#and she deserves to be treasured and cherished and sheltered

[mandaloriandragontrainer]

Controversial opinion of the night:

Rayla was raised in a culture that would cast out or even kill* her for fear or weakness. She views herself as a mean of defense for others, or even as a pawn to be sacrificed for someone else’s sake.

So maybe a situation in which she is cared for or rescued or romanced isn’t stripping her character of agency or reducing her to a love interest or whatever the complaint is. Maybe her playing the damsel in distress demonstrates that she is not only a protector but also someone who deserves protection, and who has inherent value just for being herself, not for her abilities.

Also Callum swooping in to rescue her is heckin’ romantic

#*book one novelization #because every time I make a post about how I want callum to do [insert soft romantic thing] for rayla #someone inevitably pops in with ‘or even better! she can do it for him!’ #yeah we know but maybe rayla would appreciate being the one who’s tenderly cared for and protected for once in her life??? #so yeah… I want callum to carry her in his arms #because she’s carried herself her whole life #and she deserves to be treasured and cherished and sheltered #the dragon prince #rayla #rayllum #unpopular opinions by mando #mando ramblo

[itcameuponamidnightqueer]

beau wakes up calm.

it’s a feeling so pervasive that she’s almost unsettled by it. their lives aren’t calm right now, between eiselcross and vess de rogna and now these eyes that keep popping up all over her and caleb. any calm she feels is usually immediately overshadowed by guilt for feeling it.

but beau can’t find it in her to feel guilty right now, not when the tower is quiet and there is a large, warm arm thrown protectively over her stomach. not when beau can feel the tickle of hot air at the back of her neck as yasha breathes, steady and restful in a way she doesn’t get to be when she’s awake. beau considers learning magic just so she can stop time and give yasha all the rest she deserves.

for now, she slowly rolls onto her back, taking care not to jostle yasha or slip out from under her secure embrace. she rolls over and doesn’t open her eyes until she’s on her back, the mirror directly above her, waiting.

it’s a sex mirror. of course it’s that, because caleb said as much when he told her about it, and god, does she owe him a week’s worth of uninterrupted research or whatever nerdy thing he wants in return. it’s a sex mirror and she and yasha have checked that off their list already, at least for the first time. second, fourth, something--they have definitely checked that off their list for a quantifiable number of times, it’s just that beau doesn’t quite know the number.

it’s a sex mirror but it’s also not because it’s more, because beau opens her eyes and can see the two of them as they are now--wrapped together, heavy and sticky in the illusory sunlight, sheets draped carelessly across their legs. they look good together. it isn’t the first time beau’s thought that, and with any luck (and a lot of hard work), it won’t be the last. but this is the first time that beau’s had the chance to really sink into that feeling, to see the reality of it and commit it to memory.

beau takes her time looking, glances over her own familiar body and the way it melts against one she can’t wait to know better. she should be a little cold perhaps, given that the sheets don’t go any higher than her hips and she hasn’t been wearing clothes for a good couple of hours. but yasha is so very there, so wide and curled around her in a way that seeks comfort as much as gives it. she’s on her side, the parts of her that aren’t touching beau sprawled greedily across the expanse of the bed. beau could spend hours looking at this reflection of them, of yasha and the curve of her muscles; the way her skin actually seems to create a glare in the early morning light. it’s so bright normally, even brighter now for the nearness of beau. time is fleeting and the tower will disappear soon and so beau is greedy--she looks at the angle of yasha’s legs, the way she twitches her toes on the one foot that hangs over the edge of the bed. beau looks at yasha’s back, the slope and strength of it; she remembers how solid and warm it felt under her fingers just a few hours ago. beau has known how sturdy yasha is since they met--has lusted over it since then, to be honest--but to feel it within her grasp, to be pressed against it and to have it soften and yield at her touch…

beau would learn magic to give yasha the peace she needs. she would learn art to memorialize this moment and the way they look together.

she watches yasha sleep, clocks the way her nose is pressed into the crook of beau’s neck. she almost cries at the drape of yasha’s arm across her chest--a few inches down and she’d have a handful of boob. as it is, beau’s heart is beating a rhythm right into yasha’s palm. 

beau turns her head away from yasha and clears her throat. “hey.” she clears it again when it becomes clear just how ragged it’s gotten. “dachsies, can you hear me? or do i have to yell.” she waits, straining to listen for the soft clink of a tiny bell or two. “frumpkin?” she tries again.

there is a faint ‘mrrp’ and the door to her bedroom opens slightly, just wide enough for a lithe fey cat to slip through. she can’t see frumpkin as he enters the room, but he’s there all of a sudden, jumping noiselessly and weightlessly on top of the bed.

he stares at her expectantly and beau wishes very much that caleb isn’t snooping, too.

frumpkin walks forward and sits next to her, the not-quite-fur of his tail swishing against her side. beau can’t help reaching out with the hand that isn’t trapped by yasha’s body and giving him a few scratches under his chin. he preens, closes his eyes tilts up to give her a better angle, and settles right back into his serious face when she pulls away.

“can you get the hot tub going again,” beau murmurs, “with some nice shampoos and shit? and maybe start working on a few dozen pancakes; i’m sure the others are gonna barge in here soon. make sure there’s a stack of spider ones for me and yash.”

frumpkin chirps again, butts his head against her chest as he jumps off the bed. beau reaches out to affectionately grab his tail, chuckling as it slips through her hands.

yasha is awake when beau turns back to look at her.

“hello,” yasha whispers. “good morning.” beau cuts her off with a kiss. “i love you.”

beau smiles at that, rolls over and presses herself firmly into yasha. she repositions yasha’s arm to wrap around her back, laughs when yasha drifts downward and squeezes her ass. beau kisses her again and again, slow and firm, catching any inch of lips or neck that she might have missed before. her hands roam without any destination, traipsing over the plane of yasha’s stomach, tickling at the dimples in her shoulders underneath which her wings sprout. beau knows how sensitive those spots are now, and she presses her fingers against them, syncs that up with another determined kiss. she doesn’t miss the way yasha’s tongue stutters against her own, the brief loss of contact she sacrifices to gasp, just a little.

yasha’s nails turn inwards and dig into beau’s hips, and beau returns the favor. 

beau reaches upward and grips yasha’s chin, marveling at the fact that her thumb seems to fit perfectly over the line of black beneath yasha’s lip. she pulls away and tickles the skin there, can’t resist one more kiss, especially when it elicits that special, breathy kind of laugh from yasha.

she makes sure yasha’s eyes are open and looking at her before she speaks.

“i love you, too,” beau says, her voice deeper and hoarser than usual, even for the morning. “last night was...i won’t ever forget it, yash.”

“me either.”

“might have been the best night of my life.”

“not if i have anything to say about it,” yasha winks. “i wish we didn’t have to leave.”

“yeah,” beau sighs--breathes, really, and she falls a little more in love with the way yasha doesn’t turn her face away from what is definitely a bad case of morning breath. “we’ve still got some time before we have to, though. the dogs are setting up the hot tub right now.”

yasha laughs, deep and rumbly and beau feels it in her chest. “before all of you i never would have understood that sentence.”

“right?”

“mhm. it is--a very fun thing to think about.”

yasha gently lifts a strand of hair from beau’s face and tucks it behind her ear. beau watches the entire time, so entranced by the size and safety of yasha’s hands, so determined to follow their path with a kiss, that she misses yasha’s other hand coming up to rest behind her legs, and beau lets out a very uncool yelp as yasha lifts her from the bed.

yasha drags them across the mattress, stands and gets herself situated, and it isn’t until they’re halfway to the floating pad that beau clocks exactly how she’s being carried.

yasha’s arms are confident beneath her shoulders and legs, and beau has looped her arms around yasha’s neck instinctually, and tears start to well up in this moment of realization.

“yasha…”

yasha stops walking, leans down and kisses her, and it isn’t because they’re naked that beau is glad no one can see them right now.

beau flutters through her feelings and rests her head against yasha’s chest, silently, as they float gently down to the hot tub. 

everything seems more muted in the daytime--the lionesses aren’t as imposing, the slides aren’t as tempting. but the steam and smells are just as inviting, and beau lets herself be carried into the water, settling into the warmth as yasha reaches for the soaps.

they both slip under the water; beau shakes her head and scratches at her scalp while she lingers, getting out the last of her restless energy. she pops back above the surface and drifts over to yasha, who has settled into the corner, her arms resting elegantly atop the stone edges. beau drops into yasha’s lap without a word, humming, content, as yasha’s arms slip back into the water and wrap around her body. yasha snakes her legs over the parts of beau that her arms can’t reach until beau is completely covered, completely enveloped in her love.

beau has always been attracted to women who could break her--big, strong women whose bigness and strength almost always equated to a good, long time in the bedroom. and yasha has that in spades--probably invented it--but it sure is fuckin’ something else to know that breaking is only half of it, that the flip side is that beau can be fully contained and sheltered in yasha’s arms. bigness is a comfort as much as it is a challenge. yasha uses her size to hold and cherish just as much as she uses it to fight.

beau sinks down so that her nose is just above the surface of the water, and tries her very best to pretend she isn’t crying. the effort is abandoned when she gets out of her head and realizes yasha is very carefully and very thoughtfully soaping up her hair with thick, gentle fingers.

beau sits up a bit and spits some water from her lips. “how come you’re so good at that?”

yasha takes a moment to think, tilts beau’s head back so she can rinse the shampoo out. “zuala and i didn’t have as much time together as i wanted,” she answers, “but we made sure to treasure every moment we were allowed.” she rubs her hands together, presumably spreading conditioner over them; beau can hear the slickness of it echo through the air. “i am able to follow a god because i had a wife once,” she says, quiet and matter-of-fact, like it’s the easiest thing in the world.

god.

“well, fuck.” beau closes her eyes and tries to relax her shoulders as yasha’s hands knead through her hair again. “did you--i mean, i don’t want to overstep but--it was like this? all the time?”

yasha is quiet again, patient with her feelings and beau and the combination of the two. she slows her ministrations and rests her hands on the sides of beau’s face, her thumbs tickling at beau’s ears.

“the only similarity between the love i feel for zuala and the love i feel for you is that it is coming from me,” yasha finally says. “it was like this, yes--and it wasn’t like this at all. it was different because it was her. the whole world was different because it was her, you know?”

beau nods. “hope so,” she replies. “trying to, at least.”

yasha squeezes her cheeks, presses a kiss to the top of her soapy head. she gently pushes beau underwater and scrubs her hair clean with a little more force this time. beau lays back and watches, smiles as yasha scoops a hand underwater and brushes it over her lips.

beau sits back up feeling more refreshed and loved than she ever has in her whole life.

she swirls around to face yasha, lets the water guide her back to yasha’s lap. beau hooks her legs around yasha’s torso, lets the water hold her up as she drapes yasha’s hair over her shoulders.

“your braids could use a little touch-up,” she murmurs.

yasha, so sensitive and careful about her hair, simply nods and watches as beau lets it out, making tidy piles with the ties and ribbons on the ledge. yasha’s hair billows out once the last bunch is free; in the water, she looks beautiful and serene.

beau rests her hands on either side of yasha’s face, swipes her thumbs under yasha’s eyes as they kiss. “thank you,” she says, softly, “for loving me.”

yasha sighs and kisses her again. “you make it easy, beau. you don’t have to thank me.”

“i do,” beau insists. “for now, i do.”

she directs yasha away from the wall, takes her place in the shampoo corner. it’s a little different this time--beau can’t surround yasha quite as fully, and she has to wrap her legs around yasha and float to get a good angle to wash her hair. but yasha doesn’t complain, and she rests her arms on beau’s thighs and slides her hands over her legs, soothing and present. the water never cools off and the dogs are somewhere else, and for a few quiet moments, nothing in the world exists except this tub in this tower, hidden in a smelly, dirty tavern.

/

they’re clean and laughing in the kitchen by the time the rest of the party trickles in. beau can hear jester and veth speaking at cartoonishly loud volumes, announcing themselves just in case beau and yasha are doing anything worth being interrupted.

beau smiles, grabs a spider-less bite of pancake, and squeezes yasha’s hand.

“oh, here they are,” caduceus says as they file in. he takes a deep breath and smiles at the spread of food. “what a feast.”

he disappears, probably to make some tea, and beau looks at yasha for just a moment longer before the energy is too much to ignore.

she turns and almost bursts out laughing at the sight of everyone, lined up in front of the table, watching the two of them intently. veth’s eyes are as big as saucers and jester’s are shimmering, her hands clamped over her mouth. next to her, fjord is blushing and even caleb is sporting a smile, reluctant though it may look.

“hey,” beau says. she smiles casually and she means it.

“you’re so cute!!” jester shouts, flinging her hands away from her face. “oh my god, you guys, you have to tell me everything; i’m so happy for you even though we had to sleep in that super stinky room. please tell me it was worth it.”

beau laughs, winks as she tickles yasha’s hand. “totally worth it, jes,” she promises. she gets up from the table, kisses yasha’s knuckles as she does, and gestures for jester to take her seat. “talk to yasha for a sec, okay? i left you some spider-cakes.”

beau is too focused on grabbing caleb to notice the way jester scrunches her nose.

she doesn’t catch fjord’s eye as she leads caleb out of the room and she definitely doesn’t look anywhere near veth. she just drags her cranky wizard to a corner out of eyesight of any window in the kitchen and crosses her arms.

“if you’re about to tell me everything,” caleb says, “please don’t be offended when i say that i would be happier not to hear it.”

“what? no, gross. i mean, not gross-gross, but because--you, gross, right?” beau clears her throat, gently punches caleb’s shoulder to center herself. “i don’t...wanna tell you stuff. i just wanted to do this away from everyone else.”

caleb narrows his eyes. “do what?”

beau steps forward and hugs him. there’s no hesitation or coaching this time, just a strong press of her arms, and she stays there as long as it takes for him to hug back and mean it.

“thank you,” she mumbles into his shoulder. “this was….very special to me.”

“of course,” caleb mutters. “you need only ask, beauregard.”

“yeah, you say that, but it’s like--i know it, now.” to her horror, beau sniffles.

“i am glad you had a good time.”

“the best.”

“you smell very nice. thank you for bathing before hugging me.”

“i got you, dude.”

“can you let go of me now?”

“yeah, sure.” beau steps back and gives him one last shoulder squeeze. 

caleb nods and squeezes back. he snaps his fingers and frumpkin is there, leaping onto his shoulder as they walk back toward the kitchen,

#critical role #beauyasha #beauregard lionett #yasha nydoorin #this is??? soft and gay and so much??? #idk you guys i had a lot of feelings and this is what happened #i'll post it on ao3 later but for now i must eat something #long post #tumblr fic #cr: regular nein

[wintersongstress]

Sex headcanons for Arthur?😏

Alright I didn’t want to get too carried away with this, so I apologize for this not being as explicit as you may have hoped 😩

~~MATURE THEMES BELOW THE CUT~~

✿ — In a word, Arthur is devoted when it comes to intimacy. 

✿ — He has had few partners in his life. Once he fell in love with Mary all he wanted was to do right by her, but after she broke off the engagement he had a moment of weakness with Eliza. One that had consequences. If his sense of self-worth crumbled after Mary’s rejection, it was all but decimated after his failings as a father. 

✿ — Opening up his heart to another woman will be off the table for a long, long time. Because of his past, he cannot allow himself to be selfish and seek comfort recklessly. Only someone who knows him, truly, and does not ask to him to give what he does not have can begin to undo the years of ingrained self-loathing. 

 ✿ — Those entrenched feelings, however, can be dismantled. Arthur is not a lost cause. If you are the one to insist he deserves affection and companionship, you best believe Arthur will treasure you. He is helpless to deny your fondness for him, reciprocating it tenfold. 

✿ — Slowly, slowly, he will come around to accepting your touch, and more. He will do everything he can to make you as happy as you make him. With how much you allay his uncertainties, the emotional connection you two form is indescribable and the most important thing in his life. You become the very summit of his life’s hopes of domesticity, an elevation before abandoned. 

✿ — Once that connection is established, that ultimate act of vulnerability and giving each other everything hovers over the both of you.

✿ — The first time is heaven: peaceful, perfect, and unplanned. 

✿ — Caught in a storm near Strawberry, you and Arthur hurried in from the downpour, seeking shelter at the quaint hotel in town. Rainwater drenched every inch of your clothes, dribbling down from your hats in a steady stream as you ducked under the porch and stepped inside. A courteous fire welcomed you and radiated the lobby, throwing shadows over the racks of elk horns decorating the rustic walls and the arrangements of stuffed wildlife. Arthur spoke with the clerk and paid for a room and a bath for himself while you warmed your hands by the flames.

✿ — The room was spacious and charming. Sconces glowed with honeyed light, limning the outlines of pictures frames on the dusky walls. On the bedside table a vase of lilies prettied the corner with its pearlescent petals, arranged so a faint perfume wafted from the snowy blooms. Quilts blanketed the large four-poster bed, and beyond the curtained windows rain pattered against the panes, instilling a soothing ambience.

✿ — Arthur discards his hat and unbuckles his gun belt, placing them on the dresser. You swallow at the metal clink of his suspenders as he sheds them, jumping slightly when he squeezes your shoulder and kisses the back of your neck. “I’ll be back soon,” he promises, and leaves the room.

✿ — Thunder rumbles overhead as you get a fire going in the hearth. The wood and kindling catch easily, and soon a dry crackle fills the space with warmth. You divest your sodden clothes, wringing them out over the porcelain water pitcher and draping them over the fireplace screen to dry. As you wait in your undergarments, your heart pounds wildly in anticipation. Arthur and you had never spent the night at a hotel together, alone. Though no part of you is afraid of being with him, an uncertainty lurks in your thoughts towards somehow ruining the meaningful bond you formed with him outside of physical intimacy in crossing this threshold.

✿ — As you light a few candles, Arthur’s footsteps creak the floorboards as returns from his bath. He enters the room with his pants on over his union suit, his hair damp and rivulets of bath water glistening his neck. The hairs of his chest peek out from his shirt, dark with water and shining in the firelight. In the mirror’s reflection he meets your eyes as you shake out the match, turning to him with a smile.

✿ — “Hi,” you breathe. For a moment the room is quiet, Arthur at a momentary loss for words. You bite your lip as he takes you in your appearance: the cream white of your stockings, the lacey frill of your drawers, the book of laces along your corset, and lastly the translucence of your chemise. Your eyes shyly snag his as you step closer, admiring the way the light of the fireplace passes over his features. His gaze is warm and gleaming as he smiles, sweeping over your face with admiration.

✿ — “You look so beautiful like this,” he says. His knuckles glance your cheek lovingly, lingering before drawing an idle caress down the hollow of your throat. Your lashes lower. “Can I kiss you?”

✿ — A little breathless at his wonderment, all you can do is nod before he closes the gap between you.

✿ — The first thing Arthur reaches for is your face. His hands cradle your cheeks completely, his thumb parting the expectant seam of your lips before touching them with his. The faint smack of his mouth against yours melts away the sounds of the rain and the crackling fire, until all that exists is him and you and the butterflies fluttering in your chest. His mouth is soft compared to the strength of his hands as they curve down your arms and seek your waist, slipping warmly beneath your clothes to bring you closer. When your breasts press flush against him you rise on your tiptoes and tangle your hands in his hair, the kiss turning feverish.

✿ — Arthur yields the softest moan against your mouth, his brows tightening like his hands around your hips. You want him closer. You want him to go faster but oh…Arthur took his time with everything that night. 

✿ — Amidst the luminance of half-burned candles, the lines of Arthur’s body rolled over yours, his lips pressed lushly to your throat as he groaned at how perfect you were and how long he wanted to be with you like this. The utmost reverence accompanied the coursing touch of his hands, learning the dips and curves of you he deemed beautiful as your nails dug crescents of need in his back. In the moments when you let go before him, his strong arms held you, and when he grew lost his fingers entwined with yours, the only place he thought they belonged in that breathless, fleeting moment. 

✿ — The rain stormed and the hours of the night passed unseen, but in the end you fell asleep against his bare chest, feeling warm, tired, and cherished. 

#arthur morgan x reader #arthur morgan x female reader #nsft #rdr2 #arthur morgan #*my writing #anonymous #asks #anon please let me know if this was ok 🥺

[effervescentdragon]

Emma (2020) or: The Best Thing I’ve Watched?

Okay so, I went into this blindly on a recommendation of someone I adore and trust, bcs I’m generally extremely skeptical about newer iterations of Austen’s works. I still swear by BBC’s mini-series from 2009, not in the least because of my, ah, somewhat unhealthy obsession with Jonny Lee Miller, of which I will never ever take any criticism.

BUT. BUT. Y’ALL. THIS WAS AMAZING!

First of all, the colors. The ambiance. The loveliness of the whole thing. Aesthetically, it is so soothing and so beautiful to look at, that I would reccomend it be watched only on account of that. 

Second of all, the movie really does not take itself too seriously, which is often the case with any work inspired by Austen’s novels. Of cource there is pining, and angst, and seriousness (as much as can be expected from a work of literature that revolves around people getting married), but this is the first of Austen’s works that actually relies on humor as a big component of it, instead of a by-thought. It’s not afraid to bank in on the silliness of a situational comedy, nor to utilize gracelessness of movement in a world where it is expected of everyone to be as gracious and as serious as possible. And I loved that.

This Emma is much more that Emma from the book that I have imagined, if only in portrayal of her actual friendship with Harriet Smith. Jane Austen always emphasized the importance of female friendships, and in this version we get that in abundance. I also loved how much time they spent on the character of  Robert Martin, where he actually gets screen-time, enough for us to see why Harriet would be in love with him, and not be just a name without a face that inspires no feelings in us. Here, we root for him. At least I did.

I like how the story was not focused of Emma’s perceived rivalry with Jane Fairfax that much, not over Frank Churchhill nor over Mr. Knightley, but on her friendship with Harriet and her wish to have her as a friend, somewhat childishly and selfishly. Anya Taylor-Joy is a bloody joy, in the way she portrays the character. She is so beautiful, and her face is so expressive, and I admit I was skeptical but I will eat every single one of my non-believer thoughts after watching this. She deserves all the praise.

And Mr. Knightley. Oh good lord. I mean, I know I have a... bias towards the character (my rankings are Colonel Brandon first, then Mr. Knightly, who sometimes shares the second place with Mr. Darcy, when I’m feeling magnanimous), but... kudos to Johnny Flynn, who had some huge shoes to fill, and as far as I’m concerned, had filled them in beautifully and admirably?! The awkwardness that he brings to the character was a surprising choice for me, but I wholeheartedly embrace it, because he is always composed, always a gentleman in the truest and loveliest sense of the world, except when he is standing in front of this silly, kind, but very sheltered and spoiled girl who does not really know her heart. His eyes convey all the emotions, and his dramatics honestly pull at all my strings.

Here is an accurate picture of me, when faced with any minor inconvenience, much less when one thinks their love favours another.

I think, in his case, the dramatics are justified. Not that mine aren’t.

The cinematography and the photography are grand, the costume designers deserve an Oscar for the treat they’ve given us, but my favorite thing is the music. Rarely is any singing so emphasized in period pieces as this one, and I loved the novelty of it. Also, the actor who plays Mr. Knightley, Johnny Flynn, sang an original song for the movie,  Queen Bee, that I may or may have not had on repeat for the whole day. 

This whole movie is a treasure and I will cherish it with my whole heart. To borrow a quote - “If I loved you less, I may be able to talk about it more.” Which is completely appropriate for what I feel about this movie.

Go. Watch. It’s the best. Oh, and here’s a lovely still of The Dance, which is my favorite scene, because it shows everything.

OH. SPECIAL MENTION FOR BILL NIGHTY WHO IS A TREASURE AS MR. WOODHOUSE! This screen, not that one, indeed.

#all screenshots taken by me #emma #jane austen #jane austen's emma #emma 2020 #emma woodhouse #mr knightley #movie rec #effervescentdragonrants #autumn de wilde #this was an awesome movie #i recc it with my whole heart #anya taylor joy #johnny flynn #bill nighy #english lit #english literature

[takanova12]

One of the hallmarks of the aot fandom is massive panic everytime leaks drop and mostly the release of full chapter ends up pleasing if not all majority of the readers. Yet, we still don't learn and negatively react everytime even with the understanding that we are missing context for the leaked panels/dialogues. So amid all of this, here I am just trying to share my positive and hopeful interpretation of leaks, which mostly concern mikasa.

I wholeheartedly love eremika. They will forever remain my comfort ship. The leaks haven't changed anything. If anything, they just reinforced the idea that mikasa loved eren till her last breath. I admit that I loved the ambiguity of last panel of chapter 139; does mikasa live by herself till she dies? Or does she find love again and end up being surrounded by people who cherish her and will be there for her until the end?

I am happy that she found happiness in life. I saw people criticizing her choice of finding love again and how they were wrong about her making a selfless decision and living with pride etc. I personally don't see how her having a family cancels out what she did? She did give up the most precious person to her in the entire damn world to save the damn world. To people who wanted her to be a stronK woman who needs no man to live a empowering life, well she was that in the entire series. It was eren who needed her to save his ass 24/7, it was her and not a man who contributed most significantly to saving the alliance and we all know it was her who freed ymir. Not only that but one of the most popular EM moments where she gave eren emotional support (chap 50) ended up leaving such an impact on him that it helped me activate the coordinate and was also shown to be one of his most cherished memories of her. So, at the end if she wants to live a peaceful and simpler life, let her have that. Most importantly, let her have that considering she never wanted this life of a soldier. So, I am glad isayama gave her that. After all the shit she's been through she deserved some happiness, she deserved to be around her very own family. She deserved to be loved and cherished just like she loved and cherished eren. I am happy for my girl. I am happy that she had such a lasting impact on the story and on eren. I am happy that she wasn't alone her entire life. Sure, she has armin but let's admit it armin is with annie. They were not welcome on the island and even if mikasa left with them or they somehow settled back on paradise, aruannie would have their very own family. Sure, mikasa could be the stronK independent who needs no mAn and be an aunt to other kids so she won't be alone (reminds me of what eh wanted for mikasa; her to be aunt of her beloved dead eren's baby that he had with historia). Okay now being honest, I would have no problem with mikasa being single for her entire life and be some govermental figure of sorts if she was ever presented in that way. Never has ever mikasa shown any interest in politics, being some military leader or some princess to hizuru. She didn't join SC because it was her dream. She did because of eren and now that eren is gone and she served her purpose, she has no reason to become involved in nasty politics that she never wanted to be associated with. Also, she always left the strategic thinking, planning etc to armin. She has always pondered upon how many times does she have to lose her family and restart again. It always came down to home/family/love and a sense of belongingness for her. Sure eren was her home but before that her home was her parents and then carla and grisha. I am not saying that with eren gone, she has to find happiness in another man, but out of these other miserable options for her like living alone in the island, I prefer her being with loved ones. She doesn't have her dad like annie or parents like pieck with her to give her that home and sense of belongingness so I find it even more hard to swallow that some people actually wanted her to be not loved and die not having a home even after everything she has been through. Moreover, it's better for her mental health that she stays as far away from dealing with the mess eren left behind. Didn't she already do enough? She killed him and that was the most painful thing she ever had to do. So, I don't understand why people still want her to be some single stronK woman in power who dedicates her entire life to cleaning eren's mess? Hell no! No more misery for my girl! And thankfully yams agrees.

She has already had her fair share of trauma so isayama did the right thing leaving the diplomacy part to armin and others. Also, people making baseless claims that she is unhappy in her married life? Where and how? Mikasa surely wasn't ever gonna marry someone if she wasn't ready to. Did she visit the grave alone? Nope, she had her man with her, which suggests she is happy and can trust him with her feelings for eren and that he very much respects those feelings. She is not sneaking out of the house to visit her beloved's grave but she is living with pride. She is not doing anything wrong in remembering eren because irl we never forget our most beloved person even if we find love again.

On the topic of jeankasa, Idc whether it had 2 panels together or a 1000, it doesn't matter to me either way because aot was eremika's story ( as in I mean the story only told us about their journey of platonic to romantic feelings). Post titan world jk happened, so I find the jk don't have development and armuika makes more sense argument very out of place. First of all jk do have some development, where they end up trusting each other. Mikasa initially didn't like jean always fighting and criticizing eren and just didn't care about him. Later just like she forged close platnoic bonds with rest of 104th, she did so with jean too and most of it happened off screen because it was not needed for the story. I mean we found out sasha and mikasa were bunkmates not through the story but the guidebook. And this is in line with the fact that mikasa is not a very vocal person to begun with, she mostly speaks through her actions and that is why we hardly ever see her screaming how she is gonna help rid the world of titans or how she saved gabi because she is a child just like them caught up in war. About armuika it is a 100% platonic bond. With jeankasa, only mikasa considered jean as just a friend while jean since day 1 has been romantically attracted to mikasa so much so that he jumped right at a titan for the first time in his life when he saw mikasa in danger, before that his legs would shiver at the thought of fighting titans. So, it makes sense if it was him who ended up marrying her because he was in love with her the entire time and respected her feelings. The execution could have been better but I don't have any qualms with it because it doesn't make me ship eremika any less and overall knowing that mikasa was with someone who had always secretly loved and admired her for a long time just she did with eren makes me believe they both have a solid mutual understanding and good relationship.

Lastly, the takes on her still wearing the scarf is disrespectful to her husband is another thing I don't agree with. The scarf is not a romantic gift given to her by lover. The scarf is what saved her as a little girl. The scarf is what made mikasa understand the dichomoty of life at such a young age. The scarf is what allowed mikasa to realize that the world is not just cruel. It is what saved her and helped her save the world. It is a life-changing and beautiful treasure for her that sheltered her from turning into a cold-hearted revenge seeking psychopath. So, I find it satisfying to know that she is capable of embracing that part of her life and being anle to move ahead in life with her head held high.

On a side note I wanted to wait until the official release but I saw some mikasa slander and just couldn't wait any longer. I do think I am immune to mikasa slander now because I got everything I wanted for her character ( of course I would have loved for her to be with eren but I knew after liberio raid that they were never going to have a happy ending) but still sometimes I like to share my thoughts because I think it helps some people who are at times enjoying the content but the fandom discourse and constant negative interpretation of said events makes them hesistant to admit/enjoy it.

I am content knowing that my comfort character found some comfort in her life at the end :')

#mikasa #mikasa ackerman #attack on titan #aot spoilers

[sukepami]

In some ways, the cold wasn’t merely the physically disturbing, uncomfortable sensation of shrinking into yourself. When given the chance, it became something more. Vasilisa Hwang knew all about the cold and the quickest, easiest ways of warding it off. Being born in Russia, in one of the chilliest parts of the sprawling land, she understood how vital it was to make sure that the icy nightmare didn’t spread any further when it sliced against her frail limbs. Crushed pepper into the socks. The right amount of layers to avoid sweat. The best wood for the fireplace. Those, however, were of no use when the frost came from elsewhere. No century-old tips and natural remedies were enough when the unforbidding chill was a feeling, a sentence, a look. They meant nothing when the true lack of comfort came from the one person that was supposed to keep her warm and safe forever. That, Vasya thought, was just nature making itself known: it was proof that she’d never know peace, no matter how much she sought for it.

Leaving the academy for a well-deserved break had been one of the best, if not best experiences Lissa ever had in her entire life. Used to the loneliness of the sprawling campus for not being able to afford tickets home or anywhere else, she had made peace with the fact that she might not ever get anything out of her university years apart from studies. Along with Benjamin, however, came change. More than blinding, unending love, was the superior sense of freedom, of knowing her misery years had come to an end, and not only emotionally. As much as he breathed life into her veins, he also sheltered her like no one else had ever done, and for that, Vasilisa turned a blind eye to his flaws and ticks, the ones that hid something darker, obsessions he kept at bay. The Russian girl was far from the perfect and pure doll he claimed her to be. Both had been scarred past the point of no return, and the things that couldn’t be changed only stood in hiding. Until the moment they knew it all would come crashing down.

Holland, the French Alps and Palermo passed them in a blink, days upon days of nothing but loving and sightseeing with the only person she had eyes for. Vasilisa knew nothing but the shape of her lover’s lips, his secret, well-kept smiles and rough laughter, the caresses he offered her blindly. The things that both had never given to anyone else but each other, no more fake demises for the undeserving, no more ugliness glamoured under the preposterous sense of beauty. Because Benjamin was nothing but beautiful. More than lines on a canvas and the promise of being her eternal muse, he was breathtaking for one single reason: he was hers. No one else but Vasya’s. The one treasure she cherished more than anything else, under the scorching sun, the shining moon or the sharp, stinging snow. She made her feelings known by loving him to insanity and infinity, no matter where or how. The secretiveness of their destinies, however, made it even easier to proclaim her adoration.

She felt the wind of change as soon as they found themselves at their last stop, her motherland. Going back to where it all started filled her with a sense of thick, clogging nostalgia, a lump in her throat that wouldn’t go away. Walking around the tight neighbourhoods with their grey, flat buildings and the snowy white background was like walking in a dream. The fact that she clung to her lover’s arm all the way through made it even more magical. Vasilisa loved being able to experience Russia through Benjamin’s eyes, all his reactions and thoughts about the place she belonged making her happier than she’d ever been. Deep down, Lissa understood that the Volgograd would one day beckon her to come home, to go see how she’d left everything when she took a plane and never looked back. Because as much as she’d made a home for herself in South Korea, no matter how frail the foundations, her harsh and unwelcoming city was still the one that made her heart beat faster, longing for the time they’d be reunited. 

As big as Volgograd was, her neighbourhood was still populated with the same faces, sights and smells, a memory at each corner, waiting to be unraveled. The old matrons smiled at her as they went around her favorite park and sweets shop, whispering excitedly as soon as they recognized her. Belaya model. Blondinka. The fairest, youngest Morevna. She made sure to translate everything quickly to Benjamin, who only sighed and agreed to the old ladies. After all, he had always called her his little Russian porcelain doll himself. Apart from the oldest, however, were also her childhood friends, her schoolmates from her teenage years. The same wiped out faces smiled at her and pulled her in for hugs, at least the ones that still acted friendly around her back in the days. Most of the girls only made sure they looked once, twice and thrice at her regal looks and her perfect boyfriend, who tucked her in tight as they made their way around the streets. One of her sisters had told her that Vasilisa only looked more beautiful around Venya, and she couldn’t agree more; they made each other look better. They fit like two pieces of a puzzle.

All those compliments, warm hugs and cheek kisses had however taken their toll on Benjamin, who seemed pulled taut like a cord, tenser every time someone approached Lissa. She understood how possessive he could be, and how seeing all those people taking a piece of her probably made that wonderful, wicked mind go round and round with all the possibilities and stories behind her acquaintances. But Vasilisa wasn’t able to notice the building pressure and quiet, simmering anger until they got back to their little cabin in the woods, the last stop before they went back to the academy. They had left after one of her most hot headed friends had tried to pull her in for a cinematic kiss, knowing just how crazy he’d make her foreign boyfriend, even though the Russian girl knew how terrible of his nature it was to be that much annoying, always pulling at her strings. But Benjamin was not one of his friends, and the stone cold look he directed at both of them was enough for her to call it a day. They made their way back to the house in absolute silence, but she knew how ready she’d have to be for the unavoidable blow that would follow the quiet.

Vasilisa sat across him near the fireplace, caught on every tick of his eye, every swirl of ice inside his neat whiskey glass. She knew she had to give him space. All their fights always followed a well-kept, scripted path: silence, screaming, crying, making up. Weeks later he’d bring up that same old discussion and it would all start again, but until then, they had to go through the first stage. That was how the Russian girl found herself making her way to him, sliding across his seat until she almost sat at his lap, her slender fingers taking the glass away from his and setting it on the table across the sofa. He kept his breath even and barely spared her a glance. Sighing, Lissa tucked her hand into his, silently begging him to look her way, to not repeat that terrible, heartbreaking cycle that always made her crumble a little bit more, until one day there’d be nothing but shattered leftovers. “Venya,” she rasped quietly, pressing the pads of her fingers on his palm. “Please look at me.” Vasilisa wanted nothing more but to kiss the anger away from him, to make him forget whatever made him mad until he saw nothing else but her, breaking her apart the only way she ever wanted: underneath his body, writhing in pure, loving agony. But she knew how he’d never give her the satisfaction of forgiving her so quickly, so easily. And so she watched him and watched him, waiting for the moment he’d strike, already so used to his terrible behavior.

“This is very tiring.” Lissa took it upon herself to voice what seemed to be both their concerns, rolling her eyes at the impossibility of doing the same thing over and over, those exhausting silence wars making her lose her mind. “Needless to say, that was just a friend. Kostya has always been insufferable, but I should’ve warned you that people would try to get a look at me, among other things. I haven’t been here for a very long time, Benjamin.” She spat a bit more angrily than she should, already knowing how very wrong she was at that situation; it wouldn’t have mattered if she was right either, for only her boyfriend held all the cards, every single time. Shrugging off her coat in jerky, furious movements, she got up, just about to soak in the tub for a few hours before Benjamin found the will to talk to her again. “Nothing anyone ever does will ever make me any less yours. It’s even stupid for me to try and put that in your head, dorogaya.”

#vasilisa and benjamin #1504

[thenovelartist]

25 DoC - Day 10: Winter Wonderland

Code Realize: Victor/Cardia

(How’d this grow into a full one-shot? Fun to write, though.)

Few things were more precious to Victor than his dearest Cardia. After the vampire war, he felt he didn’t deserve any sort of blessings, such as a wife or family. Not after he took so many lives with his research. But then… Cardia…

She gave him hope of redemption.

And then she went a step farther and gave him the blessing of becoming his wife.

Therefore, because of that, he did cherish the moments he could spoil his beloved Cardia as best he could. Which, to him, meant spending time with her or taking her out to experience all the things she couldn’t back when she believed herself to be nothing more than a doll. Because few things could compare to the warm feeling that grew in his chest every time he got to see her smile in awe, surprise, and wonder.

Just as she was smiling now.

He turned to look out the window and quickly discovered what held her rapt attention.

“The snow is beginning to pile up,” Victor commented, calling Cardia’s attention momentarily.

She flashed him a smile. “It looks so pretty. It makes everything look so much brighter.”

Victor glanced out the window once again before turning back to Cardia, idea forming in his mind. “Would you like to go for a walk through London?”

Cardia quirked her head, quizzical look on her face.

“So you can see the difference the snow makes to it?”

At that realization, Cardia’s expression instantly brightened, already making Victor feel like the luckiest guy alive.

“Go put on something warmer, and we can go out, all right?”

With a nod, Cardia scampered off towards their room. “I’ll make it quick.”

Soon enough, they were strolling through London. Cardia hung onto his arm as she took in the sights around her, eyes glowing with wonder at the sight of London dusted with snow.

“It’s so different,” she said, snuggling up to his side. “It makes the city seem so much brighter.”

“Technically speaking, snow does make scenery brighter because it reflects light so well. However, my mother simply used to say that snow had a way of making scenes turn whimsical.”

“Whimsical,” Cardia hummed. “I think she’s right.”

They continued strolling through London, not meaning to go shopping but ending up doing so. Cardia had taken an interest in knitting lately, and with her first project—the scarf Victor was currently wearing; the one he treated like a treasure—having gone well, she got another skein of yarn to make one for herself.

With the snow now beginning to come down a little heavier than before, Victor decided that it was a good time to go back home. Though the snow wasn’t enough to send most people for shelter, he noticed Cardia’s cheeks growing too pink for his liking. With her horologium rendered innate, her ability to withstand cold temperatures had severely decreased. Victor had noticed that back when fall had come into full swing and Cardia was shivering quite often despite wearing an appropriate number of layers for the season. So while he did enjoy this time out with her, the last thing he wanted to do was expose her to the cold for too long.

However, that would have to be put on hold for a slight while longer. They’d passed by a park on their way, and Cardia had paused at the sight of children playing in the snow.

“What are they doing, Victor?”

“They’re making a snowman.”

“A snowman,” she pondered. “I think I’ve heard of them.”

“I would explain the process, but I think it might be simpler just to watch them. It’s quite common to see children making them when there’s enough snow. I used to make them when I was their age.”

Cardia studied him for just a moment before she turned away, chuckling.

Victor quirked a brow in confusion. “What is it?”

She shook her head. “It’s nothing.”

Instead of pressing, he let it go, simply enjoying the joy on his wife’s face as they watched the kids finish their snowman. Cardia marveled over the finished product for a moment until Victor pulled her along back home.

“Are you getting cold?”

“A little,” she said, taking a half-step closer to his side. “But…”

“But?”

“I…” Her pondering expression then turned resigned. “No, never mind.”

Victor couldn’t just easily accept that. “What is it, Cardia?”

She shook her head. “It’s a silly request.”

“I doubt it. I’ve never heard one from you. What is it?”

“Well,” she began somewhat hesitantly. “I… the children looked… like they were having fun.”

Victor could already see where this was going and failed to withhold a small chuckle. “Would you like to build a snowman?”

“I’ve never built one before,” she said. “And would like to try.”

“Then let’s build one when we get home, all right?”

Even though she was cold, that didn’t seem to dampen her enthusiasm one bit.

When they arrived at home, they each went inside just long enough for Victor to start a fire in the main room to warm up by once they finished and Cardia to grab what they would need to decorate the snowman.

Once their tasks were accomplished, they went back outside, where Victor showed her how to compact the snow and roll the pieces for the snowman.

From there, the process went quickly, and soon enough, they placed the coal, carrots, and fallen limbs on the stack of snowballs to complete the snowman.

Admittedly, Victor found the process nostalgic, but watching Cardia’s excitement over the whole process kept him strongly rooted in the present moment.

“Now, we need to dress him, like the children did.” She turned to Victor. “Could we possibly borrow your hat and scarf for a while?”

Victor froze a second. The hat he didn’t mind at all, but the scarf…

He sighed. He couldn’t say no to her pleading eyes like that. “All right.”

Joy once again flooded her expression as she took his top hat and the scarf he treasured so much to clothe the snowman. That was the only reason he’d tolerate it.

However, her joy didn’t last long. The more time she spent staring at the snowman, the more that grin of hers faded.

Before he could ask what was wrong, she murmured, “He seems lonely.”

And soon enough, they were making a second snowman next to the first. Cardia had gone back inside to grab more materials while Victor searched for two more fallen limbs to use as arms. When it was complete, Cardia was the one to decorate it with her hat and scarf.

“There,” she said, turning to smile at him. “Now, there’s one for both of us. Neither of us have to be lonely when we have each other.”

Victor froze, his heart now jumping like crazy in his chest. His cheeks flared with warmth as Cardia looked up at him oh so sweetly. It took him a long moment to process her words, but once he did, he managed to return her smile as he pulled her in close. She giggled, but came easily into his embrace. “Thank you, Cardia,” he whispered. “For making sure I’m never lonely again.”

“I could say the same to you, Victor. It’s all because of you I’m able to live like this.”

He lingered like that just a moment longer before pulling away, but not before dropping a kiss to her forehead first. “You’re cold,” he observed. “We should go inside now.”

Cardia followed him with no complaints as he led her back inside the mansion and into the main sitting room, now warm from the fire he’d started earlier. He sat her down beside it, then quickly slipped into the kitchen to put on a kettle of water for tea before returning to her side.

“Are you getting warm again?”

Cardia nodded, extending her hands towards the fire. “I didn’t realize how cold I was. I was having too much fun.”

Noticing her movements, Victor reached out to take her hands in hers. Normally, he’d marvel over how they fit so well in his, but today, he was focused on something different. “They’re so cold, Cardia!”

Without thought, he tugged her hands towards him, rubbing them between his own before puffing warm breath on them. Even once they were no longer frigid to the touch, he didn’t let go. “Is that better?”

He took in Cardia’s shy expression, cheeks a rosy pink and growing redder. “Yes. Thank you.”

Only then did he realize what he’d done. And while he didn’t let go of her hands, he found his own cheeks warming up. “You’re welcome.”

Eventually, the tea got prepared, and seemingly in a flash, it was gone. They’d gone to snuggling on the couch after that, but Victor wasn’t fully sure how they ended up in their current position: Victor laying flat on his back across the couch while Cardia was in his arms, curled up on his chest with one hand resting right above his heart.

There were two warring thoughts in his mind. One being that they should start making dinner soon seeing as it was growing late and they had only had a light lunch before going out to walk around London. And the other being that he didn’t mind this position at all, but thought that if they were going to be in this position, he’d rather they be snuggled beneath the covers in bed.

And then the third thought popped into his mind of if Cardia would be willing to forgo dinner entirely just so that second thought could become reality.

“Victor.”

“Hmm? Yes, Cardia.”

“Thank you for today.”

He smiled, feeling warmth spread through him down to his toes. “You’re welcome. I had a lot of fun today, too.”

“Can we do it again sometime?”

“I would really like that.”

“Good.” With that, Cardia propped herself up on her elbows so she could meet Victor’s gaze. If he wasn’t warm before, he sure was warm now. “And Victor?”

“Yes, Cardia?”

She leaned down to steal a quick peck from his lips. “I love you.”

He stiffened. This woman still managed to catch him off guard no matter how prepared he thought he was for everything. He absently wondered if there would ever be a time that he was fully prepared for whatever Cardia threw at him before hoping that was never the case. She could surprise him as much as she liked as long as she continued doing so for the rest of his life.

With a smile, he wrapped his arms tighter around Cardia, pulling her ever closer. Dinner could wait, there was something far more important he had to do now. “I love you, too,” he whispered, right before he proved it with a kiss.

#25 drabbles of christmas #except this isn't a drabble any longer #code realize #victor frankenstein #cardia beckford #fluff #this made me so happy to write

[battlestar-royco]

masterpost of fix-it headcanons for AC0TAR

the only day you can add onto this is  e v e r y  day

this blew up into a huge thing and it’s no longer just headcanons but more a reworked outline/embellishment of the first three books. feel free to add or change what you want if you make it through the whole thing :D

n/esta--a gray ace icon!--is the main character. the first book is told in n/esta and l/ucien’s alternating POVs.

some worldbuilding and character background for human lands because sj/m provides fuckity nothing: mama and papa arch raised their children on scary stories about the fae. the first story every human child hears is the one about the human-fae treaty and the ominously growing rip in the wall between human and fae lands. (as a young woman, n/esta remembers a time when a fae attack would happen once every few years, but now she hears of five to ten a year.) because humans are atheist, the arch sisters also learned many stories about secular historical figures and events such as j/urian and his legendary murder of c/lythia during the human-fae war, and f/eyre took an interest in famous painters from a young age.

mama arch died and papa arch’s leg was irreparably damaged while protecting their daughters from a fae creature attack. the girls developed growing resentment toward fae as they got older.

after their family’s fall into poverty, n/esta and e/lain grew up helping f/eyre learn to read. she'll never be at their level, but she knows enough to get by. n/esta always budgets and goes shopping. the harvest from e/lain’s little garden has saved them a few autumns, just like f/eyre’s hunting. their father loves them and wishes he could do more, but they're happy to care for him.

actual ac0tar timeline: (because the humans deserved a plotline and i’ll die mad that they never got one:) the human lands are deeply unsettled by the hole in the wall, and a few attacks have ravaged the northernmost villages. f/eyre is taken to p/rythian. n/esta and e/lain find the mercenary who helped f/eyre. the mercenary is an important mentor for them and she helps n/esta leave tomas. e/lain’s fiance g/raysen who is completely justified in his wariness against fae fiGHT ME sj/m is an advocate for human rights, and all his family’s resources are helping mend the wall, but they just can’t do it without magic. e/lain stays at home to take care of papa arch while n/esta heads north with the mercenary to save f/eyre and possibly find a magical solution to the wall. unsuccessful, n/esta returns home to find that her family has suddenly come upon fortune again, and she funnels some of that money into the human effort.

meanwhile in the sp/ring court, l/ucien watches as tom lane brings home a human girl, f/eyre, who may just be the key to defeating a/marantha’s curse. the curse forbids him from warning her about tom’s true nature, and his feelings toward tom are difficult because tom has provided him shelter from his family but has also been another source of abuse. l/ucien also resents f/eyre for murdering andras. both trapped and opposed to each other for different reasons, f/eyre and l/ucien begrudgingly become friends. they look out for each other and a/lis.

throughout book 1, l/ucien mourns andras and carries out his duties as tom’s emissary. he visits utm multiple times, discreetly conversing with all the imprisoned high lords and their spies (maybe a/zriel and/or n/uala and c/erridwen makes a cameo here) and spreading the news that the curse may soon end. every time he returns, the high lords inform him on their movements/preparations for a/marantha’s death and h/ybern’s rise.

f/eyre completes her third task, but her stab to tom’s heart is fatal. tom dies honorably, for the greater good of all the fae, but l/ucien and f/eyre will never forget the darker parts of him. because a/marantha deserved better as a villain, a/marantha disappears in a diversion created by the king of h/ybern (hereon known as “koh”). rice is a straight-up antagonist and kidnaps f/eyre into the night court. l/ucien is left to rule the s/pring court alone.

ac0maf timeline: the second book continues l/ucien and n/esta’s POVs but also introduces t/arquin, m/or, and a h/ybernian’s POVs.

the h/ybernian pov (perhaps a commoner, soldier, or advisor to the koh) gives us insight on the koh and a/marantha’s plans. both the koh and a/marantha are given thorough backstories that make them sympathetic and/or interesting villains. the latter is one of many lethal commanders in the h/ybern army, alongside d/agdan and b/rannagh. her bitterness against humans has been renewed upon her defeat by f/eyre. the h/ybernian perspective also allows us to see h/ybernian culture, history, and pro/anti-war factions so that h/ybern is no longer a monolith. at some point, we see the cauldron come together. its power is immense.

now, let’s add some semblance of conflict and flaws to the inner circle. (i tried to stick as close to the canon as possible here, but again, mess provided FUCKITY NOTHING.) they each have differing motives, but at the end of the day they all just want prythian to be safe. they’re actually morally ambiguous anti-heroes/villains as heroes instead of this “it was all an act” nonsense. i/llyrians are explicitly poc. rice kidnapped f/eyre not because they’re mates, but because he wants to use her newfound powers as an asset against h/ybern. a/zriel’s torture victims never recover, but he only ever resorts to such measures when he believes necessary. a/mren (agender; ace) hunts for their blood, and they have an insurmountable body count. m/or (power lesbian) is incredibly kind, but everyone in court knows not to get on her bad side or they’ll face her justice. c/assian is the most ruthless commander i/llyria has ever seen.

additionally, the inner circle is complicated. m0riel was never a thing. c/assian and m/or also never hooked up, but they are besties. a/zriel is the intuitive, emotional core of the group; everyone goes to him for advice on friends, relationships, and hard decisions. a/zriel (pan) and c/assian (bi) have been steadily falling in love since their time in the camps as boys but neither of the idiots will admit it to themselves or anyone else. a/mren is still known as “tiny ancient one” because they’re like millennia older than everyone else. they impart cryptic wisdom and brutally honest advice on their edgy^TM kids. the night court also know their time with a/mren is limited because they are searching for a way out of their fae form, so their company is cherished. the four of them have stood beside rice over the centuries, and they love him, but they’ve also watched him steadily become more corrupt and merciless. can he be saved or is it time for a change in leadership? this is a conversation everyone wants to have, but no one is brave enough to begin. everyone skirts around it throughout the book, tension slowly building to an inevitable confrontation.

moving on to the plot: in the night court, we follow m/or ruling v/elaris (she fucking  f i n e s s e s  k/eir in the process). she’s in a simmering, slow burn romance with an i/llyrian woman: an activist against wing-cutting and a mutual friend of a/zriel’s (he set them up). m/or’s strength in court is her kind nature. she has many loyalists in the court of ni/ghtmares who know of her past with e/ris and k/eir. meanwhile, a/mren and f/eyre's subplot takes them to the human lands to get in touch with the arch sisters.

after his time utm, t/arquin returns to the summer court to play his part in preparing for the war against h/ybern: translating his half of the book of breathings and gathering powerful allies (br/yaxis, the b/one carver, and the w/eaver) for the war. his emotional arc is all about his recovery from the trauma he underwent utm. meanwhile, c/resseida hears word that some night court members are headed to the human lands, so she initiates an alliance with them and tags along in hopes that she can retrieve the mortal queens’ half of the book.

in the spring court, i/anthe is introduced. l/ucien soon realizes she is a double agent for h/ybern. she feeds him info on recruitment and battle strategies. koh and a/marantha are depending on i/anthe’s priestess order to spread pro-war rhetoric across h/ybern (??? this is the best i could do with what sj/m gave). the human lands are the most at risk because koh plans on cutting his army directly through spring court to crush the laughably weak human resistance before taking over the south. (sources report the effort is headed by the cursebreaker’s older sisters....)

in the human lands, n/esta and el/ain are pleasantly surprised by a visit from their sister, and more than a little alarmed by the two fae who accompany her. f/eyre just missed papa arch, who recently set sail with some of g/raysen’s soldiers to recruit southern soldiers. human efforts to seal the wall have been mostly fruitless, and every victory pyrrhic. although neither sister is a fighter, n/esta and e/lain have both seen enough horrors to last a lifetime. n/esta has worked her way to the position of treasurer of g/raysen’s army, and it seems that the proximity of the wall has activated some magic in elain so she is now a seer (this is some bs but so is sj/m’s magic system smh i tried). therefore, both of them (plus the mercenary) always sit in on war councils, and they receive a formal invitation from the mortal queens to discuss their next movements. a/mren and c/resseida come along, and the queens agree to give their half of the book in exchange for some fae magic to mend the wall. only m/or is powerful enough to do such a thing (also bs but sj/m never explained her power!!), so they must go back to the night court. amidst all the suffering, one good thing boosts human morale: e/lain and g/raysen's marriage.

in the n/ight court, a/mren, c/resseida, and f/eyre return to merge the book and tell m/or of the deal with the queens. tensions have risen between m/or and rice’s ruling styles. the court of nig/htmares is also split between m/or and k/eir. too much is mounting for mor to even think of going to the human lands. she and a/zriel also recently received a request for help from l/ucien: one of the spring sentries reported that amarantha’s legion is on the move. meanwhile, the h/ybernian pov chronicles the legion traveling to spring. the best the n/ight court can do is send c/assian. l/ucien and c/assian do all they can, but a/marantha’s too powerful and she rips right through the hole in the wall. c/assian’s wings get fuCKING SHREDDED in the process.

acowar: we’re gonna pretend v/assa, m/iryam, and d/rakon don’t exist bc they did very little for the plot. pr/ythian is in all out fucking bloody-ass war. when war crimes are committed, characters are held accountable. spring fae are scattering, seeking refuge in other courts. we see true horrors and battles and loss throughout the book. it’s high time that the lords all convened to lay out a plan of action, but everyone’s had pretty big fish to fry in the post-curse era. the n/ight court is fracturing, t/arquin and l/ucien are adjusting to being high lords, the a/utumn court has always been infighting, etc. so now an effort is being made to call everyone to a council in dawn.

first, m/or can no longer ignore the call to the human lands. l/ucien joins her because of his lands’ proximity to the wall, leaving i/anthe in charge (they’ve become quite good companions and she’s cut off her ties to hybern). c/assian also comes because l/ucien has been harboring him in spring and providing the best possible (but insufficient) healers for his wings. finally, our human and fae plots come together. m/or and c/assian’s reunion is touching. c/assian’s banter with abrasive n/esta takes his mind off his damaged wings. they both enjoy each other’s pragmatism, sarcasm, and emotional empathy. (in another life, they might’ve made a good match ;).) m/or patches the wall because even though a/marantha is already through, it’ll stop reinforcements from joining her. in a historic event, humans (the queens, the arch sisters, and g/raysen) are invited to the council of high lords.

all our big players are at the council: all h/igh lords + partners and courts, plus terrified but dignified human squad. m/or is reunited with her old friend v/iviane, (they were DEFINITELY a thing once). k/eir, e/ris, and b/eron were invited by none other than rice, who also plans to use feyre’s powers to win multiple battles. the n/ight court can no longer deny that it’s time to talk about rice. all the rising tensions come to the surface here. rice wants to employ the [insert better name for keir’s soldiers than fucking d/arkbringers], but m/or’s i/llyrian gf has been raising an army and she thinks that’s the safer bet. in the end, all the high lords decide they need both, and no one is quite happy. no one knows wtf is in the future for n/ight court leadership.

human squad and fae recap each other. humans hope papa arch can come through with some southern support. amarantha is razing her way through human lands while a/driata and v/elaris have suffered attacks from koh. n/esta, e/lain, and f/eyre all share stolen conversations between meetings over the days. f/eyre misses her home and family, but she knows she’ll never belong there again. humans are given the d/arkbringers (yikes) and b/ryaxis.

as human squad + lucien make their way home, their caravan is attacked by a h/ybern commander--maybe d/agdan or b/rannagh. e/lain is kidnapped to the koh’s camp; she’ll be a good hostage to draw in the pr/ythian asset f/eyre and crush human spirit. the h/ybernian notes that the cauldron has amassed much more power than we last saw. however, koh’s power over the cauldron and his soldiers has been spiraling out of control ever since a/marantha left to attack humans. though she’s been successful against them so far, her obsessive desire to slaughter humans wastes a lot of soldiers & resources on lands that are of little use to h/ybern. the h/ybernian gradually becomes acquainted with e/lain and frees her from the camp. humans return home shaken, but without further incident. the diversion has given a/marantha enough time to secure g/raysen’s lands before they arrive.

in the night court, they realize that without b/ryaxis they’ll need to free a/mren from their body for once and for all to defeat koh. they all share one last night of drinking, games, and being silly and sad. a/zriel and c/assian ruminate on the possibility of losing other inner circle members, and realize their feelings for each other. when h/ybernian and p/rythian forces assemble for the final battle, rice dies an anti-hero’s death on the battlefield. c/assian commands i/llyrian infantry nobly and courageously while m/or’s gf commands from the skies. f/eyre uses her powers to the best of her ability, and with significant help from a/mren in their true form, wins the day for p/rythian. a/mren disappears into their original desired dimension, and f/eyre dies knowing that she neither belongs with humans nor fae. c/resseida, t/arquin, and some p/rythian court members survive, but not without suffering scars, limb loss, and casualties etc.

in the human lands, papa arch has returned from the south with a few thousand men, but not enough to face a/marantha. the d/arkbringers and b/ryaxis hold their own against her soldiers, but she herself still lives. echoing how f/eyre outsmarted a/marantha in book 1, the humans must utilize a/marantha’s own hubris to defeat her. a major human character dies: perhaps g/raysen, the mercenary, or a queen.

finally, the enemies are defeated. arch family and high lords are invited to a funeral for f/eyre cursebreaker in the night court. n/esta and e/lain mourn their sister, but the funeral as a whole serves as a commemoration of all the losses of the war. additionally, m/or and i/llyrian gf have a beautiful private wedding. in rice’s absence, the courtiers of dreams and nightmares flock to m/or. now that their power is secure, she and l/ucien hold long overdue but fair trials against e/ris, b/eron, and k/eir for what they did to m/or and j/esminda (l/ucien’s lover who was killed before his eyes). they are found guilty, and a/zriel uses his sword truthteller in the execution. after, everyone settles terms and plans for war reparations. all the courts vow to donate what they can to the human lands because they all bear the responsibility. the humans go home one last time. human and fae alike are deeply traumatized by the war, but there is hope of happiness and recovery in the future.

#anti acotar #anti acomaf #anti acowar #anti sjm #this was SOOOOO much harder than the t0g one because the ac0tar plot/world/characters are so much weaker than the t0g ones #and that's really saying something #there's almost nothing to the worldbuilding holy crap

[mr-mikas-mess]

May I request a scenario for Yoū who has an s/o who hates crying but has bottled lots of emotion from her past experiences and tries to hide it from him but fails? Thank you in advance! Your writing really inspires me. And I hope you’re doing ok!! I love you very much!!

ASDFGHJKL You’re too sweet~! Thank you very much *bows*I’m well thank you, I hope you’re okay and I love you more~!

Ahh I’m sorry this took so long, and I hope this okay ^^; I’ve had a lot of trouble with sleep in the past weeks so this scenario seems to be lacking to me ^^;

~~~~~

“Ja, Ja, heisser Sommer ist Wunderbar,” You inaudibly sung. Your solo performance was disturbed by an unsuspected collision with a stranger, his items scattered to the floor beneath you.“Watch where you’re walking,” he grumbled with a disgustingly unfriendly look plastered across his face.You blinked expressionlessly at him as your emotions distorted inside you, ‘look what you’ve done now you good for nothing child’ past vicious words invaded your mind. Suppressing these thoughts, you attempted to stutter out an apology.“I-I’m so-” “Don’t just stand there you useless woman, pick up my things now!” he harshly commanded.'Why can’t you do anything right?’ More haunting words lingered in the back of your mind. “Yes,” you weakly responded, lowering yourself to the ground. You scrambled to collect everything as quickly as humanly possible, however, due to your body trembling, you repeatedly dropped a few items. “Hurry it up stupid,” the man continued to pester.'We shouldn’t have had another child, not when she turned out like this’ previous words were now saturating your mind, not enabling you to think clearly.

You shot up, objects clutched to your chest for security. “I’m very sorry!” You blurted, bowing and handing the man his items. You whirled around, preparing to hastily leave, however, you were stopped by more words from him. “Where do you think you’re going?” 'Yoū, where are you? Please, I need help’ you internally pleaded, only to be interrupted by more paralyzing words. 'You don’t deserve to be loved, no one will ever love you’ 

“You’ve inconvenienced me, so give me a kiss,” You were brought back to the current situation. “E-excuse me?” You stuttered. “You owe me for ruining my day,” He pressed on.

'You owe me’ dreaded words you’d heard many times before. Words spoken to you by your family. Anytime you refused an instruction or request, you’d be promptly reminded that they owned you, they gave you your life, food and shelter. You gripped at your chest in fear, you didn’t want to kiss that man, you had Yoū. A man you had fallen heavily in love with and you’d hoped he felt the same, though your judgement was clouded by mass paranoia. “I don’t want to,” you meekly responded, a feeble attempt to stand up for yourself. The man grew tempered and took a step towards you “You don’t get a choice, you’re a useless brat. You should be lucky I’m even showing an interest,” 'I should be lucky… He’s right, of course Yoū wouldn’t love someone as pathetic and disgusting as me’ you accepted, the cruel reality reminding you how insignificant your wretched existence truly was. You suppressed the huge number of emotions inside you, took a step back and declined once more “stay back, please,” He took another step towards you, refusing to back down “Why, are you trying to hurt me? What a selfish woman," 

Those words reverberated in your heart and broke what tiny and fragile spirit you had. Unable to move, the man further approached you. You closed your eyes and trembled in fear, awaiting the contact you didn’t want to experience. However, instead of the tainted touch you expected, there was a loud thud; you opened your eyes to see him lying on the floor. "How dare you treat a woman like that, especially MY woman!” Yoū yelled. His face scrunched while shaking his reddened fist. “Leave, before you receive something worse than a punch,” he demanded, lightly grabbing your wrist and dragging you to the nearby dorms.

“Why did you let him treat you like that?” He questioned angrily. “You hate me, don’t you?” You counter questioned. The man’s words had clawed into your heart; all the efforts you’d taken to treasure yourself had crashed and burned in mere seconds.“Don’t be silly, I’m angry because I love you! You’re always letting others treat you so poorly,” he put his hands on your shoulders with a face that displayed desperation.You bit your lip, trying to hold back all your tears and feelings “Do you really love me though? Someone this disgusting…” Yoū’s anger flushed away and was replaced with sorrow as his heart sank “Y/N… You’re amazing. It hurts that you feel this way, you should cherish yourself. You’ve brought me so much happiness and the rest of Procellarum absolutely adore you. I love you more than curry you know?” His words soft, in attempts to comfort you.

Sadness was something you weren’t allowed to express; crying meant you were ungrateful and spoiled. However, you couldn’t hold back much longer, your tears disobediently fell as you spoke “how can I believe that? My own family didn’t love me,”. “why would you say that?” He inquired, his eyes widening in disbelief.“Because they told me…” You began, taking a deep breath so you could form words through your tears “they told me over and over again. I was a mistake, a disaster child. I couldn’t do anything right because I’m stupid, ugly and useless. No one is going to love a person like that,” Once again, the pain from your words were visible on his face.

He pulled you into a tight, yet comforting embrace while affectionately stroking the back of your hair. He spoke in your ear softly, barely louder than a whisper “Y/N, listen to me, none of that is true,” Yoū had concluded that his actions would be more beneficial to you than talking in this moment, however, he still had to state some things. He pulled away from you, allowing him the space to delicately hold your face between his hands. He wiped away your tears, brought his face close to yours and gazed into your eyes “I won’t talk too much, but I love you more than anything in the world. Your family love you too, you’re a part of Procellarum and we all adore you immensely,” he smiled sweetly. “So please, try believing in us and look after yourself,” “I’ll try, I promise,” you smiled, wiping away your tears. “That’s good enough for me. Now, let me show you how much I love you,” he smirked, pulling you against him by the waist and placing a passionate kiss on your lips. He withdrew to see your flushed expression and chuckled “See, you’re precious,”

Learning to love yourself and accepting you’re so much more than you thought you were would prove to be a long task, but with Yoū and the rest of Procellarum supporting you, it was something you planned to put your all in.

~~~~~

As a side note, everyone please remember you are deserving of love, you are allowed to put yourself first and you should never feel bad about doing something that makes you happy. YOU ARE YOUR NUMBER PRIORITY SO PLEASE LOOK AFTER YOURSELF~!

#procella #procellarum #you haduki #tsukiuta #tsukino productions

[teabananatime]

Heaven’s Mandate: 2. City

Summary: As the war between the three races rose to a climax, mysterious forces began to act from the darkness. Faith will be tested, loss will be tasted, hope will be doubted. “But my child, never forget—the bonds between people will transcend the limits of life. That is the power of mankind.” This is the story of Perfect World’s unity, and it all began, when...

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Words: 828

Also on FFN and AO3 :) Find me under Teabanana!

2. City

With a final glance at the small house that had been her home for sixteen years, Firany stepped out into the yellow sun and locked the door.

She lived in the busy City of the Lost, always lovely and lively and full of people. Merchants, missionaries, soldiers and travellers, there was never a quiet moment in the Untamed origin. This place was well known for its dry lands and bold sunsets, as well as abundance of ores, sandstone and other crafting materials. You only had to take one step outside the city to find pig iron to dig. It was also full of farm life: rabbits, horses, house cats and dogs, along with rams just in the outskirts. This city was always living, much like its animalistic inhabitants: the Venomancers and Barbarians.

According to the legends of the world's creation, the Untamed were formed from Pangu's body. Stories say the Untamed were originally animals living in the terrain of barren desserts, but when Pangu's own flesh came to the earth, these animals acquired the forms of half-beast, half-human beings; they had the intelligence of a human and the strength of a beast. Pangu's flesh moistened the land, making it fertile as a gift for the new race to cultivate.

The Untamed were strong in stature, had great vitality, and lived healthy lives to old age. Their women had the appearance of human women with additional animalistic features linked to their spirit animal: cheeky furry ears, a fox's teasing smile, bodies flexible and sinuous, movements fluid like water. They had mysterious, sensuous demeanours that made them so very alluring to the ones around them.

Their men stood upright with bodies of human men, but were so close to the land that their heads and skin took on the appearance of their spirit animal. Some barbarians had particularly large stature, physical strength, skill, and mental conviction. In the first days of the Untamed society, these barbarians took on the role of pack leader, akin to an animal king.

While the men had the traditional role of protecting the women and the young, the women were no weaker than the men. Venomancers were proficient apothecaries, with generations of knowledge in traditional Untamed brews. They also tamed animals, whether as a protector when travelling to the outskirts, or as an assistant in everyday life. They utilised magic of the woods to defeat unwanted enemies, be it an overexcited wild boar, or poison for the pests. The Untamed were a capable, strong race.

Firany was born thin and small. Because of this, she was often bullied by other Venomancers in the school of the Untamed. Fox spirits with fat, luscious tails; voluptuous and mysterious. Devilish bat spirits with little horns of mischief on their crowns: the troublemakers. Dingos, agile and flexible. Rabbits, intelligent and highly cherished as future priestesses with connections to the moon. Cheetahs, calm and reserved even as youth. Firany was no alluring beast. She did not have the teasing confidence of Venomancers assured in their femininity, nor did she look very animalistic in the first place. She was deer-spirited, with small, pink, delicate horns and no tail.

But that was okay, because Radial was there. He was her older brother, six years her senior. A roaring tiger, strong, loyal and kind. He encouraged her, guided her, taught her skills and crafts. He also protected her from dangerous rocks, caught her when she tripped, took her outside the city to catch frogs. If Firany being small was a punishment from the gods to their parents for producing such a strong barbarian, someone that could be a pack leader, she would gladly accept the consequence. Firany didn't hate her own kind. She resented her classmates' teasing, envied the fellowship of Barbarians. But Firany didn't hate anyone. Everyone was born innocent and faultless, treasured and cherished by their mothers as the most precious jewel of the world. She believed that people were naturally good, that there were multiple sides to every person, and nobody deserved to be totally despised for a one time mean-spirited act. She was a kind child.

However, she only knew how to be kind, not how to be clever. She was naive and innocent, sheltered and shielded and protected her whole life. She wasn't at all alike to Radial, who had a heart as wide as the sea but simultaneously possessed talent and skill so raw and potent that he shone brightly amongst the giant sea of Untamed soldiers. She was just a little girl who relied on her brother a little too much, a child who would feel lost if the world around her was disturbed, who was afraid of change and did not truly understand what it meant to change herself and adapt to the new world.

On Firany's fifteenth birthday, Radial disappeared.

On her sixteenth birthday, she left home to search for him.

next

#pwi #perfect world international #game fanfiction #fanfiction #adventure #game #mmorpg #fanfic #perfect world #fantasy story #adventure story #stories #writing

[wiremagazine]

IN MEMORIAM: HENRIETTA ROBINSON. A LIFE WELL LIVED

By Rafa Carvajal Photos provided by Henrietta’s friends

It is with great sadness that I write this In Memoriam about Henrietta Robinson, a beloved member of our LGBTQ community who lived in South Beach for over 60 years and passed away last week from COVID-19. I was in my office at Q Link Wireless when I heard the news about Henrietta’s passing, and I could not help but to start crying. Once I was able to compose myself, my thoughts shifted to that day I sat next to Henrietta for three hours at the "Cheers" bar downstairs at TWIST and listened attentively, over cocktails, to her wonderful and fascinating stories about her life and the history of South Beach. I will treasure those memories for the rest of my life.

As soon as she turned 18, Henrietta ran away from a very unstable family life in Boston and came to South Beach. Henrietta knew she was gay as a kid and was ostracized by her family and friends, but once she left, Henrietta never looked back. It actually took her family a full year to realize Henrietta was living in South Beach.

What better way to honor Henrietta’s memory and celebrate her life than to let some people who knew her well tell us why she was such a special person – in their own words.

Rafa Carvajal: What is your fondest memory of Henrietta? Peter Morales: My fondest memory of Henrietta was meeting her in the early-mid ‘90s at the Warsaw Ballroom where she would usually stand on the second floor overlooking the people dancing on the dance floor and enjoying life. She would always say hello to me when I walked by, with a huge smile, and always was full of compliments, and had a positive outlook on life about everything and everyone. She was such a happy and content person. Nathan Smith: My fondest memory of Henrietta would have to be the times she spent at my bar every Saturday and Sunday night. She would always come early, always have the same seat, and she had a special cup. I bought her many throughout the years, but it was always so important to me that she had a different glass than everyone else. She deserved to feel special and honored. She was an icon and having her sit at my bar was an honor. David Johnson: One of my fondest memories of Henrietta is how she made her birthday a true celebration of life. It felt as though we were all part of her family there to share in the fabulous festivities! Every year, she made us all feel connected to her life by bringing us together. Mario Trejo: My fondest memory of Henrietta is from back in 2009. She and Don Chung came over to my house and cooked a special dinner for me and my then boyfriend at the time. She had been asking me to come over and cook for us, when it finally happened Henrietta was so excited and happy to do it. She made us a lobster and pasta dish that was out of this world. I felt honored that she wanted to come over and do that for us. The true essence of a giving heart is the joy they receive from giving and seeing the reaction and appreciation on that person’s face. That was her reward, her joy and her love.

RC: What made Henrietta such a special person? Joel Stedman: Simply her being her. Henrietta was a constant in many of our lives in nightlife. We attended almost every White Party together, she never missed a TWIST anniversary and every year was a feature in our float presentation for Miami Beach Gay Pride. I enjoyed her immensely. Her smile, her laugh, what amazing stories she would tell. She was that one person you could always walk up to and had nothing but sweet things to say. It is the end of an era, losing both her and Richard within the same year. When it is safe for all of us to get together again, we will have a mad celebration in her honor. Somebody will have to bring the cookies. PM: Henrietta always glowed and shined wherever you saw her. She was a beam of light with a bright aura. Everyone always wanted to say hello to Henrietta, speak with her, and, of course, have their picture taken with her! NS: What made Henrietta so special is that she always lived her truth. Henrietta did what made her happy and gave no apologies for who she was. She was and always will be an example for us all to be our true authentic selves. DJ: Her unique style set her apart from all the rest! Henrietta always had a warm and loving smile to share with everyone. Her iconic personality lit up any room and made everyone feel happy and at ease. MT: Henrietta loved to give. She was a true giver and she did it better than anyone. She gave from her heart whether it was your favorite dish, favorite dessert, or a Christmas gift wrapped in an envelope. This woman prided herself not only on wearing the best Bob Mackie ensembles and finest diamond, gold and platinum jewelry (all custom made), but also in her giving – and I can’t stress that enough! I remember for Christmas she would give everyone $100 bill in an envelope, and she went to all the gay clubs in South Beach. She made it a point to go to TWIST, Palace, Score and Mova, and give everyone an envelope. You could see the joy on her face as she gave it to you. That was her reward, to see you get excited and happy made her happy. On that she was consistent until the very end. The last thing I remember her making for Nathan, myself, JD, Michael, and many others at TWIST before it closed from the coronavirus pandemic, was brownies (not the fun brownies lol). They were so delicious! We ate them with a fresh cup of coffee from Nathan’s coffee maker. She always cooked or baked weekly and had that, “I can’t wait to give it to them attitude.” She would walk up the stairs in bar 4 with her big Saks Fifth Avenue bag filled with all the dishes she was going to hand out that night, and she did that almost every Saturday without fail! She lived to give. It was who she was.

RC: What else would you like to share with Wire Magazine readers about Henrietta? PM: Henrietta was always so thoughtful throughout our years of friendship, especially during the holiday seasons with her beyond amazing and delicious lasagnas, baked goods and pies. Several years ago she gifted me a 21-piece "Temp-tations" Ovenware Kitchen Bake Set for cooking and serving since she knew I loved to cook, and that I always cooked for my entire family during the holiday seasons. I cherish and love this cookset so much and think of her every time I use it.

I will miss seeing Henrietta and speaking with her, but I will never forget Henrietta, and especially how she made me feel every time we saw each other. NS: She loved you all. Nothing made Henrietta happier than when people would approach her for a picture, and she loved hearing your life stories and telling you hers. She loved helping anyone and everyone out, whether it was with a plate of her food, advice or guidance. She wanted the best for everyone. I know she would have wanted all of you to take away from her passing to be safe and stay at home until this virus is under control. Henrietta would also have wanted you to always love each other, but love yourself first and be yourself proudly. RIP Henrietta. I will always love you and your place at the bar will always be there. Sending everyone lots of love and good energy. Xoxo. DJ: Henrietta loved to check up on me. I must admit I will truly miss the call I received once a week when Henrietta called just to say hello. MT: Henrietta touched my heartstrings even deeper than her coming over to my place to cook, bringing us delicious desserts and dishes. It was when my 21-year-old nephew Andrew came from California to stay with me in 2010. He and Henrietta had this incredible instant connection/bond when they met at TWIST, and they would go out to different places like Palace, Score and, of course, TWIST. Andrew would go get Henrietta and take her to whatever bar she was in the mood for that day, and they would have fun. My nephew even convinced her to go to Wet Willie‘s, of all places, and that’s when Henrietta back in the day would drink her rum and Coke with lemon. Andrew always had a blast with her and he would say “OMG uncle Mario, Henrietta is too funny,” with her quick and amazing stories. As you all know, she had great stories to tell. So for all of her great qualities and attributes, her taking my nephew under her wing and vice versa, I will always love her mostly for that!

I also want to share some excerpts from the Wire Magazine interview of Henrietta by Thomas Barker from June 2011, when Henrietta was celebrating her 50 year anniversary in South Beach. Visit wiremag.com to read the extended version of Henrietta’s In Memoriam and the full interview from 2011.

At age 19 Henrietta saw her first drag show. At age 22, she dressed up as a woman for the very first time (other than when she was 10 or 11 and dressed up in her sisters' clothes). She won Miss Florida in 1969 singing, not lip-synching, "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever." Then, after her favorite uncle died in the early '80s, she never wore men's clothes again! Her outfit became permanent.

"When my uncle passed away, that's when I said that's it," Henrietta recounted. "I started living that way from then on – it was permanent drag from then on! I was gay, of course, and wasn't ever interested in a sex change or anything." And nothing Henrietta wears when she dresses like a woman is fake. Her chinchilla outfit, lace or silk gowns, large-carat diamond rings, gold bracelets – they're all real, just as real as Henrietta.

Thomas Barker: When and how did you arrive in Miami Beach, Henrietta? Henrietta Robinson: I came to Miami Beach in 1958. My uncle, my mother's brother, had a restaurant here. I was 18-years-old and never was on my own in my life until then. I lived a pretty sheltered life in Boston. My mother died when I was born. I was raised by my grandmother, my father's mother. I couldn't go out and play with other kids and was kept in the house all the time.

TB: How old were you back then? Did you realize you were gay at an early age? HR: Oh, I was 10 or 11-years-old. I knew I was gay since I loved playing with my sisters' dolls! I loved dressing up. When my sisters dressed me up, my grandmother would go through the roof! My sisters were a lot older, they were 18 and 20-years-old. I was the baby in the family.

TB: Did you ever imagine the Beach would come full circle to where it is today? HR: I never thought in my time the gay community would be so free to be who they are and not be hassled by the police. In my day, if you walked down the street and if the police thought you were gay, they had the right to beat you up. They always said you looked at them the wrong way or you touched them. They had no hesitation in throwing you in jail. Now, I love it! Gay life has always flourished here – whether it was underground or above ground; or whether it was 23rd Street or 12th Street. Gays were everywhere and in every profession. Today, I feel so free and it's such a pleasure! A lot of these young gay kids don't know what somebody like me has gone through. And they don't have too many people to learn about the history since all the old-timers are gone.

This was originally published in Wire Magazine Digital Issue 2.2020

#wire magazine #wiremag.com #wire #miami #miami beach #south beach #sobe #fort lauderdale #wynwood #wilton manors #gay #lgbt #glbt #henrietta robinson #in memoriam

[moricatlibrary]

Eren's Birthday

It's Eren Yeager's birthday and Armin has something very special in mind for him...

A quick fluffy (eremin) blurb to celebrate Eren's birthday! Takes place after chapter 90~ Enjoy!^^<3333

Eren awoke with an ache in his back and a bitter taste in his mouth, reluctantly sitting upright in the sunlight with a sleepy scowl on his face... Today was his birthday.

Given that Eren wasn't very popular among his comrades, he received very little greeting from anyone in the HQ as he went about his day, brushing his teeth and preening mostly for himself to feel better rather than as a ritual. Depression had a funny way of wrecking one's motivation for maintenance... With his usual empty expression and "resting villain face", as Armin liked to call it, he dragged himself to the mess hall to grab his breakfast, a little late for how uninterested he was in starting his day.

"Eren!!!" called the familiar soft feminine voice he couldn't have expected any sooner.

Eren turned around silently to answer Mikasa, coming up to him with a wrapped gift in her hands.

"Happy birthday. Here. This is for you." She said meekly, with rosy cheeks behind her freshly laundered scarf. Her hair was freshly washed and shiny too, and Eren noticed she wore her most flattering outfit.

He forced a tight closed lipped smile and opened the soft, wrapped gift to find a new shirt, clean and sturdy, just his style.

"A new shirt?"

"Mm. You're always going on about Jean ripping your old ones, so I thought you could use a better and more quality one. I even tightened the stitches myself to ensure that." She explained, bowing her head slightly out of humble shyness.

Eren stroked the soft fabric and followed the stitches along with his finger, finding that this was indeed a very very nice gift... But if he could be completely honest, he couldn't really appreciate the effort. It was incredibly nice of course, but he truly didn't feel like he deserved it. New clothing was for people with a day to look forward to... and heroes who could advance his comrades like he swore he would. But then he looked back up into Mikasa's dark, nervous eyes and remembered his mom, who always loved him unconditionally, even when getting so little in return... and remembered his promise to her to always make Mikasa feel loved and at home. "...Thank you, Mikasa. I love it. Here." He finally replied, and handed the new shirt back to her as he proceeded to remove his old one right in front of her and everyone else in the mess hall.

Sasha couldn't help but snicker and blush a little from behind her breakfast bread, while Jean grumbled to himself from beside the neutral Connie for 'the gayest cadet in the walls' shameless display.

Eren slipped the new shirt over his toned body, which looked a little extra tan now thanks to the new shirt's white fabric. He dropped the old one on the ground, forced another smile for his sweet step sister, grabbed merely a piece of bread from the kitchen bar, and excused himself, heading silently towards the door.

"Is it your birthday, Eren?" Connie asked quickly.

"Yep."

"Oh, well, happy birthday." he smiled.

"Mm, seconded!" Sasha chimed in, while Jean only rolled his eyes and sipped his water.

Eren replied as shortly as before, "Thanks.", and continued his way out the door.

He nibbled his bread, finding it hard to swallow with a death wish preying on his mind, and slowly wandered aimlessly around the Scouting Legion HQ. Another year older... He remembered the last year he was excited for his birthday, because he was more of a man, and one with a uniform to boast at that, looking ahead to his noble future fighting Titans in the scouting legion... But now that memory broke his heart. Now a new year and a new age meant one more year off of his wasted life span, and a mockery of his dreams which could never come true now, even in the best case scenario... He sighed, forcing himself to swallow the rest of his bread so he could give Mikasa an honest answer about having eaten later on and took himself into the woods where it was quiet.

His father used to say he had a "fire" burning inside him, constantly roaring and crackling in his heart. He really missed that fire. Missed feeling passionate, missed feeling excited, missed feeling hopeful, and motivated... now all he had to feel were aches inside and out and a quiet empty stomach. What was once so famously a fire inside him was now smoldering ash, he thought... And then there was Armin...

Eren's thoughts were interrupted by soft approaching foot steps crunching through the leaves behind him. He quickly turned around to see the familiar round eyes of none other than his "childhood friend", (the only label they allowed themselves to use openly), looking at him intensely as he walked towards him. Those damn eyes of his often kept Eren questioning. Were they sad? Were they angry? What thoughts were going through his dreamy blond head behind them? Eren could read them most of the time, but then there were times like these where he just couldn't... "Hey."

Armin remained silent until he reached his "friend" and handed him a small brown paper package tied neatly in string, albeit less pristinely than Mikasa's.

"What's this?"

Armin's silence continued and he turned his gaze to the ground, clutching his arm in his hand like he were embarrassed, which his rosy cheeks certainly gave away anyhow.

Seeing as he wasn't gonna give him an answer, Eren smiled a little to himself and decided to go ahead and open the package. It was a considerably weighty package. Not at all like a light shirt would be in there. He pulled the string, removed the lid... and parted his lips curiously. "A box of sand?"

Armin's apple cheeks were now a bright red. He glanced briefly into Eren's eyes and brought one hand under the box to help support it. His other hand took Eren's and gently lead it into the sand, pressing it under.

Eren raised an eyebrow, but glanced up at Armin again with a smile for whatever the lively man had in store for him. He looked back into the sand and wriggled his fingers through it, feeling around aimlessly for a second before finding some curious object pressing against his finger tips. He pulled it out of the sand, revealing a beautiful red spindle shaped sea shell. "Ohhh, hey! Is this from our trip to the ocean?"

Armin remained quiet but nodded yes, still with those adorable blushing cheeks that brought the chuckle back into Eren's warm voice.

"Awesome!" He glided his thumb over the smooth shell's surface for a moment, before Armin's gentle, slightly trembling hand pressed his back into the sand. Eren couldn't help smiling now and dug through the coarse briny scented sand box again. He then pulled out a bulgy but smooth iridescent rock, like none he'd ever seen. "Woa-hoh, what's this?! Is this a pearl?! It's so crazy and pretty! I didn't know they'd come like this! What else is in here, huh?" He asked playfully, grinning now and even more so at seeing Armin preciously grin back.

The pair took a seat under a tree and sifted through the rest of the sand together. Eren had soon pulled out a total of 22 little sea treasures; gastropods, scallops, pearls, tusks, bivalves, a sand dollar, sea glass, a chunk of coral, a shark tooth, a pretty piece of drift wood, until finally Armin announced. "Okay, that's everything... except one last thing I've hidden in there very carefully."

"Eh? I can't feel anything else in here."

"Try 'scraping the bottom of the barrel'." he chuckled.

Eren squinted and stared into Armin's eyes from behind his ever lengthening black bangs, to search for an answer before taking back to the sand to dig deeper... He brushed his hand against the bottom of the box and the corners, until finally something lifted. "Is there a piece of paper in here?" he asked rhetorically, knowing Armin was keen on not spoiling it. He pinched the edge of the paper and gently lifted it out from under the sand, dusting it with a blow. He gently laid the box of treasures down on the ground to looked over it. "There's a map."

"Mm... You were supposed to see that after the other side. But yes, that's a map to a little secret spot I found that first evening we went to the beach. It's a lovely little rock pool with pretty shells in it, hidden in a cave behind a bunch of sea stacks and a cliff... I thought we could have a nice afternoon there together soon..."

Eren was so moved and his bright smile returned as he wondered whether it was appropriate to just make out with Armin during such a sentimental moment.

"...I wanted to take you there when you'd woken up from that nap you took back then but... you didn't seem keen on exploring, so..."

Eren's smile dropped away again as quickly as it'd come. "Agh... Dammit, I'm sorry, Armin--"

"No, don't be!"

"No, no, I should've--"

Armin gently brought his hand to Eren's lips, silencing him with his fingers while his eyes read 'not another negative thought, now'. "Please read the other side of that paper, Eren..."

Still feeling horrible and guilty, Eren reluctantly obeyed and turned the page over to read. It was a hand written letter, penned with great care.

"My dearest Eren...

These years I've spent with you are years I wouldn't trade for the world. Truly. The magic of the ocean is really the magic of you. You're the waves in the tide that hypnotize me and carry me off to wonderful places, be they literal or figurative. Our dream isn't just seeing the world. It's seeing it together. Ultimately, my dream is always you. My moonlight in the darkest of nights, my shelter in raging storms, my warm blanket in the bitter cold, my beautiful dream in the nothingness of this cruel world. As long as you are with me, holding my hand, hugging me tight, or kissing my lips, you will never have failed me. Never ever. For whatever time we have left together, please let me cherish us. Please live with me. Don't forget to live. I want that for you... More than anything, I want that for you. I love you. You know that, right? I love you with all my heart. Please remember it... and let me do so. Happy Birthday, Eren. I pray that you find it a happy one.

Yours truly, from the bottom of my heart,

Armin."

Eren trembled, stifling a cry but barely fighting it to begin with, and dropped the letter to pull Armin into his arms, with his lips immediately landing on his. The quiet of those woods was now accompanied by the music of these 2 men's hums, kisses, shifting clothes, and Eren's soft crying.

Armin pushed him off kindly to wipe away his tears and exchange a smile with him.

"I love you so much." he sniffled.

Armin pulled himself back in for another kiss, more than happy to keep this love session going for as long as his lover wanted or needed. He wouldn't let a word of apology or remorse slip from Eren's lips today. If only for one day, Eren deserved to be happy...

"What do you say we go to that secret spot tonight and have dinner, hmm? I uhh... have a pretty important question to ask you when we get there." Eren muttered against Armin's neck, relishing in the way Armin's body shivered at the heat of his breath on his sensitive skin.

Armin had a few guesses as to what that question might be, all of them filling him with optimism and wonder... He let out a breathy and enthusiastic. "Yes."

Eren's kisses trailed up Armin's neck to his cheeks and lips again. He then paused just to look at him, letting his eyes say all the infinite things he felt for this wonderful man in his arms but could never put into words, which Armin's eyes devoured and fully reciprocated... "Armin... Thank you so much."

Armin smiled, and beamed even brighter when Eren's smile returned in full swing after seeing him depressed for far too long... "I'm so glad you're here... Happy Birthday, Eren."

"...It really is." Eren grinned.

Happy birthday my darling son ;-; May your day be a happy and loving one because that's what you deserve. *Hugs and kisses*<333333

#eremin #erearu #eren jaeger #attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #eren yeager

[unconventional-hero]

Chapter 17-- [Untitled]

Written by “The Countess”

(In which Mr. McClure confronts his daughter’s husband.)

[Editor’s note: the original chapter did not have a title.]

* * * * *

“Clyde! My darling! How came you here? I saw you enter, half an hour ago and thought you were ministering to some poor, wretched invalid. I came over to find you and have been stumbling through dingy halls and turning rusty knobs ever since, and here--”

For the first time Mr. McClure’s eyes fall on Jim Paxton. He starts forward, his eyes riveted on the dark, handsome face, his hands clinched.

“You here!”

“Yes, father!” The younger man turns with an easy nonchalance surprising under the circumstances. “I had an engagement with my wife--”

“Your wife! And what is my child doing here? Clyde, what does this mean?”

With an exclamation born of the most intense suffering Clyde throws herself at her father’s feet and implores his forgiveness.

My forgiveness?” Mr. McClure passes a hand over his forehead and looks at her, bewildered, half-conscious of approaching evil. “Explain yourself, girl! But leave this man first and come home with me!”

“That’s it! Oh, that’s it, papa! I can’t leave him! I can never-leave-him-again!” The words are the essence of despairing frenzy. “He is my husband!”

McClure started and would have fallen had it not been for Clyde’s arms now thrown around his neck. The golden head with its tiny bonnet slipping away from it, lay on his shoulder. She seemed years older than the girl he had treasured as his one idol for eighteen years.

He gasped. “Morningstar-- Paxton, you villain, is this true?”

“It is! She does not seem particularly happy, does she? But she’s a brick and I admire her spunk.”

“Insolence!”

The gold-glinted head is raised. Two eyes, like summer skies dripping with sunny showers, gaze into the ruined man’s face.

“Papa! I loved him! Don’t blame him alone!”

“When-- when were you married?”

“Over a year ago! It was a love match, I assure you!” and Paxton smiles grimly.

McClure pushes Clyde from him and confronts the man, his brain reeling, his strong frame trembling with passionate anger.

“You fiend! Not content with the bold-faced bank robbery-- not satisfied with dragging one of the pillars of Wall Street into the gutter of bankruptcy-- longing to break me down more than you have already-- you must needs marry my daughter! You must carry away my idol! My one sustaining prop! You have taught her to deceive me-- her father! Scoundrel! The rest counted as naught compared to this!

He raises his arm as though he would crush, with one blow, all life from the craftily smiling man before him.

A wild, despairing shriek from Clyde stops him.

Paxton turns to his beautiful victim. “Clyde, do you want me rearrested? Is this your wifely obedience and love?” he whispers imploringly, looking into her face with eyes as large with pleading and anger as those of a wild beast brought to bay. “Think of the notoriety-- the position you will place yourself in--”

“Clyde, come home immediately! Yes, you villain, that smile will soon be forever lost to view! You shall suffer as I alone can make you! Clyde, darling-- don’t look so wild! You have done wrong but I love you still! When he is justly punished, we may resume our old place in the world-- we--”

“You forget, sir,” begins Paxton, with blanched face and trembling lips-- all such men are cowards when tested-- “You forget that, as my wife, Clyde owes her first obedience to me. Aside from that, Mr. McClure, do you want to make her wretched-- do you want to bring her into unenviable notoriety-- do you--”

“Make her wretched, you devil? Who would more successfully accomplish that end than you? Clyde was married without my consent when she was under your influence-- she was a mere child--”

“She is of age now. Let us ask her to decide the case!”

“With all my heart!-- Clyde, my dear little daughter! I forgive you, knowing how plausible this villain may be-- how I was betrayed myself-- I blame not you alone, my darling, for this misalliance. I am to blame for guarding my jewel too well. But we will forget the past-- you and I-- you can obtain a divorce easily from this fellow, who could only make you unhappy-- I could prosecute him, regain my old position in the world, and then-- Clyde, answer me! I have idolized you from babyhood-- come to me!”

She ran toward him, her bright hair falling from its Psyche knot and rippling over her somber gown like cloth-of-gold.

“Papa!”

“You see what her choice is!”

“I have not made my plea, sir!” With haughty grace and the assurance born of a long and careful study of Clyde’s vulnerable points, Paxton advanced and, laying his hand on Clyde’s arm-- seeming not to notice her recoil, began:

“Clyde, is it over a year since you and I promised to love, cherish, and honor one another. You told me you loved me. I offered to give you up to any one your guardian might select for your husband but you would not hear of it. You promised to obey me and serve me and all the service I have required was for you to keep my whereabouts secret for the last seven weeks-- weeks of peril to me--”

“Peril richly deserved,” interrupted Clyde’s father hotly. “Clyde, you have looked to this thief’s safety when your father, to whom you owe all, was struggling to right himself in the eyes of his creditors! I see now why you were so anxious to get the position at the World office! It was to keep all news of this villain from my friends and the detectives. Speak, girl, is this true?”

“Papa! Papa!”

Paxton, with the theatrical instinct so natural to him, seeing a chance for an effective scene, rushed to his wife as her father thrust her from his arms.

“Clyde, my darling! My wife! You have had no opportunity to test my love for you yet, but I swear, by my father’s honored name, that if you come to me we shall be happy!”

“Your father’s name?” sneered McClure, totally beside himself with rage. “What is it, pray?”

“Berys, Lord Paxton, of Cuthbertshire, England.”

“Another lie!”

“I can prove it in any way you ask.”

“That’s neither here nor there! I shall inquire into the matter later, perhaps, to recover my stolen money, but now we must decide on my child’s future. My child! I believed you pure as an angel and you have deceived me as basely as this rascal! More basely, Clyde. I trusted you as I do my God. But, false or true, I owe you a father’s protection. Will you come to me?”

“A wife’s first allegiance is to her husband,” murmured Paxton, in rich, full tones, adding, with his earnest, handsome eyes looking straight into Clyde’s, “My darling!”

“Your fascination is that of a snake, you dog!” and McClure placed his hand over his daughter’s eyes as though he would shield her from the fixed stare of the magnificent eyes.

“Speak, my wife!”

He had nothing more to do with McClure. He was shrewd enough to know that if he gained Clyde, her father, no matter how angry he might be, would dismiss all idea of prosecution, for her sake, so Paxton addressed all his words-- all his fascinating looks-- to Clyde. It was remarkable-- the influence this hawk had for the poor little dove. Even now, when sheltered in her father’s arms, knowing how that father had been betrayed, how she herself had been victimized-- even now, I say, she felt the wild, passionate, romantic love of last year come back to her in all its intensity.

“Speak, Clyde!”

“Papa,” she cried, casting aside his hand and looking shyly into Paxton’s eyes. “Papa, I love you! I’m sorry if I was false to you. I--”

“You will come back to me?”

“No. I will go with my husband!”

Paxton stretches out his arms and she falls, fainting, into them.

There is a sharp, quick oath, a moan, and poor broken-hearted McClure has left them alone together.

#period drama #romantic drama #Victorian era #1800s #1880's #An Unconventional Hero #The Countess #volume 3

[bloojayoolie]

Being Alone, Anaconda, and Andrew Bogut: At Brooklyn ACC waiting for U! THE CUTEST 8 month old female Pup-friendly, playful, happy-Vill st Baby Christmas need lots of love, patience training Spayed & Ready 2 Gol Todie Hpl32 8 months old, 48 bs **** TO BE KILLED - 11/27/2018 **** SHE'S GOT THE CUTEST LITTLE BABY FACE! <3 Jodie is a fine example of an innocent puppy (8 months old) whose innocence is pure. She gives 100% of herself to everyone she meets and cannot disguise her joy. She aced her evaluation and would've kept going if they allowed her. All of her notes are glowing! Her gorgeous sterling steel coat is lush, her eyes shiny and bright, though its her disposition and heart that make her a forever treasure. The holidays are here, and this baby wants nothing more than a family to cherish. Sadly the shelter placed her on the "list" and her dreams are about to be shattered. Jodie is most deserving of a loving home as she will reciprocate with pride. Please message this page if you would like to foster or adopt her. MY VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maMIfZihNjY JODIE@BROOKLYN ACC Hello, my name is Jodie My animal id is #46632 I am a desexed female gray dog at the Brooklyn Animal Care Center The shelter thinks I am about 8 months old, 48 lbs Came into as a return Nov. 20, 2018 Jodie is at risk due to being diagnosed with Canine Infection Respiratory Disease Complex and will likely require home rest and a series of antibiotics for up to 14 days. This is a contagious illness to other dogs. Jodie is suitable to go to an Adult only Home with and Experienced Dog Adopter based on previous owner and in-shelter observations. My medical notes are... Weight: 48.4 lbs L V T Notes Vet Notes Post Surgery Note Medical Assistant 10/11/2018 [LVT Intake Exam] Microchip Scan: Negative Evidence of Cruelty: none Observed Behavior:Friendly,but hyperactive tolerated all handling Sex:Female Estimated Age: 6mths Subjective: describe how the animal is presenting and any known history -- Jodie came in as Owner surrender, no known medical Hx Eyes:Clear, no ocular discharge Ears: Clean,NSF Oral Exam: WNL, NOSF Heart: WNL, HR- 160/min Lungs: Eupneic, RR=30/min Abdomen: Soft and non tender on palpation Musculoskeletal: WNL Mentation: Normal Preliminary Assessment: BARH,Normal. Plan: DVM intake exams. 14/11/2018 dispensed with carprofen100mg - 1tab sidx5 day po Details on my behavior are... Behavior Condition: 1. Green Behavior History Behavior Assessment Jodie was very hyper during intake but had a loose and wiggly body. She was difficult to collar as she was running around but was licking staff. She scanned positive for a microchip. Date of Intake: 11/20/2018 Basic Information:: Jodie is a 6 month old, large mixed breed female who was returned to the shelter due to the owner having health concerns. She had her for a about a week. Jodie has no known health issues or injuries and last saw a vet a few months ago. Previously lived with:: 2 adults How is this dog around strangers?: Jodie is friendly and outgoing when meeting new people. She approaches guests with high energy and enjoys attention. How is this dog around children?: Jodie has not spent time around children before. How is this dog around other dogs?: Jodie has not spent time around other dogs before. How is this dog around cats?: Jodie has not spent time around cats before. Resource guarding:: None reported by owner. Bite history:: None Housetrained:: Yes Energy level/descriptors:: Very High Other Notes:: Jodie is not bothered by having her food or toys touched. She is not bothered by being pushed off the furniture or disturbed while sleeping. Jodie does not alert bark when guests come to the door. Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No For a New Family to Know: Jodie is described as being friendly, affectionate and playful. She has been an indoor dog, likes to follow her owner around when they are home and eats dry food three times a day. Jodie is house trained to go outside and rarely has accidents inside. She has not been crate trained and is well behaved when left alone in the house. Jodie walks on leash for exercise and enjoys running around. Jodie has a very high energy level and requires a lot of enrichment and exercise. She listens to "sit". Date of intake:: 11/6/2018 Spay/Neuter status:: No Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner surrender Previously lived with:: 2 adults Behavior toward strangers:: Friendly and outgoing Behavior toward children:: Unknown Behavior toward dogs:: Unknown Behavior toward cats:: Unknown Resource guarding:: None reported Bite history:: None reported Housetrained:: Yes Energy level/descriptors:: The owner describes Jodie as friendly, affectionate and playful with a very high activity level. Date of assessment:: 11/8/2018 Look:: 1. Dog leans forward or jumps up to lick the Assessor's face with tail wagging, ears back and eyes averted. Sensitivity:: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, and tail is in neutral position with a relaxed body posture. Dog's mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item. Tag:: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body soft. Paw squeeze 1:: 1. Dog gently pulls back his/her paw. Paw squeeze 2:: 1. Dog gently pulls back his/her paw. Toy:: 1. Dog settles close, keeps a firm grip and is loose and wiggly. Dog does not place his/her body between you and the toy. Summary:: Jodie came into the assessment room loose and wiggly, she was very energetic and jumpy. She was also anxious in the room panting, pacing back and forth. Summary (1):: According to Jodie's previous owner, Jodie did not socialize with other dogs while in their care. Here at the Care Centers, Jodie is uncomfortable around novel dogs. She avoids them most of her session and will offer grumbles if they are near. The Behavior Department recommends that Jodie be the resident dog at this time. 11/7: When off leash at the Care Centers, Jodie tucks her tail, raise her hackles and huffs when the greeter is near. She attempts to avoid him, and lip curls when he is near. 11/8-9: Jodie avoided the novel female dog and mostly sought attention from the handlers. Towards the end of her session, Jodie grumbles and barked at the greeter from afar. Date of intake:: 11/6/2018 Summary:: Very hyper but loose and wiggly. Allowed all handling. ENERGY LEVEL:: Jodie displays a very high activity level in the care center. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: ADULT ONLY HOME Behavior Asilomar: TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Single-pet home,Recommend no dog parks Recommendations comments:: No children: Due to the behavior seen in the care center, we feel that Jodie may be intimidated for children. She displays a very energetic behavior and does not know her owner strength and size. She may knock children down by constantly jumping on them and scaring them Single-pet home/Recommend no dog parks: Due to the behaviors that Jodie has shown during playgroup (see GROUPBEHAVIOR SUMMARY), we feel that Jodie should not visit dog parks and be the only resident dog. The Behavior Department recommends that she be socialized in a more controlled setting until her behavior towards other dogs can be further addressed. Reward-based, force-free training can be utilized to help Jodie associate dogs with things she enjoys like toys or treats. Potential challenges: : Basic manners/poor impulse control,Anxiety Potential challenges comments:: Basic manners/poor impulse control: It is recommended that default behaviors such as "Leave it", "Sit/Stay", "Down" are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach her to control her impulses instead of simply reacting; proper management is also advised. Force-free, reward based training only is recommended. Anxiety: Jodie has shown some signs of potential anxiety in the care center, vocalizing (whining, panting, pacing back and forth) continually through the SAFER. This behavior was not reported at intake, the owner profile does not note anxiety so we cannot be certain whether this behavior will continue in a future home, or whether it is specific to the shelter environment. * TO FOSTER OR ADOPT * HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! * STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account \ Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU CANNOT GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications. Shelter contact information Phone number [phone] Email [email protected] Shelter Addresses: Brooklyn Shelter: 2336 Linden Boulevard Brooklyn, NY 11208 Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029 Staten Island Shelter: 3139 Veterans Road West Staten Island, NY 10309

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Socializing Neglected Dogs: What Goes on Behind the Scenes to Make a Mistreated Dog Adoptable

Pet lovers everywhere would likely agree: Any innocent creature who’s endured difficult circumstances deserves a beautiful life. Sadly, thousands of today’s shelter and rescue pets have experienced some pretty painful situations. Severely neglected dogs or mistreated dogs may have suffered any number of abuses: constant physical restraint or confinement; lack of appropriate nourishment; endless environmental stressors; even outright physical punishment.

Each individual canine may weather the storm a bit differently. Some, unfortunately, learn to fear and/or avoid social contact. Such dogs may become mistrustful, nervous or withdrawn. Some may growl or snap at the slightest provocation; urinate or defecate in terror; even retreat into the shadows.

Potential adopters may not always realize what a given pet has endured — all they see is an adorable face and a tentatively wagging tail. This could be because that particular pooch has benefitted from specialized socialization training, or behavioral intervention. Sometimes, quite a bit takes place behind the scenes to give a deserving dog a second chance at a normal life.

The humans involved in these focused efforts often represent a diverse range of organizations. What they share is a strong, abiding love for canines; combined with a desire to help educate and support responsible pet parents. We asked two of these experts to share a few firsthand observations. Their insights lend a whole new meaning to the term “rescued.”

Meet the Experts Who Work with Neglected or Mistreated Dogs

It takes a team of professionals to ensure that neglected dogs are ready to be adopted. Photography ©gaikphotos | Thinkstock.

Melissa Crampton is canine manager at Dogs Deserve Better (DDB), a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that helps rehabilitate and socialize severely neglected dogs. Founded in 2002, DDB places special emphasis on those canines who have been persistently chained or penned – largely deprived of regular human companionship.

Crampton explains that specially trained personnel work with most of these canines at DDB headquarters in Smithfield, Virginia. “Our current property was purchased in 2011,” notes Crampton. “It was once the home of Bad Newz Kennels, the dog fighting compound owned by Michael Vick.” DDB’s ongoing labor of love has essentially transformed a place of traumatic despair into the Good Newz Rehabilitation Center.

Steve Frost, KPA CTP, is director of in-home training at A Sound Beginning. He also serves as animal enrichment and behavior manager for Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin, Illinois. Frost doesn’t exclusively focus on pets with a background of abuse, neglect or mistreatment. However, he holds multiple training certifications — and has done more than his share of work with such dogs.

Severely Neglected Dogs — An Unfortunately All Too Common Problem

Both Crampton and Frost agree that pronounced neglect is a pervasive problem that can affect canine lives in countless ways.

“On an average weekly basis here at DDB, we receive anywhere from 50-70 e-mails and calls regarding animals suffering this degree of neglect,” notes Crampton. “The number tends to increase if there’s a natural disaster, or a dog fighting ring that’s abruptly shut down.”

Frost has witnessed something similar. “In the shelter setting, I’ve encountered many animals with a confirmed history of neglectful mistreatment,” he says. “One of the most common forms we actually see involves lack of proper socialization from a young age.”

Frost explains that this can stem from persistent disregard for an animal’s emotions, and/or chronic exposure to overwhelming stressors during early development. Sadly, he notes, mistreatment in any form often renders the same result: an adult dog who struggles to co-exist in a home environment.

Transforming the Lives of Abused Dogs

On a positive note, some dogs have truly incredible turnarounds. Photography ©carlonico | Thinkstock.

On the upside, however, both Crampton and Frost have helped to facilitate some fairly remarkable transformations. “Time and again at DDB, we’ve worked with dogs who have been chained with total disregard for their needs,” says Crampton. “Some literally panic when they first encounter any type of open space,” she says. This is one reason why the DDB facility is laid out like an actual house.

“Much of our early work often involves simple home-training,” says Crampton. “Over weeks, sometimes months, we get these dogs used to stairs. We help them feel comfortable in large rooms. We help them overcome fear of everyday noises most people take for granted, such as home appliances. We crate-train them, so they learn that smaller spaces can represent safety and security.”

Highly anxious dogs often get paired with other canines to help build their confidence. Once they become sufficiently comfortable, Crampton says they’re allowed to go on their very first “Freedom Run” in the fenced open yard. She describes each dog’s unrestrained joy as something incredible to behold.

Success Stories

Crampton recalls Elvi, the lone survivor of a residence where 21 dead canines were found in cages amidst dog fighting paraphernalia. Elvi had not necessarily been involved in the fighting, but was nonetheless petrified of everything.

Re-socialization initially involved giving Elvi her own separate room to decompress; then a secure open crate as her “safe area.” Volunteers spent weeks sitting quietly in Elvi’s presence, waiting for her to make the first move. “This little 35-pound girl would eventually come up, sniff your face, then mold herself perfectly into your lap,” recalls Crampton.

As Elvi gradually grew more settled with daily human contact, her caregivers tried introducing another dog. Pittie mix Turbo had been kept on the end of a short chain day and night, for nearly five years. But Elvi’s increasing confidence began rubbing off on Turbo. He progressively “learned” to play in her presence; while Elvi emerged even further from her own shell.

Next, Elvi met the highly anxious Ollie. Initially, Ollie completely ignored Elvi. But she began nurturing him — offering kisses, coaxing him to romp around. “They steadily became best friends,” says Crampton. “All the while, we watched Elvi blossom into a very special dog who went on to help reassure and heal other dogs.”

Frost remembers Kobe, a middle-aged Toy Poodle mix who came to a shelter with clear signs of neglect: horribly matted fur, plus severe ocular issues that wound up requiring daily eye drops. “Unfortunately, this little 20-pound dog quickly became aggressive in response to his medication,” recounts Frost. “His reaction was so pronounced that we became quite concerned about his adoptability and quality of life.”

In cooperation with a caring foster family, Frost taught Kobe to be an active, willing participant in his own daily care. “Over time, we used positive reinforcement that gradually trained Kobe to rest his chin on our knee in preparation for his eye drops,” explains Frost. “Whenever Kobe decided to lift his chin, the training session stopped. We were reassuring him that if he felt uncomfortable, he didn’t need to resort to violence. He could simply get up and walk away.” The eventual result? Kobe’s foster mom was so impressed with his progress that she adopted him herself.

Thinking of Adopting a Dog Who Previously Experienced Neglect or Cruelty? Great! But Keep This in Mind.

Here’s what you need to know about adopting a dog who previously experienced any sort of abuse. Photography ©AwaylGl | Thinkstock.

What’s the best way to determine if a dog you’re planning to adopt has required specialized socialization or behavioral intervention to become “adoption-ready?” First and foremost, ask. Shelters sometimes provide this insight on certain dogs. Second, remember that many of these animals are well worth considering. “One thing that makes dogs such wonderful companions is their resilience,” emphasizes Frost. “With the right care and socialization, they can absolutely thrive in a loving, caring home that provides for their needs.”

As an adoptive pet parent, proper preparation should include connecting with a qualified trainer or behaviorist. These professionals can help you learn to consider things from the dog’s perspective. “Initially, many of these pets may need extra time to decompress, adapt and learn about the adopter’s lifestyle,” observes Crampton. “If they seem to need space, let them observe from the sidelines.”

Both Crampton and Frost also emphasize that structure and direction are key. “It’s important, yet sometimes very hard, for adopters to understand that they should not overly coddle this type of canine,” Crampton explains. She notes that sympathetic humans will sometimes repeatedly indulge unwanted behaviors; unintentionally leading the dog to perceive himself as ruling the roost. Learning positive behavioral strategies from a skilled trainer can help your new pet understand his role from the outset.

“Socialization strategies based on positive reinforcement can help even severely neglected animals,” asserts Frost. “I’ve seen these canines go from being perceived as an unwanted nuisance to the treasure of an entire family.” Crampton adds that she also enjoys “watching adopters change their way of thinking, learning ways to do right by a canine who deserves a second chance.”

Viewed from these specialized perspectives, focused socialization can give many homeless canines the caring structure and guidance they need to become cherished lifetime companions.

Tell us: Did any of your dogs come from situations where they experienced neglect, cruelty or abuse? What are their stories? How did you socialize a previously mistreated dog?

Read more about dog adoption on Dogster.com:

What Inspired One Woman to Adopt an ‘Unadoptable’ Senior Dog

Pre-Adoption Checklist: Are You Really Ready to Adopt a Dog?

‘Finding Shelter’ Examines the Tough Work of Animal Shelter Volunteers

The post Socializing Neglected Dogs: What Goes on Behind the Scenes to Make a Mistreated Dog Adoptable appeared first on Dogster.

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Socializing Neglected Dogs: What Goes on Behind the Scenes to Make a Mistreated Dog Adoptable

Pet lovers everywhere would likely agree: Any innocent creature who’s endured difficult circumstances deserves a beautiful life. Sadly, thousands of today’s shelter and rescue pets have experienced some pretty painful situations. Severely neglected dogs or mistreated dogs may have suffered any number of abuses: constant physical restraint or confinement; lack of appropriate nourishment; endless environmental stressors; even outright physical punishment.

Each individual canine may weather the storm a bit differently. Some, unfortunately, learn to fear and/or avoid social contact. Such dogs may become mistrustful, nervous or withdrawn. Some may growl or snap at the slightest provocation; urinate or defecate in terror; even retreat into the shadows.

Potential adopters may not always realize what a given pet has endured — all they see is an adorable face and a tentatively wagging tail. This could be because that particular pooch has benefitted from specialized socialization training, or behavioral intervention. Sometimes, quite a bit takes place behind the scenes to give a deserving dog a second chance at a normal life.

The humans involved in these focused efforts often represent a diverse range of organizations. What they share is a strong, abiding love for canines; combined with a desire to help educate and support responsible pet parents. We asked two of these experts to share a few firsthand observations. Their insights lend a whole new meaning to the term “rescued.”

Meet the Experts Who Work with Neglected or Mistreated Dogs

It takes a team of professionals to ensure that neglected dogs are ready to be adopted. Photography ©gaikphotos | Thinkstock.

Melissa Crampton is canine manager at Dogs Deserve Better (DDB), a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that helps rehabilitate and socialize severely neglected dogs. Founded in 2002, DDB places special emphasis on those canines who have been persistently chained or penned – largely deprived of regular human companionship.

Crampton explains that specially trained personnel work with most of these canines at DDB headquarters in Smithfield, Virginia. “Our current property was purchased in 2011,” notes Crampton. “It was once the home of Bad Newz Kennels, the dog fighting compound owned by Michael Vick.” DDB’s ongoing labor of love has essentially transformed a place of traumatic despair into the Good Newz Rehabilitation Center.

Steve Frost, KPA CTP, is director of in-home training at A Sound Beginning. He also serves as animal enrichment and behavior manager for Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin, Illinois. Frost doesn’t exclusively focus on pets with a background of abuse, neglect or mistreatment. However, he holds multiple training certifications — and has done more than his share of work with such dogs.

Severely Neglected Dogs — An Unfortunately All Too Common Problem

Both Crampton and Frost agree that pronounced neglect is a pervasive problem that can affect canine lives in countless ways.

“On an average weekly basis here at DDB, we receive anywhere from 50-70 e-mails and calls regarding animals suffering this degree of neglect,” notes Crampton. “The number tends to increase if there’s a natural disaster, or a dog fighting ring that’s abruptly shut down.”

Frost has witnessed something similar. “In the shelter setting, I’ve encountered many animals with a confirmed history of neglectful mistreatment,” he says. “One of the most common forms we actually see involves lack of proper socialization from a young age.”

Frost explains that this can stem from persistent disregard for an animal’s emotions, and/or chronic exposure to overwhelming stressors during early development. Sadly, he notes, mistreatment in any form often renders the same result: an adult dog who struggles to co-exist in a home environment.

Transforming the Lives of Abused Dogs

On a positive note, some dogs have truly incredible turnarounds. Photography ©carlonico | Thinkstock.

On the upside, however, both Crampton and Frost have helped to facilitate some fairly remarkable transformations. “Time and again at DDB, we’ve worked with dogs who have been chained with total disregard for their needs,” says Crampton. “Some literally panic when they first encounter any type of open space,” she says. This is one reason why the DDB facility is laid out like an actual house.

“Much of our early work often involves simple home-training,” says Crampton. “Over weeks, sometimes months, we get these dogs used to stairs. We help them feel comfortable in large rooms. We help them overcome fear of everyday noises most people take for granted, such as home appliances. We crate-train them, so they learn that smaller spaces can represent safety and security.”

Highly anxious dogs often get paired with other canines to help build their confidence. Once they become sufficiently comfortable, Crampton says they’re allowed to go on their very first “Freedom Run” in the fenced open yard. She describes each dog’s unrestrained joy as something incredible to behold.

Success Stories

Crampton recalls Elvi, the lone survivor of a residence where 21 dead canines were found in cages amidst dog fighting paraphernalia. Elvi had not necessarily been involved in the fighting, but was nonetheless petrified of everything.

Re-socialization initially involved giving Elvi her own separate room to decompress; then a secure open crate as her “safe area.” Volunteers spent weeks sitting quietly in Elvi’s presence, waiting for her to make the first move. “This little 35-pound girl would eventually come up, sniff your face, then mold herself perfectly into your lap,” recalls Crampton.

As Elvi gradually grew more settled with daily human contact, her caregivers tried introducing another dog. Pittie mix Turbo had been kept on the end of a short chain day and night, for nearly five years. But Elvi’s increasing confidence began rubbing off on Turbo. He progressively “learned” to play in her presence; while Elvi emerged even further from her own shell.

Next, Elvi met the highly anxious Ollie. Initially, Ollie completely ignored Elvi. But she began nurturing him — offering kisses, coaxing him to romp around. “They steadily became best friends,” says Crampton. “All the while, we watched Elvi blossom into a very special dog who went on to help reassure and heal other dogs.”

Frost remembers Kobe, a middle-aged Toy Poodle mix who came to a shelter with clear signs of neglect: horribly matted fur, plus severe ocular issues that wound up requiring daily eye drops. “Unfortunately, this little 20-pound dog quickly became aggressive in response to his medication,” recounts Frost. “His reaction was so pronounced that we became quite concerned about his adoptability and quality of life.”

In cooperation with a caring foster family, Frost taught Kobe to be an active, willing participant in his own daily care. “Over time, we used positive reinforcement that gradually trained Kobe to rest his chin on our knee in preparation for his eye drops,” explains Frost. “Whenever Kobe decided to lift his chin, the training session stopped. We were reassuring him that if he felt uncomfortable, he didn’t need to resort to violence. He could simply get up and walk away.” The eventual result? Kobe’s foster mom was so impressed with his progress that she adopted him herself.

Thinking of Adopting a Dog Who Previously Experienced Neglect or Cruelty? Great! But Keep This in Mind.

Here’s what you need to know about adopting a dog who previously experienced any sort of abuse. Photography ©AwaylGl | Thinkstock.

What’s the best way to determine if a dog you’re planning to adopt has required specialized socialization or behavioral intervention to become “adoption-ready?” First and foremost, ask. Shelters sometimes provide this insight on certain dogs. Second, remember that many of these animals are well worth considering. “One thing that makes dogs such wonderful companions is their resilience,” emphasizes Frost. “With the right care and socialization, they can absolutely thrive in a loving, caring home that provides for their needs.”

As an adoptive pet parent, proper preparation should include connecting with a qualified trainer or behaviorist. These professionals can help you learn to consider things from the dog’s perspective. “Initially, many of these pets may need extra time to decompress, adapt and learn about the adopter’s lifestyle,” observes Crampton. “If they seem to need space, let them observe from the sidelines.”

Both Crampton and Frost also emphasize that structure and direction are key. “It’s important, yet sometimes very hard, for adopters to understand that they should not overly coddle this type of canine,” Crampton explains. She notes that sympathetic humans will sometimes repeatedly indulge unwanted behaviors; unintentionally leading the dog to perceive himself as ruling the roost. Learning positive behavioral strategies from a skilled trainer can help your new pet understand his role from the outset.

“Socialization strategies based on positive reinforcement can help even severely neglected animals,” asserts Frost. “I’ve seen these canines go from being perceived as an unwanted nuisance to the treasure of an entire family.” Crampton adds that she also enjoys “watching adopters change their way of thinking, learning ways to do right by a canine who deserves a second chance.”

Viewed from these specialized perspectives, focused socialization can give many homeless canines the caring structure and guidance they need to become cherished lifetime companions.

Tell us: Did any of your dogs come from situations where they experienced neglect, cruelty or abuse? What are their stories? How did you socialize a previously mistreated dog?

Read more about dog adoption on Dogster.com:

What Inspired One Woman to Adopt an ‘Unadoptable’ Senior Dog

Pre-Adoption Checklist: Are You Really Ready to Adopt a Dog?

‘Finding Shelter’ Examines the Tough Work of Animal Shelter Volunteers

The post Socializing Neglected Dogs: What Goes on Behind the Scenes to Make a Mistreated Dog Adoptable appeared first on Dogster.