#but i want to forgive my foes

[queenlucythevaliant]

🪆would love one featuring Russian thoughts on God! ✝️

SO. I could have sworn that I've posted "Avvakum in Pustozyorsk" on this blog before, but I can't seem to find it so here it is.

(For context, this is written in the voice of a 17th century Russian Orthodox priest and religious dissident (an "Old Believer"). Avvakum was sent to the military outpost of Pustozyorsk where he was imprisoned four fourteen years, then eventually burned at the stake. It uses this historical voice to reflect on the religious persecution of the Soviet era. Also, it's fairly long, so I've highlighted my favorite stanzas.)

Avvakum in Pustozyorsk The walls of my church are the ribs round my heart; it seems life and I are soon bound to part. My cross now rises, traced with two fingers. In Pustozyorsk it blazes; its blaze will linger. I’m glorified everywhere, vilified, branded; I have already become the stuff of legend: I was, people say, full of anger and spite; I suffered, I died for the ancient rite. But this popular verdict is ugly nonsense; I hear and reject the implied censure. A rite is nothing – neither wrong nor right; a rite is a trifle in God’s sight. But they attacked our faith and the ways of the past, in all we’d learned as children, and taken to heart. In their holy garments, in their grand hats, with a cold crucifix in their cold hands, in thrall to a terror clutching their souls, they drag us to jails and herd us to scaffolds. We don’t debate doctrine, of books and their age; we don’t debate virtues of fetters and chains. Our dispute is of freedom, and the right to breathe – about our Lord’s will to bind as he please. The healers of souls chastised our bodies; while they schemed and plotted, we ran to the forests. Despite their decrees, we hurled our words out of the lion’s mouth and into the world. We called for vengeance against their sins along with the Lord; we sang poems and hymns. The words of the Lord were claps of thunder. The Church endures; it will never go under. And I, unyielding, reading the Psalter, was brought to the gates of the Andronikov Monastery. I was young; I endured every pain: hunger, beatings, interrogations. A winged angel shut the eyes of the guard, brought me cabbage soup and a hunk of bread. I crossed the threshold – and I walked free. Embracing my exile, I walked to the East. I held services by the Amur River, where I barely survived the winds and blizzards. They branded my cheeks with brands of frost; by a mountain stream they tore out my nostrils. But the path to the Lord goes from jail to jail; the path to the Lord never changes. And all too few, since Jesus’s days, have proved able to bear God’s all-seeing gaze. Nastasia, Nastasia, do not despair; true joy often wears a garment of tears. Whatever temptations may beat in your heart, whatever torments may rip you apart, walk on in peace through a thousand troubles and fear not the snake that bites at your ankles – though not from Eden has this snake crawled; it is an envoy of evil from Satan’s world. Here, birdsong is unknown; here one learns patience and the wisdom of stone. I have seen no colour except lingonberry in fourteen years spent as a prisoner. But this is not madness, nor a waking dream; it is my soul’s fortress, its will and freedom. And now they are leading me far away and in fetters; my yoke is easy, my burden grows lighter. My track is swept clean dusted with silver; I’m climbing to heaven on wings of fire. Through cold and hunger, through grief and fear, towards God, like a dove, I rise from the pyre. O far-away Russia – I give you my vow to return from the sky, forgiving my foes. May I be reviled, and burned at the stake; may my ashes be cast on the mountain wind. There is no fate sweeter, no better end, than to knock, as ash, at the human heart.

--Varlam Shalamov

#i know this is way longer than most of what i've been sharing #i thought about putting a cut somewhere but i just couldn't think where #you can't cut this. i mean right?? #so yeah. hopefully you're okay with long #i've got a whole bunch of great Russian poems about God and the church #but this is consistantly the one that hits me hardest #and it hits me a little differently each time #i have seen no color but lingonberry (blood) in 14 years #and i am preparing to die #but i want to forgive my foes #i want to go joyfully #and i want to knock as ash on the human heart. i want my life to be a witness #and i wish there was a way to tell him that it is #the bit about God's will to bind as he pleases and the linking of that with human freedom... surprisingly reformed for an Orthodox priest #idk #i adore this poem #i have a couple stanzas done in calligraphy and hanging up in my closet #so even though it's long i hope this poem was to your liking friend #russia where are you flying to? #ask me hard questions

[blog--witch]

Okay!!!!!!!!! I watched GO2!!!!!!!!! I’m once again feeling insane

#good omens #I’ve been busy but I finally watched the whole season #screaming and cheering at the end lmao mean!!!!!! I was like ok based on how everyone’s being they’re gonna be separated at the end #and Christine and I were like ok is aziraphale gonna be offered a job. and is he gonna take it. 🤨 #but I did NOT think there was also gonna be a whole ass Crowley confessing his feelings scene where he Kissed Him On The Mouth #they’re insane for this #Christine: well we are in a post-ofmd world. me: I forgot about that. I’m still trapped in spn mindset hell #what do u mean the two pale coconuts actually jumped together on screen #*bumped #anyways. I get it guys #also tho I’m so excited lol are they gonna be nemeses next season???????? that’s my dream!!! I always want to see friends etc that then #become foes bc of Circumstances #but also tell me aziraphale wasn’t already like Oh I Fucked Up by the end of the ep #how long until he tries to go back to Crowley and this time I think he’ll actually have to do any amt of work to earn Crowleys forgiveness #which he rly has never had to do before lol #but that man Fucked Up “I forgive you shut up!!!!! 😭 #also the blatant amount of dr who references. yeah I remember he’s the doctor thank you for reminding me!!!!!! #I saw a tiktok that was like all my teenage girls in their 20s rn are like BARK BARK BARK WOOF MEOW about David Tennant rn and it’s soo true #The Eternal Tumblr Sexyman #ANYWAYS AGAIN #I’m just dispensing all my thoughts here bc I don’t have time to scroll through a tag and feel insane and I don’t need to barf all these #onto someone else’s post #so here we are #I need to find something else to think about today bc every time I remember crowleys face as he was trying to eek out an I Love You I feel #physically nauseous #what am I supposed to do after that! #sorry to anyone who read all these tags I didn’t mean to

[dizzybevvie]

Feel free to ignore this!!! this is kinda like public journalling?? i dont wanna keep talking to my friends about it <3

#So obviously i dont want to “make this about myself” but im gonna push that aside to examine my own thoughts foe a bit #obviously 6 hours isnt a good time scale but i want to get this out of the way #so ive journaled some thoughts about how I WANT to let myself feel discomfort #-and gross and stuff so I can release it instead of pushing it aside and just prolonging the feeling #I want my brain to know i forgive myself for feeling like this in spite of not being the injured person because its normal #I am not worried for the guy that got hit because I know that other than a broken leg he is all around okay #although i did find out that my age estimate of 13-14 was wrong and hes actually 11 or 12 #i feel bad for him obviously !!! #but this is for me to get out my own feelings #I am easily disturbed and his leg was VERY broken #ive not broken a bone before (or really been injured at all) and it made me very uncomfortable #I felt sick and/or like i was going to cry #I called my mum but she had to go in a rush because of Plans (totally fair!!!!) #The noise of the hit was insanely loud and definitely whats twisting me up the most #since i wasnt looking i dont know if it was just him getting hit OR if it was also the bone snapping #although the bone snap could 100% be something my mind made up #i think thats psrtly whats frustrating idk how much of this is real #like I thought i saw the inside of his leg but i almost definitely didnt #i dont know #im not like. DISTRESSED. #Im just feelinf kinda queasy i havent stopped thinking about the noise it made and how LIMP his leg was #I was so anxious crossing the roads on my way home #and getting off my bunkbed makes me think im gonna snap my ankle everytime #But its natural to feel that yknow?? like ill move forward and after that ill be able to move on too #I think feeling it is the easiest way to do this i dont want to push it down #i cant ask for a day off for reasons #oversharing on main #beverly says stuff #tw bones #tw car accident

[chrimsss]

To Comfort a Magician

Pariring: Lyney x GN! Reader

Warnings: SPOILERS for the Archon Quest 4.0, Hurt/Comfort(? More comfort than anything), Panic Attacks (I believe), OOC Lyney (I can't write a character without they being OOC-), Reader is implied of having an Anemo Vision.

Synopsis: After the trial, it was hard keeping his playful persona. But, he didn't want to show it to anyone, he had to be strong, even not for his sister and siblings, for himself.

But, there was a person he couldn't hide it from, not even with his best acting.

Notes: After the Archon Quest and Lyney's Story Quest, I thought about this and I couldn't get it out my system :)) Might have a lot of grammar mistakes, and I apologize. This was also really rushed.

Breath in. Breath out.

These words were echoing in his mind as he slowly exited the Opera Epiclese, his twin walking right beside him. His smile ever present on his face as he just looks forward.

Breath. In. Breath. Out.

Lyney found himself in front of the Fountain of Lucine, the sound of water appearing louder, almost painful in his ears. Lynette walks a bit closer to him, standing right beside him as she also stares at the fountain.

"Do you think The Traveler is going to forgive us?" The voice of his twin caught his attention, making him look at her. Despite how emotionless she appeared physically, he could tell she was stressed as well. He put a hand over he shoulder, squeezing it gently, "Only time can tell." His answer was simply, but it hid his own stress.

Lynette nodded at the answer, returning her walk towards the stattion, but her brother stayed still in front of the Operar, his mind zooming in and out, just like his breathing

Breath. In. Breath. Out.

B r e a t h.

"I'll stay for a bit. There is some things I want to do before returning home." Lyney says, not giving his sister a space to talk as he quickly walked away from there, towards the Amphitheater. Lynette looked at him worriedly but just nodded, returning her walk to the station.

The magician found himself sitting on the seats at the amphitheater, watching as Coppelia and Coppelius glided gracefully through the performance area. But he couldn't focus on the two automatons dancing, he could only think a out how fast his heart was beating.

Putting both his hands over his ears, he curled on himself, the sensation of his trembling body, the sweat descending on his forehead, the loud thumping of his heart. Everything was Painful.

Breath In. Breath Out. Breath In. Breath Out. Breath In. Breath Out.

The magician kept repeating to himself as he felt his breath get more and more uneven. Small tears appearing on the corner of his eyes while he looked down at his feet.

A sudden gust of wind surprised him, but it was also comforting, as if the air was entering his lungs just as much as he needed. He took a deep breath in, letting shaky breath out as he closes his eyes, trying to focus on his breathing slowly.

As he finally started to calm down, he noticed a soft and silent humming right beside him. Someone was there with him. Frantic thoughts appeared on his mind, 'For how long was this person there?', 'Were they a friend or a foe?'. Slowly moving his head up, Lyney recognized the person sitting with him. Bright (E/C) staring at the two automatons, appreciating their dancing, the cyan vision on them swinging gently, moving alongside the wind they brought.

"(Y/N)..." He whispers, voice so gentle, the contrary of his normal cheerful voice. (Y/N) looked at him, a small smile appearing as they stare at his purple eyes. "Relax a bit more." They say gently, a hand resting on his own. "Just enjoy the show." Then, they turned to look at the two automatons once again, continuing their humming.

The couple continued sitting in silence, as Lyney managed to calm himself even slightly, but he still couldn't focus, he was still nervous about the person beside him. "Did you watch the Trial?" He asks, in midst of the silent night.

(Y/N) simply nodded in response, their eyes moving back at the magician. "Feeling more relaxed?" They asked, to which Lyney just nodded. Removing their hand from Lyney's, they watched the magician carefully.

"I'm Sorry." Lyney whispers, voice laced with regret. (Y/N) hummed a bit before asking, "And why is it that you are apologizing?"

"For not telling you, we are fatuus." The answer was direct, but Lyney couldn't help but feel scared.

(Y/N) simply looked ahead, their eyes going back to the two automatons as they kept silence for some minutes.

"Do you act as Fatuus?"

"Hum? I- No... I don't think so."

"So, you have nothing to apologize."

This made the magician calm down, but his purples eyes widened in surprise. Were they for real? They... Don't blame him?

He kept thinking to himself, in shock, not feeling someone removing his top hat until a hand reached his hair, caressing it gently.

"Your... 'status' as a Fatui is merely a name. You have no real connection with them, it was just an unfortunate timing. As well, everyone is entitled to their secrets..." They explained with a soft smile, caressing his ashy blond hair.

The Pyro-user kept quiet, processing the words before letting out a sigh and resting his head on (Y/N)'s shoulder. The relief making him cry again, knowing they didn’t see him as a bad person. Putting both his arms around their waist as he pulled them closer.

(Y/N) moved their hands around his shoulders, squeezing him a bit in the comforting hug while still petting his hair.

They kept like that, just enjoying each others company, comfort and warmth in the silent night of Fontaine.

#genshin #genshin impact #genshin lyney #lyney #lyney x reader #lyney x you #lyney x y/n #lyney imagines #my writing #after the archon quest i just wanted to hug him :))

[bedoballoons]

hii !! i was wondering if you could do a request for me. so xiao's really stressed and reader character: xiao scenario: calls him multiple times but he doesnt come, so when he actually comes, he complains and makes the reader cry and leave him. genre: angst (if you can, can you add fluff in the end where xiao apologizes? its fine if you dont !!) i was craving for some angst and at the end some fluff because i need more fluff i swear im going insane because of angst its fine if you dont do this, but if you do, i would really appreciate it !!

Of course I can write a request for you!! I won't lie though...I thought this was a smut request at first 😭 forgive my dirty mind. Anyway, thank you for your request and I hope you enjoy!

─⊰⁠⊹ฺ❄️𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕟𝕤⊰⁠⊹ฺ❄️

Xiao X Reader

{༻~You didn't show up...~༺}

CW: GN! Reader! Angst to fluff, some yelling and a worried reader, apologies at the end!

𑁍༄Xiao:

You sighed anxiously, looking at the clock...you'd already called three times and Xiao was still no where to be seen. You knew he was probably busy, but he'd always said he'd answer your call...just say his name and he'd appear...so why wasn't he? You tried not to think the worst...but considering he was the last remaining Yaksha, the rest all dying in such horrible ways...it wasn't hard to start worrying about him.

What if his karmic debt had caught up to him? What if he'd met a foe even he couldn't beat? What if he'd been injured badly...and couldn't make it to you?

You bit your lip, feeling your heart start to race with fear, what would you even do? Go to Zhongli? The other adeptus?? Panick began to set in, his name slipping from your lips over and over, "Xiaooo! Xiao!" He had to answer, if he didn't you'd have to go find someone and ask for help...that was the plan, "Xia-"

You paused mid sentence as he suddenly appeared in front of you, the soft teal glow of his powers fading away to reveal that he was okay and in truth, it was like seeing a angel, relief washing over you in waves. "Oh my gosh, there you are I was so worried, I thought youd-"

"Enough. Stop calling me, you aren't in danger, there's no one attacking you and I'm tired of hearing your insistent voice in my head. I'm trying to protect Liyue as I'm supposed to, accomplish what I must everyday and I don't need you bothering me while I do so." He shot you a glare...and watched as the emotions painted on your features went dark, your relieved smile wiped away. He knew it was harsh, he knew what he said was wrong...he loved your voice, he loved knowing he had someone at home...hoping he was okay...worrying about him. Hed, just gotten a little too stressed.

"I-im sorry...I was worried something had happened to you...I'm sorry." You felt your chest getting tighter as you tried to hold back your tears, but they fell anyway...rolling down your cheeks as Xiao watched you...guilt already bubbling in his stomach. "Wait...I didn't mean to-"

You stepped away from him, wishing you hadn't been such a nuisance...and before you knew it, you were running, out the door...across the fields. Running until you felt tired...and alone enough to cry in peace, or so you thought. Somehow you'd forgotten he could simply appear next to you, you could run as far as you'd like and he'd be there in seconds...even when you didn't want him to.

"Xiao, I'm sor-"

"Don't apologize when you have nothing to apologize for. You were just worried and I overreacted...I should never have raised my voice at you, talked to you the way that I did. I'm sorry. It will never happen again."

ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ♡‧₊˚~Have a nice day!~*⁠.⁠✧

#genshin impact #genshin headcanons #genshin #genshin fanfic #genshin x reader #genshin x you #xiao angst #xiao x reader #xiao fanfic #xiao headcanons #xiao hcs

[edenmemes]

asoiaf: a feast for crows starters

❝ i’m sorry that i never trusted you. i don’t know how to do that any more. ❞ ❝ you make it difficult for a man to swallow his anger. ❞ ❝ history is a wheel, for the nature of man is fundamentally unchanging. what has happened before will perforce happen again. ❞ ❝ the worst isn't done. the worst is just beginning, and there are no happy endings. ❞ ❝ words are like arrows. once loosed, you cannot call them back. ❞ ❝ you are a lioness, and it is for all the lesser beasts to fear you. ❞ ❝ anger is better than tears, better than grief, better than guilt. ❞ ❝ kind? how boring that would be. i aspire to be wicked. ❞ ❝ sometimes there is no happy choice, only one less grievous than the others. ❞ ❝ when i make a jest i smile. do you see me smiling? do you hear laughter? ❞ ❝ beauty can sometimes mask deadly danger. ❞ ❝ i know what a burden you bear. you should let me share the load. ❞ ❝ you would be wise to not take me lightly...and wiser still not to make of me a foe. ❞ ❝ i need to sleep, but fear to dream. ❞ ❝ i do not doubt that kindness and mercy and forgiveness can still be found somewhere in this kingdom, but do not look for them here. ❞ ❝ no fight is hopeless till it has been fought. ❞ ❝ open your eyes and look about you. the kingdom is in ruins. ❞ ❝ my hand is hungry for a sword. i need to kill someone. ❞ ❝ it does no good to speak of roads not taken. ❞ ❝ i begin to think that all your words of love were lies. ❞ ❝ i pray that i never offend you. you are terrible when roused. ❞ ❝ a sweet face oft hides a sinner’s heart. ❞ ❝ when i am with you, i...i can scarcely think. you are all i ever dreamt of. ❞ ❝ i used to be someone, but now i’m not. ❞ ❝ suffering is everywhere...and grief and death. ❞ ❝ you ought to be pleading for my forgiveness rather than seeking to provoke me further. ❞ ❝ i have been here the whole time, waiting for you to come to me. ❞ ❝ no one who wears a crown is ever safe. ❞ ❝ i have touched more men that i can count. some with my lips, more with my axe. ❞ ❝ i love you too, but you’re a fool. a beautiful golden fool. ❞ ❝ i have been despised by better men than you. ❞ ❝ i never wanted to see half the things i've seen, and i've never seen half the things i wanted to. ❞ ❝ that man is as useless as nipples on a breastplate. ❞ ❝ sometimes there is no happy choice. only one less grievous than the others. ❞ ❝ most have been forgotten. most deserve to be forgotten. ❞ ❝ heroes will always be remembered. the best. the best and the worst. and a few who were a bit of both. ❞ ❝ we all dream of things we cannot have. ❞ ❝ i do not know who we are, if truth be told, nor where we might be going. i only know the road is dark. ❞ ❝ you lie. worse, you lie poorly. ❞ ❝ do you even know what honor is? ❞ ❝ this is not real. this is another bad dream, and soon i’ll wake. ❞ ❝ the rain feels good against my face. it feels like tears. ❞ ❝ i need you as i have never needed you before. ❞ ❝ there is no shame in being afraid, only in showing your fear. ❞ ❝ it is a good thing that i thrive on chaos. ❞ ❝ the times grow ever more interesting, and when the times are interesting you can never have too many swords. ❞ ❝ curses are only in songs and stories. ❞ ❝ you will forgive me if i am suspicious, but the times are troubled. ❞ ❝ fear cuts deeper than swords. ❞ ❝ be grateful that i have more honor than some. ❞ ❝ you do turn a pretty shade of pink when you blush. ❞ ❝ you would do well to ride with me. the roads are perilous. ❞ ❝ some doors are best left closed. ❞ ❝ it does no good to speak of things no man can change. ❞ ❝ why won’t they leave us be? we never did them any harm. ❞ ❝ i cannot die yet. there is something i still need to do. ❞ ❝ it’s time you told me the rest of your plan, don’t you think? ❞ ❝ every man should lose a battle in his youth, so he does not lose a war when he is old. ❞ ❝ words are wind. they cannot hurt you. let them wash over you. ❞ ❝ you are not the only one with wounds. ❞ ❝ when the cold wind blows the lone wolf dies and the pack survives. ❞ ❝ i will teach them what it means to put a lion in a cage. ❞ ❝ better to mock the game than to play and lose. ❞ ❝ knowledge is a weapon. ❞ ❝ you know me. if you want sweet words, look elsewhere. ❞ ❝ you reckless fool. what do you think you’re doing? ❞ ❝ you’ll be safe here. no one will know where you are but me. ❞ ❝ sorcery comes at a cost. ❞ ❝ i have never taken kindly to chastisement, as any number of dead men could tell you. ❞ ❝ so you’re brave as well as beautiful. ❞ ❝ this will cause more trouble than you know, i fear. ❞ ❝ will you throw your life away for pride? ❞ ❝ the crows will feast upon us all if you go on this way. ❞ ❝ our time together is at an end, i fear. ❞ ❝ spare me your japes, i have no taste for them. ❞ ❝ war makes monsters of us all. ❞ ❝ you cannot eat love, nor buy a horse with it, nor warm your halls on a cold night. ❞ ❝ i have a hole where my heart should be. ❞ ❝ i thank you, but i have no need of your protection. ❞ ❝ trust is earned. like gold. ❞ ❝ a lie is not so bad if it is kindly meant. ❞ ❝ far be it from me to question the word of such an honorable person. ❞ ❝ i will bring the head of any man who would betray you. ❞ ❝ noble words, but words are easy. deeds are hard. ❞ ❝ my father is very good at doing nothing. he calls it thinking. ❞ ❝ if you do not go, i will spend the rest of my life wondering what might have happened if i had. ❞ ❝ the sea is never weary. i must be as tireless. ❞ ❝ it’s strength that’s needed here, not chivalry. ❞ ❝ i did not come to you for comfort. ❞ ❝ you see the wonders that can be worked with lies and gold? ❞ ❝ an age of wonder and terror will soon be upon us, an age for gods and heroes. ❞ ❝ a ruler gets no rest. ❞ ❝ if you share your plans with no one, no one can betray you. ❞ ❝ i have a confession. ours was no chance encounter. ❞ ❝ you have your mother’s eyes. honest eyes, and innocent. ❞ ❝ am i still a thief if i put it back and no one ever knows? ❞ ❝ i am weak and full of sin, and scorn is more than i deserve. ❞ ❝ when have i provoked any man...unduly? ❞ ❝ i have never met a man i didn’t provoke, you should know that well enough by now. ❞ ❝ that’s a cold suspicious look if i ever saw one. ❞ ❝ you’ve faced more things this past year than most men face in a lifetime. ❞ ❝ there is a difference between fear and caution. ❞ ❝ it is my look they will flinch from, my frown they must fear. ❞ ❝ you have been disappointing me for years. ❞ ❝ why? tell me that. tell me why. ❞ ❝ i am surrounded by enemies and imbeciles. ❞ ❝ go back. turn away. there is nothing here for you. ❞ ❝ you would do well to omit ‘must’ from any speech directed at me. ❞ ❝ a bad dream. did i scream? i’m sorry. ❞ ❝ i will not be afraid. i will not let them see my fear. ❞ ❝ you will never know how sick it makes me to see you. you will never know how much i despise you. ❞ ❝ i have seen terrible things in my time. ❞ ❝ only a fool makes threats he’s not prepared to carry out. ❞ ❝ stay with me. i do not want to sleep alone. ❞ ❝ sometimes it is best to study a game before you attempt to play it. ❞ ❝ why, do what you always do. do nothing. ❞ ❝ no man ever truly knows what he can do unless he dares to leap. ❞ ❝ what you meant does not matter. only what you did. ❞ ❝ is there any more that you would care to tell me? ❞ ❝ i can’t command you to be brave, but i can command you to hide your fears. ❞ ❝ tell me something useful. tell me of our enemy. ❞ ❝ go away. you are not welcome here. ❞ ❝ these are such fearful times. some nights i can hardly sleep, for fear. ❞ ❝ some wounds do not show. ❞ ❝ i have never looked upon you as a rival, even for a moment. ❞ ❝ go home. you have a home, which is more than many can say in these dark days. ❞ ❝ play me for a fool, and you will die screaming. you are aware of that, i trust? ❞ ❝ you must be more dangerous than you look. ❞ ❝ tell me. i want to know all of it, from the beginning to the end. ❞ ❝ i see you are as lovely as the tales. ❞ ❝ your hands are shaking. they would rather be caressing me, i think. ❞ ❝ dry those tears. have you ever seen a lion weep? ❞ ❝ come! come kill me, if you can. ❞ ❝ i never knew what love could be, yet now...i am afraid. ❞ ❝ the enemy of my enemy is my friend. ❞ ❝ young men are overbold, and think only of the glory of battle and never of its dangers. ❞ ❝ you are weary and sick of heart, that’s plain to see. ❞ ❝ some doors are best left closed. ❞ ❝ the world is full of horrors. you can fight them, or laugh at them, or look without seeing. ❞ ❝ i was wondering. are you drunk, or merely stupid? ❞ ❝ does it hurt so much? is there aught i can do to ease your pain? ❞ ❝ what i want is none of your concern. ❞ ❝ this must end, for your sake as well as mine. ❞ ❝ glory is good, but gold is better. ❞ ❝ please tell me who you are, and why you’re following me. ❞ ❝ many a man will drown in those eyes. ❞ ❝ the best lies have some truth in them...to give them flavor, as it were. ❞ ❝ what are you looking for? your destiny? your death? ❞ ❝ love can make a fool of any man. ❞ ❝ may i stay a while? i feel that we should talk. ❞ ❝ is that a beard, or did you forget to wash the dirt off your face? ❞ ❝ i’ll hear the truth, or you’ll wear chains. ❞ ❝ if you love me, do not leave me. ❞ ❝ only madmen fight wars they cannot win. ❞ ❝ you have a strange look in your eyes. are you unwell? ❞ ❝ last night, i had a dreadful dream. ❞ ❝ you have to help me. where am i to go? what will i do? ❞ ❝ i warn you, i am out of patience. ❞

#roleplay meme #roleplay starters #rp meme #rp starters

[sunnycanvas]

Balwin and his wife honeymoon

You sighed as you walked after the wedding. It had been tiring. Greeting all the high ranking guest of came to visit from far and nobles of the kingdom. You could already tell some saw you as friend while some saw you as foe to reach their ambition. It was tiring to smile and entertain your guests. All you wanted was go back to your beloved. You could tell that even Baldwin IV also felt the same.

Now you finally reached your bedroom with priest and nobles wishing you goodnight on your way to room. You swore you heard some maid giggling and some women gossiping about you and Baldwin IV. "Doesn't matter, they are not worth thinking over" you thought. "At last at your bedroom" you thought smiling locking your bedroom

You finally sat on your bed and looked at your room. You thought about Baldwin IV and how happy he looked in altar. You could see he was in brink of tears he was so happy. You looked around your room and saw no sight of him

"It seems like he is already greeting the guest. Your cheeks flushed as you remembered the next part of ceremony. You closed your eyes and thought of his leprosy infected body. You always found his body hot despite his scares. Actually you found his body hotter with scars. You sighed and thought of his nude body when you accidentally saw when he was bathing. You moaned at the thought of him fucking you hard. Of him taking out his frustration of war on you and you like obedient wife sucking his cock whenever he arrived from war or maybe Baldwin IV taking you to war with him and making you serve as his sex slave. You would cook, clean and pleasure him. After all a good virtuous wife doesn't disobey her husband.

"My, love?"

You jumped when you heard the voice and noticed Baldwin iv already in the bedroom. "How long have you been here" you questioned. Baldwin IV chuckled at your reaction and said "For a very long time".

"I swore that I locked the door" I locked the door you questioned confused. He nervously replied "I was in bathroom" . You could tell Baldwin IV was nervous about the next part of ceremony as well.What you failed to notice that despite his nervousness Baldwin IV took wanted to fuck you hard like rabbits in heat but he was afraid that he might get you infected with leprosy.

Baldwin IV sat down next to you on bed and nervously said his deepest desires

"I want you to do something for me"

He gulped and continue "I want you to play with yourself"

You looked at him confused and he looked down embarassed and said "Masturbate , for me"

You were confused but also knew that Baldwin IV was virgin and afraid to transfer his disease that was the reason of put you at distance many times but you could tell despite everything Baldwin IV really wanted to fuck you and was feeling nervous about it for personal reasons.

You started stripping while dancing a bit by swaying your hips to tease him. You could see Baldwin IV blushing furiously at your private strip show. You soon sat on bed spread your leg and began playing with your folds. You started remembering the blessing of seeing his nude body while he was bathing and had the audacity to feel jealous of water that flowed down his body. You close your eyes in bliss and played with your folds as well as nipples thinking of Baldwin IV hands instead of your own

Baldwin IV felt flattered by your little game of seduction showing you didn't care what he looked like, when Baldwin IV saw you close your eyes he felt bold enough to play with his cock

He loved enjoy your private strip show and loved hearing you moaning his name . He couldn't hold back anymore and took out his cock and started rubbing himself as he closed his eyes in bliss not noticing that you stopped. He kept on moaning until he felt something warm on his dick. You were grinding on his cock. "My lord, please forgive me but I can't help myself" "I really wanted to do this for so long" "Ever since I saw you bath"

"What are you talking abou-Ah! You started to ride again. Attempting to finally get off the heat you felt in your pussy.

"Stop" he commanded

You looked at him shocked. "You sure a good virtuous wife and queen our Kingdom needs who is peeks at her husband and tries to dominate him on bed"

You felt like crying, not wanting to accept you were a bad, disobedient wife and queen of the kingdom. That was unacceptable in laws of religion.

"I hate the thought of submitting to someone, especially to my wife"

"On your knees"

Not wanting anger your lover you did what he told you

"Lower"

You bent down even lower

"You (Y/N) will give me a kiss of peace on my cock"

He felt you pull down his pants and take out his cock.Soon cold, round and wet was on his cock. Baldwin IV was suprised not expecting you to immediately do as he commanded and sucking him. "(Y/N) Ah!" He moaned and started thrusting his hips inside your mouth "My love don't feel insecure, I love you the way you are. We can stop if you want". He tightly gripped your hair making it hurt but you quietly took it all "But unfortunately I don't want you to stop". His leprous dick was veiny, large and thick. You loved how squishy it felt. It was like you were sucking dessert. He finally cummed inside you and you swallowed his cum. It tasted bitter sweet.

Baldwin IV felt like animal instincts took over him and he commanded "Get on the bed". You did as you were told and quickly went on the bed.

Baldwin IV all of sudden felt shy seeing your nude body and looked away shyly. You chuckled at his behaviour knowing that the king never felt the warmth of a woman. He slowly crept towards the bed and gently pushed you down. With his trembling hands he slowly bend down his hand towards your chest. Once his hand reached your chest he started playing with your boobs. Rubbing and squeezing them. He sighed in bliss and began kissing your neck

You moaned and later winced in pain when you felt him sucking hard. You realised that Baldwin IV was leaving a hickey.

"I saw the way men were looking at you, they need to realise that you belong to me". Baldwin IV replied angrily

While you giggled at his possessive nature while bearing the pain. Baldwin IV ensrued he left hickies all over your neck. He soon started leaving it on your chest. He soon reached your nipple and started sucking on it. While his other hand played with your other boob, rubbing and squeezing it. He soon reached your belly and started leaving butterfly kisses especially towards your naval region. Baldwin IV bend down near your fold blowed air on it with his mouth. You arched your back in pleasure. You felt embarassed by his actions and tried closing your legs but he forcefully streched them apart.

"You are so beautiful. I love the colour of your vagina it's so pretty" as he says this he leans forward and kisses the nub inside vagina. He could see your a single drop of your cum coming out of vagina and about to reach the bed sheet. Before it could reach Baldwin IV pulls out his tongue and takes single lick of it. He stops and closes his eyes in bliss savouring your taste

"I love how soft your flower is" with his fingers reaching down and playing with your folds. Your legs desperately try to form more friction by his fingers by arching your back. Baldwin IV smiled at your desperation and sucks his fingers covered in your cum

"And how sweet your nectar is" "Here you too taste it". He dipped his fingers in your vagina again and forcefully put his fingers inside your mouth forcing your to taste yourself

"Suck my fingers, like a whore you are" you ended up doing as he said wanting to prove him that you will be good virtuous wife and queen for the kingdom of Jerusalem.

Baldwin IV forgot all about his shyness and became rough. He bent down and started sucking your vagina. He started eating you out. Licking , kissing and sucking so hard that you felt that it was his last supper on earth for which he was grateful for, he sucked, nibbled and kissed your nub do hard that it got swollen. He later went your tummy and started using his teeth bitting you on your stomach. He made long bite marks on your stomach by moving up and down

"Jerusalem will need an heir which we have to give " as he said this he went back to kissing and biting your nipples by switching turns "Soon they will be filled with milk to feed the baby" he said this while simultaneously angled your his cock near your vagina and thrusting inside you. You arched you body in pain as his enamours dick split you into half that blood slowly came out. You could tell now that Baldwin IV had forgotten all about his leprosy and making love to you like any ordinary man. Your hole in pussy happily welcome his love in exchange of blood. You cried in slight pain and Baldwin IV kissed all over your face as apology

"Move" you whispered

Baldwin IV slowed moved savouring the feeling of your folds. "You are so tight" he whimpered. "A perfect pussy to get impregnated". He started pounding inside you hard with his cock constantly savouring tightness of your hole.The pain turned to pleasure and you enjoyed his cock in bliss. You soon felt him cumming inside you. He cummed so much that you could feel that some of his cum falling in bed sheet. Baldwin IV took out the cum that had fallen out and put it inside you pussy. You winced a bit at a bit overstimulation. "We need to ensure that none of my cum is wasted" "The more you get it inside you the better will it be" you felt tired and wanted to sleep until you heard "Ready for round 2?" You sighed knowing you won't be getting any rest

#baldwin iv #baldwin iv imagine #baldwin iv x reader #kingdom of heaven #kingdom of heaven 2005 #kingdom of heaven fanfic #kingdom of heaven fanfiction #kingdom of heaven fandom #kingdom of heaven headcanons #king baldwin iv

[zetadraconis11]

about your last post. I think Ominis would have a fit if he knew how many animal's MC he has. Natty would probably be wondering where MC got the time. and poppy would definitely be happy/mad because there were so many animals and the MC didn't say anything straight away. For the other deserts, I don't think so. seb sees dragon.

I really do headcanon Ominis to just worry for people. "I have to look after you because Merlin knows you're not looking after yourself!" Kind of thing, lol. And MC, well, MC gives Ominis PLENTY to worry about, lol

*in the vivarium*

Ominis: Let me get this straight...You have a Graphorn at your disposal, as well as Hippogriffs and Thestrels and Kneazles?

MC: Don't forget the Diricawls, Mooncalves, Jobberknolls, Fwoopers, Giant Purple Toads, Nifflers, Unicorns and...Puffskeins.

Amit: I-is that an actual Phoenix? It's so beautiful!

MC: Oh yeah! Deek wanted me to keep him safe, so I went through another cave, dealt with unsavory foes, and found him!

Natty: I...how do you find the time to save all these creatures?

MC: I made it work! I will say, this is MUCH better spent time in helping creatures than having to do some ridiculous Merlin Trial.

Poppy: I can't believe you saved all these creatures, and you didn't tell me!

MC: I'm sorry! I meant to, but things got...busy. I made sure Highwing was specially taken care of, though, while I was away.

Poppy: Well...thank you. I suppose I can forgive you.

MC: It's a shame I couldn't tame some mongrels, though. Not for lack of trying either.

Ominis, pinching the bridge of his nose: Why am I even surprised at this point?

Sebastian: MC, I think you're making poor Ominis grow more gray hairs.

Ominis: I just cannot believe how much you've done in ONE YEAR.

MC: I'm just glad I was able to get it all done IN a year! Sure, I forgot to sleep every now and then, but I was able to bounce back for the most part! I think I can still smell color from my lack of sleep, though...

The group:

Garreth: ...so would this be a bad time to ask for permission to gather resources or...?

#garreth can get all the fwooper feathers he wants now lol #mc raises ominis's blood pressure #mc had too much on their plate #it would be a miracle if they didn't become psycho #hogwarts mc #sebastian sallow #garreth weasley #ominis gaunt #poppy sweeting #natsai onai #amit thakkar #hogwarts legacy incorrect quotes #hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy headcanons

[raayllum]

You think I've done awful things, and I have. But I'm not evil. It's me. You know me. I'm still the same person.

I actually think these lines / scene from Claudia is one of her most interesting in the entire show, so let's talk about it, beat by beat.

You think I've done some awful things, and I have.

This line, along with others from Viren (his "I had to" is another form of justification, and what's to justify if you done nothing 'wrong' or nothing to be blamed for?), i.e. "In the name of love, you will perform acts so unforgivable, you will never forgive yourself" as well as Claudia's explanation in 4x01 ("I had to do things... I never imagined I would be able to do" with tears in her eyes) and Terry's assertion ("I've seen you do a lot of awful things, dark magic things") is like... while Claudia still doesn't see the error, I'm willing to bet, with the bulk of her actions (elves and dragons are still clearly not wholly people to her), she's still done things that she considers awful. Things that crossed her previous moral lines, beginning, I'd bet, with the deer in 2x09, and that which only escalated from there.

Claudia still thinks she's a good person (which we will get to in a second, believe me) but she doesn't think she's squeaky clean. She knows, just as Viren knows (and just as Callum knows/believes) that she's done genuinely awful, terrible things.

A character feeling bad about doing something, or a character recognizing that something they've done is terrible ("It's horrific, Viren" "We have no other choice"), is not a get off scot free card in this show, and it never has been. Not for Claudia, and not for anyone else.

While Claudia has been manipulated by Aaravos, everything she's done is of her free will, and without lying to herself about the exact nature of them (even if there's still plenty she's in denial of like the plague, but I digress).

Claudia is like 5 different cognitive dissonances in a trenchcoat, but she's not stupid, either.

But I'm not evil. It's me.

This to me shows the mask slipping the post, because if there wasn't even a hint of possibility at being evil, you would feel no need to declare otherwise. I forget where I've said this before but Claudia cares (esp in arc 1, less so in arc 2 but it's not nonexistent) about being a good person. It's kinda like how Viren doesn't really care if he's good or not, but he wants to be important (matter). Bonus points for Claudia's hypocrisy/shields being worn down over time ("She kidnapped you and Prince Ezran, how can she be good?" -> attempting to do the exact same thing an episode later). She's cracking, but desperately trying to convince them (for mostly manipulation reasons) and herself (genuinely) that she's not, that instead...

You know me. I'm still the same person. I am.

TDP has always been very interested in identity, most notably for characters like Callum, Rayla, and Soren in arc 1, but it's fun to see it be expanded and interrogated further by looping Claudia in during arc 2. S5 and arc 2 places a lot of emphasis in particular on the idea of knowing yourself ("That's not my name. I am Elmer") or knowing others ("She's not the elf, she's Rayla") / preserving your sense of self in the face of change or hard circumstances ("But violence tests us" "Callum, you're the 'destiny is a book you write yourself' guy").

Claudia highlights this twofold. She asks the boys to know her, despite how much time and bad blood has gone by. She appeals to the many years of friendship they had in contrast to their few months turned years of being foes. It's barking up the wrong tree (Callum's Spellbook asserts that even as of s2/s3, "I feel like I don't know who she is anymore" on his end) but I am actually inclined to believe her.

This may be a misread, simply because from S1 but especially S2 onwards I always figured Claudia would end up precisely where she is now, so I don't know if it's the consistency influencing my judgement call possibly clouding more intense changes (she refused to use Harrow against the boys in 2x02, to a degree) but... I don't think almost anything Claudia does in S5 is something she wouldn't have done the bulk of in S1, other than threatening the boys, and she's done that multiple times by the time the end of S2 and S3 rolls around, most notably towards Ezran.

She's still the same person, but her circumstances and therefore her responses have gotten steadily, consistently worse. But this has always lived inside her. She's the same person (but worse), they know her and see her more clearly than they ever did before, and both of those things are precisely the problem.

#tdp claudia #dragons liveblogs #5x09 #analysis series #eye motif #the dragon prince #tdp #tag ramble #reminds me of callum's assertion that 'not everything's changed' i.e. he's still as devoted to rayla as he always has been #since arguably 2x03 but i could argue for earlier #or even rayla and ezran and soren of like #by and large in arc 2 they are the same ppl they used ot be #but things are getting worse. so most of them are getting worse. and i think that's really interesting #negative character development/circumstance my beloved #altho rayla is getting better. For Now #one day i'll write a thing just about the claudia + viren eye motif properly

[glitchy-anime-fan]

This might be just me, maybe I’m missing something, but I feel like some people who criticise EPIC!Odysseus for killing an infant but drawing the line at sleeping with Circe might not be taking into consideration how literally every event Odysseus has face since Troy has affected him as a person and how much guilt he’s continually facing.

To preface; THIS IS NOT ME HATING ON OTHER FANS!! I’m not trying to bully anyone or make fun of anyone, this is just something that has been in my head and I need to rant about it. This also only pertains to EPIC’s depiction of Odysseus, not any other interpretation of the character/story!

[minor grammatical edits made on 2/25/2024)

I saw a discussion on here the other day where the parties involved were talking about the changes made between the original Homeric story and EPIC. One of the main points of contention that I remember was how one of them said it rubbed them the wrong way that Odysseus was fine with killing an infant but didn’t want to sleep with Circe. I can totally understand why this may be an odd choice of morality to make, however, we have to keep in mind that the Odysseus from the Troy Saga is VERY different than the Odysseus in the Circe saga. Troy Saga Odysseus appears to be far more confident in himself and his plans; one could even argue that he’s a bit cocky. As stated by Odysseus in the ocean saga, NONE of his own men died in the battle which would add to Odysseus’ confidence and pride. This is vastly different than the grief stricken Odysseus later in the story, but more on that later.

Now the infant scene in question doesn’t necessarily set in stone Odysseus’ moral/ethical code; one could say the situation itself is an ethical dilemma (a problem with no one right answer). Odysseus is told by Zeus, king of the gods, that if he doesn’t kill Hector’s baby than Odysseus’ entire family (perhaps even kingdom) is in grave danger. However, Odysseus doesn’t make a decision right away, I’m mean the entire second song of the saga is Odysseus mulling over his options; kill an infant or risk his families safety. Neither option is preferable and I think “Just a Man” is meant to show that Odysseus isn’t a man who would readily kill a child, no questions asked, just because he was told to. In “The Infant and the Horse” Odysseus is ready to comply until he discovers that the “foe” he’s meant to kill is an infant. I mean, he literally pleads with Zeus to give him another option;

[ODYSSEUS, ZEUS]

I could raise him as my own (He will burn your house and throne)

Or send him far away from home (He'll find you wherever you go)

Make sure his past is never known (The gods will make it known)

I'd rather bleed for ya, down on my knees for ya (He's bringing you down on your knees for ya)

I'm begging please

Oh, this is the will of the gods

Please don't make me do this, don't make me do this

This part alone shows that Odysseus is, in fact, NOT fine with killing a child. Again, the second song in the saga is Odysseus going over his options and even asks for forgiveness when he finally makes his decision. I don’t know about you all, but I don’t think someone who’s okay with killing a child would ask for forgiveness. In this situation it’s very likely that Odysseus made the choice to protect his family and kingdom above all else, which I feel like is a valid choice in this situation. Odysseus was told, by a god, that him and his family would be killed should the baby live, I highly doubt Odysseus at this point was readily willing to try and call Zeus’ bluff.

It’s also not like the action didn’t affect Odysseus later. Again, I’m sure someone who wouldn’t have a guilty conscience about such a heinous act would ask for forgiveness. Similarly, two songs later in “Open Arms”, Polites brings up Odysseus’ guilt at the end when he says “I see in your face, there is so much guilt inside your heart”. Odysseus is clearly guilty about what he’s done, once again reinforcing that he is not “okay with killing an infant”. You can also pick up on it in the way Jay sings Odysseus’ songs following “Just a Man”; Odysseus seems to be more distracted or distant likely due to the shock of his own actions.

Similarly, we have to take into consideration literally every new traumatic incident Odysseus is faced with between the Cyclops and Ocean sagas. In the Cyclops Saga, Polyphemus kills a large number of Odysseus’ crew which would make this the first heavy loss Odysseus’ army would have faced since the war. I can imagine that this loss would have been a huge blow to Odysseus’ pride given the fact that none of his men died in the war. Similarly, since Odysseus is their captain and king, it’s fair to assume that Odysseus may see the deaths as his fault adding to his guilt.

Not only does he lose many in his crew, Odysseus also loses his best friend Polites which greatly effects Odysseus throughout the rest of the musical. In “Keep Your Friends Close” when the crew is scheming to open the bag of wind from Aeolus, they say “Everything's changed since Polites,” referring to how much Polites’ death not only effected Odysseus but also the crew. Odysseus becomes more and more closed off and distrusting which makes sense since it seems Polites was the one that mainly pushed Odysseus to be more open. This is another death that Odysseus can tack onto the growing list of reasons his guilt is eating him alive.

Side note: Odysseus also looses the support of Athena, his patron goddess following “My Goodby”. Athena has been someone who we can assume (given Athena’s story during “Warrior of the mind”) has been guiding Odysseus since he was a child so, even if Odysseus is no longer happy with Athena’s view on being a good warrior, it likely hurt him on some level to loose her. We have to keep in mind; Odysseus also thought of Athena as a friend not just a goddess and has thought this way since he met Athena. If we assume that Athena and Odysseus have never had a fight this bad until “My Goodby” then I think it’s fair to say that the outcome of the fight would negatively impact Odysseus. He may be too prideful to admit it at the time, but I can only imagine how awful it would feel to loose the support of a friend and patron deity at the same time.

I think one of the biggest blows yet for Odysseus comes during “Ruthlessness” when Poseidon and/or the Laestrygonians sink and kill everyone but Odysseus and his immediate crew mates (as in, the crew on Odysseus ship as apposed to those on the other twelve ships). As I mentioned earlier, throughout the ten years Odysseus and his army were in Troy not one of his men died. This changed when they faced Polyphemus, and only worsens when Poseidon attacks. Odysseus goes from having a crew of 600 (at the start of the musical) to 43 following this attack. Not only does he loose nearly all his men, it’s directly Odysseus’ fault it happened in the first place. Poseidon tells Odysseus directly that they “totally could have avoided all this had [Odysseus] just killed [Poseidon’s] son”.

Had Odysseus just listened to Athena at the time and killed Polyphemus, there would have been no one left to tell Poseidon about the attack; the god likely wouldn’t have known. Likewise, had Odysseus not let his hubris get the better of him and not told Polyphemus his full name, even if Poseidon found out his son had died or was left blind, he wouldn’t have known who did it. The whole situation is directly Odysseus’ fault and Poseidon is very clear in letting him know that. This obviously is going to add to Odysseus’ guilt exponentially since this time it truly was his own actions that lead to this scenario. Not to mention that had Odysseus just apologised, Poseidon might have been gracious to the crew.

Now there’s no saying what that would look like for Poseidon, maybe he would have only sunk one or two ships or maybe he was lying, who knows. The main point is that Odysseus was given another chance to get out of this peacefully, but he can’t swallow his pride long enough to say “I’m sorry”. Odysseus instead tries to talk his way out of it and Poseidon isn’t having it; this is another instance of Odysseus’ actions resulting casualties. All of this happens before the Circe saga mind you.

So let’s review all the instances that would be causing Odysseus guilt so far:

He’s been forced to kill a child to save his family and kingdom

He’s lost his best friend and a chunk of his crew to Polyphemus

He’s lost the support of his patron goddess who he has also seen as a friend since childhood

He’s lost 90% of his crew (give or take) due to his own actions

You cannot look at this and tell me that it would not greatly affect your mental health in any way. Odysseus is being weighed down by an immense about of grief and guilt as the story continues. It gets to be so much that in Puppeteer Odysseus tells Eurylochus that while he would like to leave Circe’s island, he can “hardly sleep now knowing everything [they’ve] done”, directly referring to the guilt that keeps weighing on his mind. By this point in the story Odysseus is so wracked with guilt that he would rather risk his own life to save the few men he has left that add anymore to his guilty conscience.

I see this as one reason why Odysseus rejects Circe’s advances. Odysseus went to save his men who were transformed because he already can’t sleep and doesn’t want to add any more guilt onto his mind. Do we really think he would change this stance just so he could sleep with a goddess? The thought of cheating on Penelope would likely cause Odysseus just as much guilt as leaving his men. This situation poses a similar dilemma to the very beginning of the story; Odysseus can either comply and free his men or not. In this moment Odysseus is in a lose-lose situation, however, he doesn’t let that stop him from trying to essentially create a third option that doesn’t add to his guilt.

And he’s successful this time.

Unlike he pleaded with Zeus, is seems that for one reason or another Odysseus is successful in pleading with Circe; he is able to create a third option for himself and his crew. He’s able to create a reality where his remaining crew survives and Odysseus doesn’t add anymore to his guilt.

Again, this is not about the original story, or other interpretations, this is solely based on what we know from EPIC. In short; Odysseus pleaded and begged with Zeus not to make him kill Astyanax, to give him a third peaceful option but failed. Odysseus is given a whole song about his own moral struggle in the options given to him and is then haunted by the guilt of his actions. He is then faced with the death of his crew due to his own actions, becoming not only a point of further guilt but also a shot at his pride. Odysseus looses Athena’s favour and looses Polities. While Odysseus may have begun to cave to Circe, I believe it was ultimately his love for his family and his desire to not add to his guilt that made him reject Circe.

Odysseus was never okay with killing an infant, he felt guilty likely from the moment he made his final decision. By the time he meets Circe, Odysseus would rather attempt to talk his way out (something that hasn’t actually worked till now) than add to his guilt. I’m truly not sure what I’m missing that, in the context of the musical, this isn’t obvious. Maybe it’s because I’m taking EPIC as its own story and not a one-to-one with the source material, who knows.

Sorry this got really long, I just needed to get it out somewhere before it plaques my mind anymore. Once again, I’m not trying to hate on anyone or bully anyone, this is just my own opinion on the matter!

#greek mythology #tagamemnon #epic the musical #epic the circe saga #epic the ocean saga #epic the cyclops saga #epic the troy saga #glitch rants #I feel like this was an intentional timeline for the musical #maybe it’s just me #idk

[sayafics]

Temptation - Chapter I

Sorry guys, I've been working this whole weekend, so I haven't had time to update much. But chapter III of Dance of Shadows is in the works, and chapter X of Ghost is up next.

Anyways I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Prologue

Next Chapter

Masterlist

The room was hushed, strained in the depths of a bitter silence as Rhaenyra Targaryen stood to speak.

The eyes of her family - old and new - lay upon her like a heavy weight. She did not shy away from their glowers and glares. She instead stood straighter as she proposed a toast only moments after Viserys had quietened.

"I wish to raise my cup to Her Grace, the Queen."

Rhaenyra began, her words solemn and her voice raw with grief of a friendship lost, "I love my father. But I must admit that no one has stood... more loyally by his side than his good wife."

She shared a long look with her old friend, eyes welled with emotions, "she has tended to him with... unfailing devotion, love, and honour. And for that, she has my gratitude... and my apology."

Alicent felt as though she was staring back at the girl that was her friend all those years ago - no longer a foe, no longer full of hatred. She felt her eyes cloud as she spoke in turn, "your graciousness moves me deeply, Princess."

Rhaenyra looked across the table, eyes falling upon her children and Daemon's, scanning over the drunken form of her brother, the dazed eyes of her sweet sister Helaena, the guarded form of Aemond before flitting to land one she likened to be a quiet and tame girl who sat next to him - Vaella Targaryen.

She was Aemond's twin, born only seconds after the boy had twisted and turned his way out of his mother's womb.

Viserys had wanted to name her Visenya, but Alicent knew of her old friend's fondness for the name - she still did not know if she denied his wishes out of spite or love.

Vaella felt the weight of her sister's stare, could hear the hesitation as she began to speak again - "now I speak to you all as the heir to the Iron Throne."

Vaella watched her brothers share an amused look, Otto stiffening at her words as they watched her in suspicion.

"Our two families have been at war far too long, but no more. Lucerys is the heir of the Lord of the Tides, bethrothed to my dear cousin Rhaena Velaryon. Jacaerys is the heir to the throne after I pass, and Baela is to be his Hand. It is time our families united as one, it is time there was no more green or black, blue or red. We are Targaryens, and we should rule as one."

Rhaenyra stood straighter, eyes wide and pleading as she looked towards Alicent for her support.

The Queen's lips were parted in surprise, unexpecting of such words to pass so quickly when Rhaenyra had made her disapproval of the Greens known from the moment she had returned to the Keep.

"What is it you are asking, Princess?"

Otto almost spat his words out, eyes darting between Rhaenyra and his daughter as even Daemon leaned forward in curiosity. This was not something Rhaenyra had spoken to him about before their arrival - this was new, spontaneous. And that was what made it dangerous.

"Years ago, my Queen, I had asked you for your daughter's hand in marriage for my eldest son. You rejected such an offer," Alicent threw a glance at her eldest daughter, Helaena, who sat quietly at Aegon's side, playing with a gift he had exchanged for her forgiveness of his brash words. She thought about what her life would be like had she married the Velaryon boy instead of her own brother.

Would she be happy?

Perhaps happier than she is now.

Helaena did not meet her gaze. Instead, she looked to Vaella, who stared at her with pitying eyes. The girls shared a sad smile as Aegon shifted uncomfortably.

Aegon had not wanted to marry his sister, did not want to fulfil his duties as a husband to her. But he had to, Alicent said he did.

So he did under the guise of ales and rum, of wines and tonics, to bear the guilt and disgust which burrowed under his skin at every facade and every act so he could pretend what he was doing did not feel wrong.

"I ask you again today. Jacaerys is unpromised. He is the heir to the Iron Throne. Helaena may be wed, but Vaella is not."

There was a sharp intake of breath from the knight standing by the door. His presence went unnoticed by most, but Daemon watched him with sharp eyes.

Ser Criston Cole watched over the Princess as his heart began to ache in panic, he watched as her hand slipped under the table - no doubt finding her brother's grasp and hoping, praying that Rhaenyra would not say what they all believed she would.

Daemon's lips twitched in amusement, he could see Criston's wide eyes and how he paled under his helmet. What an interesting prospect, indeed.

"Wed her to me," the words were a distant echo of those Daemon had asked of Viserys so long ago. Words Viserys had denied. Words Jacaerys hoped he would accept today, so they may live in peace - so his mother could have her throne and then him.

"Give me Vaella's hand in marriage. She shall be taken care of, she shall be Queen one day. She will know no difficulties at my side, and she will know no hardship. Let us make this sacrifice for our families."

Vaella had frozen, hands trembling in Aemond's grasp as he raged silently in his seat. Aemond would not speak out of turn, not yet.

Her lips parted, a whisper of protest ready to escape when the King had cut her off with a boisterous wheeze in place of his intended joyful laugh.

"Yes! Yes. A most gracious offer, a most prosperous opportunity. Then it shall be. My grandsire will take the hand of Vaella, my family will become one and I will die a happy, old man."

His eyes were fogged with emotion. He was decaying away, and still, he was merry at the prospect his family would unite under one crown. His crown.

Alicent could not find it in herself to speak out, trapped between her duties to a dying husband and the ghost of an old friend.

Vaella's frantic eyes looked for her Shield, searched for him amongst the sea of silver and her expression shuttered when it met his broken gaze. Her eyes were full of horror, welling up as she realised that she had been pawned away so quickly and no one had even asked her if it was what she wanted.

She had sat, quiet and prim, and watched her body be sold for the price of friendship. For the price of a crown.

Criston wanted to move closer to the girl, to provide her comfort and reassurance. Though haunted by his wreckless desires for months as Vaella's Sworn Shield, he had stayed true to his vows and never once acted upon the fantasies that plague him.

Vaella had never sought out another man, content in teasing and testing the boundaries Criston had wrapped himself in.

They had formed a tentative friendship, an obsessive bond.

But it was one which could only be played with within the shadows of her chambers, every hushed promise and teasing touch. But never did it lead to more.

Vaella knew of her duties, and Criston was loyal to the crown. To the Queen.

So Criston stood at his place on guard, a hand fisted tightly around the length of the pommel of his sword as the other groaned lightly against the force of his metal glove furling closed with unbridled anger.

How dare they try to take the princess? To ask for her hand in marriage?

She was a Targaryen princess through and through.

And Jacaerys was simply a bastard. Undeserving. Unworthy.

A tear slipped down Vaella's face, and she could not find it within herself to brush it away and keep a facade of nonchalance.

Criston felt his body heat with rage as he took in Jacaerys' crestfallen expression at the sight of her tears - he had caused this. He had upset her. He had no right to look at her that way. Vaella was not Jacaerys' to look at. Not his to wed. Not his to touch.

Vaella looked away from Jacaerys' apologetic gaze, turning towards her one-eyed brother who brushed the tear softly from her cheek. They shared a mournful look, and she gave him a waning smile.

Aemond could not protest. And if he did, then it would only fare to make things worse.

Rhaenyra mayhaps play up Aemond's tumultuous anger. She may feign fear for the purity of the girl her boy intends to marry, or the life of her children should Aemond lose himself to his anger.

And if that were the case, Vaella may be wed to the dark-haired bastard sooner than she wished and possibly shipped off to Dragonstone - a place she could never leave.

She wondered if they would let her take Criston.

She hoped they would.

Nothing much was said after that - Rhaenyra and her family were jovial as they passed around food. They remained ignorant to the buzzing tension that swamped over the Greens. Or perhaps they were simply that great at pretending.

Vaella sat deflatedly upon her seat, trying so hard to wipe the sour expression off her face. She could feel Aemond fidgeting beside her, as though he was physically holding himself back from spewing words of hatred towards the boy who deems himself worthy for her hand.

She shifted closer to him, her arm pressing up against his own, hoping it would be enough to sate his anger. She played with the food upon her plate, no longer hungry as her stomach filled with lead.

Her eyes kept flitting to the fixed stare of her Shield. Criston was too afraid to take his eyes off of her, fearful that one glance away would cause Jacaerys to grab the girl and disappear.

They continued to catch each other's gaze, as though finding reassurance that the other was still there. Seconds passed into minutes before a hand entered her line of vision, cutting out the man she sought in the small hall.

She followed the hand up, eyes bulging with incredulity as she met the earnest gaze of Jacaerys. She felt pity for him, suddenly - seeing the desperation strewn across his face as he held a hand out with determination.

Vaella bit back a sigh, and she leaned away from the boy's hand frantically searching for something. Someone.

Someone to tell her what to do. What to say.

She could not see Criston, and Aemond was too far to her right for her to turn to him. She could feel the anger rolling off of him in waves at the bawdy gesture, could hear Aegon's amused snickers, could see Helaena buzzing in excitement.

She glanced across the table, meeting her uncle's gaze with a hesitant ease. He nodded in concession, eyes stern and expectant - she did not know why he nodded, but she knew it was for her.

She bit her lip softly in contemplation, unable to meet Jacaerys' eyes as she heaved herself up from her seat.

Aegon's amusement had been quickly doused at that, ever hopeful that his sister would have humilated the boy instead of concede to his wishes.

But she would do her duties, even if it was for today - for her mother, if not for herself. For her mother, because she would dare not do this for Viserys.

She met her mother's eyes as she slipped her hand into Jacaerys' awaiting grasp. They shared a grim smile as her mother teetered between a heart full of guilt and a mind full of nostalgia.

Jacaerys spared her of any words as he pulled her into the middle of the hall, he nodded towards the musicians who began to play something much more lively. Something so blatantly not her.

He pulled her close, hands placed on the dips of her waist even as she resisted his persistent tugs. He stepped forward with a resounding huff, pretending he was amused by her reluctance to be near him.

She would learn to love him. She would have to. They were to rule the Seven Kingdoms together. She would have to bear his children and the weight of a crown.

She would be a mother and a maiden, a virgin and a whore. All at his request.

Criston watched the pair as an ache settled within his chest, watched as she stumbled to his steps and stayed at arms length. Watched as she held her breath and mumbled curses under it.

The song was too lively, too animated, too cheerful.

No - Vaella was a symphony of melodies rich and smooth.

She was a single instrument playing a simple melody of calm and quiet, or she was a harmony that was bountiful and deep.

She would move gracefully to warm and melodious tunes.

Instead, in the arms of a bethrothed she did not want, her moves were stilted and strained.

Criston wondered how she would fare in his embrace. Would the melody wash over them with ease? Or would they struggle to meld into one, as the bastard boy and the Princess did now?

He hoped not.

He prayed not.

Jacaerys tried to meet her gaze, head twisting and turning to match the speed of her own. But the girl was admant in her ways and avoided him at every turn.

With gritted teeth, he forced a smile, playing pretend to simply wear away at the thin shred of patience that shielded him from his uncles' wrath.

He held back a snicker at the glares they exchanged, aghast by his depsicable behaviour - how dare he touch their sister? How dare he deem himself worthy? How dare no one protest?

Why had they not protested?

Aegon glanced at his grandsire, who watched with a pointed glare, whilst Aemond met the pleading gaze of him mother.

Bound by their duties.

As it seemed all the children of Viserys were, aside from the eldest.

The dance had ended much quicker than Jacaerys had wished, his hands unrelenting in its grip as she forcefully held herself as far from him as he would allow.

The King was carried away on his seat, a promise of the milk of the poppy passing from the Hand's lips at his departure.

The air was swamped with a stifling quiet, and Vaella had no interest in appeasing the boy's wishes any longer.

She tore away from him, a firm nod in his direction, but no words spared. She was ready to move back to her seat, find comfort in her brother's affection.

But it seemed Aemond's warmth had been sparked into a raging fire.

A roasted pig had been placed in front of him, and at Lucerys' twitching lips and arrogant smirk, Aemond had lost himself in the anger that plagued him since his childhood.

Gone was the brother she knew as patient and rational - in his place stood a wounded boy fuelled by a vicious past and horrific consequences.

He leapt up with a resounding thud as his fist met the wooden table, his hunched shoulders slid into a clean form as he began - a cup of dornish wine raised his amongst the half-blooded boys sat around him.

"Final tribute," he annouced, "to the health of my nephews, Jace... Luke... and Joffrey."

There was a twitch across his lips, and Vaella pursed her own to refrain from letting out a bubble of laughter.

It seemed she did not need to, as Jacaerys' eyes narrowed at her attempt to hide her amusement at such an insult against him and his brothers.

"Each of them handsome, wise... strong."

"Aemond." But he paid no mind to his mother's warning.

"Come, sister... let us drain our cups to these three... Strong boys."

Vaella grinned at his words, ready to walk towards him and reach for the accompanying glass he held within his grasp, but a figure barged past her with unrestrained anger.

Jacaerys marched towards Aemond, his shoulder knocking the Princess off balance.

Aemond bristled at the sight, vowing to make the boy regret such an act of cowardice as Jacaerys strided towards him and threw a weightless hand across his cheek.

Aegon blocked Lucerys from reaching his target, fearful the boy would scar his siblings permanently as he had done so before. He slammed the boy onto the table with gleeful pleasure, never once letting his sisters and brother escape his peripheral vision. They had to be safe.

It was his responsibility to ensure they were.

Vaella wobbled where she stood, hands raised to try and keep her balance at the rough shove as she tried to refrain from tripping over her skirts.

An arm around her waist stopped her from meeting the solid ground. It hoisted her back against something cold and hard and tightened around her waist.

"Princess, are you okay?"

Criston.

His voice was devoured by concern, but there was a tinge of something else riddled amongst his worries.

She turned in his grasp, pushing out the sounds of a fight breaking out as her brothers and nephews fought each other with renewed livery.

Unbeknownst to them both, Daemon watched their interaction intently. He watched how she clenched her hands, as though restraining herself from touching his silver-plated chest, how she fluttered her eyelashes and passed shallow breaths under his hot words and warm touch. He squinted his eyes as Vaella placated the man, and it was only then he released her from his grasp, reassured that she was fine. That she was okay, that she was safe.

The fight had ended all too quickly, and a stand-off between Aemond and Daemon had led to the yoinger of the two to walk away in amusement.

As he reached the door, Aemond turned to look over his shoulder, his raging eyes flitting over the escaping forms of his cousins and nephews to fix itself on his sister.

"Ser Cole, see to it my sister is returned to her chambers safely, and that there are no unwanted shadows circling her."

Vaella knew who she meant, wary of Jace's intense stare as he was forced out of the small hall by his mother. There was a part of her terrified, too, that Jace would seek her out to exact revenge for the humiliation they faced tonight.

"Of course, my Prince."

Criston nodded in acsent, watching as the boy walked away and Aegon followed in his wake.

The chaos had settled and the small hall filled with quiet, "come, Ser Cole. I tire of these fickle matters. I want to return to my chambers."

"After you, Princess."

Vaella could not face her mother's disappointed glare, did not want to wait and hear their scheming whispers. She wanted to go to her chambers, to lie in her bed, and hope it consumed her so she could escape the reality she would be forced to face when the sun rose.

Her throat burned as she made her way through the long and quiet corridors, it was only the sounds of Ser Cole's breathing - a flurry of raging gasps as he forced himself to calm in the Princess' presence - that kept her focused enough to find her room.

She did not wait for him to open her chamber doors. Her steps sped up as she barged through them and closed the doors behind her. She stumbled to the bed with gasping breaths as the reality of the fate she had been handed finally settled in.

Vaella has to marry Jacaerys Velaryon.

She is to be his wife. The mother of his children. Of his heir.

She is to be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. A Consort.

She did not want that.

She did not want him.

#criston cole smut #ser criston cole #criston cole #criston cole x oc #criston cole x reader #ser criston #criston x reader #hotd x reader #hotd x oc #hotd fandom #hotd fanfic #hotd #house of the dragon #temptation

[zahri-melitor]

Lost the original post, but someone was talking about Tim mostly just having the same gallery of Rogues as the rest of the Bats, and that’s not actually true. Our lad had over 200 issues of solo comic during post-Crisis, he definitely has some Rogues that are his more than anyone else’s!

King Snake (Edmund Dorrance). Dorrance is 100% specifically one of Tim’s villains. If in modern comics any writers decided to resurrect him and start using him again I would be delighted, because he’s such a painful white guy who thinks he’s all that and better than the Hong Kong-based gang he runs. He’s also ‘died’ multiple times and just because he appeared in Blackest Night doesn’t mean he’s still dead now, we’ve had two universe reboots since then!

Lynx (and the rest of the Ghost Dragons). Both Lynx I and Lynx II are also Tim’s foes, though he’s happy to share them with Cass if she also wants to get some kicks in. Lynx I also has died twice (both times due to Cass) because a writer couldn’t be bothered to check the canon bible while writing.

Ulysses Armstrong. The General mostly exists to be an absolute pain and cause Tim angst. Also I’ll never forgive them for killing off Matthew and Hillary Armstrong, who helped Tim out from their very first appearances.

Anarky/Lonnie Machin. Tim’s shadow half. They’ve been feuding since 1990 and there’s no sign they plan to stop (even when they’re working together).

Ratcatcher is arguably more Tim’s villain than Bruce’s, and nobody else really deals with him.

The Sk8er Bois. Bring them (and Tim’s extremely dangerous skateboard) back!

Johnny Warlock. Wow do I ever hate Johnny, and he’s super annoying, but he’s definitely in Tim’s gallery.

The obvious one: Lady Shiva. She’s not Tim’s exclusively but only Cass has a closer connection in the Batfam and Tim’s connection is arguably closer than Bruce’s.

Plus of the more standard Bat Rogue collection:

Arthur Brown particularly dislikes Tim (alongside the obvious pick that he’s part of Steph’s gallery)

Maxie Zeus has mostly only tangled with Tim out of people who aren’t Bruce.

Arguably Tim’s the main Robin to deal with Mad Hatter too.

Ventriloquist is again a Tim-as-Robin era villain (mostly 1, I don’t think 2 spent much time near any Robin)

There’s probably some correlation between Bane’s position among the Rogues and Tim to make, because of how their timelines cross, but equally I highly dislike Bane so I’m not going to bother sketching it out.

Riddler has a soft spot for Tim.

So does Selina, whose first reluctant team up with that kid was during the original Clench.

Can’t forget Jean-Paul Valley (while hallucinating St Dumas)

And that’s just off the top of my head, there’s definitely others with more than a single storyline.

[arttrampbelle]

Random shang tsung hcs

Cw:nsfw content. Fluff.

Tried to make it gn but it leans towards fem reader. My apologizes if this isn't my best. Its kinda done on the fly. I needed to put out some hc kontent for people.

💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍❤🐉❤🐉❤🐉❤🐉❤

Sfw:

I hc shang is an ugly crier. Like when he genuinely is upset,crying,etc. He's a fucking mess. Not many ever see this,so if you do. He trusts you completely. He hates feeling vulnerable.

I also have a whole ass astrology chart for him. Maybe I'll post it up later. I hc him a Taurus sun with a scorpio moon. This explains why his emotional breakdowns are oof. (Scorpio and Taurus are opposite,they are similar but different ways of handling things but they are more alike than different. But both are fixed and very stubborn,very deep,and very loyal to those they deem safe and trustworthy) again i have a whole chart for him. And I'll explain why i personally feel these fit him. (Again my personal hcs plz dont take it too much to heart this is just how i see him)

Shang tsung is particular about his hair,he takes very good care of it. Hair,in some cultures is a symbol of status and health. He takes very very good care of himself. So if his hair is absolutely disheveled. He either isn't doing so good,if his demeanor is sour. Or if he's in a good mood,he just got laid. Those are the only times he's got "bed head hair". He doesn't even let his servents touch his hair. So if he let's you,he trusts you. Unless if you're hired as his personal handmaiden,then well that's your job. But depending on how intimate or close you are in your relationship with him,he might let you go further. Either way he trusts you.

Shang doesn't tolerate disrespect. Of any kind. Especially during a tournament. He takes his role as tournament master seriously. All guests on his island,regardless if "friend" or foe. Hospitality is his specialty. All will be accommodated for. If you are disrespected,uncomfortable with someone,or someone was "out of pocket",he will step in. Especially if you're a woman (he has a bias towards in favor of women,he trusts them more,goes the extra mile more and tends to be in more favor of women in kombat,not that he doesn't trust men. Its just an unfortunate circumstances in his past that a lot of men tended to be assholes n rude around him. He's got high ass standards for men) or if you are a new kombatant (if you're new,he's gonna go a little easy on you. Because this is your first kombat,maybe even tournament. He will be extra extra gentle with you. He wants to make a good impression. Hee hee). He hates rudeness towards people who he deems as (pardon this please) soft,gentle or looks "weak" (Look he doesn't mean anything by it ok?) Mostly outside of kombat. In kombat however,your ass better be ready. He won't be as forgiving. But outside of kombat he is poised,collected,and a soothing presence. But yeah if someone's giving you trouble,all you gotta do is tell him. And he will deal with them immediately. You never have to worry about such matters with him. But especially if he likes you.

Shang tsung loves to drink morning tea and watch the sun rise. And also read n have tea before bed. As long as he does this,He feels his day is complete. Regardless if the day was "good" or not.

Shang tsung loves fruit,all kinds. But especially Tropical or outworld "exotic" fruits. Feed this man a peach,apple,or fave fruit of your choice and he will be absolutely over the moon. The only time he'll ever be practically putty melting in your hands. He loves being pampered and to pamper. Absolutely loves gentle and romantic acts of service. God damn soft shang is fucking a treat. Totally the guy to love the champagne/wine and strawberries thing.

Shang tsung is the type to be genuinely hurt if you are down on yourself. Like if you tend to be harsh on yourself,doubts,etc. He sees you as his greatest treasure. So why talk that way about yourself? He never sees you that way. He sometimes gets even a bit mad that you feel so lowly. "Dont ever lower yourself to anyone!" He would command. "You are beautiful/handsome/gorgeous,amazing,talented. Much more of a higher standing than any of these lowly souls" . Shang is totally the man to gas you up. Put you in front of a mirror. "Purr" or "coo" in your ear and say how absolutely ravishing you are. Maybe even dress you up in fine clothing. Silk even. Like this man hates seeing you down,but especially if it's you being mean to you. Not on his watch!

Shang tsung sometimes likes to watch you. Nothing in particular. No real reason. He likes to people watch. But especially you. He loves to watch you do mundane things. Or even when you train. If you are happy,cheerful. Or even stimming. He finds it absolutely delightful. He loves your company,if ever should be the day where he can't enjoy your company. He would be very distraught and very sad.

Shang is love is absolutely suffocating,intense,hot,loyal,like the devil in love. I can't see it any other way. He of course will be respectful to his beloved. However. The internal feelings of this man for you is fucking insanely high. No words could be put how much he loves you and the lengths he would go for you. He is legit a gomez. "I would kill for them,i would die for them. Either way,what bliss"

Nsfw under the cut:

Nsfw:

Shang tsung totally has a praise kink. This mofo you can't tell me wouldn't. Giving AND receiving. He will praise you to the highnth degree. Telling you in increat detail on how fucking gorgeous you are. You body,the way your smile curves,your eyes. Your hips. Etc. Like unf. This man knows how to make you feel adored. But in the same,he likes the return. To be worshiped. But i bet you knew that. Tell him how handsome and intelligent his is. Praise his mind especially and you got him hooked! Tell him how beautifully sculpted his body is. How fine this mofo is. And again,melted.

Ok shang tsung? Is shang hung. Like nothing super outrageous. But he's got some length,and a bit of girth. 8-9inch length. A decent girth nothing again outrageous. However it will stretch you slightly. Might takes some wiggle to get it in. But it feel good af.

Shang loves to talk dirty. But he's classy about it. Like he'll say things more like "you like being masters whore?" (Emphasizes the word whore with some harsh r sounds like almost a purr or a hiss) or "you take my cock so well my dear" (i hc shang says cock rather than dick or penis or any cheesy euphemism. He's too classy).

Shang tsung if you both are nude in bed. Enjoying each others company with some wine. He's the type to take either your nipple of your breasts (if you're afab),a finger,or if you want drip it on your sex. And lick it off.

He totally has toys. Magic toys,exotic edenian dildos,etc. He would use them on you. He prefers still himself,all natural,non gmo shang cock. Buuuuut if you aren't in the mood,he's busy,or you just wanna tease or try something different. He's willing to use some magic on you while fucking you with a toy. Like this man has it down pat. You're taken well care of. And he won't stop till you've had enough. Speaking of which

This man has fucking stamina for daaaaaaaaays. Even as a foxy grandpa. This man could go for hours. He won't let up till either of you are truly satisfied or you both pass out. Like kombat,he can go several rounds. Works your ass like it's his profession. >:3c

He can be soft,sensual,and slow love making. Like every stroke is just pure ecstacy. If you want it sweet,his love is like absolute honey. Or.....he could pound that ass out and make you beg like his personal whore. Mewling and begging to him. Not caring if anyone hears you. So what if they hear you. They outta know how much he loves you. And how good he fucks you. They know they'll never have you,he has you all to himself. Smug bastard he is. But his aftercare? Top notch! He will care for you like you're a delicate petal on fresh snow. Soothe any "marks" he may have left. Kiss every inch so gently. A bath? Yes. A massage? Most definitely. Anything you need. You got it. Anything you wanna do for him? You got it.

Shang tsung is the type that if he fucks you on his throne,in his throne room. If you going doen on him. He doesn't care if people see. Tho he prefers privacy in that area. But it's not as huge of a deal. However. If he's going down on you? Nah they better leave. He hates being interrupted. Eating you out/succing you.

Places on your body he absolutely is over the moon about. If reader is afab: he loves your hips,thighs,breasts,and loves to rub your clit. Pays extra attention. Yeah he knows where its at. He knows exactly how to work that pearled pussy. If reader is amab: your chest,your stomach,your arms and biceps. Loves to play with your balls. If reader is gn/in general regardless of sex or gender: your eyes,your face. The small of your back. He loves to cum on your face,chest,lower back. And if you are comfortable he will inside you buuuut if not. Those areas will do.

Shang tsung loves to watch you play with yourself. Don't matter if he's in the mood or not. He might join and play with himself with you if he is. Mutual masturbation is something that happens quite often im sure. But overall,he just likes to watch you. He might comment on how good you are with yourself. Either way. He likes to spectate. He is a tournament master after all

It isn't easy to rile him him. Getting him hot and bothered may seem like an easy task but its anything but. However,once you do. You are guaranteed to get fucked by him. One of The best ways,is to tease and stim his mind. Good conversation,genuine honeyed words and compliments. (Remember it needs to be genuine,he'll smell fakeness from a mile away) put the ball in his court,he'll play all day. Once you stim his mind and get him going he'll play lovers chase in no time.

Remember shang will undress you with his eyes and mind before ripping it off with his hands.

He won't ever say no to a blowjob. However,he loves giving you oral more. Besides he loves to fucking tease. (Gdi shang!)

Shang if he's away from his island from you. (Hey more likely that's where you'll be ok?) Like for some reason if he's in outworld,doing various personal errands. (Not for shao kahn because i hc after a certain point,he wasn't under shao kahn anymore and was free. But twice as dangerous for others because of his still unpredictability. I have a whole thing for that. But thats for another post). But if he's somewhere private,away from you. And he starts missing you and is in a "mood"*tm* . He'll start playing with himself,he doesn't usually do this,he'd rather wait till he gets home to you to relieve himself to you. But hey,sometimes it is what it is. He'll be quick about it tho. He hates getting caught with his literal pants down when not at home. He gets embarrassed easy.

Nothing changes if he's an old man or when he's young and rejuvenated. Tho i would say sex with shang as an old man tends to be more tender,slower,and more romantic. More passionate. When he's rejuvenated,healed,and full of vigor again. He'll be more confident in getting a bit more rough. Again not to say he wouldn't as an old man. He just is more self conscious about it. You'd need to be gentle with him in his more vulnerable state. Praise him genuinely as an old man and he may be a bit more interested in fucking you harder or being a bit more exerting.

Ok that's all for now. I may make more sometime.

Hope you guys like it.

🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚❤🐉❤🐉❤🐉❤🐉❤

#mortal kombat #shang tsung #my hcs #not safe for work hcs #not sfw hcs #nsft hcs #shang tsung mortal kombat #shang tsung x reader #shang tsung hcs #shang tsung x you #mortal kombat x reader #❤🐉the dragon's perch🐉❤ #💚heart and soul🐍 #mk11 #mk11 shang tsung #mortal kombat 11 #mortal kombat 11 shang tsung #mortal kombat 11 aftermath #mortal kombat hcs #my mortal kombat hcs

[animentality]

You know, if you think about it… there’s something powerful about durgetash existing entirely in body language and implications. If it was stated out loud, especially by Gortash, there’d be a lot more question of “does he really mean it, or is he lying?”. It could be easily tossed aside as a manipulation tactic on his part. But when half the reason we ship it is based on little smiles and the tone of Enver’s voice when he talks to Durge? Well, how can you even question it being real. You can’t call it manipulation because he’s not getting anything out of acting like a lovesick fool. It comes off as he just can’t help himself but show a glimpse of what used to be between you. And the letter of forgiveness is compelling because it’s not a flowery, out of character confession of capital-L-love. It’s not basic and cringey and it doesn’t erode the monster that is the Dark Urge. It simply forces us to ask ourselves how deep that admiration for a chosen of a sworn foe has to go before it’s necessary to repent for it. Everything makes sense as soon as you ask the question “why would Durge feel the need to beg forgiveness in the first place? Surely simple admiration is harmless enough?”. Put together with that lovesick smile you get walking into the coronation? Everything falls into place, even for some of the normies once they get that far, and the game never needs to say a word.

you are preaching to the choir, anon.

I find it so intoxicating precisely because it has such small evidence... and yet that evidence is honestly kind of powerful nonetheless?

like on the surface level, yeah it's one note and a couple of lines and one scene... but.

orin literally has a note in her room specifying that you "worshipped" the other Chosens and I know she's not talking about Ketheric, who seems to view you with mild irritation.

plus he lives pretty far away.

the prayer of forgiveness is nuts too, because I simply don't believe you'd pray to your parent/god for forgiveness for anything short of blasphemy. and what is blasphemy for the child of murder?

why it's cherishing life. a life, specifically.

the life of your rival.

and like... EURGH, orin's stupid line about how Gortash has always known how to "leave you twisted in his cords" or something like that, like, the fuck do you mean by that, bitch??

and just... that one scene... he just prowls around you like a cat in heat.

he's so happy you're back.

and he isn't lying to you! that's honestly the most confusing and wonderful thing about it.

he is telling the truth about your relationship and he's telling the truth about wanting to rule the world with you, just like you promised.

he's the world's most dedicated and loyal boyfriend, who was never happy with your replacement and always wanted you back.

it's a fucked up thing they had.

it was also tender and sweet and oddly wholesome, considering how they both had a degree of respect and fondness for one another.

and that's why durgetash lives rent free in my head and heart.

it exists in the margins, as something quite imaginary, and also quite real if you actually stop and look.

it's a work of art, crafted by us, elaborated upon by our work, from scant evidence.

we were given scraps, but as starving mad creatures, that was enough to fuel us through the winter, and now we all bark for blood.

#durgetash #dark urge #enver gortash

[djljpanda]

if you are taking requests can i ask where the reader and wednesday are discussing so wednesday says something that hurts the reader deeply reaching even let the reader cry and avoids her and even the little hand is on the reader's side but the reader and wednesday do Peace (Wednesday and the reader are already dating)

You knew how hurtful Wednesday can be at times as you would see first hand as her girlfriend but being her girlfriend you thought those words would never be towards you but you were wrong.

You knew Wednesday was working on a case but you thought that it would be nice to try and get her to relax a made watch a horror film she liked.

"Come one Wednesday I got Halloween download on my laptop" "Y/n I don't have time for you right now" "So no to the movie well what about I read you something like Dracula, or Phantom Of The Opera. Or I can help you out" "Did you not just hear what I said" "Well sorry Im trying to be a good girlfriend and trying to got you to relax for a but" "Y/n you see me trying to work on something important you are just being a bother, a good girlfriend would just let me work but you are not doing that, as if you can help me with this you would just mess me up, just go take all that back to your dorm cause I didn't even as you to come here".

So you left her dorm making sure to slam the door on your way out as the way Wednesday saud that you weren't a good girlfriend but a bother hurt you so that night you cried yourself to sleep.

The next day Wednesday wanted to to take a break from the case as she was just tired and annoyed with everything going on so she wanted to take up the offer of watching Halloween with you. But when she would try to get close to you, you would just move away from her as im class you would sit with Enid, Yoko, Xavier, and even Bianca making her want to talk to you more so she asked Enid if you were okay.

"Wednesday she told me everything you said to her yesterday, how can you say that?" "What did I say" "You called her a bother which you already know how insecure she is?" "Well can you at least tell her to talk to me" "Sorry Wednesday that is between you and Y/n" "What about you Thing".

With Thing saying no she walked towards your dorm room door as she knocked. You opened the door and was about to close it till Wednesday stopped you. "Y/n can we talk" "What so you can tell me I'm a bad girlfriend again" "I know what I said was wrong but I wanted to say I'm...sorry".

You were a bit token a back as this was the first time hearing Wednesday say sorry. So you let her inside your dorm with her sitting on your bed, "I know I have been focusing on the case too much and I know you were trying to help and I wasn't thinking right when I said those things. Just don't break up with me" "As much as your words hurt Wednesday I wasn't going to leave you all I wanted was for you to relax" "Which you were being a good girlfriend foe doing that for me" "Good girlfriend" "Yes Mi Amour, a good girlfriend" "See know how can I not take your apology when you call me that".

From that night you both did talk as you did make Wednesday take a break from the case and when she went back on it you joined in cause if this case was going to be hard it was going to be hard on both of you. And yes you did forgive Wednesday in the end.

#wednesday addams x reader #wednesday 2022 #wednesday addams #wednesday addams x fem reader #wednesday x reader #wednesday #wednesday addams x gn reader #wednesday x gn reader #wednesday x fem reader #wednesday addams x fem!reader

[ashesandhackles]

Goblet of Fire Reread (Part 2)

Chapter 17,18,19, 20,21,22,23

"It struck him how very tall all of them were" Harry thinking this about the champions one moment and then being angry at being called "a little boy". Accurate teenage boy behavior.

Snape stepping in to stop Karkaroff and Maxime insulting Dumbledore by insulting Harry instead, "Don't go blaming Dumbledore for Potter's determination to break rules" XD

Fleur really cares about the honour of representing her school.

Hints of Barty Snr under Imperius: both in his behaviour + imagery (skull like appearance in the darkness)

Violet, the witch painting went up to Fat Lady to gossip. We shall hear of this friendship again in HBP.

I really really love Hermione's insight into Ron's feelings here, because the implication here is that she noticed that he doesn't talk about it. "He's always shunted to the side when people see you, and he puts up with it, never mentions it" and how she contextualises it with how he feels around his brothers. She has an understanding and kindness about this that is very sweet.

Fleur flirting with Cedric while some creepy paunchy man watching her. Damn, what it must be like to be sexualised every moment of your life and what harmful ideas have you internalised?

Harry noting that Fleur was part Veela to tell Ron only to remember The Great Tragedy that Ron isn't speaking to him.

weighing of wands chapter to set up the priori Incantentem at end of book, to remind us of Harry's connection with Voldemort's wand.

Hermione trying to force Harry and Ron to talk to each other, poor thing. I can really feel her anxiety building over this and she is so impatient, "you miss him, he misses you". Hermione on Ronarry agenda. She even tries to sneakily make him meet Ron in Three Broomsticks and then Harry cottons on. And then her getting irritated, Harry having to resist the urge to poke Ron is peak trio content.

Harry getting cheered up by the fact that Cho wasn't wearing a support Cedric badge. Also, it's a nice shade to her character - she is nice. She recognises the badges for what it is and doesn't take part in it.

his face breaks into the first smile in days cos of Sirius and Sirius redirecting attention away from himself and focusing on Harry - "never mind me, how are you?" Harry is so vulnerable with him that he talks about Ron with him.

Sirius' respect for Moody is very interesting, he displays more of this in Padfoot Returns chapter where he talks about how Moody captured DEs and not killed them. I believe @leogichidaa and @artemisia-black have had a tumblr discussion on this.

Ron doesn't come up to bed after Harry lashes out at him for interrupting his conversation with Sirius. Poor bean - wondering how things got this bad between him and Harry.

BCJ is so chilling on reread- essentially admits that he is keeping track of real Moody via the Foe Glass. "I'm not really in trouble until I see the whites of their eyes. That's when I open my trunk."

BCJ talking about Maxime and Karkaroff but also himself - 'They want to win. They want to beat Dumbledore. They'd like to prove he's only human'. And he laughs.

Ron catches Harry's eyes, but Harry is too resentful to care. Ron trying, in his own awkward way, to let Harry know that he is on Harry's side again.

Harry not needing to hear Ron apologise to forgive him. Clearly Hermione feels the same as I do, because she burst into tears, hugs them both and goes off to cry alone LOL

I saw this tumblr post about how Fleur dealt with the dragon was the most compassionate one - trying to put it to sleep - that she and Charlie would get along cos of it. Cute hc.

Pigwidgeon falling 12 feet down before flying with the letter is so funny. Also how cute that Harry's letter to Sirius had a "blow by blow" account of how exactly he swerved, circled and dodged the Horntail. Sirius would have found that very endearing.

LOL at Dean drawing Cedric with his head on fire for party banners. (apart from drawings of Harry dodging Horntail)

Harry calling out Hermione for bending of rules is so cute. When she says, "he is supposed to work out the egg on his own" when Lee picks up the egg, and Harry reminds her in undertone that he was supposed to work out the dragon alone too, and she "grins guiltily"

I am very disappointed in Dobby, whose political consciousness that shone and drove the plot of CoS is done to "acceptable" levels of radicalism. He tried to save Harry, explicitly against harry's wishes, because of his idea that Harry is a symbol of hope to the "enslaved dregs of the magical society, who are treated as vermin" and that defeat of Voldemort ensured that his kind are treated better. (he is still endearing, but speaks to the message of the books - he can be radical but cannot question the existing institution too much)

Winky's loyalty to Crouch is treated as pitiable, while Hermione's overzealousness with some gentle ribbing because JKR seems to find it endearing. We will probably get into white saviorism later, because I have THOUGHTS.

Ron and Harry sword fighting with fake wands, which are tin parrot and rubber haddock respectively, is hilarious. (Ron's parrot got the haddock's head)

Cedric telling Hufflepuffs to leave Harry alone. Looks like he was so grateful for Harry's tip, he steps in on the bullying.

Cho's words about who she is going to the ball with echoing with each step Harry took. Peak teenage experience. End of the world your crush has been asked out by someone else.

so funny that Ron keeps trying to ask Hermione who she is going to the ball with at unexpected times to surprise her into answering

love that Hermione was simultaneously appalled by fake-Moody making Malfoy a ferret while also not above referencing that incident to get Malfoy off her back. ("twitchy little ferret, aren't you Malfoy")

Ron notices Hermione's teeth is no longer the same. And Hermione is all sly and mischievous about the fact that she let Madam Pomphrey carry on a bit.

ok this is such a cute description: Hermione sitting to watch Ron and Harry's chess match which had recklessly brave pawns and a violent bishop

Dobby gets socks as presents from both Ron and Harry (reminder Ron also puts socks over his dead body) and Ron's Christmas jumper.

Dumbledore referencing Room of requirement. (he makes a joke that makes Harry snort and Percy frown- I guess he thinks the joke isn't appropriate for international magical cooperation?)

Parvati goes off with a Beauxbaton boy because Harry wasn't paying attention to her. She also lead him while dancing -so much so he felt like a show dog. Love how alpha she is xD

Percy glances at Harry about "hitch with Goblet of Fire" : indication of his coming arc where he doesn't believe Harry. (Also, while Percy is socialising with Bagman, he chooses to sit with Harry and Ron, which is indicative of how awkward he feels i think)

Snape and Karkaroff's conversation will get referenced in Prince's Tale, where Dumbledore grants him -"i think we sort too soon".

the image of Maxime storming away with fairies parting bushes is a very striking.

Chapter 24, 25, 26,27,28

Hermione drops key family history for Harry without either of them realising it: she used Fleamont Potter's Sleakazy's. Also at the implication that Harry asked about her hair LMAO.

Ron and Hermione reaching an unspoken agreement about sidestepping the big fight which involved FEELINGS.

the unicorn preferring a girl's touch is tied around the myth of pure creatures comfortable with "pure souls". I am really not sure how to read the gender politics of this book using this aspect of mythology.

lol, at Parvati being very "cool" towards Harry since the ball. Her retort actually makes him reflect - "perhaps I should have paid her more attention" and then, "ah well, she had a good time anyway". Honestly, stan Parvati.

Harry's so suspicious of Bagman offering him help, and rightly so. I love him putting Bagman on backfoot with his questions.

really curious about goblins and their hierarchy in the wizarding world. they are the marginalised who "fight back".

Rosmerta looking at James Potter, "who used to make her laugh"'s son yelling at a reporter in the middle of her pub XD

Love that Gryffindors get food related passwords like "banana fritters" and poor Ravenclaws have to solve a riddle every time they need to get in.

Where is the fanart of Snape with long grey nightshirt? Where?

Snape shutting Filch up when (in his mind) Moody came in, BCJ using Moody's distrust to check his office. Excellent stuff. My favourite part of the scene is Snape angrily declares Dumbledore's trust in him, and BCJ reminds him of "spots that don't come off". And Snape clutches his Dark Mark (and immediately hates himself for doing it xD)

Okay, Snape conceding power to Moody in this scene is so interesting. When Snape tries to look for Harry, BCJ makes him back off by saying "meaning Dumbledore is very interested to know who's got it in for the boy!" and Snape answers in a forced calm.

the tension between Snape and fake Moody can be cut through with a knife. Love how menacing the scene makes Moody, with Rowling using visual pictures of Moody's scars in the darkness

Lmao, Neville sending Professor Flitwick flying across room in class. And the description of "Professor Flitwick went whizzing resignedly past them" when the trio are talking. The implication that Flitwick just let Neville do his thing… XD

Hermione answering Harry's grim dark joke seriously. Nerd XD so much so the next time she takes Harry's joke seriously, he had to tell her that he is joking lol.

Harry goes off food when he is stressed or upset: a hangover from Dursley days when punishment is "no food".

"Your Wheezy, sir, your wheezy - the thing Harry Potter sir will miss the most!" LOL. The way this book is designed for Ronarry feels.

Merpeople have pet Grindylows. (also the chief is a woman)

Harry actually tries to yank the spear away from merman when they refused to help him, and hits Krum when Krum failed to realise that his shark teeth would hurt Hermione. My little feral boy.

Percy, "who looked very white", splashing out to meet Ron <3

Poor Krum - he is trying to engage Hermione and she is too busy either asking Harry about his task or cheering him for his marks to listen.

I love how much Harry gets so cheered by Sirius' letters. And even as he is tense that Sirius would get caught, he enters Potions classroom happy XD

'Scarlet woman'. It speaks to the generation Molly comes from that she has these ideas, and that Ron has noticed and picked it up.

Hermione, being also aware that Ron's regard for her is less than platonic, "determinedly avoiding Ron's eyes" when she mentions Viktor did invite her. (Also funny that Hermione is trying to puzzle out how Rita heard her, and Ron is like, "nvm, what did you say about Viktor's invitation?" lol)

@urupotterwrote a nice meta about how Snape was deliberately provoking Harry (after harry moves tables) to read his mind. Right when Harry angrily looks up, Snape's eyes bore into him to check if he had broken into his office.

Sirius made them climb a mountain for half an hour lol. He believes in outdoorsy kids.

Sirius having a fuller face, and looking like he is taking care of himself when Harry met him at the fire - but now he is back in his prison robes, his hair is longer and he is thin again. When Sirius broke into the fire, he was clearly at a place where he could hide better and take care of himself. He is living off rats.

And he notices the anxiety on Harry;s face and explains why he is here (he is very good at reading harry's face and just answering his thoughts. He does it again later in the scene). He is worried about how fishy things look, and it is clear one of the reasons of his lack of care for himself is hyperfixating on Harry's safety and circumstances surrounding the tournament. (he also moves a lot when he is thinking - it's part of why he makes for such a strong scene presence. There is either note of how he takes space, or his eyes)

Sirius backs Hermione here about Barty Crouch Snr's treatment of Winky ("if you want to know what a man's like.."). This is important for Hermione's complicated feelings about him in the next book. He was the only adult on her side - even Hagrid, who she counted on, didn't agree with her.

Sirius projecting all his family issues over Barty Crouch Jnr.

Sirius' description of Azkaban is just extremely solitary and drenched in death, and suffering. He can see and hear things that are near his cell or out of the window (he could see Dementors burying who he thought was BCJ outside the fortress). Speaks to the immense violation Barty Crouch Snr has committed by sending him there without a trial. (There is also the fact that Azkaban is horrible, and no one deserves it)

Snuffles, enuff said. He also allows them each to pat them on his head before they leave. how cute.

"If he thought we are standing in way of his career"..ah, seeds of Percy arc of OOTP. Hermione believes in him while Ron doesnt lol.

I haven't mentioned in my notes because it would get too long - but Sirius' exposition about the First War, I think, is important for the atmosphere that leads to friends turning on each other.

also, I really love the note of Sirius, as always, admiring the morals of Mad Eye Moody for trying to bring Death Eaters alive, versus his condemnation of Barty Crouch Snr's methods. This shade of him - combined with the fact that he would have absolutely killed Peter after Jily death if he had the chance, or even the previous book. @artemisia-black wrote about her interpretation of it in this meta.

House elves should be "seen, not heard" philosophy, where they have internalised that anything showing discontent from where they are is undesirable.

Hermione pulling a Blinky episode here XD if the worldbuilding wasn't so shitty, I would actually enjoy a critique of Hermione's impatience here because it is very in line with steam of young activists finding roadblocks within the very people they want to help.

Chekhov's gun: the eagle owl Harry observes flying over Hagrid's hut - the same owl we see in Harry's dream with Voldemort later.

Maxime is apparently trying to make up to Hagrid - she watches Hagrid's class and even tries to engage him in a conversation prior to this. Maybe she feels sorry about how the story about Hagrid's mother come out in the Prophet and wants to bond? What did Maxime face because of her parentage?

Ron being upset that the gold he paid Harry back with vanished, and how he hates being poor and how both Harry and Hermione don't know what to say: Hermione tries to cheer him up by saying she will get him a Niffler for Christmas, how cute.

harry regularly sending Sirius food and little notes with them. I CANT. they have my heart, they are everything.

love that Fleur and Cedric are apparently friendly enough that she keeps going on about underground tunnels to him, and how Fleur beams at Harry when he comes.

Harry and Cedric being jocks, and how they are less than happy with the state of the Quidditch pitch lol.

Dumbledore uses the Patronus to summon Hagrid. A known method of communication between the Order. ("a ghostly bird")

love the dynamic of Fred and George arguing: George seems to be the more cautious one of the two, saying putting something like that in writing is blackmail, while Fred is like, "You're not going to complain once we get the pay off, would you?" But the moment Ron asks what's up with them, George backs Fred and sends the letter himself.

I also really loved the moment of the trio confronting the twins. It was hilarious. it shows all their priorities - both Fred and Ron with confrontational and surprised, "what are you doing here?" and Harry and George on defensive, "sending letter?" and both Fred and Hermione with a suspicious, "What, at this time?"

Hermione still uncomfortable with the idea of breaking laws: "This isnt some silly school rule, it's the law". Given where they all end up in DH (honestly even OOTP), this is interesting. She even advises Ron to reach out to Percy to stop whatever the twins are doing, and Ron's like, "Are you mad? He would probably do a Crouch and turn them in!" XD

Harry being annoyed at Sirius being an Overbearing Dad XD "Who is he, to lecture me after all the stuff he did at school?"

Chekhov's gun: insect buzzing somewhere behind the curtain. Rita Skeeter.

Also seeing Crouch Snr struggle against the Imperius put on him by Voldemort tells us how incredible it is that Harry throws it off in the graveyard

Harry connecting the magic of Pensieve with the diary through means of his experience. Could be a cool worldbuilding detail if we want to think about how Tom preserved his "memory" in the diary, along with it being a container for his soul.

important to understand how Voldemort operates: he alone knows who works for him, and others get exposed to each other via shared jobs or connections. This adds to what Sirius says in Padfoot returns chapter.

Mulciber specialised in the Imperius, as per Karkaroff's testimony. Could he have done something in similar vein to Mary MacDonald? It could also be talked of as a "laugh" since students do find Moody's control of the spider in Unforgivables class darkly funny.

"He is no more a Death Eater than I am": Dumbledore's vouching of Snape is strong. I would love a fic that explores Snape and Dumbledore's equation in First War, and how Dumbledore sees bits of himself in a young man who also thinks he is brilliant, and wants power, but ends up hurting the person he loves in his blindness.

The trial essentially feels like a gladiator ring, with the accused chained to the chair. (Of course, Bagman doesnt get chained to the chair due to the relative popularity with the jury)

Ah, BCJ. His reaction here depends on how you read his involvement with Longbottoms - whether he actually did it, or whether he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Of course, the book, with Cruciatus scene with spider, heavily suggest that he was indeed guilty. So, it is interesting to see his terror here - he is genuinely terrified of going to Azkaban, but he is also using his genuine terror to appeal to his parents, to get out and be free. (He does similar things throughout the book - use his real dislike of Malfoys, Snape but misdirect you about his motivations). It's a nice manipulative streak.

"You're no son of mine!" "Take them away, and may they rot there." I need a Crouch family deep dive, because it is essentially a version of Walburga burning her son's name off after he ran away. which is: "I want to pretend you don't even exist."

a very astute reader pointed out on reddit how Moody is not present for the Longbottoms trial (and his eyes were intact on both trials before). So the hc is that Bellatrix took out Moody's eye and he was recovering in the hospital at the time.

#hp reread #goblet of fire #harry james potter #barty crouch jr #barty crouch junior #sirius black #hermione granger #ron weasley #percy weasley #moody