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queen-of-badomens · 1 year

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Seeing The Old Guard on the Big Screen and Gina Prince-Bythewood in Person!

Last Saturday, November 5th, there was an event in Santa Monica, CA, US, where Aero Theatre would be showing The Woman King (2022) and The Old Guard (2020) and hosting a Q&A with director Gina Prince-Bythewood in person. I love these movies, and even though I’d already seen both (The Old Guard many times), I knew I had to go.

[Image of my ticket for the event, image taken by me]

For a few of my thoughts on the event, what I learned, and what it was like to see The Old Guard on the big screen, click below!

It was a free-to-attend event, only having to RSVP online, but seating would be on a first-come, first-serve basis, so I made sure to arrive early. Though, I perhaps ended up arriving way too early… In fact, my brother insisted I didn’t need to be there any earlier than 11:30 PM for the 1 PM event, but anxiety made sure I arrived at 10:30 AM, which was later than I had originally planned. There was absolutely no one there waiting, no one was even in the theater yet, but you know what? I was there, I was going to watch The Old Guard in a movie theater for the first time, and that was all that mattered. So I parked myself across the street with a pastry and a hot tea and watched until I saw life. Which, as it turns out… wasn’t until 11:30 AM, but my brother doesn’t need to know that…

Based on the marquee, The Woman King would be shown first, followed by the Q&A and ending with The Old Guard. I knew TOG would not be what drew most people to the event, and while I am a fan of both movies and Gina Prince-Bythewood, my main drive for getting up early and forcing myself to go to a crowded place was to see the The Old Guard on the big screen, something that was sadly denied to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This would be, as later confirmed by the moderator of the Q&A, the first time The Old Guard was to be shown in a theater to a public audience. I wished my online TOG family could’ve been there with me, but I hope I did my best to represent our collective love for it.

[Front of the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, CA, USA, image taken by me]

After checking our RSVPs and vaccination cards (I still wore my mask the whole time inside), they began letting us in at about 12:00 PM. By that time, a sizable crowd had gathered so I was happy to have gotten there early. Once inside, I had a fairly good choice of seating and chose a place not too far from the stage but not too close so I could enjoy the films without straining my neck and eyes. Also, since it’s an older theater without stadium seating, I also picked a centered seat so I would have a good view.

[The screen at the Aero Theatre, image taken by me]

The Woman King was shown first, and I enjoyed the opportunity to see it again. Especially with a crowd who clearly loved it and cheered loudly at all the great moments. It is a rousing film and a great action movie that has a lot of character driven moments, and I recommend anyone who hasn’t seen it to go if they are able. It tells a not-well-known story of African women warriors, the Agojie, of the Dahomey kingdom in the 1800s. And it truly accomplishes one of GPB’s goals as a filmmaker to “disrupt the genre,” something I’ll touch upon again in a moment.

After TWK came the Q&A, with Gina Prince-Bythewood strolling with swagger and yet also casually towards the stage to take a seat with the moderator, Mark Olsen of the L.A.Times. I was a little starstruck to see her in person, this visionary who helped craft these two amazing movies, but also happy to see how cool, calm, and collected she was. GPB had confidence without the overbearing ego and a quiet strength that I know she uses to fight for her vision.

[Gina Prince-Bythewood in the flesh! image taken by me]

While most of the questions were about the process of making The Woman King, a few questions touched on The Old Guard, making it clear why TOG was being shown in addition to TWK. And GPB’s answers showed me how TOG compliments TWK, how both movies create something unique and ground-breaking for the Hollywood industry that has long failed to tell diverse stories. So, now I want to focus on a few things from the Q&A and what they say to me about The Old Guard.

The moderator pointed out that TWK isn’t just a historical epic, it also functions as an action movie and a finely tuned character drama. This is something that I would argue is also true for TOG – it’s not just a summer action/comic book movie. It doesn’t feel anything like an MCU film but instead functions as a meaningful character drama, which is why I believe it has such a devoted fan base even two years after its release. Both TWK and TOG have awesome fight sequences worthy of numerous rewatches, but they also make time for quiet character moments, something that studios tend to cut in order to get to the action faster. But GPB comes from making deep character dramas, and she brings that to all her films, regardless of genre.

Getting into action is relatively new for GPB, but it’s something she wanted to do in order to make a film that her kids could see themselves in. But she had to get her foot in the door first, which began with filming the pilot for the Marvel TV show, Cloak and Dagger. According to GPB, having that little “Marvel” on her resume got her in to direct Silver and Black, a now defunct Sony “Spiderverse” project, which then led to her being hired for The Old Guard. Though, in the end, GPB said Skydance really hired her because they loved Love and Basketball, her first movie, a much beloved film and most definitely a character driven story. And I think that says a lot about what kind of movies TOG and TMK turned out to be.

[Gina Prince-Bythewood and Sanaa Lathan on the set of Love and Basketball, image taken from imdb.com]

The moderator also pointed out how TWK “works as a character drama, and it works as a super kick ass action movie. Like, those things don’t necessarily all go together, but don’t often get all those things in one movie, especially the way that you have like character beats happening within action scenes,” and he wanted to know how GPB managed to strike that balance. She said that Hollywood loves action movies because they bring in money, but in her pitch to the studio, she wanted to emphasize that it was more than just an action flick. That what she wanted for this film was for it to be “intimately epic,” and that for her “that meant that the quiet character moments were as seismic as the big set pieces, knowing that those two things had to work in tandem. You will not care about the action if you don’t care about the characters or there’s no stakes.” And I think that’s very true of the movie, but also something she definitely did with The Old Guard.

After all, some people might dismiss it as a dumb summer flick, but I think it functions as an “intimately epic” movie too. There are no world ending threat or giant CGI villains to fight – the climax is a shootout in a small set of an office/lab/penthouse – but still, the stakes matter in the movie because you care about the characters, because the filmmakers, led by GBP, took time to show those quiet moments that made us all such devoted fans of these characters. She made sure to show Andy meeting Celeste in the pharmacy, Booker talking about his son’s death, Joe and Nicky spooning in the background, and Nile listening to music to ground herself. GBP drops these little crumbs throughout the movie because she knows that “you have to care about these characters for it to matter.” That all pays off later, so that when Andy says, “Let’s go get this motherfucker,” you feel that line and are cheering as they make their way through the lab, mowing down everyone in their path.

GPB also talked about how important training was for all the TWK’s actors to go through that in order to develop and feel connected to their characters, but also for her as the director in capturing their performances. She said, “That helps me put character into the action because I show performance. I’m not cutting around stunt doubles, this is really them, giving me everything that I need.” And we know training was a big part of the actor’s preparation for TOG as well, so when it came time for the viewing of TOG, I made sure to pay attention and realized for the first time that for a lot of the action scenes, you can actually see the actors’ faces most of the time. And that absolutely makes the movie feel more alive and real. For two hours I wholeheartedly believed these immortal warriors existed.

[Still from The Old Guard, image taken from straight.com]

But it’s not just about strength and how bad ass the characters are – although make no mistake, they are tough as nails, and I would personally love to see a story where Nanisca from The Woman King (played by Viola Davis) meets Andromache the Scythian (played by Charlize Theron) and they go on a tear–, GBP knows to show that vulnerability is strength. She personally has a “no crying rule on set” which she attributes to her athlete mentality growing up and also being a woman in Hollywood – you can’t cry as a woman, she explains. But she did mention that she broke her own rule and cried during her pitch for TWK, but it ended up getting her the job. Because Viola Davis said it meant that she could trust GPB as a director. I think that is a very powerful message, and something that is felt even in TOG, where these immortal warriors are compelling because they are permitted vulnerability and emotion.

The moderator said how TWK could have easily just centered around Viola Davis’s character, Nanisca, but GPB made sure to also tell the stories of the other women around her. When asked why that was important to her, GPB explained that she loved all the characters and wanted them to have more, and Viola supported that. Because Viola knew “that the better the whole ensemble is, the better the film.” And so GPB tasked the cast with coming up with their backstories, some of them coming up with such amazing stuff that GBP wanted to make movies just out of those backstories. And this really reflects in the film with how strong and layered the characters are, you truly care about all of them and their fates. It may be Viola Davis’s movie, but she shines because everyone around her is also shining. And I think that’s true of TOG too.

The Old Guard could easily just have been just about Andy and Nile, and though they are the main characters and focal points of the story, we know from interviews that the other actors, such as Marwan Kenzari, put a lot of consideration into their characters, such as collecting poetry that reminded him of Joe and Nicky’s relationship, even though they were secondary characters. They could have easily faded into the background and been forgettable, but there’s a reason that these characters have their own set of devoted fans even today. Their scenes are fewer but no less impactful and they help make a richer story. Even Copley, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, has a heartbreaking scene that explains why he, a seemingly good man, would sell these immortals to a heartless Pharma-bro. There are not just one-note characters, and together they make Andy and Nile’s stories stronger.

It’s deeply intentional that fans love and care about Izogie, Amenza, Nawi, Gezo, Ode, Malik, Joe, Nicky, Booker, Quynh, Copley, and even Celeste. Because Gina Prince-Bythewood wants to make character driven stories, and she succeeds in both of these films. If she had been allowed the budget, I know she would have shot more backstory flashbacks for all those characters. But, as she pointed out, studios often want to cut those moments to get to the action quicker.

Another connection that was a delight to learn about was that GPB used the same fight coordinator on The Woman King that she used on The Old Guard, Danny Hernandez. GPB told us that when she got TMK, Hernandez was her third call, because he is, according to her, “a genius.” So in terms of action, these two films really feel like siblings. And GPB was very grateful for having done TOG first so she could meet him and then have him work with on TWK. TOG also taught her, she said, what it takes to do good action – as many takes as you need and actors who are willing to give it. She explained, “And this sounds really basic and obvious, but if you did not shoot it, it's not gonna show up in the edit room.“ And it’s not just about action. We know that the famous Van Speech had numerous takes to get just the right one, the one that still makes us go nuts. Which again leads me to ask, Dear Netflix or Skydance, when are we getting BTS footage and the deleted scenes?!

[Charlize Theron with what I’m 82% sure is Danny Hernandez in the background, image taken from looper.com]

The moderator then asked her about a phrase he’d heard GPB use a few times – something I referenced earlier– which is that as a filmmaker, she wants to “disrupt the genre.” And he wanted her to talk about that and how she did that with TWK, to which GPB replied: “Sad reality is, disrupting the genre was literally putting black women at the center of it,” words which were met with thunderous applause from the audience. TWK is a unique movie in that it is a historical epic and centers on so many deeply complex black women. And in the same way that GPB disrupts the historical epic, she did the same with the hero’s journey in The Old Guard, putting Nile, as played by Kiki Layne, in a role traditionally inhabited by a long line of white male characters. GPB and Greg Rucka worked together to really bring that genre disrupting story to film, where Nile is like Luke Skywalker (to use a big pop culture reference), discovering a strange new power, leaving everything they formally knew behind, to follow a wise, old warrior who will guide them. And yes, I am saying that Andy is a more bitter, drunker Obi-wan. But in all seriousness, one could easily name a dozen other hero’s-journey stories about some white dude, but Nile makes it unique, to finally have a black woman inhabit that role in a major movie. Even with the multitude of comic book movies taking over Hollywood, The Old Guard has done something none of them have yet. (Though, Wakanda Forever may finally change that, I’ll admit. But hey, more cake, right?)

Finally, the moderator mentioned the sequel for The Old Guard, which drew loud cheers and applause, only to turn to disappointed “awws” when he mentioned that GPB wasn’t directing it, though that was soon followed by some good hearted laughs as she smiled sheepishly to the audience.

It was previously reported that GPB has a “no sequels rule,” and she explained that while, yes, she does, it’s because for each film, she puts so much of herself into that particular film in order to say everything she wants to say. So if she ends up wanting to do a sequel, it means she didn’t say everything she wanted with the first film. Which means something went wrong. She went into TOG knowing it was a trilogy, and she admires Greg Rucka and his “amazing mind,” but she had a personal connection to the arc of the first film so that was the story she wanted to tell. She explained it was just her personal thing and feels like she doesn’t have anything new to bring to the sequel. And while I am saddened that she did not direct the sequel, reigns handed over to Victoria Mahoney, I appreciated the thought GPB put into it and I respect her reasoning.

[Mark Olsen and Gina Prince-Bythewood, image taken by me]

With that, the moderator opened up questions to the audience, and though I tried to ask a question, I was sadly not picked (I planned to ask about TOG deleted scenes). Also, in the end, they only had time for three questions which were mostly focused on TWK and film making in general. Not to mention the one lady who took up a lot of time with her three part question that everyone else had a hard time following, so much that the moderator had to cut her off. If he hadn’t, I’m sure she would still be talking to this day...

As GPB made her way off stage, a large crowd gathered to get last minute questions in or just to shake her hand. I tried diligently to get to the front so I could give her a small gift bag of TOG fan made stickers, but it was nearly impossible and I was so nervous by then, I was literally shaking. So I handed them to a woman next to her and explained it was a present for Gina and then I ran off! I have no idea if they got to her, but if they didn’t, it’s okay, I might not take a gift from the panicking grown woman who hands it off and then runs for her life.

About half the theater cleared out after that, but a sizable portion stayed for the viewing of The Old Guard, myself included. Me and this other lady were probably the most excited people in the theater, her loudly declaring “You should stay! It’s a good movie!” to which I added, “She’s right! She speaks the truth!” Mystery lady who left before I could talk to you – are you on Tumblr? Hit me up, let’s be friends!

[Proof of TOG on the big screen, awkward image of the hotel concierge checking out Booker taken by me]

Then, I finally got to see The Old Guard as it was meant to be seen– on the big silver screen! And guys, let me tell you, it was freaking amazing. We were SO robbed of this experience and it is my fervent wish that somehow it gets a limited run around the world so people can experience it as well. I feel like I noticed more details and just fell in love with the story and the characters all over again. And I know there’s division when it comes to the soundtrack – some love it, others hate it – but I gotta say, in a movie theater, I think the song choices hit harder and work so much better. You may still dislike it, but I personally felt more emotionally roused in the church fight scene and during Nile’s elevator ride.

Also, it’s important to say that the people who did stay were a vocal group, and it was such a joy to be part of it! I feel like Joe comes off as snarkier with an audience, his lines definitely earning the most laughs and rounds of applause– let me tell you, the audience loved him laying into Booker. And his beautiful eyes as he teared up in the van scene really popped on a big screen. Actually, all the actor’s eyes were simply stunning. And as for audience reactions to certain sequences, I would say that the biggest winners were a tie between the Van Speech and Nile’s defenestration with Merrick. Both got huge cheers and applause. It was, as GPB would put it, intimately epic.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on that evening and please join me in a prayer circle for there to be a run of the first movie in theaters as we get closer to the release of the sequel. Thank you for reading! And go see The Woman King if you haven't! (and can!)

#The Old Guard #TOG #gina prince bythewood #The Woman King #Charlize theron #kiki layne #marwan kenzari #luca marinelli #Matthias Schoenaerts #I hope this was fun to hear about #I love TWK but my heart is still in TOG hell haha #though someone write that Nanisca/Andy fic!

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lothirielswan · 1 year

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Jaina Proudmoore: Okay old man, what's with the flask

Khadgar: Old man? Excuse me?

Wrathion: The old lady's right. You've become a surprisingly integral part of my social circle. I can't have you interrupting my ecosystem.

Lor'themar Theron: You can be honest. It's not stamina elixir. It never is.

Khadgar: I AM NOT AN ALCOHOLIC. And it is NOT an addiction. People can carry flasks. Flasks are cool!

Kalec: You took out the flask three times during that meeting. And I'm good at recognizing red flags; I dated Jaina!

Jaina Proudmoore: ...

Tyrande Whisperwind: I have noticed a certain...pattern, with humans over time. Perhaps you should look into an anonymous outlet to speak about your feelings. Like when Jaina sought anger management sessions! And then she went to therapy!

Jaina Proudmoore: Okay, no one needs to know these things. I am FINE, and my life is not on fire anymore.

Malfurion Stormrage: Shh! Don't mention fire!

Khadgar: ...

Khadgar to Eona: This is why adults "seek help."

#i want the therapy sessions #world of warcraft #khadgar #eona strider #anduin wrynn #wow #jaina proudmoore #tyrande whisperwind #malfurion #malfurion stormrage #illidan stormrage #wrathion #kalecgos #lorthemar theron #dear prince dandelion #varian wrynn #turalyon #archmage khadgar

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lizzybeth1986 · 2 years

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Eleanor's Kitchen

Book: The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Pairing: None. Queen Eleanor & Prince Liam (mother-son), Queen Eleanor & Joëlle Theron (platonic), Prince Liam & Kiara Theron (platonic)

Rating: PG for one cuss word.

Summary: Eleanor and Liam get a visit from Joëlle and her daughter Kiara, along with a few surprises. (Takes place a few weeks after Chapter Two. Liam is seven years old, Kiara is five)

Note: In this series, Hakim, Joëlle and Kiara's surnames are spelt Thorne. People close to Constantine call him "Kontos".

Series: Eleanor's Kitchen

Word Count: 3,532

Tagging @choicesficwriterscreations for Fics of the Week

Tagging @choicesmonthlychallenge for the May Challenge - Day 31 - smile | macaroons | "This isn't goodbye"

Chapter 3: Djaj M'qualli bi Zeitoun

Today is one of those rare days when Liam finds both himself and his mother in a bad mood, near-identical pouts jutting out from their lips.

He suspects Mum's has something to do with a phone call today from Duchess Joëlle Thorne, instructing her strictly not to cook, because this time she wants to be the one bringing food. Mum had practically forgotten she was Duchess Joëlle's Queen and got on the verge of pleading, several times. But the other woman, miles away on holiday in France, would not budge.

I think I know where Kiara gets her stubbornness from, Liam thinks to himself - remembering his sometimes-playmate who always drove hard bargains during their "toy trade wars" and beat him, Drake (and Maxwell whenever his father Duke Barthelemy brought him over to the palace from Ramsford) in raucous games of football.

He almost-smiles at the memory of the three of them stomping off the palace grounds after yet another defeat, but the sudden flash of memory of a recent state dinner abroad, sitting next to his older brother, makes him scowl again.

Seven tagines. Seven alone this year, and Liam has lost count of how many people have fed him tagine over the past year. And each one with such a lovely, glowing, expectant look on their faces that he hasn't had the heart to tell them that he's hated tagines ever since that first tongue-numbing bite (Mum would later wonder if the cinnamon might have been a little much on that dish, but then brushed the idea off, being the Biggest Cinnamon Lover Ever) at a diplomat's house in Fez last March. Some of the dishes had ingredients he loved (apricots. shrimp. meatballs) and things he would never touch (prunes), but that first awful experience haunted him every time he took a forkful, making him dread even the possibility of going somewhere where it could be served.

"You could just say no," Leo had once said, smirking. That little shit, Liam had murmured a phrase he'd picked up from his own brother under his breath, knowing his parents would take offence at the last word, and Leo at the second. It would be so easy. He could go tell Mum right now and she'd make sure everyone - palace chefs, Heads of State, everyone - stopped bringing him tagine, court protocol and social embarrassment be damned. After all, she's now grown suspicious enough to ask. But he can't.

This is a game the brothers have been playing ever since Liam turned four: you never let the other side know they're winning. Not unless you wanted to everyone to think you'll forever be the little baby around here, always crying to your mother.

He will never admit to Leo how much he hates it, and he will never admit to himself that over the last few months he's begun to hate it a little less. So now, whenever the tagine gets laid out on the dinner table, warm in its brightly-patterned pot alongside a bowl of jewelled couscous, Liam defiantly stabs the meat, staring his older brother straight in the eye as he forks it into his mouth. You lose!

Mum is still flicking her thumb over the other fingers on her hand now, lost in her own thoughts. It takes her a couple seconds before she speaks. "Joëlle loves the Cordonian Ruby, Kiara likes puff pastry. I could make them chaussons aux pommes to take home!" she says in a low, triumphant whisper.

Liam stares at his mother in confusion. "I thought Auntie Jöelle said no cooking."

Mum shrugs her shoulders in a rare show of childlike glee. "What's she going to do, fly a plane back to stop me?" she says, and Liam can tell she's already keeping a mental note of the ingredients, "By the time she gets here, we'll make her a dessert she can't refuse."

For a split-second when Auntie Joëlle and her daughter arrive, Mum seems to search for something behind them, then at their faces, with a rapidly dimming smile. But the look is so fleeting Liam wonders if he'd imagined it.

"Where's Uncle Hakim, Mum?"

Mum's hands involuntarily tighten on his shoulders at the question, it is a smiling Auntie Joëlle who answers. "He's in a meeting with your father, Prince Liam."

Mum greets little Kiara with a warm hug, before moving back and admiring her hair. Kiara's half-ponytail zigzags in waves along her shoulders, her heart-shaped face framed on either side by thin long braids studded with tiny butterfly clips. A very tiny topknot adorns the top of her head, and Liam can see small braids covering it too. She looks very pretty and very proud of her mother.

"Now you're just showing off, Jo," Liam can hear Mum whisper, chuckling. "You've really outdone yourself this time. And that dress!"

"Butterflies and ladybugs," Auntie Joëlle grins, waving her free hand in the general direction of Kiara's bright red frock, dotted with tiny ladybugs. "Her latest passions."

"My cousin Céleste saw this in a magazine and asked her maman to do it," Kiara whispers to Liam, fingering a green butterfly on her braid as they walk towards the table, "so I asked mine. Maman got all the clips from back home too."

"Lots of butterflies come to our garden but you won't see a lot of them now," Liam whispers back, "ask Auntie Joëlle to bring you in the morning next time, Drake and I play everyday there."

Kiara gifts him a wide, sunny smile, showing off the gap from her first fallen baby tooth. "Okay!" Liam is amazed at her confidence; he was only a year older than she is now when his first milk tooth fell, and he couldn't open his mouth in front of anyone for weeks.

"I've been hearing from several people that this is Prince Liam's favourite," Auntie Joëlle says, and Liam's heart sinks to his stomach as she opens one of the parcels of food she brought with her.

Of course!, Liam mentally kicks himself for forgetting, I should have known! Uncle Hakim is half-Moroccan!

The thick gravy is an inviting deep golden brown, coating tender, browned pieces of chicken. The pickled lemon slices glisten moistly, and the entire room is filled with scents of citrus and caramelized onions. If only this wasn't -

"- tagine?" Liam says, realizing too late, and to his horror, that he sounds just as disappointed as he feels. Somehow without Leo around and without spite to drive him, Liam can't find it in him to pretend.

"Oh," Auntie Joëlle's voice sounds soft and bemused. She looks at him blankly for a few moments, then shifts just as quickly to a cheery smile and an overly-bright tone. "Well! It's good I have backup then!"

Liam looks towards Kiara, but she's staring at the tagine instead, mouth pursed and eyes wide.

As Auntie Joëlle quickly rummages for something else, Mum moves closer to her and mouths a "sorry". "I've had a bit of a suspicion for a while, but he's always told me very strongly that he liked that dish."

"It's alright," Auntie Joëlle whispers back, taking out a small box. When she opens it Liam can already smell the citrus notes in the air intensify, but this time it's oranges. "I should have asked you first. I wanted it to be a surprise."

"You did save the day by bringing dessert," Mum says smiling, her hand on Auntie Joëlle's shoulder. Kiara is still suspiciously silent, but Liam can see a pout growing, and she looks at him like she's caught him cheating at tag.

"If there's one thing we all know for certain, Elle, it's that your youngest has the biggest sweet tooth in the palace." She laughs, then turns to Liam. "Have some meskouta, cheri. I know you like nuts and honey, so we got you an almond-orange cake, with a little honey and orange blossom water."

She lays the cake on the table, letting him admire its simple golden hue, studded with green-pink pistachios.

"Don't worry about the tagine, we can save it for the rest of the -"

Kiara finally speaks up. "Prince Liam doesn't like tagine?"

Her voice is pitched high and drips of disappointment. He's heard Auntie Joëlle tell Mum and Leo about Kiara's growing love for the dish since last year, but she's always been the kind that took opinions she didn't agree with with a shrug, before moving on to something else. Except, it seems, when it comes to playing tag. And tagine.

"How can you not like tagine!" Kiara turns to her mother, aghast. "Maman, do you hear this??"

Auntie Joëlle shakes her head, looking at Kiara in a mixture of exhasperation and fondness. "Oh, you're just being dramatic now, ma fée. Not everyone has to like it!"

Kiara's raises her chin and scowls in defiance. "Well I think that's just a vatful of mer-"

"Language, Kiara!"

Her mother's eyes narrow dangerously at her, and Kiara freezes mid-sentence, before frowning and folding her hands on her lap.

"- mercredi," she mumbles instead, sulkily.

Mum turns to Auntie Joëlle as they leave the children to move towards her private kitchen. He can only barely hear them. "Was she about to say merde?"

"Yes. Only five years old, and already managed to pick up that kind of language. I ought to have a word with her brother...when he's back from my sister's house in Loire," she hisses, stealing an apologetic glance in Liam's direction. Ashamed at being caught eavesdropping, he turns away. "I just hope le petit prince doesn't find out what that means."

Relaxed now but still pouting, Kiara turns to Liam. Her tone is low and a little grudging, like she thinks she's being too nice. "When did you have tagine?"

"The first time was last year," Liam murmurs resentfully, his foot tapping rhythmically against the table. "I hated it. My tongue went numb."

Suddenly thoughtful, Kiara softly clicks her tongue. "My worst tagine ever tasted like that. Maman said that was because it had too much sin...sin... ugh! -" she groans in frustration, "the brown curly stick. I forget what she calls it."

Liam giggles quietly. Already he can hear Father's booming voice in his head, telling him that's not how boys laugh. But he's sure Kiara won't mind. "I think she meant cinnamon."

"Mhm. This tagine doesn't have that. Maman said you wouldn't like it."

Liam's eyes widen. "How would she know?"

"She says you always ignore the things on the dessert table that use a lot of it."

I didn't even know that. He shifts a little in his seat, uncomfortable but a little touched that Auntie Joëlle noticed something about himself that he hadn't. And the dish does look and smell lovely...and she did take the effort to make him not one, but two, dishes.

Would a tiny taste really hurt? Besides, he'd always thought he hated tomato pasta until Uncle Franci gave them tomatoes from his uncle's farm.

Liam sighs in defeat against his own thoughts. It certainly wouldn't hurt to try.

He tears a piece of very soft, very fluffy khobz, and dips a little bit of it in the sauce, letting a little bit of chicken fall like butter off the bone. He eats it slowly, gingerly, waiting in dread for that odd, tingling sensation on his tongue to hit.

It never comes. The sensations that hit his tongue make his tastebuds come alive rather than numbing them. The chicken and the gravy mesh and dissolve in his mouth as he takes one bite, then one more, then several; the hum of spices wrapping his entire body in a blanket of warmth. And underneath it all, a subtly silky sweetness, one that he decides comes from the browned bits he can spot atop the tagine.

"Daghmira, my Jiddah used to call it," Kiara finally speaks after finishing off her own meal, looking very smug. "She'd cook onions until they were dark and sweet and sticky like jam. So goooooood."

Liam's laugh comes out in a closed-mouth, satisfied hum, his mouth full and his spirits high and his tongue ready to leap out of his face from the medley of flavours it has been greeted with. Between the two of them, the tagine bowl gets empty quite soon.

The two of them make quick work of the almond-orange cake too. It's a moist, dreamy slice of heaven, dissolving easily on his tongue, the earthy, nutty bitterness of the almonds blending with a flavour that is sweet, and bright, and quite floral. Kiara's right - you can't pick out the cinnamon from the medley of subtle spices infused into the cake - the saffron, the cardamom - it's a gentle caress of that spice rather than a punch in the face. Liam used to think coconut macaroons were his favourite Moroccan dessert, but his dreamy confection of a dessert seems to be beating them hollow.

Mum and Auntie Joëlle return to empty plates and a pair of talkative children, their moods both considerably more subdued than what it was when they left. For a minute Liam feels like Mum's eyes look a little reddened, and Auntie Joëlle's smile a little weaker, a little more tired...but he quickly brushes it aside when he sees just how impressed they are with all the food their children managed to finish.

"Did Liam eat some of it too?" Joelle says, her face breaking out into a smile.

"He ate half," Kiara tells her mother, raising her chin and looking very proud of herself. Liam forgives her easily for her smugness this time - at least for the flavour of that tagine still lingering on his tongue.

"It was very nice," Liam tells his and Kiara's mothers, smiling for real, "I liked the cake too."

Mum says nothing, simply beaming, her hands clasped in a single clap. She shares an amused look with Auntie Joëlle, then gasps and leaves, almost like she's just remembered something - only to return with a little box of apple turnovers. Kiara immediately makes a beeline for the dessert, asking her mother if she can sample some right now.

"Elle?" Auntie Joëlle gives her a very pointed look, "what did I tell you before I got here today?"

Mum suppresses her laughter, gently nudging Auntie Joëlle with her shoulder. "You're the one who gave me that recipe. Of course I'm going to show off!"

Kiara, already full from the chicken and the cake, seems to have an extra stomach for desserts too, because she has already begun sinking her teeth into the crisp puff pastry. She does not forget to wipe the crumbs from her mouth delicately with a handkerchief like a good lady-in-the-making would. "Please tell Her Majesty to show off more."

When Mum (looking a little more exhausted than usual) tucks Liam into bed that night, Liam allows himself a tiny, triumphant smile. He isn't sure whether tagines will ever replace tomato pasta and fragrant fish stew for his favourite dish - he isn't even sure if he will like it that much later, or whether Auntie Joëlle's cooking was just that good - but he is sure of one thing.

When he is served his ninth tagine this year, and Leo smirks across the table in anticipation, his older brother will be in for a surprise. This time he's not going to just stab that meat with a fork, look Leo square in the eye and eat the damn tagine. He's going to fork that tender piece of meat into his mouth, look Leo square in the eye, eat the damn tagine and enjoy it.

I win!

Some time earlier....

The first thing Joëlle does when she enters Eleanor's private kitchen, is to close her eyes and breathe in deep, as if to memorize the scents of this place.

"Mon Dieu...it even smells like you."

Eleanor laughs nervously, trying hard to cover her trembling hands by busying them with the cabinets. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"Cinnamon...black pepper...vanilla beans...dried roses...coffee. Can a combination of those smells ever be considered bad?"

Her laughter is a little louder, a little more genuine this time. "Far cry from our university days. When both our rooms used to smell of new books and old clothes we never wanted to throw away?"

Joëlle nods, sighing at the memories. "And then we got married."

Eleanor's smile dims. "To a Duke and a King. Who would've thought." It's hard, thinking about Hakim and Constantine now, remembering a time when the two were her and Joëlle's seniors, distant, mysterious, only visible through fleeting glimpses. And you would almost never catch a glimpse of those two apart. Every university event, every auto race, they seemed joined at the hip. Kontos would tell her later how his first month in university was also his loneliest, having been tutored all his childhood in private, and how much Hakim had cared for him, helping him with class notes and giving him company when other classmates were too intimidated to approach him.

The irony, Eleanor thinks as she runs a thumb over the rustic wooden surface of a kitchen counter, that two men so close together can look each other in the face and hardly recognize what they're seeing. For the millionth time, she wonders at the role his new friends...advisors - whatever they are, the lines are so blurred now - have to play in this, and at her own failure.

It hits her like a punch in the chest. Her guilt is suddenly so intense that Eleanor looks away, unable for a moment to face her own friend. Her mouth twists in a grimace and she presses her lips tight together, as if that attempt will stem the tears she knows are coming.

"Elle?" Joëlle says softly, "Are you crying?"

"No." Damn this voice, Eleanor thinks, hating how hard it's always been to hide the tremor in her tone.

Jo sighs. "Is this about Hakim and Kontos? Am I right in assuming you're beating yourself up over their friendship again? As if you don't have enough on your plate already?"

"I tried to talk to him before you three came here," she says, still unable to face Joëlle, "and I don't think it worked. I know it sounds like another excuse, but -"

"Excuse??" Joëlle whips around to face her, her face rife with confusion, "Ellie? Who told you that? Just where are you getting these ideas from?"

The tears now stream down her face in freeflow. "I'm trying. To help Kontos realize just how valuable Hakim is to him. To make him see what he'll lose if he gives up such a friend...such an ally...for two people who I know in my bones he can't trust. But I feel like I'm not trying hard enough."

It isn't just about saving a personal friendship they've seen from afar - both Eleanor and Joëlle know that. There is a vision of what this country can be - beyond the tribalism, beyond the suspicion and naked fear. They both know they want Cordonia that doesn't simply think about barely surviving from day to day, but feels safe enough to create. To share. To thrive. Hakim is the only Great House member far-sighted enough to understand that.

Joëlle covers Eleanor's hands in her own. "We know you've been trying, Elle. Doubting that is out of the question. I'm saying you shouldn't have to."

Eleanor looks up, incredulous, "You're... you're telling me to stop trying?"

Joëlle shakes her head, running a hand through Eleanor's hair before resting it on her right cheek. Her face is such a medley of conflicting emotions that Eleanor can't single out just one. "No, Elle. I'm saying stop holding yourself responsible for things you can't control."

She winces. "I don't understand."

"I knew you wouldn't. That's just how you are," Jo lets her hand fall, turning away, "You're trying. Hakim is trying. But ultimately the decision to honour that friendship...that lies with Kontos. And he is his own man. If he decides he doesn't want Hakim - he doesn't want us - then that's his decision, Elle." She turns around to Eleanor, worry for her old friend shining in her eyes. "I want you to be certain that when..."

Eleanor winces.

"...if nothing works out, you will know you gave this your all. And we both know you didn't need to. Neither Hakim nor I will love you any less."

Speechless, Eleanor can do nothing but hug Joëlle, sobbing weakly on her shoulder.

"Promise me," Joëlle whispers to her before they leave the kitchen, even though they're the only ones in the room, "Promise me that the compassion you show everyone else... you'll at least start showing a fraction of that to yourself."

Eleanor opens her mouth to argue this, then closes it. "I'll... I'll try."

Hakim comes out of his talk with Constantine, not too long after Joëlle and Kiara are done with their meal. Eleanor can tell, from the bleakness in his eyes and the strained lines around his mouth, that it didn't go well. Still, he doesn't hesitate to smile at her and Liam when he's about to leave, and she's comforted by the small gesture.

It's a comfort she doesn't yet believe she deserves...but it settles her heart a little, nonetheless.

She serves the rest of the tagine that night, beaming as Liam eats it with genuine enthusiasm, frowning at the thought of Leo (he's out late and avoiding his father...again), and looking back innocently when Kontos asks her, his face giving away nothing, whether this dish came straight from the Thorne house.

"Yes," Eleanor replies, "yes, it did."

A corner of his mouth goes up the tiniest bit. "I can tell," he replies, taking more bites and refusing to say any more, pointedly not seeing the small smile on his wife's face, "Good tagine. Good tagine."

Recipes:

Classic Moroccan Chicken with Preserved Lemons, Olives and Daghmira (Onion Sauce) from the Taste of Maroc blog.

Recipe for Meskouta from the book The World Cookbook: The Greatest Recipes from Around the World.

Translations:

French:

Chaussons aux pommes - French-style apple turnovers

Chéri/Chérie - Darling

Ma fée - My fairy

Merde - Shit

Mercredi - Wednesday. But in this context, Kiara is using it to cover up the above cuss word

Le Petit Prince - literally, the Little Prince, also a reference to a book of the same name.

Mon Dieu - My God

Darija/Arabic:

Djaj M'qualli bi Zeitoun - Usually used to refer to a chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives, made in a traditional tagine clay pot. Djaj means chicken, m'qualli is a cooking technique that involves frying, and zeitoun means olives.

Meskouta - A traditional Moroccan cake, often served for teatime, featuring a range of ingredients. It's usually made in bundt shape. The popular ones used almonds or yoghurt in their base for the batter, and the most popular flavourings are lemon, orange/orange blossom, or vanilla.

Khobz - A type of bread

Daghmira - Sauce made of caramelized onions. In tagine it's used as a topping.

Jiddah - Grandmother. Kiara is using this to refer to her paternal grandmother, and Hakim's mother.

Reference hairstyle for kid!Kiara in this chapter:

#choices fanfic #king liam #prince liam #eleanor rys #joelle theron #kiara theron #the royal romance #the royal heir #series: eleanor's kitchen #choicesmonthlychallenge #cfwc fics of the week

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storyknitter · 2 years

Text

Bulwark Broken

Vassanna took down her opponent with a snarl of frustration. How had these damned assassins found them? She’d covered their tracks and plotted a new route after the last time. Glancing to her right, she breathed a sigh of relief; Theron was holding his own a handful of steps away, though both combatants had been disarmed.

He was tiring, his blocks and parries weakening. Having dispatched her opponent, she rushed to her prince, knocking him out of the way just as the assassin took a swing. The punch intended for Theron hit her in the side, harder than she’d expected, and stars danced across her vision as she gasped for breath. Thanks to Orgus’s intensive training regimens over the years, however, she didn’t have to see or even think to end this fight—it was as natural as breathing.

Two heartbeats later, the final attacker lay on the ground, Vassanna’s swords at his neck. Before she could ask how he’d found them, there came a crunch: the man stiffened and began foaming at the mouth, his eyes going cold and empty as he died.

Dammit, they never surrendered. Why was it always a fight to the death with the Shadow King’s people?

With a weary sigh that morphed into a wince, she glanced over to inspect Theron. He seemed mostly unharmed—thank the stars—despite streaks of dirt and blood marring his handsome features and leather vest. If he looked worse for wear, she must look dreadful, to judge by the way he stared at her in horror.

Her instincts screamed at her to pay attention and she followed his gaze to her side, where the short handle of an assassin’s dagger stuck out from her leather armor.

Oh.

“That lucky shit,” Sanna breathed. The chances of a knife breaking through her leather armor like this were so small, damn near minuscule; perhaps he’d used magic to intensify the strike.

“Ow.” She couldn’t contain the whimper, pain flaring to life as her adrenaline faded.

In the time it took her to blink, Theron stood before her, breathless, his hands on her cheeks.

“Vassanna? Vassanna, look at me,” he said, a thread of panic in his voice and concern plain on his face. “There you go, you’ll be fine. Just... just stay with me, all right?”

Your eyes are so pretty, she thought as she met his gaze, and the corner of his mouth tugged upward.

She hadn’t said that out loud, had she?

“Sanna? Can you walk over there?” he asked, gesturing to a tree off the side of the road, and she nodded.

Theron took her good arm, supporting her as he led them toward the tree, murmuring encouragement every step of the way. Black spots waxed and waned in her vision with every shallow, painful breath she took. Her legs felt like stone, slowing their progress.

Soon, she found herself seated, propped against a saddle. Wracking her brain, she couldn't remember when he had removed the tack from their horses. She was tired—so very tired—and she couldn’t quite bring herself to care, closing her heavy eyelids and letting her head fall back, just for a moment.

She’d only rest for a moment.

“No!”

Vassanna jerked upright, pain searing through her chest and wringing a whimper from her lips. Theron’s nose was inches from hers, his warm hands on her cheeks once more. His whiskey-colored eyes met hers, wide with fear.

“Stay awake for me, just a bit longer,” he cajoled.

“‘kay,” she whispered over the ringing in her ears.

With a nod, his hands drifted to her chest, finding and undoing the leather buckles on the front of her armor.

Without thinking, she swatted his hands away. “At least buy a girl a drink first,” she muttered.

A gentle chuckle filled her ears and his lips curled into a smirk. “How’s this?” Theron asked as he placed a flask in her hands. “Drink.”

“I was just teasing.” The words came out in a muddle, her tongue uncooperative, and she blinked away the growing spots in her vision.

“Here, let me help,” he said softly, guiding the flask to her lips. The liquid contained within was surprisingly sweet; the taste was maddeningly familiar, but she couldn’t place the ingredient. Some sort of spice?

She choked as he tipped the flask higher, groaning as her wound protested painfully. Theron murmured apologies and encouragement, offering her more of the drink. The muddled feeling in her mind cleared briefly and, as she took stock of the situation, she realized how tenuous her grip on life was.

She was supposed to be protecting him. If she didn’t make it, who would keep him safe?

A brief moment of panic later, she remembered how near they were to Organa lands. Yes, he needed to go there, and quickly.

“Vassanna?” Theron’s voice, tender yet uneasy, drew her thoughts back to the present. “The healing tonic will make you sleepy. You can rest, but stay here with me.” His hand cradled her head again and she leaned into his comforting touch. “Don’t go,” he whispered.

“Castle Organa,” she mumbled, grasping at his tunic with the last of her strength. “You have to get to Castle Organa. You’ll be safe there. Promise you’ll go to the Organas.”

Her vision grew blurry and dark; whether it was due to the tonic or her fading life, Sanna couldn’t tell. One final thought floated through her mind as darkness surrounded her: Keep him safe. Please.

————————

Vassanna’s eyes fluttered open to find the barest hint of light on the horizon. Stars still twinkled above, glimmering in their endless dance across the sky. Gods, she’d slept better last night than she had in ages.

Wait. She was forgetting something, something important.

Theron!

She sat up with a gasp. At least, she tried to sit up, but she was caught, wrapped up in—

Theron.

Sandwiched between both their cloaks, one of his arms had become her pillow while the other wound around her waist. Her cheeks burned as she realized her legs were tangled with his.

“M’rning,” her future king mumbled, a sleepy grin twitching at the corner of his lips, a hair’s breadth from hers. The heat from her cheeks crept to her ears and oh, he was so handsome it wasn’t even fair. His smile made her stomach flip and his eyes—

“Are you all right? Vassanna, are you in pain?”

She shook her head, then nodded—which question was she answering? “I’m fine,” she said, trying to remember how she’d ended up sharing a bed with the prince she was supposed to be guarding. As she shifted to extricate her legs from his, pain seared through her left side, sharp and hot.

Right: assassins, a blade to her side. She remembered now. Squeezing her eyes shut, she stilled and waited for the sting to fade.

“Vassanna?” Theron’s concern bled into his voice and his warm hand rested gently on her bare waist.

“I’m all right,” she whispered. It was partially true: the pain had ebbed, only to flare up as she took too deep a breath.

“You’re a terrible liar,” he said with a snort as he stood and went to his bag. “Stay here, I have something that will help.”

Despite his request, she struggled to her feet, teeth clenched against the burning ache in her side. Was this a mistake? Probably.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” His exasperated swearing continued, muttered, and she chose to ignore it, especially the words “stubborn” and “ornery.”

“I can do this,” Sanna said, swaying precariously, but she remained standing. Who would protect him out here if she couldn’t?

“Yeah, I’m sure you can. But why make things worse for yourself when I can help you?”

“I’m supposed to be—”

“My bodyguard. Yes, I know. And I’m certain that if we were attacked by an entire battalion at this moment, you could keep me safe.” He took her arm, gently guiding her to a log and helping her sit. “But it would be at great cost to you.”

She opened her mouth to argue but he placed his fingers on her lips.

“Look, I don’t know what you think you need to prove to me, Hero of Tython.”

She stilled in surprise, her heartbeat thundering loud in her ears. How did he know that title belonged to her?

“Guardian of the Kalikori,” he continued. “Rescuer of the great Magician Bela Kiwiiks—and even Knight Marshal Orgus Din. You have quite the list of accomplishments to your name.”

“They’re much exaggerated, I assure you,” she said softly, looking everywhere but at his face. He didn’t know the whole truth behind all her deeds—not many did. “And it wasn’t just me.”

“From what I understand, the stories weren’t embellished by much. Orgus said you’re the best of the best and of that, I have no doubt.” He gently took her chin, turning her to meet his gaze. “So stop being such a damned stubborn ass and let me help you.”

Vassanna blinked in surprise as a smirk spread on Theron’s lips: that was not at all the sentiment she had expected. “All right,” she conceded with a slow smile of her own. “How shall I let you help me?”

“I’m glad you asked,” he said, reaching toward his bag. “You can drink this.” He pulled out a silver flask, poured a small amount of its contents into its accompanying cup, and passed the cup to her. “I do recall you insisting I buy you one before removing your armor yesterday.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks as a fuzzy memory surfaced. “Did I say...” She trailed off as she met his gaze over the edge of the cup, that damn smirk of his firmly in place. “Oh, I did,” she whispered, eyes wide.

“Just drink the damn healing tonic, would you?” he said, waving off her embarrassment, and she followed his orders.

A syrupy scent emanated from the liquor; slightly floral and familiar, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. “What’s in this?” she asked as she returned the empty cup to his outstretched hand, still unable to pinpoint the flavor. “It’s sweeter than most.”

“Oh, that? Queen’s Lace.” Theron had turned his focus to storing the flask and cup in his bag.

His response was so nonchalant that, had Vassanna not studied herbs and potions, she likely wouldn’t have realized the rarity of that ingredient: Queen’s Lace grew solely in one valley—the resting place of former Queen Bastila—and bloomed for only a few weeks each year. Few people could reach the fields and fewer still could work successfully with the gathered plant.

Somehow, he had an entire flask of that precious tonic.

“You’re sure it’s Queen’s Lace?” she said in a near-whisper.

“Maybe,” he said with forced casualness, avoiding her gaze. “Have you heard of that plant before? I might have misremembered the name.”

Liar! screamed her instincts and Sanna’s foggy brain had cleared enough to put two and two together. She couldn’t believe it: Theron had practically poured half a container of the rarest, most expensive healing potion in existence down her throat yesterday to keep her alive, and now he was pretending that it was nothing special, that anyone could acquire it from the local apothecary?

“Why would you do that?” Her question came out far more accusatory than intended, but she wasn’t the one who was the rightful heir to the throne.

“Why would I do what?” He stared at her incredulously. “Wait, are you mad at me for saving your life?”

“Do you have any idea how hard it is to find that kind of healing tonic? It’s not something to be given out willy-nilly—”

“Yeah, well, I made it myself, so I can use it however I damn well please! I happen to think that saving the life of my guard is a worthwhile use.”

A small snarl of frustration rattled in Sanna’s throat; would he quit interrupting her and see reason? “Saving your own life is paramount—”

“I don’t need it to save my own life!” he shouted, then froze, as though he’d said too much. “Probably not, at least,” he murmured.

Another puzzle piece slotted into place. “You can Heal?” The question was soft, hesitant.

Theron glared at her, dropping his bag near the horses’ tack. “No. Yes,” he said sullenly. He shook his head, hands on his hips, and sighed in frustration. “I can make Healing potions, elixirs. I can fix myself when I get hurt.” He gestured in her direction. “But can I help anyone else? Can I Heal anyone who’s not me? Hells no!” Crossing his arms and leaning up against a tree, he muttered, “My entire family has been Healers for centuries, and then—” He snorted derisively. “What a fucking joke.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, realizing belatedly how very sore a spot she’d poked.

“I don’t need your pity.” He threw the growled words in her direction along with a scowl.

“It’s not pity,” she said softly, staring down at her own hands, remembering her numerous failed attempts at every sort of healing. “I learned how to make potions—theoretically, at least—but they never worked.” Glancing up, she met his gaze with a rueful smile; it was only fair that she confessed one of her perceived faults after he had done the same. “I’m only good at fighting, not fixing what was broken while fighting—despite efforts to the contrary.”

Theron stared at her, his expression unreadable.

“Thank you for fixing what was broken.”

His features softened and the corner of his mouth twitched upwards, the barest hint of a smile.

“I’d say ‘anytime,’ but I think you should avoid any more stab wounds in the future.”

A soft chuckle slipped from her lips. “I’m inclined to agree.”

#aww look! they're already #mutually protective idiots!#knitter writes #MF!AU #medieval fantasy AU #Theron Shan #oc: Vassanna #Jedi Knight/Theron Shan #(sorta)#OTP: Chips & Guac #tw: death #not for our fearless knight and her prince #but it's a narrow escape

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theoldguardfemslashdiscord · 2 years

Text

Category of the day:

VIDEOS

So far, not many videos have been nominated, so here's a reminder that the fanwork awards also have a category for them!

You can nominate

Shipping fan videos

Character appreciation

Meta/analysis videos

YouTube videos

Tumblr videos

Embeds to Ao3

Any other plattform (though if a video has been posted or cross-posted to tumblr and/or Ao3, getting the link to that would be preferable)

Join the Discord Server and nominate your favorites - you still have over ten days to nominate in all of the categories!

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reality-detective · 4 months

Text

Here are just a few of the visitors to Jeffrey Epstein's island who were confirmed: 👇

▪️Adam Perry Lang

▪️Akon

▪️Al Gore

▪️Alan Dershowitz

▪️Albert Pinto

▪️Alee Baldwin

▪️Allison Mack

▪️Alyssa Rogers

▪️Anderson Cooper

▪️Andrea Mitrovich

▪️Andres Pastrana

▪️Angelina Jolie

▪️Anthony Kiedis

▪️Anthony Weiner

▪️Barack Obama

▪️Ben Affleck

▪️Bernie Sanders

▪️Beyonce

▪️Bill Clinton

▪️Bill Gates

▪️Bob Saget (deceased)

▪️Bruce Willis

▪️Casey Wasserman

▪️Callum Hudson-Odoi

▪️Celine Dion

▪️Charles Barkley

▪️Charlie Sheen

▪️Charlize Theron

▪️Chelsea Handler

▪️Cher

▪️Chris Tucker

▪️Chris Wagner

▪️Chrissy Teigen

▪️Cyndi Lauper

▪️Claire Hazel

▪️Courteney Cox

▪️Courtney Love

▪️Demi Moore

▪️Dan Schneider

▪️David Koch

▪️David Spade

▪️David Yarovesky

▪️Dolores Zorreguieta

▪️Donovan Mitchell

▪️Doug Band

▪️Drew Barrymore

▪️Ed Buck

▪️Ed Tuttle

▪️Ehud Barak

▪️Ellen DeGeneres

▪️Ellen Spencer

▪️Eminem

▪️Emmy Tayler

▪️Fleur Perry Lang

▪️Francis X. Suarez

▪️Freya Wissing

▪️Gary Roxburgh (pilot)

▪️George Clooney

▪️Ghislaine Maxwell

▪️Glenn Dubin

▪️Greg Holbert (deceased)

▪️Gwen Stefani

▪️Gwendolyn Beck

▪️Hank Coller (pilot)

▪️Heather Mann

▪️Heidi Klum

▪️Henry Rosovsky

▪️Hillary Clinton

▪️James Franco

▪️James Gunn

▪️Jay-Z

▪️Jean-Luc Brunel (deceased)

▪️Jean-Michel Gathy

▪️Jeffrey Jones (deceased)

▪️Jim Carrey

▪️Jimmy Kimmel

▪️Joe Biden

▪️Joe Pagano

▪️John Cusack

▪️John Legend

▪️John Podesta

▪️John Travolta

▪️Joy Behar

▪️Juan Pablo Molyneux

▪️Juliette Bryant

▪️Justin Roiland

▪️Justin Trudeau

▪️Kathy Griffin

▪️Katy Perry

▪️Kelly Spam

▪️Kevin Spacey

▪️Kirsten Gillibrand

▪️Kristy Rogers (deceased)

▪️Lady Gaga

▪️Larry Summers

▪️Larry Visoski (pilot)

▪️Laura Z. Wasserman

▪️Lawrence M. Krauss

▪️Linda Pinto

▪️Lisa Summers

▪️Lynn Forester de Rothchild

▪️Madonna

▪️Mandy Ellison (assistant)

▪️Mare Collins-Rector

▪️Marina Abramovic

▪️Mark Epstein

▪️Mark Lloyd

▪️Melinda Luntz

▪️Meryl Streep

▪️Michelle Obama

▪️Michelle Wolf

▪️Mikel Arteta

▪️Miley Cyrus

▪️Nadine Dorries

▪️Naomi Campbell

▪️Naomi Watts

▪️Natalie Blachon de Perrier

▪️Nicole Junkermann

▪️Olga Kurylenko

▪️Oliver Sacks

▪️Oprah

▪️Orlando Bloom

▪️Paris Hilton

▪️Patton Oswatt

▪️Paul Mellon

▪️Paula Epstein (deceased)

▪️Paula Hala

▪️Peter P. Marino

▪️Pharrell Williams

▪️Prince Andrew

▪️Prince Charles

▪️Quentin Tarantino

▪️Rachel Maddow

▪️Rainn Wilson

▪️Ralph Ellison

▪️Ray Barzana (pilot)

▪️Ricardo Legorreta Vilchis

▪️Rihanna

▪️Rita Wilson

▪️Rob Reiner

▪️Robert DeNiro

▪️Robert Downey Jr.

▪️Rodney E. Slater

▪️Ronald Burkle

▪️Rudy Gobert

▪️Sander Burger

▪️Sarah Kellen (assistant)

▪️Sarah Silverman

▪️Seth Green

▪️Shelley Harrison

▪️Shelley Lewis

▪️Sophie Biddle-Hakim

▪️Sophie Trudeau

▪️Stephen Collins

▪️Stephen Colbert

▪️Steven Spielberg

▪️Steven Tyler

▪️Svetlana Glazunova

▪️Teala Davies

▪️Tiffany Gramza

▪️Tom Hanks

▪️Tom Pritzker

▪️Tyler Grasham (deceased)

▪️Victor Salva

▪️Wanda Sykes

▪️Whoopi Goldberg

Of course we knew some of these already. 🤔

#pay attention #educate yourselves #educate yourself #knowledge is power #reeducate yourself #reeducate yourselves #think about it #think for yourselves #think for yourself #do your homework #do some research #do your own research #ask yourself questions #question everything

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karahalloway · 3 months

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(Un)Common Attraction: Artwork - Cordonian Bake-Off

Fandom: TRR - Book 1

Pairing: Drake Walker x F!OC (Harper Gale)

Masterlists: Main - Artwork

A/N1: Since discovering the AI art generator app, Wonder, I have been on a whirlwind bringing the iconic moments of this story to life. Below you will find some of the key moments - in chronological order - from Chapter 26 - Cordonian Bake-Off.

A/N2: There is always some trial and error with this AI app, as even though you put in prompts, it oftentimes does its own thing. So while I have tried to keep everyone's clothing consistent, this is not always possible, so I have opted for the overall 'feel' of the pic, rather than the minuscule details.

Cordonian Bake-Off

Permatags:

@twinkleallnight @lovingchoices14 @kingliam2019 @petiteboheme @angelasscribbles @aussiegurl1234 @nestledonthaveone @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @tessa-liam @alyshak92 @secretaryunpaid @princessleac1 @walkerdrakewalker @tinkie1973 @twinkle-320 @knaussal @nikkis1983 @lunaseasblog @ficloverevie @indiana-jr @differenttyphoonwerewolf @kristinamae093 @eversoaringqueen12 @peonierose @3pawandme @alexabeta @veebug8 @fanfiction-she-wrote @queenmiarys @lancelotsimpp @coco-lina-s @lolablackwrites @ivyflowers13 @persephone13 @hollygirl1269 @adri-ja-96 @harleybeaumont @katedrakeohd @uneravine @alj4890

#harper gale #drake walker #the royal romance #uncommon attraction #prince liam #olivia nevrakis #hana lee #kiara theron #penelope ebrim #queen regina #ai art

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astroartsya · 1 year

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Beauty placements in Astrology🌸💄 Part 1

(I am mostly talking about physical beauty in face and body but attractive/seductive placement are completely different topic) These are just the basic common ones.

🌠Neptune, Venus or Moon aspecting ascendant or in the first house. -

Neptune =Their aura is intresting and different. They can be like mirrors to other people and are idolized easily. People with this placement can be invisible if they want to but suddenly have everyone staring at them. They can be bit cartoonish. This can be difficult placement but it can give so much creativity and miracles to a person.

Looks: Can have looks that people deem as iconic. You can see their faces at peoples houses , public places and in paintings and in clothes. Unique but classic at the same time. They look dazzling in photos.

Archetype: Siren that lures you with gentle lullaby and turns into a monster. No one can resist the urge that they bring up.

Celebrity examples-->

//Neptune in the first house/ Conjunct//: Marilyn Monroe, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Ariana Grande, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, Eminem, Tom Cruise, Chris Evans, Paris Hilton, Paul Mcartney, Paris Hilton, Bradley Cooper.

//Neptune opposite ascendant//: Audrey hepburn, Halle Berry, Adele, Lady Gaga, Christina Hendricks, Amy Adams, Jared Leto.

//Neptune trine ascendant//: Jim Morrison, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Heath Ledger, Jessica Alba, George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Julia Roberts, Sophia Loren.

//Neptune square ascendant//: Elvis Presley, Britney Spears, Johnny Depp, Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Jimi Hendrix, Birgitte Bardot, Ryan Gosling.

//Neptune sextile ascendant//: Madonna, Beyonce, Leonardo Dicaprio, Keanu Reeves, Kurt Cobain, Monica Bellucci, Christina Aguilera, Sharon Stone, Grace Kelly, Aaliyah, Khloe Kardashian.

They are magical, mysterious and etherial.

🎇 Venus= They are just gorgeous and have such a balanced body and face. People enjoy their company and they can become popular easily. Good placement in every aspect but vanity can occur so it's good to have something where to use that visual/artistic gift even as just a hobby.

Looks: They are very aesthetic and are often used as wallpapers for that reason.

Archetype: Aphrodite who bring pleasure and beauty that you can't get enough of. The senses are overwhelmed and lured you in.

Celebrity examples--->

//Venus in first house/ Conjunct ascendant//: Angelica Jolie, Beyonce, Rihanna, Shakira,Bella Hadid, Charlize Theron, Anna Nicole Smith, George Clooney, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Cameron Diaz, Zayn Malik, Elizabet II, Audrey Hepburn, Kourtney Kardashian, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Blake Lively, Vanessa Paradis, Jude Law, Doja Cat.

//Venus opposite ascendant//: Kurt Cobain, Lana Del Rey, Prince, Marlond Brando, Russel Brand, Cindy Crawford, Muhammad Ali, Tyra Banks, Ru Paul, Willow Smith.

//Venus trine ascendant//: Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lawrence,John F Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Kate Winslet, Sophia Loren, Meghan thee Stallion.

//Venus square ascendant//: Kim Kardashian, Billie Eilish, Gia Carangi, Birgitte Bardot, Christina Aguilera, Mila Kunis, Uma Thurman, Richard Gere.

//Venus sextile ascendant//: Lady Gaga, Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton, Audrey Hepburn, Zac Efron, Dua Lipa, Kim Basinger, Amy Adams, Madison Beer.

Beautiful, stylish, symmetrical, sensual, artistic .

🌌Moon= Can reflect other peoples emotions and be very sensitive/emphatetic. Children and animals are drawn to these people. Just so adorable. Their style/makeup can be expression of their feelings.

Archetype: Nyx that in the dark evening shines mysteriously and brings nostalgia upon you and holds you dearly . You can be completely vulnerable you feel like a child again.

Celebrity examples--->

||Moon in 1st house/ Conjunct ascendant||: Madonna, Michael Jackson, Leonardo Dicaprio, Katy Perry, Whitney Houston, Audrey Hepburn, Bella Hadid, Aishwarya Rai, Anna Nicole Smith, Rihanna, Scarlett Johansson,George Harrsion

||Moon opposite ascendant||: Marilyn Monroe, Miley Cyrus, Birgitte Bardot, Jessica Alba , Gven Stefani, Liv Tyler, Uma Thurman, David Bowie, Muhammad Ali, Adele.

||Moon trine ascendant||: Kanye West, Kristen Stewart, Justin Timberlake, Paris Hilton, Sandra Bullock, Khloe Kardashian, Zac Efron, Vanessa Paradis, David Beckham.

||Moon square ascendant||: Lana Del Rey , Heath Ledger, Tom Cruise, Sharon Stone, Emma Watson, Zendaya, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jim Morrison, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder

||Moon sextile ascendant||: Robert Pattinson, Keanu Reeves,Jennifer Aniston, Kylie Jenner, Cameron Diaz, Ryan Gosling, Pamela Anderson, Kourtney Kardashian, Russel Brand, Rita Hayworth.

Feminine, soft, innocent, approachable, artistic.

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lothirielswan · 1 year

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Sylvanas Windrunner: I'm returning to Azeroth.

Lor'themar Theron: I'll prepare the crosses.

Genn Greymane: Let me gather the wooden stakes.

Jastor Gallywix: I'll mince some garlic! I like it with my caviar.

#world of warcraft #genn greymane #lorthemar theron #gallywix #wow #sylvanas windrunner #lady sylvanas #azeroth #warcraft #dear prince dandelion #khadgar #anduin wrynn #illidan stormrage

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lizzybeth1986 · 2 years

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Submission for @moodmusicmonday

First time I'm trying this out for a WIP 😃

Title: Eleanor's Kitchen

Chapter Title: Ch. 3: Djaj M'qualli*

Book: The Royal Romance/Heir

Pairing: None. Queen Eleanor & Duchess Joelle Theron friendship, Prince Liam & Lady Kiara Theron friendship.

Music for This Chapter: "As We Go Along" by The Monkees.

* Djaj M'qualli - A type of chicken tagine popular in Morocco.

#Spotify #moodmusicmonday #mood music monday #choices wip #king liam #prince liam #eleanor rys #joelle theron #kiara theron #the royal romance #the royal heir #series: eleanor's kitchen

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scarlettjohanssons-mistress · 1 year

Note

I don’t if ur request are still open but if they are I was wondering if I could request lady lesso x reader we’re they are in a secret relationship and they got kissing or something by dovey

She is different

Warnings: Secret relationship, jealousy, fluff, warrior princess, bad liars

Word count: 2.3 K

Pairing: Lady Lesso x Fem!Reader

Prompt: It is impossible to hide that Lady Lesso was completely captivated from the first moment she saw Y/N

Requests: OPEN

[Main masterlist] [Charlize Theron characters masterlist]

From the moment Y/N set foot in the school, the green eyes of the dean of evil did not stop admiring her figure.

Despite having a 'thin' build and short stature, Y/N wasn't your typical princess. The legends that ran through the corridors of the school, recounted the great feats that she had achieved as the star warrior of the greatest known kingdom; making the redheaded dean's curiosity grow with the passage of time.

Lady Lesso had always met the stereotype of the perfect princess, just like Dovey herself; so, hearing that that sweet-looking princess had been commissioned to slaughter thousands of enemies, just to protect the queen, only made it inevitable that Lady Lesso would wander into Miss Y/N's class.

Y/N was one of the first teachers to get a mixed class, getting both 'Ever' and 'Never' to learn to defend themselves and attack in combat, from small combats in a classroom of the, now, gigantic school, to fights that They executed on the school horses in the large gardens of the same.

At first, Dovey thought that Leonora's presence was due to concern (if that's what it could be called) for the performance of her students, but seeing how those eyes sparkled with a strange sparkle every time Miss Y/N, she brandished that weapon to teach the young princes how to defend themselves, she thought that her assumptions were not entirely correct. Lesso never missed a Y/N class, not even on the days they had practices in the gardens just like they were doing today; having a great simulated fight in the gardens of that castle.

A few minutes before class ended, Professor Dovey approached the stables, knowing that her students would arrive there, only to realize that Leonora was already there, staring at Professor T/N's braided hair

"My, what a surprise to find you here, Lesso," Dovey teased, smoothing the non-existent wrinkles from her beautiful dress.

“I would like to say the same”

Silence reigned for a few minutes, both with their eyes fixed on the training, until Dovey's gaze returned to rest on her senior partner, noticing how small and tiny black hearts came out of them.

"May I ask? What has been the reason why you delight us with your pleasant presence?" Dovey tried to persuade her partner, causing the redheaded teacher to just make a small face.

"No, you can't ask" she replied, in her typical annoyed voice.

Before Dovey could object to such behavior, the murmurs and laughter of the students, together with the galloping of the horses reached the ears of both women, causing their eyes to look at the boys, who quickly entered the stable to to let the steeds rest. Y/N was coming backwards, on top of her own horse.

"Oh, hi Dovey, I didn't see you there."

While Dovey and Y/N never became the best of friends (as Dovey always thought that a rebellious mind like Y/N didn't quite belong on the 'Ever' side), they have been courteous to each other, and more when Dovey found out that thanks to that woman, many of her friends and students were still alive.

“Lady Lesso, it is always a pleasure to greet you”

And for her counterpart was that beautiful redhead. When they were both young, Y/N remembered feeling self-conscious, clumsy, and even naive around her (the few times they happened to meet); when Y/N was taken to her friend Jade's kingdom to become what she always dreamed of, a warrior, she assured herself that if she ever met Leonora again, she would no longer be that shy girl; if she was capable of killing men in the name of what she considered fair, she was clearly capable of meeting this woman.

When the school received her, after those injuries that made it impossible for her to fight again, seeing how both the 'Evers' and the 'Nevers' young people applauded her with admiration, made her feel even more powerful. She was capable of instilling respect, pride and admiration on both sides.

Everything went overboard when her eyes collided with those of the dean of evil.

At first, he didn't recognize her, but, Y/N couldn't get over those beautiful eyes so quickly.

She felt how her knees began to give out, even a little unsure if she would be able to cross the entire room on her own.

To say that Leonora Lesso was beautiful was an understatement, the woman was the epitome of beauty and sensuality. Those green eyes like the grass bathed in morning dew, rosy lips like the petals of the most fragile flowers in her home kingdom, and that wild hair, like the flames she had seen on many of her travels.

She thought that with the weight of time, the impression before such a woman would diminish… but that never happened. Even to this day, she could feel the penetrating gaze of the dean in each and every one of her lessons, waiting for some mistake on the part of the young warrior, just to be able to take advantage and unleash her fury against her.

"Oh dear, that was a wonderful class," Dovey congratulated, watching as Y/N climbs down from the horse and begins to stroke the animal's head, while her other hand begins to remove the animal's saddle.

“Well, Dovey, thank…”

"Well, I expected to see someone injured" Leonora's hoarse voice commented.

Both Dovey's glare and Y/N's puzzled glare landed on the tall figure of the woman.

"Leonora!" Dovey scolded

“Well, my lady, I'm sorry to disappoint you this time. I promise that in the next class one of yours will have to be attended to urgently" Y/N joked, watching out of the corner of her eye, how the dean raised the corners of her mouth a little, showing a little amusement.

"Y/N!" Dovey scolded again, the princess looked at how her companion's corners were slightly raised, but, realizing the look, she quickly returned to her usual straight lips. "Both are impossible, I'd better go"

"I'd better go too" announced the redhead "I wouldn't like to see those freaks behave in a proper way"

"I hope that's not the case" Y/N joked again, watching how both deans walked away to let her clean the stable in peace.

———————————————————————————

Night came, and with it, secrecy and mystery.

T/N had always been taught that night was the time for evil, the terrifying and the forbidden. Over the years, she realized that it was not entirely true; night was the time for secrets, intrigue, curiosity, mystery, and of course, the forbidden.

A knock at her door startled the poor girl, who quickly put aside her parchment and quill to open the door, revealing those sweet green eyes.

"Until you deign to open"

“It was only seconds, don't be exaggerating”

"Well, seconds that could well be used in something else"

"Like what?"

"Maybe kiss you"

If Y/N were ever to tell that the fearsome dean of Evil had a soft spot for honeyed words and cheek kisses, no one would believe her. But, here she was, leaving a trail of little kisses on Y/N's cheeks.

"Today you were splendid" she murmured against her ear.

"Do you believe it?"

"Oh sweet girl, I've never seen someone attack like that before. No warrior will ever be as great and skillful as you are."

“Oh honey, you flatter me, but, out there, there are thousands of warriors far better prepared than me. It took me years to convince my parents to teach me how to wield a sword, whereas these men are required to do so at a very young age."

“Well, princess, that just proves my point. You are beautiful, intelligent, strong, brave and capable woman, what more could I ask for?" Leonora spoke while her arms embraced the small waist of her beloved, bringing her closer to her chest, so that she could smell a little of her hair.

"Maybe a make-out session in my bed?" the princess asked cheekily

“Wow, that sounds like a great idea to me”

———————————————————————————

Dovey's feet made it impossible for her to stay still. She was so anxious that, without realizing it, her feet moved her throughout her office, until she heard how the doors were opened violently, listening to Leonora's unmistakable walk, along with the annoying clicking of her cane.

"Well Clarissa, I'm here now, what do you want?"

But, seeing Leonora's raised eyebrow, the question stuck in her throat. Lady Lesso was well known for being the thorn in Professor Dovey's side, so wasn't it fair to get even a little revenge?

“I've been thinking about doing a new dance,” Dovey commented, performing in her everyday way: bubbly and happy.

"Other?" Leonora asked tiredly "Wouldn't it be like… the eighth this month?"

"Oh Leo, but this is for a special occasion"

"What could be so special as to warrant a school dance?" Now, the dean desperate, she crossed her arms, tapping her forearm with her nails.

“I have found the perfect prince for Y/N”

Lesso felt how the blood ran down from her head to her feet, making her fist take that stick with more force, until leaving her white knuckles.

"What?" she slumped into the chair across from Dovey, not helplessly, but furiously. "I thought I heard from Y/N's own mouth that she didn't want a prince in her life"

"Well, we can all change our minds, and believe me, when she see Prince Henry, her mind will change."

“Henry? What kind of name is Henry? It sounds completely ridiculous…”

"Leonora, if I didn't know you well enough, I would dare to say that you are jealous" Dovey teased, raising an eyebrow.

Lesso only managed to let out a sarcastic laugh, causing Dovey to laugh internally.

"Jealous? Of whom? Of your star princess? Not at all! I just make fun of the poor girl, having to deal with a man as… simple as this Henry"

"But if you don't know him yet"

"I don't even want to meet him" Lesso got up again, with her cruel director's facade, she hit the cane against the ground emphasizing her next words "So, was that all? Is that why you wanted to call me?"

"Yes, just to let you know to prepare your best clothes, because Y/N is getting married soon"

Dovey only listened as her companion's footsteps receded and with her, small murmurs, only affirming Dovey's theory.

———————————————————————————

Unfortunately for Lesso, the dance came faster than she could process. Before she least wanted to know it, Dovey had introduced stupid, muscular, pretty face Prince Henry and Y/N and forced them into the middle of the room to do a little waltz.

"Don't you think they make a cute couple?" Dovey asked

"Oh yes, can you imagine how cute their babies would be?" Emma asked.

“They will have beauty and courage alike”

Lesso only felt her blood boil. She promised herself (and Y/N) that she wouldn't kill anyone again, but at that moment, the bloody prince had a red target painted across the middle of his face, taunting Leonora. One more torture wouldn't hurt anyone… except him.

"What?!" Emma's loud scream snapped Lesso out of her thoughts, causing her to let out a growl to get the attention of her companions.

"How much do they murmur?"

"Dovey just told me that Prince Henry is planning to propose to Y/N tonight." Emma groaned and clapped her hands, showing her excitement.

"What?"

“At least, the young prince confessed to me this morning. He said he would take her to the balcony to do it” commented Dovey trying to hide her emotion.

"There they go!" Emma pointed out.

And indeed, both were heading to the balcony, getting away from the bustle of people.

Without thinking about it, Leonora got up from her chair and began to follow the young people, until she found her beloved, with her back turned and completely alone.

"Y/N" Leonora murmured, causing the girl to turn around and give her a smile.

"Hi!"

"Where is the prince?"

"I punched him when he tried to kiss me"

Both women laughed, knowing that no one could be lucky enough to kiss Y/N's lips. Nobody except Leonora.

"He's an idiot"

"Yeah, next time Dovey wants to find me a boyfriend, I hope she finds a better one."

"There won't be a next one"

"Honey, we won't know, if we carry on like this…"

"I don't want to continue like this" Leonora cut off Y/N's sentence while her arms hugged her girl's waist. "Yes this is the feeling the got from hiding you, I don't want to feel it again" the dean buried her head in the crook of Y/N's neck.

"Are you sure, my love?" Y/N's soft but firm hands took Leonora's face, forcing her to look at her and be honest. “I know how much your reputation has cost you and I wouldn't want it to be affected by me. We can be discreet…”

"Fuck discretion, I just don't want to see you in the arms of another jerk like that Henry guy"

And without further ado, Lesso planted a kiss on her beloved's lips, proving that the love he feels for her is worth much more than her stupid reputation.

Carefully, Y/N encircled her girlfriend's neck and stood on her toes deepening the kiss full of feelings, affection and true love, in the light of the full moon.

"I told you, you owe me five doubloons" Dovey joked as she and Emma watched as their friend Leo finally admitted her love for that girl.

“It amazes me, how being so different, they seem to work well"

"She's different" Dovey pointed at Y/N with a look "Lesso is just… Lesso"

Note:

Maybe tomorrow I'll upload a little message for my followers for Christmas… but if you don't see it, Merry Christmas!

I hope you enjoy it

I appreciate the reblogs, the likes and the comments

taglist: @littlebitchsposts

message me or send an ask to be added to my taglist!

#the school for good and evil #lady lesso x reader #lady lesso #lady leonora lesso x reader #lady leonora lesso #leonora lesso x reader #leonora lesso #sge #sge movie #charlize theron x reader #charlize theron #clarissa dovey #professor dovey

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