleeve. It was one of the sweetest proposals I had ever scene... And one of the stupider lol. Yeah our poor Gendry kind of set himself up there. We all know that Arya doesn’t see herself as a lady. She has always had a negative response to the title Lady so it probably wasn’t best to use that title in his proposal. Now does this mean that Gendry doesn’t know our girl. Of course he does. He knows our girl better than anyone. He just got over excited and he is also probably a bit tipsy, I mean everyone at that feast was getting rather merry lol. He got a bit ahead of himself. This isn’t the end for Gendrya. I mean you just have to look at Arya’s expressions when Gendry is confessing his love and proposing to know that she is head over heels for him too. I mean the way she came down to his level when he was on one knee and how softly she kissed him. But Arya has to finish her list, she has to find justice for her father, mother and brothers. I don’t think she can really move on with her life if she doesn’t. I won’t be at all surprised if once she has finished the list she goes to find Gendry. I still believe they are endgame. One thing I will say though is I do not want Gendry to give up his title for Arya. Gendry has struggled his whole life with not knowing who his father is. Then he finds out it’s Robert Baratheon but he still has no identity because he’s a bastard and so he is a no one and he belongs to no one because that’s what society says. So I actually think being able to have his father name, for people to look at him and go that’s Robert’s son means a lot to Gendry. And you know what he’s earned it and he deserves it and I just don’t think it would be fair for him to have to give that up for her. He should be able to have both. I also don’t see him giving it up as romantic more like tragic lol. But again that’s just my opinion on the matter. I do think in the end though Arya and Gendry will find their way back to each other. Also I do think the way we keep getting Arya saying I’m not a lady all the time is a parallel to Jon constantly saying I’m not a king all the time. And well we all know that Jon is a king whether he wants to be or not lol. It’s how most people see him as a king so I suspect in the end a Lady is exactly what Arya will end up being but naturally she won’t be the conventional kind of lady.

The last thing I want to talk about regarding Gendry is this theory about how he is actually Cersei and Robert’s son that she talks about in season 1 to Caitlyn. When I first read the theory I will admit I was intrigued by it but ultimately I dismissed it. However did anyone else notice that look Jaime got. It was interesting that they focused on his reaction as well because up until this point Jaime has had nothing to do with Gendry like at all. The three reactions they zoomed in on when it was announced that he was Robert’s son were Davos, Jon and Jaime. Now Jon and Davos make sense because they were keeping the secret but why focus on Jaime. It does make me wonder if there could be some truth to the theory. We know that Cersei didn’t want to have Robert’s child, she used to drink moon tea to stop herself getting pregnant. It’s possible that maybe Jaime feared Cersei would harm the child so removed them from her and gave him to a commoner before telling Robert and Cersei the child died of fever. But who knows I guess we’ll see.

Jon

Now Jon didn’t do much this episode but there were a couple of things I want to talk about. First is I really do think Jon is so broken. I think he has been since he was murdered and brought back. Which is understandable. I mean he’s not having the easiest of times right now. But more than anything I think he’s feeling lost. His sole mission has been stop the Night king and his army and now that’s done. On top of that he’s been told this huge truth about his parentage and I think it could not have come at a worse time. If you look back at Jon’s journey he very much struggled with being a bastard in the beginning but he eventually came to terms with that. Then he became a man of the Nights Watch but that was also blurred for him when he infiltrated the free folk, once again he was struggling with who he was and his identity but again he seemed to get over that and find himself. Then he is murderded and leaves the Night’s watch ans is once again unsure of where he belongs which he again overcomes and he becomes King in the North and embraces his Stark side. Then what happens he’s thrown for another loop when he finds out he’s also a Targaryen. So Jon has always had this struggle with identity and who am I, Where do I belong. There was that one shot of him where he’s alone in his room right before Dany comes to see him. And he just looks so tired. You can really see how much he is struggling in that moment. Speaking of that scene it’s obvious that Jon is now struggling with intimacy between himself and Dany now that he knows she’s his Aunt. I do think it’s over between them two. I just don’t think he’ll ever be comfortable with it now he knows.

The scene where he’s in the war council, I was a bit annoyed when he sided with Dany because we all know that Sansa’s right, the men and the dragons need time to recover. Jon know’s this too so it just seemed really stupid to go along with Dany when he knows it could have serious reprecussions. However I do wonder if some of the reason he goes along with it is out of concern and fear for Sansa if they defy Dany. It could be a case of him protecting his sister. He was looking at her pretty intensely in that moment. Which obviously leads to that scene in the Godswood. I can not tell you how mad I am that we didn’t get to see Sansa and Arya’s actual reactions. Like really?! I think the only thing that will make that even a little ok is if there was some other discussion that happened like some kind of plan that’s going to come up later in a twist of some kind and that’s why they couldn’t show it to us. But yeah I thought we needed to see that scene. In regards to whether I think Jon should have told them my answer is absolutely yes. They are his family he can’t be keeping a secret like that from them.

Ok so I have a new theory for what I think might happen for Jon’s endgame. If he lives which as he’s my fav character he better lol I actually think he might go and join Tormund and the others on the other side of the wall. They had that exchange where Jon said Ghost will be happy on the otherside of the wall and Tormund says ‘so would you.’ Also when Jon says so this farewell Tormund’s reply is you never know. This to me makes it seem like it’s possible that Jon will end up meeting Tormund again. I’ll be honest I wouldn’t be mad about this. As much as I’d love to see Jon as a King and as much as I think he would make an amazing King I also want him to be happy. Thinking back the only time other than that 1st episode at Winterfell that we saw him truly happy was when he was living amongst the Free folk. You could argue that alot of if had to do with Ygritte and the fact that he was in love, which yes I think that played a huge part of it but I also think it ran deeper than that. As I said before Jon’s story has very much been about him struggling to know or accept who he is, Identity has been an ongoing arc of his. When he was amongst the Free folk he wasn’t Ned Stark’s Bastard or a man of the Night’s Watch, or Lord Snow he was just Jon. He could be whoever he wanted, the free folk judge you on your own merits not on who your father was or what you do for a living, Out there Jon was free and that made him happy so yeah I would be ok with that ending for him.

The one thing that does worry me though is that his scene with Sam and Gilly did seem like a goodbye scene. Unfortunately I’m not sure they’ll see each other again. On the brighter side though. They’re having a baby and if it’s a boy they want to call him Jon, like aahhh guys my heart might explode with happiness and all the adorableness. That was just such a touching scene and Sam with his you’re the best friend I’ve ever had and seeing Jon tear up, I just, I can’t even put into words how much that scene got to me.

Braime

Jaime and Brienne sitting in a tree. Can’t believe they are canon, like that actually happened. Loved that they got those moments together but then the branch snapped and it all came tumbling down. Poor Brienne and poor Jaime too. But here’s the thing I do think there’s more to it than it seems. It looks like Jaime is going back to Cersei. Except he’s not. He’s going to kill Cersei. I’m sure of it. It’s no coincidence that the thing that triggers Jaime leaving is Sansa’s comment about I wished I’d be there when they execute your sister it seems now I won’t get the chance. It could be read like Cersei is not long for this world, especially as Brienne said you don’t need to save her, but actually considering this comment follows the news that Cersei has killed a dragon, destroyed a load of ships and captured the Dragon Queen’s bestie, it’s much more likely Sansa is suggesting that Cersei might win. Jaime’s reaction to this is then I have to stop her. Now if someone said to you I’m off to murder my sister who happens to be a woman I love (loved?) and who is carrying my unborn child you would probably say that person was pretty hateful. I think this is what he means with the whole she’s hateful but I’m hateful too. I mean this is a horrible thing to think about and I haven’t really seen many people talking about it but Cersei is pregnant. I think we’ve all been so focused on Cersei is evil she has to die this season that we’re forgetting that there is an innocent life, a baby, growing inside her and it’s survival is dependant on hers. Yet if Cersei is left to live she will kill thousands and it’s this impossible situation where you have to weigh up which is the worst of the two evils, killing an unborn child or letting thousands perish. That is the choice Jaime is facing and yes it’s a hateful one but he knows it has to be him. Unfortunately though I still don’t think its going to end well for Braime. Pretty much from season 3 I figured out what show I was watching and from that moment I knew, I just knew that Jaime was not making it out of this alive. His story will end in tragedy and that tragedy will be that after getting out from under Cersei (yeah pun was kinda intended there) moving on and finding love with someone else Cersei will still be his undoing. He will die in Kings Landing most likely with Cersei. I will be very surprised if he lives. His death will naturally leave Brienne alone and heartbroken. It’s ok though Brienne if you go with Jon up North beyond the wall I think Tormund is still free. No seriously though all joking aside, It’s going to break my heart because although I do ship Tormund and Brienne its a fun thing to like, I also love and ship Braime, I think they’ve got such a deep connection and it’s going to be devasting seeing Brienne’s heartbreak. What’s worse is I suspect her ending will be that she becomes Kings/Queens guard to whoever ends up on the throne. Which isn’t a completely bad thing, it’ll mean she’ll get the recognition she deserves. But I also think she’ll do it because of the vows and because she doesn’t want to risk falling in love again so she instead decides to dedicate her life to the Guard instead. Which as I said she’ll be the noblest of them all but she’ll be alone and well as George RR Martin said that would be bittersweet.

Dany

Ok I know this is getting ridiculously long now so I’m going to put in my thoughts about Dany and then wrap it up. So don’t get me wrong I love Dany’s character but I am afraid that Dany fans need to brace themselves for some Dany criticism here. I mean damn girl what are you doing?! There’s just so much lately that is grating on me. Her whole speech to Jon about how he shouldn’t tell anyone because it’ll take on a life of its own and they’ll pressure him into taking what’s hers. I’m just sitting here like hunni I love you but it’s not yours, its never been yours. Like even if the Targaryen’s hadn’t have been defeated they would have had to have gone through Rhaegar, his three children and Viserys before they would have got to Dany. Then there’s the fact that both Jon and Gendry have stronger claims. Now I do understand Dany’s struggle here because she has spent 7 seasons believing that the Iron Throne should be hers but its still frustrating to see her acting so selfish. I think the thing that is paining me the most is Dany used to be such a sweet and caring person. But that moment in episode 2 when she found out that Jon is a Targaryen the only thing she was worried about was what about the throne. I mean supposedly this is the man you love and yet she doesn’t stop to ask if he’s ok. The poor man just had his whole world turned upside down and your worried about a throne. It goes to show just how much Dany has changed and I do think its showing her slide into madness. Now I know there’s been some discussion saying its wrong to say Dany is a Mad Queen just because she’s ruthless in taking down Cersei or that she’s just doing what she has to. I’ve seen some comments about how they didn’t call Aegon the Conqueror Mad or evil even though he burned thousands. True but here’s the cold hard truth. Aegon won, and history is written by the victors my friends. Aegon was a terrible person. He decided he wanted the Seven Kingdoms, he knew that with his dragons they’d be unstoppable and so he burned thousands of people to death, he destroyed people’s lands and homes and brought destruction wherever he went while conquering the lands. But he won and so he got to choose how the world would remember him which obviously was as a fierce warrior king who brought peace and properity to the newly united kingdoms. In comparison Aery’s Dany’s father, The Mad King, he lost. Robert won so Robert got to choose how the world would remember Aery’s which was as a monsterous tyrant who was known for his cruelty and was completely off his rocker. The thing is I suspect Dany will also lose. And so others will decide how she will be remembered and unfortunately your enemies will never paint you in a good light. If you kill someone you swore allegiance to against your oath then you better have a damn good excuse and she was a mad queen who was killing loads of people is a reasonable reason for killing someone you swore to protect and serve.

I know some people feel like Dany’s descent into madness is too sudden and badly written but on this occasion I’m going to have to disagree. I actually think it’s been very well written. Subtly written as well. This isn’t the first sign we’ve seen, the entire series is littered with moments that show Dany’s potential of going mad. The thing that was most clever was the hints of her going mad were all moments that we cheered on. Her burning Mirri Maz Duur all the way back in season 1. I mean we all thought she deserved it but you can’t deny it was a bit messed up. Then there was locking her maidservant and Xaro in the vault again they may have deserved it but it still showed her ruthless side abit there, Killing all the masters, burning all the Khal’s. These were all things that could indicate that she had a little bit of that Targaryen Madness in her but because they were bad people that we didn’t like we turned a blind eye and just shrugged and said they deserved it. But the thing that makes the writers really clever is that after years of us rooting for her and cheering at all these badass yes burn them all baby moments, they throw in one that makes people question it. Like Dickon Tarly. I mean no one really cared about the dad dying lets be honest but Sam’s brother didn’t need to die. I think this is probably the first time you’re hoping Dany will show mercy and let Dickon live. I think it’s also important to note that alot of the issue is the way she kills them isn’t considered humane. We all saw the look of horror on Tyrion’s face when he realised that Dany was going to burn them. I think the other thing to remember is that if you look at from the family’s point of view. It’s one thing if your son/ husband/ brother/ father is executed but at least if they are beheaded there are remains to bury. By burning them as she did she denied the family a chance to have funeral and say goodbye as is their custom.

Other signs of her madness is the obsession with the throne and with people bending the knee. Particularly this season. I think as we continue we will see Dany start to threaten more of the characters that we love and we’ve started seeing the beginnings of paranoia set in, we saw it when she questioned Tyrion’s loyalty at Jaime’s trail and in her tumultuous relationship with Sansa we’ve even started to see it a bit with Jon. Again another subtle shift is seeing the way others are behaving around her, I noticed it more in this episode but they’re every cautious like tiptoing around a sleeping dragon. They are nervous about how she’ll react and they’ve become more fearful of her. I’ve actually really enjoyed watching Dany’s descent into madness, it makes her character interesting. I do think its going to become more rapid now I think the events of this episode are going to be what finally makes her mind snap. Cersei poked the sleeping dragon and I’ve got a feeling she’s going to regret waking this Dragon.

The other controversial issue that seems to have come up is whether it’s sexist that Varys and Tyrion seem to be siding with Jon over Dany. Well yes and no. The show isn’t being sexist, but the characters are. Some of you might be thinking huh? So let me explain. As much as this is a fantasy tv show we have to remember it is set in a medieval kind of era. Back then men were considered more capable than women. So when faced with a choice between a male heir or a female, the lords will side with the male just because that is how things were done. So yes the characters are being shortsighted and sexist because as Varys said the Lords will support Jon because he’s male. But the show writers aren’t being sexist they’re being realistic and historically accurate. Yes this is a fantasy show but they still have to stay true to the rules of the era, especially as it is based on our own history and laws, George RR Martin didn’t just pull it all out of thin air alot of the events in the books and therefore the show are based on true historical events that actually happened. So if they just throw it all out and go yeah we’re putting a woman on the throne over this male and no one at all had a problem with it, well that just wouldn’t be at all believable. A good indication that the show isn’t being sexist in itself is the fact that they have that line where Tyrion questions it by saying well Joffrey was a male and look how that turned out. That’s no indication of whether they’ll be a good ruler. But then Varys was correct in his come back of the lords won’t support a woman over a man and in that respect yes having a cock is important I’m afraid. Both these characters know its not right but they are also aware of the world they live in and you do need the support to be succesful.

I’m also of the opinon that Varys and Tyrion are right. Jon is the better ruler. Dany she’s the better conqueror. But Jon is the better ruler for the very reasons Varys gives he is temperate and measured. Dany not so much and that was really shown in this episode. Her decision to legitimise Gendry I’ve already talked about. I do think it was a bad choice on her behalf. I get the I’ll have a Storm Lord on my side and in my debt but Gendry if given the choice of supporting her or Jon and the Starks will choose Jon. Storms End means far little to him than his family. And Arya and Jon and therefore by extension the rest of the Starks are his family. But the other impulsive decision was not waiting before heading to Kings Landing. She should have listened to Sansa. She also made a bad choice in not having a scout searching ahead. That’s how she lost Rhaegal and Missandei. This also along with the whole legitimisation shows her arrogance. The reason why she didn’t send a scout ahead is because she was arrogant enough to believe that no one would dare attack her dragons. How many times throughout the series have we seen someone warn her of a threat and her come back with I’ve got dragons? Which I don’t entirely blame her for being arrogant/ confident about that, her dragons are powerful war machines and yes it would be foolish to go up against them unless you’ve been armed with a weapon specially designed to take down dragons of course. Which unfortunately Euron did. As a side note I do think it was necessary for her dragon to be killed. Before that I was just sitting here thinking well Cersei is screwed, like even with the Battle of Winterfell reducing their numbers they were still a pretty deadly force with the combined forces and the two dragons. I just didn’t see how Cersei could win against that. Now however the odds are a lot more even, I’d even go so far as to say that Cersei has the upperhand now which makes the stakes much higher and therefore the show more exciting. But going back to the previous line of thought I think with Gendry the reason why she doesn’t think ‘hmm maybe I’m giving Gendry too much power here’ is because she doesn’t for one second think he would betray her now that she’s given him that power. Dany loves power which again is understandable because she spent alot of her life with no power and she suffered for it. But that love for power means she thinks everyone feels the same. It’s why she is so paranoid about Sansa and Jon. And its why she thinks she now had Gendry in her pocket. Unfortunately these character traits, the arrogance, the power thirst, the impulsiveness are what makes here unsuitable as a ruler. All fantastic traits for a conqueror but not for a ruler. It’s true of the Targaryen’s that they weren’t good rulers. Their entire dynasty was littered with wars, mostly against each other. Yes there were a few good ones but on the whole not so much. You could even argue that the first time the kingdoms knew an extended period of peace was under Robert’s reign.

But as critical of Dany as I’m being there was one moment in this where my heart just ached for her. When she was at the feast and you see her watching Jon being praised by Tormund and there are people gathered around him and he’s laughing with them. Then she sees Jaime, Tyrion and Brienne. All around her there are people celebrating together and she is sitting there utterly alone. She’s in a room with probably well over a hundred people but she looked and must have felt more alone than ever. It really pulled at my heart strings because as much as I’ve been ragging on her in this review I do love her and her character so seeing my girl like that was hard to watch.

Speaking of things that were hard to watch my poor poor Missandei. Poor Grey Worm too. I mean I think the part that was the hardest for me was seeing this brave beautiful woman who had been taken from her home and sold into slavery, spent years being opressed and most likely abused by the masters who was then freed by Dany and rose to become a close friend of a Queen and who had found love, die in chains. Now I’m not critising the show for having her in chains (I guess), I mean of course she was in chains she was a prisoner, Cersei would have been stupid to not have her in chains. Also other characters have died in chains, Ned did and Ellaria Sand’s daughter, I’m sure there were others too. But there was something about seeing a former slave die in chains that just made it soo much harder to watch, so much more heart wrenching. Also Grey Worm’s reaction I just it was awful I just wanted to reach into the tv and hug him. But I did love how strong Missandei was in that moment and her last words, not even just what they were but the way she said them. She had so much strength and power in her voice. Those were the words that Dany freed her with. It could also indicate what is to come with Dany buring them all.

Finishing Up

So I said there were a couple of things that I thought could have used improvement in the episode so I figured I’d list them at the end here. I’ve already mentioned the fact that we should have seen Sansa and Arya’s reactions to Jon’s reveal but here are some more.

1) The Starbucks of Winterfell. I’ll be honest I didn’t notice it until someone else on tumblr pointed it out. As careless as this was I can forgive them for it. From what I understand they have now fixed it and the versions on HBO now don’t have the coffee cup, They had also just come off a 55 nights or something like that shoot and were exhausted not to mention stuff like this happens all the time in tv and movies. But to be honest the main reason why I can forgive them for it is because I thought it was hilarious haha.

2) Ghost got ghosted by Jon. I mean come on they couldn’t even let him pet him. I am peeved that they didn’t untilise the direwolves more. I mean I like the dragons and all but I would’ve liked to see more of the wolves they were criminally under used. So it sucks that they have sent Ghost away. That being said at least we know he won’t be killed horribly like the other dire wolves. But for me the worst part of it is that they didn’t even give him and Jon a proper goodbye. Ghost looked so sad and Jon just nodded at him and was like see ya later. I am hoping that they will be reunited though. Fingers crossed.

3) A boy does not know his own name. This is the most unforgivable of them all. I’m not Gendry Rivers anymore, No hunni pie you’re not because you never were. Maybe I’m being petty but this one was not that hard to get right. Like you didn’t even need to read the books just google search it, Hell go on tumblr in the gendry tab. It’s Waters! Gendry Waters! Ok I can’t talk about it anymore I’ll only make myself angry again.

Overall I’m happy with where this season is going. I like that I’m struggling to figure out what will happen next and we’re still getting those shocks and twists. I’m both nervous and excited to see what will happen next. Anyway I apologise for the literal essay this got a lot longer than I originally planned lol so a very big thank you to anyone who actual read to the end.

#got 8x04 #got spoilers #gendrya #sansa stark #daenerys targaryen #braime #jon snow

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laboratorioautoral · 5 years

Text

Try to Sleep With a Broken Heart

To the lovely @circe1fanatic

During the banquet they tried to avoid each other’s gaze. As treaties were signed and speeches inflamed the room, they stood sober in their silences. It was for the greater good, but the greater good often came at the expenses of the hearts of kings, queens and princesses.

Willas Tyrell was twice her age and had a crippled leg. He was handsome although he didn’t seem aware of it. He was intelligent, witty, talented, rich...No matter how advantageous Willas could be as a husband, Arya’s heart still ached as she suffocated words and secrets that could bring kingdoms down.

Jon said nothing. His face had turned into a cold mask and the tension in his jawline was visible to anyone with eyes to see. Arya knew he was ready to see insult in the slightest mistake, so he could kick Willas out and burn the treaty Bran had worked so hard to get.

Daenerys was also aware of it. To the Dragon Queen, Arya couldn’t marry soon enough and move to the other side of the continent and as far as possible from Jon’s eyes. The Targaryen woman would never rest until she had him for herself and sharing Jon was never in her plans. Daenerys was no Visenya, no Rhaenys...She was just a woman in a foreign land, in love with the idea of a family and desperate to win hearts.

Arya could admire the Dragon Queen as someone who fought her way to the Throne and was absolutely unapologetic about it. They were both survivors and they both loved the same man. The difference was that Arya had no Targaryen blood to make her feelings for Jon something easy to accept. That was a level of guilt she wasn’t ready to deal with.

Willas was well aware of all the drama behind the delicate agreement between House Stark and House Tyrell. Arya had bluntly explained to him all of it and expected him to feel disgusted at her. Instead Willas held her hand and kissed her forehead, before telling her that everything would be settled in due time and he wouldn’t demand her love or even the marital duties, unless Arya was willing to give it to him on her own free will.

She found in him a dear friend and they had spent time together so Arya could get used to the idea of marrying the man. Willas could make her laugh and they could talk for hours without the conversation ever becoming boring. It was a good thing, wasn’t it? So why she still wanted to cry whenever she thought about Willas and High Garden?

Lord Tyrell seemed to read her mind at times and just when Arya felt as she was about to crumble down, he held her hand discreetly as if he was silently reassuring her that everything would be fine. Jon saw that and his instinctively rested on the sword’s hilt.

When the feast was over Arya could barely wait to be in the quietness of her room. Willas was kind enough to escort her, even if his leg made it a tremendous effort. Arya figured he wanted to talk to her without anyone near to listen.

“It pains me to see you like this.” Willas finally said in a sad tone. “I’m not stupid, Arya. I can see how hard it’s being to you and you just have to say the world and I’ll cancel everything.”

Arya took a deep breath as she felt even more guilty. She didn’t deserve a man like him. She didn’t deserve Willas kindness or friendship.

“It’s not only about me and you. My selfishness won’t torn the country apart again and...Daenerys is the right choice for him. With dragons at her disposal, I’m not sure how graciously she would face another woman threatening her idea of family.” Arya answered stubbornly.

“Daenerys needs Jon more, than Jon needs her. Dragons will only help so much and I’ve never known about dragon fire stirring passion instead of fear. If she needs coercion to have the man, than she never had him in the first place.” Willas insisted with kindness. “I would love it if you could ever feel for me the tenth part of what you feel for him, but I have no illusions. I know I’m too old for you and my leg doesn’t make me any more appealing. You deserve better than a man like me and I won’t force you into this if you tell me that you can’t handle it. I would rather be a good friend, than the man that condemned you to misery. I can find myself another bride and still hold to my word to you and Brandon.”

“You are the one who deserves better than a poor excuse of a lady. I’m terrible at needlework; I can’t sing or write poems...I would make you miserable when you deserve someone who can love you for the wonderful man that you are.” She finally gave in and her tears broke free. “I want to love you, Willas. I swear I do...Just give me time. Be patient and I promise I’ll do my best to make you happy.”

“At what cost, my dear?” He cupped her cheek with his free hand and make Arya look directly at him. “I know what happened the last time a Lord stood between a she-wolf and her dragon prince. I prefer to think that we learned the lesson and history won’t repeat itself. Yours is a face meant to bring kings and kingdoms to their knees. You were never born to be an ordinary lady. You are too noble at heart and too strong at soul to be anything but a queen in your own right.” Willas kissed her forehead gently as his thumb brushed over her cheek. “I’ll have you for my wife if so you want to be, but I won’t stand between you and your happiness. This war was hard on you, my dearest friend. You deserve to smile again.”

“Thank you.” It was the only thing she could say before hugging him with sincere affection. Willas answered the gesture with his usual and respectful kindness.

Once he was gone and Arya laid in bed hopping that sleep would find her eventually, all the things Willas had promised her came back to her mind. It was a tempting offer. One that she was eager to accept, in spite of all the politics and peace treaties behind that union.

Hours might have passed and Arya was still wide awake as she looked to the fire burning in the fireplace. She wanted to sleep, but how can someone sleep with a broken heart?

Arya heard the door opening behind her and the sound of steps walking toward her bed. For a moment she stood very still, holding her breath and wondering what he wanted.

“Do you love him?” Jon asked in a half strangled voice. If she didn’t know him as she did, Arya would say he had been crying. “I...I need to know this. Before I go mad, and before I can do something very stupid...Tell me that you love him and I’ll swallow my pride and wish you both a happy life together.”

Arya rolled on bed to look at him. He had been crying and the dark circles around his eyes also told her that he hadn’t slept in days. Jon’s hair was a mess as he stood in his breeches and shirt, looking like someone who had tried to shut up all the voices inside his head and failed.

“I don’t.” Arya answered simply. “It’s not about love though. You know it isn’t.”

“Fuck it! Fuck him and Daenerys and everything else! I won’t stay here watching this farce!” Jon nearly growled out of anger, despair and frustration. “Come with me. Let us...Let us go North, or to Braavos...”

“We can’t. You are the King in the North and soon you will marry Daenerys. This is for the kingdoms and for everything we fought for. We can’t destroy the little peace we got out of this...Sickness.” Arya insisted although every word costed her ten years of life.

“Do I make you feel sick?” He asked and she knew that those words hurt him badly.

“Sometimes...When I remember when we used to play together, or as we used to swim and laugh...You will always be my brother in a way and...I am not a Targaryen. I can’t pretend that I don’t feel disgusted for loving you as I do.”

“So blame it on me and my blood for it.” He answered sharply. “I’m done holding back every time I have something I love being taken away from me. I’ll kill him and be done with it. His brother will be delighted to inherit everything and you will be free again.”

“Willas would cancel the marriage if I asked him too. He promised me that much time and time again.” Arya replied bitterly. “He is a good man. He deserves better than to be trapped in this madness. Go back to Daenerys. Try to fuck her again. Maybe you’ll forget about me and move on.”

“Are you doing this out of jealousy? To punish me?” Jon was suddenly divided between shock and rage.

“No. I’m doing this because she is in love with you and has two dragons left. I can’t trust her to accept rejection gracefully.” Arya growled at him as she sat on her bed with a bitter taste on her mouth. “You went to her and asked for help. You should be prepared to pay for it.”

“I died for you. I came back for you. I killed for you.” Jon knelled in front of her with his hands resting on her legs. “You too should be ready to pay the price for being my last and my first thought. You will tell him to cancel the wedding.”

“Then what?” Arya defied him. “Will you tell Daenerys to disappear? Do you think she will without complains or threats?”

“I’ll kill her too, if I must.” Jon’s voice was cold and resolute as he parted her legs and pushed Arya back to bed. “If she refuses to see the obvious...Before that I’ll make it plain and simple for them to understand that you and I...We belong together.”

At that point Jon was on top of her and his hand had already pulled the rem of her nightgown up so Arya would be completely exposed from waste down. His forehead pressed against hers...Arya could smell the wine in his breath and feel him had between her legs.

“You are mine, and I am yours.” Jon whispered. “No other man will have you like this. I won’t allow.”

“You should go back to your room before someone finds out that you are here.” Arya insisted. She tried to push him away, but Jon was too strong and she wasn’t so sure if she wanted to be alone again.

“Let them find out.” His voice was low and dark. “Your good name will be ruined and the world will know that you are mine.”

His mouth covered hers with lust and hunger. It was a harsh kiss, full of rage, jealousy and bitterness. Arya answered it with equal disposition, as if the world was about to end and Jon’s body on top of hers was the only thing that mattered.

She had countless opportunities to tell him to stop and put an end to the madness, but every kiss felt like another reason for her to forget about names, politics and everything else that wasn’t them. Arya let Jon have what he wanted. The comfort of a friend and the eagerness of a lover. It was only when he carelessly entered her, that Arya realized that they had reached a point of no return.

A loud cry escaped her mouth and Jon stood very still for a while. Arya kept her eyes closed as the pain faded and Jon caressed her face. When she opened her eyes, Arya saw them reflected at Jon’s. A shadow of panic, shame and sudden acceptance crossed her face. There was no going back.

From pain to sweetness and the pleasures only passion can inspire...When everything was said and done, they could finally sleep.

#jon and arya #jon x arya #jon/arya #jonarya #jonrya #drabble

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diwatang-sirena · 5 years

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Food For Thought: Is it possible that Daenerys' storyline is going to go a similar route to Darth Vader's?

Now before you guys protest, especially the die-hard Dany stans, just hear me out on this. I’m a fan of both Vader and Dany, and as much as I wish that Dany will not turn into an antagonist, let’s not discount the possibility and try to look at her story in a different perspective. Okay? Then keep reading.

If you’re not familiar with Vader’s story in Star Wars (but how tho??), protagonist Anakin Skywalker started out as a poor, innocent slave boy who happened to have a very strong connection with the force. He’s even assumed to be the “Chosen One” from the prophecies that would balance the Dark and the Light sides of the Force. So he ends up training to become a Jedi with the hopes of freeing his slave mother whom he left behind in Tattooine, his home planet.

Eventually Anakin grows up to be a good but slightly arrogant teenager who is manipulated further by Emperor Palpatine (who’s posing as a good guy in the Senate). And because he’s fully aware of his natural talent, he’s even pushed further by the fact that the Jedi Council does not fully acknowledge his merits when he deserves them. One of the key moments in his transition is when he finds his mother murdered, which led him to his first act of madness when he massacred the tribe that stole her away.

But the final straw was when he dreamt that his secret wife, Padme, might possibly die through childbirth. This made him seek even more power to save his wife and unborn child, of which he was unable to do with his mother, and it eventually blinded him from seeing the good that his comrades and loved ones were trying to do to help him.

At this point, he concluded that by being the most powerful, most fearsome Jedi on earth, he can prevent every terrible fate that could happen to the ones he loved. So he helped the Emperor massacre the whole Jedi Council, including the innocent children, in order to be stronger using the dark side of the Force. And you know the rest, his wife died in childbirth, indirectly because of his actions, and thinking that his mentor and brotherly figure Obi-Wan betrayed him and left him to die, he eventually became reborn as Darth Vader, now completely overwhelmed by hatred.

And it’s not until the last minute when Luke, his son with Padme, helped bring him back to the Light when Vader chose to protect his son with his life instead of letting Palpatine kill him, ultimately fulfilling his prophecy as the Chosen One.

See the pattern here? Daenerys seems to be following quite a similar path, with her initially being a poor, helpless girl with a very tough upbringing who eventually gained power to protect the common folk. Not only that, but she also has something to do with the “Azor Ahai” Prophecy about the “Prince/Princess that was Promised”, although whether or not this means her, Jon, or their future child is yet to be seen.

Unfortunately, just like Anakin, Daenerys has been shown to have lingered in between the light and dark at times, such as burning her enemies or using fear to bend people to her will when her patience runs out. Of course I won’t deny that some of these actions are considered necessary considering that some of her enemies don’t do well with peace pacts or respectful discussions, most especially when they go through lengths to disrespect her as a woman.

But as much as I love Dany, I can’t deny that some of her actions, regardless of where she came from and how she came to be, are not doing her any favors with the Westerosi. Like Anakin, she has been slowly losing sight of what has been her main goal in the beginning of her pursuit; to save the people who suffered like she did and to find a place to truly call home. Now most of her focus is gaining her right to the Iron Throne, while slowly losing bits of emotion here and there especially when betrayal hits her at one front to another.

That is, until dear honorable Jon Snow came along.

Just like how Anakin and Padme’s forbidden love story ended up changing the Jedi forever, Jon and Dany’s love story seems to be a must in breaking the wheel of the current world, not just in politics, but the fate of the world itself. After all, Melisandre has prophesied that both of them have a very important role to play in the Azor Ahai prophecy in stopping the Night King.

Whether you ship them or not, you can’t deny that these two were bound to have a special connection thanks to their parallel journeys and their secret Targaryen relation. It’s interesting to note that in the beginning, all that Jon ever wanted was to become acknowledged as a Stark, arrogantly thinking that he had it worse than everyone else. Now that he’s constantly given all these burdens and high positions, he’s become more humble and doesn’t enjoy being the leader that people turn to.

Dany, on the other hand, was a meek and afraid little girl, having no idea in the beginning that she was capable of becoming more, no thanks to Viserys’ abuse. But as time went by, she began to grow as her own person and became more and more powerful, which unfortunately led her to become quite arrogant at times.

While Jon’s been shown to have a harder time killing more and more people out of duty, especially when he began to realize that not everything is in black and white, Dany has been shown to be having an easier time disposing people who defy her, even the ones who used to be on her side. It’s not to say she hasn’t tried doing things the gentler way, but a lot of if not all the peace talks she’s attempted with her adversaries have never really gone smoothly. Not to mention, most of the people she had placed her trust in in the beginning have either betrayed or left her at some point.

To be fair, we can’t have two exact copies of “Jon Snow” in the GOT world. That wouldn’t make much of an interesting story now can it?

With that said, it seems possible that Jon’s role in GOT is quite similar to Luke’s trope as the reluctant hero of the story, the one who saves the whole world by saving their loved one from being completely immersed into the Dark Side.

Of course, we haven’t seen Dany turn completely mad just yet, and I personally hope it would never happen. But the first two episodes of Season 8 has compelled me to imagine the uncomfortable possibility of what it would be like if Daenerys does end up becoming a villain. Her thirst for the crown has been focused on too many times to deny in the first two episodes of the final season, and it seems that not even her love for Jon would let her set aside her quest for the crown completely, at least not yet.

But there’s also a possibility that their future child, if the constant foreshadowing in Season 7 comes to fruition, might also be a strong factor in changing her mindset, just like how Vader’s love for Padme and his children compelled him to eventually turn away from the Dark Side. Most importantly, their child might also have a huge role in stopping the second Long Night from happening, however possible that is, if he/she/they have something to do with the prophecy.

Another interesting possibility that’s been pointed out by some fans is that the only person other than Jon that might stop Dany from her road to Mad Queen status is the woman who currently checks up all the boxes of said status.

Cersei may not have the pure intentions that Dany has, but they do have a common factor of wanting to gain and remain in power no thanks to their past experiences of having their father/brother control most of their lives in the early parts of the series (Tywin with Cersei, and Viserys with Dany). I’d personally wager that Dany is still far from Cersei’s “Mad Queen” level, because at the very least Dany still has a few good and true comrades to help keep her feet on the ground. As Tyrion told Cersei, at least Dany has enough brains and empathy to listen to their advice at times, whereas Cersei would never do so unless it benefits only her.

This Cersei-Dany parallel would be a pretty similar situation with, again, Darth Vader and Luke. Just when Luke battles with his father and was almost on the verge of killing him, he stops when he sees his father’s robotic hand, realizing how similar they actually are and how much the Dark Side has affected Vader in the worst ways, which he himself almost fell into if he didn’t see the truth with his own eyes.

After the Battle of Winterfell is over, and Daenerys sees the remnants of the Night King's power while also coming to terms with Jon’s status as the rightful heir, perhaps Dany might reconsider and reflect on her true purpose in attaining the Seven Kingdoms. True there's also a huge possibility that she'll turn even darker than before, especially if her close comrades die/leave her, leaving her feeling more alone and out of place. But perhaps after seeing Cersei the way she is, with no true friends, no family, and no love left in her except the crown on her head, this might lead Dany to see the hard truth; The Iron Throne isn’t worth her humanity.

With that said, whether or not Dany turns into a true antagonist is yet to be seen. Contrary to some fans' predictions of her dying in the end, I actually believe that she'll survive, but not without huge consequences of course, which is carrying the guilt with her for the rest of her life. For some people, continuing to find the will to live can be much harder than dying a quick death.

Having her killed off easily as a villain without redemption or in childbirth for me is a very big disservice to those who have watched/read her whole journey since Season 1 and the 1st book. I doubt that George R.R. Martin created Dany only to make her a Cersei 2.0 in the end. It would be the such an injustice for the series to conclude with Dany’s faults completely overshadowing the many good things she has done for the ones without power, especially during her time in Essos.

We have yet to see how low Dany would go to seize power as Vader would, and I’m extremely worried about how much it would affect everyone’s view of her till the very end, especially as a character that was so beloved for the whole 7 seasons, only to have her hated by most without proper redemption at the final season. Yes, as a GOT fan I’m glad that Dany’s being given a wakeup call that her idea of ruling has its flaws and does not suit everybody. But if she is really meant to betray Jon and the rest, I seriously wish that whatever payoff the writers have for Dany will be worth it in the end. Especially when there’re only a handful of episodes left.

And if people really think that Jon would easily leave Dany just like that, then boy, have they not been paying attention to Jon’s character development. Jon has already chosen duty over love several times, with one of those choices leading indirectly to his first love’s death. I highly doubt that Jon would ever leave Dany alone like that, even with all her faults, especially if she’s with child and if they do get married even if out of duty.

Just like how Padme never stopped believing that there is good in Anakin till her dying breath, it’s in Jon’s persona that he would do everything in his power to keep Daenerys from falling completely into the dark and feeling alone. I won’t be surprised if Jon would choose to take the fall for/with Daenerys if she is to be punished for whatever wrongdoing she’s about to do. That’s just the type of guy he is.

With that said, we have no choice but to wait until Episode 3 and 4 to really see where Daenerys’ morality will be going. As with every season, with every new episode that comes out, anything is possible. I still hold onto the hope that the writers know exactly what they’re doing with Daenerys and that it’ll be true to what George R.R. Martin really intended for her, although I’m already a bit wary at how they’re currently handling her responses. If her path is to go the same way as Vader’s like I guessed, I can only hope that they can do enough justice to make her memory worthwhile.

If not... there’s always hope for the books. And fanfiction.

#daenerys targaryen #a random thought #darth vader #got #got spoilers #game of thrones #jon snow #jonerys #star wars

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lightsandlostbells · 5 years

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Druck season 2, episode 4 reaction

I want to thank turtleneck boy because I truly miss the fandom running wild with every detail and coming up with theories, I mean that sincerely. God bless you, sweater man.

Episode 4

Clip 1 - Motto selection

We have the graduating class looking at mottos. Amira and Leonie are leading the meeting. Leonie sure likes to lead school activities. We also have Mia, Hanna, Jonas, and Matteo in attendance. I really like seeing more school activities, especially since the hero party thing wrapped up last season, and this seems like a particularly German tradition from what I can tell, so it’s a cool thing to include.

Jonas is wearing a fedora today and like, he’s rocking it and twirling it around and stuff, but baby, you gotta be aware of the implications.

They’re picking out a motto, but as Leonie emphasizes with finger quotes, these are “the best” and Amira says none of them are great. “Photoshop-Philipp” put together some examples of the logos. His name is Markus. He’s the theater kid from the first season, with his hair tied back and I never would have recognized him if fandom hadn’t pointed him out.

That dude in the black turtleneck sent us all into conspiracy mode. Initially he was giving me German Even vibes, too. Was this their version of kosegruppa? He smiles when Matteo starts laughing at Photoshop Philipp, and his body language is angled toward Matteo, kinda, could that be a clue??? Why would they give us a random close-up of that guy when Jonas starts talking about CannABIs, when he doesn’t have a line at that moment or anything? Why was he tying his shoe for so long? Surely Druck is trying to tell us something!

Yet apparently it has been confirmed that he is not German Even, but is some random extra who’s been popping up in school scenes. That was a fun few days of speculation, though.

When the cannabis-themed logo pops up, Jonas says that there are some students in this school who are critical of the dangers of smoking weed, and he’s definitely directing that toward Hanna (he looks at her at the end, and Hanna looks over her shoulders and rolls her eyes). Nice bit of passive-aggressiveness there.

Another one is a parody of the alt-right Germany party (AFD) logo. Jonas likes that direction. Some random girl doesn’t like it and doesn’t want to give more attention to the party, but Amira and Mia think it’s funny. You know, kinda cool that these random students are getting a voice this season - like in the classroom debate, or the discussion here. It’s not just the main characters having all the dialogue in these scenes, it makes it feel a little more like an actual school, if that makes sense. (ETA: @randomfinny and @hyperfictional pointed out that she’s actually German Sara. Lol, I never would have recognized her, so thank you!)

I laughed at Jonas and Matteo being lazy in the back of the class. and them both putting their heads down. They’re in sync!

Suddenly there’s Axel walking in! Good thing Kiki isn’t part of this meeting. Did he join just to hang out with Mia?

I will say this, I am not complimentary toward Alex, but we’ve seen more of a personality from him thus far than with William, imo. He’s been shown to have some political opinions, and this shows a little bit of creativity/initiative on his part. He seems pretty pleased with his design/logo. He thinks it’s pretty gangster.

His logo is Abi Chaker Clan 2019, which is a reference to a family in Berlin with ties to organized crime? It doesn’t mean much to me as a non-German, but I’m going to take that it’s clever. Most of the group seems to like it. Jonas and Matteo approve. Markus doesn’t understand it. He’s like the only one other than Mia who’s not on board, lol. They take a vote, everyone puts their hands up except Mia. Hanna tells her that it’s better than others, so Mia reluctantly raises her hand. Even when she does so, she’s pointedly looking away from Alex.

As they leave, Jonas sticks his fedora on Matteo’s head. Be still my heart.

They’re going to have another meeting on Friday, Alex offers his place. Mia isn’t gonna be happy about that!

I will say this, this is what I wanted for Noorhelm remakes - give them something to work on that isn’t them dating, like a school project or whatever. Although now I’m like … they could have started with this stuff, the graduation committee, and not gotten into the whole renewed Kiki/Alex angle which makes this all messier and more complicated and harder to be on team Alex or team Winterberg. And I get that’s probably what they were going for, throwing more obstacles into the story so Mia still has doubts about being with Alex, but it also means I need that I need certain aspects addressed before I can fully get on board with this ship, and I’m afraid they won’t do that. Or I’m afraid that Mia’s flaws will be addressed but Alex’s will be excused.

That being said, I’m on team Amira with the decision to let Alex into the group. Sometimes you have to put personal feelings aside, and Alex’s involvement will benefit everyone else in the class by making the yearbooks cheaper. And tbh I don’t think it’s right to exclude someone from participating in a school group like this unless they’re actively disrupting the group itself, regardless of how much that person may have wronged me or my friends romantically.

When Mia starts to argue, Amira says that she knows the cost isn’t a big deal to Mia and some others, but other students came to her and said they couldn’t afford it. I wonder if Kiki was one of them… she probably wouldn’t tell that to Amira, though. Not in those words.

This isn’t Amira’s big secret, though, is it? Like Pawel isn’t some dude at the printing company, and she was just trying to keep it under wraps so Mia didn’t find out? I feel like her secret has to be bigger and more personal than that.

The question is, did Alex do this to get on Mia’s good side or to hang out with her? Or is he trying to engage and do something nice without expectations? Because I respect that second one more, obviously.

Amira is so lovely, I truly hope we get her season.

Clip 2 - Alex is hyped for Game of Thrones to return

Mia runs into Alex. She says they need to talk. He smirks and says, “Winter is coming,” and GOD FUCKING DAMMIT that made me laugh out loud. It’s so obvious but I laughed.

You know, Mia looks a tiny bit like Daenerys Targaryen.

There’s a shot of them walking down the path thing with the divider in the middle, oooo, ~symbolic. They meet at the end.

Mia tells him to stop grinning, and he says yes, sergeant Winter, and salutes. FUCK OFF that’s the second time I’ve laughed in this clip at this dude. I hate myself.

She chews him out for becoming a “committing patron” and he’s all “??? I wanted to help??” And I will give this to him, he did actually help out the group regardless of intentions, so maybe let that one slide, Mia, in the spirit of utilitarianism. Then she mentions NYE and the midnight voice message, which he does deserve to be chewed out for.

SOMEONE IS WATCHING THEM. It’s Sam??? Oh shit, she saw them talking! Hopefully she assumes Mia is just yelling at Alex. But she’s going to know Mia and Alex are in cahoots. Will she end up using this against Mia, or will she go to Mia and offer her support when Mia feels like she can’t tell anyone what’s happening?

Clip 3 - Ironing soothes the soul

Mia checks her phone and sees a bunch of messages from people praising Alex’s motto and hyping him up as the man. She gets off the bed, puts on a Chopin record and we are treated to a slow-montage scene of Mia ironing her clothes, including stuff like pajamas and socks, things that do not really need to be ironed if you asked me.

But I like the purpose of this scene! Mia feels out of control and frustrated and helpless with Alex’s inclusion in the group and everybody praising him and talking him up, and on top of it she doesn’t feel in control of her own feelings, so she has this ritual where she puts on music and makes her clothes neat and orderly. She uses order as a coping mechanism. Even the way this is shot makes it feel very precise and serene, the way she goes about this ritual so calmly, the way she smooths down her ironed items, the way the camera moves upward at the end, like all Mia’s anxieties are just floating away. You can just sink into this moment and realize how Mia clears her head.

Also that it’s classical music - something that also feels very orderly. And as we learn later in the episode, Mia can play piano including classical pieces so perhaps she has a strong history with it.

This was something indicated with Noora - for example, she was throwing out and getting rid of stuff once William had left her, and tidying up her room before she was supposed to meet with William prior to him going to London. She was thrown out of balance when Eskild ate her fish cakes. So I like that they’re going into it with Mia, and as others have mentioned it might be another sign of Mia’s ED. (Perfectionism is a common trait in people with eating disorders, and excessive tidiness/need for order is a sign of perfectionism).

Ironing complete, Mia searches for Alexander Hardenberg online. She considers following Alex on IG - too far, girl, he’s gonna take that as a marriage proposal.

Mia’s phone background includes Hans, awww.

She finds various links including one talking about his sister Sophie, who was two years older than he was. There are theories that Sophie will take over the Niko role, but I don’t buy that. For one, Alexander got very defensive over people talking about his “sister” in the classroom debate, and I don’t think he’d care if his sister was a creep. Second, it would be in EXTREMELY poor taste to have the biggest wlw rep on this show be a woman preying on and assaulting another woman, especially as a counter to Mia and Alex’s heterosexual relationship that’s probably going to be True Love. Just. The worst. I wrote this speculation post, but I think Sophie’s probably dead or something bad happened to her. Björn is some dude who was involved in what happened to her.

I don’t know what song this is as Mia is falling into the Alex Hardenberg rabbit hole, but it sounds like classical to me, and it’s like her coping mechanism/mental safe space is getting conflated with this guy.

Hans bursts into the room saying the Mia needs to look at his dick, because he thinks he has an STD, specifically tripper (gonorrhea) and he needs her to compare with some picture online. OK, I have to say, I have never ever heard that term for gonorrhea before. I’ve only heard it called the clap. Did Druck just teach me something? Yes, it did.

I have to praise Milena’s reactions here, they are restrained but suitably horrified.

Hans exposes his junk to Mia and she notes that yeah, it looks similar to the picture. He storms out and yells his fury to the heavens. When Mia asks if she should go to the pharmacy for him, he says he needs a chamomile tea first. LMAO. I feel like it was implied Mia would make the tea, right?

Clip 4 - Dingalings

Matteo’s just hanging with the girls as they talk about Hans’ clap, I guess. This child is not in a good state. He doesn’t seem very engaged in this conversation, but then again … would you want to hear about someone’s gonorrhea?

The girls are like HERE LOOK AT THESE GONORRHEA PICS and Matteo is just sitting there shooting them looks of WTF.

Sam calls it a “dingaling”. It’s nice to know she uses the same euphemism as my mom. She wants to know what a “gay penis” looks like, compared to a straight penis, I guess. Babe, you can go onto the Internet and find that out with a few clicks.

I laughed again at Matteo giving this side-eye to the girls while he looks at something on his phone. Or him nervously looking at them while they talk about what gay penis looks like.

Matteo picks up a banana as Sam asks about his dingaling. Druck going for that subtle symbolism, I see.

Sam asks Matteo how he measures dingalings, and he’s like, “...what?” There’s a nice moment where Hanna and Mia react and Mia tries to change the subject and divert attention from Matteo, in case this gets into uncomfortable territory for him. I liked that! Different from Eva and Noora having a fun time with Isak’s mysterious sexuality.

However, Sam really wants to know. Matteo mumbles that you do it with a ruler and Sam immediately gets out that ruler like she’s prepared to put this into practice. Not at the table, darling. Matteo isn’t even looking at them as he explains the rest.

Sam writes down “only when it’s hard” and underlines it, like she’s taking notes and this will be on the final exam for Dingalings 101.

Matteo sees Jonas walk in, and Matteo waves him over, probably thinking OH GOD SAVE ME, but Jonas just backtracks out of the room. NOOOOOO. I saw people think he was mad at Matteo, but I thought he was trying to avoid Hanna, which was confirmed in a text. If he and Matteo had a tiff, Matteo probably wouldn’t be waving him over so chill, unless he didn’t know Jonas was mad at him.

Matteo is not even looking at Hanna when she asks if Jonas has someone, just at his phone. What is he so engrossed with on his phone? Is it something specific or just generic sad teenage disengagement? Is it just him being one of The Youths?

Matteo waited until Sam left to tell Hanna that Jonas waits for her to post stuff on IG, IDK if there was a reason he waited. And there wasn’t any real reason Sam had to get up and leave during this scene, so is it at all important? Unless they just wanted the three sadsacks at the table together for the end of this clip, and Sam is not sufficiently angsty about her love life right now.

But Matteo tells Hanna that Jonas doesn’t have a new girl, he waits around for her to post new IG stories. Hanna is confused why, and Matteo is like, why does someone spend an entire evening stalking someone? Ohhh, damn. Mia is gonna feel that comment resonate uncomfortably.

Also, nice of Matteo to help out Hanna and Jonas’ relationship instead of snaking on her. As far as we know. (I think he’s being nice, not a snake this time.)

In case we didn’t get the connection, Axel texts Mia if she prefers wine or beer, for the yearbook meeting tomorrow, I guess. Checking in to see what she likes, her preferences.

We see Mia, Matteo, and Hanna at the table, all of them a little out of sorts. Mia thinking about Axel, Hanna thinking about Jonas, Matteo thinking about … something ... or someone … dude is very busy on his phone.

Clip 5 - After party at Axel’s

Mia brushes her teeth before going over to Alex’s - I guess that’s supposed to be her showing interest in him? A sign that she wants to be at her best? Or, you know, a sign that she practices good oral hygiene.

Hanna texts her and hopes she’s coming soon, because Hanna doesn’t want to be there alone because of Jonas. Damn, kids, you’re really tearing my heart out about this. Get back together already!

Axel texts Mia that she doesn’t need to bring a toothbrush because he has a new one ready for her. Well, that’s rather presumptuous. Mia seems a little amused, though.

She locks herself out of the apartment and texts Hans about it. Hans will be back at midnight to let Mia in. Also the tripper situation is still causing him pain and he stole money from his sick aunt to pay for medicine? Hans is so much more of a mess than Eskild was, like he’s going to have to evolve fast if he’s going to adopt Matteo.

This next part is beautiful, as we cut between Mia getting on the bus and traveling to Alex’s house, and shots of the characters looking into the camera as someone reads the comments about them. Isn’t this kinda like those character descriptions from pre-season? That promo stuff? So maybe it wasn’t just for promo, but an overall theme of the season, about the labels we stick on people or the shallow ways we perceive them.

Hanna - Gets bitch, red devil, arrogant. Who called Hanna a bitch?? Red devil?? Get the fuck out. Ex-BFF is from Leonie. Someone calls Hanna the “best decision of my life” and I think that was probably Jonas, please take that dagger out of my heart, oh my God.

Amira - Gets “hijab” like 8 times. So sad that this is all people know about her or think about her. They see the hijab and think that’s the sum total of who she is, rather than part of it. And it’s also othering, because the hijab stands out, it’s different from everyone else. I feel like Amira is used to it, too, like she probably expected that response. She also gets called ISIS. Man, fuck that edgy piece of shit person who wrote that. At least she gets some other comments like how she’s cool, like the people who actually know her and don’t stereotype her or judge her think she’s the best.

Matteo - Basically he’s a chill bro and fades into the background, although one person thinks he’s a good kisser. Hmmm, has he been going around smooching girls like Isak did?

Alex - gets almost all negative comments about how arrogant or jerkish he is, or his car compensating for his lack of dong size, except for some comments about how he’s hot. Look, if you want me to feel sorry about that, how people are just judging him unfairly, you’ve gotta show me more proof that he hasn’t been a major asshole throughout his high school career and this isn’t an accurate assessment of how he’s treated people or behaved this whole time, even if he’s supposed to be a nice guy underneath.

Mia - gets lots of comments on how hot she is, with some about her feminism or being boring. Habibi comes from Amira. Lesbian? Final one is “prettiest woman on earth” which probably was from Alex, honestly, and she seems kinda OK hearing him read that one out loud. (Although my kingdom for those “lesbian?” and “prettiest woman on earth” comments to have both come from like, Kiki.)

Matteo is once again lying on the couch on his phone, checked out. Someone send that kid an Even to bring him to life.

They talk about whether everyone should be able to cross out comments and that they don’t have time to chase everyone down, but I agree with Mia that everyone should be able to censor theirs, not just the committee. Alex agrees with Mia and gives a sensible option, that people have two weeks to contact the staff if they want to censor their comments. He says he doesn’t want to censor his comments because in twenty years he wants to remember what an arrogant ass he was, and everyone laughs, and you can take that as a sign of character growth that he wants to evolve past being an ass, or him thinking it was a fun time rather than something he regrets.

There’s turtleneck boy again. Who isn’t Even, but maybe could be German Julian Dahl.

Alex ordered pizza and beer, and the meeting gets more like a party. Hanna and Matteo throw pizza at each other and Hanna gives him the finger, cute! Alex arm wrestles Markus the theater photoshop kid. All throughout the evening, Mia seems attuned to Alex’s presence and keeps looking his way. I know that kind of feeling, I’ve been to parties where I was Mia and someone’s presence was like a magnet.

Hanna and Matteo talk in the kitchen about Jonas. Hanna asks where Jonas is, seeing as he’s not at the meeting, and Matteo says he doesn’t know, Jonas wanted to come. Which is a lie seeing as Jonas told Matteo he wasn’t going in a text message that we saw. At least Matteo is trying to spare Hanna’s feelings.

Mia is in Alex’s bathroom, looking at the stuff on the counter. I guess she’s just inspecting his stuff? She opens a jar and it’s overflowing with condoms, lol. I guess Alex got over his “latex allergy” at some point or learned his lesson about not wrapping it up. Maybe he had his own adventure with tripper. (I’m imagining him in his own version of the scene with Hans, wailing and opening his robe to a befuddled Toilet Sam.)

Hans texts her that now he won’t be home until 1. When Mia comes out of the bathroom, everyone else is leaving. Now Mia’s first option is that she could totally leave with her friends and chill with them, and if she’s locked out, she could crash at Hanna’s. But Amira has to study, Leonie has a date, and Hanna is going to the cinema with her dad. (What if Hanna was going to Jonas’ instead ... no, I won’t get entertain that happy delusion.) Anyway, Hanna suggests that Mia just kill time at Alex’s until she can go home.

Mia and Alex look at each other across the room. There is some nice nonverbal tension. The toilet flushes and Markus comes out of the bathroom. Now there are three of them, I like this shot of them in a triangle. Lol, Markus is so drunk he doesn’t know if he puked on himself. He doesn’t know how he broke up the Mia/Alex staring contest.

Alex and Mia look at each other and laugh after Markus leaves, which is a genuinely nice moment. Mia explains her situation and says she’ll go to the cinema or hang out in the park until then. Alex says she could stay and he’ll drive her home later. There’s a funny bit where Mia says he’s not allowed to drive, and Alex says he’ll call his chauffeur, and then does an imitation of Mia’s inner monologue - “Is he that rich? No … or maybe he is?” I do like that they’ve given Alex so much more of a sense of humor.

Lmao, Alex jumping on the random skateboard and gliding across the floor, I have to say if I lived in a big empty place like that, I’d be doing shit like that a lot. Speaking of, that is one big, spacious apartment, like there’s some art on the walls and stuff but it still gives off that cold lonely rich kid vibe.

I like Mia walking around examining the place as he makes her rosehip tea. Alex mentions that his sister used to live here - again, we don’t get more details than that, like whether she moved or died, what happened to her. It seems like he might have cut off that line of inquiry when he asks Mia if she wants honey in her tea - either a coincidence or a deliberate attempt to change the subject.

However, that does throw into context Björn’s appearance in the next clip, because Björn was showing up to the sister’s old apartment. Why was he messing around in there? I think that dude might be the sister’s boyfriend or ex.

There’s a piano. In that same room are a lot of moving boxes; either because Alex was moving in, or because the sister was moving out. Or maybe they were packing up Sophie’s things because she died?

Mia asks him whether he plays or whether it’s there to impress girls. Alex says no, so I’m betting it was the sister’s piano. He also asked whether they should go sit in the other room to drink the tea, I think that he didn’t want to answer questions about the piano or be near it, like it probably reminds him of whatever happened to the sister.

Gold star to Mia for not playing without payment and for not negotiating. I love her.

Was that the theme music from Titanic she was playing and acting like she was really into?? Lmao.

Finally, she plays something legit, “Montagues and Capulets” (or “Dance of the Knights”) from the ballet Romeo and Juliet by Prokofiev. HMMM could there be any connection to star-crossed lovers with this subject matter? Hey, it’s subtler than a banana.

At first I was wondering why her playing seemed out of sync and was like ... did they get a body double to play for her or something? Because I think Milena can really play. But then we see that it’s intentionally out of sync, as we see them eating and talking over the music. Perhaps to symbolize things being out of sorts; earlier this clip we had Mia using classical music as a way to restore order in her life, and here that order is rapidly dissolving, so the music isn’t really soothing, and the images aren’t neatly in line with it.

When Alex asks what song that was, Mia says it’s Drake. L M A O I adore her.

Hans texts Mia that he’s not coming home tonight as he’s met some other dude with gonorrhea and they’re going to hook up. Er, have fun with that, Mr. Currently Peeing Shards of Glass. Anyway, he asks if she can stay at Hanna’s. Alex says Mia can just stay there, she can take the bed and he’ll take the sleeping mat. Mia asks why doesn’t he just sleep on the couch and he says the fridge is too loud. We are treated to the sounds of the thunderous fridge. Actually, it is pretty loud for a fridge, if you’re sensitive to that kind of thing I can see it being a problem.

He says she can rent his bed for the night, like in a hotel. Which is what seems to convince her, him framing it not like a benevolent gesture but a transaction. So Alexander sets up the bed for Mia. He gives the new toothbrush that he had mentioned, and she pays him back what he gave her.

Mia climbs into bed and smells the fresh linen. She checks her phone and Hans says that Emilio finished fast so he’s coming home, and Hanna says Mia can come over. But Mia pulls an Isak, telling Hanna that Hans is home and Hans that she’s with Hanna. Wow, there is no chance of that backfiring, not with these two people who appear to be on friendly terms.

They don’t share a bed as Noorhelm did; true to his word, Alex sleeps on the floor, and she gets the bed. I think that’s indicative of where they’re at with each other right now; they still have distance between them, but they’ve developed a state of comfort and can let down their guard to a degree.

They wish each other good night, and she calls him Axel. That makes him smile. And then he asks that that wasn’t really Drake, was it? Which makes her smile. Let him go to his grave thinking it was Drake, Mia.

Social Media/General Comments

I’ll say this, Chris Veres is doing well as Alex, performance-wise. Previously he was my least favorite William, and I thought he was very flat in S1, which I guess was intentional, since I heard he tried to play Alex as very cold and unfeeling. Now we’ve seen him showing more personality and especially glimpses of humor and levity. So regardless on my thoughts of the character overall, I think the actor is doing a fine job.

A lot of people seem to have hopped on board with Alex after this episode, even people who hated William, and I think that largely has to do with the performance. I’m not sure I would say I’m completely on board with Alex as a character - he still has a lot of stuff to account for, and there are things that I really need Druck to redeem about him in order for me to like him. I especially need apologies - or at least some sense of regret and humility over his specific mistakes, rather than him trying to defend himself and Mia falling for it. But I get why fandom is starting to like him, he’s showing more charisma here. There are things I certainly like about him compared to William, for instance that he seems to have more interests and opinions on things that don’t have to do with his love interest. He had some genuinely funny lines in this episode.

Also, I’ve said it before, but I wasn’t sold on Mia entirely in S1, but Milena Tscharntke is really winning me over this season. Mia feels like her own character, certainly one with traits in common as Noora, but also not a Noora clone.

Kiki was totally absent this episode, and I wonder if that was to lull us into forgetting the Kiki/Alex drama so we, like Mia, could start to fall for him. In putting Kiki aside for an episode, it’s kind of like we don’t have this reminder of what Alex and Mia have done to her, something that I’m sure will come crashing back and causing conflict in the next episode. It also makes you wonder what Kiki has been doing since we last saw her. How is she coping? Breaking more hearts?

The music needs to be used more sparingly. This episode had some good selections but basically it’s falling into a pattern that’s plagued some of the remakes, where the music always gets used the same way: a song at the start of the clip, a song at the end of it, so that it starts to lessen the impact of the music because we can predict when it will appear. I think it happens in some remakes, like Skam France or Druck, because they run some previews/production credits at the end, and they want music to go over it instead of silence. But last season I think they did have some clips that ended with silence over the credits, or things like Hanna sighing, or random banter, and that didn’t bother me, that helped to retain the atmosphere of the clip.

There’s a theory that S3 and/or S4 have been running in the background of this season, and while I can see evidence for that, I really hope it’s not the case. Especially after this last clip - I thought it was great, the pacing worked and there were some inspired directing choices, so imagine what we could get with Matteo or Amira’s seasons with that kind of style. It would work so well with one of the long Evak or Yousana clips, something like Mekke øl or The Best of Islam.

Mia is like, “Won’t we get in copyright trouble for this?” as a feeble attempt in the committee chat not to pick Alex’s motto, lol. Give her credit for fighting a losing battle to the end.

Hans had like three text messages about his clap. First he accuses a dude of infecting him with the clap, while the dude is like, nah, just went to the doctor yesterday, I’m good, and Hans is like … oops … embarrassing. Then he goes after the next dude he banged, who reciprocates his electronic shouting match. Finally messages Michi, who’s like, thank God, I thought you were breaking up with me again. Dude. Hans. I know you find Michi a bore, I guess, but some dude whose reaction to hearing he has the clap is “at least you didn’t break up with me” to the dude who gave it to him, is someone you might wanna hang on to. And not in a boomerang way, in a “this is a keeper” way.

Matteo and Jonas text and apparently Jonas planned to skip the yearbook meeting/party because of Hanna. So that’s probably why he ran away in the dingaling clip, because he saw Hanna there. I’m wondering if they’re going to get back together this season or if they’ll string us along for a few more.

According to Matteo’s IG stories, that was the first time Photoshop Philipp/Markus got drunk, and Matteo made sure to document the highs, followed by the inevitable lows.

I’m not German, so feel free to correct me if I missed anything.

If you got this far, thank you for reading!

#druck reactions #druck

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