#and the paperwork needs to catch up with the human rights guaranteed by the law | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

lilflowerpot · 5 years

Note

Important topic: Galra rebels besides the Blade. I love the Blade, but it bothered me that the only choices the highly selective specialists or the empire. There had to be more discontents than that. What about partisan movements, guerillas, individual saboteurs? Or Galra who simple live in outskirts and try to have as little to do with the empire as possible. The historian in me is not satisfied with this idea of only two faction.

((cont.) after having seen my post about how ridiculously long this reply had already become) I’m so proud. Can I make suggestions? Underground Railroad style smuggling of rebels/prisoners. Conveniently mixed-up paperwork. The number game, one of the most efficient ways to free prisoners is to inflate death tolls so no one notices escapes or so your productivity quotas are lower. Giving resources: food, medicine, licensing that oppressed groups cant access. People aren’t either monsters or enlightened they can like the empire and still think things are wrong. Love your History Nerd

As you say, the Blade are highly specialist and, in this fic at least, as Empress Marmora’s Li Naacht the whole premise of their order is one of blood - one does not simply join the Blade: you’re either born to it, or you’re not. That’s part of the reason why, upon first meeting Keith, they were all so convinced that he must have stolen his own knife, and that’s why they promised him answers only if he could awaken it… Either he was one of them, or he wasn’t. Either he was entitled to the Truth by right of his ancestry, or he was an imposter. There’s no uncertainty in Marmora’s inner circle, no question of loyalty, no grey area… things simply are.

And obviously this begs the question: what of the Galra who aren’t born the the Blade, and yet also disagree with Zarkon’s methodology?

I think at this point it’s important that I impress upon you the Galra people’s cultural predisposition for loyalty. In the grand scheme of things, humans are ultimately a little self-serving - willing to smile, and lie, and undermine others to achieve their own ends - and universally speaking we would be seen as one of the more individualistic planets, culturally, wherein any given person is likely to prioristise their own desires. The Galra are quite the opposite. They’ve been able to operate as one of the most successful invading races in the universe for several millennia (a fair portion of which was before Zarkon was even born) because their culture promotes collectivist tendencies; united under one ruling monarch who is accepted and respected for their physical and mental prowess in battle, the Galra people function within a hive-like hierarchy of one Imperial identity. One mind. That’s not to say that individuals don’t have their own wants / needs, only that the collective (a family of sorts, spanning billions of Galra across the universe) is priority number one. Broadly speaking, if a member of any given Galra bloodline is a traitor to the crown then they have also betrayed the collective, and it’s entirely possible (and entirely likely) that their siblings / parents / children would stand aside and let lawful justice be served.

Bearing all that in mind, undermining the acting Emperor / Empress isn’t at all commonplace - not in the same way that it is throughout human history.

However, as I’ve previously mentioned the Empire is massively multicultural with planets (often whole galaxies) that have loyally served the Imperial throne for centuries being granted status as vassal states rather than slave colonies. This means that regular Galra citizens - not soldiers or druids or nobles, just normal working people - will mingle with the non-Galra citizens throughout their day-to-day lives. Again, as I’ve said before, non-Galra citizens of the Empire arenot truly equal under Zarkon’s rule and there is some segregation (with the Imperial military being a prime example) but for every Galra that freely roams Imperial territories, there are at least three non-Galra citizens doing the same… if this majority was perpetually treated as one made up of lesser beings, the Empire would never have retained its status as the greatest ruling power in the universe (and then, yes, partisan movements would perhaps have occurred more often, though likely not been any more successful, and you can guarantee that every failed attempt was made an example of by the total annihilation of its planet of origin). Instead, Imperial citizens of non-Galra descent live in Galra-occupied cities, work jobs alongside the Galra-people, their children learn and laugh and play with their Galra peers on nursery colonies which offer only the highest level of education taught by some of the greatest minds in the Empire.

And yes there’s room for improvement; yes the Imperial education afforded to their children demands that they first pass an entry exam which no Galra child seems required to take, yes promotions in the workplace seem to fall more easily into the laps of Galra-people, yes the finest housing on any given Imperial colony can be difficult to obtain when there is a Galra family vying for the same place… but when your home-planet now thrives with a booming economy, your people benefit from the wealthiest trade routes in your galaxy, and your family are protected by the greatest military power in the universe? When your great-grandparent’s generation remember what it was to live a childhood without Imperial favour, and the transition between poverty and prosperity that was only allowed by the grace of Emperor Zarkon? When all you have to do in return for this share in the Empire’s affluence is pay your taxes and continue on your way as a loyal citizen?

…It’s ultimately seen as a symbiotic relationship, and a good one at that.

((especially when the alternative is genocide))

From a Galra perspective, non-Galra Imperial citizens have grown up alongside them as their neighbors, classmates, friends. It would be inappropriate to engage in more intimate relations with them, let alone breed, but… that doesn’t mean they’re bad people. That doesn’t mean they’re “less”. So maybe the odd one or two start to ask themselves why: why they themselves can join the Imperial military but their non-Galra friend cannot, despite being just as strong, just as fierce, just as loyal to the throne. Why their older relatives scoff at the mention of their friend’s culture, as bizarre and foreign as it is beautiful and fascinating. Why, when a group of them are out playing somewhere they perhaps shouldn’t, the guardsmen who catch them seemed ready to use brute force against their whole group until they realise a true-born Galra child is among the mix.

Maybe they start to see the inconsistencies in the narrative where the stories don’t quite match up, or the hiccups in the system where the rules just don’t work. The problems. The flaws. Maybe, just maybe, the younger generations learn of Emperors and Empresses of times past and realise not all of them were immortals - or rather, none of them were - and more than that, that some were corrupt and flawed and wrong.

Maybe they realise that Emperor Zarkon could be wrong too.

A little research teaches them that the Blade of Marmora defied an Empress, once, and now they’re gone (and one cannot simply join the Blade besides) but they think there must be others - others who had seen the wrongness of it all, and others who want better - and there are. They’re small, they’re quiet, and they work in the shadows, but there are those who seek to depose the Emperor (and isn’t that a blasphemous thought?) not for revenge or glory or a chance at the throne themselves - though there are plenty of those too - but just because there’s something Not Quite Right about the current state of the universe and they want a chance to change it for the better.

…Individual rogues and lone saboteurs aside, the most notable organised movements are:

The Pacifistic Faction - the largest group, having half-exiled themselves to the backwaters of the Empire, where the colonies are peaceful and quiet and serve primarily as farmland - necessary, but uneventful - and there they stay, not actively contributing to the war but still feeding its soldiers.

The Blade of Marmora - the most famed, but also famously dead at the hands of Empress Zetian after openly defying her in light of the atrocities she committed, declaring her actions as ones of injustice and senseless violence without honour - a declaration for which she demanded their heads, and they hers in return, resulting in what is recorded as a gruesome murder-suicide, though whether the instigator of their final confrontation was her or them is, to this day, unclear.

The Zeraii (from the root, Zera) - a small extremist group that first formed as a reaction to Emperor Zaghit’s ascension, pushing the agenda of Expanse and blaming Zaghit’s Dox heritage for his “weakness of will,” with claims that the Monarch should always be of either Aalk or Byal descent as the only branches of the Galra people strong enough to lead them to true greatness. They believe that their purpose is to “cleanse” the Empire of what is deemed unworthy, with hybrid-galra being considered polluted abominations of noble Galra blood.

The Kyl tron Kitah - a zealotic subset of the Druidic Faith, the members of which (despite the vast majority not being of Druidic blood themselves, but rather regular people of extreme piety) believe that the Galra should be led by the Church rather than the Crown, with the Archivist at their head as opposed to an Emperor / Empress.

Underground Railroads - those on record were swiftly dealt with, so if there are any ongoing successful attempts then they remain anonymous for a reason, but Galra doctors (particularly those stationed at any of the Empire’s notorious Arenas) have been known to take pity on grievously wounded gladiators and incorrectly report their deaths, when the truth of the matter is that they have been smuggled out of the medical bay to relative freedom where they might live out their days working manual labour jobs on a backwater colony. No one looks for the dead, after all. This practice (or, at least, accounts of foiled railroads) became less common after Haggar developed an interest in live specimens and began to have her druids “observe and assist” at many of the Arenas.

Smuggling Resources - Imperial citizens (people of Galra and non-Galra descent alike) of all walks of life have been known to siphon off supplies from their respective careers if they think they might be of use to the less fortunate. The punishment received if caught is dependent upon the scale of the operation, the frequency of the offence, and the value of the goods being smuggled; hydration-packs might see the individual responsible suffer light corporal punishment followed by a few movements in solitary confinement and then a few more in a re-education programme, whereas the theft of quintessence (pure or processed) risks being thrown into the Arena to serve as a gladiator if they are allowed the opportunity of redemption, and if not, then simply execution.

#my instinct is to apologise for how extensive this is but I refuse on principle because I love it too much #it really is quite long though - I hope it's still coherant #thank you for prompting me to really consider all of this in depth my love!!#Ao3 Little Blade #sa screams back #galra history & culture #BoM

49 notes · View notes

everlarkficexchange · 6 years

Text

DUALITY

Written by: @justajjfan

Prompt 37: Her family murdered, so mail-order-bride Katniss marries Peeta who seems sweet at first; the location is remote; something unnerves her. Could Peeta have an evil twin? Or an alter ego? Is Dr. Aurelius really helping or is he not what he seems? Can she trust anyone? Even herself??? [submitted by Anonymous]

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Mental health (the prompt pretty much says it all)

Acknowledgements: My thanks to the anonymous prompter. Your prompt struck a personal chord with me and I knew I had to try and do it justice. I hope I have succeeded.

To @sunsetsrmydreams. Not only was this wonderful human being my beta, she took time out from writing her own stories for EFE to make this beautiful banner for me. I also need to credit her for the title of my story. I was stuck for one and she came to my rescue. Thank you friend.

To: Everlark Fic Exchange. Thank you for giving writers the opportunity to showcase their writing skills. This has been a wonderful experience for me personally.

To: @javistg and @xerxia31. Thanks for your patience and answering all of my dumb questions. 😊

************

My eyes stay fixed on the three freshly dug holes in the ground and with so many people gathered here to say their final goodbyes, I barely register Hazelle’s whispered voice. “Katniss dear, would you like to say anything before they start?” I shake my head. What good are words. They won’t bring them back.

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust……”

I should have been there. I would have heard them coming. If only I didn’t choose that night to check the snares that Gale and I had set in the early hours of the morning? If only I stayed in bed. Maybe my body would be buried in the cold, wet ground as well. That would be better.

My trembling hand reaches inside my coat pocket as I recall those words that will forever haunt me. Fingers desperate in their search to touch the one thing that calms me. “For my dandelion, always.” The note attached never revealed its giver but as I grip tightly to the silver locket running my thumb ever-so gently over the intricate painting of a dandelion, I find what I need. How fitting the rain begins to fall so heavily now as I watch the remains of my family being lowered into the ground. The heavy drops mask the tears that I ashamedly try to hide. No one will ever see me cry.

After my family were brutally murdered, the house that I was born in was no longer mine. Repossessed with all evidence of that horrific night erased, readied for a new family to move in.

The murderers were never found. Peacekeepers reported that my father was warned that his illegal dealings in the hob would inevitably catch up to him.

But my father had no enemies. Everyone knew him to be a kind, honest and hardworking man. This was one of many lies Cray and his cronies spun to cover up something far beyond my comprehension. What little possessions my family owned were sold and the money given to the undertaker as full payment for my father, mother and sisters’ burial.

Gale’s mother Hazelle insisted I stay with them but this meant another mouth to feed. After his father was killed in a mining accident, Gale took his place and worked double shifts to help support his mother and siblings. The last thing they needed was an added burden. So, marrying a stranger from one of the richer districts or the Capitol seemed my only choice.

What options were there? I had no means to support myself other than hunting but that was becoming increasingly dangerous with the spate of recent floggings and hangings. People were scared to trade with me which made my situation even more precarious. Even after the Hunger Games were abolished years ago, the Capitol kept its firm grip on each district insisting their Peacekeepers were there to enforce law and order. Sure, the reaping of our children ceased but the oppression of its people remains. There are whispered rumours of a revolution but that’s all they are…whispers.

Many women including those from the Capitol either died or became infertile after the ‘great sickness’ which left a huge demand for young, single and fertile women. The Capitol were quick to introduce the Mail-Order-Bride Initiative to combat the decrease in population. The decision to sign up was made easy and seemed the lesser of two evils after Head Peacekeeper Cray made his odious intentions clear to me.

As a token of the Capitol’s good will, I was given a small sum of coin for registering which I gladly gave to Hazelle. What I didn’t expect was to receive my summons at the end of the first week. I walked through the district in a haze…I’m going to the Capitol.

Saying my goodbyes to the Hawthorne’s was hard and the lonely walk to the train station even more so, as I stopped to take one last look around District 12. I have lived here for all my eighteen years and memories are all that’s left. There is nothing for me here.

“You don’t have to go through with this Katniss. Madge can get us into the Justice Building and file for a marriage licence. We can be married by the end of the day. It’s not too late.”

Gale rushed to meet me after his shift ended still trying to convince me to marry him. But I can’t let him sacrifice his happiness. It would be a debt I could never repay and we would hate each other in the end. His heart belongs to Madge and I could never allow my situation to come between them. He will always be the big brother that I never had and I know his future is with the kind, petite fair-haired girl waiting for him at the edge of town. As for me, my future awaits in the Capitol.

“It’s too late Gale. I was married to my husband by special proxy yesterday. It’s done!” I snap, cringing at my abruptness.

Gale stops in his tracks. “Who is it? Did they tell you?”

I shake my head. He knows the rule forbidding mail-order-brides from knowing the identity of their husbands until their first meeting. This became law and a guarantee that brides would not back out. The punishment for refusing to honour their contract was dealt with severely although it was unclear what that punishment was. These brides were never seen or heard from again.

“I’m sorry Katniss, I wish there was something I could have done.” Gale says.

“None of this is your fault and I appreciate your offer…I do but you need to go and be with Madge and have lots of babies.” I tell him, trying my best to sound positive.

Gale kisses the top of my head and hugs me tightly before releasing me. The whistle blows telling me it’s time to leave.

“I’ll write if I can.” I say as I board the train.

Taking my designated seat on the train, I look in astonishment at the opulence that surrounds me. The Capitol is out to make an impression. It’s clear no expense has been spared as I take in the shining brass, crystal and mahogany tables overflowing with food. I suppose it’s meant to ensure that the new initiative is successful but right now, I have no interest in it.

Looking out of the window as I wave to Gale, I notice another man lurking in the shadows. It’s the town drunk Haymitch Abernathy and normally I wouldn’t think twice about seeing him but something about the way he is staring at me sends a shiver down my spine. I at once shrug the feeling off. I’m being paranoid.

I’ve been travelling for a few hours and my head is already filled with so many questions, I watch the countryside pass me by, hoping to distract myself. The speed of the train is faster than anything I have ever known and I begin to wonder what life in the Capitol will be like for a girl from the Seam. What sort of man picks a bride from a catalogue and pays an undisclosed amount of money for the privilege? Will he be a kind man or a monster like Cray? Will he want children? Of course, that’s the whole idea surrounding the initiative. My stomach twists painfully at the thought.

“Miss Katniss Everdeen?” A strange voice asks.

Startled, I look up to see two men in black suits, peering down at me. Their faces void of any expression.

“Yes, I’m Katniss Everdeen.” I say, as my eyes flick from one face then to the other.

“Your paperwork please.” One of the men orders. He takes it, reading over each line carefully, giving me an appraising glance before he slaps the packet into my hand.

“Everything seems to be in order. If you will follow us Miss Everdeen.” He says, gesturing for me to stand. “Bring your belongings with you. You will not be returning.” The other man adds.

Not returning? I don’t have much in the way of possessions apart from my locket that I keep close to me. I have a change of clothing and my mother’s blue dress and hairbrush as well as Prim’s homemade soap, all neatly packed in my father’s old hunting bag.

The train stops and I am escorted off. The two black-suited men signal the guard on board, allowing the train to continue its journey. There are no buildings in sight and I can’t help feeling a little anxious.

“Why have we stopped here and why am I the only passenger to disembark? My papers state that I am to be delivered to my husband in the Capitol.” My heart rate quickens as the train begins to roll away.

“We have special orders to deliver you in person Miss Everdeen. The hovercraft is due to land in approximately three minutes.”

“Hovercraft? Where are you taking me?” I begin to shout as fear takes hold.

“Calm down Miss Everdeen! We are not at liberty to discuss details with you. Please refrain from speaking with us until we reach District 13. You will be met by your husband’s representative as soon as we land.”

“There is no District 13! You need to take me to the Capitol.” I insist but stop, hearing a strange humming sound approaching from above.

Looking up, I am stupefied at what I see. I’ve only ever seen a hovercraft on the compulsory viewing station that the Capitol insists all citizens watch but seeing one this close, doesn’t compare. I’m almost ashamed to admit my disappointment once on board. Cold, hard steel and emptiness. There doesn’t appear to be any viewing windows either so I stare into the blankness. How different from the train.

I feel like a prisoner strapped into my seat but I am told it is for my safety. The flight is long and bumpy and I am somewhat relieved when we finally land.

Flanked by the two dark-suited men, I walk out of the hovercraft onto a steel platform and from the lack of any natural light, I surmise that we must be deep underground.

There is a middle-aged man waiting at the entrance of a large door. As I draw nearer to him, there’s a kindness in his eyes that looks familiar. A calming shade of blue. I shake the thought from my head.

“Hello Katniss. Welcome to your new home.”

I shake his outreached hand and look at him curiously.

“You don’t remember me, do you? Has it been that long?” The man asks. “Your father used to bring you and your sister to my bakery every Sunday. Don’t tell me you forgot about my famous cheese buns? I believe they were your favourite.” He says proudly.

The Mellark Bakery. Yes, I remember now! “Mr Mellark?” I ask to be sure. He nods. “I don’t understand any of this. I was supposed to go to the Capitol…to my husband but I was taken off the train and brought here…to a district that doesn’t exist! And now you! Everyone said you and your family moved to the Capitol.” I exclaim in my confused state.

“Yes, we did but …” Mr Mellark begins to say. “We have a lot to discuss and I promise to tell you everything you need to know but first please accept my condolences. I was shocked to hear what happened to your family, we all were. Your husband was so distraught when he found out and wanted to send for you straight away but our agents were keeping a close eye on you and the moment you registered for the Capitol’s new initiative, we seized the opportunity.”

There’s a slight pause before Mr Mellark continues. “I know how confusing all this sounds and you must have a million questions to ask but for now I must get you settled.”

“You bet I have questions and I’d like my answers now! You can start by telling me who ‘he’ is and why have ‘agents’ been watching me?” I also want to know more about the Mellark family, but I don’t’ ask.

“All in good time my dear.” He says, gesturing for me to walk with him. “Your husband is anxious to see you but we need to get you checked by our medical staff before you can enter into the general population. Don’t worry, it’s standard procedure.” He reassures me.

My thoughts run wild as I follow Mr Mellark to some sort of medical facility and then to an examination room where a woman wearing a white coat over a grey uniform is waiting. She instructs me to strip from my clothing and step into a special shower and scrub from top to toe. Unlike Prim’s sweet-smelling lavender soap, the soap they use here has a bleach-like odour to it but I don’t dare complain.

A clean greyish cover-all is left outside the cubicle which I assume is for me to wear afterwards. I am about to dry off when another woman in a similar white coat enters the cubicle and begins to gather my clothes. My quick reflexes take the woman by surprise as I lunge for my coat. Not caring that I am wet and naked, I grasp the locket in my hand and hold it firmly to my chest.

“Don’t be alarmed. Your things will be returned to you once they are properly disinfected. She tells me reassuringly. “Extra care will be given to whatever you have in your hand, I’ll see to it myself.”

I take a few shaky breaths and relent, slowly handing over my locket. “Please…it was a special gift.” I plead, a little shocked at the sound of my quivering voice.

The woman nods and smiles kindly as she gently removes the locket from my hand. “It’s beautiful. I’ll take care of it.” She promises, before turning to head out the door.

Minutes seem to slip by as I am given several shots, vaccinations I am told and blood samples are taken. My teeth are checked and my wet hair is inspected with a special comb. Two hours later, I am given the all-clear and relieved to find Mr Mellark waiting for me at the end of the corridor.

My steps towards him quickens. “My things…they took my things and I want them back.”

“They’re already in your quarters.” He confirms. “I am sorry about all this Katniss but you may recall from your lessons in school about the ‘great sickness’ that almost wiped out all Panem. Even in our remote location, District 13 was not immune and suffered a huge loss of life. These strict health regulations were introduced soon after. Now, let’s get you to your assigned quarters. You’ve handled all of this surprisingly well but I suspect you’re tired and a rest will do you a world of good.”

Mr Mellark tells me before he leaves that he will come for me in a few hours. Relief fills me when I walk into the small bedroom and find my possessions laid out neatly on a large double bed. My locket has been placed on top of my freshly washed and pressed clothes and I frantically look it over for any signs of damage but am grateful to find none.

Feeling restless, I begin to look around my lodgings…no, ‘quarters’ Mr Mellark called it. I place my hair brush on top of the tallboy and open the first drawer to find neatly folded shirts, socks and male underwear inside. I shut the drawer quickly and take a breath feeling the rush of embarrassment spread over me. I walk over to the small closet and find pants and other items of clothing hanging. Of course, I will be living with my husband in these quarters. Isn’t that what married couples do?

I lay on the bed and try to rest but my mind is swirling with so many thoughts that I give up after an hour. To occupy my time, I decide to change into my dress and fix my hair in a braided bun. Reaching to the chain around my neck, I take the locket and rub it gently before I tuck it under my dress and sit on the couch. Nervousness aside, I want to look presentable to my husband. With nothing left to do, I wait.

There’s a knocking sound at my door and I rush to open it. Mr Mellark is on the other side with a huge grin on his face. He has changed into a fresh pair of grey pants and shirt and his hair is combed back neatly. He’s also clutching a small bouquet of wild flowers and my heart sinks. Oh God, is Mr Mellark my husband?

He notices the panicked look on my face as he greets me. “There’s nothing to be worried about Katniss, I promise you will be well looked after.”

“Are you my…are we…married? I manage to splutter out.

Mr Mellark lets out a bellowed laugh to my dismay. “No! Whatever possessed you to think such a thing?” He says regaining some composure.

My hands go to the sides of my head feeling the onset of a headache. “I’m so confused right now. Everything is happening so fast. I don’t know what to believe…or who to trust and then I see you’ve changed into fresh clothes and the flowers…and well, I thought…I…I really don’t know what I thought!”

Muffling his laughter, Mr Mellark explains. “Ah yes, I can see why you thought that. Your husband asked me to give these to you. He picked them himself. You’re not angry, are you?” I shake my head. No, the flowers are a lovely gesture.

“Good, now it’s not every day I get to witness a toasting and this one is special.” He replies. “You may be legally married on paper by the Capitol’s standards but it’s not official until you toast. Are you ready Katniss?” He asks enthusiastically.

Marriages in District 12 are not considered official until a couple perform a toasting ceremony. But we’re not in District 12 so I’m caught off guard by his eagerness.

Before registering, I was made aware of two stipulations relating to the Mail-Order-Bride contract. The first one being brides will marry their husbands by proxy. The second is that brides will engage in the marriage rituals of their husband’s district once they officially meet. Knowing full well what is expected of me, I convinced myself that these ceremonies would mean nothing. A toasting from my own district however, is something I wasn’t prepared for. I willingly signed up for this and so I give the only answer I can. “Yes.”

A lift takes us downwards and when it finally stops and the sliding doors open there is a sea of greens, reds and yellows. It’s an underground arboretum and the smell of fresh soil and pine is exhilarating.

Gathered around a cleared area is a small group of people. There’s a woman sitting on a bench that I don’t recognise but the three men who are standing next to her, I do. They all look a little older since the last time I saw them but there is no mistaking them. There is one other member of the Mellark family that is noticeably absent but I don’t care to ask.

My eyes seem to have a will of their own and lock onto the youngest son. He may not be as tall as his brothers but his broad shoulders and obvious muscular physique does not go unnoticed. He glances at me but quickly looks away. His face blushes red.

In the corner of my eye, I see a lone figure of a man in a dark suit, standing to attention.

“It’s okay Katniss, he’s just an official that is required to witness the toasting. Our independence from the Capitol came with special dispensations. This was one of them.” Mr Mellark explains. I make a mental note to add this to my growing list of questions.

“Now, you remember my sons?” He asks as we walk closer to the group. Brandon the eldest and Rye the middle son both greet me with wide smiles as I nod, my mouth gaped open not knowing what to say.

“The young woman seated over there is Brandon’s wife Lavinia. She’s unable to speak but is happy to be here for your toasting.” The woman called Lavinia smiles and waves shyly.

“Peeta, aren’t you going to say hello?” Mr Mellark gestures for Peeta to move closer to me.

Peeta takes a few hurried steps towards us then takes a deep breath before speaking. “H-h-hello Katniss. I’m Peeta Mellark…your husband.”

My knees start to buckle beneath me but I manage to stay upright. “Hello Peeta.” His name falls from my lips in a whisper and I am suddenly struck with a rush of heat from within. It has been over four years since I saw him last and now…I am his wife.

Memories flood my thoughts. Catching Peeta glaring at me in school or in passing and how he would quickly avert his gaze just like he did moments ago. He was shy but as time went by, I noticed a shift in his mannerism. Peeta’s sweet smile was replaced by a blank almost vacant look and he became withdrawn. We never spoke, not really. Only sharing fleeted glances but I felt a strange sense of loss when he and his family moved to the Capitol.

“You…you were the one who bought me?” My words sound cold and I want to kick myself.

The smile on his face disappears. “Please Katniss, don’t say it like that. I wanted to come for you. I tried but…” He stops to take a breath. “This was the only way and you’re safe now…with me…and you look beautiful and you’re my wife.” He babbles.

“She got that part dummy! Get to the toasting already!” His brother Rye yells impatiently. “Ow! That hurt.” He protests, rubbing the back of his head.

“It was meant to!” Brandon says, sounding rather pleased with himself at his quick delivery of a slap to Rye’s head.

“You’re doing great Peeta, keep going.” His oldest brother says encouragingly.

All this adds to my confused and overwhelmed state but when I look to Peeta, there’s a sadness in his eyes. He looks down at his feet and nods muttering under his breath before speaking. I barely catch it. “I wanted to come for you Katniss…but I had to get better.”

He had to get better?

Mr Mellark places his hand on Peeta’s shoulder. “We can talk about this later son reflection time is almost over.” His father announces.

Peeta lifts his head and straightens his shoulders “Yes, I’m sorry.” Clearing his throat, Peeta looks at me and I am mesmerised by how blue his eyes are. “Katniss Everdeen, I would very much like for you to toast with me, if you will allow it.” He says sweetly.

Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I am bound to Peeta by the marriage laws of Panem and that should be enough but how can I deny him? I could have done a lot worse. “Yes, I’ll allow it.”

Peeta smiles and whispers under his breath before walking over to Lavinia who is still seated on the bench. She hands him a small covered tray and he thanks her before bringing it me. “I’m sorry we can’t light a fire but I toasted the slices in the kitchen ovens myself. They’re still warm.”

He carefully removes the clean cloth and at that precise moment my stomach begins to rumble at the aroma of freshly toasted bread. I realise I haven’t eaten since this morning. “We get to eat at the end of reflection.” Peeta whispers smilingly.

Everyone gathers around as Peeta and I begin to toast. It is a simple tradition, one that dates back hundreds of years but to those from my district, it is one that has special meaning. No words are needed. Just the feeding of toasted bread to each other which signifies a couple’s commitment to love and protect one another no matter what.

Peeta gently places a piece of toasted bread in my mouth and tells me he will always protect me. I chew slowly trying to think of something to say. The words “thank you” spill from my mouth as I feed him my piece of bread and I know as soon as I say them, how inadequate they must seem but he smiles and chews. It is done…we are now bound together by the laws of District 12.

There’s shouts of ‘hooray’ and ‘congratulations’ from Peeta’s brothers and father. Lavinia walks over to us smiling and hugs us both. I look to see the dark-suited man is walking towards the lift satisfied that we followed the rules. I turn to Peeta and catch him staring at me but this time he doesn’t look away. Neither do I. Before long, a woman’s voice comes through the loud speaker announcing reflection time has finished and dinner will be served in the communal dining hall.

As we enter the dining hall, I begin to feel a little intimidated by the large number of people gathered in one place. Peeta tells me this is where everyone in the district eats regardless of rank or position. “Don’t let their stares worry you. They do that to all new comers.” Peeta must sense my discomfort and is quick to reassure me.

He sits next to me, handing me a rather large serving of meat and vegetable stew that smells amazing with two freshly baked bread rolls on the side. I question where his meal is and he tells me he wasn’t hungry so he piled his serving onto mine. That won’t do.

“No Peeta, I’m not going to take your food. You’re going to share this meal with me or I don’t eat either. Okay?” I say stubbornly handing him a heaped spoonful of stew.

“Okay.” He yields and eats the first spoonful before filling it with more stew to hand back to me.

“Aww, look guys they’ve only been married an hour and she’s already bossing baby brother about.” Rye says but quickly looks down to his food and continues to eat quietly after both Mr Mellark and Brandon give him a look. Lavinia who has been quiet, covers her mouth trying to hide her smile.

After we finish eating, I listen intently to Mr Mellark and Brandon talk about life in District 13. How everyone is assigned duties for the common good of each citizen. There are three square meals a day and everyone has the freedom to speak their own mind without the fear of receiving a lashing or something worse. Brandon calls it ‘democracy’. Everyone undergoes basic military training and thirteen has its own elite Peacekeeping squads. I cringe at the mention of Peacekeepers but Peeta tells me they are nothing like the ones back in District 12.

When Brandon tells me that every citizen in thirteen has access to free ‘state of the art’ medical care, I think of my mother and sister. They were natural born healers and would have flourished here. Their knowledge of herbal medicines and salves would have proven invaluable. Peeta sees me deep in thought and gently brushes my hand with his fingers. Surprisingly, I don’t flinch at the sudden contact. In fact, I find it comforting.

The overall running of the district falls to President Alma Coin and she was instrumental in freeing District 13 from the tyranny that is the Capitol.

It doesn’t seem fair. How could District 13 thrive in secret and ignore the sufferings of others? There is so much more I want to know but that annoying woman on the loud speaker announces meal time is over and sleep time is due to start. Everyone adheres to these rules and only those with specifically assigned roles are exempt. This will take some getting used to.

Peeta slides the door open and waits for me to enter our quarters first. I take small hesitant steps inside and I can’t help feeling nervous. This is my wedding night after all but I’ve never done anything like this.

“I know what you’re thinking Katniss but you don’t have to worry. I would never do anything to hurt you or do anything you don’t want. I’ll be sleeping on the couch.”

“We’re married now Peeta. I’m supposed to obey my husband.” I say almost robotically.

“No! I don’t want you to obey me Katniss. I didn’t marry you like this for you to think you owe me or you have a duty to fulfil. That’s not why I did it.”

“Then why did you do it Peeta?”

He pauses. “You’ve gone through so much. Losing your whole family and your home. I knew you were out of options when you registered for this initiative. The thought of someone touching you, hurting you like they did to Lavinia. It would kill me.”

Peeta stops. He shakes his head not wanting to continue but I insist. “Did someone hurt Lavinia?” He nods, closes his eyes for a moment and takes a deep breath.

“Lavinia was a mail-order-bride too. Her husband was a cruel man from the Capitol. She couldn’t fall pregnant and so he sold her because she was ‘flawed goods’. She was assigned to an escort agency but refused to service their clientele. As punishment, they cut out her tongue and shipped her to District 11 to work in the fields. Lavinia’s an Avox.”

My breathing stops as I take this all in. Lavinia never said a word during our toasting or dinner because…she couldn’t.

“How did she get to be here?”

“Lavinia and a few others from District 11 devised a plan to escape. Brandon and his squad were on a routine reconnaissance mission when they found her, barely alive. The other escapees never made it. The thought of something like that happening to you…”

Peeta’s clenches his hands into tight fists and I can see the tips of his knuckles turning white. “I won’t let anyone hurt you Katniss.”

I take his hands in mine and bring them to my lips softly kissing them. “I know, because you will always keep me safe.” I say to him softly.

Peeta nods and stares into my eyes and I wonder if he will kiss me but he doesn’t. “We’ve both had a big day. I think we should get ready for bed.” He says bringing me back from my thoughts. “I’d like to show you around tomorrow if you like. I’ve been relieved of my duties for a few days and it may take some time before you are assigned one. It’s not home but after a while you’ll see that it’s really not so bad here.”

It’s not home but I will try and settle in for his sake.

We take turns in the bathroom and ready ourselves for bed. Peeta has already laid blankets and a pillow on the couch and makes himself comfortable.

“Good night Katniss. I’m so happy you’re here with me.” He says from the couch.

“I’m happy I’m here with you too. Good night Peeta.” I say softly before entering the bedroom and turning off the lights.

I have been in District 13 for ten days now and still haven’t been assigned any duties but Peeta tells me to enjoy my free time while I can. He leaves in the early hours of the morning to work in the kitchen bakery until midday then he comes back to our quarters to shower and change. The rest of the afternoon and night are ours to spend as we wish and quite often Peeta takes me down to the underground arboretum during reflection time because he knows how much I enjoy being there.

Things progress slowly between us. We both agreed to share the bed after I would wake in the middle of the night from one of my nightmares only to hear Peeta whimpering in his sleep. His nightmares would often leave him shaking and calling out for me. So, every night he holds me in his arms and I rest my head on his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart which always lulls me to sleep. Peeta says that holding me in his arms helps him too. I’m glad.

Most mornings, Peeta wakes up smiling and eager to get to work so he can spend the rest of the day with me. But these last two days have been a struggle for him and even though he tries to shake it off and tell me that he’s just tired, I know there’s something more.

Walking back to our quarters after dinner, Peeta places his arm around my waist and I snuggle closer to his body, letting him know I’m perfectly okay with it even though I was a little annoyed with him earlier. Peeta snapped at me today when I asked about his mother. I remember her always angry and almost every day she could be heard yelling at her boys. Peeta mostly.

‘I’m sorry I got angry today Katniss. I’ve been a little edgy lately but I promise things will get better soon.” Peeta tells me.

“I didn’t mean to upset you. You know that, right?” He nods. “You’ve been a bit out of sorts lately but you know whatever it is, you can talk to me. We shouldn’t have any secrets between us.” I tell him honestly, remembering how my parents would always discuss things together. “You’re not sick of me already?” I add jokingly.

Peeta turns me to face him and cups my face in his hands. “Don’t say that Katniss…don’t ever say that.” He says pleadingly and kisses me softly on the lips. This is the first time Peeta has kissed me there and the tingly feeling leaves me wanting more but we are interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

I turn around to see an older gentleman with spectacles looking a little flustered. “Oh, my apologies for the intrusion but I’ve been looking all over for this young man. Your father said you were heading back to your quarters.” The man continues.

“I haven’t seen you for a few days now and my secretary informed me that you keep cancelling your appointments.”

Peeta doesn’t say anything and holds onto me tightly.

The man turns his attention to me. “Ah, this must be your beautiful bride Katniss. I’m pleased to finally meet you. Peeta has told me so much about you during our sessions. I feel like I know you already. I’m sorry, where are my manners. Let me introduce myself, I’m Dr Albert Aurelius.”

Peeta spoke about me before? I take the doctor’s offered hand and shake it. “I wasn’t aware that Peeta was sick. Is there something I should know?” I ask, turning to my husband.

Peeta looks to the doctor but doesn’t comment. There’s a look of anger in his eyes and I know he’s keeping something from me.

“I’m afraid that is a discussion you need to have with your husband.” Dr Aurelius replies. “Peeta, I can only stress the importance of you sticking to our scheduled appointments. Now, I have some free time tomorrow around 2:00pm. You can bring Katniss along. I’d be happy to speak with both of you.”

“No! I don’t want Katniss to be there.” Peeta practically shouts and I find myself a little hurt at this rejection.

“Very well Peeta, but I still expect to see you in my office tomorrow at 2:00pm.” The doctor confirms.

Peeta only nods in agreement. Dr Aurelius smiles and bids his farewell before leaving in the opposite direction.

Perhaps I’m being a little hasty in my decision but I instantly feel distrust towards this doctor.

Peeta doesn’t say anything and I decide to stay silent for a few minutes but my head is full of questions that needs answers. “Why do you need to see a doctor Peeta, are you sick?” I finally ask.

“No. He’s not that kind of doctor.” Peeta answers trying to be non-committal.

“Well then, what kind of doctor is he?”

Peeta is silent as we approach our quarters choosing to ignore me.

“Peeta, you’re not answering my questions. If there is something wrong with you I think I should know.”

“There’s nothing wrong with me! Why does everyone say there is!” Peeta’s tone grows harsh.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry.” I say as I take a step back.

“Forget it! Just leave it…maybe he was right all along.”

“He? Peeta, who’s he? Dr Aurelius? Maybe I should go with you and see this doctor tomorrow.” I say, trying not to let my emotions carry me away.

“Drop it Katniss. I don’t want to talk about it and I don’t want you talking to Dr Aurelius okay! Things will get better, you’ll see.” Peeta stops at our door and slides it open with such force that it rattles.

He’s talking in riddles and it’s infuriating. “No, I won’t drop it. We need to talk. I want to help you.” I demand as we walk into our quarters.

Peeta has his back to me. “He doesn’t need your help!” A voice sounds and I look around the room thinking that someone snuck into our quarters without me noticing. But there’s no one here but Peeta and I.

I must have imagined it. So much has happened to me these last few months that my mind is surely playing tricks on me. Did I just here Peeta say ‘he’? Before I can say anything, Peeta tells me he is going to get ready for bed and closes the bathroom door behind him muttering to himself.

Pacing the room, I wait for Peeta to finally come out of the bathroom as thoughts run through my head like a freight train. The subject about his mother was brushed aside and he did the same with Dr Aurelius just now.

Initially, going into the Mail-Order-Bride Initiative without feeling or care was just a means of survival. I would never allow myself to have a strong connection with my husband but this is Peeta! Whether it was luck or fate that brought us together, I know I have an important role to play in all of this.

I no longer want to be that lonely girl from District 12. No! I’m his wife now and I’m going to help him get through whatever this is and to do that we need to talk about everything, even the deep stuff. I have that right, don’t I?

When Peeta finally comes out from the bathroom, I meet him by the couch.

My heart feels like it’s going to explode from my chest but this needs to start somewhere. “Peeta, where is your mother?” I finally ask the question that has been playing on my mind.

He sighs deeply and shakes his head. “You don’t need to worry about her Katniss. She can’t hurt either of us ever again.”

But that answer does nothing to satisfy my curiosity so I ask him again. “But what happened to her.”

“I’d rather not talk about her right now, okay?” Peeta begins to rub his hands nervously against the fabric of his pyjama pants before standing abruptly to pace the room.

“No, you can’t keep brushing me off like this. We need to talk about it.”

“Please Katniss, I don’t want to talk about her, not now…just not now!”

“When Peeta? You keep saying that. We can’t start our lives together with secrets.” I start to explain but am interrupted by Peeta…only it’s not his voice.

“HE SAID HE DOESN’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT HER!” The words coming from Peeta’s mouth are sharp and cold. What is happening?

“Peeta?” I reach out my hand to touch him but he pushes me away.

“LEAVE PEETA ALONE!” He growls.

The voice coming from Peeta’s lips is not his. Unfamiliar and much deeper, it hits me like a punch. I watch in disbelief as his face morphs, revealing a cold, fierce expression, the line of his jaw clenched, making his features appear more angular. When I catch his eyes I shiver, the pupils have blown, changing from a deep blue to an unending pool of black. Am I imagining all this? I don’t know if I can trust what I’m seeing. “Peeta please, what’s wrong.”

“I SAID LEAVE PEETA ALONE!” Peeta is looking down at me but when I look to his eyes it’s not Peeta that I see. Fear races up my spine.

He is staring angrily at me and those dark eyes shake me to the core. My body starts to tremble as I take the few backward steps needed to reach the door. With my hands behind my back, I feel for the door handle and once I have it in my hand, I slide it open and run. I run so fast that I don’t realise I have gone down six flights of emergency exit stairwells before I stop to catch my breath.

I search for somewhere to hide. Somewhere I can sort out in my head what I just saw. Do I even trust myself to believe it? As I frantically look around my surroundings, I find a small storage room that is unlocked and rush inside locking the door behind me. I crawl behind some shelving and curl my knees tightly to my chest. I reach for my locket bringing it to my lips and I do something that I have not done in a long while. I begin to cry. Salty tears sting my eyes and the more I try to supress them, the more they flow.

Oh God! That wasn’t Peeta.

#Springtime Edition 2018 #justajjfan #Prompt 37 #submission

121 notes · View notes

123designsrq · 4 years

Text

FELINE-FRIENDLY FURNITURE IS EVERY CAT LOVER’S DELIGHT!

Once upon a time, I could proudly name myself a dog person. Not only a dog person, but an anti-cat person, as I by no means pretty understood the appeal of getting a cat, until I got two of them as my cats-in-law! Cats are clever intelligent companions and as in step with studies, kind of 42.7 million people are cat-proprietors inside the USA alone, with the millennials owning up a massive chunk of them. Frankly, that does make experience to me. The world is getting smaller yet people are more lonely every day, with these furry buddies coming to their rescue! So yes, cats are lovable and we can do nearly anything to make these tom cats love us back. Keeping in thoughts our want to give handiest the high-quality for our cats, Brands like Ikea, miacara, joybird and living spaces are already into the making of pet friendly best Furniture. LAYER Design with the aid of Benjamin Hubert has created products for the New York-primarily based start-up Cat Person, an entire logo committed to bringing cat-friendly furnishings for each cat lover! who wish to buy the cat furniture.

Starting with the absolute basics, Cat Person brings you revolutionary designs to make you and your cat happy by staying in their own cat furniture! Meet Canopy Bed, a unique 3-in-1 layout that makes life easier in your cat and you. The Canopy Bed comes with a playful and colourful base this is easy to expose off for the cat owner, matching with today’s present day interiors. But the actual show-stealer is the detachable canopy – you may put off it, fold it to create a gentle wall or in case your pet is feeling shy or wants their own space, the cover literally paperwork a tent above their head! This multipurpose design permits every cat proprietor and cat to test with different settings the usage of the identical product and change matters as needed. After all, we all realize how moody the human can be! The detachable shape of the cover additionally makes it simpler to easy and folds flat for storage. LAYER’s layout revel in shines via right here of their use of tender geometric forms in colorful variations that invite cats and their owners alike. The second product released in this variety is the Mesa Bowl – a modular feeding station that guarantees your cat want now not bend uncomfortably to get right of entry to their meals. The attention right here is on the modularity of the product. The brand believes each cat has its very own fashion and the Mesa Bowl is designed to let you paintings the product to suit your cat. The Mesa Bowl includes three parts – the primary bowl to maintain the food, a sculptural stand that elevates the food for your cat and a tray that holds the whole piece together as well as catching any accidental spills. Every person piece is made the use of durable non-BPA plastic and the shallow nature of the bowl accommodates the cat’s facial profile, permitting them to eat without agitating their whiskers and retaining them loose of “whisker fatigue”. From the time you get a touch kitten into your own home and hearts till they grow to be the cat that will in the end rule your heart, both of these merchandise are designed to grow along with your cats. These products shape the basis of your reference to your cat, from playful, colourful designs to modularity, LAYER’s interest to detail will make this exciting journey comfortable for you as you both discover your way. What extra can the human ask for! Read the full article

0 notes

gradencetrickortreat · 7 years

Photo

The Gradence Trick or Treat Halloween Fest prompts are out! See the ‘Trick’ prompts under the cut (and read the claiming guidelines here):

Anonymous prompters submitted:

Prompt: With the Obscurus somehow removed, Credence is slowly finding his footing in the wizarding world thanks to the help of the Goldsteins and/or Newt. He’s harboring an intense curiosity and fascination for the man whose face and life Grindelwald stole, but the most he can do is watch from a distance and quietly gather what bits of information he can from conversations and rumors. It’s not until MACUSA holds a masquerade ball on Halloween that a masked and costumed Credence is able to bring himself to actually hold an actual conversation with the real Mr. Graves, but instead of sating his curiosity the encounter only makes it worse.

Squicks: No victim-blaming of the real Mr. Graves from Seraphina or the rest of MACUSA please. Also Credence is no longer under threat from the Aurors because the Obscurus is gone.

Maximum Rating: Any rating up to Explicit

Claim number to submit: Trick 1 (2 claims)

Mod note: we now have two claims for fic for this prompt. One more claim for another medium will be accepted, but no more fic claims will be allowed. Thank-you!

Prompt: A newly-rescued Credence is employed at the MACUSA as a consultant - due to his still strong connection with dark powers and his new ability to perceive black magic interferences. On Halloween, he’s sent with a recovering Percival to investigate strange occurrences in a small, suitably creepy town. While there, the boys face fears and feelings.

Squicks: porn, sub!Credence

Maximum Rating: R

Claim number to submit: Trick 2 (1 claim)

Prompt: Aphrodisiac candy. Who makes it? Who (wittingly or unwittingly) eats it? What happens next?

Squicks: Painplay, abuse within the pairing

Maximum Rating: NC-17

Claim number to submit: Trick 3 (1 claim)

@almost-annette submitted:

Prompt: Credence is desperate enough to try a supposedly magical ritual he’s heard of (a bit like those “stand in front of the mirror and chant Bloody Mary three times”-rituals) and on Hallowe'en, he does the ritual and asks for help. He’s very surprised when the ritual works and summons a magical being in the form of a very handsome man!

Squicks: De-Aging, Mpreg

Maximum Rating: E

Claim number to submit: Trick 4 (1 claim)

@bundigadi submitted:

Prompt: Dystopian Zombie Apocalypse. Takes place in the future, maybe 2030. Graves lost his daughter when the Virus took over because he failed to make the right decision in time. Bitter and hopeless he fights his way through dystopian Pittsburgh filled with groups of violent survivors and zombies who try to kill him. He is a lone fighter. Suspicious of everyone who comes too close he nearly loses himself in order to survive. He does not share, nor does he help someone. He tries his best to survive but he is in such a bad place that he wouldn’t mind for it all to end. One day after barely escaping a group of zombies, he finds a wounded and malnourished Credence hiding between the debris. He can’t walk (due to a banister rail which pierced his leg) and in panic begs Percival not to leave him alone with the zombies.

Not wanting to leave an other soul who relies on him to die, Percival picks Credence up and brings him to his makeshift shelter in the outskirts of the city. At first he regrets his decision, snaps easily and feels angry that he needs to feed two people now. As they carry on to make their way to Colorado, he warms up to Credence’s childlike awe for the world. Whereas he has been feeling dead inside for years, Credence still finds joy in life which sets off all of Percival’s protective instincts. The plot twist happens when Credence saves Percival’s life when he is heavily wounded in a shooting. Credence never leaves his side and goes hunting himself until Percival is on his feet again. Before Percival even realises it, he grew too fond of Credence to let him fend for himself and subconsciously sees it is his responsibility to guarantee for Credence’s survival.

Add. them finding out the virus was let loose on purpose

Squicks: No underage, no verbal- physical- or emotional abuse between Percival and Credence, no penetrative sex

Maximum Rating: R

Claim number to submit: Trick 5 (0 claims)

@clockhearted-crocodile submitted:

Prompt: The VVitch AU. Credence as the teenage son of Mary Lou’s Barebone’s witch-fearing Puritan family and Graves as the Devil / a black goat animagus?

Squicks: Er, not much I don’t think. I’m not big on body modification but other than that.

Maximum Rating: Any rating is fine.

Claim number to submit: Trick 6 (3 claims)

Mod note: all spots for this prompt now filled! We won’t be accepting any further claims on this prompt. Thank-you. :)

Prompt: The first signs of obscurial activity start around Halloween. Graves has enough paperwork to deal with, what with all the heightened magical activity in the city thanks to kids home from Ilvermorny overdoing it on the trick-or-treating. At first he thinks the obscurial sightings are just some trick gone mad, until he meets the one responsible.

Squicks: Nothing in particular.

Maximum Rating: Any rating you want, go crazy.

Claim number to submit: Trick 7 (0 claims)

@dailandin submitted:

Prompt: True Blood!AU Credence, a member of the anti-vampire hate group Sons of Salem, unwittingly catches the eye of Percival Graves, the vampire sheriff of Manhattan.

Basically, use this image post as inspiration, although it doesn’t need to be as specific: https://dailandin.tumblr.com/post/157836719085/true-bloodau-the-one-in-which-credence-a-member

Squicks: Underage, water sports

Maximum Rating: Anything goes ;)

Claim number to submit: Trick 8 (1 claim)

@gaskells submitted:

Prompt: Rocky Horror/Fantastic Beasts fusion; It’s a cold and rainy night when newly engaged couple Jacob and Queen find themselves with a flat tire. At around the same time, a leather jacket wearing biker Percival is trying to get a tap dancing Credence out of Dr. Grindelwald’s castle. (preferably with a happy ending, rest of the characters’ counterparts are up to the writer)

Squicks: Anything goes

Maximum Rating: G to NC-17 / Explicit.

Claim number to submit: Trick 9 (1 claim)

@johnnythirteenguns submitted:

Prompt: Credence has been suffering from headaches that keep worsening. Graves is the barber who’s been bleeding him every so often to try and treat them. When all of the available treatments fail to have any long-standing positive effect Mary Lou becomes convinced that Credence’s debilitating headaches are being caused by a demon. Credence is maybe also convinced of this.

Squicks: I’d prefer not to have really obvious, really awful and annoying power play between Graves and Credence, and no D/s

Maximum Rating: Honestly, if it’s gore and horror, there’s no upper limit. If it’s sex, unless it’s like… there’s only one writer whose sex scenes I like. Just keep sexual activity to a G or PG description.

Claim number to submit: Trick 10 (0 claims)

@meremeduse submitted:

Prompt: Percival Graves is a serial killer who picks up “teenage” runaway Credence Barebone thinking of him as an easy pickings. But Credence isn’t a teen and he’s not running from his family — he’s running from the law after killing his mother, his sister, and maybe a couple other people who got in his way.

Squicks: n/a — go nuts if you want!

Maximum Rating: NC-17

Claim number to submit: Trick 11 (2 claims)

Mod note: we now have two claims for fic for this prompt. One more claim for another medium will be accepted, but no more fic claims will be allowed. Thank-you!

Prompt: Credence and Graves meet at a masquerade party and though neither recognizes the other with their masks in place, they feel drawn together — even connected.

Squicks: Please don’t make Credence under the age of 20 and don’t make him cry or bleed (more than a papercut). And please no Grindelwald!

Maximum Rating: You can go full NC-17 if you want.

Claim number to submit: Trick 12 (2 claims)

Mod note: we now have two claims for fic for this prompt. One more claim for another medium will be accepted, but no more fic claims will be allowed. Thank-you!

Prompt: Credence Barebone is a cursed man. He only has a human form during Samhain, when the season shifts into dark times, and spends the rest of his days as a horrible monster made of darkness and smoke. But this year, while he has a man’s body, Credence meets someone: Percival Graves.

Squicks: Man, don’t let me hold you back.

Maximum Rating: Go as explicit as you want.

Claim number to submit: Trick 13 (1 claim)

@nettlekettle submitted:

Prompt: Credence dresses up as someone entirely different to himself for Hallowe'en (drag optional). The freedom of being someone else allows him to finally act on his desires for Graves - but Graves just wants Credence as Credence.

Squicks: Any case of mistaken identity? I’d like Graves to know that it’s Credence in a costume who’s approaching him. Any acts of physical violence, that kinda thing…Credence under 21.

Maximum Rating: G to NC-17.

Claim number to submit: Trick 14 (1 claim)

Prompt: Following the events of Fantastic Beasts, one of the pair is dead (Graves or Credence - it’s up to you!) and one is alive, slowly recovering & readjusting to the world (again, up to you who!). The living wizard (Credence or Graves) and the ghost (Credence or Graves) meet and fall in love with each other. (Tingly ghostly kisses encouraged! <3) On Hallowe'en - when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is thinnest - the ghost becomes corporeal again for one night…

Squicks: Suicide/suicidal thoughts, self-harm, Credence under 20 years of age, ABO dynamics, incest, pregnancy, toys, ZOMBIES (no zombies or rotting bodies plz!)

Maximum Rating: G to NC-17.

Claim number to submit: Trick 15 (2 claims)

Mod note: we now have two claims for fic for this prompt. One more claim for another medium will be accepted, but no more fic claims will be allowed. Thank-you!

@pineapplebread submitted:

Prompt: Southwestern Gothic AU. Witchboy!Credence and Preacher!Graves

Graves is a small town preacher who doesn’t believe in God anymore after a demon wore his face and massacred his congregation. The only thing that keeps him going is the thought of revenge and salvation when he goes on a cross-country hunt to find and slay the demon that took everything away from him. Somewhere along the borders of Mississippi and Louisiana, he finds a boy whose family was slaughtered by that same demon, the only survivor of his small town. Graves doesn’t know why the demon spared Credence, nor does he know why Credence now bears the marks of the creature on his skin, but there’s clearly more to the boy than meets the eye.

Squicks: watersports, scat, BDSM, dubcon, bottom Graves

Maximum Rating: NC-17. Go crazy! I’m all here for gore and porn (please!!!)

Claim number to submit: Trick 16 (1 claim)

@soughs submitted:

Prompt: Modern AU. Credence moves into a house in the province (with or w/o his family). He likes how peaceful the place is, but something seems to be off about the yew tree outside his window. Step by step, through old letters and photographs and some research in the local library, he gets to know the story of the man who lived there before. The day he finds out the name of the previous house owner, Percival’s ghost appears in his room. They fall for each other even though they both know it’s an impossible love.

Squicks: -

Maximum Rating: NC-17/Explicit

Claim number to submit: Trick 17 (1 claim)

@sozdanie-gryazi-eternal submitted:

Prompt: Stranger Things AU

however you may like it, but there could easily be an ensemble version with the main 4 as Tina, Queenie, Percy, Newt, and our ‘11′ Credence. Jacob owns the diner with the waffles, and the sheriff is Dumbledore. The scientists are Grindelwald and Piquery is the director of the experiments, with the sheriff having a past history with Grindelwald, naturally, anything could happen. the kids stick together and protect their own, and there’s all sorts of shenanigans.

Squicks: violence/gore (and your mods gently remind no characters under 16 in sexual situations)

Maximum rating: T probably

Claim number to submit: Trick 18 (0 claims)

Prompt: Professor Graves and Undergrad Credence, meet (outside the classroom, and sparks fly) at a Halloween party which Cre’s reluctantly snuck into, on a dare. Professor Graves is not a costume person, so he went with the minimal effort, fake fangs and a smudge of ketchup on his chin for blood. Cre has to wear a mask. everything else up to the writer!

Squicks: the usual.

Maximum Rating: NC-17

Claim number to submit: Trick 19 (1 claim)

Prompt: San Junipero Halloween Party AU

Credence has been attending parties through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, before he spots the handsome man playing DJ at the 80’s disco club, dressed like a stuffy businessman. He’s not usually one to approach anyone, but he’s also never spoken to anyone since his wife died ten years back (in the real world). when they finally make contact, its a magical night, and he doesn’t see Graves again for about 5 weeks. In the real world, Graves has been paralyzed since being shot in the line of duty (as a cop) and was given the option to join San Junipero upon recommendation as an award for services rendered. whereas Credence got married out of law school, and ended up retiring and choosing it, since he’d not gotten a chance to go with his wife, angst and hes sad until he’d met Graves. etc, eventually Credence has to propose, to save Graves from losing out, when the funding for his ‘retirement’ runs out. his medical care is also part of whats so expensive. etc etc happy ending!

Squicks: knifeplay/violence

Maximum Rating: NC-17

Claim number to submit: Trick 20 (0 claims)

Prompt: after seeing some amazing gifs from the upcoming movie, and remembering it takes place in the fall, I’d love to see a wrinkle in time AU, maybe with the whole gang around the same age, up to things, with the 3 witches anyone who would work.

Squicks: n/a

Maximum Rating: T likely

Claim number to submit: Trick 21 (0 claims)

Prompt: Crimson Peak AU w/a twist

Lord Barebone is quiet, shy and of a gentle demeanor, but writes dark horror mysteries in his spare time. Hoping to get a publisher for his book and a chance at escaping his awful home, he accepts a spur of the moment offer to wed the mysterious Mr. Graves, who lives in a home perched atop blood red clay, and is rumored to have killed his wife.

Squicks: actual bloodplay/knifeplay, violence/gore

Maximum Rating: NC-17 (this is me, c'mon hah)

Claim number to submit: Trick 22a (0 claims)

Coincidentally, an Anonymous prompter also submitted:

Prompt: a Crimson Peak AU (I know it’s not really a halloween movie but it has halloween vibes & aesthetic) where Graves is Thomas Sharpe and Credence is Edith, and the plot is basiclly like in the movie, and Grindenwald is Lucille Sharpe. Of course you can adapt the plot and everything to suit the characters, you can do whatever you like with this prompt :)

Squicks: please don’t focus too much on the grindenwald/graves part, I’d like to keep it only as a past relationship (or only implied, like in the film) since the main focus is graves/credence. Or if you like you can decide not to include it at all, it’s up to you

Maximum rating: anything from G to M

Claim number to submit: Trick 22b (0 claims)

Mods would accept fillers amalgamating these prompts! Please specify in your submission form if you are/aren’t!

@unicornmagic submitted:

Prompt: What if Credence didn’t survive the Aurors’ attack at the end of the film, but comes back as a ghost due to “unfinished business”? And Graves, now freed from Grindelwald’s captivity, finds himself literally haunted? (“Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.”)

Squicks: Noncon, painplay, abuse within the main pairing.

Maximum Rating: NC-17. By all means do what feels right for the work.

Claim number to submit: Trick 23 (0 claims)

@wanderingnork submitted:

Prompt: For a “trick”, a thoughtless wizard sets a boggart loose at the MACUSA Halloween Masquerade. It’s almost impossible to catch as it changes its shape amid the nightmarish costumes thronging the halls. Though the task of hunting it down falls to Graves, Credence is not just going to let him run off alone. But both men have an awful lot of fears in their past, and if there’s one thing that lays such secrets bare, it’s a boggart…

Squicks: None.

Maximum Rating: M.

Claim number to submit: Trick 24 (1 claim)

Prompt: Cursed supernatural artifacts–mirrors, dolls, videotapes, and so on–are staples of horror fiction. The leading men encounter one such object and suffer the consequences.

Squicks: None.

Maximum Rating: M.

Claim number to submit: Trick 25 (1 claim)

@wintergravebone submitted:

Prompt: Credence is a troubled highschool student trying to fit in with the alt kids by tagging along on Halloween, terrorizing the neighborhood and getting trashed. They have the misfortune of targeting Graves’ house, get caught, and bail–leaving Credence behind, intoxicated and terribly vulnerable/obnoxiously uninhibited. Graves is not great with teenagers.

Squicks: watersports, bottom Graves

Maximum Rating: NC-17

Claim number to submit: Trick 26 (0 claims)

Prompt: anonymous sex at a Halloween masquerade party. Surprise incest optional.

Squicks: bottom Percival Graves

Maximum Rating: NC17

Claim number to submit: Trick 27 (0 claims)

Prompt: Credence goes to a rave on Halloween and runs into Graves, a dealer. Shortly after, Credence is rolling hard (on whatever) and everything feels good and Graves is the kindest, funniest, most beautiful person he has ever met and he cant get enough of his big hands or his mouth or his teeth. Credence gets a little sloppy and dehydrated and overheated while dancing and the costumes start to freak him out; Graves finds him after making his rounds, they go home, and Graves very sweetly helps him come down, feeding him ice chips, letting him chew them and suck them from his fingers, pushing them in his hole one after the other, and touches every inch of his body he can reach, inside and out. Technically dubcon for altered state vs ability to consent.

Squicks: none

Maximum Rating: NC17

Claim number to submit: Trick 28 (1 claim)

Prompt: Graves and Credence can only see each other on Halloween each year, when the portal between the world of the living and the dead opens for one night and ghosts can move freely back and forth. They’ve had an ongoing date in the years since they joined different worlds and each year, one gets older, changing in increments, while the other stays the same. Why do they keep doing this? What is there to do about it? When will it stop (because it must eventually)?

Squick: none

Max rating: M

Claim number to submit: Trick 29 (0 claims)

Prompt: Graves rents out his pet once a year, letting men with masks queue up to fuck him bareback in every hole. After they’re done, he clears the room and fucks their cum out of him, reclaiming his precious little pet, telling him he did so well and watching mesmerized as Credence’s sloppy gaping hole gets semen all over his dick.

Squick: none

Max rating: NC17

Claim number to submit: Trick 30 (1 claim)

Your mod @gothyringwald would humbly like to add:

Prompt: spending the night in a haunted house

Squicks: daddy kink, feminisation, watersports/scat, ABO, mpreg, underage, bottom Graves, incest, unhappy endings

Maximum Rating: Explicit/NC-17

Claim number to submit: Trick 31 (1 claim)

Prompt: Victorian AU. Credence is a medium/spiritualist. Graves is a sceptic.

Squicks: daddy kink, feminisation, watersports/scat, ABO, mpreg, underage, bottom Graves, incest, unhappy endings

Maximum Rating: Explicit/NC-17

Claim number to submit: Trick 32 (2 claims)

#gradence #gravebone #fantastic beasts and where to find them #credence barebone #percival graves #prompts #mod post

31 notes · View notes

echoboots · 7 years

Text

Tales from the Borderlands: An Early Analysis of the Border Security Executive Order

(This is the first installment of a series of articles unpacking the many executive orders issued in Donald Trump’s first week of office. Though I am not an immigration specialist, I am a legal generalist working with indigent populations professionally full-time. This article is not intended to form an attorney-client relationship or constitute legal advice, though it is my hope that it will help people understand what is going on.)

Of all of Donald Trump’s promises, perhaps his most famous was his promise that he would personally ensure that the American government would “build a wall” to keep out “illegal immigrants.” It is therefore not surprising that one of his first acts in office is to sign an executive order entitled “Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements,” which outlines his plan for building a wall (among other things). The order is long — it contains seventeen distinct sections — and a lot of it is either vague, confusing, or both. This article is intended to break down what the executive order is actually saying, to help families prepare and to inform the average citizen what we can expect on this front.

Here’s what is new and clearly articulated as of today, January 25:

The administration is ordering a wall built on the border between the United States and Mexico. Yes, that’s really a thing that is apparently happening. That said, it’s still unclear what the funding streams will be, what the budget will be, or generally what the plan is for construction.

The administration is ordering new detention facilities built near said wall. Again, it’s not clear where the funding is coming from or what the budget will be, though I’ll write more on that below.

The administration is assigning asylum officers and immigration judges directly to these detention centers. The language in the order itself isn’t entirely clear, but it sounds like the order is simply installing asylum officers and judges directly in the detention centers. To my knowledge, this is new — though it’s possible to plead asylum as a defense to deportation, traditionally that’s done at the court as part of deportation proceedings, just like the proceeding itself. It sounds like they are expecting many of these cases won’t even get to the deportation proceeding stage — we’ll talk about why more below — but it would be a staggering change if I’m reading this correctly. Basically, they are aggressively minimizing how much detainees even get to set foot in the country at all.

Pre-proceeding release will no longer be a thing. The actual language of the executive order describes “the termination the practice known as catch-and-release,” which is really just a fancy way of saying “we won’t let people out before their hearings anymore.” This practice actually was originally terminated in 2006 under President George W. Bush, but much like NSEERS we’ve been walking that back under subsequent policy since 2009 or so. This is a big deal, both because it’s not especially humane and because refusing to release people puts huge amounts of strain on the detention systems, which often aren’t equipped to hold people in the numbers they are apprehended. This executive order does have a plan for that, but… you’re probably not going to like it.

Though we now have a federal hiring freeze for most government agencies, good news: The Wall is Hiring! The Secretary of Homeland Security “shall” (which is legalese for “this ain’t optional, Hoss”) hire 5,000 more border patrol agents, which the administration wants stationed “as soon as is practicable.” And they said Donald Trump wouldn’t create more jobs.

The order compels every executive department and agency to report all aid and assistance to Mexico since 2011. Folks, I honestly wish I were making this one up, but the language isn’t exactly ambiguous. Despite it not being remotely illegal to provide funds or otherwise provide aid to Mexico during President Obama’s tenure, each executive department and agency “shall” (there’s that word again) “identify and quantify” all such aid going back five years — in other words, not just what types of help everyone has given, but how much. They make sure to include language specifying that they mean “all bilateral and multilateral development aid, economic assistance, humanitarian aid, and military aid.” The first report is due to the Secretary of State within thirty days of today’s report — so by the end of February, basically. And thirty days after that, the Secretary owes a report directly to the President. Incidentally, note that all of this involves the Secretary of State, not the Secretary of Homeland Security. So, you know, that’s promising. Also, the section outlining all of this contains a grammatical error, which I note in a vain attempt to make myself feel better about the whole thing.

The Secretary of Homeland Security is now allowed to deputize any and all state and local police infrastructure of the United States as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. This is another one I dearly wish I were making up, because my concern that it might happen has been literally keeping me up at night. But again, the language is not ambiguous — “as the Secretary determines are qualified and appropriate,” police can be authorized “to perform the functions of immigration officers in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the United States under the direction and the supervision of the Secretary.” Oh, but in case you were worried about those poor ICE officers being out of a job, you needn’t be; the very next sentence clarifies that this is “in addition to, rather than in place of, Federal performance of these duties.”

This executive order is really hoping you haven’t heard of the concept of ‘sanctuary.’ It grants officers “access to all Federal lands as necessary and appropriate to implement this order” as well as authority “to perform such actions on Federal lands as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate to implement this order.” I’m not sure how this one will be implemented in cities that refuse to cooperate, but I guess we’ll find out.

They want prosecution of people detained at borders to be a high priority. I know this because they explicitly say so. There’s a section devoted to it and everything — and the petty part of my brain that wishes none of this were happening would like you to know that they use the term ‘nexus’ wrong while saying so.

There will be monthly reports on their apprehension statistics. In a “publicly available way,” though it’s unclear what exactly that means.

Here’s what the executive order might be saying, but we need more information to really know:

Detained immigrants may be sent back to the place they are fleeing — or they might not. The exact language in the executive order is “The Secretary shall take appropriate action . . . to ensure that aliens . . . are returned to the territory from which they came pending a formal removal proceeding.” It’s not clear whether that would mean “we stick you in a truck and give you a nice starlight tour of Mexico,” or it actually means people might be extradited to the country they are fleeing. As awful as the former would be, the latter would be even worse — but it’s likely the latter is the accurate interpretation, because this administration has been adamant in its denial of refugees, and the policies in this order about asylum aren’t exactly much better. Relatedly…

Asylum might be about to become impossible to obtain at the border. Some provisions of this executive order promise to “end the abuse of parole and asylum provisions currently used to prevent the lawful removal of removable aliens.” This is a confusing statement to me, in addition to being a vague one, for a variety of reasons — first of all, it’s not exactly easy to get asylum granted; though rates vary by location and by type of application, less than one-half of asylum applications are granted annually. But also, from a legal perspective, you’re not a removable alien on the basis of status anymore if you have asylum status granted; it’s literally a status that grants the right to permanent legal residence. This is like saying “we will end the abuse of self-defense doctrine currently used to prevent the lawful incarceration of people who punched someone assaulting them and then ran like hell.” At any rate, that confusion aside, it’s not really clear what abuses they are contemplating or whether they are saying asylum will stop being a defense to deportation, so we’ll need to keep watch on this front and wait to see what is going on.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status might also be about to become impossible to obtain at the border. Right now we have a status that is like asylum that specifically can only be applied to unaccompanied children — it’s called Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (or SIJ status for short). This executive order tells the Secretary of Homeland Security to “ensure that unaccompanied alien children are properly processed, receive appropriate care and placement while in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, and, when appropriate, are safely repatriated in accordance with law.” It’s not clear whether this processing means deportation, or if it means filing SIJ paperwork; I guess we’ll need to wait and see on this one also.

Here’s what the executive order dictates for the near future, which presumably will clarify some things:

Several reports or reviews. Per the executive order, there’s a report due to the President in ninety days on the general progress of all of these directives, and another one due in one hundred and eighty days. There’s nothing guaranteeing that any of us will be told anything about this, but I suspect strongly that anything that makes this administration look good will be reported upon at length.

A budget of some kind for the project. Though there’s nothing guaranteeing we’ll see this either, it is required per the order itself for the current and next fiscal year. That gives them more-or-less six months to slap something together.

And now you know everything you ever wanted to know about this executive order! And presumably several things you didn’t. At any rate, it’s going to be a rough few years, but if you are reading this, you presumably knew this already. Keep on keeping on, and take care of yourself while you do; we’ll do everything we can to keep all of this bearable.

#immigration #refugees #asylum #detainees #unpacking executive orders

6 notes · View notes